ON-FARM FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS FOR NORTHLAND

1986 ◽  
pp. 27-32
Author(s):  
J.S. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Joint Ventures ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Financial Returns ◽  
Farm Forestry ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Financial Position ◽  
On Farm

Agroforests and woodlots offer Northland hill country farmers investment and diversification opportunities. Agroforests have less effect on the "whole farm" financial position than woodlots, especially where a progressive planting regime is adopted and where no further borrowing is required. Establishment and tending costs for agro-forests are lower, and returns come much sooner. The proven opportunity for continued grazing under trees established in this manner, apart from a short post-planting period, further enhances the agroforesty option. Even where there is reluctance on a farmer's part to plant trees on high fertility land, the expected financial returns from agroforests on low and medium fertility land will increase the overall long-term profitability and flexibility of the whole farming operation. Woodlots may be more appropriate on low fertility areas where weed reversion is likely. Joint ventures may be worth considering where farm finances are a limited factor. Keywords: On-farm forestry development, Northland hill country, agroforestry, woodlots, diversification, joint ventures, progressive planting regimes, grazing availability.

scholarly journals Evaluation of on-farm indicators of gilt reproductive performance potential at 21 days of age1

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla M Mills ◽  
Allan P Schinckel ◽  
Jebadiah G Stevens ◽  
Theresa M Casey ◽  
Kara R Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Swine Production ◽  
Performance Potential ◽  
Selection Decisions ◽  
Binomial Regression ◽  
On Farm

Abstract Selection of replacements for the sow herd is one of the most important facets in swine production. Although our current methods of selection are effective, there is still a large amount of variation in sow reproductive performance traits such as pigs per sow per year (PSY). Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine if on-farm phenotypic traits at 21 d postnatal (PN) or perinatal environmental factors could predict sow reproductive performance. Data were prospectively collected from 2,146 gilts born on a commercial sow production facility and included birth and weaning weights, vulva length and width at 21 d PN, birth and nursing litter size, days nursed, average daily gain from birth to weaning, and age at first estrus. Of the initial animals, 400 (17%) were selected for the sow herd, 353 remained after removal of animals culled for non-reproductive reasons. Animals were assigned to 1 of 5 reproductive performance categories based on observation of estrus or pigs per sow per year (PSY) across two farrowings: High Fertility (HF; 23%; n = 82; ≥26 PSY), Middle Fertility (MF2; 12%; n = 43; 20–25 PSY), Low Fertility (MF3; 15%; n = 54; <20 PSY), Infertile-Estrus (IFe; 10%; n = 36; estrus, no pregnancy), and Infertile-No Estrus (IFno; 39%; n = 138; no estrus, no pregnancy). Generalized linear model analysis indicated vulva width (P = 0.03) was related to PSY, however, it only explained 1.5% of the total variation in PSY. To determine if preweaning variables were predictive of gilt fertility outcome, animals were grouped as those that became pregnant (n = 179) or not (n = 174). Vulva width tended to be greater in fertile animals versus infertile (P = 0.07). Binomial regression analysis revealed a positive relationship between vulva width and gilt fertility, however, this relationship is not strong enough to make sow herd selection decisions.

scholarly journals Redefining the production potential of hill pastures using fertiliser nitrogen

2003 ◽  
pp. 35-40
Author(s):  
M.G. Lambert ◽  
A.D. Mackay ◽  
B.P. Devantier ◽  
D.B. Mcdougall ◽  
D.J. Barker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrate Leaching ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
High Rate ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Commercial Practice ◽  
Cost Structures

