The importance of managing ewes in late pregnancy and early lactation
The ewe is under her greatest nutritional and metabolic stress in late pregnancy and in early lactation.
Now in its 17th year, the competition's objectives is to select flock replacements that are likely to be more productive and profitable over their lifetime.
The sponsors welcome Allflex to the sponsorship team. The competition gives farmers the opportunity to benchmark their flocks against others at both local and national level. They can also compare different farming systems and learn from other competitors and judging panel.
All farmers are invited to enter and 'give it a go'. Entries close March 21, with judging taking place the following month, and the National Final Judging takes place April 24.
"The achievements of New Zealand sheep farmers deserve more recognition and acknowledgement. It is pleasing that the New Zealand Ewe Hogget Competition is gaining momentum and now plays a major role in the promotion of excellence within our sheep industry," Stephen Rabbidge, the national convenor.
"I urge all farmers with sound management skills to seriously consider involvement in this year's competition."
The Dinner Presentation takes place on Wednesday, May 29 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, where all breed finalists will be present. Everyone is welcome to attend and during the dinner the finalists will chat with the MC Jamie McKay regarding their farming operation, and a slide show of their property viewed on screen. At the end of the evening the overall winner will be announced.
"I continue to be in awe of the passion and commitment of the many people involved with this competition who contact farmers encouraging entries, giving up their time and effort for the duration of this event," says Greg Burgess, New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Assn.
