Dairy farmers wanting to improve their business and be in to win grand prizes should go along to the Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards launch on Thursday, November 17.

There are three competitions for the Dairy Industry Awards; Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Last year's regional winners walked away with more than $25,000 worth of prizes between them.

More than 100 farmers have already entered the 2012 competition.

Those who enter by December 1 are also eligible to win one of three Honda XR125 Duster farm bikes, each valued at nearly $4000.

There will be one drawn from early entrants in each of the three contests.

People are welcome to attend the Bay of Plenty launch evening for a sausage sizzle and a drink to learn more about the competition and what it entails.

Those who enter on the night go into the draw to win a barbecue.

The launch is at the Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall, located at corner Kauri Street and Main Street, Edgecumbe, starting at 7pm.

Please RSVP by Monday, November 14. Phone convenors Jon and Steph Russel (07) 333 9006 or 027 547 8374.

The awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO.
Bay of Plenty regional sponsors are BlackmanSpargo, Business Results Group, Waikato Milking Systems, Milk Bar, Bell Booth, Te Puke Veterinary Centre, Bay Vets

Silver Fern Farms Limited and NZ Wide Freeze Brands.

Read about last year's winners here.