MEDIA RELEASE

14 June 2013

The South Island’s ‘next top farmer’ awaits discovery

Federated Farmers is encouraging South Island farmers to enter a competition to discover who could become the South Island’s farmer of farmers.

“The 2013 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year Competition is about finding the Mainland’s next best farmer,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

“This competition is unique in two regards.  For starters, it is open to all farmers whether they are apiarists or the growers of zucchinis.  Secondly, the competition for the first time ever will accept nominations of deserving farmers from third parties.

“Many farmers are focussed on getting out there and just doing what they do best.  As such, they can be reluctant to self-nominate so by allowing third-parties this right, it means the very best can be celebrated by us all.

“The competition’s top prize is a $20,000 travel grant, which allows the winner to travel overseas to look at other farming practices and technologies.  It is about doing what Kiwis do best and that is to adopt and adapt best practice wherever it is found.

“The Lincoln University Foundation is also offering four new category prizes in Human Resource Management, the Use of Technology, Consumer Awareness and in Resource Use Efficiency. The winner of each category will receive an impressive $5,000.

“Nominations are open now and will close on 1 August 2013.

“Federated Farmers encourages South Island farmers, farm workers, contractors, suppliers and friends to visit the Lincoln University Foundation’s website for more details,” Mr Wills concluded.

ENDS

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