Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards

Cream Of The Crop

Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards

While many Kiwis are licking ice creams and pouring cream onto strawberries and Christmas puddings, New Zealand’s 17,000 dairy farmers will be working hard to ensure there’s a continuous supply of cream and milk over the holiday period.

The quest is on to find the cream of the crop in the Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards. Dairy farmers from throughout the country are eligible to enter the awards, which have over $150,000 worth of prizes.

New Zealand is a major dairy producer, with more than 95% of dairy products destined for export, says Westpac agribusiness manager Tony Bradley.

“New Zealanders have the second highest consumption rate for ice cream in the world, eating on average 26 litres a year each. Every year 11,000 tonnes of ice cream worth $38 million are exported. Overseas, New Zealand ice cream has gained a reputation for its quality. That quality comes from healthy cows grazing outdoors on pasture all year round, from strict quality and hygiene standards, and from technological advancements.”

On-farm excellence will be recognised and rewarded in the Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards, says Tony Bradley. “New Zealand leads the way in dairying, and these regional and national awards will raise the bar for production and performance. The dairy farms are judged on productivity, environment, human resources, business growth and quality management. Regional winners will receive a trip overseas to study markets in Asia and $5,000 cash, while the supreme winner’s prize includes a vehicle and $10,000 cash.”

Entries for the Fonterra Westpac Dairy Excellence Awards close on 7 February 2003.

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