Integrated Sustainable Farm Planning

Integrated sustainable farm plans help farmers and landowners manage their properties, farm operations, and environmental values in a sustainable way.  Farm plans can be
used for  dairy, dry stock,  and deer farms,  and aim to protect and enhance both farm production and environmental values for current  and future generations.   Sustainable 
farm  planning focuses on the  sustainable management of resources, including soils,  waterways, natural areas, and biodiversity, providing  a long-term intergrated approach
specifically tailored to each property.  The same principles can also be applied to orchards, vineyards, farm forestry, and plantation forests at whatever scale is appropriate.

Our approach is based on first-hand experience and  understanding of the physical, economic, and  commercial dimensions of farm management.   The core component of our
farm plans is often an assessment of Land Use Capability, which considers the soil types present, and their suitability for land uses. This is accompanied by detailed GIS-based
mapping of your property.   Our farm plans are designed in close consultation with the landowner, to ensure that they meet expectations and are able to be implemented cost-effectively.

Hill country pasture near Taumaranui	Steam and Wetland Restoration, South Auckland

Farm plans can also include advice on:
• Soil conservation and erosion control
• Water conservation, including enhancement of water quality, and protection of streams and wetlands
• Establishment of wood lots, including native species for timber production
• Establishment of trees for shelter, amenity values, fodder, nectar production, and biodiversity
• Carbon monitoring and assessment
• Enhancement of habitats for wildlife, including game birds and freshwater fish
• Funding opportunities for ecological restoration

Vineyards, Hawkes Bay	Riparian Forest, Hawkes Bay
Native Forest remnants

Example Integrated Sustainable Farm Plan (click to open full version [3MB]) 

Related services

• Pest management
• Indigenous planting
• Strategic advice
• Refer to other services on website