Waihemo A&P Association president wants to show kids fun in farming

The Palmerston and Waihemo A&P Association's new president Garry Dodd hopes to encourage more youth involvement in future shows.

Showing youth the fun side of farming is what the new president of the Palmerston and Waihemo A&P Association hopes to do.

Garry Dodd, of Dunback, took over the role of president after Paul Mutch stood down after four years in the role. Mr Mutch will continue to act as the chief executive of the Otago Field Days.

Mr Dodd both grew up and worked in the area, so has plenty of local knowledge.

He and wife Katrina have four children: Liam, Jamie, Ryan, and Emma.

Mr Dodd first became involved in the association's annual show in his earlier years with Young Farmers and he has remained involved through volunteering.

He said he was looking forward to his new role and continuing the projects already under way, which included updating the horse yards as well as getting sheep and horse weighing scales.

Mr Dodd also hoped to bring his personal touch to the event in order to show children the fun and enjoyment of farming.

He said the 2019 show would include farming simulators and activities to demonstrate the enjoyment farming could bring.

''Children often see the stressful side of farming. . . I hope from this they can see the fun side and the technology.

''The show will still be traditional but have more of a modern twist.''

He said the show was not just for rural people and he hoped to encourage people from more urban areas to get involved too.

Coming into the role he said he ''didn't realise there was so much to it'' and he had plenty of work to do.

The association has a busy time ahead.

Saturday, September 15 is the spring show and antiques and artisan's craft afternoon. The Otago Field Days follow on October 12 and 13 at the Palmerston Saleyards and the annual show is on February 2 and 3 next year.

-By Ella Stokes

Southern Rural Life