NZ Young Farmers overhauls bull calf competition

Sophie Brown is keen to test her calf rearing skills in a competition that could see Horowhenua farmers competing to rear the heaviest bull calf.

Horowhenua farmers are being challenged to put their skills to the test to rear the heaviest bull calf.

NZ Young Farmers has overhauled its annual bull calf competition, which now has a $10,000 prize pool. It's a major fundraiser for the 13 Young Farmers clubs in the Taranaki/Manawatu region.

Sophie Brown, who lives on a Taranaki sheep and beef farm, has already entered.

"This is my first season rearing calves, so I'm keen to put my skills to the test," Sophie said. "It's a fantastic way to support the next generation of farmers." Kate Appert, who manages a 200-cow dairy farm, is also giving it a go.

"This is a great opportunity for the girls to show the blokes who does a better job at calf rearing," she said.

Farmers keen to rear a Friesian bull calf (F12+) until weaning should register now. The first 40 calves donated get a free bag of meal from NRM.

"The calf has to be born between August 1 and August 20 this year," said competition manager Blair Briscoe. "We're hoping to have around 50 calves donated. The weigh-in will be on November 18, when all the donated calves will be sold to a single buyer on contract," he said.

The Rural Support Trust will also benefit from the competition.

"A quarter of the profits raised will be donated to the Rural Support Trusts in Taranaki and Manawatu," Blair said.

Honda and Fonterra Farm Source have given farmers another incentive.

"There's a big prize pool up for grabs, including a Honda two-wheeler motorbike, $2000 of Fonterra Farm Source vouchers, a water blaster and a chainsaw," Blair said.

The Taranaki/Manawatu region stretches from Urenui in north Taranaki, to Ruapehu and down to Wellington.

Farmers can email taraman.bullcomp@gmail.com