A fifth-generation Roxburgh orchardist had the chance to display his skills at a national level this week.
Jack Gilchrist (22), assistant manager at Willowbrook Orchard, was placed third in the Young Grower of the Year contest final in Auckland.
He gained entry to the national event by winning the Central Otago Young Grower competition in May.
The contest is run by Horticulture New Zealand and the organisation's chief executive, Mike Chapman, said it was a very tight competition with just a few marks separating second and third.
He commended Mr Gilchrist for his "positive attitude''.
The Gilchrist family started orcharding in Roxburgh during the early 1900s and Mr Gilchrist works on his grandfather's property while managing and redeveloping a smaller orchard.
He has recently enrolled to study for a diploma in horticulture.
"It's been a rewarding competition to be part of. I've learnt a lot and it's been a privilege to compete alongside the best of New Zealand's young growers,'' Mr Gilchrist said.
Five finalists vied for top honours in the contest, completing a series of practical and theory challenges testing the skills needed to run a successful horticultural business.
They also took part in a leadership panel discussion, before delivering a speech in front of judges at the awards dinner.
Andrew Hutchinson of A. S. Wilcox & Sons in Pukekohe won the event and Chris Clement from Apata Group in the Bay of Plenty was second.
Mr Chapman said the aim of the competition was to foster excellence among young growers and future-proof the $5billion horticultural industry, which exported 60% of total production to about 124 countries.
"Many of our current horticultural farm and orchard owners will be retiring in the next 15 to 20 years, so we need good succession plans in place. It is heartening to see so many young talented horticulturalists thriving in our industry,'' he said.
All finalists received a one-day presentation and media training course and $1000.
