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