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Dean Astill
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
Indeed he was initially on a career path to becoming a boat builder – but is thankful for the unexpected transition.
“I was fascinated with boats – and in particular sailing boats – but it was my father that encouraged me to look at the horticulture sector. I still clearly remember the day we went to Johnny Appleseed’s packhouse to hear about the horticulture apprenticeship that was just transitioning from the original cadetship programme, and I was pretty much hooked after that.”
Named the inaugural Young Horticulturist winner in 2005, he aspired to be a successful orchard manager within the following decade. As the guest speaker will tell next week’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, he achieved that and so much more.
Astill established Berry Farms NZ alongside business partner of 15 years Craig Hall in 2017, a leading grower of Driscoll’s berries based in Hawkes Bay. Berry Farms NZ is part of the RD8 Fresh Produce Group, that is made up of four entities RD8 Fresh Produce, Berry Farms NZ, Hoddys Fruit Co and The Fresh Berry Company of NZ – the exclusive Driscoll’s agent in New Zealand.
This has come, Astill says, from having a philosophy of advocating for innovative farming practices and sustainability initiatives.
Driscoll’s itself has invested significantly into R&D, agronomy support, new product development and marketing and sustainability initiatives as well as world leading new genetics.
The company’s berries are grown in covered tunnel houses, allowing them to produce fresh fruit approximately 10 months of the year. The global supply is committed to a sustainable future that tries to ensure its farming practices are gentle on the natural environment and supports local communities.
“There is still plenty of innovation and opportunities to come – I am excited that New Zealand horticultural enterprises really are producing the best produce and leading the way, and it’s invigorating that horticulture is major and serious contributor to the wider New Zealand economy.
“I’ve witnessed a significant change in the industry – automation in both post-harvest such as optical sizing, defect sorting, NIR (Near-infrared) technology and farm and orchard robotics have come a long way.”
Astill predicts the sector will have a positive growth phase over the next 10 years, far bigger than the transformation the last decade has seen.
“That may be by way of value not only attributed to more hectares, but also from productivity and efficiency gain – which technology will play a major role in. There will be many challenges as there always is in horticulture. Overcoming them is what will drive the growth, success and celebration.”
He reflects on the upcoming Young Horticulturist of the Year’s 20th competition this month [Nov 5/6] and wants to encourage the six finalists chosen as winners from their sectors – young amenity, arborist, grower, florist, plant producer and viticulturist – to embrace the opportunities it provides.
“It takes you out of your comfort zone and really tests your all-round knowledge of horticulture. It helped me hugely – the recognition and exposure to many opportunities, as well as helping me grow as a person and to foster my confidence.”
About The Young Horticulturist of the Year
The Young Horticulturist of the Year (YHOTY) is an intensive two-day competition for talented young professionals from a range of horticultural sectors. Run by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Education Trust, the YHOTY was launched in 2005 and culminates in choosing a supreme winner at a prestigious annual awards.
There are six finalists vying for the supreme title and a prize pool worth more than $50,000 at the grand final, held in Karaka, Auckland on November 5 and 6.
The sectors are:
Young Horticulturist of the Year celebrates 20 years in 2025 and is managed by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture Education Trust.
The competition's valued Official Partners are Woolworths, Fruitfed Supplies and T&G Fresh.
For tickets to the awards dinner on Thursday, November 6, 2025 and further information go to younghort.co.nz
Nina Downer, New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year 2024, will compete against the best in the field on 5-6 November, including national winners from the arborist, florist, plant producer, amenity, and grower sectors.
Soljans Estate Vineyard Manager Tai Nelson will compete for the title of 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year in Auckland at the end of October.
Berry supplier The Fresh Berry Company has rolled out a locally developed forecasting platform that will allow its growers to precisely plan planting and harvest times, to ensure fruit hits store shelves when consumers most want it.
Meryn Whitehead has taken out the coveted title of New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the Year for 2023.
Hawke's Bay apple grower Regan Judd has won the title of Young Horticulturist of the Year.
Acclaimed fruit grower Dean Astill never imagined he would have achieved so much in the years since being named the first Young Horticulturist of the Year, 20 years ago.
The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.
New Zealand First leader and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has blasted Fonterra farmers shareholders for approving the sale of iconic brands to a French company.
A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.
Fewer bobby calves are heading to the works this season, as more dairy farmers recognise the value of rearing calves for beef.
The key to a dairy system that generates high profit with a low emissions intensity is using low footprint feed, says Fonterra program manager on-farm excellence, Louise Cook.
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