Let the games begin!
New Zealand's largest celebration of rural sports athletes and enthusiasts – New Zealand Rural Games - is back for its 10th edition, kicking off in Palmerston North from Thursday, March 6th to Sunday, March 9th, 2025.
This unique hogget competition gives farmers the opportunity to benchmark their flocks against others at both local and national level as well as giving them the chance to compare different farming systems and learn from other competitors as well as the judging panel. All farmers are invited to enter and 'give it a go'.
Entries close March 20 with judging taking place the following month, and the National Final Judging taking place in April, midweek in the North Island and the end of the month in the South Island.
"The achievements of New Zealand farmers deserve more recognition and acknowledgement," says Stephen Rabbidge, the national convenor.
"The New Zealand Ewe Hogget competition is in its 20th year and continues to grow momentum in promoting excellence within the sheep industry. It is now more important than ever for sheep farmers to have an efficient and profitable business. This competition provides the ideal opportunity for entrants to compete and compare to ensure future success."
The Presentation Dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 25 at the Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill, where all breed finalists will be present. Finalists will receive their awards, and at the end of the evening the Overall winner will be announced.
The competition concludes later in the year with a field day on the winner's property.
"A massive thanks to the many volunteers who believe in this competition, contacting farmers encouraging entries, and giving up their time and effort for the duration of this event," says Greg Burgess from the New Zealand Sheepbreeders' Association.
