James Huffadine (above) and five other young growers from around the region were pitted against each other at the Otago Polytechnic's horticulture training facility near Cromwell yesterday.
Contestants were judged on their pruning and machinery skills, as well as a knowledge of pest and disease, first aid and fertilisers.
The young growers also had to give a speech on
fruitgrowing in the district in the year 2075. Mr Huffadine (23), of Parkburn Management, Cromwell, has been in the horticulture industry since he was 18 and thought the competition would be a good way to get more recognition in the industry and meet more industry people.
The $1500 prize money would be put towards the cost of his horticulture diploma, which he has almost completed.
He will now compete in the national Young Grower of the Year competition, to be held in Christchurch in August. Mr Huffadine said he enjoyed working outside and the variety in his job.
He is the site manager on several cherry blocks but eventually would like to have his own land and horticulture business.
Runner-up was Jack Gilchrist (21), of Roxburgh, and Jonathan Bates (22), of Earnscleugh, was third. Central Otago Farmlands horticulture field manager and contest organiser Grant McKay said the event was designed to encourage young people to build knowledge and capability and demonstrate their skills to the industry.
