Young Farmer winner among the NZ Dairy Awards finalists

George Dodson, the reigning FMG Young Farmer of the Year, is among the 33 national finalists for the New Zealand Dairy Awards from 11 regions. Having previously placed second in the Farm Manager of the Year category in 2024, Dodson hopes to clinch the title this year during the awards to be announced on May 10 in Tauranga. His participation in the awards has been credited for helping him network and develop personally. The new lineup of finalists also sees contributions from other regions with winners like Richard Grabham and Nikita Baker in the Share Farmer of the Year category and Caleb Smith as the Dairy Trainee of the Year from Canterbury-North Otago.

Additional regional champions include Andre and Natalie Meier and Thomas Lundman from Bay of Plenty, and Warric and Rachel Johnson alongside Richard Exter from West Coast-Top of the South. The award ceremony is not just a significant event highlighting excellence in dairy farming but also a platform for learning and personal growth for participants.

Other notable finalists across New Zealand's regions include Hayden Smith and Isla Pringle from Southland-Otago, Anthony and Danelle Kiff from Central Plateau, and Fiona and Thomas Langford from Waikato. These awards not only recognize the hard work of farmers but also provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in dairy farming.