Mood buoyant despite Lusi

Ian McKelvie Photo/File

The 21st annual Central Districts Field Days was closed early on Saturday amid fears that Cyclone Lusi would vent her fury on exhibitors and attendees alike.

This was a sensible decision by the organisers, as the winds certainly would have been very testing as exhibitors commenced the unenviable task of packing everything up.

Of course, it was particularly disappointing for our region's farmers that the rain didn't amount to anything.

While the forecast arrival of Lusi certainly had a significant effect on Saturday's attendance, there was a very buoyant feeling about the event, and many rural suppliers reported good sales and a great response to their products and services.

There is no doubt that the food industry and its suppliers are leading the economic recovery in New Zealand, which should result in more jobs and better opportunities in the sector in the next few years.

Prime Minister John Key and Trade Minister Tim Groser have gone to China in another effort to strengthen ties between New Zealand and what is now our number one market.

While China is the growth market at present, the Government and exporters remain very conscious of the need to retain good relationships with our numerous other trading partners throughout the world.

The Field Days provide an opportunity for organisations to host their annual meetings as well as promote themselves to the many visitors in attendance.

One such event was the annual meeting of Beef and Lamb, which saw longstanding chair Mike Petersen retire to be replaced by Northland farmer James Parsons.

Primary production minister Nathan Guy gave a very positive address to the meeting.

He concluded by saying: "This is your industry, and the industry's future is vital, not just to us here in the room but to New Zealand.

"I am committed to doing what I can to support the industry's continued success."

Mr Guy also said the industry must come up with its own solutions for change, as this Government's role is facilitation, not intervention.

The other major local event during the Field Days week was the 2014 Horizons Balance Farm Environment Awards, held at the Awapuni Racecourse.

Rangitikei farmers Justin and Mary Vennell [see P12] were named the winners of the Supreme Award for 2014, from a particularly strong and impressive field of candidates.

At a special Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) ceremony on March 13, the Vennells also collected the WaterForce Integrated Management Award and the Horizons Regional Council Award (for the integration of trees).

Justin and Mary run Richcrest Farming, a sheep, beef and forestry operation in the Rewa district north of Feilding. Their 489 hectare (380ha effective) family property carries 4500 sheep and beef stock units, with about 80ha in forestry.

This is a very worthwhile event. It's a great credit to its organisers, sponsors and participants.

One Last Thing: National is building a safer New Zealand - crime is at a 33-year low.

Since June 2011, the total crime rate has fallen 13 per cent, the violent crime rate has fallen 9 per cent, and youth crime has fallen 22 per cent.

National embarked on a comprehensive programme of reform to protect communities, prevent crime and put victims first. We've increased collaboration between Police, the Ministry of Justice, Corrections and Courts - and we are seeing results, which is great.