A last‑minute decision to enter the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition has propelled horticulture adviser Phoebe Scherer to regional and national victories, despite early doubts about her ability to compete.

Now, she’s encouraging other young growers to give the competition a go.

Contestants compete in practical and theory-based challenges that test their skills, knowledge, and leadership in the horticulture industry.

Phoebe Scherer said she once sat in the audience and quietly hoped she might one day have the courage to compete herself.

Six years later, nearing the competition’s age limit and encouraged by friends, she finally entered - despite feeling unsure of herself.

“I was really hesitant. Everyone experiences impostor syndrome at some level, and I was no different.

“But I had so much support around me. That made me realise it was the right moment to give it a go.”

Scherer said the competition pushed her well outside her comfort zone.

While her day-to-day role focuses on technical advice in fertilisers, agrichemicals, and biosecurity, the practical modules were daunting.

“Learning to drive a tractor and reverse a bin trailer was absolutely terrifying,” she laughed.

“I’ll never forget the moment I got off that tractor and realised I hadn’t completely messed it up. I almost cried with relief - that was when I thought, ‘I can actually get through this’.”

She prepared intensively for the Gala Dinner speech, practising in front of colleagues, family, and with help from a speech coach.

“It was a topic I really cared about, so I wanted to deliver it well. Performing in front of 500 people was scary, but by then I was prepared and grounded.”

When she was announced as the winner, Scherer said it felt surreal.

“Honestly, it was pure shock and disbelief. I genuinely didn’t expect it.”

Winning the regional competition - and then the national title - has been career-defining.

It broadened her outlook on what horticulture offers and strengthened her belief that she belongs in the sector.

“It made me realise how broad my skill set actually is,” she said.

“It also opened doors I’d previously assumed were closed, because I didn’t have the confidence to knock on them.”

Scherer said the competition highlighted how the definition of a “grower” has been evolving.

“As orchard ownership becomes more difficult for young people, we’ll see more rural professionals, consultants, and advisers stepping into that space.

“We’re all part of the same growing system, making decisions that contribute to better, bigger, tastier fruit.”

Her message to those considering entering is simple: “Give it a go.”

“Even if you don’t have support immediately around you, the competition itself is full of people who want you to succeed - module runners, previous contestants, organisers. You just need to commit and give it 110%.”

Applications for the 2026 Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition are now open and close on Friday, April 24, at 12pm.