Kubota joins forces with Hurricanes
Japanese agricultural equipment maker Kubota will have its stamp on the home jersey for the Hurricanes.
One of the country’s most promising young cattle judges is heading to the US to play professional rugby.
Gordon Fullerton, 22, who grew up on his parents’ dairy farm near Te Awamutu, has been signed by Old Glory DC.
He’ll relocate to the US this month and will be based in the nation’s capital, near the White House.
“This is my first professional rugby gig. There are quite a few unknowns, but I’m really excited,” said Gordon.
“It’ll be great just to focus on rugby for a bit and test the boundaries, although it will be hard been away from the cows.”
Gordon has been playing premier-grade rugby in the Waikato for the Te Awamutu Sports Rugby Club.
Old Glory DC competes in a national competition and will clash against teams from Texas, California and New York in 2020.
Gordon’s other major passion is dairy cows.
His parents own Woodcote Holsteins, one of the top producing Holstein Friesian herds in the country.
Gordon has spent the past two years working for LIC as a genetics specialist.
“It’s a diverse role which I’ve really enjoyed,” he said.
“I’ve been able to travel all over the country and visit some impressive dairy farms.”
“Talking with passionate dairy farmers not just about their cows, but also their farming businesses, has been a bonus,” he said.
Gordon faces a long drive if he wants to milk a dairy cow in his new home.
“The closest dairy farms will be a couple of hours drive from Washington, or in the neighbouring state of Pennsylvania,” he said.
“I plan to visit a few dairy farms while I’m over there. It’ll be an interesting learning experience and good for the soul,” he said.
Gordon might be a rising talent on the rugby field, but he’s also gaining national recognition in the cattle show ring.
The Holstein Friesian NZ member recently received the coveted Pitcairn’s Trophy after winning a junior judging competition in Christchurch.
He also took out the World Wide Sires all breeds junior judging competition at Stratford A&P Show this month.
“I’ve been judging since I was a teenager. I enjoy going to shows and watching dairy cattle in the show ring,” he said.
“Judging is quite a skill. You have to be able to confidently articulate why you have placed one animal before another.”
“We’re looking for a functionally sound animal with a strong udder and sound feet and legs to help her live longer and be more production,” he said.
Talking into a microphone in front of exhibitors and a large crowd has delivered unexpected benefits.
“It’s helped me get better at public speaking.”
“It’s always useful if you’re in a situation where you’re outside of your comfort zone and you can talk your way out of it,” he laughed.
Gordon’s contract in the US runs until June 2020, which he hopes will be extended.
Managing director of Woolover Ltd, David Brown, has put a lot of effort into verifying what seems intuitive, that keeping newborn stock's core temperature stable pays dividends by helping them realise their full genetic potential.
Within the next 10 years, New Zealand agriculture will need to manage its largest-ever intergenerational transfer of wealth, conservatively valued at $150 billion in farming assets.
Boutique Waikato cheese producer Meyer Cheese is investing in a new $3.5 million facility, designed to boost capacity and enhance the company's sustainability credentials.
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
Compensation assistance for farmers impacted by Mycoplama bovis is being wound up.
Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.
OPINION: Dust ups between rural media and PR types aren't unheard of but also aren't common, given part of the…
OPINION: The Hound hears from his canine pals in Southland that an individual's derogatory remarks on social media have left…