‘Pressure builds diamonds, but it also builds coal”

Those are the words of our newest Grand Finalist, who’s practical skills got him across the line on Saturday.

Edwin Laver, 29 from Puketoi, was announced as the winner of the East Coast FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening, after spending the day competing in a series of challenges at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society during the day. He’s been in some big comps before, having competed in the Coast to Coast longest day, and Godzone. Now he’s on track for the next big title.

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 really enjoyed the day, and the head to head was where I did well compared to the other competitors, you could see the pressure was getting to everyone”.

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.

Laver secured the most points on the day with 306 points, ahead of James Fox (302) from Tararua Young Farmers and Kaden Van Gaalen on 297 also from Tararua Young Farmers.

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.

From left to right. Kaden Van Gaalen (3rd), Edwin Laver (1st) and James Fox (2nd) after the East Coast Regional Final Evening Show quiz

Laver had good control during the day, ticking off each section of the practical day. He seemed calm under the pressure of the day moving from task to task, acing the head to head challenge while having fun and difficulty in the Agri-sports challenge which involved a series of small challenges, finishing with finding some eggs in amongst all the hay”

“I’d found about 5 eggs, but I think a couple got smashed so I had to find an extra one which took up a bit of time”

“I also managed to get quite a few red flags, with a 30s one right at the end. But got it across the line in the end’.

It was a great day in Hastings with a big crowd turning out for all three competitions, a testament to all the hard work that Emma Ractliffe and the East Coast committee have put in to the day.

“Big shoutout to Emma and her team for organizing, it was awesome’’ says Laver

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 Tiki Terrioers (Tikokino School, Sid Trotter, George Cover and Hunter Bradley) took out the top spot for the AgriKids NZ, followed by Argyll Ag (Argyll East School, Bella Greer, William Greer and Richie Butler) and Sherwood Kids (Sherwood School, Casie de Malmanche, Evie White and Scarlett Tyler) rounding out the top 3.

Meanwhile, Sophie Storrar and Hannah Newman from Woodford House took out the Junior Young Farmer of the Year title for East Coast securing themselves a spot at Grand Final. They will be joined by James Redpath and Harry Sutherland from Napier Boys High School. Campbell Bassett and Hamish Bunny (Rathkeale College) came in third.

Along with Laver, the top 3 AgriKids NZ and top 2 FMG Junior teams will now compete in July’s Grand Final in New Plymouth.

Going into Grand Final now, it requires a lot of preparation but luckily Laver has a good support team.

“There are lots of people willing to help out, to help me get the resources I need, it will definitely be a team effort”.

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.

ENDS

For more information on the regional finals across Aotearoa, visit youngfarmers.co.nz/contest/regional-finals