Cow art but no calves at Manakau School's ag day

Manakau School pupil Charlie Dale-Low with his winning work.

A ban on calves at the annual Manakau School agricultural day last week meant pupils drew pictures of their pets instead.

Due to the outbreak of Mycoplasma bovis last year and the subsequent restrictions placed on stock movement nationwide, the school had been advised to stop hosting its annual calf judging competition until further notice.

We were lucky in that we had a number of lambs — and a goat. It was a great day.

— Deb Logan, school principal

School principal Deb Logan said while calves were missing there was still a heavy rural flavour to the event, and all other competitions continued as usual, like floral decorations, cupcakes and artwork.

"We were lucky in that we had a number of lambs — and a goat. It was a great day," she said.
"We will wait to be advised on when calves can return."

In the absence of calves, it was decided the theme for the art competition would be "cows".
Manakau School 11-year-old Charlie Dale-Low was awarded first place in the art section during the school's annual agricultural day last week.

Charlie drew a picture of his calf, called Ronald.