2 February 2001 Lincoln grad looking for second crack at title

There's plenty of precedent – contestants returning a second time to New Zealand's premier farming competition determined to win their way to the top title. And many do achieve it.

Lincoln University graduates Sinclair Hughes fifth in 1987 and winner in 1989; Tony Blunt fifth in 1988 and winner in 1991; Warwick Catto fourth in 1993 and winner in 1995; and Richard Slee second in 1998 and winner in 1999, all are examples of the spirit of perseverance typical of this contest.

Now, in this year's Wrightson AGMARDT Young Farmer Contest another past place-getter and Lincoln graduate returns for a second crack at the crown.

Stephen Jack of Pleasant Point, South Canterbury, a Lincoln University Bachelor of Commerce (Agricultural) graduate, was second in the 2000 Grand Final, just eight points behind winner Andrew Finch of Blenheim.

Like a number of contestants in the 2001 contest, Stephen is carrying the hopes of Lincoln University as it looks for another winning graduate. Nine of the contest's last 12 winners have had Lincoln University degrees or diplomas and many place-getters, like Stephen in 2000, have also had the Lincoln link.

Although he knows how tough it is, Stephen, a fertiliser consultant with Ravensdown, says he is determined. And the first step is his local competition at Timaru on 24 March. Success there will take him to the Aorangi Regional Final at Pleasant Point in May and, if successful there, into the Grand Final in Wanganui over 5-7 July.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.