Agriculture and Climate Change (Commonwealth Union) _ In Northland, dairy farmers Andrew and Vicky Booth are spearheading environmental conservation efforts, with a focus on enhancing habitat for native wildlife and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Over the past seven years, the Booth family has planted more than 4000 native trees and plants annually on their farm. This initiative has resulted in the proliferation of native bird species, including tūī, kererū, kārearea (New Zealand falcon), and even sightings of previously unseen bird types.
The benefits of their planting efforts extend beyond wildlife conservation. Trees planted alongside waterways provide shade for fish, eels, and insects, fostering their growth and enhancing native species like whitebait and kanakana. Additionally, the trees offer shade for the farm’s cows, contributing to their well-being.
Andrew and Vicky actively engage with their local community, hosting school groups on their farm to educate students about nature and involve them in tree planting activities. They emphasize the positive impact that native bush restoration can have on the environment, inspiring children to become stewards of nature.
Their commitment to environmental sustainability extends to pest control measures, including trapping possums, stoats, and ferrets. Moreover, they have created a 1.5-hectare wetland area surrounded by 5500 trees, enhancing biodiversity on their farm.
As members of the Dairy Environment Leaders (DEL) network, Andrew and Vicky collaborate with like-minded farmers to empower leadership and drive on-farm actions to reduce environmental footprint. The upcoming DEL forum in Wellington will provide them with an opportunity to strategize and connect with policymakers, politicians, and influencers in the dairy sector.
Andrew emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between farm viability and sustainability to meet community and consumer expectations. With their children, Tamsyn and Hannah, serving as motivators, the Booths are committed to ensuring farming practices have minimal environmental impact, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
