Page 102 - Hereford Magazine 2021

Youth passion shines through

Words: Becs Paterson, Young Breeder Competition coordinator The event culminated with the Wanaka A&P Show, which
included clipping, handling, and showing of heifers from
ow! What an event the Young Breeders Duncraigen, Kane Farms, Waiau, Waikaka, Foulden Hill, and
Competition was and what an impression Limehills Herefords studs.
those young people have left. We would like to thank Boehringer Ingelheim, Allflex, Lake
We had 36 competitors in nine teams Station Herefords, Hereford Prime, and all the Young Breeders
Wrepresenting seven countries – two each Competition event sponsors, the fabulous helping crew,
from New Zealand and Australia and one each from UK, USA, module providers, heifer providers, the judges, and everyone
Ireland, Denmark and Sweden. who made this event possible; without your support events
From the outset, the aim of the competition was set to be like this could never happen.
competitive, informative, fun, and possibly most importantly, Congratulations to the winners of each section. Special
to provide a platform for the next generation of leaders to mention must go to the Most Valuable Participant winner,
build a network for the future of the Hereford breed. I believe Mike Brems of Team Denmark, herdsperson winner and
we can say we succeeded in our goal. reserve Kierin Martin and Connor Evans, both from Team
We showed the teams the best of our beautiful backyard, Australia Red, and of course the champion team, Team NZ
including staying lakeside in Te Anau, Queenstown and Wanaka, Herefords, and reserve champion Team Australia Red.
and getting a hit of adrenaline on the iconic Shotover Jet. Congratulations to the competitors and those directly
The competition was taken very seriously by all nine involved at the event for making this such a worthwhile few
teams and the calibre of all the competitors was far beyond years’ work; you truly are an amazing bunch!
the expectations of the organizing committee and all those
involved; they were all fantastic ambassadors for their countries
and the future of the Hereford breed is in good shape with
these young breeders ready to step up and take the lead.
There were seven days of competition including modules,
quiz night, stock judging, presentation (speech), clipping, and
a handling competition.
Competitors visited New Zealand farming operations, with
farm tours of Monymusk Poll Herefords and Waiau Herefords.
We also joined the conference visit to Locharburn Herefords
to attend a technical session, and competitors enjoyed a
special night out at the gala dinner at Walter Peak Station – a
highlight for many.

100 HEREFORD MAGAZINE Year 2021