‘It’s Straight Back to the Farm’ After National Title Win

Otago Southland dairy farmer claims Young Farmer crown

FMG Young Farmer of the Year Tom Slee. Supplied photo Otago Southland Young Farmer Tom Slee was crowned the FMG Young Farmer of the Year in New Plymouth last night.

Tom Slee Named Top Young Farmer in NZ

Tom Slee is heading straight back to calving. But first, a national title.The Southland dairy farmer was crowned the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year at the Grand Final in New Plymouth on Saturday evening, beating six other regional champions to claim New Zealand's most prestigious farming title.Slee, 29, said he's feeling "really good and proud" after the win. "It means a lot to win – just proud to represent Otago Southland," he said.He become…

‘It’s straight back to the farm’ after national title win

Reading Time: 2 minutes Otago Southland Young Farmer Tom Slee has been crowned the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year after winning the Grand Final in New Plymouth, the first time the event has been held in the region. The 29-year-old dairy farmer claimed New Zealand’s most prestigious farming title on Saturday evening following a fiercely contested competition against six other regional champions. Slee said he’s feeling “really good and proud” t…