Published on 22/10/2026
More recently, he has also farmed in his own right, growing crops including malting barley, wheat and oats.
As a contractor, Giles says he takes responsibility for the management of the crop: “That’s how I work.”
Experience and observation guide his approach to crop threats, including slug control. “Early on, I learned that slug pressure is patchy and variable. I use enough bait to control what’s there.”
He also considers soil type and the amount of vegetation, stubble or trash remaining from the previous crop. “I err on the side of caution because there’s a risk of getting it wrong.”
Giles heard about Ferrabait slug bait through Bruce Gilmore at Ruapehu Farm Supplies and liked what he heard. After using the product, he was impressed by the practicality of the waterproof packaging and the 15 kg pack, which he says is a sensible size.
“Ferrabait has delivered reliable results at realistic application rates, with a cost per hectare that stacks up.”
He says Ferrabait’s favourable toxicity profile compared with traditional metaldehyde baits, along with its rainfastness, were also important considerations.
Adama New Zealand Portfolio Manager Hamish Mulcock says Ferrabait contains the novel active ingredient Feralla, which offers a significantly improved toxicological and ecotoxicological profile compared with older metaldehyde-based slug baits.
“It brings something unique to the market, giving growers an effective slug control option with a much stronger environmental and safety profile.”
Mulcock adds that Ferrabait can reduce slug damage by 90% within the first three days of application, helping protect crop establishment and yield potential.
Ferrabait’s patented formulation, powered by Adama’s Desidro Technology, has enhanced palatability and desirability to slugs and snails.
Mulcock says this gives the bait greater resistance to degradation and mould growth. “This further enhances long-term palatability and slug control.”
The extruded, uniform Ferrabait pellet has been developed to provide the durability and consistency needed for excellent spreading performance, which is particularly important for broadcast applications.
“Extensive development has gone into creating a robust pellet with strong ballistic properties that spreads evenly across the target area,” he says. “Those characteristics have been proven in both global and New Zealand trials using common bait spreaders, helping ensure reliable coverage where slugs are active.”
Risk factors for slug and snail damage include soils with high clay or silt content, which tend to retain more moisture and can become cloddy.
Low tillage and direct drilling can also lead to increased slug populations, while crop residue, organic matter and weeds can retain moisture and provide a food source for slugs and snails.
With large areas of brassicas, maize, cereals, pastures and other crops being established this spring, proactive slug management remains important.
Regular monitoring and early control can help safeguard crop establishment and maximise return on investment.