Tuesday, 23 July 2024 10:55

Top young farmer eyes sharemilking job

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson. 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson.

The 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson is hoping that the win is a stepping stone to his dream job of sharemilking next season.

The 23-year-old is second in charge on a 430- cow dairy farm between Darfield and Dunsandel in Canterbury.

Dodson says the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is respected and well known throughout the country.

“So, I hope winning the national title helps me get a sharemilking job next season,” he told Dairy News.

Dodson secured the win following three days of gruelling challenges against six other grand finalists in Hamilton this month. With challenges that included an exam, an interview, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven finalists were neck and neck as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition.

Friday’s actionpacked practical day saw contestants work with quad bikes, power tools and a forage harvester to show off their practical skills.

In the end, Dodson pipped northern representative Caleb Eady by three points. Aorangi Young Farmer Gareth McKerchar finished in third place. Dodson took home $90,000 worth of prizes.

Dodson is no stranger to the contest, though 2024 was his first attempt at a Grand Final. The 23-year-old contestant dug deep and drew on the strong set of skills he learnt at home and through farm management. It was his performance in the final buzzer quiz, during the awards dinner, that secured him the win.

“My dad put hours and hours and hours into helping me prepare. I also had some of the boys coming out once a week from an hour’s drive away to test me on the buzzer, and I think that showed.”

Dodson believes the dairy sector is an attractive option for young people looking at the agriculture sector for a career.

“The dairy sector has changed a lot over time: at one time it wasn’t so good to go dairy farming, but that was a long time ago. Farmer employers now compete directly with employers in town and offer competitive wages, working hours and accommodation for workers.”

Dodson’s advice for young people is to give dairying a try.

“Put your toes in, give it a crack; you have the option to leave but I can tell you that dairying can be a rewarding career.”

Dodson says working in rural areas, away from the town life, can be a challenge. But that’s where organisations like the NZ Young Farmers play a crucial role.

“It gives you the chance to socialise with people your own age and who do similar work and there’s also the chance to give back to your community.”

New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith says Dodson impressed everyone with his broad knowledge and impressive leadership skills.

“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It’s inspiring to see it go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but the agricultural industry.

“After seeing the talent, it’s exciting to see what the future of the food and fibre sector will hold."

Coppersmith also paid special tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured season 56 of the iconic contest was a roaring success.

“FMG Young Farmer of the Year wouldn’t be what it is without a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers and contestants. Their enthusiasm and commitment are a testament to the strong farming community in Aotearoa. The future is looking very bright.”

More like this

Road to grand final continues

The first FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Final will kick off at the Helensville Showgrounds this Saturday.

Featured

Every vote will count - Alliance chair

An independent report, prepared for Alliance farmer shareholders is backing the proposed $250 million joint venture investment by Irish company Dawn Meats Group.

John Deere technician's record hat trick

Whangarei field service technician, Bryce Dickson has cemented his place in John Deere’s history, becoming the first ever person to win an award for the third time at the annual Australian and New Zealand Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night.

Australia develops first local mRNA FMD vaccine

Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks could have a detrimental impact on any country's rural sector, as seen in the United Kingdom's 2000 outbreak that saw the compulsory slaughter of over six million animals.

National

All eyes on NZ milk supply

All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.

Machinery & Products

Amazone unveils flagship spreader

With the price of fertiliser still significantly higher than 2024, there is an increased onus on ensuring its spread accurately at…

Leader balers arrive in NZ

Officially launched at the National Fieldays event in June, the Leader in-line conventional PRO 1900 balers are imported and distributed…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Full cabinet

OPINION: Legislation being drafted to bring back the controversial trade of live animal exports by sea is getting stuck in the…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter