Jayden takes Achiever award

While Jayden Harvey is no stranger to winning awards within the dairy industry for his farm management skills, he says the his most recent one was a real shock.

Jayden received the Young Achiever Award at the South Taranaki Youth to Work Awards last month, which celebrate young people achieving in their workplace or training environment, as well as the businesses, education and training providers who support them.

Jayden, a former Stratford High School student, says this was his first time being a part of the Youth to Work Awards after being nominated by Rachel Short of OnFarm Safety NZ and Jane Moffitt from Venture Taranaki.

"I was surprised and excited to just be nominated. There were so many impressive entries. It was a real shock to win."

Jayden is a low order sharemilker for Gary and Donna Mellow and manages one full- time and three part-time workers. He is also the chairman of the Central Taranaki Young Farmers group and has been integral in setting up TeenAg Clubs around the region, including Stratford High School and St Marys Diocesan School.

"I always knew I wanted to get into dairy farming once I left school and I think it is important that students get the opportunity to be a part of groups such as TeenAg while they are still in school."

Judges were blown away by Jayden's nomination and say it was hard to believe reading his list of achievements that he was only 21.

"Jayden demonstrates a passion for farming, a thirst for learning and a desire to pass on his knowledge and his enthusiasm to others".

"It was obvious to us as judges that Jayden is a driven individual who is passionate about his chosen career. The proof being he has consistently pushed himself to achieve far beyond all expectations."