C&cjuly2013

July 2013 Issue No. 155

Polaris Big Four Page 7

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle news

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Young Grower of Year Page 10-11

HORTICULTURE 12-13 RURAL WOMEN 16-17 CALVING 18-19 DAIRY 21-27 FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP 36-44 CHICKENS 45 FORESTRY 52

Rural Driver Page 28-29

Possums beware Registrations open this month for the Whakamarama School possum hunt and keen to take part are (from left back) one of the hunt organisers Truan Pennell, and James McKeagg. Second row: Kaleb Morrissey, Shay Hardyment, Ryan Morrissey, Shauntain Kumar, Rachael Carter. Front row: Matthew Carter, Anton Pennell, Quinton Pennell, Rylee Jeffrey. See story page 6

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

How trustworthy is trust?

In trust we trust – but trust is not always to be trusted when it comes to what we import into New Zealand.

Almost every aspect of international trade relies heavily on trust, and surprisingly, in the vast majority of cases (as far as we know) it works. But many humans are devious, dollar-driven, self-interested creatures. So there’s a better than average chance some will take short cuts, withhold the whole truth, or be lax in their operations if it suits their needs and increases their profits.

The discovery in May of an animal limb, (or bone), in a consignment of palm kernel delivered to a Bay of Plenty farm illustrates the point. Subsequently, the Ministry for Primary Industries found it to be from a New Zealand sheep. But it certainly sent shivers of fear through the farming sector over the potential for an outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

MPI has asked Malaysian and Indonesian regulators to tighten up their rules on exports of the animal supplements to New Zealand, but MPI can’t be on-hand to check every consignment before it

leaves. The ministry, our farmcan track and trace every truck ers and our economy, rely on the load of grain delivered to clients. honesty of those selling us But MPI says it may never palm kernel to fill be able to determine in all the right exactly where palm forms – and kernel comes a foot-and-mouth do the right from, as imported disease outbreak thing in consignments are could cost the keeping the routinely mixed economy $10 billion prodon-shore, before during two years. uct free being sent out to of birds, farms. rodents and Don Fraser in his especially the column (page 32) says because dreaded foot and mouth disease. the foot and mouth virus is airMore than any other country borne, it travels very fast, and asks in the world, New Zealand’s how quickly New Zealand could economy is extremely vulnerable act to prevent its spread. to bio-security risks. According It’s not just dishonesty which to MPI, fewer than 10 per cent brings risk – it’s also human error of the world’s pests and diseases as evidenced by the case of kiwioccur in New Zealand – so up to fruit pollen permitted into New another 90 per cent are just waitZealand, potentially bringing with ing to get here. it the vine-killing disease Psa-V. In 2001, (the most recent figures Unless we close our borders MPI has) the Reserve Bank to all imports and visitors (and estimated that a foot-and-mouth that’s not going to happen), New disease outbreak could cost the Zealand remains vulnerable to economy $10 billion during two human-introduced bio-security years. Thousands of jobs would risks. So, trust in those we trade be put at risk, and the economy with, and vigilance on the part would take years to recover. of those charged to protect our Coast & Country columnist borders, are pretty much our only Bill Webb (see page 27) says he lines of defence. By Elaine Fisher

The winner of the June Coast & Country book prize, “Call of the kokako” by Jeff Hudson, published by Halcyon Press, is Paul McCormack of Whakatane.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Farming under scrutiny – even from above “Farm like your customers are watching you,” is the advice from Peter Fennessy, a partner in the Dunedin based agribusiness and technology consulting company AbacusBio. “Customers want to know what they are eating and they often want to feel good about how it is produced, so they then want to get closer to your business. There are also examples of animal rights activists using drones to monitor what’s happening on feed lots.”

New Zealand farmers can’t ignore the demands, of international customers, for ethical farming practices and high food safety standards, he says.

These are likely to be among the many challenges facing farming in the future. Others include more volatility in the climate and in the market.

Economic instability, such as the global economic crisis, is a factor outside of farmers’ control and there are bio-security concerns too, as borne out by the impacts of the vine disease Psa-V on kiwifruit.

However, on-farm productivity is something farmers can do something about. New Zealand sheep farmers have recorded a massive increase in production in the last 25 years – and Peter believes they can continue to make significant gains.

improvement in breeding stock. There has been an up-take by farmers of new technology and better pasture management, some of it probably due to looking at what dairy farmers are doing,” says Peter.

While farmers can’t control what they are paid for their animals, those with the highest productivity have made the most money, Peter says, citing the Beef & Lamb NZ Economic Service data.

Peter asks how can New Zealand improve productivity by another 40 per cent during the next 15 years?

While he acknowledges that it seems daunting, he cites a number of opportunities.

These included more use of terminal sires – with all the progeny being slaughtered – terminals grow faster.

Using SIL-ACE to locate the good ram breeders is another opportunity.

“Once you get to 140 per cent weaning you can afford to mate half of your ewes to terminals. Doing the little things well can make a big difference,” says Peter. Some things that may have been forgotten about include iodine and selenium. Peter says one AbacusBio client had seen a substantial improvement in weaning percentage during a three-year period after annual treatment of ewes with iodine.

Losses

Reducing ewe losses is important to increasing production, as is improving lambing which can include raising lambGains ing percentages among Ewe lambing percentages have hoggets. increased from about 100 per cent Mating one-year ewes 25 years ago to 123 per cent now.

Demands for ethical farming earlier, to produce early During the same period hogget practices can’t be ignored, says Peter lambs, is another manlambs, as a percentage of all Fennessy of AbacusBio. agement possibility . As lambs, have gone from virtually is the use of deep-rooted none to close to six per cent. Averplants, such as lucerne and shrubs or trees for fodder to age lamb weight has increased by more than 35 per cent, and the weight of lamb sold per ewe shot up by replace or complement conventional pasture.

Soil temperature and moisture recorders can give about 85 per cent. Wool production was up by about early warnings with some farmers using them to make three per cent. As a comparison, in the same period decisions about when to sell stock, especially when the average steer weight had increased by about four there is a risk of drought. per cent; and milk solids per cow by about 31 per “Small changes in management can have a dramatic cent. effect on the bottom line. Make a plan, write it down, These gains in sheep performance are due to a com- use it and review it,” says Peter. bination of both genetics and farm management, and Completing a MAgrSc at Lincoln College in New have led to an increase in productivity per ewe of 2.5 Zealand, and a PhD at the University of Adelaide, per cent every year for the last 25 years.

Peter then worked as a research scientist at Invermay “The ram breeding sector has generated a great in New Zealand. After becoming general manager of

AgResearch at Invermay, Peter left in 1997 to pursue his long-term goal of developing his own business interests. In 2000, he was involved in establishing AbacusBio. As a consulting partner at AbacusBio, Peter works with businesses in a range of strategic and technical areas. For more information go to www.abacusbio.co.nz

Page 3

Page 4

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Halfway House vital coastal link Ted Russek constructed a hydro scheme on the stream on the farm in the 1930s to supply electricity to his home.

As they walk through a small paddock at Kereta on the Thames Coast, Ray Russek and Colleen Flavell are acutely aware they tread where their ancestors did.

“This is where the homestead was, and over there is the old telegraph exchange,” says Ray. “That oak tree was here when they arrived, but it was much smaller,” says Colleen.

They speak of their grandparents Wenzel and Margaret Russek who settled at Kereta 100 years ago in May. Among their nine children was Paul, Colleen and Ray’s father.

Today Ray and wife Eileen, and their son Neville and his family still live on and farm the land that Paul Russek eventually bought.

Their close relations, the Wenzlick family, own the original homestead site. Though the house is now long gone, so it was fitting both families, together with other descendants of pioneers in the district, should come together on May 19 this year to mark the centenary. As part of the celebrations a memorial stone was installed in honour of the pioneering Jamieson, Russek and Wenzlick families.

Ancestors

England where they boarded the War Spirit for the 106-day journey to New Zealand.

None had seen the ocean before, let alone travelled on it.

Puhoi

“There was only one death on the voyage.

Lawrence Turnwald was killed when timber on the deck came loose and crushed him,” says Colleen. “The other families looked after his wife and five young children, who otherwise might not have survived after they arrived at Puhoi.”

From Auckland, the settlers travelled north by cutter to Puhoi; and late on a winter’s evening, were rowed in canoes up river by local Maori.

“It must have been disheartening and

Eileen and Ray Russek and Colleen Flavell with However, the story of the two fam- the memorial stone erected to mark their family’s 100 years of farming at Kereta. ilies really begins in June 1863 when their Bohemian ancestors arrived in New Zealand from their villages frightening, especially for the women because in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, now the they couldn’t speak English, or Maori, and western part of the Czech Republic.

They were lured to this country by the New all they could see was bush,” says Colleen.

Zealand Government’s promise of 40 acres of The only accommodation was two small nikau whare, one for the men and one for free land for an adult, and 20 acres for each the women. child; along with glowing accounts of a land Next morning, the settlers found very little of milk and honey from fellow countryman of their promised land was flat – and all was Martin Krippner, who had emigrated earlier. covered in native bush.

Margaret and Anton Russek were among Without the funds to return home, they the 84 Bohemians who took up the offer, were forced to stay and - supported by travelling by train from Staab to Prague, their strong principles of faith God and the to Hamburg, then by sea to Gravesend in

Catholic Church and always helping their neighbour - the settlers survived and eventually prospered.

The first years were hard, as the pioneers broke in land to raise crops and graze livestock. “They made money out of kauri shingles, which they sold in Auckland and timber for housing,” says Ray. Local Maori kept the newcomers alive with regular deliveries of much-needed fresh food. Fifty years later, Margaret and Anton’s son Wenzel and his wife Margaret were keen to move south - and on the recommendation of their eldest son George - bought what was known as the Halfway House at Kereta from Ted Jamieson.

Two day journey

“George had been staying with an aunt, Annie Wenzlick, who lived on the Thames Coast and although his father was keen to buy land in the Waikato, he convinced him the Jamieson property was better,” says Ray. The Halfway House served as a coach stop for travellers on the two-day journey between Thames and Coromandel and came with 300 acres of land, much of it still in native bush.

The Russek family continued to run the accommodation house and stables for horses while they cleared bush and bought more land. They were virtually self-sufficient, growing vegetables, raising livestock, milking cows, fishing and hunting.

“The women made butter, which was stamped with the name Otakeo Butter after the stream on the farm, and sold it in Thames,” says Ray. The family also made money from shearing, helping build and maintain the roads, and by working in the bush.

Margaret and Wenzel operated a telegraph exchange from a small building alongside their original home.

“The telephone wires were threaded through the bush, often tacked on to trees. My grandparents received and sent telegrams from the exchange too.”

Page 5

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Bohemian pioneers’ descendants still farm at Kereta When Paul was 18, he bought 824 acres of bush from the Crown, adjoining the Halfway, and began to clear the bush and farm the land.

Oldsmobile

in his pyjamas then he’d go outside to unwind the wire and race back inside to bed before the power failed.” The dam Ted built and the remains of the power house are still in existence.

Ray says fish was an important part of the family’s diet but when it came to catching them – speed was the essence.

“They used to row out and drop a stick of gelignite over Sister and brother Colleen Flavell the side, wait for the explosion and Ray Russek outside the old telegraph exchange their grandparents to stun the fish and then scoop them up.” once operated at Kereta on the

He married Eileen Klaus and in 1930 bought one acre from his mother and built a new family home. Ray, Colleen and their younger brother Barrie were born on the farm. “We went to school at Tapu and used to catch the Roads Services Bus, which went from Coromandel to Thames each day.

Later, Arthur Young who had two Thames Coast.

Tapu Store daughters also going to school, took us in his When Paul Russek became ill, the family moved to Oldsmobile. He’d taken out the back seat and put in Tapu where Paul and Eileen bought and ran the Tapu two bench seats and could take 16 kids to school,” says Store. Ray left Thames High School as soon as he was Ray. able and returned to Kereta to farm the land, which he Cattle and sheep, in mobs from several neighboureventually bought from his parents. ing farms, were herded down the road to sale yards at Tapu – and not always without mishap. “The animals It was at Thames High School that Colleen met were pretty wild and some took to the sea and kept Eileen Beagley, who from the time swimming. Another time some she was 13, was a frequent visitor broke out of the holding padto the Russek farm. However, dock and headed for the hills,” it wasn’t until many years later, says Ray. “Neighbours worked and Eileen had completed her together helping with farm jobs, training as medical laboratory which required more labour.” technician, that Ray realised she would be the perfect farmer’s wife.

Hydro station The couple raised two sons In the late 1930s, Ted Russek, Paul’s youngest brother, who and a daughter on the farm, and owned the original homestead, now oldest son Neville leases the was tired of living without Men in the dinghy in the background are sheep and beef property from electricity so built a dam in the his parents –who continue to probably returning from fishing. stream, cobbling together a power live in the house Paul built. house using machinery from the gold mines to drive a “It’s not easy land to farm and if we didn’t have a generator. run-off elsewhere to finish our animals we probably “Uncle Ted was a clever man. He diverted water from wouldn’t still be here,” says Ray. the dam to drive a 12 foot water wheel which powered This summer’s drought is the worst he has ever expea generator.” Ted could stop and start the water wheel rienced – and getting the animals and pasture through by winding or unwinding a trip wire, next to his house, it was not easy. “Thank goodness the weather remained to open or shut off the water supply. mild after the rain so the grass could grow,” says Ray. “Ted would wait till everyone was in bed, and he was Ray and Colleen have fond memories of growing up

at Kereta. And today the property is still enjoyed by members of both the Russek and Wenzlick families – never more

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Page 6

COAST & COUNTRY

Possums on school’s endangered list The Whakamarama School August possum hunt will not only raise funds for one of the Bay of Plenty’s oldest schools but entrants also have the chance to win prizes including $800 cash, a Waitomo family adventure weekend, and a rifle.

to encourage more families to consider enrolling their children at Whakamarama,” says Joerg.

“What I like about the school, as a parent and board member, is that students are encouraged to learn at their own level in individual subjects; and how involved families are in school events. The school’s goals are to provide quality education which includes arts and sports in a structured, but fun environment, tailored to the individual child. Our students have consistently The first prize is $800 for the most possums per team. achieved above National Standards and do well when Second prize, the adventure package of a Waitomo they go on to college.

Caves tour, accommodation and dinner at the Thirsty “Principal Sue Waitai is the heart and soul of Weta Bar and Eatery is sponsored by Coast & CounWhakamarama School which is an inclusive school try. Every team with at least five possums goes in the with very friendly and social parents from all walks of draw for a Marlin XT22 life actively supporting the unthreaded rifle packschool. The possum hunt is nt: Hu age, which normally sells sum Pos ool Sch a an ideal chance for people to ram ma aka Wh team for $399 for the rifle t possums per check out the school and see 1st prize: $800 for the mos es Cav o plus scope and rings. at Waitom what a great place it is.”

2nd prize: Family weekend There will be spot prizes e 3rd Prize: Draw for a rifl for categories including Fires the dirtiest car, heaviest Registrations: Open now Sue has been at the school possum and more, and 13 er und for nine years and every $15 adult; $5 children goody bags too.

4 to 1 ust Aug morning in winter, the Hunting from Joerg Thamm of the 10am Sunday, August 4 first task for her and fellow Tally and prize giving from school board says the staff is to light the fires in possum hunt is more the classrooms. “Not many than an important fundschools have fires today but raiser – it’s also a chance our students love them and for the wider community help with sourcing, stacking to do something positive and bringing in firewood to for the environment keep the fires burning.” by reducing possum There’s a strong family numbers and to experiatmosphere with older stuence the hospitality of dents helping younger ones the rural school, which and sharing games in the is about 20km from playgrounds.

Whakamarama School was established in 1914.

Tauranga.

Many of the pupils take Whakamarama School part in early morning ‘rock was established in 1914 band’ music lessons in the and enjoys strong support music room, which has from parents, who will be recently received a grant for on hand to provide hot $4000 worth of new instrufood and drinks at the ments.

Whakamarama Family The school band will join Fun Day on Sunday other schools in a rock band August 4 when the posevent later in the year. sums will be tallied and Whakamarama School, prizes awards. thanks to the support of a The day starts at 10 am neighbouring farmer, has and attractions include one of the best cross country digger rides, go-kart courses around, and so plays Students enjoy the warmth of fires in their classcourse, horse riding, host to inter-school cross rooms at Whakamarama School. bouncy castle, silent auccountry events each year. tion with prizes of more It is also part of the Tall than $3000 including Poppies programme through kayak worth $600, wheel which schools in the district of fortune, lots of kids with intermediate-age games, Maimai Cafe, students combine for regular home baking, sausage academic and sporting events sizzle, fresh coffee and for their senior students. much more.

Facilities

10:06 AM

Page 1

Technology

“Our school is very well equipped when it comes to technology, with ready access to computers which are part of our everyday learning programmes. When it comes to sports, everyone joins in. Some of our students join other school teams for weekend sports.”

To register for the Whakamarama School Possum Hunt phone 07 552 5204 or go to www.whakamarama.school.nz

By Elaine Fisher

Whakamarama School has its own rock band.

“Whakamarama School may be a rural school but it has excellent facilities including extensive grounds, a rugby field, tennis court and cross country course, a solar heated swimming pool, technology room and library.

It currently has 42 pupils from Year 1 to 8. Ideally, we would like a role of 51, so we are able to run three classrooms with small numbers in each; and we want

Page 7

POLARIS BIG FOUR

Katikati lads bag Big Four A last-minute pull together of four Katikati hunters seen them take out June’s Polaris Big Four competition.

ant with 32 bars on its tail. For their effort, Troy’s team bagged a Polaris Ranger 500, and a bounty of prizes including a bag of dog biscuits, meat pack, jackets and more. “We actually caught one animal each which was neat,” says Troy. “But we’re not giving details on exactly where we caught them as we don’t want to give away all of Katikati’s Troy McLean, brothers Thomas and our hunting spots.”

Nathan Darling and their uncle Only the Darling brothers, Michael Darling signed up at Nathan and Thomas, had entered the last minute to beat a flurry “A bit of luck was on the competition before, which of other hunters – both local our side – and it was a had $80,000 worth of prizes up and visitors. for grabs. good team effort.”

“We had a team organised Troy says the crowd at prizegiving but we had three teams memat Top Shot Pub at Te Puna on Saturday, bers pull out,” says Troy. “So it was a June 29, was ecstatic that a local team took out last minute thing – we put a scratched-up team the competition for 2013. “And our team was together and signed up for it in the last five minjust rapt,” says Troy. utes before registrations closed.”

“We just went in to get a bit of time off work The team won the top prize – of the average and to do a bit of hunting – and we only aimed weight for each of four animals –with a 49.2 kg to get all the four animals,” says Troy. boar, a 104 kg stag, a 2.6 kg trout, and a pheas-

Above: Troy McLean, Hunting turned hoon’s life around Thomas Darling, Nathan

Life changed for young Vern Wilson when Ben Gwilliam took him on a hunting trip to Taupo in the 1950s.

Until that point, Vern describes himself and his friends as hoons –“like all teenagers we thought we were neat, original, tough, sexy, you name it”.

