Cameron and Margaret Bierre. Photo/Supplied
A Whakatane couple were the major winners at the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards.
Cameron and Margaret Bierre were announced winners of the region's Share Farmer of the Year competition at the annual awards dinner held at the Awakeri Events Centre last night.
The other big winners were Hayden and Linda McCartie, who were named the 2017 Bay Of Plenty Dairy Managers of the Year, and Hayden Goodall, the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year.
Cameron and Margaret Bierre, both 30, are 24 per cent sharemilking 800 cows for Scottie and Jill McLeod at Whakatane and won $12,500 in prizes.
They have been in the industry nine years, with Mrs Bierre also working for Eastpack (Kiwifruit), utilising her BSc in ecology and horticulture.
Mr Bierre holds a BSc in agriculture and agribusiness and has previously worked for Dairy NZ.
Both have numerous industry certificates and accreditations.
"Our academic qualifications coupled with a proven experience in running low-cost profitable dairy systems is one of our strengths, along with pasture management and tight cost control," said Mr Bierre.
Their goal is to develop and maintain a resilient business that is profitable across variable payout years and to continue to build equity to have land holdings which will allow a rural lifestyle for their family.
The Bierres entered the awards to analyse and re-focus on their business and benchmark it against others in the industry to gain improvement.
Hayden and Linda McCartie won $8725 in prizes. They are farm managers for the Gow Family Trust 215ha farm, milking 710 cows in Whakatane.
"Taking a close look at how we manage the farm identifies our strengths and weaknesses and where we need to improve," they said.
The McCarties believed their strength lies in their team.
"Everyone works well together, there's good communication between everyone and it is a positive place to work," said Mr McCartie.
"The layout of the farm and the facilities make our job easier, as there is good cow flow and everything is centrally located."
Whakatane farm manager Bridie Virbickas was second in the Dairy Manager competition, winning $4900 in prizes. She holds a BAgSci majoring in agriculture and would like to be contract milking by the 2018/19 season.
She is farm manager for Bernard and Linda Virbickas on their Whakatane property, milking 280 cows. She sees the family-orientated business as a strong foundation on which to build her career, with everyone working towards a common goal.
Pongakawa associate farm manager Andre Meier placed third and won $2575 in prizes. He works on Ann and Will Nettleingham's 250ha farm, milking 750 cows.
He believed a great infrastructure makes farming more enjoyable, making it a lifestyle rather than a job.
"I work for great owners that have great systems in place and are not concerned about spending money on animal health. Healthy cows are number one," he said.
It's third time lucky for Trainee of the Year Hayden Goodall, who says entering the awards has given him the opportunity to network with other entrants, farm owners, sponsors and their representatives.
"It's also allowed me to get my name into the farming industry and has helped with setting future goals."
The 24-year-old has been in the industry for three seasons and is currently herd manager for Matt Gow on his 750-cow property at Matata. He won $6525 in prizes.
The Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards winners field day will be held on March 28 at 220 Te Rahu Rd, RD3, Whakatane where the Bierres sharemilk.
Also presenting at the field day will be the McCarties and Mr Goodall.
Further details on the winners and the field day can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.
Share Farmer Merit Awards:
- DairyNZ Human Resources Award - Cameron & Marg Bierre
- Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award - Andrew Strawbridge
- Federated Farmers Leadership Award - Josh Cozens
- Honda Farm Safety and Health Award - Cameron & Marg Bierre
- LIC Recording and Productivity Award - Cameron & Marg Bierre
- Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award - Andrew Strawbridge
- Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award - Cameron & Marg Bierre
- Westpac Business Performance Award - Cameron & Marg Bierre
Dairy Manager Merit Awards:
- BOP Regional Council Most Promising Entrant Award - Joe Kehely
- The Business Results Group Employee Engagement Award- Hayden & Linda McCartie
- BlackmanSpargo Rural Law Ltd Leadership Award - Andre Meier
- Fonterra Farm Source Dairy Management Award - Hayden & Linda McCartie
- DeLaval Livestock Management Award - Jessica Judd
- Primary ITO Power Play Award - Bridie Virbickas
- Fonterra Farm Source Feed Management Award - Hayden & Linda McCartie
- Westpac Financial Management & Planning Award - Andre Meier
Dairy Trainee Merit Awards:
- Waiotahi Contractors Ltd Most Promising Entrant Award - Rich Pulman
- Gallagher Group Farming Knowledge Award - Mason Moij
- Pacific Toyota Communication & Engagement Award - Cameron Law
- Haddock Spraypainters & Panelbeaters Community & Industry Involvement Award - Joe Braybrook