THE 2014 Great South West Dairy Awards celebrated the high quality of the local dairy industry at the gala night on Friday night in Warrnambool.
The quality of this year’s entries was not only exceptionally high, but a reflection of the high standard of the local dairy industry according to event coordinator Barb Collins.
Mrs Collins said the responses were overwhelming and the quality of all the entries made it difficult for the judges.
“All the judges commented on how close the applicants were and how hard it was to pick a winner,” Mrs Collins said.
“I think this shows how committed local dairy farmers are to improving the dairy industry.”
Premier Denis Napthine, as well as Dairy Australia’s Managing Director Ian Halliday both attended the night, which provided farmers with the opportunity to socialise with other farmers and industry personnel.
The winners were announced in a one and a half hour ceremony, which celebrated all aspects of the dairy industry.
Noorat dairy farmer David Conheady won the new Farm Manager of the Year award, as well as the Young Farm Leader award.
The award for Farm Employee of the Year went to Con Glennen from Noorat and Cooriemungle farmers Julian and Dianne Benson from Apostle Whey Cheese were the recipients of the new Innovative Farm Performance Recognition award.
Linda and Andrew Whiting were awarded with the Natural Resource and Sustainability award for their improvements on soil management and effluent management.
The Farm Photo of the Year was snapped by 14 year old Megan Kelly capturing a beautiful sunset on the farm.
All winners received a trophy, travel or shopping vouchers and Legendairy gear.
