Top of the field
While Manawatu’s James Lawn failed to take home the national Young Farmer of the year title on home soil, thousands braved the cold and blustery conditions. But it was Otago representative Nigel Woodhead who took out the competition for the first time.
Manawatu’s entrant in the Young Farmer of the Year competition failed to take home the title on home soil, as an Otago entrant won the competition for the first time.
Milton sheep and beef farmer Nigel Woodhead was announced as the winner on Saturday night, with the finals held in Palmerston North and Feilding from Thursday to Saturday.
The 28-year-old’s win was a first for an Otago entrant in the competition’s 49-year history.
‘‘I watched Young Farmer of the Year when I was a child, so to win it, is a childhood dream that I think will take a long time to sink in,’’ he said.
‘‘My wife Leanne and I worked really hard, and to win this is incredible.’’
Woodhead, who has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science and worked at Midlands Seed in Ashburton for five years before heading to the family farm, said he and his family would watch the competition every year.
His father also competed in the competition at one stage.
NZ Young Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland said Woodhead showed what future leaders in agriculture needed.
‘‘Nigel is an inspiring future leader who showcases the exceptional leaders we strive to develop.’’
The competition was made up of both practical and quiz elements.
Manawatu was represented by James Lawn, a former Massey University student and DairyNZ consultant.
While he performed well throughout, he was unable to get big scores in any categories to shunt himself into contention.
East Coast entrant Hamish
‘‘I watched Young Farmer of the Year when I was a child, so to win it, is a childhood dream that I think will take a long time to sink in. ’’ Nigel Woodhead
best finished second overall, despite winning the agri-business, and knowledge quiz and speech rounds, while Tasman’s Andrew Wiffen was third.
Lisa Kendall from South Auckland, the fourth ever woman to make it to the young farmer finals, won the agri-growth challenge.
The competition involved 400 people who took part in district contests, where they were whittled down to the 56 who competed in seven regional finals.