A sixth-generation Tasman farmer is chasing the country’s top rural honour as he prepares for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final next week.
Bryce Win, 29, will represent the Tasman region at the national competition in New Plymouth from Wednesday, 2 July to Friday, 4 July, going head to head with six other finalists from across New Zealand.
Now in its 58th year, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title is widely regarded as the country’s most prestigious farming award, with a prize pool of $90,000.
It has already been a milestone year for Bryce, who secured his first regional title just weeks before getting married on the family farm.
“It’s been busy that’s for sure, but I’ve just been fitting prep in where I can – a couple of hours here and there once everything else is done.”
With what he believes may be his only shot at the title, Bryce is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“I just want to leave it all out there – I don’t want to come home thinking I could’ve tried harder.”
Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the Grand Final, where contestants race against the clock tackling challenges involving machinery, livestock and a farmlet component. The competition culminates in a buzzer quiz on Saturday night, which ultimately decides the winner.
“We’re all pretty capable in the practical side at this level, so it’ll come down to everything else as well. You have to be able to prove your worth as an all-rounder.”
The event also showcases the next generation of rural talent.
Fourteen FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year teams will compete alongside 63 AgriKidsNZ competitors from across Aotearoa.
Among them are Seddon School pupils Louis Gorman, 11, Tom Barker, 12, and Tom March, 11.
The trio have been preparing by watching tips online, seeking advice from last year’s AgriKidsNZ champions ‘the Oinks’, and spending time on farm to build their practical skills.
“We’ve all been really good friends for years, so we work well as a team and take turns depending on who knows the task best,” Louis says.
“We’re excited and a bit nervous,” Tom Barker says. “We didn’t expect to make it this far, but we just need to focus on what we’ve practised,” Tom March adds.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly says this year’s finalists reflect the breadth of the country’s food and fibre sector.
“There’s often a perception that farming is one-dimensional, but the sector encompasses an enormous range of skills, careers and opportunities – from livestock and machinery through to technology, science, environmental management and logistics.
“This year’s finalists bring that diversity to life. They come from a range of backgrounds but share a strong commitment to the sector and to the rural communities they’re part of. It’s this kind of leadership that will help shape the future of food and fibre in Aotearoa.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest is supported by FMG, Ravensdown, New Holland, Milwaukee, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Honda, PTS, the Accident Compensation Corporation, Lincoln University and Bushbuck.
