NapierPortHBPSA
CelebratingExcellencein Hawke’sBay’sPrimary Sector!
TheNapierPortHawke’sBayPrimarySectorAwardslitupToitoi Hawke’sBayArts&EventsCentrewithasold-outawardsdinner, honouringthebestandbrightestacrossourfoodandfibreindustries!
Nineoutstandingchampionswere recognisedfortheirinnovation, leadership,andcontributions, showcasingtheincredibletalentdrivingour regionforward.TheShepherdoftheYearwill beannouncedattheupcomingSilverFern FarmsHawke’sBayFarmeroftheYearField Daywhichwillbeheldlaterintheyear—stay tuned!
Hawke’sBayA&PSocietyVicePresident, IsabelleCrawshaw,shared:
“Theseawardsareahighlightoftheyear, bringingtogetherindustryleaders,growers, farmers,andprofessionalstocelebrate thecommitmentandpassionthatfuelsour region.Theprimarysectoristhebackboneof Hawke’sBay,andit’svitalwerecogniseand championthosemakingadifference.”
Ahugethankyoutoourincredible
ANZisproudtorecognisethefollowingwinners: PeteSwinburn&SuzanneHoyt–PanPacHawke’sBayFarmForesteroftheYear LiamSykes/NgaiTukairangi–HorticentreHawkesBayHorticulturistoftheYear GraceFulford–Craig’sInvestmentPartnersEmergingLeader PhoebeLaugesen–LawsonRobinsonHBScholarship
Ifyou’dliketofindouthowwecanhelpyousucceed withyouragribusinessgoals,contactMarcusBousfield 0274989425orWillieLyons0272850174
sponsorsandthededicatedNapierPort Hawke’sBayPrimarySectorAwards Committeeformakingthiscelebration possible!
TheHawke’sBayA&PSocietyisproudto continueitslegacyofconnectingtownand country—avisionthatremainsasstrongtoday asitwasover150yearsago.
OthereventsorganisedbytheHawke’sBay A&PSocietyincludetheFieldDaysforFarmer oftheYear,FarmForesteroftheYearand HorticulturalistoftheYear,theA&PShowin OctoberandtheprestigiousBayley’sHawke’s BayWineAwardsinNovember Congratulationstoallourwinners—your hardworkanddedicationinspireusall! FormoreinformationontheHawke’sBay A&PSocietycontacttheVicePresident, IsabelleCrawshaw.
TOSOUTHEASTASIA, INDIA,MIDDLEEAST, AFRICAANDEUROPE
SINGAPORE SHANGHAI
TONORTH, CENTRALAND SOUTHAMERICA
CELEBRATINGTHEBESTOF HAWKE’SBAY’SPRIMARYSECTOR
TheNapierPortHawke’sBayPrimarySectorAwardsareanopportunitytorecognisethededication, resilience,andinnovationthatdriveourregion’ssuccess.Asthenamingrightssponsor,we’reproud tostandalongsidetheA&PSocietyincelebratingthosewhoareshapingthefutureoftheindustry.
Congratulationstoallthewinnersandfinalistsonaspectacularnight!
Hawke’sBay’sprimarysectorisofftoastrongseason,withkeyexports–includingapples,squash, wine,meat,andtimber–reachingglobalmarkets.Whilewecontinuetofacilitatetrade,wearealso lookingahead–strengtheningregionalsupplychains,advancingsustainability,andadaptingtothe evolvingdemandsofglobalcommerce.
Ourlong-terminvestmentsinworld-classinfrastructure,supplychainefficiencies,andsustainable practicesaredesignedtokeepHawke’sBayproducerscompetitiveontheglobalstage.We’refocused onbothtodayandthefuture,ensuringourregion’sindustriescontinuetogrow,innovate,andthrivefor yearstocome.
NapierPort–yourgatewaytoglobalmarkets.
NAPIER
In2025SilverFernFarmshasproudly sponsoredtheHawke’sBayFarmer oftheYearforthe35thyear.Astrong fieldofcandidatesfromacrossthe regionrepresentsthetop-levelprimary producersthattheregionisknownfor, andin2025thewinnerswereSimon andLouWhiteofLudlowFarms. Farmingsheep,beefandarable across1015hectaresattheirfarm inCentralHawke’sBay,theWhites havedemonstratedexcellentfarming practiceandastrategicapproachto theirbusiness.NewZealandfarmers’ successwillbecontingentontheir
abilitytoprovethatourproduceisthe besttheworldhastoofferandthe Whites’approachhasbeenexemplary.
SilverFernFarmsisproudtobeapart oftheHawke’sBay,andwe’regoing tocontinueinvestingintheregionto ensurewecancontinueoursuccess goingforward.SilverFernFarmsis oneofthelargestemployersinthe region-inthelastyearwepaidover $106millioninwagesandsalariesto 1,300staffatourprocessingsiteshere. Wealsoworkwithover4500vendorslocalbusinessesandsuppliers-aspart ofoursupplychain.
We’realsoproudtopartnerwith around1,600localfarmers.Redmeat isanimportantpartoftheregion’s economy,andin2024wepaid$434 millioninlivestockpaymentsinthe region,plusanadditional$4.4millionin programmepremiums,whichflowsback throughlocaltownsandcommunities.
SilverFernFarmsiscommittedto championingtheverybestoffarmingon theworldstage,aligningtoourpurpose ofCreatingGoodnessFromTheFarms TheWorldNeeds.
Consumersexpecttobeabletoverify thecredentialsoftheproductsthey
buyandsotheassuranceofnotonly foodqualityandanimalwelfare,but theassuranceofsustainabilitytoo,is increasinglycreatingopportunitiesfor NewZealandproducers.
Wehavetheplatformtotellour farmerpartnersstoriesthroughour products,andawardslikeHawke’sBay FarmeroftheYearhelpustoshowcase that.
CongratulationsonceagaintoSimon andLouWhiteandtoallofthefinalists. Asalwaysit’simportantwecelebrate successinoursectorandchampion thosewhoareleadingtheway.
Diverse,resilient,andsustainable
SimonandLouWhiteofLudlowFarminŌtānearethisyear’s SilverFernFarmsHawke’sBayFarmeroftheyear.Ludlow Farmsisasuccessfulfamilybusinessthathascontinuedto growandthrivefromseedssownover150yearsago.
Thiswasthefirsttimethecouple haveenteredtheawards.They wereexcitedtolearnoftheirwin, butitwasalsoareliefafterthejudging process.“Whenpeoplecomeand judgeyouit’sgoodtoreflectonwhere you’reatanditwasgoodtoreflecton thejourneywe’vecomesofar.”