“Growing up in the ‘50s was great; rock ‘n’ roll, hot rods, movies, parties all there for us to enjoy.”

At 16 Vern had a car, a job and had left home. “Ben must have thought I was going off the rails, so he kindly invited me on a hunting trip.”

That experience set Vern on the path to a series of adventures from Woodhill Forest in the north to Stewart Island in the south and many points in between. But it also saw him reach Australia, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska, Zimbabwe and Namibia, chasing all sorts of trophy

animals and enjoying a wide range of hunting experiences.

Vern has won several New Zealand Deerstalkers Association trophies, including the Severinson Trophy for the best wapiti, and is widely regarded as one of the New Zealand’s master hunters.

Now 71, Vern has recorded his hunting experiences in the book ‘From Hoon to Hunter’, written in a relaxed, humorous style, which reflects his love of the great outdoors, its wild animals and the people who venture there.

Thanks to publishers the Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘From Hoon to Hunter’ to give away. To be in to win, email: elaine@thesun.co.nz with Book Prize as the subject, along with your name, address and phone number 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 July 17. The winner will be announced in the August’s Coast & Country.

Darling, Mike Darling, and Anton the Polaris Representative.

Right: Katikati’s Troy Mclean helped his team win the Polaris Big Four hunting competition by catching this 49.2 kg boar, in a local hunting spot.

Below: Jimmy Barlow from Katikati.

Do you have any great hunting photos? If so, send them in to Coast & Country for a chance to have your story published in our next edition. To enter, email your photographs to: elaine@thesun.co.nz with Hunting Pics as the subject, and your name, address and phone number. Or post your photographs and contact details to Hunting Pics, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 9

COAST & COUNTRY

Albrecht-Kinsey programme enhancing wine grapes After a three-day International Wine Grape Growing Course, conducted

by Neal Kinsey in the USA, we set out to see the AlbrechtKinsey fertility programme in action on grapes.

The Beckstoffer vineyard bunches of grapes are straight.

The course was a great success; many of us had done Kinsey courses before. There were 61 ‘students’, with 34 from USA, 18 from New Zealand, three Canadians, two Puerto Ricans, two from Germany, and one each from Switzerland and Mexico. A dozen were involved with growing grapes but most others were not – instead representing other crops such as citrus, walnuts and plantain. It does not matter what crop you grow – what matters is the soil fertility. There were more than 20 consultants, a dozen farmers and growers, and three doctorates among the students.

On the vineyards, we were greeted by a barrage of soil figures, but the important thing is – are the soils and the crops improving? It certainly showed up in the figures and staff observations that they were. Such things as less soil cracking, more calcium, less magnesium, (in high Mg soils) better copper, and better crops compared to a few years ago. The Napa soils are in the TEC 16-25 range, and are certainly more fertile than most of those we had seen so far. Land here costs $250,000 per hectare.

Debbie Ziggerbaum is the manager of the Robert Sinskey-owned Amigo 2 vineyard. Here they produce 30,000 cases of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.

Amigo 2 They are organic and biodynamic, and have been on the Kinsey programme for 17 years.

The vineyard is in 600 mm of topsoil on a marine clay, hard pan. Ten years ago, soil used to stick to boots, but not anymore. Weed control is by ‘spading’, and sheep. However, some ‘butterfly’ and cupped younger leaves were evident, indicating potassium deficiency. The rachis (midrib of a leaf ) was also curved, indicating a problem with zinc. It doesn’t matter if you farm organically or chemically – if you break the laws of nature, your crops or animals will tell you.

Are you listening to them? Debbie was not a good listener.

Moving onto Las Amigas, also a Sinskey vineyard, the information became more ‘mechanical’. They had tried aluminium posts.

These simply dissolved. Some effort went into ascertaining irrigation requirements, involving tensiometers and leaf presses.

Plant temperatures were measured, recording nine to 10 degrees Celsius below ambient, at times. The parts-permillion (ppm) of zinc was better, calcium was on a par. But as for magnesium, in both cases it was still excessive. The last fertiliser recipe was 556 kg/ha azomite rock dust, 39 kg of sulphur, 556 kg RPR, 1176 kg of lime, 11 kg of copper sulphate, 504 kg of potassium sulphate and 22 kg of borax. They still spray for botrytis.

Beckstoffer North of Napa, at Oakville, we visited a Beckstoffer-owned vineyard of 33.5 ha, managed by Dave Mitchell. Beckstoffer vineyards have 87 clients (and another 50 on the waiting list), who buy their grapes by the row. Beckstoffer has 1400 ha under grapes. But this vineyard is the flagship – producing the highest quality and highest-priced grapes. Dave ensures the yield is never below five t/ha, as the per-hectare sale price is the equivalent of $86,450/ha, based on a minimum of five t/ha. These buyers require just one cluster per shoot, about 1.5 kg grapes per metre.

Many wineries work on the assumption that lower yields enhance flavours. When asked if he thought there was a correlation between the ‘grape score’ and yield, Dave replied: “in my opinion, no, there is not”. The vineyard has achieved a grape score of 100 three times, and high 90s on all other occasions, while being with the Albrecht-Kinsey system for the last eight years.

Costs per hectare are $20,000-22,500/ha, so this is one very profitable operation. However, the cultural practices have become more intense.

The vines used to be handled on three occasions. Now it is 20. But that is the choice of buyers. The usual yield is 7.5-10 t/ha, so the price of those grapes is under $19/kg. Minimum

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%)

brix levels are 26. A quick check of the zinc (over copper) found it in the right place and that was borne out by straight bunches. A seed count also confirmed this vineyard was superior.

The Albrecht-Kinsey system is practiced on 400 ha in Napa Valley and rising, although progress is slow. Usually a portion of a vineyard is converted, with the whole vineyard taking several years, depending on the confidence of the operator.

Chateau Montelena

This is the winery that produced a wine in 1976 that beat the French at their own game – winning the white wine section of an international competition. That event was the subject of the 2008 movie ‘Bottle Shock’. The 100 ha property was started by Alfred Tubbs, in 1886, just in time for prohibition in the 1880s and 1890s. It was then owned by Yort and Jeanie Frank; and is currently owned by Jim Barrett.

Dave Vella is the manager and the host for our visit, which took us through the winery, cellars (excavated under a cliff ) and finally into the wine tasting area. Dave had just returned from overseas, so our visit was confined to the winery itself. We did not specifically visit or discuss the vineyards at all.

The vineyard was redeveloped, with the first wines produced in 1972, mostly Riesling, then Cabernet Sauvignon in 1978. However, despite the 1976 success with a 1973 Chardonnay, the soils became unbalanced, as excessive manure was being used year after year. Finally in 1994, the decision was made to use the AlbrechtKinsey system. The soil tests are conscientiously followed, with the recommended fertiliser being added into compost before being applied to the vineyard.

The only ‘cowboy’ hat in America?

I was wearing it. I carted it all the way from New Zealand thinking I would be inconspicuous in USA. I wasn’t. Most people had no hat at all, many had caps. I was the only one with a cowboy hat. On quite a few occasions I was greeted with “nice hat”.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 10

Chris takes young grower title for second time Opportunities for personal growth, networking and leadership are among the benefits of entering the Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year, says the 2013 winner Chris Anstis.

By Elaine Fisher

Chris Anstis, 2013 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year with Andrew Fenton, president of Hort NZ (left) and Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. It’s the second time the Opotiki kiwifruit grower has won the Bay of Plenty title. The first was in 2009.

“I’m also grateful for the generous cash and prizes provided by the competition’s sponsors,” he says.

It was Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy who presented Chris with the trophy for the 2013 award at a dinner at Baypark in June, attended by 200 people from the horticulture industry.

Second place went to Chris Clement, Kiwifruit Vine Health technical assistant and third to Miguel Peterle, Whitehall Fruitpackers orchard manager from the Waikato.

As well as the title and trophy, Chris won $1500 in cash and will now represent the Bay of Plenty at the NZ Young Fruit Grower contest at the HortNZ

Conference this month. Chris Clement won $1000 and Miguel, $500. All six contestants also received a number of prizes from sponsors, and for wins in individual sections of the competition.

Chris Anstis says he found the 2013 event a whole lot harder than in 2009, partly because he put more pressure on himself to perform well. Entering and winning brings with it recognition within the industry, and important opportunities to network, he says.

A day with a personal coach on public speaking skills, which is part of the prize package, is another significant benefit.

Chris, who grew up on kiwifruit orchard in Opotiki, returned to New Zealand 18 months ago after working for Total Produce in London.

Success stories part of HortNZ conference Success stories and innovation are among the themes for the Horticulture New Zealand Conference in Wellington on July 30-31.

This year’s conference is all about doing things differently, taking a look around and thinking ‘hey, can we do this a better way?’, says HortNZ president Andrew Fenton.

“The conference also provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of our industry to New Zealand. But best of all, it allows a valuable opportunity to unite grower support behind the organisation that works for us.”

Guest speaker for the Tuesday night dinner will be Prime Minister John Key, and that’s when winners of the prestigious Bledisloe Cup and the Young Grower of the Year title will be announced.

Andrew says taking a look at what growers need to do differently, to stay in and grow their businesses, will be on the agenda as will be learning from people who have challenged the status quo and thought outside the square to go further and survive the last few tough years.

“The conference will be a good time to look closely at some success stories, learn more about the world we are doing business in, and ask a few politicians some tough questions too - as we will be 18 months [away] from a general election.”

Among the first day’s speakers is Professor David Hughes, emeritus professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London.

His topic is ‘New Thinking From Around the World of Food’.

‘Future Trends in Food Retailing’ is the subject for an address

by Mark Soccio, senior analyst of

Food & Agribusiness Research and Rabobank; and Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy will speak about ‘Including Horticulture in New Zealand’s Future’.

Break-out workshops will look at ‘Biosecurity & GIA’, ‘NZ’s Future In-Market’, and ‘Irradiation …

Why the Fuss?’.

In the afternoon, opposition spokesperson for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor will address the conference, followed

by Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.

‘Going Faster, and Faster into the Future’ is the topic to be addressed

by Martin Foster, founder and CEO of Zetini Group, and Jetblack managing director and founder Richard Nowland.

The Hort NZ Conference from July 30-31 is at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington.

To find out more, go to: www.hortnz.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 11

Industry has role feeding world’s growing population

Young Growers competitors at the event (back row) Miguel Peterle, winner Chris Anstis, Jarrod Teddy, (front row) Chris Clement, Greg Brown and Adam Bond.

Chris Anstis, 2013 Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year.

“That was a fascinating experience and made me realise how small New Zealand is.

We are very good at growing produce, putting it on a boat and shipping it off but I got to see the other side of the industry.”

As the “new boy” in the company Chris handled many of the smaller products such as fresh herbs, garlic, grapes, beetroot and sweetcorn. “We had to predict what our customers would want each day, buy it in with say 20 to 30 per cent extra, and maintain and manage its quality until it was sold.”

The company worked on contracts with retailers but had to be aware of changes in the market occasioned by events like the tennis at Wimbledon, which ramped up demand for strawberries.

“Then the French dock workers would go on strike and no lorries would turn up with produce.”

Food scares could rapidly affect sales too, such as concerns about the safety of salads which occurred while Chris was with the company.

“My friend on the salad desk didn’t know what to do because nothing was selling.”

Before he left for overseas, Chris, who finished university in 2004, carried out laboratory work and GlobalGAP assessments at DMS, and orchard management and harvest scheduling at OPAC. “With kiwifruit, you’re sort of on a 360 day cycle so every day is pretty much different but with what I was doing in London, it was a weekly cycle so you did the same thing each Monday, or Tuesday, and so on, depending what was in season.”

Now he is contracting between OPAC as technical manager, and helping his parents on their kiwifruit orchard which has been hit by the vine disease Psa-V. Chris says it’s hard for his parents and others in the industry to see their significant investment (often represent-

ing their retirement funds) in their orchards reduced by a quarter because of the impacts of the disease.

However, Chris sees a future for himself in horticulture.

“The world is going to change in the next 20 years and there will be a lot of mouths to feed.”

Zespri recognises the importance of encouraging young growers to enter the horticultural industry and is very proud to sponsor the 2013 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower Competition.

We wish all participants the very best for their future careers in the horticultural industry.

HORTICULTURE

Page 12

Collaboration on river health is plan Water – the state of, value of, amount of and usability of fresh water seems to be constantly in the news in recent years. Seemingly everyone expects to be able to use their share, do with it what they want, and for the drains to take it away after use.

Sorting out ways to make it go round, and assisting our two major rivers (Waikato and Waipa), to not only provide what people want or need to use, in a state which is usable, but also to keep those rivers and their biodiversity healthy,

is a tall order. It’s one which the Waikato Regional Council, in partnership with the associated five Waikato-Waipa river iwi, will be spending the next few years working on. The project is known as ‘Healthy Rivers - Plan for Change/ Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai’.

There are two ways of doing this.

One is to use the dreaded words ‘we have a mandate’, which these days alienates pretty much everyone. Or else to follow the lead set by the Land and Water Forum (LAWF), and use a collaborative process, where all those affected get to at least be consulted, and have their views taken into account when decisions are finally made.

Due to the complexity of the

issues being addressed, and after the disastrous results of another regional council using the ‘mandate’ path, which has cost millions, pleased nobody, and is still being fought over; Waikato has chosen a similar collaborative process to that used by the LAWF. This process will have a special Waikato element overlaying it as, under Crown-iwi co-governance legislation, each of the five river iwi are directly involved in decision-making processes. However, for this plan change, the regional council and the five iwi have agreed to work together, rather than the council having to work separately with each of the iwi which would add further complexity and time. This provides a unique situation, not experienced

anywhere else in the world, where decision makers from both the council and the five iwi will have to work amicably throughout the process.

A look at the council’s website reveals that an enormous amount of work, resulting in strategy papers and terms of reference has already been done. From my close reading, highlighter in hand, it is obvious that much has been learned from the LAWF and Environment Canterbury experiences, and demonstrates just how widespread this proposed collaboration and consultation will be.

Diverse

The huge catchments of these two rivers contain a very large number of diverse communities, including more than 400 governance, organisational and community representatives, and 5000 farms. Ensuring that all of these can eventually live and work, both economically and sustainably, is going to require much listening, and result in any required changes being feasible and bearable for as many people as possible.

The group that will do much of the listening, and learning, and reporting back will be known as the Collaborative Stakeholder Group.

As happened with the LAWF, forming the CSG will initially involve a very large number of representatives and interested parties representing all those who use, or are interested in, the health of the rivers.

And the council is promising a very transparent inclusion system for this.

Core work

Later, from that big group, and agreed on by its many members, a formed smaller group of between 12 and 30 people will do a lot of the ‘grunt’ work – the core CSG. This will involve them

probably about two days a month, either voluntarily or with some expenses paid.

And those members will have to be prepared to keep doing it for at least two years.

To keep the time involvement for these folk within feasible bounds, as much as possible of the consultation will include attending existing meetings of relevant groups and organisations. However, it is envisaged that additional consultation with both communities and individual farmers will also be part of their work, as well as other forms of information gathering and dissemination that are appropriate to the process.

To ensure that members of the CSG are adequately advised on scientific matters, a technical advisory group (dubbed the Technical Alliance) of experts in many fields will also be formed, again with an open selection process. The alliance will advise the CSG, and the CSG will report back to the decision-making partners, and also the original wider group members and Waikato-Waipa residents at intervals.

Open mind In the knowledge that this form of process can work, and reach conclusions and recommendations which we can all live with, the council is trusting that those who choose to become involved will come with open minds, and be aware that there will be no ‘one size fits all’ result.

Of course, the Waikato Region also contains the Waihou-Piako area, Thames-Coromandel, and the West Coast areas. And consultation and planning for these will begin after the first area is moving along the process. In the meantime, let’s get the first part of the

By Sue Edmonds show on the road.

How humus affects avocado nutrition This is part two of a three-part series about avocado nutrition, which explores soil analysis and the basic science of plant nutrition. Here, Seeka’s Dr Jonathan Cutting looks at soil organic matter and its role in a good nutrition programme.

Soil “organic matter” is plant and animal residues at various stages of decomposition, while humus is organic matter that has reached its end point of

Your

biological decay.

As such, humus is essentially stable.

Importantly for horticulture, humus and humic acid provide physical, chemical and biological benefits to soil.

And while stable humus adds few available nutrients, it helps provide physical structure and a good chemical environment.

This is because humus helps plants uptake and retain nutrients via ion exchange.

Moreover, humic acid helps nutrients remain soluble and thus available for plant uptake by buffering against rapid changes in soil pH.

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HORTICULTURE

Page 13

Project management for farmers Undertaking horticultural and agricultural construction projects can be timeconsuming and frustrating for owners and managers, who have a host of other tasks to complete. This is where Steve Butler of CPS Services Ltd can help.

“I am able to manage projects from start to finish if required, or carry out what ever aspects clients request, from design to gaining council consents and labour if necessary, through to sourcing the best quality, and most competitively-priced materials for Steve Butler (left) of CPS Ltd is able to manage all or part of rural construction projects.

construction and completion,” says Steve, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the kiwifruit and other rural industries.

“I’ve co-ordinated new kiwifruit orchard developments from bare land to completion where the orchard is handed over to the manager to progress with operating costs, plus the repairs; and maintenance on existing orchards that is required for increasing crop loads.

“This stems from a history of orchard work and farming but what I really enjoy and have a passion for is the construction capital expenditure side of the rural industry, which is why I started CPS Services Ltd.” Steve has worked with timber merchants including two national building supply companies so has the contacts to source the best quality and best price materials for any project from everything structural including fences, yards, customised farm buildings of all designs, retaining walls, and more.

“Because I understand the farming and orchard industries I can put myself in my client’s work boots, so to speak, and look at a project from their point of view. Farmers in their respected industries know what they want and I know how to help them get the result they need from the information they pass on, like weather and soil conditions. It’s all grass roots stuff with a point of difference.

“I have contacts and relationships with major suppliers and can supply material straight from the mill and factory if required.”

Based in Te Puke, Steve works with clients throughout the North Island and occasionally in the South Island too.

Address most-limiting nutrient The humus complex is made up of humic and fulvic acids bound to clays and metal molecules.

Being a colloidal substance comprised of many minute particles, humus increases soil surface area and its capacity to hold and exchange nutrients (CEC), with large numbers of “acid” functional groups providing exchange sites to store nutrients, particularly iron, zinc copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium and both forms of nitrogen.

The colloidal nature of humus means that it has an enormous surface area to weight ratio.

For example, 25 g of humic acid (or 100 ml of Humate 26 liquid) has a surface area equivalent to two hectares.

Therefore, relatively small additions of humic acid can have a large impact on soil performance; especially when soil CEC is low (below 15) or base saturation is saturated (greater than 90 per cent).

While helping soils hold and release nutrients, humus also aids moisture retention.

With large surface areas and internal electrical charges, humic substances act as water sponges able to hold seven times their volume in water. By helping store water within the top soil, humus provides a carrier medium for nutrients needed by soil organisms and plant

roots, particularly during periods of drought. It also helps with soil drainage and aeration.

Humus also encourages the formation of good soil structure.

