Issue 35 • August 2020

Silver Stream, North Canterbury

ISSN 1178-3958 www.nzarm.org.nz NZARM President’s Report Kerry Hudson, NZARM President

The Northlands Conference in October 2019 things are heading in the short- to medium- seems an eternity ago. We now live in a term at least. Looking at what topics we could different world; we hadn’t heard of Covid-19 cover, one that comes to mind is the place of and physical distancing last year. Now in late Land Use Capability in our evolving world. July New Zealand seems a very safe place to Member suggestions to the executive are more be – hopefully we can keep it that way. than welcome. So what has happened in the world on NZARM Recent regulatory changes from the Ministry in this time? A lot has occurred and our of the Environment include mandatory farm executive has been really busy in obtaining a plans with a freshwater module. This presents National Coordinator. We have an excellent a real opportunity to align the regulation with coordinator in Keitha Monson, working from funding opportunities in improving freshwater. Timaru, and really making some long strides My career began immersed in farm and for the association. An outline of Keitha’s career catchment plans with a soil conservation focus. In this issue... experience is given on page 4. Welcome aboard A wider focus is to incorporate biodiversity, and a great effort to date. cultural values, nutrient management, and 3 Whakaoratia to Mana o te Waiapu long-term sustainability. I personally see this Talking about the Broadsheet, we have a new as an appealing and neat way to complete my 4 New National Coordinator: Career process in place and are really pleased with the career. development new format. Your member contributions are critical to keeping the Broadsheet relevant. NZARM, along with regional managers, has 6 Trialling the use of peak runoff control been involved with progressing capability and structures to reduce contaminants in the We have postponed the 2020 Conference to a capacity in land management across New Waituna Lagoon catchment similar time in 2021 and still in the top of the Zealand with MPI. The association’s Resource south. We really appreciate the effort that Matt 7 Calling for executive committee Management Certificate process could be really and Susan have put in to date, and are looking nominations useful in this process. It is taking some time to forward to seeing it come to life later next year. 8 Deferred grazing plusses align this, but in time this could be to all of our We are holding our AGM by Zoom, which is advantages. 8 Put MitAgator to work taking a bit of sorting out, but can work nicely. There are a number of incentives available We will need member support in attending our 9 Regenerative agriculture presentation across land management at the moment. I have AGM to ensure a quorum. If we think closely personally been involved in a cool initiative, 10 NZARM Executive 2020 about this it should not be a big ask. Our Council the Whakaoratia Project, noted separately as usually sends one or two members to our 10 Contributing to Broadsheet part of this issue of Broadsheet. A range of annual conference who then attend the AGM. other opportunities are out there and we need 11 Experts call for review of regenerative Gisborne does not have a lot of NZARM to make the most of these. farming ‘mythology’ members, but there are at least five who could be together for the AGM. If we all organise this I hope everyone is back to as normal a working we could have a well-attended event. This is space as possible and looking forward to the About Broadsheet also election year, so paperwork will be challenges we have ahead of us. forwarded to all members outlining the Finally, I would like to thank the executive for Broadsheet is the newsletter of the New Zealand association’s process. Association of Resource Management. It is their efforts in recent times. There have been published three times per year, in March, July We are looking at holding some form of some positive moves forward in recent months, and November. Conference digitally. This seems to be where and it has been good to be a part of it. Please note that Broadsheet articles and photos are protected by copyright. Authors must be consulted before their articles are cited in publications. Unless specifically indicated otherwise, opinions expressed in the Broadsheet are not to be regarded as the official view of the Association. If you would like to submit a contribution, or have a comment or suggestion to make, see ‘Contributing to Broadsheet’ on page 10 for details. www.nzarm.org.nz Contents numbers and web links highlighted in blue in this pdf are active (clickable). www.facebook.com/NZARM1953/

Page 2 www.nzarm.org.nz Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 Whakaoratia to Mana o te Waiapu Kerry Hudson, NZARM President

