Federated Farmers Farm Day 2011 wraps up
Released 22 Mar 2011
Federated Farmers Farm Day 2011 has been a big success nationwide, with the last two events in Bay of Plenty and South Canterbury closing the event on Sunday.
"Farm Day helps shrink New Zealand's rural and urban communities, by getting townies out to a farm to experience our way of life. In terms of sheer numbers alone, I think we've done that this year," says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President.
"Last Sunday saw our last two Farm Days in Bay of Plenty and South Canterbury pick up 900 more visitors. We've now had more than 4000 visitors to the ten open farms in two weeks.
"Bay of Plenty Farm Day in particular had a fantastic turnout on the McLeod Farm in Te Puke, second only to the Wellington Farm Day and even ahead of Auckland's - which is incredible.
"The kids absolutely loved getting up close and personal with cows, sheep and horses and were fascinated by the more technical aspects of farming. Our farmers demonstrated everything from sheep runs and milking machines through to fertiliser spreaders and hay bale wrapping.
"Lolly scrambles for the kids and other goodies went down a treat and the adults even got competitive in the gumboot throwing contest.
"It wasn't just about fun because its a great opportunity for those that have never seen a farm to get some face time with farmers and learn something about the farming process. The feedback I've got suggests that many were eager to learn and were grateful for the opportunity. It's safe to say we will be doing this again next year.
'South Canterbury's Farm Day was held on the Steven's farm in Timaru, where visitors were driven around on four wheel drives. While turnout here was a bit lower than expected, our coordinators report everyone enjoyed the in-depth Q&A discussions with farmers.
"I want to thank all of our Federated Farmers volunteers and especially our host farmers and our colleagues from Young Farmers and rural women who have helped to make it possible. I also want to thank our long term sponsors the Sustainable Farming Fund, as well as FMG and Westpac who kindly sponsored the event this year.
"Keep an eye on our www.farmday.org.nz to make sure you don't miss out next year," Mr Nicolson concluded.
About Federated Farmers Farm Day 2011 - Out in the paddock
Federated Farmers Farm Day is designed to bring farmers and non-farmers together at open farms. It is part fun, part educational and 100 percent based on the New Zealand farm system. It provides people the chance to see modern farming for themselves, with a lot of scope to ask questions of host farmers. Farm Day will be returning in 2012. For a summary of the various individual Farm Days including photos from each event, please visit www.farmday.org.nz
For further information:
Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President, 027 226 6331, 03 216 7405
John Scrimgeour, Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty president, 07 533 3681, 027 653 3368
Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers South Canterbury president, 06 323 4792
