Waikato, New Zealand
Assisting farmers, growers and land managers in developing productive low cost biological systems through whole farm planning, design and biological fertility programming. Future proof farming through developing systems that are resilient to climate change and positioned to deal with regulatory opportunities (threats) through on farm carbon sequestration and nutrient efficiency.
Employed to rehabilitate a rundown dairy farm starting with developing efficient productive operating systems for soil fertility, stock management, dairy shed operation and local milk supply. While managing this farm I increased milk production by 49% on last season and solved an existing significant animal health/ milk quality problem.
A varied role focused on the dairy herd, key tasks include: • Managing the dairy shed and milking the cows. • Feeding of the cows and animal health management. • Maintaining and improving farm fences and tracks. • Weed control. • Advising on improving the biological management of the farm including implementing Biodynamics, EM and Visual Soil Assessment on the farm.
Involved with the ongoing development of management strategies for the farm as well as daily tasks including: • Management of pasture and livestock. • Establishment of fodder systems for livestock. • Shared management of vegetable and fruit production areas and poultry • Compost production and application of biological inoculants. • Maintenance of fencing, irrigation and general farm infrastructure.
As trainee Manager I worked in a support role, gaining valuable experience in sustainable farm management, development and team leadership. My main responsibilities included: • Co-ordination and implementation of student farm work exchange. • Management of student farm duties and roster. • Assisted in the running of public weekend getaway courses involving explanation and promotion of sustainable land management techniques to programme participants. • Tree nursery management, assisted in running the market gardens. • General farm maintenance. During my time on this property I also studied full time gaining a Cert. 4 in Permaculture Design and also taught a workshop on Compost tea and its use in sustainable agriculture.