Drought drops sheep, cattle numbers
Sheep and cattle numbers continue to decline, and this year's drought hasn't helped, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ).
Davies won the junior herdsperson title at the 2013 Canterbury A&P Show, taking home one of four scholarships. This enabled her to travel to the Sydney Royal Easter Show earlier this year to watch, learn and compete.
“Attending the show in Sydney was a great experience. I competed in the youth events including the state judging final,” she explains. “Though I couldn’t win a place due to being a Kiwi, I would have placed fifth out of 30 competitors. I had a great time over there and saw some exceptional cattle. I also came home with great ideas for the youth programmes in New Zealand.”
Davies started showing cattle when she was in year 12 at Rangiora High School. Now a third-year BAgSc student at Lincoln University, her passion for the hobby has grown.
“Showing beef cattle is a different hobby but one I enjoy. Preparation starts long before the show when you break in the cattle and teach them to lead with the halter. We wash, blow dry, clip and prep the cattle before the show and do the final touch-ups at the show.
“I do it because I love it. Cattle are total characters and much like people they have their own personalities. You learn their quirks and they become part of the family. Showing also teaches you about stockmanship (where and how they move in relation to yourself), feeding, animal health and responsibility.”
She says showing cattle offers great networking opportunities and the chance to make lifelong friends. Davies has also had the opportunity to compete at other big events like the World Angus Forum and Future Beef NZ.
She recommends other young people enter the show and try for the scholarship. She also advises would-be competitors to make the most of the opportunity.
“It’s one of the best opportunities I’ve had. Young people coming into the game need to know it’s hard work but not be discouraged. Go talk to people, look at cattle, judge cattle, handle cattle and get your show skills up to speed. Even if you just want to compete for fun, get out there and practise your skills.”
Winning the Lady Diana Isaac Scholarship adds to her glowing CV and she hopes ultimately to own a sheep and beef property and make a name for herself in the stud cattle industry.
Four Lady Diana Isaac Scholarships are awarded annually at the Canterbury A&P Show, one for each of the following sections: junior herdsperson, junior dairy stock judging, junior beef stock judging and the New Zealand Young Judges Championship (sheep).
