Entering
To enter the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, you'll need to be working full-time on a dairy farm in New Zealand at the time of the National Awards Dinner. Make sure you're eligible, check the key dates and find out what happens next below.
Key Steps + Deadlines
Create Account
Create an account (or Login if you already have one) and fill out an entry form with some details about yourself and your farming operation or career.
Permission
If you're entering the Share Farmer or Dairy Manager of the Year categories, you'll need to get your Farm Owner and/or Farm Employer's permission by 14 December 2024.
Dairy Trainee of the Year entrants do not require their Farm Employer's permission to enter but we do ask that you have their support.
Access
Once your entry is complete and we've received the required permissions, you'll get an email from us giving you access to the 'entrant only' section of our website. Here you'll find important information about the category including a full Judging Criteria and some tips on how to prepare for judging.
Photos (optional)
Supplying photos is optional for entrants but required for all regional finalists for the awards dinner programme, so make it a good one! Instructions are provided as part of your 'entrant only' login info.
15 December 2024
Financials
Only Share Farmer of the Year entrants need to submit a copy of their annual accounts or a budget and cash flow if in the first year of business. Deadlines are:
North Island - 11 January 2025
South Island - 28 January 2025
Regional events
Regional Judging
January/February/March
Your Farm
All entrants
Each region has a regional judging round. Entrants for the Dairy Manager and Share Farmer of the Year are visited on farm by judges at an agreed time and date. Dairy Trainee entrants are judged at a group 'Skills Day' in the area.
Regional Awards Dinner
February/March
Your region
All entrants
Each region has an awards dinner where the merit awards are presented and the Share Farmer 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.
National events
National On-Farm Judging
Late April / Early May
On Farm
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 for each category. National judging follows the same structure as regional finals with a little more time allowed.
National Sponsors Breakfast
May 2025
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
May 2025
Nationals Week Location
Regional Winners
All regional winners go on to compete for the national titles, which are announced at the National Awards Dinner in May each year. National Merit Awards are also announced here.
