Young winemakers
2015 saw the first ever Young Winemaker of the Year competition held in New Zealand.
THE 46th SEASON of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest officially got underway last Friday, October 4 at the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch.
The current champion of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest and agri manager with ANZ, Tim Van de Molen says the great thing about the contest is learning about new things and getting out of your comfort zone.
"You would never push yourself to do these things if it were not for the contest," says Van de Molen.
Volunteers dedicate many hours and use their passion for the industry to make the all the events, from District Finals right through to Grand Final huge successes year after year.
Terry Copeland, New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive says the enthusiasm across club members is infectious.
"I really think that this year will be the most fiercely contested," he says. "The ANZ Young Farmer Contest is the most inspiring and comprehensive rural challenge for competitors in the world. The commitment and achievements from our entrants is both aspirational and awe inspiring for our youth.
"Past winners have gone on to become inspiring leaders within the broader agricultural sector and this year's crop of competitors should bring through another set of great role models who will push the boundaries across all sectors to show what a diverse career path the primary industries have to offer."
ANZ has been the principal sponsor of the Young Farmer Contest since 2003.
The first of the 24 District Finals took place in Christchurch and Massey University on Saturday, October 5 and place getters from these events will progress to one of seven Regional Finals held throughout the country from February to April. The Grand Final will be held in Christchurch from July 3-5.
For more information and the latest results go to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz or contact:
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…