Farming Sustainably
We believe in putting the land first in all our decision making. This means not overgrazing in either summer or winter to allow the natural biological process to thrive in seasonal extremes. Peaks and troughs of grass growth and consumption are evened out into a natural flow of biological production. Seasons are lengthened by the strength of the biological network which lengthens pasture production.
Fencing off waterways and planting natives, especially manuka, and planting the farm for shelter, shade and stabilisation with poplars and willows is high on the agenda. We have lost on average 10 su every year to animal misadventure so by fencing off these areas we almost eliminate these stats. An added benefit is that it helps with modern subdivision of paddocks as in the past natural water supplies have always been at the bottom of a gully so paddocks were fenced to them. Now we put water at the tops and middles of hill country so grazing is far more evenly effective and quicker which benefits both land and stock. The real bonus is that the creeks fenced off with a huge riparian strip, the water quality is even better than before.
Some of the planted blocks of pines will be replanted in part or whole and/or extended pending the land condition around the individual blocks of which there is 35ha.
We are working on fencing off more dams that feed trough networks for water quality and volume. The water accessibility and volume is very poor, so improving this would enhance stock production and add to a better cashflow.
We strive to reduce all chemical inputs to the farm directly and indirectly. We have been using a fertiliser input system based on the ratio’s theory which is working very well. High analysis fertilisers haven’t been used in our ten year tenure at Mironui and have not been considered either. Farming practice adjustments are a more sustainable option for us and the farm.
Where there is a biological option or benefit of using one on the animal we will use it. Our animals are fed better than ever before, so are naturally resilient to a lot of challenges that previously affected them. We will try anything to replace all chemical inputs to our business. This is where we see the future of the meat industry globally, and we want to be an integral part of responsible, sustainable farming. For example, land turned over was previously sprayed, but now it is done with pre-spray practices such as discing twice six weeks apart. This takes a lot of pressure off and has to be better for the microbiological livestock that live in the soil!
