Northern Young Farmers to be put to the test

Northern Young Farmers to be put to the test in ANZ Young Farmer Contest Regional Final

The final ANZ Young Farmer Contest Grand Finalist will be determined this weekend, Saturday 18 April at the Northern Regional Final held in Dargaville.

“This contest season is shaping up to be very impressive, every year the calibre of contestants continues to impress,” says Terry Copeland, Chief Executive of New Zealand Young Farmers – organisers of the event.

The eight finalists are contending for a spot at the Grand Final in Taupo 2 – 4 July and their share of an impressive prize pack worth over $270,000 in products, services and scholarships from ANZ, FMG, Lincoln University, Silver Fern Farms, AGMARDT, Ravensdown, Honda, Husqvarna and Vodafone.

“The support from sponsors and the community is invaluable, they are not only supporting the Contest but the future of agriculture and together with Young Farmers we are driving the industry forward,” said Mr Copeland.
The Northern Regional Final will see an outstanding group of contenders (under the age of 31) come together for what will be a full on day of practical, physical and theoretical challenges at the Northland Fieldays Grounds. The Practical Day events will be followed by a ticketed evening quiz-show held at the Dargaville Town Hall.

Jake Thompson, 26, is representing the Whangarei Young Farmers Club in his first season competing in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. Jake is the manager of a 589 hectare dairy farm running 950 cows. Jake is a family man, spending most of his spare time with his wife and two children. He also enjoys playing rugby, badminton, soccer and water sports. Jake wanted to compete in the Contest to improve his farming knowledge and learn new skills.

Douglas McGregor, 30, of the Bay of Island Young Farmers Club is competing in his second Regional Final. Douglas is second in charge on a Landcorp dairy farm in Takou Bay and has just taken up dog trialling. In his spare time he plays the bagpipes for the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band and is the Regional Vice-Chairman for Young Farmers. Douglas believes his attention to detail, work ethic and willingness to learn will help him progress to the next level of competition.

Anna Simpson, 26, is also representing the Bay of Island Young Farmers Club in her second attempt at Regional Final level of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. Anna works on her parents dairy and beef farms but also has her own hobby flock of sheep. In her spare time she is a very active member of the Bay of Islands Young Farmers Club and is a regular at their events. Anna believes that her determination and diverse range of practical skills will help her on the road to becoming the ANZ Young Farmer Champion.

Kelvin Meek, 26, is hoping to make the Franklin Young Farmers Club proud in his first season competing in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. Kelvin is on a scholarship programme with PGG Wrightson in Real Estate. In his free time Kelvin is involved with many local clubs and enjoys hiking, working out and fishing. Kelvin also loves to travel; he’s hitch hiked across Canada and Eurpoe and worked in Iceland as a dog-sledding guide. Kelvin enjoys being involved with Young Farmers because of the networking opportunities and also being able to work with his local community.

Guy Bakewell, 28, from the Kaipara Young Farmers Club is competing in his first Regional Final. Guy is the Operations Manager on a 2000 cow, 1300 hectare dairy farm in Ruawai. Guy enjoys spending time with his family and having a go at an assortment of outdoor activities. Guy believes his hard working nature will hold him in good stead to succeed in the Contest. He enjoys being a part of Young Farmers because it allows him to get off the farm and meet new people with similar interests.

Daniel Bradbury, 25, is another member of the Bay of Islands Young Farmers Club in his first season of competition. He is a herd manager on a 600 cow dairy farm and enjoys the variety a career in agriculture offers. In his free time, Daniel enjoys exploring New Zealand through tramping and other outdoor activities. Daniel is competing in the Contest to meet new people, learn new skills and push himself outside of his comfort zone.

Rob Cashmore, 30, is representing the Kaipara Young Farmers Club in his second attempt at Regional Final level. Rob is a manager on a sheep and beef farm which runs 10,000 stock units. In his spare time Rob enjoys hunting, fishing and socialising. Rob believes he is a well-rounded contestant because of his vast agricultural experience. He is a very active member of his Young Farmers and enjoys the social activities with like-minded people.

Colin Beazley, 28, is another Kaipara Young Farmers Club in his first season of competition. Colin is a 50/50 share-milker on a Wellsford property. When he isn’t working Colin enjoys attending Young Farmers events, socialising and fishing. Colin loves the lifestyle of working in agriculture – working outside and being able to manage his own time are major perks of the job for him. Colin is competing to gain new skills and meet new people to help further his career. Colin was given the call up to compete in the Northern Regional Final level after Andy Ward broke his collarbone late last week.

Also in the midst of the action are the future Young Farmers – the AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg competitions will be running alongside the ANZ Young Farmer Contest.
Further details and Evening Show tickets are available from www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz

ENDS

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