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Hastings young fruit grower wins regional competition

Andrew Kearney has won the Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower 2015 competition, defeating eight other contenders from around the region. Andrew, 26, who works at T&G Pipfruit as Senior Leading Hand, has won the Horticentre $1,000 cash prize, a T&G Pipfruit NZ sponsored prize package trip to Nelson, including accommodation and airfares, PickMee Education Prize and Fruitfed Supplies wheelbarrow of merchandise. As a Young Grower of the Year finalist, he also wins a one-day media and presentation course in Auckland and an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2015 National Young Grower of the Year title, run by Horticulture New Zealand, in August. “The competition was a real test of the experience I have gained throughout my career so far. The other guys put up some real stiff competition and really knew what they were doing so I had to be on the front foot during every challenge,” said Andrew. Nine young fruit growers battled it out over a two day event. On Friday 5 June contestants went head-to-head in a series of theoretical and practical challenges at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society Showground in Hastings, which tested the skills required to run a successful fruit growing business. On Saturday 6 June they were challenged to give a speech on a unique, fruit-growing related, current affairs topic in front of an audience of 190 guests at the Awards Evening at the Mission Estate Winery. “It’s a really great feeling to have taken the top prize today against a bunch of really talented guys,” said Andrew. “These competitions are a brilliant opportunity for any young grower in New Zealand to both test their skills and prove their capabilities to the industry. I would definitely recommend it to anyone serious about progressing their career in fruit growing.” “We […]

Vitafoods Asia 2015: Asia’s Definitive Nutraceutical Event

Fifth Edition to be Held from 2 – 3 September 2015 in Hong Kong Singapore – The fifth edition of Vitafoods Asia, the only event dedicated to the nutraceutical, functional food and beverages, and dietary supplement industries in Asia, returns to Hong Kong from 2 – 3 September 2015 at the AsiaWorld-Expo. Pre-registration is now open at www.vitafoodsasia.com/register, and entrance is free for industry professionals. The global nutraceutical market has to-date enjoyed steady growth for more than a decade, and factors widely recognised as drivers include an increasing consumer interest and awareness in diet-disease relationships, rising healthcare costs, and a growing ageing population. According to Euromonitor International, the retail value of fortified (or functional) food and beverages across Asia Pacific is expected to grow by 50.0% from 2014 – 2019, amounting to US$153.7 billion by the end of that period. Within the region, the top five performing markets are China, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, and Hong Kong respectively, with China accounting for nearly 60% of the territory’s total sales.VFA PIC Catering to the varied needs of manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, scientists, R&D personnel, and marketing professionals, Vitafoods Asia features over 170 international exhibiting companies, who will present their latest ingredients and raw materials to upwards of 3,000 visitors from across Asia. Mr Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Vitafoods Events, said, “Building upon the success of our last event, the team is working to enhance some of the best-loved visitor attractions of the show, as well as introduce fresh elements that will improve the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. Ultimately, we aim to create a platform that promotes knowledge-sharing and networking, both of which facilitate business deals for the industry.” A Showcase of the Finest & Hottest Innovations Since its inception, Vitafoods Asia has been lauded by industry experts as a professional […]

Young fruit grower from Cromwell wins first Central Otago Young Fruit Grower of the Year competition

A young fruit grower from Cromwell has secured first place at the inaugural Central Otago Young Fruit Grower of the Year 2015 competition on Wednesday 27 May. James Huffadine, who works as a site manager for Parkburn Management, battled it out against five other young fruit growers from Cromwell, Roxburgh and Alexandra for the title. “Competing against five other growers, who are at the top of their game, was tough. The tests were challenging and diverse and really put our skills to the test,” says James. James (23) won a $1,500 cash prize, and as a Young Grower of the Year finalist, he has also won a one-day media and presentation course, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2015 Young Grower of the Year title in August. “It’s been a real privilege to win the first Central Otago Young Fruit Grower competition and I’m looking forward to stepping up to compete with the other finalists in the national competition in August,” says James. The competition put contestants through a range of challenges designed to test their core skills of running a fruit growing business. These included identifying biosecurity pests and diseases, tractor skills and irrigation. Grant McKay, competition co-ordinator, said the competition was a great opportunity for young growers in the Central Otago region to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of the industry. “We’re excited to bring the competition to the region and to showcase and help foster the talent we have here. I’m impressed with the contestants and the energy and time they’ve put in preparing for the competition. All of them should be proud of their performances today,” said Mr McKay. Jack Gilchrist from Willowbrook in Roxburgh took second place and won $1,000 cash, and Jonathan Bates from CAJ Van der […]

