- Hugh Jackson, newly crowned FMG Young Farmer of the Year, is looking forward to representing New Zealand’s agricultural sector and supporting other young farmers.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson has secured this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year title in Invercargill, following a challenging three-day grand final.
As part of the win, Hugh won’t just take home the title—he’ll also drive away with a New Holland Boomer 25C tractor, awarded by one of the competition’s major sponsors, New Holland.
The event marked the culmination of months of qualifying rounds and regional competitions, and a return to the national stage for Hugh after a previous grand final appearance.
Karl Harvey, CNH Product Specialist, Tractors and Grape Harvesters, said New Holland was proud to continue its support of New Zealand Young Farmers, helping encourage the next generation to grow and evolve the industry.
“As the 57th winner of this title, Hugh embodies all the attributes that make this award so special. His knowledge, innovative thinking, passion and mental strength really shone through and he’ll have so much to offer other young farmers, and the sector, as he fulfills all the opportunities open to him in the next 12 months,” Karl said.
Hugh said he was grateful for the ongoing support of sponsors like New Holland for the award.
“We appreciate New Holland’s commitment, they do such a great job and we wouldn’t have this competition without them. It’s great that the sponsors see and want to contribute to the value of this award, recognising their support helps secure the future of agriculture in New Zealand,” he said.
Hugh, 27, is involved in running a 1800ha sheep and beef operation at Te Akau alongside his parents, John and Jenny, and their “awesome farm team”. As a fourth-generation farmer, Hugh is continuing the legacy of his great-grandfather, who first purchased 600 acres in 1947 after returning from WWII.
Proud of his farming heritage and passionate about the industry’s future, Hugh is driven by a desire to harness emerging technologies and elevate agricultural practices.
“I feel excited about what’s ahead for agriculture and we’re in a good space at the moment, particularly from a financial standpoint, with strong prices being received for our products. What’s really exciting going forward is the potential to improve our systems and production through the use of science and technology and see how that can further enhance the sector and attract more people into the industry,” Hugh said.
Hugh has been involved with New Zealand Young Farmers since 2017, and is the chair of his local Hamilton City Young Farmers club this year.
After competing multiple times in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and being part of the organising committee for a number of them, finally taking out the title has been a long-held goal, and Hugh admitted it was still sinking in.
“I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself and learning new things so the Young Farmers competition has always appealed. It feels great and I’m still getting used to it really, but it’s a nice feeling to know I’ve achieved it. So many people have got in touch; my phone blew up after I won, but it’s a good problem to have,” he said.
As for the next 12 months as the title winner, Hugh is eagerly awaiting all the opportunities that will come his way.
“I’m looking forward to rubbing shoulders with people I haven’t had the opportunity to meet, and really see it as a learning and career-enhancing experience,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be able to represent the industry and do my bit as the current winner to promote the event. I’m looking forward to catching up with past winners to get some advice and tips from them on how to best use this opportunity to benefit myself, other young farmers and the agriculture sector.”