29 June 2026 Four Lincoln Alumni prepare for FMG Young Farmer Grand Finale

FMG Young Farmer of the Year is a national competition which finds the greatest agriculture professionals between the ages of 16 and 31. The event has run for almost 60 years.

Regional competitions are held in the lead-up to the Grand Final, with all regional winners earning a shot at the grand prize. This year the Grand Final will be held in New Plymouth from July 2-4.

Four of the seven finalists are Lincoln University alumni.

Sixth-generation Tasman farmer Bryce Win is working on the same sheep and beef farm we grew up on. After leaving school Bryce studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University, then returned to work alongside his father. Eight years on, Bryce is preparing to take over the family business.

East Coast farmer Ed Laver grew up on a deer farm and knew it was the career for him. He studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) at Lincoln University then worked in fencing and shepherding. Now he’s come full circle and works alongside his father running sheep, beef and deer. He joined the Puketoi Young Farmers Club and within the space of a year was appointed chairperson.

Southland’s Tom Slee studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) and briefly working in a graduate banking programme before making the shift into dairy farming. He’s now a contract milker leading his own team and business.

Canterbury farmer Jack Taggart is also a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) graduate. He has worked in a wide range of roles throughout the sector and is now managing a dairy farm in Hinds.

Lincoln University is a proud sponsor of Young Farmer of the Year. You can register to watch the livestream here.