A Mahana couple are offering locals a first for the region in opening the gates to their lifestyle property as part of the Open Farm programme, which aims to reconnect people with land, food and farmers.
For the past five years, the Open Farms initiative has seen farmers open their gates to the public during March, to gain a taste of what it’s like to live and work in the industry.
Open days have included dairy farms near Auckland, horse breeders in the Waikato, sheep and beef farms near Wellington, food forests in Christchurch, and alpaca farms near Dunedin, but there have been none in Tasman, until now.
Mahana lifestyle block owners, Michelle and Nigel McMorran, are opening their gates this year, marking Tasman’s first opportunity to participate in the opportunity.
“Through our Air B&B experiences, we’ve realised many New Zealanders haven’t had the chance to interact closely with animals like sheep and cows,” Michelle shares. “We’re excited to introduce our animals and share our passion for farming as well as offer an opportunity for those who haven’t had this experience.”
The couple have issued an open invitation to visit their slice of paradise on 9 March, offering a chance to connect with their property and animals. You will be able to interact with a special and adorable breed of sheep known as Valais Blacknose, along with friendly Belted Galloway cows.
Michelle’s upbringing on a beef and sheep farm during a time when tuberculosis (TB) was widespread has shaped her commitment to seeing NZ livestock and wildlife free of TB. As a member of the OSPRI Farmer Committee for Top of the South, Michelle actively participates in programmes aimed at eradicating TB and other diseases.
“While TB cases have significantly reduced, it remains a risk. There is a real need for everyone to understand the importance of eradicating TB, and ensure we have traceability of livestock,” Michelle reflects on the progress against TB. “Traceability is vital to help us in the event of an outbreak of diseases like M. Bovis, or worse, Foot and Mouth, which is on our doorstep as a real and present risk.”
Visiting Michelle and Nigel’s farm is free, but registration is required. To register, please visit www.openfarms.co.nz
