11th February 2026
“Don’t rely on common sense alone.”
That’s the message from NZ Young Farmers Tasman convenor, Isabelle Keeling, to contestants spolishing up their skills ahead of this year’s regional finals event set to take place on Saturday 14 February at the Courtenay A&P Showgrounds, in Kirwee.
Whilecontestants can expect to be put through their paces – as usual – event organisers are ensuring there will be plenty to keep contestants on their toesas they make their way through a series of tough challenges designed to testtheir practical skills, technical knowledge, and ability to work fast underpressure.
It’s set to be a big month for 29-year-old Bryce Win, who is competing for a chance to win FMGYoung Farmer of the Year, only two weeks before he marries his fiancé on his family’s sixth-generational Dovedale farm. The Tasman Valley Young Farmers Club member admits he has his hands full training for the Regional Finals and preparing the farm for the big day ahead.
“When I found out the Regional Final was in February, my heart stopped a bit,” he laughs.“Knowing the dates were apart gave me a huge sense of relief.”
“I entered the competition because I like testing myself against other people who are in theregion. I like the idea of competition, it’s exciting.”
Win has been strengthening his weaknesses outside of sheep and beef. From studying fertiliser, to trying his hand at dairy farming, the young farmer has been having a go at everything he can before the competition.
“A member from our club put on a Practical Day for me and Amelia Marsden, a fellow contestant. It got the heart rate up, that’s for sure, as a simulation for what’s ahead.”
From oyster boats to university, then back to the family farm, there’s no place like home for the Tasman local. Looking to encourage his own family of farmers one day, Win has recently gone into part ownership of the Dovedale farm, with his parents, to continue the legacy.
“The goal is to support myself and my family towards the future,” he says.
Keeling says contestants like Win need to be ready to endure both physically and mentally if they want to get top of the podium.
“Our regional finalists may know the farm like the back of their hand, but we’re throwing in some curveballs that sit outside of classic Kiwi agriculture. If they manage to get the foundations right and manage their time wisely, they might just be away laughing.”
The FMG YoungFarmer 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 farming.
NZ YoungFarmers CEO Cheyne Gillooly says the long-standing contest is well-loved in Tasman and around the country because it gives talented young farmers space to shine in the spotlight and connect with like-minded peers, which can be hard to do in the industry.
“With our AgriKids NZ events for primary-aged competitors and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competitions running alongside the Regional Finals Young Farmers event, collectively the day is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it – with a healthy dose of competition of course,” says Gillooly.
This year, 11 primary schools and 12 high schools from Tasman have thrown their hat in the ring.
Keeling says training is paramount; if you’re failing to plan, you’re planning to fail.
“While you’ve got your eye on the present, don’t lose sight of what’s ahead. It’s an age old saying – winter will roll around quicker than you think
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
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