Pete scores $15k in big final

ALL SMILES: Pete Fitz-Herbert reflects on his first, and perhaps last, national ANZ Young Farmers grand-final appearance. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY A_060912WCBRCRG06

Hunterville's Pete Fitz-Herbert did the region proud when he came fifth at the national ANZ Young Farmers Contest grand final in Taupo.

Contestants faced a series of farming-related challenges at the weekend, ranging from fencing and shearing to general knowledge and speech-making.

The 29-year-old stock manager, who was competing in his maiden national grand final, said he felt the technical aspects might have let him down.

He had not been quite as strong as the others in that respect, but "I was happy with what I did in the practical elements".

A Marton Young Farmers Club member, Mr Fitz-Herbert cited the increased pressure of the occasion as a factor that might have counted against him.

"The technical challenges were really amped up," he said.

"In the final, the exam was only 50 minutes compared to nearly five hours in regionals."

Mr Fitz-Herbert said preparing for a contest of such a magnitude was always hard because contestants never knew exactly what would be asked of them.

"I did as much study as possible, but it's really just experience in agriculture all round which helps the most.

"Generally, they ask questions about the sponsors' products and agricultural things that are unique to the region, so I did a bit of background on forestry, which is strong in Taupo."

Mr Fitz-Herbert still left with $15,000 worth of prizes, which included a quad bike and a chainsaw, after more than $270,000 worth of prizes were on offer throughout the contest.

He had competed in young farmers contests regularly since 2007, but said this time could be his last.

"You never say never, but there are other guys I'd like to see step up and have a go, so we'll see."

Aorangi equity manager Matt Bell won the 2015 title, which was his second national Young Farmers grand final, after coming third in 2013 in Auckland.