16th February 2026
It’s just so surreal, I don’t know what to say
A sixth-generation sheep and beef farmer is now in the running for national victory after being crowned the Tasman region's top young farmer.
Bryce Win, 29 from Upper Moutere, was announced as the winner of the Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening, after spending the day competing in a series of challenges at the Courtenay A&P Showgrounds in Kirwee
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a highlight in the rural calendar, boasting a strong track record of showcasing the rising stars in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector – igniting contestants’ competitive streak and setting the bar for excellence in agriculture.
“I’m getting married in a couple of weeks, I’m glad to get this one ticked off the list!
Three age-based categories were featured in the competition. Primary school pupils tackled AgriKids NZ, high school students competed for the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year title, while eight finalists battled for the coveted Young Farmer of the Year crown.
Win secured the most points on the day with 272, ahead of Jack Dennehy-Coles (250.5) from Lincoln University and Sam Smithers (238.9) from the West Coast.
The competition featured 5 grueling challenges, including the always intense Agri-Sports and an intense ‘buzzer-style’ quiz that rewarded quick thinking. Each task was crafted to expose how well contestants could apply their practical skills and technical knowledge while working against the clock.
Bryce seemed calm under the pressure of the day, moving from task to task, acing the head-to-head challenge while having a lot of fun in the Agri-sports challenge, which involved a series of small challenges, finishing with some lassoing of the bull they made during the head-to-head.
It was a great day in Kirwee with spectators from right across the region coming to support the contestants across the three different age groups.
The AgriKids NZ competition saw New Zealand’s youngest farmers share their new-generation know-how across a series of modules, with the top teams then competing in the infamous race off.
The Waikari Wanderers (Waikari School, Rosie Barton, Max Beach and Fergus Butters) took out the top spot for the AgriKids NZ, followed by the Broomfield Stockmen (Broomfield School, Arlo Knight, Jack Hope-Pearson and Nixon Keane) and Marlborough Musterers (Seddon School, Tom March, Louis Gorman and Tom Barker), rounding out the top 3.
Meanwhile, Charlie Clark and Leo Acland from Mount Hutt and Christ’s College took out the Junior Young Farmer of the Year title for Tasman, securing themselves a spot at the Grand Final back-to-back. They will be joined by Tabitha White & Mikayla Molloy from Rangi Ruru. Harriet Craw and Danica Minson (Christchurch Girls' High School and St Andrews College) came in third.
Along with Win, the top 3 AgriKids NZ and top 2 FMG Junior teams will now compete in July’s Grand Final in New Plymouth.
New Zealand Young Farmers CEO Cheyne Gillooly says it’s been great to see friends, family, and Young Farmers club members supporting their fellow contestants, with Season 58 turning over the highest attendance of entrants in recent years.
“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it. From the youngest contestant just beginning, to the oldest who is giving it their last shot, the strength in which people show up for their community makes me so proud of what Young Farmers represents.”
The FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest is proudly supported by FMG, Ravensdown, MPI, Milwaukee, Honda, Lincoln University, PTS, New Holland, Bushbuck and ACC.
For more information on the regional finals across Aotearoa, visit youngfarmers.co.nz/contest/regional-finals