The Country: Today we catch up with the Otago/Southland region winner for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year - Nigel Woodhead.
For the first time in its 49-year history, an Otago farmer is the FMG Young Farmer of the Year with Milton sheep and beef farmer, Nigel Woodhead, convincingly winning the prestigious title after three days of gruelling competition.
The 28-year-old was overwhelmed and emotional three days of intense competition.
Listen to Nigel Woodhead on The Country with Jamie Mackay above
"I watched FMG Young Farmer of the Year when I was a child, so to win it, is a childhood dream that I think will take a long time to sink in," Woodhead said.
A popular winner, Nigel graduated from University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science before working at Midlands Seed in Ashburton for five years, prior to heading home to the family farm.
Nigel Woodhead is named FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
The win is particularly relevant in the Woodhead household as Nigel grew up in a family that watched the Contest every year with his Dad competing at a young age.
For Nigel it is the realisation of a dream.
"My wife Leanne and I worked really hard and to win this is incredible!"
Contest Chairman and former Grand Finalist Dean Rabbidge said he was thrilled to see an Otago Southland farmer take the title home.
"History has been made tonight in a proud farming province and we couldn't be happier."
NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland said Nigel was the epitome and pinnacle of what future leaders in the Agri-sector need to be.
Nigel Woodhead in competition.
"The FMG Young Farmer of the Year continues to showcase the brilliant young leadership our organisation strives to develop. Nigel is an inspiring future leader who showcases the exceptional leaders we strive to develop."
RESULTS:
FMG Young Farmer of the Year:
First Nigel Woodhead, Otago Southland
Second, Hamish Best, East Coast
Third, Andrew Wiffen, Tasman
AGMARDT Agri-business Challenge winner: Hamish Best
56 contestants compete in seven regional finals from Northern, Waikato-Bay of Plenty, Taranaki-Manawatu, East Coast, Tasman, Aorangi, Otago-Southland from February to April.
The seven winners of the regional final will now compete at the Grand Final in the Manawatu this week.
In 49 years only four females have ever made the Grand Final:
Denise Brown who placed Seventh in 1981
Louise Collingwood who was Placed Third and Runner Up in 2001 and 2003
