Country-Wide Spring 2024

Tough times present an opportunity to weigh up your farming business and evaluate your options. Now could be the time to diversify into income streams that don’t rely on the cyclical nature of farm commodities. Words Rebecca Greaves.

What can New Zealand farmers learn from Academy award-winner Matthew McConaughey? We uncover the perfect fit between the aspirations of higher-value, sustainable tourism and the opportunity for New Zealand farmers to leverage agritourism for diversification of income. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.

The challenging times livestock farmers and supporting businesses are facing has been a catalyst for exploring diversification opportunities from an agri-consulting perspective. Words Renée Hogg.

The Whitiwhiti Ora: Land Use Opportunities research project brought farmers and researchers together in Canterbury’s Waimakariri catchment to assess potential farmland diversification use. Mixed arable operation, Taggart Farms, was one of three case studies, with options identified including carbon, edible fungi and hops. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Lincoln University has unveiled plans for an energy farm, which will demonstrate how productive land can be optimised to grow high-value horticulture crops while generating commercial-scale solar energy. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Solar farming is a fast-growing part of New Zealand’s energy sector and could be an opportunity for farmers to diversify their income. A Massey University presentation at AgInnovation explored the possibilities for solar farming to co-exist with sheep grazing, providing two sources of income per unit of land area, and crunched the numbers on the returns. Words Rebecca Greaves.

The concept of horticultural options, particularly for pastoral farmers, is a minefield and there are plenty of factors to consider, from soil type to access to labour and proximity to markets. A recent webinar walked industry professionals through key considerations for clients looking at horticulture. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Goats get a bad rap as feral pests and are often remembered as a fledgling industry that went bust in the 80s. But the tide has turned and New Zealand Cashmere believes there has never been a better time to diversify into cashmere and integrate goats into farming systems in New Zealand. Words Rebecca Greaves.

Are farmers doing enough on methane? Methane from Kiwi farms accounts for more than a third of the country’s greenhouse emissions. But exactly how this gas contributes to global warming and to what extent it should reduce is complex. As our methane targets look set to be overhauled, George Driver investigates how the gas heats the planet and how low our emissions should go. Words George Driver.

Body condition score is the biggest driver at Simon and Katie Falloon’s Tiraumea farm, Waipuke, with a high performing ewe flock of exceptionally fertile ewes underpinning outstanding financial performance to take out this year’s Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year. Words Rebecca Greaves Photos Photos for Jean.