Waikato/Bay of Plenty Young Farmers to be put to the test in ANZ Young Farmer Contest Regional Final

The sixth ANZ Young Farmer Contest Grand Finalist will be determined this weekend, Saturday 11 April, at the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Final held in Paeroa.

“This contest season is shaping up to be very exciting. Every year the calibre of contestants continues to improve and impress,” says Terry Copeland, Chief Executive of New Zealand Young Farmers – organisers of the event.

The eight finalists are contending for a spot at the Grand Final in Taupo (2 – 4 July) and their share of an impressive prize pack worth over $271,000 in products, services and scholarships from ANZ, FMG, Lincoln University, Silver Fern Farms, AGMARDT, Ravensdown, Honda, Husqvarna and Vodafone.

“The support from sponsors and the community is invaluable, they are not only supporting the Contest but the future of agriculture and together with Young Farmers we are driving the industry forward,” said Mr Copeland.

The Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Final will see an outstanding group of eight contestants (under the age of 31) come together for what will be a full on day of practical, physical and theoretical challenges at the Paeroa Racecourse. Entry to the Practical Day is free to the public. The Practical Day events will be followed by the ticketed evening quiz-show and dinner held at the Paeroa War Memorial Hall.

Brady Mitchell, 30, of the Reporoa Young Farmers Club is having a second attempt at Regional Final level. Brady owns a 142 hectare dairy farm in Reporoa with wife Amber and her parents, after contract milking for the past four seasons. In his spare time Brady enjoys pig hunting with his team of dogs, fishing and many other outdoor pursuits. Brady loves the agriculture industry because of its lifestyle and clear career pathways.

James Bryan, 29, of the Cambridge Young Farmers Club is in his fourth year of competing in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest and his second at Regional Final. James works as an Agronomy Technical Manager for Ravensdown. Prior to that he worked in Japan as an agricultural showman. In his free time James is an avid rugby supporter and traveller. James was drawn to an agricultural career because of the lifestyle and people.

Fergus King, 27, is representing the Ngarua Young Farmers Club in his second shot at Regional Final level. Fergus is equity share-milking and in the process of buying the 143 hectare farm from his parents. Fergus is keen outdoorsman; he enjoys hunting, trout fishing and tramping. He has played rugby all his life but after an injury last season, he is looking for a new sport to take up. Fergus believes Young Farmers is an important organisation for rural youth to be involved in, not only for networking, leadership and to have fun – but also because of the support networks available, especially throughout tough pay outs and droughts.

Thomas Harliwich, 23, from the Te Kawa West Young Farmers Club has competed at Regional Final level once before. Thomas is second in command on a 730 cow dairy farm in Te Awamutu where he enjoys hunting, fishing and sports. He enjoys competing in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest because it gives him a chance to go outside his comfort zone and learn new skills.

Dwayne Cowin, 29, is a member of the Reporoa Young Farmers Club. He has competed at Regional Final level several times and was a Grand Finalist in 2014. Dwayne is the Livestock Operations Manager at Lochinver Station. In what little spare time he does have, Dwayne enjoys fishing and water-skiing on Lake Taupo during summer, and hunting during the winter. Dwayne says the ANZ Young Farmer Contest gives him the opportunity to test him himself against his peers and a chance to be recognised as New Zealand’s top Young Farmer.

Wayne Hofmann, 28, is representing the Waihi Young Farmers Club in his third Regional Final. Wayne works on a 130 cow dairy farm and enjoys breeding pedigree dairy cows, gardening and socialising. Wayne believes he is a strong contender for this year’s Contest because of his previous experience, strong general farming knowledge and ‘never give up’ attitude. He enjoys being a Young Farmers member because of the networking and fun social activities.

Jono Singer, 28, of the Hauraki Young Farmers Club is competing at Regional Final level for the first time. Jono is contract milking 400 cows on a 123 hectare property. In his spare time Jono enjoys motorcross, trail riding and fishing as well as being heavily involved in his Young Farmers Club. Jono believes his good practical skills, time management and District Final experience will hold him in good stead for the Regional Final.

Josh MacDonald, 23, is representing the North Waikato Young Farmers Club in his second shot at Regional Final level. Josh is 50/50 share-milking 180 cows alongside his wife at Karaka. In his spare time Josh plays touch rugby and other social sports as well as participating in all Young Farmers activities. Josh went share-milking at age 21, a pretty incredible feat for someone without a guarantor.

Also in the midst of the action are the future Young Farmers – the AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg competitions will be running alongside the ANZ Young Farmer Contest.

For further details head to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz

ENDS

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