Saturday, 10 April 2021 07:55

Belinda Price named Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year

Written by  Staff Reporters
2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year recipient Belinda Price says receiving the award is an honour and recognition of her work to date. 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year recipient Belinda Price says receiving the award is an honour and recognition of her work to date.

Whanganui sharemilker Belinda Price has been announced as the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year at Thursday night’s gala awards dinner in Taupo.

The other finalists were Ashburton dairy farmer Rebecca Miller and contract milker and LIC farm consultant hevon Horsford from Whangarei.

Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) trustee Sophie Stanley, who headed up the judging panel, says all three finalists highlighted the wide range of diversity in leadership within dairy and the shifting focus of the industry to a people-focused approach.

“The three finalists were all impressive with a different approach to how they lead and create positive impact for our people, communities, industry and the agriculture sector as a whole,” says Stanley.

“Belinda demonstrates a passion for people, building up the industry from grass roots through her roles in coaching and mentorship. She has a strong foundation of values and she displays humility, passion and high energy, which creates a unique approach to leadership.”

After entering the industry 12 years ago through a sharemilking contract, Price and her husband now own a dairy farm in Taranaki and sharemilk 650 cows in Nukumaru, where she is responsible for the day-to-day running, calf-rearing, human resources and administration for their two businesses.

Active in upskilling herself, Price completed the Kellogg Rural Programme and shares her knowledge and experience across many mentorship roles within the industry including PrimaryITO, DairyNZ’s Dairy Connect Programme and Rural Support.

Being named the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year is recognition for her contributions to the industry so far, Price says.

“Winning the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year is a huge honour. Its acknowledgement that what I have done to date has been really helpful and beneficial, and allows me to upskill and continue that journey to help others achieve their goals in the industry that has given me so much and that I love.”

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell says it was his pleasure to present the award to Belinda Price.

“It’s great seeing her give so much to our industry. The passion, energy and co-operation she clearly displays across her multiple roles is paving the way for the next generation of farmers to succeed,” Hurrell says.

As the 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Price receives a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake a development programme, professional and business coaching, a learning experience, or a combination of all three.

More like this

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.

Featured

Carrfields Marks 50 Years as Rural Health Programme Grows

Celebrating 50 years in the rural landscape of Central Canterbury and beyond, Ashburton-based Carrfields, has been the exemplar for all aspects of modern agriculture via its extensive range of services including supply, growing, agronomic advice and marketing.

Taupiri Farmers Chase Ownership After Awards Success

For Taupiri dairy farmers Logan and Sian Dawson, their involvement in the NZ Dairy Industry Awards has been a key catalyst in the growth of their business - the experience helping shape how they approach the farm ownership pathway they are pursuing today.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.

National

Machinery & Products

Suzuki Launches Jimny Horizon

Suzuki New Zealand has announced the arrival of the latest version of its Jimny SUV, the Horizon special edition, a…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Domestic Focus

OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided…

A No-Brainer

OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter