Fierce Competition Expected at 2012 Conference

The TBfree New Zealand Young Farmers 2012 National Conference gets underway in Dunedin on May 24th – 27th. The Conference runs alongside the National Bank Young Farmer Contest and is a chance for Young Farmers to put their skills to the test and their Club’s reputation on the line in a series of competitions.

The Great Outdoors themed week is action packed with several competitions on offer for Conference attendees. These include the Goldpine New Zealand Young Farmers National Fencing Competition, Stock Judging, Tug-of War, Photography and Debating.

The Conference is an opportunity for New Zealand Young Farmers to ‘expand their network and to learn something new’ says New Zealand Young Farmers National Chairman Paul Olsen.

The Stock Judging competition will be held alongside the Goldpine Fencing Competition on Thursday 24 May at the Invermay Research Station. New Zealand Young Farmers Stock Judging competition coordinator Sarah Heddell says ‘it’s a great way for competitors to learn from experienced breeders which is beneficial to their farming careers’. Miss Heddell says that Competitors will be sheep judging and will also be expected to judge either cattle or deer.

Regional Rivalry will be the hot topic at the Forsyth Barr Stadium Friday 25th May as the Tug-of-War takes place. A team from each of the seven Young Farmer Regions will battle it out in the annual Tug-of-War challenge. Bragging rights are up for grabs and will be awarded to the winning region.

Photography entries will be on display at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The competition consists of four categories: People/Animals, New Zealand Young Farmer Activities, Black and White and Landscape. The competition entries ‘are of a very high standard this year and this competition allows Young Farmers to show their creative side’ says New Zealand Young Farmers Manager Sara Russell.

A North Island verses South Island Debate takes place in the evening on Friday 25th May. The topic of the Debate is “The North Island is and always will be the backbone of New Zealand”. NZYF Extension Manager Duncan Trotter says ‘this year’s topic is sure to make for a hotly contested debate as island pride is at stake.’

National Chairman Paul Olsen urges all NZYF members to consider heading along to the 2012 Conference ‘The Conference is for all Young Farmers – whether or not you’ve been before, whether you hold an Executive position or you’re brand new to the organisation – there’s something for everyone.’

Conference packages and a full timetable are available via the New Zealand Young Farmers website (www.youngfarmers.co.nz)

ENDS

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