Prompted by peer pressure and fuelled by passion, Lincoln-based George Letham is gunning for the title of New Zealand’s top young farmer.

The 27-year-old will compete this Saturday in the Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Finals, set to take place at the Malvern A&P Show.

A highlight on the rural calendar, the competition boasts a strong track record of showcasing the very best talent and skills New Zealand’s food and fibre sector has to offer.

After finishing runner-up to the eventual FMG Young Farmer of the Year winner George Dodson in last year’s Regional Finals, Letham is out to prove he has what it takes to represent his region on the national stage.

“A mate who founded the Banks Peninsula Young Farmers Club mentioned the competition to me last year. At first, I was a bit hesitant, but I’m really glad I did it. This year, I’m back for another go, putting in the effort to improve on the skills I lacked last time.”

Throughout the day, Letham, along with his 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 Tasman region at July’s Grand Final in Invercargill.

“I love the fact that the competition is a big pressure cooker – everyone turns up and nobody knows what challenges will be thrown at them. You have to be a jack of all trades.”

Joining the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contestants at the Regional Finals are the next generation of Young Farmers, the primary-aged AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year Contestants.

This year more than 11 primary schools and 10 high schools from the region have thrown their hat in the ring.

Without giving anything away, Tasman Regional Final Convenor Isla Dodson says this year’s challenges will capture the essence of the region's diverse farming practices.

“We’re really trying to highlight the resource that Tasman has to offer. There is so much variety in what you can do here, from dairy and sheep farming to cropping and even marine farming.”

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.