Canterbury dairy farmer and member of the Darfield Young Farmers Club George Dodson has won the top title and been named 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year in the 56th season of the competition.

Dodson was announced as the winner at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Awards evening in Hamilton on July 13 after three days of practical and technical challenges, which included an exam, an interview, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking.

Dodson, who competed against six other finalists, said the win meant "everything" to him.

"I've put so much time and effort into preparing for this, especially over the last few months.

"It's probably one of the biggest dreams of my life."

Dodson said that he still didn't expect to win even after making it to the finals.

"I didn't think I was going to be the one to take it home, so to get over the line was unreal."

Dodson is 2IC on a dairy farm between Darfield and Dunsandel after managing a dairy farm in Southland at just twenty years old.

Dodson's family and friends were vital in helping the 23-year-old prepare for the competition.

"My Dad put hours and hours and hours into helping me prepare.

"I had mates come for quiz nights at my place every week for the last three months with practice buzzers, which is the story everyone loves because that's what got me over the line.

"I ended up dominating the last round of the quiz."

Dodson said he found the technical day the most difficult part of the competition.

"I haven't gone to Uni, so that's where I thought I was going to struggle compared to some of the other guys that have been to Lincoln and that sort of thing.

Dodson said he had no experience putting together a business plan and hadn't taken an exam since high school, but he was pleased with his performance.

"I managed to get it done to a reasonably high standard, so I was stoked."

While Dodson found the first part of the Farmlet challenge difficult, he got back on track in the second section.

"I managed to finish with a couple of minutes to spare and completed all the stuff they wanted completed."

It's the second time Dodson has been in a regional final, but this year was the first time he made it through to the Grand Final. He is optimistic about making the most of the year ahead with the title under his belt.

"I'm looking forward to the opportunities to network,  get myself out there and give back to Young Farmers because what they have given me is incredible – even before winning this title.

"I've gotten so much out of Young Farmers, I'm looking forward to giving back.

In addition to holding the prestigious title, Dodson also won the Agri-Knowledge Award and took home over $90,000 in prizes.

Northern representative Caleb Eady came in as runner-up in the competition, and Aorangi Young Farmer Gareth McKercher finished in third place.

By Claire Inkson