Year 13 boarding students Michael Blunt and Zander McCloy are both finalists in the Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition.

Farming runs in the blood of Michael Blunt and Zander McCloy, who both come from farms - Michael from a sheep and beef farm near Kaikoura and Zander from an avocado orchard in the Bay of Plenty.

And their knowledge will be tested in the grand final of the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition, the preeminent rural challenge that takes place from 6-8 July in Timaru.

The boys, who will represent Tasman, will compete together against other regional finalists from around the country. They will be put through their paces with both practical tasks and theoretical challenges that will test their understanding of the food and fibre sector.

The practical competition is on Friday, 7 July, entry is free, and everyone is welcome at Winchester Showgrounds, Winchester. More information can be found here: Junior Young Farmer of the Year

The boys said being named as finalists was pretty special. "We finally have something to show for all the work we have put in over the years."

Michael says agriculture and farming mean a lot to him. "It is the backbone of New Zealand and also the world."

Both boys hope to continue with careers in farming. Zander says he would love to own his own sheep and beef farm and "supply New Zealand and all the other countries with sheep and beef".

Old Boys are also competing on the national stage, with three of the seven finalists for the FMG Young Farmer of the Year all old boys of St Bede's - Peter (2012-2016) and Nick O'Connor (2016-2020) and Mac Williams (2016-2020). Peter and Nick are brothers and are making history as the first brothers to compete in the grand final together.

Previous old boys winners of the Young Farmer of the Year competition include:

• 1978 - Stephen Ryan (1963-1967) from Tai Tapu
• 2009 - Tim O’Sullivan (1993-1997) from Fairlie