| 47 Ballance Farm Environment Awards » Burnage Road Orchards Great recognition for a huge effort Judges praised Mervyn’s drive to continually refine and improve the system. Alexia Anderson Burnage Road Orchards has been named a finalist in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Northland region, proving its worth as a leader in sustainable and resilient horticulture. Family owned and operated, led by Mervyn Evans, Burnage Road Orchards is an avocado growing business, which prides itself on cutting edge technology and environmental stewardship. He says being named as a finalist is great recognition for the huge effort, commitment and dedication of all those involved in the project from the outset. The orchard was established in 2019, firstly with the Huka block before a neighbouring property was also purchased, now known as the Tote orchard. Today the operation spans 32 hectares, with 17.72 hectares planted in avocados, all designed with sustainability in mind. Water management has been a defining feature of the orchard’s development. Drawing on 25 years of rainfall data, the Evans family invested in a 50,000 cubic metre lined reservoir to capture runoff. The system uses natural slopes and a network of drains to channel water back into storage, securing supply while preventing nutrient loss. The impact has been significant. Tote has achieved an estimated one-third reduction in water use, with further gains through precision irrigation. “We are confident our water and nutrient use is almost 40 per cent less than our use for an identical area on Huka.” Energy innovation has also played a key role within the business. With no access to three-phase power, the orchard operates largely off-grid, with solar panels and battery storage supplying day-to-day energy needs, while a diesel generator is used only when required for irrigation. “Through circumstance and design, we arrived at a place that was both kinder on the environment and made economic sense.” Nutrient management is another area where efficiency and precision are prioritised. Supported by tailored software and expert advice, the orchard applies a targeted “little and often” fertiliser approach. “When it came to fertiliser, a key focus for us was making sure that we only used what the trees need, the plan was feed a little and often.” Strong yields have followed, including last season which produced 16.5 tonnes per hectare across both orchards. Innovation also plays a role in the orchard’s design, with a unique staggered, double-row planting system improving workflow and optimising crops. Technology is also increasingly embraced within operations, such as drone orchard mapping to help guide pruning and canopy management decisions. Environmental stewardship remains a core focus. Native bush areas are being protected and expanded to support biodiversity, including habitats for the endangered Northland green gecko. Judges praised Mervyn’s drive to continually refine and improve the system, noting his commitment to implementing smarter, more efficient solutions. Looking ahead, Mervyn is clear about the challenges facing modern farming. “Every aspect of farming is becoming more difficult and demanding, to make sure we remain economically viable whilst reducing our footprint requires the adoption of technology, specialist Denny Windelborn - Director 021 027 89 499 | admin@northcontracting.co.nz Providing skilled, reliable labour to support all stages of orchard operations across Northland CONTRACTING LTD HARVESTING • PRUNING • FERTILISING IRRIGATION • GENERAL ORCHARD MAINTENANCE GLOBALG.A.P. & GRASP CERTIFIED Looking for independent orchard nutrition advice? Get clear, practical advice tailored to your orchard. Michael French 021 087 99208 michael@orchardnutrition.co.nz support and some serious dedication to succeed.” As a Ballance Farm Environment Awards finalist, Burnage Road Orchards showcases just how innovation, sustainability and productivity can work collectively, and reap rewards in more ways than one. PROUD TO PACK AND MARKET AVOCADOS FOR BURNAGE ROAD ORCHARDS. CONGRATULATIONS MERVYN, LELIA, AND ARI! Contact us today to secure your 2026-27 export and domestic market spots. justavocados.co.nz Trading 12 months of the year means Darling Group has a finger on the pulse of the global avocado market. We have the intel and the adaptability to maximise your outcomes each season. Kyra Fielden 027 257 5028 kyra@justavocados.co.nz Grower Services
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