Region calf rearing contest begins

Taranaki dairy manager Kate Appert reckons she can raise calves as well as a bloke. Photo/ file

Whanganui and Rangitikei farmers can raise and donate a bull calf in a competition to win prizes and raise funds for the Taranaki/Manawatu region's 13 Young Farmer clubs.

It's the second year the competition has run, and it is the main fundraiser for the clubs, Central Taranaki Young Farmers publicity officer Brad Markham said.

He's hoping around 50 calves will be donated.

This year there's a prize pool worth $10,000 and it includes a motorbike, a chainsaw, a water blaster and Farm Source vouchers.

The first 40 calves donated will get a free bag of NRM meal, to help feed them.

A quarter of the money raised when the calves are sold will go to the region's Rural Support Trusts, and the rest to Young Farmer clubs. The clubs will use it to hold events and training days.

The competition is to raise the heaviest Friesian (F12+) bull calf until weaning. The calf must be born between August 1 and August 20 this year. The weigh-in will be on November 18 and after it all the donated calves will be sold to a single buyer on contract.

To enter, email taraman.bullcomp@gmail.com. Or for more information, ring the organiser, Blair Briscoe, on 027 303 6611