Justafewdaysbeforethecouple
receivedrecognitionatTheEastCoast BallanceFarmEnvironmentAwards astheRegionalSupremeWinnersfor 2025,showcasingtheirsustainable farmingpracticesandresilience.
SimonandLouhavebeenona journeyofsuccessionforseveralyears whichhasenabledthemtocontinuethe legacyofthegenerationsbeforethem.
Simonisthefifthgenerationofthe familyinmorethanacenturyfarmingin thedistrict,determinedlypreparingfor thenextandfuturegenerations.The currentfarmhasbeeninthefamily60 yearsandhasgrownfromtheoriginal smallparcelofland.
Thecouplehasthreechildren George,10,Millie11andOscar,8.Lou, MillieandGeorge,alongwiththeir horse,leftthecountrytwodaysafter theawardsceremonytotakepartina horseshowinSydney.
SimonattendedLincolnUniversity andcompletedaDiplomainFarm ManagementandLouwasraisedona sheepandbeeffarmintheWairarapa.
LouisareliefteacherforWaipawa PrimaryandCHBCollegewhichgives heracertainamountofflexibilitywhen she’sneededelsewhere.
Thejudgeswereparticularly impressedbytheircarefulattentionto detail,evendowntothe‘centimetre’, whichspeakstotheprecisionand commitmenttheybringtotheiragribusiness.
CycloneGabrielledealtadevastating blowtothecouplewholost300ha ofcropsjustabouttobeharvested. However,theyfacedthechallenges andmovedforward.Theywere fortunateenoughtoreceiveassistance fromtheRuralSupportTrustwhich
enabledthemtoengageaconsultant, whounderstoodwhattheyweretrying toachieve,tohelpthemgetbackon track.Duringthattimetheyalsohad closerelationshipswiththeirbank managerandaccountant“andthey continuedtohelpusachieveour growth.”
“Ourfarmingsystemisaboutsoil healthandunderstandingsoilbiology,” Simonsays.Theyarefutureproofing thefarmforfuturegenerations.
There’sadiverserangeofcrops grownsuchasprocessvegetables: beans,peas,sweetcorn allforMcCainsThen theygrowsquash, specialitysmall vegetable seed,radish, rocketand carrotseed.
Arable graincrops include wheat,barley, ryegrassand oats.Theywork toafive-yearcrop rotationsystem. Irrigationiskey
totheirsuccessandeliminatesa lotofrisk.“Wecangrowprocessed vegetablecrops,seedcropsand someofthecommoditycropswiththe certaintywe’regoingtogetacropfor thecustomer.”
In2021theWhiteswerefinalistsin theZimmaticTrailblazerSustainable IrrigationAwards.FortheWhites, sustainableirrigationmanagementis aboutfuture-proofingtheirbusiness foranothergenerationaltransition byinvestingtime,energyandcapital intomakingsuretheyhavethe mostefficientirrigationsystemsenvironmentally,economicallyand socially.
SimonandLouhaveinvestedin technologyandadvancedmachinery toirrigateinthemostsustainable wayandasatoolformakingthebest decisions.Thejudgessaid‘they’ve embracedprecisionagriculturesystems andsustainablewaterharvesting andstorage.Theirapproachto diversificationanddevelopingspeciality productshasbeenakeypartoftheir success,supportedbysolidmarket knowledgeandbusinessconnections.”
Thejudgesalsocommentedthat abigpartoftheirsuccesscomes
Bysignificantlygrowing ourtechnicalexpertise anddigitalsolutions, we’veincreasedour abilitytosupportyou, whereveryouare–whateverthechallenge.
fromtheirconstantdrivetoimprove.
“They’vecontinuedtoinvestin technology,likewaterstorage,and irrigation,andmorerecentlybuilt aseeddryingfacilitythatnotonly supportstheirownoperationbuthelps othergrowersintheareaaswell.”
“Soilhealthisthebonesofwhat wedo.Alotofthislandhasbeen intensivelycroppedforover40years now,andwearestillachievingreally goodyields.”
“Thereareanumberofaspects aroundthesystemsandpracticeswe useabovetheground.Forexample, notillagewhichcompletelyeliminates invertingyoursoilupsidedown.We leaveithowitisandjustdrillseedsin thetop.”
Helponthefarmconsistsofthree fulltimeguys,eachbringingadifferent skillset.TheyareDougMaulder,Dave EastonandAnthonyWard,although Anthonytendstospendmoretimewith thestock.
“CustomersinEuropecometoNew Zealandaswehavehighqualityseed, wehavethesoils,wehavethewater andprettymuchthecertaintywere goingtogetacrop.Waterallowsusto watertheseeds,getthemgerminating andthenwejustmanagefromthere.
Irrigationalsoallowsustoplantanother foragecropifwehaveacropcoming outinJan-March.”
SomeChallenges:
“Somepartsofthechallengesweare facedwitharewherewestandonthe regulationfront,someclarityoncarbon emitting,nutrientloads,farmingsystems applicabletosoiltypes.Andmostlythe sciencethat’sprovesthemitigatorsthat improvethesechallenges.Weneedthe claritysothatwecaninvesttimeand energyintothatspacetoimprove.”
“Marketvolatilityformainly commoditygoods.Thehighsandlows ofmarketproductsprovideachallenge. Ifwecanflattenthecurvesotheyare notsoharshandkeepsomestability.”
Someopportunities:
“Opportunitiesbecauseofthewater bringstrengthenedrelationshipsfor seed,crop,livestockcontracts.Thisis becauseofthecertaintyofdeliveringa croporproteinontimeandtotheright specification.”
“Diversifyingincomestreamsaway fromjustproducingproduct/protein fromtheland.Wehaveonfarmstay accommodation,contractdryingfor otherseedgrower’s,havevalueadd products‘Wheatflour,HumbleFlour”
and“HempfoodproductsKanapu Hempery.”
KPIs:
“Wehaveaverydetailedhistoryof financialdata,cropinput/outputdata, livestockrecordingdatathatenables ustokeeptrackofwhereweare,what needstochange.Withoutmonitoring weights,recordingharvestyieldmaps withwillhavenounderstandingofwhat landclassesarecreatingthevalueand why.Essentiallyaharvestyieldmap transitionsintoaprofitmap.”
Goalsforfuture:
Shortterm
•Goalsaretherecoveryfromcyclone Gabrielle’stremendousfinancialloss byreducingdebt.
•Havingourdryingunitutilisedby othergrowersintheregionand generatinganincomestream.
•Toseekinformationfromvarious farmingsystemstoincreaseour knowledgeandcontinuetohuntfor futureopportunities.
•Tobeabletobefinanciallysecureto sendourthreechildrentoboarding school.
