29 November 2002 Canterbury contestants dominate Horticulturist of Year final

It's Canterbury against Buller in this year's final of the Lincoln University Foundation Farmer of the Year Competition, being held at Lincoln University on Thursday 5 December.

Five of the six finalists are from Canterbury and one from Buller. The competition category this year is Horticulture so the winner will in fact receive the title Lincoln University Foundation "Horticulturist" of the Year. That's along with an overseas travel award valued at $7500. Second and third place-getters receive awards of $3000 and $2000.

The competition was open to all South Island horticulturists, orchardists and other producers of horticultural products and after on-property judging entries were whittled down to six finalists. They are –

David and Deirdre Barton of Kaiapoi who produce Telegraph cucumbers year round under 8000 sq. metres of plastic house.

Colin and Jennifer Boyce of Waimate who produce yams for the New Zealand market and export from a 12-hectare property.

Robin and Sherleen Oakley, intensive vegetable producers at Halkett and Southbridge growing broccoli, cauliflower, brocciflower, seed potatoes, table potatoes and crown pumpkin.

Murray and Marilyn Stephens of Irwell who have 55 hectares of blackcurrants and also produce process beans and vining peas.

Geoff and Maryann Volckman of Karamea, Buller, who produce glasshouse tomatoes.

Vince Wylaars (trading as Jornas NurseriesLtd) of Mairehau, Christchurch, who operates a seedling plug and finishing nursery along with a specialist retail nursery transportation network.

In the last part of the judging the finalists make individual presentations on their operations in front of a public audience. It is in Lincoln University's Stewart 2 Lecture Theatre on Thursday 5 December starting at 9.00am.

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