The FMG Young Farmer of the Year, a significant event in New Zealand’s agricultural calendar, celebrates the expertise and talent of young farmers nationwide.
A Prestigious Agricultural Event
This year’s regional finals saw participants battling it out in a three-day challenge. They were tasked with
- farm machinery repairs,
- demonstrating farm skills,
- and a thrilling race-style challenge, requiring both proficiency and speed.
New Holland’s Commitment to Agriculture’s Future
New Holland, a brand under CNH Industrial and a devoted sponsor of the Young Farmers contest, generously provided equipment for all the regional events and the Grand Finale. The machinery ranged from the Boomer 25C to the T7.230 tractors, including the 1290 HD and Pro-belt Balers, and the CNH XCN1050. Beyond providing machinery, New Holland also created platforms for several competitions, including AgriKids, FMG Junior, FMG Young Farmer, and AgriSport. This gave aspiring young farmers an opportunity to display their passion and capabilities.
During the practical day module, members from the New Holland team played a pivotal role as judges. The Winchester Showgrounds in Timaru was buzzing with over 600 spectators, eagerly watching the contestants showcase their farming expertise. The competition was nail-bitingly close, with the results being undecided until the final quiz on Saturday evening.
Emma Poole’s Historic Victory
Emma Poole’s remarkable win made her the first female to claim the prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year title. Alongside the respected title, she also received the iconic trophy and the esteemed Cloak of Knowledge. In addition, Emma will choose between a New Holland Boomer 25 compact tractor and loader package or an international sustainability journey. Thanks to New Holland and other sponsors’ generous support, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year awarded Emma with a prize pool worth a whopping $90,000.
Murray Grant, Commercial Business Manager (New Zealand) at CNH Industrial, expressed his admiration, saying:
“On behalf of New Holland and the team, we extend our warmest congratulations to Emma Poole for her outstanding achievement and wish her every success in her farming career. We remain committed to supporting the next generation of farmers and will continue to sponsor and contribute to events that celebrate incredible talent within the agricultural industry.”
About New Holland
New Holland is a global brand under CNH Industrial, dedicated to serving the needs of farming communities worldwide. With a long-standing reputation for innovation and a commitment to sustainability, New Holland continually supports endeavors that promote the growth and advancement of the agricultural sector.