1 December 2000 PR134/2000
Strong Support Shown For National Sharemilker Competition
The Chairman of the Sharemilkers' Section said that he is impressed by the level of support the national component of
the Sharemilker of the Year competition has received from regional convenors and national sponsors.
"Sharemilkers are very pleased that the competition is going ahead after some earlier uncertainty," said Conall
Buchanan.
"Organisation of the National Competition and regional events by a Competition Management Committee is well advanced."
The Management Committee Chairman, Greg Maughan, said that the strong organisational framework set up in previous years
is a real asset to the competition, as is the huge effort put in by the regional teams each year.
Other committee members are: Karyn Brown, past winner and current regional convenor; Mark Keaney, current National
titleholder; Federated Farmers staff member Emma O'Sullivan, and Conall Buchanan.
Major national sponsors confirmed at this stage include EcoLab, Bank Of New Zealand, Livestock Improvement Corporation,
and the Consulting Officer Service. Telecom will be providing telecommunications services to the competition.
Mr Buchanan said that the message had come through "loud and clear" from sharemilkers that the competition is about
benchmarking and recognising top performers. "While prizes are a real bonus, they aren't the major reason that most
people enter."
"Judging of regional winners will be consistent with past year's practice, and the final awards evening will be held at
Wairaki on Saturday 19 May," Mr Buchanan said.
Entries open on 1 December and close on 15 January. Entry forms are available by telephoning Federated Farmers on 0800
FARMING (0800 327 646), or in some dairy companies' Supplier News.
Sharemilkers are encouraged to enter the competition for their own benefit, and to ensure the competition continues in
good strength.
ENDS For further information: Conall Buchanan (07) 867-7880 or 025 333 647 Greg Maughan
(06) 327-6539 or 025 722 986