Camp reveals rising stars in dairy world

• Published date: 18 January 2023
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

The 19-year-old was among 21 young handlers to attend the World Wide Sires National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp organised by Holstein Friesian New Zealand at the local A&P showgrounds

‘‘I’ve been to four camps now and every year you pick up little pieces and tricks to make the animals look as good as possible, just picking up tricks to do the the top line and the belly hair.’’

Now she’s looking forward to putting them to practice at the three-day New Zealand Dairy Event at Feilding’s Manfeild Agri-Centre from this Tuesday.

She will be part of a team preparing a line-up for the dairy event from the Radly Holstein stud of about 400 pedigree Holsteins, owned by her parents, Brad and Kelly Powell, at Manawatu’s Rongotea.

The stud had put cattle into the dairy event the past six years and had been getting some good results, she said.

Leaving school in 2020 after finishing year 12, she knew a career in the dairy breeding industry was for her.

Today she is working as a farm assistant at Manawatu’s Maire Farm where there are 700 pedigree Holsteins.

She was singled out for praise among the handlers aged from 10-years-old to 21 who came from around the country for the Rangiora camp.

As well as the Paramount Cup awarded to the top all-rounder, she also received the Top Senior Handler award.

The junior handler honours went to Canterbury’s Israel Hansen (13), while the Best Presented Heifer award was presented to Southland’s Chloe Thomson (18) and the Dennis Terry Memorial Trophy for the most improved clipper went to Canterbury’s Caitlyn Stewart (17).

Held over four days, the camp brings young people together to make friends, learn about animal behaviour and care and they take part in a mini-show and team building activities.

Depending on their age, each participant is given the responsibility of looking after a 10-month or four-month-old animal with Holstein, Friesian, Jersey or Ayrshire bloodlines.

Educational modules include genomics, clipping, animal health and photography, as well as an on-farm visit.

‘‘I love seeing all the young ones come through and it’s really cool seeing the next generation get going,’’ Miss Powell said.

HFNZ field officer Amelia Griffin said the handlers got a lot out of the...