Environment
Making the most of the rain
Water has always been a precious resource for Central Otago farmers Tim and Camilla Rutherford, and they’re keen to ensure they utilise every drop that falls from the sky. Words Rebecca Greaves
Forecasting Canterbury’s 1992 snowstorm
As the quality of forecasting has got better, (accuracy being only one aspect) the opportunity to make smart farming decisions has increased.
Words Annabelle Allott.
Live export ban drags on
Live cattle export has been a contentious issue, banned by the previous government, exporters and farmer suppliers are hoping a new gold standard accreditation can lead to the ban being overturned by August. But time is ticking, as politicians wait for advice from Ministry for Primary Industries officials before making a decision.
Words Tony Leggett
Down the drain – wool wins
Research has confirmed wool’s biodegradability, Joanna Grigg writes.
Chilean needle grass poses potential billion-dollar threat
The “sleeper weed” Chilean needle grass, if nothing was done to stop it, could spread through most of New Zealand and eventually cost the country over a billion dollars, according to newly published research.
What the farmers say
Integrated Farm Planning can seem a daunting task but there are plenty of resources and programmes available to support farmers to take the first step. Rebecca Greaves spoke to three farmers who have created their own farm plan through attending a BakerAg programme – something that can be achievable for all farmers, with a little help.
A dynamic approach
Integrated farm planning and farm assurance - everyone’s talking about it. But what does it mean, and how do we get a plan that works for our farming business?
Smart tactics help make every nutrient count
With on-farm cost pressures looking to continue for at least the foreseeable future, it’s expected that the squeeze on all farm inputs, including fertiliser, will endure through 2024. Words by Dr Ants Roberts
For the love of soil
A shared passion for soil health – and how we can harness that and turn it into our next value opportunity for New Zealand sheep and beef farmers – was the focus of a two-day workshop held at Canterbury’s Craigmore Station in November 2023. Sarah Perriam-Lampp went along. Photos by Camilla Rutherford.
The day the lake returned
Despite six years of native planting on their farm being destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle, the McBains have been busy replanting. By Rebecca Greaves. PHOTOS BY TUKITUKI LAND CARE