Jacob Bolt, John Woodward and Isaac Wilson
Three Ōtorohanga youngsters claimed a podium spot at the Young Farmer of the Year’s AgriKids competition last weekend.
Held in Winton, near Invercargill, the AgriKids Grand Final saw qualifiers from regional events take on a range of farming-related challenges.
A Marlborough team finished in first place and the King Country Stags from Ōtewā, John Woodward, Isaac Wilson, and Jacob Bolt, all aged 12, were runners-up.
“It was pretty cool to finish second,” John Woodward said. “The quiz was pretty hard and so were a couple of the modules. It wasn’t as tough overall as it was last year, but it was a tough competition.”
The trio also competed in last year’s final but did not place.
While Jacob Bolt is home-schooled, his team mates attend Ōtewā School. Together, they competed against 20 other teams from throughout the country.
Beginning with a quiz, the youngest of the Young Farmer finalists then undertook modules covering various aspects of the primary industries. One of these involved driving a tractor.
Isaac said the module section was his favourite part of the competition, especially modules on TB and pests because he likes animals.
The final Race Off event engaged competitors in a quick-fire relay of agricultural activities including go-karting, solving a riddle and a three-legged race.
John wasn’t the only Woodward putting his farming skills to the test; his younger brother, Jack, 11, competed on the Young Guns team alongside Jacob’s sister, Brearna Bolt, 9, and Sam Bluett, 10.
John and Jack’s mum, Susie Woodward, said all six gave the competition their best shot.
“It was really nice and they put in a lot of effort. They were really pleased that they were rewarded for that. Our other team, the Young Guns, didn’t make the top three, but we’re so proud of them too.”
Ōtewā School principal, Carolyn Pilton, was also pleased by her students’ efforts.
“They’ve all put in so much effort, so much training along the way. It was great to see them come away with second place this year – they really deserved it, it’s an amazing result.”
The annual Young Farmer of the Year contest yielded more winners. Representing the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region, Hugh Jackson was named Young Farmer of the Year 2025.
Jackson is sheep and beef farmer from Te Akau, north of Raglan.
