ANZ Young Farmer Contest Launches in Christchurch

The 46th season of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest officially got underway last Friday 4th October at the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch.

There was ample turnout at the launch from Young Farmers members, volunteers and representatives from sponsors ANZ bank, Lincoln University, Ravensdown, AGMARDT, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, Husqvarna and Vodafone.

The Contest’s compere, Craig ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins, opened the proceedings and was followed by other speakers such as outgoing NZYF CEO Richard Fitzgerald and Graham Turley, Managing Director Commercial and Agri for ANZ.

ANZ has been the principal sponsor of the Young Farmer Contest since 2003 and this long standing relationship continues to thrive.

The current champion of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest and Agri Manager with ANZ, Tim Van de Molen also spoke at the event and commented: “The prizes that the sponsors offer is a great recognition of support for the primary industry.”

“The great thing about the Contest is learning about new things and getting out of your comfort zone, you would never push yourself to do these things if it were not for the Contest,” said Mr Van de Molen.

The Contest receives extraordinary support from the volunteers who dedicate many hours and use their passion for the industry to make the all the events, from District Finals right through to Grand Final huge successes year after year.

“The enthusiasm across the club members is really infectious and I really think that this year will be the most fiercely contested,” said Terry Copeland, CEO for New Zealand Young Farmers. “The ANZ Young Farmer Contest is the most inspiring and comprehensive rural challenge for competitors in the world. The commitment and achievements from our entrants is both aspirational and awe inspiring for our youth,” he commented.

“Past winners have gone on to become inspiring leaders within the broader agricultural sector and this year’s crop of competitors should bring through another set of great role models who will push the boundaries across all sectors to show what a diverse career path the primary industries have to offer,” said Mr Copeland.

The first of the 24 District Finals took place in Christchurch and Massey University on Saturday 5th October and place getters from these events will progress to one of seven Regional Finals held throughout the country from February to April.  The Grand Final will be held in Christchurch from July 3rd – July 5th.

For more information and the latest results go to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz