Latest news with #HamiltonCityYoungFarmersClub
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Persistence pays off for young farmer
Try and try again proved to be a winning formula for a 26-year-old Waikato-Bay of Plenty sheep and beef farmer who won the 57th Young Farmer of the Year title on Saturday evening in Invercargill. Hugh Jackson, a former member of the Thornbury Young Farmers Club, was "over the moon" about his winning his second shot at the national title. For Mr Jackson the last couple of hours of the competition were "a nerve-racking time". "I knew it was going to be tight, but credit to the guys." Winning the national prize had been a dream of his for several years, he said. "It's been a lot of years in the making'. "I've been there before and got in the top three, which gave me a bit of confidence knowing that I'm capable of doing it. "Every season is different and you never know what to expect." Mr Jackson worked on a Southland dairy farm before heading back to his family's Te Akau farm, north of Raglan. Otago-Southland's hope Cameron Smith, of the Thornbury Young Farmers Club, who placed fourth overall said his friend, Mr Jackson, had a well-deserved win. "He's an absolute champion — he does a lot of studies." Mr Smith won the best agri-skills award for Friday's practical challenges. "I knew I'd done enough to sort of keep myself in the running ... but ended up dropping into fourth after the quiz." Southland was awarded best region award for its contributions to the community and Southland Food Bank. Mr Jackson, who had a strong interest in new farming technology and mental health, believed technology would play a "massive part in the future" of farming. He hoped the win, alongside his role as chairman of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club, would champion Waikato's agriculture industry. '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.' Mr Jackson also claimed first place in the community footprint module, the agri-business challenge and the agri-sports section. Competition convener Emma Wilson said they had "an awesome group of competitors this year" who had prepared well. "They've done really well and they're definitely work[ing] pretty hard and put a lot of prep in." Finalists had been preparing since about February, she said. On Friday the crowd was captivated by the contestants as the showcased their practical farming skills with tasks such as shearing, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales. The grand final challenges focused on heavy machinery and livestock coupled with exams, interviews, quizzes and public speaking. The seven finalists were in a head-to-head, attempting to gain precious competition points. Gareth McKerchar, of Pleasant Point, missed out on the title by 68 points in second place, with George Letham, of Lincoln, finishing up in third place. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Mr 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.'
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Former Thornbury club member wins national young farmer title
Try and try again proved to be a winning formula for a 26-year-old Waikato-Bay of Plenty sheep and beef farmer who won the 57th Young Farmer of the Year title on Saturday evening in Invercargill. Hugh Jackson, a former member of the Thornbury Young Farmers Club, was "over the moon" about his winning his second shot at the national title. For Mr Jackson the last couple of hours of the competition were "a nerve-racking time". "I knew it was going to be tight, but credit to the guys." Winning the national prize had been a dream of his for several years, he said. "It's been a lot of years in the making". "I've been there before and got in the top three, which gave me a bit of confidence knowing that I'm capable of doing it. "Every season is different and you never know what to expect." Mr Jackson worked on a Southland dairy farm before heading back to his family's Te Akau farm, north of Raglan. Otago-Southland's hope Cameron Smith, of the Thornbury Young Farmers Club, who placed fourth overall said his friend, Mr Jackson, had a well-deserved win. "He's an absolute champion — he does a lot of studies." Mr Smith won the best agri-skills award for Friday's practical challenges. "I knew I'd done enough to sort of keep myself in the running ... but ended up dropping into fourth after the quiz." Southland was awarded best region award for its contributions to the community and Southland Food Bank. Mr Jackson, who had a strong interest in new farming technology and mental health, believed technology would play a "massive part in the future" of farming. He hoped the win, alongside his role as chairman of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club, would champion Waikato's agriculture industry. "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." Mr Jackson also claimed first place in the community footprint module, the agri-business challenge and the agri-sports section. Competition convener Emma Wilson said they had "an awesome group of competitors this year" who had prepared well. "They've done really well and they're definitely work[ing] pretty hard and put a lot of prep in." Finalists had been preparing since about February, she said. On Friday the crowd was captivated by the contestants as the showcased their practical farming skills with tasks such as shearing, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales. The grand final challenges focused on heavy machinery and livestock coupled with exams, interviews, quizzes and public speaking. The seven finalists were in a head-to-head, attempting to gain precious competition points. Gareth McKerchar, of Pleasant Point, missed out on the title by 68 points in second place, with George Letham, of Lincoln, finishing up in third place. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Mr 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."
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.'
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.'
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Waikato-Bay of Plenty's Hugh Jackson wins Young Farmer of the Year award
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 moon. Seven 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 Racecourse. Jackson, 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 RNZ. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bargain Prices on Unsold Container Houses in Cavite - Check Them Out! Shipping Container Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo Working 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 added. Live Events New 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 said. Acting PM Seymour congratulates Jackson Acting 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.'
