The Post May 2024

Welcome to the May edition of The Post. This month, we focus on the horticulture sector and take a look at two orchards with their sights set on creating sustainable businesses through improving the land they work on, upskilling staff and embracing new technology. We visited Windermere Berry Farms in Whanganui, where general manager, Matthew Boswell showed us across the ten-hectare property, and the key varieties of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries on site.

In Cromwell, we met with Nick Common at Lowburn Cherries, a 65-hectare canopy-planted cherry orchard in its second year of development. Nick showcased some of the cutting-edge systems his team were implementing as well as sharing their plans to minimise carbon use and increase biodiversity.

On site at Lowburn Cherries, we also were introduced to David Holwerda of Fortress Farms, who is working alongside Nick to design and develop the orchard. While we were there, David showed us how to install orchard poles.

The annual Marlborough-Nelson Dog Trials took place over 8th and 9th March, this year celebrating their 125th anniversary. We headed to Hawkesbury for the event and chatted to president of the Marlborough-Nelson Centre, Grant Wyllie, about the competition and the positive community who are passionate about dog trials.

Our State of the Industry article for this month focuses on horticulture. 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.