Moisture monitoring considerations

With Spark and One NZ decommissioning their 2G and 3G networks across the country near the end of 2025. FAR has contacted the companies involved with the moisture probe trial to find out how it could affect your farm.

Read the booklet for the 2025 autumn round up series here. 

In 2023, FAR set up a Moisture Monitoring project at its Kowhai Research Site in Lincoln to provide independent insights into the range of moisture monitoring systems available in New Zealand. This report covers findings from the first year of the trial and outlines key considerations when choosing a moisture monitoring system.

Pure Oil NZ and FAR are collaborating to monitor oilseed rape (OSR) paddocks to identify strategies to improve yields. Their work has identified that many growers could reduce the amount of nitrogen applied to OSR crops without impacting on yield or profit.

This Arable Extra discusses optimal nitrogen rates for crops based on 2024-25 fertiliser and crop prices.

Read the booklet from our September 2024 spring field events here. 

As of 14 Feb 2025 this trial is now over for the 2024-2025 season. But it will be back later in the year, keep an eye out for updates.

Guidelines for the use of catch crops developed as part of the Forages for Reduced Nitrate Leaching Programme have been updated.

Find the booklets from the 2024 autumn round up series here. 

A Permitted Activity rule outlines conditions that must be met to operate without a consent. If your activity meets all of those conditions, you don’t need council authorisation, and are not required to notify us of the activity. By answering all of the questions below, you can determine whether intensive winter grazing would be a permitted activity on your farm, or whether you would need a resource consent.