New Zealand’s ultimate rural challenge, FMG Young Farmer of the Year, takes place at regional locations around the country. Now in its 48th year, the iconic Contest displays the finest of New Zealand Young Farmers in a range of action-packed challenges.

In the lead up to the seven Regional Finals in 2016, over 250 Young Farmer hopefuls battled it out across 24 District Finals for a spot in their region’s final. Between February and April 56 contestants will take up the challenge in their Regional Finals around the country, narrowing the field to a single representative from each region to compete at the Grand Final in Timaru from 7-9 July 2016.

“The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest is unique in the world for its national reach and breadth of competition, a global leader for this genre of competition,” says Terry Copeland, CEO of New Zealand Young Farmers – organisers of the Contest.

“It’s a chance for the wider New Zealand community to see first-hand the specialist knowledge and skills that our future rural leaders possess. It is a showcase for the cream of New Zealand’s up and coming agri-sector talent.”

Regional Finalists show their skills across a range of tasks in the Practical Day challenges and Evening Show rounds as they vie for a spot in the Grand Final and a slice of the total $303,150 Contest prize pool. The Practical Day, which is open to the public, is fast-paced and physical with sporting and agricultural skills demonstrated alongside business know-how.

The Evening Show, in front of a live audience, includes quiz rounds on specialist topics and general knowledge.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year has been supported by many long-standing sponsor partners. In October 2015 NZ Young Farmers announced FMG as the new principal sponsor for the Contest.

“To be involved with Young Farmers as the principal sponsor of this iconic event is humbling and exciting and we can’t wait for the regional finals to kick into action” says FMG’s Head of Marketing Glenn Croasdale.

“We’ve enjoyed working with NZYF over the last several months and look forward to sharing some refinements to the regional finals and the Grand Final. These changes will build on the great work that has gone before us to enhance the challenge and generate even more audience involvement and interest.

“We congratulate all of this year’s contestants for getting this far and wish them the best of luck.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Finals 2016 will be held at the following regional locations. More information on Practical Day and Evening Shows, Sponsor messages and Regional Final Contestants can be found at www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz.

 North Island:

Taranaki/Manawatu – Feilding – 5 March

East Coast – Dannevirke – 12 March

South Island:

Tasman – Oxford – 2 April

Aorangi – Ashburton – 16 April

Otago/Southland – Wyndham – 9 April