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Clutha Agricultural Development Board (AgBoard)

History of the AgBoard
Vision
How is the Board going to achieve its Mission?
Membership and funding
Activities and Projects undertaken 2004/5
Contacts
Board Directors
Other Board Contacts

History of the AgBoard
In 1993, a Clutha District Strategic Planning committee was formed to review the performance and direction of ten identified sectors within the district and reports were prepared on each of these sectors. The Agricultural report had eleven specific recommendations that centred around the formation of a co-ordinating organisation bringing together leading farmers and industry leaders to provide dynamic, innovative leadership and direction for agricultural development and practice within the Clutha District. From this the Clutha Agricultural Development Board was formed.

The work of the Board was initially carried out on a voluntary basis but the workload built up to the extent that it was no longer sustainable and now two employees maintain an AgBoard office and carry out the operations of the organisation.

Vision
In 1994, the rural communities of the Clutha District, like most in the country, were struggling through deregulation, low farming incomes, lack of leadership and any sense of direction. Ten years later Clutha is making some real progress compared to many other areas:

Vision Statement
"The Clutha District will be recognised as a leader in New Zealand agriculture and rural community life."

How is the Board going to achieve its Mission?
By:

• Providing leadership and direction for agricultural development in the Clutha District.
• Providing a forum for all sectors of agriculture to enable the betterment of land-based industry and the whole community in the Clutha District.
• Initiating actions that will lead to improvements in agriculture and community life in the District.
• Monitoring and reporting on the District's agricultural production and profitability.
• Being a "sounding board" and an advisory group on any matters relating to agriculture in the Clutha District.
• Being an advocate and a promoter for agriculture in the Clutha District.
• Providing a sound structure, strong business management, and financial security to assist in the continued development of the District.

Membership and funding
Board membership currently stands at approximately 200 individual and corporate members.

Funds for Board operations come from many sources. The Community Employment Group, the Clutha District Council and the Otago Community Trust have been the main funding providers. Additional project funding comes from many sources including, Sustainable Farming fund, Farmsafe, Polytechnic Regional Development Fund, Clutha District Council Economic Development Board

Additional in-kind support comes from many sources including the Regional Councils, Telford Rural Polytechnic, Federated Farmers, MAF, and many other individuals within the district who put thousands of voluntary hours into assisting the Board.

Activities and Projects undertaken
2004 Farmsafe co-ordinator for Clutha District.
2005 Farmsafe co-ordinator for Otago province
2005 Farmsmart co-ordinator for Otago province
2005 Human Capability course controller for Clutha District
2004 & 5 Clutha District Sheep Council – Sheep Farmer of the Year contest organiser
2004 Manage sustainable Farming Fund projects:

• Role of aeration in improving effluent infiltration in dairy farms
• Changes over time in riparian zones
• Role of shrub willows in managing dairy effluent
• Benchmarking service for Beef producers

Contacts
Board Office
Rodger Anderson Board Chairman (03) 415-8776
Malcolm Deverson Projects Manager
Graeme Pringle Workshop Facilitator
Development House of Clutha
6 John St
P O Box 149
Balclutha
Phone (03) 418-3188
Fax (03) 418-4201
Email cadb@es.co.nz

Board Directors 2004/2005
1. Rodger Anderson, Chairman
2. Peter Dobbie
3. Bruce Bissett
4. Ronald Alderton
5. David Botting, Executive Member
6. Irene Mosley
7. Murray Brass, Executive Member
8. Trish Burborough
9. Murray Harris, Executive Member
10. Neil Cullen, Vice Chairman
11. Steve Ensor
12. Neville Goodsir
13. Jim Johnstone
14. Wayne Fix
15. Denis Greer, Executive Member
16. Colin Scurr
17. Stephen Woodhead, Executive member
18. Nelson Hancox
19. Matt Harcombe
20. Denis Horton
21. Dave Inder
22. Susie McKeague
23. Ken Payne
24. Dick Sharpin
25. Kerry Stainton-Herbert, Executive Member
26. Jonathan Walmisley
27. John Whiteside

Other Board Contacts
Positively Clutha Women
Alison Mcleary Chairperson (03) 418-0939
Irene Mosley, Co-ordinator (03) 418-4480

CF2000 Farm Technology Service
Simon McAtamney Chairman (03) 418-3972

Clutha District Sheep Council
Brian Howden Chairman (03) 417-4553