Erin Atkinson crowned Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year
The day-long competition last Saturday, the 11th of February at Te Puke Showgrounds, followed by the gala dinner, saw six competitors battle it out in a series of practical and theoretical challenges designed to test the skills needed to run a successful export-focused business.
Erin dominated the challenges which included the activity judged by the following industry stakeholders:
· Orchard profitability quiz (Mayston Partners Ltd)
· Seedling planting challenge (New Zealand Avocado)
· Orchard tractor proficiency test (Capital Tractors)
· Crop protection: Health & safety, knowledge of industry standards and agrichemical use (Farmlands)
· Biosecurity test (Kiwifruit Vine Health)
· Calibrate a knapsack sprayer test (Horticentre)
· Land based vehicle and technology challenge (Pacific Coast Technical Institute)
These examinations were then followed by a contestant speech competition and quiz at the gala dinner.
Erin was awarded a cash prize of $1,500 and an all-expenses paid trip to compete for the national 2017 Young Grower of the Year title in August. “It was a tough battle against some of the Bay of Plenty and Northland’s most capable young growers,” said Erin. “I’m looking forward to competing at the national final and will be stepping up my preparation over the next few weeks.”
source: scoop.co.nz
