Farming excellence celebrated

20 Mar 2026 • By Mary Anne Gill

Dairy trainee of the year Levi Wesford of Cambridge.

Two sets of awards this month celebrated excellence across the sector and recognised farmers at different stages of their careers. Mary Anne Gill wraps up the awards.

Risk management award winner Luke Campion of Cambridge.

Cambridge dairy assistant manager Levi Wesford has been named the 2026 Waikato dairy trainee of the year, highlighting a strong Waipā showing at this year’s Waikato Dairy Industry Awards.

The 20‑year‑old milks 220 cows on a 100‑hectare property near Cambridge and was recognised for his focus on efficiency, use of technology and commitment to developing his skills within the dairy industry.

Third place in the dairy trainee category went to Renee Teers, 23, a farm assistant on Acacia Farms’ 165‑hectare property in Pukeatua, where she milks 465 cows.

Wesford, who did not come from a farming background, said the awards had played a key role in building confidence and industry connections.

“The awards are a great opportunity to network with rural professionals and leading farmers,” he said.

Dairy Industry award winners, from left Levi Wesford, Glenn and Georgie van Heuven and Annie Gill

“I want to set myself up with the skills to run my own business and eventually my own farm.”

Waipā success at the dairy awards was complemented by a standout result for neighbouring Ōtorohanga, with Annie Gill named Waikato dairy manager of the year.

The 24‑year‑old manages a 56‑hectare dairy farm near Ōtorohanga and took out the prestigious title at the annual awards dinner held in Cambridge. Judges praised her strong leadership, technical capability and clearly defined pathway toward future progression.

Judges also highlighted Gill’s strong financial literacy, structured career planning and passion for stock work and breeding.

“I’ve always had a shared passion for pedigree cows with my Dad, and I’m lucky enough to live that passion every day,” Gill said.

“I love genetics, breeding and seeing our stock do well for other people.”

Gill has set her sights on becoming a sharemilker within the next two years, with plans to build equity through the sale of Holsteins.

Third place in the dairy manager category went to George Eaddy, who works for Kevin and Cherie van der Poel on their 95‑hectare farm at Ōhaupō, milking 390 cows.

The Waikato Dairy Industry Awards saw Glenn and Georgie van Heuven of Matamata named Waikato share farmers of the year, alongside the presentation of multiple merit awards across management, sustainability and innovation categories.

Excellence across the sector was also recognised at the Waikato Regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards, held in Hamilton.

Noel and Lorraine Fox of Ōtorohanga were recognised with both the Livestock Farm Award and the Sustainability and Stewardship Award, acknowledging their environmental leadership and on‑farm practices.

Luke Campion of Hopehill Farm, Cambridge, won the Risk Management Award, while North Waikato sheep and beef farmers Jon and Fiona Sherlock were named overall winners, recognised for their strong combination of profitability, innovation and environmental stewardship.

Waikato Dairy Industry Awards – Share Farmer: Winner – Georgie & Glenn van Heuven (Matamata); runner‑up – Deependra Parajuli (Waitoa); third – Emma Walton & Jared Van Tiel (Puketaha). Dairy Manager: Winner – Annie Gill (Ōtorohanga); runner‑up – Danielle Brown (Morrinsville); third – George Eaddy (Ōhaupō). Dairy Trainee: Winner – Levi Wesford (Cambridge); runner‑up – Abigail McLean (Morrinsville); third – Renee Teers (Pukeatua).

Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards: Jon and Fiona Sherlock (Otorohaea), Noel and Lorraine Fox (Ōtorohanga), Willy and Keely Muir (Waiuku), Luke Campion (Cambridge).