The Dunsandel Young Farmers club is one of the largest in the country and it once again dominated the Christchurch district contest in the opening round of the 2019 FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest, claiming all three qualifying spots for the Tasman regional final in March.
Rakaia assistant dairy farm manager Jonny Brown (27) claimed top spot ahead of club mates Alex Knowles (25) and Martin Bates (29) at the Kirwee Domain, near Christchurch, on Saturday, October 7.
Mr Brown said his goal was to win the coveted Young Farmer of the Year title, but he suffered a setback last year after he missed qualifying for the Tasman regional final by a single point, finishing in fifth place behind four club mates.
''It's a relief to know I'm advancing to the next stage.
''But I was cursing a bit when I had to tackle three sheep modules in a row. Dairying is definitely my strong point,'' he said.
The Lincoln University graduate is an assistant manager on a 1000-cow dairy farm at Rakaia.
Ravensdown agri manager Ms Knowles said she was surprised at her success.
''I only entered because I thought it would be hypocritical of me to tell other people to sign up if I didn't have a go myself. I really enjoyed it.''
She said she planned to learn how to shear a sheep and practise her welding skills before the regional final.
Mr Bates, who is a qualified builder and contract milks 1200 cows across two farms at Charing Cross, near Burnham, said he was excited about the prospect of competing in his second successive regional final.
''The last one was a great experience because it highlighted my shortfalls and what I need to work on.''
-By David Hill
