March has delivered a little of the lost summer, corker!
March has delivered a little of the lost summer, corker! Our farm in the Whakatomotomo valley is slowly recovering from the February floods, so is a little better to deal with? Our milk production is up about 12% (3% nationally) above last year, and with payout surprisingly lifting to under $10 kg milk solids, dairy is still sunny. Likewise, lamb ($10kg ) and beef ($9 kg) are at record levels still. And here’s hoping that the grapes locally are harvesting good quality juice, tempered I see by an oversupply nationally. In my early years as a wool production field rep. I was always very disappointed to see the demise of crossbred wool (85% of NZ wool) prices. However, although still low prices relative to other products it has lifted 130% the past 3 years with better consumer awareness and alternative wool content products. World trade being what it is, I see NZ importing US butter cheaper than what we can sell local product. Crazy! And given these great prices for much of our primary product (great for our economy) you wonder about the future, with consumer resistance locally and internationally, to high prices. And with global political instability, and the petroleum shock of present, and the effect on international trade and prices, things looks a bit wonky to me. I’m surprised consumers haven’t, given our love for our environmental impact, used the carbon footprint (energy used) standards when buying anything. Even our frozen veges are going offshore. I reckon it would save zillions of shipping km if we bought more local product.
If you have green fingers the Kohunui Marae native nursery would like helpers every wed 9 to 12 or contact Lee Kuinui Flutey (0226098206).
And the local rugby club, Tuhirangi is out there training every Thursday evening at 6.15pm, if you’re interested in playing this season. Likewise, Tuhirangi netball is starting soon. Ring Sara Sutherland (0273130772), if interested in playing. Last year they had three teams of differing grades, so could be a place for you? These are great little social community clubs.
Pirinoa Day held last Friday was a great success. All the calves and lambs reared by the community are weighed and prizes given. They are then on sold, or fattened by locals and eventually sold to raise funds for community projects. Last year around $100000 was raised. The local hall floor was redone in 2025, and this year the tennis courts are going to be resurfaced. A speed shearing contest is a great attraction, with raffles, prizes and a BBQ making a great social day out for the locals.
An update from Kermit, the local ratbag, is that he is fully recovered, and back to creating havoc around the Pirinoa store.
Nga mihi mahana
