Future Young Farmers battle it out in Murchison

Future Young Farmers battle it out in Murchison

The AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg competition season is underway for 2014 with Regional Finals taking place throughout the country over the next three months.

The competitions test skills, strength and stamina while introducing youth to the fun side of agriculture. Primary and high school students from all walks of life are welcome to join in.

Tasman held its Regional Final in Murchison at the A&P Show with Karetu Kids, Hamish Mackintosh, Ginny Smith & Maddie Hassall from North Loburn School taking home the top honour in the AgriKidsNZ competition and Jack & Ben, Jack Anderson & Ben Early from St Andrews College were the top team in the TeenAg event.

Rounding out the top three for AgriKidsNZ was the Gumboot Gang, Bella Caughley, Stuart van Heerden & Sophie Stephens in second place from North Loburn School and third place went toGrass Guru’s, Taine Kinzett, George Kitney & Ben Allan from Murchison Area School.

AgriKidsNZ is open to children 8-13 years of age and they compete in teams of three while the TeenAg competition calls for high school students 13-18 years old, competing in pairs.

“It was a great start to the 2014 competition series,” commented Josie Hampton, AgriKidsNZ & TeenAg Project Leader. “There was a great level of competition in both events which was exciting to see for the first Regional Final and everyone really enjoyed their day,” said Miss Hampton.

There was some fierce competition amongst the TeenAg competitors. George & Hamish, George Fraser & Hamish Gardner from St Andrews College took home second place and in third place wasTeam Wire, Scott Higgins & Brent Dalley from Nelson College.

The competitions are structured into seven modules which can test anything and everything farm related. The top scoring seven teams continue through to the Race-Off challenge where contestants must work as a team and complete a series of tasks as fast as possible.

Top three teams from each Regional Final are invited to attend the 2014 Grand Final held in Christchurch, 3-5 July where they will battle it out for the national champion’s title alongside the ANZ Young Farmer Contest Grand Final.
Several Regional Final events around the country are nearing capacity which presents an exciting challenge for event organisers.

“The skill level of the competitors continues to impress us year after year and we are thrilled with the uptake from youth around the country,” said Miss Hampton.

For more information head to www.youngfarmers.co.nz

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