Editorial: Agri's mojo is back
OPINION: Good times are coming back for the primary industries. From sentiment expressed at Fieldays to the latest rural confidence survey results, all indicate farmer confidence at a near-record high.
After a year's hiatus the competition has now opened up to our Australian neighbours for the very first time. This is sure to be the ultimate Trans-Tasman battle of smarts, strength and skills for just eight finalist rural stars of Australasia.
With a pool of over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, the competition is fierce. Aside from being an escape from the farm, it's a week-long adventure of adrenalin fuelled competition between eight blokes vying to take out the coveted title of the 2013 Rural Bachelor the of the Year.
Register now to be selected to compete. Entries close Monday, May 13.
The adventure begins with Fieldays' Bachelors landing in a mystery location on Monday, June 10.
Bachelors will then work in teams of two, with a range of tasks to be completed within 36 hours en-route to Fieldays at Mystery Creek Events Centre.
Arriving at Fieldays' deluxe Bachelor Base Camp, contestants will have a well deserved sleep before the real action begins on Wednesday, June 12.
The competition runs until Saturday and includes a serious challenges where contestants' farming prowess is tested to the limits with a range of farm based, adrenalin fuelled tasks - which are also super fun. Judged by a panel of farming experts, points are accumulated to decide who will take the title of the Rural Bachelor of the Year.
The finalists will be judged on a range of aspects from technical skills, innovation, effort, enthusiasm and crowd involvement. They will participate in heats throughout Fieldays and be judged on their interaction with Fieldays staff and volunteers, team spirit, as well as conduct and attitude in relation to Fieldays values. One lucky Bachelor will also be crowned with the much sought-after 'People's Choice Award'.
All Bachelor finalists will be kitted out in top quality gear before the competition starts. The core kit of; Swanndri clothing - perfect for town and country, insulated Quatro gumboots and iconic Red Band work boots from Skellerup and finally, the soon to be launched Samsung Rugged S4 mobile phone, thanks to Vodafone – made specifically with the outdoors in mind with its dustproof and waterproof features. The mobile will also be used by Bachelors to keep fans up to date on their progress throughout the competition!
While at Fieldays, Bachelor contestants will be also be able to visit exhibitors, attend seminars, demonstrations and evening events. This includes attending the Rural to Runway Gala Dinner and Awards Show on Friday, June 15, with fabulous catwalk entertainment. Please note, limited tickets to this event are available. For more information contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
To enter visit: http://www.fieldays.co.nz/ruralbachelor2013
KEY INFORMATION: Dates of Competition: Monday 10 June to Sunday 16 June 2013
Location: Mystery Creek, Hamilton, Waikato
Prize Details:
The winner will receive the following prize package:
• $16,000 Suzuki Quad bike
• $2,000 Swanndri Prize Package
• $2,000 Gun City Prize Package
• $2,000 Stihl Prize Package
• $1,000 Skellerup Prize
• Total value $23,000
Entrant Criteria Information:
Contestants must:
• Be male, aged 18 years or older
• Be a New Zealand or Australian resident
• Have no criminal convictions or pending court cases
• Be employed in the rural industry
• Have a clean Driver's Licence
• Be single
• Be available to travel to Fieldays from June 10 to June 16, 2013
• Provide a photo of themselves for use in the competition
• Agree to the terms and conditions of the Rural Bachelor of the Year Finalists contract
