Category Archives: Conference

Agronomy, Conference, New Crops

LandWISE 2019: Hemp and its Capabilities

Simon White is a Co-Founder and Director of Kanapu Hemp Foods Limited New Zealand. Simon has spent the last 9 years running the family farm in Otane, CHB.

The Whites grow a range of processed crops, speciality seed crops and animal grain crops, also finishing beef and lamb. Simon will be speaking about his involvement with Industrial Hemp and its capabilities.

The Hemp plant has been a part of this world for more than 10,000 years which puts it into the range of one of the oldest known human agriculture crops to be harvested. As explained by Richard Hamilton on sustainable agriculture “Modern humans emerged some 250,000 years ago, yet agriculture is a fairly recent invention, only about 10,000 years old as well. Agriculture is not natural; it is a human invention.”

Varieties of Cannabis sativa (Industrial Hemp) that contain no, or very low levels of, THC are commonly referred to as hemp or industrial hemp. Hemp has typically been used for industrial purposes, such as textiles, fibres, paper, building materials.

Over time, the use of industrial hemp has evolved into an even greater variety of products. The global market for hemp consists of more than 25,000 products in nine submarkets, agriculture and textiles, recycling and automotive, furniture, food and beverage, paper and construction, cosmetics and medicine.

“At a time when I was looking for alternative crops to fit into our cropping rotation that I researched Industrial Hemp. The properties of the plant started to fit more into the category of what we were after in a new crop: environmentally enhancing, nutritionally beneficial, minimum tillage or no tillage, short crop (100days).

The opportunities for food, fibre and medicine into a global rising market at a CAGR of 14% saw us develop a partnership, establish a company and now have a vision of being New Zealand’s leading Hemp foods company transforming the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders through production, manufacturing and distribution of high quality functional hemp food ingredients in New Zealand.”

Want to know more?

REGISTER HERE FOR LandWISE 2019!

Conference, New Crops, Orcharding, Planting, Research

LandWISE 2019: Development of a Banana Industry for Tairāwhiti

Jane Mullaney  is a scientist working in the Food and Nutrition group at AgResearch Palmerston North. Jane is also affiliated with the Riddet Institute for food innovation and is a microbiologist with her PhD in Food Technology.

Jane and colleagues have partnered with Tai Pukenga Ltd to develop a commercial banana industry for the Tairāwhiti/East Coast region. 

A bunch of bananas grown at Anaura Bay, north of Tolaga Bay on the East Coast.
Bananas grown at Anaura Bay, north of Tolaga Bay on the East Coast. [Image (C) stuff]
Bananas are economically important fruit crops grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and are currently cultivated in over 130 countries, on over 5.5 million hectares with a global production of about 145 million tons (FAOSTAT, 2017).

Bananas serve as a principle source of carbohydrates for millions of people worldwide while in New Zealand, we spend more on bananas than any other fruit, and eat about 18kg of them every year, or roughly two bananas a week.

There are hundreds of different cultivars which differ mainly by the amounts of starch and sugars produced in their fruits however, the only bananas imported to New Zealand are the Cavendish variety. While subtropical, bananas can be grown almost anywhere.

By using tissue culture methods, AgResearch have developed and shared this knowledge with Tai Pukenga to enable the rapid expansion of a banana industry for the East Coast region.

Through DNA sequencing, AgResearch aims to identify cultivars and this information will help inform along with trial farms, which cultivar might be best suited for future commercial work.

Jane and colleagues aim to use tissue culture to produce many banana plants for trialling across the region, to identify which cultivars we already have growing in the region using DNA sequencing and to assess the nutritional benefits of the NZ produced fruit. This project is funded through the Vision Mātauranga Connect Fund.

Want to know more?

REGISTER HERE FOR LandWISE 2019!

Conference, Nutrients, Projects, Research

LandWISE 2019: Focus on Nitrate Management

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As the LandWISE Conference fast approaches, we take a closer look at some of the presenters, and speaking topics in the area of Nitrate Management – how, when and what to apply, and how to deal with losses.

Session 2 will kick off with a Year 1 progress update from Future Proofing Vegetable Production, a Sustainable Farming Fund project testing the impact of new on-farm nitrogen mitigation and production practices in Levin and Gisborne.

