George Dodson wins 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year. In what may have been one of the greatest comebacks in the contest’s 56 seasons, speechless George Dodson was awarded the coveted title in front of a sellout crowd in Hamilton on Saturday 13 July.
With an outstanding performance in Saturday night’s quiz, the Darfield Young Farmers Club member, pipped his fellow competitors by mere points to claim the 2024 title.
Dodson, the 23-year-old Tasman representative was well and truly lost for words as he became the 56th Young Farmer to don the Cloak of Knowledge and lift the trophy.
“Words can’t even describe how I’m feeling, the excitement is nothing I’ve ever felt before.”
Watch a video of George’s win here
Northern representative Caleb Eady came in a very close second, with Aorangi Young Farmer Gareth McKerchar coming in third.
George hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year Contest will be a boost for his community and support him in the future as he looks to make the next step in his career.
Taranaki/Manawatū crowned 2024 FMG Region-Off champs
AgriKidsNZ, FMG Juniors and FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Finalists once again teamed up for a regional rural showdown to try and win $5,000 for a local charity of their choice. Points were earned through public voting and completing small, community focused challenges in the ‘Be Farmstrong Challenge’.
The $5,000 won by Taranaki/Manawatū will go to the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter. The region earned over 7,600 points, nearly triple the winning total from last year’s competition.
Their community spirit shone through in their ‘Be Farmstrong’ challenge entries. From making and delivering hundreds of meals to their local community, stacking firewood, sharing helpful advice, to helping their school groundskeeper with tasks.
Taranaki/Manawatū representatives
Taranaki/Manawatū FMG Young Farmer of the Year - Zayn Jones FMG Juniors - Nicolas Verry & Jack Aitken-Cade (Palmerston North Boys’ High School), Haylee Baker & Mikayla Marshall (Feilding High School)
AgriKidsNZ - Halcombe Black (Maggie Lintott, Max Ireland and Taylor Lane), Halcombe Red (Maisie Johnstone, Max Staples, and Jonty Howland), The Waituna West Farmers (Hamish Gallen, Ben Gallen and Braxton Jacobs).
FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year
Otago Boys’ High School duo Shamus Young (18) and Hayden Drummond (17) took out the 2024 FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year title. They were put to the test over two days through an exam, a speech, Practical Day challenges and a quiz.
AgriKidsNZ
Congratulations to 2024 AgriKidsNZ champions the Te Waotu Bushwhackers from Te Waotu School. Champions Ben Barbour, Joshua Barbour and Jackie Sneddon not only picked up the top prize, but they also came in as the top team for all 2024 AgriKidsNZ challenges (Modules, AgriQuiz and the Race-Off).
