Rewards for winning a division of the NZ Dairy Industry Awards are much more than monetary, was the theme at the 2017/18 launch in Dannevirke on Wednesday October 25.

As in previous years there are three categories - Dairy Trainee of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Share Farmer of the Year.

Dairy trainees must be aged 18 to 25 as at November 30, 2017, currently employed on a dairy farm in a permanent full-time position, have not been employed on a dairy farm from the age of 18 for more than three years, not completed NCEA Level Five or higher equivalent.

Dairy managers must be permanently employed on a dairy farm in a fulltime position, have no equity in any dairy farming business and are ineligible for dairy trainee or share farmer.

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Share Farmer could hold one of these positions - percentage sharemilker, contract milker, equity farmer, lessee and must not own more than 50 per cent of any dairy farming business for milk supply.

At the launch past winners of the three categories spoke on the benefits of just participating as well as actually winning, citing rewards like:

* Having to summarise your operation for the first time;
* Getting feedback from the judges;
* Networking with members of the industry, sponsors and other farmers;
* Establishing your reputation to help with future farming opportunities.

Entries are now open and they close on November 30 with an Entrant and Sponsor Night on December 11 at Tui HQ Mangatainoka where the competition will be outlined.

Judging takes place on January and February 2018 with the Final in Masterton on March 1.
More details can be obtained from the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Hawke's Bay Wairarapa Facebook page or by contacting the regional managers Mark (027 492 2368) and Jaime (027 426 8561) Arnold.