North Island entrants enjoyed a clean sweep when the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards were presented in Queenstown on Saturday night.
Jason and Lisa Suisted, who 50% share-milk 430 cows at Gordonton, near Hamilton, won the New Zealand sharemilker/equity farmers of the year title; Jason Halford, who manages a 154ha property milking 440 cows on the outskirts of Palmerston North, won farm manager of the year; while Ben Smith (Hawkes Bay-Wairarapa) is dairy trainee of the year.
One of the judges, Jo Bishell, said Mr and Mrs Suisted were the complete package.
"We got a really clear and concise picture of their total business. They also had balance between their business, community involvement and their family life.
"And they said it was by no accident that they had the good team of professionals around them that they had."
The win topped a big week for the couple as it also marked the birth of their third child.
The overall standard of finalists was high, with a noticeable improvement in environmental performance, Mrs Bishell said. People in the industry were more aware of public perception and compliance requirements.
"They have put plans in place to make sure they comply with best practice by having maintenance records, irrigator application records and fertiliser records."
About 600 people attended Saturday's awards gala dinner in Queenstown and more than $130,000 in cash and prizes was given out. Scott Levings (Otago) won the human resources merit award in the farm manager of the year contest.
• Results.-
- Sharemilker/equity farmer of the year: Jason and Lisa Suisted (Waikato) 1, Richard and Joanna Greaves (Hawkes Bay-Wairarapa) 2, Rob and Debbie Mackle (Canterbury-North Otago) 3.
- Farm manager of the year: Jason Halford (Manawatu/Rangitikei/Horowhenua) 1, Charlie and Johanna McCaig (Taranaki) 2, Michael and Susan Woodward (Canterbury-North Otago) 3.
- Dairy trainee of the year: Ben Smith (Hawkes Bay-Wairarapa) 1, Jemma Lourie (Central Plateau) 2, Samuel Humphreys (Taranaki) 3.
