Waterway restoration sees return of endangered mudfish
A critically threatened endemic freshwater fish found only in Canterbury has been discovered at a Craigmore Sustainables farm near Timaru.
Farm and forestry operator Craigmore Sustainables is growing its horticulture presence with two recent apple orchard acquisitions.
The company says Ngaruroro orchard in the Twyford region of Hawke’s Bay and Patutahi orchard in Gisborne are both strategically located in tier-one apple-growing regions, benefiting from optimal climatic conditions and surrounding apple industry infrastructure. The two properties will have a total canopy area of over 110 hectares.
Craigmore will transition Ngaruroro orchard, previously owned by Kiwi Crunch, to grow premium varieties on more modern structures, starting with over 21 hectares being redeveloped this winter.
Patutahi, previously owned by Judco, includes 16 hectares, which will be developed with premium varieties, to be planted winter 2025. Through these development activities, Craigmore will increase both production from these orchards and the average price per tray of apples.
The acquisitions mark the first investments for a client, which is owned by a European institutional investor. Craigmore provides governance and management services to the client.
“In line with Craigmore’s strategy, there will be a high level of New Zealand control over both investments and operational decisions for these orchards” says Craigmore chief executive, Che Charteris.
Craigmore already has 290 hectares of apple orchards under management in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, including a recently developed 180 canopy hectare orchard near Ongaonga.
Over the coming months, further acquisitions in permanent crops are anticipated as part of the growth strategy. Craigmore is actively engaged in development of the newly acquired assets, to be completed over several years.
“Craigmore can see a significant need for additional patient long-term capital in the New Zealand apple sector,” says Charteris.
Craigmore, a New Zealand-owned and operated company, manages more than 33,000 hectares of dairy, grazing, forestry and horticulture properties (68 in total) throughout New Zealand. The company manages over $1 billion in assets and employs more than 200 people.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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