Projects
The Sustainable Farming Fund has a philosophy of sharing the results and benefits of the projects as widely as possible across New Zealand's rural communities.
With that aim in mind - we have created a search engine for easy access to all our projects:
Search all SFF projects: a comprehensive list of all SFF-funded projects since 2000. Click on the project to access individual project information including project updates, results and links to related websites and publications.
Successful 2010 SFF Projects > $20k
Successful 2010 SFF Projects < $20k
| No. | Project Title | Executive Summary | Project Manager | SFF contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/002 | Arable IPM training and transitional support programme | A successful farmer driven initiative to prove the feasibility of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach on arable farms was focused on a small group of Canterbury farmers. The critical stage of disseminating this knowledge within the wider arable sector has been reached. IPM offers an opportunity to move away from the routine broad spectrum insecticide based approach to pest management. However because IPM is more complex it can fail where there is inadequate support during the implementation stage. This project will create the momentum needed to engage the sector in this innovative approach by providing comprehensive IPM training to farmers and the agricultural service providers. |
Abie Horrocks 03 325 9435 abie.horrocks @plantandfood.co.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| 10/006 | Sustainable weed control on arable farms |
Pre-emergence herbicides with
residual action are a key tool for effective weed control in arable and
horticultural crops. Recently it has been confirmed that their efficacy
is being reduced because of accelerated breakdown by soil microbes
(microbial degradation) and farmers are facing failures in week control
and additional costs. We aim to:
|
Diana Mathers 06 872 8501 mathersd@far.org.nz |
Helen Percy 07 9578 321 |
| 10/011 | A voluntary approach to developing nutrient loss mitigation practices | Reducing nutrient losses from pastoral farms is critical for improving water quality. Mitigating nutrient losses on all catchment farms needs to occur to achieve water quality targets. This project will demonstrate how farmers can work in partnership with local authorities to develop their own nutrient management plans and produce a catchment plan that will achieve agreed water quality outcomes. Mitigations based on farmer-led plans will be implemented on-farm. This cooperative approach, audited and documented, will serve as a template for other catchments. The project will demonstrate and test how a positive and cooperative approach can achieve water quality targets while allowing profitable farming to continue. |
Chris Sutton 07 366 6747 crisanda@xtra.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| 10/014 | Greenhouse gas (GHG) footprints from dairy farm systems associated with housed wintering systems | Housed wintering systems in the southern South Island help reduce the on-paddock environmental impact of dairy cow winter forage grazing practices. However, a recent review of wintering systems indicated that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from stored manure and manure handling in housed systems are not well understood and that there is a risk of ‘pollution swapping’ if this is not carefully managed. Farmers and dairy industry representatives want to better understand the GHG footprint of contrasting wintering systems in order to make informed decisions regarding their adoption or extension. This project aims to provide improved understanding and to develop best practices for reducing the environmental footprint from housed wintering systems. |
Tony van der Weerden 03 489 9012 tvw@agresearch.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/015 | Farm System Design for Social, Economic and Environmental Resistance - Target 20% | We hope to showcase a farmer led model that helps us all change our practices in a rapid and measurable manner. Our wider participant farmer group represents 10% of the Upper Waikato Catchment (60/670). We plan to show that we can show that a drop by 20% in N losses, and all be fully compliant while at the same time maintain or improve profit, and improve pride in our businesses. We want the community to be part of this process. This concept and process if successful, is intended to be a pilot, which can be transferred to other catchments nationally via our website, and via other professionals around the country to potentially replicate in their sub regions. |
James Allen 07 834 6824 james.allen@agfirst.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| 10/024 | Improving reproductive performance in large herds | The aim is to improve reproductive performance in large dairy herds. This will be achieved by providing a tailored management tool to farmers and their advisers for increasing conception rates (CR). The basis of this product will be derived from analyses of large dairy herds to identify underlying factors depressing CR. Improved sustainability through better profit, job satisfaction and cow longevity (reducing the carbon footprint) will be a key outcome. The economic benefit is potentially $172 million per annum. The social benefits include easier management, improved staff retention and recruitment. The environmental/welfare benefit is reduced reliance on interventions and cow ‘wastage’. |
