Grassroots cattle judging course, competition to equip youth with the necessary skills for cattle farming
For the first time, Bank Windhoek and Feedmaster teamed up to offer a nationwide Youth Cattle Judging Course and Competition aimed at equipping school learners between grade 9 and 11, with the necessary knowledge and skills of assessment to judge cattle at farms and shows.
The initiative focuses mainly on Simbrah and Simmentaller cattle breeds, according to a statement from the bank.
The programme which commenced in July is facilitated by Feedmaster, a farm animal feed producer. The third round took place on Saturday, 3 August while the fourth round will take place on Saturday, 7 September in Otjiwarongo.
The judging course comprises, among other requirements, the cattle’s basic anatomy and composition, rules of show associations, the role of the show stewards, feed management of show animals and the preparation and taming of animals for show purposes.
“About 80 participants will take part in the judging programme. From this group, successful candidates from participating regions will advance to the national finals, which will take place at the Windhoek Agricultural and Industrial Show in Windhoek. We thank Bank Windhoek for making this possible for Namibia,” said Feedmaster’s Corporate Brand Specialist, Dawid Krause.
The selection process involves participating schools enrolling boys or girls who attend an introductory course in their respective regions. “To be successful, a trainee judge needs to know and understand the anatomy of each particular breed and be able to apply that knowledge in their assessment,” said Krause.
Nationwide, 16 schools will participate in the Bank Windhoek Youth Cattle Judging Course and Competition, they are: Elnatan, Gobabis Gymnasium; Windhoek High School; Windhoek Afrikaans Private School; Windhoek Gymnasium; M&K Gertze High School; Dr. Lemmer High School; Deutsche Höhere Private School; Agri College; Grootfontein High School; Tsumeb Gymnasium; Etosha Secondary School; Outjo Private School; Educate Otjiwarongo; Otjiwarongo High School and Deutsche Private School Otjiwarongo.
Bank Windhoek’s Head of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), Sponsorship and Events, Bronwyn Moody, said, “The Bank Windhoek Youth Cattle Judging Course and Competition will teach learners more about techniques, processes and general knowledge about cattle farming. With the expertise they acquire here, they can apply it in the local agricultural sector. This is how the Bank promotes the future of agriculture in the country. Good luck to all participants and we look forward to meeting the best at the Windhoek Agricultural and Industrial Show.”
