THE search has started to find Tasmania’s young farmer of the year where contestants are put through a series of tests stretching their practical and theoretical knowledge.
The Woolworths Tasmanian Young Farmer of the Year 2022 is organised by Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania and is open to any Tasmanian aged between 15 and 30.
The competition tests the practical and theoretical knowledge of contestants through a series of 12 agriculture-related modules spanning a range of skills from sheep handling, soil health and sprayer calibration to public speaking and finance.
Contestants battle it out for top spot, a chance to win some amazing prizes and the title of Young Farmer of the Year.
Entries close February 14. Run-offs are on Saturday, March 26 at Hagley Farm School and the state final is to be held on Saturday, May 28 at Quercus Park, Carrick.
Last year’s winner Andrea O’Halloran said it was a privilege to be named the 2021 Tasmanian Young Farmer of the Year.
“Being involved in the competition and participating since 2017 has been a fantastic opportunity and I have certainly learnt a lot along the way,” Andrea said.
“I really would encourage any young person to have a go. “You don’t have to be from a farm.
“It is about participating, meeting people, testing your skills, and learning new skills as well.
“I really encourage everyone to hop online, register and participate this year.”
RY Tasmania state president Josh Mison, who is a previous state winner, said at the competition launch the competition was open to any Tasmanian aged between 15 and 30 and you don’t have to be a farmer to enter.
“As Rural Youth state president I am proud to be welcoming Woolworths on board as naming rights sponsor and to launch the 2022 Woolworths Tasmanian Young Farmer of the Year Competition,” Josh said.
Previous competitors came from a wide range of backgrounds from bankers and agronomists to builders and homemakers.
“A love for agriculture is all you need,” he said. “We aim to foster the great farming culture present in Tasmania through education and a bit of healthy competition.”
Mr Mison encouraged all Tasmanians aged between 15 and 30 to jump onto The Rural Youth website to get their entries in before the February 14 closing date and to be part of this great and rewarding event.
Woolworths Riverside store manager Wesley Polden spoke highly of Woolworths relationship with RY Tasmania and the state’s farmers.
“We are really proud of our relationship with the Tasmanian farmers and producers and sponsoring the Rural Youth Tasmanian Young Farmer competition is amazing,” he said.
“We are so proud to be able to be part of the Rural Youth Young Farmer of the Year competition and are really looking forward to the competitors and what they have to go through.
Contestants battle it out for top spot, a chance to win some amazing prizes and the title of Tasmanian Young Farmer of the Year.