Kilter AX-1: First Autonomous Weeding Robot Lands in NZ
Claimed to be the first autonomous robot for New Zealand vegetables growers, the first Kilter AX-1 unit has arrived in the country.
The 29-year-old competed against six other regional winners in a series of challenges held on 27 and 28 August, with practical day events hosted at 45 South Cherries in Cromwell.
Amber Davy, the Canterbury regional champion and a quality and field manager for seed potato supplier Eurogrow, placed runner-up and also won the Innovation Award. Third place went to Amelia Marsden, the Nelson regional champion and nursery manager at Thomas Brothers Orchard in Riwaka, who also won the Leadership Award.
Finalists Tested Across Practical and Theoretical Modules
The seven finalists took part in a series of practical and theoretical horticulture modules, testing the vegetable- and fruit-growing knowledge and skills required of successful growers. Finalists also participated in a leadership panel and delivered speeches at the sold-out gala dinner in Cromwell on 28 August.
Winners were announced at the annual awards gala dinner, held at Te Puna Mahara — the Cromwell Memorial Events Centre — on Friday 28 August.
Blair's Path Into Horticulture
Blair grew up on a dairy farm in the UK before completing a degree in agricultural crop science.
He worked as an agronomist in the UK for two years, then in Australia, before moving to New Zealand and joining AS Wilcox as a technical crop supervisor for potatoes, where he developed an interest in horticulture.
Blair now provides technical support across four regions, from Pukunui in the Far North to Ohakune, and oversees the seed programme for the South Island.
"The Young Grower final was incredible," Blair says. "It was very tough competition, the calibre of the other contestants was unbelievable, but it was a lot of fun."
He thanked the organisers and sponsors of the competition, and said he had initially been unsure about entering the regional competition.
"Initially, I wasn't sure when it was suggested I enter the regional competition because it's putting yourself out there and it seemed a bit daunting but I'm very glad I did," he says. "I'd say to other young growers, 'just back yourself and have a crack at it'."
Blair also says the competition has connected him with people across the industry.
"It's been great to meet many like-minded young people from across the industry, talk to people working with different crops and make some good friends," he says.
Competition Open to Growers Up To Age 30
The Young Grower competition celebrates the success of young people in horticulture and encourages others to consider a career in the sector. Entry is open to both commercial fruit and vegetable growers across New Zealand's regions, up to the age of 30. Regional competitions are hosted and run independently by regional organisers, with Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) hosting the national final in a different part of the country each year.
HortNZ chair Bernadine Guilleux says the regional and national competitions play an important role in raising awareness of career and personal development opportunities across the horticulture sector.
"Once again, across all growing regions, we have seen dedicated organisers working so hard and highly skilled young growers undertaking a lot of preparation and giving their all to make the competitions such fantastic events and highlight the opportunities offered by careers in the sector," she says.
HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott says the Young Grower events showcase the range of roles across the sector, along with career progression opportunities and support for people to gain skills, qualifications and leadership experience.
"It was a fantastic final. Thank you to all the sponsors, organisers and competitors. The event really summed up for me that we have exceptional talent among our young industry members," Scott says.
Scott says he sector remains focused on implementing the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan (AHAP) and doubling the farmgate value of horticulture in New Zealand.
"This is a sector offering many opportunities and both on and off the job training to gain skills and qualifications that will be highly valued by employers countrywide," she says, adding that HortNZ welcomes enquiries from young people interested in the industry.
