Friday, March 29, 2024

Green and iwi speakers for high-country day

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Farming for the future will be the focus of the Federated Farmers South Island high country field day next month when farmers will showcase the benefits of co-operative stewardship.
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The biennial event will be hosted in the Ashburton high country on March 8 at Castle Ridge and Mt Arrowsmith Stations where integrated environmental planning and management will look at the processes the stations went through developing and auditing farm environment plans. 

Presentations will cover regulatory requirements, environmental constraints, practical necessities for farming and auditing requirements.

Conservation and Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage will address the field day as a keynote speaker.

The Ashburton Gorge high country is home to a sensitive lakes zone and an area of outstanding natural landscapes that has become a drawcard for tourists admiring the views, horse trekking, tramping, fishing, skiing and is an area the Te Araroa trail passes through.

The recreational pressure increased scrutiny of farming practices but has also created its own environmental stresses. 

They will be addressed by a Conserevation Department speaker.

Historically the area was valued by Maori for mahinga kai, gathering food in summer months and a trail to the west coast for pounamu. 

Local iwi tell farmers of the area’s cultural importance, both past and present.

Pastoral farming is still the primary economic and social activity in the area, producing fine wool, beef, lamb and venison. 

From that activity comes much of the resources to manage weeds and other pests as well as to protect the environment of the Ashburton Gorge along with a sound working relationship with DoC.

“This is a region of extreme climates and fertile but fragile soils,” Castle Ridge farmer Kerry Harmer said. 

“The field day will demonstrate recognition and understanding of the methods and technologies to farm successfully and sustainably now and for the future in this environment.”

An audited animal welfare programme combined with good farming practices, validated by environmental planning, is creating opportunities for the niche marketing of agricultural products.

Field day attendees will also hear of a successful Merino wool marketing arrangement facilitated because of the credibility the programmes have created.

Harmer said the field day will demonstrate the co-operation and interdependence of all the parties that have an active interest in the area. 

“It takes a co-ordinated approach to achieve these goals and address the future issues, not one of an adversarial nature where regulators and land managers are in conflict.

“Co-operation and respect is the future for the best stewardship of New Zealand’s high country.” 

MORE:

www.fedfarm.org.nz/FFPublic/Industry_Constitution_Groups/Events/High_Country_Biennial_Field_Day_2018.aspx 

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