Top young farmer eyes sharemilking job
The 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson is hoping that the win is a stepping stone to his dream job of sharemilking next season.
That’s the message from NZ Young Farmers Waikato Bay of Plenty convenor, Shanice Young, to contestants polishing up their skills ahead of this year’s regional finals event set to take place on Saturday, 28 March at the Te Teko Racecourse.
While contestants can expect to be put through their paces – as usual – event organisers are ensuring there will be plenty to keep contestants on their toes as they make their way through a series of tough challenges designed to test their practical skills, technical knowledge, and ability to work fast under pressure.
For 30‑year‑old Cam Clayton, this year is his last opportunity to reach the Grand Final and compete for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title. A past regional finalist and former national tournament winner, he knows the format well, but with his 31st birthday approaching, he’ll age out of the competition after this season.
“I’m 30 this year, so it’s my last chance to compete, which does add a little more tension to the system.”
To get competition‑ready, Clayton has been drawing on the people around him, those who’ve competed or helped organise the competition in the past. He says their support and insight have been “invaluable”. One of those friends is Hugh Jackson, the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year. Their usual back‑and‑forth about day‑to‑day farm work has shifted into regular FaceTime quiz sessions to sharpen Clayton’s knowledge.
“We’ve always bounced ideas off each other when it comes to daily on‑farm tasks,” Clayton says. “But now we’re having regular FaceTime sessions where he’ll quiz me on things.”
Heading into the contest, Clayton’s strategy is simple: stay focused, keep moving, and enjoy the day.
“You’ve got to do your best and move on, instead of sitting there trying to complete each task to perfection. But more than anything, because it's my last shot, I want to enjoy it with the other seven guys on stage with me.”
Despite the added pressure, Clayton’s strong preparation, and his recent performance at the District Contest shows he can go all the way. Young agrees, he’s a front-runner.
“Cam slayed through the districts. He’s an all‑rounder and one to look out for.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a highlight in the rural calendar, boasting a strong track record of showcasing the rising stars in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector – igniting contestants’ competitive streak and setting the bar for excellence in farming.
NZ Young Farmers CEO Cheyne Gillooly says the long-standing contest is well-loved in Waikato Bay of Plenty and around the country because it gives talented young farmers space to shine in the spotlight and connect with like-minded peers, which can be hard to do in the industry.
“With our AgriKidsNZ events for primary-aged competitors and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competitions running alongside the Regional Finals Young Farmers event, collectively the day is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it – with a healthy dose of competition of course,” says Gillooly.
This year, 15 primary schools (34 teams), and 13 high schools (34 teams) from Waikato Bay of Plenty have thrown their hat in the ring.
Young says competitors need strong regional skills, but also the ability to think beyond standard farm tasks.
“Know your local skills but be ready for more than farming knowledge, the unexpected could be your biggest challenge.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest is proudly supported by FMG, Ravensdown, MPI, Milwaukee, Honda, Lincoln University, PTS, New Holland, Bushbuck and ACC.
