A year 10 duo from Putaruru College and John Paul College in Waikato Bay of Plenty have been crowned the 2026 FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year after an impressive performance at the Grand Final in New Plymouth.

Benjamin Barbour and Toby Christensen stood out throughout the competition, impressing judges with their technical knowledge, teamwork and ability to perform under pressure, including winning the quiz-style face-off and technical modules.

On stage, their humility shone through when asked whether they expected to take out the national title.

"Probably not, nah," says Barbour.

"Yeah, not really," adds Christensen.

Pictured above: 2026 FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year are Benjamin Barbour from Putaruru College and Toby Christensen from John Paul College

Barbour says the win feels even better knowing how much work went into preparing for the competition.

"We'd done a bit of preparation. It was really awesome how many people helped us out with the modules and different skills. There were heaps of people who got behind us," he says.

Teammate Christensen says the result is still sinking in.

"It's awesome. We probably didn't expect it, but it's pretty cool," he says.

The pair faced off against 13 other FMG Junior teams from schools across Aotearoa in a competition designed to test practical skills, technical expertise and quick thinking under pressure.

Now in its 58th year, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest is widely regarded as New Zealand's most prestigious rural competition, showcasing the depth of talent coming through the food and fibre sector.

Barbour says the support of their schools, whānau and wider community played a big role in the result.

"There were heaps of people helping us out. Friends and family came down to support us, which was pretty cool," he says.

Their victory was built on strong performances throughout the competition, including taking out the technical modules and the final quiz-style face-off to secure the national title.

Second place went to East Coast team Sophie Storrar and Hannah Newman from Woodford House, while Emma Kinzett and Megan Nish from Mt Hutt College claimed third place for Aorangi. Newman also was named FMG Junior Contestant of the Year.

Waikato Bay of Plenty completed a clean sweep of the youth competitions when Otewa Gumboot Gang from Otewa School claimed the 2026 AgriKidsNZ Grand Champions title. The team came out on top against primary school teams from across New Zealand, with the competition testing practical skills, teamwork and agricultural knowledge.

Wearing hoodies featuring their own faces on the back, the team were “amazed” to hear their names announced as the winners.

"I don't think I can describe it – it's just too good," says Laura Connoly.

On stage, the team were quick to acknowledge the support that helped them get to the Grand Final.

"Thank you to Mum and Dad for bringing me here, because if you didn't, I wouldn't be a winner," says Jack Woodward.

Isaac Wilson says all the hard work was worth it in the end.

"The preparation was pretty stressful at times, but it paid off," he says.

Runners-up were Halcombe Black from Taranaki Manawatū, with third place going to Beaconfield Redbands from Aorangi. Jack Jeeves was named AgriKidsNZ Contestant of the Year.

Laura Connoly, Isaac Wilson and Jack Woodward representing the Waikato Bay of Plenty region took out the top spot tonight after a busy couple of days competing against 20 other AgriKidsNZ teams from around NZ.

Attention now turns to the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final, where seven regional champions will compete for New Zealand's most prestigious farming title. The overall winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at TSB Stadium in New Plymouth this evening, Saturday 4 July.

The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest is proudly supported by FMG, Ravensdown, New Holland, Milwaukee, MPI, Honda, PTS, ACC, Lincoln University and Bushbuck.