How We Can Help

Our Catchment Farm Advisors are here to support farmers in the Hurunui

The Hurunui District Landcare Group catchment farm advisors are here to support our members farming operations with expert advice and services. As the landscape of farming regulations becomes increasingly complex, our team provides guidance and tools to help our farmers navigate environmental compliance smoothly.

All our services from developing Farm Environment Plans, Nutrient Budgets, Winter Grazing Plans, Farm Mapping, assistance with NZFAP+, support for audits and assisting groups with funding, facilitation and project management are provided as part of the group’s annual subscription fee with support from MPI and ECAN.

Our Services

Top image showing an outdoor scene, possibly related to farming or environment.

Nutrient Budgets

A nutrient budget is prepared to assist your decisions on nutrient management. A nutrient budget will effectively model the nutrient losses through the soil profile and inform you where efficiencies could be made with nutrient management on farm. They are a useful tool for modeling land use scenarios such as incorporating catch crops, wintering barns or converting part of the farm into a different land use.

Two individuals interacting by a rocky stream or river, possibly assessing the environment.

Farm Environment Plans (FEPs)

Regulatory changes can be challenging to navigate. We'll help you prepare a Farm Environment Plan to use as your tool to help you identify the environmental risks on your farm and make plans to manage and mitigate those risks. Your plan will be unique to your farm and will consider the type of farming, operational practices and local environment relevant to you.

Three individuals in a grassy field with a dog, likely discussing farming practices or land management.

Winter Grazing Plans

An effective winter grazing plan supports good animal health and welfare by keeping your stock comfortable, as well as minimising soil and nutrient loss to the environment. They also are a useful tool for ensuring all of your staff know the plan for wintering. Winter grazing plans can be used as evidence for implementing good management practices on farm. Our Catchment Farm Advisors are skilled in these plans and can assist you in updating or creating a plan for your farm.

Bottom image showing an outdoor landscape, potentially agricultural land.

Environmental Regulations
Advice

Our skilled team of Catchment Farm Advisors, with extensive expertise in all areas of farm environmental management and regulatory knowledge, can guide you through the complexities of environmental and regulatory requirements in the Hurunui District.

Bottom image showing an outdoor landscape, potentially agricultural land.

Farm Mapping

We can assist you with developing and/or updating farm maps, providing tear-off pads, laminated maps and whiteboards.

Stream Health Assessments

We can provide support to complete and understand water quality sampling methods, including SHMAK and eDNA. Learn more here.

Bottom image showing an outdoor landscape, potentially agricultural land.

Water Quality Data

We'll locate and provide local water quality data, giving you the best information to make informed decisions. We can also help with breaking down what does this information mean for us on farm.

NZFAP+ and Supplier Accreditation

We are able to help you achieve your NZFAP+ and other supplier assurance programs. We have supported members to achieve silver and gold NZFAP+ acrreditation.

Bottom image showing an outdoor landscape, potentially agricultural land.

Audit Support

Our Catchment farm advisors can provide support in preparing for audits.

Funding Applications

We can assist you with funding applications for group and individual farm projects.