The finalists for the 51st FMG Young Farmer of the Year have been revealed, and history is set to be made among this year’s cream of the crop
It will be the first time in the contest’s 51-year history that the line-up of seven finalists has included two women.
Emma Dangen, 24, is a Te Awamutu-based vet and who will represent the Waikato/Bay of Plenty, and North Canterbury shepherd Georgie Lindsay, 24, is the first woman to represent the Tasman region.
“A lot of women have put in a lot of hard work over the years to get more women involved in agriculture. Their efforts are paying off,” says Dangen.
The pair will go head-to-head in July against Napier hometown finalist Joseph Watts, as well as James Robertson, Alex Field, Alan Harvey and Matt McRae.
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is renowned for testing the knowledge, skills, and stamina of the country’s food and fibre producers.
“Competing at grand final is something I have aspired to do since watching the contest on television as a young fella,” Alan says.
The contest kicks off on 4 July with an opening ceremony and parade at the Napier Sound Shell at 3pm.
It will be followed by a gruelling practical day at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds, which will be a showcase of technology, food and innovation.
The event will take place alongside grand finals for the AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competitions, which will involve almost 100 students from across the country.
The contest finishes up on 6 July, with a 600-strong crowd expected to pack the Rodney Green Centennial Events Centre for an evening show and fast-paced agri-knowledge quiz hosted by Te Radar.