The first of four Holstein Friesian NZ-run Young Breeder Showmanship events will kick off this week at the Waikato A&P Show.
These fun and educational showmanship and handling events, to be held between October 2024 and February 2025, are open to kids aged 14 and under who would like to learn tips and tricks for handling their animals in the ring to help them develop better skills for Young Handler classes.
The events will be held on A&P Show grounds the evening before each of the following shows: the Waikato A&P Show, and Canterbury A&P Show, the Stratford A&P Show and the Gore A&P Show. Participants are encouraged to bring their own calf if it is at the show.
The events will be run by the team that attended the 2023 European Young Breeders School: Zoe Botha, Kate Cummings, Annie Gill, Holly Powell and Brad Seager.
Holly Powell says she will be attending both the Stratford and Christchurch events, with the other team members also attending two shows each.
“We will be teaching the attendees an understanding of show etiquette as a handler, and the correct set-up of an animal and the importance of doing it a specific way,” Holly says. “It is going to be awesome to be able to pass on the skills we learnt from the more experienced handlers and fitters at the European Young Breeders School in Belgium last year.”
Holly says she has noticed when it comes to young people interested in showing cattle, once they’re hooked, they’re hooked.
“I would say these events are getting them one step closer to being able to take opportunities to attend a show overseas – whether that’s the European Young Breeders School or International Dairy Week in Australia, they are all such amazing experiences.”
Holstein Friesian NZ General Manager Cherilyn Watson says attending the EYBS was a leadership and development experience for the team members, and now they are giving back to up-and-coming showing enthusiasts.
“These events are very much focused on upskilling the next generation of young breeders, leading on to the World Wide Sires National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp and future trips to EYBS,” Ms Watson says.
For more details, follow the Holstein Friesian NZ Facebook page.
Events
- Waikato A & P Show: Thursday, 31 October, 5:30 PM
- Canterbury A & P Show: Tuesday, 12 November, 5:30 PM
- Stratford A & P Show: Friday, 29 November, 5:30 PM
- Gore A & P Show: February 2025 (Date and time TBC)
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