Southland Young Farmers display skills

Erin Buchanan (left), Jacob Mackie and Bridget Henderson take part in the Southland Young Farmers district contest and skills day. Photos / Yvonne O'Hara

Seven southern Young Farmers club members competed in the Southland Young Farmers district contest and skills day near Riverton on Saturday.

The top four will represent the district at the regional competition in Milton in February.

The seven contestants tested their skills on modules, that included first aid, drenching Murray Grey-cross cattle, making pikelets, setting up stock gates and riding a quad backwards, (the quad was in reverse, not the rider).

Matt McRae, of Wyndham club, was first, Allen Gregory, of Nightcaps club, was second, followed by Jacob Mackie, of Nightcaps club, and Zac Thomas, of Waitane club, who were third and fourth placed.

The event, which also included a quiz, was held on Mark and Louisa Willis's property near Riverton.

Allen Gregory, of Nightcaps Young Farmers Club, practices his first aid skills on Carleen Stefaniuk, a visitor from Canada, who is staying in the area. Photo / Yvonne O'Hara

Convener Luke Templeton said the competition went well.

''We had a good variety of modules, which tested different skills,'' Mr Templeton said.

''All the contestants were very safety minded and thought through what they were doing.''

He said he wanted to thank Mr and Mrs Willis for their support.

He also thanked the other supporters and the businesses that helped with modules.

''They made the day run well.''

Matt McRae, of the Wyndham Young Farmers Club, identifies items that might be found on a farm. Photo / Yvonne O'Hara

The next event on the Young Farmers' calendar will be the combined trap shooting competition at Mataura and fencing competition in Gore on November 10.

The Otago district final will be held in Balclutha on November 24 and the Tokomairiro Young Farmers Club at Milton will host the regional final on February 16.