Christmas in the farming world

This is what some of the people we featured this year are doing for Christmas and what they're hoping for in the year to come.

Blue Read, of Pukearuhe, chairman of Fonterra Shareholders' Council

Christmas morning, I will milk the cows and we will spend the day with (wife) Shirley's extended family at Tongaporutu. This year, our kids will all be attending after a few years with them being in various parts of the world. It will be a family occasion, although I will try to keep out of the way of the multitudes of grandchildren and the kitchen (too many cooks, etc).

We will have a bit of everything available to eat, although my favorite is the ham that Shirley prepares.

Hopefully, 2010 will bring a bit more peace, good-will and global stability; for Fonterra, I would like to see us all united behind a clear and common objective and creating value for farmers, staff and New Zealand.

Fred McLay, of New Plymouth, Taranaki Regional Council's director of resource management

I'll be spending time with immediate family in New Plymouth, consuming a ham and new spuds from my garden, washed down with a wine or two.

In 2010, I'd like to see a more inclusive and caring society refocused towards more core values rather than the rampant consumerism, greed and lack of appropriate financial controls that has got the world into so much trouble recently.

Derek Gibson, of Oakura, dairy chairman of Taranaki Federated Farmers

I will be enjoying a brunch, pancakes and lots of Christmas goodies prepared by my lovely sister in-law, Kathy Prankerd.

What I would like to see happen next year is the continued involvement, growth and development of younger members of the Federated Farmers, which will bring a new perspective to our organisation.

Debbie Jenkins, of Stratford, LIC artificial insemination technician

Christmas day will be relaxing with family. The main course will be a good old barbecue with yummy desserts and Christmas pudding.

Next year, I would like to see more of New Zealand and maybe do some AB inseminating in another country.

Paul Avery, of Douglas, farmer and world shearing champion

Our Christmas is a family affair fully booked with family gatherings. Christmas lunch will be glazed ham with all the trimmings and Christmas pudding. The good old favourite Kiwi barbecue is planned for Christmas dinner.

Next year will be a challenging year for all our top shearers with the New Zealand shearing team for the Welsh 2010 World Championships being selected at the NZ Shearing Championships and Golden Shears.

My goal is to make this team, so I will be focused on this for the next few months.

I hope that all our family and friends stay fit and well.

Stephen Canton, of Hawera, DairyNZ farm consulting officer for South Taranaki

Our family are having Christmas on my brother's farm, which he manages for LandCorp near Te Anau. I'm hoping the main course will be home-killed lamb.

For 2010, I'd like to see a good payout and grass-growing season (they fall in line together).

A number of farmers are telling me they are budgeting on a $4.50 payout for next season. In this volatile world market, they are making sure the farm system can manage this. If the payout finishes higher than that, the extra cash will go into debt reduction and repairs and maintenance.

Lorette Astwood-Davidson, of Tikorangi, 2009 Taranaki Sharemilker of the Year

We are having a casual family Christmas - lunch with my family and dinner with (partner) Paul's family. And, of course, milking the cows between lunch and dinner.

The main course will have to be chicken, because we farmers eat beef all year round, so I love Christmas time as I finally get to eat chicken.

Mum is in charge of the pavlova - you can't have Christmas without a pav.

We are looking for a new sharemilking job for 2010, so that's our main goal at this stage.

- © Fairfax NZ News