A sixth-generation sheep and beef farmer from Dovedale is now in the running for national honours after being crowned Tasman’s top young farmer, just two weeks out from his wedding day.
The Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year regional final 2026 was held at Courtenay A&P Showgrounds in Kirwee on 14 February, with local talent shining across the board at the season 58 event of New Zealand Young Farmers.
Bryce Win, 29, from Dovedale, claimed the Tasman title while representing the Tasman Valley Young Farmers Club, earning his place on the podium after a demanding day of practical and technical challenges. He secured 272 points, ahead of Jack Dennehy-Coles (250.5) from Lincoln and Sam Smithers (238.9) from the West Coast.
The event, part of the well-known FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, tested contestants’ skills, speed and resilience under pressure. Five gruelling challenges, including the always intense agri-sports and a fast-paced buzzer-style quiz, pushed competitors to apply practical skills and technical knowledge while working against the clock.
Bryce appeared calm under pressure throughout the day, moving confidently from task to task. He aced the head-to-head challenge and embraced the agri-sports event, which featured a series of small challenges culminating in lassoing a bull constructed during the earlier round.
It has been a milestone month for the Tasman local. Alongside competing for the regional title, he is preparing to marry his fiancé on his family’s sixth-generation Dovedale farm in just a few weeks.
“When I found out the regional final was in February, my heart stopped a bit,” he laughs. “Knowing the dates were apart gave me a huge sense of relief.”
Bryce says he entered the competition because he likes testing himself against other people who are in the region.
“I like the idea of competition, it’s exciting.”
Bryce has been strengthening his weaknesses beyond sheep and beef farming in the lead-up to the competition, studying fertiliser application and gaining experience in dairy farming.
“A member from our club put on a practical day for me and Amelia Marsden, a fellow contestant. It got the heart rate up, that’s for sure, as a simulation for what’s ahead.”
From oyster boats to university and back to the family farm, Bryce says there is no place like home. He recently entered part-ownership of the Dovedale property with his parents, continuing the family legacy and looking toward the future.
“The goal is to support myself and my family towards the future,” he says.
The regional final also featured three age-based categories. Primary school pupils competed in AgriKids NZ, high school students vied for the Junior Young Farmer of the Year title, while eight finalists battled for the coveted regional crown.
Alongside Bryce, the top three AgriKids NZ teams and top two Junior teams will progress to July’s grand final in New Plymouth.
Chief executive of New Zealand Young Farmers, Cheyne Gillooly, said it was encouraging to see strong community support at the event, with season 58 attracting the highest number of entrants in recent years.
“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it. From the youngest contestant just beginning, to the oldest who is giving it their last shot, the strength in which people show up for their community makes me so proud of what Young Farmers represents.”
The competition remains a highlight on the rural calendar, showcasing rising stars in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector and setting the bar for excellence in agriculture.
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest is proudly supported by FMG, Ravensdown, MPI, Milwaukee, Honda, Lincoln University, PTS, New Holland, Bushbuck and ACC.
