Entries open for The Ultimate Rural Challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 28-09-11

Entries open for The Ultimate Rural Challenge

Young Farmers from all over the country will be sharpening up on their agricultural skills over the coming weeks as the 2012 season of The National Bank Young Farmer Contest kicks off on October 8th with the Christchurch District Final.

Now entering its 44th year of competition the Contest is still New Zealand’s Ultimate Rural Challenge inspiring excellence, showcasing innovation and growing human capabilities.

Entries open October 1st and over the coming months, at least 300 Contestants will line up in the first round of the Contest; the District Finals. District Finals will be completed before Christmas and Regional Finals will take place from February with the top eight competitors from the Region battling it out to take a piece of the $300,000 prize pack and to win a coveted spot in the Grand Final in Dunedin from May 23rd - 26th.

The National Bank Young Farmer Contest is not just about practical farming tasks; Contestants will be put through a diverse array of practical, theoretical and technical farming challenges.

“Competing in the Contest is good for you and your career” says New Zealand Young Farmer CEO Richard Fitzgerald. “Apart from the great prizes, people learn useful farm business skills and have an opportunity to show their ability. It is a great stepping stone for your agricultural career, or simply just a great experience”.

Contestants of all skill levels are encouraged to enter to improve their personal and agricultural skills and 2011 Contest Champion Will Grayling has some advice for those considering entering. “Definitely enter! If hesitant, do it with a friend so you don’t feel like you are the only one not feeling confident. It is nerve racking the first time but you will look back, learn from it, and come back the second time determined to improve and hopefully achieve what you want, which might be to make the top eight or win the Grand Final.”

However, Will stresses that it’s not all about winning. “It’s a great way to test yourself if you’re a competitive person; but the best part is you are certain to learn something and meet and interact with worthwhile and likeminded people.”

Entry in The National Bank Young Farmer Contest is open to anyone between the ages of 15 - 30 (entrants must be under 31 years of age as at 1st January 2012, and must be a current NZYF Member). Entries close five days before a Contestant’s nominated District Final; entry forms can be found at www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz or by phoning 0800 YF Contest (0800 932 668).

ENDS

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