Top sharemilking prize goes to Southlanders

A Southland sharemilking couple, Wayne and Elaine Cook of Otahuti, have been named the 2006 Sharemilker of the Year.

The couple, who are 50:50 sharemilkers and have 750 cows on a 287ha property 30km northwest of Invercargill, have won a first-prize package valued at $35,000.

Their property is owned by Peter and Maralyn Erb.

Wayne Cook, 38, came from a sheep and beef background, and Elaine Cook, 36, grew up on a dairy farm.

The couple have been sharemilking for 10 years. They said their ability to achieve identified goals contributed to their success.

Elaine Cook said their farming goals included reaching 320,000kg of milk solids production at a cost of $1.43/kg.

The Cooks also won awards for their contest interview and for their financial management.

Runners-up were Kieran and Leonie Guiney from Canterbury and third place went to Richard and Amanda Jones representing the Auckland/Hauraki region.

- NZPA