Cut the Crop!

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.