C&caug2013

INSIDE

August 2013 Issue No. 156

Ph 07 578 0030

ZESPRI MACHINERY HORTICULTURE CALF REARING DAIRY COUNTRY LIVING RETIREMENT

10 16-19 23-27 30-31 32-36 46-50 51

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Rare delicacy Rural Driver 13-15

Andrew Fenton steps down 24-25

Avocado Growers’ Conference 19

Rural Wedding Ideas 45

Julia Smith cleans oysters ready for packaging at Pacific Marine Farms’ processing plant in Coromandel. Read more on pages 6 and 7.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

When in China – do as Kiwis do China, says Zespri chairman Peter McBride, is a difficult country in which to do business.

He should know. The kiwifruit giant has been badly stung by a court case over customs duty. But the company is not alone in running into trouble in a country with a culture and ethics foreign to our own.

With a population estimated to be 1,354,040,000 (last December), and cities occupied by many times New Zealand’s entire population – making a living requires a different set of skills as a friend of mine discovered during a recent holiday in Beijing.

With crisp new Yuan notes in her wallet she went shopping and made the mistake of presenting a fairly high value bank note for a purchase which required change. The shopkeeper took the note then immediately gave it back, saying she couldn’t change it. However, she had. The note she returned wasn’t the original, but a counterfeit. The practice is apparently pretty common.

Fortunately, her financial loss wasn’t great, and, though cross about the sleight of hand, she acknowledged she had been fair game and was much wiser for it.

That’s what Zespri says it will be in future – and for growers’ sakes it has to be.

While the naivety of a Kiwi tourist is forgivable, that of an experienced international marketer is not so easy to shrug off. Fortunately for Zespri, growers appear to have put it down to experience as they didn’t give the company’s board the roasting many thought they would at the annual meeting in July and returned Peter as chairman. See story page 10.

The majority obviously accepted the admission from both Peter McBride and Lain Jager, CEO, that Zespri could and should have done better in China, and that the changes the company has made to its operations there will ensure it does.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc has conducted an inquiry into the customs case, in which the Zespri Management Consulting Company was found guilty of smuggling, and ordered to pay approximately NZ $960,000 in fines.

The NZKGI interim inquiry has found that in order to do better, Zespri is “seeking to operate in China to the highest possible standards”. The report quoted, as a recipe for what is required to do business in China, an opinion piece by Yomiuri Shimbun in the Japan News of April 6, titled: ‘When in China, don’t do as the Chinese do’. The author suggests businesses should make China a most-favoured nation “by adhering in China to your highest operating standards from around the world – in finance, customer service, hiring and ethics – is not just a nice idea, it is a corporate survival strategy”.

These aims are to be applauded, and are in line with how we like to think Kiwi companies do business – but will they work? Perhaps by next year’s Zespri AGM we’ll know.

There’s certainty around the future of the large drystock farm Summerhill, now its owners are preparing to gift it to the nation. See story page 5.

Also in this issue take a journey across time and distant lands with Jay Burston on page 14.

Fly high with the country’s longest-surviving helicopter business on page 20 or learn what a Permablitz is on page 47.

The winner of the July Coast & Country book prize "From Hoon to Hunter" by Vern Wilson, published by Halcyon Press, is Paul Casey of Te Kuiti.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Plan changes could stifle innovation Small rural blocks can be economically productive and even lead to innovative new industries – which could be stiffled if councils make creating small rural lots more difficult, says Jim Bennett, a retired economics and geography teacher, living in Whakatane.

The kiwifruit, alpaca and deer industries owe their early beginnings in part to the willingness of councils to allow 10 acre blocks to be subdivided from larger farms – and it would be a backward step if this was no longer posisble, Jim believes.

His comments follow the article by Brent Trail of Surveying Services in the July issue of Coast & Country in which Brent warned that lifestyle blocks may become a rare commodity in the Waikato and Waipa districts, thanks to new district plans.

“Those plan changes are disturbing and should be topic for debate around the hustings as we approach the local body elections,” says Jim. During the late 1970s, Professor Warren Moran at the University of Auckland Geography Department, undertook an extensive research project to identify the types of land-use and the productivity of the “10 acre blocks” on the Auckland urban fringe.

“To my knowledge, there has been no subsequent research in New Zealand, so it stands as the authoritive evidence.

“From the data gathered in that project, it was found that the average productivity of these properties, matched the productivity of “North Island sheep farming”. In other words, it was just one step below the productivity of the most intensive pastoral farming type, which was then, as now, dairy farming. So much for the notion that the land was unproductive, or merely grazing horses for the Queen Street lawyers’ daughters.

“The concern objectors to smaller properties [branded “lifestyle blocks”] typically promulgate, is that productive farmland is being taken out of economic use.

try Planning Act was in force. Under that regime, sudividing a rural property into smaller units required the purchaser to prove the financial viability of the proposed land-use. This was the era of Muldoon's supplementary minimum prices; and reliance on the UK as the dominant market for our meat and dairy products – features we had to break free from.

“As a country we needed to diversify both our production mix and our markets. But many of the new forms of land-use required smaller parcels of land.

Imagine the unnecessary cost of establishing horticultural blocks if such enterprises had had to start out with 40 hectares, the typical size then of many dairy farms. The very viability of those enterprises would have been jeopardised, and would be today, if required to set up on far more expensive land than they required.

“Under the T&CP Act, it was very difficult for proposers to provide hard fiancial data about the innovative types of land-use, hard enough to satisfy the stuck-in-a-rut council planners of that time. Being new meant that, by definition, there was no established track record. Yes, kiwifruit could be grown on a smaller property, but kiwifruit could only be grown around Te Puke. So it was believed.

can be cushioned if family income is only partly derived from the farm with the balance coming from offfarm sources.

“Those innovative farmers and orchardists on the Auckland fringe were among those who led the way, showing the country what different forms of land-use were possible. So the rural economy has successfully diversified in the last 30 years and

New wave

“Fortunately, that era was blown away by the Resource Management Act and some councils caught the new wave. Look what progress the Western Bay of Plenty made as horticulture blossomed.”

In that Auckland situation, the owners were using the properties for both established activities such as market gardening, pip fruit orchards and vineyards, or were experimenting with entirely new subtropical crops and livestock like deer, goats and alpacas, many of which have since become commonplace in our more diverse rural landscape. Some of the innovative land-uses did not gain traction, but the owners had been prepared to take that risk, says Jim. “Should that kind of economic behaviour be inhibited by requiring properties to be so large that innovation cannot be tested? Risk-taking of this kind

Diversity

“The evidence which is quoted to support this, is always just anecdotal. The real research paints a different picture. It shows there are many economic and social benefits both to the local community and to the wider economy from maintaining a diversity of property size.

“The proposals by the Waikato councils seem intended to turn back the clock to the dark ages of the 1960s and 1970s when the Town and Coun-

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rural communities have been revitalised by retaining and increasing their populations. “Let's not turn the clock back. I urge ratepayers to submit to councils putting impediments in the way of smaller farms, [and show] that diversity is good.” # Jim was a post-graduate student at Auckland University in 1979 and participated in the survey of the urban fringe properties. His own masters thesis in 1980 examined the process of land-use change, as illustrated by deer farming in the Tauranga County.

Page 4

COAST & COUNTRY

Second chance at life thanks to stranger’s generosity Mike Williams had accepted that his chances of survival were very slim but a stranger’s generosity and a phone call late last year brought renewed hope.

60 to 65 per cent for a healthy heart.

“My life was severely restricted. I had little energy, couldn’t drive, carry out every day activities like bringing in the firewood and I was constantly tired, sleeping much of the time,” says Mike, who did however, manage to continue with his council duties.

“The specialist team at Greenlane Hospital had told us to go home, put our affairs in order and enjoy what Council time we had left because they didn’t think a heart “I think the council work helped keep Mike alive. would arrive in time to save Mike,” says wife Kate, It gave him something else to concentrate on and he who seven months on still becomes emotional talking could do much of it from home,” says Kate. about the surgery last December.

“I was resigned to dying but pissed off that I would go “It is hard to know that someone else has suffered a before my time and upset about what that would mean terrible loss which resulted in Mike going from being a for Kate and our children, Cam, Andrew and Jane,” very ill man getting worse to a man who is now recovsays Mike. ering his health,” she says.

When Mike and Kate attended the Katikati “Words can’t explain how it feels to Community Board Christmas dinner know that I have someone else’s heart function in early December Mike, beating within in me but I am half joking, said to board member Words can’t explain immensely grateful,” says Mike, Rev Brendan Gibbs of St Peter’s how it feels to know who is a Western Bay of Anglican Church: “it’s about time that I have someone else’s Plenty District councillor. you asked the Big Guy up there Mike is New Zealand’s to help me find a new heart”. heart beating within 254th heart transplant in me but I am recipient since the surgery Prayers immensely grateful began in this country 25 Brendan said he would ask his years ago. He was one of 12 to congregation to pray for Mike the receive a new heart last year – and following Sunday, and community they were the lucky ones. At least 10 board chair Bruce Duske said he would ask people are waiting for donor hearts, and some may die the St Paul’s Presbyterian Church congregation to do the same. before they receive one.

Just five days later Mike and Kate received the phone Before problems with his heart, Mike had indicated call they thought would never come. “It was 8.30pm on on his driver’s licence that he wanted to be an organ Friday and Greenlane Hospital staff told us they wanted donor. “I told my family that if they didn’t agree to Mike in Auckland within two and a half hours. They my organs being taken when I died, I’d come back to had a heart but there was no guarantee it would be a haunt them.” good enough match for him,” says Kate.

It wasn’t until after 3am the next morning that Mike Second chance finally went to theatre and it was to be 10 hours before Now a stranger and his family have given Mike a Kate saw him again. second chance at life, he and Kate would like others to think about being organ donors.

Setbacks “It’s not an easy subject to discuss but the transplant The surgery was a success but like most transplant team at Greenlane say it is something families should recipients, Mike suffered setbacks with rejection and talk about because, despite what an individual may infections resulting in frequent spells in hospital, but wish, should they die, their family can say no to organ his health is steadily improving as is his memory and his donation,” says Kate. stamina.

By November last year, death was a looming reality Seemingly mundane tasks like cutting firewood with for Mike. His heart, damaged by attacks in 2000, a chainsaw, cleaning out the guttering and preparing 2003 and 2005 was so enlarged it weighed 720 grams an evening meal are now a joy and achievement for as compared to the normal 300g and was pumping Mike. “Every night before I go to sleep and each mornjust 17 per cent of his blood with each beat instead of ing when I shower and see the scar on my chest I give

Mike and Kate Williams say words cannot express the gratitude they feel towards the family who agreed to donate their loved one’s heart to save Mike’s life. thanks and think of my donor and his family and how grateful I am. I respect and cherish my new heart and believe I have an obligation to those who gifted it to me to look after it as best I can, by keeping healthy and eating properly, and making the most of my new found health.”

Kate says it’s hard to comprehend what having Mike regaining his health means to herself and their children; and to

accept that has only come about because someone else has lost their loved one. She is also now just beginning to release how much of a strain the last 15 months have been on her.

“When Mike was taken to theatre my legs just buckled under me but I felt an over-whelming, almost spiritual sense of peace. We had got Mike there and there was nothing more I could do.”

Last year 38 decreased New Zealand donors contributed organs to 118 transplant operations including 56 kidney, 34 liver, 13 lung, 12 heart and three pancreas transplants, changing the lives of seriously ill patients. Up to 500 New Zealand patients are currently waiting for kidneys, 19 for livers, 10 each for hearts and lungs, and six for pancreases.

Organ Donation New Zealand communications advisor Melanie Stevenson says there are a number of reasons New Zealand isn’t higher up the list, and contrary to what many believe, people who die at the scene of a road crash cannot be organ donors. “A person who can donate organs following their death will have been admitted to an Intensive Care Unit with a fatal brain injury, most commonly from bleeding in the brain, and in reality, that’s only a small number of people

each year.” “If the patient’s family is in agreement to donation, organs will be retrieved, under normal surgical procedures, for transplant,” says Melanie, who knows first-hand what it means to be part of a donor family. Ten years ago her brother Jared was hit by an out-of-control driver while walking along a footpath and later died. Six people benefitted from the donation of Jared’s organs. “Agreeing to donate a loved one’s organs is not for everyone and there is never any pressure for a family to do so.

However, we do encourage people to discuss their wishes with their family.

That way the family knows their views and can take that into account if they ever find themselves in the tragic position of having to make such a decision.”

To find out more go to: www.donor.co.nz

By Elaine Fisher

Generous donor families change lives

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Couple to gift Papamoa farm to nation

A Tauranga couple are planning to gift to the nation their extensive dry stock and forestry farm they have spent 54 years developing, because they can’t bear the thought of it being cut up for lifestyle blocks or housing.

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David and Cloie Blackley want to be sure the 180 ha Summerhill Farm in the Papamoa Hills remains a green belt on the city fringes in perpetuity.

“Our daughters all have their own businesses and when we pass on they would have little option but to sell the land and none of us want that to happen,” says David.

The unconventional and extremely generous gift is typical of the Blackley family, who for many years has opened parts of Summerhill to the public for tramping, horse riding, BMX and mountain biking. It is also home to the Summerhill A1 Academy youth leadership programme and Hands on Farming Scheme, which aim to give young people life skills and introduce them to farming as a career option.

Central to many of the activities on the farm is the Mongolian ger David built. The round structure is based on the ‘tents’ used by nomads but has a permanent raised central fireplace, and is used to hold meetings and workshops.

Under the gift arrangements the property, which recently featured on TV One’s ‘Country Calendar’, will continue as a working farm, grazing sheep and cattle and growing a range of exotic timber trees.

David and Cloie will retain a portion of land on which their home sits and continue to enjoy the extensive views of Tauranga, Papamoa Mountain biking, as illustrated on and the the side of this farm building, is ocean out popular at Summerhill Farm. to Mayor Island which captivated David when he first saw the farm in 1959.

After making a flying visit to view the property in his Auster Alpine aircraft, David returned to Wairoa to tell Cloie he had purchased the 460 acre farm with “the house is worth a match”, the land run being down but the views were stunning.

“I could see she wasn’t that excited about going to live in a revolting house on a broken down farm,” says David. But 54 years on the couple are still enjoying the views from the home they built at Summerhill – and the property has increased in size and is far from rundown.

Today roughly half is in forestry and the rest is used to raise Romney sheep and Angus cattle. The Blackley’s vision is that Summerhill, which is bordered by the Papamoa Hills Regional Park, will continue to be a recreational and farm education resource for the Bay of Plenty.

David and Cloie and their daughters derive much pleasure from the land they have spent so many decades farming and developing; and they want others who wouldn’t normally have that opportunity to be able to enjoy the outdoors too.

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Page 6

Triploids may help win oyster battle From front cover

The large fleshy oysters nestled in shells on a bed of black, shine pearly-white beneath the factory lights.

Then the lid is fitted on their box, and they are placed in a chiller at Pacific Marine Farms’ processing plant in Coromandel, awaiting export to a foreign land.

Destined for Australia, Asia or the USA, the shellfish are in danger of becoming a rare delicacy, because of the impacts of the oyster herpes virus which can kill both adult and juvenile oysters.

General manager operations for the Coromandel facility, Vince Syddall says the disease is a major challenge for oyster farming – but one the company is determine to overcome.

“We intend to win. We don’t believe in losing,” says Vince, who has worked at the facility since 1981, learning all aspects of production from harvest to processing and packaging through to marketing and administration.

Also known as Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome, the disease was first identified in New Zealand in 2010, devastating farms in Northland. It then spread south infecting others, including the 30 from North Cape to Marlborough Sounds, owned by Pacific Marine Farms.

France

“It is believed to have originated in France and has now spread throughout the world,” says Vince. Deadly to some oysters, the virus is not believed to have any human health issues. It can cause mortality in between 10 and 30 per cent of adult oysters – but 60 to 100 per cent of juveniles can die. And the virus is most virulent when water temperatures are between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius.

“This is the impact,” says Vince, as he lifts a clump of freshly harvested oysters from the large bin. “That one’s dead, that one, that and that one.” As many as two-thirds of the shells in the bin will be empty.

Pacific Marine Farms, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aotearoa Fisheries Limited, is working closely with the Cawthron Institute to find answers to the virus, for which there is no known cure.

Work on breeding herpes-resistant oyster spat is showing some encouraging signs as is the breeding of naturally-occurring Triploid oysters, sterile oysters, which unlike diploid oysters, don’t spawn and lose condition. By growing more quickly and being harvested more frequently, triploid oysters might help keep the industry viable.

The company is also researching ways of growing oysters in small ‘netlon’ bags - instead of on sticks - but currently Vince says that’s an expensive option.

it has fared better than many smaller operations. It has recently bought the oyster side of Sanford Ltd, increasing its economies of scale.

The oyster farming industry in New Zealand, and indeed in Coromandel, was started in the late 1960s, early 1970s by the Marine Department which set up and operated farms to find out if they were viable.

“Most were around 10 acres as that was considered big enough for a small family venture,” says Vince.

Pioneer

One of Pacific Marine Farm’s oyster farms is in the Coromandel Harbour, directly opposite the factory in Long Bay, just north of the Coromandel wharf. It was previously owned by Paul Wyborn, who built the factory now owned by the company.

Expertise

Continuing to farm and harvest export quality oysters, despite the virus, has been more than challenging. But the company’s expertise and the size of operation means

Black packaging enhances the appearance of half shell oysters being packed

by Cissy Leef, who has worked at the Coromandel facility since 1981.

COAST & COUNTRY

Kaipara wild spat used to seed farm

“Paul was one of the pioneers of the industry and when he built this factory it was way too big for the number of oysters he was harvesting. Now it’s almost too small,” says Vince.

The factory processes oysters from as far away as Marlborough Sounds and Vince says, if kept at the right temperature, oysters travel well.

The process of farming begins with the collection of spat from the Kaipara Harbour. “You can’t see the spat it’s that small but you develop a sense of when it might be present, and put sticks in the harbour for it to attach to.”

Spat, produced from the spawning of adult oysters, swim free until they develop a tiny ‘foot’ and seek out something to attach to.

The Kaipara is the best place to catch spat, because it takes five to seven days for a complete change of water while most other harbours flush in and out every day.

Sticks with tiny spat attached are taken to farms, where they are placed in bundles in the inter-tide zone until big enough to be transferred to the racks on the farms. Many farmed oysters have a distinctive flat area on their shells, where they have been growing on the sticks.

It takes between 14 and 18 months for the oysters to grow to a harvestable size, and the best times to harvest are between April and November.

Oyster catchers

It’s not just the virus which is a threat to the farmed shellfish. The aptly named oyster catcher birds feed on them as do stingray and even humans, some who

appear to believe they have the right to harvest the shellfish even though they are on a commercial farm.

Harvesting for the factory can only take place at either side of low tide, during a window of about five hours. It’s hard, physical and muddy work, walking in thigh-deep water along racks, removing oysters and placing them on small barges.

Back on shore the bins are emptied on tables where the oysters are cleaned and graded and dead ones discarded.

Some are sent to the factory for processing, and some are placed inside specially made bags to go back on the farm until they are ready for processing.

Pacific Marine Farms has an automatic grader, similar though smaller, to those used in the fruit industry, to sort oysters into sizes, delivering them in bins ready for the next step.

In the factory, teams of experienced oyster shuckers rapidly open the shells. “The most experienced can do 400 to 600 dozen in an eight hour shift. They are paid on contract, based on performance,” says Vince.

Pacific Marine Farms exports and markets its products; and its clients are mainly big food service companies. “Australia is our biggest market. Australians eat more oysters per head of population than anyone else.”

Pacific Marine Farms brand oysters are available in New Zealand in Foodstuffs supermarkets and from the Coromandel factory too. While humans have a taste for oysters, cattle like their empty shells. “Some of our shells go to farmers who crush them up to feed beef cattle, as there are a lot of nutrients in them and apparently the animals love them. Others use the crushed shell for driveways,” says Vince. By Elaine Fisher

Pacific Marine Farms’ general manager operations for Coromandel Vince Syddall, with the JEMCO packaging used in the Japanese market.

Raw

Trays of opened oysters go into a revolving blast freezer and are then passed through a water bath to stop freezer burn, before being packed in the half shell in black plix-lined boxes.

The company exports half of its produce to Australia and 40 per cent to Japan, US, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore. It has also combined with other oyster farmers to develop the Japanese market under brand name JEMCO. Not all the oysters are frozen. New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world which has its raw oysters accepted by the international markets – and raw Pacific Marine Farms’ oysters are airfreighted to clients.

The international acceptance of raw oysters from New Zealand is thanks to strict food safety requirements, which include a ban on harvesting after any rainfall event of 23 mm or over. “We can’t harvest for three days after 23 mm and if its 60 mm, not for four days; and with 100 mm – harvesting is out for five days.” Because oysters are filter feeders, the restrictions are designed to ensure they are free of impurities, washed off the land by rain.

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Page 7

Page 8

COAST & COUNTRY

Compost Happens

BROWN

GREEN

(leaves, straw, woody materials)

COMPOST

(grass, lucerne, green waste etc.)

Heat

Water

s

ism

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an

org

cro

cro

Ma

Mi

ms

nis

a org

Air

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 9

Growing superior maize for top quality feed I used to think you put seed in the ground, add a bit of fertiliser and watch the crops grow. Those days are long gone – and so is growing crops to recipes.

fertility leads to low quality animal feed. Low quality animals lead to low profit.

Cutting corners

Too many farmers and growers are just not making financial headway. That leads to corners being cut. The farm consultants are leading There is one correct way to grow that charge, and it needs to stop. Too any crop, and that is to have your soil many think that higher inputs lead tests sent to a creditable laboratory to lower returns, when the correct and get a competent recommendainputs lead to higher returns. They tion from those results. We, at Kiwi just don’t know what those correct inputs are.

Fertiliser, have found the best results are to The purpose of growing supplements is to be had from the Perry Agricultural Lab (PAL) improve the nutrition of the stock that eats it. and Kinsey Agricultural Services (KAS) both If that supplement is below par, the stock need in Missouri. more of it. But more does not improve stock Our field staff is also trained to interpret health, it just costs more. and, or, alter the recommendations to suit All effort should be aimed at maximising the local conditions, health of the crop. materials, and time That, believe it or of year. There are no not, maximises quick fixes – it is a yield, with 95 minimum three-year per cent of yield programme for best coming from the results. atmosphere and five Some common problems we per cent from the soil. encounter are low soil fertility Phosphorus deficient ear So, the soil needs to be right. in general, high phosphorus Soil carbon levels are levels, over-liming and low decreasing. A one per cent organic matter. Too much calincrease in organic matter cium ties up trace elements, can improve yield by 12 per (copper, boron, cobalt), and cent. Are you raising organic drives down magnesium. matter?

