WORKSHOP PASTORAL/ANIMAL

Steph Mitchell

I am a partner in Seahorse Farm, 160 hectares (120 effective), 175 Dairy cows, year round supplier to N.D.C, owned and farmed organically since 1989, Certified Demeter 1995 and Biogro 1998. This is a coastal farm with extreme climates, heavy clay soils, predominantly a Kikuyu pasture and located near hangarei Heads.

Farming Experience

Began with purchase of farm in 1989, other than childhood up bringing on a dairy farm. Prior to 1989 as an Aucklander, attended meetings and field trips with Soil & Health Assoc., and Maruia Society for many years, reading widely and became well informed with the principles of organic growing and sustainable land management issues.

Positive Experiences

Cow condition is our basic health preventative medicine. Quote from a vet 10 years ago from a Cow Fertility seminar: "If you guys would feed your cows, you wouldn’t need us. Seeing you won’t....."

Our animal health is 0.5% of current turnover, average annual vet bill is $200 per annum. We have used Homeopathic, herbal and cider vinegar treatments for Mastitis and metabolic problems. This is now readily accessible to farmers. Lame cow problems for winter milking herds are being given help by excellent seminars, which are equally beneficial to Organic and conventional farmers.

Kikuyu research initiatives are currently taking place in Northland and we believe Kikuyu pasture management has a far greater impact on production figures than does Organic Management. We pioneered a mulching mower management in 1990 in our area as an alternative to spraying it out, which was the conventional method of control. Now most farmers in our area mulch.

Soil fertility has been a major learning curve. Phosphorus levels are maintained with R.P.R. Lime is applied annually, plus Biogro Certified Fish Fertiliser and our own brews of fish, seaweed and weed teas. We take regular soil tests.

Negatives

We have had to "invent the wheel" in most areas. A commercial infrastructure (e.g. homeopathic vets, Biogro certified R.P.R. available and several brands of fish fertiliser) is now emerging, but nothing like what is available to support conventional farming methods.

Winter pugging is an ongoing hazard of winter milk supply, common to both styles of farming.

No quick fix methods during early spring feed pinches. We have to rely on homegrown supplement and length of rotation. Lack of support networks. It has been a lonely place for organic dairy farmers, especially men. Our main support has come from city friends and has been immensely important to our succeeding.

Conclusion

As a self trained organic dairy farmer, I strongly believe this industry will only be changed by a determined and ongoing education programme, that informs farmers of the benefits to themselves and their families, of health, clean food, lifestyle and overall environmental impacts. Support groups will need to be developed, and can come from all sectors of the community.

To the experienced, innovative N.Z dairy farmer, it will be the "Why go organic?" which will be the problem. If convinced, the "how" will follow.

Seahorse Farm
Ocean Beach Road
RD4 Whangarei