A bride and groom-to-be are among those vying to become New Zealand’s next top young farmer, with the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Finalists for 2025 announced.   
 
Since October, New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) members have been putting their skills to the test, battling it out in one of seven District Contests across Aotearoa.  
 
Now, the top competitors are set to face off in their respective regions, with seven Regional Final competitions scheduled between February and April 2025. 
 
Steph Le Brocq (pictured left above) will square off against her fiancé, Sam Allen (pictured right), at the Aorangi Regional Final in March. It’s her first time competing in the event, while Sam placed runner-up at last year’s regional competition.  
 
“It's going to be quite fun to have a crack at each other,” says Steph. “We met 10 years ago when we were both involved with Surf Lifesaving, so we’ve both got that competitive spirit and are used to pacing ourselves against each other.” 
 
Sam, who encouraged Steph to apply, says even though they're battling each other for the top spot, they’re keeping no secrets at the dinner table.  
 
“We’ve each got different strengths and weaknesses, so we’re helping each other prepare. We figure it makes sense so that we can both put our best foot forward.” 
 
No regional competition will be the same, with contestants starting the day not knowing which of their skills will be put to the test.  
 
New Zealand Young Farmers CEO Lynda Coppersmith says as well as a test of physical strength and general knowledge, successful contestants have the added mental challenge of coping under pressure. 
 
“It takes guts to throw your hat in the ring. The events themselves are one thing, but to be New Zealand’s best these young farmers have to commit themselves to over six months’ of hard work in the lead up to July’s Grand Final.  
 
“Usually, they are balancing that with a full-time job, family commitments, or juggling preparation in between schoolwork – it's not for the fainthearted.” 
 
Of those entering this year’s contest, 35% were female and 40% were first-time competitors.  
 
"We’ve had nearly double the number of first-time entrants compared to last year and an increase in female contestants. It’s fantastic to see more people getting involved, and goes to show how much interest and enthusiasm there is in the food and fibre sector – the future is looking bright.” 
 
Primary-aged pupils will compete in the AgriKids category, with just a few team spots remaining in the Northern, Taranaki/Manawatu and Waikato/Bay of Plenty competitions.  
 
“Our FMG Junior category, where High School teams of two compete for national victory, is looking strong this year, and entries are still available for those thinking about giving it a go,” says Coppersmith.  
 
The full list of regional finalists, including the dates of the 2025 events can be found here: https://www.youngfarmers.co.nz/contest/regional-finals