Dairy industry awards regional finals underway
Manawatu became the first region to announce its finalists for the 2024 Dairy Industry Awards.
A highlight of this year’s Dairy Industry Awards was the high number of migrant workers vying for the national titles.
Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard says Manoj Kumar and Sumit Kamboj, the 2021 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year, are typical of hard-working migrants who come to NZ for a better life.
He says migrants add immensely to their local communities – including training and attracting New Zealanders to dairy careers.
“I think they, and others, underline the quality and talent of migrants who choose our dairy sector in which to reach their dreams,” Hoggard told Rural News.
“Their achievements knock for six those who describe the work they do as low-skilled. As we debate, at national level, the role of migrant workers and border security, the success and contribution to our primary industries of these newcomers to our shores is sometimes overlooked,” he says.
Manoj Kumar and Sumit Kamboj say there are progression pathways in the dairy industry for those who work hard.
The brothers, 50/50 sharemilkers on two farms in Eketahuna, took out the top award at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards night in Hamilton last month.
“There are lot of opportunities in the dairy industry but only if you work hard – like waking up early in the morning,” Manoj Kumar told Rural News.
Manoj, 34, and Sumit, 28, created history by becoming the first pair of brothers to win the coveted title. They moved from India to NZ about 10 years ago.
Judge John Numan says the message he often hears is that there aren’t any progression pathways because it’s too hard.
“But there are,” says Numan. “These people are achieving it because they have the right attitude that encourages their employers to promote and back them in their business.”
The 2021 Dairy Farmer of the Year is Christopher Vila. Philippines-born Vila beat 10 other regional farm manager finalists to pick up the award.
A trained vet, Vila moved to New Zealand 13 years ago. Starting as a farm assistant on a 1,200- cow farm in Reporoa, he worked his way up to his current role seven years ago – a farm manager on a 340-cow family trust farm in Ohaupo, outside Hamilton.
Ruth Connolly, the 2021 Dairy Trainee of the Year, was described by the judges as a polished and engaging person. The judges said she is articulate, considered and concise with a broad understanding of different industry issues.
Connolly is a farm assistant on the Rukuhia Holdings Ltd – 259ha property at Ohaupo, milking 800 cows.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.