Farmer perceptions of the productive potential of land influence their attitudes to productivity improvement. Pasture production information has generally been gathered within management systems that were considered feasible at the time. A sheep grazing trial was run over 2 years in southern Hawkes Bay hill country in which a Fer tiliser treatment involving a very high rate of nitrogen (N) fertiliser (400 kg N/ha annually as 8 split dressings of 50 kg N/ha) was applied to blocks with historically low, medium or high fertility. Additional fertiliser P and S was also applied as part of the Fertiliser treatment, however the responses were judged to have been mainly due to the N fertiliser Annual pasture production increased from an average 9.2 t DM/ha in Control areas to 17.1 t DM/ha in Fertiliser treatment areas. Similar responses of 18 to 22 kg DM/kg N fertiliser occurred across the 3 fer tility blocks. Average annual pasture production for the historically high fertility-Fertiliser treatment combination was 19.4 t DM/ha, higher than on most dairy farms. Pasture content of high-fertilityresponsive grasses such as ryegrass increased, at the expense of low-fertility-tolerant grasses such as browntop, legumes such as white clover, and herbaceous weeds. Nitrate leaching measurements suggested annual losses were increased by 25 kg N/ ha or 6% of the N applied. Given present-day cost structures and returns, these results suggest use of higher rates of N fertiliser than is current practice is an economic option for hill farmers. However longterm sustainability of systems receiving such high dressings of fertiliser N r equires further investig ation before such an approach should be adopted as part of commercial practice. Keywords: botanical composition, hill country, New Zealand, nitrate leaching, nitrogen fertiliser, pasture production potential

scholarly journals Long term (?) effects of withholding superphosphate application on North Island hill country: a 10-year update

1999 ◽  
pp. 63-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.B. Dodd ◽  
S.F. Ledgard
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Olsen P ◽  
Over Time

Measurements of soil phosphate, pasture production and botanical composition from two superphosphate fertiliser trials in northern North Island hill country (Whatawhata and Te Kuiti) have been made over a 15-year period. The impacts of superphosphate fertiliser withholding have included a decline in Olsen P, decreases in annual pasture production of 10-17% (Whatawhata) and 22-42% (Te Kuiti), decreases in the abundance of productive and desirable species (15-20% for ryegrass and white clover), and increases in the abundance of undesirable species (browntop and other low fertility grasses). These changes have increased over time, beyond that period covered by the original experiments (4-6 years). Different responses to withholding between the two sites are still apparent, and the reasons for these are explored. It is not clear that these systems have yet reached a new equilibrium, nor how long it will take for this to happen. The implications for our view of longterm grassland studies are discussed. Keywords: fertiliser, long-term, pasture production, pasture species composition

Hill slope effects on the vertical fluxes of photosynthetically fixed 14C in a grazed pasture

Soil Research ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 655 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Saggar ◽  
A. D. Mackay ◽  
C. B. Hedley
Keyword(s):  
Plant Root ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Microbial Biomass C ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Pulse Labelling ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Chase Period ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Below Ground

New Zealand hill-country farms consist of an amalgamation of land units in different slope and aspect categories, each with unique production potentials. Information on the influence these slope categories have on carbon (C) partitioning is imperative for more accurate and complete understanding of C inputs and fluxes through a grazed hill pasture ecosystem. The effects of 3 slope categories [representing 1–12°, 13–25°, and ≥26° microtopographical units corresponding to low (L), medium (M), and steep (S) slopes] on the vertical translocation of photosynthetically fixed C was studied by using a 14 C-CO2 pulse-labelling chamber technique. Pasture and soil samples were taken after 4-h, 7-day, and 35-day chase periods, to examine the fluxes of 14C in the pasture plant{root–soil system. Total C and 14C were determined in the pasture shoot, root, and soil components. Microbial biomass C and 14C contents in each soil were also determined using the chloroform fumigation{extraction technique. Pasture composition and growth varied with slope category. High fertility grasses (90%) were dominant on the L slope while low fertility grasses (≥60%) were dominant on the M and S slopes. Shoot growth over 35 days amounted to 4470, 2045, and 1308 kg/ha at the L, M, and S slopes, respectively. The standing root biomass did not differ signifficantly among the slopes. Allocation of the 14C-labelled assimilate below-ground was rapid, with 23–35% detected in the roots within 4 h of pulse-labelling. The above- and below-ground partitioning of 14C varied with the length of the chase period, and was strongly influenced by slope. Pasture plants allocated more C below-ground in the M and S slope categories. During the study period, 173 kg C/ha was assimilated daily at the L slope site, with 73 kg being respired, 50 kg remaining above-ground in the shoot, and 43 kg being partitioned into the root. In comparison, at the S slope, of the 56 kg/ha C assimilated daily, 22 kg was respired, 14 kg remained in the shoot, and 18 kg was partitioned into the root, and the daily input to the soil varied between 2 and 7 kg C/ha. By using annual growth measurements from adjacent areas, the amounts of C translocated annually to roots and soil at each slope category were also estimated from the 14C distribution of spring growth. At the L slope site, 9340 kg C/ha was respired, 6375 kg remained above-ground in the shoot, and 5510 kg was translocated to roots and 930 kg to soil. At the S slope site, 5710 kg C/ha was respired, 3490 kg remained in the shoot, and 4490 kg was translocated to the roots and 555 kg to soil.

