“After switching from RPR to SurePhos the grass took off”

"If we’re not losing as much down the river, then we’re getting the benefits of the nutrients"

Adams Farm is a 160 hectare dairy and beef farm on rolling hills in Kaukapakapa. The farm is split between approximately 70 hectares of beef, and 90 hectares of dairy - milking 120 cows. The dairy farm has been in the family for over 100 years and Graeme Adams has been farming for 40 years.

Choosing SurePhos®

Graeme made the switch from Reactive Phosphate Rock (RPR) to SurePhos® in late March 2020. At the time it was getting harder to source RPR, but Graeme took the advice of his Ballance Nutrient Specialist on the basis that “SurePhos is better for the environment compared to other alternatives and reduces nutrient losses to waterways” and being aware that “regulations will become more and more difficult to comply with”.

"I’m expecting regulations to amp up from now on”

There are no phosphate regulations in Graeme’s area “but I’ve finished fencing my waterways as per the guidelines outlined by my milk supply agreement”  says Graeme.

With that said, Graeme says “the days of having someone taking water samples at the bottom of your hill are probably coming soon”.

Graeme says he is “passionate about his farm and the environment, and would recommend SurePhos to other farmers” adding that once the drought had finished “the grass has been growing with SurePhos, so something is going right!”

SurePhos® is a slow release phosphorus fertiliser that gradually releases into the soil. This results in more phosphorus retained in the soil and less lost to the environment. It’s designed to help farmers reduce phosphate loss by up to 75% compared to single superphosphate, so it’s better for the soil, better for the environment, and better for the future of farming in New Zealand.

Talk to your local Ballance Nutrient Specialist, or call our Customer Services team on 0800 222 090.