NZ Young Farmers (NZYF) work within the community to connect and help grow future leaders. This not-for-profit organisation has 80 clubs throughout New Zealand, with each of them helping their members succeed in personal skills and development.

NZYF runs FMG Young Farmer of the year annually. Each year, they get around 300 entrants, with a prize pool of over $100,000 up for grabs. There are 24 District Finals, with the top participants progressing to Regionals. The seven top Regional Finalists will battle it out to see who takes home the title – FMG Young Farmer of the Year – in the Grand Final.

For more information, head over to their website: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youngfarmers.co.nz/">https://www.youngfarmers.co.nz/</a>

Calvin Ball

<b>Age: 31</b><br> <b>Region: Northland</b><br> <b>Occupation: Regional Sales Manager for Ballance Agri-Nutrients</b>

Regional Sales Manager, Calvin Ball, is preparing to compete in this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Christchurch. It’s his second time competing for the prestigious title and this time, he’s here to win.

<i>“Grand finals was something we always went along to as a club. It was very inspirational when I was in my early 20’s. When I started competing it was more to just have a go, rather than any ambition to win. It was a learning opportunity more than anything.”</i>

Dale McAlwee

<b>Age: 26</b><br> <b>Region: Aorangi</b><br> <b>Occupation: Self-employed Sharemilker</b>

First time competitor, Dale McAlwee, is preparing to compete in this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Christchurch. It’s a huge year for the farmer who is also taking on his first contract milking position just a month before the finals.

<i>“Honestly, I don’t think the surprise factor has worn off yet. I’m viewing it as a period of personal development and a chance to really test my skills and learn some new ones. It’s going to be a challenging time preparing for grand finals and starting contract milking, but you have to make the most of what life gives you.”</i>

Jake Jarman

<b>Age: 24</b><br> <b>Region: Taranaki/Manawatu</b><br> <b>Occupation: Relationship Associate for ANZ</b>

ANZ Relationship Associate, Jake Jarman, is preparing to compete in this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Christchurch. And he says he’s in it, to win it.

<i>“The last few months preparing for grand finals has been hectic. So much goes on from interviews to filming to workshop days, it’s all outside my comfort zone, but that's where I like to be. If you’re not out of your comfort zone, you’re not really growing.”</i>

Joseph Watts

<b>Age: 30</b><br> <b>Region: East Coast</b><br> <b>Occupation: Technical Field Representative for PGG Wrightson</b>

Technical Field Representative, Joseph Watts, is preparing for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. This is his second shot at the grand final title, and he’s putting the hard yards to secure the win.

<i>“I think one piece of advice I’d give to a young person starting in their career is don’t chase the money too quickly. There are so many fun and exciting opportunities out there that won’t necessarily give you the best short term return in terms of pay. But the relationships and experience you build from that will help shape you as a person and make you a valuable asset in the industry. You’ll discover what you enjoy doing, and it will all fall into place. 2020 saw me mount a bit of a comeback after missing out in 2019, so it was tough being told it was cancelled. So I’m really motivated to give this my best shot.”</i>

Kieran McCahon

<b>Age: 25</b><br> <b>Region: Waikato/Bay of Plenty</b><br> <b>Occupation: Solutions and Development Specialist for DairyNZ</b>

Solutions and Development Specialist, Kieran McCahon, is preparing for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.

<i>“At regionals one year, I massively overthought a fencing module which hurt me points-wise, I know that I have a tendency to do that, so going into this grand final, I’m just focused on looking at the bigger picture and taking things slow and methodical. I’m up against some seasoned professionals, but we all have different strengths and weaknesses, so anyone could snatch the win. I’ll be going out there and giving it my all.”</i>

Roshean Woods

<b>Age: 30</b><br> <b>Region: Tasman</b><br> <b>Occupation: Farm Systems Scientist for DairyNZ</b>

DairyNZ Farm Systems Scientist, Roshean Woods, is gearing up to compete in this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Christchurch. She is one of a handful of women to have competed in the grand final.

<i>“I’ve only ever entered the competition to gain experience and learn, now it’s the real deal. So while I am taking it seriously, my main focus is enjoying the whole experience. I hope that through my urban background it will encourage others to have a go. I’ve learnt so much and I’m ready to tackle the grand final.”</i>

Sam Hodsell

<b>Age: 28</b><br> <b>Region: Otago/Southland</b><br> <b>Occupation: Sharemilker for their family farm</b>

Sharemilker, Sam Hodsell, is gearing up to compete in this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Christchurch. It’s a bit outside of his comfort zone, but he’s embracing it.

<i>“I honestly didn’t know what I was getting myself into. This experience is pushing me out of my comfort zone. I know it will be good in the long term, but I am starting to feel it a little bit. I think my biggest hurdle will be the mental game. It comes back to getting good sleep and doing all you can to prepare. I’ve been going to Toastmasters to get used to pushing myself out of my comfort zone.”</i>