Young farmers compete in Kerepēhi

A Piarere farmer came out on top after two days of competition during the search for New Zealand’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
Dennis Main, 30, was one of 24 competitors who took part in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty FMG Young Farmer of the Year round at the Kerepēhi Domain in April.
He’ll now face six other regional finalists at the Grand Final in Hamilton this July.
Caitlin Logan, event co-ordinator for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, told The Profile that there was a good turn-out at the Kerepēhi Domain for what was round six of seven of the annual series.
Hosting the Waikato/Bay of Plenty event in the Hauraki also supported FMG’s aim to tackle isolation in rural communities, she said.
The contest acts as a chance for NZ Young Farmers members to challenge themselves, have a bit of fun, and show their fellow club members what they’re made of during a series of agriculture-related challenges.
Dennis – a first-time competitor – received top points in the agri-skills and agri-sports sections, clinching the number one spot. Hamilton City Young Farmers member Stephen Brunskill came in second place and Morrinsville Ngarua Young Farmers member Cam Clayton placed third.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said it was the regional communities and volunteers who made the FMG Young Farmer of the Year the prestigious event it was today.
“We simply couldn’t do it without the tireless work of our local committees, communities, and volunteers. These are people who support us year in, year out, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part.”
Last year, for the first time in the contest’s 55-year history, a female took out the title of FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
Emma Poole, representing the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region, took out the top spot on the podium following her Grand Final efforts.
DETAILS: More info about the contest series can be found at: www.youngfarmers.co.nz