Correct Mg impacts on There are 74,000 tonnes of phosphorus and nitrogen effinitrogen above every hectare ciency by up to 50 per cent. on earth. To convert some Since the calcium-magnesium of that free N, you need an Boron deficient ears. per cent in a soil determines appropriate Ca Mg per cent, pore space; water efficiency available P plus iron, plus cobalt and molybdenum. The bacteria do is also driven down. Low or imbalanced soil

the rest. Work with nature, not against her.

And 60 per cent of sugar, manufactured in the leaf, is transferred to the roots. While 50 per cent of that is exuded into the soil to feed microbes. The microbes in the soil solubilise minerals for plant uptake. It’s a win-win situation.

No boron, no transfer. Ensure you have luxury amounts (not excesses) of P, Mg, Ca and B for superior This crop produced 33 to 37 tonne per hectare of maize silage. crops. That comes back to a meaningful, specific soil test. times the plant’s requirement available in the soil, to allow the plant to take up enough. That translates on a PAL soil test to 5 per cent of Finger print base saturation. We use potassium sulphate, Each soil has a precise finger print. Using two most others use potassium chloride. While KCl examples on a particular soil, the PAL figures is cheaper, K2SO4 is more effective, ensuring are 3515kg ha Ca, and 372kg ha Mg. That better results. Sulphate is better bang for the means get as close as you can to those figures buck than chloride. for top quality and quantity yield. Local soil We at Kiwi Fertiliser do not deal with inferior test results show 7.1 me 100g for Ca, and a fertilisers. We will not compromise on quality. range of 4-10. How confusing. Does that soil Mediocrity is the enemy of excellence. Lodgneed to be at 4, 7 or 10? For Mg, the local one ing is caused by lack of potassium, manganese, shows 1.42, with a range of 1.0-1.6. Both these copper or all three. It’s easily rectified and nutrients are in the centre of the range, but there’s no guessing required. both Ca and Mg are woefully inadequate with With sulphate sulphur, the local test says levels of 1792 and 242 according to PAL. That 10-12mg kg is “medium” while 26ppm is is a shortfall of 1723kg/ha (49 per cent) for “high”.

Ca, and 130kg/ha (35 per cent) for Mg. Get We say anything up to 12ppm is very low, the Mg up and you can get your N down, and 40ppm is good and 50-150ppm is excellent. maximise P. Sulphur increases girth. The greater the stalk Potassium is another nutrient often in short size, the more able it is to pump nutrients into supply. It’s expensive, but you need about eight the cob, more importantly, cobs.

BASE SATURATION PERCENT Calcium (60 to 70%) Magnesium (10 to 20%) Potassium (2 to 5%) Sodium (.5 to 3%) Other Bases (Variable)

}80%

EXCHANGEABLE HYDROGEN (10 to 15%)

Page 10

COAST & COUNTRY

Falling kiwifruit production risks loss of consumers The world production of kiwifruit has fallen and if volumes don’t recover there is risk that consumers will replace kiwifruit with other fruits, warns Peter McBride, chairman of Zespri.

under pressure, they are making genuine efforts to cooperate and move to compete with Zespri in our premium markets. In the Northern Hemisphere, Psa is having a significant impact on production in Italy and France. The on-going economic uncertainty in Europe is putting pressure on growers.”

“Last year, for the first time in 15 years, the total world production of kiwifruit fell due to Psa-V. This is concerning,” he told 350 growers and shareholders who attended Zespri’s annual meeting in Tauranga in late July.

“Zespri operates in a highly competitive global kiwifruit industry which is at a cross roads.

A prolonged fall in global volumes could impact on all producers as the category shrinks and consumers replace kiwifruit with other fruit.”

In Chile, Psa, the high peso (Chilean dollar), and rapidly increasing labour costs are putting kiwifruit growers under pressure – with production levels falling last year.

“However, while Chilean producers are

Notable rise

While global production falls, production in China is rising with the country producing an estimated 700,000 tonnes of kiwifruit for domestic consumption.

“Notably around a quarter of this was estimated to be red or gold kiwifruit.”

Peter says over time China will become a significant world exporter of kiwifruit.

However, the outlook for New Zealand kiwifruit growers is not all grim. Uncertainty, and social and economic volatility in international markets also offers opportunities for Zespri growers, he says.

“Our challenge is to take full advantage of the opportunities that exist for New Zealand food producers.”

There is growing pressure on global food supplies and increasing concerns

around food security, along with a growing demand for healthy and safe food.

The rising affluent middle classes of Latin America, India, Southeast Asia and China are demanding better quality food – and are prepared to pay for it.

Poverty lift

“It is clear that the economic transformation in the developing regions will lift millions out of poverty to create our future customers.

“That said, in seeking to seize new opportunities, we must keep driving our traditional markets of Europe and Japan, as their economies will eventually recover.

An additional important goal is to broaden our market base in order to avoid the centralisation of risk in a volatile global environment.” # In the elections for the board, held at the annual meeting, Peter McBride was returned with an 87.56 per cent majority, and Bruce Cameron was re-appointed with 72.73 per cent. The appointment of new independent director Jonathan Mason received 99.31 per cent support from growers.

By Elaine Fisher Above: Zespri shareholders voting at the annual meeting in Tauranga.

Right : Some of the varieties and brands of kiwifruit available on the highly competitive global kiwifruit market.

Direct grower contract proposed Kiwifruit growers don’t currently have a contractual agreement with Zespri for the supply and sale of their fruit – and this needs to change – says Mike Chapman, CEO of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. NZKGI is working towards the adoption of a direct grower contract which would hold Zespri to account by growers for growers and create a contract which is legally enforceable, says Mike.

Not replacement

The contract would not replace the current supplier/grower entries, to which Zespri currently pays returns, but is about protecting growers’ money and increasing transparency, he told the NZKGI annual meeting in July.

Instead of being paid direct by Zespri, most growers are paid through pool

systems operated by their supply entries (often post-harvest companies).

Grower Hugh Moore of Katikati supported the move, saying that is the way the industry was always supposed to bet set up. “That got reversed and it’s obnoxious that it did. The sooner the change can be made the better.”

Supported plan

Former president of NZKGI and Te Puke grower Peter Ombler also supports the plan. “This is an issue I feel strongly about. It has never made sense to me that I give someone my wallet and when everyone else has been paid, they give it back to me. If I take my car to be fixed I see that as a service I pay for, and regard the post-harvest industry in the same light. I pay them to do a job for me.”

Mike says NZKGI is working with Zespri to draft a contract and will keep growers posted on progress.

By Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 11

Sediment traps help waterways – reducing extraction costs Sediment traps are excavations in the bed of a watercourse to limit the downstream movement of gravel, sand, and course silt.

where habitat is degraded, from earlier excessive sediment deposition, can help in their rehabilitation.

The traps are relatively wide, short and deep excavations and are useful in both natural waterways and constructed drains.

These are general procedures for construction. You are advised to get advice from a specialist who can assess the particular conditions at the planned site.

This article is adapted from the ninth in a series of nine DairyNZ Farmfacts on managing waterways on farms.

It draws on information in the NZWERF publication, Sustainable Drainage Management: Best management practice, #4 Coarse sediment trap,

by Henry R Hudson.

There’s something new in maize. o ng

• Pick a good work time. Don’t disturb the beds and banks during trout spawning, and watch for birds nesting along the channel margin.

• Excavate a pit in the channel, best done with a dragline or hydraulic excavator from the bank.

• Shape the pit so it is about 1.5 times the width of the channel upstream (and gradually wider as you go downstream), and 1.5 m deeper than the average bed level.

• Make the trap length four to 10 times the upstream channel width.

Aim for side slopes of the trap 1:2 (1 vertical unit to 2 horizontal).

• Try to include a channel diversion, so water can be diverted around the trap during construction, and any time it is being reexcavated, to remove collected sedi-ment.

To discontinue using the sediment trap, it can be “de-commissioned” simply by not removing sediment. The bed will build up and the edges will fill in as vegetation encroaches and traps more sediment.

The trap area will eventually be indistinguishable from the adjacent channel.

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TRIAL A ID R CORSON HY13B IN 20 o

Choose a spot that will make it easy to trap and excavate bed material. Look for a long, relatively straight channel with good access.

There should be suitable ground conditions and room to operate an excavator and temporarily pile the silt, sand and gravel.

The trap should be positioned where there is no risk of it causing channel instability or compromising infrastructure, such as bridge crossings.

Placing traps upstream of reaches

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• Stabilise the upstream edge of the pit with rocks to prevent erosion, but make sure fish passage can still occur.

• Plant suitable vegetation to stabilise the banks and berms, and provide food and habitat for fish and wild life.

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Trapped sediment does not progress downstream where deposition would reduce channel capacity. The trap itself has to be excavated when it fills up, but it will reduce the need for more extensive waterway clearing and cut excavation costs.

There are environmental benefits as well. Simply trapping excessive sand and silt improves the habitat of the waterway. Instead of periodic excavation of great lengths of channel, a relatively short sediment trap is cleaned as needed.

This greatly reduces downstream disturbance, which causes modification or loss of habitat and re-suspension of sediment and any contaminants in it.

Excavating also removes invertebrates, fish, eels and crayfish from the channel. All of this can have a long-term, detrimental effect.

Listed, are some general guidelines for construction and management of sediment traps.

Design and construction

inadvertent access.

• Maintain bank vegetation in good condition to minimise erosion into the trap.

• Inspect the trap regularly and re-excavate when it is by-passing too much sedi-ment. As a rough guide, you should excavate when the top half of the trap is largely filled with sediment.

• Divert flow during the work if you have incorporated a diversion into the plan.

• Recycle the cleared sediment back onto paddocks.

Don’t leave it stockpiled by the waterway.

• Check the trap after all major storms and after floods to see if there are any problems (for example, scour, bank failure).

7/24/13 11:12 AM

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 12

Best practice essential for kiwifruit spraying As spring approaches, many conventional kiwifruit growers will apply hydrogen cyanamide in preparation for the new growing season.

This product plays a very important part in promoting bud break and assists with Psa control.

It is an essential tool, ensuring economically viable levels of production on kiwifruit orchards.

As an industry, we fully recognise our responsibility to the community and the environment.

Therefore, best practice spray guidelines have been developed with input from many different experts and organisations.

A Spray Action Group was established in 2009 with representatives from Zespri, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, spray contractors, community groups and other interested parties, including rural posties.

Since then, the group has met regularly to develop a number of key action points for the coming spray season, these include: • Best practice education for growers and spray contractors.

• Improved neighbour notification, and better placement and greater use of spray notification signage.

• Minimal spray drift using low spray drift technology.

• Enhancement of spray complaint and non-com

pliance investigation and action.

• Proactive relationships between the kiwifruit industry, rural posties and community spray action groups.

NZKGI acts as a spray complaints hotline for growers, affected neighbours and members of the public.

Wherever possible, an NZKGI forum member gets in touch with the grower/ applicator and affected neighbour to address concerns, establish key facts and ascertain whether a complaint is to be laid.

All complaints received by NZKGI are also forwarded to the regional council for action.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council also operates a Pollution Hotline 0800 884 883 and receives complaints directly.

Each year there are more than 2000 applications of hydrogen cyanamide in the Bay of Plenty. Notably, less than one per cent of these applications result in a complaint.

These complaints could have been avoided by following best practice advice which includes: • Notify neighbours of spraying operations at least 12 hours prior to spraying.

• Check wind conditions before spraying. Do not spray if wind conditions are more than a light breeze (wind felt on exposed skin, leaves rustle).

• Use low spray drift technology – use air inclusion (AI) nozzles and Driftstop (or equivalent) to minimise drift.

• Use prominently-displayed signage to indicate

spraying is taking place. Signs must be in place no less than 24 hours before spraying.

• Plant evergreen shelter on bounda ries, especially road frontages.

If there is no shelter, or the shelter is incomplete, a no-spray buffer of 30 metres is recommended to minimise drift onto neighbouring properties, including roads.

• Use bee-safe products.

Pedestrians and motorists are warned

when spraying is underway by yellow bags on letterboxes. Yellow spray cones on roads also mark where spraying is underway.

These voluntary measures are a highly visible and effective way to warn road users that spraying is taking place.

If you have any concerns about spraying, ring either the NZKGI or Bay of Plenty Regional Council hot lines: NZKGI’s hotline 0800 232 505 and Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Pollution Hotline 0800 884 883.

In support of drones Go the drones I say!! Why shouldn’t farmers be under constant observation to make sure they are caring for their animals properly?

(Coast & Country July 2013 page 3).

Maybe if they think there’s some UFOs with

cameras flying around checking up that animals aren’t been starved, physically abused or tramping through creeks and streams, they’ll clean up their acts – and about time too.

C Brown, Tauranga.

Don’t chop up farms

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What’s wrong with council’s tightening up on lifestyle blocks?

(Coast & Country July 2013 page 50).

Brent Trail warns it may soon be too late for farmers to subdivide off a retirement lot, sell some land to get cash to develop their farm or get more titles to get the best value out of the land.

What’s the world coming to when the

More courses for your horses There’s more under the bonnet of a CLAAS ARION 400 advanced technology tractor than 100, 110 or 120 powerful European thoroughbreds. With its four speed PTO, clutchless reversing, 6500 kg rear linkage lift, spacious cabin and a host of other smart features to make your working day as productive and comfortable as possible, ARION 400 delivers all the features of a high capacity tractor. Except the price tag. Fitted with the optional Stoll front end loader or front linkages, hydraulics and PTO, ARION 400 becomes an even more versatile and efficient work platform.

Contact us today and find out how ARION 400 gives you more courses for your horses.

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best value of good Waikato and Waipa farm land is achieved by chopping it up into non-productive blocks?

I think councils are on the right track if they want to retain bigger farms to go on producing food, instead of creating small blocks for hobby farmers who work in town and don’t know how to look after their animals.

G Clark, Tirau.

RURAL DRIVER

The family dirt The motocross-mad Waghorn family: Kane, Michelle, Jordan and Ashley set a new record on the Tarawera 100 cross-country marathon in July. Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

While top motocross riders were battling it out at the front of the recent iconic Tarawera 100, Bay of Plenty’s Waghorn family had their own challenge going on.

The talented Whakatane riders, who are all passionate about their off-roading, set a new record at the 100-mile marathon near Kawerau in July as the first full family to do so.

But while they may have set off on their Yamaha’s together, their paths did not cross much over the four-hour individual race.

Family patriarch Kane, who was happy with his 41st place overall out of 179 riders – and third placing in the super vets’ class, laughed

that it had taken so long for them to achieve the goal – saying one family member is injured when the Tarawera 100 is on.

“And normally that’s me,” says the YZ450F rider.

Son Jordan,17, finished 58th overall on his a WR450, giving him ninth place in the under-19 category, while his sister Ashley, 19, finished 113th on her YZ125 – just ahead of mum Michelle on her YZ250F in 118th. They achieved sixth and seventh place respectively in the women’s class.

It was Michelle’s 14th assault on the Tarawera 100 and what she rates as one of her toughest yet.

“My motherly instincts came out and I was constantly worrying about the others” she says.

“It’s great we could all do something like this together, something that we all enjoy so much. I hope

we can do it again as a family next year too.”

At the pointy end of the 160 km marathon, Tauranga rider Ben Townley got off to a good start which reigning national cross country champion Adrian Smith of Mokau could never catch, finishing five minutes behind him as runner up.

Tauranga rider Peter Broxholme was in line for second place, but ran out of fuel in sight of the finish line and had to settle for ninth place.

Third place went to Taupo’s Brad Groombridge.

It was Ben’s first attempt at the race, as the former world and national champion had previously been unable to compete due to international clashes, and says the experience lived up his expectations from seeing it as a child.

Page 13

RURAL DRIVER

Page 14

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Do you have Ute Approval?

The last time I drove a ute, I was living in the southern states of North America with my six wives, 14 children and an old goat named Billy, running a successful moonshine operation.

Due to an unfortunate moonshining accident, and a few arrest warrants, those days are gone (Disclaimer: The prior story is almost certainly fabricated).

Nowadays I like the finer things in life, and Farmer Autovillage was kind enough to let me burn the newness off a Nissan Navara 450 ST-X. Far too handsome to be utilized in hillbilly country, this rugged-looking beast looked like it meant business, so I took it for a trip to the next best thing, the world famous Cow Town – Hamilton.

Sit back and relax, let me take you on a journey across time and distant lands. I am, of course, talking about Matamata. It has to be said, the Navara handled the Kaimai Range with ease, gracefully swanning around the bends like it knew them well. Plunging down in to middle earth was a breeze, and the reason I’m mentioning Matamata is due to a phenomenon I’d not previously experienced – Ute Approval. There were many gum-booted folk meandering around Hobbiton, and several took the time to look, with a glimmer of a

116 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

smile or approving nod, as the Navara wafted by. First believing it was the handsome driver gaining the attention, I was quick to realise that actually, as I have a face for radio, it must have been the ute.

After about 45 minutes, disheartened by the fact that my vehicle was more impressive than my upstanding good self, I decided to pay attention to the Navara, to take it down a peg or two.

What did I come up with, I pretend I hear you ask? Well, not much. In fact, the whole experience was good.

The 2.5 litre turbo-diesel engine is perfectly capable, never complaining and happy with all thrown at it. In my humble opinion, my preference would have been the 3.0 litre V6 diesel for the thrill of the extra horses, but the Police confiscated my lead foot years ago, so I could live without it. I had the 4WD model with 140kw/450Nm Torque, which is quite a burly beast capable of 3000kg braked towing which – to give you an accurate, scientific measure – would easily pull the skin off grandma’s custard.

On the highway, you’d be hard pushed to know you were in a diesel vehicle, but under acceleration or load, the power plant got a little raucous, just to let you know it was working.

I picked up a brochure from Farmer Autovillage, just to get familiar with the specs. Interestingly, I couldn’t find anything about load capacity for the rear deck. The picture in the brochure shows it being loaded with a pallet of bricks, so I’ll take that as the official capacity. Other models also teased you with the options of carrying tool chests, an air compressor, and what looked like a roll of fiber optic cable. It’s everything the modern man needs, really. In fact, I would be confident that there is also room for a few bails of hay and an old goat too, if the mother-in-law needed a lift somewhere. Yes, it’s a double cab

ute, but she can talk the hind leg off a donkey.

The next morning, it was time to return from The Tron. I was greeted with a very frosty morning, even ice on the windscreen. Chilly it may be, but the cab soon became a cosy nest for the journey back over the Kaimais – before popping by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Animal Care programme at Windemere for a suitably rural photo shoot. Luckily, the outside temperature gauge was very obliging in telling me it was pretty damn cold outside, so I didn’t forget it was still winter, with all the cosyness.

Winter or not, the Navara wasn’t at all phased by its chilly surrounds, and happily cantered along. I have to say, I was very pleasantly surprised by the ride quality. Of course, you can’t expect luxury car ride comfort with a big vehicle, but on my official scale of between soft as an at-home pillow to hard as a hotel pillow, I would certainly rate it from smooth to somewhat jiggly – on a par with most modern SUV’s, for sure.

Not a squeak or a creak from anywhere, Nissan seemed to have upped their game recently on the interior factors, moving away from the obscure, to the modern, subtle styling.

So, if I needed a ute, would I buy one?

Navara – yes, no doubt. ST-X 450?

Maybe. If I had a few extra pennies, I would most certainly go for the STX550 with the 3.0 litre V6 Diesel, but I’m a power mad fool.

By Jay Burston

RURAL DRIVER

Page 15

Cutting farm bike down-time for Huka Honda in Taupo, and would sometimes help customers in the Rotorua district because nobody was doing it.

He says Lakes Honda will service customers in the Rotorua district and surrounding areas – “we will go to wherever people call us from, within reason”.

He says transporting multiple quads or bikes into town for servicing can be a “logistical nightmare” for

Grant Booth from Rotorua’s Lakes Honda offers convenient on-farm servicing from his truck’s mobile workshop.

Knowing how much farmers rely on their quads and motorbikes the new owners of Rotorua’s Lakes Honda are offering on-farm mobile servicing so they have less down time on the farm.

Grant Booth, who took over from Rowlinson Honda on August 1 following Niall Rowlinson’s retirement, says

the new mobile workshop on a truck will enable farmers to have all their basic servicing on their property.

“We’ve got new blood and new ideas, including the mobile service which is going to make life easier for farmers.

We will be able to do all your main servicing, like tyres and tuning, and will complement everything we do in the workshop.”

Grant knows from experience how helpful the mobile service will be to farmers. He ran a similar programme

farmers, and leave them without any of the workhorses for a full day. “When you take the service truck to the farm it makes it much easier – you are only going to be down one quad or bike for a couple of hours at a time, rather than all day in town.”

Grant says the service will complement the shop which is expanding its stock of new and secondhand bikes and quads, riding apparel and accessories.

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Be prepared for adverse conditions The longest day might have passed – but NZTA is warning drivers to remain vigilant on the road with August often bringing late storms and treacherous conditions.

While the Waikato and Bay of Plenty have avoided the worst of the winter storms so far, NZTA acting state highways manager for Waikato Michelle Te Wharau says it is important to be prepared for poor conditions through until September.

“Driving conditions can be much more challenging during winter and some weather events can be unpredictable and conditions can change very quickly.

“Crashes can often happen during poor weather conditions, so allow greater following distances on frosty, foggy or wet days. Also, keeping your headlights on at all times ensures you are visible to other road users.

NZTA encourages drivers to have their car’s brakes, tyres, wipers, lights and steering checked; to always drive to the conditions; and to avoid towing when icy, and avoid driving at night whenever possible.

If conditions deteriorate consider putting off any non-essential trips, always check the forecast and road conditions, and allow extra time for the trip if it can’t be delayed.

Always carry extra fuel in case you get diverted and carry tyre chains if expecting snow.

Safe winter driving tips: - Drive slower than normal to help avoid losing control in wet or icy conditions.

