In 2027 Holstein Friesian NZ will be sending a team to the European Young Breeders School in Belgium.

The European Young Breeders School offers young dairy enthusiasts an immersive, international training experience designed to build both technical and leadership skills along with personal confidence. Over five days, participants learn every aspect of preparing Holstein heifers for show—from washing and clipping to judging and showmanship—supported by expert-led workshops in marketing, photography, and cattle selection.

Working in small teams, participants develop leadership and communication skills while connecting with peers from around the globe. The week culminates in friendly competition, giving participants the chance to put their new abilities into practice and celebrate their progress. EYBS is a global benchmark for developing future leaders in dairy breeding, offering a unique blend of hands‑on learning, cultural exchange, and professional growth.

Young breeders aged between 18-25 years of age as at 1 April 2027, are invited to apply for this trip. To apply applicants must submit a formal CV include education history, involvement with the New Zealand dairy industry and cattle breed activities, work experience, community involvement and career goals.

Kate Scheepers (nee Cummings) has been appointed as the Team Leader for 2027 and will travel with the team to Belgium.  Kate will be involved in the team selection and responsible for making all the travel arrangements and seeking sponsorship.

Applications close on 30 April 2026.

Interviews for the trip will take place in May 2026, and the team to travel in 2027 will be announced at the 2026 HFNZ Annual Conference.

Sponsorship

This trip cannot go ahead without the support of generous sponsors. Support our New Zealand team by becoming a sponsor. Please contact Kate Scheepers for sponsorship options – blackandwhiteyouth@nzhfa.org.nz

  1. The successful applicants will be aged between 18-25 years of age as at the 1 April 2027.
  2. The successful applicants must be available to visit Europe during the approximate period of the school being 27 August – 9 September 2027 (the exact dates to be confirmed).
  3. Each successful applicant will be required to contribute NZ$5,000 towards the cost of their trip. The successful applicants may fund-raise or seek personal sponsorship to cover their contribution. 
  4. The remaining trip costs will the covered by HFNZ raised sponsorship. Each participant will be provided with travel, accommodation and school costs.
  5. Expenses of a personal nature will be the responsibility of the successful applications, including travel insurance.
  6. Kate Scheepers (nee Cummings) has been appointed as the leader for the 2027 EYBS Team and will oversee all aspects of the trip.
  7. The Holstein Friesian New Zealand appointed selection panel will review all applications, and short list no less than 6 applicants to be interviewed, prior to the final team selection taking place.
  8. Successful applicants must hold a valid passport that will not expire within 6 months of the departure date from New Zealand. 
  9. The successful applicants will be required to sign a HFNZ Code of Conduct form for the trip to Europe, as they will be representing Holstein Friesian New Zealand.
  10. The successful applicants agree to all photographs and publicity around the trip being promoted via social and print media.

NZ European Young Breeders School Trip application form

Fields marked with an * are required. Please fill out a separate entry form for each entry.

Please submit, for the consideration of the Holstein Friesian New Zealand (HFNZ) appointed selection panel, a formal CV/resume including your education history, involvement with the New Zealand dairy industry and cattle breeding activities, work, experience, community involvement and career goals.

Please attach your CV/resume below or email it to blackandwhiteyouth@nzhfa.org.nz