The farming skills of agricultural students at Massey University are being tested with the launch of a new rural competition.
The inaugural Rural Student of the Year is being run in Palmerston North today, run by the New Zealand Young Farmers club.
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The event will see 21 students at Massey University clash in a series of agri-food challenges.
Club chair Megan Robertson said the competition would be similar to the qualifying events for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year.
"There will be seven practical farming-based modules focused on stock handling, dairying, farm mechanics, agribusiness skills, tractor driving, fencing and culinary skills," she said.
The event would be held on the oval at Massey University between midday and 3.30pm on Thursday.
"Our ultimate aim for this competition is to help our club members learn new skills, test their abilities and build their confidence," said Robertson.
"It is also a fantastic way to expose other students on campus to NZ Young Farmers and the fun side of the agri-food sector."
The modules would be followed by a quiz, and the top five competitors would go head-to-head in a short speech competition at the Masonic Hotel.
The winner of the inaugural Massey Young Farmers Rural Student of the Year will be announced after the results are tallied.
A prize pool of almost $3,000 is up for grabs.
Newshub.
