Story: Farming in the economy

Sowing North Island hill country

Sowing North Island hill country

These farm workers are spreading grass seed on steep hill country. The bush cover has been burnt, but large trees have been left standing and the ground is covered in a tangle of charred roots and trees. This hard hill country was difficult to develop and, once initial fertility declined, weeds and bush regrowth became a problem. This sort of country was better suited for running cattle and adult sheep than for fattening lambs for the frozen meat trade.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Northwood Collection (PA-Group-00027)
Reference: 1/1-006250; G
Photograph by Northwood Brothers

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:

Robert Peden, 'Farming in the economy - Refrigeration and sheep farming', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/17617/sowing-north-island-hill-country (accessed 27 April 2024)

Story by Robert Peden, published 24 Nov 2008