O'Connor crowned Aorangi Young Farmer of the Year

O’Connor, a farm manager on a 400-cow dairy farm operation near Methven, spent the day competing in a range of agricultural-based challenges at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds on Saturday, followed by a buzzer quiz on Saturday evening.

This was O’Connor’s fourth attempt at a Grand Final position, and he says he is over the moon to take out the top spot.

“It’s pretty satisfying to get the win, particularly after my brother got through the other weekend – it’s a relief to join him at the Grand Final,” he says.

O’Connor says he prepared well for the day, but the competition always has unknown challenges.

“It’s hard not knowing how you’ve gone in anything throughout the day,” he says. “You might feel like you’ve done a module well, but it’s hard to know how the judges will interpret what you’ve done.

“I put in a lot more preparation for this year’s Regional Final. Going back through old Regional Final questions and talking to more people really paid off.”

While he has yet to plan his grand final approach, the dairy farmer knows he will need to brush up on his sheep knowledge. 

“I’m going to need to polish up on that and my shearing skills. I’ll be working on broadening my knowledge as much as I can as there are a lot of different things you can get asked.”

James Bell from Glenavy Young Farmers placed second, with Jess Cunliffe from Pendarves Young Farmers securing the final spot on the podium.

New Zealand Young Farmer Board Chair Jessie Waite says this year’s Grand Final is shaping up to be one of the best yet.

“We’re starting to get a glimpse of the impressive array of skills and talent coming through with the next generation of young farmers. There’s so much happening right now in the primary sector with science, innovation and new technologies. The future of farming is certainly bright.”

Waite says she’s thankful for the support of volunteers and sponsors who continue to back the event, year after year.

“The contest wouldn’t be what it is today without them. There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes – from coming up with ideas for the competition to supplying the equipment needed on the day and helping with the set-up of the event. We’re so grateful to everyone who has played a part”.