First-time contestant crowned Northland's best
A Franklin dairy farmer has inched closer to national victory after being crowned Northland’s top young farmer.
The 28-year-old who farms in Waipahi took out the coveted title before 1,000 people in Invercargill on Saturday night.
“I’m absolutely ecstatic. Being named the FMG Young Farmer of the Year has always been a dream of mine,” he says.
It’s Wallace’s second attempt at the title and means the sought-after winner’s trophy will be staying in Otago/Southland region.
The event saw the men tackle fast-paced practical modules, technical challenges and an agri-knowledge quiz.
“We are immensely proud of Logan. He’s put his all into the contest,” said Logan’s father Ross Wallace.
“It’s something he’s wanted to do since he was a boy.”
Wallace runs 2,300 ewes on a 290-hectare farm, which he leases from his parents.
The intensive sheep breeding and finishing property also carries 700 hoggets and 400 trading sheep.
The Clinton Young Farmers member, who has mild dyslexia, is heavily involved in his local community. He leads a youth group and is a Land Search and Rescue member.
“I used some of those search and rescue planning skills this week to ensure I didn’t waste any time,” he said.
The winner’s prize package includes a New Holland tractor, a Honda quad bike, cash, scholarships, equipment and clothing.
The overall grand final prize pool was valued at more than $155,000.
Second place went to Cameron Black, who’s a Christchurch-based rural consultant for New Zealand Agri Brokers.
Bay of Plenty contract milker Josh Cozens took out third place and the agri-knowledge challenge.
