Quality stock on show

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

THE various stock competitions at the 2020 Poverty Bay A&P Spring Show produced quality results with wins to Patch Murphy in the heifer challenge, the Cooks in the chilled lamb competition, and to Florence Faulks in the breeding ewe contest.

The Cook family from Amberly Farms at Wainui and Tolaga Bay had a great day on Saturday and took out the Ovation Chilled Lamb Competition.

Wai Station won the “on hoof” section, followed by Briant Bros Ltd and Amberly Farm.

Amberly Farm won “on the hook” and overall “best carcase”, from Briant Bros Ltd and Whangara B20 Station.

“The Cooks are annual supporters of the event and always produce quality stock,” said Ovation livestock manager Will Faulks.

“There was quality lamb presented by our local farmers, all of a very high standard. Considering they have had a difficult season to date it was a credit to them all.”

He said entries were up on last season and it was great to see everyone make the effort on a chilly morning.

Mangahauhau Hampshires Old Season Lamb Final Muster was won by Merv Cook in the single lamb on hoof section.

The single lamb on hook prize went to Duncan Cook and the Briant Bros Ltd were third.

“Another win here for the Cooks. They had a very successful day, closely followed by the Briant's once again,” Mr Faulks said. “It was the second year of this competition and the increase in entries was great to see.”

The Short Contracting Breeding Ewe Hogget Competition went to Florence Faulks, ahead of two pens from Totangi Station.

“Florence's ewe had a set of quads which were in good order.

“All in all it was a good show in the sheep section.

“We really appreciate the support of our sponsors in what has been a tough year for most.”

Patrick “Patch” Murphy from Whareopaia Station in Tolaga Bay took out the Turihaua Supreme Heifer Challenge, followed by entries from the Savage family from Poututu and Kowhainui Stations respectively.

The seven entries were down slightly on last year.

The PGG Wrightson Swine Commander competition “best porker” prize went to Alex and Campbell Chrisp, the “best baconer” prize to Andy Fallon, and the “Supreme Pig” award was won by Robin Gardner.

There were nine pens of pigs presented.

“The quality of pig entries this year was definitely a step up on last year's inaugural competition, with 16 pigs entered across the categories,” Mr Faulks said.