14 April 2004 First 'Silverwood' Field Day Will Seek Farmer Feedback on Intensification Programme

The first ever public field day on the Lincoln University-managed "Silverwood" property, a 385-hectare Central Canterbury dryland farm, will be held on Friday 7 May, from 10.30am.

"Silverwood", at Hororata, is leased by Lincoln University from the Silverwood Trust, the estate of the late Frank White who farmed the property for 55 years until his death in October 2001 aged 91.

Mr White, a well-known Canterbury identity, was often referred to as the "Man of the Trees" in reference to his lifelong advocacy of tree planting and the many species he planted on his own property. He was a county councillor for 11 years, a member of the Selwyn Plantation Board for 24 years, and served 35 years on the Hororata River Committee.

Mr White farmed "Silverwood" conservatively, running Corriedale ewes and Murray Grey cows, but since his death a development programme has been undertaken by the Lincoln University manager, Logan O'Shea, with the support of Agriseeds Ltd and Ravensdown Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd.

"The field day will open up 'Silverwood' to the public so that farmers can see what we are doing," says Lincoln University's Director of Farms, Tony Whatman.

"We have been developing 'Silverwood' for more intensive production and would now like to get some feedback and hear comments from the farming community, hence the field day."

After the 10.30am welcome at the woolshed area there will be a drive around the farm with stops that will focus on dryland problems such as weeds and pests and species that survive and persist under these conditions.

Lincoln University plant scientist Dick Lucas will discuss subterranean clover and fellow scientist Derrick Moot will talk about lucerne.

Trevor Jackson of AgResearch will be on hand to give the latest about the war on grass grubs and Alan Stewart of Pyne Gould Guinness will bring everyone up to date on the latest brassicas.

An Agriseeds staff member will open up discussion on short rotation versus perennial ryegrass and also talk about other species.

Mark Scott will demonstrate his cross-slot drill and talk about results, then bringing all the strands of the day together Greg Costello of Ravensdown will discuss the fertility status of "Silverwood" and the specific requirements of each crop.

The day starts at 10.30am with morning tea at the woolshed and the formal start is at 11am. Please bring your own lunch. The day will finish at 3.30pm followed by a barbecue.

The venue will be signposted from Hororata and the field day will be held irrespective of the weather conditions.

For more details contact Errol Costello of Lincoln University's Professional Development Group, phone (03) 3253 382 or email costelle@lincoln.ac.nz .

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