Medium
•Increasewaterstoragefootprint alongwithfinalisingthelast
unirrigatedareas.
•Tofinishoursuccessionprogramme withsiblings.
Longterm
•Purchaseadditionalland.
•Haveasuccessionreadybusinessfor ourchildren’sgenerationandensure thiscanbeaseamlessprocessthat’s meetseveryone’sneeds-including ours.
•SimonandLouwouldliketothank theirteam,theirfamily,theirclose friendsandallthefarmingbusinesses theyrelyonfortheirservices.
Propertydetails
•Land1015ha,900effective
•Homeblock665ha
•Flatwith80haofrollinghill country
•Rainfallabout730mmannually
•Stock:450bulls,tradeupto 10,000lambsinthewinter.
•Wesupplyprocessorsofbull beefandprimelambmainlyfor overseasmarkets.Beefand Friesianbulls.Romneybased lambsaregrown.
Team effort for title
A huge thank you to his team was the first response of Ngāi Tukairangi No 2 Trust area manager Liam Sykes when receiving the 2025 Horticentre Group Horticulturalist of the Year Award.
“It’s a team effort,” he said, acknowledging some of the 25 full-time staff in the room It s nice to accept it, but really, there’s a saying ‘if you want to go fast, go on your own. If you want to go far, take your team with you. Thank you to my team, nothing happens without them.”
The Tauranga-based Trust has made an extraordinary impact on Hawke’s Bay’s horticulture sector in just a few years. Since entering the region in 2017 with the purchase of kiwifruit blocks, it expanded into apples in 2022, and Liam now manages 110 hectares of organic
gold kiwifruit and premium apple crops in Hawke’s Bay
The judges said the Trust’s approach to orchard development was “bold and innovative with large-scale investments in modern infrastructure including five metre concrete post structures and hail netting—showcasing their commitment to resilience and futureproofing. Their willingness to take risks and embrace new technologies sets them apart as industry leaders.”
Cyclone Gabrielle saw damage to kiwifruit blocks on Swamp Road, Korokipo Road and especially Moteo
PaRoad,whichlosteverythingon18of its22hectares.Therestorationeffort hasbeennothingshortofoutstanding— clearingandreplantingthousandsof seedlings,rebuildinghailandwind nettingstructures,andbringingtheland backtoproductivity.
Stageoneisdone.Stagetwois underway.
“Therebuildisdone.Nowwehave 20,000youngkiwifruitvinesinthe orchardthatareonlyoneyearold–it’sallnurserytrees–soit’sgoingto beamassivejobtobringthemupto production.
“TheclimateinHawke’sBayisso suitedtogrowingorganickiwifruit.We justwanttomakesurewe’redoing alrightbytheland.”
ThejudgesdescribedLiam’s expertiseinhorticulture,particularlyin
Thefoodandfibreindustryis fundamentaltoNewZealand.Over70 percentofexportreceiptscomefrom horticulture,agricultureandforestry. TheSchoolofPrimaryIndustries atEITeducatestheleadersof tomorrowintheprimarysectorto
applegrowing,asexceptional,noting hisknowledgespannedallaspectsof thebusiness.
There’sareasonforthat;Liamisa fourth-generationorchardistandhas beenworkinginhorticulturesincehe wasabout13whilestillastudentat HastingsBoys’HighSchool.Hewenton tocompleteaCertificateinHorticulture Level1throughtoAdvancedLevel4.
“Iamlearningeveryday.Wealllearn togethereverydayinhorticulture,”he says.
“I’msuper-immersedinit.It’snotajob forme;it’salifestyle.Attheendofthe day,I’dlovetoownmyownorchard. Let’sseeifanybankersarereading this,”hesays,laughing.
“HorticultureissomethingI’m incrediblypassionateabout,thanksto Dad(RobertSykes).Iamfortunateto
ensuretheindustryremainsworldclass.EIT’ssponsorshipinthePrimary SectorAwardsallowstheongoing collaborationbetweentheHorticulturist oftheYearawardwinnersandpeople workingintheindustry.
NewZealand’sfastchanging
havehadarolemodelsoenthusiastic abouttheindustry.Thisiswheremy passionhascomefromtofarmthe HeretaungaPlainssustainablyand efficiently.”
Applegrowingmakesupmostofhis experience,butLiamsayshe’salways wantedtobemulti-cropandisrelishing theopportunitytooverseekiwifruitas wellbymanagingthe60haorganic conversion.
Withastronggovernancestructure,a clearstrategicvision,andanexceptional managementteam,NgāiTukairangiNo. 2TrustandLiamSykesaredeserving recipientsofthisyear’sHawke’sBay HorticulturalistoftheYearAward.The Trust’sjourneyfromnewcomersin2017 toindustrytrailblazerstoday,nowwith Liamatthehelm,isatestamenttotheir vision,innovation,anddetermination.
Thisawardrecognisesan outstandingindividualwhohas madeasignificantcontribution tohorticulturethroughtheir innovation,resilienceand leadershipalongwiththeir commitmenttoeducation,the environmentandtheirsocial responsibility.Thisawardisopen toallfruitandvegetablegrowers includinglandowners,lesseesand managersbasedinHawke’sBay.
economydemandswelltrainedworkers aswellascreativeandcriticalthinkers. Theindustryexperiencedtutorsat EITgrowstudentstobeworkreadyand fosteraspiritoflifelonglearning. Studentsgaintransferable knowledgeandhandsonskillswhile makingindustryconnectionstofuture prooftheircareer.
EIT’sprioritiesaretoensure graduatescanbeofvaluetotheir employerandprovidefurthereducation tothosewantingtoadvancetheir careers.
TukitukiOrchard -NgaiTukairangiTrust
Wecelebrateourfarmforesters whoarevitaltooureconomicgrowth. Theirsustainableuseoftheland willensureabrightfutureforour communityandgenerationstocome.
Smartlandmanagement, peoplemanagementand long-termvisionwerebehind PeteSwinburnandSuzanne Hoytbeingnamedthe2025 PanPacHawke’sBayFarm ForestersoftheYear.
The1000-hectareTourere Station(750haeffective)isin theFlemingtondistrict,southof Waipukurau.Thefarmfinishestrade lambsandFriesianbulls,withnobreeding stock.
Theawardjudgesdescribedthefarm ashavingfourdistinctareas–cropping landintensivelymanagedwithtop-quality pasturesandfoddercrops,easyhill countrywherehigh-qualitypasturesthrive alongsideerosioncontroltrees,hardhill countrysuitableforpineforestry,and retirementlandsuitableforfencednative bush.
Petehimselfdescribesitas uncultivatablehillcountry,one-and two-yearpastures,older-than-three-year pasturesandaplantainblock.
