The Polson Higgs Innovation Competition celebrates the innovation and creativity of young people in the rural community. Polson Higgs created this competition in partnership NZ Young Farmers with the aim to motivate and inspire the next generation of famers and agricultural professionals towards successful and sustainable futures.
Each year we ask a question that aims to address a current issue within the agriculture industry and invite year 12 & 13 Secondary Students and NZYF members from around Otago and Southland to compete. The top entries are then chosen to present their ideas to a panel of industry professional judges, with the winners sharing in a total prize pool of $2,500!
The 2021 winner, Latasha Hastie, presented a 5-minute speech on “What Farming will look like in 2040?”. The topics she covered included mental health in farmers, exportation, NZ becoming the first carbon-neutral agricultural country, wool prices and employing new, innovative technology. Latasha took home the grand prize of $1,000 which she has put towards her education at Lincoln University. When she has finished at Lincoln, Latasha plans to run the 1900ha sheep and beef farm at Mount Wendon Station, that has been in her family since World War 2.
This year, presentation night is 30 September 2022 at the Polson Higgs offices where contestants will present their innovative ideas on how farming can deliver a sustainable future for NZ.
If you have an interest in farming and/or agriculture and are eligible to apply (or know someone that is) we encourage you to register by clicking the link below. Registrations close on 12 September 2022.
2021 winner Latasha Hastie, and guest judge, Frank Griffin.
2021 prize winners Te Kahui O Te Rangi (Kavanagh College), Latasha Hastie
(St Hilda's Collegiate School) and Isla Hastie (South Otago High School).