And the winner is...
Megan Heale has topped the people's and judges' choice to win first prize in our 'Show Us Your Rural Summer' photographic competition.
The event is entering its 45th year of competition and is still regarded as New Zealand's Ultimate Rural Challenge inspiring excellence, showcasing innovation and growing human capabilities amongst young farmers.
Entries opened on Saturday (September 1) and over the coming months, it is expected that around 400 contestants will line up in the first round of the contest; the District Finals.
The District Finals will be completed prior to Christmas with the Regional Finals taking place from February. The top eight competitors from the region will then battle it out to take a piece of the $330,000 prize pack and to win a coveted spot in the Grand Final in Auckland from May 15 - 18.
The National Bank Young Farmer Contest is not just about practical farming tasks; Contestants will be put through a diverse range of practical, theoretical and technical farming challenges.
"Competing in the contest is good for you and your career" says New Zealand Young Farmer CEO Richard Fitzgerald. "It gets you out of your comfort zone and can stretch you; you can win great prizes too. People learn useful farm business skills, life skills and leadership skills too. It is a great stepping stone for your agricultural career, and a great experience".
Contestants of all skill levels are encouraged to enter to improve their personal and agricultural skills and 2012 Contest Champion Michael Lilley has some advice for those considering entering. "Just go on and enter, you have nothing to lose! If it's your first attempt ask someone local or someone who has competed at District Final level for a few pointers on what to expect then get along and give it a go."
Lilley stresses it's not all about winning. "There are a lot of reasons to encourage other Young Farmers to enter the contest aside from the prizes, ultimately it's heaps of fun, you learn a lot and meet a lot of good people"
Entry in The National Bank Young Farmer Contest is open to anyone between the ages of 15 - 30 (entrants must be under 31 years of age as at January 1, 2013, and must be a current NZYF Member). Entries close five days before a contestant's nominated District Final; entry forms can be found at www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz or by phoning 0800 YF Contest (0800 932 668).
