Dannevirke A&P Show: Cow numbers down but quality good

The children's pet lamb competition drew these three entries from left: Zac Wrenn with Remi (winner), Maizey Wrenn with Marley (2nd) and Rocky Hales with Gabe (3rd).

Numbers were down for the All Breeds Beef section of the Dannevirke A&P Show, but Canadian Judge Mark Oram was hugely impressed with the quality of the stock.

He said the supreme champion and winner of the Sheep and Beef Cup — a Charolais cow from Rauraki Stud was "a great animal with considerable eye appeal". It was sired by a Canadian bull.

Lucy Collins gets the Supreme Champion to strut its stuff in front of the other contenders.

Winner of the Supreme Lifestyle Animal was a Pusterial Bull Calf from Maungaraka Cattle Corp near Masterton, one of a 12-strong pure bred stud. It is a rare breed, with only 350 purebreds in the world. They originate from the South Tyrol in Northern Italy, an old alpine breed. Owner Peter McWilliam exports them around the world.

In the Prime Cattle competition there were good entries. The supreme beast on the hoof was a Forbes Cameron Angus steer pronounced perfect by judge Silvester Eaton. The ultimate test will be when it is judged on the hooks along with the other entries on Tuesday.

Winner of the Supreme Life-style animal went to Peter McWilliam of Maungaraka Cattle Corp for this Pusterial Bull Calf.

Silvester said the stock were very good in both the light and heavy divisions. He said they were very quiet and "quiet beasts grow well".

Willy Philip was also very pleased with the entries in the Prime Sheep competition.
So many were entered, presentation of the place-getters in the Shearing Shed was delayed a while as judges conferred.

Lucy Collin receives the Sheep and Beef Cup - Supreme Champion from Dannevirke A&P Show Patron Ian Barnett for this Charolais cow from Rauraki Station.