Chris Burke 07 858 3895 chris.burke@dairynz.co.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| 10/026 | Improving milk quality through a coordinated approach to mastitis control | Farmers’ ability to manage mastitis effectively, as demonstrated by falling milk quality standards, has declined in NZ. Sustainable on-farm behavioural changes are required to meet existing and future targets. A five-year industry-wide programme (Smart SAMM) is being developed by NMAC, targeting veterinarians and other rural professionals as primary delivery agents. The programme uses a new approach, providing training and tools that engage farmers and veterinarians in development of farm-specific mastitis management plans, to achieve sustainable changes in behaviour and consequent improvements in udder health. Investment by SFF will accelerate adoption and extend reach of the programme |
Jane Lacy-Hulbert 07 858 3864 jane.lacyhulbert @dairynz.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| 10/027 | Winter Management Transformation Farms | This project will provide the framework for an integrated approach to achieving winter management practice change on dairy farms, their support blocks and with winter graziers in the southern South Island. The key outcomes will be increased adoption of wintering systems that reduce the environmental impact, are cost effective, practical to implement and meet animal welfare requirements while providing reliable sources of high quality feed. This project is designed to use farmer-to-farmer extension to increase the awareness of issues of current wintering systems and to demonstrate good management practice. Case studies and profiled farms achieving good management across a range of wintering systems will be key for successful adoption |
Dawn Dalley 03 325 3852 dawn.dalley@dairynz.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/028 | The Prevalence and Economic Impact of Caprine Diseases on Productivity of New Zealand Dairy Goats | DGC is targeting 50% growth in production over the next 5 years. With more animals becoming intensively farmed, animal health and welfare issues are likely to increase. This project will develop a “Best Practice” manual for the control, management and prevention of CAE, CLA, and Johne’s in goat herds to reduce their economic impact on goat farming. The extent of CAE, Johne’s and CLA on dairy goat farms will be confirmed by diagnostic means of serological testing, clinical signs, and post mortem examinations. The economic impact will be estimated from predicted revenue losses due to culling of diseased animals, milk production and product quality. |
Dr Viki L McLean 07 839 2919 vmclean@dgc.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| 10/034 | Establishing forests of genetically improved durable eucalypts for NZ drylands |
The NZDFI’s strategy is to breed
and develop forest management systems to grow eucalypts that produce
high value naturally-durable hardwoods by establishing large breeding
populations for genetic improvement of five wild (unimproved) species in
six NZ dryland regions. These species:
|
Gerald Hope 03 577 2370 geraldh@wineresearch.org.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| 10/042 | Summerfruit Rootstock Development |
NZ summerfruit rootstock
development has been neglected for many years. Nursery production is
heavily reliant on Colt rootstock for cherries and for apricots,
peaches, nectarines and plums, on Golden Queen peach stones sourced from
Heinz Watties Ltd processing plant. The lack of appropriate rootstocks
is a serious constraint to industry development. As a result our
industry has lagged behind our competitors. An industry strategic target
to improve quality cannot be fulfilled without addressing this problem.
This project is based on
recommendations from a report prepared for SNZ by Prof. Greg Reighard
(Clemson University, USA) in 2009. The project will:
|
Marie Dawkins 04 494 9975 marie@summerfruitnz.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| 10/057 | PestWebNZ | Weeds and insect pests seriously constrain pasture and livestock production on NZ farms. Information on their control is scattered and difficult to access. The project team funded by SFF, has developed a pilot website called ‘PestWebNZ’: www.agresearch.co.nz/pestweb/about.aspx for identification and management of grass grub, porina, California thistle and barley grass. We will expand this website, adding up to 30 key NZ pasture weeds and pests. PestWebNZ will be hosted by NZ Plant Protection Society and will include PestWebNZ Alert, a free subscription email service providing timely alerts to farmers with advice on pest management responses. PestWebNZ provides impartial, accessible and comprehensive information on pest management. |
Simon Glennie 03 477 6375 sglennie@abacusbio.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| 10/069 | Technology transfer for dryland legume management |
This proposal seeks a step-wise
change in the rate of on-farm adoption of dryland pasture technology.
