The King of Organic Farming
To celebrate the King’s Birthday, we’re looking at how King Charles was an early advocate for organic farming, as reflected in his last speech as prince… Continue reading The King of Organic Farming
Category: Farming
A Big Thank You + Last Chance to get your Ticket for the ODPG ‘Organics’ Conference
It’s been an interesting journey with the conference this year. As it was our first big conference in years, the planning started well in advance last September. All our plans centred around Hawkes Bay, only for the area to be hit by major trauma just as our tickets were about to go on sale…. Continue reading A Big Thank You + Last Chance to get your Ticket for the ODPG ‘Organics’ Conference
2023 ODPG Conference | Waikato | APRIL 19 + 20
A packed Two-Day Organic Farming Conference with six knowledgeable speakers and two fascinating field trips. A chance for all those with an interest in organic, regenerative and biological farming to get together, learn together and share ideas. We hope you can join us! Continue reading 2023 ODPG Conference | Waikato | APRIL 19 + 20
Year of the Farmer
“Pride must be restored in being a farmer, otherwise there will be no incentive for the next generation — or even some of the current generation — to farm the land.” (Sally Rae, Rural Life) Continue reading Year of the Farmer
Open your Farm to Visitors in March 2023
Like Open Farms, the ODPG believes that every Kiwi benefits from getting up close and personal with the story of how their food is produced. This is a unique opportunity to educate people on organic and regenerative farming and raise awareness of the valuable work we’re doing. Continue reading Open your Farm to Visitors in March 2023
Open Farms 2023 Calls for More Participating Farmers
Open Farms is making it even easier for farmers to host an event for the 2023 national open day in March, and they’ll get heaps of support. Find out more… Continue reading Open Farms 2023 Calls for More Participating Farmers
Farmer Time!
A new initiative is enabling urban kids to expand their knowledge of food and farming in the classroom (and all sorts of other subjects at the same time) by engaging regularly with a farmer online. Continue reading Farmer Time!
Pesticide Use, Corporate Profits and Ecological Armageddon
The ‘Pesticide Atlas’ is something everyone should read, but probably not just before bedtime. The result of a huge amount of research by EU-based environmental organisations, it tells of dangerous substances, corporate profits, severe consequences and ecological armageddon, covering a raft of topics with useful infographics. It warns of a poisoned, famine-filled future if nothing is done. But these warnings have been sounded for three generations now and, despite this, global pesticide use has grown by 80% since 1990, and the resulting effects on populations of birds, butterflies and bees has been devastating… Continue reading Pesticide Use, Corporate Profits and Ecological Armageddon
Organic Motivations
This article by Philippa Jamieson for Organic NZ magazine features farming couple, George and Bronnie Stevenson (ODPG members) who run the successful Lindhurst Organics. She talks to them about their motivation for farming organically on their sheep and beef farm, and the role animals play in a world where the climate is changing. Continue reading Organic Motivations
New Zealand Farming Firsts
As a population, New Zealand is very small, but it has more than its fair share of inventors, and many of those have applied their skills to farming. Here are some firsts… Continue reading New Zealand Farming Firsts
Are regenerative and organic farming methods being discredited in NZ?
“…Clearly there has been cherry-picking of reports and clearly they’re leaving out research that has been done which proves the benefits of organic and regenerative farming.” Continue reading Are regenerative and organic farming methods being discredited in NZ?
A New (Re)Generation
‘A New (Re)Generation’ focuses on the experiences of farmer Carrie Richards, who went against convention, tradition and her father’s advice, and embraced regenerative farming on the family ranch. From the makers of ‘Kiss the Ground’. Continue reading A New (Re)Generation
The Huge Farming Benefits of Biodiverse Forage
“Animals are able to discriminate between foods based on sensory feedback from nutrients, including protein, energy and mineral levels. Grazing animals typically eat a variety of plants because no single food contains all the necessary nutrients, and all plants contain various amounts of toxins.” Continue reading The Huge Farming Benefits of Biodiverse Forage
ODPG Suppliers, Service Providers and Educators
We are very grateful to our ODPG Commercial Suppliers, and give them a regular shout out to share their products and services with a wider audience. The ODPG wouldn’t be here without their support. Find out who they are… Continue reading ODPG Suppliers, Service Providers and Educators
How to Integrate Livestock with Crop Rotation
Top tips on how to plan your livestock and crop rotation for the best results, with multiple benefits. Continue reading How to Integrate Livestock with Crop Rotation
Riparian Planting for Healthy Rivers
Here’s an example of an Organic Dairy Farm going to great lengths to ensure the river running through it remains healthy and full of life. It rates highly for macroinvertebrates – a sure sign that the hard work has paid off. Continue reading Riparian Planting for Healthy Rivers
The Scientific Validity of Organics
“Methods of agriculture can be classed as being scientifically informed – they use scientific knowledge to inform their philosophy. For example, there is a huge amount of scientific information about the harm done to people and our planet from agricultural technologies such as nitrogen fertilisers, pesticides, cultivation and monocultures. Organics takes this information and decides to limit or prohibit the use of these technologies due to the harm they cause.” Dr Charles Merfield (Stuff.co.nz) Continue reading The Scientific Validity of Organics
ODPG Webinar: Mastitis Q&A
Mastitis can come and go without rhyme nor reason and as organic food producers it can be a real battle to control without conventional intervention. In our members-only webinar, we’ll be looking at remedies that can be used by the organic farmer, including homeopathy. Continue reading ODPG Webinar: Mastitis Q&A
Earthworms and Soil Health
“Remember, weight of earthworms below healthy productive pastures is approximately equivalent to the weight of animals grazing above ground – a thought provoking fact.” Continue reading Earthworms and Soil Health
Planting Trees for Bees Farm Handbook
A useful guide to planting trees to encourage bees on farms has been updated and is available as a free pdf download. Get your copy… Continue reading Planting Trees for Bees Farm Handbook