The 2012 Texel Conference was held in Hanmer Springs from the 9th to 11th May starting at the Sudima Hotel with the Breed Committee Meeting. The AGM was held the following morning and then it was off to Hanmer Springs. It was well attended by about 50 members and was hosted by the Canterbury Texel Society. Despite the cold, grey, drizzly weather it was a great conference and very well run. Our bus driver, Bill, kept us safe on the varied roads - several of which were narrow and gravel. Keith Berry and Paul Gardiner were the bus commentators and what a wealth of knowledge they have between them on farming and their local districts.

We visited several Texel & mixed sheep studs. Farm visits included the properties of Sarah Rodie, Hamish Galletly, Sam Holland, Keith & Ruth Berry and Gary Donald. Various representatives, who helped sponsor the conference spoke on their specialities including RFID tags, Nutritech’s Danmix, Silverfern update on lamb markets and Jansen Travis gave an overview of Farm IQ.

And then for something completely different we were shown around the Hawarden free-range piggery; the largest in the southern hemisphere. This was an amazing operation run by 2 families - real  New Zealanders living on the job and running their own enterprise.

Another highlight was the opportunity to visit the Berry’s property, which includes a Texel Stud and Winery, run by their son Scott. This was another enterprising venture showing what New Zealand families are capable of.

The accommodation venue was the Heritage Lodge at Hanmer Springs, including evening meals and breakfasts. We were very well catered for. There was little time to browse the unique shops of Hanmer Springs, but many did take the opportunity to enjoy the hot pools - just so relaxing.

Thursday night was the grand dinner with the guest speaker being Baptist Minister, Paul Askin, who has written a couple of books on his love of pig hunting - The New Zealand Pig Hunters Handbook and Another Day in Paradise- Pig Hunting Yarns from the Back Country.

Overall it was a very informative and full Conference. Our special thanks go to Sarah Rodie, Keith & Ruth Berry and Paul Gardiner for the marvelous work that they put in to making such a successful and enjoyable few days.

Double click on the album below to view photos as a slide show.