Specifically through a coalition of the willing to:
|
Professor Derrick Moot 03 321 8990 moot@lincoln.ac.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/088 | Targeted nitrogen mitigation | This project addresses on-farm nitrogen (N) mitigation, using existing technology. Critical source areas (nutrient hotspots) occupy just 5-20% of paddocks, yet contain more than 50% of urine patches. The nitrification inhibitor DCD reduces N leaching and nitrous oxide emissions from urine patches by up to 72%. This Targeted N Mitigation project directs DCD solely to high risk areas of a property, making the inhibitor extremely cost effective. GPS technology logs DCD applications to a database. Reduced N emissions will allow increased farming intensity and profit. This technology applies to approximately 4.7 million ha of NZ’s pastoral hill country, as well as to many dairy pastures. The project leads to improved water quality and financial sustainability of farms in the Lake Taupo catchment. |
Jocelyn Reeve 07 372 8178 ptd@xtra.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| 10/092 | On-farm application of the 'CarLa' saliva test | The CARLA saliva test is a new technology with the potential to reduce the production losses associated with sustainable parasite management in sheep. We intend to apply this technology on our farms to identify replacement ewes and monitor parasite larval levels during a transition to lower drench use. We will solve practical application issues and integrate the technology with other tools from the Wormwise programme. The solutions and examples generated in this farmer-led approach will help remove "risk of production loss" as a barrier to adoption, leading to much greater use of sustainable parasite management processes. |
Mike Tate 03 473 7455 miketate08@gmail.com |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/110 | Homebush Irrigation Feasibility Study | To undertake a feasibility study of irrigation on agricultural land using treated wastewater from Masterton’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, and water harvested from local rivers. Farmers at Homebush have formed a consortium to advance this concept. A feasibility study to assess storage options, irrigation options, water quality issues, agricultural and other possible productive use of this treated wastewater, project funding requirements and cost/benefit analysis, is needed to advance this project. If successful this project will boost agricultural production, the local economy, and provide flow on benefits for the river environment, Iwi, community and recreation groups. The results of the study have the potential to help other irrigation schemes, farming groups and Councils. |
David Holmes 06 377 1680 d.holmes@xtra.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| 10/111 | Variable Rate Irrigation for Improved Irrigation Water Use Efficiency | Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) addresses the issue of unprecedented demands being placed on our fresh waters (irrigation uses 77% of allocated NZ freshwaters). Trials will be conducted on three farms where owners have invested in variable rate modification of irrigation systems, over the last year. Water and energy use, water productivity, cost savings and other environmental benefits will be quantified and compared with uniform rate irrigation (URI). VRI aims to improve on-farm water use efficiency. Results from this project will be extrapolated to other irrigated land. Optimised on-farm water use is best management of allocated freshwaters, which benefits the whole country. |
Rob Craigie 03 325 6353 craigier@far.org.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| 10/112 | Decision Support System for Fish Screen Installations | The exclusion of native and sports fish from irrigation and stock water takes continues to be a challenge. To forge a balanced and practical pathway forward, a working group with representation from a range of stakeholders has been established. This project will assess the field performance (capital and operating costs in relation to effectiveness) of a range of operational NZ fish screens. Outcomes will be used to refine existing NIWA literature based guidelines, resulting in a comprehensive decision support system for NZ fish screen installations in which all stakeholders have confidence. This project will minimise future fish exclusion related consent and compliance costs for irrigators, whilst ensuring effective, outcome focused decision making for all future fish screen installations. |
Andrew Curtis 03 379 3820 acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/113 | Irrigator Operator Training: Courses & Resources | Good irrigation performance, the key to a viable profitable agricultural sector in many parts of NZ, is greatly dependent upon quality design, installation, maintenance, management and operation. Currently standards, training and associated resources have been established for design and evaluation, the installation component is also now nearing completion. However, there is a lack of effective irrigation manager training and no practical irrigation operator training available in NZ. This project will address this ‘gap’ completing a full suite of standards, qualifications and training resources for the irrigation industry, making managers and operators aware of their roles and responsibilities. Irrigation is a significant component of NZ’s economy. Using the 2004 MAF report as a basis, irrigation now accounts for 18% of farm gate earnings or 1% of national GDP (this is based on a conservative area estimate of 750,000ha). |
Andrew Curtis 03 379 3820 acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 9431784 |
| 10/114 | Collaborative Water Management for the Rakaia-Selwyn Zone |
Sustainable freshwater
management is the greatest challenge facing NZ’s primary industries. The
Rakaia-Selwyn consent review process (600 consents, 50,000ha and 215GL
annual volume) has created an opportunity to develop an innovative user
group based management system for the benefit of individual irrigators,
regulator and wider community. This project will:
|
