Peter Gilbert, a fourth generation farmer who has been exhibiting cattle at the show, formerly the Canterbury A&P Show, for the past 40 years, said the family decided the risk of losing 120 years of breeding genetics and his sons’ farming future was too great if their cattle were caught up in M bovis as result of exhibiting at the show.
The Gilberts milk 1200 cows on two farms in Ashburton District. The family name is synonymous with South Island A&P shows and exhibiting of their pedigree dairy cattle across the country.
Earlier this year the family was forced to withdraw from the country’s showcase NZ Dairy Event when a moratorium was slapped on South Island exhibitors attending.
That denied their 2017 national champion cow Lorna the right to defend her national title.
The 2019 NZ Dairy Event has already been canned because of the disease that has now spread the length of the country.
While the Canterbury Association had worked hard and taken all precautions to meet MPI regulations to make it as safe as possible for cattle exhibitors there is an element of risk that can’t be overlooked, Gilbert said.
“It was a tough one, especially given I am involved with the show and was president last year but we just didn’t trust MPI and we couldn’t get written assurance for any comeback that may happen following the show so we just couldn’t risk it.
“If we take one year out we will hopefully get back next year and the boys will hopefully get another 40 years of showing.”
Gilbert understands just handful of exhibitors is entered with many shying clear of because of the M bovis issue.
“I know we have left a gaping hole in the show’s cattle section but it’s just one of those times when your own business has to come first and for the family this is how we based the decision in the end.”
