Crops and Forage

A worrying increase in the prevalence of herbicide resistance as well as consumer pressure to reduce chemical use is resulting in mechanical weeders making a comeback as an alternative weed control in arable crops. Words Heather Chalmers.

Arable growers are taking action to capture more value from their crops, writes Heather Chalmers.

Arable farming in Rangitikei runs deep in the Nitschke family history. Tony Leggett investigates what is behind a phase of rapid expansion for the family’s grain business and what lies ahead. Photos Brad Hanson.

When it comes to autumn pasture renewal, a strong plan underpins successfully meeting your farm’s feed quantity and quality needs.

The right equipment combined with clever technology that gives you the ability to monitor and adapt in the paddock, as you harvest, is the golden ticket to perfecting silage making.

A sustainable rotation of crops and livestock helps an award-winning arable farmer to maintain his soils and profitability. Words Heather Chalmers, Photos Peter Hewson.

South Canterbury grower Nigel Rathgen has had difficult-to-eliminate grass weeds in some cropping paddocks for a few years. Words Heather Chalmers.

A paddock in Mid Canterbury is providing a platform for the Foundation for Arable Research to offer a glimpse into the future of arable farming. Words Heather Chalmers.

As nitrogen fertilisers are a substantial expense on arable farms, growers are looking to incorporate short-term cover crops and legumes as a way to provide an alternative home-grown nitrogen source to the usual bagged supply. Words Heather Chalmers