Deadline looming for Young Farmer contest
BY BLAIR ENSOR
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Marlborough's young farming stragglers have only a few days to rattle their dags and enter the district final of the National Bank Young Farmer Contest.
The Marlborough district final will be held on January 23 at the Hammond property in Fairhall.
Entries close on January 18 and are open to anyone aged between 15 and 30.
Last year's event was won by Wairau Valley farmer Oliver Munro, who narrowly pipped runner-up Scott Bishell at the post and also beat his own brother and Renwick Young Farmers' Club chairman Paul Munro, who finished third.
Competitors in this year's event will be asked to complete a similar range of modules to last year. These ranged from fencing to engineering, theory questions, and negotiating an obstacle course on a quad bike and a small excavator.
"It's the dream of most of the members of a young farmers' club to become the Young Farmer champion, and it all starts here at district level," said Paul Munro.
The competitions provided valuable experience for many young people, he said.
"At district level, the emphasis is on participation and skill development, without the pressure which exists at regional and grand final level."
About 22 district or zone competitions are held each year to determine who will progress to the regional level of the contest and ultimately to the grand final. This year's grand final, the 41st, will be held in Gore from July 7-10.
About 300 members of New Zealand Young Farmers are expected to take part in district finals, which offer about $350,000 worth of prizes.
All contestants in this year's district finals receive Swanndri clothing and a cap from the National Bank.
* For more information, contact Paul Munro on 0276961552.
- The Marlborough Express
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