Cut the Crop!

Native planting for beneficial insects

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0000

A Canterbury guide, “Selecting native plants that attract beneficial insects”, has been developed to help farmers, growers and landowners establish native plantings that support pollination, natural pest control and resilient farming systems. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Abie Horrocks of FAR and Brad Howlett of BSI say arable crops particularly benefit. Find the guide here: https://www.bioeconomyscience.co.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/139225/plants-for-beneficial-insects_canterbury.pdf

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Are non-microbial biostimulants worth a try?

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0000

With fertiliser prices at high levels, some arable farmers are being encouraged by sales reps to try out biological alternatives such as seaweed extracts. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Ballance Agri-Nutrients science strategy manager Warwick Catto says a lack of replicated NZ data on these products means growers need to try them out for themselves.

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Maize growing in an El Nino year

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The maize planting season is rapidly approaching and with a strong El Nino weather pattern forecast for this season, what actions can growers take to maintain yields despite the livelihood of hot, dry conditions? In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s senior maize researcher Rene van Tilburg provides some advice.

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2026 Arable Farmer of the Year John McCaw

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

2026 Arable Farmer of the Year John McCaw specialises in ryegrass and cocksfoot seed production as well as owning a seed dressing business at Methven. As a herbage seed industry leader he has been at the forefront of making growers and seed merchants aware of the full costs of growing grass crops and the impacts of a lack of profitability.

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Danish growers integrate non-chemical weed control

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Danish arable growers have few ag-chem active ingredients available, so have no option but to adopt integrated weed management, says visiting Danish weed expert Mette Sonderskov who led a series of FAR weed workshops. In this episode of Cut the Crop, she says that weed management requires a long-term approach.

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Lessons from NZ arable

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 01:10:59 +0000

Taylor McGill, a masters student from Oklahoma, has been working with the FAR communications team for her international experience. In this episode of Cut the Crop, she says that coming from a notoriously dry US state makes it hard to comprehend that some places need drainage tiles for excess water.

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Sprayers 101: hitting the spot

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Two Canadian spraying experts Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau have just completed two weeks of FAR spraying workshops across NZ. In this episode of Cut the Crop, they reflect on how spray set-ups and coffee are different in NZ.

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High-tech weed sprayers are here

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

FAR is running a series of weed workshops looking at all the tools available for weed control so growers don’t have to just rely on herbicides. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Kyle Baxter of Ecorobotix details a high-tech option, available in NZ, which can identify and spray weeds from about 2mm in size.

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Growing high-value crops under solar panels

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

A new solar farm at Lincoln University aims to show how productive land can be optimised to grow high-value crops while generating commercial-scale solar energy. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Lincoln lecturer in arable crop production Pieter-Willem Hendriks says that microclimate changes under the panels will be researched while growing arable crops, blueberries, Chardonnay grapes and even kumara.

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Taking time to connect with others

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Craig ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins has numerous roles in the rural sector but is best known for being the driving force behind several rural health and wellness initiatives. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says that it is about connecting with and supporting people and not being afraid to ask someone if they are not feeling okay.

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Fall armyworm: four years on

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

It is more than four years since maize pest fall armyworm was first detected in NZ. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s biosecurity officer Ash Mills, who leads an SFFF long-term management project, says one of the biggest knowledge gaps is fall armyworm overwintering.

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New FAR Strategy launched

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +0000

FAR has just launched its new five-year strategy, setting a clear direction for the organisation. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR chief executive Scott Champion says the strategy reflects the organisation’s commitment to connecting growers with science and information to support successful arable farms and a valued arable sector.

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South Australian grower goes from drought to rain

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000

After battling severe drought, early-season rain means South Australian grower James Venning has had a perfect start planting this year’s crops. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says that while he hasn’t suffered the mice plagues of some areas, he still needs to lay poison bait when planting canola

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Visiting experts target spray accuracy

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Canadian spray experts Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau are leading a series of Sprayers 101 workshops organised by FAR, in the first two weeks of August. In this episode of Cut the Crop, they say they will be discussing everything from water volume and droplet size to spray pressure, while raising a note of caution on drone spraying.

