District with variety

Press, 8 April 1988, Page 13

District with variety

I According to Dale Reavers, this year’s president of the Oxford A. and P. Association, the Oxford' district has much to offer. I Farming is varied and interesting in a landscape backed by the foothills of the Southern Alps. More-: over, Oxford is a growing, town attracting Christchurch people wanting to live away from the city. i “We have bush country and plains and with our location near the mountains we get more moisture than some other Canterbury areas,” Mr Weavers said. | Farming activities include horticulture and some forestry along with the more traditional sheep farming. Deer farming is also part of the Oxford scene. : Mr Weavers, with his wife, iNoeline, and three

daughters have a 750-hec-tare sheep property “Woo-

lomee” on Burnt Hill Road. The farm runs

about 7000 sheep, mainly

Bjoroola half-breds for ir tensive lamb production and fine wool. “One of Oxford’s best assets is the showgrounds,” Mr Weavers say's. “We ,own some buildings which includes a large shearing shed where we hold a good shearing competition.” I “The A. and P. rooms are combined with the Rugby Club. | We have a small grounds committee that is assisted by members from thfe Rugby Club and A. and) P. Association.” I Mr Weavers believes that the Oxford show is strong in every sense and the committee caters for all areas of interest from livestock to trade. All local organisations are encouraged to take a stand in the trades area. A highlight of the show this year will be the prime lamb and killing competition which has attracted 125 entries.

The lambs will be judged on the hoof at the show tomorrow and then on the hook at the Kaiapoi freezing works next Wednesday. Wednesday’s event will be held; at 10.30 a.m. and the lambs will be cut for the pre-cut trade.. There will be points for on the hoof and points for on the hook.

Mr Weavers says that the winner at the show may not become the overall winner. There could be two i different winners when all the points are finalised. "It is pleasing to see a lift in the flock and prime sheep entries this year. This is partly because of increased sponsorship," Mr Weavers says.