Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Emma Poole has made history by becoming the first female to claim the crown in the prestigious Farmer competition. After three days of intense challenges that tested her farming skills and general knowledge, Poole emerged as the winner at an awards ceremony held in Timaru on Saturday night. This victory marks a significant milestone in the competition’s 55-year history.
In her acceptance speech, Poole expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, We’ve finally knocked the grass ceiling off the roof. She acknowledged the efforts of the many women who paved the way for her and emphasized the important role women play in agriculture. Poole sees herself as a product of their achievements, and their confidence inspired her to step up and give it her best shot.
The road to victory was not easy for Poole. The competition started with regional finals held across the country between February and April. Only a select few made it to the grand finals, where contestants were faced with various tasks designed to evaluate their skills, including repairing farm machinery, creating a hydroponic system, and a race-style challenge with multiple tasks that rewarded both speed and proficiency.
The judges were impressed by Poole’s resilience, wide range of skills and knowledge, and sheer determination, according to Lynda Coppersmith, the chief executive of New Zealand Young Farmers. Coppersmith expressed her delight at seeing the prestigious farming award go to someone who will be an exceptional ambassador not only for the competition but for the entire food and fiber sector.
Upon winning, Poole admitted to feeling overwhelmed, highlighting the strength of her fellow finalists and the tough three-day competition. She did not enter the finals with excessive confidence but knew she had given it her all, which is all one can hope for in the end. This is not Poole’s first time in the grand finals; she also qualified in 2019.
While Poole claimed the top spot, Peter O’Connor, the Aorangi representative, secured second place by a narrow margin. Hugh Jackson, an Otago-Southland farmer, came in third. O’Connor expressed his satisfaction with achieving second place and acknowledged the challenging nature of the competition. He looks forward to returning and further testing himself in the future, driven by his competitive nature and desire to push his boundaries.
In conclusion, Emma Poole’s historic achievement as the first female winner of the Farmer competition is a testament to the progress made in the agricultural industry. Her victory not only symbolizes the breaking of barriers but also represents an inspiring moment for women in the sector. Poole’s passion, skills, and determination have rightfully earned her the title, and she will undoubtedly serve as an excellent advocate for the contest and the wider food and fiber industry.
