Webb’s Fruit Orchard supervisor Jacob Coombridge (22) scooped the title of Central Otago’s young grower of the year at Friday night’s gala dinner and awards ceremony.

The competition tested the eight contestants’ fruit and vegetable growing knowledge as well as the skills needed to be a successful grower. 

Contestants completed irrigation, pests and disease identification, safe tractor operating, first aid, soil and fertilisers and risk management tasks throughout the day on Friday.

Jacob said it was awesome to feel support from across the industry.

“Like all farming, working on an orchard can be isolating at times, but it’s awesome that competitions like this are able to bring everyone together. We’ve got a great grower community, and everyone has been really supportive of all of us as contestants.

“My employers Simon and Trudi Webb have been especially supportive of me entering the competition. What inspires me to pursue a career in horticulture is people like Simon and Trudi who set such a great example through their service to the industry.

“The competition has been such a big thing to work towards so it’s great to take home the win. I feel like I now have an… opportunity to represent the industry that I love.”

Central’s entrants in the regional Young Grower of the Year (from left); Jacob Coombridge, Jesse Donald, Gregoire Durand, Ryan Forsyth, Christie Kirk, Emma Lennon, Maaka Roberts and Cam Smith. PHOTO: HortNZ

HortNZ vice-president and director Bernadine Guilleux said that the competition is essential for supporting the next generation of talent.

“The Young Grower of the Year competition brings together the whole industry, but the most important people are our young people. They are our upcoming leaders and are essential to the future of horticulture.

"It's great to see so much support from the industry for these eight young growers.

"The horticulture industry has a lot to offer. It's a rewarding career for those who want to help feed New Zealand and the world healthy food. Growing fruit and vegetables [is] a key way for the country to meet environmental and climate adaptation goals.

Bernadine said the competition, which showcases some of the industry's top talent, is a chance all to celebrate their success and support rising talent. 

Second place went to Frenchman Gregoire Durand (28). He’s called NZ home for the past seven years. PHOTO: Image Central 

The nail biting highlight of the evening for the contestants is the speech element of the competition. 

Each person had to speak for three and a half minutes on a pre-assigned topic. This year it was ‘Crises and change’. 

There were around 150 people in the audience, and for most of the contestants this was the largest crowd they had delivered a speech to.

The speech component was worth as many points as the other practical elements; the scores were then combined to determine an overall winner. 

Third place in the contest was Christie Kirk (24). She’s from a horticultural background and outside of work loves going to new places and hanging out with her dog. PHOTO: Image Central

Last year’s winner Jordan Carroll said his advice for the speech was to talk about something you cared about and deliver your messages with confidence.

Second and third place winners, respectively, were Gregoire Durand (manager at Cherri Global) and Christie Kirk (orchard foreman at Hortinvest).  

Jacob will head to Nelson for the national final to be held September 21 and 22. While there he will compete against six other regional finalists for a share of $30,000 in prizes.

Bernadine thanked Horticentre and Summerfruit New Zealand as well as the event’s other sponsors.