FMG is proud to mark a significant milestone in its partnership with one of New Zealand’s premier agricultural competitions — the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported this competition for the past 10 years. For FMG, it’s more than just a competition to showcase the talents, skills, and knowledge of young farmers from across the country — it’s a celebration of the future of farming and an investment in the next generation of leaders. It is intrinsically linked to FMG’s commitment to helping to build strong and prosperous rural communities,” says Adam Heath, Chief Executive Officer of FMG.
“The investment in 9 Grand Finals, 63 Regional Finals, and many more District Finals over the last decade has certainly been worth every cent. The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest has provided a platform for careers in agriculture, with many past winners and finalists going on to make significant contributions to the sector.”
But Adam says, “It is not just about the winners, it’s about all the contestants and the dedication from the New Zealand Young Farmers, the volunteers and the whole community for making it all happen – from regional contests to the national grand final.”
The 26-year-old Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer, Hugh Jackson, won this year’s prestigious Grand Final event held in Invercargill over the weekend. This was his second crack at the title.
Hugh says that winning the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition “means everything” to him.
“I’ve been putting in the hard work for this competition for the last 3 or 4 years since the last time that I competed, so I’m hugely relieved. Obviously, going in framed as a favourite definitely puts a bit more pressure on. I’m really stoked to win and I’m looking forward to the future ahead,” says Hugh.
“Congratulations to Hugh and all of this year’s finalists. With such passionate and talented young farmers leading the way, the future of the rural sector is bright!” says Adam.
