What's New

2023 Annual Seed Industry Golf Tournament

At the 2023 Annual Seed Industry Golf Tournament, the foursome from Lusietti Seeds, Mark Milner, Sam McPherson, Ngaire Coote and Cameron Lepper took away the Duncan Storrier Memorial Trophy.

The Ambrose Golf Tournament took place on 18 May 2023 at the Tinwald Golf Club.

Co-hosted by the NZGSTA and the Ashburton Grain & Seed Association the day drew 75 players who braved the damp underfoot conditions.

The industry Golf Tournament is an important seed industry event bringing many friends and colleagues together said NZGSTA general manager Thomas Chin.

The tournament would not have been possible without the kind and very generous sponsorship by a number national and local organisations.

NEWS RELEASE – 11 August 2023

2023 Arable Awards Paul Johnston wins Agronomist of the Year

Paul Johnston was announced as the 2023 Agronomist of the Year at last night’s 2023 Arable Awards dinner, held at the Wigram Air Force Museum in Christchurch.

Paul works with Yara Fertilisers NZ Ltd and is based in Canterbury.

Ed Luisetti, chair of the NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association Grains & Pulses business group said Paul had been commended for his high level of technical abilities combined with exceptional agronomy service for his clients. Earlier in his career he helped New Zealand farmers Eric and Maxine Watson become world record holders for the highest yielding crop of wheat.

Agronomists play a key role in the success of farmers crops.

Providing expert knowledge on herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides as well as specific nutrient requirements and timings of application, agronomists help farmers maximise their financial returns, as well as ensuring crops are grown sustainably and to the best environmental practices.

Agronomists visit their crops on a regular basis throughout the growing season and build strong trusting relationships with farmers. An agronomist will take just as much satisfaction out of growing a successful crop as their farmer clients do.

The Agronomist of the Year award was sponsored by the NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association and recognises an agronomist who has up to the minute knowledge of crop options and agronomy and goes above and beyond to help their growers produce high-quality, profitable crops.

For further information, contact

Ed Luisetti – Chairperson

Grains & Pulses Business Group

NZ Grain & Seed Trade Association

Cell: 027 287 6393

News Release – 24 May 2023

Successful Women in Seed Forum

Yesterday the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association hosted another successful Women in Seed forum.

The event, attended by over 140 delegates, was an opportunity for attendees to come together to hear from high calibre speakers on a range of issues relevant to today’s female professionals as well as industry specific issues.

Association Vice President Charlotte Connoley said the event serves as an important annual networking opportunity for females within the seed industry and was also about challenging attendees around the issues of the day with the aim of resulting in personal and professional growth for those present.

A networking breakfast opened the event promoting much greater collaboration between industry professionals for the betterment of the industry before delegates heard from an outstanding line up of speakers from within the seed trade, business sector and health and wellbeing. Bringing a variety of perspectives presenters included Alison Stewart – FAR CEO, Mel Poulton, Athlete and Ambassador Gemma McCaw and Gabrielle O’Brien of Rural New Zealand.

In the afternoon session, speakers included Maury Leyland Penno – Leaft Food Director, Julia Jones – thought leader in the primary sector, ANZ Rural Economist Susan Kilsby and Dr Lucy Hone.

“The success of the forum just continues to grow” says Association Vice President, Charlotte Connoley.

“It is challenging times for the primary sector at the moment as a result of the earlier weather events and ongoing legislative pressures, now more than ever it is crucial our delegates are given opportunities to expand their technical and industry knowledge to support growers and farmers with the challenges ahead.

“Providing tools for better mental resilience as we heard here today from one of our keynote speakers Dr Lucy Hone is also critical for our own health and wellbeing but also so we can provide support to the farming community.

“With attendee numbers surpassing the organisation’s annual conference it is clear there is demand for an opportunity such as this forum for females in the industry.

“We were absolutely delighted with the turnout and support from our many industry members ranging from administrators, plant breeders, plant researchers, agronomists, traders to lab and technical experts”.

“We will definitely ensure that the forum remains an annual flagship event for the association and our membership,” added Sharon Dawe the association’s Business Manager.

Contact details:

Charlotte Connoley – Vice President

NZ Grain and Seed Trade Association

021 301 677