Our Land & Water
Regenerative ag research in full swing
Mixed results – and sometimes surprising ones – as major Whenua Haumanu project rounds corner into its third year.
Finding the sweet spot with emissions
Reducing absolute on-farm emissions doesn’t have to compromise profitability, researchers say.
High social cost of land use change flagged in new research
Country can meet freshwater goals if drystock makes way for pines, but this would come at an unacceptable cost, researchers say.
Nitrogen cap cuts leaching from Southland dairy farms
Reduction in nitrate leaching from pastures greater than anticipated, study finds.
Trove of info on water science and more
National Science Challenges findings live on in learning modules available to everyone, Sue Edmonds discovers.
Promising trials for Alzheimer’s daffodil project
Entity will now be formed to develop a business plan along with more research and development.
Weighing the pros and cons of mootels
A composting barn, or mootel, has many benefits but farmers need to consider whether it’s the right fit for their operation.
Good dairy farm practices see uptick in water quality
Study shows how the implementation of GMPs on farm improved water quality over two decades
NZ needs to plan for alternative proteins, study finds
Presenting range of land-use scenarios, researchers say the worst course of action would be to do nothing.
NZ trusts its farmers – but we can do better
Most comprehensive study to date of the social licence to farm draws on five research projects.
Gabrielle pushes climate change to top of worry list
Survey of primary sector experts ranks top-of-mind concerns.
How useful is social media to farmers?
Farmers are looking for new sources of information as they adapt to changes in climate and policy.
Shortcomings in water quality monitoring flagged
Under current system, it will be decades before any improvements can be confirmed.
Soil health, science and farmer know-how drives project
Revitalise Te Taiao is a research programme working alongside agribusinesses and communities as they progress land-use change, work with value chains and connect with markets to revitalise te taiao.
Going back to native bush for a better bottom line
A newly released guide aims to help farmers turn poor-performing land into ngahere (native bush), cutting the cost from $20,000/ha to as low as $3000/ha.
Project looks at Agroforestry benefits in Canterbury plains
New research is looking at the benefits of planting trees in paddock corners outside the reach of irrigation pivots on dairy systems.
Dairy dilemma on the slopes of a soggy icon
A new project offers help as picturesque Taranaki region’s water challenges come to a head on scores of farms.
Growing your own feed pays off
A new study looks at options for reducing the country’s reliance on imported feed.
What about the workers? Land-use change’s forgotten resource
New research aims to help smooth out peaks and troughs in production in different land uses.
Disease on the move in a warming climate
A research project is applying climate change scenarios to put a cost on disease impacts and adaptation measures.
Challenges and new chances in EU Green Deal
Organics Aotearoa NZ CEO unpacks implications of bloc’s key strategy.
Rural professionals’ contribution to sustainability in focus
Local scenarios with practical applications explored.
Recon and reflection as Revitalise te Taiao marks one-year milestone
The Revitalise Te Taiao programme gathered its people on the shores of Lake Wānaka, to review and focus on future plans for putting research into action.
Solar panels light up drystock income
Modelling of lower density installation shows almost a trebling of profits.
Database of waterways work launches
National record kept of land initiatives that restore health to rural waterways.
Nailing down nitrates on a South Canty dairy farm
Research on nitrate levels could be a game-changer for a South Canterbury farm as it has provided invaluable data.
Clover trial aims to boost hill country pasture
Hope is for big gains in feed quality, finances and stability of vulnerable soils.
‘Champion’ catchments share stories
Sharing knowledge key to building momentum in groups, project finds.
Science leaders call for National Food Strategy
Six directors will pool National Science Challenges findings to add to pot.
Iwi approach a winner as professors unpack farm assurance
An Our Land and Water study delves into the labyrinth of systems to find how schemes can be enhanced to improve farmer-consumer relations.
Star rise a marker in the cycle of life
Matariki has always had special meaning for farmers.
Risk and reward for NZ in EU’s green efforts
Push for organics is good news for some exports and a wake-up call for others.
Strip-tilling for fodder beet holds it together
Study takes a closer look at method to lessen runoff from winter grazing crop.
Exploring human appetite for NZ pasture
A new study looks into the potential of country’s rich pasture to feed people – tapping into a multibillion-dollar global market.
Cost cooling Kiwis’ great love of meat
When it came to motivations for reducing meat consumption, “lack of affordability and health concerns are their key drivers”.
Alzheimer’s-fighting daffodils trialled in high country
The soggy cold springs in the high country are far from ideal growing conditions, but stressing the plants at elevation is thought to boost its health benefits.
Aisles of useful numbers in ‘data supermarket’ to aid land use decisions
One-stop shop for range of information to help with land use decisions.
Alternative feeds can help hit emission targets
Pastoral farming has some surprising drawbacks when it comes to methane.
Catchment groups get tools to last
Resources pitched at groups at every stage, from beginner to established.
A foot in the door of the alternative protein market
What comes first, the processing plant or the producers?
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