Charles Wiffen, meanwhile, explained the ultimate aim of the day was to eliminate Chilean Needle Grass. The grassroots Chilean Needle Grass committee (or dining room table committee, as Charles later described it) had enticed more than 400 farmers, politicians and industry leaders to the remote Conway Flat in North Canterbury, presumably because of the influential speakers.
I haven't been to a bull sale at Te Mania, but I would bet some Charles Wiffen wine that the Future of the Heartland Forum packed that sales ring like never before.
A couple of wiser men sitting near me obviously had -- they came prepared with their cushions and woollen rugs, which proved necessary as the day wore on.
Concerns over biosecurity, and the Government's actions to protect our borders, were partially allayed by Nathan Guy, who announced Biosecurity 2025, a full review and future-proofing of New Zealand's biosecurity system. Detail of the review was light, but the sentiment was there. No political speech would be complete without the obligatory 'politician with cute animals' image, so there we were admiring a photo of the youngest Ag minister in 50 years with some of New Zealand's super beagles who can pick up 40 different scents.
Another key message was water storage, the single biggest thing to GDP in the South Island.
Although the Opuha dam supports more than 500 people, Dr Rolleston later commented, "Water storage is more than just dams and on farm ponds, it includes soil water holding capacity".
William's speech is worth reading in it's entirety, as I can't do it justice here.
Like any good doctor, he manages to give you facts and figures in an authoritative way, delivering messages you probably weren't expecting and all the while you feel warm and comforted, like you've been wrapped in a soft merino and possum rug.
* Dr Rolleston's speech can be found at www.fedfarm.org.nz/publications/Speeches/default3.asp
