4 | ARABLE » Avonmore Farm A specialist producer of unique crops Karen Phelps Avonmore Farm’s mixed-crop operation has evolved from traditional farming to become a specialist producer of unique crops, including the increasingly popular superfood quinoa. Located in Methven, Canterbury, the farm spans 300 hectares and the journey into specialty crops began 15-20 years ago when grass weed problems prompted a search for alternative broadleaf crops. “In 1962 my father brought in around 20 different types of seeds after a Young Farmer trip abroad including canary seed and Hungarian millet, which we still grow. We were searching for something reliable and we like growing unique and different crops,” explains Andrew. A meeting with a mill in Timaru over a decade ago further sparked Andrew’s interest in ancient grains, leading to trials with quinoa and amaranth. After careful evaluation, quinoa emerged as the clear winner due to its superior yield and value compared to alternatives. “It’s a whole food in itself – high in amino acids and protein,” says Andrew, who has continued to refine his quinoa production by importing new varieties from Denmark and the Netherlands that offer better yields and lower levels of saponin – the bitter coating naturally found on quinoa seeds. He says quinoa is still a niche product with a handful of growers and two main marketers of quinoa in New Zealand but that there is strong interest in flaked quinoa which is more versatile and like rolled oats whereas the seeds cook like rice or porridge. Operating under the brand Canterbury Quinoa, Avonmore Farm products are locally grown, spray-free and produced using organic practices. Andrew says benefits for the conscious consumer include reduced food miles and the fact that Canterbury Quinoa product requires minimal washing before cooking due to the low saponin content. It’s just one part of the variety of crops Avonmore Farm grows including Hungarian and German millet, certified malting barley, garden peas, linseed, canary seed and grass seed. The German millet is primarily sold for making gluten-free beer while the Hungarian variety heads to the bird seed market. Gluten free grains have been an area of interest due to gluten intolerant family and friends. Avonmore Farm also trades in lambs during the winter and Andrew says animals are an integral part of a cropping operation for weed control, grass growth management and to hopefully result in additional profitability. “Trading lambs is not a sure thing and takes a lot of effort,” says Andrew. “There is much talk about the wheat market value, which has dropped but costs haven’t. One minute we get an indication of mills wishing to support locally grown but then they import cheaper grain from Australia. The grass seed market has also been very poor due to a glut, which occurred when China reneged on a contract. One saving grace is our interest rate on our mortgage has settled near 6% down from the 8.3% that it reached over the last two years though I am first to say when I first took the opportunity to go farming my mortgage was 12.1%!” Andrew’s partner, Gaewynne Hood, assists with packaging, marketing, invoicing and deliveries, but much of the farm operation relies on Andrew and international trainees brought in to help at harvest time through Rural Exchange New Zealand (RENZ). RENZ works with partners worldwide to find young overseas people keen to broaden their practical agricultural experience, arranging all work permits through an NZ Immigration-approved work exchange scheme. Rural Exchange New Zealand (RENZ) provides Kiwis with the opportunity to work abroad in agriculture, viticulture, hospitality, and even the building trade! We work with trusted partners in America, Canada, and Europe. RENZ is also an independent organisation dedicated to providing opportunities for young people from overseas to live and work in New Zealand in agricultural and horticultural industries. Talk to us about the different placement opportunities that are available. +64 27 6111143 www.ruralexchange.co.nz amanda@ruralexchange.co.nz ruralexchangenewzealandltd ruralexchangenewzealand @RuralExchangeNZ Through this system, Avonmore Farm benefits from workers who have at least 12 months of practical experience and the willingness to adapt to a different culture. “It’s a very good programme and RENZ filter trainees so they can place them with the right farm,” says Andrew. Looking ahead, Andrew, now 58, sees another decade of active farming in his future. “In the future as I retire we’ll lease land out and grow what we want to market – definitely including the quinoa and millet. I’ve got diesel in my blood and I love driving a tractor, I’ll always be a cropping farmer.” Located in Methven, Canterbury, the farm spans 300 hectares.
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