If his determination transfers over to the contest he could be on his way to the grand final in the Manawatu in July.
Kjestrup will be a fierce opponent in his last year of being eligible to compete.
The 30-year-old is an experienced competitor having entered five district contest and skills days previously.
Managing a 380-hectare sheep and beef family farm in Mahoenui, Kjestrup also has experience working on an organic sheep and beef farm in Scotland.
The pair will be joined by six others contestants - Tim Mason, Jo Jordan, Richard French, Trevor Knyvett, Wayne Hofmann and Eion O'Mahony.
They will complete a diverse range of practical, theoretical and technical farming challenges.
Each level of the competition combines practical hands-on agriculture skills and general knowledge.
The level of complexity and difficulty increases as the contestants progress from districts to regionals to the grand final.
The grand final is a two-day event including the practical day which includes all the hands on competition plus technical elements such as an interview and an HR challenge.
The contestants must also deliver a convincing speech on a topic specific to them.
FMG Young Farmer of the Year is the flagship event for New Zealand Young Farmers and is held in high esteem among the rural community.
Every year up to 300 contestants battle for the top spot and vie for over $300,000 in prizes from 10 sponsors.
The Young Farmer Waikato/Bay of Plenty regional final practical is at the Kihikihi Domain.
Contestant start time is 8am and the public is welcome from 10am - 2pm.
The evening show is at the Te Awamutu Rugby Sports Recreation Club. Doors open at 6pm and the show commences at 6.30pm.
