A cracking weekend of horsemanship, sportsmanship, and the strong spirit of a small rural community coming together was the theme for the 2025 Hannaford Community Campdraft.
This year’s event boasted the highest nominations ever for the campdraft, with strong competition from campdrafters hailing from across the state and country.
The annual community event is a significant fundraiser for the Hannaford community, raising money for the sports/community hall in town.
Hannaford is made up of a sports ground, post office, a school, and two houses with caretakers and a teacher. The annual event brings in huge revenue to keep the community functioning.
Hannaford Campdraft Committee member Cara Hay said that beyond the arena action, the weekend was everything a campdraft should be.
“There were gangs of kids on their ponies roaming the camps, grubby-faced and full of sugar—hearty meals, lots of yarns, and memories we’ll all be talking about for years to come.”
The weather for the weekend started hot and sunny, but a cool change and a sprinkle of rain on Sunday helped settle the dust of the event.
“And just when we thought the timing couldn’t have been better, the rain held off until the last rigs rolled out—a perfect end to an incredible weekend,” Ms. Hay said.
The Homestead Agribusiness Open Draft and Hayes and Co Maiden A Draft kickstarted the festivities for the weekend on Friday, March 21.
Penny Macintosh and Coolum Trinket claimed first place in the Homestead Agribusiness Open with an impressive score of 180, while Mick Southern and Neirbo President came out on top in the Hayes and Co Maiden A with a score of 176.
Jessica Turich and Westlake Wingman won the Redline Electrical and Energy Services Novice B with 175 points.
Cameron Finch and Rival won the WFI Novice A with 176 points.
Peter Turich and Lady were this year’s Dougall Ag and Civil Cut Out Competition winners.
Jack Postle and Aussie were the Elite Cattle Co Junior champions, and Charlotte Mailler and Cotonvale Chic won the Teys Condamine Maiden 4 Maiden title.
Briella Borchardt and Miss Annie Acres led the Borchardt Farming Mini with a score of 78.
Cameron Wilson and Dandilla Bolt won the T&W Earthmoving Maiden B with 178 points.
Ms. Hay extended her appreciation to the generosity of all those involved in making the event happen.
“This truly enjoyable event would not have been possible without the generosity of our cattle donors, transporters, and the army of volunteers who kept everything running smoothly. Your generosity and hard work made it all possible,” she said.
“To every rider, spectator, and supporter who showed up and got behind the event, we are beyond grateful.
“We were especially humbled by the overwhelming support and the many kind words, compliments, and enthusiastic feedback we received.”
