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An Aka Aka sharemilker is heading to the Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final for the second year running.
Justin Ruygrok qualified by winning the contest’s Northern Regionals in front of a home crowd at Pukekohe Showgrounds on Saturday (April 11).
Despite a cyclone looming, the practical day went ahead as planned and, as the only Franklin Young Farmer Club member competing, Ruygrok had plenty of support.
He says he is rapt with the result.
“Pretty good but pretty sore – it’s basically non-stop from the start and the practical day includes a half hour race towards the end, which involves lots of heavy lifting and running,” he told the Times.
“I felt like I went pretty good on Saturday. My time management was good and I felt like I did the best I could. There were some tough moments, but I managed to get the job done.”
The practical day saw contestants from throughout the northern North Island apply their skills and technical knowledge while working against the clock. Contestants then exercised the top two inches during the contest’s quiz.
Although now back to work, Ruygrok will also be hitting the books and getting into top shape ahead of July’s final in New Plymouth.
“Any time I have from now [until July], I’ll be studying or touching up on many of my practical skills, ones I don’t really encounter on my own,” he says. “I’ll [also] be looking to lean on my networks going into the Grand Final.
Reaching the final for the second time will be of some advantage, but it also means this year will be the last time the 29-year-old can compete for the Young Farmer laurels.
“Because this is the last time I am able to compete, I’m going to give it my all,” he says.
Ruygrok won’t be the only local at the Grand Final. Cayden Taylor from Tuakau College made the grade at the Waikato/BOP regionals in the Junior Young Farmer of the Year contest.
The children’s sections – which also includes AgriKids for some of the country’s youngest young farmers – play an important role in future-proofing our primary industries.
The regional events have been a hit recording some of the highest attendance levels in recent years, NZ Young Farmers CEO Cheyne Gillooly adds.
“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a true celebration of agriculture and the people who drive it. From the youngest contestant just beginning to the oldest giving it their last shot, the [number of] people who show up for their community makes me so proud of what Young Farmers represents.”
