R. J. Lloyd Hammond

The 1951 Bledisloe Medal, for the past student of Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, judged to have 'given outstanding service to farming, has been awarded to Mr R. J. Lloyd Hammond, a farmer, of Rata, Rangitikei. Mr Hammond has an impressive record as a practical sheep and dairy farmer, and as an administrator of various bodies connected with the farming industry.

Mr Hammond was at the College in 1907 and 1908. On completion of his course, he returned to his father's farm at Rata, where he was manager for many years, finally taking over the property on his father's death in 1938.

When he began, the property consisted of 3,000 acres, from which 120 bales of wool were shorn, while all stock were sold as stores. Later 1,000 acres were sold off for returned soldiers' settlement after the 1914-1918 war.

By following a steady policy of development, Mr Hammond has reached the position today where the 2,000 acres now farmed carries 4,000 breeding ewes and 1,200 hoggets. There are 100 run cows and 160 run cattle. The wool clip today is 150 bales, and all surplus stock are disposed of at fats. On 100 acres of alluvial flats a dairy herd of 70 cows is milked, the cream being sold to the Rata factory. Since 1919 Mr Hammond has been a director of the factory, and five years ago became chairman of directors, a position which was held by his father for many years. Not only in his own factory, but through the National Dairy Association, of which he is a director, Mr Hammond has devoted himself for years to the welfare of the dairy industry.

In Federated Farmers Mr Hammond has long been a prominent member, and is today a member of the executive, the Dominion council, and the Central Wellington Meat and Wool executive.

Since 1920 Mr Hammond has been a member of the Rangitikei County Council. He has in addition acted as a director of a number of primary producers' companies, including the Co-operative Dairy Producers' Freezing Company, and the Manawatu Gorge Lime Company.

In addition to his record of wide service to his district and the farming industry generally, Mr Hammond has kept a close eye on the management of his property, as is clearly shown by the development which has been achieved. Further plans are being carried out to increase and expand the productivity of the property, and to this end a comprehensive policy of cultivation for forage crops and regrassing has been followed steadily for some years. Source: 1952 Canterbury Agricultural College Magazine, p48-49.