This episode featured as part of the Agronomy segment in partnership with PGG Wrightson.

Methven arable farmer and former Special Agricultural Trade Envoy Hamish Marr says the current arable mix is not viable as it stands, and growers are already shifting to suit. Some are grazing more cows or changing crops, while Canterbury sees dairy conversions, most of them off cropping ground.

“Arable farmers have always got options,” he says.

He says grain has lifted, with wheat up $120 a tonne, but input costs have run ahead of it. Urea now sits about $1,400 a tonne against $350 when he repped for Ravensdown in the early 2000s.

He says the grass-seed business is slow after two favourable growing seasons, and firmer clover and ryegrass prices would ease the pressure. A wet, mild spring is one bright spot.

“If this is Super El Niño, we’ll take it.”

This episode featured as part of the Agronomy segment in partnership with PGG Wrightson. Make sure to contact PGG Wrightson to plan your crop and pasture requirements. You can find your local Technical Field Representative or store team at https://store.pggwrightson.co.nz/find-your-store

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.

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