Lincoln-based farmer George Letham has claimed the Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year title, moving him one step closer to national honours.

The Banks Peninsula Young Farmers member topped the leaderboard after a day of challenges at the Malvern A&P Show on Saturday. Six competitors were tested on practical skills, technical knowledge, and their ability to perform under pressure.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling now that it’s sunk in,” Letham said. “I knew heading into the quiz I needed to play it smart and secure points without taking risks.”

With a dairying background, Letham admitted the sheep shearing module was a challenge. “The handpiece is always foreign to me, but I managed to get through it,” he laughed.

Letham narrowly beat Lincoln Young Farmers’ Cameron Brans, while Sam Smithers from Dunsandel took third place.

The event also featured the AgriKidsNZ and FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competitions. Seddon School dominated the AgriKidsNZ event, while John Lundy and Harrison Parish from Rangiora High School took out the Junior title.

All winners now advance to the Grand Final in Invercargill this July, where Letham is already planning to sharpen his sheep and fencing skills.

Now in its 57th year, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year is New Zealand’s most prestigious farming competition, with the national prize pool exceeding $90,000.