During 2018 I had the privilege of being problem is accentuated by inundation within Initial work has commenced with debris dams involved in providing technical support to an the riverbed. The application is funded through being established in strategic gullies and minor application to the PGF by Whakaoratia te Mana the 1BT, with Minister Shane Jones approving waterways to provide stability, and to reduce o te Waiapu, representing Te Nati Wiwi Trust the project in July 2019. sediment loads onto the flats from entering and Te Riu o Waiapu Trust. The project has larger waterways and the main river. Sixty seven A significant amount of soil conservation work been initiated by Hilton Collier and brings debris dams have been constructed since hapu from throughout the Waiapu Valley has occurred in the headwaters of the Waiapu November 2019. There has been sufficient together. River – exotic forestry, indigenous reversion, rainfall to partly or fully fill dams in places. The and poplar/willow planting. Poles have been current wet weather has halted progress until The application looked at a range of strategically established alongside the banks of conditions improve, probably in the spring. The environmental issues, which has resulted in the Waiapu River, funded by an Erosion Control next steps include establishing willow poles loss of valuable alluvial flats alongside the Funding Programme Community Grant, and within and adjoining the captured sediment. Waiapu River. voluntary planting in areas where GDC has Poplar and willow nurseries are being The alluvial flats are limited in area, are highly funded plant material. This planting is a established to provide pole material for work productive, and being lost to riverbank erosion precursor to establishing indigenous species alongside the main river, tributaries and with each ensuing heavy rainfall event. This amongst establishing poles. elsewhere on eroding land. Moving to propagation of indigenous species is a longer term aim. Engineering assistance to identify a river corridor is progressing over the next few months and information will be used to identify options to address riverbank erosion. The final part of the project assists in building capability and capacity for local people in maintaining the momentum of the project. Further initiatives look to riparian fencing and planting, preservation of regenerating vegetation, and the associated pest control. GDC is contributing by assisting with siting works, technical advice and building local Our crew with local MP Meka Whaitiri. capability. This represents a significant environmental project where local hapu have come together to address pressing erosion issues while providing opportunities and employment for local people. The project ticks a number of positive boxes: sediment retention, gully control, and improved downstream water quality, but perhaps most exiting is the employment (and possibly year round work) and enthusiasm within the East Coast Community.

Upcoming NZARM Regional Event The Land Management Team at Greater Wellington Regional council are in the early stages of planning an NZARM regional event for some time in October-November this year. Event details are still being drafted, but it is intended to be a low-cost event with limited numbers that allows NZARM members to network and learn a bit about some of the successes and challenges facing resource managers in Time sequence: Site survey November 2019 (top left); construction under way December the Wellington region. Keep an eye out for 2019 (top right); constructed, January 2020 (bottom left); and full of debris, May 2020 the event details in early September. (bottom right).

Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 www.nzarm.org.nz Page 3 New National Coordinator: Career development Keitha Monson – NZARM Coordinator

As the first national coordinator for NZARM it Lakes Wetland. This pristine wetland is of This position was a great training ground in was unusual timing starting the role just prior international significance. The work involved general on the technical aspects of pastural to the country being placed into a historical using GPS to survey the vegetation zonations agriculture, as Ravensdown invests heavily in first ever ‘lockdown’. If anything, the that radiated out from the center of the training its staff. During this time, I sat my unprecedented times have highlighted the wetland. They were distinctive and we even Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management. uniqueness of New Zealand and refocused us found some new native carex species. While While in the organics product specialist as a nation on the issues in our own backyard. comparative to other roles I would come to position became available and, with my have, my time in Haast was short, but the background, I jumped at the chance to make For this edition, current president Kerry asked impact the area had on me was significant. an application. me to write a piece about my career history – I haven’t had a linear or conventional Ravensdown Co-operative Full of enthusiasm for my interview I put progression into Resource Management like together a presentation of how I thought that many of my peers. There is that quote by Robert Back in Christchurch I was recruited in the the position could grow the sales of certified Frost, which is a nice summation of my road Ravensdown field officer graduate program, organic product and better support the field to becoming the National Coordinator for despite being raised on a hill country property staff. I was successful at gaining the promotion NZARM: in the Wairarapa. This was a bit of a U-turn for and the position was held open for six months me. I was fortunate to be joining the Southern until I’d completed 18 months in my field role. Two roads diverged in a wood and I – Team to be based out of the Ravensbourne I took the one less traveled by, and that office in . My ‘patch’ was a great A key mentor of my career, Richard Christie, has made all the difference. contrast in farming types and intensity, basically then Ravensdown’s Strategy Manager, was My undergraduate qualifications are as a trained consisting of a strip along the coast from Milton instrumental in developing my ability to think ecologist, completing a Bachelor of Science with in the south to Hampden in the north and strategically, in a big picture context to be able Honours from Lincoln University. In my first job extending inland to the tussock country of to visualise the supply chain from mined supply post-university, I was employed on a short- Macraes Flat, Middlemarch, and Clarks junction overseas to the farm paddock. Systems – I learnt term contract as a Biodiversity Ranger for DOC (see map). about systems – how to manage lines of based in the beautiful remote township of Haast. My accommodation was the local Fish and Game batch and I completed some key projects for DOC. This included surveying the spawning grounds of our native Inanga (Whitebait) fish species in the Manakaiaua River Catchment. It involved patiently sitting and watching the water wearing special tinted glasses to see through the water in areas the locals had tipped off where they had been seen before (and fighting a battle of being eaten alive by sandflies – despite eating the recommended marmite I still managed to be bitten relentlessly). This was a fascinating lesson in the amazing cycles that exist in nature, the adult fish migrating to the tropics of tahini and then their offspring returning to the same ground to spawn navigating by the tides and stars. When you managed to spot them, it was incredible, shoals of small black fish, rippling the water. In little waterproof note books we made notes about the area of river that they had conjugated in the visibility, vegetation, weather conditions, etc. The purpose of the work was to try and identity if there were consistent factors so that guidelines could be developed to identify areas that should be fenced to protect the spawning grounds and consequently the whitebait population. While in Haast I also had the opportunity to Map data: ©2020 Google. complete a vegetation survey of the Ma¯ori

