The 2011 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year will hold a field day on their South Canterbury property in early March.

Raymond and Adrianne Bowan will open Fallgate Farm and their Heartland Potato Chip factory to the rural community to show how innovation helped them turn well grown potatoes into great tasting chips.

Lincoln University Foundation chairman Neil Taylor expects many people from throughout the South Island and potato growers from around the country to attend the field day.

“The Field Day is an opportunity for all farmers, especially growers, to learn how the Bowan’s commitment to innovation on an ongoing basis enabled them to achieve their dreams through complete vertical integration,” says Mr Taylor.

Raymond Bowan says those attending the Field Day will get to see how both the farms and the factory operate, hear about our farm management style, our innovative practices, production levels and profitability.

“We see the Field Day as a chance to give back to everyone who has helped us over the years. Hopefully it will also inspire others to focus on using innovation to grow their own business.”

From the Paddock to the Packet Field Day starts at 9:45am on 2 March 2012 at Fallgate Farm, 42 Milton Road, Orari, South Canterbury. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP jan.latham@lincoln.ac.nz by 27 February.

During the day buses will take attendees to the Heartland Potato Chip factory which is 30 minutes away in Washdyke before returning to the farm.

The Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year competition is the South Island’s premier farming competition. Preparation for this year’s competition is underway and farmers who are able to demonstrate how innovation has improved their farming operations are asked to enter.

You can find out more about the competition by visiting www.lincolnuniversityfoundation.org.nz.

For further information please contact:

Neil Taylor
Chairman - Lincoln University Foundation
021 662 148
neil.taylor@xtra.co.nz