Friday, March 29, 2024

IHC fundraising calf scheme is on again

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The annual IHC calf and rural fundraising scheme fell short of its target last season with organisers reaching out to farmers to get on board this year. IHC national fundraising manager Greg Millar said last year was terrible for many farmers and he hopes the scheme can bounce back this year. 
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“Farmers still managed to raise $650,000 for people with intellectual disabilities and despite falling short of our $1m target it was great to see the rural community continue to support our cause,” Millar said.

The national advocacy organisation for people with intellectual disabilities has acknowledged the challenging times with the introduction of new processes as the industry grapples with Mycoplasma bovis.

Millar said the calf and rural scheme will continue and this year is more important than ever. 

“While the process of the scheme has changed, its purpose has not – to make a real difference to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, particularly those living in rural communities.

“It’s a big ask of farmers but, more than ever, we need your support. 

“We want to get as many pink IHC tags into the ears of calves around the country as possible this year.”

Millar said the scheme is off to a good start.

“We have already started to receive pledges of calves.”

Farmers are now asked to arrange transport of their IHC calves, along with their own calves, going to sales.

“Many farmers have told us they prefer this system as it is more convenient to send the calf or calves at a time that suits them.

“The sale of that particular pink tagged calf will be donated to IHC from any sale yards in New Zealand.”

If farmers can’t send calves to sale with their own lot IHC can pay to get them there.

“You just need to organise this with your local transporter and let us know.”

Other farmers can also donate by way of a lamb or two or a tonne of grain. 

“It’s not just dairy and beef farmers who have helped out. 

“We have also received interest from sheep farmers who have donated a sheep or two at the sale yards and tagged them for IHC.”

PGG Wrightson has supported the scheme for 33 years.

The IHC Virtual Calf Scheme option is still available via the IHC website www.ihc.org.nz/calf or at 0800 442 500.

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