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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.

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Stats we’re proud of

90+

Years supporting young people

140

Clubs around New Zealand

1700

Members

800+

Club meetings a year

150+

Events per year across the NZYF network

55

Winners Of Young Farmer of the Year

20+

Years helping grow future leaders in New Zealand

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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.

2021
A new journey begins

Sustainable Food and Fibre Fund funding is confirmed. The journey of NZYF to become financially sustainable to ensure we can support the future of the industry continues.

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.

Memberships
What's On

"The greatest value I have received from Young Farmers is the friendships and networks I have made over my time in various clubs. Some of my closest mates I have met through Young Farmers, and the opportunities my networks have presented have been awesome."

Jake Jarman

FMG Young Farmer of the Year Season 53

Group (8)

I first joined Young Farmers when I was at uni which I found to be a great way to meet other students and get involved with social activities. I then joined the Ngarua Young Farmers Club in Morrinsville when I moved to the Waikato. The club has allowed me to get off the farm, meet like-minded people and be involved with the Morrinsville community.”

Danielle Hovmand

Ngarua Young Farmers

Group (8)

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.

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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.

Join NZYF Now