New Zealand Youth Exchange

Emma Owen is the 2019 New Zealand Murray Grey Youth Exchange Recipient

I first got into cattle when a local Charolais stud gave me a “Free Martin”. I fell in love with the calf and became hooked on the breed. (This calf came from the Silverstream Charolais stud. The Fisher family have been supportive and helpful towards my interest in cattle.) Starting up my own Charolais stud when I was 16.

I have developed a passion for showing beef cattle aided by some guidance from Gary Kennett and Mel Montgomery of Piwakawka Limousins. Gary asked me to assist with showing his cattle at a few of the local shows as well as Canterbury A&P show. This experience encouraged me to begin showing my own cattle which I did last season with good success.

Currently I am at Lincoln University studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree, 2019 will be my second year of the four year degree. I really enjoyed my first year and the connections I have been making at Lincoln University.

Looking to the future I would like to carry on improving and growing my stud. I want to become more involved in showing cattle that I have bred. Upon finishing my degree my aim is to seek a career in the cattle genetics industry. I hope a combination of my academic study and practical cattle experience will hold me in good stead for the future.