Riverside Farm - A Wairarapa teaching, research and extension resource

Abstract

Massey University assumed management responsibility for "Riverside", a 723 ha sheep and beef cattle farm 8 km north of Masterton in Master-ton in March 1978. The farm is leased to the University under the terms of the will of the late Mr Sydney Campbell to assist in the accumulation, expansion and dissemination of knowledge about agriculture, with particular emphasis on agriculture in the Wairarapa. A lo-year farm development programme instigated in 1978 resulted in the sale of the beef herd and the winter stocking rate of sheep being increased to 15.1 suiha by 1984 (9.7 sulha in 1978). In 1985 stocking rates were sharply reduced following a severe drought and the current mixed 2-year bull beef and breeding ewe policy was introduced. Recent research has focused on drought-tolerant pasture species. In late 1992 sheep and beef cattle farmers (n=lOO) were surveyed to identify local information needs and how Riverside could continue to serve the region's research and extension requirements. Information related to fertilisers and farm management were most frequently rated as the most imporant current needs. Keywords: extension, research, Riverside, teaching, Wairarapa