Thereare186hectaresinproduction pineranginginagefromtwoto23years,
a16hablockpermanentlycovenanted undertheQEIINationalTrust,andabout 40haofcreeksandriparianareasslowly beingplantedinmixednatives.
“We’rejustfencingoffcreeksto improvewaterwaysbecauseit’stheright thingtodo.Ifwecanmakeitlookniceby plantingnatives,that’salsotherightthing todo,”Petesays.
Theproductionforestryhasbeen developingfordecades,withsome blocksharvestedthreetimesandsome harvestedtwice,withthemajoritynow agedbetweentwoand10yearsold.
market[situation]andgettingitback intotheETSseemedtherightthingto do.Thatwillbeapermanentforestnow, thankstothewaytheETShasbeenset up.”
Thatareawasoriginallyharvestedin theearly90sasa4hablock.It’snow about17ha.
We’rejustfencingoffcreekstoimprovewaterways becauseit’stherightthingtodo.Ifwecanmakeitlook nicebyplantingnatives,that’salsotherightthingtodo PeteSwinburn
Severaloutsidefactorsledtooneblock beingharvestedearlierthanplanned, includingtheEmissionsTradingScheme (ETS).
“Wenetted$48atonneforour 26-27-year-oldharvestthatwedidearly becausewegotafixedpriceofferthat wasprettygood.Wecameoutofthatat 500tonne/ha,at$24,000/ha.Wecould havegrownitup–gettingmoretonnage andbetterquality–butIthoughtthe
“Wewereclearinthelate90s,early 2000s,thesesmallblock2hagullies weren’tgoingtobeeconomic,eitherfor thecostofre-fencingorfortheforestry companiestoharvest,soweextended theblockintohillcountrywhenwe plantedlasttime.Nowwemakesure we’replanting8hato15hablocksata time.”
Thejudges’commentssaidthe businesshada“realcommitmentto gettingtherightpeoplefortherightjobs, makingsurethateachpartofthefarmis managedbyexperts,ratherthanputting everythingononeperson’sshoulders.”
Thatisparticularlythecaseforforestry management,Petesays.
“Weusecontractorstodoallour pruningandconsultantstotelluswhento doit.Weaimtodoitontime.It’shardon cashflowbutitgetsabetterproduct.”
Poplarsandwillowshavebeenplanted forerosioncontroloverthepast25years.
Allthepinetrees,poplarswithenough canopycover,andsomeofthenatives areregisteredundertheETS.
TheexistingQEIIblockhasjustbeen deerfencedwiththehelpoftheHawke’s BayRegionalCouncilandthePōrangahau CatchmentGroup,withtheQEIINational Trustalsocontributingtoweedcontrol.
“Whenweboughtthatfarm,14years ago,thatblockwasbeinggrazedbut therewasonlyoneortwohectaresof grassinthere.Itwasbetterbeingfenced offandprotected.Itlooksalotbrighter, withalotofthickunderstorycoming through.Fencingthedeeroutwillbe evenbetterforit.”
Peteaddskillingallthepossumsover thepast20yearshasalsomadeahuge differencetothehealthofthefarm.
Thejudgessaidthefarmsystemwas wellsetuptomatchpersonalstrengths andallowforoff-farmwork,whichmeans majormanagementdecisionscanbe madewithoutneedingtobehands-on everyday.
Bornandbredontheland, wegetfarming.
Talktousaboutrealising valueinyourbusiness.
068353682Iproperty@morice.co.nz morice.co.nz
PROUDSUPPLIEROF THE2025PANPACHAWKE’SBAY FARMFORESTEROFTHEYEAR
Congratulations PETESWINBURN &SUZANNEHOYT
Ourextensivebackgroundin theprimarysectorandknowledge ofmarketsandtrendshelpsus delivercomprehensivevaluation, leasing,forestryandETS advisoryservices. info@kakanonurseries.co.nz•kakanonurseries.co.nz
Durable, sustainableand innovative
NaturalHoundfoundedbyAnnabelleChillwellandBillyDowleare thewinnersoftheBayleysHawke’sBayInnovationAward2025.
Thecouplefoundtheevening exciting-theirwinwascompletely unexpected,andtheywerevery proudtohavewon.
ThecoupleliveonNgaruruFarmin OngaOnga,afinishingfarmforwagyu cattleandlambs.Billyworksasafarmer whileAnnabelleworksfulltimeon NaturalHoundwithhelpfromtwoparttimers.
“Thisyear’swinner,NaturalHound, hasexemplifiedinnovationand commitmentwiththeirhandcrafteddog bedsandcoats,”thejudgessaid.
“Wewantedadurableproduct becauseweweresickofbuyingdog bedsthatfellapart,”Billysaid.Billy hassixworkingdogs,andtheywere keentocomeupwithasolutionand setaboutmakingprototypesthatwere durable,sustainableandthatusedwool.
“Byharnessingthenaturalbenefits ofpremiumNewZealandwool, we’vestrippedawaytheunnecessary andfocusedonwhattrulymatters: comfort,longevity,andenvironmental responsibility.Everystepofour processisthoughtfullydesignedwith sustainabilityanddurabilityatitscore, ensuringyouneedtobuylessoften whileprovidingyourdogwiththebest.”
OurpassionforwoolandNew Zealand-madecraftsmanshipdrivesus tocreateproductsthatbringrealvalue andjoy-tobothyouandyourdog.
Therewasplentyoftrialanderror andmanyprototypeswhichthey keptrefiningoncethecompanywas founded.Theylaunchedthebusiness
in2020offeringdogbedsandthen sixmonthslaterlaunchedarangeof dogcoatsforwinter.There’salsothe optionofhavingthecoatsembroidered withthedog’snamewhichisproving popular.
KeyhighlightsofNaturalHound’s approachinclude:
•Identifyinganuntappedmarketwith significantpotentialforgrowth.
•Groundingtheirproductinthorough marketresearchwithdemonstrated benefits.
•Utilisingnaturalmaterialswhile maintainingastrongbrandfocus.
•Raisingawarenessofthevalueand importanceoftheirproductsbenefits
•Makingasubstantialpersonal investmentoftime,money,and energytobringtheirvisiontolife.
Farmdogsarevaluableandworth lookingafter.“It’snotaboutpampering itsaboutlookingafteradogtoprolong itsworkinglife.”Billysaid.“Havinga coatonyourdoginwintercansaveon feedrequirements.”
“Forolderfarmersit’snotusualfor themtobeusingdogbedsordog coatsbutthingsaredefinitelychanging, andtheyarestartingtorecognizethe importanceofit.”
