Eight rural bachelors vie for the Golden Gumboot

Eight rural bachelors, ranging from a bank manager to a herd manager, have been chosen as finalists for the Rural Bachelor of the Year contest.

The bachelors will battle it out for a Golden Gumboot trophy and a share of $30,000 of prizes at the 2006 Fieldays from June 14-17.

Last year's winner, Tony Buckingham, will join this year's judging panel.

The finalists are: Christen Dimond, 28, farm manager, Waitomo Caves; Scott Gordon, 24, rural bank manager, Whakatane, Garry Hull, 38, equity manager, Invercargill; Jono King, 18, herd manager, Reporoa; Damian McCormack, 28, farm manager, Dannevirke; Warren Nichol, 33, stock manager, Makorora; Matiu Noakes, 37, farm maintenance manager, Motueka; Craig Pollar 34, dairy farmer, Whangarei.

- NZPA