First-time contestant crowned Northland's best

Justin Ruygrok, 28, was announced as the winner of the Northern FMG Young Farmer of the Year over the weekend, after spending Saturday competing in a series of challenges at the Helensville A&P Showgrounds.

Ruygrok says he is “stoked” to have won.

“I had no idea what to expect heading into the competition, so to come out on top is pretty unreal,” he says.

“The whole experience has been awesome, from having a crack at the District Contest to gearing up for the Grand Final,” Ruygrok adds. “Tim Dangen [FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2022] talked me into entering, so I’ll be hitting him up for some tips.”

Participants entered one of three categories based on age, ranging from the AgriKidsNZ competition for primary school pupils, the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year for High School Students, and the tightly fought FMG Young Farmer of the Year category, where just seven contestants battled it out for the top spot. 

Ruygrok edged his way to victory by clocking up the most points on the day (310.3 points), defeating Auckland Young Farmers member Jack Holloway who finished up with a score of 291.4. Kurtis Danks from Kaipara Young Farmers nabbed the final spot on the podium.  

With a number of individual challenges thrown their way, including a head-to-head, general knowledge ‘buzzer-style’ quiz and sponsor-led modules, contestants were tested on a broad range of practical skills, technical know-how, and their ability to cope under pressure. 

“The practical side was heaps of fun, but the theory, and being up in front of a crowd, was definitely more of a challenge,” Ruygrok explains.

“Some of the answers you know, but you've got to be quick on the buzzer. I had no idea what to expect heading into the competition, but it was a heap of fun.”

Along with Ruygrok, the top AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior teams will now compete in July’s Grand Final in Invercargill.