The National Hereford youth committee has committed to a worthy cause for the 51st Wodonga Hereford National Show and Sale, donating 50 percent of their auction event proceeds.
Held on May 11 at the annual cocktail dinner, the youth committee will raise money for the non-for-profit organisation, Drought Angels.
Youth Ambassador Nikki Williamson said the organisation was chosen by committee members in aid of supporting fellow cattle producers in tough times.
“It was started by two girls who said it’s not right that the people who could not afford to put food on their table, were the very people who put food on our tables,” Mr Williamson said.
By helping farming families affected by the drought with everyday essentials, as well as feed for livestock, Ms Williamson said the youth donation will help people in the largest beef producing area.
“We rely on those producers a lot, so it’s important the youth are involved in helping wherever they can,” she said.
Going under the hammer at the auction will be equipment packages and semen donated by Glendan Park, Red Hill, EDR Herefords, Mawarra and Truro Herefords, Bellata.
The auction feature item is a Hereford hide, donated by D.S. Horne P/L Leather, Adelaide.
With a hope that the event will create a great atmosphere and plenty of bidding hands in the air, Ms Williamson said it will also be an opportunity for future leaders of the breed to get involved and make their mark in the industry.
"The more fun our youth have at events held by the Hereford national youth and ambassadors the better, it will help ensure they keep coming back to all the major events and in the long term secure the future of the breed," Ms Williamson said.
The youth calendar for 2016 has presented multiple opportunities for future leaders of the breed to get hands on experience and first hand knowledge of the industry.
“The youth coming through are always going to be the next generation so we need to strengthen this youth and excel the breed for the future; pushing Herefords into a higher competitive market,” she said.
Earlier this month, the Hereford youth ambassador day was held to provide further education on judging and hair care skills.
Ms Williamson said the gathering of like minded people helps ignite passion about the breed and provide a platform to generate fresh ideas to encourage engagement.
“The youth participated in workshops on how to wash a heifer correctly in order to get the healthiest hair on an animal,” she said.
“These events allow older generations who have the expertise, to give youth something to work on and improve; there are always new ideas on how to do things.”
