Farming for the Future in Ellesmere

Description

NameFarming for the Future Last edited by: Sarah Davy

DescriptionWelcome to the collection of stories around farming in Ellesmere, through the heritage panel at the tuna (eel) sculpture at Leeston.

Ellesmere became a bountiful and fertile place to grow and gather food. The Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki people were involved in fishing, eeling and harvesting wildfowl, as well as growing kūmara and fern root and later, potatoes and turnips, among many other foods.

From the 1850s the early station owners ran sheep and cattle. As the land was changed to support farming, through the drainage of wetlands and the introduction of water races and shelter-belts, livestock studs were established. This assisted the Ellesmere Agricultural and Pastoral Association to organise the first show in 1871.

As farming further developed in Ellesmere in the 1860s it became known as ‘the great farming district of the province’ and the leading wheat producer in New Zealand. In 1869 the Rev. W. J. G. Bluett organised the first shipment of wheat to England. Wheat, oats, barley and peas remained the main crops. The suitable soils and climate also supported seed crops such as grass and clover. White clover became the most valuable seed crop in the district. In recent years, crops have diversified further with the production of fresh and processed foods, and specialty vegetable seed crops.

The increased prominence of the dairy industry has changed agriculture across Ellesmere. Large dairy farms have been established on lighter irrigated soils, smaller farms have been amalgamated, and sheep numbers have declined.
Last edited by: Sarah Davy

Date2024