She is the first woman to hold the role in 12 years. What a great story.
I know Ash-Leigh well. She is a past chairwoman of the Tasman region of NZ Young Farmers and is an inspiration to many, especially other young women.
She was elected to the board only in July and I can't wait to see how she stamps her mark on our evolving organisation.
A big part of NZ Young Farmers is the contests and competitions, which give members a chance to upskill and benchmark themselves.
My partner, Martin Bates, and I contract milk 1200 cows at Charing Cross (near Christchurch).
Earlier this year we competed against each other in the Tasman region final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year. It was a great experience and certainly got my adrenaline pumping.
This year the Tasman region will be running its first ever competitions weekend.
The event will combine the fencing, stock judging, clay target shooting and debating competitions into one action-packed weekend.
There will also be an opportunity for professional development.
Entering is a great way for members to network and hone their skills, or, in many cases, try something new.
The secretary of the Tasman region, Melissa McMullan, won the sheep section of the national final of the stock-judging competition in July.
Melissa works as an employment law advocate in Christchurch.
But she has learned new skills, thanks to well-regarded sheep breeder Neville Moorhead.
Neville is a patron of Melissa's Young Farmers club. He's been passing on some of his skills to those eager to learn.
The competitions weekend will provide recognition for our sponsors, which generously supply tools and equipment for competitors to use.
Winners will secure spots in the national finals of each competition in Christchurch in February.
My advice is to give it a go - you've got nothing to lose and could find a new passion.
-By Vaness Robinson
Central Rural Life
