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GRAEME HODGES has won the 10th Hawke's Bay Young Fruit Grower 2014 competition, defeating eight other contenders from around the region.
Hodges, 29, works at Rutherglen Orchard as an orchard manager. Based in Havelock North, he won $1000 cash, a grant of $500 donated by Pickmee Education Scholarship for further training and development, a trip to Nelson provided by Turners and Growers and a wheel barrow full of horticultural supplies from Fruitfed Supplies in Hastings.
"I found myself applying all my experience throughout the competition. It was full on - the other guys really knew what they were doing and that meant I had to put my best foot forward at every stage," says Hodges.
Nine young fruit growers battled it out on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June at the Hawke's Bay A&P Society Showground in Hastings, undertaking a range of theoretical and practical challenges that tested skills required to run a successful fruit growing business.
As a Young Grower of the Year finalist, Hodges also won a one-day media and presentation course in Auckland and an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2014 Young Grower of the Year title in August.
"It's such a great feeling to walk away with the top prize, and I'm looking forward to competing at a national level in August. These competitions are an outstanding opportunity for any young grower in New Zealand. I'd recommend it to anyone who is serious about getting ahead in the industry and encourage employers to push suitable candidates into the competition." says Hodges.
"We are incredibly pleased with the results this year. All the young fruit growers did a great job and everyone was watching them eagerly as they progressed through the challenges," says Robyn Stallard, co-ordinator of the competition.
"After a close competition with eight competitors, I'm confident Graeme will give young growers from the rest of the country a real run for their money at the national competition."
Jamie Kershaw (29) from Mr Apple New Zealand's Close Orchard in Mangateretere was placed second, and Lewis Houkamau (29) from Crasborn Group in Flaxmere took third place.
Images from the Hawke's Bay Young Fruit Grower 2014 competition are available on request.
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