Stewart Picken Part 1, farming - Manawatu Conversations

Description

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 6th January 2026. Part 1 of 2.
Stewart Picken grew up on a small Gisborne farm
 He studied agriculture at Massey in the 1950s
 He was the first in his family to attend university
 After graduating he worked as a farm advisor
 He later chose to farm independently with his wife Elizabeth
 They farmed hill country near Akitio for 35 years
 Their work focused on sheep and cattle farming
 Rural life involved horses, dogs, and long days
 Their children were educated mainly at boarding schools
 Later they moved to a smaller farm near Feilding
 Community involvement became an important part of life
 He reflects positively on farming, family, and rural change

Identification

Date

January 6, 2026