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 becomes the 14th winner from the region — and the third member of his own family to take the title. His father Richard Slee won it in 1999, his uncle Simon Hopcroft in 2004. The trophy returns to Otago Southland for the first time since Season 50.

The victory had a familiar shape to it. Heading into the Agri-Knowledge quiz, Slee sat third behind Cam Clayton and Jack Taggart. A dominant buzzer-round performance turned the leaderboard on its head — almost exactly the kind of comeback his father made during his 1999 campaign. Taggart from Aorangi finished runner-up, 10 points back. Clayton from Waikato Bay of Plenty took third.

The Grand Final programme covered exams, interviews, practical modules and public speaking. Slee also claimed top honours in agribusiness and the agri-knowledge challenge, taking his total prize haul to more than $90,000.

More than 60 supporters made the trip from Southland to New Plymouth to cheer him on. He acknowledged them on stage. "I want to thank everyone who helped along the journey, all the sponsors, organisers and especially my family and partner Genevieve," he said.

Before the final, Slee admitted he was "always hoping, but very nervous." The nerves, it turned out, were well managed.

As for what comes next, Slee isn't mapping out a speaking tour. "It's straight back to the farm, we've got calving to do," he said. "I love being out on the land with the cows and sheep, so hopefully I can just keep doing that."