| 55 MEAT & WOOL » James Ward Gap between reality & perception Molesworth Station runs 3000 mixed age cows, 1000 two-year-old heifers and 1100 one-year-old heifers. Karen Phelps Jim Ward says he sees the disconnect between the reality and public perception of farming regularly in his role as Molesworth Station manager with wife Tracey for 22 years and his role over the past 16 years as the high country rep for the Marlborough region and vice chair of the executive for the high country for Federated Farmers. “I personally believe there is a lot of misinformation floating around. For example we have done water quality surveys on Molesworth and know that when we had 10,000 head of stock our water quality was really good. Now we have 5300 head but we still have people challenging us around water quality when our average stocking rate on Molesworth in summer country, land on the western side of the property that is only grazed at that time of year, is less than five cows per kilometre of riverbed. I don’t mind people questioning but this is a good example of perception versus reality,” he says. Molesworth Station comprises 182000ha and runs 3000 mixed age cows, 1000 two-year-old heifers and 1100 one-year-old heifers. Pamu holds the grazing license on Molesworth Station. Jim says that rather than harming the land the stock actually helps to enhance it by providing income for weed and pest control programmes that improve the land. On Molesworth Station wilding pines is one of the biggest environmental challenges with over 1000ha of dense infestations. “This year our total budget for wilding pine control is $3.8m, a lot of that coming from MPI. At the moment we have individual tree spraying plus boom control by helicopters and two crews cutting with hand tools with 50 odd people on the ground indicating the huge challenge.” Other pest control work includes goats with 25000 eliminated by helicopter in the past 20 years. “Goats breed prolifically and eat an area right down to stones. They destroy the natives and vegetation and on Molesworth we have 84 listed rare and endangered plants and animals.” Another milestone was that this year the farm had its first TB clear test since 1972. Molesworth Station works with OSPRI, which provides a national traceability scheme to help create a TBfree New Zealand and support the export market. And Jim says that Molesworth Station is not an isolated example with many high country farmers doing the mahi to be good stewards of the land. “They may not be waving banners at the front gate and telling their story but they are certainly doing the right thing by the land. Aerial agricultural services • Charter tours • Hunting & fishing info Certified Plumber, Drainlayer & IQP Backflow Tester 03 577 6967 office@hpd.co.nz www.hunterplumbinganddrainage.co.nz Russell Greer Electrical Proud to support Ph: (03) 578 1425 Cell: 027 443 0216 James Ward MOLEWORTH STATION As a farmer you need to look after the land to get the production off it so it makes sense. I see an awful lot of good work that’s getting done.” Molesworth Station is open to the public to enjoy from 1 October until Easter Monday with around 3000 vehicles entering and 9000 people each year. Jim says that this is an important part of the farm’s license to operate. “We’ve always had the view that we have five million owners and it’s great for the public to come in here and enjoy the land and recreational opportunities.” Specialising in all medium and conventional square bale hay operations Big Bale Farming Ltd - (03) 577 7501 | 021 398 939 | info@bigbale.co.nz • Buying / Selling Hay • Mowing & Raking • Combine Harvester • Wrapping & Baleage • Direct & Conventional Drilling • Sweet Corn Balage Stubble Sales
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