The Post January 2024

Happy New Year, and welcome to the January edition of The Post. This month, we take a look at the apple industry, showcasing hardworking businesses that have braved tough weather conditions but have continued to grow high-quality, nutritious fruit.

Our first profile is on Hawke’s Bay business, Bayleaf Organics. Owned by Craig and Wendy Dowling, their 40-hectare property across two orchards grows five varieties of apples that suit their organic practices and the region’s climate.

We visited Neil Robertson from Fensin Ltd at his home base in Waitetuna as he was rebuilding a cattle yard for one of his neighbours. The lifestyle block featured a small number of sheep and cattle, and while we were there, Neil showed us how to fit a panel of rails in a cattleyard.

Gisborne-based orchard Kaiaponi Farms has a long-standing history of cropping and has become a leading grower of apples, kiwifruit and feijoas. The business maintains a family-like ethos and has invested a lot in their modern packhouse, which they utilise on a full-time basis.

Growing Future Farmers is an initiative that helps young people gain essential qualifications to advance and equip themselves in the rural sector. Students live and train at a farm base, where they receive first hand skills and experience from those working on the farm.

Our state of the industry article for this month focuses on apples. We talk to key leaders and individuals within the industry as they share their insights and experiences.

We intend to continue supplying you with the best stories, activities and techniques in agriculture. If you have anything that you would like us to share, please get in touch.