2025

Foliar fertiliser means spraying water-soluble nutrients directly onto plant leaves. In effect, it’s like a quick “vitamin boost” through the foliage. Research has long shown that leaves can absorb nutrients via stomata (tiny pores), cuticle and leaf hairs. So foliar feeding bypasses the soil and gives plants nutrients within hours. According to soil scientist Dr Gordon Rajendram, foliar sprays “deliver nutrients exactly when and where they’re needed” during cooler weather (1). Why It Works in Winter Foliar feeding is especially handy in cold seasons. When soil temperatures drop, root uptake of nitrogen slows dramatically, so grass barely grows. But a foliar spray can still feed actively growing leaves. Dr Rajendram explains: “Applying foliar fertiliser in winter means you’re not relying on soil temperatures to activate the nitrogen… You’re feeding the plant directly — it’s faster, more efficient, and leads to better results with less input.” In other words, you get a quicker response even when the ground is cold. Trials in New Zealand found that foliar N improved pasture growth at low temperatures, helping farmers extend growth into winter (1,2). Real Results from New Zealand Trials Figure: A replicated pasture trial found that using 9 kg N/ha as a foliar urea spray produced essentially the same grass yield (1,426 kg DM/ha) as 37 kg N/ha of granular urea. This means the foliar method gave about 61 kg of dry matter per kg N versus 14 kg per kg N for soil urea – roughly 4× more efficient (2). The response was quick and lasted for 24 days. Better Efficiency, Less Waste The efficiency gains are dramatic. By targeting nutrients to the leaves, plants use more of the fertiliser and less is lost. A recent review notes that foliar sprays “deliver nutrients directly… thereby helping to reduce negative impacts” on soil and water (3). In trials on wheat, even very low rates of foliar phosphorus in winter corrected mid-season deficiencies and boosted P use efficiency (4). Overall, foliar feeding can increase nutrient-use efficiency and yield, especially for micronutrients or in special situations. When and How to Use It Of course, foliar feeding supplements, not replaces, normal soil fertilisation. Think of it as an extra tool. Bulk N, P, K still come from soil and applied fertilisers, while foliar applications give fast fixes of nitrogen, major and trace elements. For best results, spray when leaves are moist (e.g. morning dew or light rain) and avoid very hot, dry weather to prevent leaf burn. The bottom line: foliar fertilisers are a practical way to get nutrients into the plant quickly, especially when soil uptake is slow. As Dr Rajendram reminds us, with the right timing farmers can grow more winter grass with less input. By combining foliar sprays with a solid soil fertility plan, farmers can boost efficiency, reduce losses, and keep pasture growing through the cooler months (1,2). About Dr Gordon Rajendram Dr Gordon Rajendram is a New Zealand-based soil scientist with over 40 years of experience in nutrient management and soil fertility. Formerly with AgResearch, he is widely respected for his work on improving nitrogen efficiency and sustainable farming practices. References Contact Dr Gordon Rajendram 021 466 077 | rajendram@xtra.co.nz www.gordonrajendramsoilscientist.co.nz Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

pressure of peak milking out of the way, now is the ideal time to have your farm refrigeration checked and serviced by the experts at JSR. A well-maintained refrigeration system is vital to keeping your milk chilled quickly and efficiently, meeting quality standards and helping you avoid costly penalties. Over time, even high-performing systems can develop wear and tear—leaks, inefficient cooling, or electrical issues that can compromise your output and reliability. At JSR, we offer comprehensive checks and servicing on all types of on-farm refrigeration, including vat chillers, water cooling, glycol systems, and water heating. By scheduling your service now, you’ll be ahead of the game before next season kicks off. A pre-emptive inspection and service helps ensure everything is running at its best, reducing the risk of costly breakdowns when you can least afford them. “The off-season is the smartest time to get ahead. Servicing your farm refrigeration or upgrading your system now, means fewer surprises later.”— Jujhar Randhawa, CEO, JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Thinking about upgrading? The off-season is also the smartest time to do it. Whether you’re looking to boost efficiency, meet new compliance standards, or cut down your energy costs, we can help you choose and install the right solution for your setup. Our team can advise on and supply modern, energy-efficient upgrades—from high-performing glycol chillers to reliable hot water heating systems designed for dairy farm demands. Our JSR technicians are local experts you can rely on, with years of hands-on experience in farm refrigeration. We understand the industry, we speak your language, and we’re ready to help. Don’t wait until something breaks—act now, while the pressure’s off.Book your service or upgrade consultation with JSR today and step into the next season confident your refrigeration systems are in peak condition. Contact JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Today! 0800 JSR RAC Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz

The Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event opens its gates next week with a strong number of international delegates, ambassadors and exhibitors in attendance. The interest signals a strong rebound on international travel and a growing interest in Aotearoa New Zealand as a world-class provider of agricultural products and innovation. In a notable first, the German Pavilion, a collaborative initiative led by the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce and IFWexpo Heidelberg, and backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has brought together 11 leading agri-businesses from across Germany all under one roof. “We are thrilled to welcome the delegation of German companies exhibiting at Fieldays,” said New Zealand National Fieldays Society Chief Executive Richard Lindroos. “This milestone highlights the strength of our growing relationship and aims to foster long-term partnerships”. Exhibitors include German automation firm IFM Electronic Ltd, horticultural supplier Floragard, irrigation and pump developer Bauer and more. Their unified presence marks Germany’s most significant exhibition at Fieldays to date, reinforcing the strategic importance of New Zealand as a destination for global business. Returning international exhibitors also include Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government’s export agency, returning for their 18th year, and exhibitors from countries including Australia, United States, United Kingdom, China and South Korea. “We’re also expecting a large number of international visitors, including student delegates from Oklahoma State University. It’s exciting to see international interest in the educational opportunities at Fieldays,” says Lindroos. Fieldays will offer the 25 agriculture students, along with a record number of booked domestic schools, a unique learning experience outside the classroom, allowing students to learn about agriculture, forestry, science, technology, and sustainability while exploring career pathways in these industries. The New Zealand International Business Centre (NZIBC) will provide face-to-face access to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and other government agencies, helping delegates and businesses understand the regulations, incentives, and support available for international companies seeking to connect with trade in New Zealand and vice versa. The NZIBC will also deliver two one-hour guided Innovation walking tours, and hold a range of seminars, including “Agritech in Latin America” and “New Zealand’s Role in International Food Security and Beyond.” Additionally, “Beyond the Diplomat” will be a seminar focusing on how women lead through complexity, particularly in an era of geopolitical change and an uncertain global trade environment. Lindroos said that equally impressive is the commitment of our regional and national exhibitors, who have prepared themselves and their sites over the past few weeks to showcase their latest products and services. “We have seen some extraordinary site builds taking shape. Exhibitors are putting a great deal of effort into their presence. It’s clear that this isn’t just about selling products. It’s about connecting people through stories.” Other Fieldays initiatives that provide opportunities to connect are the newly introduced Fieldays Tent Talks in association with the University of Waikato, on site D79, the Fieldays Innovation Awards, and the Fieldays® VIP Business Plus in association with KPMG. This lounge provides a central location within the event to utilise as a base and a comfortable space to continue business activity. From 11 – 14 June, Mystery Creek will be a global meeting place for all things agriculture, providing a platform for the exchange of business, ideas and innovations in New Zealand and around the world. For more information about Fieldays and the New Zealand International Business Centre visit fieldays.co.nz You can also stay up to date with any on the ground news by checking out the Fieldays LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok pages. ENDS CONTACTBrett Beagley l Marketing & Communications ManagerT +64 7 843 4497 l M +64 21 412 951 | E brett.beagley@nznfs.co.nz ABOUT FIELDAYS Held at Mystery Creek, Fieldays is the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere drawing people from around the world – both as exhibitors and visitors. Fieldays is run by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation founded in 1968 to advance agriculture and the primary industries. Contact MediaPA 027 458 7724 phillip@mediapa.co.nz