Five weeks until Federated Farmers Farm Day

Federated Farmers Farm Day is back for 2012. The event is a great way to escape the city and see what goes on behind the farm gate, so put on your gumboots and visit one of our six farms on March 18 between 10am-3pm.

"This is the fourth annual Federated Farmers Farm Day. We hope the public will take the opportunity to visit one of our six host farms to discover what farmers do," says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers President.

"Farm Day is a fun filled family day out. Our six participating provinces are holding a lot more child friendly activities in 2012.

“The truth is children are our future and with so many people these days never having visited a farm, it is more important than ever that our kids see for themselves what drives the kiwi way of life.

“So grab your kids and get them on to a farm to see cows getting milked, sheep shearing and mustering, a petting zoo and even a Fonterra tanker in action.

“We also hope that Farm Day will help correct some of the misunderstandings that surround farming.

“We all know that farming is important for the New Zealand economy. Farmers are keen to show others what they do and what makes New Zealand farms some of the most productive and environmentally sustainable in the world.

"Some of our venues, like the Heather’s Rotorua/Taupo farm, combine dairy and meat and fibre operations. That venue is surrounded by trout filled streams, being in Rotorua's famous Paradise Valley Road.

"At Auckland's Farm Day in Karaka, a Fonterra tanker and several dairy based products will be on show. The farm also features an electronic cow shed.

"At Bay of Plenty’s Farm Day kids will get the chance to experience a working farm in action, find the lolly in the hay stack and take part in a gum boot run.

“At Manawatu’s Farm Day visitors will be treated to sharemilker Jason Halford milking his favorite cows 245 and 71.

“Wellington’s Farm Day at Battle Hill Forest Park, a sheep, beef and deer farm, will offer the public a chance to pat some Mohair goats, calves and lambs.

“At Christchurch’s Farm Day people will get to see one of Landcorp’s research farms in action.

“We are proud that Farm Day has made it into its fourth year and that more and more people are turning up to our host farms each year,” Mr Wills concludes.

Auckland - Murray and Mary Shaw and Graham Shaw, 66 Biddick Road, Karaka

Bay of Plenty - Andrew and Robyn McLeod and Noel Marilyn, 1189 Welcome Bay Road, Papamoa.

Rotorua- Taupo - Heather and Barugh Heather and Neil Heather, 945 Paradise Road, Rotorua.

Manawatu (Palmerston North) - John Seymour, 843 Poplar Road, Opiki.

Wellington - Greater Wellington Regional Council, Battle Hill Forest Park, Paekakariki Hill Road.

Christchurch - Landcorp Farming Limited, Eyrewell Station, 175 Downs Road, Eyrewell.