SFF Project Summary
Linking Profits and Gonservation on Hill Country Farmland
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Final Report
- Project final report [PDF 1.41MB]
Project Description
The McRae Trust is a typical east coast type hill country property near Wairoa. It was bequeathed to the nation in the 1970s for a myriad of purposes. The Sustainable Land Management Project has been operating since 1994 and has focussed on environmental, farm management and extension objectives. It is ideally located and well known as a focal point for farm extension activities in the Wairoa district. A longstanding project objective is to 'implement best practise and impart the knowledge gained to the farming community'. The project aims to be able to show that the systems and technologies are viable and profitable.
Opportunities which the project is addressing
Soil Map
A successful technique used in the past, has been the formation of small, interest or task groups. It is proposed to use this method again, along with hired technical expertise (Landcare Research staff) to both survey and map the soil types of the McRae Trust property. Direct involvement by group members, particularly those with a special interest, will make this information more transferable to the greater community group and farmers of the district.
Land Use Capability Map
Again, this exercise will involve a task group approach. This exercise will be lead by a regional council staff member.
Sustainable Land Use Plan
This plan will serve to refine the community groups knowledge of the land resources comprising the McRae Trust and provide some leads as to the best match of enterprise/landuse for each land type. Similar techniques will be used as described above. Commercial forestry, conservation plantings, alternative species and native bush will be included in the plan.
Intensive Hill Country Development
A trial pastoral intensification area on steeper hill country of just over 30 hectares, will be carried out. This will be funded by the property, however financial analysis of development and ongoing costs/returns will be funded by the SFF. Results will be reported widely, as will the environmental impacts. This trial will be seen by local farmers as a valid exercise being based on steeper land, typical of the wider district.
Group coordination/facilitation and Extension
A part time person with appropriate skills will coordinate and programme project activities, ensuring that the project objectives are carried out. Reporting widely to the community will be an important role.
Waterway Enhancement and Monitoring
A waterway protection fence has recently been extended to 500m in length using a low cost single electric wire to improve water quality. Initial results from a 250m length of restricted access suggest that the method is effective, however longer term monitoring is required to confirm this.
