70 | Working with people & science in the outdoors Founder Debbie Care, aka Dr Debbie, enjoys working with people, good support, and conversation. Tracey Edwardes Amalgamating the social and scientific side of farm life, AgVice helps out farms across the country. Founder Debbie Care, aka Dr Debbie, enjoys working with people, good support, and conversation. “I was a Bio-Physical Scientist for 25 years, with a PhD in plant science, and noticed the lack of communication of results to the end user and this prompted me to look at how to translate scientific knowledge to be more usable. I found my happy spot working with people and science, while being outside.” Debbie then started the Otorohanga-based company in 2009. The team of five’s strength is unique in diversity, characterized by the sheer breadth and depth of what they do. Along with her skill set and training to figure a lot of things out, additional support comes from a trusted subcontract network. “There’s been many recent decisions concerning freshwater farm plans, digital integrated farm plans and every mix in between, for both farm and eco systems. We work closely with farmers and catchment groups, establishing what suits the land, such as diversifying between horticulture, dairy and agriculture. After Cyclone Gabrielle, we helped where we could, helping with the science of rehabilitating the soil, then assessing other possibilities for the land. At Field Days, she was involved in a soil carbon company exhibit (VerdiNZ) and noted “there was quite a positive vibe there this year, and lots of conversation about soil biology.” “We’ve brought research into AgVice and use this to look for solutions by synthesizing information into a useful format. There’s lots of digital mapping, making what’s invisible to the naked eye visible. RURAL SERVICES » Agvice It’s important to use data, rather than leave it in a drawer for years. Client relationships are key for me and capturing their own relevant data in order to go forward. You can use satellite imagery, digitise old photos, and drone footage doesn’t miss a thing. It’s digital storytelling to see how far you’ve come, and to effect and measure change.” As a family business, everyone is trained to support each other’s roles which means the whole team has a diversity of skills. Daughter-in-law and environmental scientist Samantha does the digital storytelling and supports Dr Debbie’s role. Son Jake is a qualified drone pilot, offering cost-effective, accessible drone spraying, and aerial surveying. His partner Shayla is an environmental technician involved in the drone operation, other field work and data collection. Offering services from staff training to fixing gear, AgVice also offers soil remediation and sampling, pond-seepage testing, farm system audits, consent writing and monitoring, new systems design, on-farm environment audits, community group environment planning and regulatory due-diligence. Working from home and out in the field, the flexible consultancy grabs opportunities, and runs with them. “It could be a farm starting from scratch, or at a high level with an existing operation - the whole range. We encourage new ideas and new opportunities. You see amazing things where you don’t expect it.” “If we don’t know the answers, we find them, and are always learning and finding innovations all over New Zealand. I use people skills to act as mediator when there are differing perspectives to come up with plans that benefit both. There’s no silver bullet, just different solutions.” “Listening is imperative. RESEARCH & ADVISORY Integrated FarmManagement Plans Community Engagement Nutrient Management Plans debbie@agvice.co.nz www.agvice.nz 027 242 0586 FarmAerial Mapping & Soil Mapping Soil Infiltration & Compaction Risk-based Assessments Trusted since 1984. • Farm development • Strategic advice • Consenting • Nutrient management • Irrigation office@lei.co.nz 06 359 3099 lei.co.nz 07 871 4986 www.gibsonconstruc�on.co.nz “Where building quality is never compromised” I won’t tell anyone what to do but work in with them. Usually, it starts with a Zoom call or farm visit. And often an initial plan takes off in a completely different direction. Most importantly, getting involved early has the best cost-effective outcome.” The first person to email debbie@agivce.co.nz with a question they need help with, will receive $600 worth of consultancy with Dr Debbie.
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