ON THE FARM

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume 7, Issue 59, 26 November 1937, Page 7

ON THE FARM

BLEDISLOE MEDAL

Award for Good Farming

MR R. J. LOW THE WINNER

Lord Bledisloe’s medal for 1937 has been awarded to Mr R. J. Low of Highbank, Methven. The Medal is awarded annually to the old student of Lincoln College who has rendered notable service to the country, the work being done outside or within New Zealand, or who has over a period of years been a successful farmer, showing that his course at the College had enabled him to develop his farm to the best advantage, that his presence in the district had raised the standard of farming there and that he has taken a keen interest in local affairs. Activities of Mr Low

Mr Low was at the College from 1910-1912. In 1914 he took up the management of a 2000-acre property near Kaikoura —Quail Downs, and later leased this property. He gave up the lease when he joined the N.Z. Expeditionary Force. In 1918 he bought his present farm of 360 acres at Highbank. There he has developed pedigree flocks of English and Border Leicesters and Southdowns, as well as a herd of Shorthorns and a stud of Clydesdales. He has been an outstanding exhibitor and taken a very large number of championships throughout Australia and New Zealand. His farm is noted for its good crops and pastures and especially for its system of rotational grazing and pasture man agement. It was a very close second in tho Ashburton Competition of 1936.

It has been stated frequently that Mr Low’s presence in his district 1 as certainly raised the standard of farming operations and it can be justly claimed his activties have gone far in the advancement of practical agriculture. Mr Low has been a very active member of organised farming efforts. He has been President of the Methven A. and P. Association and is still an active member of the committee. He is connected with the Ashburton A. and P. Association. He sponsored the local branches of the Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. He is highly esteemed as a judge of stock and demonstrator of wool and pastures, and with his friendly and obliging disposition he has been ever ready to give his best advice to anyone seeking help. Mr Low takes a keen interest in all local bodies and district affairs, and is interested in many phases of sport, especially among the youth of the district.

The Medal will be presented to Mr Low on a suitable occasion in the near future.