13 May 2002 Back to 'grass roots' for Farmer of Year category

Entries are open now for the 2002 Lincoln University Foundation/Rabobank Farmer of the Year Competition and the choice of Horticulture as this year's category is a return to "grass roots", says coordinating judge Neil Gow.

"The fact that the Foundation's trustees are returning Horticulture, an area first chosen as a category in 1986, indicates the emphasis the Foundation places on basics," says Mr Gow, Senior Lecturer in Farm Management at Lincoln University.

South Island horticulturists, orchardists and other horticultural producers are all invited to enter. The competition is open to South Island based practitioners only.

In order to showcase the positive things that are happening in horticulture, the judges are particularly hoping to receive entries from innovative horticulturists who are efficient and high producing operators.

"In the context of this award 'Horticulture' will have a wide interpretation," says Mr Gow.

"It will include such things as the traditional horticulture crops such as vegetables, pip fruit, berry fruit and citrus, along with ornamentals, subtropicals, tree crops, herbs and the like.

"We are encouraging entrants to interpret the definition liberally and leave the ruling on eligibility to the judging panel. I expect that some entrants will be producing a range of different products."

Now in its 20th year, the competition is aimed at rewarding innovative farmers who are providing leadership in land-based production and will benefit from study overseas.

First prize is a travel award to the value of $7500, with second and third prizes of $3000 and $2000.

For a copy of the competition prospectus contact your nearest Rabobank office, phone 0800 500 933 or Errol Costello, Professional Development Group, Lincoln University, phone (03) 3253832, or email costelle@lincoln.ac.nz

The prospectus can also be down-loaded from the web address http://events.lincoln.ac.nz/lufoundation/

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