2021 national final competition day recap

The 2021 Young Grower of the Year national final competition day on Wednesday 20 October was a great success. The finalists took part in the following modules, which tested their business and practical horticulture knowledge:

• Using Excel to Help Compliance, sponsored by Radfords

• Innovation, sponsored by South Pacific Seeds

• Nutrition and Fertigation, sponsored by Horticentre

• Tetris Packaging Challenge, sponsored by Jenkins Freshpac

• Pests & Diseases, sponsored by Fruitfed

• Moving Safely, sponsored by Eden's Road Fruit and Power Farming.

Heather Feetham (Pukekohe Young Grower winner) was unable to compete in person due to Auckland being at Alert Level 3. She participated via Zoom in the innovation challenge, and speech competition (part of the 21 October gala dinner).

The competition day was held in accordance with Covid-19 Alert Level 2 protocols.

The seven finalists are:

• Jonathan Bates from Nelson

• Jordan Carroll from Central Otago

• Heather Feetam from Pukekohe (not competing in person)

• Melissa van den Heuvel from Bay of Plenty (2020)

• Regan Judd from Hawkes Bay

• Jamie McIntyre from Gisborne

• Bryce Morrison from Bay of Plenty (2021)

From L to R: Jonathan Bates, Melissa van den Heuvel, Bryce Morrison, Jordan Carroll, Jamie McIntyre and Regan Judd. Not pictured, Heather Feetham.

To see more coverage of the event, go to the @GrowersofNZ Instagram page.