We had a strong group this year with a range of activities.

Early in the year we had four students compete in the Otago Young Farmers competition at Middlemarch. 

Eve Kennedy and Emily Perkins from Year 12 teamed up, as well as Ella Nichol and Pippa Chamberlain from Year 10.

The competition is in Mosgiel next year on Saturday, 10 February so we are hoping to get some teams along.

Later in the term Amy Belski came in to talk to a group about her work on genetics for Zoetis. It is good to see where other women are working in the industry.

In Term 3 we ran our annual Fundraiser for “I am Hope.” Thanks to Mya Brocket’s Uncle, Nigel Wilson, who donated some beautiful steak which we turned into steak sandwiches. It was a great team effort and we raised over $700.

In Term 4 we had our Interhouse Young Farmers competition. We were pleased with the participation this year and had a great day. Events were based around; erecting an electric fence, moving some wood in a barrow, a simulation of tailing, gumboot throwing and a quiz. 

For the first time this year we had a prize giving as a Club.  Laura Hunter (Year 12) was our overall individual winner with Richards House taking out the House honours.

The Stevenson family, donated an award for the most committed student to Agriculture, and the Teen Ag group. The twins Cassidy and Olivia (2022 Old Girls) were both keen members of the club.

The inaugural winner of The Stevenson Family Award was Hannah Lithgow (Year 13). She has been a keen member for the last three years and Leader in 2023. She is tailing somewhere in the Maniototo, saving for her future studies. 

Thanks to the 2023 crew of seniors; Charlotte, Myah, Charlotte, Molly, Hattie and Anna, they were great to work with.

John Bradfield
TIC - Young Farmers Group