Andrew Curtis 03 379 3820 acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/115 | ‘How to’ guide for the development of community based ‘Water User’ groups throughout NZ | Water User Group – definition: a group of consent holders that choose to work together and relate to catchments, community or zone to face common challenges/opportunities. It is widely recognised that a community/catchment ‘Water User’ based approach is key to the development and implementation of optimal water management. Using learning’s from existing ‘Water User’ groups, this project will produce a ‘How to’ guide to fill the current resource and knowledge gap around; the catalyst for their initiation; governance issues associated with their establishment and operation. The opportunities and benefits, primarily around dynamic self management and cost savings, will be clearly identified. All aspects to consider and options for formation will be covered, from the informal approach through to formal governance arrangements. Means for effective interaction with wider stakeholders and within the policy and regulatory framework will also be covered, including the potential for devolution of governance from local authorities. A ‘guide’ and a series of workshops will be held, particularly targeting areas where much benefit could be realised from a community/catchment “Water User’ approach. Ultimately this project will support and develop water user groups, improving and enhancing sustainable water use for ‘Water Users’, their communities and the environment. |
Chris Coughlan 03 379 3820 ccoughlan @irrigationnz.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/116 | Choosing water management futures: technical information for collaborative community decision making | The Canterbury Water Management Strategy aims to enable present and future generations to gain the greatest economic, social, recreational and cultural benefits from Canterbury's water resources within an environmentally sustainable framework. The strategy will empower local solutions to water delivery, biodiversity improvement, water efficiency and land use management by establishing, mandating and resourcing 10 zone management committees. Committees will need to assess a range of water development, environmental, and recreational futures. The aim of this project is to develop, though a pilot in the Waiau-Hurunui zone, an information base and a modelling framework that supports informed decision-making by zone committees. |
Christina Robb (Until Director CWMS is appointed) 03 371 7110 christina.robb@ecan.govt.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| 10/117 | Pre-feasibility and Feasibility Studies for Flaxbourne Community Irrigation Scheme | This project is a two stage investigation into the technical and financial feasibility of a community irrigation scheme to irrigate up to 2,500 ha around Ward, Marlborough. This project builds on previous community consultation and an engineering scoping study. Two water abstraction resource consents have already been granted to FCIL. The 2009 Flax Bourne Community Irrigation Scheme Scoping Study identified how the community might best utilise these existing water abstraction consents, and identifies three promising scheme options (all involving storage) worthy of more detailed consideration. The first project stage comprises a pre-feasibility study to further refine the scheme options identified in the Scoping Study and facilitate further community consultation. This will enable selection of the best prospect. The second project stage will involve a detailed feasibility study to confirm the technical and financial feasibility of the selected option. A detailed report will be produced to serve as the basis to progress the scheme towards implementation. |
Kevin Loe 03 575 6876 loe.homestead@ts.co.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
Successful 2010 SFF Projects < $20k
| No. | Project Title | Executive Summary | Project Manager | SFF contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Getting the best from beans | Over the last 10 years there has been a significant effort to identify suitable legume grain crops for New Zealand arable production. Faba beans could be a valuable break-crop for New Zealand producing high yields of high quality grain in a number of environments and producing deep nodule laden root system which improves soil quality. Significant quantities of commercial crops were grown in 2009/10 with variable results from 1-2 t/ha to 8.5 t/ha. The programme plans to undertake a survey of commercial crops to identify what is limit yield at some sites and to investigate how to improve yield across all fields. | Tracey Wylie 03 325 6353 wyliet@far.org.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
|
| L10/122 | Optimising the use of dairy effluent for crops | Previous work has shown that there are clear benefits for using dairy shed effluent as a nutrient source for arable crops, creating win-win outcomes for both dairy and arable farmers. To maximise the benefits from the effluent, farmers need to know when to apply it in relation to the nitrogen mineralisation processes in their soils and when and how much of the plant-available nutrients are released during the growing season. This project builds on previous work to answer these questions and will provide recommendations for the efficient use of effluent to maximise crop yields and minimise potential environmental impacts. |
Diana Mathers 06 872 8501 mathersd@far.org.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| L10/124 | Understanding the post harvest logistics for New Zealand grain | This project aims to increase the use of New Zealand grain by monitoring end-user confidence around quality, availability, security of supply and price. It will conduct a study to develop systems to forecast crop production quantities and quality and to understand transport logistics and storage of New Zealand grain. It will identify options to improve storage and transport logistics for arable products. This information will be compiled into a Post Harvest Strategic Plan for the arable farmer and the broader industry. The information will also be used to undertake feasibility analysis of potential improvements to transport and storage and to develop and test a forecast system. The outcomes will be delivered to the farmers and the industry using a range of extension practices. |
Nick Pyke 03 325 6353 pyken@far.org.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/125 | A guide to nutrient management plans for Arable Farms - a technical guide and checklist for growers |
Set against the need for
regional councils and the agricultural industry to project freshwater
quality, this project introduces the principal components of nutrient
management plans to New Zealand arable farmers. The project will:
|
