09 July 2024 Academic background vital to Young Farmer success

It takes more than just practical skills to be named New Zealand’s Young Farmer of the Year.

Lincoln University alumnus Archie Woodhouse is counting on his strong academic background to help him through the Grand Final and win the championship this week.

He was named East Coast FMG Young Farmer of the Year and will be competing against six others for the national title.

The 22-year-old has been working alongside his family on a sheep and beef farm in South Wairarapa since he was a child, but after school came to Lincoln University to study Agriculture.

After completing a Bachelor of Agriculture, Archie continued his studies and graduated with a Master of Management in Agribusiness this year.

He saw competing in the competition so soon after graduation as a huge benefit, as the complex theories and academic approach was still fresh in his mind.

Being Young Farmer of the Year was not just about practical skills, as you had to know how to navigate a global industry and make good management decisions.

“I think that’s half the competition now.

“I’ve got the knowledge and mindset to attack these problems.”

It was also half of the job of a farmer these days and it had been satisfying to come back to the farm and put those skills to use.

“The biggest thing has just been putting that theory into practice.

“Now times are fairly tight in the beef and sheep sector that knowledge is vital.”

Growing up on a farm allowed him to get practical experience throughout his childhood and having an accountant as a mother ensured he was thinking about farming in an economic lens.

That was valuable knowledge to have, but he had no idea how other parts of the industry operating, such as supply chains and international markets.

He had been able to bring that knowledge home and put it to good use.

Being a finalist was especially exciting for Archie, as his father competed in the Grand Final twice.

His father had been helped him through his final year of study and was now assisting in preparation for the competition.

The Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final will be held in Hamilton from July 11-13. The winner will be announced on Saturday July 13.

Watch the Livestream of the Grand Final on Saturday night on the NZ Young Farmers website:

Grand Final Season 56: Livestream