In association with soil minerals, humus forms colloidal complexes of humus-clay and humus-silt aggregates, giving a desirable and more friable crumb structure to the top soil. Soils with good crumb structure have improved tilth and more porous openings (open spaces). These pores allow for gaseous interchange with the atmosphere, and greater water infiltration.

Humic acid also increases microflora and microfaunal activity, along with root growth, and is regarded as an organic “catalyst”.

Why are organic matter, and especially humic substances, so important?

When developing a good fertiliser programme it is important to analyse soil and leaf reports to determine any nutrient deficiencies and imbalances.

The presence of humus will influence key decisions including: • The best fertiliser to use considering the solubility “form” (for example, sulphate, oxide or nitrate); and the balance between nutrients.

• How much and how frequently fertiliser can be safely applied

before the storage system becomes overloaded.

• Best measures to increase or manage base saturation.

• The timing and choice of micronutrients.

• How to minimise leaching and avoid ground water pollution.

While Liebig’s “law of the minimum” applies when formulating a fertiliser programme, whereby we address the most-limiting nutrient to increase orchard performance and yield, we must also consider the wider picture to ensure we don’t create new nutrient deficiencies, particularly in trace elements.

By knowing and understanding the important role humus has in creating a high-producing avocado orchard, we can create an optimum fertiliser programme that improves: • nutrient retention and uptake • soil water-holding capacity • soil structure that aids drainage and gas exchange When growers are not achieving the returns they expect from their fertiliser programme, it is often caused by imbalances and a poor understanding of how humus affects nutrient availability.

If you would like more information on how to improve your orchard performance, contact Avril on 021 509 609 or Jonathan on 021 241 2902 and we will gladly assist you.

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.

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.

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

Page 14

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EPDM liner Cosio Industries Ltd are official Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors staff for their efforts over the 2013 harvest.

The kiwifruit industry is well placed to handle the East Pack Chief Executive Officer Tony Hawken predicted significant increase in fruit volumes in This year’s fruit had the highest Taste Zespri coming seasons and there is cautious optimism Grade and dry matter levels ever. among growers about their ability to manage the It’s early days to comment on how fruit will store, vine disease Psa-V. post-harvest operators say. but the indications are that it should store well.

DMS - Director Paul Jones The 2013 season was very challenging. Once the Fruit quality has been fine, with reject rates drought broke, as usually happens, the weather only a little higher than the excellent 2012 quickly made up for lack of rain. Psa affected results. Fruit was firm right to the end of hargold in the eastern Bay of Plenty more than was vest, and was picked at a suitable brix, so we are expected. confident of another year of excellent storage G9 is still proving to be a challenge. There is a 2013 saw a wetter May than normal and this wide variability between growers. delayed harvest at times. There was less fruit We had no problems finding enough staff during packed in April as growers assessed the financial harvest. Packing from controlledINDUSTRIES atmosphere storeffects of smaller fruit size. However harvest was age starts this month for East Pack. completed within the normal timeframe.

There more optimism within the industry. With G3 (the new gold variety) performed very the long hot and dry summer the G3 variety grew well, and is a pleasure to pack, with very low very well with little evidence of Psa. Growers were reject rates. G14 (the new green) was of small a lot more proactive in canopy management and size, exacerbated by the change to weight bands crop protection than last autumn. in 2013. For G9, (another new gold) variability It is hard to say how much the crop will increase of colour development remains an issue, however next season. Approximately 700ha of green being cut the DMS inventory is not experiencing any issues for both green and G3, however many G14 growers are reover to G3 will reduce overall volumes. There will be a big with fruit shrivel at this stage. evaluating the potential of this variety focus on lifting orchard productivity for the 2104 season and There was no shortage of staff for the harvest for DMS. The increase in fruit harvested for 2014 could be as much the one after so we are likely to see a big lift in volumes for DMS has finished packing, as we have no bin-storage or conas 20 per cent, given a more normal season for green and a 2015. trolled atmosphere storage. dramatic increase in G3 volume. We are confident of our The industry in a position to cope with growth, especially in There is more optimism about the future. Green growers are ability to handle an increase of this magnitude - staffing is not terms of skilled staff, when it eventuates. buoyed up by last year’s excellent payment and good prospects an issue for DMS, and we have the plant capacity. We look Seeka Kiwifruit Industries – CEO Michael Franks for 2013 and beyond. However, many are facing lower crop forward to the increases of 2014 and beyond.

Fruit was smaller this season. Green, average fruit size was volume in 2013. There is cautious optimism in regard to Psa, DMS wishes to thank our loyal customers and hardworking 35.08 compared to 34.2 in 2012. Taste was also higher this season with the average TZG being 0.64 compared to 0.61 last year.

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Often used in high wire training systems Clearly the extreme drought we endured had a Contact us for your nearest stockist negative effect on fruit size. Psa infection, particularly Cosio Industries Ltd, P.O.Box 15014, New Lynn,Auckland over the time leading into flowering, created flower 27-33 Lansford Crescent, Avondale, Auckland.

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In 2014 we are expecting a reduction in industry Contact us for your nearest stockist. volume due to the grafting over from Hayward to G3 Cosio Industries Ltd, P.O.Box 15014, New Lynn Auckland (Sungold) and the new production of G3 is unlikely Email : sales@cosio.co.nz 27-33 Lansford Crescent, Avondale, Auckland to offset the cut out.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 15

Providing what the consumer wants vital in Japan To succeed in any overseas market you need to know your consumer.

one or two pieces of fruit, or other produce, is the number of vending machines that are to be The Japanese market is one of the highest returning markets for many types of produce including fish, fruit found on street corners, and vegetables from New Zealand – and recently I had in parking lots – in fact anywhere. In my opinion, the chance to see it first-hand. in New Zealand, these In Japan, best quality produce earns top dollar. New vending machines would Zealand's kiwifruit can sell for about 98 Yen per piece potentially be targeted of fruit, which is about NZ$1.20. The fruit earning this price is good quality and has high taste. The larger and their contents stolen. the fruit, the higher the price. We also saw jumbo, very In Japan, these machines sit outside and are large green Hayward fruit selling for 316 Yen each— unguarded. But what they which is about NZ$3.90. However, this was in a very do is service the Japanese consumer by allowing them high-end supermarket. to buy one or two items. These machines do not just The Japanese market is also a very strong organic have drinks in them. You can buy heated meals, snacks, market. While in Tokyo, we witnessed a very orderly, alcohol and even bananas one by one from vending but very noisy, anti-nuclear protest complete with machines. those traditional Western protest songs. Our estimate Lots of small purchases of quality produce have is that about 3000 people were in the protest march. It implications for Zespri's got very little media covsupply chain. In Europe, erage, but what it was all Zespri can deliver truckabout was a total rejection loads of fruit. In Japan, of nuclear weapons and Zespri kiwifruit is delivnuclear electricity generaered in small shipments tion. With both nuclear and often part-pallets. weapons and nuclear Trucks leaving a electricity generation, the coolstore will often people of Japan are wellmake many deliveries to qualified to speak out. many outlets, supplying We commented one day a whole variety of fruit that Tokyo was very clean and vegetables. Planand pollution-free, only ning the truck load and to be told except from the deliveries can take many nuclear radioactivity that hours, adding significant you can't see or feel. cost to the supply chain.

This Zespri display is at the start of a fruit and Organic The Japanese consumer vegetable section, at a high-end supermarket in Tokyo. Marketing To recover that cost is more inclined to purchase and pay for organic produce. They not only want from consumers, Zespri runs a very successful and sophisticated marketing programme across Japan. quality, but safe produce. Organics is seen by many Japanese consumers as meeting those requirements and Zespri secures prime locations and large areas of shelf they will pay top dollar to get the high-quality and safe space in prime supermarkets. We saw a Zespri display, which in its entirety, measures four metres long and option. is located at the very start of the fruit and vegetable The other notable consumer trend in Japan is that Japanese consumers tend to buy their fruit and vegeta- section of a high-end supermarket in Tokyo.

Fruit was being sold by the piece and in pre-packs, bles daily, or every couple of days. They do not buy a with some pre-packs having a mixture of green and lot of anything at one time. gold kiwifruit. There were also pre-packs of 10 pieces They are more likely to buy one or two pieces of kiwifruit three or four times a week. A lot of these purchases are made at small local stores or Japaneseowned supermarkets, where there is very high focus on quality.

To date, the international supermarkets have not been successful in Japan due to their focus being on consumers buying weekly, in larger quantities, rather than daily. Critically, the international supermarkets have focused on cheap prices – and not the exceptionally high-quality stock demanded by the Japanese consumer. Walmart is apparently now having some success in the Japanese market by changing its focus to more frequent purchase and a quality offering.

A good illustration of Japanese consumers buying

of fruit, as part of a kiwifruit eating challenge.

The challenge that all exporters of produce to Japan, and other countries face, is to provide what the consumer wants, as that is what they will pay top dollar for. The example given of the failure of the international supermarkets

to successfully penetrate the Japanese market clearly illustrates this.

Our continued success in Japan relies on Zespri, our exporter, continuing to meet the demands of the consumer.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author. The trip to Japan was fully-funded by the author.

Page 16

COAST & COUNTRY

Innovative nursery woman takes top award A desire to spend more time with her son, and an opportunity in the market, were the drivers which led Diane Coleman to begin Treeline Native Nursery.

Eco-sourced

Seventeen years on, her initiative and business skills, especially in the face of tough economic times, have seen Diane win the 2013 RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award. Diane also won the Love of the Land category, sponsored by Agrisea Ltd of Paeroa.

However, winning awards was far from her mind when Diane decided growing native plants for Environment Bay of Plenty from a lifestyle block at Kaharoa near Rotorua. She thought it could not only provide an income but mean more time with her fiveyear-old Sam. “EBOP was encouraging farmers to re-plant riparian areas and I thought that presented an opportunity. I raised calves to help fund the start-up and John, my husband, built three tunnel houses.”

Diane, who grew up in the Hawkes Bay and has a Horticultural diploma from Lincoln University, had

An old, Allied Farmers Co-op lunar calendar has helped streamline processes at Treeline Native Nursery.

the knowledge, skills and work experience to operate her own nursery. It began by producing 10,000 trees, shrubs and grasses annually.

Her perception, that there was a market for ecosourced, hardy native plants for re-vegetation projects and landscaping, proved correct.

And the business grew to the point where today the nursery grows 350,000 plants and employs three full-time and two part-time staff; and up to 10 people during the busiest times.

While similar businesses have struggled or not survived the economic downturn, Treeline Native Nursery has endured – largely due to Diane’s ability to change

Diane Coleman of Treeline Native Nursery is the 2013 RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women of the Year. growing techniques, maintaining quality standards but reducing costs, and the significant investment in a truck to deliver plants.

“We could compete on price of plants, but transport costs often added too much to the contract price so John suggested we buy our own vehicle,” says Diane.

Truck

The attractively sign-written truck has now become familiar throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, delivering plants free for bulk orders.

“The truck really proved its worth when we won a contract to supply plants to farmers in the Hauraki District. We had been asked to set up a depot but said we would rather deliver direct to farmers who have appreciated us turning up with the truck, and the quality of our plants.

They also like the opportunity to talk to us about the plants and how to care for them,” says Diane.

Seed collecting is an important part of the nursery’s operation and Diane travels the Bay of Plenty and Waikato gathering seeds so that plants are grown from seeds true to each area – a practice called eco-sourcing.

Some native plant seeds can be hard to propagate, including kowhai, but nursery staff have perfected ways of germinating them successfully, using Daltons’ mixes.

Hardy

The nursery, which now covers about three ha, is at 419m above sea level and the winters can be harsh. “This ensures the plants are hardy and relatively pest-free.”

The all-woman team at Treeline Native Nursery is (from left) Sandy Heap, Cari Podmore, owner Diane Coleman, Erin Sandford, Anke Zenker and Sue Jackson.

Page 17

COAST & COUNTRY

Successful opportunity Constructing and maintaining drains While Diane describes herself as a traditional nursery woman who likes to use conventional nursery practices, including pricking out plants by hand, she is open to alternative ideas.

One which has proved particularly useful is an old Allied Farmers Co-op lunar calendar which recommends the optimum times for planting seeds, re-potting or taking cutting from plants.

Moon

Drains are essential for the development and improvement of many farms.

Diane Coleman, 2013 RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women of the Year (centre) with Rural Women national president Liz Evans, and Jill Bradley, general manager of Agrisea, which sponsored the Love of the Land category, which Diane also won.

“We’ve used it for three years now with surprisingly good results, producing more cuttings than ever before. I’m not totally sure it is all to do with the moon but by being disciplined to carry out taking cuttings and propagation during certain days every month we have streamlined our operations,” says Gina.

Colour is a striking aspect of Treeline Nursery. The hundreds of native trees, shrubs, flaxes and grasses, grouped by species, create a wash of hues from bluegrey to silver, chocolate brown to bronze

to copper, to all shades of green.

There’s nothing dull about New Zealand natives, something landscapers, gardeners, councils and farmers are discovering.

Growing plants - which will re-clothe the land in its original vegetation, protect waterways, reduce erosion and provide food for native birds and bees - is a source of pride for Diane and her staff.

By Elaine Fisher

Tuakau ambulance station closer

They can help channel surface runoff (and pollutants) from paddocks, reduce flooding and lower the water table. Drains can also be important habitats for endangered wetland species, such as eel, trout, whitebait and water birds.

Here are some general ideas for managing drains to meet farm objectives, while maintaining water quality and habitat for native plants and animals.

You should check with your regional council for any local rules pertaining to drain construction and maintenance.

V-shaped channels

V-shaped drains speed up water flow compared to U-shaped drains, with their wide, flat bottoms. The faster flowing water reduces sediment build-up and is cooler, discouraging weed and algae growth. As a result, V-shaped drains require less maintenance.

Ideally, the drain bank slope should be less than 1:2 – that is, one vertical unit to two horizontal units of distance.

When putting in drains, plant the north side to provide shade and to reduce weed growth. Plant only low grasses on the other side, to retain access for diggers.

Maintenance

Drains only need to be maintained if they block up with silt and weeds. Here are some ways to reduce the need for maintenance: • Put in fencing to eliminate stock damage to drain banks and reduce siltation.

• Leave an un-grazed grass strip beside drains to filter nutrient and sediment runoff.

• If cultivating in paddocks with drains, be sure to leave at least two metres uncultivated along the drain bank to reduce sediment runoff.

• If spraying for weed control, use an appropriate herbicide and spray only the bed of the drain (not the grassy banks) to prevent bank erosion.

• Ensure good access, including gateways in fences and margins wide enough for a digger.

Mechanical clearing

Bidding was fast and fun at the charity dinner to raise funds for a new ambulance station at Tuakau. of the ambulance station; and organTuakau is $31,000 closer to getting ise further fundraising events while an ambulance station thanks to funds making applications for relative trust raised at a charity dinner and auction funds. in the town.

The five-course charity dinner meal Organised by the Tuakau Rotary and was served by Tuakau College students Tuakau Lions Clubs, and attended by and the attendees had the opportunity 150 guests, the event at the Tuakau to bid on 31 different auction items, Cosmopolitan Club last month was a ranging from art to accommodation, major boost to for fund raisers. food, firewood, a wooden seat, books, “The journey has just begun and the a makeup session, an All Black's jersey, community has shown its support, photographic prints and paintings as and we thank everyone for coming well as vouchers and items from many along and making the charity dinner local businesses and individuals. and auction such a great success,” says Donations for the ambulance station Richard Gee, president of Tuakau appeal can be made to Tuakau Rotary Rotary Club.

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While mechanical clearing of drains is common, it has disadvantages. It tends to deepen the drain and strip the banks. Over time this makes the drain

The sloping edges of V-shaped drains will re-grass quickly, making banks more stable and providing better habitat for wildlife. unstable. It also disturbs silt and makes water dirty, affecting fish and insect life. It can remove stream life and move weed fragments downstream, where they can re-grow and cause further problems.

Here are some ways to reduce the impact of clearing work: • Use a digger with a weed-rake or stream-cleaning bucket (to allow water and stream life to escape back into the drain).

• Work in a downstream direction.

• Leave a buffer of weed at the lower end of the drain to trap silt, while working, and clean this area last.

• Make sure the V-shape of the channel is retained.

Spraying

Spraying is effective, but it can have damaging effects on stream life and water quality. Some sprays are toxic to freshwater life, even at very low concentrations. Check with the regional council or other specialists about herbicide choice. Use only waterapproved herbicides and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

You should identify drain weeds and be sure they are a problem before spending time and money to remove them. Water plants can help stabilise banks and bed sediments, reducing erosion. They also take up dissolved nutrients from the water and provide habitat for insects, fish and birds.

This article is adapted from the eighth in a series of nine DairyNZ Farmfacts on managing waterways on farms. They can be viewed at: www.dairynz.co.nz in the Farmfacts – Environment section.

CALF REARING

Page 18

Size is important in choosing calf to train Calf club day at rural schools, now more commonly called ‘pet day’ offers an opportunity for children to learn the commitment and discipline needed to care for an animal.

Not all children who rear and train calves, lambs or goats for their school pet day live on farms – so LIC has put together useful information about preparing for the special day on its website: www.lic.co.nz First, you need to decide what type of animal you will train, and part of the decision comes down to the size of you – because the size of the handler and the pet

should be matched. It's pretty difficult to control an animal that weighs two or three times more than you do, so you need to talk to Mum and Dad about the right animal for you.

Once you've made your decision, you need to find the right animal. But before you talk to a farmer (who may be your parent, friend or neighbour) you need to check a few basic things: Grazing: Calves and lambs need safe, well-fenced paddocks with shelter from extreme heat or cold; and clean water in a low trough that they can easily reach. Young animals need good quality, fresh, long grass because they tend to nibble at the tips of grass.

Shelter: This is important to protect your pet from wind and rain, especially when it is very young.

A milk feeder: Preferably a ‘personal’ one which allows you to feed your pet on its own, so you develop a friendship with it. If you are rearing a calf, you can choose from a bucket, a ‘mother udder’ (a hand-held small bucket with its own teat), or a standard calfeteria (a calf feeder which has teats for a number of calves). If you are rearing a lamb, you can buy special lamb bottles which have the right size teat for a lamb, or if you have a few lambs you can buy a lamb feeder with several lamb teats.

Water container: You will need one so your pet can easily reach and drink fresh water.

A cover: Generally only calves are given a cover to keep them warm, dry and clean. These can be made at home from old feed sacks, or you could save your pocket money and buy a special canvas cover.

Your lamb comes with a lovely warm woolly coat of its own, so unless you live in a very cold region, your lamb should be fine without a cover.

Milk: You need to know where you will get your milk from, because your pet is going to need lots.

The main options are fresh or powdered milk. If you are using powdered milk there are two types - one for new born animals (which resembles the first milk its mother would produce) and then, when it's a week-ormore old, the ‘standard’ milk rearing powder.

Comb and brush: This will keep your calf clean.

You will need a sponge or cloth to keep your lamb clean.

Halters and collars: These are required to lead your calf (halter) or lamb (collar).

