Arable Farmers Shift to Dairy as Fuel and Fertiliser Costs Surge
Some arable farmers are getting out of arable and converting to dairy in the faced of soaring fuel and fertiliser prices on top of a very poor growing season.
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.
