Top young farmer eyes sharemilking job

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.”