2008 Winners

2008 Hill Laboratories Harvest Award

2008 Ballance Nutrient Management and Environment Award

Environment Canterbury Water Efficiency Award

Don and Sandy Hart

Springfield Estate

In the past two years, the way Springfield Estate is farmed has changed significantly.

In 1985 Don and Sandy Hart bought the historic 327ha Methven property, and until 2005 they farmed it traditionally as an intensive irrigated lamb finishing and arable unit, while bringing up sons Andrew and Duncan and daughter Emma.

About five years ago, prompted by the reality of falling returns and rising costs, Don had what he calls “a real awakening, and my brain started seeing things from a different angle”. He began asking questions, and actively pursuing answers, studying soils, the fertiliser industry and biology in New Zealand, and overseas.

What he learnt compelled him to set aside the so-called “modern” methods he’d always used and begin practising biological farming two years ago.

The results since the switch, Don proudly reports, have been “phenomenal”.

Using biological practises, Don and Sandy and their farming partner, son Andrew, are still working with the same kind of crops and stock as previously, but with a reducing use of chemicals and conventional fertiliser.

Between 6000 and 10,000 lambs, depending on market conditions, are finished each year alongside a proven rotation of a range of crops including spring wheat, greenfeed, brassicas, borage, peas, annual grass and triticale.

The award judges liked what they saw at Springfield, noting “excellent yields, healthy soil and above average livestock performance”.

With biological farming practises, the Harts are gradually resetting and balancing their soil system, so there is a constantly improving soil quality and encouragement of natural processes, like the ability of plants to absorb nutrients from the air, and fight fungi and bacteria without introduced chemicals.

Outcomes of this system include increased water retention, decreased nutrient leaching and, of fundamental importance, a rich, fertile soil humus.

Don believes farmers – himself included until recent years - have a tendency to not have or take the time to fully comprehend some concepts.

“Knowledge is the key,” he says. “We need to understand things so we can make decisions ourselves instead of listening to others.”

What he’s learnt and seen in the past few years both in this country and overseas, at conferences, conventions and on individual farms has convinced him he’s on the right track.

“This is not an airy fairy thing,” Don says, “I am predicting these practises will become mainstream, in time.

Don is quick to point out biological farming practise does not advocate that compounds like nitrogen are not required, “but I would say, you don’t need to buy it in a bag”.

This year the Harts are aiming to make around 2000tonnes of humefied compost on the property. They’ve imported a turning machine from the US to speed the composting process up to between 8-10 weeks. Compost ingredients include wheat straw, sticks, grass clippings and outsourced feedlot manure.

Don is a director, shareholder and advisor for the Healthy Soils Company, but he views what is being achieved at Springfield Estate as the most effective vehicle for demonstrating what can be achieved. “Not saying it, just doing it,” he says.

Water is treated with huge respect on the Hart property. Don appreciates the saving in energy cost that will be made this year when pressurised water becomes available, at their boundary, via the Rangitata Diversion Race scheme. “When it comes in a pipe, you have no evaporation or seepage.”

Three pivoting laterals and a hard hose gun means they will have a full allocation of water for the entire property while allowing for selective irrigation.

“It’s brilliant water, really efficient use of it, and of the energy associated with applying it,” believes Don.

An aquaflex system of soil moisture monitoring is a vital tool, taking the guesswork out of deciding when water’s required. “Before we had it, we could only assume,” says Don. “We don’t use it as much as we used to though, because we have learnt so much from what it has told us.”

Succession planning has been a priority for Don and Sandy Hart. “We see sustainability of agriculture pretty broadly, and estate planning is part of it,” says Don.

While Andrew is in partnership with his parents farming, second son Duncan is an equal partner in the Hart’s Sky Farmers aerial topdressing business. It services from North Canterbury down to North Otago, a business built up since 1982 when Don and a pilot joined forces. The Harts took over the business in the mid 1980’s. Daughter Emma assisted with Sky Farmers prior to moving to Banks Peninsula with her partner and son.

It is of highest priority to the Harts that Springfield Estate is kept in good heart – they take their stewardship role seriously. Sandy manages the extensive garden and lawns by herself. The estate was once 13,760ha; Don points out the area that is now their farm could easily have been just one paddock.

The large homestead was built progressively from 1850 until 1887. Three years ago the Harts completed a significant maintenance and renovation project, careful to stay within the home’s age and character.

When they began, they were unsure what they would find, so were delighted to discover the place is structurally sound, built from heart rimu and kauri. “The builders were in awe of the straightness and levels,” says Don.

Hill Laboratories Harvest Award
What the judges said…

• Above average crop yields with profitable stock trading to balance the risk associated with cropping.
• Return of crop residue to soil by use of disc incorporation along with a nutrient mix to aid straw breakdown.
• Working to reduce chemical applications through improved soil health.

Ballance Nutrient Farm Award:
What the judges said…

• High awareness and monitoring of soil health with substantial investment in soil and plant testing.
• Production and application of compost tea and foliar feed sprays with recorded nutrient analysis.
• Personal investment of time to attend seminars on the biological approach to farming.

Environment Canterbury Water Efficiency Award:
What the judges said...

• Irrigation monitoring and crop scheduling to allow for efficient use of water.
• Increased organic matter in soil has increased water holding capacity.
• Flexible irrigation system with design matching farm layout.

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© 2009 Environment Canterbury