"The prizes were certainly a huge chunk of what I got out of the competition, but the largest thing for me was the credibility it gave me within the industry."
He says the agriculture sector has taken a beating lately, a fact backed up by a June 2016 report from Statistics New Zealand showing a steady decline in agricultural stock each year since 2007.
"It's a real shame the struggles the agricultural industry is facing. It's such an important part of Kiwi life and culture."
He says having the win behind him has helped him weather the storm.
"I was relatively young when I won the competition. I was already an agriculture tutor, but most others were older and more experienced.
"Winning this helped me maintain my agricultural career through the tougher times."
The Grand Finals will be held in Manawatu in July when the top scoring contestants from each region face off in five gruelling challenges that will test them both physically and mentally.
"This competition is a chance for good, honest young people to showcase their field," Skiffington says.
"That is a really positive thing for the industry."
More information on this years competition can be found at fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz.
