Current FMG Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson says that winning the 2024 Grand Final has already opened up many new opportunities for him.
“The benefits are endless really,” says George, who manages a 440 cow Canterbury dairy farm. “It gets you to the front of line and there are so many opportunities to meet new people and to network.
“Most importantly though, I think winning boosted my confidence and my belief in myself that I have the skillsets to achieve my career goals. I am hoping, next season, to buy a farm in partnership with family. That is a big goal and I hope it gets to happen.”
George says the standout memory for him is the full-on nature of the Grand Final, held in Hamilton.
“It went so quickly. The first day was really hard, switching rapidly between the different topics and the business plan. Day two, the practical day was very intense. It’s just one thing to the next thing and you just have to get on with what is in front of you.
“The highlight for me, apart from learning I had won, was the farmlet module. That really didn’t start well for me but in the last 15-20 minutes, I managed to wrap it up and I was stoked.
“The butchery head-to-head was the most challenging. It was tough and my handsaw kept falling apart and that threw me off pace.
“The preparation for the final is extremely challenging too, finding the time and the physical and mental energy to do that. My dad and friends put in a lot of hours helping me to prepare.”
As part of his prize package, George recently met up with all his fellow contestants for a leadership course in Wellington.
“It was awesome to do that and catch up when you aren’t all competing, do the course together and get to know one another.
“I’d definitely recommend the competition to others. Just give it a crack! You will get so much out of it, whether you win or not. There are heaps of benefits, you’ll have a lot of fun and you will meet some awesome people.”
