50th anniversary for FMG Young Farmer of the Year in the South

Nigel Woodhead won the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition in Manawatu last year.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year celebrates its 50th anniversary in the South this year.

The competition, which started as a national radio quiz in 1969, had undergone many changes but the challenge remained the same, contest chairman and former grand finalist Dean Rabbidge said.

"It's the challenge second-to-none and remains the pinnacle of achievement.

"We are proud of the history and contribution the contest has made to New Zealand agriculture and I'm sure this year will be no exception,'' Mr Rabbidge said.

The grand final, in which the top seven contestants around the country compete against each other, will be held in Invercargill on July 5-7.

It will feature various special celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary, including an exhibition of memorabilia and a function to celebrate past winners and grand finalists.
Among those finalists have been regional councillors, members of Parliament, Nuffield scholars and industry leaders.

Grand final convener James Goodwin said everything was on track for this year's event, with a good team working hard to make it happen.

The practical component would be held at Donovan Park with the grand final evening show at Stadium Southland.

There was maximum seating capacity of 1200 and it was hoped it would be a sell-out. Tickets were already on sale, Mr Goodwin said.

A 50th alumni evening was also being held at the stadium and it was hoped to get as many past winners along as possible.

The Otago-Southland regional final to select the region's grand finalist will be held on April 21.

The practical section will be held at the Browns Domain, Winton, with the evening show in the Winton Memorial Hall.

The regional finalists are Luke Templeton (Southland), Lyndon Wallace (Southland), Allison Knowler (Southland), Logan Wallace (Otago), Alan Harvey (Otago), Matt McRae (Otago) and Eddie Blackler (Otago).

The Aorangi regional final will be held at the Southern Canterbury A and P Association's showgrounds in Waimate on April 14, with the evening show in the Waimate Shears Pavilion.

The regional finalists are Adam Judd (Aorangi South), William Ellis (Aorangi South), Matthew McAtamney (Aorangi South), Cameron Black (Aorangi North), Josh McAtamney (Aorangi North), Stephen Blain (Aorangi North) and Campbell Sommerville (Aorangi North).