Primary sector awards take honours to next level

Brent Linn, left, Sharon Ritchie, Richard Chambers and Hugh Ritchie at the launch of the Hawke's Bay Primary Sector Awards, formerly the Silver Fern Farms Farmer of the Year Awards, at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay last night. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Hawke's Bay Primary Sector Awards, formerly the Silver Fern Farms Farmer of the Year Awards, were launched last night with entries opening for the 2015 event.

Run by the Hawke's Bay A&P Society, the awards, which have seen leading Hawke's Bay sheep, beef and mixed farming businesses recognised for 42 years, last night unveiled a new name as part of a rebranding.

Industry members, past winners and local dignitaries gathered at Showgrounds Hawke's Bay's Waikoko room for the unveiling of a new award category, the Hawke's Bay Primary Sector Industry Leader of the Year Award.

The Silver Fern Farms Farmer of the Year and the other awards associated with the event will remain next year.

Awards committee chairman Peter Tod said the rebranding was more inclusive of people involved in the primary sector.

"It's about building the profile of the industry.

"Farmer of the Year is still the feature, but it's a growth in the awards, and recognition of people excelling across a diverse range of the primary sector."