Young farmers show their skills at FMG contest

Jasmine Evan, of Tokomairiro Young Farmers' Club, inspects a quad bike.

Apart from an unscheduled sheep escape, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2018's Otago district final, held in Omakau on Saturday,  went smoothly,  convener Ben Naylor tells Yvonne O'Hara.

During the sheep module, five sheep escaped from a temporary pen and ran through part of the Omakau camping ground before Fay the dog rounded them up, helped by several Young Farmers members.

Logan Wallace, of Clinton/South Otago YF club, won the contest, with Alan Harvey (Upper Manuherikia YF club) second, Matt McRae (Wyndham YF club) third and Eddie Blackler, of Teviot,  fourth.

Logan Wallace, of Clinton/South Otago Young Farmers' club, tests his fleece-identifying skills. He went on to win the competition.

The competition was organised by the Upper Manuherikia Young Farmers and the top four will go to the regional final.

"There will be a good fight for top spot at the Otago/Southland regional final in Winton, on April 21, 2018, as there are some competitive and smart contestants taking part," Mr Naylor said.

Matt McRae, of Wyndham Young Farmers club, came third in the Otago district final recently.

There were six entrants in the event, which was lower than hoped for, and contestants had to complete 12 modules, which included operating a hose and  a motorbike and working with a horse,  drill calibration, and a quiz. He said the region would be looking at how to attract more entries for the event next year.

yvonne.ohara@alliedpress.co.nz