For Waikato’s Margaret and Cameron Bierre, winning Fonterra and ASB’s First Farm Award is a celebration of years of hard work.
“This award is validation that we’re on the right track and will help turn the dream of farm ownership into a reality,” says Margaret. “It will help us purchase a good-sized farm and lock in our future in dairying for generations to come.”
The couple are one of three winners of the 2025 First Farm Award, designed to support the next generation of farmers.
Alongside the Bierre’s, winners Reece and Natasha Cox, and Braden and Brigitte Barnes, will receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% per annum for three years, along with $20,000 of Farm Source account credit.
On top of that, Fonterra will provide the winners with a tailored package to enable their transition into farm ownership, including mentoring, enhanced support and special offers.
The three winners were announced at the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA) last weekend. Judges say they were particularly impressed with the calibre of entrants, with ambitious goal setting and commitment to personal development standing out.
We’re thrilled to support these three deserving winners on their journey to farm ownership, helping to ensure a successful and sustainable Co-op for future generations.
Taupō based Natasha and Reece Cox say winning the First Farm Award is a pivotal step.
“This award will accelerate our path to farm ownership, while strengthening relationships with industry professionals and networks who can support us through our next phase of growth. It also helps us continue to mentor others and make a positive contribution to the sector.”
Canterbury winners Brigitte and Braden Barnes say the win has also fast-tracked their road to farm ownership.
“With the support of Fonterra and ASB, we can now get there faster than we thought – and a lot more securely. We’re going into our fifth season of sharemilking and are hoping to buy a farm in next 12 months.”
As part of the Fonterra’s strategic choice to deliver the strongest farmer offering, the Co-op is committed to supporting the next generation of farmers.
Group Director of Farm Source, Anne Douglas, says the First Farm Award represents an exciting opportunity for the Co-op’s shareholders of tomorrow.
“We’re thrilled to support these three deserving winners on their journey to farm ownership, helping to ensure a successful and sustainable Co-op for future generations.”
A full list of winners from the 2025 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards is available here.
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