Lambs loom large on pet day
A lack of calves hasn’t ruined the enthusiasm at school pet days. The spectre of cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis has led to many schools cancelling their lamb and calf days this year to stop the risk of the disease spreading. Many are holding lamb and pet days instead. Manawatu¯’s Glen O¯ roua School was one of those yesterday, which was a bumper day for kids with lambs. There were also chickens, a goat, and a pet horse, as the pupils showed off their favourite pets to the judges. Principal Raylene Franks said it was a great day, with lots of grandparents and extended family in attendance. Even Rangit¯ıkei National MP Ian Mckelvie was there. ‘‘They were disappointed that there were no calves this year, but they were very realistic,’’ Franks said. ‘‘They knew there was a problem so they understood that they can’t bring them along. ‘‘Some of the schools in the surrounding district have gone to the farms [to inspect pupils’ calves], but that’s a bit much hassle ... It’s still a very important part of our calendar.’’ Yulana Gloyn, 8, said he had a pet cat, calves and was even getting a new puppy, but brought his favourite pet, Pepsi the lamb, who Yulana paraded around the ring. ‘‘It’s good to have a change because we usually have calves.’’ Yulana had been looking forward to the lamb calling section and hoped to go to the championship day next month. Yulana’s cousin Nathan Gloyn, 9, was there too with lamb Bat Girl in tow. Manawatu¯ O¯ roua Boys’ and Girls’ Ag Club president Judi Driscole said in the absence of calves, lamb registrations had gone up. She said many schools decided they still wanted the children to have a choice to show calves at home. ‘‘They have opted to have judges from our committee go out to the students’ farms to look at the calves on the farms, instead of them coming into the school and calves being mixed and touching each other, which is what we want to prevent.’’ The club’s championship day is in Rongotea on November 10.