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Cereals UK 2026: what’s new?

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Hawkes Bay arable and vegetable grower Hugh Ritchie was one of a contingent of NZ growers who attended the Cereals UK event, as well as some in Europe. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says that more accurate spraying equipment being widely adopted there, as well as AI weeding for specialist crops particularly caught his attention.

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FAR director Michael Tayler optimistic on arable

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

South Canterbury grower Michael Tayler is one of three new FAR board members. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says that while crop margins are tight at present, he’s optimistic about the arable industry’s future.

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Arable under pressure, but full of possibility

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Andrew Laming, a founder and director of farm finance and advisory business NZAB, recently wrote a report on the arable sector. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says it is not a question of arable farmers’ capability to grow crops, but more about business management and positioning.

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Ploughing champion Mark Dillon sets it straight

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 02:12:11 +0000

Southland mixed arable farmer Mark Dillon has turned part of an arable farmer’s toolkit – ploughing – into an artform. He has won the NZ Ploughing Champs in the conventional ploughing category five times, qualifying him for world events. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says the straightness of furrows is key.

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FAR director Hamish Irwin: from accounting to arable farming

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Recently appointed FAR board director Hamish Irwin came from an accounting background before taking over the running of his family’s Mid Canterbury arable farm. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says he’s a fan of spreadsheets and online tools to monitor his business.

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NZ Grown Grains gains momentum

Sat, 30 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

The NZ Grown Grains logo is starting to appear on products in bakeries, supermarkets and online, as well as on vehicles and shop windows. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie says the campaign feeds into increasing consumer interest in domestic food security.

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FAR director Ed White on closures and costs

Sat, 23 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Central Hawkes Bay farmer Ed White is one of three new FAR board members who started on January 1. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he talks about the role of FAR, rising costs and the repercussions of both Wattie’s and McCain Foods closing frozen vegetable processing factories in the region.

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Nominations sought for 2026 Arable Awards

Sat, 16 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

It’s time to recognise arable’s high achievers, with nominations being sought for seven categories in this year’s Arable Awards. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR Communications Manager Anna Heslop says that a tough season shouldn’t diminish the opportunity to celebrate the arable industry and its people

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Make every pass pay

Sat, 09 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

High diesel and fertiliser prices are front of mind for growers during this busy autumn planting season. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s Technology Manager Chris Smith says easy savings of up to 20 per cent can be made by picking the right-sized tractor for the job, as well as using GPS guidance and avoiding overlaps.

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Growers react to higher diesel and fertiliser prices

Sat, 02 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Cut the Crop, Scott Champion talks to three growers in Southland, Canterbury and Wairoa about how autumn planting is progressing, their decision making around crop options and how they are mitigating rising diesel and fertiliser prices.

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SVS nitrogen decision support tool available

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) is a nitrogen budgeting tool to help growers optimise their nitrogen management practices. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Andrew Barber of Agrilink tells Scott Champion that while the tool was initially set up for vegetable growers it now also incorporates arable crops.

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What drives wheat yield?

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Are wheat yields still increasing, or has wheat hit a yield plateau? In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR cereal researcher Jacqueline Straathof and Lincoln University lecturer Mariana Andreucci discuss wheat yield trends and the components required to achieve a high yielding wheat crop.

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Is the time right for solar?

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

About 40 solar demonstration farms have been established across New Zealand in a government-backed initiative to provide real-world data so farmers are more informed. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Chris McArthur of EECA talks through some on-farm considerations including whether it makes sense for irrigation.

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SouthPAN free GPS service more accurate

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000

A free public GPS service, SouthPAN, improves accuracy and reliability for farmers, contractors and other users. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s technology manager Chris Smith says that using GPS tools like guidance, auto-steer and variable rate application can provide savings in inputs and diesel use.

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Learning ways to reduce reliance on herbicide

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

A large-scale research project being led by FAR aims to establish a diverse and sustainable toolkit of weed management strategies in the face of rising rates of herbicide resistance. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR researcher Matilda Gunnarsson says growers need to shift to a more integrated approach rather than just relying on herbicides to kill weeds.

