This may be a tough season for dairying but that hasn't deterred 44 motivated farmers from entering the 2016 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards, the winners of which will be announced at a gala dinner later this month.

'It's a tough time to be in dairy farming with the lower milk payout really challenging farmers to think about how they are farming,” says the award's regional manager Natasha Grindrod.

2016 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards regional manager Natasha Grindrod with her husband Brett were winners of the 2014 Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title.

'The fantastic aspect of the dairy awards is farm business partners and employees that enter our awards do gain an opportunity to demonstrate the real value they offer their farm owners and partners.”

The awards recognise excellence and achievement on farms throughout the region, and aim to assist in the career progression of passionate dairy farmers.

The winners of the 2016 Bay of Plenty Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions will be announced at the region's awards dinner at the Awakeri Events Centre on Friday March 18.

The entrants will be competing for cash and prizes worth about $55,000 and the honour of winning the regional title.

Natasha says she is pleased with the number of entries received in this year's awards, which at 44 are up from 32 entries in the region last year.

There are nine entries for the share farmer title, 19 are entered in the dairy manager competition and 16 are contesting the dairy trainee title.

The awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra Farm Source, Honda Motorcycles, LIC, Meridian Energy, and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO.

It's the first time Natasha has managed the regional competition, having been on the region's committee last year.

'I'm really enjoying the experience. We've got a great committee and it's been a pleasure to meet and work with the region's sponsors and entrants to create the best regional competition possible.

'I think I've learnt a few new skills along the way and managing the competition has also provided opportunities to build on my industry networks.”

She and husband Brett Grindrod won the 2014 Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title.

Her focus is now on the region's awards night and making it the best possible for this year's entrants.

'The dairy industry awards aim to help people progress in the industry, and the awards night is such a fun and motivating event for those that attend and participate. It's really supportive and demonstrates the true co-operative nature of the industry I am proud to be a part of.”

Tickets to the 2016 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards dinner cost $85 and can be purchased online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.