Dryland agroforestry opportunity on Canterbury dairy farms

• Canterbury constitutes over 35,000ha of dryland corners - a unique opportunity to diversify
• Dairy farming, the dominant sector in the region faces a significant challenge as it produces the highest carbon footprint

Agroforestry focusing on complementing current farming practices has the potential to build resilience in this sector, through several ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, shade and shelter for livestock.

What are dryland corners?

Dairy farming systems have estimated 35,000 hectares of dry land in paddock corners outside the reach of irrigation pivots in Canterbury. Use the image slider below to see an illustration of where dry land corners might be situated on dairy farms.

The project aimed to work with farmers to build a better picture of the current appetite and understanding of agroforestry, including enablers and barriers to change. Therefore, we partnered with Ngāi Tahu Farming and Claxby Farms from Waimakariri (Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island) to develop agroforestry planting plans and economic feasibility studies.

Internationally agroforestry has been promoted as a more sustainable and resilient land use option, maintaining productivity with less environmental impacts. During this project, a thorough literature review was completed to identify the key research findings on agroforestry concepts. A graphical summary of these outcomes is presented below.

For the detailed literature review refer to the technical report [link will be provided].

Both farms wanted an agroforestry system to complement their current farming system with minimum complexity and conflict with animals, infrastructure and farm management. Extending irrigation to dryland areas isn’t a possibility for both farms due to ROI and nutrient loss limitations.

• Tree rows are 20m apart with trees 10m apart along the rows (one exception)
• Canopy cover is 40% making it eligible for the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
• Tree rows are orientated north-south to minimise pasture shading and maximise wind obstruction.
• Trees should provide 200-300m of wind protection under the pivot when mature.
• Trees planted under pivot end gun where possible. This is required in some areas to make them >1ha and ETS eligible.
• Majority of trees are planted in the back of paddocks to incentivise camping in the back of paddocks rather than the front to improve nutrient transfer in the back of paddocks.
• Previously unproductive areas such as tracks and yards can now claim carbon in the ETS as they are underneath tree canopies.

• Tree species are primarily palatable, and deciduous and some nitrogen fixers to minimise negative impacts on pasture and animals.
• Primary tree species are wind-tolerant and drought-tolerant.
• Reduce heat stress to improve milk solid production

Explore how these farms may look in the future by navigating in the interactive 3D map scene.

If biodiversity credits, as a proposal for consultation by the government stated, came into effect, this could potentially provide another revenue stream depending on how the scheme is implemented.

This project has shown that agroforestry is potentially economically viable in Canterbury. The quantified economic outcomes and the identified unquantified benefits warrant further research into integrating agroforestry into dairy and other farming systems around New Zealand.

To learn more about this work read the full report by clicking on the image on the right.

For more details on the funding visit:

 Rural Professionals Fund 2023–24