We are not far away now from going to the polls in the local body elections in Northland. Our three councils face the voters and Northern Regional Council deputy chair, and Farmers of New Zealand president Ian Walker explains the importance of casting your vote in October.

The wheel is very much key to successful farming in today’s world and in this issue we introduce our new supplement, Farming Wheels, a monthly feature to keep readers up with the play on what’s new in agricultural and transportation machinery — anything from ATVs to the utility, to fertiliser spreader, stock mover and much more in between.

In fact the old No. 8 wire label might be applied in our look into the history of the ATV in this issue, with the re-discovery that a Kiwi-invented three-wheeled farm utility vehicle preceded the quad bike that’s now a ubiquitous part of the agricultural landscape.

It was way back in 1955 that the agricultural utility named the Gnat, found its way onto New Zealand farmland.

From a big station to smelling the flowers — we talk with former Smedley Station managers, Jerry and Di Jeromsen, who have swapped training cadets in the rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay for a flower export business in Tapora.

On the lighter side, the Emissions Trading Scheme provides grist for the humour mill, as our irreverent columnist, Dave Wolland, depicts the carbon business.

We are also pleased to note the new code of conduct which ensures good treatment for our canine allies on the farm and we take time out for recreation, to see what’s happening on the Northland fishing scene.

The big yellowtail kingfish are running on the east coast it seems, and there’ve been good snapper catches on the west.

We trust we have something for all interests, and on a heartwarming note, we record the gallant rescue of a Northland couple who fell prey to unscrupulous contractors, to be rescued by a generous initiative from within the waste disposal industry.

As always, take care and keep smiling.

Allan Mortensen