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Peculiar weather conditions left drifts of fine hailstones in the streets of Marton. Add kids and camera and the inevitable happens...
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On Easter Monday, members were invited to visit Hew and Suse McKellar's property near Hunterville.
With such a spectacular outlook, we were amazed at the lack of wind damage, and the health of mild climate plants indicated that location appearances can be deceptive.
"In 1983 the 260ha property was assessed as suitable for an agro forestry venture by the NZ Forest Service. At that time there was very little forestry in the district. The Forest Service said that the land would grow trees with considerable risk as most of it was in gorse and was very steep. Some of the land was assessed as production protection for forestry purposes but the assistance available through this assessment was removed before we could take advantage of it."
We set out for a look around. The gentle ridge path lay between a low hedge of mostly camelia, and an interesting variety of plant species to the right.
“The land was classified into four categories:
- Areas in native vegetation
- Land suitable only for blanket forestry
- Areas where pasture could be maintained with assistance from space-planted trees to prevent slipping
- Areas of land which could be used for pasture only.”
The cypresses were standing up amazingly well in such an open position, with a reduced but thick sail area.
"The land with a modest house and a fairly new woolshed cost $150,000, however the electricity supply was 2km away. A 70 per cent subsidy scheme for providing power to isolated properties still existed in 1984 so the connection was made before the scheme was stopped."
One of many trial Eucalypts, standing up to the ever-encroaching gorse.
"In 1984 we planted the first block of Pinus radiata (9ha) and the next year a 1 ha block of Cuppressus lusitanica. In 1987 we covenanted three blocks of bush totalling over 30ha and for convenience of fencing included another 15ha in one block which was planted in more pines. This is referred to by the National Trust as an endowment planting that we can harvest but it will make the bush area financially self supporting. Over the next ten years we planted another two blocks in radiata pine and another 10ha in Cuppressus lusitanica."
Native passionfruit occurs in a few patches.
"Stability planting has taken place over most of the farm using mainly poplars and eucalypts as well as everything else you can think of. Realising that the conventional planting of poplar poles was not satisfactory we established a poplar nursery and grew trees from cuttings to be planted out as rooted trees. We have used up to 40 selected clones and for several years were planting up to 900 trees a year. We have now run out of sites. "
Trees gaining some ascendancy over less desirable plant species.
"In 1993-94 we built our present house using trees grown from 1949-50 plantings at our previous property near Feilding. We have lived at Hunterville since the start of 1994. "
A seedling with a stem guard has had some friendly help to keep the pest species at bay.
"The farm runs up to 400 Romney sheep for cash flow and to control some of the weeds and to provide grassed fire breaks between the blocks of trees."
Ridges and gullies with trees steadily advancing.
"Possums were a major problem. Up to 1990 we had a trapper in every 6 months who took away 200 on each occasion. After he stopped the population exploded and from 1993 we shot and poisoned to get the numbers down to an acceptable level. This was costing us $50 a month in bait but more recently the regional council has been providing the bait and we have extended control further away as part of a self help district group. The one good thing we learned was which poplars the possums selected for browsing. We were then able to choose the more resistant clones."
Heading back to the house at the top of photo.
"By carefully selecting sites we are able to grow a wide variety of fruit trees for home use and to learn about local growing conditions. Three years ago we planted 50 Ginko seedlings, ex Tree Croppers, for a trial but going on my experience they will be a long term crop as some planted at Feilding nearly 30 years ago have not yet flowered. "
Other interesting varieties include this stand of cabbage trees they planted.
"In terms of farming structure we have entered into joint ventures under the Forestry Rights Registration Act with two of our children to guard against future changes in the tax laws which could restrict inheritance. Since we started at Hunterville about 25,OOOha of Pinus radiata have been planted in the district, on land that was formerly pastoral. It is unfortunate that most of the farmers sold to forestry interests rather than bringing in joint venture partners and keeping their land. My advice to tree croppers who run out of money is, do not sell your land; bring in a financial partner so you can keep something for future generations of your family. "
Definitely not the easiest of land to farm. Good planting and good luck to you, Hew and Suse!
"Quoted commentary is from the Field Trip Notes"
Editor - Les Gruebner
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Updated: 2004 September 05