Hunt on for best young farmer

Clay bird shooting, fencing and stock judging are just a few of the highlights of the Taraman Young Farmers competition on May 9.

While competitors for the New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year competition have already been selected, the Taraman event will give Young Farmers members from Taranaki and Manawatu the opportunity to advance to the nationals in individual events.

Jayden Harvey, co-ordinator of the Taraman event, says the competition gives young farmers in the area great experience in a competitive setting.

Events include photography, fencing, clay bird shooting, stock judging and debating. One competitor or team from each event will move forward to the national competition.

"There is an opportunity for school aged students to gain experience too, we will have a stock judging tutor from Taratahi Taranaki at the event to give tips to those looking at a farming future."

Hosted at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds, the day time events are free to enter for all members of Young Farmers and free to watch for spectators. Events begin at 10am and run through until the afternoon with a free barbecue lunch.

From 4pm at the TET Multisport Centre Young Farmers members can enjoy some friendly inter-club competition with indoor soccer and dodgeball. The evening event, at the Stadium Restaurant and Bar, will include the debating competition followed by a buffet dinner, prizegiving and entertainment. Tickets to the evening section of the event cost $25.

Jayden says there has been a great response from competitors entering the competition. "Taranaki and Manawatu Young Farmers groups don't interact as much as we should so this is a great opportunity for the members to get to know one another."

The Taraman Competition will be held on Saturday, May 9 at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds from 10am. Young Farmers members who would like to enter or for those who would like tickets to the evening event can contact Jayden on 07 956 5871. Tickets cost $25 are person.