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AS Wilcox agronomist James Blair was crowned the national Young Grower of the Year in Cromwell on August 28. HELENA O’NEILL talks with the 29-year-old about working in horticulture and competing in the Young Grower competition.
How was the national Young Grower of the Year competition?
It was fantastic. It was nerve-wracking, but it was a lot of fun, and a good chance to mix with all of the other young growers again and catch up with a few people.
What was the most challenging module?
I think the most challenging part is probably the leadership panel. Everybody found it quite daunting to begin with. You know, you’re not too sure what questions are going to be asked, and you’ve got to think on the spot. But once everybody got into it, it was fine. We eased into it quite nicely, and it settled everybody’s nerves.
What did you feel to be your best?
The crop establishment module, I really enjoyed that one. There was a bit of a practical element to it as well, and it was something we do regularly at work. We’re always establishing crops here most weeks of the year, so it was to transfer that on-farm practical knowledge into it.
How did you celebrate?
I think we celebrated quite hard on Friday night and then spent the rest of the weekend relaxing around Queenstown with some friends.
How did you end up in horticulture?
I initially got a job as an agronomist. We had sold the family dairy farm at home in Cumbria in the United Kingdom, which I guess left me at a bit of a crossroads, deciding what I wanted to do. I managed to get into agronomy and got exposure to a few different crops, and that’s continued. I’ve found a real passion for agronomy and really enjoyed it. As I’ve moved into Wilcox, I’ve kind of specialised in potato production.
How long have you been working at AS Wilcox?
I’ve been in New Zealand for just over three years. I’d been to New Zealand briefly on a holiday before, and I saw that Wilcox was advertising the role of crop supervisor, did a bit of research and then applied for it. I did a brief spell with onions, but most of my time here, it’s been just focused on potatoes.
What are you doing there now?
I’m based in Matamata but I’m often in Pukekohe as well. I’m technical support for four regions, covering from Pukunui in the Far North to Ohakune, as well as overseeing the seed programme for the South Island. I do a bit of travel, covering a few different regions, which comes with its challenges. They’re all different, and they all come with their benefits and challenges.
Do you have a favourite crop to work with?
I did quite a lot with cereal crops. I’ve had a bit of a mixed cropping background, but now I’ve been working with potatoes and really enjoy it. They’re definitely my favourite crop to work with. They’re so versatile. We’ve got so many different varieties going into different markets, and you can go into the supermarket and see all the hard work you’ve done, packaged in the supermarket. There are a lot of opportunities with potatoes, and lots of innovation can come in as well.
What do you love about your job, and the horticulture industry?
I love being outdoors in the crops, working with some really good people, and getting out and about. The more time I can spend in the paddock with the crop, the more I enjoy it. With horticulture and farming in general, you have a chance to have a crack at it every season. Constantly learning from your previous seasons, you know you’re constantly trying to improve and get better.
What would you say to someone considering joining the horticulture industry?
I think there are lots of opportunities out there. I always try to say, don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to come to you.
You’ve got to create a bit of your own luck and get out there for yourself, and start getting in contact with some people.
See if you can spend some time shadowing someone in horticulture for a day to see what their job entails. I think that’s the best way to do it – that’s initially how I got into it. Looking at people leaving university and things, I’d like to think that I may be in a position now where somebody could call up and ask for a bit of advice about getting into the industry. I’d love the chance to help somebody else get into it.
Your formative years were on a dairy farm rather than in horticulture, but how would you compare the farming industry in the UK with farming here?
I think farmers are a lot more respected over here. They’re definitely a lot closer to everyday people.
I feel like there’s a lot of respect for farmers here. There’s a lot of red tape at home. Here, most people are somewhat shaped by, involved with or have family members or friends involved in farming. New Zealand is based around its primary industries, so it’s yeah, it’s quite different. I think at home, growing up as a farmer, I was definitely part of a minority.
I’ve heard a lot of stories out here of people saying that Kiwis are really quite disconnected from where their food comes from. But I think, compared to where I’ve come from, I’d say they’re a lot more connected here.
