4 April 2006 Field day on 'Pines to Pasture' issue

Among major issues in the future development of the Canterbury Plains is the conversion of former forest land to pasture.

“This is shaping up to be a significant development process requiring considerable forward planning and research input,” says Lincoln University Senior Lecturer in Pasture Science Dr Grant Edwards.

“Lincoln University is looking forward to making a contribution as it works with the Selwyn Plantation Board Ltd and we will have three speakers at a ‘Pines to Pasture’ Field Day at Darfield on 12 April.”

The field day – a discussion on the conversion of pine plantations to pasture – is being held opposite the Selwyn Plantation Board headquarters, State Highway 73, one kilometre on the Christchurch side of Darfield. Follow the signs into Creyke Road off SH73.

Admission is free and it’s open to all interested farmers, property owners, district and regional council staff, forestry personnel, interested members of the public and others following the issue.

Speakers will be Kerry Ellem, CEO of Selwyn Plantation Board Ltd; Lincoln University soil scientist Dr Leo Condron, who will speak on soil fertility and management; Lincoln University Associate Professor of Plant Science Derrick Moot who will speak on lucerne management; and Dr Edwards whose topic will be pasture and weed management.

The field day runs from 1.00 to 3.30pm followed by an optional visit to Smith’s Block at the Burnham end of Aylesbury Road where the machinery involved in conversion will be on display.

The Selwyn Plantation Board Ltd and the Lincoln University-based National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies are working together to develop the most appropriate pasture establishment and management strategies for the board’s forests being converted to pasture on the Canterbury Plains.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand