REGIONAL CHAMPION: Pete Fitz-Herbert, pictured here before heading off on a farming scholarship in Canada in 2012, has won the Taranaki/Manawatu Young Farmer competition.PHOTO/ FILEA-060912WCBRCRG06
REGIONAL CHAMPION: Pete Fitz-Herbert, pictured here before heading off on a farming scholarship in Canada in 2012, has won the Taranaki/Manawatu Young Farmer competition.PHOTO/ FILEA-060912WCBRCRG06
It had to come sooner or later. In his seventh shot at it, Pete Fitz-Herbert has finally won the Taranaki/Manawatu Young Farmer Contest.
A stock manager on a sheep and beef farm near Hunterville, Mr Fitz-Herbert claimed the title at the regional finals in Palmerston North on Saturday.
With ithe claimed about $10,000 in prizes and a spot on the national final in July.
It was a gruelling day which tested the eight finalists on every aspect of farming, from hands-on skills to business knowledge. Competitors needed to pass exams, practical tests, write speeches and display knowledge of farming business management and finance. It was not restricted to each contestant's specialist area.
The 29-year-old said his extensive experience in the competition had paid off. "The last two years I've been trying to win it. I've learned to not rush into things and not make basic mistakes."
The finals day began before 7am on Saturday and did not wrap up until 10pm. "It's a full-on day," he said.
Mr Fitz-Herbert, a member of Marton Young Farmers' Club, had done a lot of study. "I've put in a lot of time; over the years you accumulate stuff." Experience working in several farming jobs overseas also contributed to Mr Fitz-Herbert's success after gaining valuable knowledge from stints in Canada and Chile.
The national finals will be held at Taupo in July which Mr Fitz-Herbert will spend the next few months preparing for.
