The Holstein Friesian NZ Black & White Youth Auction raised over $17,650 for the NZ team heading to the 2023 European Young Breeders School in Belgium
Hosted live at the Holstein Friesian NZ conference in Nelson on 27 June and on bidr®, the annual event saw 26 donated lots go under the hammer of PGG Wrightson auctioneer Jamie Cunninghame.
The Youth Auction usually raises funds to allow Holstein Friesian NZ to provide programmes and opportunities for young breeders to develop their skills and progress in the dairy industry, however, the funds raised in the 2023 auction will go towards supporting the inaugural New Zealand team travelling to compete at the 2023 European Young Breeders School in Belgium.
The school is a great opportunity for young breeders, and the expectation is that they will return to New Zealand and share their learnings and knowledge and participate in HFNZ-run Youth and Young Breeders programmes and competitions.
Rachel Stewart, the facilitator for the New Zealand team, says attending EYBS, which includes workshops, skills demonstrations, talks, and showmanship training, will enable participants to further develop their leadership skills and forge friendships that will last a lifetime.
“This trip will play a pivotal role in developing and broadening the horizons of emerging leaders in New Zealand’s dairy industry,” she says.
“This trip will really give participants an international perspective and passion for agriculture in general. It is an incredible opportunity to further their career in the dairy sector.”
Auction organiser Helen Cummings says the auction was an awesome effort from everyone involved, for a great cause.
“This year, with the money raised going to the youth members going to the European Young Breeders School, our up-and-coming youth will benefit from the knowledge shared by team members on their return home,” Helen says.
“A huge thank you to Jodie Lee Templeman for helping organise the event; to PGG Wrightson for providing the bidr platform so people not attending the conference could participate; to Jamie Cunninghame for the fantastic job of being auctioneer, and to all the sponsors for providing the items. And of course, all the bidders for a fun night.”
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