120 years through thick and thin
2025 marks 120 years of FMG Advice and Insurance in New Zealand's rural communities.
A duo from Otago Boys’ High School in Dunedin have been awarded the FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year.
Shamus Young (18) and Hayden Drummond (17) secured the title at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Hamilton over the weekend.
Their quick thinking, practical know-how and farming skills earned praise from judges as they successfully navigated the high-pressure challenges thrown their way.
“We’re really excited,” says Drummond. “We put a lot of work into this.”
The competition was fierce, with 13 other teams from schools across Aotearoa rolling up their sleeves in a bid to secure the coveted title.
Young and Drummond won both the farmlet and face-off challenges and dominated the quickfire quiz rounds and practical farming race with their agricultural knowledge. Both have a background in fourth-generation farming.
Young says he’s pleased the hard work has paid off.
“The competition is so broad, so you’ve got to do well at everything,” he says.
“It’s always a good feeling to represent your region and school, and do them both proud,” Drummond says.
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest is supported by FMG, Ravensdown, WorkSafe, Ministry for Primary Industries, Milwaukee, Woolworths, Honda, Lincoln University, Massey University, PTS Logistics, New Holland and Bushbuck.
Through its new partnership with New Zealand Landcare Trust, Fonterra has committed to funding ten $25,000 grants for wetland restoration in communities across the country.
The chair of the Dairy Environmental Leaders (DEL) says the country's dairy farmers are at the forefront of environmental management.
On the edge of the hot, dry Takapau plains, Norm and Del Atkins have cultivated a small but exceptional herd of 60 Holstein Friesian cows within their mixed breed herd of 360 dairy cows.
The DairyNZ board and management are currently trying to determine whether, and to what degree, their farmer levy payers will support any increase in their levy contributions.
Milk production is up nationally, despite drought conditions beginning to bite in some districts, according to the latest update from Fonterra.
Dry conditions are widespread but worse in some places, with rain and drought affecting farms just a few kilometres away.
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