Wednesday, 07 March 2012 11:54

Build up to Taranaki/Manawatu final

Written by Pamela Tipa

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It's Taranaki Anniversary Day on Monday – but for the eight Young Farmers competing in The National Bank Young Farmer Contest, this won't be a day for relaxing.

The Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final on March 12 includes a practical day and evening show, both held at The Hub on Waihi Rd, Hawera. The practical day kicks off at 8am and the evening show at 5.30pm (Evening show tickets are $50 available from The National Bank Hawera, Stratford and New Plymouth).

A mixture of students, dairy farmers, stockmen, crop farmers and a consulting officer will compete to go through to the grand final to get a shot at $100,000 worth of prizes.

Sam Lawn (21) will compete in his first regional final this year. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) from Lincoln University and leases a 250 cow dairy farm south of Okato.

Brad Lewis (26) is also a Lincoln University graduate; he holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours). He manages a 170ha, 500 cow dairy unit in Levin.

Calvin Ball organise the 2011 Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final. The 22-year-old student is completing a Bachelor of AgriScience (honours) and plans to move into consultancy on completion of his degree.

Cam Shaw (20) is also studying towards a Bachelor of AgriScience and plans to complete an honours year next year. He plans to work as an agronomist or field representative. Cam first entered the district finals last year.

Christine Christensen has a long and active history with New Zealand Young Farmers. The 27-year-old is completing a doctorate in soil science along with working as a junior research officer in a Fertiliser and Lime Research Centre. Christine also owns a 120ha sheep and beef farm with husband James.

James Lawn (23) has a Bachelor of Applied Science and is a consulting officer for DairyNZ. He competed in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Final last year.

Nigel Will (25) holds a Diploma in Agriculture and is a farm manager on a 150ha beef and cropping farm.

Pete Fitz-Herbert was second along with Nigel Will in the 2011 NZYF National Fencing Finals. He has competed in two previous Regional Finals and is a stockman on a 1500 acre sheep and beef farming operation.

Contestants will be competing for their share of $20,000 on Monday – a very generous prize pack thanks to The National Bank, Lincoln University, Ravensdown, AGMARDT, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, Swanndri and Echo.

AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg Competitions will also be taking place at the Regional Final.

For more information go to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz

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