A sheep and beef stalwart, 29-year-old rural professional Laura Davis has tried a bit of everything her industry has to offer. From the farm to the office, the Hamilton City Young Farmer is ready to make her mark before she ages out of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.

Encouraged by her husband to enter the Waikato Bay of Plenty FMG Young Farmer of the Year, first-time contestant Davis is ready to prove it’s never too late to “give it a crack” in the upcoming Regional Final event.

The event, set to take place Saturday, February 15^th in Waerenga is a highlight on the rural calendar, with the competition boasting a strong track record of showcasing the very best talent and skills New Zealand’s food and fibre sector has to offer.

Throughout the day, Davis, along with her competitors, will face a series of tough challenges designed to test their practical skills, technical knowledge, and ability to handle pressure.

An evening buzzer quiz will provide a final opportunity for them to score points, with the top competitor qualifying to represent the Waikato Bay of Plenty region at July’s Grand Final in Invercargill. With an impressive prize pool of approximately $90,000 up for grabs for the overall winner, the stakes are higher than ever. 

This season, Davis outshone her opponents in the District Contest, securing her spot in the Regional Finals.

“I’m someone that if I don’t feel like I’m good at something, I won’t do it. The fear of not doing well has been holding me back for a while now. I didn’t want to embarrass myself, but I came away with a success, which is something I never expected,” she says.

“There’s nothing like proving you know more than you think, and coming away with a place in the regional final was the confidence boost I needed.”

Davis, who works as an Extension Manager for Beef and Lamb New Zealand, grew up on a small farm in rural Piopio. After studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Davis went on to work on farm and in the office, trying her hand at farm technician work as well as in sales.

“I’ve definitely got some industry knowledge I’ve built up over the years which I can bring to the table. However, my practical skills are a bit rusty, so I’ve been getting back on the tools in order to put my best forward.”

Inspired by young contestants from years gone by, Davis is excited, if not nervous to be the one in the spotlight backed by her community’s support.

“After having a go at the District Contest, I’d encourage anyone to give it a crack. Take the pressure off yourself and make it enjoyable, you’ll surprise yourself how much you know.”

New Zealand Young Farmers’ Chief Executive Lynda Coppersmith says this year 25% of Regional Final qualifiers are women, up on previous years.

“It’s amazing to see more young females choosing farming as a career and stepping up to compete for the title of New Zealand’s best young farmer. It’s inspiring and shows the future of the sector is in good hands.” 

Joining the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contestants at the Regional Finals are the primary-aged AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contestants.

“It's a great way to show students that there is a variety of career options in the food and fibre sector. This industry is incredibly diverse, offering many different pathways and opportunities for them to explore,” says Coppersmith.

This year more 10 primary schools, and 12 high schools from the Waikato Bay of Plenty region have thrown their hat in the ring.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Regional Final Co-Convenor Jaimee Coad-Drayton says this season’s contestants will be kept on their toes.

“We’ll be throwing something in there the contestants won’t expect. We want to keep them guessing.”

Coad-Drayton says although the region is well known for dairy, the challenges will cover a wide range of knowledge and represent all corners of the farming community.

“Contestants will realise they know more than they think, which is why we encourage anyone to have a go. We can’t wait for the community to come out and have a look.”

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest is proudly supported by FMG, Ravensdown, Woolworths, Ministry for Primary Industries, Milwaukee, Honda, Lincoln University, Massey University, PTS Logistics, New Holland and Bushbuck.