The finalists in the 2017 Central Plateau New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards have announced, following the completion of the preliminary judging.

General Manager Chris Keeping says judges had been extremely impressed with the quality of entrants this year.

"This is an incredibly busy time on the farm, and it shows the high-calibre of the entrants that they are continuing to run their business and do their jobs on a daily basis, as well as prepare for the competition," he says.

"The Dairy Industry Awards aren't just about winning, they are about education, networking and growth. The people living and breathing the dairy industry have upbeat and positive attitudes. The future looks good."

The Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards will be held on March 15 at Rotorua's Energy Events Centre. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

Regional winners progress to the national final and are judged by a national judging team to determine the national winners and place-getters of each competition.

National winners will be announced on Saturday May 6 at Sky City Auckland.

Central Plateau Dairy Trainee of the Year finalists:

Taegan Fogarty-Wallace Damon Harris Beaudine Hay Taylor Macdonald Donna McKinley Liam Sangster

Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards

Cliff Ballinger Colin Tremain Dylan Hilhorst Ryan Orchard Anthony Kiff

Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year entrants:

Carlos and Bernice Delos Santos Herman Lagerwey Mark and Adelle Pacey Amy Seymour and Reece Wine