At just 24, Southland Farmer Megan Whyte has achieved more than most people her age - breaking stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of future farmers are among her many accomplishments.
Gunning for gold as the only female contestant in the Otago Southland FMG Young Farmer of the Year Regional Finals, Whyte is out to prove she has what it takes to represent her region on the national stage.
The event, set to take place Saturday, April 5th at Winton Racecourse 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, Whyte, 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 Otago Southland at July’s Grand Final in Invercargill.
This season, in her fourth attempt at the competition, Whyte outperformed her rivals in the District Contest, securing her first qualification for the Regional Finals.
“Now that I’m in I’m taking it that little bit more seriously. I’m up against some really strong competitors, preparing is tricky as there is such a wide range of skills and knowledge that the competition can test you on, but we’ll give it a good crack.”
Whyte, who works on her family’s sheep, beef and arable property at Otama in Southland, says she’s developed a strong practical skillset having grown up on the farm, but is taking notes from her dad in preparation for the event.
“He’s quite clued up on the knowledge side of things, so I’m learning from him as much as possible.”
New Zealand Young Farmers’ CE Lynda Coppersmith says this year 25% of Regional Final qualifiers are woman, up on last year’s figures.
“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 next generation of Young Farmers, the primary-aged AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year contestants.
This year more than 100 primary school students, and 50 high school students from the Otago Southland region have thrown their hat in the ring.
“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.
Otago Southland Regional Final Convenor Chris Malcolm says picking a winner at this year’s event is “anyone’s guess”.
“They’re impressive this year’s lineup, probably the best I’ve seen in a number of years. They’re all switched on and very bright. It's going to be interesting.”
Malcolm says designing the challenges has been “a lot of fun”, but contestants won’t be getting an easy run.
“Down south, our food and fibre sector is incredibly diverse, ranging from horticulture and vineyards to sheep, dairy, and deer farming. We’re aiming to showcase the wide range of what we offer through the challenges our contestants face."
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.