Young fruit grower winner 'thrown into it'

Ben Geaney won the pruning section on his way to taking the title. Photo / Supplied

Makikihi orchardist Ben Geaney is the 2017 Central Otago Young Fruit Grower of the Year.

The 29-year-old earned the title in Cromwell, competing against three other finalists in a series of practical challenges designed to see if they had the skills to run a thriving horticulture business.

South Canterbury and North Otago growers were included in the Central Otago area for the event.

Mr Geaney, who has a diploma in mechanical engineering, gained top marks in pruning, tractors and machinery, and irrigation. He drew with Alexandra finalist Adam Low in the latter. Cromwell contestant Waka Paul won the prize for best speech and was second overall, while Ellen Watt from Waitaki Orchard near Kurow was third overall.

Mr Geaney worked in Australia before returning to his parents' Makikihi orchard three years ago. The land was previously a cropping farm, but about six years ago the family began growing apples for export.

When Central Rural Life said he must be a natural, winning the contest after such a short time in the industry, Mr Geaney said he was ''thrown into it''.

The competition had been a great opportunity to test his horticultural and business skills, he said.

''I'm excited to represent Waimate fruit growers at the national final in August,'' Mr Geaney said.

His prize includes a professional development tour of a growing region of his choice - which he has not selected yet - $1500 cash and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2017 Young Grower of the Year contest in Christchurch. There he will compete against the Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, and Nelson Young Fruit Grower winners and the Young Vegetable Grower for the supreme title.

The competition, now in its 11th year, is run by Horticulture New Zealand. Its chief executive, Mike Chapman, said Mr Geaney had a bright future ahead of him and exemplified the capability of young people in the rapidly growing industry.