Cash for communities with AFFCO bobby calf scheme

Eketahuna Fire Chief Max Mayer, pictured with AFFCO buyer Daniel Stephens, said the brigade was able to buy some new helmet torches with their donation last year.

Eketahuna Fire Chief Max Mayer, pictured with AFFCO buyer Daniel Stephens, said the brigade was able to buy some new helmet torches with their donation last year.

Last year $90,000 was returned to rural communities with AFFCO's Cash for Calves programme.

The Manawatu/ Wairarapa community benefited to the tune of $8580, with $6276 donated to local rural schools and $2304 to fire brigades.

Eketahuna Fire Chief Max Mayer said the fire brigade put their 2017 donation of $571 towards some new helmet torches to aid them when attending call-outs at night and keep their hands free to get on with the job.

"Every bit helps and we are really grateful for the support."

New local AFFCO buyer Daniel Stephens, who is currently working with Keith Fergus, said that any farmers considering an option for their bobby calves this coming season should get in touch.

"With AFFCO offering a regular pick up schedule and competitive pricing, the community donations are the cherry on top. It would be great to see the Eketahuna and Carterton fire brigades reach the $1000 mark this year."

Each season the suppliers fill out a registration form and at the bottom of the form nominate their school or fire brigade. AFFCO donates 40 cents for every calf supplied to the nominated recipient, which is a donation by AFFCO and doesn't come out of the schedule payment.

In 2017 a total of $21,000 was donated to fire brigades and a further $70,000 to rural schools. AFFCO has donated more than $1 million to rural communities since the donation scheme started out in 2006.