21 August 2025 Catching up with our Young Farmer of the Year runner-ups

Last month’s grand final competition had the seven regional champions battling it out to be named FMG Young Farmer of the Year. It resulted in Waikato Bay of Plenty sheep and beef farmer Hugh Jackson taking the crown, with Lincoln alumni Gareth McKerchar and George Letham taking second and third respectively.

The competition included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking.

George said he was proud to have placed “top of the newbies”, and to have been just four points behind Gareth – the equivalent of two quiz questions.

“I was a huge ball of nerves going into the comp. I knew it was going to be tough, mentally and physically.

“I woke up the Sunday after the competition and I was exhausted. I was wrecked for a week.”

George has got three years left until he’s no longer a young farmer, only two of which he can compete in considering the competition’s stand-down period. He’s not sure yet whether he’ll keep on training and get into it next year, or spend more time studying and getting experience before giving it another crack.

“The next step is hunkering down and training up on the basics. My careers’ keeping me busy in the meantime.”

Last year Gareth came third in the grand final, but knew he had to be on his toes.

“I was confident that I could do well, but with 6 different contestants and the possibility of a completely different set of challenges, nothing was guaranteed.

“Although having previous experience can help, plenty of first timers have beaten seasoned competitors.

“One of the things I love about the Young Farmer of The Year competition is the extremely broad range of tasks that you can come up against.

“From shearing to automotive wiring, and even public speaking on agricultural topics, it forces competitors to be resourceful and adaptive. Ultimately the competition favours an individual who is very well rounded rather than someone who is an expert in a particular field.”

Gareth was stoked with how his speech, HR challenge and quiz went, it was “clear” the community footprint category was a weakness of his.

“It’s something I plan to work on, regardless of future competition.

“Much of my success can be attributed to the networks I made and the skills I learnt during my time at Lincoln.”

Congratulations again to Gareth and George for their efforts. We’ll be cheering them on next time they compete, and in their valuable careers in the meantime.