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Emma Poole Crowned 2023 FMG Young Farmer of the Year
Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Emma Poole is “absolutely buzzing” after being named the 55th FMG Young Farmer of the Year and making history as the Contest’s first-ever female champion.
The Waikato Bay of Plenty representative will bring the trophy home to her region after being announced the winner of the annual FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final event at an awards ceremony in Timaru on Saturday night.
Emma secured the win following three days of gruelling challenges against six other Grand Finalists. Contestants’ farming skills and general knowledge were put to the test with tasks that included repairing farm machinery, creating a hydroponic system and an intense race-style challenge with multiple tasks that saw points awarded for both skill and speed.
“I'm totally overwhelmed, I really wasn't sure where I was going to sit. All the finalists have been so great throughout the competition and these last three days have been really tough so I wouldn't say I was feeling confident, but I knew I'd put in my best effort and that's all you can hope for at the end of the day.”
As Emma accepted the award, Tim Dangen, her brother, mentor and last season’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year was there to congratulate her as she expressed "we've finally knocked the grass ceiling off the roof”.
“There's a long chain of women that have worked really hard to display the important role we play in agriculture. All those women have given me the confidence to stand up and give it a go. I'm just a product of what they've all achieved.”
More than 600 spectators poured into Winchester Showgrounds to watch the action unfold during Friday’s practical day. Many were visibly on edge as contestants worked with quad bikes, power tools and tractors to show off their practical skills. Points added up with every challenge, though the race continued to play out neck and neck right up until the final buzzer quiz on Saturday evening.
In the end, Aorangi representative Peter O’Connor missed out on the title by a small margin, and Otago Southland Young Farmer Hugh Jackson finished up in third place.