- Brake and turn slowly to avoid skidding.

- Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.

- Don’t assume your 4WD will keep you safe. You still need to drive to the conditions.

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 16

Worms up-cycle organic residues Free accommodation and all they can eat are what the 1.2 billion workers of an innovative North Island company require, says their boss Michael Quintern.

It’s easy to keep our worms happy, says Michael, and their productivity is pretty impressive, but then so too the size of the operation. MyNoke’s worm

Worm at work – although out of sight – MyNOKE hosts regular field days to explain how effective worms are at converting waste into useful products. farms cover a total of 50 ha across four sites – and every year its worms convert some 150,000 tonnes of waste, which would otherwise go to landfill, into high quality products.

The company has grown out of research Michael did as scientist in Germany and while working as technical manager of the New Zealand Land Treatment Collective at Scion, the forest research institute, in Rotorua.

There he was inspired by the ability of worms to convert what had previously been waste, into premium soil conditioner for farming and horticulture – a process he calls “up-cycling” rather than recycling.

He also refers to organic waste as “organic residues”, in an effort to overcome the false impressions often associated with the word “waste”.

MyNOKE vermicast is spread beneath kiwifruit vines as part of a GroPlus Group trial at Te Puna.

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The first large scale worm farm Michael designed and established was for Tuaropaki Trust, at Mokai near Taupo, to process some 2000 tonnes of greenhouse waste.

It was this experience which led to the name MyNOKE. “Noke is the Maori word for earthworm, so as my first large scale worm farm was for a Maori trust, that name seemed appropriate.”

Michael then established the Ecocast Wormfarm with two partners at Kawerau and which was followed by the MyNOKE flagship worm farm at Kinleith/Tokoroa. A smaller worm farm was designed and is serviced for Laminex, the laminates and panels division of Fletcher Building Products Ltd, in Taupo. Last year, Michael designed the on-site worm farm for the new Maketu wastewater treatment plant, and provides operational and management contract support of that facility for Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Lost fibres

The worms are fed on ‘lost’ fibres from paper mills, sediments from oxidation ponds of wood processing industries, kiwifruit wastes, farm manure and effluent, bio-solids from wastewater treatment plants, by-products from milk plants, meat plants, kitchen wastes, and paper wastes from restaurants and hotels.

Michael is unashamedly a fan of worms which he describes as nature’s smartest technology for enhancing soil fertility. “Worms are basically five centimetre long tubes which swallow food that passes into the gizzard, a bit

like the gizzard of a chicken, where it is ground down into organic matter.”

As part of the digestion process, pathogens are destroyed and converted to less harmful complex organic compounds, phosphate is made plant available, and plant growth stimulators such as auxin are added. The result is a product called wormicast, one third of which is humus.

Large scale

The worms on the MyNOKE farms live in low windrows, (some of them in the pine forest at Kawerua) and are fed a constant supply of organic material.

At Tokoroa, the operation is so big a new Claas Axion 850, 200 hp tractor has been bought, along with a new JCB 500-80 Loadall which can lift five tonne up to eight metres high, along with a number of other mixing and spreading implements.

As well as vermicast, MyNOKE sells earth and compost worms and bark mulch. Its vermicast product has replaced peat in hydro-seeding of grass on banks along newly widened roads.

The company’s successes in turning organic residues into useful products has attracted attention from industry and municipal councils from Australia and Chile.

Michael, who grew up on his grandparent’s farm in Germany, is the founder and a director of MyNOKE. After completing an apprenticeship in farming, he studied agriculture and soil science and did a PhD in agriculture – soil sciences on land utilisation on organic wastes on farmland. Seven years ago he and his family immigrated to New Zealand.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Stratford’s Camo Keegan (Honda), on his way to collecting his first New Zealand TT Championship titles last month.

Consolidation increases performance large scale farmers in the area as John Deere has the largest product range available in the industry, from residential to commercial ride-on mowers, compact to heavy-duty agricultural equipment, leading golf and turf maintenance equipment and more.

Cervus Equipment Rotorua can be found at 52 Vaughan Rd, Rotorua and can also be found at: cervusequipment.co.nz.

Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

Off-road adventures Combining the technical challenges of motocross dirt riding, with road racing’s emphasis on top speed – until the track cuts up – the annual Bike Torque NZ TT Championships always tests the country’s top riders.

The 2013 event near Kuratau at Lake Taupo’s southern tip on July 20-21 drew the stars of motocross, crosscountry, endure, all-terrain vehicles and even road-racing from around the country for what has become an annual showdown of ‘the best of the best’.

While the racing is off-road and the competitors use dirt bikes – the event differs from motocross without steep hills or jumps to slow things down – and the combination of icy grass, deep ruts and high speed made for close, exciting action on the flat farmland.

This year’s 14th annual event earned extra significance thanks to the high number of competitors who claimed their first national titles in this unique

motorcycling code. Among those who collected their first TT titles at the twoday event were Mount Maunganui’s Ben Townley (Honda), Stratford's Camo Keegan, Taihape's Sarah Elwin (Yamaha), Turangi's Brendon Dally (Yamaha), Inglewood's Steve Holmes (Honda), Kaiwaka's Cullen Curtis (Honda) and Mangakino's Maximus Purvis (Honda).

For Ben and Camo it was not only their first TT success, they also each scored double victories – Ben winning both the MX1 and enduro class titles, and Camo snatching both the ATV open class and ATV 450cc production class titles.

Ben’s double win was perhaps the most significant, not only because he won the premier MX1 class but because he is a former world, American and New Zealand motocross champion – and he had never done it before.

“It was so much fun,” says Ben. “All the Taupo boys raved about how much fun this would be and they weren't wrong. It was certainly a bonus to win two national titles

By Hamish carter along the way.”

Authorised John Deere dealer Cervus Equipment Te Puke has consolidated with Cervus Equipment Rotorua.

“With the consolidation of our Bay of Plenty region, we are also able to consolidate our expertise into one site at Rotorua with a better concentration of skills and knowledge,” says Owen Jessop, branch manager for Te Puke and Rotorua.

“We are now able to offer our customers a better resourced branch, delivering increased performance in all areas, and with this a more efficient branch operation. This consolidation will allow us to increase the availability of parts and whole goods while still offering the support and knowledge that you have come to expect.

“Cervus Equipment continues to support the Te Puke region and we will still have a sales and service team covering the region.

“While the change is about increasing performance, it is also about delivering a positive result to you, our customers. We trust that you can accept this change and know that we are still committed to providing you the best possible service. The team at Cervus Equipment look forward to serving you in the future,” says Owen.

Cervus Equipment is well-positioned to serve home owners, lifestylers, contractors, groundskeepers and

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Top service from dedicated bike enthusiasts Bikes are both the day job and weekend fun for the team at Action All Terrain, the dedicated motorcycle and ATV store on Waihi Rd, Tauranga. orchard tractors

small tractors & mowers

The company’s staff members are out during the weekends road riding throughout the North Island, racing at track days, drag racing and trail riding – and that means they really understand the machines they ride, sell and service.

At Action All Terrain there is the full range of Polaris farm and recreation quads and side-by-side ATV’s – and they offer free demonstrations on most models, ask for Nathan Moore or Jimmy Cliff.

Kawasaki Road, MotoX and Farm Bikes, as well as many refurbished road and off-road machines are in stock, along with an excellent range of accessories, clothing helmets, sprayers etc.

The main brands they stock are Thor MotoX gear, HJC Onroad helmets, Macna, Berick and Gaerne. There is a new, fully

equipped workshop and the experienced team offers the best quality service and repair for all brands of motorcycles and ATVs. Zane Spencer is the man to see for all your off-road servicing and repairs – and the newest member of the team, Daniel Jackson, can look after all of your on-road needs.

They offer pickup and delivery services throughout the Bay of Plenty, South Waikato and Coromandel regions, and loan bikes can also be made available.

Action All Terrain is open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays during winter, but with summer coming along

they will be open till 5.30pm on weekdays.

They are worth a visit for advice on any of your motorcycle and farm bike requirements.

War time memories recalled by planter Memories of growing onions and potatoes as part of the war effort were revived for Dorothy Postles of Pukekohe by the photo of the mystery item in the July issue of Coast & Country.

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This month’s mystery item from the Katikati Heritage Museum looks a little like mincer. It is attached to a bench and has a handle on one side. If you know what it is and have a story to tell about its use, we’d love to hear about it. And you could be in to win a museum visit for two. Send your entry to Mystery Item by emailing: elaine@thesun.co.nz or post to Mystery Item, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than August 17. The winner will be announced in the September issue of Coast & Country.

“I immediately recognised the item as an implement used by my father in the 1940s. It is a seed drill, hand operated, to plant onion crops.

“I was born in 1934, the second daughter of a family of five girls on a dairy farm on Pukekohe Hill. My father was not required to go to war. We were required to grow crops of onions and potatoes to supplement food supplies for the troops.

I clearly remember my father using this implement and also the Chinese men [with their gold teeth] coming from Auckland to buy the crops. I’m in my 80th year and these are very happy memories,” writes Dorothy, with her letter winning her admission for two to the Katikati Heritage Museum.

Dorothy was not alone in recognising the device, which is among the exhibits at Katikati Heritage Museum.

Margaret MacDonald of Whakatane has a Planet Junior in her shed and says it has been used to plant many different sized seeds in the paddock or garden.

Bill Schuler, 80, of Rerewhakaaitu, also still has a Planet Junior. “My one is still in perfect working order. It’s been in the family for many years, my brother used it before I did and I’m the youngest – and I’m knocking on 80. It’s for planting seeds in individual sowings, in long skinny rows– and is pushed along the row by man-power.”

J Doggett of Te Puke described how the machine worked. “It is used to plants seeds such as carrots and parsnips. Behind the front wheel it opens up the furrow [in the ground] and the seed is dropped and little wings behind the seed container cover and seed and the rear wheel compacts it. I have used one of these in the early days to plant carrots to feed the horses.”

Owen Madgwick of Morrinsville Transport recalls using the machine for planting radiata seedlings in the Kauarenga Valley. Another entrant, Chris Hancock of Kauaeranga Valley Rd, Thames, also knew what the device was and has a matching weeder.

AVOCADO GROWERS’ CONFERENCE

Page 19

World experts speak at conference Avocado growers will have the chance to learn from some of the world’s leading experts when they attend Nutritional Values – the fifth Quadrennial New Zealand and Australian Avocado Growers’ Conference, at Tauranga’s ASB Arena Baypark from September 9 to 12.

Ashby Whitehead, NZAGA and AIC chair, says the conference is an important event at which growers can learn more about the industry they are a part of.

“The aim is to up-skill our growers and aid them in producing high quality fruit. It is a learning experience and also a great opportunity to network with other growers who have common issues and differing management techniques.

“I urge all growers who are serious about their avocado business to join us for this event which is only held in New Zealand once every eight years. If you want to learn about mitigating irregular bearing, the benefits of new rootstocks and ideas for improving productivity then come along and pick up some knowledge that could help improve your business.”

Fifty experts from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and USA will present advanced thinking on pruning techniques, irregular bearing, disease management, new cultivars, nutrient management, pollination, quality improvement, new market development, promotions, economics, biosecurity, and supply chain improvement.

Sessions are divided into three topic streams: marketing nutrition, healthy orchard and strong industry.

Ashby says the theme of nutrition is designed to raise awareness among growers that they are not just growing fruit; but are producing a high-quality product that meets

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the needs of consumers who are becoming increasingly conscious of the health benefits of the food they are eating.

“We need to explore opportunities to leverage the nutritional benefits of this fruit, especially as we seek to further develop markets in Asia.”

The joint New Zealand and Australia Avocado growers’ conference is held as part of the memorandum of understanding between NZ Avocado Growers Association Inc and Australian counterparts Avocado Australia Ltd to foster a stronger working relationship between the two peak industry bodies.

Nutritional Values also represents a great opportunity for avocado industry product and service providers to promote their businesses to growers.

“We have had excellent support from businesses involved in the avocado industry, both local, national and from Australia,” says Midge Munro, NZ Avocado communication manager.

The conference speakers include: Simon Newett, principal extension horticulturist, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Queensland, Australia; Dr Ruth Huwer, entomologist, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia; Dr Peter Minchin, specialist in the mechanism of phloem transport; Terry Campbell, principal extension horticulturist, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, Queensland, Australia; Dr Zelda van Rooyen, Westfalia Technological Services, South Africa; Joanna Embry, agricultural economist, Avocados Australia; Julie Petty, Avocados Australia; Mike Chapman, chief executive, NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated; Dr Elizabeth Dann, plant pathologist, University of Queensland, Australia; Dr Karen Bishop, research fellow in the discipline of nutrition, University of Auckland and The Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre; Dr Russell Ballard, independent chairman, Plant Market Access Council; Lisa Cork, owner director, Fresh Produce Marketing Ltd; Dr Kerry Everett, senior scientist, The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited; Dr Andrew Geering, senior research fellow, University of Queensland, Australia; John Tyas Chief, executive officer, Avocados Australia Ltd; Dr Jonathan Dixon, research programme director, California Avocado Commission; David Pattemore, scientist, The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited.

Delegates can register for the conference online at www.avocadoconference.co.nz

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SPRING FERTILISER

Page 20

Longest surviving helicopter company turns 40 Alan Beck had to prove to the Air Service Licensing Authority there was the need for another agricultural aviation business in Taranaki before he could start a new company.

“It was a three day hearing in June 1973 and I had to give evidence and so did 68 others who supported my proposal,” says Alan.

In the 40 years since, Alan has more than proved his case. Beck Helicopters of Eltham is the longest surviving helicopter business in New Zealand.

“The authority put us through the hoops but I think it was a fair and sensible way to do things. Now anyone with the right qualifications can start up an aviation business regardless of whether there is enough work or not.”

Alan believes all competition has done is drive down the price and many operators have gone out of business because they weren’t earning enough to cover their operating costs.

By Elaine Fisher

Safety

Beck Helicopters began to spread fertiliser for farmers and that’s still the core of its business.

“In the early days I was also guilty of working far too long for not enough reward until I finally woke up and changed tack.”

Fixed wing and helicopter aviation aircraft are costly to operate and Alan believes the safety record of some companies has a direct correlation to the income they are earning.

“We take safety very seriously, as do most operators,” says Alan, who has just been elected chairman of the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association, which exists to ensure the sustainability of agricultural aviation in New Zealand. Among its aims is to develop and advocate for best practice in flight and environmental safety.

Technology has helped advance safety and accuracy. GPS systems can ensure fertiliser and sprays are targeted precisely, not only ensuring farmers and growers achieve the best value for money, but also protecting the environment.

yards in the Hawke’s Bay, rescuing valuable dairy cows, pouring concrete by helicopter and installing chairlift towers or power poles. Rescuing people is something else the company does, and in the past 22 years, Beck Helicopters has assisted in more than 500 rescues. In fact Alan was awarded a Queen’s Service Medial for his work in that field.

Iroquois

The company began with a single Bell 47 helicopter, a small hangar and small staff base but has since grown to one which now operates three Bell Iroquois and one Bell Jet Ranger helicopter across New Zealand. Beck Helicopters is the only company licensed for overhauling Iroquois engines and airframes in New Zealand.

Helicopter parts from New Zealand and off-shore regularly arrive at the Eltham workshop for repair and maintenance. The company employs up to 15 staff including contractors and part-time employees.

Alan says the decision to form an agricultural

Fertiliser spreading has enabled Beck Helicopters to branch into other areas of flying.

helicopter company has rewarded him in ways he couldn’t have imaged 40 years ago.

“I still love flying and hope to keep doing so for at least another five years.

Thanks to good genes I’ve still got 20/20 Advocate vision and am fit enough to pass the Alan says advocating for the continmedicals.” ued safe use of agricultural products It is pilot son David who now takes applied from the air is among the roles care of the day to day operations of the of the NZAAA and that is not just to company. “I’m the stand by pilot.” protect the livelihood of its members.

Alan is in demand though, not just to “It is also to protect the right and fly for his own company. He is frequently ability of New Zealand farmers and asked to go overseas to mentor and assess growers to continue to produce food pilots for other companies or to fly their for the world. In parts of Europe choppers. pressure from green groups has made One contract involved travelling to it impossible to spray or apply sprays Alan Beck, founder of Beck Alaska and flying up into the Arctic from the air.”

Helicopters, was awarded Circle. Among the most satisfying and Alan didn’t have a helicopter pilot’s challenging tasks he’s undertaken in New license when Beck Helicopters was a QSM for his work in formed in 1972. rescuing people in need. Zealand has been pouring concrete for a new chairlift at the Turoa ski field and “I learnt to fly in a Cessna 150 or a installing the pylons which support it.

Piper Cub so had to learn to pilot a helicopter.”

“That requires a high level of concentration and The company was formed to spread fertiliser for safety, as you are working with teams of people on the farmers and that’s still its bread and butter. ground and if you get it wrong, they could be killed.”

“We are still essentially a fertiliser spreading company Last month Alan was due to fly to Mount Hutt to and it is that part of our business which has enabled us pull out a chairlift damaged by an avalanche and help to branch into other areas.” rebuilt it.

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Page 21

Benefits from nitrogen prill JORDAAN

Smartfert N, exclusively available through Fertco, is a urea prill in an organic-based polymer coating that controls the nitrogen release to match crop and pasture demand.

There are significant advantages with Smartfert N over standard uncoated urea. The polymer coating allows Smartfert N to be applied in any weather and it can be mixed with other dry fertilisers, enabling it to be applied as part of the farm’s overall fertiliser programme.

One application of Smartfert N provides nitrogen for continuous plant growth during three to four months and on dairy pasture, nitrogen applications can be reduced to two to three times per year.

During the last three years New Zealand farmers who have tried Smartfert N have reported significant increases in dry matter production per kg of nitrogen applied. Dr Richard Cookson, a Waikato farmer and ex-scientific researcher, conducted his own trial with

Smartfert N and this indicated Smartfert N was capable of generating 16 per cent more pasture dry matter at half the application rate of nitrogen compared to uncoated urea.

Richard, whose career includes developing nitrogen inhibitors and research work in Australia, commented that the product’s ability to limit the amount of nitrogen released to that needed by pasture, offered “huge” efficiencies and environmental benefits for the pastoral sector.

Smartfert science advisor Dr Doug Edmeades says: “cracking the controlled release technology was akin to the “holy grail” of fertiliser development and that there are too many ‘new age’ N products currently on the market which have not been properly assessed and I did not want Smartfert to fall into that murky hole”.

“The results look very promising from the preliminary work conducted in the laboratory and in the field.”

Fertco is proud to be bringing Smartfert N to the New Zealand market. (Source Fertco)

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 22

Family honey business continues to thrive The 65-year-old Tauranga company Mossop’s has just opened a new packaging plant to complement their new processing facility commissioned last year, enabling them to process up to 250 tonnes of honey a year.

Neil Mossop says the family business is going from “strength to strength” despite the recent tough

economic environment.

“In the last year we have experienced a 30 per cent growth nationally and through exports,” says Neil.

Mossop’s is very much a family business with Wendy Mossop being the inspiration behind its innovative chemical-free skin care range called natruél using UMF manuka honey as the main ingredient.

Several of their children are part of the business too.

Because they are involved in all aspects of honey production, the

Mossop’s team has control over the quality and flavour of the honey ‘from the hive to the honey pot’.

They use a natural granulation method, developed by founder Ronald Mossop, for processing honey which maintains its natural goodness and flavours. Mossop’s honey and skin care products are available in stores nationwide and from its popular Mossop’s Honey Shoppe on State Highway 29 at Tauriko.

Neil says last summer was a good honey season with beekeep-

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ers nationally harvesting a record of more than 16,000 tonnes of honey, an increase of approximately 4000 tonnes on previous year. This is partly due to a slightly better season than the previous two years, but also due to an increase of more than 31,000 managed beehives.

Pests

“The varroa mite has now spread throughout the country and honey bees can no longer survive without the care of beekeepers.

This is why beekeepers are concerned about further risks to bee health from more unwanted pests and diseases which might get into the country through imported honey.

“Beekeepers are still challenged with an increase in pests and diseases they have to contend with, but as a whole, are managing to control these and keep our beehives healthy.”

Neil says beekeepers nationwide continue to oppose the Ministry for Primary Industry’s plans to permit the importation of honey from anywhere in the world. “MPI is looking at different treatment methods which it says would kill any bacteria and make imported honey safe. But we think the risks to our essential industry are far too great.”

The public can help keep bees safe by not bringing honey or honey products into the country from overseas.

Trees

“People can also think about planting ‘Trees for Bees’. This is an initiative Mossop’s is supporting which encourages people to plant flowering trees and shrubs to provide pollen and protein for bees in their gardens or on their farms.

“Farmers who are carrying out riparian plantings can add Trees for Bees to their plant selection. Tree lucerne is an example of a plant which is ideal for bees but can also be used as animal fodder.”

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Neil Mossop has been a beekeeper since his teenage years.

More information about Trees for Bees, plus a guide to the best trees and shrubs, can be found at: www.treesforbeesnz.org/ The demand for and consumption of New Zealand honey has increased dramatically, nationally and internationally, possibly because people are more aware of its natural goodness and health benefits.

In addition, New Zealand has a very good reputation globally for high quality, trustworthy products, which are becoming more sought after. To help meet this demand, Mossop’s is implementing and planning several new management strategies.

Mossop’s beekeepers are currently preparing hives for the coming spring, kiwifruit pollination and the new honey production season. Their beehives are fed with last season’s honey and the hives checked for strength and health.

This is an on-going task until pollination and honey production seasons begin.

Mossop’s are looking forward to the new season and the challenges ahead – as every season is unique and exciting.

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HORTICULTURE

Page 23

Grower trials help hybrid maize selection Pacific Seeds’ commitment to New Zealand growers includes close monitoring of crop performance.

well-filled cobs 18 to 20 round. We also planted five hectares of PAC 624 and both crops were harvested at the same time. Performance was great with a yield of 25 tonnes/ha, a dry matter reading of 34 per cent and 11.1 per cent metabolisaThis on-going ble energy content.” process helps ensure Another newbie that customers are prois PAC 456, which vided with the hybrid the 2012 season options best suited demonstrated, will to meet their specific be a strong midperformance requireseason option for ments – either as a silage growers. single hybrid planting, John Harold of or as part of a more Edgecumbe was extensive programme, particularly pleased says Pacific Seeds terwith the yield of ritory manager Barry 27.4 tonnes/ha that Smallridge. it delivered for him.

