Miller Farm is a family-run operation with a strong history and commitment to effective land management. As they navigate the challenges of weed management, they are focused on finding solutions that will preserve their land for future generations.
Located in Cambridge, Miller Farm is a 283-hectare dry stock farm made up of Mairoa ash soils. Featuring a flat to rolling topography the farm operates a standard cattle rotation with sheep. This Waikato region farm experiences a typical temperate climate with moderate spring rainfall followed by dry summer periods, which can expose soil surfaces and facilitate the growth of unwanted weeds like Californian thistles. As a fourth-generation farming family, the Millers have a deep connection to their land. Their farm has historically focused on effective management practices to maintain productivity.
In recent years, the farm has faced significant challenges from Californian thistles. Historically, the focus was on controlling other weeds like nodding thistles, but over the past eight years, Californian thistles have become a major issue. The traditional control method involved a single annual application of 2,4-D followed by mowing the tops of the thistles. However, this approach has proven insufficient, and the thistle population has multiplied significantly.
Andrea Miller notes, "If I look back on our pasture management and weed control programme, historically we battled with other weeds like nodding thistle and our weed management focused on them. It has only been in the last eight years that Cali thistles had started to become a problem. The population has multiplied significantly since then and we have now come to the realisation that a strategic plan is needed to get control of the Cali thistles and regain our productive pasture once again."
The Miller family will follow Corteva’s programmed approach to control the Californian thistles and restore their productive pastures. This involves moving beyond traditional methods to more effective strategies that will ensure the long-term health of their land.
Andrea Miller is also the Retail Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson in the Bay of Plenty and King Country regions. This role complements her farming expertise and allows her to support other farmers in their agricultural endeavors.
Follow the progress of Miller Farm as they follow a programmed approach to regain control of thier productive pasture.
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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