Chris Hursthouse (2010-2013)

Chris Hursthouse has recently won the Rural Directions Hawke’s Bay Shepherd of the Year Award. This is a new addition to the Primary Sector Awards and aims to recognise someone  who demonstrates drive, leadership, community involvement and a strong understanding of farming systems and applications.

Chris works for the R+C Buddo Trust in Poukawa and loves working outdoors on the land with a good team of dogs. He has always wanted to be involved with farming and has a long-term goal of farm ownership. Chris found that the work involved in applying for Shepherd of the Year was a great learning experience as it made him reflect on his career and be more specific about his long term goals.

Rob Buddo says that Chris is the ideal employee: “It’s not just about the job for Chris, he always wants to understand what is involved behind the scenes and why decisions are made on the farm. Everyone at R+C Buddo is very proud of Chris and we know that his drive and determination will take him a long way. It’s great to see this new award acknowledging excellence among young people in the farming world and it gives an indication of the great opportunities that are available for bright, innovative, young people to add value to the farming sector”

Chris is involved with the Tikokino Young Farmers’ Club as the current Chairman and past Treasurer and this includes supporting the local community through Tikokino and Kereru Schools. Chris feels that Young Farmers’ has been a great way to connect with the local community and other farmers and has given him an additional set of administration skills.