Tim Herman is Senior Technical Services Specialist - Crop Protection from BASF New Zealand.
“As New Zealand agriculture contends with increasing climate uncertainty, it is becoming more important than ever that we hone our focus on the environmental practices of farming. That’s why when were given the opportunity to invest the next generation New Zealand agri-leaders, we had to focus on sustainability in horticulture.
BASF is fortunate to sponsor the Young Grower of the Year award, actively encouraging innovation in the agriculture industry while supporting the next generation to keep our industry thriving long into the future.
The Young Grower of the Year competition puts its nominees through a rigorous, and entertaining, series of challenges which test each young person’s practical and theoretical knowledge of horticulture.
As a sponsor, BASF was given opportunity to contribute our own challenge to the competition, and sustainability of New Zealand agriculture was front of mind. We were proud to offer an agrichemical stewardship module with a focus on sustainable resistance management to this passionate young group.
Not only did all the contestants pass our module, they all demonstrated a willingness to step out of their comfort zone and accept the challenge of trailing and adapting new skills and technology. BASF is proud to be able to shine a light on some of the diverse people in our industry, while driving change to address tomorrow’s agri-challenges.
The 2022 Young Grower of the Year Award was presented to Meryn Whitehead, a 28-year-old supervisor at Vailima Orchards near Richmond. In both professionalism and performance, Meryn blew us away. All of our BASF team agreed that Meryn was inspirational, both for us that have been in the industry for years and the new generation entering the field now.
This awards process creates a more connected, engaged and capable horticulture industry for young growers. And that is something that BASF is always happy to get behind.