Synlait's back
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.
FOLLOWING THE Canterbury A&P show, the Synlait Boys and Girls Agricultural Club, last week held their own championship day at Canterbury Agricultural Park.
All outlying Canterbury primary schools got the opportunity to compete in livestock judging, which was similar to what they would experience at an official A&P Show. To qualify for the championships, entrants were first required to attend a school pet day within their region.
Judged took place across three sections: care and attention, leading and handling and their project books, submitted before the Canterbury A&P Show.
The competition received over 80 entries, comprising beef calves, dairy calves, lambs, poultry, pigs and goats.
On the day, each participant paraded their animal in front of the judges and answered a series of questions on their care. All entrants received a certificate, voucher for Tothill’s Mazes and Tip Top ice cream, while winning entries also received ribbons and trophies.
Geoff Bone, Canterbury A&P Show’s event director, says youth development is a cornerstone objective for the association.
“The championship day is an extremely important initiative. Getting children interested in animal care and welfare from a young age is imperative to both the future of the association and the agricultural industry as a whole in New Zealand,” says Bone.
Mark Burnside, Synlait’s Milk supply relationship manager also sees the value of supporting such events.
“We want to support those youngsters who commit time to seriously looking after their animals. Our hope is they hold on to their interest in livestock and farming, and will in time, establish futures in the sector,” says Burnside.
“Whether it is in a farming capacity or in the wider agriculture sector, we are going to need a growing number of people looking at these roles as serious career opportunities.”
Results:
Dairy Calves – Junior (years 1-4)
Dairy Calves – Senior (years 5-8)
Beef Calves – Junior (years 1-4)
Beef Calves – Senior (years 5-8)
Lambs – Junior (years 5-8)
Lambs – Senior (years 5-8)
Pigs
Poultry - Junior (years 1-4)
Poultry - Senior (years 5-8)
Goats
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