This month, no complaints about the weather, perfect for the autumn. Am slowly getting on top of the damage caused by the two floods this year on the river flats.
The cows are dry for their winter break and have ended the season 12% up in production. And with the Fonterra payout just under $10 per kilogram milk solids, this has been one of the best seasons in my 45 yrs in the industry. However, rising costs are certainly eating away at the margins. It’s not just dairy getting good returns. My son in Southland is getting $250 for late lambs, I can remember not so many years ago farmers getting $50!
With the Fonterra payout just under $10 per kilogram milk solids, this has been one of the best seasons in my 45 yrs in the industry.
Now I have worked in freezing works and dealt with many of the not so nice things that happen when you farm animals, but I do not like seeing farming portrayed on TV shows (Country Calendar) where the end of animals live are highlighted for profit. This was fattening up the cull animals on feedlots for a few weeks, then to slaughter. It is reality, but I do not think it shows farming positively to a largely urban audience. We want people to eat meat with their vegies not go vegan? Was down in Southland recently, large numbers of dairy cows wintering on a 6 ha paddock with 400 bales of silage, being fed well, but what a mud bath. On the roadside paddocks too, not good farming advertising. Not illegal, but do it in the back paddocks, please!
Lots of stuff happening around Pirinoa. Last month the local school kids were tickled to see a legend of a man, Jono Riddler, on his home straight swim to Wellington, at Ngawi ,on his 1367km marathon.
Tuhirangi rugby is having a good season winning 4 out 5 games, losing only to Gladstone. Anyone willing to donate a cull cow to the club van fund would be much appreciated. Ph Josh 02943550. Next home game v Carterton, 13 June.
Age Concern had a day bread making, and a cuppa at the hall. Then the next day Rural Support promoted `The Bitches Box`, a spoof based on Footrot Flats rural comedy. Wasn’t able to make it but sounds like it was a hoot!
On kiwi rural comedy. The passing of Dame Jools Topp. What a reflection of wonderful humour and lots of other great nostalgia. You tickled my ribs for decades. Equality, politics ,humanity, the girls had it in spades. RIP dear Jools.
Pirinoa Playgroup meets every Tuesday morning, 9 to 11.30am, all welcome, any questions ph. Hannah 0274205696
To all those milkers, enjoy the sleep ins, and if possible a winter break?
Nga mihi
