Do you live in rural NSW? Are you a young farmer? Are you up for a challenge? If so, then the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) Young Farmer Challenge is the ultimate test.

 Entries are now open for the 2012 RAS Young Farmer Challenge Regional Competition,which will be staged at the Australian National Field Days near Orange, on Wednesday October 19th.

Teams of two young farmers, or others working in the agricultural industry, aged between 18 and 35 years are invited to put their technical skills and knowledge to the test in this actionpacked, fast-paced event.

Bernie O’Sullivan, RAS General Manager Agricultural Development says the Young Farmer Challenge showcases not only the breadth of technical skills and knowledge required in farming today and but also the proactive involvement of youth in our industry.

“The competition will consist of a series of skills-based challenges related to farming with a strong emphasis on technique and safety. The event will also be a lot of fun as well as a great opportunity for young men and women to network and meet new people,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“In this marathon of farming skills, more than 40 competitors will tough it out over nine events designed to test different skills. Events may include anything from milking a cow to changing a motorbike tyre, fencing to hay bale stacking,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The winning team will walk away with a share of $2,000 in prize money and an invitation to compete at the 2012 Sydney Royal Easter Show Young Farmer Challenge, the final of which will be held on Youth in Agriculture Day - Saturday 14th April, in the Main Arena in front of a crowd of 24,000 people.

The Young Farmer Challenge is an initiative of the RAS Youth Group, and was first staged at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2009.

If the Young Farmer Challenge sounds like a test you’re willing to take, enter online at http://www.sydneyroyal.com.au/youngfarmer

For further information please contact Paige Cape pcape@rasnsw.com.au or (02) 9704 1160.

 Entries Close Monday 10th October

To keep up to date with the Young Farmer Challenge and other RAS Youth Group initiatives, join the Youth Group Facebook group “RAS Youth Group”.