Young fruit growers to battle for regional title

Nine top young fruit growers will vie for the title of best grower in the region at this year’s Hawke’s Bay Young Fruit Grower competition. Competitors will be put to the test in a rigorous two day event on 5-6 June at Hawke’s Bay A&P Showgrounds in Hastings, which involves theoretical and practical activities, a speech and quiz. The winner will go head-to-head with four other contestants for the acclaimed Young Grower of the Year 2015 title at the national competition, run by Horticulture New Zealand, in Christchurch on 12-13 August. “This year we have an outstanding field of contestants. As with every year, the competition will be tough here in the Hawke’s Bay. But this is our chance to show the rest of the country that we have some of the best young fruit growers in New Zealand,” says Robyn Stallard, co-ordinator of the competition. “It gets tougher each year for the competitors because the standard is so high. But we have taken out the national prize before and this year we are optimistic about reclaiming our title,” she said. The competition puts contestants through a range of key tests with various challenges from finance and marketing exercises, designed around the fundamental skills needed to running a successful fruit-growing business. The nine competitors come from around the Hawke’s Bay region: • Andrew Kearney (26), Senior Leading Hand at T&G Pipfruit • Anthony Taueki (25), Horticulturalist at Mr Apple • Balwinder Singh (28), Senior Leading Hand at T&G Pipfruit • Dale Simpson (21), General orchard maintenance at Johnny Appleseed Group of Companies • Dillon Green (24), Assistant Manager at T&G Pipfruit • Hayden Dyer (21), Export Dispatch Officer at Mr Apple • Jordan James (24), Orchard Hand at Mr Apple • Lewis Houkamau (29), Orchard Manager at Freshmay Orchards • […]

Scanning and tracking stock is key for Gypsy Day moves

The key risk for farmers during this year’s June 1st Gypsy Day is ensuring that stock are accurately identified and tracked, says Michael Lee, Principal with Crowe Horwath in Invercargill. One of the biggest days in the dairying calendar, Gypsy Day marks the start of the new season when farms are bought and sold, stock is transferred to new owners and new sharemilking contracts are signed. This year it will again fall on a Monday public holiday. “Stock is the second-biggest investment for farmers after the farm itself,” said Mr Lee. “Farmers need to keep meticulous records of stock movements in order to make sure there is no confusion over ownership.” Mr Lee said technology developments meant there were now a number of stock-tracking options available, utilising EID tag systems. Farmers using Protrac provided through LIC – the dairy farmer-owned services co-operative – could access the software’s herd recording and herd management functions and identify stock easily by running them through the milking race, he said. Alternatively, farmers could invest in a scanning wand or hire one together with an expert, to monitor and confirm the identity of the stock, he said. “LIC also has a new stock management app in development, which will download scanned in numbers onto your phone,” said Mr Lee. Another major risk factor for farmers to consider was that a new farm would be likely to need new employment contracts for sharemilkers and other staff. “All employees must have a signed employee agreement before they start, otherwise the 90 day trial period is null and void,” he said. “The 90 day agreement can only be used for new employees. And every agreement should ideally be tailored to each worker and capture issues such as accommodation and other allowances.” In addition, in the light of increased […]

Field Days fencing competition fun

For those of you attending the 44th NZ national agricultural Field Days at Hamilton this June (10-13), don’t forget to have some fun while there. Fairbrother Industries, the name behind Kinghitter and Hooper Cultivation, will run two speed-fencing competitions to test your rural handiwork. Its now famous 3 Batten Race and Farmers Challenge will be open to all from Wednesday morning right through to Friday afternoon at the Fairbrother exhibitions sites M61/63/65, offering a prize pool of $500 in each competition. The 3 Batten Race involves stapling 3 wooden battens on to a pre-built nine wire fence in the shortest possible time using a hand held hammer of your choice. The Farmers Challenge can test you for how fast (and how well, of course) you can strain a wire between two posts. And, if you want to see how complete novices work, on Thursday at 2.30pm our Bachelor event tests white collar workers from various workplaces to hang a gate and apply a tie finishing knot around the post.

