The three finalists are Ngai Tahu Farming, the Twei Trust and the Rakaia Incorporation’s Tahu a Tao farm.
Ahuwhenua Trophy management committee chairman Kingi Smiler said all three farms were worthy finalists that had made a big and brave call to showcase their operations in challenging times and to take the positive approach that Sir Apirana Ngata, who inaugurated the competition, would have wished.
Smiler said there was no denying the dairy industry was going through some difficult times with a combination of international factors well beyond the control of farmers.
“But this is not a time to retreat until the better times return.
“Such downturns in a cycle provide an opportunity for all farming businesses to take stock of their operations and to honestly analyse what they are doing well and what they could do better.
“Such work will pay great dividends when times improve.
“We are intergenerational farmers, with time on our side and a history of managing adversity and coming back stronger and better.
“Everything we do today must be done to have a positive outcome for future generations,” he said.
The winner will be announced at a function in Hamilton on May 20.
“This is not a time to retreat until the better times return.”
Kingi Smiler
Ahuwhenua Trophy
Field days
Field days will take place at each of the farms. Each field day will start at 9.30am and finish at 2pm.
Tuesday, March 8 – Ngai Tahu Farming
Ngai Tahu Farming has farms near Oxford in Canterbury. The farms Te Ahu Patiki and Maukatere are in the area known as Te Whenua Hou that was originally a New Zealand Forest Service radiata pine plantation commonly known as Eyrewell Forest.
Both farms are irrigated by water from the Waimakariri River and milk a total of 2230 cows.
Friday, March 11 – Tewi Trust
Tewi Trust’s farm is close to the small south Waikato settlement of Okoroire near Tirau. The area is famous for its hot springs and its beautiful hotel. The farm consists of a 138ha effective milking platform on which is run a 430-cow Friesian herd.
Wednesday, March 16 – Rakaia Incorporation
The Proprietors of Rakaia Incorporation’s Tahu a Tao farm has a long and proud history dating back to 1886. The 216ha property near Ashburton runs about 830 Kiwicross cows. Its name Tahu a Tao is the Maori name for Kyle, the district where the farm is located.
