Wednesday, 11 June 2025 12:03

Project takes aim at pasture persistence problem

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay opening the National Fieldays this morning. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay opening the National Fieldays this morning.

Farmers are welcoming a $17 million, seven-year collaborative science and research programme to lift pasture persistence and productivity.

The ‘Resilient Pastures’ programme will receive a $8.2 funding boost from the Government, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced at Fieldays today.

The state funding will come from Budget 2025’s new Primary Sector Growth Fund (PSGF). The study is led by DairyNZ with support from Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the T.R. Ellett Agricultural Research Trust, Hine Rangi Trust, Northland Dairy Development Trust (NDDT), Barenbrug, and Fonterra.

McClay says the partnership with farmers will boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability by identifying the most resilient, high-performing pastures for New Zealand conditions.

“This is a smart investment that will deliver real outcomes for farmers — increasing pasture performance, extending productive lifespan, cutting re-grassing costs, and improving profitability across the board,” McClay says.

“New Zealand farmers produce high-quality, safe, and sustainable food and fibre that is in demand around the world. Projects like this help us stay at the front of the pack —making it easier to farm productively and drive farm gate profitably.’

The project will focus on the upper North Island, where pasture productivity has been challenging. Research and trials will develop region-specific pasture mixes and on-farm practices that respond to changing conditions, with farmers involved every step of the way.

The problem is clear with farmers saying pastures are not lasting as long (persisting), and DairyNZ analysis suggesting pasture renewal rates are increasing as pasture harvest is declining – by 0.5 to 1 tonne of DM/ha per decade across Waikato and Northland.

Pasture is vital to the New Zealand economy. It provides a sustainable, low-cost feed source, underpinning the country’s competitive advantage in global markets and without action pasture persistence and productivity will likely continue to fall.

“This is one where we need to work together to ensure we can adapt and remain productive and sustainable in a changing climate,” DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown says.

“It’s a real concern for the country as a whole as it poses a threat to our pasture-based value proposition and to dairy as our biggest export earner. The solutions we discover and help farmers to adopt during this project will ultimately benefit all regions across the country.”

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says pasture is the foundation of red meat farming systems.

“It’s what makes our red meat production low-emissions, grass-fed, and globally competitive. If we lose pasture performance, we lose profitability and resilience – so this research is an important one for livestock farmers too.”

The strength of the Resilient Pastures programme lies in its grassroots focus.

“This isn’t top-down science – it’s driven by farmers’ real-world experiences and shaped by what they’re seeing on the ground. We’re partnering with them to develop practical, region-specific solutions that will strengthen the productivity and resilience of our pasture systems for the long term,” Acland says.

More like this

Fieldays calls for strategic investment in its future

A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.

McClay: “Go hard, go fast!"

Opening a new $3 million methane research barn in Waikato this month, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay called on the dairy sector to “go as fast as you can and prove the concepts”.

$2b boost in NZ exports to EU

New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.

Featured

Carrfields invests in new Ashburton R&D hub

The Ashburton-based Carrfields Group continues to show commitment to future growth and in the agricultural sector with its latest investment, the recently acquired 'Spring Farm' adjacent to State Highway 1, Winslow, just south of Ashburton.

Elite sheep dogs to go head-to-head at Ashburton A&P Show

A major feature of the Ashburton A&P Show, to be held on October 31 and November 1, will be the annual trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial test match, with the best heading dogs from both sides of the Tasman going head-to-head in two teams of four.

National

Tributes paid to Jim Bolger

Dignitaries from  all walks of life – the governor general,  politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Red faced

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…

Cold comfort

One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter