Today offers a time of nervous waiting for Tauranga man Campbell Wood, who is due to give a speech to more than 400 people tonight.

It is the final act in the Young Grower of the Year national competition and is a test of wits for the four finalists.

They are: Campbell Wood, 21, from Tauranga, Chris Treneman, 25, from Hawke's Bay, Kevin Withington, 29, from Nelson and Ben Smith, 29, from Pukekohe.

They will each speak for three minutes at the Horticulture New Zealand annual conference dinner tonight in Rotorua at the Energy Events Centre.

This comes after the four finalists contested a series of challenges and tests in Rotorua on Monday.

Campbell Wood competing in challenges on Monday.

These included:

• Tractor driving and implement knowledge
• Spraying, calibration and growsafe
• Employment
• Computer software
• Pests and disease
• Resource management
• Fertilisers and soil
• Fencing and planting
• The Ballance leadership panel session

This is the third year Horticulture New Zealand has run the Young Grower of the Year competition and its president, Andrew Fenton, is proud to be associated with it.

'Horticulture New Zealand believes in celebrating excellence in our young people,” says Andrew.

'These four growers have already demonstrated passion, direction and the potential to becoming significant contributors to our industry's future. I look forward to watching their careers progress.”

Zespri is the competition's platinum sponsor and its CEO, Lain Jager, says it provides good opportunities for young people.

'We are very pleased to be the platinum sponsor for the 2011 Young Grower of the Year,” says Lain.

'This competition is a wonderful way for young growers to take their horticultural careers to the next level.”

After the four finalists give their speeches tonight, they will have a short wait before the overall Young Grower of the Year is announced.