Weather wreaks havoc with bottom lines
Weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle that hit over one year ago have landed two of the country's biggest fruit and vegetable traders with massive trading losses.
Regan Judd, a 26-year-old orchard sector manager at T&G Global, has taken out the title of 2022 Young Horticulturist of the Year.
The competition brings together finalists from all corners of the horticulture sector to vie for the grand title in a series of tasks designed to test their practical and theoretical skills, leadership qualities and more.
Judd says he is ‘stoked’ to have won the grand title, especially given the calibre of finalists and the efforts that went into preparing for the event.
“One of the biggest benefits for me has been the connections I’ve made and the people I’ve met through this journey,” he says.
He says he plans to use his prize money to travel to Europe and gain insight into the overseas apples and pears market.
“I know how we grow apples in New Zealand, but I’m keen to observe the European techniques.”
Judd says he encourages other young people to enter the competition.
"It’s opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in our sector and has helped me gain the confidence in myself to take further leaps," he says. “For those looking to join our sector, there’s a wealth of opportunities for those willing to give it a nudge.”
Horticulture New Zealand engagement and extension manager, Kate Longman says she congratulates Judd on his success, adding that such competitions highlight the opportunities for young people in the sector.
"Horticulture is a vibrant sector with a lot to offer the younger generation,” she says. "Varied roles and career opportunities, self-development, upskilling and the opportunity to be part of a growing sector that’s feeding the world with oranga kai - fresh, healthy food."
Young Horticulturist chairperson Hamish Gates says the competition offers an opportunity for emerging leaders to challenge themselves and refine their skills.
"The confidence finalists gain within our event sets them up to take on bigger challenges in their daily lives," he says. "We strive for one thing - to seed the future now."
This year marks the 17th year the competition has been held and is supported by a range of sponsors, including Hort News.
The event brings together seven competing Young Horticulturist Competition sectors: Young Grower of the Year (Horticulture New Zealand Fruit & Vegetable Sectors); Young Amenity Horticulturist (New Zealand Recreation Association); Young Achiever (New Zealand Plant Producers incorporated); Young Florist/Flower Grower (FLONZI Florists and Flower Growers NZ Incorporated); Young Landscaper of the Year (Registered Master Landscapers New Zealand); and Young Viticulturist of the Year (NZ Winegrowers).
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.
Making things simpler, not harder, for deer farmers in farm planning and coping with regulations is Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) industry capability manager John Ladley’s current focus.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is launching an online business directory called The Country Women’s Collective to promote and support entrepreneurial rural women.
New Zealand actor Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
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