The Riversdale farmer won his fourth New Zealand conventional ploughing championship at the weekend in Middlemarch and punched a ticket to the European host nation for the world championships.
He said he was "blown away" with the result after a tough couple of days on the dirt.
"I wasn’t very happy with how I performed myself, just using different gear and it wasn’t just where I wanted it to be.
"But yeah, to come out and pull it off is great. I’m stoked and pretty chuffed."
"I’ve ploughed up here a few times and it’s probably a bit drier than what we’re used to.
"I probably didn’t adapt as quick as I should have on the first day but on my stubble day I built a really good plot, so it’s all about time in the seed and being adaptable on the day."
Mr Dillon was also using different equipment to what he normally did because his tractor and plough were overseas from a previous trip.
Mr Dillon will be joined in Croatia by Malcolm Taylor, of Putaruru, who won in the reversible class.
Championship results
Results of the 70th New Zealand Ploughing Championships in Middlemarch on April 5 and 6.
Reversible: Malcolm Taylor (384), 1; James Burnby (319.5), 2; Murray Baird (305), 3.
Horse plough: John and Sharon Chynoweth (379), 1; Blair Lennon and Scott McKenzie (346.5), 2; Sean Leslie and Casey Tilson (327.5), 3.
Vintage ploughing championship: John Wild (336.5), 1; Robert Weavers (333), 2; Dave Allan (323. 5), 3.
Contemporary ploughing: Jake Watt (294.5), 1; Keith Marychurch (268.5), 2; Josh Rushton (236), 3.
Vern Bishell Trophy for best presented horse team: John and Sharon Chynoweth.
Wiganwood Trophy for best presented rig: Bruce Graham.
W G Miller Trophy to highest placed competitor age 35 and younger: Matt Ridge.
