Rural Living Liftout - 30 June 2023

Tauranga Farmers Market pg 2-3.

Photo: John Borren.

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It’s a cute tattoo, delicate and discreet. A sun ower etched on the inside of her forearm.

e sun ower is Megan McVeigh’s favourite ower. It’s a nod to her mum, who also loves sun owers. And it’s symbolic of where she is at. Because, like the sun ower, life is blossoming and blooming.

e 26-year-old childcare worker, cum nannie, cum horticulturalist has just become manager of ‘THE’ Saturday morning destination in town, the Tauranga Farmers Market.

“I absolutely love this place….loooooove it! e community feel, we all buy in. A beautiful collective feel.”

e boss on her rst day in the job and all the zeal of a religious convertee. Probably because she’s already done a decade-long apprenticeship. “ e family’s had a produce stall here for 10 years – I am part of it, grew up here, it’s in the veins.”

Fresh perspective

So no demons here for Megan, nothing will come as a surprise. e relationships with the stallholders is already there, the respect is already there, as is the knowledge and understanding.

“She will bring a fresh young perspective to the job,” says Trixie Allen, who has passed on the manager’s baton after 15 years in the job. “It will be interesting how she grows it.”

ere won’t be a sledgehammer – she’s started in her own simple way by integrating her brand, her own special style. ere’s the signature broadbrimmed black fedora – al la Bogart, Capone and Sinatra.

at hat is a beacon. Especially amongst the mature early-morning demographic. And if not, the pink vest is. Hi-viz pink, the sign of seniority and authority. Megan McVeigh, market manager, has a very visible presence at the Tauranga Farmers Market. And if not the hat, then the sunnies perched on top. And the upbeat positive attitude. “I am a bubble of happiness – pretty much always have a smile and always positive.” And no, she doesn’t ap. Ten years in childcare taught her patience and calm. It’s tested on the rst morning of her rst day with a crisis, albeit a minor one.

Megan McVeigh grew up at the Tauranga Farmers Market with her vegetable-growing family having a stall there for 10-odd years.

Former market manager Trixie Allen with Megan McVeigh.

“ e busker hasn’t turned up. But if that’s the worst thing that happens today…”

Evolve

ere is nothing she wants to change immediately – things will just evolve. “However I want to see if we can pull more young people in – because they will be our customers for the next 30 or 40 years.” In the meantime she’ll be sticking to the music – the theme, the tone and ambience of the market.

When Megan is not waving her baton over the sh, the macadamias, the dosas, the free-range eggs, the veges and the breads and pickles and preserves at the market, she will be immersed in the expansive greenhouse on the family property near Katikati. Just beside the chook run. “Grew up here, swam in the waterholes nearby; went to Katikati College.”

She’s happiest among the avo trees or messing with the organic kale, the cabbages, the beetroot and broccoli, and the bird of paradise owers – all of which will eventually make it to the family’s

Riverside stall at the market.When e Weekend Sun drops by she’s planting out celery. We will probably be buying it at the market in a couple of months.

Another bell

Trixie closed the market midday each Saturday by ringing an old family door bell. Ding-a-ding-a-ding – the day is done. It became an institution. Megan found an old bell out by the chook house. Some things just won’t change. Megan has mountains tattooed on one shoulder – this one’s a nod to her dad. “I grew up a just under the Kaimai Range –he and I did a lot of hunting there.” is is a family that lives on the land, lives o the land and loves the land. Oh –and the busker has just turned up.

Hunter Wells

Megan McVeigh in her family’s shade house that grows birds of paradise flowers to sell at Tauranga Farmers Market.

Photos: John Borren.

Rural women learning some new skills

In an e ort to master the fundamentals that are often overlooked in the fast-paced lives of rural women, a group of locals took advantage of a Rural Women New Zealand Skills Day at Pyes Pa last weekend.

In the morning, there were workshops on how to attract birds to the backyard with native plants, how to achieve a quick-growing hedge and tips on what to grow to make your own simple natural remedies and teas. e second part of the day involved experts from local businesses – including a tree transplanting service, a local food growers group and advice on the right battery-powered tools to use.

“We had someone talking about the best time and technique to prune fruit trees and rose bushes and how to improve your soil health,” says Mary McTavish, who is RWNZ’s Bay of Plenty/Coromandel regional leader and committee chair.

Broaden knowledge

Mary says last weekend’s Skills Day was about women living on lifestyle or rural sections in the Bay of Plenty having an opportunity to expand their skillset. e event was hosted at Pyes Pa Hall on June 24 by the Tauranga branch of RWNZ – and is just the second time the initiative has been run in the BOP.

