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Angus Youth Trust

The forecast said rain but the sun shone brightly on the 17th of October for the Manawatu/Wanganui Angus Youth Clinic at the New Zealand Angus Association Bull Evaluation Unit. An enthusiastic group of young people ranging in age from 7 - early 20s gathered to be instructed by Richard Rowe, Chairman of Show and Sales and NZ Angus Association Councillor.

Richard discussed the Bull Evaluation Unit and the 53 bulls, aged 1 year to 15 months. He then spoke to the group about being able to find differences between bulls in order to judge them. "You need to be familiar with the basic structure and to look for strong points and weak points."

The group then split in two with the more experienced group moving off to judge a group of bulls with the younger and less experienced members of the group working with Richard.

After a picnic lunch the group headed to the NZPBB office for the afternoon session which was focused on Stud Cattle recording sheets. They were introduced to Calf Returns and Weight Sheets and given a demonstration of the Breedplan recording system. Russell Priest, Beef Genetics Co-ordinator for Meat & Wool New Zealand, then took over with a presentation on EBVs and genetics and a light hearted game.

A big thank you to Forbes Cameron and family for opening the Bull Evaluation Unit to us, Richard Rowe and Russell Priest for sharing their knowledge, Rob Wylie, Mark Stevens, Peter McWilliam and Grant Crawshaw for assisting with the bulls.

As always we are eternally grateful to our sponsors without whom the day would not have been possible. Our grateful thanks to Manawatu Veterinary Services, Farmers Transport, NZPBB Graphics Department, Hunterville Veterinary Services, Royal Agricultural Society, Rabobank, Wrightson and Meat & Wool New Zealand.

Finally, last but certainly not least, thank you to all the young people (and parents) who attended!

Cindy Hawkins
Clinic Co-Ordinator

Group two justify their judging choices.

Jeffrey Brooke, William McWilliam and friend ponder the merits of these yearling bulls.

Group one - take a well deserved break.

Russell Priest talks Genetics.