Wairarapa
Introduction
Agriculture is the major source of income and employment in the Wairarapa, despite the growth of tourism, wine-making, manufacturing and the services industry.
Sheep stations along the eastern hill country, which used to primarily produce wool, have given up large areas to forestry.
Sheep and beef cattle farmers on lower lying land in the Wairarapa have adopted more intensive farming systems to stay economically viable. Dairy farms, which are found mostly in the southern Wairarapa, are adopting new technology and increasing herd sizes. Poorer pasture and gravelly soil along the central river system is now being used for grapes.
Martinborough was the first to put Wairarapa wine on the map, but wine production has spread far beyond that precinct. While the Wairarapa does not have extensive arable land, on the valley flats there are a variety of crops including seed, grains and maize.
Wairarapa is often targeted as a showcase for international visitors being the closest farming district to New Zealand's capital and government hub, Wellington.
Local leaders
Because of its proximity Wairarapa Federated Farmers president Anders Crofoot and representatives from the meat & fibre and dairy section are often sought for farmer comment by media.
Meetings
Wairarapa Federated Farmers meets on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Shear History Trust on Dixon Street in Masterton at 7pm. For further information contact provincial president Anders Crofoot.
Executive