Nick Pool 03 325 6353 poolen@far.org.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/127 | Pugging – Assessing Knowledge and Adoption | A scoping study to assess the knowledge of and the rate of adoption by farmers regarding pugging damage, by: Firstly, what damage is being done on their farm, both physically and financially? Secondly, what activities are currently undertaken to minimise and/or rectify pugging damage. Thirdly, current farmer knowledge level of research work related to pugging damage. Fourthly, measuring changes adopted by farmers as a result of our workshops and other extension activities. We are looking at assessing current farmer knowledge relating to NZ and Northland research and focusing on how to best to extend these results to Northland farmers. |
Gavin Ussher 09 408 6133 gussher@pggwrightson.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/128 | Evaluation of VIS/NIR Technology for improved nutrient use efficiency in pasture production | A technology is being developed by Agri Optics New Zealand Ltd, (NZ Patent Application No 582798) using VIS/NIR sensors with the ability to identify urine patches on grazed pasture and, through the use of liquid fertiliser, avoid applying further nutrient to the patch. The system is also capable of delivering nitrification inhibitor to those identified patches. A field trial is required to provide an initial evaluation of the potential benefits to farmers. The proposed tests will identify the N content of the pasture under the system as opposed to a conventional treatment. The Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of fertiliser used will be measured along with the ability to detect and avoid urine spots with fertiliser. Changes in overall nitrogen content of the cows pasture based diet will also be monitored. A second trial will be conducted using a nitrification inhibitor, utilising the ability of the system to identify and treat only the urine spots; again with comparison to conventional treatment. |
Craige Mackenzie 03 3028753 cmackenzie@farmside.co.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/129 | Landowners for sustainability in the Waipori Waihola Wetlands Catchment | Landowners are working with the local community to sustainably manage the Lake Waipori Waihola Wetlands Catchment. The focal point for sustainable change in this catchment is the internationally significant 2000 ha Lakes Waipori Waihola Wetlands Complex and the strong desire of the community to retain the ecological, cultural and recreational values of these lakes as well as strength sustainable practices in the whole catchment. Initially work is focused on improving weed management in the catchment as this has been identified as the key priority for landowners and community – the rapid spread of weeds is severely threatening the values of the catchment. Building on the willingness of landowners to control weeds, the programme will also begin to promote a wider range of sustainable management practices to be implemented on farm. This project has been developed by landowners and community from the ground-up for the benefit of landowners and catchment community and all those who use the wetland complex, and is the first time in 30 years that the whole community has come together amicably to sustainability manage the catchment. |
Nicola McGrouther 03 474 0827 nicola.mcgrouther @orc.govt.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/131 | Selection and maintenance of uncovered stand-off pads | This project evaluates the suitability of commercially available surface materials for standing cows off pasture during winter on uncovered stand-off areas in the North Island. The setup cost, surface longevity, ease of maintenance, environmental effects and animal health will be analysed. Use of cost-effective stand-off options is an economic, animal welfare and environmental sustainability issue. By improving their performance we can increase their widespread use whilst decreasing adverse impacts on-farm. It is expected that the information obtained will assist farmers with decisions for selection, maintenance and use of stand-off pads. SFF contribution is requested so the analysis can include the environmental and animal welfare aspects. |
Kate Wynn 09 433 7527 kate.wynn @dairynz.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/133 | Where to from here? Optimisation of forage supply systems in the dairy goat industry. | Palm kernel is to be banned as a feed source for use by Dairy Goat Co-Operatives (DGC) suppliers as of July 2010. DGC manufactures and markets premium goat milk nutritional powders, specialising in the production of wholesome nutritional products for infants and young children predominantly into Asia. Trading partner expectations are based on New Zealand pastoral-based production systems. The availability and cost of palm kernel has increased its use and reliance within NZ dairy systems by farmers. DGC recognises the risk that Palm Kernal use poses to the industry around food safety threats & market perceptions and consumer requirements. This farmer-led project aims to identify alternative feeds or management strategies to replace the reliance and use of palm kernel in Dairy Goat systems. This will involve an initial evaluation of farming operations currently using palm kernel to provide a better understanding of the inclusion of palm kernel and the benefits it provides to Dairy Goat systems before evaluating suitable alternatives. |
Colin Prosser 07 839 2919 colin@dgc.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| L10/134 | Parasite control in farmed deer – the way forward. | Large scale commercial farming of deer started in New Zealand, and New Zealand remains the world’s largest and most advanced deer farming industry. Ineffectiveness of currently used anthelmintics (that are registered for use in deer in New Zealand) poses a serious threat to the sustainability of deer farming. The first objective of this project is to clarify the issue of drench resistance versus drench efficacy of moxidectin. Moxidectin is considered the most effective and certainly mostly widely used anthelmintic on New Zealand deer farms. The second objective is to establish a recommended withholding time for the injectable form of moxidectin based on drug residue trials. The final objective is to convey our findings for the benefit of the entire NZ deer industry. |
