Key Takeaways
- Newstead Orchard, the last remaining small commercial orchard in the area, was facing an uncertain future due to the retirement of its owner, Jean Darby.
- Annie Perkins, an expert in sustainable agriculture and conservation, has partnered with Jean’s brother, John Woolford, to take over the orchard operations and introduce regenerative methods.
- The new partnership aims to keep the orchard in production, allowing the family to retire while retaining their land and lifestyle.
- The orchard is transitioning to organic and sustainable practices, including integrated pest management, composting, and diverse cover crops.
- Annie Perkins is also establishing a regenerative market garden on the orchard, providing a new source of local produce and helping to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.
Introduction to Annie Perkins
Annie Perkins, an agricultural and environmental management expert, has a deep understanding of sustainable agriculture and conservation. Born and raised on a dairy farm in West Virginia, US, Annie has spent her career supporting sustainable land management projects and promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. With degrees in agricultural and environmental management, Annie has worked on various projects, including soil conservation, catchment management, and agricultural research. In 1992, she moved to New Zealand to work on agricultural extension programs at AgResearch in Hamilton, where she communicated the latest research to farmers. Since 2002, Annie has focused on working as a professional facilitator, supporting farmers to learn directly from each other and developing a specialty in sustainable land management.
The Challenges of Organic Gardening
Annie Perkins has developed a healthy respect for the challenges of organic gardening and farming. She believes that it’s all about maintaining healthy soil and learning from first-hand experience and other growers. Annie has been friends with John Woolford, the head orchardist at Newstead Orchard, for nearly two decades, and they are now testing the parameters of growing stone and pip fruit organically and sustainably. According to Annie, apples are one of the most heavily sprayed crops, and insect pests and fungal diseases can make some fruit unsellable. However, John has been using integrated pest management for many years, dropping heavy insecticides and targeting spray for specific fruit pests. Annie is also prioritizing bee safety and using diverse cover crops to grow soil and promote good diversity in the orchard.
Regenerative Methods at Newstead Orchard
Newstead Orchard, founded by Jeff McMiken, has been in operation for decades. John Woolford, the head orchardist, has managed the orchard for years, reducing inputs and finding a fine line where profit is affected. The orchard is now transitioning to regenerative methods, including composting, diverse cover crops, and organic growing practices. Annie is establishing a market garden on the orchard, using regenerative methods to grow a variety of local produce. The orchard is also trialing organic growing methods, including mowing around the trees and making compost from waste streams. By reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, the orchard is promoting soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.
A New Model for Succession
When Jean Darby decided to retire, the future of Newstead Orchard was uncertain. However, Annie Perkins saw an opportunity to partner with John Woolford and take over the orchard operations. The new partnership allows Jean and John to retain their homes on the orchard, ownership of the land, and their rural lifestyle. Annie has bought into the orchard business and is progressively taking over operations, learning alongside John and taking full responsibility for fruit sales and establishing the market garden. The partnership is based on a model that allows elite soils close to the city to stay in production, keeping community access to local fruit and allowing family growers to retire while retaining their land. Annie believes that this model could be replicated in other horticultural farms, providing a clear way for New Zealand’s farmers to enter the industry without needing to own the land.
The Future of Newstead Orchard
Annie Perkins is committed to taking Newstead Orchard in a new direction, focusing on regenerative agriculture and sustainable practices. She is tapping into new markets, diversifying the range of local produce available from the orchard farm shop, and moving deep into the regenerative agriculture space. By promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation, Annie hopes to make a positive impact on the environment and the local community. The future of Newstead Orchard looks promising, with a new generation of farmers and a commitment to regenerative practices. As Annie Perkins continues to learn and grow alongside John Woolford, the orchard is likely to thrive, providing a model for sustainable agriculture and a source of fresh, local produce for the community.