“Getting grower Dick Post also feedback for hybrid grew PAC 456 performance during Jeff Gorringe (left) of Katikati-based contractors Gorringe on his Tauwhare the 2012 season has Bros and client David Barons, admiring DKC57-83 cobs. property and he was been really beneficial. equally satisfied with the performance.

As well as helping us finalise our hybrid range for the “The stay-green in the dry conditions was really next season, it also provides us with excellent comparaimpressive. Yield was also excellent, with high cob-totive data.” stover ratio.

The 2013 range will include a number of proven perIt produced cobs 18 round and when we opened the formers and five brand new hybrids, all selected based stack the face was yellow.” on the regional performance data collated during recent In the proven performer category DKC57-83 has seasons. provided outstanding results for Waikato/Bay of Plenty “This year’s selection of maize hybrids also includes a grain growers during recent seasons. $50 cash-back bonus for every bag sold between now Katikati-based contractors Gorringe Bros have grown and the end of the year,” says Barry.

DKC57-83 for the last three seasons and really like its One of the new, full season hybrids in the range is “consistent strong performance”.

PAC 606, a 114 CRM, silage-only option, for growers “Even last season, when the extremely dry weather had in the Bay of Plenty/Waikato regions.

Ngatea dairy farmer Ross Carter, who trialled one hec- a significant impact on the performance of all hybrids tare of PAC 606 last season was really impressed with it. grown on our light ash soils, it really stood out as a clear winner for us,” says Andrew Gorringe.

“This year we decided to add one hectare of PAC 606 “DKC57-83 is an ideal grain hybrid for this region to our planting mix, and despite the drought, it really with big cobs, excellent grain quality; it stands really went well for us.

What stood out was the way PAC 606 hung on during well, and it’s also very easy to harvest.

Overall, the yields are always around the top end; and the drought without ever looking stressed. The hybrid’s of real significance at harvest, it is always about two per slow dry-down also helped our harvest window. cent dryer than the next best yielding hybrid we grow.”

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HORTICULTURE

Industry good was part of career path plans When teenage Andrew Fenton wrote down his career aspirations, being his own boss, working outside and becoming a director of the NZ Fruitgrowers Federation were on the list.

Hope for the future – the new gold variety G3 has replaced Hort16A on Andrew and Mary Fenton’s Te Puke orchard.

“It was my mother who suggested I write down my ambitions and even now I’m not completely sure what my interest in the federation was, except I knew it had an industry good function,” says Andrew, who is soon to step down as president of the national industry good body Horticulture New Zealand.

Forty years on Andrew has more than achieved the goals he set himself as an 18-year-old. But following the Fenton family tradition of becoming a lawyer wasn’t to be one of them.

“I think I developed an interest in growing things from spending time in the orchard while at college, and working on Te Puke orchards in the holidays, and I enjoyed creating things.”

Andrew completed a year at Massey University studying horticulture and by the time he was 24, had secured a Rural Bank loan, developed 24 acres of bare land in Te Puke and began the conversion from dairy to kiwifruit, citrus and avocados in 1975.

“Bob Burt, kiwifruit grower from No 3 Rd told me you couldn’t grow kiwifruit there, as there was nothing between that piece of land and Chile. Back then, No 3 Rd was regarded as the only place for kiwifruit orchards.”

Pioneers

In 1978 Andrew married Mary and together they raised four children, Rebecca, Nicholas, Matthew and Hamish, moving to another orchard in No 4 Rd in 1991. In 2002, they decided to specialise only in the gold Hort16A variety of kiwifruit, selling their green orchards.

Thanks to being among the pioneers of the kiwifruit industry, the Fentons have experienced most of its highs and lows, both weather and market generated. “At Queen’s Birthday Weekend 1982 we lost a significant

portion of our crop to frost.”

Like others in the industry, they also suffered the tough financial effects of the global overproduction crisis of the 1980s, and the severe price crash when European kiwifruit began to enter the market about 1991.

Then in 2010 the bacteria disease Psa-V was discovered in Te Puke and has since seen the demise of virtually all Hort16A orchards in the district, including the Fentons’.

This season, for the first time in 40 years, no kiwifruit nor avocados will be harvested on the Fenton orchards.

Frost destroyed flowers and fruit buds on the avocado trees last spring, and all their Hort16 vines have been replaced with the new gold variety G3 and are yet to produce a crop.

While managing the kiwifruit orchards, Andrew also became involved in the industry, first as a committee member for the Te Puke Fruitgrowers Association and various committees, including the Bay of Plenty Cadet Scheme. In 1997, Andrew was elected a New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation director for the Bay of Plenty, representing the citrus and subtropical sector.

In 2000 Andrew became vice-president, and in 2004, president. He was involved in the formation of Horticulture New Zealand, established as an umbrella organisation to represent all fruit and vegetable growers, and was elected its first president – a position he has been re-elected to every year for the last eight years.

Agrichemical collection record set Agrecovery and the Waikato Regional Council collected a record six tonnes of hazardous horticultural, agricultural and veterinary chemicals from Waikato during a recent regional collection.

That’s five times the amount collected in the Waikato in 2012 – and the largest take back on record for the region since Agrecovery started collecting in 2010.

The increase was largely due to the support provided by the Waikato Regional Council and three of the region’s district councils – Waipa District Council, Hauraki District Council and Otorohanga District Council – that funded the recovery of chemicals that usually fall into the user-pays category.

Scientist Michelle Begbie of Waikato Regional Council’s Contaminated Land and Wastes, says the council is pleased to see so

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

many farmers and growers choosing to dispose of their chemicals safely through Agrecovery this year. “Together we’ve collected six tonnes of hazardous chemicals that might have otherwise been left in sheds, posing an increased safety risk, or eventually ending up in our waterways or on our land.”

Anyone with horticultural,

agricultural and veterinary chemicals can log their unwanted and expired chemicals for the next collection with Agrecovery at: www. agrecovery.co.nz/chemicals/ or by phoning 0800 247 326 to request a booking form.

Collections are demand-based, but are generally held in most regions of New Zealand every 12 to 24 months.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

To contact us: Phone: 021 907 621 E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz

HORTICULTURE

Page 25

Bio-security incursions biggest industry threat impressive. “I’ve seen vegetable plants grown from seeds, travelling very slowly on a conveyor system, watered and fed and never touched by human hands until they come out the other end ready for planting in the field.”

Then there’s the work of developing new varieties across a range

of plants, conducted by Plant & Food, and private organisations and breeders. The tenacity of growers is something Andrew admires. “There are so many variables in horticulture you have to be an optimist to stay involved and I enjoy being around positive people.”

It’s the skill of growers, technol-

ogy, research and development, and the growing worldwide demand for high quality food, which are among Andrew’s reasons for optimism that the goal of becoming a $10 billion industry by 2020 is achievable.

“It’s an ambitious goal, but it’s worth striving for.”

By Elaine Fisher

Andrew Fenton (centre) with new detector dogs and their handlers.

He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, was a director of Satara Cooperative Group Ltd for 25 years and its chairman until 2009. He is a director of Market Gardeners Ltd, a director for La Manna Group Pty (Aust) and chairman of the NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust.

He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2009.

Bio-security

Last year at its annual conference, HortNZ was on the receiving end of a ‘lecture’ from the then Minister for Primary Industries David Carter for its outspoken criticism, including from Andrew, of cut backs in bio-security at our borders.

“I make no apologies for taking the ministry to task. The biggest single threat to our industry is from biosecurity incursions, as has been so clearly demonstrated by the arrival of Psa-V in kiwifruit.”

However, Andrew acknowledges that there have recently been significant improvements with 20 new biosecurity officers and 30 new detector dogs trained to work at airports; and the response to the discovery of a single male fruit fly in Auckland provided an excellent exercise in controlling an incursion. “This was real live practice for the real event that will happen one day.”

Andrew has no regrets about his time at the helm of HortNZ. “It’s been an amazing experience to be involved in the formation of HortNZ and the fact that

growers showed 85 per cent support in last year’s referendum for levy funding for the next six years means they understand the value of the work done on their behalf, and most importantly, the strength we all gain from having a unified voice for all growers.”

Diverse

The referendum asked for approval of a grower levy of 15 cents for every $100 of sales on all fruit and vegetables to raise about $2.5 million a year for HortNZ to work on industry-wide issues, like biosecurity policy, land and water use issues and seasonal labour needs.

“Working with HortNZ has given me opportunities to meet many of the 5000 growers and see the diversity of our $5 billion horticultural industry.”

Representing and meeting the needs of such a diverse range of fruit and vegetable growers isn’t easy. But Andrew says HortNZ gives them all a voice at government level and is able to take up cases on national and regional issues.

It’s a multi-cultural industry with players who range in size from growers making a living on small plots of land, growing intense horticultural crops like glasshouse tomatoes, to very large broad acre operators, covering thousands of hectares of green leaf vegetables and potatoes.

“One single family among our members operates over 3000 ha of land growing vegetables.”

Advances in technology are also

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HORTICULTURE EFFLUENT STORAGE PONDS

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Over recent times there has been much debate around They generally have To be rich, or not to be, the topic of ‘biological farmlarge operations, ing’. that is the question. employing family, As little, if any, nutrient PLANT AND CROP PROTE I have recently come across a enters a plant without first staff, contract milkMICRONE MICRONET going through a biological number of farmers who have modest They are not generally ers to run their designed t process, all growing systems wealth with modest farms – and favoured by the banks as businesses. They crop and p regardless of the label who are, by and large, very happy. Contact Cosio Industries Ltdwith ph (09) 820 0272, email : sales@cosio.co.nz. or call Vaughan may have quite no debt it is difficult natural wa on Firestone EPDM linerapplied to them are essenAre they more soINDUSTRIES that the other on 021 280 7266 for more information for the banks to make EPDM any and your nearest installation contractor. substantial debts.

Available i Cosio Industries Ltd are official Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors tially biological systems. farmers referred to below? money out of them.

They might also be FROSTGUARD FROSTGU The most important issue These modest farmers say their They are not normally having staffing issues. cost polyp presently, and the one at the farm has been good to them, “early adopters” Often they are not 30gm2. Al heart of the debate around and are usually debt free or risk takers. “hands-on” farmers natural air different growing systems, is the use of fertiliser nitro-2 metres w or with low debt.

They would and become a people gen.

Firestone EPDM Lined Pond advantages On the other hand have gone manager.

Excess fertiliser nitrogen reduces the humus content Cosio In COSIO there are farmCOSIO through They also seem of soil and when used regularly to promote growth, 27-33 La INDUSTRIES Enable effluent to be stored and strategically during ers with huge theapplied boom to have more contact with other total pasture production steadily declines. Recent work Ph 09 82 drier periods or in Spring and Autumn when grass growth slows operations, comfocussing on professionals, particularly lawyers, from AgResearch shows an 18 per cent decline in pasEase of daily management from hanging troublesome effluent irrigators mensurate debt onto accountants, bankers, advisors etc.

Theseason Professionals Choice ture growth in the second after establishment of and a lot of their assets They may have beach houses and good new pasture.

Realize the value of your effluent and utilise its real potential pressures that and not borannual holidays.

What we often observe is that where there is a 20 year Firestone Factory warrantyrowing - best in any the businessThe questions now beg – are they any go with such dependence on nitrogen fertiliser, by the end of the Insist on your Firestone issued Warranty Certificate fifth year the gaps between grass plants have steadily an enterprise. money. Now better off and happier? Is their image INDUSTRIES I thought I – because of themselves what they perceive others increased, a significant number of plants have been lost due to pulling in autumn, excess rain ponds for might dig down have no think ofVaughan them?

Contact Cosio Industries Ltd ph (09) 820 0272, email : they sales@cosio.co.nz. or call on 021 280 7266 for more information on Firestone EPDM your nearestDo installation contractor. a bit and have INDUSTRIES debtand – they they have a better life? EPDM liner longer periods and total growth reaches a level where Cosio Industries Ltd are official Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors re-grassing becomes the only option. a think about often have Do they have more disposable What is now well understood is that at least half of some of the issues cash reserves income at the end of the day? applied fertiliser nitrogen does not enter the targeted surrounding this and, or, offAre they more “A” type people? plant. Some is lost direct to the atmosphere with the thought. farm deposits or remainder finding its way into groundwater, and MinAnd the answer! investments. istry of the Environment figures show a steady increase Modest farmers Nothing is clear, but I feel from my Most importantly, in Nitrate-N levels in areas where intensive dairy farmThese farmers often are experience with a variety of farmers they seem to be happy with ing is carried out. conservative and have paid off across the board, covering a huge cross a pretty objective view on life and try Fertiliser nitrogen can be a useful tool; it’s the debt. I notice most purchased their farms many years to keep a good work/life balance. section of New Zealand’s rural people, dependence on it that needs to be sorted. We only ago and generally have been influenced by wise words that the low-or-no debt consolidated They are often leasing their debthave to look to growing systems in Europe to know from their fathers who went through the 1930s when free farm to a neighbour or running farmers of modest size (at the end of that its future use will be increasingly regulated. things were incredibly tough. the day), seem to have an edge. a simple farming system, which by Farmers have the choice to modify their systems now, They have also worked hard to repay debt.

It may be reflected in being happier, or wait until regulation arrives and other people start now may not include them milking making decisions for them more settled, with more community the cows. Many of them own 40 to To know whether a property has a INDUSTRIES dependence on involvement.

60-plus hectares.

They seem to have more humour and fertiliser nitrogen, simply stop applying it, all of it.

These are also the farmers who were If the result is less growth then there’s a dependency less stress and health issues. They do calling me in the boom times asking issue. It’s a simple test for any addiction and the addicnot seem to be under so much presme how their neighbours could afford sure, and give the impression of having tion to fertiliser nitrogen is evidenced by urea silos on to buy more land and farms when farms. a better life. they could or would not. My standard But it doesn’t have to be. DoloZest and CalciZest soil So, this simple thinking maybe ageanswer was that it was all done with improvers sold under the Functional Fertiliser brand related, but it tells it how I see it. debt – and unless they wanted to take are being increasingly used to successfully replace “To be or not to be, that is the queson a lot more debt they should stay as fertiliser nitrogen. tion”, Shakespeare. they were.

The measures collected over a number of years from the Berryman property, an intensive dairy operation These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Risk takers/early adopters near Edgecumbe, using a DoloZest/CalciZest based Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on At the other end of the scale to these this article alone and appropriate professional assistance total nutrient programme, show total pasture growth should be sought. Don Fraser is the Principal of Fraser “conservative” farmers are the early based on Overseer to have been in excess of 19 tonne Farm Finance and a consultant to the Farming Industry. adopters, risk takers, entrepreneurs and for each of the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675.

Pasture cages showed growth for those seasons to “progressive” people.

A disclosure document is available on request. be 18.4 and 18.3 tonne respectively, with less than 20kgN/ha applied each year. Total milk solid production was in excess of 1,300kg/ha from an average of 200 cows, with around 20 per cent of the total feed INDUSTRIES being bought in.

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Contact us for your nearest stockist Total nitrogen tests showed 9,400kgN/ha in the top Cosio Industries Ltd, P.O.Box 15014, New Lynn,Auckland 30cm of the soil with 200kgN/ha available for plant 27-33 Lansford Crescent, Avondale, Auckland.

Email sales@cosio.co.nz use at the time of testing.

Website www.cosio.co.nz Ph 09 820 0272 Fax 09 820 0274 With increased carbon sequestered each year and more humus formed, a steady increase in pasture growth and total farm production can be expected, and with meas10 year uring continuing more data will be made available.UV Warr ULTRA-PRO WHITE WINDBREAKS ECO-NET & KIWI-NET Enable effluent to be stored and applied strategically during drier periods or in Spring and Autumn when grass growth slows

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HORTICULTURE

Page 27

Key steps in a fertiliser programme This is the last of a three-part series on avocado nutrition in which Seeka’s Dr Jonathan Cutting explores soil analysis and the basic science of plant nutrition. Here he looks at plant roots and how to formulate an avocado nutritional programme.

Avocado trees display rhythmic and cyclical growth according to seasonal and climatic factors. Known as the ‘phenological growth cycle’, avocados have distinct periods of growth and high nutrient demands followed by ‘quiescience’ periods of limited growth and low nutrient demand. Avocado root systems, however, lack root hairs, which limits how fast they can uptake nutrients. This particularly slows the accumulation of zinc, calcium and potassium.

To get high-producing trees, we need to factor in how nutrients travel to the root zone, and how they are absorbed by the tree. Nutrients move through the soil in a solution, and are spread by the flow of water through the soil, and more importantly through diffusion, whereby ions spread from areas of high concentration to areas of lower concentration.

Their subsequent uptake by roots is overwhelmingly controlled by their availability in the soil.

For good nutrient uptake, plants need long, healthy roots, with root length more important than root biomass. This is why it is so important to control root diseases like phytophthora root rot.

Energy

Uptake requires energy to move nutrients from the soil to the root cells. This is why you should never apply large amounts of fertiliser to stressed trees that are low in energy. It also requires a ready supply of soil oxygen, which is why you plant in free-draining aerated soils. Mycorrhizal fungal symbiotic associations are also very important, particularly with N and P uptake.

To recap our series on avocado nutrition; firstly a soil test analysis lets you design a balanced nutrient programme by understanding the current levels of soil nutrients, secondly the soil’s organic content, particularly humus and humic acid, influences nutrient availability, nutrient retention, water-holding

Your

capacity, drainage and aeration, and thirdly there will be anomalies between leaf and soil tests, for example, high soil zinc but low leaf levels, and identifying these anomalies is important to a successful fertiliser programme.

So what are the key steps in putting a fertiliser programme together?

Firstly, use soil tests to identify nutrient deficiencies and imbalances and correct with supplemental nutrients. Keep an eye on the base saturation and especially the percentage calcium base saturation.

Remember plants absorb nutrients best when calcium, magnesium and potassium are in a good ratio.

Balance

Secondly, analyse the leaf test and identify annual unit requirements of N and K. Develop a fertiliser programme that takes into account the seasonal need of these nutrients using a composite fertiliser and make small corrections, using simple fertilisers, to get the balances correct.

And thirdly, analyse the leaf test to identify trace element deficiencies like zinc and boron.

Once you have determined seasonal nutrient requirement, choose the fertilisers that meet the seasonal and annual needs of the plant; taking into account fertiliser solubility, soil CEC and base saturation. Note that all fertilisers are slightly different in their composition and salt makeup. It is important to understand how these different fertilisers perform and interact in the soil. Because many composite fertilisers have been developed for a specific crop on a certain soil type, changing crop or soil type will impact on fertiliser performance.

The success of a programme can be measured by the degree of change required for subsequent years.

These changes will be based on leaf and soil results along with crop yield and quality. Some trace elements, such as zinc, are very hard to get right and may take several seasons to fully understand an orchard’s soil type.

If you would like more detail on any aspect of this short nutrient series, or more information on how to improve your orchard performance, please phone Avril on 021 509 609 or Jonathan on 021 241 2902 and we will gladly assist you.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 28

Advanced calf nutrition could ‘dramatically change profitability’ A breakthrough in calf nutrition has the potential to inject a further $200 million into the rural economy in just one lactation cycle.

According to Massey University research, heifers raised on the Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme produced an additional 28 kilograms, or 12 per cent, of milk solids in their first lactation (when correcting for fat and protein).

At recently announced pay out rates, this equates to an additional $200 of revenue per animal per year, or nearly $20,000 for an average dairy farmer with a 384-cow herd. And that revenue compounds annually as future years’ replacements enter the herd.

Economist Peter Fraser says Queen of Calves could dramatically change the productivity and profitability of most New Zealand dairy farms.

“Those numbers are based on just one year of herd replacements using Queen of Calves.

Once the whole herd has been raised on the product, the production – and therefore the revenue – gains to farmers are very significant.”

Peter says it has the potential to inject $200 million in to the rural economy in just one lactation cycle.

Peer reviewed

Having been scientifically tested by Massey, and peer-reviewed by international experts in calf nutrition, the Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme will soon feature in the inter-

nationally-acclaimed US Journal of Dairy Science.

Massey’s research shows the programme increased daily growth rates in calves by 10 per cent, reduced time to weaning by eight days and produced significantly bigger calves at 12 weeks of age.

Calves reared on it required nine per cent less whole milk to reach the target weight and required 16 per cent less pellet feed.

The Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme is manufactured by Bell-Booth Limited, which also produces the well-known Dosatron inline proportional water injection system. Dosatron is used by more than half of New Zealand dairy farmers to dispense minerals and trace elements to dairy cattle through water troughs.

b w t A G s t s c o w

Growth

Bell-Booth Limited’s chief executive, Stephen Bell-Booth, says Queen of Calves is another innovation for the company and represents a massive step forward in calf nutrition.

Made from marine and land plant extracts, it enhances both the nutritional value and physical nature of milk. It increases the energy conversion of the milk, but with a reduced risk of fat deposition – and consequently it promotes calf growth during the critical milk feeding phase of replacement calf rearing.

Stephen says the majority of the 1 million calves raised each year enter the milking herd at three quarters of their potential mature weight.

“That’s about 15 per cent lower than Dairy

Hayden Lawrence has raised all his herd replacements on the Queen of Calves programme for three years.

NZ considers an achievable figure.

“These poorly-developed herd replacements produce significantly less milk than welldeveloped cows, so there is a pressing need to find solutions to the dilemma. Queen of Calves has been scientifically proven to do that.”

The Massey research was led by Dr Jean Margerison, who presented her initial findings

Queen of Calves.

Bigger calves, better cows, more milk……. believe the science.

Did you know…? Up to 75% of New Zealand’s cows entering the milking herd1 are under their target weights.

BEL 1027 We like it so much Press Coase & Country 200x555 DPS_ƒ.indd 1-2

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to the American Dairy Science Association in 2011. Hayden Lawrence has raised all his herd replacements on the Queen of Calves programme for three years.

Last year his first mob that had calved, and were in the herd, averaged 474 kg ms (New Zealand average for the same type cows is 274 kg ms), and their empty rate (second calving) was seven per cent.

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Seize game bird hunting opportunities

Good keen man’s best friend Brett Huddleston counts himself a lucky man.

He lives in one of the most beautiful parts of the world with hunting and fishing on the doorstep.

