Tabitha Hazlett- Chairperson
Equestrian
Tabitha, a Primary School teacher in Winton, has been involved in the A&P movement for the last 15 years – firstly competing in the equestrian section. She has served two terms as the Chief Equestrian Marshall for her local show- Southland A&P Association, is a RAS Grade 3 Equestrian Judge and Junior Vice Chair, Councillor and Youth Chair of the Southern District of the RAS. Tabitha is keen to encourage other youth to learn the ropes and come up through the ranks of the A&P movement.
Rowan Sandford- Vice Chairperson
Education Portfolio
Rowan is based in the Hawke’s Bay, working as a beef producer group manager for Firstlight Foods. His role takes him throughout the North Island, managing the supply from farmers to processing. Rowan has only just recently returned to the Hawke’s Bay after being based in Canterbury for five years, studying a B. Com. Ag. And working as a livestock agent. He is enjoying the opportunity to be based back in the Hawke’s Bay and to be getting involved with the eastern region A & P movement. His main interests are livestock and farming based, and he is steadily establishing his own Charolais cattle stud. Rowan welcomes any other youth initiatives within the eastern region and is always keen to hear from anyone wanting to become involved.
Casey Huffstutler
Sponsorship Funding Portfolio
Casey is currently the National Field Team Coordinator for NZ Young farmers based in the Waikato Bay Plenty. Casey spends the majority of her time promoting the Youth Development programs that NZYF offers to Secondary schools in the area – Casey loves to see young people in the primary industry grows as leaders through the various opportunities it offers. Relatively new to the RAS, Casey is member of the Waikato A&P – stewarding in the Beef Cattle section along with helping with the resurrection of the Young Judges Competition in the Mid Northern District.
Tryphena Carter
Rural Ambassador Portfolio
Tryphena has huge passion for agriculture and the primary industry and currently works for Telfer Young a property advisory company working as a valuer based out of Gore. Tryphena breeds welsh ponies and cobs and has been involved in showing all her life mainly at A&P level at either competing or judging(RAS grade 3 equestrian judge). Tryphena is a committee member of the Gore A&P. Also a keen competitive ploughwoman which takes her all over New Zealand to plough with a steep family history. Currently the 2016 RAS Rural Ambassador.
Ben Burgess
Stock Judging and Handling Portfolio
Ben is living in the Manawatu and works for LIC. Ben has been a Hereford breeder for 8 years now and has a strong passion for the beef industry. Ben has been involved in the cattle showing movement for a number of years and have had a large involvement with both with stock handling and stock judging within the RAS
Jordan Bradly
Stock Judging and Handling Portfolio
Jordan has grown up on a dairy farm in Northland and has been involved in every aspect of its practice. Jordan has been part of his local Helensville A&P Show all of his life with showing being rooted in his families tradition. At 21 Jordan became president of Helensville A&P Show(youngest President on record and an excellent leadership role model for others to aspire to), he is also serving as Vice Chairman of the Northern District of the RAS.
Lauren McWilliam
Networks Portfolio
Lauren currently works for Beef + Lamb NZ as the Eastern North Island Extension Manager and is a keen competitor in the cattle ring supporting many of the local shows with her small team of Gelbvieh and Angus cattle. In 2013 she was the recipient of the Allflex Senior Beef Ambassador Award and in 2014 won the RAS Rural Ambassador Award and went on to compete over at the Sydney Royal Easter show. Lauren supports her two local shows trying to build interest in the cattle section and is on the local Masterton A&P committee and is also the Youth representative on the Eastern North Island RAS committee. Lauren is very passionate about the Beef Industry and in particular encouraging Youth into the field of Agriculture.
Aimee Schumacher
Equestrian
Aimee is living in Stratford currently working for the South Taranaki District Council at the TSB Hub sports facility. She has had a strong interest in equestrian from a young age, still continues to compete in the Western District A&P circuit. Aimee has recently completed her conjoint bachelor of science and business studies, fuelled by her interest in the management of equestrian sport in New Zealand and event management. In 2014 Aimee took over the role of chief horse steward at Stratford A&P Association and was elected president of the Taranaki Horse and Pony All Breeds Show in 2015.