Ravensdown’s Wheat Quality Competition

27 April 2007

Ravensdown’s Wheat Quality Competition – Deadline Extended

Farmers growing top quality wheat now have until 15th May to submit their entries for the Ravensdown Wheat Quality Competition.

“This year has seen an exceptionally late season for wheat crops and so we have extended the deadline for the competition to allow farmers who have been busily harvesting to still get their entries in” says Dr Tony van der Weerden, Ravensdown Technical Development Manager.

Judging is based on a range of factors - agronomic practices, grain quality and appearance, as well as yield.

This year has seen some exceptionally high yields, with excellent quality, meaning that Ravensdown is expecting a good level of entries from cropping farmers eager to see how the quality of their wheat compares with those grown by neighbouring farms.

“Entering the competition is a great opportunity for wheat growers to benchmark their management techniques, as everyone who enters gets sent individual feedback on their entry and its comparison with other farms” says Tony van der Weerden.

The competition, which is in its 14th year, runs in five regions: Northern (above the Waimakariri including the North Island); Central Canterbury; Mid-Canterbury; South Canterbury; and Otago-Southland.

As well as getting individual feedback, farmers entering the competition get the opportunity to win prizes! There are Bread, Biscuit and Feed Wheat categories, as well as a special Weet-bix category. Overall winners of the three main categories will each win a $1,000 cash prize and a trophy cup. Winners of the Bread and Biscuit categories also win their choice of $500 worth of Ravensdown products and services. Second place winners for the Bread, Biscuit and Feed Wheat categories all get $400 worth of Ravensdown products and services. Each of the regional winners receive $200 worth of Ravensdown agricultural chemicals. The winner of the Weet-bix category receives a $500 cash prize.

Entry forms are available from the Ravensdown Customer Centre on 0800 100 123 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or from the Ravensdown website on www.ravensdown.co.nz. Samples need to be sent with a completed entry form to Ravensdown’s Methven Store – all entries now need to be received by 15th May 2006.

ENDS

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