Entries for the 2020 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards open October 1 and are an opportunity for entrants to secure their future while learning and connecting with others and growing their career.

The 2019 Share Farmers of the Year Colin and Isabella Beazley say the benefits to their career and business from entering were worth the effort and time.

Colin and Isabella won the 2019 Northland Share Farmers of the Year and went on to win the National title as well.

“We entered to benchmark ourselves against the best and also for the networking opportunities. The networking and contact with industry leaders is unparalleled and we have used these relationships to grow our business.”

Their advice to potential entrants is to remember ‘evidence is key’. “If you can’t prove it to the judges, they simply cannot mark it, so keeping good records is paramount,” says Isabella. “Sorting through and collating everything that farmers do on a daily basis can take time, so start now if you’re thinking of entering!”

Colin says as a busy farmer you can get caught up in the day-to-day running of the farm.

“So to stand back and watch our presentation, visually seeing the nine plywood boards plastered with our collated evidences and setting up our machinery for display and effect was quite eye-opening for us,” says Colin.

“It made us super proud of how far our industry has allowed us to grow and excited for the prospects of where it can take us.”

Colin and Isabella are active on social media and feel it is important for their family, friends and local community to keep up-to-date with what is happening on their farm.

This year the Beazleys are involved with the Northland regional committee as regional managers and are enjoying being able to encourage the next wave of entrants coming through. “We 110 per cent recommend entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

“First, the industry networking is invaluable. Second, the judges are industry experts and the constructive feedback that you’ll receive is a great way to grow your business and career in the dairy industry.”

“Last, but not least, is time off-farm. Being able to flick off the cow poo clothes and don some suave suits and flash heels to enjoy some time with others within our industry ‘who get what it’s like to be a farmer too’ is also just as rewarding as the event itself.”

“If you’re striving for more in our industry definitely sign up and see where the awards journey takes you.” To find out more or register to enter, see: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz