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Reducing chemical inputs with robots

Using robots to apply herbicides to kill weeds in vegetable crops would hugely reduce the quantities of chemicals being applied, says a visiting British expert.

Fencing marginal land pays off

Farmers attending the field day at Niels Hansen’s farm in Taranaki last month.

The merits and costs of farming marginal land or fencing it for reversion or forestry was the topic at a recent field day in Taranaki.

Tall grass proves its versatility

Miscanthus New Zealand managing director Peter Brown with a three-metre ruler in a stand of giant miscanthus grass.

A tall grass touted as a multi-purpose wonder plant has proved its worth as a shelterbelt replacement for Canterbury dairy farms, says Lincoln University ecology professor Steve Wratten.

Don’t be the meat in the tax sandwich

Sometimes it can feel like you are the meat in the tax sandwich in April and May.

Honest adverts

The Hound had a good giggle at the direct approach taken by a South Canterbury farmer in an advert for his next hire.

Your canine crusader notes that MPI biosecurity staff have been busy intercepting risky goods ranging from the bizarre to the potentially devastating for New Zealand’s economy and environment over the summer.

Clear agenda

The Hound hears that the recent Beef + Lamb NZ environmental workshop in Wellington provided a platform for a couple of anti-farming activists to polish their rants.