Dave Lawrence 03 236 4117 info@tikana.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/136 | Forest Testing and Promotion of the National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in New Zealand - To Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Standards | A group representing most plantation forest owners, major ENGOs, social interests and Maori are developing a National Standard for Certification of Plantation Forest Management in New Zealand. A final draft ready for forest testing is expected to be completed by June 2010. This application is for funding to assist with forest testing and promotion. The forest testing which is an audit by a certified auditing body will determine the applicability of the Standard to NZ Plantation Forests and help refine a final document for endorsement by the Forest Stewardship Council. It is also a crucial process to demonstrate and promote applicability to forest owners and key stakeholders and ensure that each party’s aspirations can be met. |
Colin Maunder 07 343 1081 colin.maunder@tll.co.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/145 | Existing uses and market development opportunities for naturally regenerating totara timber | Previous projects have demonstrated that a significant resource of naturally regenerating totara exists in Northland, that it responds well to silviculture and has excellent potential for sustainable management. Now the challenge is to explore market opportunities for the commercial-scale use of the timber in high value products (e.g. furniture). This is a crucial step in developing a viable, sustainable, specialty timber industry and to promote development of this significant resource. The project seeks to scope the use and market potential of timber from naturally regenerating totara trees. While the initial focus is on Northland, the work has national application. |
Helen Moodie 09 430 0954 helen.moodie @landcare.org.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/147 | Utilisation of organic waste materials into fuel, stock feed and fertiliser | The project aims to implement, investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of a low cost working system of a combination of proven technologies incorporated in a unique arrangement of components to add value to on-farm/growers/producers waste products. The conversion of underutilised and problematic waste into beneficial by-products including renewable fuel by distillation, and the fermented biomass into a sustainable animal food stock and fertiliser. By achieving improved recourse efficiency to enhance returns for producers, the system will supply sustainable commodities (fuel, fertiliser, animal food stock), whilst also reducing environmental impact locally (waste disposal compliance) and globally (reduction in greenhouse gas emissions). |
Richard Robbins 09 408 1086 richard.robbins @ecocentre.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/148 | Establishing pollinator recommendations and realistic yield data for NZ hazelnut orchards | This project extends the work done in SFF Project L08-088 (assisting growers to achieve effective pollination in NZ hazelnut orchards) which gave growers a standard method to record flowering data and share those results with the HGANZ. It will collect and analyse this flowering data and collect crop yield data from orchards throughout New Zealand for 3 years to determine whether the poor yields experienced in some orchards are due to inadequate pollen availability during flowering as a result of incorrect pollinator variety selection. This will help the NZ hazelnut industry deliver accurate advice on the correct pollinators for each region. Yield data will also allow realistic yield estimates to be published and high yielding orchards to be identified. This will enable the industry to identify select orchards that could be used as models for other growers. |
Murray Redpath 07 315 7763 wairataforestfarm @farmside.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| L10/150 | Biological soil disinfestations for Apple replant disease as an alternative to chemical controls | This project is aimed at improving cost and best practice options for the pipfruit nursery who supply trees for the NZ Pipfruit industry. Organic soil amendments often have been promoted as a means to control soil borne plant diseases. Application of organic amendments to soil systems has the potential to alter both the structure and function of resident microbial communities. It is our intention to pursue a simple growth quantative based project where organic/natural alternatives are applied to known replant sites and measured for their success by tree response. The pursuit of the most effective combination of bio controlled treatments will be ultimately sought. This will be achieved by taking place within the industries concerned locations and kept as close to industry practice as possible. It is of the most critical importance that this project is run by the industry for the industry. |
Owen Stevenson 03 989 7640 ostevenson @hortresearch.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/154 | Better sustainable carrot production | This is a scoping study so we can better improve the ability of the NZ carrot industry to address the challenges and opportunities it faces. A stakeholders meeting last year confirmed the need for an extension focussed project to build capability amongst growers, many of whom are relatively new and are not aware of best practice growing, washing and storing techniques. Existing information will be brought to life – evaluating it and identifying gaps - through a series of crop walks followed by meetings of discussion groups. A final report will include an action-list of priorities and recommendations for research and development. |
Chris Ward 04 470 5667 Chris.Ward@hortnz.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/155 | Review of the Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation Project | The three year SFF funded Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation project concluded in June 2008. The project set up trials on 3 properties, to investigate sustainable land use options for drought prone properties with soil degradation issues. The messages and outcomes are transferable to many dryland East Coast areas in New Zealand. Bonavaree, owned and farmed by the Avery family, continues to receive local, national and international visitors – 2 years after the project’s completion. A review of the Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation project is timely. The aims of the project are to investigate: 1. farmer perceptions of the main messages; 2. farmer adoption of these messages; and 3. any barriers to uptake and adoption at local and national level. |
