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Top of the crops: 1930s farming competitions

Pastures Past: Farming Competitions in the 1930s

In the rugged heartlands of New Zealand during the 1930s, amid the economic hardships of the Great Depression, a unique tradition took root that celebrated the ingenuity and resilience of the nation's farmers. Farming competitions, often held in rural districts from the North Island's rolling hills to the South Island's vast plains, became more than just contests; they were communal lifelines, fostering innovation, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose in an era marked by financial strife and agricultural challenges. These events, dubbed "pasture competitions" or "farm improvement contests," spotlighted the art of land management, livestock breeding, and sustainable farming practices at a time when every acre counted toward survival.

The origins of these competitions can be traced back to the early 20th century, but they gained significant momentum in the 1930s as agricultural societies and government bodies sought ways to boost productivity and morale. Organizations like the New Zealand Farmers' Union and local agricultural and pastoral (A&P) associations played pivotal roles in organizing them. The Depression had hit rural New Zealand hard, with plummeting wool and dairy prices forcing many farmers to the brink of bankruptcy. In response, these contests encouraged participants to demonstrate efficient land use, crop rotation, and pasture improvement techniques that could maximize yields without excessive costs. Judges, often comprising experienced agronomists, veterinarians, and fellow farmers, evaluated entries based on criteria such as soil fertility, weed control, fencing quality, and overall farm aesthetics.

One of the most prominent examples was the annual Pasture Improvement Competition sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. Launched in the late 1920s, it exploded in popularity during the 1930s, drawing entries from hundreds of farms across regions like Waikato, Taranaki, and Canterbury. Farmers were tasked with transforming marginal land into productive pastures, often using innovative methods like top-dressing with superphosphate fertilizers—a relatively new practice imported from Australia. A 1935 report from the Waikato Times highlighted a winner from Matamata who had converted swampy paddocks into lush grazing fields by implementing drainage systems and sowing clover-ryegrass mixes. This not only increased milk production for his dairy herd but also served as a model for neighbors struggling with similar terrain.

These competitions weren't limited to pastures alone. Livestock classes were a staple, where breeders showcased pedigree sheep, cattle, and horses. In the sheep-rearing strongholds of Hawke's Bay and Otago, merino and Romney rams were paraded for their wool quality and conformation. Judges scrutinized fleece density, crimp, and staple length, awarding prizes that could elevate a farmer's reputation and market value. For instance, at the 1932 Hawke's Bay A&P Show, a local breeder named Arthur Jenkins took top honors with his Romney flock, which he attributed to selective breeding and rotational grazing. Such victories often led to lucrative stud sales, providing a financial boost in tough times.

Beyond the technical aspects, these events were social spectacles that brought isolated rural communities together. Picture dusty showgrounds buzzing with activity: families picnicking under canvas tents, children marveling at machinery displays, and farmers exchanging tips over cups of billy tea. Women's roles were highlighted too, with homemaking contests featuring butter-making, preserves, and needlework, reflecting the integral part farms' domestic economies played. In 1937, the Manawatu A&P Association introduced a "Farm Home Improvement" category, where entrants like Mrs. Elsie Thompson from Palmerston North won acclaim for her efficient kitchen garden and poultry setup, which supplemented her family's income during lean years.

The historical context of the 1930s amplified the importance of these competitions. With global markets in turmoil, New Zealand's export-dependent economy relied heavily on agriculture. The Ottawa Agreement of 1932, which secured preferential trade with Britain, underscored the need for high-quality produce, and competitions helped farmers meet these standards. Government subsidies for fertilizers and advisory services from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) were often tied to participation, encouraging widespread adoption of scientific farming methods. Agronomist Dr. Leonard Cockayne, a key figure in New Zealand's botanical scene, frequently lectured at these events, advocating for native plant integration to combat soil erosion—a growing concern on overgrazed hillsides.

