Native trees

When it comes to looking at the future of regenerating biodiversity, farmers have a key role to play, with 24% of native biodiversity found on sheep and beef farmland, second only to conservation estate.

The concept of receiving funds or credits for planting native bush rather than pine trees on farms could encourage farmers to retire sensitive land to regenerating native bush. But what’s the right financial model that can help outweigh the cost of establishment and maintenance for farmers that prefer natives to pines? 

Hawke’s Bay farmer Peter Arthur puts up an argument for mixed planting. It might mean more work, but the results would be worth it, aesthetically and financially.

Native trees and shrubs grown in the farm nursery provide a fresh focus for a Waikato farming couple. By Glenys Christian. Photos by Emma McCarthy.

Onfarm diversification can bring both motivational and economic stimulation to the benefit of your farming operation. By Ken Geenty.