Packed crowds for the Stallion Shootout at the 2019 Classic.
© Wild Fillies Photography
The 2020 Nutrien Classic will welcome another exciting element to the annual 10 day event – Water Buffalo all the way from Katherine, Northern Territory.
Around 70 head of farmed Buffalo have been purchased by Nutrien and transported to Nebo, Queensland, where they are currently undertaking proper education and training on horses. The Buffalo will be exercised in replacement of cattle for pre-works during The Classic, however will not be used for any competition events.
Held at The Australian Equine and Livestock Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth, The Classic, renowned in the equine and livestock industry. Like many other events of its kind, Nutrien are looking for ways to overcome the challenges of the current climate conditions; and event organisers believe that the sourcing of Water Buffalo is one way to do this.
Water Buffalo have been called in to replace some of the cattle for the 2020 Classic.
“Sadly, many farmers have been forced to de-stock which means the cattle numbers just aren’t around for event use and any cattle that are, are doing it tough,” says Nutrien’s Mark Barton.
“Water Buffalo are stronger and can be run more times without tiring as easily as cattle. This means that Buffalo will have the strength to do the job that normally we would require around 700 cattle to do,” explains Mark.
Nutrien has been liaising with the QLD DPI and the QLD Department of Environment and Science to ensure that the Buffalo are properly treated and NLIS tagged before being transported to NSW.
Twelve of the Buffalo will be sold through a novelty auction during the sale component of the event and the remaining Buffalo are available for sale through direct request to Nutrien.
“We have received really positive interested in the Buffalo; and The Classic is shaping up to be another successful event. It’s now more than ever that our breeders, competitors and spectators that attend The Classic really need something to look forward to, and we are striving to provide that again in 2020,” concluded Mark.
Held from 1 to 9 February, The 2020 Nutrien Classic will celebrate 13 years, and over its time has earnt the title of Australia’s biggest campdraft and sale. The Classic annually hosts up to 500 competitors, 300 horse handlers, 5,500 visitors daily and more than 491,000 livestream views during the event.
Source: Event press release
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