Notable anecdotes from the era paint a vivid picture of the determination involved. Take the story of the Southland Pasture Contest in 1934, where heavy rains turned fields into quagmires, yet competitors persisted. Winner James McKenzie, a sheep farmer from Invercargill, had spent months liming his acidic soils and planting lucerne, resulting in pastures that withstood the deluge better than his rivals'. His prize—a silver cup and a cash award of £50—helped him weather the economic storm. Similarly, in the Northland region, Maori farmers from iwi like Ngāpuhi participated in mixed competitions, blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques. One such event in 1936 saw a collaborative entry from a Kaikohe marae, where communal land was improved using both European fertilizers and indigenous crop rotation, earning praise for cultural innovation.

Critics of the time, however, pointed out limitations. Some argued that competitions favored larger landowners with resources to invest in improvements, sidelining smallholders. A 1938 editorial in the New Zealand Herald noted that while prizes motivated excellence, they sometimes overlooked the everyday struggles of debt-ridden farmers. Despite this, the overall impact was positive, with many participants reporting increased yields and better land stewardship. Data from the era shows that pasture competitions contributed to a 20% rise in dairy output in participating districts between 1930 and 1939, a testament to their practical value.

As the decade progressed, these events evolved to address emerging challenges. The threat of war in Europe loomed, prompting a shift toward self-sufficiency. Competitions began incorporating vegetable growing and pig farming classes to promote food security. By 1939, with World War II on the horizon, the focus intensified on maximizing production for export and home consumption. Farmers like those in the Wairarapa adapted by entering wheat and oat cultivation contests, ensuring grain supplies amid global uncertainties.

Looking back, the farming competitions of the 1930s embody a chapter of New Zealand's agricultural heritage that blended hardship with hope. They were crucibles where knowledge was shared, rivalries turned into friendships, and innovations took root—literally—in the soil. Today, echoes of these events persist in modern equivalents like the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, which continue to honor sustainable practices. Yet, the 1930s versions stand out for their raw authenticity, born from an era when farming wasn't just a livelihood but a battle for survival. In the words of a veteran judge from that time, "These contests weren't about glory; they were about growing a future from the ground up."

The legacy extends beyond prizes and pastures. They instilled a culture of continuous improvement that helped New Zealand emerge as a global agricultural powerhouse. Farmers who competed in the 1930s passed down techniques to generations, influencing everything from grass genetics to erosion control. In Taranaki, for example, the introduction of subterranean clover through competition trials revolutionized dairy farming, allowing for year-round grazing and reducing reliance on imported feeds. This innovation alone boosted regional economies, creating jobs in fertilizer production and veterinary services.

Personal stories add depth to the narrative. Consider the tale of the Elliott family from Canterbury, who entered the 1936 National Farm Competition. Facing foreclosure, they poured their efforts into revitalizing 200 acres of depleted land. By fencing off waterways to prevent stock damage and applying lime to balance pH levels, they not only won the regional title but also saved their farm. Such triumphs were common, inspiring ballads and newspaper features that romanticized rural life amid adversity.

Environmental lessons from these competitions remain relevant. The 1930s saw the beginnings of awareness about overstocking and its role in soil degradation. Judges often deducted points for bare patches or gully erosion, promoting contour plowing and shelterbelts. In windy Wellington districts, poplar plantings became a competition staple, stabilizing hillsides and providing windbreaks for livestock.

Socially, these gatherings bridged divides. Urban visitors attended, gaining appreciation for rural toil, while immigrants from Britain and Europe brought fresh ideas, enriching the contests. A 1935 event in Auckland featured Dutch entrants showcasing tulip bulb integration in pastures—a quirky but effective weed suppressant.

In essence, the farming competitions of the 1930s were microcosms of New Zealand's spirit: resilient, resourceful, and community-driven. They transformed individual farms into exemplars of progress, ensuring that even in the darkest economic times, the green pastures of hope endured. As we reflect on this past, it's clear these events sowed seeds that continue to bear fruit in today's sustainable farming landscape. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/pastures-past-farming-competitions-in-the-1930s/IUYRLNMHTRHBBLWXWHEVVWSLTM/ ]