Overseas wedding duties could block young farmer’s quest for national judging honours

A keen eye for quality livestock has helped a South Taranaki farmer secure a spot in the final of a national contest.

Hannah Brewer was named the overall Taranaki/Manawatu champion at a NZ Young Farmers stock judging competition in Whanganui.

It was the first time the 25-yearold’s had entered.

‘‘I’m rapt with the result and very surprised,’’ she said.

Brewer placed first in the sheep, beef and dairy sections of the competition, which attracted 18 entrants.

‘‘Dad’s stoked that I aced the dairy judging,’’ she said, laughing.

The South Taranaki Young Farmers member helps run a family farm at Manutahi near Patea, which has 2200 ewes and 300 cattle beasts.

Prior to returning home, Brewer spent seven years shepherding on a large-scale finishing property near Masterton.

‘‘The property was 760 hectares and we finished 15,000-20,000 lambs and 400 cattle beasts a year,’’ she said.

Brewer’s win has secured her a place in the national final of the stock judging competition, which is held in conjunction with the FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final.

The event is in Invercargill in early July, but overseas wedding duties could prevent her from taking part.

‘‘I’m supposed to be heading to the United Kingdom in July to be a bridesmaid at a friend’s wedding,’’ she said.

‘‘I’m going to have to ask the bride if I can arrive a bit later than planned,’’ she laughed.

The aim of the Stock Judging Competition is to develop the skill level of young people in livestock assessment.

Kaponga contract milker Guy Harvey placed second and Eloise Campbell was third.