Southland dairy farmer Tom Slee is crowned FMG Young Farmer of the Year. Multiple outlets report that Slee receives the national title at the Young Farmer of the Year event held in New Plymouth over the weekend, with coverage describing the moment as “surreal.” Otago Daily Times and the NZ Herald all identify Slee as the recipient of the 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year award. The NZ Herald also adds background that the win is the third time a member of Slee’s family has won the Young Farmer of the Year title. Other reports focus on Slee’s reaction to the recognition and the fact he is named New Zealand’s top young farmer. The articles reference supplied photographs and confirm that the award is presented under the FMG Young Farmer of the Year banner. Across the sources, the central points are consistent: Slee is selected for the national youth farming honour, the ceremony takes place in New Plymouth, and he expresses surprise at winning.