Page 4 www.nzarm.org.nz Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 ‘certified’ organic product within the general after traveling overseas I headed back down to fertiliser dispatch across the national store the South Island – to be based in Methven. About NZARM network. Alongside this practical aspect I The New Zealand Association of Resource became very proficient in understanding the Farm administration Management (NZARM) is an incorporated complexity of organic certification standards While my boys were preschoolers I had the society that provides support and focus for agriculture that existed between markets. invaluable experience of being employed by for people who share a professional As an exporter, New Zealand certified organic one of my previous South Island organic dairy interest in the sustainable management farmers are generally wanting to gain farmers (T Lambie) to complete his farm of New Zealand’s natural resources. accreditation for international markets. administration with his farm managers ensuring NZARM’s purpose is to champion the that they maintained their organic certification resource management cause, to promote Fonterra Co-operative compliance – this was a very grounding professionalism, and to maintain a strong During this period there was some considerable experience for me in the reality of what really community spirit of meeting, sharing, and growth in the organic food movement and happens on farm versus my slightly idealised generally having a good time. Members Fonterra was actively recruiting farmers to grow version as a Manager. Being proficient in receive benefit through an annual its certified supply of organic milk, systems I also picked up the H&S compliance conference, regional workshops, a predominately for overseas markets – the USA, for the property completing a Federated Broadsheet newsletter three times each Korea, China, and the European Union. Dairy Farmers course. year, and the opportunity to become a farmers I’d been actively working with encouraged me to apply, and I was delighted Environment Canterbury recognised professional and accredited to be successful. practitioner of resource management. In 2013 I was approached about a maternity This role, titled ‘on-farm organics extension leave position at Environment Canterbury for Further information, including membership officer’, was a very hands-on role, actively the Principle Extension Services Officer. I registration details, can be obtained from working with farmers either exploring or accepted on a part-time basis and found myself the NZARM website (nzarm.org.nz) or by converting their diary property from a in the space of regulation. These were ground contacting the Secretary (see below for conventional property to a certified organic breaking times as the first of the zones outlined contact details). supply. The advantage of this role is that I in the Environment Canterbury Land and Water became very proficient in organic management Regional Plan was coming into a plan process NZARM Membership plans (similar in structure to a FEP), the – Hurunui Waiau. It was a great experience of conversion process, and the substitutions hands-on learning about facilitating community NZARM welcomes new members, between the two systems. collaboration, and also the development of the particularly if you have an interest in process around what was to become the sustainable resource management. More fascinating was working with all the guidelines for Audited Self-Management, that Prospective members can apply anytime different farmers across the country that I either is collective management of N and P catchment by obtaining a registration form from the visited to discuss the proposition, or those that loads and also the template requirements for website (nzarm.org.nz) or from the NZARM came into Fonterra’s program. I started an meeting the LWRP Farm Environment Plans. secretary. Candidates are nominated by analysis of the different ‘drivers’ that motivated two existing members (contact the farmers to convert, that is animal or plant health In 2014 my third child, my daughter, arrived Secretary if this would be a constraint). and the probability of compliance and how well and following this – with three small children their system was likely to perform with the – I completed some project work back at ECan Annual subscription is discounted to $70 change. I also had the opportunity to work with and also some consultancy work locally. I also if paid on or before 30th June each year. Massey University and their organic versus had the opportunity to complete my Advanced Late payments after that date are charged conventional farmlet trial and the Agriculture Certificate in Sustainable Nutrient Management at the full subscription cost of $100. All Research Group on Sustainability (ARGOS) from Massey University. With all three children subscription enquiries can be sent to the looking at farm systems trials. at school when I saw the coordinator position Secretary (see below for contact details ). advertised for NZARM, I jumped at the chance Given my specialist knowledge in organic As a member of a registered association, to apply and feel very privileged to have been production in 2006 I was promoted into the members must inform the secretary in successful in gaining the role. Program Managers role for organic milk supply writing when they cancel or let their and this coincided with the specialty milks (as I am finding that my diverse background across membership lapse. Otherwise the member they were then called) being moved under the the conservation, agriculture, private, and will continue to be billed for the annual Fonterra milk supply strategy and marketing regulatory sectors has been an invaluable subscription.For further information, see division. With a clear objective of growing training ground for the complexity of this role. the website membership page at: certified organic milk supply to a critical mass, In this I am supported by my technical training www.nzarm.org.nz/membership this was my introduction to ‘marketing’; taking as an ecologist and later my business our organic milk supply proposition around key management, strategy, and communications advertising firms in Auckland was a very training. Contact the NZARM Secretary interesting process – one that I enjoyed. I am excited about the plans the executive has Nicola McHaffie While in this position I completed extramurally for the association and the opportunities that Private Bag 6006 from Massey University my Postgraduate currently exist with the focus nationally on our Napier 4142 Diploma in Business Administration with a major backyard. New Zealand in Management. We created and employed Best regards, 027 559 0452 three new business development managers to Keitha [email protected] build specialty milks. Looking to start a family National coordinator NZARM

Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 www.nzarm.org.nz Page 5 Trialling the use of peak runoff control structures to reduce contaminants in the Waituna Lagoon catchment Kate Veale, Living Water Programme Coordinator, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited and the Department of Conservation

A major issue in the Waituna catchment is contaminants (including sediment, E. coli, phosphorus and nitrogen) entering waterways from overland flow during high rainfall events. These contaminants damage freshwater ecosystems and are eventually transported downstream to the highly-valued lowland lagoon and surrounding wetlands. Waituna Lagoon is 40 km east of Invercargill and is part of the 3,500 hectare Awarua- Waituna wetland. The 20,000 hectare contributing catchment was historically mostly peat bog wetland, which has been progressively drained and converted to pasture and is currently intensively farmed. Deep, straight drains were constructed to transport water to the coast as efficiently as possible. The lagoon and remaining wetland complex are home to a number of important and threatened species of vegetation, birds, fish and invertebrates. In addition, the area is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance and is recognised as culturally significant under Statutory Acknowledgement in the Nga¯i Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. Living Water, a partnership between the Department of Conservation and Fonterra, has been working as part of the broader Whakamana te Waituna partnership, with funding from the Freshwater Improvement Fund. As part of this work programme, we have been working with Land and Water Science Limited to develop a Peak Run Off Control pilot study. This aims to test structures that detain runoff during periods of high rainfall, and gradually release the impounded water in the following days. This reduces peak flows, reducing bank erosion, scouring and stream bank instability, and also allows suspended contaminants to settle out behind the structures where they’re Figure 1: Physiographic image. easily removed from the system. on a single farm as a proof of concept. These The field testing will enable the practicalities, Initial assessments using physiographic will be compared to control reaches on the costs and effectiveness of each structure design modelling identified approximately 400 sites same farm. to be assessed, with the intention that a across the Waituna catchment where the peak The two designs being tested are: preferred design could be selected and refined. run off structures could be constructed (see 1. a wooden weir with a small outlet pipe If their effectiveness can be demonstrated in Figure 1). (see Figure 2) the field, peak runoff control structures could The first step is to test two different structure 2. an earth bund with a permeable rock provide an ‘on-farm mitigation’ that could be designs in two locations (four structures in total) segment (see Figure 3). used to improve catchment scale water quality.

Page 6 www.nzarm.org.nz Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 Figure 2: PROC weir. Figure 3: PROC earth bund.

NZARM – calling for executive committee nominations October 2020 Open to all current members is the nomination presence, and coordination of resources and in regards to the nominations and election of individuals to join the NZARM executive events. Members that have the drive and process. committee. commitment to contribute to the Elections will take place at October’s AGM development of the sector are encouraged This is a great opportunity for career with more details to follow as we finalise the to stand for election. development for those members interested appropriate process in the current post-covid in gaining governance skills and contributing If you would like to make a nomination you environment without a traditional national to the strategic development of resource can contact the National Coordinator, Keitha conference taking place. management in New Zealand. The association Monson (contact details, page 10), to receive To be eligible to vote – if you haven’t already has in place key objectives to significantly a nomination form. Additionally, we will be done so, please ensure you’ve paid your increase the membership, leadership emailing out correspondence to all members annual membership subscription.

Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 www.nzarm.org.nz Page 7 Deferred grazing plusses Supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients

A project is substantiating and quantifying the Overall, deferred grazing worked as predicted. in the Waikato on a summer dry farm while benefits seen by farmers who have deferred Pasture quality was maintained in grazed also continuing at the current site. grazing of paddocks. paddocks, paddocks that were deferred showed The project was funded by the Ministry for longer-term benefits and Farmax modelling According to farmers who have tried it, deferred Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund grazing (shutting off paddocks in spring and not showed increased farm profitability. with co-funding and support from Ballance Agri- opening them until autumn when ryegrass has Further research is recommended to quantify Nutrients, Environment Bay of Plenty, Waikato set and dropped seed) enables better deferred grazing’s impacts on the environment Regional Council, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, management of remaining pasture over (such as nutrient losses), soil biology (nitrogen Plant & Food Research and AgResearch. summer, increases the deferred area’s fixation rates, soil respiration and enzyme production the subsequent year and provides activities) roots under pastures (mass, depth, a valuable source of late summer feed, when changes over time) and facial eczema. The final feed is in short supply. year of the project undertook a similar study But to prove and further explore the benefits, a farmer-led group has been working with industry and the Sustainable Farming Fund. A spring 2017 trial on a Bay of Plenty sheep and beef property on the eastern side of the Lower Kaimai Ranges compared a late paddock opening deferred treatment (two grazings missed, no grazing mid-October to early February), an early paddock opening deferred Fig. 2: Rooting depth glasshouse study showing treatment (one grazing missed, no grazing mid- increased root mass at depth. On the left: roots October to early December) and standard from standard rotational grazing simulation, rotational grazing. After the deferred periods, Fig 1: Perennial ryegrass tiller densities of three and on the right: roots from late opening pastures in both deferred treatments were treatments one year on, in spring 2018. deferred grazing treatment simulation. rotationally grazed, following best practice industry guidelines, to maximise pasture quality. Each treatment was replicated four times within Put MitAgator to work a randomised complete block design and grazed Ballance’s MitAgator service is now available, using cutting-edge software to spatially identify by R2 Friesian dairy replacements. critical source areas of contaminant losses and find the best mitigations for your farm. To explore deferred grazing’s effect on root MitAgator, developed together with AgResearch and incorporating around 30 years of growth and its potential to make pastures more independent research, is the first tool that singlehandedly deals with nitrogen, phosphorus, persistent and resilient to climatic stresses, an sediment and E. coli losses. Operated exclusively by Ballance’s Farm Sustainability Services aligned glasshouse study simulated the field- team, the following service packages are available: applied treatments manually. Risk Scenario Farm Initial Final The results of the trial clearly show that maps analysis plan farm visit farm visit compared to the other treatments, the late Risk maps – – – opening deferred grazing treatment improved: Risk maps & scenario analysis – • soil bulk density, total porosity, mineral-N and anaerobically mineralisable nitrogen Risk maps, scenario analysis & farm plan • ryegrass tiller densities the following Risk maps – for each contaminant, showing critical source areas on your farm, to enable autumn and spring (Figure 1) improved understanding of where losses occur and more strategic use of mitigations. Scenario • the proportion of ryegrass groundcover the analysis – prioritised mitigation options, based on cost and effectiveness, for one or more following autumn scenarios (to explore different combinations of mitigations and what they can achieve, or • pasture production in the first eight months mitigation options to reach a particular target e.g. phosphorus loss reduced by 20 per cent). after deferring Farm plan – to meet your farm’s needs, incorporating information from risk maps and scenario analysis, while considering other relevant issues on farm. Initial farm visit – where required • metabolisable energy content of the pasture the next autumn a Ballance Farm Sustainability Services specialist visits your farm at the start of the process to ensure full understanding of your requirements. Final farm visit – a Ballance Farm Sustainability • the facial eczema count (reduced the spore Services specialist visits your farm at the end of the process to explain results and ensure you count) fully understand them. • ryegrass root mass (Figure 2) and tillering More information on MitAgator is available at ballance.co.nz/mitAgator. To find out more • farm profitability (based on initial Farmax about the MitAgator service phone 0800 222 080 or email [email protected]. modelling).

