Water allocation, usage tops hort sector concerns
Water allocation and storage has been a hot topic of discussion during HortNZ’s grower meetings held recently around the country.
The first finalist for the national Young Grower of the Year competition has been crowned.
Sarah Dobson, a 25-year-old environment and sustainability technician at A.S. Wilcox, has won the 2022 Pukekohe Young Grower competition and will represent the region at the national competition in September.
The Pukekohe competition tested the contestant’s vegetable and fruit growing knowledge as well as the skills needed to be a successful grower. Contestants completed modules in marketing, compliance, pests and disease identification, safe tractor driving, health and safety, soil and fertilisers, irrigation and quality control.
Dobson says she was rapt with the win.
“I wasn’t expecting to win as it was such a tight competition; all the other competitors were really strong,” she says.
“I really want to say a huge thanks to the team at A.S. Wilcox. I was quite nervous before the competition, but I did lots of preparation with help from my colleagues. Everyone there has been so supportive in helping me prepare.
“I’ve learnt so much through the competition. I even learnt how to back a tractor-trailer last week which came in handy today! I would encourage anyone thinking of entering to do it, it’s been a great experience.”
Dobson says she’s looking forward to the national competition which takes place in Nelson on 21-22 September.
She’ll compete against six other regional finalists for their share of $30,000 worth of prizes.
HortNZ president Barry O’Neil says the competition is a cornerstone event that brings the Pukekohe growing community even in trying times.
“It has been incredibly tough for Pukekohe and Auckland growers,” says O’Neil.
“The various lockdowns and weather events have been unprecedented. Many growers’ businesses are under pressure, so it has been fantastic to be able to get a record turnout at the awards dinner this year and bring everyone together. The turnout shows that Pukekohe growers share a commitment to supporting the next generation of growers, and the future of the industry.”
“Our industry is looking to the future in these very challenging times. Young people will play a key role in our future with our industry’s development and sustainability. To be fit for the future, we must nurture and celebrate this talent, through events like the Young Grower of the Year. Thank you to South Pacific Seeds and Horticentre and all of our event sponsors for your support,” he says.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.