LeaderBrand has achieved a major undercover farming milestone after the long, arduous journey that included navigating global pandemics, MIQ issues, freight delays, covid and terrible weather.
In May, the majority of the company’s smaller greenhouse was completed, which allowed it to turn attention towards revitalising the soil. Covered crops, compose and soil turning was used in the revitalisation process.
New specialist equipment has been used in the greenhouse, including water storage, treatment, overhead irrigation, and a vent system.
The first crop trials started in July, and after some tweaks and adjustments, the first harvest of commercial spinach was fully grown in the mega greenhouse.
“Thanks to your support and encouragement along this journey, we’ve been able to achieve our goal of farming undercover. Our aim is to continue to grow a more consistent crop supply that will ultimately ensure that we can keep feeding New Zealand with healthy fresh vegetables at a more consistent price,” said Richard Burke, CEO.
The undercover farming trials have already provided massive changes to the way LeaderBrand currently farm. But the company believes this will be the way of the future and the ultimate goal is to explore more technology and farm more sustainably.
