Herd health rises, costs reduced

Hal Harding finds sand is not far under the surface of his farm as he examines pasture soil as part of the constant surveillance required for biological farming. April calving cows are in the background. Photo / Mike Barrington

Dargaville dairy farmer Hal Harding is convinced a biological approach that nurtures soil health can make farming more profitable and sustainable.

He didn't always hold that view. He and his wife, Penny Smart, used to grow squash and kumara and fatten bulls. They didn't participate in biological farming until they converted to dairying 10 years ago.

The couple combined their cropping land with a neighbouring dairy farm they acquired to create a 380ha dairying platform on 513ha, with the balance in pines and swamp.

They had a lower order sharemilker for their first three years in dairying. After he left in 2007 they built a 54-bail rotary dairy shed, installed two large Herd Homes, and now milk 850 Friesian and Friesian-crosses.

For three years after conversion the farm was dressed with superphosphate, urea and herbicides in the prevailing farming fashion.

But Mr Harding, 57, said he had grown uneasy about the health of his herd and this had stimulated his interest in alternative farming. He attended forums - including one by nutrition expert Graeme Sait who will lead the Whangarei seminar on February 24-25 - and started thinking it could be time for a change.

The clincher came when he and Ms Smart were discussing their farm's requirements with a fertiliser sales representative who estimated the bill at about $250,000.

Mr Harding said they at first thought they would make do with half that amount of fertiliser, then phoned to cancel the whole order.

The farm has now had no superphosphate or potassium for six years. Nitrogen is applied only in liquid form. Lime goes on along with humates. Molasses is added to a mix of trace elements sprayed on pasture. Use of 24D was stopped and insecticides reduced.

Other aspects of biological farming cover close analysis of soil, using mycorrhizal fungi to aid pasture growth, and producing inexpensive mixes of natural products to improve soil.

Mr Harding, who now manages the farm with four staff, said an improvement in cow health was the first response to the switch to biological farming. "We've still got mastitis, lameness and breeding challenges, but the cows are looking better and our animal health costs are lower."

"It will take a few years before it [the impact of biological farming] comes out in the grass. The soil has to repair itself after 20 years of cropping."

Mr Harding and Ms Smart formed the KBFG with eight like-minded people nine months ago and membership has since increased to 35.

The Graeme Sait seminar, costing $250 to attend, will run from 9.30am-3pm on each of the two days. To register call Paul on 09 420 4425 or email pyeomanc@gmail.com.