Several awards have been claimed by Eastern Bay farmers at a prestigious primary industry awards ceremony.

The National Dairy Industry Awards were held over the weekend; an award introduced to recognise dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainability and who are respected by their fellow farmers and community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying.

Hayden Goodall, a farm manager from Matata, has been named runner-up Dairy Manager, as well as taking out the Dairy NZ Employee Engagement Award, and the NZDIA Power Play Merit awards, taking home $11,000 in prizes.

According to this years’ judges, they noted Hayden’s focus on recording and processes, helping his staff to understand why things were done, as well as getting them done.

Judge Annalize du Plessis says it’s a living document, he’s using the data and its helping them.

And New Zealand’s runner-up Dairy Trainee of the Year for 2021 is Pongakawa’s Dayne Rowe, also taking out the DeLaval Communication and Engagement Award, and Best Video Award, taking home $5,500 in prizes.

The judges said each of the Dairy Trainee finalists possess a strong appreciation for mental health awareness, and a work-life balance, and all are seeking further knowledge through higher education.

Source: Radio 1XX