HortNZ supports new water storage plan
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.
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.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
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