David Reesby contemplates his next move during the Taranaki Manawatū Young Farmer of the Year final.
David Reesby contemplates his next move during the Taranaki Manawatū Young Farmer of the Year final.
David Reesby has secured his spot at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final for the second time.
Reesby, 25, was announced as the winner of the Taranaki Manawatū Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening, after spending the day competing in a series of challenges atFeilding High School.
The Marton Young Farmers’ member competed in 2022’s grand final, where he finished seventh.
He said he was excited to head back to this year’s event, in New Plymouth in July.
“There’s a lot of work to be done between now and then, and you’ve got to find the time to make it happen, even with a full-time job as well.”
Reesby said he tried to have fun during Saturday’s regional final.
“I had a bit of trouble with the bale on the Agri-sports, but got it done in the end.
“It was good to be challenged, I didn’t really know what to expect when I got out there, but I tried to make sure I had a good average across everything”.
After competing in the grand final in 2022 and convening across his region, Reesby had a bit more experience under his belt and an understanding of how the contest works.
“Even in our day-to-day jobs, I tried to think of scenarios that could be applied in the competition, so when it was busy with work, we were still doing prep.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a highlight in the rural calendar.
Now in its 58th year, the competition continues to grow, with a prize pool exceeding $90,000 for the grand final winner.
Three age-based categories were featured in the competition.
Primary school pupils tackle AgriKids NZ, high school students compete for the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year title, while eight finalists battle for the coveted Young Farmer of the Year crown.
Reesby defeated Central Taranaki Young Farmers member Ethan Muir.
Josh Wilkinson from Fitzherbert Young Farmers was third.
With several individual challenges, including a head-to-head, general knowledge “buzzer-style” quiz and sponsor-led modules, contestants were tested on a broad range of practical skills, technical know-how, and their ability to cope under pressure.
Third placegetter Josh Wilkinson (left), winner David Reesby, and runner-up Ethan Muir, at the Taranaki Manawatū 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year final
Reesby said his preparation was underway for the grand final.
“I know I’ve got to start making the time for this now, so while work is busy, it will just mean other things will take a bit of a back seat,” he said.
“I’ll be busy studying now until the grand final and figuring out what I need to achieve in between now and then.”
The AgriKidsNZ competition was another crowd-favourite.
After a busy morning with more than 90 primary school children challenged on their industry know-how, Jaxon, Elise, and Riley from Hunterville School emerged as the region’s victors.
Listen to The Country’s Jamie Mackay interview Young Farmer of the Year MC, Te Radar, on the Taranaki Manawatū final below:
Ben, Sam and Elsie-Rose from Waituna West School came second, and Josh, Louis and Hunter from Halcombe School took out third place and will be making their way to the grand final.
Meanwhile, Kate Hopkins, from Feilding Area High School, and Tabitha Askin from Palmerston North Girls’ High School took out the title of Taranaki Manawatū Junior Young Farmers of the Year, ahead of Logan Baker and Daniel Volkerling from Feilding Area High School.
Along with Reesby, the top AgriKidsNZ and junior teams will now represent the Taranaki Manawatū region in July’s grand final in New Plymouth.
