The crème of agriculture to be honoured in Invercargill
Released 22 Jun 2010
Federated Farmers, in association with Ravensdown is preparing to herald the success of the best that agriculture has to offer. This Thursday, at Federated Farmers National Conference in Invercargill, the winner of the prestigious Agribusiness award will be announced.
"The agricultural industry includes many excellent individuals, who make a difference. We want to highlight and celebrate this success and present the winners with their awards," says Conor English, Federated Farmers Chief Executive Officer.
"The Agribusiness award recognises an individual who has made a long and dedicated contribution to the agricultural industry, who has shown leadership and determination, contributed to the community and who has vision for the future.
"Judges include charismatic Invercargill Mayor and part time ballroom dancer, Tim Shadbolt and farming and All Black legend, Sir Brian Lochore of Masterton. Sir Brian is the only All Blacks coach to have won a Rugby World Cup and is chairperson of the QEII National Trust.
"The judging panel further includes Morrinsville dairy farmer and Chairman of New Zealand's international fertiliser cooperative, Ravensdown, Bill McLeod, Auckland based chair of law firm, Minter Ellison Rudd Watts and winner of the 2010 Veuve Clicquot businesswoman of the year, Cathy Quinn and to round up the panel we've got Southern Steel coach, Robyn Broughton.
"The candidates for this year's Agribusiness award are of an exceptional calibre and include Fonterra's CEO, Andrew Ferrier, Massey University's associate professor in farm and agribusiness management, Nicola Shadbolt, Managing director of CRS software, Brian Eccles, ANZCO foods chairman, Graeme Harrison, the Brownrigg Brothers from Brownrigg Agriculture and Managing Director of Farmworks Precision Farming Systems, Colin McFadzen.
"I'm extremely proud of all the finalists and the contribution they've made to the future of New Zealand's agricultural industry.
"The awards evening will also re-recognise the success of past agricultural award winners with the presentation of eight ‘crème of the crop' awards. These awards will be presented to
2010 New Zealand Dairy Award (NZDIA) winners of Farm Manager of the Year, Sharemilker of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year.
"We will also re-recognise the success of the 2010 National Bank Young Farmer of the Year, the 2010 Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Women Award winner and the 2009 and 2010 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Mâori Excellence in Farming Award winner.
"The night looks set to be a celebration of the fantastic talent the New Zealand agriculture industry has to offer," Mr English concluded
Media RSVP:
For a detailed agenda or if media plan to attend then register by email at dbroome@fedfarm.org.nz (04 470 2160).
For further information:
Conor English, Federated Farmers Chief Executive, 027 441 0786
