Despite tough times in the wool sector, the couple who won the Wools of New Zealand (WNZ) Grower of the Year award continue to believe in the product.
Simon and Melissa Turner of Glenhope in Hawke's Bay were given the accolade at the WNZ AGM.
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Glenhope is located in the Puketitiri district 65kms from Napier, and the farm is a high-performing sheep and beef breeding and finishing operation.
The Turners currently run just over 5000 Romney - including a small Romney stud - and remain positive about the future of the wool industry.
"Wool has been through a rough ride in recent years, but we continue to believe in the product," said Mr Turner.
"We are backing Wools of New Zealand and its contracts, as we believe in their strategy and their vision."
Announcing the winner at the WNZ AGM, chairman Mark Shadbolt said Glenhope had stood out this year across all the key judging criteria.
"It's a tough challenge to separate the winners from a lot of deserving growers, but that's a nice problem to have," Mr Shadbolt said.
"It really demonstrates the commitment and focus they have for their own company."
The Turners will receive a hand-tufted rug made from WNZ wool.
Listen to an interview with Simon Turner above.
Rural Exchange with Hamish McKay, Sarah Perriam and Richard Loe, 5-7am Saturday and Sunday on RadioLIVE with Carter’s Tyre Service. Click here for all the ways to watch and listen.
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