Chris Adams in his paddock of award-winning fodder at Hindon. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
When it comes to the secret to growing a prize-winning crop, farming newcomer Chris Adams reckons it is all about listening.
Mr Adams was the winner of an inaugural winter crop-growing competition, organised by the Taieri Lions and Taieri Rotary Clubs, with his fodder beet crop.
He had always wanted to be a farmer and so he sold his plumbing business and bought a 220ha property at Hindon.
He listened to those who had knowledge, asked questions and took heed of what he was told. A ''bit of Mother Nature'' also helped, he said.
A charity auction held in conjunction with the competition's prizegiving - a fund-raiser for the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and the Otago Community Hospice - raised $63,000.
Mr Adams said the competition was well run and the auction and prizegiving was a ''fun night''. He also enjoyed a recent field day which visited the winning crops to learn more.
About 120 properties, comprising a mix of dairy and sheep and beef, entered brassica crops in the competition.
Competition committee member Ad Bekkers said there was very good support for the event and it was hoped to hold it again next year.
