Inaugural DWN Regional Leader of the Year announced

The award recognises grassroots dairy farming leadership efforts from throughout New Zealand.

Burrows says it is a “huge honour” to be the first winner of the award.

“I have a real passion for helping people grow…my goal is to be able to support regional leaders with a mentor programme to grow themselves as leaders in their communities and in the industry.” 

Working with her husband, Johno, the couple have three children and are lower order sharemilkers farming 2,000 head of stock between their dairy farm and run off block. They employ four to seven team members on farm each season. 

Burrows began her leadership journey as an early childhood teacher, progressing to management roles where she was responsible for up to 150 children, their families and a team of seven teaching staff. 

Now involved full time in their dairy business she volunteers as a regional leader for the Dairy Women’s Network and dabbles in leadership coaching.

DWN has over 70 volunteer regional leaders in the country.

Burrows beat three other finalists: Sue Skelton, Waiotira; Central Southland sharemilker Jessica Goodwright; and North Canterbury contract milker Rebecca Green. 

The award is supported by insurance brokers Crombie Lockwood. 

DWN chief executive Jules Benton says its regional leaders are the vital lifeblood of the organisation.

“It’s so important to acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their leadership in the dairy industry and their communities. All four finalists showed a real passion for leadership and for making a real difference, not only in their farm roles but for the Network and in their personal lives as well.  All were committed to ensure the dairy industry thrives.”