FarmGuard's Isla Edgecombe Named NZ Young Farmers Emerging Member of the Year 2025

FarmGuard Technical Account Manager Isla Edgecombe has been named the New Zealand Young Farmers Emerging Member of the Year 2025, recognising her contribution to the Young Farmers community and her commitment to supporting New Zealand's rural sector.

The national award celebrates members who make a meaningful contribution to their clubs and communities through their involvement, leadership and consistent support. For Isla, the recognition came as a welcome surprise. "It's not something you strive for," said Isla. "It's really recognition for the behind-the-scenes work, supporting your club and region, helping out where you can and showing up consistently. I'm very appreciative of Te Anau Young Farmers Club for backing me and recognising that work that goes on behind the scenes."

Based in Invercargill, Isla is an active member of one of 12 Young Farmers clubs in the Otago/Southland region. She served as Publicity Officer for the Te Anau Young Farmers Club for three years and now holds the role of Chairwoman. In addition, she is in her second year as Secretary of the Otago/Southland Young Farmers Regional Executive Committee, supporting club and regional initiatives alongside her role with FarmGuard.

The awards process begins with nominations from Young Farmers members across the Otago/Southland region. The Regional Executive Committee reviews submissions and selects the top nominees in each category, who are recognised at the regional finals. Category winners are then put forward to the New Zealand Young Farmers Board, which assesses nominations from across the country and selects the national finalists and winners.

Connected to New Zealand's Farming Communities

Having grown up on a dairy farm, Isla has a strong connection to agriculture that continues today in her role as a Technical Account Manager with FarmGuard, where she supports 54 farming customers across Eastern Southland.

FarmGuard is a trusted partner to New Zealand Dairy Farmers, delivering dairy hygiene and teat care solutions backed by technical expertise and specialised equipment. By working alongside farmers, FarmGuard helps improve milk quality, farm efficiency and the long-term performance of dairy operations.

For Isla, the opportunity to work closely with farming businesses every day has been a rewarding step in her career. "I grew up on a dairy farm, so it's a natural fit. I enjoy working with farmers and being part of an industry that's such an important part of New Zealand."

Her role also gives her the opportunity to build relationships across the agricultural sector, strengthening connections that benefit both the farming community and the businesses that support it.

Building Connections Through Young Farmers

Young Farmers plays an important role in rural communities throughout New Zealand, bringing together people from across the agricultural sector and related industries.

From farmers and contractors to engineers, electricians and rural professionals, members have the opportunity to connect, learn from one another and contribute to their local communities through social events, fundraisers and industry activities.

"Young Farmers is all about community and connection," said Isla. "You meet people from all parts of the industry and build relationships that can last throughout your lifetime."

Those connections have helped Isla expand her network and engage with people across the rural sector, while also contributing to the strong sense of community that Young Farmers is known for.

Growing a Career with FarmGuard

Isla joined FarmGuard just 13 months ago and, at 24 years of age, has already taken on significant responsibility managing a large customer portfolio across the Southland region.

She credits much of her success to the support she has received from her colleagues and the opportunities available within the business.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity I've had with FarmGuard. I've loved being part of the team from day one. School and study were never my strengths, but I was always determined to prove I could achieve my goal of becoming a sales representative in the farming industry. FarmGuard gave me that opportunity, and with the support of the people around me I've been able to learn, grow and develop every step of the way."

Her experience reflects FarmGuard's commitment to investing in people, creating opportunities for growth and supporting the next generation of talent within New Zealand's agricultural sector.

Recognising Future Rural Leaders

Isla's achievement highlights the important role young professionals play in strengthening New Zealand's rural communities and industry.

Through her involvement with Young Farmers and her work with FarmGuard, she is helping build connections, support farming businesses and contribute to the future of New Zealand agriculture.

Congratulations to Isla on this well-deserved recognition and on being named NZ Young Farmers Emerging Member of the Year 2025.