| 13 RURAL PEOPLE » Otapawa Station First time entrant did not expect to win Nicki Woodlock First time entrant James Robbie won the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Award for the East Coast Region on March 8th after a day of practical and theoretical challenges at Solway Showgrounds in Masterton. 25 year old Robbie is a sheep and cattle farmer from Tiraumea. In the East Coast competition there were six entrants battling for the top spot. Robbie achieved the win after gaining the most points from a mix of challenges. Challenges for the contestants included; a head-to-head, a general knowledge ‘buzzer-style’ quiz and sponsor-led challenges. Contestants were tested on practical skills, technical knowledge, and their ability to deal with pressure. Prizes for winning the regional competition included; a Honda XR150 farm bike, Milwaukee tools, $1000 cash from FMG, and a mix of gift cards from sponsors and lambswool blankets. Robbie did not expect to win. “I thought there were aspects that I’d do well in. I’m always quietly confident in myself. I just went out there to enjoy it and see where I’d end up”, says Robbie. “My inexperience in the competition made it challenging. I think that my experience overcoming challenges on a day to day basis on the family farm, and the ability to think outside the box led to me having more success. Being patient, thinking and problem solving in a different way helped”, says Robbie of the win. “The biggest challenge in the competition was not knowing what was in store and the toughest challenge was the farmlet that we had to manage”, says Robbie. Robbie is thrilled to win and says, “I’m very proud to represent the Puketoi Young Farmers club and the region. I wanted to do it to the best of my abilities. It’s a special place to grow up and farm”. Robbie believes that his varied role on the 5th generation sheep and cattle Robbie family farm - Otapawa Station in Tiraumea, and being active in the wider industry both helped him prepare for the competition. “I’d love to win the grand final. I back myself to do it. I’m the underdog, but I know I can do it. The whole experience is great to expand my network and my knowledge from industry leaders and come away with a deeper knowledge of agriculture in New Zealand”, says Robbie. Robbie is now preparing for the grand final in Invercargill in July, and is brushing up on specialist areas of farming; viticulture, aquaculture, arable farming, and horticulture. “A huge knowledge is required to win the grand final and I need to sharpen up. I’ve been studying up with industry leaders in these areas”. When asked what makes a great farmer, Robbie says, “A compassionate and caring person - I make sure that both the animals and the land are healthy”. He also believes that people having a stronger connection and understanding of where their food comes from would improve farming in New Zealand. Robbie’s future goal is to take over the family farm and improve and build on the Robbie family legacy. . Dip.Ag., B.B.S., C.A We give you time for the things you • Export Stock • Store Stock • Wholesale Stock • Valuations • Clearing Sales • Advice Proud to be supporting Otapawa Station in all livestock transactions For a prompt and reliable service Contact Craig Nelson Mobile 021 457 127 • Office 06 377 7105 Email craig@crnelson.co.nz • www.crnelson.co.nz Robbie is now preparing for the grand final in Invercargill in July. Young Farmer of the Year East Coast Region Winner, James Robbie.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=