Dairy returning to Dannevirke A&P Show

Tony Thompson holds 2016 Supreme Champion Yale with the other three winners (all Simmental) from his Glen Anthony stud. From left: Emma Pollitt with Junior Heifer Champion, Kimberley Booth with the Champion Cow, Rhys Tidswell with Champion Junior Bull.

After an absence of at least a decade from Dannevirke's A&P Show, dairy is returning in 2017.

Interest generated in the recent Manawatu Show inspired Simon Collin to push for re-introduction in 2017, starting initially with dry stock. Entries are already flowing in and organisers hope the full range of dairy will be introduced in 2018.

Beef has been a huge success since its re-introduction two years ago.

Having the supreme champions presented before the grandstand on Saturday after the terrier racing was spectacular.

This year a lifestyle category has been introduced in beef to give less well-known beef breeds like Dexters a chance to shine.

A cup has already been donated and entries are flowing in.

The beef industry is also giving the younger beef handlers and paraders a chance to present and handle stock in competition.

Nation-wide Future Beef is taking off where 14 to 24-year-olds display their best, and Simon believes the A&P Show is a chance to give locals a go before the big regional competitions.

Again the supreme champions will present before the grandstand on Saturday.

Will Tony Thompson defend his title?