Don Cross

With a degree in Agricultural Science from Lincoln University, over 40 years of practical horticultural skills and ten years of tutoring, he has a lot to offer his students. “I see my tutoring role as a commitment to education and horticulture. We need this level of dedicated learning to keep the industry up there on the world stage.”

Don has a background in a variety of commercial horticulture crops. He’s run pip and stone fruit orchards growing cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, apples and nashi. He’s also established olive groves including an organic olive grove and has become involved in viticulture training. But Don’s expertise is not only in his own commercial horticulture ventures. He has been a Field Officer for the New Zealand Horticultural Industry Training Organisation, an irrigation consultant, and a specialist MAF Agricultural Engineering Farm Advisory officer.

Don has always been involved in the wider Marlborough community as well as with his horticulture industry associations. “My background includes professional consultancy, advisory, orcharding, olives, all aspects of irrigation and tertiary education. I feel this breadth of experience helps me connect with my students.”

“These are exciting times, and this course provides an excellent entry-level into further online learning, which undoubtedly is the way of the future.”

DAgSc