Hayden Peter tackles a task in the Young Farmer of the Year
Otago/Southland regional final at Winton on Saturday. Photo
by Yvonne O'Hara.
It was fourth time lucky for Hayden Peter, of Winton, at
the weekend.
The Nightcaps Young Farmers Club member won the Young Farmer
of the Year Otago/Southland regional final at the Winton
racecourse on Saturday after competing in the event three
times previously.
He won more than $10,000 in prizes and will represent
Otago/Southland in the the National Bank Young Farmer
Competition grand final in Masterton at the end of June.
Mr Peter said he was pleased with the win, and also relieved,
as it was his fourth attempt.
"I wasn't too sure how the practical day went and I was a bit
concerned about that, but other people were feeling the
same." As he answered the questions in the evening session he
built "confidence and momentum", he said.
Eight people competed in practical, agri-sports and
question-and-answer sections at the regional finals. Nathan
Parris, of Tuatapere, was runner-up, with Simon Paterson, of
Ranfurly, third, and Craig Moffat, of Clinton, fourth.
Bruce Paterson, of Scotts Gap, won the practical section, and
Reuben Hopcroft, of Riverton, won the agrisports event,
although Steve Henderson, of Waipahi, was first across the
line.
Competition convener Kelly Gentle said she was "rapt" with
the support on the day. She was pleased to see such a big
crowd attending to support not only the finalists but the
entrants in the Agri-teen and Agri-kids events.
"It was really good to see."
Mr Peter said he was looking forward to competing in the
grand final.
"I am going to sit down and evaluate where I am and what I
need to improve on in the next week. I have had a few people
telephone and text me offering their help, like previous
winners," he said.
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