Akaroa Cocksfoot

Discover the rich history of **Akaroa Cocksfoot**, a resilient grass seed that flourished in New Zealand and beyond. Introduced to Banks Peninsula in the mid-19th century, Akaroa cocksfoot quickly dominated the market, becoming a vital component of the agricultural landscape in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. At its peak, this essential grass seed contributed over $10 million annually to the Canterbury economy, transforming the local ecosystem and the lives of farmers and harvesters. In this engaging narrative by Vaughan Wood, uncover the captivating story of the Akaroa cocksfoot seed industry, from its introduction to international acclaim. The book meticulously chronicles the journey of cocksfoot from field to market, detailing the innovative practices of agricultural pioneers and the socio-economic factors that shaped its rise and decline. The repercussions of this industry extended beyond mere economics, leaving an indelible mark on New Zealand's natural landscape and agricultural heritage. This compelling history is not just for local enthusiasts; it offers insights into broader themes of trade, politics, and science. Whether you are a scholarly reader, a local historian, or simply curious about rural New Zealand's past, this narrative provides a comprehensive look at a bygone era. Experience the fascinating legacy of Akaroa cocksfoot seed with this essential addition to any New Zealand agricultural library.

Author: Vaughan Wood Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 148 x 210 mm
Pages: 148
Publication Date: 30-11-2014

Soon after the introduction of cocksfoot to Banks Peninsula in the mid-19th century, Akaroa cocksfoot grass seed conquered the market - first in New Zealand, then in Australia, and finally in Europe. At the height of the industry, Akaroa cocksfoot was one of the most significant industries in Canterbury, with annual earnings for Banks Peninsula of more than $10 million per annum. It was responsible for the loss of almost all the Peninsula's unmillable forest. And yet, a generation or two later, the Akaroa cocksfoot seed industry has almost entirely disappeared. More than a century after the industry reached its peak, Vaughan Wood celebrates its remarkable story. The history of Akaroa cocksfoot is one that embodies many facets of Canterbury life: the farmers and harvesters, the seed merchants, and the engineering and transport firms. It was shaped by the science, politics and world-trade patterns of the time and is thus a story with more than just local interest, This fascinating narrative includes: * The history of the Akaroa cocksfoot seed industry, from the introduction of cocksfoot seed into New Zealand, through the start of its international success in the early 1880s and its peak around the turn of the 20th century, to the end of the industry in the 1950s and 1960s. * A detailed look at the industry in its heyday, following the journey taken by the seed from the growing crop to the traded commodity. * Recognition of the lasting legacy Akaroa cocksfoot has left on both the landscape and the local seed industry in New Zealand.