Event organiser to try for FMG Farmer of the Year

NZ Young Farmers competitions co-ordinator David Highsted is 'having a go' himself this year at the West Coast District Contest and Skills Day.

We've not long crowned Nigel Woodhead as 2017 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and already planning to find next year's champion is underway.

And Young Farmers competitions co-ordinator David Highsted is putting his money where his mouth is and 'having a go' in the first stage of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year - and is calling for others to join him.

The former Gore lad and Otago University Bachelor of Physical Education and Commerce graduate will compete in the West Coast District Contest and Skills Day on December 10 at Ahurua Domain.

"I'm looking forward to giving the contest a go. It's great to learn new skills - and also to be exposed to the myriad of opportunities agriculture offers."

Although not from an agricultural background, Mr Highsted has worked casually in a number of agri-industry related jobs including crutching and tailing of sheep and milking cows when he was a student.

Since working at NZ Young Farmers, Mr Highsted said he has seen first-hand how important the sector is to New Zealand's economy.

"The FMG Young Farmer of the Year showcases the importance of the sector and contributes to educating the general public as to how their food is produced among the people that are passionate about growing it. It is a vital tool in our ongoing efforts to attract people to the sector.

The Contest is also about learning in a fun environment and setting yourself a challenge and it calls on many skills, not just practical hands on farming. I can't wait to get amongst it."

Beginning on September 30 in North Canterbury, district contest and skills days of the prestigious contest will take place all over New Zealand, before regional finals begin in February 2018 and the 50th Anniversary Grand Final takes place in July next year.