Competition boosts community spirit
The real winner of this year’s FMG Young Farmer Region-off have been the regional communities.
The 23-year-old was crowned the 56th FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening following a nail-biting grand final in Hamilton.
Dodson secured the win after three days of challenges, including an exam, an interview, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking.
“Words can’t even describe how I’m feeling, the excitement is nothing I’ve ever felt before,” he says.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, it’s just incredible.”
Dodson is no stranger to the contest, although 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 learned at home and through farm management.
It was his performance in the final buzzer quiz 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 says he hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year will support him in the future.
“A sharemilking job would be awesome, and I started the Canterbury Young Dairy Farmers Leaders Network so hopefully getting a bit more support behind that,” he says.
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 as a whole,” Coppersmith says.
“After seeing the talent from this weekend, 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.”
