Canterbury young plant producer named the best in NZ!
Lydia O’Dowd of Southern Woods nursery in Rolleston was named the 2023 Young Plant Producer last week at an awards dinner in Christchurch.
The award, presented recently at a dinner in Christchurch, was reward for England’s dedication and innovation in the plant production industry.
The Young Plant Producer event tested competitors on the skills needed to run a successful plant production. It is organised by NZ Plant Producers (NZPPI), hosted by IPPS (International Plant Propagators’ Society) and supported by the Horticentre Charitable Trust.
The four finalists undertook two days of challenges at Lincoln University, where they were tested on their skills in finance and dispatch, biosecurity, plant propagation and identification, tool maintenance, agrichemical use and irrigation.
The judges looked for individuals who could make a difference in the industry, going beyond great skills to also include leadership, attitude and personality.
England is sales coordinator at Elliott’s Wholesale Nursery. Along with her trophy, she has won a 12-month programme of mentorship support plus a $3000 fund to advance her career in plant production. She will also take part in the Young Horticulturalist of the Year award in November where she will compete against finalists from the entire horticulture sector, vying for a prize pool worth more than $20,000.
England moved to Christchurch from Taranaki four years ago to study horticulture at Lincoln University then joined the team at Elliot’s in a role she loves as it “offers with both incredible plants and fantastic people”.
“My time in horticulture so far has been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive industry. I saw the young plant producer competition as an opportunity to challenge myself to develop new skills and knowledge, as well as a great chance to meet other inspired people who are committed to the industry.”
The Young Plant Producer 2024 runners up were:
- Ellen Ballantine, Team Lead R&D Operations of vegetable breeding company, Enza Zaden in Puni, Auckland
- Johannes Andresen, despatch manager and sales at Tharfield Nursery in Katikati
- Jessica Jack, nursery production worker at Kerikeri Plant Production in Kerikeri.