And his partner Gail not only shares his love of the outdoors – she’s prepared to carry a pig or two out of the hills as well.

In fact he’s dedicated his book ‘To Hound a Hog’ to Gail, “as if it wasn’t for her being so keen on pig hunting I would not be able to spend as many hours on the hills that I do”.

The couple’s dogs also get a mention: “all the dogs we have had the pleasure of training and working with, and to the ones we are about to own as without them … what is pig hunting?”. And there’s also thanks to “my mother who patiently syphoned my scribble and typed it into something readable”.

Readable it is, for anyone who understands the emotions

and adrenaline rush of pig hunting. In this book, Brett describes a uniquely Kiwi lifestyle lived for 24 years in the Marlborough Sounds where, in between hunting, he’s worked on a mussel harvester barge, been a farmer, a possum hunter and is now a possum skin buyer.

Thanks to publishers the Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘To Hound a Hog’ to give away. To be in to win email ‘Book Prize’ as the subject, along with your name, address and phone number to: elaine@ thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to Book Prize, Coast & Country PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than August 17. The winner will be announced in the September Coast & Country.

Page 29

Don’t give up on game bird hunting just yet. Upland birds can be hunted in most areas until August 25, along with pukeko and black swan.

Senior Eastern Fish & Game officer Mathew Mc Dougall says there are weeks left to hunt a variety of game birds including pheasant and pukeko – even though the mallard duck season is now closed.

Hunters are urged to seize the plentiful opportunities to hunt a variety of birds – to get full value from their hunting licence.

Mathew says some of New Zealand’s best pheasant and quail hunting is found in the Eastern Region, and various iwi have generously provided continued access to places like Rotoehu and Kaingaroa forests, in the wake of Treaty of Waitangi settlements.

“Cock pheasants can be hunted until August 25 in most areas but please check the regulations which apply to the spots you intend to hunt.”

There are reports of healthy pheasant numbers in other areas.

“Generally when ducks find it hard, pheasants do well.”

Fish & Game also encourages hunters to target other birds including black swan – in both Lake Rotorua where there usually 600 to 800 birds, and Tauranga Harbour.

“The well-publicised black swan hunt there wasn’t as successful as we’d have hoped, with numbers of birds climbing into the thousands.”

Hunters are urged to put pukeko on their list as well – a bird which continues to cause problems in a number of areas. Fish & Game has again fielded complaints from mainly Tauranga residents where a number of subdivisions have been built around the harbour on former wetlands.

“Pukeko are turning up in people’s backyards where they damage gardens and poop on their drives and lawns.

It’s really more a case of people turning up in the pukekos’ back yard – the wetlands.”

Mathew acknowledges that the mallard season in the North Island turned out to be a tough one, just as Fish & Game had predicted. But most hunters realised their skills weren’t to blame and they were all in the same boat, which made them a little happier.

“The short mallard season permitted should have a positive flow-on effect in

The Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme is a revolutionary concept in calf nutrition.

By adding it to the calf milk, it changes the way milk behaves in the digestive system so the calf can extract more of the goodness from the milk, not just some of it. It’s a completely natural, powerful nutrition programme that gives calves higher growth rates, greater body stature and earlier weaning.2 In fact it’s the first & only New Zealand-designed calf nutrition programme to have its research peer-reviewed by the world’s most prestigious dairy publication, the US Journal of Dairy Science.

terms of the numbers of birds which survived into the breeding season, to hopefully get us out of the dip we’re in at the moment.”

Mathew is appealing to hunters who haven’t returned the bands taken from mallards they shot during the season to return them – as they provide crucial information on population numbers.

“The more we get in, the more accurate we can be, and the more liberal we can be with season regulations.”

Banding, which normally begins in early January, is only one element of the population monitoring work, which includes aerial observations.

Banding is used to find out survival rates for juveniles and adults, males and females.

The recovery of a band also means the distance between a banding site and recovery site can be calculated, as can the time elapsed since banding - giving an indication on how long the bird lived for. One interesting recovery this year was a mallard banded in February 2004 as a juvenile, which was shot Culverden just north of Christchurch, 632km from where it had been banded.

Hunters are asked to either send their bands in or phone 0800 434 742 with their harvest information.

Calves reared on the Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme grow significantly faster and produce significantly more milk.

This independent review of Massey University’s research verifies that calves reared on a Queen of Calves Nutrition Programme grow significantly faster and produce significantly more milk compared to age and breed-matched animals not reared on the programme.

It means you’re putting your calves to work earlier, producing more milk and making more money from them. Another $19,000 for a 384 cow dairy farm in the first lactation3, it’s definitely worth treating your calves like royalty.

Developed and proudly manufactured in New Zealand

by Bell-Booth Ltd. Limited stocks, so order now.

0800 80 90 91 | sales@bell-booth.co.nz | www.queenofcalves.com 1

National dairy statistics, 2 Margerison et al, Massey 2011, 3 Peter Fraser, Economist, Ropare Consulting, based on a $7 payout.

BEL1027

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COAST & COUNTRY

7/8/13 11:17 AM

Page 30

CALF REARING

Promoting rumen development Promoting the development of the rumen in calves not only increases their ability to gain weight quickly, but also lowers their risk of infection, says Peter Clarkin of Ngahinapouri, who rears up to 2000 calves each year.

He encourages early rumen development by combining milk and a feed of whole grains called Rumen Rocket, formulated by Frank Bellerby, animal nutritionist and owner of Miro Feeds Limited.

“Frank’s product is excellent. The calves gain weight quickly on it and we have few health problems,” says Peter, who worked with Frank in early trials of the product.

Peter says the combination of milk and whole grains keeps calves well nourished, and also encourages the rumen, which is not active in

new-born calves, to develop, improving their abil- farmer’s bank balance. Rumen Rocket also contains proteins to help calf develity to absorb nutrients and grow. opment, and orders of a “We feed our calves low volume, but tonne or more can be high quality, feed and after three delivered freightweeks they are ready to go onto As pre-ruminant free to farmers pasture, supplemented with calves chew on the throughout milk and grain.” whole barley and most of the Peter says using Rumen upper North maize, they create extra Rocket makes economic Island. sense. “The sooner saliva which kick starts Miro Feeds we can get the rumen the whole digestive Limited has developed the better. process. its sales office on Early intake is critical and Frank’s farm at Te can help to get our calves to market earlier.”

Uku (near Raglan), from Frank, who has a long history where it operates an online store, in the production and development of animal supplying calf rearing feeds including calf milk feeds, established Miro Feeds Limited in 2005 powders, plus feeds for cattle, sheep, alpaca, to produce nutritionally optimum products that pigs, poultry, horses, cats, dog and even bees to

By Merle Foster benefit not only the health of animals but also the farmers throughout New Zealand.

Calf rearer Peter Clarkin of Ngahinepouri uses Rumen Rocket to enhance calf performance.

Angus steal hearts at heifer sale and show May was the first – and last – time that Waikite Valley Angus breeders Sherrie and Mark Stokman will enter Fielding’s Queen of Hearts Heifer Sale.

But it didn’t stop the couple’s Angus heifer Stokman EISA H16 stealing the show – and the sale – which is part of Beef + Lamb NZ’s Beef Expo.

“We’re not really into showing animals – so it will be the first and last time we do –also because we are too busy,” says Sherrie. “So we were very lucky to win it.”

Sherrie and Mark established Stokman Angus in 1997 at Waikite Valley, 25km south of Rotorua, with embryos brought in from two of Sherrie’s cows from Montana in the United States, and five cows purchased from Alistair Reeves Standen Angus Stud at Cambridge.

The couple believe Angus is the best beef breed – and breed their cattle using top genetics, with Sherrie’s family raising registered cattle for more than 88 years.

“Aberdeen Angus are renowned for being fertile, early maturing cattle, originating from Scotland, and producing well-marbled meat which is very tender and one of the reasons the meat is highly sought after by consumers,” says Sherrie.

Today, the Stockman’s run 150 head of registered Angus cows and their own young dairy stock on a 94ha property at Coates Rd, Waikite Valley next to Lake Ohakuri.

They also milk a 350 JerseyFriesian herd on 105 ha and use a remaining a 21 ha as a support block for the dairy herd, and also to raise 60 Angus yearling bulls – which will go to the

Champion Heifer: Stokman EISA H16 on account of Mark and Sherrie Stokman. couple's annual bull sale held the third Wednesday in September at Taupo Saleyards.

This leaves them too busy to worry about showing animals – and it was only a chance visit by a family friend from Montana that got the Stokman’s to enter a heifer in the all-breed show.

“This year we had a friend, Sierra Reyher, from America come out – she’s studying agricultural law and she’s very good with cattle. So I said ‘if you’re coming out I’ve got a job for you’,” says Sherrie.

"We picked a nice heifer out,

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and Sierra broke the heifer in and did a wonderful job showing it."

Despite any breed of heifer being able to enter the show – the Angus breed took out first, second and fifth place – from 23 lots, led around the ring while Australian Bob Dent and his associate, 2013 Allflex Senior Beef Ambassador Lauren McWilliam, spent time judging each.

The Rotorua couple’s heifer also got top price of $7000 in the sale ring – going to Tahaenui Station.

The Angus breed also claimed the second and third (equal) highest prices in the sale, with Fossil Creek Joanne 10-12, from Neil and Rose Sanderson in Oamaru, selling for $6500 to the Powdrell’s of Turiroa Angus. While Goldwyn H610, from Bruce Alexander in Timaru, also sold well – going to Roger and Susan Hayward; and Twinoaks’ Angus going for $4500. Overall, 18 animals sold to an average price of $2387. Sherrie thinks the Queen of Hearts Heifer Sale is going from “strength to strength” each year as breeders – both old and new – identify the opportunity to strengthen up their herds with new genetics. “Winning it means you feel you are producing the right kind of animal for where the industry is headed,” says Sherrie.

By Merle Foster

CALF REARING

Page 31

Easing the stress of rearing calves Matamata dairy farmers Simon and Joanne Belton feed their calves with a Lely Calm Vario+ twostation automatic calf feeder which saves them time and gives their calves all the nutrition they need for optimal growth.

Simon and Joanne run a 73ha effective dairy farm, with a total herd of 330 cows calving twice yearly, once in autumn and once in spring. They raise 30 replacements in each calving, although the Calm Vario+ can feed up to 45 calves per station.

The Beltons installed a Lely Calm automatic calf feeder in March. They previously fed the calves from calfeterias either hanging in the sheds or taken to the animals once they were in the paddocks.

Joanne says changing to twice-yearly calving prompted them to switch to the Calm calf feeder.

“Rearing calves was a big time commitment. I work off-farm as well, so time is important and making sure all the calves were getting their ration is imperative,” says Joanne.

“With the Calm automatic feeder, every calf will get their entitlement of milk, and those calves that gorge will not benefit from another calf's entitlement.

The system even warms the milk for the calves so it gives the calves always a consistent nutritional feed at the correct temperature.

“These features should give us the ability to raise a more even line of animals.

With the manual systems the older calves are quite a bit bigger than younger ones, as they tend to get the bigger and better

labour demands involved in using the Calm feeder has been a huge bonus.

“The time it takes has reduced dramatically. It took only a day or two to get the calves used to the system and now it is just a matter of checking the alarms and entitlements for any irregularities, sorting out any issues, and topping up milk powder or colostrum, whatever your choice of feed is,” Joanne says.

“I can now call into the sheds in my office clothes at the end of the day and check everything is okay. If it is, I can go home for the evening. No need to get changed into farm clothes and go out.

“This isn't to say that I don't spend time with the calves. I still have contact with them when putting other supplements out to them, and they are just as friendly as they were on the more manual system."

feeds by either pushing the smaller animals around, or just being greedier.”

Joanne says the Calm calf feeder has produced more even growth rates across the calves this year, and this is the main reason she and Simon purchased the Calm system.

“This is my first calving using the calf feeder but I think we will actually go through less milk powder as there is less wastage. We only mix portions at the time the calf registers for a feed, and her portions are only mixed 500ml at a time,” says Joanne.

“Because there is a more even growth among the calves, we will end up feeding the later calves for a shorter period than usual to get them up to size, as the earlier calves don't have access to the later ones’ feed with this system.”

For Joanne and Simon, the reduced

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DAIRY

Page 32

Remote-sensing of soil fertility An innovation programme that aims to develop precision fertiliser application for hill country is to receive government funding through the Primary Growth Partnership.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has approved co-funding of $5.13 million for the seven-year Ravensdown ‘Transforming Hill Country Farming’ PGP programme.

This amount will be matched by the fertiliser co-operative Ravensdown, making the overall base funding for the project $10.26 million.

The new PGP programme will combine remote-sensing of soil fertility on hills with GPS-guided aerial topdressing, to improve hill country productivity and reduce nutrient

run-off. The research partners are Massey University’s Precision Agriculture Group and AgResearch. The programme expects to generate $120 million a year in economic benefits to New Zealand by 2030.

“This is an excellent example of harnessing modern technology to transform farming on hill country, which is facing some serious challenges,” says Scott Gallacher, MPI’s deputy director-general.

“This research partnership will help enable hill country farmers to grow more pasture and increase returns, as well as reduce the environmental effects of fertiliser application,” Ravensdown CEO Greg Campbell says.

PRE-CAST CONCRETE & STEEL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

Boosting mineral intake Calcium, magnesium and sodium are essential macro-minerals needed by ruminants to maintain normal physiological status, and to be able to grow and produce optimally.

Grazed pasture frequently does not contain enough of them to meet the needs of growing productive grazing ruminants, especially if above average performance is targeted.

Many of the most frequently used non-pasture supplements such as cereal grains, maize, silage and palm kernel contain only low or inadequate amounts of these minerals to meet daily needs, let alone enable increased performance in line with the increased energy intake.

The time to use MineralBoost is when additional mineral intake is needed. Use it whenever supplements containing low levels of calcium, magnesium and sodium are being fed.

Newly-calved cows have significantly increased requirements, especially for calcium. Also use the product whenever better production and, or, growth is required or expected. Feed when pasture mineral content is low.

MineralBoost is suitable for all ages and types of cattle, post weaning except close/pre-calving (four weeks pre-calving) cows.

The rates to feed are: lactating cows 200 grams per cow per day; dry cows (early dry period only) 50-100 grams/ cow/day; growing animals 10 grams per 100kg liveweight. More may be required with specific diets – so consult your nutritional advisor.

MineralBoost G2 RDG has been manufactured to avoid the palatability, inhalation and acceptance issues of dusty minerals and feeds.

It is especially useful to add to palm kernel meal being fed through inshed feeding systems. Lack of dust and inclusion of salt means that it is relatively palatable. MineralBoost is available through rural merchants or feed suppliers. (Source Fertco)

DAIRY

Page 33

Pinch period tough time for farmers Farm pasture cover is at the low end of the scale and continuing cold weather will see it drop even further so it’s time to think about supplementing cows’ intake.

In late July Dairy NZ reported 2100 kg/Dm/ha average farm cover which is below the 2200 kg DM/ ha target farmers will need if they are to feed at least kg DM/ha per cow of good quality supplements a day. This pinch period is a tough time for farmers to get through with calving, colostrum and milking mobs. Farmers worry about if there is enough grass growing behind and in front of the cows and whether or not they will run out of feed especially in the second round.

It’s a time to be careful not to graze too hard, as if you’ve got grass you can grow more but the reverse is also true. Soil temperatures are dropping to the low 7 degrees Celsius now, which means growth will slow. Farmers cannot let cows loose for another two months but must hold them back behind the fence to preserve feed.

Supplementing with fibre can make a huge difference at this time.

We have grazers on fresh, annual rye grass in our maize paddocks

that are being fed 10 kg a day of rye grass and 2kg of threshed rye grass straw. One farmer commented that they are in excellent condition – “the best they have done ever on winter grazing during the last eight years we have been grazing them”. Cutting grass from a run-off and bringing it to stock is one way of keeping up their intake while preserving pasture.

One local farmer who keeps his cows in a wintering barn has experienced a 25 per cent reduction in feed demand but an increase in production – because the animals are not walking off their food, don’t have to work for it nor use energy to keep warm. Keeping the cows housed also protects pasture, and the effluent can be collected and used as fertiliser for maize or turnip cropping paddocks which reduces the cost of inputs.

Another client with 900 cows on winter milking is feeding threshed rye at a rate of 2 kg a day; and is seeing definite benefits. He couldn’t believe that just 2 kg per head could make so much difference to their performance.

Keeping cows well nourished, by combining fibre with the high energy grass in their diet, means you are not milking off their backs

and will keep them milking longer and in good condition, with mating just around the corner.

It’s beneficial to keep up the fibre even into December, when the dry matter in grass is often not as high as would be thought.

Spring, is, of course, when milk production should be at its peak and farmers want to take advantage of the good pay out to pay off debt, buy another farm, or for sharemilkers, or buy a bigger herd. So spending a bit more on feed to lift and extend production makes sense.

Now is also the time to be thinking about the nutrition of pastures.

We’ve noticed nitrogen levels have dropped on our paddocks that we have just soil tested, probably from rain in late autumn to early winter.

As well sulphur levels can be effected to by leaching from heavy rain.

If grass looks yellow, it may not be just a lack of nitrogen, but sulphur too, so soil tests to establish what’s going on are well worth it. Then you can apply exactly what’s needed instead of taking a costly guess.

Many farmers will have re-sown pasture after the drought and now is the time to control weeds before

Entry open for farm environment awards Farmers must continue to develop systems which ensure they remain environmentally and financially sustainable into the future, says Dennis McFetridge of Omanawa.

Dennis, his wife Judith and son Gordon were the supreme winners of the 2013 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards which they say are an excellent way to promote sustainable farming.

“Taking part in the awards was a very stimulating experience which challenged our thinking and that’s good,” says Dennis.

Gordon recommends entering the awards to other

farmers. “It was good to be exposed to the ideas of the judges and other contestants and taking part makes you think about what you are doing on your own farm.

“There is more emphasis in farming now on the environment in general. And while some see it as a cost, waste [dairy effluent] does have a value if you use it correctly.

“The highlight of taking part in the awards was probably the NZFE’s National Sustainability Showcase in Hamilton in June where we got to meet other likeminded farmers and learn about what they are doing on their land,” says Gordon.

Entries for the 2013 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards are now open and entry forms can be downloaded from the website: www.bfea.org.nz For more information contact Kirsten Winter, Bay of Plenty coordinator for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards on 0275 721 244, or email: bop@bfea.org.nz

they get too big and compete with the grass. Apply nitrogen each time you graze them until they are well established which also helps until clovers get estab-

lished while helping to smother weeds.

Look after new pasture as if it was a crop, because in fact that’s exactly what it is.

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DAIRY

Page 34

Mineralised soil grows optimum food This is the third in a series of articles on soil basics, compiled in conjunction with International Ag Labs.

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biology will create some energy, and the humus will regulate that energy Trace Elements and generally even out the extremes.

This explains why fully mineralised 4th soils need less energy inputs, for Base example, soluble fertilisers.

Humus and biology refers to the living, The final aspect of a mineralised breathing aspect of soil. As soil biolsoil is the addition of a plentiful ogy proliferates it leaves behind organic Soil Humus & 1st 3rd supply of trace elements. These residues or metabolites.

Energy Biology Base Base include the more commonly These residues increase the humus recognised elements such as boron, content of soil. As they decompose these copper, iron, manganese, and zinc; organic compounds give off carbon 2nd and the rarer elements such as chrodioxide, which plants use to produce carBase mium, molybdenum, nickel, iodine, bohydrates and the cycle starts all over. vanadium, lithium, selenium, cobalt While conventional agriculture Foundational and many others. has all but ignored this most Minerals Products used to supply these important aspect of mineralised minerals include the sulphates and soil, many organic farmers have chelates of the more common elements, seaweed, sea minerals, and hailed it as the ultimate panacea various rock powders for broad spectrum trace elements. with nothing else needed Like a game of baseball you cannot get to fourth base without first – thank you. Both of these passing the earlier bases. Trace elements bound up in rock powders approaches are incomplete. require soil energy (first base) and microbial digestion (third base) Products used to increase to release them. They also require a plant to have a good level of humus in soil include: cover calcium (second base) in the plant, in order to pull up the heavy crops, green manures, comtrace minerals. Low brix plants (for example low calcium plants) post, fresh or aged manures, are notoriously low in trace elements, whereas high brix plants dry humates and many more. provide an abundance of trace elements.

Products used to stimulate Foods today are severely deficient in trace elements. This is the soil biology include: microbial same complaint that prompted soil science pioneers to take action inoculants, liquid humates, in the 1930s. If it was so bad then how much worse is it now? compost tea, molasses, sugar, Trace elements from food are a major supplier of nutrition bio-stimulants, enzymes, and many other proprietary products. for our internal organs. Additionally, many metabolic pathways There are a myriad of approaches on how to stimulate soil bioland enzymes are catalysed or activated by trace elements. When ogy and increase humus. Many people become so enamoured the consumption of naturally chelated trace minerals from food with increasing soil humus and biology that they neglect first and declines, human health falters. Alleviating this is the ultimate goal second base (see Coast & Country July 2013). This leads to a soil of mineralised soil. with a fabulous “feel-good factor” but completely unable to proIn summary, the optimum food supply for people and animals duce high-brix foods. should be grown on mineralised soil. This type of soil isn't to be The approach taken by the early pioneers was to apply some found – it is crafted. By giving soil proper stewardship, and learnorganic material mostly in the form of manures, and then inocuing from the wisdom of generations past, we hold within our hands late and stimulate the biology from that point on. As humus and the power to help our own and the generations yet to come. biology increase in a mineralised soil they impact soil energy. Soil

The Four Bases of Mineralized Soil

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PITGATES

The owners of 328 dairy farms now know exactly what they will get They have between them applied to supply 37 kilograms of milk solids to the co-op at a guarpaid for some or all of their milk, thanks to Fonterra’s Guaranteed million anteed price of $7/kg.

Milk Price pilot for the 2013/14 season.

The co-op has maintained the size of the pilot

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Biological PSA management options. Reams Soil Testing, Home Garden Fertiliser.

programme at the targeted 15 million kgMS, approximately one per cent of its total milk supply, and as a result all applicants were scaled to 40 per cent of their requested kgMS (with a minimum threshold of 10 per cent of a farm’s production).

Fonterra’s director of commodity risk and trading, Bruce Turner says the uptake from farmers is a positive result for the pilot and the co-op.

