Festival State Rodeo Circuit president, Andrew Brown, and fellow members have met Legislative Council members in the hope of gaining support to vote against the changes.

The regulations include banning the use of animals weighing less than 200 kilograms in calf-roping events, and the use of small, easily-hidden cattle prods, due to take effect on September 1.

The circuit has asked farmers and rural communities to show their opposition for the changes by emailing their local and other members of parliamentary.

"We need to change the culture of farmers and let them know they do have rights, and if they don't, our children and grandchildren will be outlawed for their actions in the future," Mr Brown said.

"We've got to adapt to fight these radicals, and spending five minutes a week sending emails could make a positive difference."

The rodeo organisation has rejected regulations since the announcement in July, citing a lack of consultation and its non-scientific nature.

"The community is being deceived, so we have to educate them better," Mr Brown said.

According to the Australian Professional Rodeo Association, the optimum weight for calf roping is between 100-130kg.

This was tested during the compilation of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy in 1984, and found devices used to stop the animal being jerked would not be as effective if replaced by larger animals such as steers.

SOURCE: Extract from Stock Journal, SA's weekly rural newspaper, September 6 issue.