Hugh Jackson, a Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer, has won the title of New Zealand’s top young farmer.
Hugh is a 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer and was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the year at the Grand Final event in Invercargill on 5 July.
Working on his family’s farm north of Raglan, Jackson also has an interest in technology, and a passion for mental health.
Jackson believes technology will play a big role in shaping in the future of farming, as well as in the lives of the young people who will be using it.
The New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust (Rural Leaders), in partnership with Lincoln University, sponsor the FMG Young Farmer of the Year winner on a place to attend the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. Rural Leaders and the University have been doing this for several years.
Rural Leaders CEO, Lisa Rogers said it was a close finish but Hugh’s determination shone through, and added, “We look forward to seeing Hugh on the Kellogg Programme soon. It was a privilege to attend the Grand Final and see first-hand, the depth of talent we have coming through New Zealand Young Farmers.”
New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly in a Young Farmers article said Jackson impressed everyone with his talent. “…It’s inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.”
Source: https://www.youngfarmers.co.nz/news/hugh-jackson-crowned-2025-fmg-young-farmer-of-the-year
