News

Qualifying rounds begin for FMG Young Farmer of the Year

October marks the beginning of FMG Young Farmer of the Year, kicking off 20 district contest and skills days to be held across New Zealand

The first qualifying rounds for the next FMG Young Farmer of the Year kick off this month, with 20 district contest and skills days to be held across the country before Christmas.

Alt TEXT HERE
2018 finalists

The events will help find 56 competitors who will go head to head in seven FMG Young Farmer of the Year regional finals early next year. The first two district contests were held in the Manawatu and Canterbury on October 6, before continuing around the rest of the country.

Roshean Woods, 27, has entered several district contests and is looking forward to competing again. “Last year, I entered as a pair with another Christchurch City Young Farmers member who wanted to give the contest a go,” she says.

Vanessa.jpg

“It was heaps of fun and is a great idea to help boost the confidence of people who had never done it before. I found a lot of the modules were right up my alley and this year I want to compete seriously.”

The events are designed to test the practical and theoretical skills of contestants. “The district contests are a great opportunity for members to benchmark themselves,” NZ Young Farmers’ events manager Bridget Johnston says.

“It’s a chance to test their knowledge, make new friends, and also to have a go and enjoy the day.”

Roshean is a farm environment consultant and is encouraging others to sign up. “You only get better at these things with practice. Each time I’ve competed I’ve improved. It’s all about the challenge,” she says.

IMG_0620.jpg

Christchurch-based NZ Young Farmers staff members Jake Lonergan, Maxine Wilson, and Danielle Holland are also giving the contest a go.

“I’ve never been on a tractor in my life, so I guess we’ll find out what my strengths are on the day,” he laughs.

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend