Bayden Anderson admits it was his “bloody good Ravensdown fert rep,” Christy Chapman, who convinced him to join a Pilot Farm Network webinar, where he learned about a unique new ryegrass cultivar from CropMark.
After attending the digital event, devoting five hectares to research was a no-brainer for Bayden.
His 500-hectare sheep and beef farm in Porongahau, Hawke’s Bay, is now testing the new ryegrass cultivar with a novel endophyte, with awesome results so far.
In research terms, “novel” means unique. CropMark Seeds’ ryegrass includes an endophyte that protects against insect damage without posing any risk to livestock.
Although it’s early days for Bayden, with the seed sown in autumn (and hindered by a lack of rain), the results look promising, with good, even germination.
“The paddock we chose had been planted in chicory,” he explains. “I gave them the fert history and how I planned to drill it, and CropMark provided the seed at a very favourable rate. So far, the crop looks rock solid.”
Reflections on the Pilot Farm Network
Bayden has become an advocate for the Pilot Farm Network, and he’s pleased he took Christy’s advice.
At the time, Christy had just moved from being a Ravensdown Ag specialist, to a new role at Agnition Ventures, where she’s since been involved with loads of projects, and most recently, the Pilot Farm Network.
“I was gutted to lose her as my rep, but she’s a good leader and this is a great initiative,” Bayden says.
“It’s a simple concept. I get to hear about new technologies, and even if some don’t interest me, they might help a mate down the road.”
Catching up on the latest ag innovations is as easy as dialling into a Zoom meeting over lunch.
Ag innovators pitch their products, and curious farmers can sign up to put them to the test—no long drives to draughty community halls. Farmers appreciate the chance to help fine-tune practical new tools and solutions.
We look forward to following up on the long-term outcomes of Bayden’s ryegrass trial.
The Goal
Acceleration of agtech adoption in the indusrty
By 2030, we aim to reach 10,000 farmers, have completed 1,000 on-farm points, and showcase 100 innovators through our pilot farm network.