Barbara Stuart 03 545 0443 Barbara.stuart @landcare.org.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/159 | Sustainable Northland – A Pastoral Sector Strategy | The Northland Agricultural Forum has identified that the Northland agriculture sector has potential to take advantage of emerging opportunities, but there is a risk. Because sector stakeholders are acting independently without coordinating resources and actions, the opportunities will be lost or reduced. To achieve a common direction for the sector, the Agriculture Forum is embarking on the development of a Northland Agricultural Strategy. Underpinning the success of the Strategy is the process used to develop it, as this critical to gaining long term commitment from the sector to the outcomes. This strategy will lead to the pastoral sector coordinating key messages, presenting a united front to the wider Northland society and pooling resources to address key regional opportunities in the social, environmental and productive areas. Examples of regional opportunities could include better utilising the rural labour pool to strengthen rural communities or encouraging farmers to utilise effluent as a nutrient source, reducing effluent loading on waterways |
Julie Jonker 09 432 0442 jkjonker@farmside.co.nz |
Louise Askin 04 894 0446 |
| L10/161 | Farmer welfare in the Waikato | Farmer welfare in NZ is largely managed in a reactive manner i.e. when trouble has arrived or after things have gone wrong. This scoping research will focus on dairying in the Waikato and aims to find out how farmer welfare works so that, in a follow up project, pro-active strategies can be designed and tested. The aetiology of poor farmer welfare suggests that it is largely stress related and linked to three main causes: the business e.g. financial pressure; personal e.g. predisposition to stress; and relational e.g. how connected or isolated individuals are in the community, and is also influenced by how willing individuals are to change. There are 12 possible combinations of these factors and we will be doing a case study of each of these combinations to determine the causes and how farmer welfare works in each case. We will have 12 qualitative data sets about specific stress triggers, how things evolve, go through thresholds and eventually reach a crisis, the coping strategies families use in response to rising stress levels and deteriorating farmer welfare, and the impacts on the business, individuals and social relations. This information will provide us with the base line information we need to progress to the next stage – designing and testing pro-active farmer welfare strategies. Other industries will also learn from the insights coming from this research. |
Dr Neels Botha 07 838 5106 neels.botha @agresearch.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| L10/163 | Raupo – Review of Multiple Uses and Benefits | The steady decline in the quality of many fresh water streams and lakes in New Zealand is strongly linked to the intensification of pastoral farming where high nutrient inputs and microbiological contamination destablise these natural ecosystems. This project will explore one way of mitigating the degeneration of our waterways while simultaneously creating a biomass or biofuel resource. Raupō (Typha orientalis) is a native wetland plant that grows in shallow water. Raupō has very rapid annual growth and biomass production and dense stands act as a water purifier and possibly as a carbon sink. This project will trial the establishment, management and harvesting of Raupō at two sites in Canterbury. It will evaluate the capacity of Raupo to improve water quality, produce thatch material, ethanol, food, and enhance fisheries such as whitebait and shortfinned eel. Concurrently, an economic analysis will review the commercial viability of establishing and managing Raupo. Our results will be presented at two field days and as a peer-reviewed publication in a relevant journal. They will inform Ngai Tahu, farmers and other stakeholders on the ecological and financial potential of commercial Raupo and its role in sustainable agriculture. |
Jon Manhire 03 365 6806 jon@agribusinessgroup.com |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/164 | Fish Friendly Farming - Drain management for effective farming and waterway health. | We will trial two on-farm drain management strategies that should result in improved habitat for fish while still providing adequate outfall to upstream farming systems. Rather than clearing a reach of a stream in one continuous segment (current practice), we will determine if clearing alternating segments of these reaches results in less disturbance to fish communities whilst not impacting on drainage effectiveness. We will also test whether snags (woody refuge structures) placed in cleared drains provides temporary shelter for giant kokopu (an iconic and threatened whitebait species elsewhere in NZ but that is abundant in the Waituna catchment), as well as providing a greater complexity of habitat in the long term. Giant Kokopu will be tagged with radio-transmitters and their movements will be monitored in segments that are cleared using the two alternative approaches versus control (uncleared) reaches, and when snags are installed or not. The fish communities in each reach will be monitored over time to determine whether total fish abundance and diversity is increased in conjunction with snags or an alternating drain clearing approach. The response of macro-invertebrates, algae, plants, stream shape and outfall potential will also be monitored and results shared with farmers nationally. |
Andy Hicks 027 207 7604 ashicks@gmail.com |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/170 | Chilean needle grass management in North Canterbury | The Objective of this project is to conduct a scoping study to identify options for managing Chilean needle grass in Canterbury as a foundation for a larger project evaluating these options and developing a best management practice for this weed in Canterbury. The Outcomes will be the identification of options for control, containment and education. The beneficiaries are pastoral, viticulture and arable farmers throughout Canterbury. The project contributes to the sustainability of agriculture in Canterbury by minimising the risk of this damaging and invasive grass from spreading throughout Canterbury from its only known infestation (at Spotswood, Nth Canterbury). |