Thecoupleareconductingsome researchinconjunctionwithMassey Universityandtheresultsareshowing somepositivedatasupportingthe beneficialeffectsofusingdogcoats inwinter.Theresearchwillcontinue thiswinterandwillprovidestatistical evidencewhichwillaidsales.
Theysaythatthemostsatisfying customerisanolderfarmerwhohas recentlystartedtousethebedsor coats.“Theyseethebenefitsandjust swearbythem,theyarealwaysblown awaybythebenefitsofusingthem.”
There’sanexcitingdevelopmentin
thattheyhavejustacquiredtheirfirst wholesalecustomerintheUK.
“It’stakenthreeyearsfiguringthings out,wefeellikewe’regettingtherebut youcan’tbeatdoingthingsthehard way.”Alreadytheyhavesomevery happy,supportiveandloyalcustomers.
ThisawardidentifiesthoseinHawke’sBaywhohavemadea significantcontributiontoimprovetheperformanceoftheprimary industries.Theawardrecognisesandcelebratesinnovationand adaptioninfarming,fisheries,horticulture,forestry,appliedagricultural researchandthecompaniesandbusinessesthatservicethose sectors.
Lifetimeofgrowing andgroceriesfor industryleader
The2025HeretaungaHastingsDistrictCouncilIndustry Leader,BruceBeaton,comesfromafamilydeeplyrootedin theworldofgrowingandgrocery.
Afterleavingschool,hestepped straightintothefamily-owned supermarketbusiness, spending20yearsleadingMcDonalds Supermarketbeforehandingthe reinstohisbrotherIain,whostill managesittodayasGreenmeadows NewWorld,aswellasTaradaleFour Square.Brucethenjoinedhisbrother Rossinthefamilyapplebusiness, growingApolloApples.Undertheir leadership,thebusinessbecame NewZealand’ssecond-largestapple growerandamajorexporter.After sellingtoT&GGlobalin2014,Bruce wasgeneralmanagerofitsT&G’s
NewZealandpipfruitdivisionforfive years,responsibleformergingApollo AppleswithT&G’sEnzabusiness,then growingthatbusiness.
He’snowadirectorofApolloFoods, themajorityshareholderalongsidehis brothers.Itwaslaunchedatthetime ofthesaletoT&G,drivenbyRossand nowledbySallyGallagher,asaway ofmakinguseofthewastestreamof apples.
“Outofthatwholeexportfruitsupply chain,wearenowtakingthatwaste product,whichwegetfromthelikes ofT&GandCedenco,tocreateahigh valueapplejuiceproductsoldunder
thePickybrandinNewZealandand exportedtothelikesofChina,Japan andTaiwanundertheApplePress,”he says.
“WealsolaunchedBoringOatMilk threeyearsago,whichisnumberone inNewZealandandisabouttobe launchedinAustralia.”
Brucehasbeenadirectorof NewZealandApplesandPearsLtd (formerlyPipfruitNewZealand)and had13yearsasaDirectorofFoodstuffs (WGTN)CooperativeSocietyLtdduring thetimeofthemergerthatformed FoodstuffsNorthIsland,wherehewas alsoadirectorfortwoyears.Healso servedsixyearsasaDirectorofPort ofNapierLtd,furtherstrengtheninghis
expertiseinsupplychainandexport logistics.Heischairofthecharitable EvergreenFoundation.
Brucesayshehasbeen“incredibly lucky”toworkforsomanyyears alongsidehisbrothers,aswellas havingthenever-endingsupportofhis wifeDi.Theyhavefouradultchildren andthreegrandchildren.
“Youreallyneedsomeonewho helpsyoustandupandkeepgoing duringthoseincrediblydifficulttimes, andthisindustryhashadalotofthose inthepastfewyears,andbelieve me,we’vehadahellofalotofthem overthe30or40yearswe’vebeen involvedinhorticulture.
“Therearealwayssomefantastic opportunities,buttherearebumpsin theroadaswell,andthat’swhenyou needpeoplelikeDitohelpyoumake itthrough,”hesays.
“I’malsoluckytobesurroundedby thepeopleandtheteamsI’veworked with,andtheboardsofdirectorsand organisationsI’vebeeninvolvedwith, whohavefocusedontheirsense ofpurpose…andhowtheywork together,collaboratingtofindend resultsthatarebeneficialtoeveryone. Oftenthesedays,peopleforget aboutthesimplethingsliketalkingto eachotherandcollaboratingtofinda solution.It’seasytostickonlineand dowhat’sinfrontofyoubuttalkingto thepersonsittingbesideyoucanbe enlightening.”
TheHeretaungaHastingsDistrict CouncilPrimarySectorIndustryLeader
Thisawardrecognisesoutstandingleadershipwithintheprimary sectorwhiledemonstratingawidercommitmenttoHawke’sBay.This person,orpersons,willhavesignificantlycontributedtotheprimary sectorthroughinnovation,determination,growthandleadership totheprimarysectorindustryandisseenasa‘primarysector’ figurehead.
Unwavering contributionto horticulture
GarySpeershasalwaysshunnedthelimelight,butitwas definitelyhistimetoshineduringtheeveningwhenhe receivedtheUnisonHawke’sBayPrimarySectorProfessional LeaderoftheYearAward.
Hefoundtheeveningapleasureto attend,especiallytheopportunity tomixwithhorticulturistsandrural people.WhileGarywasn’texpectingto receiveanaward,hesaiditwasavery humblingexperience.
“Gary’scareerhasspannedover30 yearsinthehorticultureindustry.His deeprespectoftheland,commitmentto supportinggrowers,andabilitytobuild meaningfulrelationshipshavemadehim aninvaluablefigureinthepipfruitsector andthewiderhorticulturalcommunity,” thejudgescommented.
Hestartedoffhiscareerbycompleting athree-yearhorticulturalcadetshipwhich sawhimworkingonfarmsandorchards andstudyingatEIT.Thenhewentonto gainaDiplomainHorticultureatMassey University.AfterthatGarymanaged orchardsandpackhousesforafewyears beforejoiningFruitfedin1996.Hesays he“honedin”onpipfruitindustryand hasneverlookedback.
Overtheyearsthejobhaschanged, andsotoohastheindustry,andthrough allthechangesGaryhasnavigatedthe industrytransformationfromfamilyrun orchardstocorporateorganisations.He treatsalltheorchardsasiftheywerehis own.
HispositionasSeniorTechnicalField Representativeistohelpsolveproblems, workwithgrowerstohelpproducehigh volumesandqualitypipfruitcropto exportallovertheworld.Basically,he’sa
consultantandisagoodsoundingboard forhisclientsincludingFreshco,Mr Apple,KiwiCrunchandfamilyorchards.
