The Bay of Plenty farm consultant is an integral part of the Calf Club NZ judging team, bringing almost 20 years of calf club, judging and cattle fitting experience to the table.
“As a child, I loved calf club and if I can share just a few tips, tricks or techniques with the kids then that’s great,” Braydon says.
Calf Club NZ judging took place over the October school holidays, with judges visiting kids on-farm to assess them and their calves in rearing, leading and type categories.
Braydon judged not one, but two regions – East Waikato and South Waikato – giving him the opportunity to assess 30 calves and their handlers.
He says the kids that entered the competition and registered an animal really went the extra mile to build a close relationship with their calves.
“They have put a lot of time and effort into the care and attention of their calves, as well as leading,” he says.
“It makes judging a lot more interesting and requires more time with each child when the quality of entrants is so high.”
Braydon also took two trainee judges on the road with him, teaching them cattle judging skills along the way.
“Teaching other people to judge has been a big bonus of being involved in Calf Club, and it’d be great to see more judges training others,” he says.
“People are often interested in the ins and outs of judging cattle, but few have the confidence to take it to the next step and actually become a judge.
“The easiest way to learn is to come out with a judge and get that experience first-hand.”
Braydon started competing in school ag days as a primary school student, entering a pet lamb before moving onto calves. By the end of primary school he was rearing two calves each season, and had started competing at regional A&P and national agricultural shows, winning several awards at the New Zealand Dairy Event.
His interest continued to evolve and after overseas opportunities in Australia and Canada as a cattle fitter (prepping stock for the show ring) and handler for a number of breeders, he now prepares and shows his own cattle, and others’, when time allows.
Braydon has also competed in judging competitions overseas, as well as having judged over 10 school-based agricultural group days at home.
“It’s hard to balance competing/showing with a busy full-time job, so judging Calf Club has given me the opportunity to see more calves, hone my skills and build my confidence,” he says.
Braydon says the main reason he started judging Calf Club was to give back to the event that has given him so much enjoyment.
“I’ve picked up so many little tips and tricks along the way, I thought it would be great to pass these on to kids, which the Calf Club NZ format allows to happen,” he says.
“To be able to see such a minute amount of detail, like what brushes the kids are using or where on-farm they are leading their calves … you can’t go past that level of attention.
“Hopefully I can encourage kids to move through the competitive levels at an earlier age, which is a good experience for them.
“If they take only one or two pieces of advice away from what I’ve told them, then that’s awesome.”
Braydon says there are also learning opportunities for adults who become Calf Club judges.
“There are practical skills you learn that you can apply to your own farm business, such as cattle breeding and selecting genetics ensuring animals last longer in your herd,” he says.
“Or you may simply want to become involved if you have fond memories of competing in calf club yourself, or if your child is involved.”
Braydon says there are endless benefits for children to participate in Calf Club NZ.
“There is so much learning potential for them; 10 times more than they would get from a school ag day,” he says.
“They are exposed to a wider competition, they get longer with the judge to learn tips and tricks, and they are able to be part of a competition that really tests their ability.
“And if they have a slight passion for the dairy industry, it might encourage them to take that passion further.”
Braydon says he believes Calf Club hasn’t reached its full potential yet due to certain regions yet to be engaged. Advertising through primary schools and secondary schools will hopefully aid in its growth.
“Having experienced and passionate people running Calf Club is an integral part of its future, and I think those currently on board are fulfilling that responsibility,” he says.
