Chance to shine as herdsperson

History repeats for (from left) Sutton Lowry (16), of Merino Downs and Samantha Hall (13), of Kaitangata and Waikaka. For the second year in a row, Samantha this year won the Southern Rural Life Young Herdsperson of the Year and Sutton was runner-up, for the second year in a row. Brian Thomson, of Allanton, was a judge and Jorga Robertson (12), of Wyndham, won third place. Entries are now open for next year's competition. Photo supplied.

Convener Rob Hall said the competition was open to young people who accumulated the most points when entering herdsperson competitions in the Wyndham, Winton and Gore A&P shows.

The winner will receive a trophy, ribbon and $100.

Second prize is $50.

''They don't have to go to all three shows but if they get placed in all three they are going to have more points,'' Mr Hall said.

The points are awarded for presentation, handling ability and knowledge of the animal and the breed.

''They are ambassadors for the breeder or owner, and show off the animals to their best ability,'' he said.

He said there sometimes could be 20 or more in the ring.

''A lot of young people are keen to do it.

''We would like to thank Southern Rural Life for sponsoring the competition,'' he said.

The Wyndham show is on December 7, the Winton show is on January 18, and Gore is on February 1.