28 September 2012
Back Kiwis to win Marks & Spencer farming ‘Grand Slam’
A Kiwi deer farming couple could be crowned 2012 Marks & Spencer Farming for the Future Champion of Champions.
“New Zealand is up against Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England making this the Grand Slam of farming,” says Bruce
Wills, Federated Farmers President.
“Whatever happens, Hawke’s Bay deer farmers, Tim Aitken and Lucy Robertshawe, are winners already. They got into the
2012 Marks & Spencer Farming for the Future final by taking out the International award.
“We are extremely proud of them because that award is significant in its own right. Lucy and Tim’s deer farm was judged
by Marks & Spencer to be their best international supplier.
“They could now become Champion of Champions but as this comes down to a popular vote, they are up against the more
populous home nations. New Zealand’s got farming talent and Federated Farmers is asking all Kiwis to back Lucy and Tim.
“To back our farmers in black singlets, type “Award Winning Farmers - Plan A - Marks & Spencer” into Google. All the finalists will come up, including Tim and Lucy, but remember, voting closes at midnight
next Tuesday, 2 October.
“Lucy and Tim are helping to put New Zealand’s primary industries on the biggest of big stages and it is great. Marks & Spencer is a prestigious brand selling New Zealand sourced food and showcases just how good Kiwi agriculture is.
“Marks & Spencer Farming for the Future recognises farmers for how well they treat their livestock, their technical excellence
as farmers and their overall environmental performance.
“The Award also takes into account pesticide usage, payment schemes and even the use of sustainable raw materials.
“Tim Aitken and Lucy Robertshawe are not just a good farming story, they are a great farming story,” Mr Wills concluded.
ends