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Post-harvest management of tall fescue seed crops

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 22:21:24 +0000

Reports from growers that tall fescue seed yields fall away after the first season has led FAR to research post-harvest management of the multi-year crop. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR researcher Owen Gibson says research to date shows three cuts rather than two have a yield advantage.

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UK growers diversify income

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Scottish arable farmer and agronomist Gordon Rennie likes to swap his winter for a New Zealand summer. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Scott Champion that low crop returns and fewer chemical options are leading UK growers to look at other income streams.

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Late-season aphid rise poses questions

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000

An unprecedented sharp rise in aphid numbers in cereals in late October has FAR staff pondering whether this led to yield losses due to YDV infection this harvest. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior field officer Ben Harvey looks back at an unusual season.

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Bridging the gap between growers, millers and bakers

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

A new Growers to Bakers programme has been initiated by FAR to better match grain quality with the requirements of millers and bakers. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR research lead Jo Drummond and NZ Flour Millers’ Association director Phil Jackson of Mauri Mills say that protein numbers aren’t everything when it comes to flour quality.

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Measuring harvest loss

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

FAR’s Technology Manager Chris Smith surveyed growers on their 2025 harvest losses in conjunction with the combine set-up workshops. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says this showed that growers who measure with drop trays, whether commercial or improvised, record half the crop losses of those that don’t.

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Samples sought for Grain Nutrient Analysis

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0000

The number of growers and crop samples involved in the Grain Nutrient Analysis project, organised by FAR regional facilitator Donna Lill, is increasing each year. In this episode of Cut the Crop, South Otago arable grower Craig Whiteside talks about the changes he has made to crop nutrient applications as a result.

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Lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle recovery

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Three years on from Cyclone Gabrielle, FAR’s North Island manager Dirk Wallace has been part of a team developing a guide to assist growers to recover from extreme weather events. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he emphasises the importance of patience, rather than knee-jerk reactions.

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What’s new in precision ag?

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

FAR’s technology manager Chris Smith checked out the latest in precision ag during a visit to the UK and the Agritechnica trade fair in Germany. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says that along with AI applications, there were lots of tine and camera weeding options.

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Arable Industry Code of Conduct launched

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

Handshake deals may be a thing of the past following the launch of an Arable Industry Code of Conduct. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Federated Farmers' arable chair David Birkett says that by providing a standardised set of expectations, the code offers greater certainty and aims to prevent costly disputes.

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Updated crop drying book released

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 19:00:00 +0000

An updated version of “The drying and storage of grain and herbage seed” book has just been released. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Editor John Hampton, Professor of Seed Technology at Lincoln University, talks about how much drying techniques and technology have changed since the first book was published 26 years ago.

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Arable underpins other ag sectors, report shows

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Arable production underpins the productivity of many key agricultural industries through the supply of grains and seeds directly to both farmers and industry, an AFIC report shows. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie outlines some of the report’s trends and opportunities.

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International Herbage Seed Group conference

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Ivan Lawrie of FAR was one of a delegation of growers, seed industry people and researchers who attended the 12th International Herbage Seed Group conference at Launceston in Tasmania in November. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he describes some of the similarities and differences in seed production on either side of the Tasman.

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Maize pests and their natural enemies

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Fall armyworm’s arrival means an additional caterpillar pest that loves to feed on maize and sweetcorn. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Graham Walker and Jeremy Gonthier of Plant and Food Research, a division of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, talk about the role a tiny parasitic wasp Cotesia ruficrus will have in its control.

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Overheads calculator: costs not just in-paddock

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000

While arable growers have a good handle on in-paddock crop gross margins, many don’t account for their overhead costs like rates and insurance. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Leeston arable farmer David Birkett test drives a new FAR overhead costs spreadsheet.

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Keeping out unwanted weeds and pests

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000

As well as managing established pests and weeds, like Fall armyworm and velvetleaf, the arable industry, in conjunction with Biosecurity NZ, remains vigilant about keeping out other unwanted imports. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s biosecurity officer Ash Mills talks about the threat from yellow-legged hornet, Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and others.

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FAR’s new Ask FAR AI App

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Getting the most up-to-date research information out to growers is a key part of FAR’s role. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s Communications Manager Anna Heslop talks about the latest and easiest way to search FAR’s extensive research database, using the new Ask FAR AI App.

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Combine workshops save growers’ money

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Growers participating in the combine workshops and follow-up in-field visits last season saved about $115 a hectare, says organiser, FAR technology manager Chris Smith. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he says it is worth attending the latest round of workshops in early December even if growers have been before.

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What’s happening at ARIA?

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 19:00:00 +0000

FAR’s big annual event at its Chertsey research site is on November 26. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s Communications Manager Anna Heslop says that as well as having a diverse range of topics and speakers, ARIA is a great chance to catch up with others before the busy harvest season.

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NZ Grown Grains campaign generates interest

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Momentum is building for the NZ Grown Grains logo following its launch in Auckland. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s Ivan Lawrie, a driving force behind the campaign, says the level of interest has been much bigger than expected.

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A landscape approach to water and soil management

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Land and Water Science director and principal scientist Dr Clint Rissmann is one of the creators of Landscape DNA, an interactive, online mapping tool which provides a new approach to water quality modelling. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Scott Champion that what’s underneath our feet can cause variations in water quality between neighbouring farms and even paddocks.

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Taking the risk so farmers don’t have to

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Some FAR trials and projects involve taking risks with new management practices and technology, so farmers can be armed with plenty of data before taking the leap themselves. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Owen Gibson talks about the Future Farms demonstration, while Jo Drummond discusses rationalising pesticide applications through the A Lighter Touch multi-sector project.

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Getting the most out of your soil tests

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Nitrogen is a key input to achieving optimum crop yields, but how much can growers source from the soil? In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior environment researcher Abie Horrocks says that by testing and calculating their soil’s available N supply, growers can reduce their fertiliser spend.

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Turning lucerne into a high-value edible protein

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Leaft Foods is a Canterbury-based start-up focused on extracting a special protein called Rubisco from the green leaves of plants. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Maury Leyland Penno and Monica Schwass of Leaft Foods say that while Rubisco is in every green leaf, they have selected to grow lucerne for its production and environmental attributes.

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Identifying maize yield robbers

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

FAR senior maize researcher Rene van Tilburg says that when visiting maize crops, he often finds yield-limiting factors such as soil compaction, weeds and pests such as nematodes. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Anna Heslop what he has been doing since taking on the role.

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Utilising soil N is not “mining” the soil

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:31:46 +0000

Some maize growers worry that if they factor in soil N supply when applying fertiliser, this will deplete reserves for future seasons. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior researcher Dirk Wallace tells Anna Heslop that soil N is continually being replenished and that by measuring and utilising this, growers can save money without impacting on yields.

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Making the most of irrigation

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Ahead of the new irrigation season, FAR regional facilitator and Canterbury irrigation management consultant Cindy Lowe provides some tips on irrigation scheduling. In this episode of Cut the Crop, she says that done correctly, it can save thousands of dollars and improve crop yields.

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Introducing FAR’s new CEO Scott Champion

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Since starting as FAR’s new CEO on July 1, Scott Champion has been meeting growers and industry leaders. In this week’s Cut the Crop episode, he tells Anna Heslop that he is looking to explore areas of shared interest with other sectors.

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Adding value through research collaborations

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Collaborating with overseas maize experts is a good way to learn from their failures and successes, FAR senior researcher Dirk Wallace says in this week’s Cut the Crop episode. Following several visits from United States experts, a new United Kingdom collaboration is looking at maize innovations including late application of foliar nitrogen.

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Biosecurity levy update

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Seed and Grain Readiness and Response (SGRR) is the biosecurity entity for the arable sector and has played a key role in black-grass and fall armyworm incursions. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s general manager business operations Ivan Lawrie talks about how the biosecurity levy is set and recent changes.

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FAR’s research programme delivers options

Sat, 09 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Weeds, pests and diseases and herbicide resistance are just some of the key issues that FAR is researching to provide arable growers with more options for crop management. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s R&D general manager Andy Pitman says that as well as an ongoing programme to increase crop yields, FAR is also looking at ways growers can reduce inputs, and so costs.

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Nuffield scholar fascinated by Brazil’s scale

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 20:00:00 +0000

During his Nuffield study travels, Central Otago farmer Carlos Bagrie was blown away by the scale and sophistication of arable farming in Brazil. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Anna Heslop that this shows the need for New Zealand to focus on value rather than commodity markets.

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FAR opportunity for graduates

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0000

FAR’s graduate programme provides an introduction to all aspects of arable, from research and agronomy to marketing. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Anna Heslop talks to FAR’s current graduate Catherine Harper and a past participant Sonja Vreugdenhil about how applying for the role has opened up many opportunities.

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Dame Alison Stewart reflects on her time at FAR

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 20:00:00 +0000

After seven years at the helm of FAR, chief executive Dame Alison Stewart has stepped down to pursue semi-retirement mixed with science advisory and directorship roles. Her tenure finished at FAR’s conference. In this episode of Cut the Crop, she reflects on her achievements and the biggest challenges facing the arable industry.

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Native plantings boost crop yields

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Research shows that native plantings on farms do more than support biodiversity, they can also boost crop yields. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Plant and Food Research scientist Brad Howlett and retired Mid-Canterbury arable farmer John Evans discuss the role native plants play in supporting pollinating insects.

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Irrigation NZ seeks long-term water vision

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Cut the Crop, Irrigation NZ chief executive Karen Williams says she wants a water strategy developed which brings together individuals and groups reliant on water, rather than it being a political football.

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Ag drones: challenges and opportunities

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0000

New Zealand’s agricultural drone industry is doubling every year, with more than 100 drones now used for spraying and spreading. In this episode of Cut the Crop, NZ Ag Drone Association president Craig Simpson and FAR’s technology manager Chris Smith say that while drones offer plenty of potential, there are still unknowns, particularly for broadacre application and efficacy.

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Cost of Production data shows tight margins

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 20:00:00 +0000

For the last three years, FAR has been collecting Cost of Production data on five key crops, based on a Mid-Canterbury irrigated arable farm case study. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s Ivan Lawrie says that the data shows margins are tight, so any cost savings will have a positive impact.

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Expanding options for spring-sown oilseed crops

Sat, 31 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Following interest from growers, Canterbury-based Pure Oil NZ has successfully trialled spring-sown oilseed rape using new imported varieties. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Pure Oil agronomy manager Keith Gundry tells Alison Stewart that sunflower yields and planting areas are also increasing.

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Cover crops for weed management in maize grain systems

Sat, 24 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

As well as providing benefits such as protecting soil and reducing nitrate leaching, cover crops can also suppress weeds. In this week’s Cut the Crop, FAR senior field research officer Sam McDougall says that in a trial, use of cover crops successfully cut herbicide use from two applications to one.

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Award-winning farmer positive about arable

Sat, 17 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Hawkes Bay mixed arable and livestock farmers Simon and Lou White, of Ludlow Farms, have just won not one, but two prestigious farming awards. Despite the setbacks of Cyclone Gabrielle and a farm accident, Simon tells Alison Stewart that he is investing in value-add off-farm and is more positive than ever about the future of mixed arable farming.

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FAR conference tackles arable profitability

Sat, 10 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Profitability is an increasing concern for arable farmers, which is why FAR has chosen it as the theme of its two-day conference, starting June 30. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR Communications Manager Anna Heslop says speakers will discuss how farmers can potentially reduce costs, improve productivity, diversify and adopt new tools.

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Alternative energy options for farmers

Sat, 03 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Solar farms are popping up across New Zealand, but is this an option on high-value arable land? In this episode of Cut the Crop, Anna Heslop talks to Alan Brent, Professor of sustainable energy systems at Victoria University of Wellington about how alternative energy technology is transforming rapidly and what factors farmers need to consider.

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Opportunities and challenges for arable

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Canterbury rural professional and farmer Thomas Holmes last year participated in the Kellogg Rural Leadership programme, focusing his study on opportunities and challenges for arable. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Alison Stewart that arable growers need to collaborate more and consider co-ops.

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Reducing the weed seed burden at harvest

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Chaff decks, attached to the back of a combine harvester to reduce the weed seed burden, are widely used in Australia, but have not been adopted in NZ. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Chris Smith and Charles Merfield of FAR outline the results of a Canterbury chaff deck demonstration and why growers should consider using one.

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Future Farm project expands to Southland

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000

After a second harvest, a FAR demonstration block at Chertsey is showing the potential gains from using more future focused approaches including direct drilling and fewer inputs where possible. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR researcher Owen Gibson talks about the latest results as well as detailing a second similar project in Southland.

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Get involved with your ARG

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Levy payers wanting to have more say in FAR’s research priorities and activities now have a great opportunity to be more involved. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR Board chair Steven Bierema says nominations are open to participate in your local Arable Research Group (ARG), a direct communication link between growers and FAR staff.

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Identifying diverse herbicide options

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

With herbicide resistance rising in NZ, arable farmers are being warned not to continually rely on the same chemical products. In this week’s Cut the Crop, FAR senior field officer Ben Harvey tells Alison Stewart about the latest results from a multi-year trial assessing the efficacy of commercially available and experimental herbicides against a range of key grass weeds.

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Insights from US no-till and maize growing

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Waikato dairy farmer and maize grower Alan Henderson shares some insights from a United States no-till conference he attended. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Alison Stewart that US farmers’ expertise in growing maize is ahead of ours.

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Delayed harvest keeps crop driers busy

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

In this week’s Cut the Crop, Alison Stewart talks to three growers in Wairarapa, Mid Canterbury and South Otago about how they are dealing with the delayed harvest and whether this is having an impact on crop yields and quality.

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What is the value of your farm data?

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Visiting farm data expert Dr Sagi Katz talks about the value of farm data and the development of tools that can use it to support on farm decision making.

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How to prevent and repair soil compaction

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Visiting UK agricultural engineer and soil expert Philip Wright says soil compaction can cause significant yield losses. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Alison Stewart that while roots and biology can do most of the repair work, sometimes mechanical action is also needed.

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The biosecurity risks of windblown pests and diseases

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0000

A number of pests and disease have blown into New Zealand from Australia. We can’t stop them from arriving this way, but work is underway to provide us with a better idea of what might arrive, and when. In this episode of Cut the Crop, we hear from Ilze Pretorius, part of a Scion team developing an Aerobiologial surveillance and prediction system (ASAP).

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UK maize challenges and opportunities

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Maize silage in the UK is not just grown for beef and dairy feed, it is also used as an energy crop to generate bio-gas and electricity. In this episode of Cut the Crop, visiting UK maize expert Jon Myhill tells Anna Heslop that challenges include a short growing season, loss of agchem including bird repellents, and a nitrogen cap.

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Global trends in herbage seed

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Visiting US herbage seed researcher Nicole Anderson is here to test a new rapid seed moisture testing device for grass seed under New Zealand conditions. In this episode of Cut the Crop, she tells Anna Heslop that herbicide resistance and the grass seed market oversupply are issues globally.

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Fall armyworm more advanced this season

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Populations of maize pest fall armyworm are two to three weeks more advanced than in previous seasons. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR biosecurity officer Ash Mills says that crop scouting is key, to assess not only fall armyworm, but also natural predator activity.

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What’s on at annual maize event

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 19:00:00 +0000

Getting the best value from maize management is the focus of FAR’s premier annual maize field day at its research site near Hamilton on February 4. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Dirk Wallace of FAR says that it is a chance to catch up on the latest in maize nitrogen management and weed strategies, as well as with other growers, before the maize harvest starts.

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FAR’s new regional strategy

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:00:00 +0000

FAR has just implemented a new regional strategy aimed at increasing grower engagement and feedback in the regions. This will be based around FAR’s seven regional Arable Research Groups, with support from facilitators. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR Communications Manager Anna Heslop encourages growers to have their say on FAR activities.

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Harvest samples sought for crop nutrient project

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Arable growers are invited to supply samples of their harvested crops as part of the UK-YEN programme, which measures nutrients in grain and seed. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR regional facilitator Donna Lill tells Alison Stewart that this provides another way to measure the effectiveness of fertiliser applications and crop uptake.

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FAR’s highlights of 2024

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000

This year, FAR adopted AI to make it easier to search its website, had another successful round of combine set-up workshops, and initiated YEN grain testing, as well as continuing to provide a wealth of resources on agronomy, crop protection, biosecurity, soil health and the environment. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR ceo Alison Stewart wraps up the highlights of 2024.

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New strategy seeks to grow arable returns

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 19:00:30 +0000

Arable farmers are experts at growing crops, but not as skilled at capturing value beyond the farm gate. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Federated Farmers arable group chair David Birkett talks to Alison Stewart about a new arable strategy which aims to assist farmers with the financial skills, quality assurance and infrastructure needed to get out of the commodity trap.

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Pros and cons of relaxing GM rules

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:00:19 +0000

The Government is ending New Zealand’s nearly 30-year ban on genetically modified and edited organisms outside the lab next year. So how informed are you on the topic? In this episode of Cut the Crop, Alison Stewart talks to Emeritus scientist at AgResearch Tony Conner about some of the potential positives and challenges for arable growers.

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Growers warned on seed dressing losses

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 19:00:25 +0000

Seed cleaners are reporting increasing dressing losses in ryegrass and other small seed crops, with losses often as high as 25%. In this episode of Cut the Crop, Methven farmer and seed cleaner John McCaw and FAR technology manager Chris Smith talk about the importance of combine harvester set-up, which will be examined at a series of December workshops.

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How is the season looking for growers?

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 19:00:22 +0000

In this week’s Cut the Crop, Alison Stewart talks to three growers in Manawatu, Southland and South Canterbury about how the season and market prospects are looking. With the sun finally coming out in some regions and the lift in dairy payout, has the outlook turned a corner?

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CROPS 2024: Arable farming’s big day out

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 19:00:24 +0000

FAR’s biggest annual event of the year, CROPS, is being held at the Chertsey Arable Research Site on Wednesday November 27. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR’s Communications Manager Anna Heslop says the range of topics covered means there is something for everyone.

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Maize nutrition: does the answer lie in the soil?

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 19:00:11 +0000

By factoring in soil-available nitrogen when making fertiliser decisions, maize growers can save money on input costs as well as benefit the environment. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior environment researcher Abie Horrocks says trials show no maize yield or quality differences when soil N is used.

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Do “Scope” emissions affect arable growers?

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 19:00:12 +0000

When it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, increasingly the conversation is about “Scope” emissions. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior environment researcher Dirk Wallace explains what this means and its implications for arable growers, particularly those supplying dairy farmers with feed.

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Fence-line herbicide resistance warning

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 19:00:12 +0000

The inclination of farmers to be “tidy Kiwis” by repeatedly spraying the vegetation along fence-lines is increasing the risk of herbicide resistance, says FAR senior field researcher Charles Merfield (Merf). In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Alison Stewart about a demonstration trial at Kowhai Farm looking at alternative approaches.

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2024 Arable Farmer of the Year

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 19:00:12 +0000

Marton maize and cereal grower and contractor Simon Nitschke is the 2024 Arable Farmer of the Year. In this episode of Cut the Crop, he tells Alison Stewart that his family’s decision to move up the value chain and expand their maize grain storage, drying and blending business means better understanding and meeting the needs of end-users.

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A grower guide to cocksfoot seed production

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 19:00:15 +0000

FAR has summarised 15 years of research into cocksfoot seed production into a guide for growers. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior herbage seed researcher Richard Chynoweth says the aim of the guide is to bring all the information together in one place for growers.

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Learning from Cyclone Gabrielle recovery

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 19:00:08 +0000

A Cyclone Gabrielle study has examined the ways growers dealt with silt on their land and their return to profitable cropping. In this episode of Cut the Crop, FAR senior environment researcher Dirk Wallace tells Alison Stewart that it is hoped the study can assist future growers by documenting what worked and what didn’t.

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How’s spring looking for growers?

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 19:00:19 +0000

In this week’s episode of Cut the Crop, Alison Stewart talks to three growers in Southland, Mid Canterbury and Manawatu about how spring and crop market prospects are looking.

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