James Blair Named 2026 Young Grower National Champion
James Blair, an agronomist for AS Wilcox and the Pukekohe regional champion, has won the 2026 Young Grower national title.
Andrew, 29, was presented with his award yesterday after the day-long Young Grower of the Year competition held at Ellerslie Events Centre, Auckland, as part of this year's Horticulture New Zealand Conference.
Four regional finalists underwent rigorous testing on a wide range of essential horticulture business and practical skills, including driving a tractor, resource management and public speaking to more than 400 delegates.
Horticulture New Zealand president, Andrew Fenton said Andrew was a very strong competitor.
"We could see that Andrew gave 100% in every challenge," said Fenton.
"He showed agility, confidence and had a real business and technical sense of the horticulture industry. I look forward to watching this young grower progress in his horticulture career."
Scott, who works as an operations manager for Ross Hewson in Pendarves, thanked the Young Grower competition organisers and said it was a great privilege to receive the award, especially given the calibre of his fellow competitors.
"I really enjoyed the experience and getting to know the other three contestants. They are really great guys and I wish them all the best for the future. It was a great event and I want to thank Horticulture New Zealand for all the support they have shown me and the other contestants.
"I want to thank my manager Ross and Rochelle Hewson who has shown me tremendous support throughout the whole competition and of course my partner Liz. This is a great honour and I look forward to taking part in the Young Horticulturist competition later in the year," he said.
Scott also won the awards for best practical, best business skills and best innovation project.
He earned his place at the competition after taking out the Young Vegetable Grower title earlier this year and wins $4000 and a trip to Australia to visit other vegetable crop growers.
Scott beat three fruit growers to win the national title of Young Grower of the Year.
Jos Bell, (27) from Nelson took the Young Fruit Grower of the Year title and the Ballance Leadership award and Benjimen James from Hawkes Bay won Best Speech.
The competition is run by Horticulture New Zealand, the competition is supported by platinum sponsor NZ Horticentre Trust and others who recognise and celebrate young leaders in the horticulture industry, who have both excellent technical skills and leadership capabilities.
