Last chance for Aorangi Young Farmer

Last chance for Aorangi Young Farmer

Next weekend will be Phil Campbell's last chance at a Grand Final in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. At 31, the last year for eligibility, the sheep, beef and cropping farmer will be the oldest competitor in the Aorangi Regional Final being held at the Methven Showgrounds and Heritage Centre, Saturday 16 March.

Eight competitors will be vying for a spot at the Grand Final in Auckland 16-18 May and their share of a considerable prize pack worth $13,000 thanks to ANZ, AGMARDT, Lincoln University Scholarship, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, and Husqvarna.

Contest hopefuls will complete a variety of practical, physical and theoretical challenges throughout the day, testing an array of skills and knowledge.

Phil, of the Mackenzie Young Farmers Club, will be up against plenty of experienced opposition.

It will be Sam Bryan's third time at Regional Finals. The 27 year old Foothills Young Farmers Club member works as a livestock contractor near Darfield.

Jared Clarke is a 25 year old dairy farmer and belongs to the Glenavy Young Farmers Club. He placed second in last year’s Aorangi Regional Final and next weekend will be his third time competing at the Regional level.

Jared, along with Phil Wilson, will be tough competition in the speech challenge; the two were part of the winning team in the 2012 North vs. South New Zealand Young Farmers Debating Championships.

Phil Wilson, 25, is a lower order sharemilker in Ikawai. He is the current North Otago District Chairman and belongs to the Glenavy Young Farmers Club. This will be Phil's third Regional Final.

Also in his third appearance will be Matthew Bell, 26, of the Hinds Young Farmers Club. Matthew is employed as a dairy farm manager near Mayfield.

Nick Love, 28, of the Upper Waitaki Young Farmers Club will be a first time competitor. The dairy farmer met his future wife on a Young Farmers bus trip and they are expecting their first child in June. The jet-setting all-rounder, Nick boasts having travelled to 30 different countries and has held almost as many jobs.

Another globetrotting Contestant is James McLeod, current Vice Chairman of the Mildford/Clandeboye Young Farmers Club. The 26 year old has worked in agricultural positions in Australia, UK, and USA. James is currently employed as an ag-contractor.

And last, but certainly not least, is first time Regional Finalist 25 year old Nigel Woodhead. Nigel works as a field consultant and belongs to the Pendarves Young Farmers Club.

Also in the midst of the action will be the AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg Competitions. These burgeoning young farmers will be competing for their chance at the Grand Final in Auckland 16 - 18 May. The top three teams from each Competition will have the opportunity to progress through.

And, you can relive the drama of the Regional Finals on the 'Road To The Young Farmer Final'. The series, hosted by Mark Leishman, follows the seven Regional Finals and covers the seven finalists who make it through to the Grand Final. Exclusive to TVNZ Heartland watch the 'Road To The Young Farmer Final' starting Sunday 31 March 2013 8.30pm.

For more information head to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz

ENDS

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