March Field Day
Hosts: Murray and Anne Redpath
Venue: Redpath Road, Wairata, Waioeka Gorge
At: 12 Noon, Sunday 9th March
Tree planting started on our sheep and beef farm about 30 years ago and we can show you how big trees become, the benefits they deliver, and the problems they cause.
Trees have been planted for fruit and nuts, shelter, timber and stock fodder.
Permaculture and food forests were tried and have now been rejected.
Hazels are the main crop.
Selling trees was the main source of income until the GFC occurred and investment in new crops dried up; the business is in the process of deciding whether the market will take off again. Harvest will be about 80% complete so there will be plenty of nuts to compare the quality of the different varieties.
Two hazelnut research projects will have been completed by then and the results will be discussed.
The hazelnut breeding programme now has a lot of very promising selections, including evergreen and red leafed hazels, and selections showing excellent resistance to bacterial blight and high yields.
We will look at some of the most promising selections.
How to get there:
This is a serious drive. Carpooling is recommended with a careful durable driver/vehicle.
Wairata is about 45 minutes south of Opotiki on the main highway to Gisborne.
Turn right off State Highway 2 at the confluence of the Waioeka River and Opato Stream, just after you come up and over a small hill.
The turnoff from State Highway 2 is rather dangerous as you have to cross over to the right on a bend as you come down the hill. If you have traffic behind you, proceed on to the passing/stopping lane on the next straight piece of road, do a U-turn, and come back to the turnoff.
Proceed up Wairata Road about 2 km (past the Wairata Station farm stay signs) and cross the next bridge back over the river. Proceed to the end of Redpath Road.