“It has given us a broad cross-section of farmers from right across the country who are at varying stages of their farming operations.

“This will allow us to give comprehensive feedback to all shareholders on the benefits and the risks, and this way our farmers can see if it is something that might suit them in the future.”

The pilot was launched earlier this year, giving farmers the opportunity to lock in between 10-75 per cent of their milk supply at the opening season’s milk price forecast, which was $7.

“We recognise that every farming business is different. And while most farmers can live with the market volatility, there are times when some farmers would prefer more certainty as it would help them manage their own farming businesses and that’s why we’ve developed this pilot.

“GMP is a bit like having a fixed interest rate on your mortgage versus a floating rate. It enables farmers to know exactly where they stand with a percentage of their production and this can help with future planning.”

As well as more certainty for farmers, GMP also allows the co-op to lock in fixed contract prices with its customers.

“This means even if commodity prices drop and the milk price also drops, those customers will continue to pay the fixed price for their products, which supports the GMP price and means there is no risk to the co-op,” says Bruce.

DAIRY

Dairy cow body condition scores valuable Monitoring of Body Condition Scores (BCS) of cows is a very valuable management tool for dairy farmers, as BSC can have a dramatic effect on the herd’s performance.

The last few months, following the drought, have been critical for making sure the herd’s average BCS is at an optimum level. Heifers have really struggled during the summer and many have arrived home from grazing below their target size and, or, BCS target of 5.5.

The target BCS is 5.0 for your older cows, as they will lose at least one condition score prior to the start of mating. The months following calving are a time where nutrition can have little influence, as it is mainly affected by genetics. But it is very important that the herd do not lose more than one condition score – or reproductive performance will be compromised.

If the herd is still below the target BCS, or there is wide variability between animals, there are several options you can take.

Consider splitting the herd, so that heifers and high risk cows can be prioritised by being allocated more feed than the cows that are at an adequate BCS.

Little freeboard if things go wrong Having the heifers in a separate herd also reduces stress upon them, and gives them more time to adjust as they can be stressed by bullying from the older cows.

If the herd has been split, consider milking the high risk herd once-a-day. As well as reducing the energy demand for milk, it will also reduce the energy needed for walking. Although the milk yield could be up to 30 per cent lower than you expected from them, it will maximise their chances of growing and getting in-calf the following season.

Next year’s heifer replacements are also coming up to mating, and as a consequence of the drought, they could be smaller than the target you had set earlier in the year. If their condition is not ideal then some decisions need to be made to ensure their growth rates are maximised during the next year. The goal is to have them at 90 per cent of their mature weight at 22 months.

Drought drops Fonterra earnings Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited’s earnings for the financial year ending July 31 will be lower than the forecasted.

The co-operative says the forecast cash pay-out to farmer shareholders of $6.12 remains unchanged and current earnings per share guidance range of 45- 50 cents per share has been reconfirmed; although it is now likely to be at the lower end of this range. The prospective 2013 annual dividend per share of 32 cents remains the same.

Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says that although the financial year had not yet ended, the impact of unprecedented volatility caused by the extreme drought in New Zealand earlier this year, and the acceleration of the reshaping of Fonterra’s Australian business, was sufficiently clear for the co-operative to provide an update.

“The drought has contributed to a 64 per cent rise in whole milk powder prices on GlobalDairyTrade since early 2013, and this has had a temporary, but significant, negative impact on NZMP’s margins.

“At the same time, our Australian business remains under pressure. Although a recovery plan is being implemented, it is in its early stages and will not counteract the impact on earnings of intense competition and the accelerated reshaping of our business. The reshape

Page 35

programme has resulted in a number of additional writeoffs,” says Theo.

Fonterra will provide a full update of its FY13 result on September 25.

With next season’s payout of $7 kg ms it all seems good news on the dairy front.

But it’s not, and the recent comments from DairyNZ show why.

Farm working expenses for the average owner operator are $4.70-$4.80 kg ms. And added to that is interest and rent costs, which this takes costs to $6 kg ms. So there’s not a lot of freeboard if things go wrong, especially for sharemilkers.

And remember these are average figures. What are things like for those at the bottom end of the range with higher costs – as even at $7 they are losing money?

Trying to cut costs is never easy, and especially on items like fertiliser and feed; and cutting shed costs can result in even greater losses through grading penalties.

Animal health costs are always a worry, as you never know when these can blow out. All you need is a few dead cows at calving, or from nitrate

poisoning, scours and deaths in the calves, and the inevitable mastitis storms, to blow the vet bill sky high.

Farmers on the Wormade OMS nutritional supplement programme during the last five years have bulletproofed their management systems to keep their animal health costs down to around $20/cow, when $80-$120/ cow/year is regularly quoted in farm budgets.

Farms using OMS have also increased their incomes by considerably lowering the farm BMSCC resulting in more overall production, less mastitis and associated costs.

The basis of success is to start developing the animal’s immune system from day one as calves, and then continue on the OMS programme right up through to the yearling stage when immune development tails off. After this, animals with robust immunity and health can handle any challenges without the need for chemotherapy and expense.

(Supplied by Wormade)

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 36

Eating is final agricultural act New Zealand’s farming business model must be redefined if farmers are to remain profitable and waterways are to be protected, believes Mike Barton of Glen Emmreth Farm in Taupo.

With wife Sharon, Mike owns and farms a 142 ha beef finishing property on the north western shores of the lake, under the Waikato Regional Council’s strict ‘Variation 5’ conditions.

“As a nation we cannot continue to have a conversation about protecting water quality without having a parallel set of conversations that redefine the New Zealand farming business model,” says Mike, who believes science and science funding is needed to find answers.

Variation 5 means the Barton’s farm is capped at 2004 production levels – but its costs have increased by 48 per cent. To stay within the imposed limits, the couple has discontinued breeding cows and need to grow young animals as rapidly as possible with no second wintering – as mature animals excrete more nitrogen.

“Now we farm on the gross margin per kg of N leached. We are in the top Beef +

Lamb quintile for beef production but can’t produce any more,” says Mike.

“We have to apply for consent to farm, which limits our production in perpetuity and has significant implications for farming business models and property values.

“The length of consent is the length of an average mortgage or less than one rotation of trees, but at least we know what we can do for 25 years.”

Mike says the council wanted consents which ran for just five years, but there was no way any bank would lend money under those conditions.

Branding

Sharon and Mike, and other beef farmers affected by the same rules, decided to turn what could be seen as a negative into a positive – encouraging the Waikato Regional Council to give them an environmental ‘tick’ to brand their beef and achieve a premium for it.

The brand ‘Taupo Beef: grown right here’, together with the certification mark from council, has proved successful.

“Consumers have paid a significant premium for our beef, sold through local butchers and restaurants. We’ve had outstanding feedback from chefs and diners, and

demand exceeds our ability to supply.”

That success demonstrates the need to build a business model that returns a premium to farmers, Mike says.

The Bartons first became aware of moves to protect the quality of Lake Taupo’s water, when nitrogen leaching restrictions were placed on farmers back in 2000. “We desperately wanted the problems to be caused by the baches around the lake, in fact by anyone else but farmers, but in the end had to accept we were contribSharon and Mike Barton farm under tough ‘Variation 5’ uting to it.” conditions on the shores of Lake Taupo.

Mike says the issue is not one of poor water quality, as with many of the Rotorua lakes, but of preventing Research has shown that farming emits 93 per cent of the degradation of what is one of the four the manageable nitrogen entering the lake – and that cleanest lakes in the world. comes from four dairy farms and 101 extensive sheep, beef and deer farms.

Tussock and native forest releases 3kg per ha of nitroWorse gen annually, the same figure as plantation forest, while The aim of Variation 5 is to return Lake Taupo’s water quality to that of 2000 by 2080. sheep and beef farms account for 17 kg/ha, and dairy tally in excess of 45kg/ha.

But in the short term the quality may get In response to the regional council’s plans to limit worse because it can take 30 years for some leaching, the Taupo Lake Care incorporated society nutrients to reach the water from the land. was formed to represent the interests of farmers, and to advocate and participate in research. The society represents 105 farms, half of them under Maori ownership.

“I know what our farm leaches because it has been part of one of the largest trials ever conducted by AgResearch, using 1000 underground water collectors.”

In 2007 another organisation, the Lake Taupo Protection Trust was set up to administer the $81.5 million fund to protect Lake Taupo's water quality, under threat from the effects of past and current land use activities.

Science

THREE BROTHERS

THREE BROTHERS

However, Mike says despite that funding, nothing new has come from the science and nothing is on the horizon to help farmers continue to farm profitably under Variation 5 restrictions.

“We are running faster and faster, but going slower and slower. We can farm under an emissions cap but will livestock numbers and classes need to be capped to do so?,” asks Mike. “Do we accept a consequent cap on income or are we willing to invest to redefine the New Zealand agricultural business model?”

Mike warns that what has happened to Taupo farmers is not isolated – and similar caps may be imposed on farmers in other regions before too long. Pasture renewal may also not be permitted in future. “We may need pastures which last for 100 years.”

To survive, farming in New Zealand needs rethinking and science has a vital role to play in helping farmers remain viable, says Mike.

“We cannot continue to occupy the commodity agricultural market place and mandate catchment nutrient caps and biodiversity protection.

“How do we establish brand values that facilitate and fund the achievements of these environmental goals and farm profitably?

Too cheap

“We must sell food at the true price of production.

We have been selling it too cheap,” says Mike.

Farming’s immediate needs from science include a focus which sees all science outputs described as the dollars in profit per kilogram of nitrogen leached. All science outputs must be embedded in the Overseer programme so farmers can use them.

There is a need for the selection and breeding of more efficient converters of grass to protein, and cropping and pasture establishment systems which leach less nutrients.

Consumers must be involved and informed about food and water quality. They should be asked if they actively seek out food that is produced in a manner that protects water quality; if they know the source of such food; what premium they are prepared to pay for that food; and is that the real test of how much they value water quality?

Eating, says Mike, is the final agricultural act. # Mike Barton was among speakers at the Beef+ Lamb New Zealand Farmer Road Show at Ruakura in June.

By Elaine Fisher

FARM SAFETY

Page 37

Affordable technology ‘Eye spy’ farm safety for kids for crystal clear images Get the kids involved in farm safety by playing a sort of safety ‘eye spy’, suggests the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.

Cameras monitoring stock or other locations can be viewed on mobile devices.

IP CCTV camera systems are now down to an affordable level.

Due to the newer IP Technology becoming far more popular Smartway Security is now able to install these superior quality camera systems at ridiculously lower prices, compared to even as recent as this time last year, and they are busy installing them into many businesses, farms, warehouses and homes.

In fact, the largest growth they are experiencing of late is the push into the rural sector and farms, says managing director Roger Bull.

“We have a wide variety of products we now have available on offer that suits the farming environment, such as Wi-Fi and wireless data across the farm – even across the largest of properties. Also, this includes IP CCTV systems, gate alerts, fuel tank alerts and of course alarms and 24 hour monitoring.

“With the latest technology we have the ability to connect cameras from farm

buildings, milking sheds, tractor sheds etc. Even over hills, back to the main farm residence – so the cameras are able to be recorded and viewed in real time.

Add to this the ability to see the cameras on your mobile devices, and you have a complete package.”

Smartway has the unique advantage of being able to bring its mobile CCTV demonstration truck to its clients. It is set up with the latest camera equipment and can be used as a mobile control room or office.

“We have found that when clients sit inside and see for themselves the difference in quality they understand why they should go with IP cameras instead of investing in old technology with analogue equipment,” says Roger.

A new addition is the ability for cameras and wireless repeaters working on solar power in the middle of a paddock, where they need to transmit the signal between buildings and across the farm – and IP is the most cost effective way.

If you want to see what you may be missing out on, then call for an appointment and let them Smartway you.

Safety tips for children: • Walk around the farm and identify the hazards together.

• Adult supervision is the key, for young children it needs to be close and active.

• Lead by example. Always wear an approved helmet on an ATV. • Think about safety fences around play areas, animal enclosures, work areas and water spots.

• Keep doors shut or locked so little ones can’t get anywhere they’re not supposed to.

• Remove keys from doors and vehicles, and never leave vehicles unattended with the motor running.

• Make sure it is safe to reverse farm vehicles.

Walk around the vehicle and ensure children are a safe distance away before starting the engine.

• Children do not ride on tractors, ATVs or on the back of utes.

• Ensure children wear high visibility clothing when out and about on the farm.

• Teach children to wash their hands after touching animals.

• Cover tanks and wells with child restraint covers or fill-in any that are unused.

• Spare tractor wheels should be tied to a wall or left lying flat so they can’t topple over and crush a child.

• Children riding smaller farms bike should be equipped with an approved helmet and closed in shoes. An adult should always supervise.

• Older children should not ride farm bikes until they can place both feet firmly on the ground

on either side when seated on the bike. They should also be taught the dangers of speeding and uneven ground.

• Make sure children know what to do in an emergency, where to go and who to call. Teach children basic first aid.

• Make it a rule for older children to always say where they are going.

MAIZE

Page 38

Leading grain hybrids maize for grain

MADE FOR THE BAY OF PLENTY.

TOUGH HYBRID FOR TOUGH CONDITIONS. COMPARISON HYBRID

P1253 grain yield ADVANTAGE (kg/ha)

No. OF trials

34P88

+ 421

51

0.2

DKC57-83

+ 993

31

-1.1

Z61-b8

+ 1,905

34

0.1

moisture difference (%)

Source: Pioneer, New Zealand Research Programme. See pioneer.co.nz for details.

ROBIN BILLETT REGIONAL MANAGER phone 027 273 0497 07 544 0957

rbillett@genetic.co.nz

pioneer.co.nz Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchasing, which are part of the labelling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM, Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

YIELD SIGNIFICANCE

That equates to an average 1.4 per cent incremental yield increase per annum in the yield of Pioneer brand maize hybrids grown for grain.

The scientifically-robust local Pioneer Research Programme has delivered growers 46 new industryleading grain hybrids, each of which has sold for three seasons or more. Yields are continuing to increase and are consistently high by world standards.

y = 0.153x - 294*** R2 = 0.85 14

Grain yield (t/ha dry)

Twenty-three years of local research, 5847 test plots and 46 new maize hybrids have delivered 153 kilograms per hectare of additional grain yield, year after year.

15

13

12

11 1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Year hybrid was commercialised in New Zealand This graph is based on the analysis of 5,847 research plots harvested during the last 23 years. The grain yield performance of 46 hybrids that were available for at least three seasons is included. The analysis shows an average yield increase of 153 kilograms of grain per hectare every year during this period.

The equation for the trend line is y = 0.153x – 294, where x = grain yield (in dry t/ha) and y = the year of hybrid commercialisation (e.g. 2000).

2

R measures how well yield is being predicted by the trend line, where 1.0 means a perfect fit and 0 implies no relationship. *** indicate the relationship between grain yield and the year of hybrid commercialisation is significant at the 0.001 probability level.

Supplied by Pioneer brand products.

Pioneer is improving yields by focussing on yield limiting factors resulting in: • Better drought tolerance and improved yield stability.

• Stronger roots and stalks.

• Greater resistance to root, stalk, leaf and grain diseases.

• Improved ability to cope with the stresses of higher plant populations, a key yield component of the modern maize hybrid.

• Higher inherent genetic yield potential.

• Faster grain dry-down, resulting in earlier harvest and lower drying costs.

• Higher test weight grain, of increasing interest to New Zealand’s discerning end-user.

Also contributing to this increase, maize growers and contractors have:

• Better tillage practices.

• Improved fertiliser choice, placement and application rate.

• Improved planting accuracy, including improved evenness of plant spacing and target population accuracy.

• Increased plant populations made possible by the new, improved genetics.

• Better weed control.

• Improved timeliness of planting and harvesting.

All these factors combined have resulted in a stronger, more reliable maize industry.

Plant Pioneer brand hybrids with confidence, knowing they have been extensively tested over many locations and a number of seasons before being released on to the market.

(Source Pioneer Brands)

Feed, pasture renewal and fertiliser savings Growing maize on dairy farms can be an important component of planned improvement of a farm’s feed supply, either directly through the high potential dry matter yield of the maize crop itself, or through the improved pasture resulting from a planned cropping rotation.

Feeding supplements reduces the amount of time a cow spends grazing and reduces its desire to eat pasture. If the farm is entering a time where a grass surplus might occur, and therefore pasture quality may decline (spring), then feeding maize silage will waste money.

However, if that substituted grass can be carried through to a predicted feed deficit (winter or early spring), then feeding maize silage is more likely to be profitable.

Reducing risks

Effluent paddocks offer an opportunity to grow maize silage utilising the nutrients from past effluent applications. They often carry N and K surplus to the requirement for pasture production, and therefore have increased risk of N leaching into the ground water and occurrence of metabolic diseases such as milk fever and grass staggers. A maize crop removes large amounts of N and K and therefore reduces these risks.

Maize silage grown on effluent paddocks yields well with significantly reduced fertiliser inputs and therefore less cost to grow.

Maize silage acts as a “break crop” for controlling perennial weeds such as couch and kikuyu, as well as reducing the populations of the clover root knot nematode and the white fringed weevil.

ADDLINE TRANSPORT LTD

(Source the Foundation for Arable Research publication ‘Best Management Practices for Growing Maize on Dairy Farms’. A free copy of the book is available by emailing: far@far.org.nz or phoning 03 345 5783.

Or go to: www.far.org.nz/index.php/far-publications/entry/best-management-practices-for-growing-maize-on-dairy-farms

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 39

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Page 40

EARTHWORKS

Regional council support stream management

Before and After: Works underway to manage and control erosion on the Omanawa River.

Rural landowners in the Bay of Plenty can get help to improve water quality in the region through incentives, advice and other assistance from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Technical advice, help with writing management plans, and monetary grants towards agreed work are all available.

BOPRC Natural Resource Operations group manager Warwick Murray says the council applauded rural landowners making efforts to improve water

quality and protect waterways such as Tauranga Harbour.

“We recognise there is both public and private good in protecting waterways, and we can provide incentives, support and advice to the rural landowners working to minimise the adverse impacts on land of their activities,” he says.

Incentives are available to all rural landowners to help fence waterways, repair erosion and establish trees (native or exotic) and shrubs within those areas that directly impact on water quality.

Special support is also being offered to landowners in Tauranga Harbour catchments in the form

of extra financial help for stream works during the next 12 months for some rural landowners in the harbour catchment.

This additional assistance is available to control and repair stream bank erosion at sites identified as high risk. The support includes technical advice on repair work and a financial grant of up to 100 per cent of costs, depending on the severity of erosion and budget availability.

If you would like assistance or advice to better manage the waterways on your property, contact a Land Management Officer on 0800 884 880 and state what area you are in.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 41

CONTRACTORS

Page 42

Co-operation to save ratepayers money Eastern Bay councils have formed a committee which aims to save ratepayers money.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Joint Committee held its first meeting on July 8, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the purpose and principles of the group.

Primarily, the group aims to save costs for ratepayers through efficient and effective use of resources and improving the level of service for all councils. By doing so, the councils want to show central government a success story – featuring local authorities working together with positive results.

Mayors and councillors from Opotiki, Kawerau and Whakatane district councils, and the chairman and a local councillor from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, attended the first meeting which elected Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne as chair and Kawerau

Mayor Malcolm Campbell as deputy chair, before getting down to the business of seeking opportunities for collaboration across the Eastern Bay. Initial discussions focused on the scope of the collaboration, with agreement around the table that the councils would work together to achieve a number of goals. “We are looking forward to getting some runs on the board in the next few months and it’s important that we work as closely together as possible to improve efficiency and reduce costs,” says Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne.

The group was also clear that its role is wider and should work towards the overall improvement of the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s social and economic well-being.

“Between us, we have many exciting initiatives ready to get underway. Let’s put our weight behind activities and local businesses to move them forward,” says Kawerau Mayor

Malcolm Campbell.

Other committee members also agreed with the value of a combined approach at a high level.

“We can have a positive impact across the Eastern Bay. This group should consider how we can assist each other and lift our game across the sub-region. Our collective weight is more than the sum of our individual weights,” says Opotiki Mayor John Forbes.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair John Cronin also reminded the group that a number of initiatives were already underway across the region, with Bay of Connections, BOPLASS and Toi EDA also active in many Eastern Bay of Plenty Joint areas. He reiterated that it was important not Committee members are from left, to “reinvent the wheel”, and to stocktake a list at back: Opotiki Mayor John Forbes, of possible areas for collaboration, and bring BOPRC chairperson John Cronin, Kawerau current work priorities to the table so that Mayor Malcolm Campbell and (seated) other members knew what was happening Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne. around the region.

Less nitrogen is just one mixed pasture advantage Increased diversity of pasture species could provide dairy farmers with greater options for managing environmental impacts and improving pasture resilience during periods of drought, says DairyNZ senior scientist Dr Sharon Woodward.

“Cows fed on mixed pasture excreted half the amount of nitrogen (N) in their urine compared to cows on standard pasture,” says Sharon.

“Reducing N losses has implications for greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching.”

This was among the findings of a three-year trial, undertaken at DairyNZ’s Scott Research Farm in the Waikato, to determine whether mixed pasture could increase milk solids production and improve nitrogen efficiency.

In the trial both the standard and mixed pastures were sown with perennial ryegrass and white clover. The mixed pastures were also sown with lucerne, chicory, plantain and prairie grass – although the prairie grass was quickly ruled out as it didn’t perform.

The cows on the mixed pasture ate less than those on the standard pasture.

“Although the cows on the mixed pas-

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

ture ate less, they were more efficient as they produced at least as much milk and sometimes more milk. This of course means more milk solids – not only because of the increase in volume – but because we sometimes got an increase in milk protein concentration as well,” says Sharon. Total cumulative dry matter yields were similar for both pasture types although the pattern of growth was different. There were advantages in feed availability in summer and autumn from the mixed pastures however this yield advantage did not persist in winter.

“Pasture performance has been interesting, especially during the recent drought. At the height of the drought the lucerne, with its deep root system had no problem surviving the dry and acted as a shade, protecting the ryegrass. Ryegrass, in the mixed pasture, remained at a reasonable length and was a lush green. Whereas in the standard pasture the ryegrass was stunted and brown,” says Sharon.

“We were achieving significant differences in dry matter production with the mixed pastures and still achieving pasture covers close to 2000 kg DM/ha.”

