Different perspective on FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition

Jono Satterthwaite

Jono Satterthwaite hopes that seeing the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest from a different perspective will give him an advantage when competing in a future contest.

The Amuri Basin Young Farmers Club member is convener for this year's regional final at the Amuri A&P Show on Saturday, after finishing runner-up in last year's Tasman regional final in Templeton.

''We are limited to being able to go to regionals four times, so I can go in it another three times, but I decided since we were hosting it I would give it a go at being on the other side,'' he said.

''It's interesting being on the organising side of things. It's a different challenge and you definitely learn a lot and get a good insight into what the judges are looking for.

''And it's just nice to give back to the organisation. If you want to compete, it's important to play your part in making it happen.''

Mr Satterthwaite is also part of a Tasman region bid to host next year's grand final, ''so I could be on the sideline again''.

He was unable to divulge any details of challenges in the regional final, but said there would be 10 modules, based around the five pillars of food, people, the environment, innovation and technology.

With just two returning regional finalists and no previous winners competing this year, Mr Satterthwaite said ''it leaves the door wide open'' as to who might win the regional final.

''The experience of competing definitely counts for something. You've got to plan to tick all the boxes, particularly around health and safety, so you can pick up points consistently across the competition.

''There has also been a change in the structure and focus for this year's competition, so all the modules are a bit different. It will help even the playing field a bit.''

The Tasman regional final practical day will be held at the Rotherham Showgrounds from 8am to 1.30pm, at the Amuri A&P Show, followed by the evening show and awards dinner in the Amuri Area School gymnasium, in Culverden, from 5.30pm.

Tickets for the evening show are on sale through Eventbrite. For more information, go to the Young Farmer of the Year contest website or Facebook page.

There are three finalists from the host Amuri Basin YFC and three from the Dunsandel YFC, one from the West Coast and one from the Nelson-Marlborough district.

''I would encourage people to get along and support the local finalists,'' Mr Satterthwaite said.

''I think will there will be a bit of rivalry between the Amuri guys and also between the Dunsandel guys, rather than it becoming a contest between Amuri and Dunsandel.''

-By David Hill