Dunsandel sharemilkers Michael and Susie Woodward have been nominated in the ''Minister's Award'' category announced by Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor last week.
Mr Woodward is the Federated Farmers North Canterbury dairy chairman and a Central Rural Life columnist.
''It's a good surprise. We had seen it advertised and we were approached by someone who wanted to nominate us,'' Mr Woodward said.
''It wasn't anybody from within our team, so we are stoked that somebody thought we were worthy to be put forward.''
He said he understood the nomination recognised the value they placed on their employees in supporting them ''on their journey'' and helping them to meet their goals.
While the Woodwards employed the best candidates, Mr Woodward said they were keen to encourage young New Zealanders to work in the primary sector and had recently hosted a Christchurch school group on their farm.
''We've got three Kiwis so that's half of our staff.
''We want to have more Kiwis working in the industry, so it's important that they feel valued and have opportunities to advance.''
He said the biggest barrier to employing young New Zealanders was ''attitude'', which was largely due to the ongoing perception that agriculture was a career for those who struggled academically.
''We need people who are at the top of their game in our industry. So it's a challenge for us, of how can we produce employees who get up each day and say 'How can I make this job better?'.
''We still need the people [who] are good with their hands as well.''
Mr O'Connor said good staff were the foundation of all good businesses.
''I've met exceptional employers and workers across the sector and one particular message has stayed with me: 'First we look after the people, then they'll look after the animals, and everything else will follow'.''
The Woodwards' employer Theland Farm Group, which owns 26 farms throughout New Zealand, has also been nominated, with chief executive Justine Kidd a finalist in the ''employee development'' category.
The winners will be announced at Parliament in Wellington on November 27.
-By David Hill
