Onuku Drystock - Rotorua
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Onuku Drystock is a 900-hectare Māori-owned trust farm located 20km south of Rotorua in the Rerewhakaaitu district.
Te Rangi Broughton manages Onuku Drystock, a 900-hectare Māori-owned trust farm located 20km south of Rotorua in the Rerewhakaaitu district. The property runs a mix of sheep and beef, aiming to finish around 20,000 lambs, 1,000 cattle, and graze 1,200 dairy heifers each season.
Pasture quality is critical at Onuku, as the farm also supplies silage and hay to five Onuku dairy farms. However, thistle control has historically been limited, with mowing and winter cropping as the main strategies for many years.
Thistle control has been made a top priority.
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Thistle control has been made a top priority.
Since taking over management in July, Te Rangi has made thistle control a top priority. Last summer, the team began a spray programme using MCPA, spiked with 50ml/ha of Clopyralid, which proved highly effective. A winter weed spray using 2,4-D has also been scheduled. Te Rangi knows this is not a one-year fix – it will take several seasons to bring thistles under control. Through this demonstration site, he hopes to improve pasture quality over time, increase stocking numbers, and establish a clear management plan for the future.
The farm’s soils are relatively young, formed after the 1886 Tarawera eruption. Combined with approximately 1,200mm annual rainfall, these fertile conditions are perfect for pasture growth – but also ideal for thistles.
Outside of farming, Te Rangi enjoys hunting, fishing, rugby, and spending time with his partner Annalise and their two young boys.
Progress Photos
Persistent weeds like Californian thistle require a long-term, integrated approach. Te Rangi’s proactive strategy demonstrates how targeted herbicide programmes can restore pasture quality and improve productivity. Follow his progress as he implements the 3 Step Cali Thistle control programme.
Te Rangi knows this will not be a one year fix.
Close×
Te Rangi knows this will not be a one year fix.
Through this demonstration site, he hopes to improve pasture quality over time, enabling him to increase stocking numbers.
Close×
Through this demonstration site, he hopes to improve pasture quality over time, enabling him to increase stocking numbers.
Thistle control has historically been limited, with mowing and winter cropping as the main strategies for many years.
Close×
Thistle control has historically been limited, with mowing and winter cropping as the main strategies for many years.
Want to know more?
For expert advice on Californian Thistle control or help tailoring this programme to your farm talk to your Corteva Agriscience Territory Manager or your local PGG Wrightson Technical Representative.
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