Kennedy Valley banana grower Jeff Dickinson is no stranger to the winner’s circle when it comes to exhibiting prize winning fruit. But, walking away with top honours at both the Innisfail and Tully Shows this year was especially rewarding.

Mr Dickinson took home the highest accolades at both banana exhibits, including Most Successful Exhibitor at the Tully and District Show after winning seven categories – Champion Plant, Heaviest Bunch Ratoon, Steward’s Choice, Champion Hand, Heaviest Hand, Three clusters and Heaviest Single.

This came on the back of picking up the prize for Most Outstanding Exhibit and Most Successful Exhibition on Aggregate Points at the Innisfail Show two weeks prior.

Mr Dickinson said it was always good to receive recognition for the quality of his produce.

“Yes definitely. Quality is a big thing for me. I’m happy. It’s good,” he said. “It all comes down to the last minute of the judging I suppose, the judges’ discretion, but you’ve got to be in it to win it.”

But, asked what his winning formula was? That’s something he holds close to his chest.

“I can’t let that one out,” he says with a smile. “But it’s about bagging, and being onto all your jobs all the time.”