Page 8 www.nzarm.org.nz Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 Regenerative agriculture presentation Road series seminar Masterton, July 2020 Keitha Monson – NZARM Coordinator

Given that regenerative agriculture is a of the fact that in comparison to ‘natural’ systems Diversity versus monocultures controversial topic, NZARM will be looking to agriculture, particularly intensive agriculture is Organic farming works on the principle of complete a series of perspectives on it in this removing a large amount of production in the diversity in that pastures rich in species allow and future issues. The first alternative form of protein from these systems whether it different species to thrive when conditions are perspective is given on page 11. be in the form of meat or dairy. Phosphorous variable and also provide a wider variety of and nitrogen remain essential elements of protein Seed company Symbiosis, a joint venture nutrients for both animal growth above the and the fundamentals of nutrient management between business partners Jono Frew and Peter ground and also micro-organism growth below on conventional agriculture shouldn’t be Barrett, have been running a workshop seminar the ground. Extending this principle is also the abandoned completely. It would be fair to say series during the month of July sharing their practice of growing a preferred species on the agriculture story and why they have switched that Jono and business partner Peter Barrett are margins of cropping paddocks as this is the key perspectives to ... Regenerative Agriculture. by no means recommending that this is the entry point of weed species, they will complete intended approach, rather that the two systems with the weeds minimising impacts on the crop. Along with NZARM executive Kolja and Greater can complement and work together. Wellington Regional Council staff, I had the While it may look pretty and whimsical this was opportunity to attend the invigorating Co-presenter Peter and business partner Peter the function for growing wildflower margins. Masterton seminar. Barrett has used the system they are promoting to regenerate his own land at Linnburn Station Soil structure and biology Jono and Peter are clear in their objective of Located in Central Otago. Linnburn Station Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) enhancing what farmers are already achieving appeared on a recent episode of Country and that their approach ‘regenerative Right now, across New Zealand our soils are in Calendar where he shared his story about agriculture’ is about providing farmers with hot spots severely suffering from compaction regenerative agriculture. some extra ‘tools’ in their tool belt. The and plugging as a symptom of agriculture objective of regenerative agriculture is about Jono grew up in Duntroon where the family intensification and urban sprawl damaging soil simultaneously maintaining both profitability business was as agricultural spraying and sheep- structure. While conventional agriculture and resilience in our farming systems – dipping contractors, Jono describes being able focuses predominately on addressing the something that would seem intuitive to the to remember that you could ‘smell’ his father system requirements for macro nutrients (i.e. New Zealand agriculture sector. before you saw him. The smell of organo- P:N:K:S) regenerative agriculture also analyses phosphates hung from him and with his own different aspects of the soil such as the CEC experience Jono talks about being ‘good’ at (Cation Exchange Capacity). Jono explained loosely this is a measure of the soil’s ability (i.e. conventional agriculture holding successful negatively charged) to hold onto positively farming and agribusiness roles – he knew how charged cations primarily Calcium (2+) and best to eliminate pests, disease, weeds. etc. Magnesium (3+). Within the soil profile. Of these This all changed when he went to work for elements calcium has the function of causing experienced certified organic mixed farmer Tim flocculating, i.e. pushing together of soil Chamberlain. The things that Tim undertook on particles along with Magnesium that brings his award-winning property challenged Jono’s particles together. The importance of this thinking and it is clear that the organic principles measure is therefore an inherent indication of of working with nature’s cycles along with the the susceptibility of the soil type to structure results he was seeing resonated with him. These degradation or its ‘vulnerability’, for example, principles of organics included the following. to compaction or pugging.

Masterton Regenerative Agriculture symposium presenters Jono Frew (top) and Peter Barrett (bottom) in action (Photos: Keitha Monson).

Conversely, planting a diverse pasture sward of 30 plus species is foreign to the current manicured monoculture model that is indicative of our rural landscape, but that is exactly what ‘Symbiosis’ seed mix and cover crop specialists are proposing. While it is challenging in our perspective it is a system that nature has been utilising for centuries. The potential critics of the system ‘regenerative Sue Velvin, Helen Barrett and Paul Barrett standing in the field of mixed plant species at Linnburn agriculture’ is that farmers should not lose sight Station (Photo: Matai O’Connor, Gisborne Herald).

Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 www.nzarm.org.nz Page 9 Practically, those working on the land tend to Visual soil assessment develop an understanding of how their property The regenerative agriculture approach also performs under pressure over time, however, stresses the benefits of completing a visual soil knowledge of the CEC is also a good tool to assessment (VSA) alongside the standard soil support decision making. For example, testing chemical analysis normally undertaken. The of different blocks on the property could provide process of completing a VSA is well outlined some useful differentials for making stocking and provided for by Landcare Research, decisions, i.e. stock classes and rotations that however it is a practical skill that is often lessen soil damage. overlooked for landowners and managers. This Soil micro organisms Bacteria and Fungi is an area that regional land management Traditionally overlooked Jono also discussed Soil Mycelium hyphae (Photo: Wikipedia, CC advisors can help offer some good solid skills the relevance of the ratios of bacteria to fungi BY-SA 3.0). to the farming sector. in the soil for maintaining optimal pasture N-fixing Rhizobium the properties of which can growth. Ideal conditions would be an even ratio Look and smell be greatly enhanced by improved soil structure of bacteria to fungi, which enter the soil system allowing the greater expansion of root growth Lastly, the ultimate test is knowing what a through the composition of plant material. of symbiotic species. healthy soil looks and smells like; it’s about Generally speaking, bacteria breakdown simple getting reconnected with the complete system Soil testing for micro-organisms is not sugars such as kelp or green leafy material. In we are farming. completed as a standard soil lab test, however, comparison fungi consume carbon, the complex it can be requested or there are labs such as carbohydrates like humus likened to the ‘brown’ Symbiosis – company mission the Soil Food Web, and Linnaeus that specialise material in the system. Logically there is a key in these wider tests. The advantage of the The company Symbiosis created by Jono and link between the amount of biodiversity above presence of these soil micro-organisms is that Peter is, at its heart, about sharing information ground and below ground, especially given the they facilitate greater pathways for nutrient on what regenerative agriculture is and symbiosis relation that micro-organisms have cycling in soils providing linkages or trading educating people about the attributes of each with plant roots, i.e. the branching or tap root partners for plants to access the nutrients they plant species and providing seed mixes to aspects of various plants facilitates micro- require. A key limitation of our traditional NZ farmers. organisms to be present through the soil profile. pasture renewal model that has consisted of Coined ‘regenerative agriculture’ it is about the A healthy soil will contain beneficial structures cultivating and putting paddocks through a growth and diversity of plants and microbes such as ‘mycelium’ that are technically the winter Brassica crop intensely fed out prior to above and below the ground. vegetative part of a fungus or fungus-like re-grassing. Jono noted that Brassicas are known bacterial colony. In the soil they consist of a to not be compatible for Mycelium growth. The It is nicely summed up by Peter who stated: mass of branching thread-like white hyphae, detrimental effects of winter cropping on soil “It has allowed us to awaken our senses and which breakdown nutrients within the soil structure is also gaining national recognition trust our eyes instead of getting all this data making them plant available. Another beneficial as regional councils complete their plan about our farms. Trust what you see and relationship of soil bacterium is of course the updates. experience ... and think differently.” NZARM Executive 2020 President: Kerry Hudson, Gisborne District Council, Email: [email protected] Treasurer: Jim Risk, Balance Invercargill, PH 03 211 3218, Email: [email protected] Secretary: Nicola McHaffie, Hawkes Bay Regional Council, PH 027 559 0452, Email: [email protected]

National Coordinator: Keitha Monson, Timaru, PH 021 477 922, Email: [email protected] Member: Paul Greenshields, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, PH 021 922 339, Email: [email protected] Member: Matt Highway, DairyNZ, PH 027 702 4378, Email: [email protected] Member: Peter Manson, Hawkes Bay Regional Council, PH 027 496 6398, Email: [email protected] Member: Helen Moodie: DairyNZ, PH 021 816 365, Email: [email protected] Member: Kolja Schaller, Greater Wellington Regional Council, PH 022 068 5424, Email: [email protected] Member: Duncan Kervell, Northland Regional Council, PH 027 672 0004, Email: [email protected]

Contributing to Broadsheet The Editor welcomes correspondence, reviews of recent publications, interim reports of current research or resource management issues, news items, other articles, and lighter items about members’ activities and career movements. An invitation to make submissions to Broadsheet is sent out two to four weeks prior to the publication date, however submissions can be made at any time. Contributions can be sent to: [email protected]

