One of Central Taranaki's youngest breeders, Midhirst's Liam Newton, hopes to further make his mark at the Stratford A&P Show this weekend, adding more ribbons and trophies to his already-full chest of awards won at calf and pet days and rural shows.
As soon as he could walk Liam took to leading and rearing calves, says his mother Cheryl.
After registering as a breeder at age four he grew his stud from his first show calf, Cutie Pie, to 36 pure Ayrshires including calves.
The breeding is based on names, says Cheryl, with she and Liam choosing the bulls from the Ayrshire unproven sires (due to a low budget) based on whether they like their names or not. "People laugh, but it works."
Placing with Lonestar Byways I'mcool (Sam) as grand champion light breed at the South Taranaki Boys and Girls Calf Day in Kaponga was quite a coup for Liam, says Cheryl, as he was competing against the heavier Friesians .