increase font size
Jeff Bolstad
The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards has acknowledged the tragic passing of Morrinsville farmer Jeff Bolstad.
In a statement, the NZDIA said Bolstad was a true stalwart of the New Zealand dairy industry and was one of the Awards' biggest advocates.
He died in a tragic event while milking cows on his farm. Worksafe is investigating the accident.
His daughter Angela said in a Facebook post that her dad died tragically in the cowshed "milking his precious cows".
"We are all totally broken and cannot yet comprehend this tragedy. People that knew Jeff knew he was so full of life, loved his family, loved people, loved having a chat, loved his dairy farming and he never thought this day would ever come to him. He still had so much to do in life."
The NZDIA sent its sympathies to his wife Annette, his daughters Angela, Debbie, Janice and Alison and all their families.
"A family man and proud dairy farmer, Jeff was instrumental in developing the Awards and had a deep passion and belief in not only the Awards, but the whole dairy industry," the NZDIA says.
"He has dedicated much time and energy to the Awards and was a dedicated volunteer, committee member and judge."
In 2021, Bolstad was the recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Contribution to NZDIA Award, presented at the national gala dinner in Hamilton. During his acceptance speech, he commented that he was very touched by the recognition. In his words, "You get out what you put in".
"Publicly, Jeff preferred to remain in the background and used his strengths in forming strong relationships to guide, encourage and mentor up-and-coming farmers," the NZDIA says.
"A community man, Jeff was also a board trustee and involved in Federated Farmers, community projects and was considered a sounding board and mentor by many. An extremely humble man, Jeff expected no recognition. He was one of a kind and his loss will be felt by many."
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker says the industry-good organisation is proud to be an ongoing industry partner of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, providing judging expertise and facilitating field days.
Bay of Plenty’s top share farmers Andre and Natalie Meier are no strangers to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winning circle.
Two new Awards have been developed for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) programme that will help some farmers on their journey to farm ownership.
WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds, following a sentencing for a death at one of South Canterbury’s biggest agribusinesses.
Following a sentencing for a death at a South Canterbury agribusiness, WorkSafe New Zealand is calling on farmers to consider how vehicles move inside their barns and sheds.
Tractor manufacturer and distributor Case IH has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, the grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
To celebrate 25 years of the Hugh Williams Memorial Scholarship, Ravensdown caught up with past recipients to see where their careers have taken them, and what the future holds for the industry.
Among this year’s Primary Industry NZ (PINZ) Awards finalists are a Southlander who created edible bale netting and rural New Zealanders who advocate for pragmatic regulation and support stressed out farmers.
Rockit Global has appointed Ivan Angland as its new chief operating officer as it continues its growth strategy into 2025.
Nominations are now open for the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board.
OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the…
OPINION: At its recent annual general meeting, Federated Farmers’ Auckland province called for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris…
