Increased entries for most livestock

Press, 9 November 1983, Page 39

Increased entries for most livestock

Livestock entries in this week’s Canterbury show are at a very pleasing level, according to Mr Noel Woods, director of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association.

The horse entries, which total 1706, are a record for an ordinary show, and the 879 cattle entries are well labove the average.

Entries in the sheep sections total 1562, which is slightly less than the-usual number for an ordinary show. However, the entry of 150 stud pigs is well ahead of other years. Eighty-two dog trial entries have been received, nine fewer than last year’s Royal Show but more than in previous years. Mr Woods said the interest shown by competitors in all sections was particularly pleasing in view of the drought conditions experienced in Canterbury in recent years, and the economic climate.

A new section has been included in the sheep show for Borderdales, the first time they have taken part in the show. Forty-eight entries have been received in the five classes, and entrants in the class for ewes over 30 months must have positive breeding values for mothering ability, number of lambs born, and total lamb production. A new section has also been established for Duroc Jersey pigs. Several new trophies will be competed for this year. The K. W. Busch Cup in memory of a prominent breeder and judge of south Dorset Down sheep, will be presented to the breeder who shows the best South

Dorset Down ram hogget. The Ward-Smith Challenge Trophy will be won by the dog trialist who scores most points in the preliminary rounds today. An interesting competition will be created by the Flexinet Trophy which will be won by the best woolled sheep in the wool breed sections. Individual breed judges will nominate one entry from each section which will be judged tomorrow afternoon.

Twenty-four entries have been received in the farm invention section, which attracts a lot of - spectator interest each year.

The inventions will be located adjacent to the Wool Exchange building, and judging will take place at 9 a.m. today, with the presentations being made in the main ring tomorrow.

First prize is $l5OO, second is $5OO, and third $3OO. Entries will be eligible for New Zealand Wool Harvesting Awards from the Wool Board, and also a special award of $2OOO for any outstanding invention or development that is likely to improve considerably the efficiency of harvesting the wool clip or which is likely to lower the cost. The handcraft and home industries section has been dropped this year because in recent years it has not received the same high level of support as in the country shows, ft may be revived in the future.

The home industries pavilion will contain displays by clubs, children and hobbyists, and will house the wine entries and the pizza competition for children.