Getting sheep shape at Pyramid Farm
The vineyards at Pyramid Farm in Marlborough’s Avon Valley have never been run of the mill, with plantings that follow the natural contours of the land, 250 metres above sea level.
Animals are lining up to take part in Whangarei A&P Society's annual Summer Show next month. The show will be held on December 3 and 4 at the Barge Showgrounds.
Organisers say animal lovers can see more than 2000 animals in all shapes and sizes set compete for nearly $40,000 worth of prize money.
Along with the competition animals, the rare breeds animal display provides the opportunity to pet and handle traditional farmyard animals such as chickens, sheep and goats, alongside rarer attractions such as donkeys, Dexter cattle, rabbits, llamas and Kune kune pigs.
Society president, Grant Billington says the rare breeds animal display, incorporating the farm yard nursery was an important aspect of the Show.
"Approximately half of the 15,000 people who attended the Show last year were from urban areas.
"This means, apart from domestic pets such as cats and dogs, about half of those who come to the Show are not used to seeing farm animals on a regular basis. Given that agriculture, farming and livestock are such a huge part of what New Zealand is all about, it is important for children especially, to have the chance to 'get up close and personal' with this part of our culture," says Billington.
Throughout each day of the Show, visitors can watch competitions to see who has the best dairy, beef or sheep animal. There are five competition rings where the equestrian riders, handlers and show jumpers do battle for the best horse, pony or rider and over 100 Alpacas add a modern perspective to the traditional farming stock.
Entry to the Show is $5/person, with children under five free. The Summer Show will open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm each day.
From nitrogen limits to ecosystem restoration –farmers and catchment groups are leading a new wave of environmental care, says DairyNZ.
OPINION: The Government's decision to stop local authorities going ahead with reviews of district and regional plans makes sense for several reasons.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
The long running trade dispute between NZ and Canada appears to be over.
Herd improvement company LIC has ended the 2024-25 financial year in a strong position - debt-free and almost quadrupling its net profit.
OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly…
OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try…