A mid-Canterbury man may have taken top honours at the recent Young Vegetable Grower of the Year competition in Christchurch, but two Auckland growers were also amongst the pick of the bunch. Brett Parker, from Hinemoa Quality Producers in Pukekawa was named runner-up, and Pukekohe farmer, Aneil Hari, secured the Best Speech award.
During the day-long event, finalists were involved a series of challenges, including tractor driving, quad bike safety, fencing, identifying plants and diseases, and managing employment relations.
A first-time entrant, Brett became interested in the competition after attending local young grower meetings in Pukekohe. He said he was “pretty stoked” with the result.
“I enjoyed the experience, especially meeting the other contestants and forming some good friendships. The competition is an excellent tool to encourage young people to develop a career in the horticulture industry, it shows there are many different aspects and a university degree is not always necessary.”
The winner of the event, Andrew Scott from Hewson Farms in mid-Canterbury, will go on to compete for the title of Young Grower of the Year, during the annual Horticulture New Zealand Conference in Auckland on July 23-24.
Brett said Andrew will be a fitting ambassador for vegetable growers.
“He’s a confident, smooth operator; I wish him all the best for the Young Grower Competition later this year.”
Young Grower of the Year manager, Michelle de Jong, said it was great to see three contestants (Brett, Aneil and Ravinder Dass from Tiny Toms Ltd) from the Auckland region amongst the finalists, a first for the competition.
“Brett Parker’s second place was outstanding, especially for a late entry, and Aneil Hari absolutely shone in the speech as did Ravi who had leant his off by heart,” she said.
Click here for more information regarding competition winner, Andrew Scott.
