Best of the best decided

Eight rural lads have competed throughout the four days of Fieldays in the ultimate competition, the Fieldays Rural Bachelor Best of the Best competition. The guys have battled it out throughout the week in a variety of heats testing their rural and farming abilities. The Competitors are previous winners of the Rural Bachelor of the Year competition from 2003 to 2010, most now have partners, wives and even children.

The winner of the competition was an all rounder whose character and determination was prevalent throughout the competition. Mat Sherriff, a farm owner and manager from Te Awamutu proved that although he is settled down with a partner and child, he still has what it takes to be the best of the best. He won several heats including the the Equidays Equine Challenge, the Goldpine Fencing Heat, the STIHL Logging Skills Heat and the University of Waikato Challenge.

Mat received a huge prize package consisting of; a luxury trip for two to Rarotonga, a Suzuki Trojan motorbike, a Swanndri clothing package, a STIHL voucher, a Skellerup voucher.

Charlie Taituha, who received the People’s Choice award in 2008 backed it up and won the People’s Choice again in 2011. He charmed the crowd with his cheeky grin and massive sense of humour and walked away with a mountain bike from Cycle Time.

Jacqui Cooper, Event Coordinator said, “The Best of the Best competition has been an excellent way of celebrating the 9th anniversary of the competition. It is a nice way to wrap it up to allow for a fresh and innovative rendition of the concept in 2012.”

Thanks to the sponsors of the competition, Classic Hits, Suzuki, Cook Island Tourism, Swanndri, STIHL, Skellerup and Cycle Time. 

The 2011 New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is developed by not for profit, the National Fieldays Society; the Fieldays event is proudly supported by strategic partners; ANZ and the University of Waikato.