| 39 T T Karen Phelps Arable farming leader scoops prestigious award Hugh and Sharon Ritchie - committed to the development of arable farming. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Drumpeel Farms P SRS 03 302 8115 email: nzoffice@spsnz.co.nz Proud to be working with Drumpeel Farms SOUTH PACIFIC SEEDS (NZ) LTD Specialists in Hybrid Vegetable Seed Production www.gifforddevine.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING ANOTHER LOCAL BUSINESS I I PH. 877 0004 9 DONNELLY ST. HAVELOCK NORTH . www.havelocknorthtyres.co.nz Hawkes Bay’s largest range of tractor tyres! On Farm Service In recognition of his dedication to sustainable and innovative farming practices, Hugh Ritchie, a prominent figure in Hawke’s Bay’s agricultural landscape, has been honoured with the prestigious title of Arable Farmer of the Year for 2023. The award, which is particularly unique in that it’s a nominated award rather than one applied for, reflects Hugh’s exceptional contributions to the arable farming industry. “Obviously, I’m very proud that my peers rate me,” says Hugh, displaying a sense of humility and pride in being acknowledged by his fellow farmers. He highlights that this award embodies a rounded approach to the industry, not merely centred around farming, and recognises the holistic contributions made to the farming community. Hugh’s dedication to the industry is underscored by his active participation on the Irrigation New Zealand board. He has been a longstanding member of the Foundation for Arable Research board for 12 years and had the honour of chairing it towards the end of his tenure. One of his most notable achievements during his board service was driving the development of what would later become Cultivate Ventures, an innovative agri-tech and agri-food investment fund. This initiative, backed by the Foundation for Arable Research and strong industry support, was conceived to address a pressing question: “How can we add value to the balance sheet of the business?” Hugh says. “Arable crops faced challenges in terms of returns, and the board saw an opportunity to drive innovation and better returns for the industry. Businesses can apply for investment, and the goal is to generate returns that would, in turn, fund further research and create more opportunities—a circular economy approach to farming.” Hugh’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his farming practices. For over two decades Hugh has been a staunch advocate for reduced tillage, implementing practices he gleaned from his Nuffield Farming Scholarship back in 2000. His study involved a deep dive into irrigation systems and reduced tillage farming systems. This led him to transition to strip tillage and direct drilling, re-evaluate irrigation methods and embrace a whole systems approach to farming where soil health is prioritised. Continuing a five-year rotation plan with diverse crops not only enhanced weed control but also led to reduced chemical and fertiliser usage. Beyond the environmental benefits, these changes made economic sense and supported sustainability. Strip tillage, for instance, enabled the farm to operate at fewer than 10 litres of fuel per hectare for primary cultivation, in stark contrast to conventional cultivation’s consumption of nearly 100 litres, says Hugh. Livestock is a vital component of Hugh’s farming mix, providing income diversification and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges, which came to the fore after Cyclone Gabrielle helping sustain the farm’s profitability and stability. As a family business, the Ritchies have always placed a strong emphasis on community involvement and mutual support. Hugh fondly acknowledges the incredible support they received from the wider community after Cyclone Gabrielle. “We had young guys from all over New Zealand come to help fence, people rallying around and people ringing to check we were okay and see how things were going. We’re still tidying up big time with large areas of silt and rubbish and we still have another two to three kilometres of fencing to get back in. But we’re in a good space with the majority of our ground back into crop this year.” He says receiving the Arable Farmer of the Year award has been one shining light in what was otherwise a challenging year. Another highlight this year was that Hugh and wife Sharon participated in a group of farmers who journeyed to the UK to explore arable businesses, underscoring the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to adapt to new practices and technologies.
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