Eight Battle For FMG Young Farmer of the Year Otago/Southland Regional Final

Eight rural enthusiasts will pit their agricultural, practical and business know›how skills at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Otago/Southland regional final in Wyndham on April 9.   The day, being held at the A&P Showgrounds from 8am, is open to the public.   The evening part of the com› petition will be held in the Wyndham Memorial Hall from 6pm.   Now in its 48th year, this year’s contest involves more than 250 hopefuls battling it out across 24 district finals and seven regional finals. The grand final will be held in Timaru from July 7›9, with prizes worth more than $300,000 up for grabs.   The contest was unique in the world for its national reach and breadth of competition, New Zealand Young Farmers chief executiveTerry Copeland said.   ‘‘It’s a chance for the wider New Zealand community to see first›hand the specialist know› ledge and skills thatour future rural leaders possess [and] a showcase for the cream of New Zealand’s up›and›coming agri› sector talent.’’   Í Otago/Southland regional finals evening contest, Wynd› ham Memorial Hall, Balaclava St, from 6pm. Tickets $65 (includes dinner). For ticket information go to www.young   farmercontest.co.nz  .