Film star poultry breeder keen to pass the baton

Doug Bain (left), of Dunsandel, is keen to encourage young people to get into poultry breeding, including Shaun Prangley, of Dunsandel. Photo / David Hill

Film star Doug Bain is keen for the next generation to step up.

The Pecking Order star planned step down as poultry convener after next month's New Zealand Agricultural Show, after bowing out from the equivalent role at the Selwyn Spring Show earlier this month after decades of involvement.

The Dunsandel farmer was presented with the Ellesmere A&P Association's personality of the show trophy in recognition of his service and his newfound celebrity status, nearly 18 months on from the release of Pecking Order.

He was the second chook breeder to win the trophy after former poultry convener Ted Slattery was the inaugural winner in 1998.

Mr Bain was the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Bantam Club president during the filming, before being unceremoniously ousted in a coup.

The film told the story of members of the Christchurch club as they prepared for the 2015 national show, which was held in Oamaru.

''I walk down the street in Leeston and Christchurch and people will still come up and congratulate me.

''Of course, one scene is never forgotten.''

He said the film had given poultry shows throughout the South Island a major boost.

''After the film came, Brian Glassey and I, as two of the stars, were both at the show in Dunedin and people were queuing up to congratulate us and take photos.''

However, he acknowledged that fame had taken a bit of getting used to.

''I'm a boy from out in the tussocks and I don't like a lot of attention.''

The Selwyn show featured in Pecking Order, the 2014 show at the beginning of the film and the 2015 show at the end.

While the main events for chook breeders were the various poultry shows held during the winter months, Mr Bain said having a presence at the spring A&P shows, such as Leeston, Rangiora, Kirwee and Christchurch, was good promotion.

He said he was keen to encourage the next generation, including 10-year-old Shaun Prangley, of Dunsandel, who won the W.L. Gobbe Cup for best junior (under-16) at the Selwyn show, after acquiring some white leghorn bantams from Mr Bain earlier this year.

- Central Rural Life