Huge Turnout Expected for Winton Show

This weekend’s Winton A&P show is shaping up to be a cracker with large entries of dairy cows in what will also be the South Island Championships.

Three breeds will contest the SI champs – Ayrshire, Milking Shorthorn and Jerseys, and show president Wayne Malcolm said there were 122 entries – almost on par with sheep at just 140 entries this year.

“Sheep entries are not even a quarter of what they usually are,” he said.   Beef entries were at 24.

The Winton A & P Association’s first show was held on April 16, 1875 and this year will be the 108th show at the Winton Racecourse.   Last year wasn’t held because of Covid-19.

Twenty years ago it was held in early November, but constant wet weather put paid to that so organisers shifted it to the end of January, with better success.

Major sponsor GWD Motor Group was also involved for the first time and Wayne said it was good to see strong numbers of trade vehicles coming onboard this year.

“It’s about the people turning up and we’ve put all the work into it,” he said, with the weather forecast looking great on Saturday.

West Otago held its annual show in early November, followed by Wyndham in early December,  and Invercargill will be next in early March.

The Winton A & P Association Research Farm, located just outside of the township was gifted to and has also  supported the A & P Association for over 100 years.

“The region is rich in agricultural history and it is our intention to continue this legacy for the community by providing an annual family-orientated fun day of events for everyone by way of a varied schedule of entertainment, that highlights the region through supporting the youth of the area from schools, work and communities to become involved in the agricultural industry.”

Other highlights include the Southern Steel netball team and a strong equestrian competition, along with a New Zealand crossbred lamb shearing demonstration.