Donna is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Taranaki, heavily involved in her community as the Taranaki Catchment Communities Inc Chair and Founder, part of the DairyNZ Dairy Environment Leaders, an ambassador for Federated Farmers, and Councillor at Taranaki Regional Council.
She was humbled and overwhelmed to receive the award; "it's a real privilege" says Donna.
Donna Smit, DWN Trustee says, "Donna stood out as someone who inspires her community and encourages young people. Her ability to see the big picture and then mobilise those around her is special. We were looking for commitment, drive and passion for the dairy sector, someone who is a positive role model for women in dairying. Donna is clearly a strong performer who demonstrates leadership within her community, with a wide circle of influence, and who epitomises the 'bigger, brighter, bolder' mantra shared at the DWN Conference this year".
"Donna exemplifies taking a grassroots, local, regional and international view of dairy and you can see that translate into the influencing she does at regional and central government level. Donna lives the DWN's values of seizing opportunities, building connections and being inclusive in all that she does".
Donna grew up on farm, before becoming an accountant, but always had a dream to be outside on the farm with her animals. She and her husband Philip have farmed in Awatuna, South Taranaki for nearly 23 years, since they bought the original block and later purchased half of Donna's parents' farm. They have 270 cows but have just leased some extra land so expect the herd to increase to 290 in 2024.
They're committed to improving the environment and were recognised in 2016, winning the Fonterra Environmental Leadership in Dairy Farming award for the Taranaki region. They were also one of three finalists for the 2021 Fonterra Responsible Dairy Award.
"We want more young people coming into the dairy sector and she's helping to do exactly that."
Miles Hurrell, Fonterra CEO
Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says "Donna is well known within our Co-operative and is an outstanding ambassador for the industry. Her leadership qualities, community engagement and commitment to sustainability represent some of the best attributes of Kiwi dairy farmers. We want more young people coming into the dairy sector and she's helping to do exactly that. Donna has a focus on the environment and how we can continue to produce amazing food in a sustainable way."
Donna is also being recognised for being a 'real doer', someone who is a life-long learner, who leads from the front and connects and inspires others through her inclusivity. She has a passion for bringing young people into the sector.
"The opportunities, especially for new young farmers coming in now are huge."
There were three other amazing finalists; Kimberly Crewther, Rebecca Miller, and Sheena Penwarden. Donna Smit says, "they are each incredible women in their own unique ways. The passion, knowledge, leadership, and mana they bring to the sector should be recognised and we celebrate them all and the incredible work that they are doing for our sector. They are everything we should be proud about in the dairy sector; they are courageous, kind, passionate and visionary."