Meet the inspiring winners of the West Coast Top of the South Regional Dairy Awards. From enthusiastic first-time entrants to seasoned industry champions, these farmers share their journeys, triumphs, and what drives their love for dairying. Hear their stories of hard work, innovation, and dedication to shaping the future of New Zealand farming.

Maria and Ricky Johnson – West Coast Top of the South Regional Share Farmers 2022-2023

What inspired your career in dairy farming?

Ricky grew up on a dairy farm in Karamea.

 Can you tell us about your journey to win this award?

We entered the awards to get some advice as we had got to a point in our farming career where we were unsure where from here to go or if to continue.

Have you implemented any innovative practices or technologies in your dairy operation that you believe contributed to your success?

We had worked previously for a Dairy Holdings where Brian Gallagher was the health & Safety person, he taught us a lot about H&S but also that its everyone responsibility to keep each other safe not just one person.

What does winning this award mean to you personally and professionally?

To win Top of the South Westcoast in the region we had both grown up in and the support we received from our hometowns of Collingwood & Karamea was really special and something we treasure. Professionally the help we have received from Lisa & Bridget from ANZ - winning has been fantastic.