Time: Getting your pet ready is a big responsibility, so you will need to make sure you have time to look after your pet before and after- school each day. This means about 30 minutes each morning, and again in the afternoon to care for your pet. And remember this is your responsibility, not Mum or Dad’s, so you may need to get up earlier in the morning, and allow for

Calf day teaches it is a waiting game, a lesson in patience waiting for judging. this time before you do your homework in the afternoon after school. Your pet is going to rely on you, so you have to be there, every day, caring for it for about six-12 weeks.

As calf club is usually held during late spring, you will want a calf from a spring-calving herd.

You will need to speak to the farmer (either your parents, neighbours or friends) before calving starts to be sure he or she will have a calf you can raise.

Calves reared for calf club are generally heifers (female), and after calf club is over they return to become ‘just another’ of the heifer calves which will grow and become part of the herd.

So, for a short portion of that calf's life, you will be its foster mother – making sure it has the food, shelter and care necessary to be healthy and grow.

The herd may be a variety of breeds – in New Zealand the most popular breed of dairy cow is Holstein Friesian (black and white), or Jersey (brown) with some Ayrshire (red and white). There are also crossbred herds which are crosses between these main breeds, so their cows can be a mix of colours.

What to look for when selecting a calf Size: You need to be able to control it when it is two to three months old, so its size relative to yours is important.

Colour: Make sure it is a nice colour or mix of colours.

Body shape: Good calves have a nice straight back, good shoulders, attractive head with well-set ears.

Skin and hair: Your calf will need to have nice soft skin, a fine coat and hair that sits flat so it will be easier to groom.

Good temperament: A friendly, outgoing calf will enjoy its life with you and be easier to train and show at calf club than one with a shy or nervous temperament.

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“The pump is the same pump that is fitted into the hugely popular Milk Bar Milk Kart. It pumps at a rate of 45 litres per minute. Particular care was taken when choosing the pump, because most pumps force the milk through at high speed, which separates the fat particles out of the milk. Fat is a vital energy source for calves and calves will not thrive if they cannot digest the milk fat.”

The Flow Meter has a large sight panel and is very sturdy to withstand the rigours of calf rearing. The whole unit runs off a 12 volt battery, which has a long life, and it is recommended to charge it once or twice a week. The charging point is easy to access.

CALF REARING

Page 19

Hoof disease appears to be on the move Young Farmers ‘glue’ of sector Bovine Digital Dermatitis can cause loss of fertility, decreased milk production and weight loss in infected cows – and there is concern the condition is spreading through New Zealand dairy herds.

and decreased milk production in affected herds.

While BDD was originally thought to only affect housed herds, current experience and evidence is proving otherwise. Any dirty environment is a potential breeding ground and high-risk area for the disease.

“Footbaths are the best way to prevent and control the spread of BDD,” says Neil. “All new Daan Vink, veterinarian at Southern sheds should have footbaths, and existing Rangitikei Veterinary Services, says sheds should look into installing one. a herd screening of 300 cows on I’ve recently worked with a farmer a farm near Marton found three who put one in himself for about clinical cases of BDD. This latest $200, following the instructions result represents an increasing on my website www.lamecow. prevalence of the disease, as expeco.nz.” rienced in Europe, where BDD Aside from footbaths, new was first identified in 1974. non-antibiotic products are “Right now we need to now being made available to get farmers checking for the farmers to help combat early disease,” says New Zealand’s signs of BDD on the hoof. Geoff leading veterinarian and lameness Laurent, managing director of expert Neil Chesterton. “If they Shoof International Ltd, is recomsee anything like BDD on the hoof mending the new Hoof-Fit range they need to ask their vet to take a for BDD treatment and prevention.

Bovine Digital Dermatitis sample, and if the result is positive, the is painful and can reduce “We’ve seen the effectiveness of these vet will then check out the rest fertility in infected herds. products in Europe for treating animals of the herd.” with BDD. BDD was first identified in New Zealand in “The Hoof-Fit liquid is sprayed onto the back of 2004. The BDD lesion is found at the back of the the hoof as a preventative to BDD,” explains Geoff. foot, in the middle just above the bulbs of the heels.

“There is also a topical gel, which is painted into the It starts off looking like a strawberry and is extremely inter-digital cavity to aid healing after the hoof is painful. It is caused by bacteria, and when first introexamined or treated.” duced into a herd, tends to spread in an epidemic Neil Chesterton and other members of the BDD pattern, as experienced in many countries.

Working Group, established to track and report As the infection becomes more established, a high on the development of the disease in NZ, are now proportion of chronic lesions can be seen. The lamefocusing their time and energy on educating farmers; ness becomes less severe, but weight-bearing may be and imploring them to be particularly fastidious with shifted to the toes. Clinical studies in 2000 and 2003 monitoring and reporting on any hoof care concerns have reported that, if left untreated, BDD will eventhis season. tually lead to secondary weight loss, loss of fertility For more information go to: www.lamecow.co.nz

Colostrum helps prevent diarrhoea in calves Calves are particularly susceptible to diarrhoea in their first month of life, especially if deprived of colostrum.

Colostrum is not only highly nutritious, it also contains antibodies to help fight infections.

Colostrum is the first milk produced after giving birth.

It is yellow-orange, low in fat, and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies. It is extremely easy to digest and provides perfect nutrition for a newborn as well as living cells, which provide defence against many harmful agents.

The concentration of immune factors is much higher in colostrum than in mature milk.

Common infectious causes of diarrhoea in calves are rota virus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli infections and cryptosporidiosis. Some species of Coccidia can affect calves from about four weeks of age. (Source www.teara.govt.nz/)

The New Zealand Young Farmers organisation is vital to the sector’s future, believes newly elected chairman Cole Groves.

“Young Farmers tend to act as a ‘glue’ for the industry – we help develop the future leaders of agriculture and contribute to a skilled and capable workforce,” says Cole, who has taken the helm after Paul Olsen stepped down from his two-year term.

Cole previously served on the board as an elected member for two years, and he views his new appointment as an opportunity to give back to an organisation that has given him plenty.

“It’s a fantastic group of people and it’s a big honour to be chairman.

“I’ve gotten so much out of my involvement with Young Farmers; from self-development to growing my business contacts.”

The 26-year-old dairy farmer from Pleasant Point (inland from Timaru) considers Young Farmers an integral part of New Zealand’s agriculture industry.

“Young Farmers has come a long way. Industry partners are now coming to us – whereas five years ago we were the ones going to them.

The success has also been driven by our increasing membership, dedicated volunteers, our office staff and the growing network of past members.”

Retention of members is high on the list of priorities for the new chairman.

“It’s important to make sure there is a flow through from all the programmes; and keep members in the ‘pipeline’ of Young Farmers.”

Engagement is paramount in order to help grow membership and keep people involved in Young Farmers.

“Our [the board’s] goal is to involve the members more.

“Members need to feel connected; they need to believe in Young Farmers.

From the 17-year-old, who leaves school to join a club, to the 27-yearold, who wants something more for their business or career – we need to make sure that we can provide it, every step of the way,” says Cole.

“Members are the success of the organisation.

To us, they are the owners, whatever we do at the strategy level of the board is focused on the members.”

Cole studied at Lincoln University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture science with honours.

Cole Groves is the new chairman of New Zealand Young Farmers.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 20

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Page 21

DAIRY

Black is vital to being green Kevin Robinson, newlyelected Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel provincial president.

To farm sustainably, both environmentally and economically, farmers need to be in the black, says Kevin Robinson, newly-elected Federated Farmers Hauraki-Coromandel provincial president.

Farming is coming under increasing pressure from regional and local councils, and the public over environmental issues – and Kevin doesn’t disagree that some farming practices need cleaning up. However, he does believe a little patience and understanding would help the process.

“I don’t condone for a minute anyone who discharges effluent into waterways. But most farmers have and are continuing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on effluent systems to protect the environment.

“It’s a work in progress and cannot be completed overnight. Every farmer, I speak with, aims to hand

on their farm in a better state than when they first came into it. But to be sustainable you need to be in the black (financially).”

Ensuring farming remains viable is among the reasons Federated Farmers has teams of policy analysts, throughout the country, monitoring national and local government regulations on behalf of farmers.

“There is no way farmers flat out farming can keep up with policy changes, which might adversely impact on their business. And we need viable farms because they benefit the environment and the New Zealand community.”

Kevin has extensive farming experience but it’s not the career he started out with. “I spent six years with the Forest Service, first as a woodsman and then a ranger trainee before joining the office in Thames.”

In 1983, Kevin began 50/50 share milking and progressed to farm ownership. He is also a partner in Manuka, the New Zealand company which now owns 22,500 ha of dairy farms in Chile; and helped with early conversion to New Zealand dairying methods.

Kevin is also part of an equity partnership milking 600 cows on 200ha at Patetonga, and while he’s not hands on farming, still takes an active interest in operations.

Kevin is also vice chair of Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group and a member of the Waikato Conservation Board.

I think it’s important a farmer’s view is represented on the board. I consider myself a conservationist and enjoy the bush. It’s where I get to unwind and relax,

hunting with my dogs, or just taking time out.”

Kevin is also a member of the Waikato Regional Council Coromandel sub-liaison committee.

His experiences through Federated Farmers have helped give Kevin the confidence and skills to take on leadership roles, and it’s something he wants to see developed further.

“Succession at all levels is an issue close to my heart that I feel is important for Federated Farmers to take a leadership role on.”

Succession at farm, community and industry levels are all vital for New Zealand to maintain its competitive edge.

“Getting succession right greatly aids sustainability, which seems a heavily over-used word these days. To me sustainability is the ability to farm better and more profitability, but with less impact on the environment.”

A firm advocate of Federated Farmers, Kevin says much of its strength is due to the fact that membership of the organisation is voluntary – people join because they want to, not because they pay a compulsory levy.

“Belonging offers a wide number of benefits and the more members we have, the more we can offer and the more we can do for farmers.”

To find out more go to: www.fedfarm.org.nz/

DAIRY TECH DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

Benefits from good mineral supplements

The total cost of a case of milk fever is estimated to be about $500 when lost milk production, increased risk of other metabolic and infectious diseases, and loss from sub-clinical cases are included.

The cost of an incidence of clinical magnesium staggers can often be the value of a cow (and usually one of the higher producing cows in the herd). Cows don’t usually die from sodium deficiency but where sodium content of the diet is very low, milk responses to salt supplementation of 12-15 per cent have been seen in trials.

Even when only sub-clinical deficiencies are present, there are financial benefits of mineral supplementation – but these are harder to quantify. Sub-clinical deficiencies can result in lost milk productionS oand sometimes lid Food for Soils lower fertility. Also, calcium, magnesium and sodium can all help cows to achieve better feed efficiency – more milk per kg dry matter (DM) of feed.

For a 400 cow herd averaging 400 kg/ms per cow with an average feed cost of 25 cents/kg DM, a small improvement in feed efficiency from 85 g/ms to 90 g/ ms per kg DM is worth $26,000. At a time when feed is in short supply, if improved feed efficiency allows cows to be milked for longer – the benefi D o l otZcould e s t be more than twice that much.

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Minerals are also important for skeletal bone growth.

This applies not just to growing and in-calf heifers, but also to heifers in their first lactation which are not yet fully grown. Heifers with poor skeletal growth have less ability to compete for feed with older cows, and a lower capacity for the increased feed intake needed after calving. If heifers cost $1500 to rear, this will never be fully recouped if they only last for one lactation.

Greater use of supplements which are low in calcium and sodium, such as maize silage and palm kernel, has increased the need for a well-balanced mineral supplement to maintain performance.

Feeding MineralBoost Classic at 200g for 300 days costs about $40 per cow, or $16,000 for a 400-cow herd. Only a small improvement of about two per cent in milk production - or three per cent in feed efficiency - will cover this cost.

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Some of the benefits of good mineral supplementation are easier to quantify, such as the value of reducing the incidence of milk fever (hypocalcaemia) or magnesium staggers (hypomagnesaemia).

DAIRY

Page 22

Mineral ‘pre-natal’ nutrition needed by soil biology This is the second in a series of articles on soil basics, compiled in conjunction with International Ag Labs. Last month, Grant wrote about pioneers in the field. This time, he examines their unified concept of optimum soil.

Mineralised soil has a specific outcome – to produce nutrient-dense food and animal feed wellendowed with trace elements. To achieve this requires a properly functioning soil.

Mineralised soil has four basic areas that need to be addressed. To help group each area, imagine them in a diagram shaped like a baseball diamond.

First base refers to soil energy, second base to foundational minerals, third base to humus and biology, and fourth base to trace elements.

Soil Energy

Soil energy refers to a soil’s ability to grow a crop and bring it to maturity.

It also takes energy to digest limestone and other rock powders. Soil energy comes from the synchronisation that occurs when various fertilisers come in contact with soil and/or other fertilisers. The energetic reaction, that comes when fertilisers are applied to the soil, can be measured with a conductivity meter and is read as micro Siemens per centimetre (µS/cm).

Soil energy is greatly impacted by the amount and type of nitrogen in the soil. All soluble fertilisers will impact soil energy, as will sodium, chloride, and other soluble trace minerals.

It is interesting to note that while all three pioneers used organic products, none of them renounced the

use of selective commercial fertilisers. Why? Because it takes energy to grow a crop and break down rock powders, and that is what fertilisers provide concentrated energy. To create a mineralised soil requires a proper amount of foundational minerals that must be digested by soil biology and soil energy.

For all its problems, conventional agriculture does understand that it takes energy to grow a crop. But for the most part, conventional agriculture completely misses the importance of all the other bases, and consequently does not grow quality food or animal feed.

On the other hand, many organic farmers suffer terribly in yield because their soil has inadequate energy. When plants are grown in low-energy soil they are not healthy. Rather they are low brix and susceptible to every passing insect and disease.

Typical products used to create soil energy are calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, urea, ammonium sulphate, potassium sulphate, MAP, super phosphate, liquid fertilisers, and sea solids. For organics, nothing beats high nitrogen fish and Chilean nitrate. Manures and compost will supply some soil energy as well.

Minerals

Foundational minerals refer primarily to adequate available calcium and phosphorous. While both calcium and phosphorous can be obtained in the form of commercial fertilisers, these fertilisers do not build a proper foundation to construct a mineralised soil. Very few soils are naturally endowed with adequate levels of foundational minerals. If the levels are insufficient then they must be supplied in the form of insoluble rock powders.

These powders require both soil energy and soil

biology to break down into an available form. Specific soil amendments, used to build the foundational minerals, include limestone, soft rock phosphate, and gypsum.

Sadly, conventional agriculture almost entirely misses the need for foundational minerals. Instead they are content with a pH of more than 6.5, and a minimal amount of available phosphorous.

Due to their strong focus on humus, organic matter, and biology, most organic farmers are woefully short of calcium and many times short of phosphorous. The exception to this is on small areas with extreme application rates of compost or manure.

Foundational minerals are the backbone of establishing a mineralised soil. Available calcium plays a decisive role in determining the quantity of yield produced. It also plays a tremendous role in the health and quantity of plant roots.

When soil has at least 239.65 kg of available calcium, roots, rootlets, and fine root, hairs abound. These fine root hairs are continually growing and sloughing off into the soil. This base exchange of root hairs stimulates soil bacteria and builds humus in the soil.

Soil well-supplied with available phosphorous allows greater uptake of phosphorous into the plant. When this happens it causes an increase in the cycling of energy and nutrients via ATP and the Krebs cycle. This results in a greater energy capture via photosynthesis and higher brix readings.

It also does something else. As plants produce more sugars, they increase the amount of sugars in the plant root exudates.

This increase of plant sugars better feed the soil bacteria symbiotically associated with the plant roots. As bacteria are better fed, they digest more minerals out of the soil and make it available to the plant. In summary, foundational minerals build the optimum environment which soil biology needs to flourish.

Foundational minerals are the “pre-natal” nutrition needed by soil biology.

Caring for cows pre and post calving Give your cows the best possible start to calving, is the advice from DairyNZ. Supplement cows with magnesium to reduce risk of milk fever and grass staggers; and remember the priority mob

Biological Fertilisers

are the colostrum cows.

Calve cows in a well-draining – not pugged and muddy – paddock. Do not use effluent paddocks for springcalvers.

Have a plan for managing and ‘down cows’. Make sure that cows that are

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down for longer than 48 hours receive veterinary attention (or are humanely destroyed).

Provide down cows with shelter in poor weather conditions.

Use hip clamps carefully and discontinue use if there is no progress or the cow cannot promptly support her own weight Newborn calves need to receive at least 2-4 litres of colostrum (12 per cent of body weight) within the first 12 hours of life.

All bobby calves should be individually assessed for fitness to transport. Check the Best Practice Guidelines for bobby calves and humane destruction guidelines.

To wean calves successfully on to pasture, wean at target weights (depends on rearing system used).

Keep feeding meal once calves are on pasture (2 kg/head of meal daily, reducing during the next few months).

Check weights after a few weeks, undertake faecal egg counts to monitor parasite levels and vaccinate.

To find out more, visit: www.dairynz.co.nz

Page 23

DAIRY

New $12 million complex signals optimism Dairy technology company Waikato Milking Systems is building a new $12 million complex in the Waikato business park known as Northgate – a sign of the company’s continuing growth and optimism.

mitment to expanding our contribution to the dairy sector,” says John. Waikato Milking Systems is 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated. It will be the anchor tenant at Northgate Business Park, 8km north of Hamilton, with a prime site fronting State Highway 1.

Stage 1 of the new complex (scheduled for completion this November) brings The two-building complex will together the company’s three bring together the company’s manufacturing divisions: Rotary operating units on one site for Platforms - which designs and the first time. The first stage of builds rotary milking platforms the development is underway for dairy sheds; Centrus - which now, and will house largeuses modern high-tech composite scale manufacturing facilities. materials to produce world-leading Artist’s impression of the new Waikato Milking Systems The second stage will house a high-strength and lightweight complex, at Northgate Business Park in the Waikato. new headquarters; and design, rotary platform designs; and development and manufacturing Stainless Innovations - which custom makes simple to use. The company exports to more facilities for the company’s high-technology stainless steel fabrications for the company’s than 20 countries, including the United products. various milking system designs.

States, Australia, South Africa, the United “We will get more efficiency in design, Stage 2 of the building project (scheduled Kingdom and parts of Europe; and is enjoydevelopment, engineering and manufacturfor completion November 2014) will include ing growth in developing markets including ing by bringing our collective pool of skills the new headquarters, with facilities to assist China and South America. together. We will be able to get products in developing new markets and further “The new complex at Northgate signals to the market even quicker, and having expanding the company.

Waikato Milking Systems’ on-going comeverything on one site will improve logistics for our international and domestic projects,” says managing director John Anderson.

Waikato Milking Systems is a leading designer, builder and exporter of dairy systems and technology for dairy farmers throughout New Zealand and around the world. It develops new technologies for dairy farmers that deliver advanced results but are

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Page 24

DAIRY

Kiwi company wins international award for dairy effluent ponds

A Centroid Farm Dairy Effluent pond is built and lined by Pondco.

Waikato-based pond lining company, Pondco, has beaten off entrants from other countries to win the International Association of Geosynthetic Installers Small Project award category. IAGI announced the win at the Geosynthetics 2013 conference at Long Beach, California.