Although species like lucerne, chicory and plantain (in the mixed pasture) do not grow as well during the winter, they have bounced back by summer during the first three years of the trial.

CONTRACTORS

Page 43

Plastic from blood success

tions relatively quickly. The rate of breakdown can be controlled by altering the Novatein formulation.

Novatein is essentially blood meal processed into granules, (similar to those made from petro-chemicals), and is suitable for using in conventional plastic manufacturing plants to produce a range of plastics products.

“The blood meal raw material is a by-product of animal rendering and very similar to the dry blood and bone fertiliser used by home gardeners,” says Darren.

“We understand researchers overseas have also been working on similar products but because of the potential risk of transmitting BSE (mad cow disease), the processes they have to go through are more complicated than in New Zealand where the disease doesn’t exist,” says Darren.

Bioplastic

Waikato University chemical engineer Dr Johan Verbeek and Aduro Biopolymers CEO Darren Harpur with Novatein products made from blood meal.

Few would make the link between animal blood and plastics but a team of researchers at the University of Waikato, led by chemical engineer Johan Verbeek, have – and with great success.

“Blood is high in protein and protein is a naturally occurring polymer which can be used to create plastic,” says Johan.

Plastic is formed from a polymer which is a molecule of repeating structural units. Proteins that are essential for life, such as blood, are also polymers – and could therefore potentially be turned into a plastic.

It took about six years of research and development to successfully and consistently produce plastic from blood meal and other additives. Now that process is about to become a commercial reality, and has some big business backing both here and in Australia.

The university has established a company called Aduro Biopolymers to market Novatein –the trademarked product Johan and the team have developed – and to find investors to help commercialise it. Aduro Biopolymers CEO Darren Harpur says Wallace Corporation Limited has taken up a 45 per cent stake in the company, with the balance being owned by WaikatoLink, the University of Waikato's technology transfer organisation.

Australia

Meat & Livestock Australia – a producer-owned firm involved in marketing, research and development services for cattle, sheep and goat farmers – has also formed a partnership with Aduro Biopolymers; and a Novatein product for the Australian market is currently being developed. Plans are in place to establish a manufacturing facility in Australia and have a product ready for market by 2016 or 2017. Darren will not say what the product is but – under the agreement Aduro – will have the right to market it in countries other than Australia.

And the intellectual property rights to Novatein will remain with Aduro Biopolymers. Eventually those responsible for its discovery and development will receive a share of any profits made from Novatein. Johan says Novatein is a way of adding value to what is currently a by-product of abattoirs, to create biodegradable plastics in a sustainable manner. Products made from Novatein rapidly absorb water and break down in the environment or compost situa-

In its dry state, the raw material poses no more risk to those working with it than for anyone applying fertiliser to their garden.

Novatein can be re-formulated, modified and optimised to suit a particular product’s attributes. Pots, pegs and weed matting have different characteristics and properties, so a bioplastic formulation would be different for each one. Researchers have also modified the colour of blood meal so the resulting bioplastic has a translucent honey-coloured appearance.

While it will not be used to make products such as plastic cutlery or packaging for foods, Novatein is ideal for plant pots, trays, clips for horticulture, weed mat pegs and temporary plastic capping on building sites where the biodegradable nature of the plastic is an advantage. It can also be used in conjunction with conventional plastics to reduce the content of that non-renewable resource.

One example of its potential use would be to make pots for plants such as tomatoes which could then be planted in the ground, or larger pots, without removing the original container, which would break down in the soil.

Darren says finding manufacturers keen to use the product was a challenge, as plastic made from blood does not have immediate appeal. That hurdle is being over-come, especially with the interest from Australia. What does appeal is that Novatein can be produced more cheaply than bioplastics made from plant material; and its price is competitive with plastics made from petrochemicals.

Cost effective

Bioplastic products are generally expensive because their production tends to involve energy intensive and complex science, which means significant investment is required in research and development and manufacturing facilities.

“The manufacturing process for Novatein is quite simple. This means the capital costs required to commence manufacture will be relatively low and should enable the cost effective production of Novatein,” says Darren. Before going out into the market place to sell the product, Aduro had to establish if Novatein granules would work in conventional plastic extrusion machines; and if they could produce a variety of shapes. “We asked plastics manufacturers if we could conduct some trials on their machines, and those proved successful.” Aduro won’t manufacture plastic products but instead sell Novatein to manufacturers – and the list of possibilities for its use is growing all the time.

Darren says it’s been exciting to be involved in the project which began as ‘blue skies’ research with no definite commercial outcome in mind. The results, he says, prove both the value of such research, and the challenges of making money from it. To find out more go to: www.adurobiopolymers.com

By Elaine Fisher

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Page 44

HOUSE & LANDSCAPE

Quality hallmark of pre-built homes One day there’s an empty site, the next it’s occupied by a brand new home, just awaiting the final connection to services – that’s the beauty of buying a pre-built home, says Wallace Stewart of Ezyline Prebuilt Homes, Tauranga.

“We construct and complete houses from one bedroom, 50 square metres to four bedrooms 105 square metres, in our Tauranga yard and transport them anywhere in the country. For the new owners, there is minimal disruption to their life during the construction, as it all happens in our yard.”

Ezyline is a division of the award winning, Registered Master Builder company Coastline Homes,

which was founded 15 years ago by Wallace – who has 30 years’ experience in the industry. Today his son Glenn is foreman and the company retains it family-orientated, personal, client-focused service. “We invite people to visit our office and show home, and homes under construction, so they can see for themselves the standard of workmanship and materials which go into our homes.

“We don’t cut corners and use quality materials, and ‘tried and true’ designs which ensure these homes are water tight and durable.”

Ezyline homes feature simple, practical designs which clients are

welcome to adapt to suit their own requirements; and there’s a choice of paint colours and exterior cladding too. “Branching out into the pre-built home market has enabled us to offer our services to clients throughout the country and to provide affordable homes,” says Wallace.

Ezyline homes are ideal for first home buyers, as a family beach bach, for rental accommodation, as staff houses on farms and as granny flats. Because they are constructed in the Tauranga yard, a home can be ready in as little as six weeks, once permits and consents have been granted.

Once established on-site, the home can be ready to occupy within a matter of days.

Insecticides get 15 year reprieve Horticultural and agricultural industries, and home gardeners, have up to 15 years to find replacements before a group of highly toxic insecticides are phased out.

   

The Environmental Protection Authority has set a time limit of the continued use of some products – and ruled others will no longer be allowed to be used at all for plant pest control in New Zealand.

The EPA’s general manager Applications and Assessment, Sarah Gardner, says that while the controlled use of some insecticides would continue to benefit New Zealand’s primary production industries, others were too damaging to people and the environment.

“The EPA’s role is to ensure that New Zealand’s environment, society and economy are protected from the risks posed by such substances.

Organophosphates

“This reassessment of a group of organophosphate and carbamatebased insecticides (OPCs) followed questions about their negative effects on human health and the environment. People who have been using these insecticides – from farmers to the home gardener

– are likely to be impacted by the changes being announced.”

OPCs provide significant benefits both regionally and nationally in New Zealand, including playing a critical role in maintaining New Zealand’s biosecurity system.

“However, they are known to be toxic to people who use them, other workers and bystanders, and can lead to acute or chronic health effects. They are also harmful to the environment and are particularly toxic to the aquatic environment, invertebrates such as bees, and to birds.

“Our reassessment, therefore, included an examination of these negative effects, as well as an evaluation of how these substances affect Maori relationships with their ancestral lands, water and other taonga,” says Sarah.

Phase-out HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says EPA has listened to industry representations about the need to retain some of the products, at least in the interim.

“It certainly it appears industry concerns have been heard by the EPA panel and they have appreciated the points raised by industry, especially in terms of applying feasible phase-outs of up to 10 years for some products.

“Now the ball goes back into the

horticulture industry’s court, as we have to do the work to find alternate tools in the timeframe we’ve been given.”

The authority’s decision is also being welcomed by Federated Farmers.

“Extending the use of diazinon through to 2028 was the right thing to do because farmers have little or no alternatives at this time,” says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers vice-president.

“Home gardeners and farmers both know that diazinon is the most effective agrichemical we currently have to treat grass grub and porina. An issue may arise if, by the end of the next 15 years, we fail to have approved replacements in the toolbox,’ says William.

Alternatives

“Since pasture accounts for about half of New Zealand’s merchandise exports, we are pleased the committee has recommended that industry increase the research effort to find alternatives to OPC’s. This is endorsed by Federated Farmers.

“As users, we do not deny that there is potential health, environmental or pollinator risks associated with the use of OPC’s.

The EPA’s recommendations are all about highlighting these with the chemical put on the glide-slope to its eventual phase out.”

RURAL WEDDINGS

Page 45

Romantic building venue for wedding expo Rotorua’s stunning Blue Baths building is to host an equally stunning wedding and special events expo on Sunday, September 1.

The venue is centrally located within the tranquil beauty of Government Gardens, an extensive park on the fringes of Rotorua’s central business district, offering superb settings for ceremonies, receptions and photographs.

The spring Blue Baths Wedding Expo will also see an exquisite in-house array of gorgeous table settings, fine linen, chair-covers and unique centrepieces all set-up in the glamorous expanse of the venue’s ‘Lido Lounge’ (once the adult pool).

The elegant upstairs tearoom will be set ‘chapel-style’ so that brides-to-be can experience first-hand its charming art deco ambience. But if a romantic poolside wedding appeals, consider saying “I do” with sparkling blue waters as the backdrop. Also in attendance at the expo will be award-winning florists and photographers, cake-makers, celebrants and hairdressers.

The Blue Baths executive chef Timo Dicker will be ready to

The beautiful Blue Baths is the venue for the spring wedding expo next month.

Transport with a sense of grandeur

While it might not be the fastest mode of wedding transport – many brides agree that a horse-drawn carriage is the most relaxing way to arrive at their wedding.

Owners of Pirongia Clydesdales, Jill and Nick van der Sande, say this is the reason many brides choose the Pirongia Clydesdales for their wedding.

Known widely as the country's premier horse drawn carriage service, the Pirongia Clydesdales are regularly seen at town and country weddings throughout the North

Island. Their unique turnout of Clydesdales and beautiful oak and brass hitch wagon offers the perfect transport alternative for brides seeking a sense of grandeur and touch of true traditionalism.

The newest addition to the Pirongia Clydesdales offering is a pair of elegant Dutch Friesian horses and a European wagonette.

Jill and Nick say this turnout is extremely eye-catching and particularly suited to the smaller wedding.

While the Pirongia Clydesdales and Friesian horse teams are able to travel to any wedding North Island-wide, Jill and Nick also offer an elegant, country-style wedding venue located at their picturesque Pirongia base. Built with the smaller, more intimate wedding in mind, this unique venue is a must see. For more information about the Pirongia Clydesdales wedding carriages or function venue, please see: www.clydesdales.co.nz

tackle any tantalizing queries, from degustation menu selection right through to off-site catering options in a marquee at home or lakeside location of your choice – no event is too large or too small for the Blue Baths catering team.

There will be goody bags, lucky prize

draws and a very special offer will be available to couples who register on the day.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 46

Safe fun for kids on four wheels Having fun is the best way for children to master new skills – and learning to drive a drift go kart is right up there in the enjoyment stakes. Thanks to the Tauranga company Go Karts Direct, it’s also safe.

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The exclusive importer and distributor of drift go karts for New Zealand has recently designed a new model which includes a roll cage and harness threepoint seat belt for improved safety.

Owners Bryce Marshall and Jan Wyllie have been importing drift go karts for seven years, and their range includes four models: Standard Drift go Karts 200cc; Caged Drift Go Karts 200cc; Drift Go Karts with GX160 Honda engine 5.5hp; and the Ultimate Caged Go Kart with wet clutch motor and reduction gear box. Also available shortly will be the new two-seater automatic go kart with electric start, reverse gear and a full padded roll cage. All come preassembled in the box and are very easy to put together – and all now have three-point harness safety belts.

Bryce says the karts are extremely safe to use, thanks to their low centre of gravity design which maintains good ground clearance.

“They are designed to travel on flat, even terrain and because of their design, drift rather than roll. It’s a great way for children to learn driving techniques and control out in the open spaces; and it’s something we can do safely with our kids.

It is a great way for everyone to gain confidence and of course have lots of fun. We recommend everybody wears a helmet and uses the fitted seatbelt when they are driving a kart.”

The machine develops plenty of low-down torque allowing for power slides. Featuring a simple, strong design, the drift go karts have a Honda design cam, four stroke engine and are capable of speeds 40-45 km/h.

The karts run on 91 octane petrol, and are extremely economical. They have an easy-to-operate recoil pullstart mechanism, and an automatic centrifugal clutch, and can carry drivers weighing up to 120kg.

The karts are ideal for use on orchards, farms, lifestyle blocks, paddocks or any large open mainly-flat spaces.

The four stroke engines are very quiet compared to two stroke motorcycle engines. Go Karts Direct can freight direct to your door or you can pick them up.

De-sex cats to help reduce stray numbers Since the beginning of ARRC Wildlife Trusts’ Spay the Stray Cat Campaign last September, they have taken 275 stray cats and kittens off Tauranga’s streets, contained 16 stray cat colonies, re-homed 160 and desexed 200 cats and kittens.

This is good progress but much more work is needed to contain Tauranga’s massive stray cat problem before the next breeding season in spring.

Unfortunately, many of these cats become stray when they are dumped or when their owners move away and leave them behind. Many are not de-sexed and they breed at an incredible rate.

Cats usually attain puberty at four to nine months of age, and at this stage they are capable of breeding.

A female cat can easily produce three litters of two to nine kittens per breeding season. And left uncared for, these animals have difficult lives trying to find food.

They often succumb to disease and encroach on our pet cats, causing many more issues.

For the pet population as a whole, it is clear that desexing at a young age is an important practice that is adopted by animal shelters globally. De-sexing is used as an invaluable tool to help combat pet over-population, which is a huge animal welfare issue worldwide.

De-sexing is a commonly performed procedure and most cats recover quickly. Your local vet can help to provide further details

De-sexing cats is important to help control population levels.

(Matt Leamy Photography)

By Dr Liza Schneider, ARRC Wildlfie Trust

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 47

Cooker has 200-year history The Lacanche range of bespoke cookers has an extraordinary heritage and is different to others on the market.

Bespoke Lacanche cookers come in colours to suit any décor.

They take their name from the village of Lacanche, situated deep in the heart of the Burgundian countryside in France where they have been made for more than 200 years. The Lacanche range cooker boasts a genuine professional pedigree; it is a professional range cooker dressed for the home, says Gerry Carver of La Maison France, the sole importer of these cookers which attracted a good deal of attention at the Seriously Good Food Show in Tauranga in July.

“In an age of disposable products and “built-in obsolescence”, Lacanche stands for enduring value of build, quality and design.

“As sole importer of this most desirable of cooking machine, we will help you to tailor-make your range with options of fuel [gas, electric or both], hobs, oven combinations and colours. All ranges are bespoke and built to order.”

Gerry says it is no surprise that France, with its renowned passion for superb gastronomic cuisine and fine wines, should also produce culinary cooking masterpieces. Lacanche range cookers are designed for where style, performance and luxury are all important.

Hand-assembled and hand-finished, Lacanche fuses traditional style and everyday usability, giving an understated elegance, graceful styling, thorough attention to detail and quality workmanship – the heart of any high performance machine. “The result is the world's most desirable hand-crafted professional range cooker, both masterful and a pleasure to work with.

“Some of our better known customers include Delia Smith, Hugh Fearnley-Whiitingstall, Anton Edelman, Lloyd Grossman, Ken Hom and Raymond Blanc. A Lacanche range cooker will serve you well for years; is a joy to own and a centrepiece to any kitchen. The power, versatility and control that it offers enable you to achieve professional cooking results in your home. We know that it will bring all of our customers years of pleasure and culinary fulfilment. The kitchen is the heart of the home and the Lacanche range keeps the house alive with style.

“If you missed us at the Seriously Good Food Show in July, give me a call and make arrangements to come to our house in Whakamarama to look and feel the quality of this superb cooker,” says Gerry.

Permablitz growing one garden at a time While the concept of permaculture has been around since the 1970s, it is no longer the domain of reclusive hippies.

A new generation, of young, internet-savvy permaculturalists, has learned how to harness the power of teamwork and social media to bring permaculture to the mainstream.

A permablitz craze began in Katikati during the winter of 2012.

One year on, enthusiasm for Bay of Plenty Permablitz events seems to have reached fever pitch. People are flocking to learn more about it, and the volunteer network is continually growing.

At a permablitz, everyone is welcome. Young and old, rural and urban people are finding that permaculture could be a good long term solution to the economic, environmental and social pressures that may affect them, their community and their land.

Each blitz event has a facilitator with a permaculture garden plan.

Other leaders are appointed to teach volunteers what to do and

they delegate to get jobs because thought is put into using done. The host, who clever design to site garden elements owns the garden being so that as much work as possible is blitzed, is responsible done by the “system”, reducing the for providing lunch. In amount of work the gardener needs the space of a few short to supply. It's all about connections. hours an intense burst Cleverly designed eco-systems are of labour establishes the typical of permaculture design and permaculture garden – as prove that pollution is no longer we all know that many necessary, nutrients can be retained hands make light work. and recycled on our properties; and Everyone eats well, the whole can definitely be bigger laughs together, makes than the sum of its parts. friends and learns new, Permaculture challenges us to more efficient ways of doing things. consider designing our land to harMost importantly, it’s a lot ness the advantages of natural of fun. patterns, so human With a good activity becomes permaculture plan, a regenerative a garden can force. Permanent become highly agriculture is posproductive and sible, hence the easy to manage. term permaculSo the initial ture. Seek out investment the possibilities of thought for your own and time put situation. Perinto producing maculture could a good permaInnovation, even in chicken be the rewarding culture design is alternative you need. run design, is part of quickly paid back. A Permablitz. permaculture garden can Hugo Verhagen is Permaculture be expected to be diverse, with designer for Permablitz BOP Collective. Find out more at: www.permablitzbopnz.net high levels of production. This is

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COUNTRY LIVING

hunt plucks big numbers Te Puke trees are plagued by fewer possums after more than 600 of the pests were bagged in the Te Ranga School’s annual Possum and Pig Hunt in June.

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The 16th annual hunt fundraiser saw more than 30 teams catch a record 634 possums. More than 20 pig hunters also entered into the competition with the heaviest boar weighing in at 65.2kg.

Friends of Te Ranga School PTA member and organiser Fee Edwards says the hunt has been a success for many years and this year proved an ever bigger achievement.

“We did very well. We probably doubled last year’s numbers.”

The event’s auction, which saw furniture, a family fishing trip, horse treks, vouchers for three bach weekends-away and spa treatments sold to raise more than $6000.

Hunters were allowed to catch their bounty anywhere – providing they held appropriate licences for using firearms, complied with firearm regulations and had landowners’ permission.

Possums were caught by trap or gun, with fur being plucked after-event.

Activities, including a ‘killer hill pig run’, where participants ran up-hill while carrying a pig on their shoulders, and ‘cow pat bingo’ were also on offer.

The event is the school’s main fundraiser raising funds to upgrade facilities.

Fluf Hunters collected the most pests catching 12 wallabies, nine hares and 11 rabbits during the twoday hunt.

Contractor Assassins won the award for heaviest possum with their catch weighing in at 4.9kg.

A ute full of possums at the Te Ranga School’s annual Possum and Pig Hunt.

Winners are:

Best tusks: Raymond, Maxim and Neville Killer Hill Pig Run: Women’s: Ethney Barnaby Men’s: Nick Johnson Best black possum: Te Ranga Shenanigans Heaviest boar: Paul Miller Best grey possum: The Awesome Foursome Average weight pig: Murray Winters Most possums: Contractor Assassins 107

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Co enzyme Q10 is essential for energy and a deficiency can make us abnormally tired, with weak muscles.

As an antioxidant it also prevents dangerous oxidation of cholesterol trapped in artery walls which is the first cause of the plaques that restrict coronary blood flow.

We produce CoQ10 less efficiently as we age. The creeping tiredness that affects us later in life can be from insufficient CoQ10.

Statin medications also reduce CoQ10 and this is often responsible for many of the side effects, including muscle weakness, pain and general malaise. Some problems, especially autoimmune and neurological disease, seem to lower CoQ10 levels possibly through increased demand from the disease processes.

Most healthy people under 50 do not need CoQ10 supplements as we efficiently make all the CoQ10 we need. However, increasing age and some diseases make a strong case for controlled supplementation. I include it as nutritional support for most circulatory problems and many neurological and autoimmune diseases including Parkinson’s, MS, CFS, FM and PMR that all cause low energy. I regard it as essential when taking cholesterol medications to protect against muscle problems, fatigue and memory loss.

For example, I recently created a programme for someone with MS and she has noted a distinct improvement in her energy and general wellbeing. I have had the same reports from people with Parkinson’s. We cannot greatly impact these disease process but we can help with the often crushing fatigue improving real quality of life.

I add CoQ10 either as a separate patented US sourced product or as part of my own energy formula with CoQ10, B vitamins, resveratrol, lipoic acid and many other energy co factors. Please contact me for personalised advice for your circumstances. My online newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz has the full version of this column.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 49

Subdivision rules change for Northern Waikato The old Franklin District area of the Waikato has recently had its rural subdivision rules updated by an Environment Court ruling.

In essence they are still the same, in that they allow transferable titles and environmental protection as a basis for subdivision, but the criteria have changed.

There is not a lot of possibility for subdivision beyond that, apart from boundary adjustments. This also affects the areas of Hauraki district and Auckland City, previously within the Franklin district boundary.

If you have been nurturing an area of bush or wetland, hoping to use it as a basis for subdivision then it is now time to reassess your options.

The area, required to be protected to enable subdivision of just one lot, has gone up from a minimum of half a hectare to 3ha – quite a jump. So, generally, what qualified you for two lots in the past will now only give you one new lot. This area of bush or wetland has to be well established to meet the ecological standards and must be fenced off from the farm and kept free of weeds, animals and pests.

This 3ha size may not be available on most blocks.

I believe that the majority of past ecological lots have protected features less than 1ha in size. Therefore, an unfortunate consequence of this rule is that already people are making the decision to buy in transferable titles rather than protect the ecological areas on their property, particularly where they are not already fenced off and may require enhancement. They are saying ‘it's just not worth the time and cost’.

