Back again for 2018, some Fonterra farmers are opening their gates so New Zealanders have the opportunity to go on farm, learn about how Fonterra farmers care for our environment and what happens on a dairy farm.

Sam and Shelley have been dairy farming at Dizdale Farm for 35 years and currently have 330 cows on their farm. Sam’s family has been in the area for over 100 years. His brother’s farm is right next door and their grandfather used to grow flax which was milled on the banks of the Mangatawhiri River here at Dizdale Farm. The farm borders the river, and during summer people regularly walk along the stop bank on the Te Awa walk way which runs from the Hunia Ranges to Mercer.

This is a very beautiful farm with over 1,000 trees on the property. Initially they were planted as a beautification project, but lately the planting has been in wetlands to improve the environment. Some of the gullys have been planted with native trees and all drains are fences along with the duck pond and of course the river.

Come along and join Sam and Shelley for Open Gates this year.

There’ll be gumboot throwing, egg and spoon races and even a chance to see a milking demonstration – a family day out not to miss!

Book now to secure your FREE ticket for a day on the farm!

For more information please visit Open Gates

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