Minister of Agriculture to address farmers

23rd February 2006

Minister of Agriculture to address farmers in Hastings

Minister of Agriculture the Right Honourable Jim Anderton will address Meat & Wool New Zealand's field day at Poukawa Research Farm in Hastings on Wednesday March 15.

This is the first time Mr Anderton has addressed a Meat & Wool New Zealand farmer function. In his address he will outline the Government's commitment to the pastoral sector and the future direction of the industry, from a government perspective.

Another keynote speaker is Wellington-based economist Gareth Morgan, whose views are often controversial. Mr Morgan will discuss future trends in the domestic and international economies and future challenges for rural New Zealand.

The two men are part of a field-day which is being held at the Poukawa Research Farm on SH 2, south of Hastings from 9.30am on 15 March 2006.

The field-day is an opportunity for farmers and others interested in the sector, to learn about Meat & Wool New Zealand's activities both nationally and on the East Coast, including the Hawke's Bay High Performance Farming Systems programme, the Central Progeny Tests and ACE evaluations, and how to manage the costs of wool production, including breeding sheep with bare bellies.

The field-day also offers an opportunity for those attending to view research based at Poukawa Research Station.

Free transport to the field-day will be provided from Manawatu, Wairarapa and the East Coast by Meat & Wool New Zealand for anyone wanting to attend the event.

The day will conclude with a barbeque dinner, with meat supplied by Hawke's Bay meat processing companies.

For more information on the AGM and Field-day, contact Meat & Wool New Zealand, 0800 647 000.

ENDS

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