Peter Gardyne representing Otago-Southland, strains a fence
during yesterday's practical section of the National Bank
Young Farmer of the year contest being held in Gore. Photo
by Kate Taylor.
The seven young men vying in Gore for the title of the
county's top young farmer yesterday got their hands dirty
showing their practical farming ability.
They are competing for the title of the National Bank Young
Farmer of the Year award.
After being grilled on Thursday on their theoretical
knowledge of agriculture which involved an interview and
writing a business plan, they got the chance yesterday to
show just how useful they are on the farm.
That meant completing tasks as diverse as building a mailbox,
connecting a water trough, assembling a beehive and showing
first-aid skills.
There were also four half-hour challenges of specific tasks
involving sheep, dairying, deer and cropping.
Event spokeswoman Kate Taylor said time management was
crucial, but not at the expense of quality of workmanship.
The finalists will not know how successful they were in the
first two rounds of competition until tonight's question and
answer section, which will be televised live from the MLT
centre in Gore.
The winner will walk away with a first prize valued at
$102,000.
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