Now in its 50th year, the competition season starts this weekend with the first of 21 district contest and skills days.
Event manager Bridget Johnson says the paired entries would not be eligible to go on to the regional competition stage, but it is a chance to have a go “in a more relaxed sense”.
“They can do it as a pair and that’s to encourage more participants to get involved and just have a go, see what it’s all about and to learn some new skills.”
They aim for about 400 competitors each year and Johnson says this year’s entries are well on track.
As in previous years, they were encouraging women to take part.
“That’s a big push for us, getting women involved,’ Johnson adds. “That’s where the pairs thing comes in, because a lot of women like to enter with a friend, so that’s what we trying to encourage – to get them involved and probably make it less intimidating for them for have a go.”
The 21 district contests begin with the Christchurch district event at Lincoln on October 7 and run through to the West Coast event at Ahaura on December 10. Seven regional finals take place in February, March and April and the final will be in Invercargill in July.
Contest chairman and former finalist Dean Rabbidge says the contest is in good heart and remains an iconic event in NZ agriculture.
“For 49 years we have seen NZ’s top agricultural leaders fight it out for the much sought-after title. It is an honour that can never be revoked and with only 49 names on the winners’ board you can be sure the competition will be as hot as ever -- to be named the 50th champion.”
Rabbidge says the contest, which started out as a national radio quiz in 1969, has undergone many changes but the challenge remains the same. “It’s the challenge second to none and remains the pinnacle of achievement.”
The 49th title holder, Nigel Woodhead, says he had no expectations of winning when he entered.
“I entered to have fun and to learn new skills and really enjoyed the day. That experience sparked my passion for the contest.
“Get involved. You will enjoy it and everyone is there to help you. There’s something there for everyone, whether you’re a farmer or from the town. You won’t regret it,” Woodhead says.
