Following the Christchurch Earthquake Federated Farmers Farmy Army became a classic example of initiative.
Farmers stood up in a time of crisis with number 8 wire 'do-it-yourself' improvisation. It's been so successful, that Federated Farmers has registered 'Farmy Army' as a trademark.
"The trick was to focus on an area where our
skillset could help, without interfering with the work the Government, Red Cross and the Army were doing. We focused on the liquefaction problem," says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers Christchurch Earthquake spokesperson.
It took several days until ground conditions were stable enough to sustain diggers and loaders. Once the authorities gave the all clear, spades and wheelbarrows
worked in tandem with 100 pieces of equipment, including diggers, loaders and tip trucks, which ultimately generated 3000 machine hours.
There's too many to thank, but Gary Easson of Naseby and Paul McCormick from Wanganui, were typical of the generosity given with time and equipment.
By the time the Farmy Army had completed its 'tour of duty', more than 4500 volunteer workers had contributed over 35,000 man hours, clearing in excess of 100,000 cubic metres of silt and liquefaction.
The Farmy Army kitchen pumped out some 3500 meals and 2000 lunches for these workers, as well as some 2500 hot meals for needy Canterbury residents.
"The kitchen operation was truly outstanding," said Mr Hartnell, "Our 25
strong voluntary kitchen team, led by Nick Geddes, Helen Heddel and Cathy Stephens worked for more than 2000 man hours."
The Farmy Army had its own 10 member 'staff' led by Federated Farmers policy advisors, Carly and Shona Sluys.
They met regularly to coordinate work with Civil Defence, Fulton Hogan and Christchurch City Council. Federated Farmers estimates the effort was worth well over $1.1 million dollars to Christchurch's recovery.
"Thank you to all our volunteers. It was a heroic effort that made me proud to be a New Zealander and proud to represent Federated Farmers," Mr Hartnell concluded.
