District contests are hosted by NZYF clubs and involve half a day of practical challenges.
A first-time competitor, 2021 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Jake Jarman initially signed up to the contest to give it a go.
"I saw it as a case of 'I've got nothing to lose so I'll get stuck in' instead of being a spectator and watching all the other competitors have all the fun," says Jake.
The ANZ relationship associate won the Taranaki Manawatū regional final and represented the region at the grand final in Christchurch in July, eventually bringing the title home.
As a former dairy farmer and researcher for Dairy Trust Taranaki, he says he completely failed the wool module in his first taste of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year district contest.
"I definitely walked away having learnt a thing or two, including how to put the lid of a beehive on properly on the top, not the bottom," he laughed.
His advice to all NZYF members was to grab a mate, sign up for the district contest and personally challenge each other to see who will do better.
"Districts are a lot more low-key so the competition would be within all of our member's skill sets and I'd encourage everyone to give it a go," says Jake.
"You're not going to embarrass yourself and if you don't know about something you will get taught on the day so at least you walk away from the day having learnt something like I did."
New Zealand Young Farmers Board chairman Kent Weir said he would love to see more member participation in the district contests to support the clubs who volunteer their time and energy to convene the competition.
"This is the perfect time to enter yourself, your club mates, your workmates and even your partners into the district contests to have a bit of fun and earn a cold one at the end of the day," says Kent.
"It's a good opportunity to not just test yourself and benchmark yourself against your peers, but a chance to meet new people, connect with the community, potentially learn a thing or two and get off the farm and socialise with others in the industry."
Having been a NZYF member for nine years, Kent says he knows all too well the banter that happens in clubs and agreed with Jake that sometimes, the best challenge comes from your mates.
"Get all of your mates involved, have a laugh and find out who actually brings what to the table - especially seeing as districts are all about practical challenges," says Kent.
FMG Young Farmer of the Year is an iconic contest which began in 1969 and showcases the best of the country's agriculture, food and fibre sector.
The contest is supported by FMG, Ravensdown, WorkSafe, Honda, Lincoln University, Massey University, MPI BiosecurityNZ, New Holland, North and South Fuels, PTS Logistics and STIHL.
More information can be found and entries can be made at www.fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz.
