ABCRA cancels campdraft national finals scheduled for Tamworth

The Australian Bushmen's Campdraft and Rodeo Association have cancelled their campdraft national final scheduled for Tamworth next week due to recent drought and fires.

The Campdraft MRC met with the ABCRA board of directors on January 7 to discuss the 2020 event, the concern of current climatic conditions and the impact to stakeholders.

The decision was made to cancel the three-day competition with the end of year title winners to be decided by a point score tally as of November 30 2019.

"This year the prevailing conditions have been extremely difficult for everyone; members, livestock, cattle donors, sponsors, the staff and the board," a statement read.

"We pray that the current conditions change for the better sooner rather than later.

"The board apologises for this decision at this late stage, the inconvenience and disappointment caused is not the intention of the board but to ensure that the proper course of action has been taken for all concerned and that the board has supported the Campdraft MRC."

All qualifying riders and horses will receive their prizewinning jackets and rugs as at the End of Year awards while any paid fees will be refunded to qualifiers.

"We encourage anyone to contact us about this decision rather than vent on Facebook," ABCRA said.

"If you have a solution or alternative put it in writing to the ABCRA for consideration."

The Land contacted the ABCRA and was awaiting further comment.

The ABCRA National Finals will be held in Tamworth on January 24 to 26 featuring rodeo and ranch sorting events.

Article & Image courtesy of Australian Community Media and The Land