Danny Gill knows what has pulling power at an A&P show. And he can pick a winner.

“Racing sheep and chooks. People love chickens, especially baby chickens,” says the Oropi farmer and life member of the Tauranga Agriculture and Pastoral Association, which is holding its 140th annual show at the racecourse today, Saturday, February 17.

Danny’s been associated with at least 30 of the shows.

“Funny what interests townies,” says the rural man, who last year won the competition for most impressive rooster.

“It was the smallest, ugliest chook,” says Tauranga A&P vice-president Alison Stubbington.

“But it was different.”

And that’s why the judges, the voting public, picked Danny’s rooster.

Cos it was different.

For most urbanites, a chook is a chook is a chook.

But on Saturday and again today at the show, they’ll have to acquaint themselves with strange names like Black Orpington, Australorp, Silkies and Silver Laced Wyandotte to vote a new winner and de-throne the farmer from Oropi.

Danny won’t mind as long as the A&P Association builds on the 1000 who attended last year.

Three thousand would be lovely.

“But we’re not here to make money,” says Danny.

“We just need to cover costs.”

And at the same time build bridges between town and country and have a wonderful, entertaining and informative day.

Three in 140 years

Did you know the association has only missed three shows in 140 years?

One through war, one through the inopportune passing of an association president and a global pandemic.

Racing sheep always pulls the punters too. People love a race, love having a favourite and love yelling them on.There might be some sly bets, but no!

Kids aren’t jockeys, they don’t ride the sheep. Those days are gone. And no-one minds.

One lucky sheep is going to be turned into a sweater on show day. Shorn, spun and knitted in just one day. Townies who think sweaters come from a menswear at the mall will find the interesting.

And are sheep being upstaged by alpacas at the show?

“Alpacas certainly have the cute factor,” says Alison.

“They’re easy on the land, they follow you around and there’s no fly strike or foot rot.”

That appeals to us slickers with limited knowledge or understanding. And alpacas will have their own show ring next year. They’re moving in, and upwards, quickly.

They also have that wonderful warmer than merino fleece, the most eco-friendly natural fibre, softer than cashmere.

Prepare for the worst 

“Nothing’s easy organising an A&P show,” says Karen Mitchell.

You expect the best but prepare for the worst.

“We booked a travelling farmyard for the kids last March and they cancelled two days ago. A huge blow.”

You can’t pull a travelling farmyard out of thin air apparently.

But then the Tauranga show jumpers confirm.

“They’re inviting entries online and are even going to put up their own jumps.”

That’s tremendous news for the team.

And the cowboys are coming to town – not the conman city cowboy-types but real, dyed in the wool, lassoing, barrel-riding cowboys.

A team of Clydesdales from Tirau will also have pulling power – both with fans and huge loads. Up to 19 hands or 190cm tall, weighing nearly a tonne, incredibly muscular and strong with flowing mane and feathered feet.

Magnificent beasts.

But despite all those big numbers they’re delightfully docile, easy to hand and love attention.

At the other end of the scale are miniature cattle – just 40cm high.

The lifestylers 

The lifestylers are an important aspect of the show – city people who buy a hectare or two, embrace a rural lifestyle and come along to look, listen and learn.

“Amazing what city people don’t know about country living,” says Alison.

“Right from setting a rat trap, to dealing rabbits digging up your garden and roosters crowing at 3am.”

And if all that’s rural overload you can lie back, on the grass, and take in ‘Peaceful Easy feelings’ with an Eagles tribute band.

Entry is by gold coin donation. Head along to the 140th Tauranga A&P Show today, Saturday February 17, from 8am - 5pm at Tauranga Racecourse.