An Okato dairy farmer has been named the Taranaki/Manawatu FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
James Lawn, 27, took out the title after tackling five gruelling challenges at the hotly-contested regional final in Hawera.
The win has secured the former DairyNZ consulting officer a spot in the prestigious grand final in the Manawatu in July.
"It's still sinking in, I really can't believe it. I'm speechless," said James, who isn't often lost for words.
"I was lucky that a few of the modules, like agri-chemicals and riparian planting, were a good fit with my previous job. Plus, I'd done a bit of work on my fitness in the lead-up to the event, which proved really beneficial."