A Guide to Smart Farming (2011) presents outcomes and learning from our work on precision farming technologies and on soil quality enhancement. The book encapsulates learning which is the result of many years’ collaboration, especially between LandWISE, the Foundation for Arable Research, Horticulture New Zealand, and Plant & Food Research. It has case studies of farmers using new technologies, and expert articles explaining how the technologies work.
“New Zealand has a unique ability to supply quality produce to a rapidly increasing global market,” says Hew Dalrymple. “But to do so sustainably requires new approaches to farming and new skills for those on the land.” A Guide to Smart Farming contains a wealth of information that will help. It includes knowledge developed with funding from the MPI Sustainable Farming Fund projects, Advanced Cropping Systems and Holding it Together.
A Guide to Smart Farming has now been sent to to over 6,500 arable and vegetable producers, rural contractors and various of their supporters in science and servicing. Global awareness has seen us send copies to Australia, Brazil, Czech, Denmark, Japan, Kenya, Spain, UK and USA.
We have a few extra copies available. New Zealanders and Australians can buy it on-line through TradeMe: search for guide smart farming and select the Buy Now option. Others can email with details to info@landwise.org.nz with Book Orders in the subject line.
Some samples from the book are available here for download.
- Roadways and gardens
- Better use of time, money and land
- Hi-tech organic vegetable production
- Three year payback from permanent beds
- Quick, cost effective drain laying
- Optimising wine quality by zoning