New Zealand Young Farmers educating Tasman teens at Stock Skills Day.
New Zealand Young Farmers is providing an educational day for Canterbury teens wanting to learn more about stock judging
and handling on Sunday 24 May at the Canterbury Agricultural Park.
Members of New Zealand Young Farmers High School Clubs, commonly known as TeenAg Clubs, in the Tasman region have been
invited to take part in a hands-on, interactive one day program which aims to introduce students to a different aspect
of the agriculture industry.
Students will participate in groups of twelve and move through modules as they would through a typical day of
competition at an A & P Show; from prepping and handling through to judging and prize giving. Prizes will be awarded to the most engaged
students. There will also be a clipping and shearing demonstration.
New Zealand Young Farmers Tasman Field Officer, Teaghan Lourie says the event has had a lot of interest “we decided to
run this training day because it’s a part of agriculture that seems to be falling by the wayside – but it doesn’t
necessarily mean the interest isn’t there. When the students were given the opportunity to learn more they jumped at
it!”
The event this weekend is acting a pilot for other events to be run around the country.
“We did have to cap participants at this event to 50 in its pilot period. However, I don’t see any issue in the future,
as these events gain support, to expand these numbers. Having these lower numbers and smaller groups means that students
will be more engaged and have the best opportunity to learn”.
The event which is being run through New Zealand Young Farmers has gained local support through sponsorship from
BUSHBUCK, ANZCO, Yealands, Allfex and Ravensdown.
ENDS