DairyNZ Farmers Forum returns with events in Waikato, Canterbury & Southland
The DairyNZ Farmers Forum is back with three events - in Waikato, Canterbury and Southland.
Waikato contract milker Corey Ferguson has been named as the judge for the New Zealand Agricultural Show’s on-farm competition in November.
Ferguson is a well-known face within Ferdon Genetics’ exceptional Jersey operation at Otorohanga. He contract milks 235 cows on an 80ha farm in Te Awamutu.
He will be the third generation to officiate at Christchurch Show.
Ferguson has worked in Australia preparing cattle and in Semex’s Hall of Fame at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada. His long-term goals include returning to Ferdon.
“I love seeing good cows, no matter what breed they are,” Ferguson said.
“A good cow is a good cow, regardless of her colour.”
The on-farm concept has been successfully run in the Waikato twice. Canterbury will welcome Holstein, Jersey, Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn, and Brown Swiss entries this year. Geographically, the competition will encompass exhibitors from the greater Canterbury region, who will get their cattle show-ready at home on their properties.
Ferguson will visit the farms involved, with the exhibitors will parade their cattle as they would at the show but without the rest of the competition standing side-by-side.
Placings will be decided by pointing the cattle within their breed and age-groups. A junior, intermediate and senior champion will be awarded in every breed. And, a supreme champion of all breeds will be announced at the competition’s completion.
Prize giving will be held at a public event in the Sheep Breeders’ Bar at Canterbury Agricultural Park, on November 13.
Lydia Goodman has been crowned the Central Otago 2025 Young Grower of the Year regional winner.
Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to deliver on its pre-election promise to change the KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get their foot on the farming ladder.
A breakthrough in the understanding of Facial Eczema (FE) in livestock could bring New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s impact.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) have announced the dates for the 2025 Red Meat Sector Conference.
A Massey University researcher and veterinarian says it may be possible to reduce the percentage of ewes culled or that die each year on some New Zealand farms.
As Budget 2025 looms, farmer lobby Federated Farmers is urging the Government to focus on cutting waste and balancing the books.
OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the…
OPINION: At its recent annual general meeting, Federated Farmers’ Auckland province called for New Zealand to withdraw from the Paris…