Fieldays Rural Bachelor 2009 finalists announced

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Fieldays Rural Bachelor 2009 finalists announced

National Fieldays are proud to announce the eight finalists competing for the 2009 ‘Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year®’ title at New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, 10 - 13 June, held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, south of Hamilton.

Bachelor finalists hail from Franz Josef, Waiau, Te Awamutu, Matamata, Palmerston North, Hamilton and Morrinsville.

Fieldays Event Coordinator, Lianne Dunbar, says “We have been impressed with the standard of applications; with several strong contenders from throughout the country, particularly in the Waikato. It was a tough decision, but we’re confident we’ve achieved good representation of the typical Fieldays rural bachelor.”

The finalists are:

Andrew Gutsell, a 22 year old Tractor Contractor from Franz Josef
Mark McCauley, a 27 year old Fencing Contractor from Hamilton
Alex van Heuven, a 23 year old Sharemilker from Matamata
Andrew Wiffen, a 22 year old Assistant Production Manager, Waiau
Matthew Wade, a 31 year old Assistant Farm Manager from Te Awamutu
Michael Short, a 25 year old Sheep and Beef Farmer from Palmerston North
Tim van de Molan, a 25 year old Rural Builder from Matamata
Grant Mitchell, a 37 year old Dairy Farmer from Morrinsville

Finalists will battle it out over the four days of National Fieldays, for the coveted ‘Golden Gumboot’ trophy, their share of over $15,000 worth of prizes and title of ‘Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year®’.

Bachelor heats include fencing, cattle work, dog obedience and cheerleading. Visitors to Fieldays are encouraged to head along to Friday’s heats as the blokes face 8 female challengers in the first ever Ladies Afternoon. The 16 singles will test their rural skills and knowledge in an entertaining battle of the sexes.

Outside of Fieldays, the public are also welcome to meet the bachelors from 7pm on both Wednesday 10 June at The Cook, Hamilton; or Friday 12 June at Windy Ridge Café & Bar, Ohaupo. Bachelor finalists will enjoy all expenses paid during the week of Fieldays and will be hosted in the ‘secret bachelor pad’.

Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year® is proudly supported by Classic Hits, Swanndri, Skellerup, Stihl, Cook Island Tourism, Leisurerite Spas, Cycle Time, Hyundai and Waikato Draught.

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Profiles and images of finalists can be found via Fieldays website http://www.fieldays.co.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/292

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