ABOUT US
NZ Young Farmers
NZYF has been part of rural communities for nearly 100 years
NZYF is a non-profit organisation focused on connecting, nurturing, and empowering young people throughout rural communities.
Weaved into the fabric of the food and fibre sector, Clubs are a place to develop leadership skills, network with like-minded people and make friends for life.
Our Members have been crowned ‘Young Farmer of Year’ annually since the contest's inception in 1969, they have climbed the ladder of success to achieve their career goals in New Zealand and internationally and Clubs have firmly established themselves in the fabric of their local communities as a pillar of support, connection and fun.
Our Strategies for Success
We're committed to supporting, connecting and nurturing our young people in the food and fibre sector.
Our Journey
Since 1927, NZ Young Farmers, or The NZ Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Incorporated, has been an integral part of the agricultural industry.
1927
First NZYF Club created
The first NZYF Clubs are established in Feilding and Auckland.
1936
A new constitution
The Federation adopts a new constitution, moves the headquarters to Wellington and becomes a national organisation.
1969
Contest is born
The idea for the first Young Farmer of the Year contest is formed and run as a radio quiz show. Gary Frazer of Tasman becomes the first ‘Skellerup Young Farmer of the Year’ and takes home a return airfare to Australia and $500 cash.
2018
Donald's Farm Gifted
Donald’s Farm was gifted by the late Donald Pearson to NZYF. His wish for the farm is to provide initiatives to attract young people to farming.
2025
Supporting Next Generation
NZ Young Farmers continues to be the country’s leading organisation for young people in the food and fibre sector with more than 60 clubs nationwide.
Join NZ Young Farmers
Our members aren't just based on-farm, they're the glue that holds the rural sector together – on-farm employees, managers, rural professionals, local hospitality workers, truck drivers, teachers, personal trainers, and more.
Over 800 Club meetings and 150 events take place every year, with more than three thousand members and competitors across all NZYF-owned networks.
“NZYF has been the most valuable learning venture of my life so far. Being chair of the East Coast region for two years allowed me to learn any number of valuable skills I wouldn't have learnt otherwise. It has also allowed me to gain an immeasurable amount of confidence in myself and my skills as well as making many friends from not only around the region but also around the country. I couldn't recommend anything more fullfilling than getting involved in NZYF.”
Ashlee Macfarlane
Tikokino Young Farmers
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"The only thing I regret about Young Farmers is not joining earlier. The friends and memories I've made will stay with me forever. Could not recommend it more!"
Mitch Aldridge
Pendarves Young Farmers
Ready to meet other Young Farmers?
Start a free 1-Month trial!
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Attend your local NZYF club meeting.
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Meet other young farmers in your area.
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Get a taste of the benefits and opportunities available.
Join NZ Young Farmers today
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Access to exclusive member-only events and offers.
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Leadership and development opportunities.
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Get off-farm, out of the office, meet new people, and try something new.
