After two days of competing, Waikato/Bay of Plenty region representative Tim Van de Molen is the 2013 ANZ Young Farmer champion.

The ANZ Agri-manager and Hamilton farm owner was runner up in the 2011 Grand Final and Tim says he is honoured to win the 2013 title.

Waikato/ Bay of Plenty representative Tim Van de Molen is the 2013 Young Farmers Contest champion. Photo supplied.

'I'm just delighted with the outcome, it is been a long road to get here. It's an absolute honour and a privilege.”

The 30-year-old sees the accomplishment as a stepping stone into a broader role in the rural sector.

'Agriculture is what this country is built on, it's that pioneering spirit that formed our country and I'm very proud of that and keen to be involved.”

Tim also took out the Lincoln University Agri-growth Challenge and received $9500 towards an industry related conference package.

But, Tim is not the only winner on Auckland's TVNZ Studio stage on Sunday night.

Aorangi's Matthew Bell, the youngest competitor, took out the Ravensdown Agri-skills Challenge and is the proud owner of $14,000 worth of Ravensdown and C-Dax products and services.

Taranaki/Manawatu's Cam Brown triumphed in the AGMARDT Agri-business Challenge and won a $15,000 AGMARDT Scholarship towards a career development programme.

Reuben Carter from Otago, Southland dominated the Silver Fern Farms Agri-sport Challenge winning a Silver Fern Farms and FarmIQ farmer technology package worth $5000.

Organisers say this year's contest was not for the faint hearted, with the heavy downpour during the practical day at Kumeu Showgrounds adding to the complexity of the challenges.

The grand finalists' skills, stamina and strength were all put to the test completing tasks including cooking a gourmet meal, building a miniature farm, sheep shearing and fence building.

The young farmers' business skills were also tested in an HR module, a business presentation and a panel interview including the physically demanding Agri-sports Challenge.

Tim was slightly behind the pack during the Practical Day. But with contestants delivering convincing and engaging speeches during the Friday night ANZ Grand Final Dinner, Tim quickly reversed the scoreboard during the evening show and question rounds.

In his speech, Tim thanked his family, his partner Hilary, the organizing committee, the other contestants, and the sponsors for their competition support.

'It's hugely important how [the sponsors] have continued to front up in these trying economic times and while the prizes are fantastic, it's even more important to note that they are here because they are aligned with the same things that the Contest stands for: passion for driving the industry forward”.

The young farmer says his preparation for the contest relied upon the wider agricultural industry.

'It's about getting out and getting involved in the industry and using those opportunities and connections to build your network and build your knowledge base”.

Tim was awarded nearly $70,000 in prizes including $10,000 from ANZ, entrance to Kellogg's Rural Programme from Lincoln University valued at $5,000, Ravensdown and C-Dax products, and an AGMARDT scholarship towards a career development programme worth $2,000.

He also received a gourmet barbeque and a Silver Fern Farms farm technology package and FarmIQ worth $10,000, a Honda TRX500FRM ATV and EU20 Inverter generator worth $19,700, Husqvarna power equipment worth $8,000 and $7,000 of Vodafone products and services.

He will also be taking the coveted trophy back home to the Waikato.

'It will live above the fireplace”, he says.

Tim's advice for aspiring Young Farmer competitors is once something is done, it's done.

'And if you weren't happy with it, just put it behind you and continue”.

As for the future, Tim wants to relax and get back into the swing of normal day-today life, but is still eager and excited for the opportunities awaiting him.

'It's been a wonderful journey but, for me there is certainly more. It's not the end, just the beginning. I'm passionate about agriculture and I hope this will be a springboard to continue that involvement long-term”.