A broad mix of hands-on experience has helped Riwaka orchard worker Amelia Marsden secure the Nelson Young Grower title for the second year running.
Amelia shifted from Nelson’s Willisbrook Orchards to Riwaka’s Thomas Brothers Orchard three weeks ago, stepping into a new role as kiwifruit and apple nursery manager.
The past month has been a whirlwind for the 30-year-old, who has been learning the ropes in her new job while preparing for the competition – which was facilitated by Hort NZ and coincidentally hosted at her new workplace.
Amelia competed against three fellow contestants for the Top of the South title on Friday, 19 June, and she says that the other competitors were all of a high calibre.
They rotated through a mix of nine practical and theory stations, manoeuvring a tractor, applying first aid, and answering questions about herbicides, weeds and biosecurity.
A highlight for Amelia was the fertiliser station. “It was my job for two years,” she laughs. In fact, three years ago she was the industry expert running that module at the same competition.
She also surprised herself in the irrigation and block analysis sections, areas where she has less experience.
“If you just take a step back, take a breath and read the question, it does just come down to numbers,” she says.
The win earns her a place at the national Young Grower of the Year competition in Cromwell on 27 and 28 August, where she will compete against six other regional winners.
The first day focuses on a leadership award, followed by the core competition on day two – which also happens to be her father’s 70th birthday.
After supporting her in shorts and jandals – or “West Coast gumboots,” as he called them - on last week’s frosty competition morning, Amelia has a fair idea where the family’s focus will be on the day.
“I’m stoked to be there and giving it another crack,” she says.
She placed third at last year’s national final and is preparing again with a mix of study and practical work.
“I try to lean on the people within the company who are experts within their respective fields,” she explains.
Amelia grew up on a dairy farm on the West Coast before earning a Bachelor of Agriculture from Lincoln University and starting her career in dairying.
After moving to Nelson six years ago, she joined Willisbrook Orchards as an apple supervisor, then broadened her experience with Ballance before returning to Willisbrook as kiwifruit manager.
She says the Young Grower competitions play an important role in encouraging young people into the industry.
“The competition challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone and identify opportunities to further develop your knowledge and skills.”
