Canterbury Show attracts overseas judges

Canterbury Show attracts overseas judges

Livestock and equestrian judges from across the globe will descend on Christchurch in mid-November as New Zealand’s largest A&P Show turns 155 years old.

Over 500 people volunteer at the Canterbury A&P Show every year and around 120 of those volunteers are judges, with some coming from as far as the USA in 2017.

Canterbury A&P Association President, Peter Gilbert, said the caliber of judges is one of the reasons the Canterbury A&P Show is seen as New Zealand’s most prestigious A&P event.

“Bringing these judges in from overseas is a huge draw card for our competitors. Not only do they bring extensive international experience, it’s also extra confirmation for our competitors that their stock is the best of the best as they’re being judged by someone completely new.”

This year the Canterbury A&P Show will host a Royal A&P Dairy Cattle Event, which has prompted the appointment of Mark Rueth from Wisconsin, USA. Mark owns Rosedale Genetics, has sold embryos in ten countries and has judged at top level shows and expos in the USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Switzerland and Mexico. He also currently serves on the World Dairy Cattle Show Committee.

It’s not just the overseas judges that bring a wealth of knowledge to the event says Mr Gilbert:

“We also have judges coming from across New Zealand, many of whom have decades of experience both here and overseas. A lot of these people have worked in the industry for a long time, forging their careers in genetics, owning their own studs or just being incredibly passionate about stock judging. Some have volunteered for many years at our Show too. We can’t thank them enough for lending their time and expertise.”

With entries closing in a couple of weeks, Mr Gilbert urged exhibitors to get their entries in.

“Not only is it a great opportunity to win prizes and awards, it’s also a chance to swap knowledge and ideas with other exhibitors and learn from judges too. Plus, you can’t beat the chance to catch up with old friends and meet other likeminded people. It’s a very special event and my family and I cherish the friendships that have come from the Show over the years.”

The 2017 Canterbury A&P Show will take place from 15 to 17 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park. $100,000 of prizes are up for grabs across 3000 classes and 6500 entries are expected to be received for the 155th Show. Horse and pony entries close 15 September, livestock entries close 22 September, showjumping and dressage entries close 18 October. Schedule of Classes and entry forms are available from: www.theshow.co.nz/show-entries/schedules-entry-forms.

ENDS

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