Awards

North Canterbury dairy farmer Stuart Neill, winner of the 2025 Canterbury Supreme Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, reflects on the long-term changes that have shaped his business. Farming 200 hectares near Culverden, he has built a resilient, pasture-focused system anchored in simplicity, environmental stewardship, and strong people management.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stuart about the journey behind the award, the evolution of irrigation on the farm, and the environmental gains from redesigning old tile drains and restoring waterways. They also discuss flexible milking, building a system that works for both cows and staff, and his message to other farmers: meaningful change happens when you’re willing to step back, rethink, and keep improving.

Taranaki dairy farm manager Martin Keegan, winner of the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Farm Manager of the Year, shares how entering the competition became a turning point in his career. Farming alongside his fiancée’s family and managing 246 cows on 94 hectares, he’s built a system focused on stock health, efficiency, and people.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Martin about awards night, his three national merit awards for leadership, financial planning, and livestock management, and the lessons that followed. They also discuss communication, workplace culture, and his message to other farmers considering entering: “You’ve got everything to gain and nothing to lose.”

The Dairy Industry Awards took place in Queenstown last weekend, and host Sheryl Haitana takes the opportunity to talk to those leading the way in the dairy sector. Guests include: Will Hinton & Kali Rangiawha, Share Farmers of the Year; Kieran McCahon, Dairy Manager of the Year; Kirwyn Ellis, Dairy Trainee of the Year.

The trophy for the National Share Farmer of the Year has gone home to the Mighty Manawatu this year and the National Dairy Manager of the Year has its first Northland manager engraved on it.

The Zanda McDonald Award, has revealed their shortlist of 10 young professionals from Australia and New Zealand for the 2024 award.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Emma Poole is “absolutely buzzing” after being named the 55th FMG Young Farmer of the Year and making history as the contest’s first-ever female champion.

Tangaroa Walker, dairy farmer, industry leader, and farming advocate last night announced as the 37th winner of the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year award at Fieldays, receiving the award from Minister of Agriculture, Hon Damien O'Connor.

Winners of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for 2023 were announced at a celebratory event at Te Papa, Wellington, in late May.