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An agronomist for AS Wilcox, James Blair is national final bound after reaping victory at Pukekohe Young Grower of the year.
“This was the first time I entered the competition and it was a fantastic experience. The contestants came from a real mix of horticulture backgrounds, from kiwifruit to glasshouses and large vegetable growers, but the competition was designed to suit everyone,” he says.
“It’s an important event because it’s a chance to test your skills against your peers but also to raise awareness among young people of the opportunities in the industry, because there are so many.”
Blair (28) claimed the title by besting his six fellow finalists across a range of industry-related practical and theoretical challenges.
From rural roots in England, Blair is now based in Matamata.
“I grew up on a farm, but I had no idea of the scope of opportunities in horticulture and I feel very lucky that I fell into it,” he says.
“Agronomy is [now] my absolute passion, so I want to stay in that field and work in improvements in technology and efficiency. I’d strongly encourage young people to give horticulture a go.
“Wherever you start, a seasonal job or whatever, if you have the right attitude and are willing to work hard, then the opportunities will be there for you to progress.”
Following his win at Tuakau’s La Valla, Blair now advances to the national Young Grower of the Year competition in Cromwell, August 27–28.
