At last, farmer Dwayne Cowin makes grand final

Young farmer Dwayne Cowin could take home $300,000 in July's grand final. Photo/Supplied

A 28-year-old Taupo farmer has finally secured a spot in the grand final of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest after placing second in the regional final three years in a row.

Dwayne Cowin left his "bridesmaid" status behind him when he won first place in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Final in Taupo on Saturday.

As well as taking out two other agriculture challenges, he also took home $10,000 in prizes.

But it was no easy feat.

"It was not a particularly easy win, there were a few curve balls in there and it certainly tested everyone's ability," he said.

Mr Cowin was impressed with his fellow competitors, who gave it their all. "They all did very well. There were a number of first time entrants and that's what it's all about - getting out there and giving it a go," he said.

The young farmer is now one of seven contenders who stand to win $300,000 in the grand final, which will be held between July 3-5 in Christchurch. "It's pretty good to get rid of that bridesmaid tag, but it's going to be a big step up at grand final," Mr Cowin said.

A Bachelor of Applied Science graduate, Mr Cowin currently works as a stock manager at Lochinver Station near Taupo. He belongs to the Reporoa Young Farmers Club which had a number of members in the event. "The club support was amazing," he said.

"They had a big crew and they were pretty vocal, it made quite the difference."

Meanwhile, the 2014 AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg Regional Finals are also underway around the country. AgriKidsNZ is open to children aged 8-13 while 13-18-year-olds can compete in the TeenAg event.

Both competitions aim to introduce young people to the fun side of agriculture, while testing skills, strength and stamina.