Judging the FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional has been a difficult task for the judges this year, given the high calibre of applicants. All 16 applicants showed an insightful understanding of the challenges facing New Zealand’s primary industries, a vast range of skills, and positive contribution to the food and fibre sector.

The winner of the 2022 FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional of the Year Was Blake Gunn.

The judges said Blake illustrated deep technical knowledge and thoughtful insights through his application. Blake shows commitment to the primary sector through a wide range of responsibilities outside of his day-to-day role at Agricom, and through his contributions to industry groups. His values were evident throughout his application, and the insights he provided about his own industry and the wider sector makes him an excellent recipient for the 2022 FARMAX Emerging Rural Professional of the year. The judges are excited to see what lies next in Blake’s career journey and see him as a great ambassador for rural professionals and our industry.