The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) has helped us build fertility on our farm. They had a project recently in our area removing aquatic weeds, raupo and coy carp from a dammed pond, and offered to donate all of this biological goodness to us. Of course I said “Bring it on!”

We have used the raupo to mulch harekeke windbreaks high on the property.

We are composting the aquatic weeds and fish along with extra wood shavings to keep the smell down and add carbon.

Of course the pig eventually got a whiff of the fish and that became a minor temporary problem.

But we layered the pile up with more shavings and some sheep manure. All good, and thanks to DOC for not sending this organic material to landfill!

Chur, Estwing