'The Mill Block'
When the property was first set up in September 2005 it was one block with no internal fences and no shelter. One of the first jobs was to get some shelter in place. Even at 2 on years we are starting to get some benefit from what was planted that first year.

Zelam have been leasing a 4 ha block for research in Mid Canterbury since September 2005. When first taken up the property was in one block with no internal fences and no shelter. One of the first jobs was to get some shelter in place and even at two years we are starting to get some benefit.

Herbicide, fungicide and insecticide trials are all conducted on the property. Crops grown include wheat, oats, barley, clover and peas. One section of the property has significant infestation of couch which has been useful for testing our new selective herbicide Ignite. Other common weeds include fathen, spurrey, field pansy, scrambling speedwell and docks. Arable crops have all shown many of the common diseases such as powdery mildew and rusts. This year we have also 350 cabbage and broccoli plants growing for evaluation of our new encapsulated insecticides.

Average rainfall is 750mm per annum with dry summer periods common. In the future it is hoped to be able to irrigate. Not only to promote growth but aid in the infection and spread of diseases within trial areas.