Berries from China refuels Country of Origin labelling debate

By Stephanie Melbourne New phone scanning technologies could add a new angle to Country of Origin labelling, which traditionally in New Zealand has been a voluntary practice for the food industry to use as a marketing tool, even though it is required in Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia. A recent labelling issue in Australia regarding frozen berries imported from China has further fuelled the ongoing debate surrounding Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) highlighting its relevancy and the value of knowing exactly where the food we eat comes from. The Australian CoOL standard which commenced in 2006 requires mandatory country of origin labelling on all packaged foods, fish, pork and fresh whole or cut fruit and vegetables. They also have guidelines for the use of the terms “Product of Australia” and “Made in Australia”. Since then, there has been a raft of public reviews, and legislative and regulatory attempts to clarify the laws relating to CoOL in Australia. Last month a brand of frozen mixed berries imported from Chile and China was recalled by the Food Standards Authority of Australia and New Zealand after links were found to a Hepatitis A outbreak in Australia. In this case, the packaging contained the words “Packaged in Australia” in large print and “Made from local and imported ingredients”, although the large majority of the berries were imported. This has prompted calls from the Australian government to take yet another look at its CoOL requirements under the Food Standards Codes. Typically, product labels contain statements like “made in” and “product of”. But what does “Made in [country] from mostly local ingredients” mean? Does more than 50% of the product need to be from the specified country of origin? It is these statements which generate the most confusion amongst shoppers. Here in New Zealand […]

Practical solutions for sustainable agriculture

2015 is the UN designated International Year of Soils, and soil management will be a key feature of a series of one day workshops for farmers and horticulturists interested in finding ways of increasing sustainability on their farms. The free events, kick-off in Ashburton and Timaru next week, then move north to Palmerston North and Pukekohe in early June. They are being run by the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) and the Future Farming Centre (FFC), and are aimed at all growers of arable and horticultural crops. FAR CEO Nick Pyke says it is clear that agriculture is entering a period of major change and that the workshops will help growers identify practical ways of introducing sustainable techniques and technologies onto conventionally farmed properties. “The 20th century focus on yield and productivity gains remains, but we must now find ways of achieving those gains, and feeding the growing world, without compromising environmental factors such as biodiversity, fresh water and soil.” Charles Merfield of the Future Farming Centre, who will deliver the workshops, agrees that for a number of reasons, sustainable farming practices are now moving into mainstream agricultural production. “Some of the tools that have been the mainstay of 20th century farming, such as pesticides and mineral fertilisers are facing growing challenges from the development of resistance and restrictions on use. The on-going focus and development of legislation around water and nutrient use is also impacting on all farmers. Farming harder is not going to address this situation, what is required is smarter farming that will sustain farming livelihoods as well as the environment and food production. These workshops will provide information on sustainable soil, pest and disease, and weed management, and introduce some practical solutions.” There is no charge for attendance at these workshops, however, registration is required in […]

Consultant of the Year projects taking shape

The hunt is on again for New Zealand’s top dairy, sheep and beef agricultural consultants and emerging rural professional with nominations for the Farmax Consultant of the Year Awards now officially open. This year’s award winners will be announced at the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management’s (NZIPIM) annual conference in on 3 August in Ashburton. The awards comprise three major categories: the Dairy NZ Dairy Consultant of the Year, the Beef + Lamb NZ Sheep and Beef Consultant of the Year, and the NZIPIM Emerging Rural Professional of the Year. Farmax general manager Gavin McEwen said the Farmax awards, now in their third year, recognise the expertise and value agricultural consultants and rural professionals provide to the New Zealand pastoral farming industry. “Agricultural consultants and rural professionals not only promote excellence in pastoral farming in New Zealand, but through their advice and skills contribute directly to many new Zealand farmer’s bottom-line.” The $20,000 award prize pool for the top three categories includes a paid overseas study trip, funds for professional development and funds to take paid hours off work to complete a project or initiative that will be of benefit to the pastoral farming industry. Last year’s winners were Wairarapa consultant Chris Lewis, Canterbury consultant Wayne Allan and Hawke’s Bay’s Abron consultant Hannah Best. Allan, who has his own consulting company, won the Sheep and Beef Consultant of the Year and is part way through his project that looks at understanding seasonal returns from sheep and deer, and feeding on those margins to increase overall profitability. He says winning the Farmax award has been great for his profile and that he plans to attend the International Farm Management Association Congress in Quebec, Canada in July. 2014 Dairy Consultant of the Year Chris Lewis has completed his research, having […]

Field Days fencing competition fun

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