Mother of five, farmer, banker and wife Rebecca Brown is passionate about Young Farmer and its annual Young Farmer of the Year contest.
The 34-year-old from Woodville in southern Hawke’s Bay met her husband Angus through Young Farmers and knows what it’s like to be involved in the organisation’s prestigious competitions.
“My husband competed in the competitions in the early 2000s and was a grand finalist in 2010.
“We have convened two district finals and been involved with a number of regional finals as well as going through the experience of a Grand Final.”
Now Brown steps up to head the 2019 contest.
“Even better, it’s in my hometown.”
Brown is the first woman to hold the role in the contest’s 50-year history.
“I am really honoured. This is an amazing event to be part of and such a great opportunity to give back after gaining so much.”
With five children aged from five to 17 years, full time work as a financial lender with the New Zealand Credit Union in nearby Dannevirke and life on the Taratahi farm she and Angus manage, things are just busy enough for Brown who is also one of three women this month appointed to the YFNZ board.
“I have a great support network of family and friends that makes it possible.
“It’s very much a family affair. Angus is just as passionate about Young Farmers and has been on the national committee. He has had his time and now it’s my turn as the family grows up.”
Two years ago the couple gave up their lease on the family dairy, beef and sheep farm to take on the managers’ role at Taratahi.
Ultimately, they want to have their own farm.
“But right now we have more family time in doing what we are doing and more flexibility both around family and what else we do.
“We do want to own a farm but that time will come down the track when we get through this phase.”
Brown also plays and coaches netball and is sideline at her family’s sporting activities including rugby and competitive motocross.
“We all work well together and really it’s about making the most of any opportunities that come to me.
“I am passionate about that and want my kids to make the most of every opportunity they are given. I want to be a role model to my kids and to others.”
Brown said being chairwoman of the Young Farmers Contest is her turn to do her bit.
“I have a passion I want to see through. I love being involved and there’s so much satisfaction.”
The only downside is that in between her job as banker and her roles on the competition committee and with the board she doesn’t get so much time to work the family farm.
That aside, getting to eight years old is an exciting time in the Brown household.
“Turning eight is the best birthday ever. It means they can compete in the Agri-Kids section of the contest and then it’s TeenAg.”
Brown is keen to grow both those younger sections as the contest takes on new challenges in the next 50 years.
“We have just celebrated 50 years and we are now looking to face the challenges of the next 50 years.
“This is about updating the contest with an overview and focus to match beyond the traditional farming with more innovation and use of technology at the same time bringing that through in the TeenAg and Agri-Kids competitions.”
Though the stereotypical image of a NZ farmer is a bloke in a Swanndri or singlet and gumboots women have always been a big part of farming and she’s pleased to see that increasingly reflected in the competitors over her 15-year involvement with Young Farmers.
“There are a lot of women who compete in Young Farmer of the Year and we’ve had many women make it to finals.
“Hopefully, the next competition will be the year a woman finally takes the grand prize.”
While her new roles are a bit of an adjustment she is thankful to get advice from some of the more experienced committee members.
The three elected delegates on the committee are past committee chairman Dean Rabbidge, Cole Groves and Alastair Neville.
“They are great mentors to me.
“I’m a little bit nervous about the responsibility but I think I’m pretty well prepared.”
Hawke’s Bay is set to host the Grand Final for the first time in 16 years.
It’s been confirmed Hastings and Napier will play host to the final in July 2019.
“Hawke’s Bay is a major foodbowl with amazing diversity,” outgoing YFNZ chief executive Terry Copeland said.
“The region is famous for its award-winning vineyards and is teeming with producers of top-quality fruit, vegetables and meat.”
“There is a real opportunity for that diversity to be showcased in the modules tackled by grand finalists next year,” he said.
“We’re now looking ahead to the next 50 years and how we refocus.
“It’s incredibly important for us to reflect that NZ’s food production isn’t just about meat and milk,” Copeland said.
Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said the region is looking forward to having the contest.
“We are proud to welcome the grand final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year to Hawke’s Bay.
“We are the epitome of a grassroots region championing primary producers across the agriculture and horticulture sectors.”
The practical events for the 2019 contest will be held at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Showgrounds in Hastings while the quiz and evening show will be staged in Napier.
