Thomas Chatfield was named Dairy Manager of the Year at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in May pulling in $27,000 worth of prizes.

Mr Chatfield, 30, a former physiotherapist, manages a 500-cow Whakatane farm owned by Bruce and Judy Woods and won the Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year title in his first season in the dairy industry in 2013. 

Dairy Manager head judge Hamish Taylor said Mr Chatfield will go a long way in the industry.

"Thomas showed and expressed opinions about the farming system he manages and is passionate about what he is doing. He is making a tangible difference to the business he is involved with and was engaged with the owner. He has a capable team working with him and was working with the team on a succession plan, should he move on."

Source: Rotorua Daily Post