Massey leader Danny Donaghy explains the work and impact of the multi-institution research into contemporary and regenerative pastoral practices

Farming and environmental stewardship are often viewed as opposing forces, but the work of researchers and farmers in New Zealand highlights the harmonious relationship that can exist between these two vital spheres.

Danny Donaghy, Deputy Head of School for Agriculture and Environment at Massey University, provides an inspiring example of this partnership through the Whenua Haumanu Program. This initiative underscores how farming practices can contribute to both productivity and environmental resilience.

Launched in September 2022, the Whenua Haumanu Program is a seven-year collaboration between Massey University, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Lincoln University, crown research institutes, and various industry partners. According to Donaghy, this project is "New Zealand's most comprehensive program on the effects of contemporary and regenerative pastoral practices." By combining scientific rigor and practical applications, it aims to assess the relevance and suitability of regenerative farming methods alongside contemporary practices under New Zealand's unique conditions.

At the heart of this program is a robust network of research sites. Massey University hosts self-contained farm systems for both dairy cattle and sheep in Palmerston North. Lincoln University contributes with a key sheep research site in Canterbury. Other sites such as Dairy Trust Taranaki and AgResearch in Hamilton, explore diverse pastures and alternative farming methods. These sites not only provide valuable data but also serve as educational grounds for students. "We've already got 22 postgraduate students undertaking projects here at Massey," Donaghy shared. "It's a terrific opportunity for students from all different backgrounds to gain an understanding of pastoral farming in New Zealand."

The program's objectives are ambitious yet critical. "We want to provide a robust scientific evidence base around regenerative farming," Donaghy explained. This involves examining how regenerative practices, often developed in regions with degraded soils, apply to New Zealand's high-rainfall areas with young, carbon-rich soils. The focus extends beyond comparing practices. "We also want to identify potential areas for future improvement in both contemporary and regenerative systems," he added.

The research covers a wide spectrum, from soil biology and structure to animal health and product quality. Donaghy emphasised the comprehensive nature of the project: "We're starting below ground, going up into the pastures, into the animals that eat the pastures, and then looking at the impact on the animal products." Early findings are already emerging. For example, diverse pastures have shown a significant decrease in nitrous oxide emissions - up to 65% less compared to traditional ryegrass-legume pastures in initial studies. This is promising, but Donaghy is cautious. "We need to check if these results are repeatable because that would be really cool if they were."

A defining feature of the program is its farmer-centric approach. Donaghy highlighted the importance of practicality: "At the end of the day, you've got to ask, 'What’s a farmer going to take home from all this?'" Questions such as whether diverse pastures lead to more resilient systems or whether regenerative practices offer cost-effective solutions are central to the research. The ultimate goal is to provide actionable insights that farmers can implement to enhance their operations while benefiting the environment.

The principles of regenerative agriculture, though broadly agreed upon, often spark debate when it comes to specific practices. Donaghy noted that regenerative agriculture focuses on rehabilitation and conservation, aiming to maximise photosynthesis year-round and minimise soil disturbance. Practices being tested include incorporating more diverse pastures, extending grazing rotations, reducing fertiliser inputs, and exploring soil amendments like fish emulsions. "Every time you disturb the soil, you introduce light and oxygen, which can lead to the loss of organic matter and carbon," he explained. Minimising such disturbances is a cornerstone of the program's trials.

Despite its promise, regenerative farming faces challenges. One such issue is the perception that it necessitates reduced stocking rates. While some farmers transitioning to regenerative methods have reduced stocking rates, Donaghy clarified that this is not a prerequisite. "You don’t need to reduce your stocking rate to be regenerative," he stated. Upcoming research will explore whether regenerative principles can be maintained even with higher stocking rates, potentially broadening the appeal and applicability of these practices.

A particularly exciting aspect of the program is its engagement with farmers. Field days have drawn significant interest, allowing researchers to share findings and farmers to ask practical questions. Donaghy acknowledged the critical role farmers play: "Most of the innovation happens on-farm. That close relationship with farmers is essential for the program’s success."

The partnership with MPI represents a significant shift in research dynamics. Unlike traditional fee-for-service models, this collaboration emphasises long-term systems thinking and training the next generation of agricultural experts. "This seven-year program is not just about research; it's about building capacity," Donaghy said. Massey University’s strong focus on agriculture, bolstered by its international reputation, provides an ideal platform for this endeavour.

The broader implications of the Whenua Haumanu Program are profound. Pastoral farming is integral to New Zealand’s economy, culture, and social fabric. However, environmental challenges such as climate variability and nutrient losses demand innovative solutions. Regenerative farming, with its emphasis on diversity and soil health, may offer a pathway to address these issues. Yet, as Donaghy pointed out, the "so what" question remains paramount. Farmers need practical, evidence-based answers about what these methods mean for their productivity, resilience, and bottom line.

The program’s initial findings suggest a promising future. Improved soil health, reduced emissions, and enhanced product quality are all within reach. However, the journey is just beginning. Donaghy’s cautious optimism reflects the scientific rigour underpinning the project: "We may see some changes toward the end of the project, particularly in soil attributes, which often take years or even decades to manifest."

Ultimately, the Whenua Haumanu Program exemplifies how farming and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. By grounding its research in real-world applications and maintaining a focus on farmers' needs, it offers a model for sustainable agriculture that benefits both people and the planet. Donaghy’s parting words capture this vision: "Innovation happens on-farm. Our role is to support that innovation with robust science and practical solutions."

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Angus Kebbell is the Producer at Tailwind Media. You can contact him here.