Monday, 15 July 2024 10:11

Dodson crowned Young Farmer of the Year

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

George Dodson completing a boning challenge as part of a 30-minute head to head challenge. Photo Supplied.

Canterbury Young Farmer George Dodson says he is “in shock” after securing the title of New Zealand’s top young farmer.

The 23-year-old was crowned the 56^th 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.”

Featured

2026 Meat Industry Association scholarship applications open

Applications have now opened for the 2026 Meat Industry Association scholarships.

Bank of New Zealand launches First Farm initiative

Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) says it is backing aspiring dairy farmers through a new initiative designed to make the first step to farm ownership or sharemilking easier.

Editorial: Credit where it's due

OPINION: While farmers are busy and diligently doing their best to deal with unwanted gasses, the opponents of farming - namely the Greens and their mates - are busy polluting the atmosphere with tirades of hot air about what farmers supposedly aren't doing.

Methane emission target reset

OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.

Royal A&P Show Returns to Canterbury: Record livestock entries and renewed prestige

The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better after the uncertainty of last year.

Farmers Lead Sustainability Push: Woodchip bioreactor cuts nitrate runoff in Manawatu

Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.