It's been a tough, mind grinding and mentally challenging day one of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year with the seven contestants taking part in a number of technical challenges.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty finalist Calvin Ball and six others called on all of their knowledge to complete a complex series of challenges reflecting the wide range of skills young farmers need during the opening day of the contest at Raincliff Station in South Canterbury.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty FMG Young Farmer of the Year finalist Calvin Ball in action during today's challenges. Photo: Supplied

Technical Challenge convenor and former Grand Finalist Julian Gaffaney says the challenge suits those contestants who work logically and methodically.

'There were lots of difficult tasks that juggled their heads.”

The tasks included developing a dairy heifer grazing system with Farmax Software, completing an irrigation share purchase on a block to develop, and various components of a Farm Environment Plan.

Athol New from Mid Canterbury was expected to do well in the technical challenges alongside Tasman's James Hoban and they look the most comfortable with the tasks in front of them.

However, Calvin and East Coast's Tony Dowman were also expected to do well.

Tomorrow however, the Practical Day will see a shift in skills and it's where Taranaki/Manawatu's Pete Fitz-Herbert, Otago Southland's Logan Wallace and Northern's Jake Thomson are expected to excel.

This afternoon the contestants finally got to do their first physical challenge (something all of them were looking forward too) in front of a packed crowd at the Piazza overlooking Caroline Bay in Timaru.

The mental challenge continues tonight with the eagerly anticipated Meridian Energy Agri-Knowledge quiz buzzer rounds, followed by a personal speech from each contestant.

NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland says he is constantly impressed by the level of knowledge and skill contestants display.

'They are our high achievers and during the FMG Young Farmer of the Year they consistently show why the primary industry is leading the way in innovation, technology and skills. We should be proud of these outstanding young men, knowing that they will go on to be tomorrow's leaders.”

The contest continues tomorrow alongside AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg national finals.