First-time contestant crowned Northland's best
A Franklin dairy farmer has inched closer to national victory after being crowned Northland’s top young farmer.
Competitors have been selected, all regional finals have concluded, and the journey towards the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final for Season 55 is underway.
Seven FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand finalists, 14 FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year teams (28 competitors) and 21 AgriKidsNZ teams (63 competitors) will be heading to Timaru to battle it out for the top awards, this July.
The events brought together passionate and skilled young farmers from across the country, with each contestant demonstrating their understanding of the food and fibre sector and their commitment to the future of the industry.
The competition was fierce, with each young farmer putting their best foot forward in the hopes of securing a place in the Grand Final. Volunteer teams tested contestants' knowledge and skill across a range of disciplines, including animal husbandry, crop management, innovation, and sustainability.
Participants also had to compete in a range of practical challenges, including everything from fencing to tree planting, crutching to machinery management.
Lynda Coppersmith, chief executive of NZ Young Farmers, spoke about the importance of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition in inspiring and supporting the next generation of farmers.
"The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is an essential part of the agricultural industry, and we are proud to provide a platform for young farmers to showcase their skills and knowledge.
"It is great to see the level of talent on display at the Regional Finals, and we are looking forward to the Grand Final to see who will take out the titles for Season 55."
Held across three days in Timaru from the 6th to the 8th July 2023, the grand final is expected to attract a good crowd.
The grand final also coincides with the New Zealand Young Farmers AGM, New Holland NZYF National Awards and NZYF Tournament Series national finals.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.