She took over from Margaret Chapman, who stepped down at the end of a three-year term during the organisation's national conference in Oamaru this week.
She has a strong rural background, having lived and worked on her family's sheep and beef farm in the Waihopai Valley for more than 30 years.
A past Kellogg's scholar, she has a professional background in journalism and continues to work as a freelance contributor to rural and other media.
A RWNZ national councillor for the past five years, she has a special interest in land-use issues.
The award, presented during the national conference, recognises an outstanding rural businesswoman running her own enterprise.
Ms Verkade's business has grown from a one-woman operation to a business employing eight part-time staff, including six homeopaths.
Runner-up was Tracey Robinson, of Rotherham, Canterbury, who set up merino sock business Cosy Toes Ltd.
