Focus on next generation of farmers

St Andrew's College pupils Meg Longley (left), of Christchurch, Izzy Pringle, of Ohoka, and Ella Rushbrook, of Christchurch, have a go at assembling a gate at the Canterbury A&P Show. PHOTO BY DAVID HILL

Children had a chance to try their hand at farming-related activities, hosted by New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF), ahead of the Tasman region AgriKidsNZ final at Lincoln on March 14 next year. The Aorangi regional final will be held at the North Otago A&P Show on February 28.

''It's all about the kids having a go,'' NZYF business development administration assistant Alaya Burgess said.

''With the regional finals coming up next year, this is an opportunity for kids to come along to the show and see what the competition is all about.''

Communications manager Olivia Sanders said there were plenty of options for children wanting to pursue an interest in agriculture, with NZYF developing pet day resources and other agriculture-based resources for teachers.

''The feedback we are getting from teachers is that they want to do agricultural clubs, but they don't know how to start.''

AgriKids activities on display at the show included pretend duck shooting, building a 2x2m calf pen, guessing sheep breeds, putting a bridle on a horse, lassoing a horse, building a gate, identifying weeds and seeds, a sack race and gumboot throwing.