The Riverton Lions Club is inviting farmers to showcase their best lambs and support a worthy cause with the launch of its charity lamb competition.
Club member Leon Black said farmers from across the lower South Island — from Maniototo south — were encouraged to enter the ‘grand a lamb’ competition and vie for an $8000 prize pool.
At its heart, the competition is about raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Society — Southland, helping provide vital support for people in the community.
At the same time, it is also a nod to National Lamb Day on February 15, which marks the historic first frozen lamb shipment that left Port Chalmers aboard the Dunedin in 1882, bound for London — a milestone that helped shape New Zealand’s agricultural legacy.
The inaugural competition features two categories.
The "on the hoof" category allows a pen of three lambs to win $1000 for first place, $600 for second, and $400 for third, while in the "on the hook" category, a prize of $3000 will be awarded to the highest-value pen of three, $2000 for second and $1000 for third.
Entry was free and all breeds of new season lambs born after July 1 last year were eligible.
Farmers could enter a pen of three lambs and multiple entries were welcome.
Judging takes place on February 2 and winners will be announced at the Southern Field Days on February 13.
The on the hoof section will be judged at the Gore Showgrounds on February 2, assessing fat cover, breed characteristics, frame, muscling, and overall conformation.
The on the hook section will be judged at Silver Fern Farms Waitane, where carcasses will be graded under New Zealand Meat Classification Authority standards to determine the highest-value pen of three.
Proceeds from lamb sale values will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s Society — Southland, with some lambs also being donated to Meat the Need.
The club organising team were excited to combine a celebration of farming with an opportunity to give back, Mr Black said.
"By entering, farmers not only compete for top prizes but also contribute to a cause that makes a real difference."
For entry forms and more information, head to the Riverton Lions Club Facebook page, or email Mr Black at blackdale70@gmail.com — Allied Media
