Frances Beeston is a finalist for the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year. Photo supplied.
Ashburton dairy farmer Frances Beeston has been announced as one of three finalists for the prestigious Dairy Women’s Network 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award.
Despite being deeply involved in her community, Beeston has always preferred to keep a low profile.
But after recently completing the Agri-Women’s Development Trust Escalator Programme, she realised the importance of visibility when it comes to making a difference.
“I like to stay under the radar, but I realised now since doing the Escalator Programme I can advocate more for health resources and other things if I have a voice,” Beeston says.
“I realised that if I want to make a change at an industry or government level, I need to have a profile.”
Beeston grew up on dairy farms across New Zealand, developing a passion for the industry from a young age.
She’s worked her way through various roles in the sector — from contract milker to equity partner and now helps oversee several family farming businesses.
In addition to her farming responsibilities, Beeston serves on the Rural Women New Zealand board, chairs the Education Policy Advocacy Action Group, and is a member of the LIC Shareholder Reference Group.
Her real passion, however, lies in rural mental health and well-being.
She began volunteering with the Rural Support Trust before the Mycoplasma Bovis outbreak and now serves as the wellness coordinator for the Mid Canterbury branch.
“I started volunteering for Rural support before the Mycoplasma Bovis outbreak.
“I realised then that I wanted to help farmers support farmers.
“Whether it’s floods or M Bovis when a farmer drives up your driveway to check on you and see how much damage is done, farmers can relate so much better if it’s a farmer rather than a random stranger that has no idea about farming.”
Beeston credits her upbringing for her community spirit and drive to give back.
“Mum and Dad were always involved in community groups, on the PTA or making big conferences within the dairy industry happen.
“Growing up, that was our normal, and I was taught that for any community to thrive, you have to put time and energy into it.”
Beeston is joined in the finals by Waikato’s Jo Sheridan and Lara Sutton.
Dairy Women’s Network trustee and award judge Jenna Smith says this year’s nominations revealed an impressive range of talent across the dairy sector.
“It is fantastic to see nominations that reflect the strength and diversity of our network – whether it’s hands-on farmers, emerging leaders, or rural professionals driving progress behind the scenes.
“Many of the nominees brought together community values, environmental care, commercial insight, and industry expertise – highlighting the depth of skill within the dairy community,” she said.
The finalists were selected by a panel of judges, including Smith, 2023 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Donna Cram, and representatives from Fonterra, Rural Leaders, and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
Smith said the judges were looking for women who have made meaningful contributions not only to their own communities but to the broader dairy industry.
“They demonstrate a deep understanding of the sector’s potential and could articulate the role they intend to play in that landscape.”
She added that Beeston stood out for her clear sense of purpose.
“She has an understanding of her ‘why’ and her people-centric advocacy passion stood out to the judges.”
If Beeston takes top honours when the winner is announced at a gala dinner in Hamilton on May 1, she will receive a scholarship to the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
The prize includes the full programme fee, travel and accommodation costs, mentoring, and access to both Dairy Women’s Network and Fonterra platforms to share her research.
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