KAIPARA LIFESTYLER March 7 - 2017
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FA R M I N G
Something for everyone at field days by Andy Bryenton
With a little light rain beforehand and fine weather across all three days, this year’s Northland Field Days was well attended, especially on the closing Saturday when families took the opportunity to see the sights and take in all the new innovations on offer. It was certainly field days full of excitement for those who appreciate big horsepower — from the Carters Tyres V8 supercar and Dargaville Ford’s flagship GT Mustang down to more diminutive motors. The rise of e-bikes was apparent with multiple options on site to check out this new form of petrol-free transport, and elsewhere the electric revolution was making its presence felt, with battery-powered outdoor tools such as chainsaws and brush cutters garnering attention. The usual crop of powerful utes for the rural lifestyle were clearly to the fore — the fan favourite Ford Ranger was admirably represented by a matched set of special West Coast Edition examples from Dargaville Ford, while the Isuzu Dmax, SsangYong Actyon and the small but powerful Suzuki Jimny flat-deck all had a strong showing. Suzuki caught the eye with their tiny, retro-inspired Ignis ultra-compact SUV. The 1,200cc runabout boasts replaceable coloured panels and
Ag & Mulch Contracting Mulching of:
fittings to change up its style. Farming equipment was of course a big focus for the serious farmer attending the field days — as well as for kids delighted to spot such massive machines. Mammoth tractors from the likes of Case IH and Deutz Fahr showed off the cutting edge of agricultural tech, incorporating advanced computer controlled systems and highly fuel efficient, emissions-reducing engines. Lifestyle block owners were also clearly in attendance, with a keen interest taken in large ride-on mowers for those five- to six-acre sections. All in all, 2017 was a well-attended field days with a changing demographic reflecting the status of the Kaipara as a lifestyle and retirement destination as well as a powerhouse of farming. Now the real work begins, as exhibitors follow up their leads and deliver brand new machinery.
L I G N AT O R
JENYNS CONTRACTING
Forest harvesting, forest advisors, tree buyers Contact us for all your forestry needs or a free appraisal on your wood, big or small. Call Brett on 021 390 965
Ruawai
Excavators & Trucks Dams Drainage General Excavations Building Sites
www.lignator.co.nz
LANCE KEAY
• Gorse • Grass,
C O N T R A C T I N G LT D
• Shelter–Belts, • Blackberry • Bush • Sections • etc
Liquid Fertiliser Application Ph Steve: 027 943 5595
Call Tim 021 766 129 or Call Gavin 021 766 130 or Call Glen 021 766 136
Lugtigheid Contracting
• • • • • • •
Effluent Pond Cleaning Round Bale Hay & Silage Ripping & Discing Power Harrow & Air Seeder Under Sowing Gorse/Scrub Mulching Conventional Baling
E: lancekeaycontracting@farmside.co.nz
Ph: 021 383 908
Harrison Contracting Ltd Diggers • Trucks • Grader • Rollers • Tractors • Stabilizing Hoe for Hire
Bulk Supplies Just Got Easier Available directly from our Yard we can supply and deliver, or supply only. You can also place orders directly through your own Dargaville Carters or ITM account.
List of Products: • Builders Mix • Sea Sand • Pinaki Sand • Limestone • AP20 • AP40 • AP65 • Drainage Metal • Blue Metal Fines (BMF) – PAP7 • Topsoil • Power Harrowing with Air Seeder & Undersowing • Effluent, Lime & Fert Spreading • Mowing, Rake, Bale & Wrap • Stack Silage • Loader Wagons For all your Cultivation Requirements GLEN LUGTIGHEAD 021 439 748
Call the yard on (09) 439 4788 (weekdays) or Richard Harrison on 027 498 4133 or email admin@harrisoncontracting.co.nz 25 Station Road, Dargaville
www.harrisoncontracting.co.nz