First Young Farmer finalist named

Twenty year old Mac Williams is the first grand finalist to be announced for Season 55.

Williams was announced as the winner on Saturday evening, after spending the day competing in a range of challenges at Riverbend Farms in Lepperton.

More than 100 spectators looked on as contestants were put through their paces.

The head-to-head challenges were a highlight: Contestants had just 30 minutes to build a beehive, cover a mini silage stack, fish for clams, and cut up a log. A classic sack race to the finish line was the last hurdle.

Williams found the head-to-head one of the hardest parts of the day.

“The time pressure of the head-to-heads added another element to the day, and the honey and beehive components involving a bit of guess work,” he says.

Brad Beatson, 31, from Marton Young Farmers placed second, with Zayn Jones, 30, from Fitzherbert Young Farmers securing the final spot on the podium.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is dedicated to showcasing the very best talent in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. Now in its 55th year, the title of “FMG Young Farmer of the Year” is held up as the most prestigious farming awards in the country.

New Zealand Young Farmer Board chair Jessie Waite says this year’s Grand Final is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

“We’re starting to get a glimpse of the impressive array of skills and talent coming through with the next generation of young farmers. There’s so much happening right now in the primary sector with science, innovation and new technologies. The future of farming is certainly bright.”

Waite says she’s thankful for the support of volunteers and sponsors who continue to back the event, year after year.