Solidarity has been the unexpected upside of the New Zealand Dairy Event’s decision to push on with the show, despite the New Zealand government’s decision to plunge the country into Red (within the traffic light COVID-19 protection framework).
As exhibitors adjusted to their new reality on the eve of the first day of judging at Manfield Park in Feilding, organisers said they were pleased they had decided to run with the show and not close it down.
Chief Cattle Steward Jamie Cunninghame said when the government announcement came through, roughly one third of the exhibitors were either on-ground, or on the way.
“It was important to think of those people,” he said. “Everyone is craving a show. I think it’s great that we’ve managed to get everyone here. Probably one of the great things is that it is going to go ahead – yes, with some restrictions – but nonetheless we have families here and we can show.”
Committee member Selwyn Donald from Arran Ayrshires, said the restrictions including having no more than 100 exhibitors on the grounds, which had challenged team staffing levels. There are 15 aisles of cows and 330-head of cattle to care for within that.
“At any given time there can be no more than six people in an aisle,” Selwyn said.
“People can be outside washing or milking, but that six-person rule within the aisle did make everyone think about it a little bit. However, we’ve seen exhibitors banding together, sharing duties on the aisles, including nightshift, and they are making it work.
“We’re a huge team working hard to get this show off the ground and I’m really proud of the exhibitors. We’re all in it together and everyone understands. There’s been no negative feedback.”
Jamie added, “We’ve had 12 months out from showing and now we’re back into it. There are good vibes in the sheds. They just want to get out there and go for it.”
Tuesday starts with the youth portion of the programme.
10am – Breed Judging Competition.
2pm – Youth Challenge.
4.30pm – NZ Dairy Breeds Federation WWS All Breeds Junior Judging Competition.
6pm – Event opening.
(T1, D1)
