“Since coming on board as the principal sponsor, FMG has looked at ways to build on the competition’s popularity,” FMG chief client officer Andrea Brunner said. “The People’s Choice helps the regional winners showcase themselves as ambassadors; encouraging more young people into the industry.”
Brunner said the FMG Young Farmer of the Year finalists represent some of the best young talent in the industry. The awards, she said, will help build up their professional profile and provide opportunities to become leaders and positive influencers in the rural sector.
“This award also gives people a chance to get more involved with the competition,” she noted. “Rural and provincial communities are fiercely loyal, and this award gives people a chance to show that loyalty by backing their favourite competitor.”
NZ Young Farmers events and marketing manager Carolyn Bennett, meanwhile, said: “It also provides an opportunity for people who want to know more about where their food comes from to connect with some of New Zealand’s best operators.”
FMG said everyone who votes goes into the draw to win a Fitbit Surge ™ and the winning finalist will also pick up $1,000 for their Young Farmers region. The People’s Choice winner will be revealed at the Grand Final on July 07 in Invercargill.
The seven finalists include:
Cameron Black – Aorangi
Patrick Crawshaw – East Coast
Dan Bradbury – Northland
Logan Wallace – Otago/Southland
Will Taylor – Taranaki/Manawatu
Andrew Wiffen – Tasman
Josh Cozens – Waikato/Bay of Plenty
