Time to get dairy award entries in

PRIDE: The 2015 Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa Dairy Industry Awards at Masterton's War Memorial Stadium.

Entries are now open for the 2016 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

The awards are now accepting entries for New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Dairy Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.

Changes have been made to this year's competition entry criteria in order to ensure there is an even spread across the different categories.

Last year the Dairy Industry Awards received 539 entries and hope to exceed that number this year.

New Zealand Dairy Industry general manager Chris Keeping said entering the competition is a great way for farmers to get their name out there, build up their reputation and create contacts in the dairy industry.

"Entering a competition does make you question what you are doing and why. Meeting other entrants, organisers and sponsors can also assist in providing support networks and valuable feedback.

"It is hard to estimate the value on that support during times of low milk returns, drought or stress," Mr Keeping said.

Entries close on November 30 and can be submitted online at www.dairyindustryawards. co.nz.