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.
They receive prizes worth $10000, and will host a field day in November,
with the date to be released soon.
The awards evening at the Ashburton Hotel started with a video of the national convenor, Stephen Rabbidge thanking everyone involved in the competition, and apologising for his absencve as he is overseas.
He spoke of the finalists visited, their extremes of country and the
challenges they all face.
He made special mention of the optimism he has for the competition to continue to grow, and the farmers he and the judges met on their journey
throughout New Zealand producing excellent results.
Rob Cope‐Williams from CTV, Rob's Country, was again the MC and spoke about all the finalists' farming operations.
Convenor, William Mitchell presented the special awards, making special mention of the recipient of the Ravensdown Large Flock Award, Jeff Farm. Jeff Farm, which is owned by the Salvation Army, returns its profits to fund the training of students on the farm, as well as offering scholarships to Lincoln, Telford and Taratahi.
The three National Judges, Andrew Mackie, Andrew Craw and Grant Pine spoke about their experiences during the National Judging and the qualities of the competition and competitors.
The president of the New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association, Derek Clarkson, thanked the sponsors, Alliance Group, Merial Ancare, Ravensdown, NZX Agri, New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Assn, Tru‐Test, and the competition's new sponsor The National Bank.
Also thanked were the hundreds of volunteers all contributing to
the success of the 16-year-old competition.
Preston and Tori Hope were delighted at attaining the major award.
Preston said 'he was speechless by the announcement, felt humbled, and paid special mention to his fellow finalists and to the sponsors'.
