Nominees announced for 2019 Corteva Young Grower of the Year Award
A spring onion grower from South Australia, a mixed vegetable farmer from Tasmania and a production manager for carrots from Queensland are three of the young fruit and vegetable producers shortlisted for the prestigious 2019 Young Grower of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by Corteva Agriscience, the Agriculture Division of DowDuPoint.
Honouring young growers aged 35 and under, the Corteva Young Grower of the Year Award will be presented at 2019 National Awards for Excellence during Hort Connections in Melbourne next month.
The national award recognises the next generation of the Australian horticulture industry, specifically those who demonstrate a high level of commitment to innovation, and who have a track-record of dedication to their local community and the broader agriculture industry.
The shortlisted nominees for the 2019 Corteva Young Grower of the Year Award include:
- Anthony De Ieso, Thorndon Park Produce, Adelaide, SA
- Christopher Maise, Maisel Ag Pty Ltd Trading as Rocky Top Farms, Dimbulah, QLD
- Daniel Jackson, Jackson Agricultural Company, Beerwah, QLD
- John Hearman, Hearman Ag Orchard and Nursery, Donnybrook, WA
- Josh Langmaid, Langmaid Harvesting, Forth (Devonport), TAS
- Michael Evans, Mulgowie Farming Company, Bairnsdale, VIC
- Stephanie Corrigan, Corrigans Produce Farms, VIC
- Stephanie Tabone, Kalfresh, Kalbar, QLD
23-year-old Queensland carrot production manager Stephanie Tabone said she's thrilled to have made the shortlist.
"It's certainly a surprise and an honour to be nominated for the Young Grower of the Year award. I'm grateful that my hard work and efforts have been recognised, and I'm looking forward to new opportunities that contribute to building my skill set and professional experiences," Stephanie said.
Bunchline vegetable grower Anthony De Ieso, a 30-year-old from Adelaide said he plans to make the most of the experiences that come with being a Young Grower nominee.
"I feel very humbled and honoured to be nominated. It's overwhelming to know that the work you have put in has been recognised on such a large scale. I'm really looking forward to representing SA growers and making the most of the opportunities the nomination might bring," Anthony said.
Nick Koch, Marketing Manager for Horticulture & Insecticides for Corteva said the 2019 shortlist showcases an abundance of industry talent.
"Corteva Agriscience is incredibly proud to play a part in the early career progression of some of the best and the brightest young growers in Australia today," Nick said.
"The Corteva Young Grower of the Year Award offers not only just the winner, but all nominees, some excellent industry opportunities and will forever deem them part of the Young Grower Alumni.
"At Corteva we believe that when farmers win, everybody wins, and we're looking forward to supporting the next crop of leaders in Australian horticulture."
James Whiteside, CEO of AUSVEG, the industry representative body for the Australian vegetable and potato industries that manage the Awards, said the Corteva Young Grower of the Year Award is a keenly watched category.
"Corteva's support of young growers, as evidenced by this award, is a great example of industry leadership. We need to recognise the leaders of tomorrow and acknowledge the talent, innovation and passion of young people who are choosing horticulture as the industry to commit their career to," said James.
