New scholarship to grow female leaders in dairy
A new $50,000 scholarship fund designed to support and empower women in the New Zealand dairy industry through leadership development has been launched.
The three finalists for 2021 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award have been named.
Belinda Price, a sharemilker based in Whanganui, joins Ashburton dairy farmer Rebecca Miller and Chevon Horsford, a contract milker, farm consultant and Māori farm advisor in Whangarei, in the running for the respected industry award managed by Dairy Women’s Network.
Dairy Women’s Network Trustee and award judge Sophie Stanley said the three finalists were recognised by the judging panel as representing a wide range of diversity in leadership within the industry, and for their commitment to supporting people as well as dairying as a whole.
“Belinda showed strong focus and determination to not only improve her own farming business through continuous learning, but to nurture and mentor others in the industry and contribute back to a wide range of industry organisations,” she said.
“Chevon’s passion, purpose and vision for encouraging and supporting Māori farmers and other wahine toa in the industry is inspiring, and Rebecca’s positivity, enthusiasm and holistic approach to farming and family life shine through her nomination, which has enabled her to give back to the industry in a number of varied roles.”
![]() |
|---|
|
Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year finalist Rebecca Miller. |
The finalists were selected by a judging panel comprised of Stanley, 2019 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Trish Rankin and representatives from Fonterra, Global Women and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
Stanley said the award and the judging process shine a light on the work these women do for the industry behind the scenes, to encourage the next generation of dairy women to follow in their footsteps.
“What excites me the most is being in the presence of incredibly hardworking, passionate and inspiring women who every day wake up to make the dairy industry a better place for their families, peers, the environment and New Zealand as a whole.”
The recipient will be announced at a gala dinner in Taupo on the 8th of April. Miles Hurrell, Chief Executive of Fonterra, will be presenting the award.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports into the US is doing good things for global trade, according…
Seen a giant cheese roll rolling along Southland’s roads?