Wyndham farmer Dean Rabbidge won the ANZ Young Farmer Otago-Southland regional final in Gore on Saturday and will represent the area at the final in Auckland in May.
The top four placegetters were all Southland farmers.
Mr Rabbidge (27) manages his family's dairy unit, and works on the family's sheep and beef farm. He is chairman of the Wyndham Young Farmers club.
Mr Rabbidge said he was ''a bit overwhelmed'' by the win, which he had not expected.
His goal was to place in the top four, and yesterday he was ''trying to let it sink in'' that he had won.
''I was just a bit blown away, really.''
He said his general knowledge was a strength and proved vital to his win, which came down to the final event in the St James Theatre.
Former grand finalist Hayden Peter (30), a technical officer for Alliance Group who leases his family sheep and beef farm, was second and dairy farmer Steve Henderson (27) third.
Convener Pete Gardyne said competition for first place was very tight, which made for an exciting contest.
He did not think it particularly noteworthy that the top four were from Southland, pointing out Mr Rabbidge had recent work experience in Central Otago.
The contest was also close between third place and fourth-place getter Bruce Paterson, who finished on equal points with Mr Henderson.
Mr Henderson placed ahead, because he had won the practical section earlier in the day.
