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Siblings could face off in FMG Young Farmer Grand Final
14th February 2018
Siblings could face off in FMG
Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final
Two West Auckland siblings could come face-to-face in New Zealand’s most prestigious farming competition.
Tim Dangen has clinched a spot in the Northern Regional Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year in March.
The 25-year-old jointly owns a 105-hectare farm with his parents at Muriwai, west of Auckland.
They also lease a 190-hectare property in the Kaipara Hills.
“We rear about 550 friesian/hereford cross calves each spring, which we sell at various ages,” said the former head boy of Massey High School.
Tim has four sisters.
One of them, Emma Dangen, is competing in the Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
It’ll be the veterinary student’s second attempt at winning.
“Tim was the one who really encouraged me to enter,” said the 23-year-old.
“Competing in the grand final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year has always been a dream of mine.”
If both siblings win their respective regional finals, they’d face off at the national final in Invercargill in July.
“I’d be a bit of fun. Emma’s a lot smarter than me, but I’m more practical than she is,” laughed Tim.
But lack of competition experience could scuttle Tim’s chances.
Several of the other finalists in the Northern Regional Final have competed multiple times.
The keen rugby player attended Lincoln University on a Future Leader Scholarship, achieving a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture).
The competitive duo would take sibling rivalry to the next level.
“I’m a good all-rounder, but Emma’s always been better than me at animal health,” said Tim.
Emma’s in her final year studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Massey University.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be supported through university with various undergraduate scholarships,” said the former head girl of Massey High School.
Emma will learn her fate first at the Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final in Wellington on February 24th.
Tim will clash with seven other contestants in the Northern Regional Final on March 17th in Kerikeri.
Both events will be hosted by Te Radar.
It’s the 50th anniversary of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year which was first held in 1969.
ends
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