Otago Southland Young Farmer Tom Slee has been crowned the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year after an outstanding performance at the Grand Final in New Plymouth, the first time the event has been held in the region.
The 29-year-old dairy farmer claimed New Zealand's most prestigious farming title on Saturday evening following a fiercely contested competition against six other regional champions. Slee says he’s feeling “really good and proud” to take out the top spot.
“It means a lot to win – just proud to represent Otago Southland,” says Slee.
Slee becomes the 14th winner from Otago Southland, and the third member of his family to claim the title, following in the footsteps of his father Richard Slee (1999) and uncle Simon Hopcroft (2004). His victory also returns the trophy to Otago Southland for the first time since Season 50.
The seven Grand Finalists from across the country went head-to-head across a demanding programme of challenges including exams, interviews, practical modules and public speaking, all designed to test the breadth of skills required in modern agriculture.
Heading into the Agri-Knowledge quiz, Slee was sitting in third place behind Cam Clayton and Jack Taggart. A dominant buzzer-round performance saw him surge up the leaderboard and claim the national title, echoing a comeback his father Richard made during his own winning campaign in 1999.
In the end, runner-up Jack Taggart from Aorangi missed out on the title by ten points, and Cam Clayton from Waikato Bay of Plenty finished third.
Despite the distance from Southland to New Plymouth, Slee had a support crew more than 60 strong cheering him on throughout the Grand Final weekend – support he was quick to acknowledge on stage.
“I want to thank everyone who helped along the journey, all the sponsors, organisers and especially my family and partner Genevieve,” he says.
Heading into the Grand Final weekend, Slee says he was feeling a mix of nerves and optimism.
“Always hoping, but very nervous,” he says.
Trailing both Jack Taggart and Cam Clayton heading into the Agri-Knowledge quiz, Slee mounted a dramatic comeback during the buzzer rounds to snatch the lead and secure the title. In a fitting twist, the late charge mirrored a similar comeback by his dad on his way to the FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in 1999.
In addition to taking home the coveted title, Slee also claimed top honours in Agri-business and the Agri knowledge challenge, taking his total prize haul to more than $90,000.
Looking ahead, Slee says the win won't change his immediate plans too much.
“It's straight back to the farm, we've got calving to do,” he says.
While the title brings new opportunities, Slee says he's happiest doing what he loves.
“I love being out on the land with the cows and sheep, so hopefully I can just keep doing that.”
New Zealand Young Farmers Chief Executive Cheyne Gillooly said Slee impressed judges throughout the competition with their broad skillset, leadership qualities and commitment to the food and fibre sector.
“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It’s incredibly exciting to see the title go to Tom, someone who is not only an exceptional farmer, but also a strong ambassador for the next generation of people working in the sector”
“The standard this year was incredibly high. Every one of these finalists should be immensely proud of what they've achieved. These young farmers represent the very best of our sector, and the talent, leadership and commitment they've shown this weekend gives me a lot of confidence in the future.”
Gillooly also acknowledged the massive contribution of those working behind the scenes who make the competition possible.
“It’s the people behind the scenes, our volunteers, supporters and sponsors, who make this competition what it is. We’re hugely appreciative of everything they give to make it happen.”
“These seven young farmers represent the very best of not only the food and fibre sector, but I think the very best of this country.”
For full results, please click here: https://www.youngfarmers.co.nz/contest/results/season-58