Sixth-generation sheep and beef farmer Bryce Win is going for gold in the Young Farmer Tasman regional final, only two weeks out from his wedding day.
Sixth-generation sheep and beef farmer Bryce Win is going for gold in the Young Farmer Tasman regional final, only two weeks out from his wedding day.
February is set to be a big month for Bryce Win, and not just because he’s competing for a chance to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year in the Tasman regional final tomorrow.
The 29-year-old sheep and beef farmer is also marrying his fiancée on his family’s sixth-generational Dovedalefarm, only two weeks later.
Win, a Tasman Valley Young Farmers Club member, said he had his hands full training for the final and preparing the farm for the big day ahead.
“When I found out the regional final was in February, my heart stopped a bit,” he laughed.
“Knowing the dates were apart gave me a huge sense of relief.”
“A member from our club put on a practical day for me and Amelia Marsden, a fellow contestant,” he said.
“It got the heart rate up, that’s for sure, as a simulation for what’s ahead.”
Looking to encourage his own family of farmers one day, Win recently went into part ownership of the Dovedale farm with his parents to continue the legacy.
“The goal is to support myself and my family towards the future,” he said.
Young Farmer Tasman regional final
The Young Farmer of the Year Tasman regional final takes place tomorrow at the Courtenay A&P Showgrounds in Kirwee.
NZ Young Farmers Tasman convenor Isabelle Keeling had advice for contestants.
“Don’t rely on common sense alone.”
Keeling said contestants like Win need to be ready to push themselves both physically and mentally to reach the top of the podium.
“Our regional finalists may know the farm like the back of their hand, but we’re throwing in some curveballs that sit outside of classic Kiwi agriculture,” she said.
“If they manage to get the foundations right and manage their time wisely, they might just be away laughing.”
NZ Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said the contest was well-loved in Tasman and around the country because it gave talented young farmers space to shine in the spotlight and connect with like-minded peers, which could be hard to do in the industry.
“With our AgriKidsNZ events for primary-aged competitors and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competitions running alongside the Regional Finals Young Farmers event, collectively the day is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it – with a healthy dose of competition, of course."
