The father of four grew up on a drystock farm in Otorohanga, which he now leases.
"In June 2016 we moved to Otorohanga to a 280 cow farm as part of an equity partnership," he said.
"We also took on the lease of my parent's drystock farm, where we now rear and graze our own young stock, beef stock, small Hereford stud and 700 sheep.
"We are currently leasing both the dairy farm and dry stock farm with help from two full-time staff and of course the children."
For the regional final contest, conveners Danielle Imlig and Luke Hartnell will create challenges that contestants may come across in their day-to-day movements throughout the rural community.
"We will be encompassing a large range of different agricultural sectors within our regional Young Farmers Clubs. This will give a more level playing field for all competitors involved," Imlig said.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said the competition improved every year, even with Covid-19 challenges.
Coppersmith said season 54 will test competitors to see "who's up for it'" and that last year's entry numbers had already been exceeded.
"All of our volunteers and conveners right across the country have created some incredible challenges so far, with regional final season expected to take that to another level."
All FMG Young Farmer of the Year events operate in accordance with the Government's Covid Protection Framework and will require vaccine passes.
FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2022 Waikato Bay of Plenty regional final results
Piarere district contest
1st - Reuben Connolly - Te Kawa West Young Farmers
2nd - Chris Poole - Te Kawa West Young Farmers
3rd - Stephen Brunskill - Hamilton City Young Farmers
Te Puke district contest
1st - Josh MacDonald - Te Puke Young Farmers
2nd - Braydon Schroder - Reporoa Young Farmers
3rd - Connor Steens - South Waikato Young Farmers
Hamilton City district contest
1st - Danielle Hovmand – Ngarua Young Farmers
2nd - Daisy Higgs - Te Kawa West Young Farmers
