Three red meat producers and a wine business will be up against each other for the finals of the Lincoln University Foundation 2016 South Island Farmer of the Year.
The four finalists are:
· James Dicey, a viticulturist and owner of Grape Vision Ltd based in Bannockburn, Central Otago.
· Lauren and Geoff Shaw, sheep and beef farmers in Central Otago, near Ranfurly.
· Lyn and Neil Campbell, Campbell Farms, Middle Valley, near Fairlie in South Canterbury farming sheep, beef, bulls and deer, and arable crops.
· Simon Lee, manager Mendip Hills Station, Parnassus, North Canterbury, farming sheep, beef and deer.
Foundation chair Ben Todhunter says he’s looking forward to a great finals night on November 16.
“The finals dinner is always one of the highlights of this competition. It’s a chance to hear directly from the finalists about what makes their business succeed; their innovations and inventions, vital points of difference, and generally just what makes a farm business, good enough to make the finals of this prestigious competition, tick.
“This event is a key part of the Foundation’s work to encourage and develop excellence and leadership in New Zealand’s primary industries and I encourage all farmers to join us to support the finalists’ presentations, and learn from them.”
The finals and dinner will be held at Lincoln University Te Kete Ika – Food and Function Centre from 5.30pm on November 16. Bookings can be made at http://www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz