Winner hopes third time’s the charm
Tikokino farmerHugh Abbiss is set to head to the East Coast Young Farmer of the Year regional final for a third time, havingwonthe northern district competition on Saturday.
The 28-year-old wasone of 11 young farmerswhobattled it out at aHatuma farm on Saturday to seewhowould makeit to the next round.
Having grown upon a sheep, beef and cropping farm in the Manawatu¯ he always knewhe’d go into farming. “It’s all I ever wanted to do.” Hefirst got involved with the young farmer competition about five years agowhenhe movedto Hawke’s Bay, and has even organised adistrict competition of his own.
Abbiss said he relished the challenge of competing against other young, passionate farmers.
“There’s a lot of really capable people out there. It’s an opportunity to compete against them. Regardless of the result, you challenge yourself to learn and pickup on other stuff you might not be exposed to.”
That was certainly the case during the velvet grading component of the competition. Hesaid itwas great tocomeawaywith awin.
“I’ve got to go to the next round though. I’ll worry about
it closer to the time.”
Also heading to the regional final in Hastings on February 13 are Jeremy Hudsonwho placed second, James Beattie (third) and Joseph Watts (fourth).
The top four from the northern district competition will also face four competitors from the southern district competition held in Masterton on October 17.
James Yule, chairman of Ashley Clinton Norsewood Club which organised the northern district competition, said itwas a great day with somegood entries.
“Itwas a good mix of people. There were a lot of first-timers and people having another crack at it.”
Competitors were also tested on awide range of skills including tree planting, fencing, book work, accounting, and a farming quiz.
Yule said therewas even morevariety at the regional final, making it great day for the public tocomeout and watch.
Hethanked the volunteers whohelped organise the day andToddMcCormickwho hosted the competition.