Media Release
PR 016/05
Winning Sharemilkers Promote Dairy Farming
The Sharemilker of the Year Competition rewards New Zealand's best sharemilkers, so it's little wonder that Dairy
InSight is showcasing regional and national competition winners in its latest campaign highlighting the benefits of
dairy farming.
"Let's Talk Dairying", a Dairy InSight campaign promoting dairy farming, features real life farmers from around New
Zealand. The advertisements feature Manawatu Sharemilkers of the Year 2004 Brendon and Karen Stent, Auckland/Hauraki
Sharemilkers of the Year 2004 Craig and Jenny Morrison, and New Zealand Sharemilkers of the Year 2003 Andrew and Alison
Watters.
"Dairy farmers are rightly proud of the dynamic industry they belong to and we want people to know about it, and so who
better to promote it than some of New Zealand's best sharemilkers," says Dairy InSight Chief Executive Peter Bodeker.
Sharemilker of the Year Convenor Chris Keeping agrees. "These people exemplify what can be achieved in the dairy
industry. Sharemilking is a great way to get started in the dairy industry, and build skills and equity into a fantastic
career and eventual farm ownership.
More than 130 sharemilkers in 10 regions have entered the 2005 Sharemilker of the Year Competition. Preparation for
regional competitions has begun, culminating in the grand final in Hamilton in early May.
The "Let's Talk Dairying" campaign was initiated by Dairy InSight in 2003 following dairy farmer feedback calling for
better promotion of dairy farming, as well as the need to highlight the positive aspects and help inform the public
about the role of the dairy industry. The programme is supported by a website, www.dairyinsight.co.nz, which provides an
overview of the industry and links to key industry companies and organisations.
The 2005 New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year Competition is run in association with Federated Farmers of New Zealand
(Inc) and is sponsored by Dairy InSight, ACC, Bank of New Zealand, Blue Wing Honda, Dexcel, Ecolab, Fonterra, Livestock
Improvement and Ravensdown.
ENDS