The FMG Young Farmer of the Year is underway (you can watch the livestream here), which reminded me about 50 Years Young, A History of the Young Farmer of the Year.
At the book launch, author Kate Taylor said she loved Young Farmers, history and writing and it shows in the book.
Her passion for and knowledge of Young Farmers, in depth research and skills as a wordsmith shine through.
This is a fascinating read with plenty of interesting and amusing anecdotes and insights, and plenty of photos.
The contest has involved many thousands of people as competitors, organisers and supporters, a point Kate made in the concluding paragraph of the book:
At closet to 10pm on Saturday 8 July 2018, a 1000-strong crowd got to its feet to welcome the newest Young Farmer of the Year. Regardless of their opinions on who should have won the coveted crown - and there is always parochial disagreement - the crowd was unanimous in its support of their being a fiftieth winner. In the end there can be only one. But thousands of people put them there. It's a contest that's bigger than James Collins, Ray Lew, Bob Parker, Jim Hopkins, Bruce McDougall, Mark Leishman and RIchard Fitzgerald. Bigger than any of the winners, any of the hard-luck stories, the good-luck stories or the feel-good stories.
Take a bow, Young Farmers, It's your show.
Take a bow Kate Taylor, it's your book and it's a very, very good read.
Kate Taylor, author, and former Young Farmer of the Year, current MP, Tim van de Molen, who launched the book.
50 Year's Young A History of the Young Farmer of the Year by Kate Taylor, published by Massey University Press. $50.00.
Kathryn Ryan interviewed Kate here.
Sally Rae reviews the book and adds some anecdotes of the contest here.
The Country adds to the story and Jamie Mackay interviews Kate here.
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