A significant fertiliser breakthrough?
Former ACT MP and Federated Farmers president Owen Jennings believes he's come across a new fertilising method in Australia that yields "outstanding results".
The Fertiliser Quality Council (FQC) is really pleased with the response to the webcast launching the program New Zealand Needs Fertiliser and Plants Need Food. It is a short, sharp educational programme aimed at correcting the myths over fertiliser use.
FQC chair Neil Barton says the immediate response of 361 full views, plus a few on Facebook, was great news for the fertiliser industry. In addition the vast majority watched the programme right through.
"For too long we have had the self-styled environmental disciples perpetuating myths about fertiliser and its use," Barton says. "We now have a science-based programme refuting that. The fact that almost 400 New Zealanders decided to watch the launch of the programme, including a motivational address by Prof Rowarth from the University of Waikato Business School, is most heartening.
"Using a webcast also allows us to communicate better with the younger, more technically inclined farmers and council planners who may be unaware of the substantial impact of fertiliser on farming and the economy. The effect that superphosphate has had on pastoral farming post World War 11 is huge. It has enabled soil that can barely support brown top to produce high quality ryegrass, clover pastures.
"New Zealand soils are not naturally fertile and without fertiliser our economy, as we know it, is doomed. Responsible fertiliser use and application has a huge economic benefit and a small environmental footprint.
"The fact that we chose a webcast to launch the initiative also shows our willingness to get a key message across while creating a minimal environmental footprint," Barton says.
Nine lucky school leavers passionate about farming will join Pamu for a two-year journey into agriculture, living and working at Pamu farm, Aratiatia near Taupo.
Nutritionists are urging Kiwis to kickstart their day with a piece of fresh fruit to help improve their health and wellbeing this autumn.
Under its innovation strategy, Craigmore Sustainables says it is collaborating with new innovators of technology across sustainability, people, animals and business management to enhance New Zealand's dairy sector.
Deeply cynical and completely illogical. That's how Kimberly Crewther, the executive director of DCANZ is describing the Canadian government's flagrant breach of international trade law in refusing to open its market to New Zealand dairy exports.
This week the winner of the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori Dairy farm will be announced at a gala dinner in Hamilton.
Once-a-day milking (OAD) can increase or lower the amounts of proteins in milk, according to a new study published in the journal Dairy.
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