A Waikato sheep and beef farmer is gearing up to achieve his dream of being crowned FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

It’s 26-year-old Hugh Jackson’s second time being a Grand Finalist, and he hopes it will be his last.

“If I can put in the hard yards before July, I’ll give myself every chance to win it. I don’t know when I can enter again, and the old man’s getting older, so it’s starting to feel like it’s now or never.”

Deeply involved in his local Young Farmers club, Jackson balances his time between work and play with a strong interest in farm technology and a passion for mental health.

“If you’re farming tomorrow the same way you’re farming today, then you’re just getting left behind.

“Technology is advancing every day, and there’s some pretty huge opportunities that will allow us to run more profitable and environmentally sustainable businesses going forward.”

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final kicks off in Invercargill on Thursday, July 3, and runs over three days.

With thousands of spectators watching on, seven grand finalists will race against the clock (and each other) in a series of high-pressure challenges designed to test them on their farming knowledge and ability to excel under pressure.

Going head-to-head, contestants will navigate big machinery, livestock, a Farmlet, and more.

Brain power will be tested at the buzzer quiz, the final challenge on Saturday night that will determine who will be crowned the winner for Season 57.

The title ‘FMG Young Farmer of the Year’ and over $90,000 worth of prizes will be up for grabs.

Fourteen FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year teams will also compete for a national title, along with 63 AgriKidsNZ competitors from across Aotearoa.

FMG Junior contestants Grace Dawson, left, and Evelyn Ruegger. Photo / FMG Young Farmer of the Year

It’s the first time FMG Junior contestants Evelyn Ruegger and Grace Dawson from Matamata College are gearing up to compete in the Grand Final.

Growing up on a farm their whole lives, the two 17-year-olds say they owe it to their parents for what they have learned.

“We’ve been doing a lot of researching, and drilling our dads, because they’re the ones we’re practicing alongside on the farm.”

But if there’s one thing the girls could change in the agricultural industry, it’s inspiring more women to get involved.

“Girls are less likely to join the industry if they don’t see a female figure in there. I have my mum and dad, and I’m really close with them on the farm, but if you lived in town and you wanted to get in to farming, it’d be easier for girls to get into it if you saw your mum’s friend doing it,” said Dawson.

“It’s about trying to encourage female involvement,” said Rueggar.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is dedicated to showcasing the very best talent in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

Now in its 57th year, the title of ‘FMG Young Farmer of the Year’ is held up as the most prestigious farming award in the country.

The event is also a fan favourite, with almost 3000 spectators attending the 2024 Grand Final in Hamilton, providing a substantial boost to the local economy over three days.

New Zealand Young Farmers CEO Lynda Coppersmith said this year’s finalists are all really determined to make their mark.

“One of the things that makes the finalists stand out is the breadth of experience they bring to the table.

“From sheep and beef to dairy and tertiary study, each contestant is deeply involved in our rural communities across the motu. It’s exciting to see this kind of forward-thinking in each Grand Finalist that will greatly benefit New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.”

Coppersmith said a key highlight is watching the next generation of young farmers compete.

“FMG Junior and our AgriKids participants represent secondary and primary schools across the country. Their knowledge and skills position them as natural leaders that leave us excited for the future of farming in Aotearoa.”

-Contributed content