By Hugh Jackson
TIL CreativesWaikato-Bay of Plenty鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. 鈥淚t was a nerve-racking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It鈥檚 been a lot of years in the making,鈥 he said, as quoted by RNZ. Working on his family鈥檚 farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson said that he spent his days working with his 鈥渙ld man.鈥 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.鈥淲ith this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people,鈥 Jackson said. 鈥淲here 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,鈥 he added.Live EventsNew Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said that Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and talent across the agricultural sector.鈥淔MG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It鈥檚 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,鈥 he said.Acting PM Seymour congratulates Jackson Acting Prime Minister David Seymour extended his wishes and congratulations to Jackson for bagging the award. 鈥淟ast 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,鈥 he said.鈥淗ugh鈥 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.鈥淓ven for a townie from Epsom, it鈥檚 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鈥檚 future prosperity.鈥(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Read More News onFMG Young Farmer of the YearHugh Jacksonyoung farmer competitionNew Zealand farmingagriculture awards New Zealandagricultural technology
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onFMG Young Farmer of the YearHugh Jacksonyoung farmer competitionNew Zealand farmingagriculture awards New Zealandagricultural technology(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online….moreless
Explore More Stories123