Latest news with #FMGYoungFarmeroftheYear
Scoop
07-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
FMG Celebrates A Decade In Partnership With Young Farmer Of The Year
7 July 2025 FMG is proud to mark a significant milestone in its partnership with one of New Zealand's premier agricultural competitions — the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest. 'We're incredibly proud to have supported this competition for the past 10 years. For FMG, it's more than just a competition to showcase the talents, skills, and knowledge of young farmers from across the country — it's a celebration of the future of farming and an investment in the next generation of leaders. It is intrinsically linked to FMG's commitment to helping to build strong and prosperous rural communities,' says Adam Heath, Chief Executive Officer of FMG. 'The investment in 9 Grand Finals, 63 Regional Finals, and many more District Finals over the last decade has certainly been worth every cent. The FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest has provided a platform for careers in agriculture, with many past winners and finalists going on to make significant contributions to the sector.' But Adam says, 'It is not just about the winners, it's about all the contestants and the dedication from the New Zealand Young Farmers, the volunteers and the whole community for making it all happen – from regional contests to the national grand final.' The 26-year-old Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer, Hugh Jackson, won this year's prestigious Grand Final event held in Invercargill over the weekend. This was his second crack at the title. Hugh says that winning the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition 'means everything' to him. 'I've been putting in the hard work for this competition for the last 3 or 4 years since the last time that I competed, so I'm hugely relieved. Obviously, going in framed as a favourite definitely puts a bit more pressure on. I'm really stoked to win and I'm looking forward to the future ahead,' says Hugh. 'Congratulations to Hugh and all of this year's finalists. With such passionate and talented young farmers leading the way, the future of the rural sector is bright!' says Adam.
NZ Herald
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Listen to The Country online: 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, Hugh Jackson
Today on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay catches up with Hugh Jackson, the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. On with the show: Hugh Jackson: We yarn with the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. He's a Waikato sheep and beef farmer who finished third in
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Hugh Jackson Crowned 2025 FMG Young Farmer Of The Year
Press Release – FMG Young Farmer New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Hugh Jackson is 'over the moon' after securing the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. A community gem and dedicated Young Farmers member, the 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the year on Saturday evening after a nail-biting Grand Final event in Invercargill. This was Jackson's second time as a Grand Finalist – his dream was to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and entering this year meant now or never. With challenges that included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven Grand Finalists were head-to-head as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition. Each contestant had just one goal – bringing the trophy home to their region. 'I'm really relieved to get here,' Jackson says straight after the announcement. 'It was a nerve-wracking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It's been a lot of years in the making'. Spectators poured into the Winton Racecourse to watch the action unfold during Friday's practical contest. The contestants were put through their paces, with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales, to show off their diverse practical farming skills. Tensions rose as points added up until the final buzzer quiz on Saturday night. In the end, Hugh pushed past the competition, with Gareth McKerchar missing out on the title by 68 points in second place, and Tasman Young Farmer George Letham finishing up in third place. Working on his family's farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson spends his days working with his 'old man'. With an interest in technology, and a passion for mental health, he is currently also the Chair of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club. Jackson hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year will support him in getting his brand out there and showcasing agriculture in the Waikato and across the rest of New Zealand. Technology, he believes, has a massive part to play in the future, as well as the young people who will ultimately be using it. 'With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people.' 'Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can really grow people and provide career opportunities within that.' As well as the coveted title, Jackson also claimed first place in the Community Footprint module, the AgriBusiness challenge, the AgriSports section, and takes home the big prize bounty. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. 'FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It's inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.' 'After seeing the talent from this weekend, the future is bright and forward-thinking for New Zealand's food and fibre sector.' Gillooly also paid special tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured Season 57 went ahead without a hitch. 'We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and skills to make this season a roaring success.'
Economic Times
06-07-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Waikato-Bay of Plenty's Hugh Jackson wins Young Farmer of the Year award
Live Events Acting PM Seymour congratulates Jackson (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year on Saturday, July 5, 2025. The result was announced after the final test in Invercargill. After securing the title of New Zealand's top young farmer, Jackson, 26, said that he is over the grand finalists, who were in the race for the award, competed in challenges involving heavy machinery and livestock. The challenges also included public speaking, quizzes, and interviews. Contestants faced each other in tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish, and making hay bales to show off their farming skills during Friday's practical contest at the Winton who felt relieved after taking the trophy home, said that it was his second time being a grand finalist. 'It was a nerve-racking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It's been a lot of years in the making,' he said, as quoted by on his family's farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson said that he spent his days working with his 'old man.' He has an interest in technology and also has a passion for mental health. He was also the chair of the Hamilton City Young Farmers Club.'With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people,' Jackson said. 'Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can grow people and provide career opportunities within that,' he Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said that Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and talent across the agricultural sector.'FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It's inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers but across the agricultural industry,' he Prime Minister David Seymour extended his wishes and congratulations to Jackson for bagging the award. 'Last night I was lucky enough to attend the Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Invercargill. It was a brilliant event, celebrating the future of farming and showcasing their expertise, leadership, and passion for agriculture,' he said.'Hugh… demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and knowledge in one of the most historic competitions in the country. They have a bright future ahead of them, and I wish them all the best for their future in farming.'Even for a townie from Epsom, it's impossible not to appreciate the contribution farmers make to New Zealand. We are lucky to live in a country that produces food the world loves, and with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, agriculture is very much central to New Zealand's future prosperity.'
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Hugh Jackson Crowned 2025 FMG Young Farmer Of The Year
Press Release – FMG Young Farmer New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Hugh Jackson is 'over the moon' after securing the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. A community gem and dedicated Young Farmers member, the 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the year on Saturday evening after a nail-biting Grand Final event in Invercargill. This was Jackson's second time as a Grand Finalist – his dream was to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and entering this year meant now or never. With challenges that included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven Grand Finalists were head-to-head as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition. Each contestant had just one goal – bringing the trophy home to their region. 'I'm really relieved to get here,' Jackson says straight after the announcement. 'It was a nerve-wracking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It's been a lot of years in the making'. Spectators poured into the Winton Racecourse to watch the action unfold during Friday's practical contest. The contestants were put through their paces, with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales, to show off their diverse practical farming skills. Tensions rose as points added up until the final buzzer quiz on Saturday night. In the end, Hugh pushed past the competition, with Gareth McKerchar missing out on the title by 68 points in second place, and Tasman Young Farmer George Letham finishing up in third place. Working on his family's farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson spends his days working with his 'old man'. With an interest in technology, and a passion for mental health, he is currently also the Chair of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club. Jackson hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year will support him in getting his brand out there and showcasing agriculture in the Waikato and across the rest of New Zealand. Technology, he believes, has a massive part to play in the future, as well as the young people who will ultimately be using it. 'With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people.' 'Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can really grow people and provide career opportunities within that.' As well as the coveted title, Jackson also claimed first place in the Community Footprint module, the AgriBusiness challenge, the AgriSports section, and takes home the big prize bounty. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. 'FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It's inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.' 'After seeing the talent from this weekend, the future is bright and forward-thinking for New Zealand's food and fibre sector.' Gillooly also paid special tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured Season 57 went ahead without a hitch. 'We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and skills to make this season a roaring success.'
