Hugh Jackson wins 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year title
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson recently secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill.
Taranaki will play host to the most prestigious annual contest in the food and fibre sector, taking place in New Plymouth from 2–4 July 2026.
The contest series kicks off in October 2025 with District Contests held across the country, from Otago/Southland right to the Far North. Over 200 competitors will battle it out across the country to secure their spot in a Regional Final where they will then have a shot at a spot for the Grand Final.
Young Farmers Chief Executive Cheyne Gillooly is excited to see the Grand Final heading back to the Taranaki-Manawatu region, a stunning part of the country with a proud history of agricultural excellence. The Grand Final event showcases the very best of farming talent in New Zealand and knows the finalists will have worked hard and overcome many obstacles to get there.
“Contestants will have earned their right to compete at the Grand Final by emerging victorious from challenging district and regional competitions. The contestants are tested against all of the disciplines required to be successful in today's modern farming environment. I know the seven finalists will be proud to represent their regions as they attempt to lift the trophy on the night and prove once and for all that they are the best of the best. ”
Alongside the Grand Finalists, 14 FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year teams and 21 AgriKidsNZ teams will also compete for their respective national titles in New Plymouth.
Grand Final 2026 convenors Emma Northcott (South Taranaki Young Farmers) and Sarah Avery (Inglewood Young Farmers) are also thrilled the big event is coming to their home region.
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“Having Grand Final here is exciting, we get to showcase what Young Farmers is about and how far it’s come,” says Northcott.
She notes Taranaki’s strong Young Farmers history:
“Our region is made up of many close-knit communities, and we often hear stories from members about their time in Young Farmers. This event will give some the chance to relive those fond memories, and we know the community will get behind us to make it a great event.”
Northcott and Avery are no strangers to the competition, having convened the Season 57 (2025) Taranaki–Manawatū Regional Final.
“We’ve got great ideas and can’t wait to put our own spin on Grand Final, with the support of locals,” says Avery. “We’re looking forward to seeing what the Season 58 Grand Finalists bring to the competition.”
New Plymouth has already hosted some major events in the past year, including WOMAD, Summer Feastival, and the NZ Tattoo & Arts Festival. Having the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in this line up, really showcases the variety that the region has to offer.
“Taranaki’s diversity means variety and that always makes for a great competition,” says Avery.
Any final words before we kick into the new season?
“The competition gets tougher every year, and this season will be no different. It’s hard work but worth it in the end.”
Season 58 entries for FMG Young Farmer of the Year open on Monday 1 September 2025, and entries for FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year and AgriKidsNZ will open Monday 13 October 2025.
