Club extends welcome
Piarere Young Farmers is not all about farming – in fact, some of the members have never set foot in a cow shed.
Chairman Brad Morgan said it’s really a social club and a great way for young people to get together and have a good time.
Members meet at the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel every Monday night for ‘‘a few beers and a catchup’’, Brad said.
Young Farmers has been active in the Waikato for 85 years and was established in Piarere in 2000.
Piarere now has close to 50 members coming from Putaruru through to Matamata and Waharoa.
Anyone under the age of 30 can join the ‘‘social club with a farming problem’’ as members call it.
Besides meeting at the pub, members get together at least once a month for activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing and go-karting.
They also join up with other clubs in the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty region for an annual ball and members can enter the ANZ Young Farmers Contest.
This year, Piarere’s former chairman Hugh Edward is hosting the first round of the contest for members from Piarere, South Waikato, Waihi and Ngarua.
Competitors will take on a range of tasks, from farmrelated jobs to changing a baby’s nappy. ‘‘There will be lots of laughter and perhaps tears of frustration,’’ said member Monique Lemmen.
The daytime part of the event will be held at 681 Waotu Rd, Putaruru on December 15.
Members of the public are welcome to come along and watch.
This will be followed by a formal question and answer evening at the Putaruru RSA.
The winner will go on to compete at the regional Young Farmers Contest.
Anyone interested in joining Piarere Young Farmers can simply turn up at the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel on a Monday night.
For more information contact Brad Morgan on 027 392 4628.