Dairy award winners share success secrets at Temuka

New Zealand Dairy Industry Award winners for Canterbury and North Otago (from left) Salem Christian, Will Green, Daniel and Paula McAtamney, holding 8-week-old Addilyn, recently attended a winner's field day in Temuka. Photo: Supplied

Dairy industry award winners recently gathered in Temuka to share the secrets of their success.

Winners of the Canterbury and North Otago section, Salem Christian, Will Green and Daniel and Paula McAtamney, gathered to talk about their wins and what motivates them in their work.

Awards co-regional manager for Canterbury and North Otago Michael Woodward said Mr Christian, named dairy trainee of the year, told the crowd not to let barriers hold them up.

"He had a broken arm just before judging began," Mr Woodward said.

"There's a physical component [and as a result] most people would have said 'No, I won't do it, I'm not ready'."

However, Mr Christian carried on, proving he still had the skills to win the competition.

Will Green, who was dairy manager of the year, said writing down goals and values was an element of his success. Mr Woodward said people often thought of where they wanted to be and what they needed to do to get there.

"But, that can easily get clouded with a lot of other information on the farm."

Community involvement was another aspect Mr Green talked about. Mr Woodward said community involvement meant getting involved in community groups, and encouraging his staff to do the same.

Evaluation was also a key component of Mr Green's processes, Mr Woodward said.

"He does a lot of evaluation in what he does, or what he wants to do.

"He weighs up the options, instead of only having one option."

Mr Woodward said Daniel and Paula McAtamney, who were share farmers of the year, showed the value of team work, during the recent field day.

They both have input into farm management decisions.

"It meant if one was away or injured, the other can quickly pick up that role, especially when you have a new business."

Mr Woodward said detailed recording and analysis of the farm were also among their values, rather than having only anecdotal results.

"I think, from my perspective, they were all very well spoken.

"We should be very proud of the dairy farmers that have been chosen [for the awards]," Mr Woodward said.

alexia.johnston@alliedpress.co.nz

Central Rural Life