Elite Heifer Raffle winners drawn

Stephen and Judith Ray, from Balclutha, have won the Holstein Friesian NZ, Elite Heifer Raffle that was drawn live today.

Holstein Friesian New Zealand’s Elite Heifer Raffle was organised by Holstein Friesian NZ’s Black and White Youth Committee.  The raffle, in its second year, has raised funds to send a group of young breeders to the European Young Breeders School, in Belgium.

Last year 175 tickets were sold and this year that number was increased to 200 tickets. Holstein Friesian NZ, Vice President Doug Courtman, said that was a great result.

“Thank you to all the breeders who nominated heifers for this raffle and congratulations to those that had heifers selected. Thanks also to all those members and their families that purchased tickets and helped us sell all 200 tickets,” he said.

The Ray’s will now get to pick from the six heifers on offer and the breeder of the chosen animal will also receive $5,750 (including GST).

There were also cash prizes for second and third place.

Matthew Korteweg, from Kaitangata, won the second place prize of $300, while Alex King, from Westport, won the third prize of $150.

The raffle draw was overseen by Barbara McDermott, from Norris Ward McKinnon, and it was drawn by Holstein Friesian NZ, Breed Services Administrator, Sharon Goldsbury.

Mr Courtman said the intention was to send our team of young breeders to the school in Belgium in 2022 and it offered a great opportunity for our next generation of breeders to upskill and gain international exposure.

“This is obviously dependent on our borders opening for travel, but we are all hoping this will be sometime in 2022.”