Judging Criteria OverviewSkills Day
Dairy Trainee of the Year
If you're currently aged 18-30 and employed on a dairy farm in a full-time position and haven't been employed for more than 3 years on a dairy farm from the age of 18 either continuously or in total as of 1st June 2024, then you may be eligible to enter the Dairy Trainee of the Year Award.
During judging you'll be assessed on your general knowledge, your practical skills and some fun tasks to keep things interesting.
Check Eligibility
Find out which category you are eligible for. See eligibility details below.
Create account
Create an Account (or Login if you already have one) to complete an Entry Form during the entry period.
Receive access
Once we have permission, you'll receive an email with instructions on accessing our 'entrants only' portal. Here you'll find extra info including judging tips.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Dairy Trainee of the Year Award, you'll need to be:
Aged 18-30 years at the close of entries
Currently employed full-time on a dairy farm
Not self-employed
Don't have any equity in a dairy farming business
Haven't been employed for more than 3 years on a dairy farm from the age of 18 either continuously or in total as of 1st June 2024
A New Zealand Citizen, New Zealand Resident or hold a New Zealand Work Visa at the close of entries
Meet the additional eligibility criteria set out in the Conditions of Entry
If you are unsure which category you can enter, please use our Contact page to get in touch outlining your circumstance.
Role titles you might have to enter this category
Trainee
Assistant Herd Manager
Farm Assistant
Herd Manager
2IC
DTOTY Judging Process
1. SKILLS DAY REGIONAL JUDGING
February
Regional farm location
Half-day
All entrants
Check your regional judging dates to ensure you're free (you'll receive your specific judging date and time closer to your region's judging dates). The first round of judging includes:
6 hands-on practical challenges. Tasks are made up of a variety of levels
General knowledge task
Fun task
3. NATIONAL JUDGING FOR REGIONAL WINNERS
May
At Nationals Week location
Half-day practical + interview
All regional winners
Regional winners progress to the national final and in May of each year, they are judged by a national judging team to determine the national winner and placegetters. The final interview covers:
General Farming Knowledge - Dairy Shed Hygiene, Animal Health, Calving and Mating Management, Environment, Health and Safety, Feed Allocation and Feed Budgeting
Career Development - Career Aspirations & Pathways, Training, Goal Setting, Leadership, CV (Finals Round only)
Personal Development - Personal Interests, Community Involvement
Industry Awareness - Awareness of the dairy industry
Communication & Engagement - Presentation, Delivery of Answers, Ability to express an opinion, Communication Skills
NOTES ABOUT JUDGING
Check the Judging Criteria specific for each round of judging. Judges in your category are experienced in farming and want to know about you and your farming career.
All entrants receive
Hands-on practical feedback after each practical challenge and a summary feedback graph during skills day judging
Written feedback for the final round of judging
Merit Awards
All entrants are also eligible and automatically entered into our coveted Merit Awards in each region, recognising excellence in specific areas.
Skills Day judging awards:
DairyNZ - Practical Skills Award
Emerging Talent
Final interview round judging awards:
Farming Knowledge Award
Communication & Industry Involvement Award
Awards events
Regional Awards Dinner
February/March
Your region
All entrants
Each region has an awards dinner where the merit awards are presented and the Dairy Trainee of the Year winners are announced. These dinners are a fantastic night out and an excellent way to mix with fellow entrants, peers, sponsors and judges.
Regional Winners Field Day
March/April
Your region
Regional Winners
The Dairy Industry Awards Winners Field Day is held on the property of the Share Farmer of the Year winner. The winners from the Dairy Trainee of the Year and Dairy Manager of the Year categories are required to attend the Field Day and give a short presentation.
Study Tour
May
Nationals Week Location
Regional Winners
The regional winners enjoy a study tour on their way to the National Final. This is where practical judging and fun activities take place.
National Sponsors Breakfast
10 May
Nationals Week Location
Regional Winners
The regional winners meet a few days before the National Final and enjoy getting to know each other while partaking in some educational and fun activities. Before the National Final Dinner, the regional winners have an interview with the National judging panel. This completes their judging process.
National Final Awards Dinner
10 May
Nationals Week Location
Regional Winners
All regional winners go on to compete for the title 'Dairy Trainee of the Year' which is held in May each year and announced at the National Awards Dinner. National Merit Awards are also announced here.
Access tailored help
Each awards region has a Regional Manager as well as a Dairy Trainee of the Year Team Leader whose focus is the Dairy Trainee of the Year category. You can get in touch for tailored one-on-one help with your entry. You can also check out our FAQs below.
