John Dermer, Part 2, farm forestry - Manawatu Conversations

Description

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 17th February 2026.
Part 2 of 2. John Dermer describes his long involvement in farm forestry
 Farm forestry began in the 1950s and spread nationwide
 He planted mainly radiata pine on his farm
 Trees were used for timber, shelter, and land protection
 Creeks and rivers were fenced and planted early
 Pruning and thinning aimed to produce clear wood
 Floods in 2004 caused major damage despite planting
 Trees did not prevent severe erosion in extreme floods
 Government support helped with recovery and repairs
 Farming reforms in the 1980s were financially traumatic
 Forestry became part of farm diversification
 Dermer later served in national farm forestry leadership

Identification

Date

February 17, 2026

Digitisation id

COMM1771708310