Waikato Dairy Farmer Danielle Hovmand Named Primary Sector's Top Emerging Leader
Waikato dairy farmer Danielle Hovmand has been named the primary sector's top emerging leader.
Danielle Hovmand has been announced as the 2024 recipient of the New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) Contiki Local Legend Award.
The award celebrates NZYF members who demonstrate dedication to their community, the primary industry, and the NZYF network.
Among her contributions, Hovmand led the 2021 Morrinsville-Ngarua Young Farmers Naked Calendar fundraiser, raising $10,000, and initiated the 2023 Community Quiz Night, which generated $30,000 for local causes.
She has volunteered for events like the Morrinsville Fireworks Show and Christmas Parade and organized Pink Ribbon Breakfasts to support breast cancer awareness.
Her primary sector advocacy work includes the promotion of Ag Days, speaking at schools, and participating in A& P shows.
She has also collaborated with groups like the Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, Lions Club, and local schools in an effort to create lasting community connections and showcase the role Young Farmers play in supporting rural New Zealand.
Hovmand says she is excited to receive the award.
“A massive thank you to Contiki and NZ Young Farmers for this epic opportunity! I cannot wait to head off overseas at the end of the season,” she says.
“Being a part of Young Farmers has been such a big part of my life over the past few years, and I’m so grateful for the incredible people I’ve met, the lasting friendships formed, and the chance to give back to my community,” she adds.
As the 2024 Contiki Local Legend, Danielle has won a $5,000 Contiki travel voucher.
In Dacre, near Invercargill in New Zealand’s South Island, Bruce Dinnington is running a dairy operation unlike any other.
A free online platform aggregating governance vacancies across rural and regional New Zealand has been launched.
Environment Minister Nicola Grigg has announced details of a new rural plastics recycling scheme.
Agricultural drone operators say that a government decision to allow lower-risk drone work without certification won’t lower standards but drive innovation and efficiency.
OPINION: Warning bells are ringing in the arable sector.
Farmgate lamb prices are down by 8%, beef cattle by 4.5% and farm expenditure up by 4.2%.