Cracking comp putting young farmers to the test at the Bundaberg Show

Would you have what it takes to stack and secure a load of hay, lasso a scarecrow, crack a whip, roll a swag and more? The region’s next generation of farmers are set to put their skills to the test in the Young Farmers’ Challenge.

BUNDY SHOW 2021: Krystal Davies, Bonnie Coolee, Mariah Armitage, Carl Wondrock, Denis Mills and Izaak Mills eager for the upcoming Young Farmers' Challenge.

The next generation of local farmers are set to put some of their skills to the test in the Formatt Machinery Young Farmers’ Challenge at the Bundaberg Show on Thursday night.

Among the various tasks, teams will have to stack and secure a load of hay, lasso a scarecrow, crack a whip, roll a swag, flip a rimmed tractor tyre and much more in hopes of taking out the 2021 title.

Bundaberg Show management committee member Bonnie Coolee said in conjunction with co-ordinating the 2016 Showgirls and Rural Ambassadors, they introduced the Young Farmers Challenge as an initiative to engage young people and increase their involvement in the show.

She said the competition brought something different to the show that had previously not been done in the region.

“After becoming a state finalist for the Queensland Country Life Miss Showgirl Awards in 2015, I had a vision to create a youth committee and grow to have 10 members under the age of 30 within three years,” Ms Coolee said.

BUNDY SHOW 2021: Bundaberg Show management committee member Bonnie Coolee.

“This event has now become a much-loved drawcard and highlight of the main ring’s entertainment for Thursday night’s program, running successfully for five years – excluding last year’s covid closure.

“This event could not be possible without the generous and continuous sponsorship from locally owned and operated family business Formatt Machinery.”

Ms Coolee thanked Nathan and Natalie Attard for believing in their capabilities and carrying on traditions that the next generations will continue to look forward to.

“We hope to see you all ringside for a great 2021 BRC Bundaberg Show comeback,” she said.

All the Young Farmer Challenge action starts at 6.30pm, and will wrap up in time for the Bundaberg Today fireworks at 8pm.

YOUNG FARMERS’ CHALLENGE: Bundaberg Show management committee member Bonnie Coolee, Carl Wondrock and Izaak Mills are eager for the YFC at the show in 2021.

The Formatt Machinery bar will open at 4pm on Friday night, before the 4BU Rodeo kicks off at 5pm.

Cash and EFTPOS are available at the gates and there’s still rodeo tickets available.

The bar will have both cash and EFTPOS facilities.

Ms Coolee said any expressions of interest for helping out or nominating for the Young Farmers Challenge, Miss Showgirl or Rural Ambassador in 2022 would be welcomed.

For more information or to get your tickets online, click here.