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The chief executive of DairyNZ, Dr Tim Mackle, is the winner of the 2016 Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
Mackle is gifting the prize money that goes with this award, $2500, to the Rural Support Trust.
The award is administered by the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators, and recognises excellence in communicating agricultural issues, events or information.
In his time as DairyNZ chief executive, Mackle's excellence as a communicator has enabled him to provide an extraordinary level of leadership for the dairy sector, the guild says in a statement.
"This has been particularly evident over the last 12 months when the industry has faced a difficult period in the media with low milk prices, issues with animal welfare and environmental standards," it says.
"He has spoken out, challenged opinions and most importantly, used his position to educate and change views of the sector. His has been a prevailing voice for his industry and he has regularly featured on television news and in daily regional and national publications.
"His reach has extended beyond rural publications to mainstream media, the general public and decision makers. Hailing from farming roots, Tim is able to build rapport with farmers and relate to their communities. His communications are regular and he is a visible face for the industry, giving him mana and prestige as a communicator.
"His career has taken him through various roles and he continues to look to the next generation, working with DairyNZ to increase the number of graduates entering the dairy industry."
This is the 30th year the Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year title has been awarded.
Regarded as the premier award for agricultural communicators, it is also the most valuable prize the Guild offers. Landcorp provides the prize of $2500 for the winner, which this year is part of a funding package of nearly $6000 in sponsorship for the Guild. The additional funding assists with administration costs, including the awards function. Guild President Ali Spencer expressed the guild's thanks to Landcorp for its support and involvement in this award for 30 years.
"It is a remarkable relationship to have survived this long."
She says Mackle is held in very high regard among farmers around the country.
"Tim speaks out on matters concerning legislation, on farm practice, farmer capability and economics," says Spencer.
He stands out in an industry with many spokespeople, his communication is meaningful, providing advice and empathy to those being challenged by tough economic times.
"In the past year he successfully defended the industry's reputation in management of bobby calves, sparked industry discussion on the pastoral basis of dairy farming as an export advantage, has overseen improvement in the industry's action on water quality, and given the public insight to the personal challenges faced by farmers in tough economic times."
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