Silver Fern Farms announce Plate to Pasture winners

Each winner received $5000 to further their careers in the red meat sector.

Silver Fern Farms chief executive Simon Limmer says he is delighted to see the passion young New Zealanders have shown for the red meat industry through the applications submitted to the annual scholarship programme.   

“We want to thank all applicants for entering the Plate to Pasture Youth Scholarships, the calibre of the entries was high and showed great initiative and insights into our industry, at all levels. Through the scholarships we have connected with the industry’s emerging talent who want to contribute to a sustainable future for our red meat sector – from plate to pasture.”

This year applicants were asked to describe their ‘Big Idea’ for the red meat industry, as well as naming three challenges or opportunities they believe are important to the sector. Their answers ranged from developing niche markets for toddlers and the elderly, remodelling traditional cow breeding programmes and engaging with the education sector to encourage young New Zealanders to look at our industry for careers.

Limmer says Silver Fern Farms is very proud to be supporting the future of farming and the communities where we live and work. 

“The scholarships support our vision: Inspirational Food created by Passionate People. It’s an important opportunity for us to support our emerging leaders who will shape the future of our industry.”  

Applicants were required to have a Silver Fern Farms shareholder support them, Silver Fern Farms Co-operative co-chair Rob Hewett says connecting farmers and the young talent is key to building a sustainable future for the industry.”

This year’s winners of the Silver Fern Farms Plate to Pasture Youth Scholarships are:

• Chloe Saxton - Upper North Island
• Monique Yule - Western North Island
• Lucy Hewitt -Eastern North Island
• Louise Schwass - Upper South Island
• George Blyth -Lower South Island
• Chloe Hannah – Judges Choice