Monday, 09 July 2018 12:34

Dillon Peterson named Nelson Young Fruit Grower 2018

Written by 
Dillon Peterson. Dillon Peterson.

Dillon Peterson has been named Nelson Young Fruit Grower 2018.

Dillon, of Hoddys Fruit Co, was named at an event in Richmond on Friday night following a day-long competition where contestants demonstrated their knowledge and skills in a series of practical and theoretical challenges key to running a successful orchard business.

Dillon, 22, was the youngest participant in this year's competition,.

In the five years he has been at Hoddys he has been closely involved in harvest, where he drives a tractor in a picking crew, and does plenty of pruning, planting and irrigation checking. Dillon never intended to stay in horticulture, but a seasonal job has turned into a career that he thoroughly enjoys.

"It was definitely daunting, but a great experience," says Dillon. "I'm looking forward to nationals, and am hopeful about bringing the title to Nelson."

Jordon Mister, of Tyrella Orchards, was the first runner up. Vanita WiJohn from Birdhurst Orchards came in third.

Dillon's prize includes a professional development tour to Hawke's Bay to learn about their horticulture industry, a trip to the Horticulture Conference in Christchurch later this month, a cash prize of $1,500, and an all-expenses paid trip to compete for the national 2018 Young Grower of the Year title in Napier this August.

More like this

Horticulture hit badly in Nelson/Tasman

HortNZ's CEO, Kate Scott says they are starting to see the substantial cumulative effects on their members of the two disastrous flood events in the Nelson Tasman region.

Featured

'One more push' to eliminate FE

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.

Winston Peters questions Fonterra divestment plan

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Quid prod quo?

OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…

Deadwood

OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter