We are nearing the conclusion of our sustainable farming Fund, Grazable Shrubs project, and after nearly three years we have a story to tell.
We have had strong financial support from MPI and very generous funding from B+LNZ. Other co-funding from Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Hawkes Bay Regional Council has completed the budget.
The team are holding a field day to share their journey on Tuesday 8th June 2021 at 1pm.
This will be a day to show the results of a three year trial looking at the growth of different pasture types under Tagasaste on steep hill country.
The feed value of Tagasaste as a browse shrub has merit as a supplement for hill country grazing and erosion control on difficult sites.
See Tagasaste established in tree guards allowing continued grazing.
There will be an opportunity to see progress on the growth of various native trees established in tree guards for soil conservation and other species that can supplement pole planting.
Why
Steep grazable hill country is facing all sorts of pressures. The work we have done to seek more sustainable economic options has made huge progress, however there are many more tree species, tree guard developments and pasture management options that need to be explored. What we have found to date will be presented and can be seen in the field. The results are transferrable to your property.
Where
Waituku Station – property of Nick and Kit Broad, Woolshed, 320 Hereheretau Road, Whakaki (off SH2)
Speakers Katherine Tozer – lead scientist for AgResearch,
Nick Broad – host farmer,
Grant Douglas – independent Scientist with decades of experience in hill country pastures and fodder shrubs and trees.
Other members of the project team.
We hope to see you there!