“It is one of the greatest opportunities for utilising poop on farm paddocks as a free, sustainable fertiliser, and effectively halve your fertiliser bill. “It’s one of those great things for improving soil productivity and productivity on your farm.”The Auckland-based company bred and reared eight species of exotic dung beetles at its facility - the only such kind in New Zealand. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director of investment programmes and operations Steve Penno said it had invested more than $800,000 in dung beetle research to date. “On balance, the evidence suggests that dung beetles provide positive benefits to pasture, soil quality, and nutrient loss. “Their effectiveness also very much depends upon the individual farm situation.”He said MPI was open to receiving more dung beetle applications to the Primary Sector Growth Fund.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 30, 2026 08:16 UTC