Judging revamp for South Island Farmer of the Year competition

Today the Lincoln University Foundation has confirmed significant changes to the judging process for the South Island Farmer of the Year competition.

For the first time, the body responsible for New Zealand’s rural professionals – the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) – will help judge the competition.

The announcement comes after an effectiveness review of the competition called for the event to be opened to all farming categories with a focus on innovation. Previously it was rotated between farming categories which meant some farmers had a long wait between innings before their operation was eligible.

Lincoln University Foundation chairman Neil Taylor says the decision to widen the field also led to a review of the judging process.

Bob Simpson, a senior farm management tutor at Lincoln University has been appointed as the co-ordinator judge. The retired deer, dairy, beef, sheep and cropping farmer is a member of NZIPIM and is an international farming consultant. He also teaches Agricultural ITO’s level five students in Mid Canterbury.

Mr Taylor says Bob’s credentials put him in good stead to be able to judge entries across the primary sector.

Joining him is industry heavy-weight, Barry Brook the former chief executive of PGG Wrightson, a fellow of NZIPIM and a registered consultant.

Mr Taylor says Barry has over 45 years experience in the rural sector and his area of expertise is in financial and economic analysis of agri businesses.

Completing the judging team is Neil Taylor, current Lincoln University Foundation chairman and former chief executive of New Zealand Meat Board and a NZIPIM registered consultant.

In a bid to ensure the entire primary sector is adequately represented within the judging process NZIPIM agreed to help judge the first round of the competition. Founded in 1969, NZIPIM is a professional association of consultants and other rural professionals who advise or provide other services to those who manage primary industry resources.”

NZIPIM president Andy Macfarlane says it is an honour to be associated with the event. He says the Institute’s registered consultants work across the entire primary sector in the South Island and as such they’ll help ensure that innovation is judged on its merits whether it is on a farm, orchard or winery.

The new judging process is as follows:
• Entries close 15 August.

• First round: Three judges - Bob Simpson, a local NZIPIM registered consultant and a member of the Lincoln University Foundation - will visit each entrant farm.

• Second round: The information gathered from each farm visit will be collated and finalists selected.

• Third Round: The judging panel – Bob Simpson, Barry Brook, and Neil Taylor – will inspect each finalist’s farm.

• Fourth and final round: Each finalist will make a public presentation at Lincoln University on Friday, 5 November. Following which the winner will be announced. Early next year a field day will be held on the winner’s farm.

You can find out more about the South Island Farmer of the Year competition by visiting www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz.

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