Katikati plays host to orchard tours
An innovative tourism business located in Katikati, is breaking new ground by offering tours of a working avocado orchard.
Chris Clement, 29, from Apata Group beat off tough competition from five other entrants to be crowned Bay of Plenty's Young Fruit Grower for 2016.
The day-long competition at Mills Reef Winery saw competitors battle it out in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test the skills needed to run a successful export-focused business.
Clement dominated the challenges, receiving top marks for five of the 11 tests, including sugar testing and biosecurity.
Clement was awarded a cash prize of $1500 and an all-expenses paid trip to compete for the national 2016 Young Grower of the Year title in July.
"It was a tough battle against some of the region's most capable young growers," says Clement. "I'm looking forward to competing at the national final and will be stepping up my preparation over the next few weeks."
Runner-up went to Aaron Hokopaura (25) from Aongatete. Erin Atkinson (29), also from Apata Group, was awarded second runner-up.
"This competition develops skills and fosters leadership. Today's competitors are a great example of young people who are passionate about the industry's future and their role in it," says Mike Chapman, chief executive of Horticulture NZ.
"The future growth of our industry is dependent on our ability to attract young growers like Chris who are highly skilled and enthusiastic. We wish him all the best as he prepares to compete in the national competition next month."
This year's Bay of Plenty competition received a huge amount of support from the local horticulture industry through sponsorship and other contributions. "It was fantastic to see so many local industries and organisations recognise the benefits of the competition for the industry by supporting our future leaders," says Doug Brown, chairman of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers (NZKGI).
Alongside the competition, NZKGI hosted the 'Cultivate Your Career' expo event, which was attended by more than 200 Bay of Plenty and Waikato students in years 11, 12 and 13. Interactive presentations exposed students to the diverse career opportunities and intriguing topics horticulture can provide – from biosecurity to the latest science and technology, and the importance of social responsibility.
The Young Grower of the Year is an annual competition run by Horticulture New Zealand to select the finest young fruit or vegetable grower in the country. The winners from five regional events go forward to contest the final. The competition is part of Horticulture New Zealand's strategy to support the growth and development of New Zealand's future horticultural leaders.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.
OPINION: A mate of yours truly wants to know why the beef schedule differential is now more than 45-50 cents…
OPINION: Your canine crusader understands that MPI were recently in front of the Parliamentary Primary Sector Select Committee for an…