FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31042, 23 April 1966, Page 10

FARMERS’ CONFERENCE

“I believe that the Lincoln College Fanners' Conference, to be held on May 18, 19, and 20, contains material to interest all fanners with talks covering the technical, economic and human side of farming,” said Mr S. M. Wallace, of Westland, who is chairman of the Lincoln College Farmers' Conference Committee, yesterday.

“On May 18 we start at the proper place—the technical side of farming. Mr I. G. Baumgart, assistant director, D.5.1.R., Wellington, will be i speaking on ‘Science in I Farming.’ In particular he will be dealing with how his ; department decides on priorii ties for research. This is followed by three papers on i recent farming developments by Mr O G. James, speaking I on ‘Aerial Topdressing and t Hill Farming,’ Mr R. H. ; Smith, on ‘Mixed Cropping' and Mr H. Clifford, on ‘Dairy Farming.’ I “In the afternoon Mr R. I Vine, Mr I. J. Inkster and ! Professor R., H. M. Langer will be giving papers on likely future trends in farming based on what we know at the moment in the fields of beef, sheep and wheat production. “On Thursday, May 19. the programme focuses on the economic side with land use being the main issue. As New I Zealand grows, so different 1 sections of the community | want the land for different I uses—for farming, for power, 'for recreation, for building I and so on. ‘ “Dr. Leslie Symons, of Can-

terbury University, will tell farmers about this problem and this will be followed by the practical difficulties in the Mackenzie Country where there are at the moment competing proposals for the use of the land. We will be hearing from Mr D. Reynolds, farm advisory officer of Fairlie, Mr G. G. Natusch. of the Ministry of Works. Wellington, and Dr. K. F. O’Connor, of the D.5.1.R., Lincoln.” Mr Wallace added that there would be a field day on the mixed cropping and Ashley Dene farms on the afternoon of May 19, as well as another dairy farmers’ field day which will be held in the Lincoln district and which starts at 10 a.m. “The human side of farming takes the stage on Friday, May 20.” said Mr Wallace. "The question of how to get into farming is something which is worrying young farmers throughout the country and the committee has devoted the whole of this day to the question of how to get in and out of farming. Mr H. M. Caselberg, who has been the guiding hand behind many young men

getting into fanning will open up the topic. This is followed by Mr C. W. Weir and Mr. I. Weston-Macpherson who have both been able to get into fanning with very few initial resources. “But for young men to get into farming older men must make way for them,” added Mr Wallace. “Mr A. C. R. Robinson will be talking about how 4o pass on managerial responsibility to the younger 'generation and Mr J. A. McAlister, an accountant, will be telling farmers about the financial side of passing assets on to your family. These papers- should conclude the conference on a high note. “During the conference farmers from throughout the ; South Island, who stay at the college, really enjoy the evening discussions which take place. Those wishing to stay at the college should write as soon as possible to their provincial secretary of Federated Farmers or to the Secretary 7 of the Farmers' J Conference, Lincoln College, I Those who wish to come by (the day and can only attend part of the conference can buy their tickets for the conference at the door. ‘The committee has done its part in arranging this conference for South Island farmers. It is up to tire farming community to recognise its value and give the conference a high priority among the many activities which I compete for their time,” said IMr Wallace.