Whittle came out on topafter a gruelling week of competition for the eight Fieldays Rural Catch finalists, who were tested on their knowledge and skills on quad bikes, chainsaws, health and wellbeing, fencing, artificial insemination, dog-handling, financials, cooking, tractors and fitness.
The former rural bank manager is currently working as a shepherd on a 1100ha beef and sheep farm east of Taipahe and will be heading back to celebrate and the make the most of the fantastic prize pool.
“Its been an amazing week! We had an awesome bunch of people involved and we did some great challenges. It’s been a busy week, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” she said.
“It’s a surprise to get the win, there’s a fantastic prize pool thanks to the sponsors so I’m stoked to take the win and for all of the memories from throughout the competition” Whittle said.
Special mention also goes to DairyNZ Farm Manager Ben Fisher of Ohaupo who came in a close second place behind Whittle and provided some fierce competition throughout.
Following this year’s theme of Future of Farming the Fieldays Rural Catch, for the first time, had four men and women competing against each other.
New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation spoke of the new format and the high calibre of this year’s contestants,
“This year we have an outstanding group of people with high aspirations that clearly represent how the future of farming looks for New Zealand” Nation said.
Fieldays Rural Catch People’s Choice award went to Lilly Newton of Urenui, Taranaki, who was a laugh a minute, very quickly winning over the crowd with her sense of humour and good-natured banter.
“I’ve really enjoyed meeting all these new people and networking with all of the sponsors and people involved it’s been an absolute laugh.
Thankyou to everyone who voted for me on Facebook and for sharing the poll and getting others to vote and I wouldn’t be here without all of your support so thankyou!” Newton said.
Whittle took home the coveted Golden Gumboot trophy, a brand new King Quad worth $17,995 thanks to Suzuki, a $2000 Swanndri voucher, and STIHL and Skellerup vouchers. Newton walked away with Swanndri, STIHL and Skellerup vouchers and all competitors receive a $500 STIHL voucher, so no one walks away empty handed.
