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:
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.
The bright ideas of New Zealand's primary sector have been celebrated with an announcement of the winners of the 2026 Innovation Awards.
Newly appointed Federated Farmers vice president Sandra Faulkner says she is honoured and excited to hold the role.
New Zealand's top fencers were out in force at National Fieldays this month, demonstrating their skills with the ever-reliable number 8 wire.
New Federated Farmers president Colin Hurst says he will ensure that farmer voices are heard loud and clear wherever decisions are being made.
Paynes Titus Excelsior ET, an LIC bull bred by Brad Payne and Claire Brodie in the Waikato, has won the JT Thwaites Sire of the Season 2026 Award.

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