Three top dairy farms open to the public: see for yourself

10 March 2014

Three top dairy farms open to the public: see for yourself

The public are being invited to see for themselves real dairy farms in action, in this case, finalists for the 2014 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award for Dairy.

“Given what’s been in the media over the past 24-hours, this is frankly the best antidote,” says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

“It is an opportunity to see three top-performing dairy farms in action tomorrow, Friday and next Wednesday.

“This is also a chance to talk to the trustees, the farm managers and the organisers of this fantastic competition. Above all, it’s a genuine opportunity to use your Mark I eyeball and see for yourself what a modern dairy farm is and perhaps, what it isn’t.

“It is clear from media coverage that more than the public ought to visit a Field Day. I can think of one or two who need to get out of their loafers and into a pair of gumboots instead.

“It involves a little travel because two of the farms are in Bay of Plenty and the other is in Taranaki.

“Federated Farmers itself will be detailing more Field Day Farm Days as we release the 2014 Farm Day website this week. It’s a massive year in partnership with the NZ Dairy Industry Awards and the New Zealand Farm Environment Awards Trust.

“In the meantime, with two top Ahuwhenua Trophy dairy farm finalists open this week and another next Wednesday, what an opportunity to see and experience real-world dairy farming,” Mr Leferink concluded.

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Dairy Field Days for the Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award:

Putauaki Trust (Himiona Farm)

When: Tuesday, 11 March (9:30am - 2:00pm)

Where: Meet at Kokohinau Marae, 345F Te Teko Road, Te Teko.

The day finishes with kai and refreshments and for further information, contact Tiaki Hunia: 027 489 8946, tiaki.hunia@tetumupaeroa.co.nz with John O’Brien is back-up: 07 323 6400, 027 3939073,john@putauakitrust.com or Farm operations – Peter Livingston, consultant: 027 449 1078, peter.livingston@agfirst.co.nz

Te Rua o Te Moko Limited

When: Friday, 14th March (9:30am - 2:00pm)

Where: Meet at Kanihi Marae, 7 Omahuru Road, Okaiawa (near Hawera)

The day finishes with kai and refreshments and for further information, contact Dion Maaka: 027 262 440, DionM@pkw.co.nz with Blair Waipara as back-up: 027 598 5182,Blair.Waipara@tetumupaeroa.co.nz or Farm operations – Rob Gollan, consultant: 021 431 173 with Aaron Hunt is a back-up: 027 433 7222, aaron.hunt@tetumupaeroa.co.nz

Ngati Awa Farms Limited

When: Wednesday, 19 March (9:30am - 2:00pm)

Where: Meet at Ngakauroa Farm, 672 Western Drain Road, Awakeri.

The day finishes with kai and refreshments and for further information, contact Enid Ratahi-Pryor: 027 255 0300, Enid@ngatiawa.iwi.nz

Important notes for all field day attendees
The owners of the property wish to point out to all visitors to their property that a number of potential hazards exist in the course of travelling over the property in vehicles and on foot, moving around the yards and facilities, and in handling stock.

While the owners have taken all reasonable care in making your visit to the property as safe as possible, including preparation of a health and safety plan for the day, they clearly point out that you enter the property at your own risk.

The owners will accept no responsibility for any accident or injury to any person or property that takes place while you are visiting.

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