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“Who knows what climate change will bring? We might be growing everything vertically and indoors!”
WITH Sarah Dobson (PUKEKOHE YOUNG GROWER)
Panmure used to be renowned for its market gardens, but although times have changed in this respect, the area is still home to at least one of the country’s top young growers. Recently, we spoke with Panmure local and winner of Young Grower of the Year regional finalist, Sarah Dobson.
How did you feel when winning the Pukekohe Young Grower competition?
I felt great! I needed to be persuaded to enter by one of the organisers as I didn’t think I had the skillset to do well. The other competitors were far stronger (practically), so I didn’t think I had much of a chance, so, it was a wonderful surprise to win!
Events included practical and more theory-based challenges. Are you more hands-on or ‘head-on’ in general?
I’m definitely more head-on. My strengths are on the business and science side of growing. Believe it or not, I still don’t instinctively know my left and right – I have to make the L shape with my hands! Because of that, I’m known as a terrible navigator and learning how to back a trailer for the competition took lots and lots of practice. Thank goodness for the written modules!
You’ll be up against six other finalists in September for the overall Young Grower title. What type of preparation will be needed?
I’m planning on doing a lot of preparation. The other regional competitions are in fruit growing regions, so I will revise my knowledge of fruit production systems – I know other contestants will have a lot more knowledge about that part of the industry.
If you do win, how do you plan on spending the prize money?
I think the winner can take home $12,000, with the potential to win extra money for particular modules. This probably sounds boring, but if I do win, most of the cash would probably go towards my mortgage. Having said that, I have a particular love for craft chocolate, so some of it would definitely go towards topping up my stash!
You’re an environmental and sustainability technician with A.S. Wilcox in Pukekohe. How long have you been with the company and what does your job entail?
I wear lots of hats! In short, I have begun preparing farm environment plans and put systems in place for environmental improvement. I’m also involved in sustainability projects, research trials, and I do a little bit of other work with the potato team. I’ve just ticked over two years working fulltime at Wilcox, since I completed my thesis. However, I’ve been involved with the business since 2016, working there over summer while studying.
There have been many new advances in agritech in recent years – does this mean growers need to learn to work with robots? Do they now dream of electric sheep?
I remember many grand and futuristic presentations, presented at industry conferences while I was at university, all painting pictures of armchair farming using drones and the like. I certainly haven’t seen that kind of tech integrated in vegetable production so far, and I don’t think it’s on the immediate horizon. Kiwi growers love the land, getting out and walking their crops, so I imagine tech will slowly become integrated but not change it completely. In saying that, who knows what climate change will bring? We might be growing everything vertically and indoors! It will certainly be interesting to watch.
What changes do you expect in response to climate change?
Growers need to start thinking about this right now. For us, key adaptations could include variety selection, water security, smarter and more efficient irrigation, and preparedness for extreme weather.
Is enough being done to encourage more Kiwis into agricultural & horticultural careers?
There’s been quite a push to set up horticultural pathways for Kiwi students. We talked about this on the panel at the competition – as far as I’m aware, there is still a perception that ag’ and hort’ are ‘muck about’ subjects. If that’s a fair representation, it is sad because students should be encouraged to learn about the huge variety of opportunities growing has on offer.
If you could grow any plant or raise any animal (real or imagined) what and why?
I recently bought a few flower seeds (including larkspurs and strawflowers) and tried to germinate them but nothing grew! I’ll try again soon, but it would be so great if I could grow my own flowers to make bouquets for family and friends. I think there’s nothing more lovely than giving or receiving a bunch of flowers.
If you could be Minister of Agriculture for a day, what would you do first and why?
I’d probably set up a grant for growers to apply for funding for fencing and replanting riparian areas.
It can be a costly exercise, but it’s so important as part of the overall goal to restore waterways.
If you could invite any three people (living or dead) to dinner, who and why?
Nadia Lim: she’s one of my favourite chefs, so I hope she’d bring some something along to dinner! Queen Elizabeth: it blows my mind how many years she’s reigned, so I’d love to pick her brain about all the changes that have occurs during her time on the throne. Last, but not least, my grandmother in Switzerland: I’ve never ever cooked for her (she hasn’t visited since I was a baby), so I’d love to treat her to some classic Kiwi kai.
