In partnership with Farmlands and Safer Farms, ‘Tomorrow’s Farms Open Day’ invites all locals to Pāmu’s Duncraigen sheep and beef farm on Thursday 3 December.
Located 15kms from Manapouri, Duncraigen Farm is one of 10+ livestock farms in Pāmu’s South Island farm network. Duncraigen is bound on one side by the Fiordland National Park and on the other by the Waiau river, which flows from Lake Manapouri.
Duncraigen farm manager Paul Smith and his team say they are looking forward to throwing open the gates.
“We’re keen to bring together those who are interested in what’s happening on our farms locally – it’s a chance to have a look around the farm, and a chat about the things that are relevant to us,” Paul says.
The farm is involved with the South Island Genomic Calibration (SIGC) Flock. The SIGC is a partnership of researchers and industry groups (Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics, Pāmu, AgResearch, along with breeders) which enables industry implementation of genomic predictions for growth, yield and meat quality in terminal sheep sires.
Duncraigen supplies all South Island Pāmu properties performance recorded Angus genetics as part of New Zealand largest breeding programmes.
The farm has been working to overcome some of the environmental challenges on the property – including intensive river flat development to turn land full of broom and gorse into 80ha of productive pasture.
“We have also retired a number of native bush areas under permanent covenants and completed extensive riparian planting,” says Paul.
The Tomorrow’s Farms Open Day kicks off at 10am with an on-road farm tour with a couple of stops. A radio commentary will be broadcasting live on the tour to give more insight.
Following the farm tour, a free BBQ lunch will be served up with meat supplied by Alliance and a cart with complimentary coffee to fuel the afternoon. On location, there will be agri businesses such as Gallagher, FMG, Farmstrong, and Summit Steel and Wire, talking about their latest products and services.
Guest speakers will also be talking about the speciality Angus Breeding Programme on Duncraigen, the South Island Genetic Calibration Flock; and environmental topics including riparian management and intensive winter grazing.
There will be plenty of parking available and there are free buses from Farmlands stores in Gore and Mossburn to Duncraigen farm with a return service also being offered. Contact the stores for departure times, and to book your seat.
Farmlands Director – Marketing, Nick Baylis says Tomorrow’s Farms Open Days are all about showcasing the positives of rural life and the primary sector.
“There is often misconception about farming in New Zealand and we are proud to help explain the strides being made to be a more proactively sustainable sector,” says Nick. “Farming is for everyone and we encourage people to learn more about the great work being undertaken by leaders such as Pāmu.”
ALL THE DETAILS:
Date: Thursday 3 December
Time: 10am-3pm
Address: 164 Duncraigen Road, RD1, Te Anau
This is the second in a series of open day’s planned with Farmlands and Safer Farms around the country in the next 12 months.