22 June 1999 'Innovative' Category for Lincoln Farmer of Year Competition

‘Excellence in Innovation’ is the category for this year's Lincoln University Foundation/Rabobank Farmer of the Year competition. The competition is open to all South Island farmers.

The prestigious competition, now entering its 17th year, carries with it awards of overseas travel scholarships. Last year's category was ‘Premier Supplier’ and the winners were culinary herb producers Neil and Lois Kerr of Waikuku, near Christchurch.

Coordinating judge Neil Gow of Lincoln University says that this year the competition is seeking to identify farmers who recognise opportunities to break free from traditional methods of commodity production by responding positively to changing market demands and opportunities.

The annual award, sponsored by Rabobank, exists to acknowledge outstanding and innovative farm management practices and their contribution to leadership in land-based production. It is a requirement that the winners host an open day on their property at an appropriate time after the judging.

The definition for this year's category of ‘Excellence in Innovation’ is the development and implementation of a new production process or a management technique/programme or a new selling/marketing approach or a combination thereof.

"We have left the definition fairly broad," says Mr Gow, "as we wish to encourage those South Island farmers who are thinking outside the square and have grown by adding extra value to commodities to step forward. The competition is open to all types of farming, but the farm on or around which the innovation is based must be a viable commercial activity in its own right. The innovation may apply inside or outside the farm gate and its impact on the business must be measurable."

The winners of the 1999 Lincoln University Foundation/Rabobank Farmer of the Year will receive a travel award worth $7500. There will be two other awards, of $3000 and $2000.

For further information on the Lincoln University Foundation/Rabobank Farmer of the Year competition apply to any branch of Rabobank or contact Errol Costello, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury, phone (03) 3253832 or fax (03) 3253840, and you will receive a prospectus and entry form.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand