New Zealand’s farming community is experiencing a quiet revolution as farmers become increasingly knowledgeable about soil health, driving demand for specialist consultancy firms like Canterbury-based Agrownomics, says owner Canaan Ahu. “Farmers are becoming more inquisitive. How do they take care of the land and be sustainable for the future? Most farmers want to do better, so it’s about working alongside them to improve what they are doing,” says Canaan.
Established in 2013 with a vision to grow nutrient-dense food through productive farming practices, Agrownomics has evolved from a one-person operation into a team of consultants working across viticulture, arable, sheep and beef, and dairy sectors. The company’s approach centres on the belief that soil management is the key to profitable land systems, with consultants focusing on soil structure, trace elements and co-factors to make macro elements function effectively. “We are one of the few companies that are independent,” explains Canaan. “We are there to serve the farmer.”
This independence has become increasingly valuable as farmers navigate what Agrownomics describes as “a climate of fear” with changing regulations, uncertain payouts and rising costs. The consultancy emphasises ongoing relationships rather than one-off services. “We have a range of experience in our crew, collectively more than 60 years of wisdom. We don’t do a soil test, make a plan and walk away for a year. We are in there consistently taking data and advising farmers to help them achieve their goals and all within their budgets,” says Canaan.
This approach is yielding impressive results. In one case, a Horarata dairy farmer with 1,600 cows reduced annual deaths from 80 in a two-month window to just 30 across an entire season. This was achieved by addressing calcium and magnesium deficiencies in the soil, which in turn improved plant yield and animal nutrition.
“We see a massive opportunity going forward to farm in a way that our soils function at a high capacity that flows onto plant health and animal health.”
Another success story comes from the Waimakariri, where a farmer increased dry matter production from 16-17 tonnes to 21-22 tonnes per hectare while reducing nitrogen use from 300 to 170 units per hectare annually over six years. Modern techniques employed by Agrownomics include soil sampling, tissue analysis and sap testing, which Canaan describes as being “like a blood test for humans” to help identify plant health issues before they become visible problems.
The company is also involved in forward-thinking research, partnering with Ngai Tahu Farming and Ngai Tuahuriri on a seven-year programme comparing side-by-side dairy farms to assess the environmental impact of different practices. The growing interest in soil health represents a significant shift in thinking, says Canaan, and farmers who are being proactive about their soil are really reaping the results. “Not long ago, farmers only dug holes when putting a post in the ground. Now it’s becoming common to dig a hole to check moisture levels, worm activity and N fixation,” he says.
As New Zealand agriculture faces pressure to reduce chemical inputs and environmental impact, Agrownomics aims to be a partner in the transition to more sustainable practices, working with farmers who are increasingly seeking knowledge about the ground beneath their feet. “We see a massive opportunity going forward to farm in a way that our soils function at a high capacity that flows onto plant health and animal health,” says Canaan. “It’s fun being part of a farmer’s journey where we can make a big impact.”
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