Nominations showcased ‘impressive breadth of talent’ from across the dairy sector.
Three dairy sector leaders who have made significant contributions to the success of the dairy sector have been named as finalists by Dairy Women’s Network for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award.
They are Ashburton-based dairy farmer Frances Beeston; Jo Sheridan, who is demonstration manager at Owl Farm at St Peter’s School in Cambridge; and Lara Sutton, who is a Waikato-based strategy and commercial partnerships manager at DairyNZ as well as a herd-owning sharemilker.
Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) trustee and award judge Jenna Smith said the nominations showcased an impressive breadth of talent from 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.
The finalists were selected by a judging panel comprising Smith, 2023 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Donna Cram and representatives from Fonterra, Rural Leaders and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
The judges were looking for women who, through their commitment and passion, have made considerable contributions to both their own community and the wider sector.
They demonstrate a deep understanding for the sector’s potential and can articulate the role they intend to play in that landscape.
“Frances has consistently shown up for her community and the wider sector. She has a deep understanding of her ‘why’, and her people-centric advocacy passion stood out to the judges.”
“Lara left the judges with a clear sense of her ability to connect, then lead. Her demonstrated ability to continue to challenge herself has seen her seize opportunity and develop significant process and progress in the dairy industry.
“Jo demonstrated passion, authenticity and a strong realistic vision of how she can continue to make positive impact in the sector. The judges were left with a clear impression of Jo’s energy and passion for the sector.”
The recipient of the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Award will receive a scholarship to the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.
This package includes the programme fee, travel and accommodation costs, mentoring, and access to DWN and Fonterra platforms to share their research.
The 13th Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year will be announced on May 1 at a gala dinner during the DWN2025 Conference, which is themed Success through Inspiration.
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