We will report on our surveys of current practice, fertiliser applicator testing and of nitrate movement from field to stream. The farmers are making significant changes.

Testing a Broadcast Fertiliser Spreader

Our international guest speaker, Brad Bernhard, will present “Comparing Products, Timing and Placement – N in Corn”. Having just completed his PhD at the University of Illinois, Brad has extensive knowledge and experience of intensive corn and soybean production systems in the U.S. Brad’s PhD focus was optimising in-season fertility using alternative N fertilisation products and application methods.

Y-Drop applying Liquid Urea-N

While this will be of interest to our arable and maize growers, we are also excited to learn about the potential, and challenges this new approach holds for intensive vegetable cropping systems in New Zealand.

 

Jeff Reid from Plant and Food will outline the key points from the newly revised Nutrient Management in Vegetable Crops in NZ book.  This presentation will cover the updated fertiliser recommendations for vegetable crops in New Zealand, and the concepts behind them.

Session 5 covers “Dealing with Losses”.  We can do our best to keep nutrients in the rootzone, but sometimes some will escape. Can we stop nitrates getting into sensitive waterbodies?

Our new Research Manager, Pip McVeagh joined a group of Queenslanders at a workshop on nitrate recapture. One of the key concepts she will present is “The Treatment Train”.

Rebecca Eivers from Streamlined Environmental is presenting her research on Wetlands in Farm Settings, and Brandon Goeller from NIWA on Woodchip Bioreactors.

We are also looking forward to a presentation from Alastair Taylor from Overseer Ltd. on using Overseer in vegetable systems. We have completed a number of representative examples and finding quite a range in results!

With such a variety and high calibre of speakers it should be a very engaging two days. More info here, and the draft programme here.

Make sure you’re registered for LandWISE 2019 – tickets available here.

AgTech, Conference, Drainage, Orchard, Precision Agriculture, Projects, Research

LandWISE 2019: A Closer Look at Orchard Drainage

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Orchard drainage isn’t just about shedding excess surface water quickly – although that is the main aim. Effective orchard drainage mitigates wheel rutting in the interrow which contribute to slips, trips and falls of orchard staff, and restrict orchard access by machinery at critical times of the year (such as harvest).

At LandWISE 2019 we will be taking a closer look at orchard drainage – and the tools and technology that are making it possible in existing orchards.

First up on the programme for Session 3 will be a progress update from Year 1 of Smart Tools for Orchard Drainage. From surveying growers, to analysing LiDAR data, and mapping puddles, there has been considerable progress made preparing for the land levelling work. We look forward to sharing this with conference delegates at LandWISE 19.

Ponding and Puddling: Comparing survey and computer generated ponding maps and the locations of puddles (white dots) after a rain event.

Following on from the project update, will be an in-depth presentation about the technical side of mapping land contours.

Technologies that have made the orchard drainage project possible include:

  • LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) a remote sensing method using a pulsed laser light to determine the distance to the earth from an aircraft that enabled us to create contour maps of existing orchards
  • ESRI ARC GIS, OptiSurface and other software packages for analysis and planning
  • RTK-GPS and drainage surveying and implementation software
  • SBAS (Satellite Based Augementation System) which allows us to get very accurate location on our smartphones when scouting

These technologies have a range of applications for horticulture, and have huge potential to improve the precision of our operations – whether in crops, orchards, or vineyards.

RTK-GPS mounted on qud bike and quad tractor (the funnest survey tool ever).

We’ll have our newly developed RutMeasurer available for viewing at the Field Session. We are using it toaccurately measure ruts in orchard inter-rows, and will be able to repeat measurements over time to assess the effectiveness of the different rut fixing approaches taken.

RutMeter – designed for the project to measure the depth and length or inter-row ruts
RutMeter in action at T&G orchard

We are looking forward to seeing you at LandWISE 2019. More info here, and the draft programme here.

Make sure you’re registered! – tickets available here.

 

Agronomy, AgTech, Conference, events, Projects, Research, Weeds

Weed Workshop – 2019 technical session

On the 24th May, a small group of leading researchers, farmers, and tech developers will come together at the LandWISE MicroFarm to discuss New Strategies to Manage Weeds. The discussion will centre around the challenges with existing weed management. These challenges include herbicide resistance becoming increasingly more common, international markets demand increasingly lower chemical residues, and consumer and community expectations of low environmental impact.

