While this year’s final would be run under a new format, organisers said it would be every bit as gruelling both mentally and physically as befits New Zealand’s most prestigious agricultural competition.
For the first time in the contest’s 48-year history the agri-knowledge quiz evening would be held on the first day of competition, instead of the final night.
The change in programme was expected to further challenge the contestants following a day of technical assessments and speeches and ahead of day two’s practical skills session.
The grand final contest kicks off on Thursday, July 7, with the official opening and street parade followed by the agri-knowledge session in the Theatre Royal.
Friday’s practical sessions get underway at Caroline Bay, followed by the chairman’s awards dinner and great debate at the Bay hall.
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year final challenge showcase and winner crowning would be staged at the Southern Trust Events Centre starting at 6pm on the Saturday evening, July 9.
Strong competition was expected this year from the southern contestants with a Mainlander tipped as favourite.
Tasman finalist and north Canterbury farmer James Hoban finished fourth last year and although his path to the 2016 Grand Final has not been smooth following two years of drought and severe economic hardship in his region, Hoban was determined to throw everything he’s got at his final attempt.
An environmental consultant when he’s not working on the family farm, Hoban had been tagged as the one to beat in the theoretical section.
But he’s not alone in his second grand final attempt with Taranaki-Manawatu finalist Pete Fitz-Herbert having finished one place behind Hoban in 2015.
With a number of regional finals under his belt Fitz-Herbert had a strong base of experience to draw on and coupled with his overseas work experience and his love of all things physical, he’s been tagged to be at the top of the board with Hoban when it comes to the final showcase.
East Coast’s Tony Dowman was singled out by the punters as the likely dark horse of this year’s contest.
Since finishing sixth in the 2012 grand final Dowman had overcome more than most to make it to the final having suffered a serious back injury which saw his dreams of being a farmer change overnight.
However his determination, resilience and expertise as a business manager for Landcorp would see him give it all for an East Coast victory.
Down south, though, one man hopes to break through and claim the title for the first time for the Clinton Young Farmers Club.
Grand final newcomer Logan Wallace, representing Southland, hailed past regional final experience and with a background in search and rescue the experienced youth worker knows how to stay calm under pressure, an attribute that could add valuable points to the all-important final quiz challenge.
From the far north and with the proud backing of his region, heard to be turning out in big numbers to Timaru, Northland’s Jake Thomson had the passion and determination to succeed and was well-prepared for the rigours of the contest with encouragement from his boss and former 2013 finalist Ian Douglas.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty’s Calvin Ball put his overseas visa on hold to be in Timaru and despite plans to travel, he means business after surprising himself by winning his region’s top spot.
The tough choice made and the OE on hold, he’s fired for the grand final challenge and pretty keen to travel with tales of a grand final win.
Last but no means least, and following a long line of Aorangi grand final winners home-town hope Athol New would take on the contest amidst the region’s winning stronghold.
The home-town support, teamed with the help and advice from reigning champion Matthew Bell, could just be enough to get the dairy business manager first across the line.
For more on the FMG Young Farmer of the Year go to www.youngfarmers.co.nz
