Stock manager in race to be region’s top young farmer

A stock manager at the iconic Mount Linton Station has joined the race to be the next FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

Jacob Mackie, 25, has qualified for the Otago-Southland regional final in Milton in February 2019.

‘‘I’m stoked to get through. This will be my first time competing in the regional final,’’ said the Nightcaps Young Farmer member.

Mount Linton Station, near Ohai in western Southland, is one of the country’s largest privately-owned stations.

The property carries about 100,000 stock units on 13,500 hectares.

Jacob, who has a Diploma in Agribusiness from Telford, grew up on a lifestyle block in Taumaranui.

Jacob is one of eight people vying to represent the OtagoSouthland region at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Hawke’s Bay.

He will face off against Tom Blackmore, James Robson, Linton Palmer, Luke Templeton, Matt McRae, Allen Gregory and Zac Thomas.

Tom is a block manager at the Limehills Hereford stud at Roxburgh, which runs 13,000 stock units on 4000ha.

‘‘We have five blocks which range from intensive grazing to tussock country. I look after the finishing side of the operation.’’

Tom, 23, has a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) from Lincoln University and is also looking forward to his first regional final.

James Robson, 29, also from Roxburgh, works as a shepherd on a 3500ha sheep and beef farm while Zac Thomas, 24, helps his grandfather run his 400ha farm at Charlton, near Gore.

Luke Templeton, 30, is a 50 per cent sharemilker from Riverton while Matt McRae, 30, is a sheep and beef farmer from Wyndham.

Allen Gregory, 25, is a stock manager at Stag Valley near Lumsden.

The Otago-Southland regional final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year will be held in Milton on February 16, 2019.