ABOUT US
NZ Young Farmers
NZYF has been part of rural communities for 100 years
NZ Young Farmers is a non-profit organisation connecting, nurturing and empowering young people across rural New Zealand.
Our Clubs are places to build skills, grow confidence, meet like-minded people and make lifelong friends – while playing an important role in their local communities.
Stats we’re proud of
100
Years supporting young people
140
Clubs around New Zealand
1600
Members
800+
Club meetings a year
150+
Events per year across the NZYF network
58
Years Of Young Farmer of the Year
20+
Years helping grow future leaders in New Zealand
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
"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.








