Horse or tractor dilemma

WENDY TILLMAN/ The Dominon Post

ON THE TROT: Stewart, a 22-year-old former trotter, tows the organic sprayer between the vines at Seresin winery in Marlborough.

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Marlborough organic winery Seresin has ditched the tractor in favour of ex-trotter Stewart tending the rows of vines.

Although it's not a new concept, viticulturalist Colin Ross says it's not a backward step either. Instead it's part of the many eco-initiatives Seresin has taken down the biodynamic and organic path since 1994.

But was it cheaper to run a horse than a tractor? "Yes and no," Mr Ross said. Maintenance and fuel costs were saved but, in a typically mechanised industry, it was difficult to find staff to care for the animals.

But Stewart was as fast and efficient as a tractor and had less impact on the ground between the vines.

"There is a totally different feeling in the land when you are not using a tractor, and you are using animals. I don't know how to translate that across to the bottom line."

The 22-year-old former trotter tows the vineyard's sprayer, which uses seaweed and compost "teas" instead of chemicals.

"I'd challenge any farmer to go and find a 22-year-old tractor they are still using," Mr Ross said.

General manager MJ Loza said Seresin had to make a profit, but the organic approach, initiated by owner and renowned cinematographer Michael Seresin, started as an "ethical, philosophical, cultural thing".

Fifteen years after setting up, the natural production processes on the property were "a given" and managers had to make the business work from there. The advantages were that the methods made better wine and olive oil, and gave the operation a unique perspective, Mr Loza said.

Other bio-innovation included employing an organic apprentice, which emphasised the mainstream opportunity for young horticulturalists and viticulturalists to specialise in organic production, Mr Ross said.

Two cows also grazed the property and produced 160 kilograms of manure a week, which went into Seresin's "cow pat pits" for fertiliser. "The great story is the byproduct is 40 litres of organic milk."

- © Fairfax NZ News