FAR Weekly: 5 November 2017

Plantain has become an increasingly important component of pasture seed mixes, driven in part by heightened environmental concerns regarding nitrate leaching from grazed pastoral systems. Nitrogen (N) fertiliser management is widely regarded as the principal agronomic lever for increasing plantain seed yield, especially in environments with low inherent soil fertility. This project aims to improve the agronomy of plantain seed production by identifying optimal biological and economic N application rates.

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is the main ryegrass species grown for seed in New Zealand, supporting both pasture and turf markets. Canterbury leads production, with around 12,000 ha sown annually. This study pulls together results from ten Canterbury field trials to assess how different fungicide programmes and timings affect seed yield. It compares early versus late applications and offers practical advice to help growers improve rust control and maximise returns.

This book outlines trial-specific yields and individual cultivar disease ratings for autumn sown wheat and barley cultivars included in the 2025-2026 CPT trials.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

FAR's Southern Arable Research Hub at Knapdale, north of Gore, is currently entering its third season. Here’s an update of what has been going on.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Want to have more of a say in how FAR operates in Canterbury? We’re looking for growers to join the Mid-Canterbury (MC) and Northern South Island (NSI) Arable Research Groups (ARGs). ARGs work with FAR to guide research and extension delivery within their region. Each of FAR’s seven ARGs includes up to 11 growers and up to five appointed members (usually from industry). They meet three or four times a year to share regional ideas and information and discuss research and extension projects. 

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

With concerns about fuel and fertiliser prices increasing, FAR Technology Manager Chris Smith has some tips for doing your best to use inputs as efficiently as possible.