Show ring project for students

The showing of stock is one of the proud traditions of A&P Shows around the country and for some students at the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre this year's Stratford show will be a chance to share their newly learned skills in the ring.

This is the first year that the National Certificate in Farming Skills Level 3 course has included a unit involving preparing and showing an animal for competition.

Tutor Maryann Symonds says the students are enjoying learning a set of new skills and are committed to getting the cows ready for the Stratford A&P Show.

Students have had to take ordinary herd cows and break them into wearing a harness, being led and "coping in a ring".

Student Daniel Goodin says that while jersey cows Daisy and Bitsy have been relatively easy to put on a lead "because they have been treated so well by the farmer during milking, there are some red devon heifers we are also working with who are not used to humans at all and are spooked easily".

Maryann says the course deliberately uses a mix of dairy and beef cows to give the students a wider learning experience.

Student Fiona Hall is enjoying the challenge. "I am learning a lot about the temperament of the animals, you don't have to be rough to make them do what you need them to do."

Students will also have an opportunity to learn to clip the animals and get them cleaned for show day. Maryann says the project has given the students a wider understanding of what a good animal looks like. "The students can identify a good rump, legs and feet and what that means for the milk production of the animal."

The project would not have been possible without the support of the Stratford Demonstration Farm and several families, who have offered use of stock.

For those interested in finding out more about courses at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, visit their stand at the Hawerea A&P Show on November 221 and 22, and at the Stratford A&P Show on November 28 and 29.

Taratahi project manager Grant Kobus says it's not too late to apply for a place. "Most programmes are part-time we have them on a rolling intake which means new students can jump on board at any time of the year."