Good farm succession crucial
OPINION: Passing the farm down to the next generation is ingrained in the psyche of many NZ farmers, particularly those inter-generational farmers.
“It reflects the progressive nature of the association, awarding the presidency not just to a city lawyer, but one with no farming background, born and bred in Otago,” Parkes explains.
“My saving grace is my wife Catherine (nee Bradley) who has a rural background, having grown up on her parent’s Canterbury farm, being of huge benefit to me.”
Parkes joined the association general committee in 2000 and took over the role of chairman of the City Farmyard in 2003 – one of the show’s most popular attractions. This is an interactive children’s petting area with baby animals, where young show-goers get to interact with animals.
“The City Farmyard is a hugely attractive part of the show and an area where volunteers get the most gratification. The instant enjoyment you experience watching young children close up with animals is very satisfying,” he says.
“The area has grown in size over the ten years that I have been involved. Its success is due to the volunteer commitment at the heart of the association and the show.
“All the animals are hand-reared to ensure they can cope with the showtime atmosphere. That’s six weeks of daily bottle feeds. It’s a huge commitment and we sincerely appreciate the support we receive.”
With the size of the task as president and Parkes’ ‘day job’ as partner at Christchurch law firm Cavell Leitch it’s been a challenging year.
“Cavell Leitch is an enthusiastic supporter of the community. As one of the oldest law firms in Canterbury (established 1923) we also have a strong rural clientele and this holds me in good stead.”
Parkes admits the show was challenged at the turn of the new millennium, but it is now in excellent spirit and financial shape, because of “outstanding efforts over recent years of the various committees, the board and our event management team.”
He is a strong advocate for retaining the rural atmosphere of the show and holding true to the founding principles of the association.
When Parkes’ stint finishes, senior vice president Nicky Hutchinson (Little River) will become the first woman president in the association’s 150 year history.
This year’s Canterbury A&P Show is being held from Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 November at Canterbury Agricultural Park in Christchurch.
