Eight rural singletons have been named this year’s Fieldays Rural Catch, and will soon compete for an impressive $20,000 prize pool and to take home the coveted Golden Gumboot.

Fieldays Rural Catch gives four guys and four girls some time off-farm, an all-expenses paid trip to Fieldays and the chance to meet some like-minded individuals and compete for some great prizes.

Finalists this year include six from the North Island, two from the South Island and two wildcards selected by Fieldays Rural Catch partner Farmlands and The Edge.

Kerry Taylor, a shepherdess from Wanganui, describes herself and an easy-going, positive friendly girl who loves a laugh and doesn’t take things too seriously. She’s passionate about stock welfare and is after someone with a good sense of humour who’s easy on the eye. Her ideal date would be an outdoors activity.

Lewis Nichols, a heavy machinery operator in Otorohanga, found his destiny driving tractors and is passionate about sustainably cropping and mental health in the rural sector. Lewis is after a country girl who knows what it takes to be on the land. His ideal date would involve a nice meal and a good beer at a quiet restaurant with plenty of good yarns.

Charlotte Leach of Hamilton is a DairyNZ research technician who loves to learn and is passionate about reducing environmental impact and improving animal’s welfare. Charlotte is after a respectful, mature bloke who loves adventure and having a good laugh. Her idea date would be a sunset with a rural view and settling down to chat under the stars.

Ash Foley, an arable senior assessor based in Christchurch, loves being outdoors, enjoys being involved in her Waimak Young Farmers club and feels the need to educate society on the importance of farming and the connection to where food comes from. For her ideal date, Ash would like the guy to take the lead and show or teach her about something they’re passionate about.

Sam Harvey is an ICP manager for AsureQuality in Christchurch who describes himself as a sporty farmer who is always on the go. Sam loves the freedom of rural life and is passionate about lessening the disconnection between the rural and urban communities. Sam’s idea of a good date would involve activity of some sort – biking, swimming, running or boxing.

Farmlands’ Wildcard finalist is Aleisha Broomfield, a 50/50 sharemilker based in Morrinsville who loves a good banter and is after someone kind and caring who’s driven to achieve and values family. Aleisha is passionate about showing the positives of the farming industry and her ideal date would be something fun outdoors followed by a cold beer.

Trent Hill is a senior shepherd from Taupo who describes himself as a typical Kiwi bloke who enjoys hunting, fishing and sheep and beef farming. Trent’s after someone he can have a laugh with and his ideal date would involve something casual like a few beers at the pub.

This year competitors will brush up their confidence with media interviews, sponsor engagements and show off their skills in fencing, innovations, chainsaws, health and wellbeing, finance and ATV skills.

Find out more about the Fieldays Rural Catch competition at: fieldays.co.nz/whats-on/rural-catch/