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Catch crops, also commonly referred to as cover crops, are nothing new. Already used extensively in cropping, they are traditionally sown in autumn to provide feed over winter for stock, conserve nutrients and reduce weeds, water runoff and soil erosion.

The autumn period has again produced a consistent spell of warmer weather and with a steady stream of regular rainfall, we are set up heading into winter. Soil temperature has remained consistent, although the cold spell currently should slow pasture growth. Feed surpluses have been good in the latter part of autumn and the drier conditions earlier had meant irrigation remained on through mid-autumn.

For the next 3 months, we will look at the following: autumn sown arable crops, barley grass control in pasture and weed control in lucerne.

Is magnesium (Mg) important for winter wheat yields and quality, and what’s the best course of action if a deficiency occurs?

Between them, Ruralco Arable & Pastoral Representatives Ricky Brown and Steve Lawson are looking forward to delivering a personable and knowledgeable start to the new season.

The Everest family of Flemington Farm has received one of New Zealand’s highest honours for their outstanding dedication to creating a sustainable dairy farm that combines the needs of people, animals, economics, and the environment.

New to the Ruralco Board is chartered accountant and farmer Rhea Booker. Originally hailing from Waikato, Rhea’s parents came to New Zealand as immigrants, working their way up the dairy industry ladder from farm workers to farm ownership while raising their six children.

Knowledge, experience, and passion for agriculture are key drivers behind new Ruralco Chair Sir David Carter.

It’s been a long, hard, slow grind, but buoyed by customer feedback, Sheffield cropping farmers Marty and Georgina Skurr’s venture into homegrown stone ground flour is about to hit a whole new level with a new mill about to come on stream.

Placing catchment communities in the Ashburton District at the centre of decisions and direction on biodiversity, water quality and the environment is now possible thanks to the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective (MCCC).