Geraldine man crowned latest Rural Bachelor of the Year

Toby How, Field Days Rural Bachelor of the Year. Photo / Stephen Barker

The country's latest bachelor of the year has walked away with a new work bike, a lifetime supply of iconic red band gumboots and hinting there may even be a chance he will soon have beautiful woman draped over his arm.

Toby How, a 28-year-old Geraldine fencing contractor, was yesterday thrilled to take out the title of Rural Bachelor of the Year at Field Days on his first attempt.

He said it had been an incredible experience with the added bonus that things appeared to be taking a turn for the better in the love stakes.

"A couple of my mates were worried about where I was heading in terms of relationships and sternly suggested I enter an application," said How.

"It looks like I'm going to be single for another 10 minutes."

While he was reluctant to give too much away he said he would soon be enjoying the company of a "nice Waikato girl" he had met at country's largest agricultural show.

How, who picked up $20,000 in prizes on top of the four-wheel farm bike, said it had been a great week where he forged a close connection with the seven other contestants.

"I'm picking there will almost be tears at the airport tomorrow morning," he said.

Unlike the luxury-filled romantic excursions enjoyed by the reality television urban equivalent, rural bachelors were put to the test cooking gourmet breakfasts, driving tractors, fencing, showcasing butcher skills and speed dating.

There was also an online popularity contest which How also won.