Oamaru Sharemilkers Take To Dairy Title

Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Industry Awards

STRICTLY EMBARGOED TO 11PM 28 MARCH 2007

Oamaru Sharemilkers Take To Dairy Title

Oamaru sharemilkers Matt and Julie Ross were named Canterbury/North Otago Sharemilkers of the Year at the Dairy Industry Awards announced in Christchurch tonight.

Shaun and Joanne Back from Rangiora took the title of Farm Manager of the Year.

Matt and Julie Ross are milking 798 cows on 233 effective hectares owned by Kelvin and Debbie Weir with anticipated production of 395,000kg/ms for the year ended May 31, 2007.

Lifestyle balance is a priority for the couple who believe it is important to be open to change and to challenge the status quo.

They consider helping deserving employees reach their personal and equity growth goals is important along with doing business with integrity, honesty and concern for the position of others.

Shaun and Joanne Back are milking 1350 cows on 345 effective hectares with anticipated production of 552,000 to year end May 31, 2007. Their philosophy is to achieve excellent farming results through teamwork, knowledge, experience and farm management skills. They are looking for a balanced personal life and farming career that is both challenging and enjoyable.

Runners up in the Sharemilker of the Year were Dean and Sandra Willis from Rakaia. Third place went to Rob and Debbie Mackle from Ashburton. Runners up in the Farm Manager of the Year were Stacy and Louise Spittal from Ashburton.

A field day will be held on the Ross farm at 51 Taylors Road, Oamaru on April 13 at 10.30am . A field day will be held on the Backs’ farm, 1901 Tram Road, Rangiora on April 17 at 10.30am.

Other results included

Farm Manager of the Year Merit Awards
Dairy InSight Human Resource Management Award Stacy and Louise Spittal
RD1 Farm Management Award Stacy and Louise Spittal
Westpac Farm Financial Management Award Shaun and Joanne Back
Sharemilker of the Year Merit Awards

ACC Workplace Safety Discounts Award Hamish and Emma Stratford
Blue Wing Honda ATV Safety Award Hamish and Emma Stratford
Dairy InSight First Time entrant Award Dean and Sandra Willis
Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award Rob and Debbie Mackle
Federated Farmers Leadership Award Simon and Carol Wilson
LIC Recording and Productivity Award Matt and Julie Ross
Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award Matt and Julie Ross
Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award Dean and Sandra Willis
Westpac Business Performance Award Matt and Julie Ross

Ends

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