scholarly journals Hill country pastures in the southern North Island of New Zealand: an overview

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 289-297
Author(s):  
P.D. Kemp ◽  
I.F. López
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Pastoral System ◽  
Hill Country

The 4 million ha of hill country pastures in New Zealand grow mostly on steep slopes and soils of naturally low soil fertility. Pastures are based on approximately 25 exotic species introduced within the last 130 years after the forest was cleared and burnt. Despite the environmental constraints and naturalised species, hill country is a major contributor to agricultural exports. The landscape and the pastures are spatially diverse, with slope and aspect strongly influencing the abundance and production of pasture species. The number of pasture species present is relatively stable, but the relative abundance of high fertility grass species (e.g. perennial ryegrass, Lolium perenne), low fertility grass species (e.g. browntop, Agrostis capillaris) and legumes (e.g. white clover, Trifolium repens) can be shifted towards high fertility grass species and legumes through the interaction of phosphate fertiliser application and grazing decisions (that is, sheep versus cattle, stocking rate, grazing management). Increased proportions of desirable species and improved soil fertility and structure can support sustainable farming systems. There are challenges such as soil erosion and nutrient loss into waterways, but these are more readily managed when the pastoral system is productive and profitable. Keywords: slope, pasture condition, browntop, perennial ryegrass, soil characteristics

Quantifying the value proposition for white clover persistence on a New Zealand summer-dry hill-country farm

2020 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
pp. 199-209
Author(s):  
Mike B. Dodd ◽  
Katherine N. Tozer ◽  
Iris Vogeler ◽  
Rose Greenfield ◽  
David R. Stevens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Net Present Value ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Simulation Modelling ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
System Modelling ◽  
Value Proposition ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
The North ◽  
Farm System

The improvement in forage quality and quantity of summer-dry hill country pasture resulting from the introduction of clover is well recognised. However, ensuring the persistence of the commonly availablecultivars is challenging, in the face of seasonal moisture stress, intensive grazing, competition from established well-adapted pasture species, low soil fertility and low soil pH – conditions typical of the East Coast of the North Island. Here we quantify the value proposition associated with the introduction of white clover into a case study on a Gisborne sheep and beef farm, using a six-step process. A topographically explicit approach is taken, using an understanding of the underlying spatial variability, based on a combination of soil and pasture measurements, APSIM simulation modelling of pasture growth and farm system modelling of enterprise performance. We show that from a baseline of a typical low-fertility, diverse species hill country pasture, white clover introduction can increase spring and summer forage consumption by 17%, enabling inclusion of an additional 6-month bull finishing enterprise generating a 32% greater carcass weight production and leading to a 49% improvement in farm system EBIT. This represents a positive net present value of over $360,000 for the original investment in white clover establishment into existing pastures.

PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT ON EAST COAST NORTH ISLAND HILL COUNTRY

1984 ◽  
pp. 216-218
Author(s):  
B.J. Arnst ◽  
O.L. Park
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
East Coast ◽  
Close Association ◽  
Development Programme ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Stock Management ◽  
Hill Country

Large areas of North Island hill country are producing below potential as a result of low fertility and poor pasture composition. Removal of undesirable species and replacement with a higher producing pasture is essential for increased productivity but is difficult to achieve. A development programme is described where the use of glyphosate in close association with oversowing and stock management has allowed rapid pasture establishment, marked increase in carrying capacity and a quick return on investment. Keywords: Pasture establishment, glyphosate, oversowing, white clover, subdivision, productivity.

