Young breeders off to school

Zoe Botha, Kate Cummings, Annie Gill, Holly Powell and Brad Seager have been named as the five team members who will represent New Zealand at the event, to be held in Battice, Belgium from August 30 - September 3, 2023.

The EYBS is the international reference point for training and show preparation, with almost 200 competitors from around the world expected to take part.

A panel of representatives from across the industry was appointed and reviewed all applications, shortlisting and interviewing at least five applicants prior to the final team selection taking place.

"The calibre of the people who applied was really high," New Zealand team facilitator Rachel Stewart says.

"The selection panel was so impressed with the level of applications it received."

Bay of Plenty's Zoe Botha, 20, is experienced in cattle fitting, judging and handling, the key areas of focus at the EYBS. She has been involved in the cattle breeding community for many years and is a member of Holstein Friesian NZ, Jersey NZ, and Ayrshire NZ.

Botha, a machine operator for Seeka/Opac, has many accomplishments within the industry, winning and placing highly in several handling, clipping, and judging competitions both nationally and in Australia. Zoe is described as an extremely hard-working individual who shows an eagerness to learn and to give back to her community.

Southland's Kate Cummings, 24, shows commitment to the dairy cattle breeding industry, having been an active member of the Holstein Friesian Association for many years. Currently employed as a retail manager for VetSouth, managing a team of 13 clinical staff across three vet clinics, Cummings established her own stud 'Maylea' in 2007. The panel says the professionalism and confidence shown in her interview is reflected in the way she encourages and shares her expertise with youth in Southland. Cummings is a Senior Holstein Judge and has represented New Zealand in Australia for cattle judging. She is said to be goal oriented and ambitious.

The panel says Waikato's Annie Gill, 21, exerts assertiveness and an extremely positive attitude. She is said to demonstrate a high level of initiative and enthusiasm when taking on tasks and roles that are important within the dairy cattle breeding industry. Gill, who is soon to be managing Carse-O-Fern Holsteins in Otorohanga, is describes as extremely focused on her career and personal goals and has been a successful participant in previous competitions of the required skills necessary for the EYBS by gaining high placings in industry competitions.

Manawatu's Holly Powell, 19, is an active member of the Manawatu Holstein Friesian Branch, and a member of Jersey NZ and Ayrshire NZ. Continually excelling in both clipping and handling, Powell is said to enjoy encouraging other people interested in the dairy cattle breeding and showing sectors. Powell, who is herd manager of 480 cows at Radly Holsteins, appreciates teamwork, which is a key attribute required for the EYBS, and is confident in her skills necessary to be a competitive member of the New Zealand Team.

Finally, Waikato's Brad Seager, 19, is described as an extremely keen and focused young breeder who has a lot of experience in the skills that are required at the EYBS. He shares these skills and knowledge with others well and will continue to mentor other young breeders to help further their abilities.