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Episode 102 – Subdivision of rural land – facts and fiction
In this episode, Phil Journeaux shares his strong thoughts on the failings of the New Zealand’s National Policy Statement (NPS) for Highly Productive Land and how the Ministry for the Environment’s ‘economically viable’ metric was flawed.
Long-term pasture persistence trial
A 10-year Lincoln University long-term pasture persistence trial (PPT), looking at different grass species, predominantly perennial ryegrass, is unique in its duration and ability to evaluate the performance of a range of grass cultivars.Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Ryegrasses can last
The next step for summer-strong perennial ryegrass that persists is now here with Maxsyn NEA12. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
The true cost of cheap
After four decades working in irrigation, Stephen McNally is urging whole-of-life thinking for irrigation design. The one lesson that keeps repeating is that systems chosen on capital price alone rarely deliver the best long-term value. Words Stephen Mcnally & Kath Healy.
Farming in the age of technology: Insights from farmers
A recent farmer panel highlighted the importance of balancing the adoption of new technologies while still retaining core farming skills. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Zapping weeds in Southland
In late winter, emerging from a carrot paddock near Woodlands, the sight of bright lights, faint zapping sounds and puffs of smoke might turn a few heads; but it is just Matthew Malcolm's "killer robot" at work. Words Karen Trebilcock.
Diversifying with deer
Farmgate returns, using the advertised schedule prices for lamb, beef and venison since 2004, shows the increasing price trend line for venison matches lamb and is ahead of the trend line for beef. Words Tony Leggett.
The farming rulebook has changed
The recent record sale of a dairy farm in mid-Canterbury has Tom Laming reflecting on how we can take a different approach to dairy farming’s future. Words Tom Laming.
Subdivision of rural land – facts and fiction
The subdivision of rural land into small/lifestyle blocks, and especially for urban use, has always been contentious. The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Soils, is the latest attempt to control the issue. Phil Journeaux, a Consulting Agricultural Economist based in Waikato, points out that it is a castle built on sand. Words Phil Journeaux
Feed mills get behind NZ-grown grains
The benefits of grain feeding in pastoral dairy systems are often overlooked. Mid Canterbury-based livestock feed manufacturing mill, Advanced Feed, has been one of the first to get behind a New Zealand-grown grains initiative. Words Heather Chalmers.