Wayne Yates 03 3198 197 yateswd@amuri.net |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/173 | Lake weeds and worm farms- A “kaitiaki” solution for sensitive catchments | The Rotorua Lakes lie at the heart of the mana, the environmental wellbeing and the economic prosperity of the people and environment of the Rotorua District. Landowners and councils are working together to implement a suite of kaitiaki measures to improve the water quality of sensitive lake catchments. Tautara Matawhaura, a large Maori farm trust located on the shores of Lake Rotoehu, is working with Environment Bay of Plenty and Industrial Vermicompost Ltd to combine 3,000 tonnes of harvested lake weed with 6,000 tonnes of pulpmill in vermicomposted windrows. This project will measure and monitor the nitrogen footprint of the vermicompost windrows by collecting and monitoring the potential leachate underneath the windrows. If this vermicomposting technology can be proven as environmentally safe with a low nutrient footprint, the Trust may look to establish a permanent vermicomposting operation on the farm. If successful, the operation could be replicated in other sensitive lakes and waterways catchments in Rotorua and the Waikato region. |
Tony Whata 07 362 4311 tai@farmside.co.nz |
Helen Percy 07 957 8321 |
| L10/176 | Identifying the cost of pleurisy per property and scope out possible solutions | The best way to bring about change within a farming businesses is first to identify the economic cost of a problem and then and then to measure the economic improvements from any changes implemented. With pleurisy some work has been done to identify likely causes and total cost to industry but not working with individual farming businesses. This project aims to do this by working approximately 40 properties identifying the cost of pleurisy, start scoping out possible causes of the problem and then measuring those benefits of any changes made on an economic basis. When successful this will then be expanded into a much larger project. |
John Bates 03 448 8349 jbates@ihug.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/178 | Annihilating cattle faecal deposits to control endoparasites | Young dairy and beef animals are regularly drenched to control parasites resulting in parasite resistance to anthelmintics becoming common. Consequentially alternative management strategies are urgently needed. As over 90% of parasites are in faecal deposits or the environment, reducing parasite survival on pasture could effectively assist their control. Where sheep faecal deposits were artificially reduced in size parasite numbers declined by 90% due to increased exposure to climatic effects (Moss & Bray 2006). The proposed project will determine if this effect can be achieved under cattle grazing following dissipation of faecal deposits by post-grazing harrowing of pastures and associated faecal deposits. |
Ray Moss 03 321 8628 ray.moss@agresearch.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/179 | Pasture Diversity and Meat Quality | Research shows a positive relationship between high levels of omega 3 fats and increasing pasture diversity. This relationship provides opportunities for hill country and dry land sheep and beef farmers to improve profitability by producing meat of higher nutritional value for the discerning consumer. More diverse pastures will provide greater dietary selection opportunities for livestock and pastures will be more resilient when challenged by fluctuations in climate, topographical, and soil variability. This 1 year pilot project offers an opportunity to explore this relationship and whether changes in pastoral management techniques are worthy of further investigation in a larger SFF project. |
John King 027 673 7885 john@succession.co.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/181 | Sustainable Footrot Treatment | Despite advances in genetic selection and vaccines, footrot continues to be a significant issue for NZ sheep industry with an estimated direct (treatment) and indirect (loss productivity) costs of $80M–100M pa. This project will determine the viability and efficacy of chitosan — a naturally occurring compound from the seafood industry waste streams —as an alternative and more sustainable footrot treatment. Chitosan has well described anti-bacterial; antifungal; and wound healing properties in humans and is increasingly being used in a highly purified form in medical applications. Chitosan also has the ability to form gel-like biofilm coatings that might help it persist near infection site. NZ has a unique abundance of chitosan as a waste stream from its deep sea fishing industry (squid pens & crab shells). By coupling this cheap source of raw material with minimal processing, we believe we can deliver a more cost effective solution than vaccines, a more sustainable alternative to current caustic sulphate footbaths and without the trait trade-offs inherent with genetic selection approaches. |
Craig Grant 03 479 5047 craig.grant@otago.ac.nz |
Nic Newman 03 943 1784 |
| L10/184 | Does stress express trunk diseases | The aim of the project is to establish whether stress to vines enhances symptom expression of trunk diseases. Current management options for trunk diseases are focused on dealing with symptoms once they have occurred. This project investigates the possibility of a totally different management option for grape growers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that stressed vines (either those carrying an excessive crop on young vine or subjected to water stress) are more vulnerable to disease expression. Therefore this project proposes to investigate if stress is a trigger for symptom expression. If stress does trigger symptom expression then vine management could be changed to avoid the symptom expression and hence control disease. The proposed project is a proof of concept before developing a larger programme to change vineyard management methods. |
Dion Mundy 03 984 4327 dion.mundy @plantandfood.co.nz |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
| L10/187 | Biological control of Glassy winged sharpshooter (GWSS) | Glassy winged sharpshooter (GWSS, Homalodisca vitripennis) is a vector of serious plant diseases in grape and citrus. GWSS is not yet in New Zealand but is rapidly spreading across the Pacific. Biological control is regarded as the only feasible control strategy for GWSS so in preparation for its arrival it is proposed that the technical components of a HSNO application will be prepared to enable a decision to be made to release a biocontrol agent as soon as practical after GWSS is discovered in New Zealand. Existing literature, limited experiments, and climate modelling will be used to establish the host specificity of the biocontrol agent and its likely survival and distribution in New Zealand. The project will also help to develop plans for GWSS control. |
Simon Hooker 09 306 5556 simon@nzwine.com |
Janine Alfeld 03 943 3802 |
