MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2019
The 20-year-old belongs to Marton Young Farmers
as she is studying to be a vet at Massey University. With a few phone calls and a short, sharp interview, I had a job as a shepherd in Whanganui.” For the past year, Ashton has shepherded on a farming operation covering 1,600ha of flat and hill country over two properties. The farm, near Fordell, runs 6,500 ewes and 600 Ezicalve Hereford breeding cows. “My current routine is feeding out to our newly-weaned Hereford stud (Ezicalve) in the morning, then either helping out the two managers on the two properties we own.” Ashton’s tasks vary with shifting stock, drenching lambs, fencing and spraying. “In the agriculture industry, I enjoy the variety of jobs the most as not every day is the same. In one day I could
potentially be a builder putting up rails in the yards, plumber fixing the broken ballcock the bulls have broken, or an electrician hooking up hotwires for the break fence.” The farm’s temperate climate has an annual average rainfall of 860mm. “Winters can get quite cold and wet, and summers can get quite hot and dry,” said Ashton. “Facial eczema can get quite bad in the summer; therefore we spray our flatter country with a fungicide.” Winter crops of kale and fodder beet are grown, as well as chickory, clover crops, hunter and raphno for lamb finishing. Since leaving high school, Ashton has continued studying sheep and beef courses through Primary ITO. He completed level three animal
Lapping up some sunshine
husbandry and is now working on level four agriculture (breeding). Ashton joined the local Marton Young Farmers when one of the farm’s managers took him to a monthly meeting. That was just a few days before the district contest. “I was encouraged to sign up by my manager and boss. My boss, Mike Cranstone, competed in two grand finals,” he said. “I thought I was just coming along to have a go, but I ended up competing.” It was the 20-year-old’s first district contest and he qualified for the regional final. “Competing in the competitions is good fun, not only to test yourself against the rest but also to have a laugh as it’s not always about winning.”
He enjoys meeting like-minded people at Young Farmers and finding out what people do. “We have quite a range of occupations in our club, from school teachers to just recently, an accountant.” Ashton said the greatest challenge he has faced in his agricultural career is trying to balance his hobbies while farming. He plays rugby for Wanganui Marist and also enjoys hunting with his four pig dogs. “This means I have to have better time management skills.” In the next three to five years, Ashton hopes to step up to a manager’s position to broaden his experience. “I would also like to lease a block of land in the near future.” Farm ownership is his long-term goal.
INCLUDES Return economy airfare. 1 night in Sydney. 1 night in Johannesburg. 18 nights in chalets, guesthouses, hotels & permanent tents. Entrance fees. Transport by 4WD / safari truck. Most meals. Professional guides & tour host.
Reef Islands & EAST
FEATURING:
Africa
CAIRNS GREAT BARRIER REEF HAMILTON & FRASER ISLANDS GOLD COAST SYDNEY & MORE
YOUR HOSTS:
Phil & Jane Harris
ZIMBABWE & BOTSWANA | Hosted Tour
MAY 2020
Safari through Zimbabwe & Botswana exploring the amazing culture and natural beauty of both of these countries. Marvel at the Zimbabwe Ruins and the wonderful view of Victoria Falls. Experience the Okavango Delta by traditional dug-outs and spot huge elephant herds in Chobe National Park by boat. This safari covers it all – wildlife, history & culture!
SO MANY HIGHLIGHTS • Kruger National Park – game drives • Zimbabwe Ruins – guided tour • Matobos – game drive • Hwange – game drives in open vehicle
• Victoria Falls – adventure activities • Chobe National Park –sunset river cruise • Okavango Delta - mokoro excursion • Moremi Game Reserve
20 NIGHTS FULLY ESCORTED FROM NEW ZEALAND from
$12,500*
*T&Cs apply. Please contact us for full details and inclusions.
PER PERSON, TWN/DBL SHARE. DEPART FROM AUCKLAND. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3,500* PP
Motueka
www.worldtravellers.co.nz/motueka
03 528 1550 | motueka@worldtravellers.co.nz | 183 High St, Motueka
5
FAIR DINKUM AUSSIE DISCOVERY | Hosted Tour | 27 March 2020 Experience the east coast of Australia like never before This carefully designed itinerary has you arriving in to Cairns to take in the lush mountain hinterland at the Pullman Cairns International. Indulge in a special Welcome Dinner at Tjapukai by Night, while discovering mystical Dreamtime stories. Then it’s off to explore the Great Barrier Reef from Reef Magic’s exclusive activity platform, or a stroll through the enchanting underwater observatory. Then ride over the rainforest aboard the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. In the Whitsundays you’ll stay at the picturesque Hamilton Island Reef View Hotel. Further down the coast enjoy a stay at the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Dine at the iconic Noosa Surf Club and visit world-renowned Australia Zoo, the legacy of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Your tour concludes with a spectacular dinner cruising Sydney Harbour!
15 DAYS
from
$7,995*
PER PERSON, TWN/DBL SHARE. T&CS APPLY
Motueka
INCLUDES: • 14 nights in premium accommodation • International return airfares from Auckland • 22 delicious meals
• Luxurious air-conditioned coach travel • All airport transfers, sightseeing, tours, cruises & entrance fees as per full itinerary
www.worldtravellers.co.nz/motueka
03 528 1550 | motueka@worldtravellers.co.nz | 183 High St, Motueka