Young farmers gearing up for 2008 challenge
March 22nd, 2008, 8:41 pm Hobbies News
Regional chairman Willy Buchanan is having his third crack at the regional final and it is expected to be a close contest since Kyle Thorburn, last years regional winner, and seasoned competitor Richard Copland are also competing.
Mr Buchanan, a dairy farmer from Opio, is strong in the practical events and Mr Thorburn, a sheep farmer from Springhills, and Copland who works for Rabobank in Gore and was runner-up in the Aorangi regional final for the past two years, have the technical expertise.
Another competitor to watch is South Otago sheep and beef farmer Craig Moffat, who is competing at regional final level for the second time.
The other contestants include first-time entrants Morgan Stevenson, of Moa Flat, and Dan Thurlow, Maniototo, who are sheep and beef farmers.
Luke Proctor, another first-time entrant, comes from Dunedin, and Peter Gardyne, who hails from the East Chatton cropping family, is straight out of Lincoln University.
Buchanan said the practical challenges, to be held at the Riverton Rugby Club, would be a %26quot;big secret%26quot; until the day.
However, he envisaged an interesting fun-filled competition like last year, where the contestants had to assemble a beehive and grade potatoes.
%26quot;They really came out of left field,%26quot; he said.
Contestants will then go head to head in the AgriSports challenge before the question and answer session at Aparima College in the evening.
The regional final winner will progress to The National Bank Young Farmer of the Year grand final to be held in Ashburton from July 9 to 12.
The regional final also coincides with the Otago Southland Young Farmers Clubs regional conference.
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