Taupō dairy processor, Miraka, is celebrating a record number of winning farms for the 2024/25 season following the company’s annual suppliers’ awards dinner.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay along with Miraka directors, staff and acting chief executive officer, Richard Harding, joined more than 330 guests in Taupō on Thursday night last week to celebrate the achievements of the company’s milk suppliers.
The evening saw over 40 farms awarded grade free status, with 17 farms recognised for achieving full points in the Te Ara Miraka farming excellence programme.
“This achievement reflects the incredible dedication, innovation, and sustainable farming practices of our whānau of milk suppliers,” said Harding.
“It’s a proud moment not only for the award winners, but for our entire Miraka community. Our suppliers’ commitment to excellence is helping shape a more sustainable and values-driven future for dairy. We’re extremely proud to partner with and stand alongside our farmers in celebrating their success.”
Joan Barendsen, general manager of on-farm excellence, also paid tribute to the award recipients.
“Te Ara Miraka sets a high bar for best practice in animal welfare, milk quality, and on-farm sustainability,” said Barendsen.
“The 2024/25 season brought its share of challenges, yet so many of our farmers rose above them to deliver outstanding results.”
The winning farms earned an additional premium of 20 cents per kilogram of milk solids for the 2024/25 season.
Since Te Ara Miraka began, Miraka has paid in excess of $24 million in premiums to suppliers.
Earlier in the day, Miraka’s newest milk suppliers were formally welcomed to the company during a pōwhiri at Mōkai Marae, northwest of Taupō.
