NZ growers lead freshwater compliance
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that commercial fruit and vegetable growers are getting ahead of freshwater farm plan regulations through its Growing Change project.
Matt Gomm has been named as the first ever Gisborne Young Fruit Grower of the Year.
Gomm, an orchard leader at the Burnside Trust, competed against some of Gisborne’s best young horticulturalists at Kaiaponi Farms yesterday before being presented with his title at a gala awards dinner last night.
Krista Manuel from Kaiaponi Farms came in second, while third place went to Emily Samuel of Thompsons Horticulture.
The competition saw contestants face a series of challenges designed to test their knowledge and skills around topics vital to the management of a successful orchard, including fencing, biosecurity, and tractor safety. They also delivered a speech to a crowd of 110 people at the White House, including Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon, on the importance of innovation and technology in fruit growing.
Matt, 23, got his start in horticulture five years ago, when he began as an orchard hand with Bostock NZ.
"I’m still a bit shocked I won, to be honest," says Matt. "The variety of challenges was really interesting, and we all got stuck in and gave it our best.
"The whole competition was great, and I can’t wait to give nationals a go."
Matt’s prize includes a professional development tour to Hawke's Bay to learn about horticulture, 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.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
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