Jayden swots up for agri-test

New Zealand's ultimate rural challenge - the ANZ Young Farmer Contest - is back next month for the regional finals.

Jayden Harvey, who placed seventh last year and won the agri-growth-challenge, is looking forward to the competition again this year.

"The Young Farmers Contest is a great experience because it touches on all aspects of farming, not just dairy, so you gain a pretty diverse range of skills."

Regional finalists show their skills across a range of tasks in the practical day challenges and evening show rounds as they compete for a spot in the grand final and a share of the total $271,000 contest prize pool.

The practical day, which is open to the public, is fast-paced and physical with sporting and agricultural skills demonstrated alongside business know-how.

The evening show, in front of a live audience, includes quiz rounds on specialist topics and general knowledge.

Jayden says his preparation for the competition this year includes studying old agriculture exam papers, "to help me get ready for the quiz night in the evening".

Having been a part of the event before means he will be able to shake off his nerves before the event. "It is not quite as daunting this year, I know what to expect in terms of the spectators and the crowd."

This is the 47th year of the contest and the chief executive of New Zealand Young Farmers, Terry Copeland, says the ANZ Young Farmer Contest is unique in the world for its national reach and breadth of competition.

"It's a chance for the wider New Zealand community to see first-hand the specialist knowledge and skills that our future rural leaders possess," he says. "It is a showcase for the cream of New Zealand's up and coming agri-sector talent."

The regional final for Taranaki-Manawatu will be held on March 28 in Palmerston North.