“It’s destined for snack food and breakfast cereal production.”
Another major producer in the region has also started its season and reports “promising prospects”.
The grain maize harvest continues into June.
Colin Bayliss featured in a couple of classes at the Ruakituri sheep dog trial on Friday and Saturday. He is pictured in action during a previous local trial season.
Hannah top dog at Ruakituri
Wins to Hannah Hutchinson in two of the four classes highlighted the Ruakituri Sheep Dog Trial at the weekend.
The weather was great and the sheep went well, according to a trial spokeswoman.
Hutchinson and her dog Ange took out Event 1, the long head, with a score of 94.5 points.
Colin Bayliss and Ned were second on 94, and Ruie Bridge and Tui were third on 93.5.
Event 2, the short head and yard, went to evergreen Merv Utting and Guy on 94. Noddy Halley and Guy were second on 91.5, and Hutchinson and Ange were third on 91.
Honours in Event 3, the zig zag hunt, went to Sam Shaw and Rogue on 96.5, ahead of Cameron Rowden and Rogue on 96, and Jake Roche and Sebo on 95.75.
Hutchinson was back in the winner’s circle in Event 5, the straight hunt, with her dog Rachel and an excellent score of 97.
Bayliss and Levi were next on 96, followed by James Steele and Abba on 95.
Hutchinson and Ange also won the intermediate section of events 1 and 2.
Rowden and Rogue won the intermediate and maiden sections in Event 3.
Bayliss and Levi won the intermediate section in Event 4. Steele and Abba were the maiden winners in that class.
Tairāwhiti hunters and other interested people are invited to a public meeting on Thursday night at which it is hoped to reform a local branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.
Deerstalkers set their sights
A Gisborne-Tairāwhiti branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association (NZDA) is to be reformed.
In response to expressions of interest shown by 50 people, Gisborne Hunting & Fishing is hosting an information night at its Gladstone Rd premises from 6pm on Thursday.
Organisers hope to see a local branch of the NZDA officially launched at the event, which will include a barbecue.
“All locals are welcome to attend,” said NZDA chief executive Gwyn Thurlow. “The move follows strong engagement in the region through our Hunts training courses in recent years.
“Those courses have introduced new hunters to safe and responsible hunting practices.
“Anyone interested in hunting, conservation or joining the NZDA is encouraged to attend on Thursday night.”