Page 10 www.nzarm.org.nz Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 On page 9, NZARM has provided an article • Soils Connection a copy of which is available on the NZARM summarising a presentation by speakers Jono (https://www.soilconnection.net) website (www.nzarm.org.nz). Frew and Peter Barrett from their recent • Soil Matters A recent article published in the Otago Daily ‘Regenerative Agriculture’ seminar road series. (https://www.soilmatters.co.nz), and Times (8 June 2020) by Sally Rae (reprinted These were held across the country in July and • Action Ecology below with permission) provides a concise also promoted their joint venture seed (https://www.actionecology.com). summary of the letter content and a response company, Symbiosis (https://symbiosis.co.nz). from the Minister addressing the concerns Regenerative agriculture is a theory growing There has also been the emergence of other raised. companies offering a regenerative approach momentum within New Zealand, and is not NZARM is committed to providing an to agriculture, such as: without controversy in the sector. independent voice within the community, • Calm the Farm Two prominent plant scientists associated highlighting the innovations, challenges and (https://www.calmthefarm.nz) with Lincoln University raised their concerns opportunities that are facing land owners and • Integrity Soils in an open letter to the current Agriculture environmental advisors alike in managing (https://www.integritysoils.co.nz) Minister, Damien O’Connor, on 7 May, 2020, New Zealand’s unique resources. Experts call for review of regenerative farming

‘mythology’ Sally Rae, Business and Rural Editor, Otago Daily Times

Two prominent plant science academics have “We recognise that there are practices and That was to be encouraged if it could provide called for the establishment of an expert panel practitioners in conventional agriculture that solutions to the challenges farmers encountered of scientists to review claims made about can be improved but consider these are minor on a daily basis, whether extreme weather regenerative agriculture. compared with most international production events, making changes to meet new regulatory systems. In a letter to Agriculture Minister Damien requirements, or seeking to proactively improve O’Connor, Dr Derrick Moot, a professor of plant “Indeed the sheep and beef sector is the only their environmental footprint. science at Lincoln University, and retired senior industry to have reduced its greenhouse gas At present much of the information available emissions intensity to below 1990s levels while lecturer Dr Warwick Scott said they were to farmers about regenerative agriculture came continuing to achieve strong productivity gains. concerned about the “mythology” of from trials and studies in other countries with regenerative agriculture “and its worrying “For decades, New Zealand scientists have different climates, soils, and farming systems increased profile in the New Zealand media advocated pastoral systems to New Zealand to New Zealand. and farming sectors”. sheep and beef farmers that promote “There is a real opportunity for our science and New Zealand sheep and beef farmers had environmental stewardship within profitably research community to work with farmers to world-leading agricultural practices and the and socially responsible farm systems.” build a robust, evidence-based understanding underpinning scientific principles of the Drs Moot and Scott believed the regenerative of the benefits of regenerative agriculture country’s current agricultural systems were in agriculture system lacked credibility and practices in a New Zealand context,” he said. danger of being devalued by a system they contained many aspects that were scientifically believed had several serious shortcomings, they untenable. Some of that work was starting with research said. projects being undertaken by Manaaki Whenua, “We believe it is our statutory duty as academics Lincoln University, and Pamu (Landcorp), They were particularly concerned the to provide some warning about the fallibility of through case studies on individual farms, he “erroneous publicity” about regenerative these systems.” agriculture would divert the limited New said. Zealand agricultural science resources from They supported several aspects of conventional In their letter, Drs Moot and Scott referred to more important, substantive issues. agriculture that were promoted within regenerative agriculture. a recent episode of Country Calendar featuring To define regenerative agriculture was difficult, Linnburn Station, in , which Practices such as rotational grazing, high-quality the pair said. highlighted regenerative agriculture. leafy-legume-based pastures, direct drilling, “There are imported textbook definitions, but overcoming nutrient deficiencies and landscape The Otago Daily Times contacted both Peter in short it has become an all-embracing term farming to provide ecosystem services all had Barrett, of Linnburn Station, and Pure to encompass any individual’s practices who a sound scientific basis and were not new. They Advantage, a registered charity led by business does not want to be seen to be using were already well researched and validated, leaders which has been promoting regenerative conventional agricultural techniques. they said. agriculture, for comment, but did not receive Importantly, this definition, by default, implies In a response to the Otago Daily Times, Mr responses. that current conventional agriculture, as O’Connor said farmers had always had the practised in New Zealand, is degenerative. freedom to make individual choices about The original version of this article is available “We strongly reject this implication. Our current alternative practices on how they operated at: https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/rural-life- sheep and beef farming practices are world- behind the farm gate, and “curiosity is one of other/experts-call-review-regenerative-farming- leading. the drivers of innovation”. mythology

Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020 www.nzarm.org.nz Page 11 Lake Georgina in the Canterbury High Country, summer 2017.

New Zealand Association of Resource Management

Page 12 www.nzarm.org.nz Broadsheet: Issue 35 August 2020