Sunflower crop boosts wellbeing for Eketahuna farmer, dairy cows

Eketahuna dairy farmer Mike Collis in his crop of sunflowers. Photo/Supplied

Sunflowers put smiles on people's faces and glossy coats on dairy cows, which puts a big smile on Mike Collis' face.

The Eketahuna farmer spends just $230 for his sunflower seed and the positive vibes stretch far beyond his paddock. Mike plants sunflowers in conjunction with plantain, chicory and leafy turnips, but it's the tasty sunflowers that are his herd's tucker of choice.

"With a multi crop, if one fails, I've got back-up. But the sunflowers are the first things the cows eat in the crop paddock," he said.

Mike and Tracey Collis' dairy herd chomp into their sunflowers, which are part of a mixed crop of plantain, chicory and leafy turnip. The sunflowers give the cows a glossy coat.

"The cows look great, their coats become glossy and pure black. It's nice to see them looking so good."

Until a few years ago, Mike and his wife Tracey planted dwarf sunflowers, but then forgot to tick the "dwarf" box in their seed order and, as a result, for the past two years giant sunflowers have delighted cows, neighbours and passing motorists.

The sunflowers attract the bees and provide fodder for the cows. Mike cuts bunches for neighbours and even his wife receives flowers.

"Instead of a vase, I get them in a bucket," Tracey said.

This year the crop was planted after the big winter wet, but then it never rained for months. Therefore, the sunflowers aren't as prolific, but they still make an impact.

"Every time I drive by I feel happy," Carol Fergus told the couple.

Woodville dairy farmer Ben Allomes has also planted sunflowers, which stretch along Pinfold Rd, delighting motorists.

Last Saturday bunches were cut and sold by Kumeroa/Hopelands School students at the Dannevirke Country Market to help fund their trip to Invercargill to take part in the Agri Kids event.