We had an early spring but now in October back into the depths of winter. A highly successful mid winter dinner was held to thank Anne Wright and Robert McMillan for all the work they have done for the club over many years.

An educational field day was held in the Wairarapa at the Kintore Fold of Stewart and Di McGrigors. Anne Bell, immediate past president of the Feilding I A & P Ass. tutored an interested group on the finer points of showing animals, ringcraft etc. Her immense knowledge was willing given with assistance from husband Des.

Members from this area also journeyed to Auckland for the National Bull Assessment Training day, well attended, very worthwhile & most enjoyable.

The first weekend in October saw the Taranaki Lifestyle Expo held again at the New Plymouth race course and once again Wyn and Garth Gadsby took along a young bull and heifer.  Saturday was a beautiful day and both animals behaved really well, accepting all the pats and strokes from the large crowds and even tolerated the endless feeling of their horns, though Dundee did decline the offer of a potato chip. All in all a good day with lots of positive comments but as with last year the Sunday weather took care of the second day with horizontal rain from the south, no visitors and the event was called off once again.

A milestone for the Society in September when four bulls were assessed for progeny of dams and sires previously registered with the Society. The assessments (supported by DNA parentage profiles) were successful; proving the Society’s ability to be inclusive of bloodlines that would otherwise be lost to us.

Halcombe School fair is a genuine rural school but just happens to be close to Ohakea Air base. What happens when highland cattle mix with incoming Iroquois helicopter? Nothing!  The Lord of the Rings horse bolted!! Several opportunities have been taken to visit with Society members to understand first hand their plans and objectives for their folds.

Members have met at the Gadsby’s, Maclean’s and Thorpes. Levin A&P Society held a show preparation day in October. Run by Sue Clarke (Murray Greys) the day was very productive. It was good to see Dexter, Murray Grey, with a number of Highland Cattle breeders there representing three of the four highland herd books; all good fun and no politics! Feilding has a strong beef farming profile and holds an annual rural day in the town square. NZHCS Highland Cattle drew the crowd and featured in the local papers.

Show season has started! Society members are in force at the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Hawera and Stratford (100th anniversary and hosting the “North Highland Show for the New Zealand Scottish Highland Cattle”). The New Year brings us to the Horowhenua and Masterton shows.