Last Regional event promises to be a showstopper

Last Regional event promises to be a showstopper

The last Regional Final for the 2013 ANZ Young Farmer Contest will be held in Oxford Saturday 30th March at the A&P Show.

John Wakelin, a twenty-seven year old dairy farmer from Rangiora and current Treasurer for the Waimakariri Young Farmers Club, is looking forward to putting on a performance and “generating some entertainment for the spectators”, he commented.

John and seven other eager participants will be put through their paces during the practical modules at the Oxford A&P Showgrounds and will need to be quick on the buzzer for the evening show at the Ohoka School Community Hall.

By the end of the evening one Young Farmer will have secured their spot at the Grand Final (16-18 May, Auckland) and be going home with their share of the Regional Prize Pool worth $13,000 courtesy of ANZ, AGMARDT, Lincoln University, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, and Husqvarna.

There is a wide cross section of contenders representing seven different Young Farmers Clubs throughout the Tasman region.

This will be the first Regional Final for Tim Buckingham. The youngest competitor at twenty years old, Tim has worked his way through the Contest circuit competing in all age categories: AgriKidsNZ, TeenAg and two District Finals. He is a member of Lincoln University Young Farmers Club and is currently studying towards Bachelor degree in Agriculture Science at Lincoln University.

Andrew Stewart is a fifth generation dairy farmer in Taramakau and is employed as a 50/50 sharemilker. The twenty-nine year old belongs to the Grey Valley Young Farmers Club and has competed in six District Finals. This will be Andrew’s second time at the Regional Final level.

Andrew Wiffen, 25, works on his family’s farm, a mixed stock operation near Ward. He has been involved in a number of different Young Farmers Clubs over the years and is currently a member of the Renwick Club. Andrew placed fifth in the 2012 Aorangi Regional Final.

Also on the bill is current Coalgate Young Farmers Club Chairman, Cam Henderson. Cam, 30, is a dairy farm equity manager near Oxford.

Self-confessed multi-sport fanatic, Marcel van Reenen, will be competing for the first time at Regional Finals. The twenty-seven year old rural banker in Upper Moutere placed third in the 2012 Coast to Coast Open Men’s two day category. He currently belongs to the Tapawera Young Farmers Club.

Mark Riddington, 27, of the Hurunui Young Farmers Club has been a member since its inception five years ago. He works as a 50/50 sharemilker near Culverden and this will be his fourth Regional Final.

Reuben Carter is representing the Christchurch Young Farmers Club. Reuben, 29, is employed as a graduate trainee for a seed company in Christchurch.

Also in the midst of the action will be the AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg Competitions. These burgeoning young farmers will be competing for their chance at the Grand Final in Auckland 16 - 18 May. The top three teams from each Competition will have the opportunity to progress through.

And, be sure to catch all the action on the 'Road To The Young Farmer Final'. The series, hosted by Mark Leishman, follows the seven Regional Finals and covers the seven finalists who make it through to the Grand Final. Exclusive to TVNZ Heartland watch the 'Road To The Young Farmer Final' starting Sunday 31 March 2013 8.30pm.

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

ENDS

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