The next generation of NZ Hereford breeders staked their claim on the share of prizes at the 2009 Future Beef NZ Hoof and Hook steer competition.

Hannah Knight (Duncraigen), Peter Kane (Westholm), Roz Stokes (Richon), Brittany and Christopher Gibbs (Big River), Zach Walling (Zachlen) and Eamon Dean all fiercely participated in the event which covered everything from educational modules to practical animal handling.

Hannah Knight, was crowned the Allflex overall intermediate Beef Ambassador. She also placed second in the intermediate handlers class (13-17), third in the intermediate module winners (13-17), fourth in the intermediate judging (13-17), Peter Kane was placed fourth equal in the intermediate handlers class (13-17).

Roz Stokes was the steer handler that exhibited the Hereford cross steer on behalf of the Hain family, Beanbah Herefords, that took out the heavy weight cross breed class, sponsored by Lake Station Herefords.

This steer also went on to win champion cross breed on the hoof, champion heavy weight steer and the Riverlands Supreme Grand Champion steer on the hoof. Ardo Herefords also represented the breed with steers being placed fourth equal in the light weight British Breed sponsored by Lake Station Herefords and fourth in the heavy weight British Breed class.