Mary says it was a great opportunity for local rural women to learn from experts – and, from each other. “ e aim is to broaden our knowledge and accomplish

to

more on our properties,” says Mary. “Even seemingly basic tasks can be very easy to get wrong.”

Mary says by o ering insights and guidance, the Skills Day aims to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure that vital information, skills – in essence rural education – is being passed down through the generations.

design.

“As an example, if you prune at the wrong time, you could a ect a season’s produce,” says Mary. “It’s important to get it right.” Some ladies can no longer ask their mothers or grandmothers for such tips due to death, or moving away from loved ones, or maybe they don’t have family with rural ‘roots’ as such.

Mary says at the rst Skills Day in Rotorua one lady commented that she wouldn’t just be stacking the rewood from now on – instead she’d be “cutting the wood herself”. “It was a very useful exercise.”

Learn from each other

Attendees also learn from each other, says Mary. “We ask people to bring along something they’ve made or some advice that they can’t live without. It’s very informal and friendly – and we like to spend some time exchanging ideas and tips.”

Mary says RWNZ’s Tauranga branch intends to host another Skills Day this coming spring if there’s enough interest for it.

For more information on RWNZ, its work, and the Tauranga branch’s Skills Days, email Mary at: jhmemcts@gmail.com Debbie Griffiths

Rain-sodden livestock farmers in the Bay of Plenty are being encouraged to put their hands up early for outsourced feed.

BOP Federated Farmers president Brent Mountfort runs sheep and beef on a 270-hectare piece of land at Matata and is encouraging farmers to roll with the punches as best they can.

“What we’re seeing for Bay of Plenty is low feed utilisation with sodden soils. e recent cold temperatures have stopped growth and we are seeing an indication that the feed situation – which earlier in the season was looking really good – is now starting to get tight.

“We are starting to see a signi cant rise in the need for supplement feed to be brought into the area.”

your need for feed now!

e National Feed Coordination Service was re-activated by the Ministry of Primary Industries to support farmers needing feed and grazing in response to the devastation and longer term e ects of Cyclone Gabrielle in February.

Online feed ‘dating’

Federated Farmers adverse events manager Julie Geange says this service has been stood up a number of times – “but this the rst time it’s in response to a cyclone and the continued ongoing wet, rather than drought conditions”.

e service is essentially a feedmatching service. Light-heartedly referred to as “like an online dating service, only for feed”.

“Our role is to match willing buyers with those who have feed for sale,” says Julie. “ ere’s actually plenty for sale at the moment – so we’re reminding

farmers that you don’t have to be at rock bottom to register for either feed or grazing. is is about looking ahead and being prepared.”

Brent says it’s not easy but you have to adapt to what’s happening. “It’s not a normal year so it can be hard to keep positive, but farmers need to be prepared to be exible. We had a really good growing season over summer. In

fact, it was a really good summer. “So it’s easy to become complacent about the feed on hand. But this is the time to get organised.

Plan early!

“We also acknowledge that it’s hard to think about the future worst-case scenario when you’re knee deep in the swamp that used to be your paddock trying to x a fence – but the earlier you plan, the better o you’ll be,” says Brent. “What we’re seeing is an unusual pattern brought on by wet weather and that’s putting pressure with the feed systems on-farm.”

According to Federated Farmers, the Feed Coordination Service currently has the most listings it’s ever had. “ at’s because we saw there was likely going to be a feed de cit, so we activated early,” says Julie. “Bay of Plenty is one of multiple areas that’s a ected – and that’s another unusual factor we’re dealing with. We normally have isolated areas that need help, but this is so widespread that there is a huge number of farmers that will need help.”

Julie says properties from Northland down to Wairarapa are a ected. To register for feed or grazing, go to: fedfarm.org.nz or call 0800 327 646.

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Debbie Griffiths

BOP Federated Farmers vice president Daryl Jensen’s farm paddocks at Paengaroa are saturated. Photos: supplied.

Rural salesman a farmer at

It’s rare to nd a rural real estate salesperson with as much hands-on farming experience as Jacob Mackie.

In such a niche market, it really makes a world of di erence.

After managing sheep and beef stations in Southland and Wairarapa, he has returned home to the Bay of Plenty to embark on a new career in rural property sales.

“I wanted to be close to my family in the region I love,” says Jacob. “I’m passionate about rural living and connecting with people, so sales suits me perfectly. I grew up in the city and attended Tauranga Boys’ College but always had that rural bug.

