Fertiliser Association of New Zealand

We want to extend a very large thank you to Dr Ants Roberts for his contribution to our Technical Committee (pictured) from which he has stepped down after nearly 30 years of service. Ants is highly regarded domestically and internationally for his technical expertise in nutrient management, his breadth of knowledge of pastoral farm systems and his ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely. His contributions to the Association’s Technical Committee have assisted our decision making through sound guidance for investment in research, development of nutrient management information resources, training and certification modules plus practical, farmer and research focused context for all nutrient management matters. There are few who would be his equal in this domain. Although Ants is still active in his primary role in the fertiliser industry, we will greatly miss his invaluable contributions and the energy he has brought as a member of the Fertiliser Association Technical Committee. 👉 You can learn more about our technical committee here: https://lnkd.in/gne3XhY3

We have recently updated our Fertiliser Use on New Zealand Sheep and Beef Farms booklet. It provides clear, concise information on key aspects of #soilfertility and #nutrientmanagement for productive dry-stock farming.  📗 The booklet is part of a long-standing series of well-respected guides on fertiliser use, specific to New Zealand conditions. As with the dairy booklet from this series, the sheep and beef booklet has been revised to align with the 2023 Code of Practice for Fertiliser Nutrient Management and helps to support improved environmental outcomes.  Introductory sections describe the assessment and management of soil nutrient status. It identifies recommended soil test ranges for different nutrients by soil type and provides science-based guidance on maintaining soil fertility. Environmental considerations remain an essential part of nutrient management. This revised edition includes new information on soil characteristics affecting phosphorus loss from more susceptible production areas. New information is also provided on economically optimal soil phosphorus levels, recognising that for many sheep and beef farms this may be below that required for near maximum pasture production. ➡ Supporting industry good practice, following the 4R’s with the Right Product, in the Right Place, at the Right Time and at the Right Rate, the 2024 revised version of 'Fertiliser Use on New Zealand Sheep and Beef Farms' is now available on our website here: https://lnkd.in/gNiBwpjq If you would like a hard copy of the booklet, email your name and physical address to info@fertiliser.org.nz.

An interest in farm sustainability and sustainable fertiliser management was the key driver behind Massey University student Theané de Klerk’s decision to focus her Master’s degree on New Zealand’s agricultural phosphorus budget. Theané is one of three students that the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand is currently supporting as part of our commitment to developing New Zealand’s agricultural research capability on nutrient management. 📑 Learn more about Theané's research here: https://lnkd.in/gj_B6Ytm #phosphorus #farmsustainability #studentresearch #fertiliser #nutrientmanagement

It's time to have a cuppa ☕ and read our June Fertiliser Matters newsletter. Issue 88 is available here: https://lnkd.in/ga9_uEwE #UpdatedandNewBooklets #ResearchNews #Submissions #ThankYou #NMACP #CNMA

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand places great value on developing New Zealand’s agricultural research capability. One way we do this is through supporting PhD students. Among the students we are currently supporting is Kaitlin Watson, a Lincoln University student whose PhD looks at phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) cycling in dryland pastures under conventional and regenerative agriculture management. Learn more about Kaitlin and the research she is undertaking here: https://lnkd.in/gZVYqPyc #AgriculturalResearch #Phosphorus #Nitrogen #PhD

One of our newest Certified Nutrient Management Adviser’s, Gareth McKerchar recently earnt a spot in the Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final after taking out the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year title. 🐮 🐑 We caught up with Gareth to talk about his success in the Aorangi Young Farmer competition, his preparation for the Grand Final, as well as his CNMA journey.  📖 Read his full story here: https://lnkd.in/e--rgZR2 #NutrientManagement #CNMA #YoungFarmeroftheYear

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand (FANZ) has developed a new booklet ‘Sampling Pastoral, Arable and Horticultural Soil – the principles and practices of soil sampling’, which sets out recommended soil sampling methods, to ensure valid comparison and interpretation of repeated soil sampling overtime.    Soil sampling is an essential first step in assessing the amounts of available major nutrients present in soils relative to those required by the plants.   Poor soil sampling will lead to misleading information on which to base subsequent fertilisation actions, which could result in loss of productivity and profitability, and potentially have negative environmental impacts. Informed soil sampling protocols, as described in the booklet, have been developed to account for and minimise the variability of soil testing associated with complex biological ecosystems and varying landscapes.   📗 Our latest booklet can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gNiBwpjq   A special thanks to J D Morton (MortonAg), A.H.C Roberts (Ravensdown) and I.L Power (Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd) for their editorial contributions to the booklet. (Photo - features one of the figures included in the Assessing Soil Nutrient Status section of the booklet)

"Being a Certified Nutrient Management Adviser has two key benefits. Firstly, it gives clients, regional councils, and planners confidence that I have the expertise to complete the work to a high standard. Secondly, the process of becoming certified and the ongoing professional development ensure that I am up to date with changes to the Overseer model and relevant science" – Mo Topham, CNMA. Have you thought of joining Mo and becoming a Certified Nutrient Management Adviser (CNMA)? ❔ Do want to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the provision of nutrient management advice to the highest standard? ❔ Would you like access to ongoing continuing professional development opportunities? ❔ Do you want to keep abreast of emerging policy needs? If the answer is YES then head to our Nutrient Management Adviser Certification Programme website (https://lnkd.in/gHTUfQh4) and hit the Become Certified tab to learn more about what is involved and who can apply. 👀 Looking to find an Adviser rather than become an Adviser? That’s easy too – simply click on the map on our website to find a CNMA in your region: https://lnkd.in/gwrBcnJG

Ongoing scientific research is critical to New Zealand agriculture. The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand is dedicated to funding research as well as developing New Zealand’s agricultural research capability by supporting PhD research on nutrient management. One such student is Massey University's Nicola Wilson who is currently undertaking research on ‘What Hot Water Extractable Carbon and Nitrogen can tell us about changes in labile soil Carbon and Nitrogen'. Learn more about Nicola's research and why she is undertaking it: https://lnkd.in/gZvftq9A #HWEC #HWEN #Soilhealth #research #farmproductivity #environment

📰 Our February newsletter, Fertiliser Matters, is out now. Read all about the 2023 recipient of our FANZ award for a PhD student involved in soil research; our updated Fertiliser Use on NZ Dairy Farms booklet; Dairy Farmers reporting on nitrogen use; and find links to updated sector statistics and research, plus much more.  ➡ Our February Fertiliser Matters can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gw-zpD8u #DairyFarm #DairyFarming #soilhealth #FertiliserMatters