EIGHT young breeders will soon be packing their bags for New Zealand - and a shot at the world.
The octet of Connor Evans, Annie Pumpa, Brandon Sykes, Kierin Martin, Janet Cantwell, Helen DeCosta, Alicia Trovatello and Lachlan Woodcock will represent Herefords Australia in the World Hereford Conference Young Breeder Competition.
The competition in Queenstown is part of the conference running from March 7 to 13.
The Australians have been divided into two teams of four and will face competitors in a range of activities, including cattle handling, stock judging and a clipping competition.
Organisers say the competition will be informative, rewarding and challenging.
Herefords Australia youth co-ordinator Katelin Davies is confident both teams will perform at their best.
"We believe that both teams are stacked with young breeders who possess the skills and polish that will give them a competitive edge against the other countries," Ms Davies said.
"Most of all, we hope that each team member finds the entire process to be very rewarding and we look forward to supporting them in their journey."
The Australian contingent will depart on March 6, arriving in Queenstown ahead of registrations which will be processed on March 7.
The following day will involve a farm tour and welcome dinner while competitors will enjoy another farm tour and judging on March 9.
The March 10 program includes competition speeches and on March 12 there will be Heifers Stalled and Show Prep, clipping competition, show day briefing and a barbecue.
On March 13 there will be a handlers competition, breed judging, prize giving and the final dinner.
The Australians are eager to compete and learn, according to Ms Pumpa, who is also the National Hereford Youth Committee president.
"This will be a great opportunity," Ms Pumpa said.
"To be chosen by Herefords Australia and to represent them, the breed and the youth is a real honour.
"We come from all over and everyone is really enthusiastic. We have come through a lot of competitions for various breeds and we're looking forward to being tested on all sorts of things.
"Networking will be a key thing for me. We are bringing over NZ kids to be involved in our expo and to help facilitate that would be good."
Herefords Australia Team Red: Connor Evans, Annie Pumpa, Brandon Sykes and Kierin Martin (leader).
Herefords Australia Team White: Janet Cantwell, Helen DeCosta, Alicia Trovatello and Lachlan Woodcock (leader).
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