In a new MBIE and FAR funded AgResearch project “Managing Herbicide Resistance” alternative weed control technologies will be trialled and monitored – with the aim of managing ryegrass in arable crops. Some of these technologies being researched and demonstrated in the Technical Session are:

Hot Foam Weeding

Weedingtech’s FoamStream Machine – Using Hot Foam to Kill Weeds

Abrasion Weeding

Frank Forcella’s Abrasion Weeder – Using Walnut Shells to Blast Weeds

Electric Weeding

The Weed Workshop will be a collaborative session where farmers can express the operational challenges they face day-to-day, and scientists can understand the areas of research needed to tackle them. Technology developers in the weed management sector will provide valuable knowledge and insight in bridging the gaps.

If you’re interested in applying to attend the Weed Workshop on Friday the 24th May please contact us here – there are limited spaces available.

Conference, Uncategorized, Weeds

LandWISE 2019: Focus on Weed Management

OZ440 from Naio Technologies. An example of alternative, non-herbicide weed management

The 2019 Conference covers, as always, a range of topics. Here, we take a look at weeds: the speakers, the topics, the demonstrations and the opportunities.

We are part of a large, five year Ag Research programme addressing herbicide resistance in weeds. Programme Leader, Trevor James is well known to the LandWISE community having supported our efforts since the beginning. He first put together the LandWISE “Avoiding Herbicide Resistance” chart when we were investigating reduced tillage systems in the early 2000s.

At LandWISE 2019, Trevor will introduce the project and its four workstreams: Anticipating herbicide resistance, Drivers of decision making to change practice, Quick tests for identifying resistance and Managing herbicide resistant weeds and controlling their spread.

Andrew Griffiths, also from AgResearch, will explain his team’s research looking for genetic markers to enable quick tests for resistance. At present, seeds have to be collected, new lines grown and plants exposed to increasing rates of chemical – a process that takes a long time. Success by Andrew’s team will offer a much quicker turn-around and reduce the cost of testing.

Frank Forcella, one of our overseas guest presenters, investigates and shows how conventional and modern weed management tools can turn theory into practice. From the University of Minnesota, Frank is part of the AgResearch project team. At our conference he will talk about using air-blasted farm-sourced grits to abrade weeds.

Also well known to LandWISE members is Charles “Merf” Merfield, a non-herbicide weed management researcher and practitioner from the Future Farming Centre in Canterbury. Currently undertaking an electric weeder development project, at LandWISE 2019 Merf will address electrical and thermal weeding technologies.

The Conference Practical Session also has a weed management section with a number of demonstrations. Look for row alignment technologies from Inta-Ag and Tulloch Farm Machines, Hot Foam from Weeding Tech and Farnk Forcella’s abrasion technologies from the University of Minnesota.

Note also, the Special Technical Session for lead farmers, researchers and technologists on Friday 24th after the Conference. This by-application event, “New Strategies to Manage Weeds”, will build on the ideas discussed at the Conference.

If you would like to join a small group of lead farmers, researchers and tech developers to discuss this topic, debate alternatives and explore opportunties for collaboration Click here to apply!

AgTech, Conference

LandWISE – An Official Techweek 2019 Event

LandWISE 2019 is an official part of Techweek2019. Information about the Conference is here>. This post tells a little about the big Techweek concept, and has some glimpses of our history since our origins in a paddock in 1999.

The intention behind Techweek is simple. New Zealand’s technology and innovation sectors are growing rapidly, and Techweek fosters that growth by providing the national ecosystem with a week-long opportunity for connection and cross-pollination, using an independent platform to amplify New Zealand’s unique and inspiring innovation stories to the world.

Why is LandWISE part of Techweek? Because it is a perfect fit!

RTK_GPS Strip Tillage demonstration 2003

Since we began in a paddock in 1999, we’ve investigated technologies, processes and systems that can help make food production sustainable.