Withhisin-depthknowledgeofthe industryGarycantakeabigpictureview andhelpsteergrowersexperiencing particularproblems.“Stayinginthepip fruitindustryhasallowedmetogrow. Mycustomerstrustme,andtheysharea lotoftheirinformationthatcanhelpme growtoo.Itmakesthejobexcitingbeing outinthefield.”
Thejudgessaid,“hiscommitment tothesuccessofgrowersextends beyondhisclientbase-heisalways readytoassistothersinthehorticultural community,helpingtodevelop innovativesolutions.”
Garyhasbeenattheforefrontof technicaladvancementsthatbenefitboth growersandtheenvironment.Notable contributionsinclude:orchardsprayer development,chemicalapplicationtrials, IFPleadershipandinnovativegrowing systems.
Garystillthoroughlyenjoysthejob andlovestheappleandhorticulture industries.Oneattractionisthefact thattheworkisseasonal.“Currently we’reinharvestmode,thenwe’llgoto pruningmode,thenthinning.Everything isseasonal,Ithinkthat’swhatmakesthe industrysoexcitingandmakesthetime gosoquickly.”
FollowingCycloneGabrielleGary steppedupasaleader,guidinglocal
growersthroughunprecedented challenges.SpeakingatNZAPIgrower fielddays,heprovidedessentialinsights andsolutionstohelpbusinessesrecover andthrive.TwoyearsonGarysays there’sareallynicecropouttherethat’s beingharvestedandthequalitycould notbebetter.“Ican’tgetoverhowfar theindustryhascomeintwoyears.”
Garymentionssomevaluable colleaguesandmentors:GarthDavis (FruitfedSupplies),RichardHillatMr AppleandGrahamHopeofKiwiCrunch. Hesaystheyhavebeenexcellentat
helpingbuildhisknowledgebaseover theyears.
Workinginhorticultureisnota9-5job andGaryhasappreciatedtheongoing supportfromhisfamily-hiswifeAndrea andhisdaughtersMcKenzieandBrooke.
“WithinFruitfedSuppliesandthe broaderHawke’sBayRegion,Gary isregardedastheleadingauthority onpipfruitproduction.Hisinfectious energy,solutionsfocusedmindset,and dedicationtotrainingandmentoring colleagueshaveearnedhimwidespread respectandadmiration,”saidthejudges.
TheUnisonHawke’sBayPrimary SectorProfessionaloftheYear
Thisawardrecognisesanindividualprovidingprofessionalservicesto theprimarysector. Itspurposeistoidentify,acknowledgeandcelebratethose professionalswithinHawke’sBaywhohavemadeanoutstanding contributionthroughtheirknowledge,skills,andapplicationto improvetheperformanceoftheprimaryindustries.Thisisapeernominatedawardwhichrecognisesoutstandingprofessionalservices, withintheprimarysectorwhiledemonstratingawidercommitmentto Hawke’sBay.
Graceisan inspirationto theindustry
Afourthgenerationfruitgrower,GraceFulford,wasawarded withtheCraigsInvestmentPartnersEmergingLeaderAwardat the2025NapierPortPrimarySectorAwards.
InheracceptancespeechGracesaid itwas“anincrediblehonourtobe standingbeforeyoutonight.”
Gracewentontothankherfamily, mentorsandpeersfortheirunwavering support,encouragementandguidance. “I’mfortunatetohavelearnedfromthe best,”shesaid.”
Lastyear,Gracewonthreeprestigious titles:Hawke’sBayGrowersYoung FruitGroweroftheYear,NewZealand YoungFruitGroweroftheYearand NewZealandYoungGroweroftheYear. Shealsowonthe2025Hawke’sBay Fruitgrowers’AssociationEmerging AchieversAward.Gracewillgoonto
representtheregionattheprestigious 2025YoungHorticulturistoftheYear competitioninNovember,whichwillbe heldinAuckland.
Whenaskedhowshefeelsabout receivingalltheseawards,Gracesaid “Ialmostcan’tputitintowords,it’s amazing,it’sfantastic,Ican’tbelieveit, it’sjustawesomeandabitsurrealtobe honest.”
Herfamily’sbusiness,Omahuri Orchards,isrunbyherdad,Colin,and histwobrothers.Theygroweverything fromapplestocherries.Gracealsohas twoolderbrothersintheindustry.
GracehasaDiplomainHorticulture (Post-harvest)thatshegainedthrough EIT,studyingoverthreeyearsinthe off-seasonwhileworkingforOmahuri Orchards.
Gracestartedhercareeronthe familyorchard,butfouryearsago,she decidedtomoveontoT&GGlobalasa PackhouseManager,andshestillworks theretodayasaQualityandCompliance Manager.
Inhercurrentrole,Graceispartofa teamthatdrivesimprovementsinT&G’s owngrowingsystems,meetsindustry andexportingrequirementstoensure fruitreachestherightmarkets,and fostersastrongerrelationshipbetween growersandthepackhouse.
GracereallyenjoysworkingatT&G andthebreadthofgrowthopportunities available.SheworkscloselywithT&G’s orchardmanagerstomakesurethey canachievethebestpossiblequality, whilealsoworkingcloselywiththe post-harvestteamtoensuretheycan maximiseallofthefruitthey’resending
intoT&G’spost-harvestfacility.She particularlyenjoysthisaspectofthejob, aseachdayisdifferent.
“Ilikeworkingwithpeople,Ilikethe workthatwedo,thechallengesthat comeupeachandeveryday.Ilovethe industry,”saysGrace.
Howhaswinningtheawardshelping inhercareer?“Thebiggestthingthat’s helpedmeismyownself-confidence. It’sfullygivenmeanewsenseof knowledgeandconfidenceinmyability tohelpothers.That’sthebiggestwinI gotfromit.”
Gracedoesn’tspecificallysetgoals, saying“WhenIenteredtheYoung Grower[competition],Ijustwantedto getinthereandenjoyitandmeetnew peopleandhaveagoodtime.”
Grace,alongwithseveralothers,have re-establishedHawke’sBayWomenin Horticulture.It’searlydays,buttheyplan arecreatingaspacewherewomencan cometogether,networkandlearnfrom eachother-andmaybedoafewvisitsto orchardsandpackhouses.
“Wewanttogetittothepointwhere wecanmentorandsupportoneanother.” Ifyou’reinterestedinjoining,checkout theHawke’sBayWomeninHorticulture Facebookpage.
Threepeoplehavegreatlyinfluenced Graceinhercareer:herdad,Colin,her currentmanager,MauriceWindleand mentor,WendyBurton.
“WhileIdon’tsetouttoachievegoals inacertainnumberofyears,I’mdrivento keeplearning,upskillingandsayingyes toopportunitiesthatcomemyway.”
