56 | The quiet soil health revolution is here Agrownomics has evolved from a one-person operation into a team of consultants. Karen Phelps New Zealand’s farming community is experiencing a quiet revolution as farmers become increasingly knowledgeable about soil health, driving demand for specialist consultancy firms like Canterbury-based Agrownomics, says owner Canaan Ahu. “Farmers are becoming more inquisitive. How do they take care of the land and be sustainable for the future? Most farmers want to do better so it’s about working alongside them to improve what they are doing,” says Canaan. Established in 2013 with a vision to grow nutrient-dense food through productive farming practices, Agrownomics has evolved from a oneperson operation into a team of consultants working across viticulture, arable, sheep and beef, and dairy sectors. The company’s approach centres on the belief that soil management is the key to profitable land systems, with consultants focusing on soil structure, trace elements and co-factors to make macro elements function effectively. “We are one of the few companies that are independent,” explains Canaan. “We are there to serve the farmer.” This independence has become increasingly valuable as farmers navigate what Agrownomics describes as “a climate of fear” with changing regulations, uncertain payouts and rising costs. The consultancy emphasises ongoing relationships rather than one-off services. “We have a range of experience in our crew, collectively more than 60 years of wisdom. We don’t do a soil test, make a plan and walk away for a year. We are in there consistently taking data and advising farmers to help them achieve their goals and all within their budgets,” says Canaan. This approach is yielding impressive results. In one case, a Horarata dairy farmer with 1,600 cows reduced annual deaths from 80 in a twomonth window to just 30 across an entire season. This was achieved by addressing calcium and magnesium deficiencies in the soil, which in turn improved plant yield and animal nutrition. Another success story comes from the Waimakariri, RURAL SERVICES » Agrownomics where a farmer increased dry matter production from 16-17 tonnes to 21-22 tonnes per hectare while reducing nitrogen use from 300 to 170 units per hectare annually over six years. Modern techniques employed by Agrownomics include soil sampling, tissue analysis and sap testing, which Canaan describes as being “like a blood test for humans” to help identify plant health issues before they become visible problems. The company is also involved in forward-thinking research, partnering with Ngai Tahu Farming and Ngai Tuahuriri on a seven-year programme comparing side-by-side dairy farms to assess environmental impacts of different practices. The growing interest in soil health represents a significant shift in thinking, says Canaan, and farmers who are being proactive about their soil are really reaping the results. “Not long ago farmers only dugs holes when putting a post in the ground. Now it’s becoming common to dig a hole to check moisture levels, worm activity and N fixation,” he says. 0800 222 203 www.mainfert.co.nz We are proud to be a key nutrient supplier for Agrownomics Proven results Better soil, better plants, better stock North Canterbury owned and operated Foliar Fert applicator. Working alongside Agrownomics with our farmers to get the best results for them. 027 748 2965 @glasseyspreading As New Zealand agriculture faces pressure to reduce chemical inputs and environmental impacts, Agrownomics aims to be partners in the transition to more sustainable practices, working with farmers who are increasingly seeking knowledge about the ground beneath their feet. “We see a massive opportunity going forward to farm in a way that our soils function at a high capacity that flows onto plant health and animal health,” says Canaan. “It’s fun being part of a farmer’s journey where we can make a big impact.”
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