Page 108 - 2020 NZ Hereford Magazine

placed fifth overall in the senior division; a massive achievement shed as well as organising the team and preparing cattle. His
in a tough class. efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
After lunch, breed judging saw heifers judged in three age The New Zealand team took on this opportunity with
divisions, followed by a yearling bull and a steer class. The great enthusiasm and it was wonderful to hear all the positive
standard of cattle was high and it was a great opportunity for comments made about them and see them grow and develop
the participants to watch the cattle getting judged and learn their Hereford network.
more about the process of preparing and presenting cattle for
the show ring. “I enjoyed meeting fellow Hereford breeders and cattle
enthusiasts that I will no doubt keep in touch with going
“Like the rest of the team I loved networking; everyone forward. We are grateful to the continued support from
was so open and welcoming, which made our time over Boehringer Ingelheim, who are loyal sponsors and
there so worthwhile. It is refreshing talking to others who supporters of NZ Hereford Youth.”
have different backgrounds but share the same passion Sam Tipping
for the agricultural industry.”
Niamh Barnett Huge thanks must go to Becs Paterson for her hard work
managing the New Zealand Hereford Youth team since their
The third day was focused around the handling competition. selection in January, and voluntarily accompanying them on the
Our New Zealand team looked sharp in the show ring and did trip to Australia. Due to her position as WHC Young Breeder
us proud. Hannah was the only kiwi to place in the handler Competition coordinator, she has since handed the reins over to
competition, coming third in a senior split. The competition was Emma Pollitt, who has done an exceptional job managing the team
high and just getting pulled out in a split was a big achievement. for the latter half of 2019 and through to the competition in 2020.
Prizegiving was held at the conclusion of the third day. There The team has also been involved in several other events
were various awards and scholarships handed out, including and opportunities in preparation for the 2020 competition.
the herdsperson competition, where Hannah was named Senior Several team members had great success at the Royal Show
Champion Herdsperson, with Lisa third and Sam fourth. An in Hawke’s Bay, where Niamh placed first in the RAS Fleece
amazing achievement for all three of our senior representatives Judging Final and Lisa placed first in the Sheep Judging and
to be placed. second in the RAS Beef Parader Final. Sam placed first in
the Young Farmer stockjudging at the Canterbury Show in
“It was completely unexpected to be awarded Senior November and was then associate all breeds judge under John
Champion Herdsperson, which I’m so honoured and grateful Scott from Scotland. He also competed in the Young Farmer
for. It topped off a very successful and enjoyable weekend for of the Year in the Aorangi region. Mark and Lisa also had
our kiwi team. Thank you to the entire organising committee Young Farmers events, Hannah competed in the Angus Youth
and all Hereford Youth members for making us so welcome Roundup in Toowomba in January, and Niamh has spent time
and including us.” with local breeders, practising her clipping as well as remaining
Hannah Gibb involved with Teen Ag competitions.
Hannah says the team has worked hard right through 2019
The herdsperson awards were judged separately from the in preparation for the 2020 event.
other competition elements by two judges in each age division. “We’re looking forward to representing NZ Hereford
These judges shadowed the competitors everywhere they went Youth and showing the world what we’ve got. The event and
and assessed things like their work ethic in the shed, working with
the cattle, how they approached the competition elements and BELOW: Mark Murphy.
the learning elements, how they helped their fellow competitors,
and for the seniors, their willingness to help all the peewees.
Everyone commented on the New Zealand competitors’
work ethic, willingness to learn, how they fitted in, and that they
were such great competitors.

“Being part of the New Zealand team at Parkes Youth
Event was an amazing experience and the perfect
training event for our build-up to the Young Breeder
Competition. My biggest take-homes were the grooming
training and clipping demonstration. Both showed me I
still have a lot to learn.”
Mark Murphy

Mark was over the age to compete in the event but he
attended all the senior modules, and helped everyone in the

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