We can arrange the purchase of transferable titles and most properties can subdivide one new lot subject to certain criteria. When your property is larger than 4ha you may be able to subdivide two lots.

The court decision has taken away the boundary between management areas such as Central, Southern and Hunua in favour of a new ‘zone’ called the Environment Enhancement Overlay Area. This area is

More detail required According to a recent New Zealand survey, 70 per cent of employers are not satisfied with the medical certificates they receive from employees taking sick leave.

Specifically, employers are concerned that: doctors are issuing medical certificates without medical cause; doctors are issuing medical certificates retrospectively without having seen evidence of illness; and that doctors are issuing medical certificates with a lack of specific information, especially when the employee alleges the illness or injury arose from a workplace activity. However, changes to the way medical certificates are being issued are presently being considered. Details of the proposed changes to medical certificates have been disclosed in a May 2013 New Zealand Medical Council Report called ‘Writing Medical Certificates: a review of the standards for doctors’.

If the proposals outlined in the report are adopted the results would be that employers would be better informed about the nature of an employee’s illness; and will be advised of tasks that an employee may be able to perform during the illness or injury period.

The report also proposes that an employer should be able to seek clarification of an employee’s health status from the employee’s doctor.

Many employers are eagerly awaiting details about whether the proposals in the report are to be adopted or not. Watch this space. If you have any employment or HR queries that you would like assistance with, please email Wendy directly at: wendy@accordservices.co.nz This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

Employment Law Services

surrounding, and mostly north of, Pukekohe. Titles can be transferred from a qualifying ‘donor property’ to a qualifying ‘receiving property’ within the boundary of this EEOA or transferred to a rural property beyond this boundary – but not the other way. Titles can also be transferred between qualifying properties on the outside of this boundary. Herein lies a significant advantage for those properties that lie outside this boundary.

The boundary is best described as roughly following a line south from Glenbrook and then running east approximately on the northern limits of Waiuku, Tuakau and Pokeno before heading north through Pinnacle Hill, Paparata and up toward Hunua. If your property lies outside of this EEOA then it can be relatively economical to subdivide because you don't have to compete with those on the periphery of Auckland who are prepared to pay big money for titles.

This type of subdivision is unique to the northern part of Waikato District (and parts of Hauraki and Auckland), that were annexed from Franklin and does not extend to other parts of the Waikato, where some lifestyle subdivision is still available to larger blocks with older titles. At this stage I see it as unlikely that this method of subdivision will spread to other parts of the Waikato district. I believe that it is more likely that, with the pending rule review, Waikato is obliged to undertake for this adopted area, this opportunity could well be lost.

We are seeing less and less rural subdivision being allowed in the wider Waikato region with every change to the rules. So if you have considered subdivision as a means to retire in your locality with less land, sell some land to provide capital to develop the farm or simply to create additional titles to get the best value out of your land, now is the time to act. If you are interested to find out how the changes may affect you, feel free to give me a call and discuss your particular situation.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato, Hauraki and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 07 838 1571 or email: btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 50

Untamed landscapes to city sophistication Canada presents one of the most unique destinations on the planet, offering a broad range of cultural and geographical features, says Lynne Moore, managing director of Harvey World Travel, Bayfair.

The mighty Rocky Mountains and powerful Pacific tides influence the vibrant communities in British Columbia, while urban flair mixes with cowboy culture in Alberta.

“Rural living comes alive under endless skies in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, while Ontario offers a diverse mix of big city sophistication and relaxed country living.”

The sights and sounds of historic Quebec are not to be missed, and the friendly fishing villages of Atlantic Canada are well worth a visit. Northern Canada offers visitors a chance to take in some of the only untamed landscapes in the world, says Lynne.

“Travelling in Alaska is like travelling to no other place on earth. Imagine

your delight when you spot a grizzly bear with a cub or two in tow, or that instant when the silence of the mist fjord is shattered by a pod of giant humpback whales, breaching high into the air, then crashing back against the sea.

“Choose from wildlife viewing, sea kayaking and guided glacier hikes, pan for gold or bait a rod and fish for Alaska’s world famous King Salmon.” Beautiful Quebec The favourite way for Kiwis to visit awaits Alaska is on board one of the many you. cruise ships.

“From small ships to the larger cruise ships, cruising from either Vancouver or Seattle, USA is a great way to sit back and watch the spectacular scenery as you visit the small towns of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan on an inside passage cruise. You can go into anchorage on many of the exciting tours we have available.

“A trip to Canada and Alaska is well within your reach. The fabulous tour we are now offering will sell quickly as it does every year. We look forward to hearing from you about this exciting tour.”

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Retirement units with rural outlook

Te Puke Country Lodge also offers a range of apartments and stand-alone units for independent living.

A rural outlook is among the attributes of Te Puke Country Lodge, situated close to the town centre.

Hump back whales performing.

“Our units have a rural outlook and offer vehicle garaging with internal access. Living in a unit or apartment you can be as independent as you want but you have the security of knowing we are nearby if needed,” lodge spokesperson Brian Moody says.

Te Puke Country Lodge offers a range of apartments and stand-alone units for independent living.

“Our weekly service fee covers rates, building insurance, exterior maintenance, gardening and rubbish removal.”

The lodge offers a buy back guarantee on it units and apartments.

“Unlike other facilities where you have to wait until your unit has been resold before receiving your settlement, we guarantee to refund the agreed ‘buy back’ price within six months if your unit is not sold and settled prior.”

Te Puke Country Lodge also features a spacious, wheelchair accessible rest home and hospital rooms which are well appointed, each with its own kitchenette, shower, toilet and vanity.

There is a registered nurse on duty 24 hours a day and all rooms have a nurse call system. Residents are encouraged to enhance their rooms with personal items, furniture, paintings and ornaments. All rooms are centrally heated and equipped with smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.

Government subsidies are available to all who meet the qualifying assessment criteria.

“Our management team can advise you on this or you can speak to your doctor or to one of the many other community support services.”

• Ice Explorer ride on the Columbia Icefield • Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 three-course dinners including a farewell dinner at the famous Butchart Gardens, 20 additional meals whilst cruising • Fairmont and Delta hotel & resort accommodations in spectacular locations HIGHLIGHTS: Vancouver, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Whistler, Alaska & the Inside Passage.

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Harvey World Travel Bayfair Phone: (07) 574 1150 Harvey World Travel Dinsdale Phone: (07) 847 1571 *Terms & conditions apply. Pricing is per person twin share. Tour departs Vancouver on 03 May 14. Tour includes 19 day tour (GoldLeaf & Verandah cabin), land gratuities and cruise line non commissionable fare, government taxes and fees. A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person/per tour is required within 14 days of booking to secure the reservation. Full payment is required 75 days prior to departure. ^Book Early & Save 10% requires full payment 12 months prior to tour departure and is based on the land-only portion of core tour and twin share price, not including any extra nights’ accommodation, extensions, taxes/fees, tips and supplements/reductions. All prices are in New Zealand dollars. Travel agent service fees are not included. Sales are valid until sold out. Prices are correct as at 13 Jun 13 & may be subject to change without notice. Prices are based on payment by cash or cheque only. Offers valid for new bookings only. Product in this ad is supplied by suppliers with their own terms and conditions, please ask your Harvey World Travel Professional for full terms and conditions. HWT2836

Te Puke Country Lodge Home, Hospital and Village

RETIREMENT

Page 51

Village nearing final stage with new homes As a final stage in the village’s development, Omokoroa Country Estate is currently building a number of new houses to add to the 132 well-established retirement homes already on-site.

But there’s little that’s ‘retiring’ about these new homes; they are generously sized at about 200m2, with designer kitchens and open-plan living. The luxury homes feature two or three bedrooms (or two bedrooms and a study), ensuite bathroom, two toilets, some with double garaging and exceptional fixtures and fittings.

A special distinction of Omokoroa Country Estate is the sense of space, and these newlybuilt homes will be especially blessed with it.

The homes are on large, north-facing sites

that bask in plenty of sun and are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens that create a real enclave of privacy.

Indeed, though it is only 15 minutes from the attractions of Tauranga City, Omokoroa Country Estate feels worlds away – because on this stunning harbour peninsula, life enjoys a more peaceful pace. Swim, stroll or savour the views at a picturesque beach.

Launch off the nearby boat ramp in search of snapper, or take the grandkids to the jetty and cast a line. Even the local bowling club and 18- hole golf course overlook the harbour.

As scenic and serene as Omokoroa may be, it is also convenient. Just about everything you need is nearby, including a medical centre, pharmacy, dentist and local shops.

Many motorhome enthusiasts have made their home here, perhaps because Omokoroa makes such a wonderful hub from which to

explore the Bay of Plenty and Central North Island. With this in mind, Omokoroa Country Estate offers dedicated campervan or caravan parking, and in some cases they can be parked on a pad beside your chosen home.

The option of undercover parking for campervans may become available in the future.

An exceptional variety of amenities and activities also await new residents. Join in on social events to experience the spirit of camaraderie that exists at this village, soak in the thermally-heated swimming pool and spa, tend the thriving vege patches, play bowls on the village green, or just find a quiet spot to sit and admire the showcase gardens – a jewel in the estate’s crown.

The new homes are proving popular, and a number are already sold, so visit soon and see for yourself how your retirement years can be golden years at Omokoroa Country Estate.

New political party hopes to find appeal among rural and urban voters The Focus NZ Party – which has found supporters in townships and the countryside – is to register as a political party this month.

Last month, the party was 20 members short of the 500 required to register with the Electoral Commission. “I think we’re at 480 [members] and we want 550 when we send it [our application] off,” says president Ken Rintoul.

Since Coast & Country’s July story on Focus NZ Party’s recent name-change (from the Rural Party, formed in August), the party’s website hits have more than doubled.

“It has gone from getting 300 hits a week to getting 800 hits a week … which could

be the article and it could be just us getting more proactive,” says Ken. “From our point of view, something is working somewhere.”

Last edition, Coast & Country incorrectly reported that former National Party MP Ross Meurant was on the party’s board. The board is made up of Joe Carr, John Vujcich, Julian Fairlie, Lachlan McKenzie, Robin Stanford, Steve McNally and Les King; treasurer Adele Maraki and secretary Christy Gordon.

Northern Regional councilor Joe Carr, with beef farming and forestry interests, is party co-founder with Ken. Deer farmer and IT business owner, Kaikohe’s John Vujcich is spokesperson for Education.

Fairlie Enterprises Ltd owner Julian Fairlie of Glendowie is the party’s Region

One South chairman and spokesperson for Empowerment and Small/Medium Business.

Rotorua dairy farmer and previous Federated Farmers’ dairy farming sector chairman Lachlan McKenzie is spokesperson for Primary Industries and Co-Operatives.

New Plymouth school teacher (former headmaster) Robin Stanford is also spokesperson for Education.

Far North District councilor Steve McNally is spokesperson for Finance and Regulations.

Forestry and beef farmer Les King is the party’s Region One chairman.

Ken, of Okaihau, a civil construction company director, is spokesperson for Infrastructure and Transport. Ken says his team is encouraged by the increased interest and membership of the party.

“We’re hoping, if everything keeps going right, to send off [our application] for registration [as a political party] in the next few weeks.” To find out more, visit: www.focusnz.org.nz

By Merle Foster

FORESTRY

Page 52

Timber may revive Kawerau Timber may again be the economic and employment life blood of Kawerau, if an analysis of wood processing opportunities in the town proves positive.

The town’s economic development group called ISKawerau has commissioned Rotorua Crown Research Institute Scion to prepare a report on the future prospects for the industry this month.

The analysis will look at the benefits of wood processing in Kawerau, where delivered log costs are expected to be lower than many New Zealand locations, and if energy costs can be reduced by the use of geothermal heat.

It will also assess the impact of clustering complementary technologies compared to stand-alone operations.

Kawerau was established in 1953 as a mill town for the then new Tasman pulp and paper mill. Today the mill is owned by Norske Skog which earlier this year announced the redundancy of 100 staff and the closure of one of its paper machines.

In addition to investment metrics, such as return on capital employed and other economic indicators, the study will measure the effect increased wood processing will have on both employment within the district and the gross domestic product of the local economy.

“This is an important study for Kawerau and the Eastern Bay of Plenty because it will provide quantifiable information to support investment propositions for indus-

trial development in the district,” says Su Cammell, project manager of the Industrial Symbiosis project. “The recent release of the WoodScape study, which was developed to evaluate potential opportunities for investment in traditional and emerging wood processing opportunities, has been the catalyst for this analysis.”

The initial WoodScape study looked at five wood supply regions to understand the different wood processing options in these regions; and took a financial modelling and market review approach in assessing the potential of a range of traditional and emerging technologies. This base data will be layered with Kawerau specific information to provide comparisons between Kawerau and other operational centres and regions.

Dr Michael Jack, Scion’s science leader for clean technologies and co-author of the original WoodScape Study, described the Kawerau project as a practical extension to the initial work. “The Woodscape model is a valuable tool for investors because they can use it to identify investment and employment opportunities that are region or site specific.”

The New Zealand Government’s growth strategy targets a rise in exports from 30 to 40 per cent of GDP by 2025. In today’s terms this means an increase of $20billion.

Enabling growth in the wood processing industry will play a substantial role in meeting these targets. The WoodScape results show that the Central North Island has, by far, the biggest forest resource of any region in New Zealand, and due to its ability to support large scale wood processing facilities, has the potential to make a significant contribution.

ISKawerau’s aim to reduce unemployment in the district to below the national average, through increased investment in the sector, is something Mayor Malcolm Campbell welcomes.

“Kawerau’s Potential is largely untapped.

This study will highlight our resources and infrastructure and our ability to service industrial growth.

“Higher levels of employment due to increased development will have a positive impact on both Kawerau and the wider Eastern Bay.” Toi EDA, the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Economic Development Agency, supports the analysis.

“This is an important step in the development of the wood processing industry,” says chairperson Tony De Farias. “The study will provide potential investors in the wood processing space with clear information on the benefits of establishing their operation in this region.”

Innovation linked to growth Much of the required future growth in the forest industry will be derived through innovation and export markets, Jo Goodhew Associate Minister for Primary Industries, told the New Zealand Institute of Forestry Conference in Taranaki last month.

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“However, capital is also important. For the wood processing industry to grow, significant additional capital is required.” The Government has made a significant contribution to funding forestry and primary sector research and development – and more recently has been driving innovation activity through the flagship Primary Growth Partnership projects, she said.

“The PGP is about harnessing innovation to lift both productivity and profitability across the primary sector, including forestry and wood products. Projects depend on commercial partners coming forward with workable ideas.

“An example of interest is the Steepland Forest Harvesting project being led by Future Forests Research Ltd. Running over seven years, the project aims to unlock the potential of the massive standing crop on the hillsides of New Zealand, and to improve the safety of workers operating in these areas. “The challenges of forest harvesting on steep areas has long been seen as a hurdle in achieving greater profitability in forestry. One of the aims of this project is to create novel remotecontrolled machines that can work on the harvesting slope, and to develop high-speed cable extraction systems.

Building technical capability in harvesting and machinery development will help ensure the industry’s future, and further reduce the environmental footprint of harvesting.

“A new round of PGP bids has opened. With Woodco’s ambitious goal in its strategic action plan of increasing forest product exports to $12 billion during the next 10 years and [with] the Woodscape study recently released, now is the ideal time for the sector to submit bids for PGP funding. I strongly urge you to do so.” Jo says the forestry sector’s slice of the PGP ‘pie’ is currently very small and does not reflect its contribution to New Zealand’s exports. “I encourage you to consider developing projects that might fit with the PGP goals – I know MPI is available to provide advice and assist with developing bids if needed.”

COAST & COUNTRY

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More Classifieds on Page 54

Free events listings reach wide audience Coast & Country offers community and industry groups, schools, clubs and organisations a unique opportunity to promote their events through its free monthly Calendar Events column.

Workshops, field days, seminars, A&P and other shows, calf club and school events, community group events or regular meetings, indeed any-

thing of interest to rural communities can be promoted through the column and reach a wide readership.

Coast & Country is delivered to 31,040 farmers, growers and lifestylers from Gisborne through to Franklin County, including the entire Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taupo regions.

To list your event email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Events in the subject heading.

The deadline for each issue is the 15th day of the preceding month.

e We servic of all makes pumps

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading. September issue deadline 15 August.

Sunday 11 August

Generate Rural Leadership Course If you are looking for a course to push you out of your comfort zone and help you get to there you want to be, Generate is the course for you!

Whether you are working on a farm, in the rural servicing sector or involved in the rural corporate world, Generate offers the opportunity and tools to focus on developing your attitude, character, personal principles and people skills.

This free course runs over nine sessions. Graduates will receive a nationally recognized Certificate of Rural Leadership. To find out more or to secure a space ph Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre 0800 TARATAHI or email: clarissa.wallace@taratahi.ac.nz

Thursday 15 August

New Zealand Grassland Trust Ray Brougham Lecture Series 2013 At McMeekan Centre, AgResearch Ruakura, Hamilton 4-5pm. Tom Fraser will present “40 years of forage research: what is the impact onfarm?” Refreshments at conclusion.

Registration essential. RSVP to Fiona Graham August 1 to: Fiona.graham@ agresearch.co.nz

Wednesday 28 August

Hauraki Ladies Discussion Group At Turua Hall, Hauraki Road, Turua 7.30pm. This discussion group is open to all women involved in dairying or dairy related agri-business.

Topic: Understanding the jargon and regulations – what it is you need to know and then where to from here.

Ph Fiona Wade 021 242 2127 or email: fiona.wade@dairynz.co.nz

ecomulch 021 937 429 - 07 552 6166 Low ground compaction 4.5 lb per sq inch (31kPa)

website ahhedge.com

Recycling organic material No piles of chips to shift Fast and efficient Wide rubber tracks less ground damage

Out front mulcher for precision & control

Compact machine Perfect in confined areas

Before More productivity in wet conditions avo orchards-gorse-land clearing-shelters-heavy mowinginvasive weeds- all terrain areas-orchard prunings,

After

COAST & COUNTRY

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Ph 07 928 3042 or tasha@thesun.co.nz business opportunity

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cars wanted

ONLINE BUSINESS work from your computer. Genuine business, anyone with basic computer skills & a couple of hours a week can do. Age no barrier. email onlinebizforyou2@gmail.com or text 027 474 6094

for sale

COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT Putaruru $130,000 plus GST. Long term progressive tenant 8.75% return. Ph 543 1468 PULLETS Brown Shaver. Point of lay, good layers. Ph 07 824 1762

horticulture

SHELTER TREES for sale top quality potted cryptomeria $5 and casuarina $4.50 Ph 573 4122

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CONTROL YOUR CHOOKS. No post’s, free standing fencing easily moved. Visit the website www. lifestyleproducts.net.nz or Ph Alan 027 432 1133 GORSE SPRAYING Do you have a gorse problem? Ph today for a free quote for all gorse control. Ph Scott 027 462 4769

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PROTECT TREES & FRUIT against rabbits, hares & possums.

Larger sizes suit sheep. www.lifestyleproducts.net.nz or Ph Alan 027 432 1133 TREES TREES TREES Felling, Pruning, Maintenance, Chipping, & Removal. Ph Scott Today on 027 462 4769 TRY PLACING your trade here for only $20+gst for 20 words!

Ph me now to have a chat about what we can do for you.

Ph Tasha 07 928 3042

Butch has plenty to crow about

BER TR TIM E

He kept records, and any rooster not performing went into the soup pot and was replaced. This took a lot of time, so he bought some tiny bells and attached them to his roosters.

Each bell had a different tone, so he could tell from a distance, which rooster was performing. Now, he could sit on the porch and fill out an efficiency report by just listening to the bells.

John's favourite rooster, old Butch, was a very fine specimen.

But this morning he noticed old Butch's bell hadn't rung at all. When he went to investigate, he saw the other roosters were busy chasing pullets, bellsa-ringing.

But the pullets, hearing the roosters coming, could run for cover.

To John's amazement, old Butch had his bell in his beak, so it couldn't ring.

He'd sneak up on a pullet, do his job and walk on to the next one. John

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was so proud of old Butch, he entered him in the Arrowtown Gymkhana – and he became an overnight sensation among the judges.

The result was that the judges not only awarded old Butch the ‘No Bell Piece Prize’ but they also awarded him the ‘Pulletsurprise’ as well.

Clearly, old Butch was a politician in the making.

Who else but a politician could figure out how to win two of the most highly coveted awards on our planet, by being the best at sneaking up on the populace and screwing them when they weren't paying attention?

Vote carefully next time, the bells are adverti not se healways re adve audible.

rtise here adve here adve rtise here rtise here advertise advertise here adve here adve rtise here rtise here ad advertise here adve ve rtise rtise here here adve ad rtise here vertise here adve advertise here adve rtise here rtise here adveradvertise tis here adve e he re rtise here advertise advertise here adve here advertise rtise here here adve advertise here adve rrtise here tis e he re advertise advertise here adve rtise here here advertise advertise here adve 2 he 4 0 re rtise here 3 ad 8 ve 2 rve7 here adve rtise 9 tise here ad p: ad0 rtise he vertise he re adverti here adve re advertise se rtise here here adve advertise rtise

Adver tise Here here adve

rtise here

www.gorringebros.co.nz

S

NT ME AT

PEPP ER

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John was in the fertilised egg business. He had several hundred young layers (hens), called ‘pullets’, and 10 roosters to fertilise the eggs.

HOUSE FOR SALE

feature properties & auctions feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

Page 55

www.harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz

Advantage RealtyRealty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent Agent REAA REAA 2008 2008 Advantage Ltd MREINZ Licensed

Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

COAST & COUNTRY

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Summer Rose with her dog ‘Jess’ sitting in a paddock watching dad pick up bales. Sent in by Emma Hareb.

My gorgeous son Clayton Fife, who is five months and three weeks old, with his very first pair of Red Bands!

Sent in by Tracy Fife from Taumarunui.

Seth Rowlands’ two-year-old grandson helping his poppa Gary Rowlands doing some fencing on their farm in Whakatane. Sent in by Gary Rowlands.

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE PACK UP FOR GRABS!

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera” or post: Att: Sarah, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga.

Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

Jesse Hannah posing with the culprits we caught munching through our vegie garden.

A definite future hunter! Sent in by Jo Hannah.