"Had we not first entered the awards back in 2013 there's no way we would be in the position we are now," Mrs Price said.
"It really kick-started us and gave us the drive and determination we needed to progress and achieve our goals."
Taking out the prestigious award helped propel the couple up the ladder towards their goal of farm ownership and netted them $13,813 in prizes.
"There's nothing like opening up every aspect of your farming business for judging," Mr Price said.
"It makes you so much more aware of everything you do and provides awesome opportunities for networking, development and growth, both for your business and personally."
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy, Fonterra Farm Source and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO.
Farmers considering entering the awards are encouraged to attend one of four launches being held at Farm Source stores.
"It'll be really informal, so you can turn up in your overalls and gumboots," said regional convenor Rob van den Brand
"It's an opportunity for everyone from trainees to farm owners to ask previous winners about the huge benefits of entering."
"Plus there'll be a free lunch," he added.
"Employers should encourage their staff to give it a go because it'll provide them with a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow."
A launch event is at the Farm Source store in Waverley on October 14.
Lunch will be available from 12pm until 1.30pm.
For more info go to dairyindustryawards.co.nz