Key Takeaways:
- Cornwall Park farm is a 73-hectare farm located in the heart of Auckland city, featuring Simmental cattle and Perendale sheep.
- The farm faces unique challenges, including weed management, archaeological areas, and non-farming neighbors.
- The farm is self-funded and overseen by a trust board, with a focus on education, interpretation, and animal welfare.
- The farm’s manager, Peter Maxwell, aims to restrain losses and maintain a commercial look and feel, while also providing a unique experience for the millions of visitors to the park.
- The farm has a three-pronged approach, focusing on education, interpretation, and grass management, and has a strong sense of community and social responsibility.
Introduction to Cornwall Park Farm
Cornwall Park farm is a hidden gem in the heart of Auckland city, covering 73 hectares of the 172-hectare park. The farm is home to Simmental cattle and Perendale sheep, which are a beloved feature for the millions of people who visit the park every year. However, being a farm in the city comes with its own set of challenges, including managing weeds, dealing with archaeological areas, and interacting with non-farming neighbors.
Managing Weeds and Archaeological Areas
One of the biggest challenges facing Cornwall Park farm is the management of weeds. According to farm manager Peter Maxwell, Auckland is the "weediest city in the world," with every type of weed imaginable. The farm has to spray out areas, crop them, and then spray them again to keep the weeds under control. Additionally, the historic nature of the park means that there are archaeological areas that are not grazed, which can make it difficult to manage weeds and pests. Maxwell has to balance the need to control weeds with the need to preserve the park’s historic and cultural significance.
The Challenges of Urban Farming
Maxwell has been managing Cornwall Park farm since 2007 and has a long history of farming before that. He notes that managing a small city farm is different from managing a larger rural farm, but it has its own unique challenges and rewards. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of neighboring farms to send stock to graze, which means that the farm has to be self-sufficient. Maxwell has gotten around this by joining the Kaipara Farms Discussion Group and attending industry events. He also has to deal with non-farming neighbors who may not understand the needs and challenges of farming, and who may throw rubbish over the fence or let their dogs roam loose.
The Farm’s Financial Model
Cornwall Park farm is self-funded, leasing out land in the surrounding area, and is overseen by a trust board. While the farm doesn’t have to make a profit to survive, there are other expectations, such as every ewe needing to have a lamb and every cow a calf. Maxwell notes that the farm’s goal is to restrain losses and maintain a commercial look and feel, while also providing a unique experience for visitors. The farm has a strong focus on animal welfare and education, and Maxwell is proud of the fact that the farm is self-sufficient in terms of cropping and has old but reliable equipment.
Education and Community Engagement
Cornwall Park farm’s biggest difference from other farms is the huge number of people who come through the park every year. The park is open every day, and millions of people visit annually, which means that there is a lot of focus on keeping everything looking "reasonable," according to Maxwell. The farm has a strong focus on education and interpretation, with volunteers and cadets coming through to learn about farming and animal welfare. Maxwell sees his role as a "three-pronged attack," with a focus on education, interpretation, and grass management. The farm also has a strong sense of community and social responsibility, with Maxwell noting that taking people from the city and placing them in other farming jobs is one of the farm’s key performance indicators.
The Farm’s Unique Features
Cornwall Park farm has a number of unique features that set it apart from other farms. The farm is home to a diverse range of animals, including Simmental cattle, Perendale sheep, and pheasants. The farm also has a strong focus on animal welfare, with Maxwell noting that the cattle are bred with the particular needs of the park in mind. The farm’s location in the heart of the city also means that it has a unique role to play in educating people about farming and animal welfare. Maxwell notes that people come to the park expecting to see sheep, cattle, and cherry blossoms, and the farm works hard to meet these expectations while also providing a unique and educational experience.
Conclusion
Cornwall Park farm is a unique and fascinating place, with a rich history and a strong sense of community and social responsibility. The farm faces a number of challenges, including weed management, archaeological areas, and non-farming neighbors, but it has a strong focus on education, interpretation, and animal welfare. With its diverse range of animals, unique location, and commitment to education and community engagement, Cornwall Park farm is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in farming, animal welfare, and the natural world.