Student competes for Young Grower of the Year title

OP Horticulture student Luke St John has represented Central Otago in the national finals of the Young Grower of the Year competition.

Impressively, it’s the second time Luke has made the national finals, after taking out the regional title for Central Otago twice now.

The 24-year-old is the Trainee Orchard Manager at Fortune Fruit in Cromwell, and is currently studying for his New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) at our Central Campus.

Luke and six other regional finalists competed in a series of practical and theoretical horticulture modules in Cromwell, putting their skills and knowledge to the test. They also participated in a panel discussion and delivered speeches at an awards dinner on Friday evening.

Luke received a $1,500 professional development grant in recognition of his skills and achievements, and the national title went to James Blair from Pukekohe.

The Young Grower competition, organised by Horticulture New Zealand, is open to commercial fruit or vegetable growers up to the age of 30. The event celebrates the success of young people in the industry and aims to encourage others to consider careers in horticulture.

Luke says one of the things he loves most about horticulture is the variety of work throughout the seasons.

“You’re not stuck doing the same thing all year round. Things change a lot throughout the growing year and you’re constantly doing something new.”

At work, his responsibilities include staff training and supervision, spraying, machinery operation, pruning and overseeing day-to-day operations.

Congratulations, Luke, on being one of the top young growers in Aotearoa!