George Dodson - FMG Young Farmer of the Year

George was “stoked” to take out the prestigious national title in July, after an intense competition between seven grand finalists during three days of challenges in Hamilton. Tasks included practical challenges on quad bikes and power tools, an exam, interview, quizzes and public speaking. Representing the Tasman region, George had put in many hours of preparation with his father and mates helping him to practice.  

George Dodson Competing at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Award. Photo Credit: FMG Young Farmer of the Year Awards

“It was pretty surreal to win,” he says, “I didn’t expect it at all. My family were there and were shocked. I was bloody stoked.” 

He also scooped the Agri-Knowledge award, taking home more than $90,000 in prizes. 

Now in Darfield, farming has always been part of George’s life, growing up on a farm until age 11. A shift to Canterbury led to his father starting an engineering business, where George helped out during his teenage years. It was while helping his father build a silo on a farm that he was offered a job driving tractors, which led to after-school work as a relief milker. After high school, he’d planned to travel and take part in Camp America. When Covid scuppered that plan, George went full-time farming instead. 

“I really enjoy the variety of work and being outside, working with animals,” he says. “No two days are the same. There’s a lot of physical work and it’s also mentally stimulating.  

“Coming into the industry full-time I knew I would need some qualifications, so I went to Primary ITO.” 

George signed up to a dairy farming apprenticeship through Primary ITO in June 2020, while working at the same farm he’d spent time on after school. He made swift progress through his training, completing his apprenticeship in just under two years. He then moved to Southland to try his hand at farm management, before moving back to Canterbury to be near family. 

The New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management covers the key fundamentals to running a primary industry business. Learners gain the skills to develop a strategic business plan, carry out financial forecasts, understand environmental and health and safety requirements, along with financial aspects such as capital and tax requirements.  

George has ticked off three diploma modules, while working in his current role as 2IC on a 430-cow farm near Darfield. He says the finance module is the one he’s got the most out of so far.  

“I really enjoy the business stuff, understanding the numbers and how we can look at changing our farm systems to be more profitable and have less impact on the environment. Also understanding some of the stuff coming towards us in terms of regulations. 

“There’s a saying … you need to turn yourself into your biggest asset. All the skills and knowledge I’m learning are part of doing that. 

“The diploma will also be recognised by potential employers as having the technical knowledge and skills to back up my practical abilities.” 

His focus is now on completing the HR module, which includes effective ways to hire, manage, and retain staff.  

George Dodson celebrates with his 2024 FMG Young Farmer of The Year Trophy. Photo Credit: FMG Young Farmer of The Year Awards

George says entering awards competitions is all about benchmarking himself against his industry peers. Earlier this year at the 2024 Dairy NZ Awards, he was named Runner-up in the Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year and won two merit awards in the environmental and people/leadership categories.  

His next goal is to move into sharemilking. He’s hoping that winning the Young Farmer competition will help put his name at the top of the list for sharemilking jobs. 

“That’s the big stepping stone next season, so I’m preparing for when the jobs start coming up. Aside from that, I’d like to tick off a few more dairy awards and longer term, own my own farm.” 

George encourages other young people to give the industry a go. 

For more information about the New Zealand Diploma in Primary Industry Business Management, please click here. 

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