Grand Final 2025

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FMG Young Farmer of the Year Season 57

Aorangi: Regional Final

Ashburton A&P Showgrounds
Saturday 29 March 2025

Join the action as contestants from across the NZYF Aorangi Region battle it out for a place at the Season 57 Grand Final.

Everyone is welcome!

Register for AgriKids & FMG Junior
Meet the Contestants

View Results

Our Contest Sponsor Family

Event Information

Practical Day

Saturday 29 March 2025
Ashburton A&P Showgrounds

> FMG Young Farmer of the Year
> FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year & AgriKidsNZ

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Evening Show

Saturday 29 March 2025
Ashburton Hotel

Buzzer quiz and the winner announced.

Buy Evening Show Tickets

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Meet the Regional Finalists

Stephanie Le Brocq

Samuel Allen

Daniel Durdle

A proud member of Five Forks Young Farmers, Daniel is a dedicated dairy farmer who also runs beef part-time. He's competed in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest multiple times, showcasing their skills and passion for the industry.

Gareth McKerchar

At 26, Gareth is a Senior Agri Manager for Ravensdown, working with farmers across the Waitaki Valley and wider South Canterbury region. Raised on a sheep and beef farm near Fairlie, he went on to study a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University.

George Campbell

I work on a mixed sheep, deer, and cropping farm, and hold a Bachelor of Agriculture. Outside of work, I enjoy playing rugby for Waimate and being involved with Young Farmers.

Jack Taggart

25-year-old from Mid-Canterbury, born and raised in Ashburton. Currently a Dairy Farm Manager, working towards a future in sharemilking. A Lincoln University graduate with a Diploma in Agriculture, Diploma in Farm Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). Passionate about farming and always keen to tackle hands-on projects—whether mechanical, building-related, or otherwise. Outside of work, enjoys squash, hunting, fishing, boating, skiing, and cycling.
James Edgerley
Currently working on a dairy run-off block and an active member of Glenavy Young Farmers.

James Wilson

Lincoln University Bachelor of Agriculture graduate (2017–2020). I’ve spent the past few years shearing across Southland, Canterbury, and recently in England, where I also competed in shows. With over 10 years’ experience in a range of ag sectors—mostly contract work—I now lease and graze land in Southland over summer. Outside of work, I enjoy shearing competitions, skiing, hunting, golf, and a good beer.

Meet our Convenors

Ash Bell

Pendarves Young Farmers

Ash has been heavily involved in NZYF over the years. She is currently a member of the Pendarves Young Farmers club, and is currently on the Aorangi Regional Exec team as the Vice Chair. She has a busy year ahead as she is also our Grand Final Season 55 Convenor!

Ash and Penny aim to make their Regional Final an enjoyable day for contestants, sponsors, module hosts and spectators. They want it to be a chance to show non-members how fun and rewarding Young Farmers can be, and hopefully get some more sign ups! 

AgriKids & FMG Junior


Designed for high school and primary school students, these events provide the next generation with opportunities to showcase their farming skills, knowledge, and innovation.

Register for AgriKidsNZ
Register for FMG Junior

Meet our Convenors

Daniel Black

Upper Waitaki Young Farmers

I've been a member of NZYF for 5 years, the last 3 as a member of the Upper Waitaki Young Farmers club.

I'm currently working as a fencer general in the Hakataramea Valley and grew up on a sheep stud in western Southland. I signed up to be a convenor because of my passion for competition and previous involvement. My goal for the Regional Final is to provide a great experience for all, showcasing our local agricultural industries and creating a great learning opportunity. 

Mikayla Bryant

Upper Waitaki Young Farmers

Currently serving as the vice chairman of Upper Waitaki Young Farmers, I actively participate in tournaments, organise numerous fundraisers, and advocate for broader engagement in the wider regions of young farmers

Taking on the role of convenor, I am driven by a desire to guide our club towards success and enhance its reputation within the Young Farmers community and local regions.

For the upcoming Regional Final in Kurow, my goal is to blend the area's rich farming history with modern techniques, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for contestants, fostering teamwork, and showcasing a diverse range of challenges that incorporate both traditional and precision farming aspects.

Head back to view more Regional Finals