Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award supports journey to farm ownership
For Braden and Brigitte Barnes, the dream of moving into farm ownership is now a reality, in part thanks to the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award.
A collaboration between Fonterra, ASB, and the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trust (NZDIA), the award aims to remove barriers to farm ownership by offering financial backing, mentorship and industry support.
After receiving the inaugural award at the 2025 Dairy Industry Awards, the Canterbury-based couple have recently bought their first farm.
The couple say the support behind the award gave them confidence as they worked towards ownership in a competitive market.
Braden and Brigitte Barnes have purchased their first farm, in part thanks to winning the 2025 Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award at the National Dairy Industry Awards.
Support that goes beyond finance
While the winners of the Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award receive up to $1 million of ASB Business Term Lending fixed at 1% per annum for three years, Braden and Brigitte say the advice and practical support from Fonterra and ASB made a real difference.
Having people in their corner to offer guidance and talk through options helped them move forward and get the deal across the line.
Anne Douglas, Group Director Farm Source, says supporting farmers like Braden and Brigitte is an important part of building a strong future for dairy.
“We’re delighted to see Braden and Brigitte turn their plans into reality and look forward to supporting their next chapter as Fonterra suppliers on their very own farm,” she says.
Backing the next generation of farmers is one of the most important ways we can help secure the future of New Zealand dairy and strengthen our rural communities.
“Backing the next generation of farmers is one of the most important ways we can help secure the future of New Zealand dairy and strengthen our rural communities.”
The Fonterra & ASB First Farm Award is designed to help dairy farmers successfully transition into ownership, supporting strong succession and a sustainable future for the industry. The 2026 winners will be announced at the national Dairy Industry Awards Gala Dinner in Rotorua on May 9.