Pondco Ltd won with a portfolio of dairy effluent pond projects, which it designed and synthetically lined in the central North Island for dairy farms that were upgrading their on-farm effluent management systems.

Pondco’s Hamish Forbes says: “We are very pleased to receive this award which recognizes our work to deliver effluent ponds of the very highest standard.

The standard of pond lining in general has been raised significantly when compared to what was taking place five years ago”.

“Farmers are investing significant amounts of money to improve their on-farm effluent management systems to maintain or improve farm sustainability, and can now have peace of mind it will be done right if they choose a reputable service provider.”

Firestone Liners product manager for Cosio Industries Vaughan Podbielski says: “DairyNZ and regional councils combined with companies like Fonterra, Synlait among others, have been doing a lot of work to create awareness and promote the need for constructing and sealing dairy effluent ponds to international best practice standards, in order maintain sustainability and protect the environment”.

“With DairyNZ driving and sponsoring the formalising and introduction of international best practice standards into New Zealand, under the IPENZ Farm Dairy Effluent Practice Note 21, farmers can take comfort in the fact that companies which follow these standards will deliver a product of the very highest standard,” says Vaughan.

The award should reassure farmers that the Centroid Farm Dairy Effluent ponds being built and lined by Pondco are up to or exceeding international standards.

Vaughan says Pondco’s award winning Centroid Series ponds will help future-proof dairy farms. “It’s not just about lining a pond, it’s the whole package, [including] project management, water drainage, leak detection and gas ventilation - as Pondco like to say, ‘do it once, do it right’.”

IPENZ have just released Version 2 of the Farm Dairy Effluent Practice Note 21, which is available from DairyNZ. With these new guidelines in place, New Zealand will be able to maintain its clean green image internationally and dirty dairying headlines will hopefully become a thing of the past.

Pondco is an Infratrain-accredited geo-membrane installation and design company, based in the Waikato, covering much of the central North Island.

From humble beginnings, Hamish Forbes and Sam Waite have steadily grown their business and Firestone-trained staff members, to become one of the largest and most experienced pond lining companies in New Zealand.

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Page 25

DAIRY

Politics personalities nearly derailed co-op Many sheep and beef farmers are talking about industry reform – but affecting change won’t be easy, warns Doug Leeder, one of those instrumental in the formation of Fonterra.

their emphasis shifted to growing their share of dairy industry returns.

“At this time the driver for success in the New Zealand dairy industry was the margin over and above dairy board price. Some perverse behaviour fell out of this issue.”

Companies began “playing a game” through their preferred product mix submissions. Single product companies were at disadvantage compared with multi-product capable companies.

The companies, which had a good understanding of international market demand, would tell the board they wouldn’t make cheese, for example, but just produce milk powder.

Politics and personalities nearly derailed plans to establish the Fonterra co-operative in the late 1990s, says Doug. As chairman of Bay Milk, Doug was one of four dairy company chairmen who pushed for industry restructuring in the early 1990s.

“Looking from outside, people think the formation of Fonterra was a smooth transition. Well it wasn’t. It absolutely Politics wasn’t and it took a toll on In order to meet market demand the people and enthusiasm.” board would ask those companies to Doug’s advice to other change their product mix, to say cheese industries, includand casein, and then the companies ing sheep and beef, would ask how much extra margin the considering reform is board would pay them to do that. that it must be driven The result of this domestic politics from the top. Farmers was that dairy board lost confidence can’t effect change on that it could maintain supply integrity their own – but they to the markets, says Doug. The board can influence who sits Doug Leeder was was forced to build up stock in the on their boards.

“Leadership that has instrumental in markets in order to have the surety of a sound vision and pas- the formation of enough product to supply customers.

“There was a huge internal effort to sion for the cause will Fonterra. modify and cajole the companies. But lead and effect change. the behaviour change required to satisfy The right executive will put in place a the markets’ product demands was a strategy and plan to fulfil that vision.” problem.”

The driver for the four chairmen was It was in this climate that representato return an additional $450 million tives of four dairy companies Alpine per annum to dairy farmers, which was Dairy Products Ltd, Northland Co-Op what a report into the industry identiDairy Co, Tui Milk Products and Bay fied as ‘the prize’ to be gained from a Milk met to chart a new course forward. restructured industry.

Vision “The end game in my view, and my “We had a common vision and view is challenged by some, was to act in the best interests of farmers collectively.” recognised the problems, and commissioned a consultant group to work with The New Zealand Dairy Board, our CEOs; and the report showed that which originated in the 1960s, was the if we restructured the industry to take industry’s legislated marketer; and was supplied by multiple companies through out all impediments and tensions, $450 million annually was the prize which into the 1980s. That board was responwould accrue to benefit New Zealand sible for international marketing and dairy farmers.” also dealt with trade politics.

Winning that prize wasn’t to prove “Back in the 1970s and 1980s, it was easy. Doug says he rather naively common for intervention stocks to believed most in the industry would build up in Europe and the USA. The see the common sense and logic of board also dealt with national politics restructuring. around its status as a single seller. It was also involved in product development “I thought wrongly it would be smooth and innovation.” sailing – and the industry would see the logic and buy in to the idea and we would be away. But that was not the case.”

Mergers Dryden Spring, chairman of the dairy By 1987, because of mergers, the board in the early 1990s, felt the timing number of dairy companies had gone for change was not right. The governfrom 80 to 35. And as they got bigger

ment of the day had the view that the legislative nature of the dairy board, as a single seller, had run its time and there was pressure from trade organisations around the world for change.

The report the four dairy companies commissioned was presented to a dairy board chairman’s meeting in Wellington. “There were 15 dairy company chairmen at the table and 13 said they owed it to farmers to continue the work begun by the study – but two said the report was ‘pie in the sky’.”

Duty

Doug says it should be remembered that the duty of a company director is to act in the best interest of the company, not necessarily the shareholders. The responsibility for directors of co-operatives, in Doug’s view, is slightly different because they have supplier shareholders – and need to get the balance right between acting in the interests of the company and that of the supplying shareholders. He sees little point in compromising the interests of those suppliers if the action is just to transfer costs back to farmers.

The NZDB commissioned the McKinsey Consulting Group to come up with proposals for a future

industry structure. The report suggested two options. Option one was the single co-operative Mergco (which eventually became Fonterra), and option two was for two large co-operatives to share the market.

“Option two in my view was a major snake. After all, the good progress made it looked like option two was the way it would go – and that was a real disappointment. It was based around philosophical difference among the people at the top. On one side, you had co-op people within the board, who thought they need to act in the greater good of the New Zealand dairy industry farmer. And the others, who thought they must act in the best interest of their company, and that competition, delivered the best performance.

“However, I had seen what happened in other industries such as forestry and the meat industry where in many markets product was sold on the lowest price, and not on merit, and co-operation was not evident.

“My view was option two, with two companies going head to head, would see major destruction of 40 years’ of market development and value destruction for New Zealand dairy farmers.”

Finally in 2001, Fonterra was

formed by the two largest co-operatives, New Zealand Dairy Group and Kiwi Co-operative Dairies, together with the New Zealand Dairy Board. The two smaller co-operatives, Tatua and Westland, did not join Fonterra, preferring to remain independent.

Government

The merger had initially been subject to New Zealand Commerce Commission approval but the New Zealand Labour government introduced subsequent legislation allowing for the export of dairy products to be undertaken by any company, so effectively by-passed the commission.

“We wouldn’t have got Fonterra if a National Government had been in power. The legislation was given to us by Helen Clark’s Labour government,” says Doug.

“After all these years of arguing, that’s where it ended up. The costs from 1994 to 1999 were part of process and we did spend a lot of money. Where I do have a problem is from 1999 to 2001.

I think it is unforgivable that $1 billion in gains to farmers were forgone, not for any commercial or common sense reason, but to accommodate politics.”

By Elaine Fisher

DAIRY

Page 26

Feed allocations too Worms and lice in dairy cows low for cow health It’s not surprising that overseas farmers and tourists regularly comment with dismay about how skinny our dairy cows are.

High stocking rates are one major reason, although boffins always seem reluctant to admit this. Neither will they accept that farmers regularly interpret the feeding levels in the established tables as maximum levels, and not minimums.

For example, how was it decided that a 452kg Friesian-cross cow, three weeks before calving, needs for bare maintenance 5.4kg of dry matter (DM) per cow per day, and that three weeks after calving this had risen to 16.8kg DM/cow/day?

These DM allowances for cows of different breeds, weights - and at different stages of lactation - were worked out with animals standing in stalls inside buildings, protected from the weather and with food carried to them. So there’s no way DM demands can relate to cows outside in mud, wind and rain, that have to gather their own feed and then have to walk sometimes for an hour twice-a-day for milking (after calving). The levels in the tables need to be greatly boosted.

In real life, the figures in the tables are far too low. But too often this seems to be ignored. So it’s no

wonder cows with genetics to produce massive yields can so quickly end up at BCS 3 or below (for example, emaciated as defined in the Dairy Code of Welfare). This is especially the case when they are well below their BCS target before the transition period.

The other dangerous rule of thumb, if you don’t want to get into serious feed budgeting, is that maintenance is what cows can clean up in one hour-and-a-half. In any mob of cows (especially in large grazing groups these days), there are going to be animals down the pecking order which are never going to get enough to eat.

This is especially the case with heifers.

Add to this the inaccuracy of feed estimation in the paddock, and even more dodgy condition scoring skills, and skinny underfed cows are the inevitable result – leading to major problems down the track when it comes to mating. No wonder some farmers are spending more than $100 per cow per year on animal health.

Farmers using Wormade’s OMS Nutritional Supplement Plan have been able to manage transition by keeping stock in good order, and keeping costs at about $20 per cow because cows, and especially heifers, have robust immune systems.

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As we head towards calving, many farmers want to treat their cows for worms, and/or lice. There are several things to think about: Do cows need drenching for worms? Historically, the belief is that adult cows have good immunity against worms and do not need drenching. However, it is generally accepted that worm larval intake can suppress feed intake in some cows. So drenching in early lactation, with a macrocyclic lactone (ML or ‘mectin’) pour-on, can increase appetite and milk production (and potentially improve other health outcomes). The increases are very variable - so are not guaranteed - but are commonly quoted as an average of 600 ml milk/cow/day.

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peak time for lice, but commonly herds are treated when they come back after grazing. In terms of treatment options, there are either lice-only pour-ons or ML pour-ons, which control lice and worms.

In terms of slowing the development of drench resistance, best-practice guidelines are to only drench a proportion of the herd – so as to provide refugia in some cows.

This proportion would be the most ‘at-risk’ cows, for example young cows, old cows, high producing cows and cows that have (or have had) health issues. If you need to treat for lice and worms, you could consider treating at-risk cows with a ML pour-on and the others with a lice-only product.

What about milk withholding periods (WHPs) when treating cows during lactation? You obviously need to use a product with a nil-milk WHP. Many pour-ons do have a nil-milk WHP but not all products do, so check before you use it.

What about meat withholding periods when treating cows in late pregnancy? You need to be aware of the implications of the meat WHP and the bobby calf. If a pregnant cow is treated, then the meat WHP also applies to the bobby calf – as if it was treated directly.

For example, if a cow is treated with a product that has a 35 day meat WHP, and she calves 25 days later – then the calf needs to be 10 days old before it can be slaughtered for human consumption.

Fonterra is to spend a further $30 million to expand its Dry Distribution Centre at its Whareroa site in Taranaki.

This follows a $23 million upgrade of the Whareroa coolstores last year, bringing the total capital investment in the logistics infrastructure on site to more than $50 million since 2011.

Fonterra director of Logistics, Mark Leslie, says the project is part of Fonterra’s overall drive to simplify their supply chain and reduce the associated costs.

Fonterra has steadily increased on-site storage capacity, building four distribution centres since 2008 at Crawford St in the Waikato, Mosgiel near Dunedin, Kauri in Whangarei and Darfield in Canterbury.

“This means we are able to reduce the number of freight movements, from where a product is manufactured through to delivery to the customer, which reduces our carbon footprint and ultimately saves on transport costs,” says Mark.

Construction is to be completed by August 2014.

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Page 27

DAIRY

Improved winter drainage

Grass down 10 per cent means looming feed shortage

Recently returning from time in the South Island, the benefits of farming in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty have become very obvious.

Our climate is generally better suited to intensive pastoral farming. Apart from the West Coast, rainfall is more plentiful and is spread more evenly throughout the year.

It’s also warmer during winter which ensures more growth, with fewer supplements having to be fed.

Soil temperatures of less than five degree Celsius were recorded on a property near Naseby, which means pasture growth was negligible and likely to remain so until spring.

Soil temperatures here in the coastal Bay of Plenty in mid-June are still hovering around 10 degrees Celsius, which mean pasture is still growing behind animals.

Growth rates measured on the Berryman property near Edgecumbe on June 13 provided a growth figure of 40 kg dry matter per hectare per day, for the previous 38 days.

Growth from a long term client’s property at Galatea on the same day showed growth for the same period of 31kgDM/ha/day. This was the best growth from the property for that time of the year, since monitoring cages were placed there nine years ago.

The warmth in early June from the north meant outstanding growth. However, it was also accompanied by heavy dumps of rain, and this highlights another benefit of farming on our ash-based soils.

Soils containing a higher percentage of coarser particles normally drain more freely. Most of the Bay of Plenty soils are dominated by coarse ash from Taupo, Kaharoa, and Tarawera eruptions, with Waikato soils dominated by Taupo, Waihi, and Mairoa ash showers.

Both Waihi and Mairoa ash consist of smaller particles, and when well-managed, still drain rapidly.

However, careful daily management is still required to minimise soil damage that markedly slows spring growth when cows are behind wires during winter.

Soils ideally contain 25 per cent air and 25 per cent moisture. The air content is essential for near optimum growth during the major growing season, as nearly all beneficial soil dwellers, including worms, are oxygen breathing. And it is their activity that provides the physical structures necessary for longevity of permanent pastures.

Rye grasses, both old and new varieties, have the ability to send roots to a depth of half a metre or more. They then remain well-anchored, resisting being pulled out in autumn, and able to access sufficient moisture for survival during prolonged dry summers.

The pressure exerted by heavy dairy cows during winter forces soil particles closer together, slowing the ability of moisture to track downwards and air to fill the space left. Plant roots become concentrated in the top five-to-10 cm resulting in lower growth, and increasing the requirement for regular and costly renovation or replacement.

This doesn’t have to be the case, as an increasing number of farmers now appreciate. DoloZest, developed by Eco-Logic Soil Improvement, markedly improves physical soil structures. A single application annually, at any time, rapidly improves the ability of the soil to both drain and breathe.

Based on Golden Bay Dolomite, a magnesium fertiliser and a proven soil conditioner, DoloZest stimulates earthworm activity. It also contains a selected range of beneficial fungi and bacteria that speed the initial breakdown of dung and decaying root, increasing the availability of nutrients (including nitrogen), resulting in more spring pasture growth.

DairyNZ figures show despite the apparent mild start to winter, that soil temperatures in mid-June were 1 degrees Celsius below the same period last year – and colder soil means less grass growth.

DairyNZ’s figures also show that grass growth, at a gain of just 10 kg, was about 10 per cent behind the same time last year, which equates to about 200 kg less of dry matter per hectare.

That’s a lot of feed which isn’t there for cows – which eat on average 70 kg a week.

If you’ve got grass, you can grow more grass. But if your paddocks are eaten down too far – and it turns cold – it’s hard to grow grass. So, pasture management is vital at this time of year, as is having supplementary feed on hand.

Colder conditions mean animals use more of their energy keeping warm, and with less grass available, supplements become very important to maintain animal condition. Some farmers take the risk of winging it, putting off bringing in supplements until they think they need them, or trying to get through winter without additional feed. That can be a risky strategy, given that calving is about to begin and animals will be coming back from run-offs and grazing blocks, meaning there are more mouths to feed. Planning ahead always makes good sense.

There’s a looming feed shortage this winter which many farmers might not be aware of.

Advance

The drought has hit farmers’ pockets hard with many having to buy in extra feed earlier than usual.

However, the advance Fonterra made will help, even though much of it may have already been spent on feed. And the forecast of $7 is good news, though it is of course just a forecast and could still go either way.

In fact, once Kiwi farmers start putting milk in the vats again in spring the milk price will no doubt change again, with Fonterra being one of the biggest suppliers of dairy in the world. And what we produce does impact the international supply. However, the indicators long-term are promising with the increasing global demand for food, protein in particular, and China consuming more dairy products.

Bio-security

The bio-security issues around palm kernel expeller are of real concern – and it’s hard to understand why those exporting PKE to New Zealand don’t have to meet more stringent standards, which would ensure the product is safe and fit for purpose.

We already track and trace our maize, and can trace any consignment from where it was delivered to right back to the block it was harvested from. Should half a load come from one paddock and half from another, that’s recorded too. This enables us to advise our farmer clients of sprays, and the possible impact of these on their animals or more specifically the impact on milk produced for the local and international markets.

New Zealand has been importing significant volumes of palm kernel which has been important during the recent drought. But there is little knowledge of the growing conditions, for example the sprays, which PKE has been subject to. So we need to consider the advantages of alternative feed over the risks of introducing foot and mouth disease, or other adverse conditions, which would devastate our farming industry and our national economy.

Page 28

RURAL DRIVER

Seven can Journey in style and comfort If the Magnificent Seven were riding into Dodge this century, it wouldn’t be on horseback. They’d hitch a ride in one of these.

The gang of seven was getting restless. Ma, Pa, the four chillins, grandma – and the odd critter – weren’t travelling so swell in the old wagon.

Thems were scrappin’ worse than a brace of fleabitten bobcats in a burlap sack.

What they needed was some new wheels.

Something with a heapin’ helpin’ of horsepower, space and loads of these swanky gizmos that the city folk speak of.

Above all, enough seats for the whole gang.

It ain’t easy trying to hit the trail with The Magnificient Seven in one wagon!

There was nothing else for it. They saddled up and headed for Farmer Autovillage. Well Farmer, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge that is!

Word had spread among the villagers that the Sheriff had lassoed a herd of them new-fangled Dodge Journeys. It’s said that the new beast brings more highfalutin gadgets, tucked away, than the local preacher’s had confessions.

At high noon, the family rode out of Dodge.

On a Journey. A journey of discovery of the wonders of the modern automobile.

Raw hide!

Such as fine leather seats, all seven of ’em. You wouldn’t know it, looking at it. Talk about a wolf in wolf ’s clothing! You could call it a people mover, 'cos it sure does that. But it don’t look like one. Seven in comfort is no mean feat. Yet, it’s got that sporty, spunky crossover style, performance and lines. A bit like seeing Elsie-May

in her church dress, but knowing how she really looks, in that tight, little cheerleader number.

