Farming

Farm Environment Plans

HLM has been working with landowners since 2006 developing Land and Environment Plans, Farm Environment Plans, Farm Plans and Whenua Plans.  We have worked with farmers, landowners, corporate farmers, Iwi and Māori Trusts from the Far North to the deep south.  The purpose of these plans is to assist the landowner get the best from their land within the limitations of their resources. The plans are unique to each farm or whenua and are developed in conjunction with the landowner(s) and capture the goals and aspirations they have for their land and business.  

 

Each Farm Environment Plan (FEP) we complete is a practical plan that is tailored to each farm business.  It is not a generic, one size fits all plan. 

 

When we complete a farm environment plan we will:

• Capture each landowner’s goals and aspirations for their property.

• Understand the unique set of challenges each landowner faces in their farm business.

• Develop practical and sensible management strategies to help landowners reach their goals. 

 

At HLM we believe you can’t develop an effective plan for your land without first developing a good understanding of the land.  

 

Each plan we complete is based on site field work and includes:

• Property description map.

• Paddock map

• Soil map

• Land use capability map

• Land management units map

• Works map

 

It will also include descriptions of:

• The soils on the property

• Land use capability units mapped on the property

• Land management units

• Potential land use and development opportunities

• Required land management

• Farm works

 

Our farm plans have been used by clients for many different purposes.  Farmers and Iwi have used them to assist with farm development, succession planning, for quality assurance programmes and as a record of where they have come from and where they are going.  Corporate clients have used them to guide farm managers, for development purposes, to meet Overseas Investment Office requirements and to demonstrate they operate to best practice standards.

 

Digital Farm Environment Plans

For farmers wanting to develop a FEP but not requiring the detail of a site survey HLM can assist with a digital based FEP.  This option utilises a desktop assessment combined with the farmers knowledge of their land to develop a plan.  It can include all of the information supplied in the full FEP described above and can be tailored to each farmers specific requirements.  

This option can form the basis for a farmer to complete their own plan with minimal input from HLM or it can be completed collaboratively with as much input from HLM as required.  This option may be a good fit for low-risk farms under the new freshwater farm plan rules.  Get in touch to discuss your options.

 

Sediment Reduction Plans

These plans are primarily linked to Kaipara Moana Remediation and are aimed at reducing sediment entering the Kaipara Harbour by fencing waterways and planting native plants.  There is up to 50% funding available for this work.  HLM works with landowners in the Kaipara catchment to map out their projects and apply for funding.

 

Erosion Control Plans

Most farms will have some areas of steep erosion prone land.  At HLM we work with farmers to identify these areas and make a plan that benefits both the farms bottom line and the environment.  There are various options available from retirement to agroforestry and plantation forestry.  We help put together a plan that suits each landowner’s goals and where possible taps into funding opportunities.

 

Paddock Maps

Having an accurate paddock map is essential in running an efficient farm business.  Knowing accurate paddock areas allows you to calculate pasture production and pasture utilisation and develop an effective stock policy.  It also helps in the efficient, day to day running of your farm business, allowing you to easily pinpoint locations and infrastructure and see paddock areas.  

 

Our basic paddock maps show:

• Fence lines

• Total and effect paddock areas

• Farm infrastructure – farm buildings, stock yards, lane ways

• Paddock numbers or names

 

We can also include:

• Water lines

• Troughs

• Water tanks

• Dams

• Natural features such as trees, waterways etc

• Electric fence feeds

• Farm development planning

• Cropping rotations

• Whatever additional features required

 

We use up to date aerial imagery, GPS, commissioned drone flights and specialist software to produce clear and practical maps for our clients.