Jersey New Zealand conference to have virtual auction

Photo / Christine Cornege

While the custodians of Forsyth Barr Stadium might blanch at the thought of about 20 Jersey cattle being auctioned there next month, they need not worry.

It will be a virtual auction.

Between 15 and 20 elite animals will be for sale during Jersey New Zealand's Jersey Pride auction, using PowerPoint presentations.

Jersey New Zealand's general manager Pam Goodin said the breed society was holding its annual conference and meeting at the Scenic Circle Southern Cross, in Dunedin, on May 27-29 and the auction at the stadium was one of the activities.

After registration, formal dinner and awards presentations will be on Monday evening, including an opening address by Dunedin Mayor David Cull.

Te Radar will provide entertainment.

''There will be all sorts of awards for those people who have worked or done really good things to support the association in the past 12 months.''

Results of photographic, on-farm and youth judging competitions would also be announced.

Next day, AgResearch national farm manager Ron Pellow, Young Farmers New Zealand chief executive Lynda Coppersmith and New Zealand Animal Evaluation Ltd interim manager Brian Wickham are the speakers.

The morning session is followed by a Taieri Gorge Railway excursion.

The Jersey Pride sale will be held that evening, followed by the Jersey New Zealand and Jersey Youth auctions.

Proceeds from the first auction of donated goods go towards conference costs and the second will raise money to provide additional resources for Youth Council.

The annual meeting will be on Wednesday and dinner is at Larnach Castle that evening.

Goodin is keen to see all interested people attend.

''Even if they are not association members, I am very keen to get local farmers to come along.''