CraigsInvestmentPartnersHawke’s BayEmergingLeaderAward
TheCraigsInvestmentPartnersHawke’sBayEmergingLeaderAward showcasesfutureleadershipwithintheprimarysectorthroughoutthe Hawke’sBayRegion.Apeer-nominatedaward,thisawardrecognises anemergingleaderwhoisreasonablynew(startedwithinthelast2 -5years)totheNewZealandprimarysector.Therecipientmustbean individualwhodemonstratescommitment,passionandleadershipin theirchosencareerwithintheprimaryindustries.
Aspiringvet winsscholarship
Thepastfewyearshavebeenchallengingbutadreamcome trueforaspiringvetPhoebeLaugesen,winnerofthe2025 LawsonRobinsonHawke’sBayscholarship.
The22-year-oldisinherfifth andfinalyearofaBachelorof VeterinaryScienceatMassey University,afteralifetimeofloving animalsandlovingfarming.
“Thejudgesagreedanyfarmerwould bepleasedtoseethispersonrockupto theirplaceastheirvet,”MattLawsontold thePrimarySectorAwardsdinner,just beforeheannouncedPhoebe’s$3000 scholarship.
Onbehalfofthejudges,Matt saidPhoebehadastrongfarming backgroundandaclearvisionofher careerwithintheagriculturalindustry. Shehadbeeninvolvedinallaspectsof lifeonherfamily’sfarmfromayoungage andhada“strongpassionforallthings agriculture”.
HesaidPhoebetoldthejudgesshe wasinterestedinboostingproductivity whileupholdinghighanimalwelfare standards,passionateabouteducating farmersonchallengessuchasworm resistance,andkeentohaveaninterest inagrowingdeerindustry.
Phoebehadtwouniversitybreaks draftingandvelvetingstagsandweaning fawnsonTomandGeraldWilson’sfarm atTikokino.It’salsowhereshewasgiven anorphanreddeerhindfawn,whichshe namedFern,andrearedbyhand.Fern hasnowgonetolivealifeofluxuryona retiredvet’spropertyatTakapau.Butthe seedhasbeensown.
“Workingwithdeerhasbecomea keeninterestandsomethingI’mlooking forwardtodevelopinginthefuture,” Phoebesays.
“Thefinalyearismostlypractical,soI havespenttimeoutwithclinicsaround
thecountrydevelopingmypractical skills.Ihopetofindaclinicwithamixof sheep,beef,deerandequineworkto developmyskillsaftergraduation,butI don’thaveanyfirmplansyet.Ilovethe deerworkandlovebeingonfarm;I’m unsurewhereI’llendupinthemixofit, butitwillbesomewherewithbiganimals andoutside;that’sguaranteed.”
PhoebeisgratefultotheVetServices teaminWaipukurau.
“I’vebeenverylucky;theteamin therehavedefinitelygivenmealotof timeoverthepastfiveyears,butalso generallyinalltheyearstheycameto thefarmorwewentintotheclinicasI wasgrowingup.”
Therewasalsoaheartfeltthank youtoherparents,Elsthorpefarmers GraemeandKateLaugesen.Theyfarm sheep,cattleanddairysupportonthe 243-hectarehomeproperty,Maronga, aswellasanother100hablocknearby knownasTheRanch.
“MumandDadhavetaughtmethe valueofhardwork.Theyaregreatrole models,andIhavebeenimmensely proudofeverythingtheyhaveachieved. Mumwantedtoownherownbusiness [nowadirectoratBMAccounting] andDadwantedtoownhisownfarm. They’rebothverygoodatwhattheydo andwe’reluckytohavethem.”
The“we”includesPhoebe’stwo youngersiblings:Maddyisinher lastyearofafoodmarketingand agribusinessdegreeatLincoln UniversityandJack,aYear12-boarder atNapierBoys’HighSchool,ispractical andconsideringabidtobeathird generationLaugesentotrainatSmedley.
“We’llallendupsomewherein agriculture.Themarketer,thevetandthe farmers,addintheaccountantanditall workswellforafarmingbusiness,”she says,laughing.
Withacoupleofmarathonsunderher belt,Phoebesaysrunningkeepsher
saneinthemiddleofseriousstudy.She didn’trealisehowmuchshe’dcometo relyonituntilakneeinjurycutbackher runningtime.
“IdefinitelynoticedhowmuchImissed beingoutthererunning,notreallyhaving tothink.”
Thisscholarshipaimstorecogniseoutstandingacademicand leadershipqualitiesinastudentwithafamilialconnectiontoHawke’s Baywhoiscurrentlyenrolledinafull-timelandbasedproduction industriesprogrammeataNewZealandtertiaryinstitute.Thisaward helpstowardscoursefeesandisawardedtoanindividualwhoshows driveandambitiontomakeadifferencewithintheprimarysector.
TheLawsonRobinsonHawke’sBay Scholarship
Biodiversity champion helping secure agriculture’s future
Biodiversity champion Kay Griffiths has been given the 2025 Laurie Dowling Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to agriculture
In announcing the award, Ahuriri Tributaries Trust chairman Rob Pattullo said Kay had put huge dedication into her work, above and beyond what one would expect, including being out “all hours of the night” tracking wildlife
“Kay currently leads a vital biodiversity project around Hawke’s Bay to identify and protect roosting homes for the critically endangered New Zealand native pekapeka tou roa, or long-tailed bat,” he said “Predators like possums, feral cats and rats and a loss of the places bats like to live – old trees and lowland forests – has seen their threat status increase to nationally critical, the highest ranking. Without active management there is a high likelihood of this native bat becoming extinct.”
Kay’s passion for conservation and wildlife management has been strong since childhood and was put into action when she joined the Conservation Corps in 1990 in Nelson. She then returned to Hawke s Bay – firstly to run the Department of Conversation’s summer recreational programme, then after a few years overseas, she took up a ranger position at DOC’s Ongaonga Field Centre for six years, while also doing a postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Management at Otago University In 2001, she became program manager for biodiversity threats
for Hawke’s Bay
After four years of that challenging role, Kay decided it was time to get back into the field and, with partner Craig Single set up the Conservation Company, doing weed control and ecological plantings that have done a world of good in protecting high ecological value areas.
“The contribution Kay, Craig and their team are making to the protection and enhancement of our regions rich biodiversity will ultimately lead to much better environmental outcomes for all of us as farmers and growers in Hawke’s Bay, Rob said.
Kay is project manager at Puahanui Bush owned by the Hudson family at Gwavas and looks after A’Deane’s bush near Ashley Clinton.
