Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Hugh Jackson has secured the title of New Zealand’s top young farmer.
A community gem and dedicated Young Farmers member, the 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year after a nail-biting Grand Final event in Invercargill.
This was Jackson’s second time as a Grand Finalist – his dream was to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and entering this year meant now or never.
With challenges that included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven Grand Finalists were head-to-head as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition.
Each contestant had just one goal – bringing the trophy home to their region.
Spectators poured into the Winton Racecourse to watch the action unfold during Friday’s practical contest. The contestants were put through their paces with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish, and making hay bales, to showcase their diverse practical farming skills.
Working on his family’s farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson spends his days working with his father. With an interest in technology and a passion for mental health, he is currently also the Chair of the Hamilton City Young Farmers Club.
Jackson hoped that winning the FMG Young Farmer of the Year award would help him establish his brand and showcase agriculture in Waikato and across the rest of New Zealand.
As well as the coveted title, Jackson also claimed first place in the Community Footprint module, the AgriBusiness challenge, and the AgriSports section, and took home the big prize bounty.
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector.
The Acting Prime Minister has extended warm congratulations to Hugh Jackson on being crowned the 2025 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
“Hugh Jackson from the Waikato Bay of Plenty demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and knowledge in one of the most historic competitions in the country. They have a bright future ahead of them, and I wish them all the best for their future in farming,” said David Seymour.
“Even for a townie from Epsom, it’s impossible not to appreciate the contribution farmers make to New Zealand. We are lucky to live in a country that produces food the world loves, and with export revenue on track to surpass NZD 60 billion for the first time, agriculture is very much central to New Zealand’s future prosperity.”
He added that the awards ceremony was a testament not only to the achievements of those competing, but to the strength and future of New Zealand’s rural sector.
More local news here