Video Row Guidance 2009

Whether it be strip-till equipment, autosteer tractors, precsion guidance, irrigator and fertiliser calibration methods, sensors or just good agronomy, “Sustainable Cropping Through Technology” has been part of us.

The ASALift Gantry tractor in 2013

We’ve covered many themes, adapting as our membership’s needs and curiosities have changed.

OZ440 – Robotic Weeding 2017

LandWISE 2019 continues this with stories and reports about technologies for nitrate management, weed management, drainage and more.

Smartphone app to measure percentage canopy cover 2108

We’re proud to be part of Techweek19.


Agronomy, AgTech, Conference, Plant Health, Uncategorized, Vegetables, viticulture, Weeds

LandWISE 2019: Frank Forcella

Abrasive Weeding: A New Tool for Weed Management

Frank Forcella

Frank Forcella is Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota where his research involves ecology, modeling, and management of weeds in crops. Frank has special focus on weed dormancy, germination and emergence, early seedling growth and seed production.

We invited Frank to LandWISE 2019 because, as well as an impressive weed research history, he investigates and shows how conventional and modern weed management tools can turn theory into practice and he has a drive to transfer this technology to appropriate user groups.

Our new involvement in a major AgResearch led project “Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds” includes assessing non-chemical methods of weed control. Frank and his colleagues and research students have considerable experience in these aspects, particularly in using air-blasted farm-sourced grits to abrade weeds.

A weed abrasion system developed for field scale application of abrasion for weed control (Frank Forcella image)

As well as presenting at the LandWISE conference, Frank will be an active participant in the Friday Special Technical Session “New Strategies to Manage Weeds”.

Conference, Fertiliser, Nutrients, Plant Health, Research, Uncategorized

LandWISE 2019: Brad Bernhard

Alternative fertiliser application methods

Brad Bernhard was born and raised on his family’s hog and grain farm in northern Illinois. We were introduced to him via a fascinating webinar that included the benefits of applying liquid fertiliser to create high N concentration directly in the plant’s rooting zone.

Brad earned his Master’s degree under the advisement of Dr. Fred Below in the Crop Physiology Laboratory studying the use of innovated foliar micronutrient sources in high yielding corn and soybean production systems.

Recently, Brad completed his Ph.D. degree in Crop Sciences focusing on in-season fertility using different fertilizer sources and application methods. In addition, he investigated ways to manage higher corn planting densities using narrower row spacings along with characterizing hybrids for use in these more intensive cropping systems.

Y-drops; a new way to apply nitrogen to row crops (Brad Bernhard image)

We think this approach has great potential for a wider range of crops, including winter vegetables, but have no doubts that it is not a case of a simple switch. We asked Brad to join speakers at LandWISE 2019 to share his experiences and (perhaps) warn us of some of the fishhooks he encountered along the way.

Agronomy, AgTech, Automation, Conference, Drainage, events, Nutrients, Plant Health, Precision Agriculture, Robotics, Sensing

LandWISE 2018: Technologies for Timely Actions

In 2018, our sixteenth conference addresses the topic of “Technologies for Timely Actions”. We are delighted that LandWISE 2018 is officially part of Techweek, a festival amplifying New Zealand innovation that’s good for the world.

The intention behind Techweek is simple – New Zealand’s technology and innovation sectors are growing rapidly, and Techweek fosters that growth by providing a week-long opportunity for connection and cross-pollination.

Registration

Registrations for LandWISE 2018 are open and you can book your place via the Techweek link. LandWISE members can also contact our Conference Admin if required.

Programme

The draft programme will be released soon. Members will receive regular updates, but for now pur 23-24 May in your diary.  Then come along, listen, discuss:

  • How can managers and other decision makers get the information they need, process it, and decide what to do?
  • What is the information they need?
  • What tools help them make sense of it?
  • What’s available (or coming) to make it as easy and reliable as possible to do the right thing, in the right place at the right time?

It’s not just robots and computers : the quick Nitrate test promises rapid determination of available N while standing in the paddock – considerable help when deciding “do I put more now or can I hold off?” Combine that with smart crop zoning (that does involve computing) and maybe we can lift quality and reduce impacts.

We look forward to once again greeting delegates at the LandWISE Conference in Havelock North on 23-24 May 2018.

How to stay in touch

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