The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) is an applied research & information transfer organisation responsible primarily to #NZarable growers🌱
Joined January 2016
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Southland mixed arable farmer Mark Dillon has turned part of an arable farmer’s toolkit – ploughing – into an artform. He has won the NZ Ploughing Champs in the conventional ploughing category five times.
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The autumn 2025/26 CPT booklet is out now! Read it here far.org.nz/resources/2025-26…
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The first of this year's maize winter workshops are coming up soon. Covering topics such as; costs of production, maize market, cultivation methods on different soil types and nitrogen cycling after cover crops. Find out more and register here far.org.nz/events
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Recently appointed FAR board director Hamish Irwin came from an accounting background before taking over the running of his family’s Mid Canterbury arable farm. He says he’s a fan of spreadsheets and online tools to monitor his business.
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The NZ Grown Grains logo is starting to appear on products in bakeries, supermarkets and online. FAR’s Ivan Lawrie says the campaign feeds into growing consumer interest in domestic food security.
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Central Hawkes Bay farmer Ed White is one of the new FAR board members who started on Jan 1. He talks about the role, rising costs and the closing of both Wattie’s and McCain Foods frozen veg processing factories.
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Nominations for the arable awards close on June 1st! This is our opportunity to recognise and celebrate outstanding people in the arable industry. Find out more and nominate here: arableawards.co.nz/nominate
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Nominations are open for year’s Arable Awards. FAR's Communications Manager Anna Heslop says that a tough season shouldn’t diminish the opportunity to celebrate the arable industry and its people.
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High diesel are front of mind for growers right now. FAR’s Technology Manager Chris Smith says up to 20% can be saved by picking the right-sized tractor for the job, as well as using GPS guidance & avoiding overlaps.
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In this episode of Cut the Crop, Scott Champion talks to three growers in Southland, Canterbury and Wairoa about how autumn planting is progressing and how they are mitigating rising diesel and fertiliser prices.
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Sustainable Vegetable Systems (SVS) is a nitrogen budgeting tool to help growers. Andrew Barber of Agrilink says that while the tool was initially set up for vegetable growers it now also incorporates arable crops.
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In this week's Cut the Crop, FAR cereal researcher Jacqueline Straathof and Lincoln University lecturer Mariana Andreucci discuss wheat yield trends and the factors required to achieve a high yielding wheat crop.
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Tough times don’t diminish growers’ skills and effort, so think about who stands out in your area as a cereal, seed or maize growers and nominate them for this year’s Arable Awards. Check out all the categories and get in your nominations here arableawards.co.nz/nominate
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Next week come along to a follow-up event discussing the outcomes of two SIRC trials on weed control and seed yield in white clover. Hear how the trials progressed during a challenging season and the outcomes of harvest strategies. More info and RSVP ➡️ far.org.nz/events/white-clov…
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About 40 solar demonstration farms have been established across New Zealand in a government-backed initiative to provide real-world data. Chris McArthur of EECA talks through some on-farm considerations.
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A free public GPS service, SouthPAN, improves accuracy and reliability for farmers and contractors. Using GPS tools like guidance, auto-steer and variable rate application can provide savings in inputs and diesel.
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A problem shared is a problem halved. Join other arable growers and their partners to catch up, compare notes and hear from Willie Apiata, the only recipient, to date, of the Victoria Cross of New Zealand. Find out more and register your place here ➡️ far.org.nz/events
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Andrew Darling a 2026 Ballance Farm Environment Award winner has been working on critical source area management on his farm watch here to find out more. Subscribe to the FAR YouTube channel stay up to date with new videos!
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A FAR led project aims to establish a toolkit of weed management strategies as rates of herbicide resistance rise. FAR's Matilda Gunnarsson says we need a more integrated approach instead of relying on herbicides.
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Straw houses! We came across this company at Wanaka Show. Incorporating straw into modular building panels. Find out more here ➡️ hibernamodular.co.nz/
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