Rotorua's Ruth Hone has scooped the 2014 New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year making her the first female in the competition's 25 year history to win the dairy trainee title.

Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year Ruth Hone says she was ‘born and bred' to be a dairy farmer.

Ruth's win followed her win of the Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year title.

While this year's Dairy Industry awards showcased inspiring stories of entrants switching from varying careers, Ruth's had her sights set on making an impact in the industry from a very young age.

'I believe I was born and bred to be a dairy farmer; I have always wanted to be one,” says Ruth, who grew up on her parent's dairy farm near Rotorua.

Consolidating her childhood knowledge and passion for dairying with education, the 24-year-old graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Agriculture from Massey University in 2011.

Now three seasons into her dairying career, Ruth farms on a 250-cow, 120ha property in Marotiri, near Taupo, for Michelle and Ross Davison.

Ruth says growing up on a dairy farm gave her a 'solid grounding in the values of life”. Choosing farming as a career, as her parents had done before her, seemed like a natural progression – and Ruth says she's just as passionate about dairying today as she was as a young girl.

'I love the unpredictability of farming; the diversity in the job that comes from working with both animals and the elements,” says Ruth.

'The progression opportunities available, the chance to become self-employed are also key. The fact that we, as dairy farmers, are feeding the world really excites me too.”

Ruth admits there are some challenges, as with any career, but for her they relate not so much to cows but to the ability to fit everything in.

'Yes, the work life balance, and the lack of daylight at times,” laughs Ruth, who around farming manages to fit in numerous sporting events.

She participates in equestrian hunts during winter and competes in show-jumping in summer and enjoys ladies' backyard tennis. She's also a member of Taupo Harriers and is training for the Rotorua Marathon. Ruth also enjoys travelling and is current chairperson for the Tihoi Western Bays Young Farmers Club.

Discipline
While obviously busy, Ruth says she was inspired to enter the awards for a second time, as it gives her discipline to focus more on the technical aspects of farming.

Ruth also says the networking opportunities are invaluable. 'The ability to align myself with mentors to help me progress through the industry have been the highlight so far,” says Ruth, who is aiming to move to lower order sharemilking within the next five years, and continue on to farm ownership.

'The awards have been a fantastic learning and mentoring opportunity. The feedback you receive as a contestant regarding your knowledge base and your goals are just invaluable and will help set you up for future success.”

In preparing for the final, Ruth says she used 'all resources available and trying not to leave any stone unturned”.

This dedication, coupled with her parents' support – and her mantra of 'opportunity comes to those who apply themselves,” – are sure to set this talented young farmer on the right track to achieving her goals.