The Journey has the looks. Some of these people movers look like they been whacked with several ugly sticks. Not our Dodge. It cuts a swell figure. The sporty, chiselled profile of John Wayne’s jaw, the jewelled wrap-around headlamps, and, Johnny Cash would love this … the “ring of fire” LED tail lamps. Body-coloured heated mirrors and sculpted fender flares sit atop 17 or 19 inch alloy wheels. Up front is the notorious signature crosshair grille. But Pa had something else in his crosshairs: A tight herd of horses under that bonnet. The 3.6 litre V6 gasoline engine, churning out 342 NM of torque, was enough to cause a bloke to hold onto his hat and Ma to let out one of those little squeals you usually only hear when she stumbles on a coon in the outhouse.

This V6 is not for the yellow-bellied hombre.

It can turn from placid as a prairie butterfly to venomous as a cut snake, with just a tap from the toe.

When Pa unleashed the beast on the road out of the village, you should have seen the grimace on grandma’s face. Then it turned to a wry smile and darn it, if she didn’t demand a drive herself.

Pa shut up her good and proper though, when coming to one of those red lights – and being a god-fearin’ man and a proper law-abiding citizen, stomped his boot on the big middle pedal. That’s when the gang found out about the anti-lock ABS brakes – stopping the wagon faster than a skunk full of buckshot. Grandma, watchin’ re-runs of ‘Gunsmoke’ on the overhead centre television screen, darn near lost her false teeth - both of ’em - as the Journey came to a sudden but oh-so-controlled halt.

Pretty handy if you need to dodge them varmints on the back road up Pyes Pa.

Not to worry if had been an emergency. The Dodge Journey’s saddled up with standard safety features, including driver and front-passenger air bags, and side-curtain air bags to protect all three rows – plus ABS, Electronic Stability Control with Brake Assist, All-Speed Traction Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation. Phew.

Out on the highway, the Journey was powerful and smooth. The ride, Pa said, was the smoothest he’d ever known, except maybe that time with Mary-Lou on the hay wagon, after chewing the strange weed growing out the back of Uncle Cletus’ barn. Grandma reckons it’s the best cornering she’s seen since the railway came to town.

The ride was so quiet, even with Pa gunning it past the slow-coach lane, you could still hear his pocket watch ticking away.

The chillins had a great ride, with all the mod cons. While grandma, who usually complains about bein’ colder than a witch’s tit in a brass bra in winter, was distracted getting cozied down with the three-zone automatic climate control, giving separate comfort control to each row of seats separately; while the offspring easily worked out how to play movies on the drop down screen. A family could go a long way in a wagon load of comfort with all these features.

Yippee ki yay

Pa soon enveloped hisself in his own world of comfort, with a powered six-way adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a CD/DVD/ MP3 radio with 8.4" touch screen.

He found his trigger finger a pokin’ and a proddin’ to dial up all kinda stuff, like fuel economy (not bad at 10.4litre/100km average), and all on a real big screen the size of the barn door, you couldn’t miss it.

Dodge Journey R/T Engine Type: 3.6 litre Pentastar V6 engine Engine Displacement: 3600cc, 206 kw @ 6350 rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic Max Torque: 342 Nm at 1750 rpm Safety: 5 airbags, active head restraints (front seats), electronic stability control, ABS, security alarm, key-theft deterrent engine immobiliser.

Price: from $39,990 for SXT model, from $48,490 for R/T Contact: Farmer Auto Village, 07 578 6017.

Ma found it easy to connect up her portable gramophone via the blue tooth and she had the whole gang talking on the wireless faster than you could pin a tail on a beaver.

Young Slim Jnr was all over the roof rack like a rash. The black-moulded rails, complete with graduated markings and potential for a huge range of accessories, Slim Jnr pondered briefly if he could hog tie grandma on there. Then he decided the yellin’ wasn’t worth the trouble and went back to exploring all the stow-away compartments inside the cabin.

There’s a place for everything, including hidden compartments with liners and fold flat seats, for when you are really serious about hauling cargo.

The rear headrests automatically flip down to stow-away, when the seats are lowered.

Overall, the Dodge shapes up as a darn smooth operator – whether you’re rustling around town or tripping inter-state. At least three of those would have to be states of style, comfort and safety.

Take a ride to Dodge, for a Journey of discovBy Brian “Slim” Rogers ery for yourself.

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Page 29

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Page 30

EARTHWORKS

Buffer zone battle nearing resolution A resolution to the long running issue of buffer zones around transmission lines on private property may be close to resolution, following mediation between Transpower, HortNZ, New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc, Federated Farmers and other affected parties.

Federated Farmers dairy chairperson Willy Leferink says he believes Federated Farmers is close to an agreement with Transpower too. “We are still in mediation but I am optimistic of a fruitful outcome within the next few weeks.” Transpower and HortNZ staff have already visited some growers around the country to improve the understanding of both parties about what growers and Transpower are trying to achieve.

The mediation was ordered by the Environment Court after strong opposition from landowners to Transpower’s attempts to have buffer zones written into local council district plans.

Last year the Western Bay of Plenty District Council rejected Transpower’s application, following the recommendations of an independent commissioner David Hill who said the proposed rule changes were “not the most appropriate way of achieving the objective, nor would they be particularly efficient or effective”.

Transpower appealed the decision and chief executive Patrick Strange said: “Without rules around what development can occur under our lines, we put at risk our ability to maintain the grid for New Zealanders”.

The company wanted changes to each council’s district plan to require landowners to pay for resource consents to carry out earthworks or construct buildings or structures within a designation zone either side of the power lines.

“This certainly beats the protracted and costly planning debates around these issues that have been playing out around the country already,” says Peter.

The agreement between the parties means that HortNZ will not have to spend an estimated $600,000 during the next five years to defend grower interests in districts all over the country.

The agreement will support resolution of nine district plan changes already underway, and has the potential to make about 45 other future plan changes a formality.

The move by Transpower to protect its transmission corridor came about after the Government released a National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission.

That statement says councils need to ensure their district plans reflects those policies. The NPSET requires that an ‘appropriate buffer corridor’ be identified on the district plan, and the buffer area be put in place to protect the transmission lines from ‘sensitive activities’.

Councils throughout the country had been considering adding protected buffer corridors to their district plans, and that has brought objection from land owners and industry bodies representing farmers and growers.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council consents manager Chris Watt says mediation between the parties involved in his council’s district plan appeal was held on April 17 and “showed willingness by all to progress toward a suite of appropriate provisions for inclusion in the district plan”.

The parties were instructed to report back to the Environment Court on the outcome of their mediaBy Elaine Fisher tion talks.

Impediment

Landowners saw that as an expensive and unnecessary impediment to their ability to farm or orchard on their land.

Horticulture New Zealand and Transpower have now reached an agreement on the use of land around transmission lines and structures, HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says. “We’ve signed a memorandum of understanding which requires us to work together to find innovative solutions that may let growers use more of the productive land under and around the national grid and to do this without compromising their safety or Transpower’s access to its assets.”

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Page 31

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Tractor versatility suits farmer-fencer needs Farmer and fencing contractor James Anderson’s new McCormick X60-40 tractor is giving him all the power he needs to perform a range of jobs quickly and efficiently.

James and his wife Tirina purchased the McCormick X60-series tractor in March for work on their 280 hectare sheep and beef farm at Clinton, South Otago and in their fencing business, JB Anderson Fencing.

It’s not the first McCormick tractor the Andersons have owned. They bought a McCormick CX110 six years ago and still have it, using it primarily for farm and agriculture work.

James looked at other brands before buying his new McCormick X60-40 but, he says, the deal offered by Balclutha Farm Machinery was just too good to pass up. He got 112 horsepower for less than $100,000.

“I was talking to them at the A&P Show and they gave us a good deal. It’s a solid 112 hp tractor, and the powershift on the shuttle is good for moving along fence lines. You don’t have to use the clutch all the time,” he says.

The X60-40’s power shuttle transmission features a basic 12-speed gearbox in conjunction with a hydraulic H-M-L that triplicates the ratios of the basic gearbox on-load. The hydraulic reverse shuttle gives a total 36

forward and 12 reverse speeds. With the addition of a creeper you can up your options to 48 forward and 16 reverse.

The electronically-controlled hydraulic reverse shuttle is another McCormick innovation. It allows the operator to modulate the action of the unit to suit the implement it is powering.

James uses his new X60-40 to run his post driver for his fencing work.

He mainly does fencing for sheep and beef farmers.

He has an AG-loader mounted on the front for carrying posts and a

spinning jenny. Along with general farm work, James also plans to use the tractor to pull his cultivation and harvesting machinery, including power harrows and mowers.

“It should handle that well. We’ve been using it for fencing and it’s been excellent. It’s got a lot more oil flow than my other tractor and that makes the job a lot easier. “It uses less revs driving the auger and post driver, and it seems to do it much easier.”

James is also impressed with the X60-40’s fuel efficiency.

“It doesn’t seem to burn as much diesel and is cheaper to run. It’s also a bit quicker on the road too. It’s very user friendly and has been pretty good so far.”

Southland farmer and fencing contractor James Anderson says his McCormick X60-40 tractor makes life easier.

Orcharding business is ‘dream come true’ Many eight-year-old boys want to own a big truck. Few achieve that dream by the time they are 22 but Chris Jennings has.

“As long as I can remember I’ve been mad about everything to do with engines, trucks in particular,” says Chris who not only has a truck, but also owns an Atom self-propelled orchard sprayer, and his own business, CN Jennings Contracting Ltd. Chris grew up in Tauranga, attended Bethlehem College and then completed an orchard

cadetship, gaining hands-on experience across the broad spectrum of kiwifruit orcharding through working for three different companies, Vine Tech Ltd, South East Horticulture and Ranfurly Contracting.

Last year, when Ranfurly Orchard Services wanted to sell one of its Atom orchard sprayers, Chris saw an opportunity to become self-employed in the horticultural industry, which he loves. “I took two week’s leave to do market research and established that there was room for another orchard spraying company in the area from Welcome Bay, to Katikati to Waihi, so I bought the Atom.”

He also bought a truck – an eight-wheel 1990 FS 416 Fuso to transport the sprayer; and to provide transport on contract for orchard equipment and bins of kiwifruit.

The truck and sprayer alone cost about

$80,000, with business set-up costs on top of that – a significant commitment, especially for a young businessman.

“Some people might think starting a new orchard spraying business now that Psa-V is here is not a good idea,” says Chris. “But the fact is the disease means more frequent orchard spraying with coppers to manage Psa and foliar fertilisers to feed the plants; and it needs to be done at the right times, so there is more work available.”

About 70 per cent of his work comes through Aongatete Coolstores, and Chris is grateful for the company’s faith in him and its support. He also acted as second-in-charge of truck co-ordination during this year’s kiwifruit harvest for Aongatete and used his own truck to transport bins of fruit, tractors and forklifts to and from orchards.

Chris is keen to work with other orchardists, and says while he has just one sprayer, he knows its capabilities and the amount of work he can handle to give clients the service they need.

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Page 32

Foot and mouth... ...now squarely on the radar When I was at Lincoln University, the lecturers drummed into the students how destructive an outbreak of foot and mouth disease would be on New Zealand agriculture and our economy. That was 43 years ago and nothing has changed – except foot and mouth disease seems to have dropped below the radar – until recently.

Soils

We have had the outbreak of Psa-V in kiwifruit, and varroa bee mite, to remind us how easily incursions can happen and how fragile we are.

The Pork Industry Council seems to be fighting a losing battle to prevent the importing of fresh pork, which could destroy that industry, with 41,000 tonne of pork imported in 2012.

This elevates the risk of blue ear pig disease or PRRS. Plus, pork meat is one of the worst mediums for transfer of foot and mouth disease.

And, now there is noise around the rules of importing palm kernel expeller (PKE).

Two farmers went and had a look at the conditions under which palm kernel was being harvested and loaded into the ships from the countries of origin.

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They were so concerned they advised the authorities in New Zealand, who said it was all “okay”, only to find the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) had never been to those countries to have a look. MPI is on its way to view the process only now.

They have finally taken on-board the comments and concerns. New Zealand imports about 1.5 million tonne of PKE from Indonesia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

PKE is apparently heat-treated in the country of origin and inspected on arrival

by MPI. New Zealand is also importing huge quantities of mulch from similar countries for plant growing, for example.

So, these countries have foot and mouth disease – and hopefully it will not find its way to New Zealand from them.

If you ‘google’ foot and mouth disease, you will find China and Tibet have had recent outbreaks. The virus can travel in meat and mucus.

Outbreak

Because the virus is airborne, it travels very fast (and can travel in your nostrils). How quickly could New Zealand act as a nation to prevent its spread? If an outbreak did occur in your local town or district, how would that look and how would it all play out?

Well, MPI would arrive from everywhere, the district would be in total lock-down and all animals within a certain radius would be shot and buried.

Where would they bury them and who would run the show? Does New Zealand have protocols and systems in place? We really have no idea of the implications. New Zealand would not be able to export any product until clearance was given and three months had passed. MPI has done modelling on the financial implications on our economy which are not pretty.

I wonder what their plan is should this devastating outbreak occur?

Boarder

There has been a recent case where a Chinese doctorate student deliberately brought in beef, chicken, duck, fish and fish roe hidden in his luggage. He was found to be in breach of the Biosecurity Act and was denied entry to the country permanently, and will not be able to complete his doctorate.

If you watch the border control programmes on television, people are constantly trying to bring in all manner of material that puts our country at risk – and maybe this case will send a clear message to them not to do so.

What do you think? Are our controls tight enough? Should the border control people be given more authority?

Finally, thinking outside of the square, I have suggested to MPI that they may consider partnering with rotary clubs to plan for such an outbreak. Why? Because Rotary has systems, leaders, contacts and the ability to supervise and mobilise a large part of the community at a moment’s notice.

They could organise to feed a lot of people, arrange accommodation, provide tractors, trucks and quad bikes, and most importantly, they have the local knowledge. More importantly, they could work with all other community organisations such as Lions.

Risk

In summary, we are going to hear a lot more on the risks of foot and mouth disease arriving in this country.

If it does, how will that play out and how fast can we all help contain the outbreak to minimise the impact on our country and economy?

Can the Rotary Clubs of New Zealand be utilised as a resource to help? I have used the “royal” we. If foot and mouth disease did arrive in New Zealand it is everyone’s problem, not somebody else’s – and we would all need to step up.

We should also be responsible now, and discourage people in our own society from irresponsible behaviour around border and food security.

We tend to have a “them and us” attitude to many issues in this country. Be very sure that an outbreak of foot and mouth disease would be everybody’s problem.

These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance.

Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought.

Don Fraser is the Principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the Farming Industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675. A disclosure document is available on request.

Page 33

CONTRACTORS

Safe diesel station Are computers male or female? for smaller users Fuel Storage Systems Ltd of Ashburton, which manufacture the Sebco range of diesel, waste oil and AdBlue storage tanks, has just announced the launch of a new model – the Sebco 1300 litre Diesel Station.

The new model is in response to enquiries Sebco received from farmers and industrial companies, which did not have a need to store large volumes of diesel, but still wanted a compliant, safe and secure tank with all the advantages of the other Sebco diesel stations.

“Operators with a lower diesel use have also Sebco’s new upgraded to vehicles 1300l Diesel with a common Inner vessel cannot rot Station rail engine, such or rust, so the fuel that is now as the farm ute, available. is dispensed from the or SUV that Sebco 1300 is as clean the family use. of spilling while as it can be.

These require you fill. It also clean fuel and comes standard the design of with a five our bunding system micron water separatvirtually eliminates condening clear captor filter as peace of mind. sation. The inner vessel cannot rot or “You can actually view inside the rust, so the fuel that is dispensed from captor to see if there is any dirt that the Sebco 1300 is as clean as it can may have inadvertently got into your be,” says Ed Harrison managing direcfuel,” says Ed. tor of Sebco.

Sebco is now into its seventh year of The Sebco 1300 Diesel Station is production and has delivered hundreds fitted with the same quality compoof diesel stations to properties in New nents as the Sebco 2300 and 4800, Zealand and Australia. “Sebco is very such as a choice between the Piusi committed to providing a smart storCube 56 (240 or 12 volt systems) age facility, which enhances security offering flow of up to 56 lpm. It also and safety for fuel storage on your has four metres of delivery hose with property,” says Ed. auto shut off nozzle, so there is no fear

JORDAAN

A Spanish teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.

House for instance, is feminine: ‘la casa’. Pencil, however, is masculine: ‘el lapiz’. A student asked, ‘What gender is computer?’

Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether ‘computer’ should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.

Men’s thought

The men’s group decided that computer should definitely be of

the feminine gender (‘la computadora’), because: 1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic; 2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else; 3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long-term memory for possible later retrieval; and 4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your

pay cheque on accessories for it.

Women’s thought

The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine (‘el computador’), because: 1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on; 2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves; 3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they are the problem; and 4. As soon as you commit to one, you realise that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.

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HOUSE & LANDSCAPE

Page 34

Furniture for ‘junk’ is company’s offer A wool press look-alike makes a great bar leaner – with room for a fridge inside.

That pile of ‘junk’ in the implement shed – or under the hedgerow – could become part of a rustic furniture piece, believes Richard of The Spruce Up Company at Mount Maunganui.

That’s why he’s keen to make contact with farmers planning a clean-up.

“Don’t take old bits of machinery to the tip or throw it down the offal hole – give us a ring and I’m sure we can create something fantastic from it – the older it is the better.”

Richard is keen to find metal machinery parts, including wheels, wrought iron and long bolts. “We can incorporate it into our furniture and long pieces of metal make great foot rails. Old wool presses are fantastic – in fact we make our own version as a bar leaner, with a hinged door to hide the fridge.”

Richard is still making his treesfor-tables offer to rural residents who have macrocarpa trees which need removing. He launched the idea in the March issue of Coast & Country and received a huge response from landowners throughout the paper’s circulation area.

However, he’s looking for trees a little closer to Tauranga this time.

“If it suits the owner, we will make them an outdoor table from their trees and or machinery parts, and take the balance of the timber or machinery as payment. That way they can enjoy the sentimental value of a table made from all the spare parts around the farm.

“We are interested mainly in macrocarpa, because it is timber which doesn’t have to be treated for use outdoors but will consider other species, so long as they are not protected natives.”

The Spruceup Company makes well-crafted and designed indoor and outdoor furniture, much of it from macrocarpa.

They also make planter boxes to any size. The range they call ‘Kids Stuff ’ is extensive from play houses to swings and slides, climbing walls, forts and castles – all of which can be custom-designed and manufactured. Garden sheds in a range of sizes come complete; and there are also kennels for dogs of all sizes, and chook houses too.

Interest in permaculture grows in Bay gardens A voluntary group is spreading its roots Bay-wide to help people learn about permaculture, making over properties in the process, as the philosophy finds growth among urban and country dwellers.

Permablitz BOP held its first event in August 2012 – and after eight permablitzes in Katikati is spreading its interest further into the region.

The group was created by Trish Waugh, Hugo Verhagen and Sue Peachey who worked at the Landscape Design Company and as this dissolved – looked to find a more environmentally sustainable method for their landscaping work.

“The Sustainable Business Network coached us through a process of looking at a sustainable way forward. And, the more we looked in detail at what we were doing – the more we discovered we were providing an unsustainable service, in terms of carbon footprint and what we were doing for the environment, “says Hugo.