Expertise

“I’ve spent years in the industry now, and I know the expertise I’ve gained in beef, sheep and dairy farming is a valuable asset when it comes to selling rural properties.”

Jacob is now enjoying the process of simply ‘chewing the cud over the farm fence’ and building relationships here in the Bay and in surrounding districts.

“What I do bring to the table is

genuine experience in the rural sector and practical knowledge of what’s involved in running a lifestyle block and a livestock business.

“I’m looking forward to helping people sell and also to nd their ideal next property. I know what to look for. ere aren’t many agents with my background.”

Lifestyle services

Jacob also runs BOP Lifestyle Services to provide professional shearing, drenching, foot trimming, and dipping services for sheep and cattle.

“My priority when I’m carrying out stock maintenance is the animals’ wellbeing and ensuring a stress-free experience,” says Jacob.

“ e business allows me to make new contacts and build great relationships with farmers. In sales, my care now is for my landowners. ey need to be able to relax and trust that I’m working in their best interest.”

Rural property sales can be complex, so Jacob’s years of experience and naturally laidback personality remove the ‘overwhelm’ from the process.

“I can give advice on how to prepare and present a rural

section, orchard, farm or lifestyle block for sale,” says Jacob. “Most rural properties aren’t shotgun sales. It’s a long-term plan as the owner may be nearing retirement, wanting to downsize or craving a shift in lifestyle. It’s not just a house; it’s also a business and that needs to be taken into account.”

As a new associate, Jacob has strong support from the biggest luxury real estate agency in the world; New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty – and the ability to dedicate his full attention to a select number of clients. “I’m coming in fresh and enthusiastic with bags of advice in the sector and am happy to visit homeowners and chat about their possible future plans, their current situation and anything I can do to help.”

Genuine passion

In the world of rural real estate, Jacob Mackie is a welcome breath of fresh air. His hands-on farming experience, coupled with his genuine passion for the industry and an understanding of the nuances of rural living, set him apart from the competition.

Jacob Mackie loves, lives and works in the rural sector.

Debbie Griffiths

Eight contestants will have to use their heads, hands and heart for horticultural work as they test their knowledge and practical skills in a competitive and fast-paced environment on July 12 at Mount Maunganui College in a bid to win the 2023 Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition.

e competition aims to inspire and acknowledge the talents of young people employed in the Bay of Plenty’s fruit and vegetable sectors – with the winner set to head to the national nal of the NZ Young Grower on October 4-5 at Pukekohe, Auckland. With eight contestants now named – see their pro les within this feature – it’s up to them to take on the challenges from 9am-2pm at Mount Maunganui College on Wednesday, July 12. Here, a fun- lled day of tasks will see contestants undertake a range of horticultural-related theoretical and practical activities as spectators of family, friends and industry representatives cheer them on.

Challenges set to ‘grow’ contestants

At the day’s end contestants will scrub up to attend a Gala Dinner and Awards Evening from 5.30pm-10pm at the Mercury Baypark Stadium Lounge, with comedian Jeremy Elwood the MC. Here, contestants face their last mission – a speech competition in front of about 400 industry leaders – with this year’s topic:

‘You have been appointed Prime Minister, what would be the rst thing you would improve within the Horticulture industry?’

A win for all Judges then collate results of the day with participants’ speeches to decide who will claim the coveted 2023 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year title.

e trophy is bestowed to the winner in front of the industry at the gala.

e 2023 BOP regional winner will receive $1500 plus the opportunity to represent the region in the Young Grower of the Year national nal. First runner-up receives $1000; and second runner-up $750.

And the win for all participants is some amazing networking opportunities and chances to learn

more valuable knowledge about their industry.

NZKGI’s Sam Vicente-Moa says the goal of the BOP Young Grower challenges is to provide participants with a transformative experience that equips them with the skills, knowledge, connections and con dence needed to excel in their horticulture careers and become leaders in the industry.

“It helps to raise the pro le of the horticulture industry. By highlighting the achievements of young growers, it generates positive publicity and increases public awareness and appreciation for the industry. is can attract new talent, investment, and opportunities for growth.

“Additionally, the competition promotes networking and collaboration among industry professionals. It brings together growers, post-harvest, government, and other stakeholders, providing them with an opportunity to build relationships.”

Pressure on the boys Winner of the Young Grower of the Year national nal on October 4-5 at Pukekohe will receive $12,000, a trophy and entry to

compete at the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition. And the heat is back on the boys this year, with three women taking out rst, second and third place in 2022’s Bay of Plenty’s Young Grower contest, with Laura Schultz from Trevelyans grabbing the 2022 BOP Young Grower title.

