Story: Sheep farming

Sheep feeding on swedes

Sheep feeding on swedes

These sheep are eating a crop of swedes in Taranaki. Although turnips and swedes are normally used for wintering sheep, in the late 19th century they were used to fatten stock for the frozen meat trade. Sheep eat the green tops first, then the root, often leaving a hollowed-out shell in the ground. Farmers use a grubber to pull up the shells so the sheep can eat the whole crop and minimise waste.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, James McAllister Collection (PAColl-3054)
Reference: 1/1-012869; G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden, 'Sheep farming - The refrigerated meat trade', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/16640/sheep-feeding-on-swedes (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Hugh Stringleman and Robert Peden, published 24 Nov 2008, updated 1 Mar 2015