Young Farmer BoP finals

The Te Puke Young Farmers Club will host the Bay of Plenty District finals in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest next month, says club president Luther Siemelink.

The Te Puke Young Farmers Club is set to host the Bay of Plenty District finals in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest next month.

President Luther Siemelink, also the district final convenor, said it was exciting news and a coup for the club which was only reestablished in June 2014 but had close to 50 members.

District finals encouraged young men and women to demonstrate their skills in an educational and comfortable environment, he said.

"It's also a bit of fun and a chance to learn something new. Plus those hoping for higher honours are able to push the boundaries a little."

The top contestants from each district final will progress to their local regional final, to be held from February to April 2016, he said.

"The contest is the country's pre-eminent rural challenge, pitting contestants in battles around agriculture knowledge, people and practical skills and mental fortitude. All qualities and attributes needed to be successful in farming today."

The district final would take place on November 21 at the Te Puke A&P Show grounds in Paengaroa.

FMG chief executive Chris Black said the Young Farmers competition embraces so much of what's great about farming in this country.

"It promotes taking calculated risks, innovation, competition, collaboration and idea-sharing, leadership and achievement."

FMG took over as principal sponsor of the Young Farmer of the Year competition last week. The previous principal sponsor was ANZ.

"Young Farmers has a wonderful tradition dating back to the mid-1930s, and interestingly FMG has been there from the outset, supporting Young Farmers get established in various ways in the early days - so it's fitting to be rekindling the relationship," said Mr Black.

* The Te Puke Young Farmers Club meets the last Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Te Puke Golf Club.

"Come down and see what we are all about and get involved," Mr Siemelink said.