While contestants can expect to be put through their paces, event organisers are ensuring there will be plenty to keep contestants on their toes as they make their way through a series of tough challenges designed to test their practical skills, technical knowledge, and ability to work fast under pressure. George Letham, 28, has put his hat in the ring for a second time following his top-three podium placing in last year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final.
No stranger to the competition, Mr Letham has ramped up his training since Christmas, hoping to secure another chance to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
‘‘I’m trying to brush up on the things you don’t do day-to-day, like fencing, sheep shearing, and drenching,’’ he said.
‘‘A big part of what I could have done better at grand final was keeping calm and keeping my energy levels up, so working on my endurance is also top of my list.’’
Mr Letham, a member of Hinds Young Farmers Club, recently moved back to Ashburton from Lincoln, starting a new role with Dairy Holdings Ltd as a supervisor, managing five farms across Canterbury.
‘‘Moving back to Ashburton has been a homecoming for me.
‘‘There’s a lot of learning going on in the role that I hope to bring into the competition, and meeting new people at the Hinds Young Farmers Club means my network is branching out.’’
In a statement NZ Young Farmers Aorangi convener Penny Stilgoe said contestants like Mr Letham would need to expect random challenges from across the industry, as well as day-to-day life — including some domestic skills.
‘‘We’ve got dairy, contracting, sheep and beef, and more ... we’re showcasing how much our young farmers get up to and the realities of day-to-day farm life.
‘‘It’s about challenging our regional finalists on a range of skill sets that they need to have to succeed in the industry.’’
NZ Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said the long-standing contest was well-loved in Aorangi and around the country because it gave talented young farmers space to shine in the spotlight and connect with like-minded others, which could be hard to do in the industry.
‘‘With our AgriKidsNZ events for primary-aged competitors and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competitions running alongside the Regional Finals Young Farmers event, collectively the day is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it — with a healthy dose of competition, of course.’’
This year, 10 primary schools, and five secondary schools from Aorangi had entered.
Ms Stilgoe said following the district competitions — with the highest attendance in recent years — the 2026 finalists had already cut their teeth to make it to the region finals.
‘‘While the hard work isn’t over, my advice to them is to go out there and have fun.’’
Connor Haley
