SYSTEMS REGENERATIVE AG
Field-testing regen A multi-farm Canterbury dairy operation is running a comparative study of regenerative agriculture against traditional Kiwi methods. Anne Lee reports.
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anterbury’s Align Farms is taking the plunge and arguably taking one for the team, putting 50% of two of its high-performing dairy farms into regenerative agriculture so it can run a comparative study and gather scientifically robust data. Rhys Roberts is chief executive of the large scale, seven-farm business and says the farms’ stakeholders have become increasingly focused on farming with a lighter environmental footprint to produce nutritious, healthy food. Regenerative farming principles had sparked their interest but like many others the Align 42
team was frustrated at the lack of New Zealand-based evidence to back up claims being made. “We were all a bit sick of the fact there was just anecdotal data. We wanted some empirical evidence so yes, I guess we’re taking a bit of a risk but we want it to give us robust scientific outcomes. “Then we want to share the data openly and transparently with other dairy farmers so they can get some sound information that’s relevant to New Zealand and the way we farm here,” Rhys says. Two of Align’s dairy farms – the 1080cow Clareview and the 1050-cow Longfield
will have 50% of their area run under a regenerative system with a study also to be set up on a wintering block. Last season about 20% of Clareview was sown in the multispecies pasture mixes that are a hallmark of the regenerative approach with the other 30% being sown this season. Longview’s transition has begun this season and will be a 50:50 split in time for the 2021/22 season. Align’s head of environment and innovation Clare Buchannan says to ensure the study can generate sound, credible data a science advisory board has been set up. It includes Dr Gwen Grelet from
Dairy Exporter | www.nzfarmlife.co.nz | December 2020