Science Fair Update

New Zealand Society of Animal Production

The Society supported the ECNZ Science Fairs in each of the four major regions it serves this year. Society members acted as judges in each region. I have received the following report from Steve Davis on the Northern region.

"In Hamilton the judging was coordinated by myself and Tim Mackle. There were a disappointing number of entries relating to animal production although the overall entry was at a record high (>400). Winner of the Form 1-2 prize was Kylie Phillips from Onewhero School, who undertook a rigorous comparison of horses and motorbikes and their relative cost-effectiveness on the farm".

"In the Intermediate Section, an entry from Hamilton Girls' High School (Charlotte Benson, Sara Nak and Cheng Chhoung) on the welfare of battery hens was the winner. Unfortunately, there were no appropriate entries in the Senior Section ".

They also suggested that their was a need to look at strategies to encourage entries in the "animal production " area.

I understand Steveís observations has been repeated throughout the rest of the country. In all cases the Society members involved felt that this was a worthwhile investment in encouraging young people to become interested in Science. One suggestion was that a potential topic list of suitable agricultural themes be drawn up and circulated around the schools involved.