DUNG BEETLES
SUMMARY
In August 2026, Tukituki Land Care hosted a free dung beetle webinar with internationally recognised entomologist Dr Shaun Forgie, Co-founder and Director of Production at Dung Beetle Innovations.
Keep reading to discover how dung beetles can improve soil health, recycle valuable nutrients, reduce runoff, and support more productive farming systems.
Watch the webinar recording, hear why farmers are embracing dung beetles, and don't miss the exclusive TLC Catchment Group Offer.
"Just think about what we spend on drenches, fertilisers and environmental protection work. If dung beetles deliver even a portion of what they're claimed to, the potential is enormous. There's a good feeling in knowing 'I'm doing something' and the fact that there's solid science behind it makes that even better."
Hatuma farmer Dan Ormond first introduced dung beetles to his property in 2019
WHY DUNG BEETLES?
Why Farmers Love Dung Beetles
Dung beetles work around the clock, delivering a wide range of environmental and farming benefits, naturally.
Improve soil health
Buried dung adds organic matter to the soil, improving soil structure and supporting healthy biological activity.
Recycle valuable nutrients
Instead of nutrients being lost from the soil surface, dung beetles bury them where pasture plants can make better use of them.
Improve water infiltration and reduce runoff
Tunnels created by dung beetles allow rainfall to soak into the soil more easily, helping to reduce surface runoff and erosion.
Increase earthworms and beneficial soil microbes
Dung beetle activity creates healthier soil conditions that support a thriving underground ecosystem.
Help reduce parasite reinfection
By burying dung quickly, dung beetles can interrupt the lifecycle of some livestock parasites and reduce opportunities for reinfection.
Improve pasture productivity
Healthier soils, improved nutrient cycling and better water movement all contribute to more productive pastures over time.
Nature's Underground Workforce
Dung beetles are remarkably efficient.
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Fresh dung can be buried within 24 to 48 hours when healthy beetle populations are established.
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Environmental and farming benefits typically become noticeable after 4 to 6 years as colonies grow and spread.
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Once established, beetles continue working year after year with little ongoing management.
EXCLUSIVE TLC CATCHMENT GROUP OFFER - LIMITED TIME ONLY
The Four Seasons Package includes:
✓ 4 colonies
✓ Up to 4 dung beetle species
✓ Suitable for farms of up to approximately 2,000 stock units
Standard price:
$6,600 + GST per package
($1,650 + GST per colony)
Save up to 35% by ordering together
By purchasing as a catchment group, we can secure significant savings. The more landowners who participate, the bigger the discount for everyone.
SAVE UP
TO 35%
Register your interest
If you'd like to purchase one or more Four Seasons Packages as part of the exclusive TLC Catchment Group Offer, email Holly at tukitukicomms@gmail.com to register your interest.
We'll keep everyone updated on how many packages have been committed. The more landowners who join the group order, the greater the discount we can secure for everyone so please pass on the offer to others who may be interested.
FURTHER INFORMATION & CONTACT
For more information on dung beetles, contact Shaun Forgie at shaun@dungbeetleinnovations.com or head to www.dungbeetles.co.nz.
If you're interested in purchasing one or more Four Seasons Packages as part of the exclusive catchment group offer, register your interest as soon as possible by emailing Holly at tukitukicomms@gmail.com.