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Benefits keep coming for Contest Champion

Tuesday 31 January 2012, 9:18AM

By NZYF

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MASTERTON

Halfway through his year with the Cloak of Knowledge; the benefits of entering and winning The National Bank Young Farmer Contest are still presenting themselves for 2011 Contest Champion Will Grayling, and go far beyond the impressive prize pack he won in Masterton in July last year.

“The Contest has provided me with new skills, increased ability to work and think under pressure and most importantly allowed me to meet new people and create friendships.”

Things have been busy for Will since his big win. Not only is he manager of a 1600 cow farm in Pendarves for the Spectrum Group, he also married fiancé Kimberley in December and somehow found time for various speaking engagements as well.

“I’ve enjoyed the opportunities that the Contest has presented and have tried to make the most of all these opportunities as they may not present themselves in the future.”

Will has enjoyed the support and positive feedback from the public and past Young Farmer Members and Contestants.

“I’ve enjoyed people coming up to me and asking advice and sharing their stories about the Contest with me. The support I have received from such a wide range of people; from friends and family to employers and complete strangers has been very humbling.”

He encourages potential Contestants to give it a go and keep trying; like most Contest Champions it wasn’t a case of first time lucky for Will. He first entered the Contest in 2005 and gained valuable insight and knowledge over the years at District and Regional Finals that ultimately led him to taking out the top spot in 2011.

Will hopes to attend the Regional Finals in the South Island and is looking forward to attending the Grand Final in Dunedin from May 23rd.

“I want to wish all the Contestants throughout the country the best of luck. Hard work, preparation and mental strength will see the most worthy competitors book their spot in Dunedin.”

The first Regional Final takes place in Balclutha on February 12th where Contestants will not only compete for a spot in the Grand Final but also a generous prize pack worth over $10,000. The pack includes a Honda XR125 two-wheeled farm bike valued at $4000, a $1500 Lincoln University Scholarship, $1000 cash and $500 towards a capability development programme from AGMARDT, $1000 worth of Ravensdown quality fertiliser products, $1000 from The National Bank, clothing valued at $750 from Swanndri and Silver Fern Farms will provide a package of quality produce valued at $500.

For more information go to www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz