Transform your farm with native trees
For livestock farming in New Zealand hill country, it is very difficult to balance the productivity of your operation and the costs of environmental conservation.
A potential solution for you could be native silvopastoral systems, where individual native trees are grown in paddocks at wide spacings of 12-20 metres.
We have researched their use in New Zealand hill country farms with extremely positive results.
Who can benefit from native silvopastoral systems?
Research has demonstrated a wide range of benefits of native silvopastoral systems:
For the livestock farmer, our preliminary research indicates potential for over 100% increases in production under tree canopies compared to open pasture in summer dry sites.
The trees can be successfully established at rates of up to 98% on steep hill country when planted at the right site.
Plantings qualify for carbon credits under the Emissions Trading Scheme, providing an estimated income of $75-150 per ha per yr for 30 years.
The trees provide shade, which has been shown to increase cattle grazing by 41 minutes on days hotter than 25°C in New Zealand.
The trees would provide shelter to lambs in cold and wet springs.
Planting long-lived native trees can reduce landslide erosion and provide sustainable habitat for native birds.
The best part is that if you pick the right tree species it will grow for at least 100 years, providing lasting benefits to the farm.
Verdantia Research was founded by Dr Tom Mackay-Smith, a Landscape Ecologist and Soil Scientist previously at Massey University, and Dr Raphael Spiekermann, a Geomorphologist and Geospatial Modeller previously at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research.
We are both active scientists, with nearly two decades of combined research experience working on native silvopastoral systems in New Zealand and overseas.
The science and the scientists
Dr Tom Mackay-Smith - Co-founder
Dr Raphael Spiekermann - Co-founder
A complete planting package to start your transformation
For the past year we have been developing and testing a novel tree guard with excellent results so farmers can cost-effectively space-plant plant any tree they want in sheep and cattle paddocks.
For Winter 2024, we have developed a native silvopasture planting package for the North Island. Our planting package includes:
Our novel tree guard tried and tested in sheep and cattle paddocks.
Native seedlings.
Tree spatial design plan depending on your aims and goals (e.g. for soil conservation, shade provision, microclimate influences, carbon credits).
Tree planting service.
Management of the system for two years.
We are fully subscribed for Winter 2024.
If you want to find out more about our tree guard or planting package for 2025, please leave your details below and we will be in touch.
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