Contestant Liaison Bryce Morrison says the competition has “an emphasis on practical production – on or close to orchard/farm skills – and business skills associated with growing and industry knowledge”.

To learn more about the competition, visit: www.bopyounggrower.co.nz

The 2022 BOP Young Grower title winner Laura Schultz competing last year.

Photo: Andrew Warner Photography.

Sydn H

Proud to be the daughter of dairy farming parents and grandparents, Sydney has always been appreciative of the nutritious products able to be grown and produced on New Zealand soils.

Currently, she is based in the Eastern Bay of Plenty where she manages kiwifruit orchards and is responsible for the compliance of Sybton’s growing operations.

“I am entering the competition to push my comfort zone and to test my knowledge.”

When not at work Sydney enjoys making the most of the outdoors – either heading to the beach, helping on the farm, or nding a walk or camping spot somewhere new!

Surrounded by Taranaki dairy farms growing up, Katherine headed o to study a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science and Plant Biology at Massey University.

Not long after nishing up her degree, in 2018 she got a job at Trevelyans as an avocado grower representative working with growers all over Te Puke, Katikati, and Coromandel. Outside of work, Katherine and her husband a 2ha property where they grow tamarillos and avocados. “I also train and compete my team of Arabian horses in endurance riding.” Currently she is working her way up to riding a 160km ride.

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J t Sh t iffe Dyl Wad th

Justin was raised in Taranaki, but after graduating from high school he moved to the Bay of Plenty in search of employment in the horticultural industry. He quickly started his own contracting company, working with avocados, which has allowed him to advance into a grower liaison position with Apata.

“I want to learn more, improve my industry skills, and connect with like-minded people.”

Justin likes to play sports and spend time with my family and friends at his coastal property outside of New Plymouth when he’s not working.

Dylan is a father-of-two and is married to wife Shennae.

He’s a keen sportsman and loves a game of disk golf. His current role is orchard manager for Baygold, where he looks after 92ha of G3 kiwifruit. “I love the kiwifruit industry and love growing a crop!”

Dylan has been involved with most things kiwifruit – from planting the orchard right through to cropping.

He likes to get on the tools and on the tractor when he gets a chance.

“I have learnt so much during my career so far and I’m looking forward to meeting more like minded people to grow my experience!”

Dami k

Damian started his career in kiwifruit in 2018 as an orchard specialist and gradually progressed to becoming an orchard manager for Prospa.

He has always loved a challenge and sees the Young Grower of the Year competition as a great new opportunity. “I am wanting to push myself, step out of my comfort zone in the pursuit of personal growth, and compete with other young like-minded people like myself that are passionate about the industry.”

His greatest career achievement so far has been surviving the 2022/2023 growing season. His interests outside of working include hunting, shing and spending time with his family; wife Katie-Jayne, and children Sage, 6, Koby, 3, Tiana, 2, newborn Zion.

JUSTIN TIME! ALL THE BEST TO ALL COMPETITORS.

Ashd Reid

Jack left school left school at the age of 16 once he had gained his level 2 NCEA quali cation.

Once leaving school, he joined DMS as an orchard assistant. “I have since worked my way through all orchard tasks and roles to reach my current position as an orchard manager.”

He is entering the Young Grower of the Year competition to gain more industry experience; and he hopes to make some more connections to the wider industry.

His greatest achievement is completing my Lincoln University Diploma of Horticulture after four years of study. Outside of work he likes to spend his free time in Taupo, playing sport, skydiving and exploring more of the country.

JackT to h J hC i

Josh started as a cadet in the kiwifruit industry and have worked his way through various roles to now being an orchard manager at Seeka.

He entered the Young Grower of the Year competition last year and enjoyed the experience he decided to apply again.

“By entering this competition I would like to gain more skills and meet more like-minded people.”

His greatest achievement is his family.

Outside of work he enjoys catching up with friends over a co ee, playing golf or spending quality time with his wife and children.

Ashdon is 22 years old and currently works as an orchard manager for Southern Cross Horticulture. He has grown up in the kiwifruit industry, working on orchards and being involved with harvest operations ever since he can remember.

He is entering Young Grower to have an opportunity to learn from and compete against the best future leaders of the industry. Outside of work you’ll nd him in the great outdoors – enjoying all aspects of what New Zealand has to o er – along with being involved with his family’s orchards.

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