CNMA looking to take out Young Farmer of the Year 2024.
One of our newest Certified Nutrient Management Adviser’s recently earnt a spot in the Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final after taking out the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year title.
Gareth McKerchar was crowned Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year, at the end of a two-day competition with took place in Kurow in February. In April he became a Certified Nutrient Management Adviser.
We spoke to Gareth about his success in the Aorangi Young Farmer competition, his preparation for the Grand Final, as well as his CNMA journey.
Gareth works as an Agri Manager for Ravensdown, who are one of the key sponsors for the Young Farmer of the Year competitions.
“For the last three years I have been able to help run modules at a regional and national level. After a few years of watching on, I was encouraged to give it a crack,” said Gareth.
“I have really enjoyed the competition so far. The regionals were a great couple of days which put me to the test. Since then, preparation has been very full on, with an enormous list of things to work on in preparation for the finals.”
For Gareth, a highlight of his Young Famer journey so far is the support and opportunities he has received for his training,
“It’s pretty special to have so many people who want to help,” he said.
“My preparation has been a real mix of theory and practical, trying to tick off two to three hands-on training sessions a week, with plenty of note taking and flash card writing in between. This is of course whilst still working full time!”
Gareth grew up on an 800ha Sheep & Beef farm in Fairlie. His parents farm half-bred ewes and Angus cows.
“As a kid I was always involved in the farm, and it has been a big part of my life. After school I then went on to study a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln,” said Gareth.
Most recently he added CNMA to his credentials after completing the required background study in 2023.
“For me it is a great certification to have in my role as a Ravensdown Agri Manager as I am dealing with nutrient recommendations every day.
“Being a CNMA gives me and anyone I work with confidence that my advice is sound, and backed by science and best practice,” said Gareth.
We wish Gareth all the best for the Farmer of the Year Grand Final in Hamilton in July.