Enhancement of Rural Income and Nutrition by Cultivating Pigeonpea Hybrids

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
K B SAXENA ◽  
A K CHOUDHARY ◽  
RAFAT K SULTANA
Keyword(s):  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Family Income ◽  
National Level ◽  
Hybrid Breeding ◽  
High Food ◽  
Rural Income ◽  
Breeding Technology ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Food Value

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a favourite crop of rain-fed farmers due to its high food value, drought tolerance and various soil improving properties. The productivity enhancement of this crop has been a long-term goal at the national level but with a little success. In this context, the advent of hybrid breeding technology with over 30% on-farm yield advantages has provided a much-needed breakthrough. The hybrids in pigeonpea were bred using a stable CMS system and natural out-crossing. It is believed that the adoption of locally adapted hybrids would contribute significantly towards both family income and nutrition.

scholarly journals Informal carer in Portugal: moving towards political recognition in Portugal

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Fronteira ◽  
J Simoes ◽  
G Augusto
Keyword(s):  
Informal Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Oecd Countries ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Informal Carer ◽  
Term Care ◽  
System Perspective ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Informal care represents around 80% of all long term care provided in EU countries. Nevertheless, the needs for this type of care are expected to increase in the coming years in all OECD countries. Portugal is among the OECD countries with the highest ageing index (21.5% of the population was older than 65 years in 2017) due to high life expectancy and low fertility rates. As this demographic trend establishes, Portugal is expected to have more than 40% of the population over 65 years in 2037, and the expected prevalence of dementia is 3%, in 2050. In 2015 there were 2.1% of people over 65 receiving long-term care, representing 52% of all long-term care users. Around 38% were receiving care at home. It is estimated that 287,000 people in Portugal depend on informal carers. The agenda towards the official recognition of informal cares has been push forward in the country. Since 2015, several recommendations have been issued by the Parliament as well as legislative initiatives and a proposal for a Status of the Informal Carer is currently under discussion. We analyse the process of formulation of this policy in terms of sectors and stakeholders involved, definition and scope of informal carer, rights and obligations, role of the person being cared for, formal protection (e.g., labor, social, financial, training) and implementation. Recognition of the informal carer is a sector wide approach. One of the main features is the economic, social and labor protection mainly through reconciliation between work life and caring activities and promotion of the carer’s well being. Notwithstanding, and from a health system perspective, community health teams are to be the focal point for informal carers, supporting and providing specific training whenever needed. Despite its relevance, informal care should not be professionalized and responsibility of care should not be shifted from health services to informal carers. Key messages Needs for informal care are expected to increase in the coming years in OECD countries. Recognition of the informal carer is a sector wide approach.

From Ossau and Iraty to PDO Ossau-Iraty

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (12) ◽  
pp. 3062-3075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morgane Millet
Keyword(s):  
Local Development ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Farm Production ◽  
Protected Designation Of Origin ◽  
Summer Pasture ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Term Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how a geographical indication (GI) is built through time and how its (non)appropriation by local producers shapes it. The reciprocity of such process is also considered: how the creation of a GI changes local relationships between producers, within the GI and out of it? The case of Ossau-Iraty is relevant: in south-west of France, this protected designation of origin (PDO) has been based on two distinct regions: Bearn (Ossau) and Pays Basque (Iraty). Since then, most producers of Bearn have rejected this PDO. Design/methodology/approach The author adopts a diachronic perspective: the trajectory of the local dairy ewe sector is described, focusing on the trajectory of on-farm cheese makers from Bearn and Pays Basque and the trajectory of Ossau-Iraty. Based on different methods (qualitative interviews and archive research), this paper aims at analyzing the interactions within such heterogeneous networks. Findings When the PDO was created (1980), the opposition between producers of Bearn and Pays Basque was based on strong senses of place, which would be translated in a different perception of tradition: to Bearn producers, PDO Ossau-Iraty would be an industrial cheese, in which they did not recognize their product and themselves. With time, the producers who have been involved in the PDO worked on its specifications. The recognition of symbolic practices such as on-farm production or Summer pasture production, the recognition of differences between Basque cheese and Bearn cheese are changes that contribute to the evolution of perceptions within the local producers’ community. The author observes a recent convergence between Basque producers and Bearn producers, as their distinct products share common and strong qualifications within PDO Ossau-Iraty that contribute to their respective valorization. However, it seems to occur at an institutional level and the adhesion of the local producers might still be at stakes. Research limitations/implications A statistical study could reinforce the author’s exploratory and historical research. Furthermore, it would have been relevant to take local inhabitants and local consumers into account, as they have participated in the products’ qualifications as well. Originality/value A long-term analysis (40 years) contributes to better understand how cheeses are valorized and how such process is based on controversial processes. It contributes to root GIs into local histories, which are nor as consensual neither as uniform as we would primarily think, and to identity levers for sustainable local development.

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