Waikato Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson has secured the title of New Zealand’s top young farmer.

The 27-year-old came third in the grand final in 2023 and is over the moon to become the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year in 2025.

He also claimed first place in the Community Footprint, AgriBusiness and the AgriSports sections.

Hugh says he was always an energetic child who loved being outside on his family’s sheep and beef farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan.

He’s the fourth generation of his family to farm in the area when his great-grandparents, John (Hool) and Margaret Jackson started farming after World War II.

Initially interested in a rural professional role in rural banking, Hugh went to Massey University and studied for a Bachelor of AgCommerce majoring in Farm Management.

Unable to get his foot in the door of a banking graduate programme he applied for the DairyNZ graduate programme.

“In 2020 I was a trainee consulting officer with DairyNZ in Invercargill, followed by an extension partner role on a dairy farm in mid-Canterbury in 2021, then back to a Southland dairy farm in 2022 as a herd manager,” says Hugh.

Returning to his roots

On June 1, 2023 Hugh moved back to the family farm where his dad, John Jackson, was keen for a hand running the 1,800 hectare family farm and 150ha lease property.

“We winter around 2000 Friesian/beef cross bulls for finishing and 2500 odd ewes. I always planned to come back to the farm one day and the time was right. I’ve become an equity partner in the family business and I’ll be here for the rest of my life.”

Hugh wants to look after the land for future generations and loves the fact that he helps feed the world and generates income for our country.

He is outspoken in his views about carbon credits and feels that the industry is shooting itself in the foot by turning prime agricultural land into pine forests.

“Monoculture and blanket planting good farmland into trees that we will never get back is not the way forward.”

Baling hay was challenging for Hugh who hadn’t done it before. Photo / NZ Young Farmers

Like most of his generation, Hugh enjoys the use of science and technology in farming.

While he loves dog work with the stock, he reckons by the time he reaches his dad’s age everyone will probably be bringing their stock in using a mobile phone.

He expects to be doing everything differently and moving with the technology.

Young Farmers

“I first became a Young Farmers member in 2017 with Massey Young farmers. I’ve been a member ever since, competing consistently over eight years.”

While working in Southland, Hugh won the Otago Southland FMG Young Farmer of the Year title earning him a place in the 2023 grand final.

When he came back to the Waikato, Hugh joined the Hamilton City Young Farmers Club and has since become chairman.

“I’ve suffered from depression and I know how important it is to get off farm and socialise. I like getting out for recreational activities when I can like fishing and free diving and am fortunate to be based near the coast.

“NZ Young Farmers is a great organisation where you can catch up with mates and keep making connections.”

After coming so close to winning the 2023 FMG Young Farmer of the Year, Hugh was keen to give it another shot.

Just like the actual job of farming, the challenges and modules cover both mental and physical aspects, and the requirement for resilience and adaptability.

None of the grand finalists know what they will face and this year were confronted with modules that included baling hay, fish filleting, heavy machinery, bridge building and sheep shearing and many more.

“It’s tricky to prepare for as you have no idea what is going to be there until the day. The baling was challenging for me as I’ve never done that before.

“Shearing is always good fun, and the bridge building was a very cool challenge.”

Hugh is starting to think about how he can use his role to advantage others in the industry and showcase farming in a good light.

Hugh enjoys the camaraderie and connections the NZ Young Farmers clubs offer. Photo / NZ Young Farmers

NZ Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly says Hugh impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector.

“FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It’s inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.

“After seeing the talent from this weekend, the future is bright and forward-thinking for NZ’s food and fibre sector.”