Thursday, March 28, 2024

Three young leaders take out awards

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Three Young Farmers members have won excellence awards for outstanding contributions to the organisation.
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The awards are designed to recognise members who are leaders, achievers and role models.

“The one thing they had in common was that they have all inspired those around them,” Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said.

Franklin young farmers chairwoman and business owner Lisa Kendall was rewarded for her outstanding leadership and contribution to the food and fibre sector.

Kendall owns Nurture Farms, where she is developing sheep milk soap and plans to expand into cheese and produce manufacturing next year.

The 27-year-old said winning the award was a surprise.

“I think it’s really awesome just looking at past winners in previous years. It’s so cool to hear their stories so it’s cool to be on the same level as them, just a group of inspiring people,” she says.

Tikikino young farmer Kahila Fryer was recognised for her efforts in convening the 2019 FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest.

“It’s my fellow friends and peer group that put my name forward so it’s quite an honour really.”

Fryer is on Hawke’s Bay Netball board. 

“It’s a way of me expanding my governance skills and contributing as a youth and a woman in leadership.”

Massey university agriculture student William Robertson won the award for his impressive academic ability. 

He’s studying for an agri-commerce degree majoring in international agribusiness with scholarships from DairyNZ, FMG and Massey University and was the Qualifications Authority’s top agriculture and horticultural science student at high school.

Robertson is in China studying on a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for a semester and as part of another Prime Minister’s Scholarship will join an agricultural group going to Thailand in January. 

Coppersmith said “I’m so proud of the work that our members do to support their communities on top of growing and developing their own careers.

“We are surrounded by so many inspiring young leaders doing amazing things in the agricultural space.”

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