Prebble Turf World - Supporting Young Landscapers

Prebble Seeds are a key sponsor for RML and a huge supporter of the Young Landscaper of the Year Awards. We recently spoke with Bruce Lowe, who is the New Zealand Turf Manager for Prebble Seeds. Bruce has been in the industry for nearly 40 years, longer than any other sales rep and is a familiar face for many members at RML.

Bruce says Prebble Seeds have been in operation for over 60 years, and in the landscaping and golf market for nearly 40.

“Prebble Seeds have been supplying grass seed fertilisers and chemicals to the industry longer than any other supplier. One of the main reasons we have survived for so long is our understanding that the young landscapers and apprentices coming through the ranks are the future. If support and training is given to them, then the future will be in a better shape. The enthusiasm and skill demonstrated through the Young Landscaper of the Year and the support programme that is offered via Registered Master Landscapers and PITO apprentice scheme is crucial to our industry and developing high calibre, skilled people to our workforce,” says Bruce.

This year, the Young Landscaper of the Year Awards were held in Auckland and Guillaume Chabbert from Natural Habitats won the top prize. He is about to compete at the 2022 Young Horticulturist of the Year.

Bruce says it’s young and inspiring members of the industry like, Guillaume, that give Prebble Seeds the enthusiasm to continue their involvement with the awards programme.

“From our point of view, having contact and feedback from the new “Young Guns” on what type of products and issues they face has allowed Prebble Seeds to focus on new products ahead of the rest of the market. We also understand that programmes like the Young Landscapers of the Year. The Competition is a successful tool for employers to be competitive in a tight employment market. By offering strong professional development opportunities, our industry is able to attract and recruit the best talent to landscaping as a long-term career. Prebble Seeds is investing in the long-term sustainability of the sector,” says Bruce.

For Bruce, on a personal level, one of the most pleasing things is to have past participants in the Young Landscaper of the Year approach him and thank Prebble Seeds for their support of the competition.

“Even those who have not won, have all mentioned that the participation in the competition has opened their eyes to the improvements they have needed to make in their personal development in the industry and how this has benefited them when they have moved onwards and upwards, be it their own business or promotion for established companies,” says Bruce.

Janine Scott, CEO of Registered Master Landscapers, says Prebble Seeds have great synergies with RML that make them a pleasure to partner with.

“Training, education and supporting the future of our industry is a passion of RML so it is great to work with an organisation that has the same values. I would like to thank Prebble Seeds for their continued support of the awards and of course Bruce for his enthusiasm and energy,” said Janine.