2nd February 2026

“It’s been a long time coming”.

A dairy farmer from Coldstream is now in the running for national victory after being crowned Aorangi’s top young farmer.

Jack Taggart, 26, was announced as the winner of the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday evening, after spending the day competing in a series of challenges at the Woodbury Domain, near Geraldine

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.

“It’s definitely been a long time coming, and I can’t quite believe it just yet”

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.

Taggart clocked up the most points on the day with 292, defeating former Grand Finalist George Letham who finished up with a score of 280. James Wilson rounded out the final spot on the podium after a high-energy day of competing neck-and-neck.

The competition featured 5 gruelling 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.

The head-to-head and the Agri-sports were where Jack really shone taking out these challenges with comfort and a lot of speed. The head-to-head featured the contestants making a birdhouse out of pallets, which Jack breezed through with time to spare.

More than 300 spectators watched on in support.

Jack Taggart competing at the Milwaukee module during the Aorangi Regional Final

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.

Angus Ward, Tessa Croft and Hunter Clark (Beaconsfield Redbands) from Beaconsfield School took out first place, the Flynns of AIS Farmers (Flynn Lovett, Flynn Chudleigh and Flynn Tait) from Ashburton Intermediate placed second, just ahead of the Hinds Hustlers (Ebony Groves, James Sheppard and Sophie Sheppard) of Hinds School, who trailed close behind

Meanwhile, Emma Kinzett and Meghan Nish from Mount Hutt College took out the title of Aorangi FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year, ahead of Niamh Hawe and Libby Jackson of Ashburton College

Along with Taggart, the top AgriKids NZ and 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