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:
Fonterra Co-operative Group chief financial officer Andrew Murray has resigned to take up a role outside the dairy giant.
A major move is about to get underway to improve the quality and viability of dairy beef and cattle in NZ.
Veterinarians say changes to the code of welfare for dairy cattle provides a positive foundation for improved cattle welfare across the country.
Today, 15 October, is the International Day of Rural Women, which recognises rural women’s contribution to farming, communities and the environment.
Global dairy giant Lactalis has integrated its Australian operations with the Mainland Dairy consumer business it acquired from Fonterra earlier this year.
High country stations, mixed sheep and beef farms, Māori-owned farms, corporates and family operations are among the nine commercial farms taking part in the Livestock Innovation Farming Transformation programme, known as LIFT.

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