The trio found solace in Australian website Melbourne Permablitz with catchphrase ‘Eating the Suburbs – One backyard at a time’. Founded in 2006

by Dan Palmer, a trained permaculture designer and inventor of the permablitz, today Melbourne has 80 blitzes per year.

A permablitz is an informal gathering, where people come together, donating time and energy to create or add to edible gardens, and share skills of permaculture, organic gardening and sustainable living, while building community networks and having fun.

“The website drew us toward permaculture as a solution to living more sustainably and helping people use their gardens in a more sustainable way. We felt we could use it as a design tool.”

Permablitz BOP, a non-profit network serving to con-

   

Outdoor furniture

$295pr

$2000

Planters

Garden Sheds

Katikati Motel owner Kate Pfennig in her garden for guests, which was created by a Permablitz Bop event last October and November. nect people to help undertake permaculture designs at Bay properties.

“We believe there’s a growing number of people interested in permaculture and we think there’s a large community of lifestyle block owners and gardening enthusiasts who want to try and garden more organically,” says Hugo.

A permablitz begins when a potential host signals interest in an event at their property. They work with a volunteer or professional permaculture designer to design the garden. Hosts provide catering for the day and fund costs of material and design, if any. Volunteer tasks include planting trees, seedlings, digging paths, swales and small ponds, making vegetable beds with “no-dig” methods, pruning and more.

Trish and Sue coach volunteers via workshops to show techniques of growing from seed, composting, keeping chickens, understanding soil and companion planting; and more.

Permablitz BOP has about three events “in the pipeline” and now hopes to extend itself over the region.

For information, visit: www,permablitzbopnz.net

By Merle Foster

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HOUSE & LANDSCAPE

Page 35

Building a home has never been easier People are often nervous when building a new home, because of the range and complexity of the issues involved. Resource consents, planning permission, legal obligations, and building permits are just a few.

For G.J. Gardner customers, however, the nervousness is short-lived.

“We go out of our way to make the process easy,” says Grant Porteous, national managing director of G.J. Gardner Homes. “We take away the worry, because we can take care of everything, including permits, resource consents, planning issues, engineering, drainage, geo-technical reports and lots of other detailed things. And during the planning stage, we’re happy to come and see you after-hours at your place, so there’s no disruption to your work schedule.

“We are a network of individual owner-operated businesses, making them part of your community, and providing direct access to the owner of the business which is responsible for building your home. You get the advantages of dealing with local people in your community, backed by the resources and buying power of a large, national group.”

G.J. Gardner Homes plans give real flexibility because they are designed using a system that allows them to be easily modified, without

incurring huge expense.

“For example, you may want a larger garage to accommodate a boat or motorbikes or a purpose-designed home theatre room. In most cases, designs can be altered for little cost. Furthermore, once you have decided on the floor plan that best suits your needs; you then have a choice of exterior design options. The G.J. Gardner system lets you change rooflines and the overall profile of your home to suit the environment in which you’re building.

“We will advise on materials, fixtures and fittings, and will give you an honest, objective appraisal of their performance, based on

our experience throughout the G.J. Gardner Homes network. Our designers can also create a new home for you from scratch – just bring us your ideas, sketches or magazine cut outs and we’ll work

with you to come up with the perfect solution. Also, if there’s a particular architect you’d like to use, we’re happy to work with them, so you get the home you always dreamed of at a price that won’t get out of control.”

Clients can be totally involved with all major decisions and material selections, or can leave everything up to G.J. Gardner Homes and just pick up the keys when their home is finished.

“Once you have decided on the design of your home, a comprehensive quotation can usually be

provided within 48 hours. We will provide a specification, covering every detail of the items in your home. Our policy is to make the quote as accurate as possible, so there are unlikely to be unexpected cost over runs in the end. We also provide a ‘Comparing Apples with Apples’ homebuilder checklist to help you compare like with like, among different builders’ offers.

“At G.J. Gardner, we fiercely guard our reputation for integrity and are committed to being up-front about every aspect of your home building plans,” says Grant.

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Safety concerns kindle winning design Ayla Hutchinson was so worried her mum Claire might cut her fingers off while chopping kindling, she set about designing a safe splitter – and ended up winning two major awards at Fieldays.

The 13-year-old from Taranaki won both the Young Investor of the Year and the JAWS IP Service Award, part of the 2013 Fieldays Grassroots innovation category. Ayla’s ‘Kindling Cracker’ impressed with its simple and easy to use design and the judges deemed it would be a welcome addition to any household.

Her prize includes $1000 in cash and assistance from James & Wells to take the intellectual property process further. Concern about the dangers of chopping kindling became the subject of Ayla’s science fair project, and what evolved is a device with an axe head in a frame. A piece of wood, to be split for kindling, is placed on top of the up-turned axe head (held inside a metal frame) for it to be hit from above by a mallet.

“Your fingers don’t get close to the axe,” says Ayla. “I’m pretty overwhelmed. I didn’t think I’d win my school science fair project, but here I am at Fieldays with two awards,” she says of her win. “I’m from Taranaki, it’s

BRIDGE IT NZ

my first time here and I’ve already met so many great people. At my exhibition site it’s been amazing talking to all the people that come along. A lot have been giving me more ideas on how to improve the design and asking me if I’d like to work with them. The next step is to use some of the prize money to get it into the Keeping fingers safe – market.” Once the initial Ayla Hutchinson with idea was perfected, Ayla’s dad Vaughan helped with the Kindling Cracker the engineering required she invented. to create the prototype Kindling Cracker. And now Ayla has hopes it will become a commercial product, financing her tertiary studies. Still unsure exactly what career she wants to pursue, Ayla says it will probably be something to do with design. “I like designing things and finding solutions to problems.” Ayla’s invention was on show in the innovation tent at Fieldays alongside other award winners.

Fieldays Innovations Centre Awards: • Fieldays International Innovation award – Gallagher for the HR4 Hand Held EID tag reader and tag collector • Fieldays International Innovation Merit award C-Dax for the SmartControl with SmartMaps system • The Grassroots Major Category award & Vodafone ICT award – Steve Dawson for Quad Bike GPS Monitoring System • Grassroots Merit award – Brendan Herries for Twin Injector Vax • Grassroots Young Inventor of the Year award & The JAWS IP Service award – Ayla Hutchings for Kindling Cracker • Launch NZ Category award - Grant Engle from Revolutionary Beekeeping Ltd for The Mobile Honey Harvester

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Fieldays ‘reunion’ for fencing company Fieldays 2013 turned into something of a reunion for the team from Beams & Timber Direct Ltd and their customers, says Julie Fox.

This smart BTD fence is in Airport Rd, not far from the Mystery Creek Fieldays site.

“Many of our customers, including some from New Plymouth and the South Island called at our site to say hello which was great.

We received a lot of positive comments about the quality of our products with clients saying how pleased they were with our fences.”

Others who visited the site were also impressed with the quality of the BTD Interlok fencing on display.

“People are quick to recognise the workmanship of our fencing and the value there is in buying quality.”

The company was able to showcase its fencing outside Fieldays too, by placing a banner on a smart BTD fence in Airport Rd, drawing passing Fieldays visitors’ attention to their site at Mystery Creek.

“It is always pleasing that our past customers call into our Fieldays site and say hello and it makes it

well worth being there,” says Julie.

Beams & Timber Direct is a privately-owned sawmill located at Tuakau, approximately 50 minutes south of Auckland.

It is a wholesale and retail timber merchant which, as well as its unique fencing systems, specialises in large, end section solid wood beams and wide boards, for indoor and outdoor use.

The BTD Interlock fence is con-

structed from precisely machined components which simply slot together.

It is easy to install and comes cut-tolength, to give a stylish fence suitable for a range of uses.

The BTD Interlock fence is suitable for urban residential use, lifestyle blocks and farms, subdivisions, parks and recreational areas, equestrian centres and entrance ways. Delivery can be arranged nationwide.

Buckets ahead in popularity stakes Each year at Fieldays there’s a stand-out give-away –something everyone seems to be carrying and everyone wants.

For years, cattle prodders (or more politely stock sticks) have been among the popular Fieldays take-aways, but this year bright orange buckets were everywhere – even doubling as head-wear.

Lely New Zealand Ltd national sales manager Trent Finlay says the company gave away two pallet loads of buckets, stamped with its branding, during the first three days of Fieldays.

Leah Russell (11) “We’ve and Aria Sauft (11) given away of Stanley Avenue buckets School, Te Aroha, before and they with their very useful buckets at are a simple Fieldays. way of getting our branding out there, as buckets aren’t something people can fold up and put inside something else. They also tend Easiest way to to stay in use for some time carry a bucket – after Fieldays.” At Fieldays, Lely on your head. promoted its Lely Astronaut

Robotic Milking System, Calm automatic calf, lamb or kid feeder, and its Compedes rubber flooring along with Luna cow brushes for cow comfort. Its range of mowers, tedders, balers, wrappers and feeder wagons were also on show.

Beams & Timber Direct Ltd (BTD)

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Secret native herbs add value to beef Indigenous New Zealand herbs combined with Kiwi ingenuity are adding value to what were once ‘cheap cuts’ of meat.

to draw attention to the efforts to find smart ways of beating the “tyranny of distance”.

“Container vessels are now using slow steaming which can save in the use of fuel and production of emission.

But it also means products we ship to market take longer to arrive,” says Alex.

AgResearch is researching ways to ensure product arrives in perfect condition, despite the slower shipping speeds.

Smart technology is also turning the long boat trip into an opportunity to properly age meat for increased quality.

Pete Dobbie was kept busy slicing samples of the tasty beef from a rotisserie while his fellow research assistant Kevin Taukiri, and others on the AgResearch stand at Fieldays, offered the public the chance to sample the results of recent research.

“The aim is to add value to New Zealand beef and scientists have been working with indigenous New Zealand herbs, rubbing them into meat which Goats has been salted to draw The Fieldays stand out the moisture,” says also featured the work Alex Fear, AgResearch’s of the Dairy Goat Cosenior communications. operative (NZ) Ltd and The beef is designed AgResearch, which has to be packaged and exported ready-to-cook. Pete Dobbie (left) and Kevin Taukiri were tempting enabled the co-operative Using New Zealand Fieldays visitors with samples of beef, flavoured with to position itself in new product infant formula herbs, the combinaNew Zealand herbs. development, and tion of which is a secret known only to a select few, is also an important point target niche premium markets in Europe within the of difference, Alex says. paediatric nutraceuticals segment (estimated at $860 The meat found ready acceptance with Fieldays million per annum). visitors and its development fits with AgResearch’s Benefits expected from new product and market aims to use research to extract greater value from development for the Dairy Goat Co-operative are meat, including developing meat products with projected annual export revenue increases of between specific functional properties. $30 to $80 million, and anticipated expansion of the milk processing base with associated employment Tyranny growth and additional goat milk supplier base.

Total project investment from 2007-2012 was $6.9 The meat treats were not all that was on display on the AgResearch stand. million from Ministry for Business, Innovation and A photograph of a large container vessel was used Employment, and Dairy Goat Co-operative.

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Barry nails stapling Barry Davis of Urenui in Taranaki reckons he’s got the task, of stapling wires to fence battens, nailed.

Barry, an engineer turned small farm owner has invented a manual device to insert staples quickly and easily without the need to hold the batten secure from behind, while hammering the in the staple.

Furthermore, he’s also invented a device to remove staples cleanly and easily. Both devices attracted a good deal of attention in the innovations tent at Fieldays where Barry’s daughter Kate demonstrated how easy they were to use. The stapler is designed to fit around the batten, holding it secure while a staple is inserted by pulling down on the handle. To remove a staple, the claws of the staple puller are placed on the wire, and it will be pulled out. Visitors to their stand at Fieldays were asked to fill in forms with expressions of interest in purchasing the devices. “If we get enough positive feedback, we’ll produce them for sale,” says Barry.

The staple puller invented by Barry Davis is demonstrated by his daughter Kate.

Truck art captivates Peter Not too many people fall in love with a vehicle which came close to running them down – but then there’s nothing ordinary about either the truck or Peter Grant.

Seventeen years ago Peter was travelling on an old Enfield motorcycle in Pakistan when a truck, the like of which he had never seen before, came close to terminating his journey. Instead, that near miss set him off on another trip entirely. “I was completely entranced by the truck art of Pakistan and decided I had to document it and share it with the rest of the world,” says commercial photographer and Waipu resident Peter Grant, now the proud owner of his own art truck. The former International St John Ambulance, which Peter had painted in New Zealand by Pakistani truck artist Younus Nawaz, was on display at Fieldays in June. However, before Younus painted his truck, Peter had visited Pakistan four times to learn about and document truck art and Pakistan’s culture. That culminated in two photographic exhibitions in New Zealand, in the Pataka Art+ Museum, Porirua, in May and at Auckland’s Depot Artspace in June. “I’ve never seen commercial or public transport vehicles decorated like this. They are stunning and often more is spent on the artwork than the vehicle itself.” Peter says the trend dates back centuries to when art

was used to decorate everyday items, including the harnesses and trappings of camel

wolf-like sheep, and a tui, along with a landscape reminiscent of a South Island lake. “Younus said he had always dreamed of such a paradise and then he found it in New Zealand.”

Peter has his own photographic business Pix & Flix – and but at Fieldays it was Peter and his truck which were the focus of the lenses and cellphone cameras.

By Elaine Fisher

trains on the Silk Road. The modern version came about when truck drivers made the long journeys from the Port of Karachi to northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. “When they stopped the drivers would often doodle drawings of their ideals of paradise, and truck owners began to use those images to decorate their vehicles to make them standout, and be more appealing to customers. They also believed it might make the trucks luckier.” Decorations can cover every part of vehicles and often include elaborate ‘fringes’ around front and sides. The art is as distinctive as the artist – but every truck has an eye to ward off evil and all feature symbols of peace and harmony. “It seems strange to us that in a country we so often associate with unrest, there are so many symbols of peace; and that the normal greeting is in fact a wish for peace.”

Peter’s truck has uniquely New Zealand themes, including a kiwi on each door,

Call us for a demo today

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

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Vaughn Carson 027 223 3365 Glenn Davidson 027 223 3363

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Mating “100 times easier”with easier” new automation A recent investment in the latest farm automation technology is already paying off for one Waikato farmer – helping to reduce the labour of drafting, improve herd records and generally make life easier.

LIC’s new Protrack Vector system is even better than expected, says Reece Croasdale, manager and contract milker on his family’s farm near Taupiri with 450 cows on 110 ha.

“I knew I’d look back and wonder how we did without it, but it’s even better than what we thought it was going to be.

“It made mating 100 times easier, especially with the mobile app. Because if I saw a cow bulling in the yard, paddock or on the way in then I just put her number into my phone and she’d be drafted out and waiting in the pen at the end of milking.

“Before we’d use foam to mark them and then have to race up the front to draft her manually. It was a bit of a nightmare, but this has made life much easier.”

The Protrack Vector system was retrofitted to their 30-aside herringbone shed last month, as part of the co-operative’s pre-launch farm trials of the system – in time for winter mating of half the split-calving herd.

“With two mobs all year round we probably do twice as much drafting as other farms, so that will be

(Right) Reece Croasdale is working with Garth Anderson, LIC’s farm automation business manager, to provide feedback on its new Protrack Vector system. where this will help the most. But the computer in the shed also means we can be a bit fussier with our records and improve them too.

“We can record everything as it happens into MINDA, like health treatments. There’s no more double handling of the information and no more excuses really.”

As part of the pre-launch trials, Reece is working with LIC to provide feedback on the Protrack system and ideas for improvement.

“It’s cool being able to be part of the trial, so I can give my ideas and feedback to help shape the final system and it’ll help other farmers in the end too.”

Primary industries are country’s powerhouse The 2013 Fieldays has reinforced just how important the primary industries are to New Zealand’s economy, says Primary Industries minister Nathan Guy. With 125,127 people attending this year’s event at Mystery Creek, the Minister says the overall mood was “very positive”. “Primary industries are the powerhouse of

New Zealand’s economy generating around $30 billion a year in exports, which is about 72 per cent of all our exports.

“The Government’s focus on doubling our primary sector exports by 2025 was reinforced, along with programmes like the Primary Growth Partnership which is supporting new research and devel-

opment,” says the Minister.

“Farming communities have shown enormous resilience to come through what was probably the worst drought New Zealand has faced in 70 years. Grass growth has recovered and many regions now realise how important the Government’s support for water storage projects really is.”

FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

HE ASKED FOR IT Reece Croasdale: Taupiri. Herd size 450.

Reece loves slalom skiing, he’s been doing it since he was 8 and he loves the speed and the challenge of making every turn as efficient and tight as is possible. He takes the same approach with his other early morning challenge - milking. That’s why Reece installed a Protrack solution.

Protrack lets him run milking just as fast, accurate and tight as he skis, which leaves him with more time on the water.

We don’t know what you will do with the extra time a Protrack system will give you. We just know that you, like Reece and every other Protrack owner, will find better things to do with the time you used to spend in the shed.

B&LIC0375

To find out more about how Protrack can help make your life easier visit www.lic.co.nz, call 0508 Protrack or contact your LIC Customer Relationship Manager.

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

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Drinking water to effluent stored in these tanks The unique properties of glass-fused-to-steel tanks mean they are suitable for storing municipal drinking water – as well as grains for stock or human consumption, waste water and cow shed effluent, says Paul Lowe of Tanks & Silos.

Together with business partner Brett Clow, Paul has been importing and erecting the UK Permastore Tanks since late last year, mainly for the dairy industry.

However, Paul says uses for the tanks are far more diverse because they have the best properties of both materials. The strength and flexibility of steel, combined with corrosion resistance of glass on both interior and exterior surfaces, provides a unique linerfree system which is up to food and water storage quality standards.

Permatore has been making glass-fused-to-steel tanks and silos since 1959 and exports the components to 110 countries with more than 300,000 tanks built worldwide.

“The tank system is used for water storage in cities and towns around the world, and is an effective way for farmers, with water take rights, to store their allocation during high rainfall times, to allow irrigation during drier periods,” says Brett.

Formed last year, so far the company has installed seven effluent tanks with components for two more now on the way to New Zealand. The first 2.2 million litre tank, constructed in just six days on a Waharoa dairy farm, measures 26.5 metres in diameter and is 4.2 metres high.

Since then, they have built similar size, and smaller tanks, including one to hold 700,000 litres.

Flexibility is a key feature of construction, says Paul.

A tank’s size can be altered by adding more panels on top, or if necessary the tank can be dis-assembled and constructed somewhere else. In the case of an effluent or waste water tank, it doesn’t leave behind a contaminated site.

The tank has an inspection platform, reached by a removable ladder, and the tank’s high sides eliminate need for fencing.

The tanks are constructed on a concrete pad, and consist of panels 2.7 metre by 1.4 metre, which weigh about 140 kg. The panels are bolted together and sealed to become water-tight. The finish is hardwearing, colour-fast, very low maintenance and easy to clean.

Answer to a reel problem When an electric fence reel falls, or is knocked off a fence line, animals quickly find a shortcut to somewhere they are not supposed to be.

That’s why Lincoln University students Sam McKnight and Chris Henderson have invented the Real Handi Clip, which they launched at Fieldays in June.

