MBIE proposal: Increasing farm productivity using trees
Blog post.
Tom Mackay-Smith and Raphael Spiekermann
5/14/20252 min read
Although much of our current work focuses on establishing native trees using tree guards, our broader ambition is to demonstrate how silvopastoral systems can increase farm profitability.
We did some preliminary work in 2021 that found 109% more pasture production under kānuka trees compared to open pasture.
In March, we submitted a MBIE Endeavour research programme proposal to MBIE aimed at validating these early findings on a larger scale.
The Team
For the application, we’ve collaborated with 21 scientists from 13 institutions, including researchers from New Zealand, the USA, Argentina, Germany, France, Singapore, and Switzerland.
We've also assembled an Industry Advisory Team comprising 13 organisations, including Beef + Lamb, MPI, Federated Farmers, Regional Councils, and farmer groups. A big thank you to everyone who supported us in developing this bid!
What would we study?
If funded, this would be the largest silvopasture field and modelling study ever undertaken globally.
The programme would:
Compare pasture growth and livestock performance using GPS collars under multiple tree species and designs.
Use process-based models to extrapolate findings across hill country landscapes.
Develop recommendations for farmers, and co-design and implement optimal silvopasture systems on two case study farms.
We expect to hear the outcome in mid-September — fingers crossed 🤞🏼
Photo (s) of the Month
Below are examples from the Wairarapa showing both positive tree effects, taken in March.
Is this due to livestock activity, the tree, or both? These are the kinds of questions our MBIE programme aims to answer.
