Game change paying big dividends

IN HIS ELEMENT: Caleb Eady at work in company with dogs Jane, left, and Fred. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

A South Wairarapa shepherd who bucked the trend 15 months ago and flagged away dairying in favour of working with sheep and beef is one of eight young farmers nationwide heading to Lincoln to compete in the preliminary round of the World Young Shepherds Challenge.

Caleb Eady, 20, moved from Northland to Wairarapa, to take up shepherding on a 1300ha finishing farm belonging to Ed and Mel Handyside between Kahutara and Pirinoa.

Previously Mr Eady had been second-in-charge on a 1100 cow dairy farm near Kerikeri but decided he didn't really enjoy dairying and moved on.

Since arriving in Wairarapa with India McLean - his partner of three years - Mr Eady has not only launched into his new job, but has become vice chairman of South Wairarapa Young Farmers along with being events co-ordinator for the Young Farmers East Coast Region and pursuing his love of rugby.

He plays for the Tihurangi senior reserves " floating around somewhere in the tight five, usually as a prop or lock."

Mr Eady and the seven other Young Farmers competing in the preliminary round will head to Lincoln in early July.

The top two performers will go on to represent New Zealand at the world finals in France in late September and early October.

Chief executive of New Zealand Beef and Lamb Scott Champion said the challenge is a " fantastic event, showcasing a vital industry".

The chosen eight from across New Zealand were selected on their skills, qualifications and involvement in the sheep industry.

Brooke Elliot, 23, works on Kyeburn Station in the Maniototo and is the Chairwoman of the Maniototo Young Farmers Club. She also runs a contract sheep dipping business and spends much of her spare time involved in dog trialling, sports and has successfully competed in a number of equestrian events.

Harriet Gardner, 20, works on her family's sheep and beef farm in Waimate. She is a competitive horse rider, involved with stock judging and belongs to the Glenavy Club.

Ms Gardner has been the recipient of several scholarships and industry awards.

Twenty-three year old Alex Reekers works as a stockman in Waimate and won this year's Aorangi Young Farmers Regional Fencing Competition. He is vice-chairman of the Glenavy Club and belongs to the Waimate Sheep Dog Trial Club.

Katey Craig, 21, of the Marton Club is a junior shepherd at Otiwhiti Station in Hunterville. She is studying towards a Diploma in Agriculture, enjoys dog trialling and was the recent recipient of JD Bashford and Royce Nicholls Agricultural Scholarships.

Mitch Hoare, 19, of the Te Kuiti Club, is a senior cadet at Waipaoa Station. Mr Hoare enjoys dog trials.

Christine Wellington, 20, of Taupo belongs to the Reporoa Club and works as a senior shepherd at Landcorp Aratiatia in Waikato.

She plays basketball, netball and is involved in dog trialling.

Mitch Nation, 23, of Dannevirke, works as block manager at Pohuetai Farms and also competes in speed shearing.

The competition, running alongside the 46th ANZ Young Farmer Contest Grand Final events, will consist of shearing, condition scoring, a quad bike obstacle course, identifying sheep breads, foot trimming, drenching, counting sheep and demonstrating knowledge of the sheep industry.