Environment

Lifting productivity and reducing the dairy sector’s environmental footprint is the focus of a new multi-partner initiative.

Can irrigation schemes transform individual farm environment plans into catchment-wide action? Projects like near-river recharge on the Hekeao/Hinds Plains show how shared water infrastructure can move beyond delivery to drive whole-catchment environmental recovery. IrrigationNZ chief executive Karen Williams says that schemes offer the scale, oversight and tools needed to help farmers manage water responsibly and deliver broader environmental gains. Words Kathryn Healy.

As land and water management policies evolve, Brent Paterson, Chair of Catchment Communities Aotearoa, shares an update on the latest legislative changes and the growing role of farmer-led catchment groups. Words Brent Paterson.

A record-breaking El Niño is building in the Pacific, tracking to become the strongest event in 150 years. While this sounds alarming, the crucial message Tony Trewinnard from Blue Skies Weather has for farmers, is that this doesn’t guarantee a record-breaking drought or heatwave. Instead, it signals a season defined by persistent, drying westerly winds, with significantly different outcomes depending on your farm’s location. Words Tony Trewinnard.

After two centuries of losing ground to introduced predators, a groundbreaking collaboration between high-country farmers, conservationists and tech partners is turning the tide. Moving away from the endless, expensive cycle of pest suppression, this ambitious project has achieved a successful proof of concept for total eradication. Words Allison Hess.

Smart technology is enabling farmers and growers to not only optimise their solar electricity use, but also allows them to optimise returns from selling power back to the grid at the right time. Words Anee Lee.

When Jack and Charlotte Gibbs moved to their 235-hectare farm on the cliff-hugging Akaroa side of Banks Peninsula in 2013, possums were everywhere. They have gone from catching 2,000 possums to none. Words Allison Hess & Anna Bracewell-Worrall

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

Heavy rain events provide an opportunity for farmers to record where water is flowing across farms and if mitigation action is needed. Words Heather Chalmers, Photos Abie Horrocks.

Cam Speedy and John Bissell have spent decades helping farmers and conservation projects across the country make real headway against rats, stoats, possums, feral cats and ferrets. Words Allison Hess.