Christchurch rural consultant Cam Black (25) won the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year title at the Waimate showgrounds on Saturday.
He took on seven challengers in a long day of challenges and came out on top.
"I'm stunned and really excited," he said.
Mr Black is a member of the Hinds Young Farmers Club, which he joined as an Ashburton banker.
The Massey University agricultural science graduate grew up on a Southland sheep and beef farm and now works for New Zealand Agri Brokers.
He will go on to the national final in Invercargill in July.
"Competing in a grand final in the 50th year of the contest in the province where I grew up is going to be quite special," he said.