Show's new leading lady's love of fibre
A love of animal fleece is the driver for Anne Rogers who is this year’s President of the Canterbury A&P’s New Zealand Agricultural Show.
The plastic sheep that became famous around Christchurch city after the earthquakes have slowly started going to new homes.
During Wednesday’s Young Auctioneers Competition at the NZ Agricultural Show, competitors auctioned off a sample of the ‘sheep’ as an unusual addition to the annual event.
Competition convener, Mick Withers, noted that some were unsure to begin with but it turned into a roaring success.
“It was great to see the lads have some fun, this is a serious competition that all involved train hard for with aim of taking away the top accolade.
“The sheep not only offered a few laughs, but an unusual challenge unlikely to have been faced before by anyone involved. Great fun all round.”
The sheep raised between $300-$500 for the Mental Health Foundation.
Christchurch City Council will auction off the rest of the sheep in a silent auction on the ASB Village Green throughout Friday, with draws being called at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.