Trees within farms

Trees are an important part of pastoral-based farming systems. 

image of mixed plantings on farm and sheep

Benefits of plantings trees on farms:

  • Provide windbreaks and shade for livestock help them grow faster​. 
  • Stock feed during droughts or shortages of feed​. 
  • Help soil retention on steep slopes, stop erosion. 
  • Improve the productivity of your land, especially areas that do not grow good pasture​. 
  • Provide landscape diversity and wildlife habitat, biodiversity​. 
  • Absorb carbon to help offset your, or others’ emissions. 
  • Help diversify your income by providing timber, carbon, and honey​. 

Some farmers have chosen to get carbon credits for the trees within their farming operation. These credits can be allocated to eligible exotic and native forests. Once credits are allocated, farmers can choose to sell these to buyers in carbon markets or use them to market their meat products. However, carbon removals are only one of the benefits that these areas provide on farm. 

Resources 

The following factsheets are resources that can be downloaded, can be requested in hardcopy and some will also be available at the B+LNZ Trees within Farms at in person workshops.

Attend a B+LNZ Trees Within Farms Workshop 

Visit our Events Calendar to find a workshop near you.

Are you keen to know more about this topic? Consider attending one of B+LNZ’s Trees within Farms workshops which are held nationwide. During this workshop, thanks to the support of Te Uru Rākau, we will  cover the following:  

  • The benefits of integrating trees on farm and the different species available.  
  • Meet your local Te Uru Rakau – New Zealand Forest service representative.  
  • Hear from experts on opportunities to offset emissions.  
  • Understanding the Emissions Trading Scheme.  
  • Gain a clear idea of options relevant to your farm.  

Resources and advice 

Canopy  

Canopy is a website brought to you by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service. This website has been created to support you throughout your forest project, and to help you make decisions at each stage.  

Discover the environmental and economic benefits of trees! Canopy has a lot of information on farm planting and its benefits.

Visit the Canopy website.

Farm Forestry New Zealand  

This volunteer organisation is by farm foresters, for farm foresters. They have many resources on other farmer’s experiences with managing trees in farming landscapes and have local events occurring throughout the year. Their ‘forest library’ has a wealth of resources that are easily accessible for those just starting their tree journey as well as farmers who have been planting for decades.  

More information can be found on the New Zealand Forest Service Te Uru Rakau website.

Te Uru Rakau   

The New Zealand Forest Service is the Government’s principal forestry advisor.  

“Te Uru Rākau works with tangata whenua, landowners, and the forestry and wood processing sector. We work to make the most of our forests’ contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand’s social, cultural, environmental, and economic wellbeing.” 

“Our goal is to unlock the full potential of our forests to support our climate change response. We envision a future where our forests will provide ecosystem services, carbon capture, and produce high-value timber products, novel bio-products, and bioenergy as part of a low emissions bioeconomy.” 

Visit the Ministry for Primary Industries' website to request a visit on farm from one of team or for more advice email forestserviceadvice@mpi.govt.nz 

Forest Land definition

All trees on farms that meet the Forest Land definition, can qualify as forest land and be eligible if planted Post 89 for ETS registration.

image of forest land definition