Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Young Local Grower Up for Major National Award

Young Local Grower Up for Major National Award

An up-and-coming Hawkes Bay apple grower is in line for New Zealand’s most prestigious grower award after being named the region’s Young Fruit Grower of the Year on Saturday night in Hastings.

Jonathon Newby who has worked in the fruit industry for the last 5 years, is currently part of the management team at GD & MJ Hirst partnership. As well as a $1000 cash prize and a trip to Nelson to look at South Island growing and packing operations, plus a $500 education scholarship from PickMee and a wheelbarrow full of orcharding equipment supplied by Fruitfed supplies, the win qualifies Jonathon to compete for the highly-prized national Young Grower title in August.

“This is the third time I have entered the competition, coming second in 2008 and third last year. The competition is always very tough and it’s a real honour and achievement to be the Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower of the Year 2010. I’ve worked hard to get where I am and I’m really looking forward to competing for the national Grower title later in the year.”

Second place went to Jamie Kershaw from Johnny Appleseed and Michael Copp from B & R Kilmister Orchards finished in third. Both these entrants were first time competitors.

The competition involved several elements, all testing essential skills a successful grower needs to run a business, including; driving a tractor, assembling an irrigation system, grading fruit, identifying plants and diseases and even writing an application for resource consent.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Lesley Wilson, the event manager, says the competition gives young horticulturists an opportunity to showcase their skills outside of the work environment.

“It gives recognition to the wide range of skills growers need to learn to be the best in their field. These competitions help celebrate excellence in an informal way and makes for a really interesting and fun occasion.”

The event was held in Hastings, on June 3 at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Showground’s as part of the ICE Expo (the national trade expo for the horticulture industry) and is the sixth Young Fruit Grower of the Year event since the first competition held in 2005.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.