The search for a Champion continues

The District Finals are completed, the Regional Finalists have been found, and the excitement is building because the next phase of The National Bank Young Farmer Contest is about to begin.
22 District Finals took place in the last few months of 2011 and now with eight Regional Finalists confirmed for each Region, Regional Finals will kick off in February.

The incentive for the 56 final Contestants is not only their share of over $140,000 worth of prizes; it’s also the prospect of being named as one of the seven Grand Finalists that will grace the stage in Dunedin on May 26th.

To get there though, first the Contestants will have to face a series of challenges that will test their knowledge and push them to their physical limits. The Agri-skills Challenge will judge their practical know how and the pressure cooker Agri-sports will further test that practical knowledge as they race against each other and the clock. Contestants will also be quizzed on market knowledge and business sense in the Agri-business Challenge and finally the Agri-growth Challenge will involve interviews, speeches and human resource challenges.

It won’t be an easy road for these Contestants, but Contest Operations Manager Hilary Phillips believes the benefits are well worth the effort:

“The Regional Finals really tests the individual – practically, theoretically and physically. It is an intense and gruelling competition that ultimately selects the very best all-rounder.”

“The National Bank Young Farmer Contest really is the Ultimate Rural Challenge. Competitors often comment that the skills and experience they gain from competing far exceeds their expectations, and the payback to the individual is life long.”

Spectators can expect more of the same great action at both the Practical Days and Evening Shows this year and can also expect to get familiar with a new face says Ms Philips.

“This year we have a new compere Craig Wiggins who will bring a new and exciting dynamic to both the practical day and the evening show. Craig spent last Contest season learning the ropes and he’s excited to be taking over the reins in 2012.”

Otago/Southland will be first to find their Grand Finalist with their Regional Final taking place in Balclutha on February 12th.

Once again the new crop of Young Farmers will battle it out in the TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ Competitions that will take place alongside the Regional Finals.

For more information and dates, head to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz