Spring is still springing, with the grass jumping out of the ground albeit with regular rain and windy wind. Great for the grass but ground work for cropping is patchy.
Our farm is growing at about 60kg /ha /day. For you townies that’s about twice a week mowing of the lawns. Calves are being weaned and prices look to be 25 to 30% higher than last year. The little suckers have consumed $300 to $400 worth of milk so will need this. Fonterra tells us that spot prices are dropping so in the near future cheese and butter prices should drop 15% or so? Good news!
The whitebait have had a patchy season at Lake Ferry, with the water often dirty. If they aren’t running though, a pint and sunset at the local is magic!
Pirinoa School had a successful lamb and calf day on the 17th October, with more calves than lambs this year. Thanks to the Finlayson farm hosting 10 kids two or three times a week to feed and care for calves. What a great effort kids!
The school has just installed their new playground after years of local fundraising and work. Extra funds were gratefully given by South Wairarapa Rotary, Pub Charity, Trust House and South Wairarapa standing Māori committee. Everyone’s kindness and community spirit have helped create something special for our Tamariki for years to come. Gosh , I can remember helping to install a new playground nearly thirty years ago for a fraction of the cost. How money has changed in value.
Great to see Council and Iwi have agreed to restrict access to tribal land past the Palliser lighthouse to foot and bike traffic only for two years.
Great to see Council and Iwi have agreed to restrict access to tribal land past the Palliser lighthouse to foot and bike traffic only for two years. That is until a legal road can be re-established? Personally, I hope they can get a route to the stone wall and waterfall formed. A very popular spot about an hour’s walk from the lighthouse.
We have Larnach castle in Dunedin. South Wairarapa has ‘The Castle’ at Whangaimoana. Alistair and Jaqui Sutherland have farmed and lived here for decades. Time to move on ? This beautiful kept property was made from largely local shipwrecked materials in the 18th century.
Well, we have our newish council installed. Fran has lots of experience. I hope she can do miracles with our rates? Regional Council , it’s going to take an act of Parliament to get them to change their autocratic mentality. One piece of good news for animal farmers lately, is the reduction in possible astronomical methane taxes, to a more achievable level that our country can manage and move ahead environmentally.
Enjoy this beautiful time of year!
