Friday, 14 October 2016 09:55

The reds have it in South Island Farmer of the Year finals

Written by Rural News Group

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Last year's winners: Annabelle and Richard Subtil, of Omarama Station, and John Young and Lyn Godsiff, of Clearwater Mussels.

Three red meat producers and a wine business will be up against each other for the finals of the Lincoln University Foundation 2016 South Island Farmer of the Year.

The four finalists are:

· James Dicey, a viticulturist and owner of Grape Vision Ltd based in Bannockburn, Central Otago.

· Lauren and Geoff Shaw, sheep and beef farmers in Central Otago, near Ranfurly.

· Lyn and Neil Campbell, Campbell Farms, Middle Valley, near Fairlie in South Canterbury farming sheep, beef, bulls and deer, and arable crops.

· Simon Lee, manager Mendip Hills Station, Parnassus, North Canterbury, farming sheep, beef and deer.

Foundation chair Ben Todhunter says he’s looking forward to a great finals night on November 16.

“The finals dinner is always one of the highlights of this competition. It’s a chance to hear directly from the finalists about what makes their business succeed; their innovations and inventions, vital points of difference, and generally just what makes a farm business, good enough to make the finals of this prestigious competition, tick.

“This event is a key part of the Foundation’s work to encourage and develop excellence and leadership in New Zealand’s primary industries and I encourage all farmers to join us to support the finalists’ presentations, and learn from them.”

The finals and dinner will be held at Lincoln University Te Kete Ika – Food and Function Centre from 5.30pm on November 16. Bookings can be made at http://www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz

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