She is involved with a community project in Central Hawke’s Bay to bring back the once-thriving forest giant, the kahikatea Two pockets of less than five hectares of remnant forest remain less than 20 kilometres apart near Elsthorpe and Omakere With landowner and active community support, schools and locals are invited to help with seed collecting, growing plants and then planting them Omakere School students help to monitor the changes at one of the sites She has also been working with both Tukipo and Porangahau catchment groups working out ways to enhance biodiversity in those areas.
Kay thanked the willingness and support of the many landowners they’d worked with over the years, as well as staff at regional councils QEII National Trust and the Department of Conservation, and one of her biggest supporters, Marie Taylor at Plant Hawke’s Bay
Laurie Dowling Memorial Award
This award is presented to an outstanding individual who has contributed significantly through their work or voluntarily for the betterment of agriculture within the Hawke s Bay Region. This is in keeping with the ideals of the late Laurie Dowling who was a man of the land and passionate about the primary sector in Hawke’s Bay He worked unselfishly to advance farming throughout his consultancy career
Cainenteredthecompetitionas itwasrecommendedtohimby hismates,andhethoughtthat he’dbeinwithagoodchance atwinning.
BorninHastingshelivedon MtErinStationwherehisfather wasmanager.Severalrelatives arefarmersandfencing contractors.
Cain’sworkedatLongview inPatokaforayearbeforethat hespentfouryearsatHavelock NorthHighSchool.Heleftin year12tostartafull-timejob shepherding.
Hewantstocarrytaskshe currentlyhastoalargerscale operationforacoupleofyears andaimstobeinmanagement orworkingforhimselfinthenext fiveyears.
Heenjoystheindependence, organisinghisowndaysand makingdecisionsforhimself.
Cainisveryinvolvedinthe localcommunitywhetherit’sfor trainingdogsorhelpinglocals ontheweekends.He’salso contributedtimetothelocaldog trials.
Jackenteredthecompetition togainmorevisibilityandtoadd anotherachievementtohisCV.
HehasworkedonParoa Station,whichis20minsfrom Wairoa,3yearsnow.It’sasheep andbeefpropertywithaheifer andlambfinishing.
Hecomesfromanon-farming familyandstarteddocking duringschoolholidaysthen joinedGatewaywhenhestarted college.
Hewasbornandraisedin Mahiaandleftschoolasdux. Hecompletedyear12atWairoa CollegeandjoinedtheGrowing FutureFarmersprogramme.
HeplanstocompletePrimary ITOlevel4thengainmore knowledgeandunderstanding ofhowthecountryandstock workintheSouthIsland.His aimistothentryforastock managersrole.
He’senjoyedwatchingParoa developandintroducenew stockpoliciesandispleasedto bepartofthechanges.
Jackhelpsoutatlocaldog trialsandhelpsattherugbyclub whenneeded.
Joelenteredthecompetitionfor theopportunitytoshowhisskills andpassionfortheagricultural industrytoothers.
SinceJune2024he’s workedatMatapiroStation.The intensityofthelambfinishing andthecattlefeedlothasbeen anamazingexperience,and everydayheexperiencesnew challenges.Heenjoysthedog workandtheatmospherethat comeswithMatapiro.
Hegrewuponafarmin Taranakiandhasstartedwithhis fatheraOtoki,aHerefordstud.
AftergainingNCEAhestarted farmingandhasbeenstudying withPrimaryITOtogainmore knowledge.
Withinthenextfiveyears hewouldliketobeina2IC positionwherehecansupport hismanagerandgainmore responsibility.Theoverallgoalis afarmmanagerposition,orfarm ownership.
Joelishighlyinvolvedwith theEskviewYoungFarmers ClubandispartoftheOkawa DogTrialClub.
TheRuralDirectionsHawke’sBay ShepherdoftheYearAwardwascreated toshowcaseandcelebratetheup-andcomingtalentofshepherdsinourprimary sector.Theawardwillbepresentedtothe individualthatshowsdrive,leadership, communityinvolvementandanexcellent understandingoftheiron-farmsystemsand applications.
Saskiaenteredthecompetition totestherknowledgeandskills, receivefeedbackfromthe judges,andconnectwithlikemindedpeople.
ShehasworkedatTotara Hills,asheep,beef,andmixed croppingstationinCentral Hawke’sBay,for1½years.
Sheisstudyingfull-time,by correspondence,tocompletea BachelorofAgriculturalScience degreeatMasseyUniversity.
Educationallytwokey achievementsarereceiving AgricultureandHorticulture scholarshipsin2024and completingtheBeefandLamb GenerationNextprogram.
Shorttermshe’dliketofinish herdegree,progressintoastock orblockmanagersrole,orgo intoagronomywhilerunninga leaseproperty.
Saskiaenjoysthelearningand systemdiversityofthejoband believesthatthemoreyouapply yourselfandyourbrain,themore youwillgetoutofit.Shewas involvedwithyoungfarmersin theWaikato.NowinCHBshehas attendeddogtrialsandenjoys gettingtoknowthecommunity.
Allshepherdsworkingon-farmwithin Hawke’sBayareeligibleandencouraged toenter.Again,thisyeartheentrants arerepresentativeofthehighcalibreof shepherdsinHawke’sBayandeveryone thathasenteredshouldbeincredibly proudoftheirefforts.
Thewinnerwillberecognisedasafuture leaderofourindustry,helpingtoraisethe
Thomasenteredthecompetition totrysomethingnew,meetnew peopleandtogethisnameout there!
OriginallyfromTaranaki, ThomashasworkedatGlenhope TradingLtdinPuketitirisince June2024.His“poppa”wasa stockagentandhelpedhimget intofarming.Heabsolutelyloves itandwouldn’tdoanythingelse.
ThomasattendedtheWaipaoa StationFarmCadetcoursein 2021-2022.Helearnttheropes onbasicfarmingpractices, breakingindogsaswellas studyingthroughEIT.He’salso studiedLivestockProduction ManagementthroughPrimary ITO.
Hehopestoworkintoastock managerrolethenhopefully moveintoafarmmanagerrole. Thomasparticularlyenjoys beingoutdoorsworkingwithhis dogsandlivestock.Hefindsit cooldevelopingabondwithhis dogsthentrainingthemtohelp himatwork.
He’spartofthelocaldogtrial clubandamemberofthelocal youngfarmersclub.
profileofshepherdinginHawke’sBay.We wantourshepherdstobeproudandstand tall;today’sshepherdsaretomorrow’s managers.
Welookforwardtojoiningyouatthe SilverFernFarmsHawke’sBayFarmerof theYearFieldDaywherethewinnerofthe RuralDirectionsHawke’sBayShepherdof theYearwillbeannounced.
CainYoung
NapierPortHBPSA