Competition got underway on Friday in south Waitaha/Canterbury to find 2023's Young Farmer of the Year.
Seven farmers from around the country battled it out in Winchester for one of the most prestigious prizes in agriculture, including two women trying to create history.
They're the best of the best - seven grand finalists from around New Zealand, vying to be crowned 2023 Young Farmer of the Year.
"It's 100 percent the World Cup of farming. They take it really seriously, they are training for months," said NZ Young Farmers chair Jessie Waite.
Among the seven regional winners were a pair of brothers and two women trying to win.
"We've never had a female winner so I think 2023 may be our year," Waite told Newshub.
Emma Poole has a secret weapon in her corner - her brother Tim Dangen won Young Farmer of the Year in 2022.
"This is the most prestigious competition within the rural community I would say, so it's something I've experienced over the last 12 months - the level of credibility that it still has," said Dangen.
Now there's a chance of siblings going back-to-back.
"It would be a sensational story and credit to probably both of our parents - mum and dad would be chuffed for sure and I'd be stoked for Emma," he said.
Regional pride was also on the line in the tug-of-war. The next generation of young farmers also showed off their skills.
From driving a tractor, to saddling up a pony - they performed under pressure hoping not to crack.
In the main event, competitors are put through their paces right across the agricultural sector.
"Testing them in areas that they're not actually all over - like I know some of them had to go out and learn how to shear a sheep," Waite told Newshub.
The seven grand finalists finished the day making the final pitch, while showing off their agri-sports skills - full steam ahead in front of a packed showgrounds.
But it's not all hands-on - the 2023 Young Farmer of the Year will be revealed tomorrow night after the all-important quiz.
