K29 Reports

There are three main factors influencing Kiwifruit Growers profitability, productive yield, cost of production and the return they receive for the crop they produce. When a kiwifruit crop is put through a packhouse, it is separated by size and quality into four grades. Class 1 and 2 are usually exported, class 3 is usually sold … Read more

Instinctively as human beings we want to communicate. When children fail to speak their first word on time at the designated age, modern parents rapidly seek a medical and scientific reason for this failing in their offspring. Sometimes not reaching milestones is a good indicator of something not being well with the child and sometimes … Read more

Something seems wrong with the 50/50 contract because it is in decline. Sharemilking in New Zealand has been the main stepping stone up the Dairy Industry career pathway into farm ownership since the early 1900s. It has been a way of learning skills and at the same time building valuable equity for a dairy farmer … Read more

New Zealand has four prominent rural retailers, Ashburton Trading Society (ATS), Farmlands, RD1 and PGG Wrightson (PGW). Each of these businesses core, is providing farmers with goods and services. Over recent years we have seen numerous mergers and amalgamations, leading to the marketplace we have today. Each business is having success in different areas, contributing … Read more

Each of these areas, discussed either individually or collectively, has the potential to increase marketable yield and minimise waste through the supply chain directly or indirectly. The solution to reducing fruit waste and gaining efficiencies “lies in a combination of planning, investing, controlling, and partnering across the supply chain.” (Harz-Pitre 2013) The pipfruit industry needs … Read more

This study stems from the common farmer complaint, that there are too many perennial ryegrass options on the market, this number conservatively estimated at over 50, with a few and limited tools available to farmers to aid them with variety choice for their pasture renewal programme. A survey is conducted of 16 Dairy Women’s Network … Read more

The purpose of this report is to have a better understanding of the 50/50 sharemilking industry in 2013. The perception within the dairy industry is that the 50/50 sharemilking business structure is on the decline and not enabling sharemilkers to progress to purchasing their own properties or enter other business investments. Having been a 50/50 … Read more

Growing conditions in New Zealand have historically been recognised as being some of the best in the world for producing exceptional volumes of excellent quality apples. To remain financially sustainable New Zealand apple growers need to specifically focus on their natural strengths, ensuring that the production they achieve maximises the advantage of their location. NZ … Read more

The following report has been completed as part of my participation in the 2013 Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme. The scope of this individual research project was to select a topic of interest to the participant and spend ‘Phase Two’ of the Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme completing the individual research project. Findings are then presented on … Read more

This report investigates the impact that altering the farm system of Singletree Dairies in mid Canterbury to achieve a predicted nitrogen leaching loss in Overseer of 24kgN/ha/year will have on both the operation management of the farm and the financial effects of this. Singletree Dairies currently has a predicted leaching loss of 32kgN/ha/year and through … Read more

Global food systems are experiencing unprecedented changes in the way food is produced, distributed and consumed. Food systems are highly dependent on fossil fuels, emit large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and significantly contribute to environmental problems (FAO, 2006).  Agricultural farming systems particularly in New Zealand are under increasing pressure given the growing awareness of … Read more

Defining what is the true cost of managing a large scale dairy farm in New Zealand is not just about the financial cost but also the social cost and what the perception of the industry is. Through my study I have defined each area into the financial impact and the social impact it has on … Read more

Winter is a critical part of the year for dairy farming as the BCS of the cows at the end of winter will significantly affect reproduction and production on the following season, In the Canterbury and North Otago area it can represent up to 20% of the operating expenses. A common strategy is for dairy … Read more

Succession is a growing issue facing New Zealand land owners. Those wanting to own their own business are finding the road is getting longer. New ideas and groups are emerging to help facilitate these problems. This report looks into the viability of several alternative ideas the author has on these issues. Luxton, Richard