Lincoln University alumna Lisa Kendall will be competing in her second FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final in July after claiming the Northern Regional qualifier on the weekend, the first in the lead-up to the 2020 title decider.
She last fought for overall honours in 2017.
The 28-year-old assistant business manager at Farmlands (among her many roles), is also pregnant with her first child.
Lisa won the Lincoln University Food Strainer section of the event on her way to the title, and is pictured receiving the award from Student Liaison Officer, Rania Alani.
She has a Diploma in Agriculture from Lincoln University, a contributing partner of the event.
As a land-based University, Lincoln has a strong connection with the values and skills the contest represents, and has been an important part of the agricultural sector since 1878.
A section of the Grand Final will also be hosted on campus.
Over the weekend, the eight Northern Regional finalists were put through their paces in a series of gruelling challenges.
On Friday night, the contestants sat through a rigorous exam before heading into the practical day on Saturday at the Paparoa A&P Show and then the famous YFOTY quiz at the evening show.
The contest is based around five strainers - innovation, technology, food, environment and people.
Lisa also won the People strainer.
Ballance rural professional Calvin Ball, 28, came runner up in second place and 50/50 Share Milker Kate Reed, 29, came third.
Alumni Cameron Massie and Ryan Morris also competed in the regional final.