Nitschke named the 2024 Arable Farmer of the Year

Nitschke, who grows up to 200ha of maize grain, and 100ha each of wheat and barley, achieves consistently high crop yields and willingly shares his agronomic experience with other growers, according to the judges.

The Manawatu farmer was also presented with the Maize Farmer of the Year Award as the industry celebrated its achievers and innovators at the Arable Industry Awards in Christchurch last night.

Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett said he was hugely impressed by the calibre and commitment of this year’s winners of awards in seven categories.

"Arable is a sector that tends to fly under the radar a bit in New Zealand, but it punches above its weight.

"Our growers are pivotal to domestic food staples, seed export markets and supplying the grass seed and animal grain that the bigger dairy, meat and wool sectors rely on.

"In what’s been a tough season, the resilience and innovation of our growers has shone through," Birkett says.

The awards judging panel said Nitschke’s yields are "extremely high by industry standards" thanks to careful cultivar selection, effective management of soil fertility and optimised use of resources.

His Arable Solutions business has invested in state-of-the-art grain-drying facilities and offers a package of contracting services.

Nitschke’s industry and community credentials include involvement in the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) Arable Research Group and the Growers Leading Change programme.

"He can be described as an ‘all-rounder’ and a very worthy winner of the Arable Farmer of the Year Award," judges said.