He was nominated by CHB farmer Steve Wyn-Harris who says Mr Whiteside is one of the "cleverest people I've ever met".
"He is "very popular with other farmers as well because of his proficiency but also because he is so bloody funny," says Mr Wyn-Harris, who has used the talent on a radio show he runs in CHB.
Fellow veterinarian and Focus Genetics Sheep and Deer Breeding Programme manager Richard Lee describes him as a "professional sleuth" who he often turned to for advice on tricky cases.
"Harry's investigative skills, particularly in epidemiology and pathology, his honest and hard working nature, and his rural practice background makes him an ideal recipient of this award," said Mr Lee.
His sense of humour made him a natural as compere for the pet lamb competition at Central Hawkes Bay A&P Show, and he presents at various seminars and conferences.
"Dr Harry" says he has worked with many people without whom he would never have been considered for such an award. Some had been mentors, and he said: "I'd like to thank them all."
Hugh Ritchie on HortNZ board
Hawke's Bay farmer Hugh Ritchie has been elected to the board of Horticulture New Zealand.
Managing director of cereals, seed and process vegetables grower Drumpeel Farms, he was one of two new members appointed after an election leading up to the HortNZ annual conference.
They have each been appointed to serve for a three year term, beginning on August 4.
Just off plane and shears win
Hawke's Bay shearers Rowland Smith and John Kirkpatrick had barely set foot in the United Kingdom when they beat Scotland in a shearing test on Saturday - the first time New Zealand had won the annual Lochearnhead Shears match in Stirlingshire in 13 years.
It was the first of five tests on the annual CP Wool tour, with one against England and then three against Wales.
