Shepherd's star is on the rise

SHEPHERDING SENSATION: Jason Powell, (right) of Homewood, winner of the inaugural Taratahi Shepherd of the Year competition with organiser Doug McKenzie(left) and Paul Crick representing Taratahi.

If you have enough talent to impress Sir Brian Lochore in the farming sphere, you might be going places.

Homewood's Jason Powell, was named Taratahi Shepherd of the Year last Thursday after a field day on a Hinakura farm, attended by over 250 farmers.

The competition is for up-and-coming farmers, giving them a chance to show their knowledge of the industry to prominent people, while also showing that they have mastered the basics of shepherding.

This is the first year it has been held, running alongside the Wairarapa Farm Business of the Year competition, which was won by Donald McCreary and Anna Johnston of Hinakura.

Mr Powell said he left school at 17 because he had already decided on his career path and it involved being outdoors and working hard.

"I just love being outside, getting my hands dirty and working with dogs. I love the general work too like fencing and shearing."

His aim is to own his own farm.

Mr Powell impressed the judges with his first round written answers to open-ended questions and then with his second round performance, showing the judges his farm and explaining his duties.

"My main goal is to make a good name for myself and to buy my own farm one day. Every dollar I make will go towards that," Mr Powell said.

Taratahi's Sheep and Beef Farm Manager Paul Crick named Mr Powell as the winner.

"I'm thrilled that Taratahi is the sponsor of Shepherd of the Year. There are some really talented shepherds out there and they deserve to be acknowledged and enjoy some time in the spotlight," Mr Crick said.

Sir Brian Lochore was at the event and was encouraged by the young farming talent.

"I applaud this competition, anything that recognises excellence in the industry is good.

"To be a great shepherd you have to have the all-round ability to turn your hand to anything. You are the future managers and owners and the industry needs you desperately. The opportunities you will have in the future will only get bigger and bigger," Sir Brian said. The prize pool for the competition was $7000. Mr Powell won $4500 in prizes and cash and the two runners-up, Cameron Dallas and Jakeb Herron each won a Lister shearing hand piece.