The competition was launched last year as part of the Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award and was targeted at young dairy farmers while this is the first year the competition has targeted sheep and beef farmers.
Fred Hardy, who sits on the judging panel, said it was an extremely tight competition this year with Te Moana Sidney, a junior shepherd at Mount Herbert Station, Waipukurau, named as runner-up.
“Our two young finalists, Jordan and Te Moana, are top performers and impressive young men,” Hardy said.
“Jordan and Te Moana have both taken on responsibilities on-farm and have strong direction and ambition in their careers. They understand the world they are in and are great young advocates for the industry.
“Jordan has a strong understanding of the need for education and wants to learn all he can about sheep and beef farming. He is intelligent and has very clear goals. He has taken on his responsibilities with ease.”
The award was open to young Maori between the ages of 16 and 25 who are employed on a sheep and beef farm and are enrolled in or have completed within the last year a National Certificate in Agriculture Level 3 or higher.
MORE: Young Country Plus August issue
