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Episode 51 – Shutting the paddock gate to cut costs
Deferred grazing could be a great option for your farm, to reduce costs, and improve soil health, with environmental benefits too, and could be as simple as shutting the paddock gate. In this episode, hear from Waikato farmer Bill Garland, who has implemented this practice on his farm, and AgResearch’s Dr Katherine Tozer, the scientist behind the research into deferred grazing. We also hear from Property Brokers General Manager Rural, Conrad Wilkshire, about what changing land use regulations could mean for the rural property market going into 2025.
Episode 50 – Is 2025 the year of the deer?
2025 could be a window of opportunity for farmers to get into the deer industry, with the sheep industry facing tough times. With new market access opportunities opening up in China and South Korea, and the benefits of mixed species farming in mind, it could be the year of the deer for New Zealand farmers. Hear from Taihape deer farmer and Chairman of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association, Mark McCoard, and Deer Industry New Zealand CEO, Rhys Griffiths.
Episode 49 – Caring for our canine companions
In this episode we focus on the loyal working dog, and give some practical advice on how we can best care for our vital farm workers throughout their life. Hear from Professor Matt Littlejohn about a new project at Massey University that looks at the DNA and behaviour of working dogs in New Zealand, and Hunterville vet, Jaime Watters, who shares advice for providing the best care for your dogs, from a pup through to an older dog.
From culling to live recovery
Legendary helicopter pilot and ground culler reflects on a wild time in the establishment of the deer industry. Words Dick Deaker. Photos Barry Harcourt & Garry Hollows.
Prove it with planning
Farm planning for deer farmers must allow for flexibility and the unique challenges of farming deer, but a good farm plan can help provide proof of best practice for our markets. Words Rebecca Greaves.
Poised for a new chapter
Newly appointed Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) chief executive Rhys Griffiths (pictured) knows the industry has weathered some recent storms, but he believes it is poised to write the next chapter in the pioneering history of deer. Words Rebecca Greaves.
Better your best
It’s what’s in their nuts that counts. And the team at Melior is confident their nuts have the goods when it comes to delivering fast growing, robust venison animals.
A return to deer
Getting deer back inside the many deer-fenced blocks on the country’s sheep-beef farms is a major priority for Taihape deer farmer Mark McCoard. Tony Leggett asks the recently elected chairman of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association how it will happen. Photos Brad Hanson.
