Episode 106 – The true cost of cheap
In this episode, Stephen McNally, Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation New Zealand, explains why choosing the cheapest irrigation system upfront can lead to higher long-term costs and reduced performance. He outlines how key design decisions, such as pipe sizing and pump selection, directly influence energy use, efficiency and the overall lifespan of an irrigation system.
Subdivision of rural land – facts and fiction
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
Keep soil in its place
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.
Smart predator control: expert advice from the field
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.
Keeping the Door Open to the EU
Silver Fern Farms, MIA and OSPRI have partnered with Prism Earth’s innovative technology to provide unprecedented insights into farmers’ natural capital that will both provide continued market access to the European Union as well as potential new revenue streams. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
A biodiversity blueprint
In the gullies of Clinton in South Otago, the Campbells have developed an innovative new approach to native planting and maintenance that’s more affordable, has a higher success rate and could be scalable nationally. Words & Photos Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
The farming rulebook has changed
The recent record sale of a dairy farm in mid-Canterbury has Tom Laming reflecting on how we can take a different approach to dairy farming’s future. Words Tom Laming.
Yard weaning benefits growth rates and calf health
As calf weaning gets underway, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is encouraging farmers to consider yard weaning as a way to get calves off to a great start. Words Sandra Taylor.
Improving premiums from improving land health
From heavy lambs for Atkins Ranch, to yearling sire bulls for the dairy market, Michael and Jane Cammock at Kouratahi farm in the Wairarapa focus on added value and knowing where their end product is destined for. Words Rebecca Greaves. Photos Brad Hanson.
Rearing at scale
Strengths in the softer skills of building long term relationships, coupled with the collection of robust data, are at the heart of an impressive calf rearing operation in Canterbury that’s home to 3500 calves annually. Words Anne Lee, Photo Holly Lee.
Weaning check impacts lamb cheque
Weaning is a critical period for lamb growth rates. They can easily falter if not timed correctly. Andrew Dowling, Technical Expert – Animal Health at PGG Wrightson, offers practical solutions to help avoid a weaning check that doesn’t bounce in your back pocket. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Russian reality
Born and raised in New Zealand, Berwick Settle has just finished a year overseeing 200 people in a large dairy development in Russia.
Cropping in Canada
Born and raised in farming communities in the Waikato, Saskatchewan arable farmer, Sean Case, shares the contrast where farming liquid gold is very different.
Time to take ownership of your crops
Now back farming with Align Farms, after a 6 year stint working in agronomy roles, Will Perriam-Lampp shares his thoughts on farmers taking ownership over their crops and farm systems to avoid being sold whatever drives up their driveway.
Farming the next 50 years
After her recent overseas trips and time spent in many governance roles, such as Deer Industry NZ and Wai Wānaka, Mandy Bell, farming with her husband Jerry at Criffel Station near Wānaka, challenges our sector’s vision towards a healthy outcome.
Leave Tariffs to the Farmers
Hank Volger started ranching in 1971 in Spring Valley at the tip of Nevada, south of Las Vegas, near the Arizona border with two cows and seven sheep. His business Needmore Sheep Co has over 7,000 merino ewes shorn mostly by Kiwi shearers.
Farming is generational, co-operatives get that
LIC chair Corrigan Sowman shares his thoughts on the generational importance of co-operatives. Words Corrigan Sowman.
What does the market want?
New Zealand is renowned for producing safe, nutritious food with ethical farming practices. This special report explores how food and fashion brands are meeting changing customer demands and our farmers’ efforts to match the evolving requirements with evidence. Words Anne Lee & Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Shed or Shear?
Kate Kellick’s Kellogg report calls for a shift towards shedding sheep as a solution to the pressing issues facing New Zealand’s sheep farming industry. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Diversification Pays the Bills
A UK YouTuber farmer with 14 different income streams shared his entrepreneurial recipe as a recent keynote speaker at the Foundation for Arable Research conference. Words Heather Chalmers.
Integrating Forestry Into Sheep & Beef Farming
How can sheep and beef farmers see forestry as more than a binary choice between farming and full conversion to pine plantations? New Zealand Institute of Forestry registered Forestry Consultant Peter Handford showcases the business case for sheep and beef operations to integrate forestry to support overall farm management and profitability. Words Peter Handford, Groundtruth.
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Treat Wearables as a tool, not a system
As virtual fencing and cattle wearables move from buzzwords to real tools being used across sheep and beef breeding and finishing operations on New Zealand farms, one message comes through clearly from Tom Chisholm of AgDesign: the technology is not a silver bullet. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
The beef crystal ball
The fundamentals of global supply and demand are underpinning tight supply and strong demand to continue, says the latest RaboResearch report into the global beef trade signals. Words Sarah Perriam-Lampp.
Beef with a side of strawberries
Central Otago couple, Ben and Rebecca Trotter, have set up an intensive bull beef finishing operation along with a commercial strawberry enterprise on the outskirts of Wānaka. It is a busy, diverse and highly productive and rewarding farming business making the best use of their land and skills. Words Sandra Taylor, Photos Elle Perriam.
Fertility and feed efficiency drive profitability
With their inherent fertility, feed efficiency, longevity and excellent temperament, combined with ongoing genetic progress, Herefords are the breed of choice for purebred programmes and a vital component of any crossbreeding system. Words Robert Peacock.
The benefits of recording
Not only has Andrew Law’s participation in the Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Informing New Zealand Beef Commercial Herd Programme confirmed that he is on the right track with his genetic selections, it has fired his enthusiasm for data collection. Words Sandra Taylor.
