An extraordinarily hot summer – and predictions that with climate change we may have more of them - has prompted plenty of farmers to think more about whether they have enough shade for their livestock.
New Zealand has a deserved reputation for high standards of animal welfare and with the world's consumers increasingly attuned to their food's production story – particularly in regard to environmental impacts and care for animals – the usefulness of trees for summer shade and winter shelter deserves regular review.
Many thousands of farmers have planted willows and poplars to stabilise hill country and river banks, and riparian strips to protect waterways and wetlands. As they'll tell you, trees create a more pleasant environment for man and beast, enhance biodiversity, prevent erosion, improve water quality and land value. Trees can also reduce moisture loss from pasture.
If only more of this planting was recognised in terms of carbon credits another substantial incentive and advantage would be realised.
It's not an inconsequential investment for farmers. Sections of productive paddocks may have to be fenced off for several years while saplings grow to a size that they can withstand the attentions of cattle and pests, though protective sleeves can be used in some circumstances.
