It’s a potential match-up that is exciting Southern Field Days organisers.
Having arguably the world’s two form female shearers go head to head in a speed-shearing contest would be a promoter’s dream.
Megan Whitehead has confirmed that she will compete, but organisers are still seeking a commitment from Sacha Bond.
Bond and Whitehead have both been setting new shearing records in southern woolsheds, Bond holding the nine-hour lamb shearing record and Whitehead the eight-hour.
Whitehead beat Bond’s record in achieving her new mark, potentially setting up an eye-watering contest should the two go head to head at Waimumu.
Speed shearing convenor Andrew Welsh said it is the first time they have had a women’s speed shearing section, alongside the men’s senior and open sections.
The event starts at 2pm on Friday February 16 near the main field day shed, with competitors required to shear one lamb in the first round and two in the second.
“It’s a straight shootout,” Welsh said.
“They have one chance to bring their best game.”
Welsh said they also hope to interview Whitehead to gain an insight into how she set her record.
In other events, Mark Dillon labels the sport of tractor pull “boy racer country style”, but it certainly attracts all comers.
At one end Dillon said it appeals to those who were ploughing a paddock one day and the next trying to drag a sledge 100m while battling increasing drag and resistance.
At the other end are those in the constant pursuit of power.
Dillon said some enthusiasts have repowered their machines to 400 horsepower while others have adapted engines that run on methanol.
He said there could be more than 30 entries this year.
There is also the innovation award and, on the Thursday, the NZ Fencing Competition’s South Island doubles event.
Southern Field Days programme
Wednesday, February 14
8.30am: Tractor pull briefing (Times may vary due to the weather. Listen to the PA)
9am: Tractor pull heats
9am: Farm Innovation Awards – judging begins
11am: Chair and mayoral welcome in front of office
Thursday, February 15
8.30am: Tractor pull briefing (Times may vary due to the weather. Listen to the PA)
8.30am: NZFC South Island doubles fencing competition (judges briefing) demonstration area. South Islands leading fencers are lining up to compete in this national level fencing competition.
9am: Tractor pull heats
11:30am: Prize giving for kids colouring-in competition out the front of the office
Friday, February 16
12pm: Presentations in front of the Office. Farm Innovation Awards; Gallagher Group Best Site Award; Bowmar Trophy Best Machinery Site Award
1pm: Tractor pull final (approximate, listen to the PA)
2:30pm: Speedshear (at the MLT Bar)
