A record 525 entries have been received for this year's New
Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.
Entries in the sharemilker-equity farmer of the year, farm
manager of the year and dairy trainee of the year were up
from 497 entries last year and the previous record of 508,
set for the 2010 awards.
Waikato was the strongest region overall, topping the tally
with 73 entries in the three contests, with Canterbury-North
Otago second with 65 entries, national convener Chris Keeping
said.
"What is also really pleasing is the number of first-time
entrants in the awards, with 384 people entering for the
first time this year.
"Some of our finalists and winners last year had entered the
awards three, four and even five times. Each time they gain
from the experience and strive to do better for themselves
personally and their business. So the large number of
first-time entrants bodes well for the awards' future," Mrs
Keeping said.
Entrants would be invited to attend information evenings this
month to help prepare for judging, which begins towards the
end of the month. The winners will be announced in late
February.
All regional winners will progress to the national finals in
Auckland on May 12.
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