Lifetime achievement award for Canterbury pig farmer

Chris Trengrove, who farms west of Christchurch on the Canterbury Plains, began his career in banking before switching to farming in the late 1980s.

He served on the NZPork Board for 15 years, nine of those as Chairman, and was instrumental in the development and introduction of the sector’s PigCare welfare assurance programme and a major review of import health standards.

Known for his innovative approach to pig farming, Trengrove designed a novel purpose-built farrowing system to reduce piglet losses.

He also pioneered artificial insemination for outdoor pig herds in New Zealand.

Brent Kleiss, chief executive of NZPork, says Trengrove has made an immense contribution to the sector.

“Chris has invested time and energy serving our sector and New Zealand agriculture over many years and established international links with pork industries, researchers and organisations,” Kleiss says. “He also has a deep commitment to research and pork industry training.”

2023 Stockperson of the Year winner Regan Driver.

Meanwhile, Tayla Steele, who works to Patoa Farms in North Canterbury, and Regan Driever of the Stanley Brothers pig farm near Opunake in Taranaki, were joint winners of the 2023 Stockperson of the Year award.

Steele spent a number of years working at thoroughbred racehorse studs before joining Patoa Farms 14 months ago.

She has gone on to gain an NZQA Level 3 qualification in Pig Husbandry.

“I was looking for a change and wanted to move to North Canterbury because it’s a lovely location to live,” says Steele.

“I’d never had anything to do with pigs but knew a few people in the industry and they enjoyed it. I really like working with pigs. They are inquisitive, smart and playful,” she says.

Steele says she sees herself in the sector for the long-term.

“It’s a good way to step into farming if you have no farming background. For anyone interested in farming, I’d say give pig farming a go,” she says. “You don’t need any experience – you’ll get help to learn everything as you go along.”

Regan Driever, the second joint winner of the 2023 Stockperson of the Year award, joined Stanley Brothers two ago, straight from school, having enjoyed a stint of work experience at the farm.

He has gained his NZQA Level Three qualification in pig husbandry and plans to study for his Level Four next year.

“I’m always learning something new,” he says. “There’s so much involved – nutrition, pig welfare, biosecurity and I really enjoy working with the pigs.”

“I see it as a long-term career and I’d encourage any young people interested in the sector to apply for work experience and see what they think.”