Entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards has helped regional managers Donald and Kirsten Watson call the Central Plateau home.
"One of the biggest things we got out of entering the awards was a feeling or sense of belonging to the Central Plateau region," Kirsten Watson says.
The couple won the 2014 Central Plateau Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title in their second time entering and just fifth season in the industry.
Managing the 2016 competition for the region, the Watsons were new to dairy farming and new to the region when they first entered the awards. "So we knew no one, but now we know heaps of people, have a wide network and don't ever feel uncomfortable when we turn up to any regional event as we always know someone!"
The couple were both qualified veterinarians and worked as such in New Zealand and overseas before returning and deciding to go farming. "Dairy farming gave us the opportunity to run our own business together and to grow our business skills at the same time."
Now aged 40 and 39 and with three young boys, the couple said their focus was on equity growth and building livestock numbers as they plan to buy a 300- to 400-cow farm. "We're passionate about cows and grass management and we also love raising our kids on the farm and teaching them life skills. Our ultimate goal is to have three farms."
They are 50:50 sharemilking 1050 crossbred cows for Glen and Karen Speed on Monowai Station, east of Taupo.
Mrs Watson hopes others see the benefits that can be gained and enter the 2016 awards. The region currently had 12 entered in the Dairy Trainee competition, five entered in the Dairy Manager contest and six Share Farmer competition entries. "It'd be great if we could double or triple those numbers."