“In one night, 10 animals were lost on a farm because the electric fence reel had fallen off. So that got us thinking about how to make it more secure,” says Sam. Most reels have a metal hook by which to hang them from a fence wire - but this makes them easy to dislodge from gusting wind or even animals giving them a nudge.

The answer Sam and Chris have come up with is a closed clip on a handle fitted to the reel, which enables it to be securely hung up or detached without the risk of getting a shock.

The clip and handle fit to existing reels, and the students hope to find a commercial market for the device.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Barking Mad wins supreme ag art award Two Te Awamutu designers shone in the Fieldays Ag Art Wear Awards, taking four major prizes.

‘Barking Mad’ designed by Joanne Bowe.

Te Awamutu College student Charlotte Ykema won the Classroom Couture prize for ‘Dark Fallen Angel’, while Joanne Bowe won the Avant Garde award for ‘Butchered’ – and her design Barking Mad won both the Designer Traditional category and the Supreme Award. Judge Hayley Fruish from Chaos & Harmony says ‘Barking Mad’, made largely from tree bark, was an instant ‘wow’ for the judges and deserved to take out the supreme title. “Barking Mad is the overall winner because it was an extremely well composed garment. It showed intelligent design, creating a fashion conscience form out of natural material with great quality construction. The edging showed great finishing and attention to detail. It was a stand-out piece to all judges,” says Hayley. Joanne, who won a total of $5000 in prize money, as well as trip to Fiji, used cow hide in the construction of ‘Butchered’.

Judge Marion Manson said Charlotte’s winning garment was a clear stand out due to its unique construction and the welded wings made of horse shoes.

Charlotte received a $2000 cash prize, and a trip to ‘World of Wearable Arts’ in September.

‘Butchered’ designed

by Joanne Bowe.

‘Eggs Benedict’ designed by Dionne Surtees.

‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ designed by Angela Laurie-Mann.

Proven Designs, Proven Profits

Waikato Dairy Builders are specialists in the design and construction of herringbone dairy sheds.

A Waikato Dairy Builders shed is designed to maximise milking efficiency and provide better profitability.

‘Ravishing Rubber’ designed by Mallonae Garton.

‘Ceres’ designed by Mercia Paaymans.

‘The Artist who married the Farmer’ designed

by Natalie Tonkin.

• We have built hundreds of high producing sheds • Completed to your requirements and budget • Innovation, workmanship and experience Ph Jim 07-850 5971 Mob. 0274 936 693 Ph Chris 07-849 3630 Mob. 0274 936 692 0800 P.O. Box 10 188, Te Rapa, Hamilton

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Irish opportunities down under The increasing trend to provide New Zealand livestock with supplement feed is viewed as an opportunity for the Irish company Wakely Engineering.

Director Phelim Wakely was at Mystery Creek Fieldays in June to promote the company’s roller mills, which are used to process a range of feeds for stock. His company was among six from Ireland exhibiting at the Enterprise Ireland stand.

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

“We are a small family company. My wife Sheila, myself and our sons and have been in business for more than 30 years,” says Phelim.

Initially manufacturing a range of farm based grain mills, Phelim’s strong engineering background soon saw the company flourish to its current dominant position – as the leading Irish producer of high output industrial grain crushing mills for the home and export market.

Designed and manufactured in Ireland, a Wakely Roller Mill is built to the highest engineering standard; and all feature their core Solid Chilled Rollers, which are precision-balanced resulting in a mill that is quiet and smooth running with a greatly extended lifespan, says Phelim. The company offers a wide range of model types, which can also be tailored to suit a variety of crops and individual preferences.

The mills, which are either electric or PTO driven and come in a range of sizes, are ideal for crushing oats, barley, wheat, maize and beans.

“Other supplements can be added to increase protein levels.”

Phelim says there are some similarities between farming in New Zealand and Ireland in that livestock are grass fed during the summer. “However, we don’t have the size dairy herds that you do in New Zealand.”

Other Irish companies at Fieldays were BioTector, HiSpec, Fleming Agri, RainSafe Water and EasyFix Rubber Products.

BioTector Online TOC Analyzers were developed specifically for the dairy industry as a management tool that allows dairy processors to instantaneously view and quantify product loss in wastewater. This gives greater process insights and control, early warnings of process issues and rapid incident response. Dairy processors have been using BioTector since 1995 to reduce product loss, increase plant yield, reduce energy and water consumption, optimise WWTP operations and meet environmental regulations.

Hi-Spec manufactures machinery for the agricultural and industrial sectors including vacuum tankers, diet feeders, and muck spreaders. Hi-spec products are updated on a continual basis with the latest technology; and innovations are incorporated to ensure efficiency and quality. Hi Spec NZ builds its machines to suit each farmer individually.

For more than 150 years, the Fleming Family have

Phelim Wakely of the Irish company Wakely Engineering was at Fieldays to promote the company’s range of roller mills for processing stock feed. been a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment and are now actively expanding their current markets in New Zealand. Fleming Agri products cover a wide range of farming applications from trailers, hay handling equipment, slurry tankers and toppers to name a few of the 140 different products. Fleming Agri has formed a partnership in New Zealand with Toplink Machinery to provide a quality and competitive European manufactured product, along with the first class services from a local partner.

RainSafe Water is a rapidly expanding Irish company focused on developing innovative water purification systems. Working with their global manufacturing partners ensures that their quality and production processes are easily scalable as demand grows. Their new product type RainSafe AQUA MIDI was launched at Mystery Creek.

EasyFix Rubber Products provide a wide range of products for the agricultural industry, including slat rubber, cow mats, cubicle mattress matting, parlour matting, feed pad matting, green cow-safe cubicles, easyfeeders and walkway matting. The entire product range, developed by their agricultural specialists, is designed to meet the needs of the modern livestock producer.

Longer to phase out battery hens Fear of a spike in egg prices has resulted in an extension to the phasing out of keeping hens in battery cages.

Dr John Hellstrom, chair of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, says while the industry will be cage-free by December 31, 2022, an independent assessment suggests a significant disruption in the supply of eggs is almost inevitable – should

the initial transition step

by December 31, 2016 remain.

“In the short term it would mean eggs are less affordable, especially for low-income consumers for whom eggs represent an important source of high-quality protein,” says John.

“NAWAC is committed to getting layer hens out of battery cages. What is changing, are the steps farmers take to get there. The changes will make it easier for farmers to adopt the new housing systems while minimising market disruptions.”

The NAWAC is seeking public consultation on proposed changes to the Layer Hens Code of Welfare 2012. The welfare code’s most significant effect is to require battery cages to be phased out by December 31, 2022. This was to be managed in three transition stages. While the final phase-out date has not changed, the potential for severe price increases has highlighted the need to move each of the transition steps back by two years.

The amended transition steps, within the 10-year period, are as follows: Cages installed before December 31, 1999 to be replaced by December 31, 2018 (instead of 2016); cages installed before December 31, 2001 to be replaced by December 31, 2020.

“Other proposed changes will also help farmers meet the transition dates. These involve stocking density in barns and fitting of claw-shortening devices in cages. We’ve had a lot of interest on this issue, so it is important that NAWAC gets the changes out to the public for feedback. Once all feedback is considered NAWAC will provide advice to the Minister for Primary Industries.”

For information on making submissions, visit the MPI website: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult

CHICKENS

Page 45

Clean, warm and dry hens equal more eggs The secret of keeping hens for egg production is to keep them dry, warm, healthy and clean, says Ian Selby of Poultrynz.

Poultry need to have access to dry conditions in either barns or houses. Continued wet and cold conditions, especially in the winter months, affects their body temperature thus slowing down the egg production.

“Free range might sound good – but not when it’s raining and snowing. So it is essential to have them well-housed and then allow them to free range when the weather is good,” says Ian. All types of poultry and birds have a host of diseases and parasites to contend with, and prevention is better than a cure. Poultrynz has two products that are a must for good poultry husbandry.

‘Poultry Shield’ is now a well-known product in New Zealand. It is used for cleaning and sanitising all animal housing and equipment. Diluted 9-1, it removes the build-up of dirt, faecal and waxy deposits – and the organic matter in which red mites live and breed.

“Fewer mites are seen in the winter months, and now is the time to attack and reduce their numbers before the finer weather approaches.

Keeping birds free of this parasite certainly keeps hens more healthy, and with regular inspection, and the use of ‘Poultry Shield’ these mites must be kept under control and eradicated.”

Along with ‘Poulty Shield’, Poultrynz has its twin ‘Diatom’ which is a food-grade diatomaceous earth, another wellknown product

Chickens are excellent pets Chickens can make great pets. They can be very social animals, and will usually bond easily with people once they know who provides the food.

The average lifespan of a chicken is eight to15 years so owners need to be committed to their regular daily care and attention as a hen will depend on someone to provide food, water, medical care and shelter.

To pick up a chicken encircle its body with your hands, holding the wings down while supporting the body from below. You can then carry it by placing it under one arm gently to prevent it extending and flapping its wings.

Chickens develop a ‘pecking order’. Dominant birds will control movement, feeding and socialisation.

They are also pretty easy to handle, and intelligent animals that are able to distinguish and give different alarm calls when threatened by various predators.

They can feel nervous in open spaces (especially exbattery hens) as this can make them feel vulnerable to attack, so introduce them slowly to any large open spaces.

Sometimes a hen will sit on the nest box making it unavailable to others. This is why it is best to have one nesting box per hen, although this broody behaviour can be stopped by separating the hen from the others for a while.

Sometimes one or two hens may attack others, even drawing blood. If this does occur, treat the victim with veterinary treatment. They should sort themselves out, with some of the ones being attacked perhaps roosting more than others. If the problem

does persist separating the attacker into a temporary pen within sight of the other hens for a short time, should cure the problem.

Old feathers are shed and new feathers grow to replace them about once a year with the new feathers taking about one to two months to grow. Some exbattery hens may have hardly any feathers at all, from rubbing their bodies up against the battery hen cages.

Their feathers will grow back within a month or two.

(Source SPCA www.spca.org.nz/AnimalCare/ChickenCare.aspx)

that helps with the health of poultry and other animals.

Used in conjunction with ‘Poultry Shield', ‘Diatom’ is sprinkled on the perches, scattered in the nest boxes and where the hens dust bath. A completely organic product ‘Diatom’ attacks parasites when they pass over it, and the abrasions cause the mites to dehydrate and die.

‘Diatom’ from Poultrynz is the heaviest diatomaceous earth product available. The biggest benefit is that is does not blow away or easily removed, like other forms of ‘DE’. It stays on the perches longer and continually works, says Ian.

Page 46

COUNTRY LIVING

Honey of a job for Stephanie Honey has provided a sweet opportunity for Stephanie Lynch to be a stay-at-home mum for her two sons, and enjoy the challenges and stimulation of operating a small business.

Together with beekeeper and energy management consultant husband Martin, she runs Sweetree Honey from their home in Horsham Downs.

Stephanie had been working for an IT company, producing marketing videos to showcase its new software but felt she was missing out on quality time with Daniel (10) and Matthew (8).

Now she is using her marketing and IT skills to promote and sell the unique range of honeys, pollen and propolis produced from 150 hives, online, through a number of retail shops and direct to the public at farmers markets. Friends Harald Aalderink and his daughter Isa help with the farmers’ market sales – and the face-to-face contact with customers is an aspect of the business they all enjoy.

Sweetree has won a Farmer's Markets Taste Award two years in a row and its Hakarimata honey won silver; and bee pollen won a bronze at the National Beekeepers Association honey show in 2012. The company’s honey also appears in Master Chef judge Simon Gault’s new cookbook ‘Homemade’.

Martin has been keeping bees since he was 11, learning from his father, and he continued in a small way through his university years, but always as a hobby.

When he and Stephanie moved to Horsham Downs in 2003 they expanded hive numbers to collect bee pollen for selling to wholesalers. Now hive numbers have increased again and they harvest around four tonne of honey a year.

As a point of difference, Sweetree honeys aren’t blended. “The bees have access to a wide range of flowering plants, and honeys from different areas are not blended with each other, meaning customers can choose

a honey based on the location shown on the jar, such as Horsham Downs, Marokopa, Four Brothers Reserve and Hakarimata, with each having its own special characteristics.”

The 2013 honey Marokopa manuka honey has been tested at Hills Laboratory and found to have a beneficial bacterial activity of 5+.

Manuka honey is sought after for its natural antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Stephanie and Martin have also begun producing propolis, currently on a small scale, from their hives.

Bees collect sticky resins and gums from trees and add special antibacterial properties to create propolis.

Martin and Stephanie Lynch have won farmers markets awards for their honey.

Page 47

COUNTRY LIVING

Horsham Downs Honeys put fruit and recycled jars to good use It is used in the hive to block up holes, as an antiseptic, and to guard the hive against disease. Bee propolis, which has been used by humans for centuries for healing, invigorates the immune system.

Caring for the health of the bees as well as the quality of their product is important to Stephanie and Martin, who leave enough honey in the hives to feed the bees through winter.

Once harvested, the honey is extracted in a local honey house and bottled into glass. “I don’t like the idea of putting a food, especially one as pure as honey, into

Sweetree Honey is not blended so remains true to the area in which it was harvested.

plastic,” says Stephanie.

Clients often return the jars but sterilising them for re-packaging honey is not straightforward, so Stephanie puts them to another use.

Together with other members of the Horsham Downs Rural Women group, she collects surplus fruit from friends and neighbours and makes jams and preserves for the local food bank or to sell to raise funds for charities.

“We call ourselves the ‘Horsham Downs Honeys’ and I’m probably the youngest in the group. We have a lot of fun, and collectively,

there’s a lot of knowledge about home preserving and jam making,” says Steph-

anie. To find out more about Sweetree Honey, visit: www.sweetreehoney.co.nz

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Ingenious device for camping holidays Man-power not motor power was what drove this month’s mystery item from the Katikati Heritage Museum.

If you know what it was for and perhaps have a story to share about memories of using something similar, or seeing one used, we’d love to hear about it.

And you could be in to win a museum visit for two.

Send your entry to Mystery S o l i d F o oItem d f o r by Soils emailing: elaine@ thesun.co.nz or post to Mystery Item, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than July 17. The winner will be announced in August’s Coast & Country.

Last month’s mystery item was a mystery to even the museum staff but Coast & Country reader Paul Tombleson of Te Kuiti thinks he knows what D o l oitZ eis.s t

“The item is for putting around a pole in the middle of a tent, then you can hang your clothes up on it,” he writes.

We checked that out with the people at Camping and Outdoors they agree it was probably used on the old Boy Scout kind of canvas tents, which had large wooden centre-poles. Today’s modern tents have pockets and places to stow gear but that wasn’t the case with older tents. However, in a modern take on the leather collar hanger from the museum – LED camping lights now come in a design which can be locked around a tent pole.

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Page 48

Redundancy law turned on its head Stove heats and Up until now, an employer has had a right to structure their business in any way they wish – and the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court has not been entitled to enquire further into the business reasons behind a restructuring proposal.

This long-established view has been turned on its head by a recent decision from the Employment Court. In the case of Totara Hills Farm v Davidson, chief judge Colgan has confirmed that the authority or court can assess the business decision behind a redundancy to determine whether the decision, and how the decision was reached, were what a fair and reasonable employer could have done in all the relevant circumstances.

The result of this case for employers is that employers can no longer say that a decision to restructure is substantively justified simply because it is a genuine decision – as opposed to a sham to hide a dismissal for other reasons.

The authority or court is now able to scrutinise the merits of the decision.

Employment Law Services

In Totara Hills Farm v Davidson, the court found the employer’s decision to make Mr Davidson redundant was not a sham. However, the court then went further, and examined the business case behind the redundancy decision.

How does this case impact for employers?

The authority or court will look more closely into an employer’s reasons for a restructuring decision.

For this reason, when drafting a restructuring proposal, and considering whether to implement a restructure, employers will need to: provide valid reasons for the restructuring proposal; clearly communicate this to affected employees; provide detailed information to support the reasons for the restructuring proposal; be able to explain further the reasons for the restructure, if required; carefully consider any alternatives suggested by potentially affected employees; have clear and justifiable reasons for not adopting any alternatives suggested by potentially affected employees; and consider whether the decision they are proposing to make is one which a reasonable employer could reach in the circumstances.

Employers will be required to provide documented evidence to support the restructuring proposal, alternatives considered, and cost-saving measures.

This case is a warning to employers that they will increasingly be called to account for decisions they make, where those decisions affect the on-going employment of their staff 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.

cooks too The owners of “a big draughty” home doubted any stove would be able to heat the entire house.

But they discovered, when purchasing a Wagener model that it did not only that – but cooked their food too.

“After many years of toughing it out we finally decided to put in a wood burning stove and chose the Wagener CookTop – probably one of the better decisions we have ever made,” says Airlie from Kohukohu.

“The house is a typical old Far North farm house – big, draughty, high stud, rabbit warren of rooms – everything that makes a house difficult to heat.

And to make matters worse, it is situated on a very cold and damp site, tucked beneath the Panguru ranges,” admits Airlie. “Despite our misgivings about the ability of any stove to warm the entire house – the CookTop does just that.

“As for cooking on it – brilliant. It will boil a pot more quickly than if it is placed on an electric stove; and we’ve found that it’s possible to literally cover the surface of it with saucepans to produce an entire meal. “Wood consumption is good and it is very easy to light. We would recommend the Wagener CookTop to anyone considering putting in a wood burner.”

Wagener Stoves offer genuine New Zealand-made products with local back

The Wagener CookTop heats the home and cooks food too. up and support; and a wealth of experience gained from more than 30 years in the heating industry.

The CookTop Wagener Stove has been a proven performer in homes throughout the country for three decades. Popular features of this radiant heater are its large cooking surface, which can easily accommodate three or four pots to cook an entire meal, and a log box base for wood storage with an attached poker.

The CookTop Wagener Stove is a compact, robust and a very affordable wood fire. Its deep brick-lined firebox can take man-sized logs for excellent heat output and long burn times. In addition, when fitted with a “Lion” wet back the CookTop Wagener Stove will also heat hot water. This robust stove can be found in locations as diverse as rural homes in Northland to Department of Conservation huts in Te Anau.

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Page 49

COUNTRY LIVING

Cruising offers special holiday experience Cruising is the fastest growing sector of travel in the world. Be it ocean cruising or river cruising – there are so many destinations to visit and a cruise to suit every traveller’s budget, says Lynne Moore, managing director of Harvey World Travel Bayfair.

Ocean cruising is very popular with destinations such as the South Pacific, Caribbean, Canada and Alaska, Asia, the Mediterranean, and of course the very admired world cruises.

River cruising is also increasing in popularity with cruises available in Australia, USA, Europe and in Asia.

“For those who haven’t cruised before, I suggest they try a P&O Cruise out of Auckland around the South Pacific. This will give a chance to experience all that cruising has to offer including entertainment, fabulous meals, a range of different cabins to choose from and exploring the places where the ship docks. You unpack once, sit back and enjoy,” says Lynne.

“River Cruising is also a great holiday. Imagine meandering down a river in Europe with picturesque

scenery on both sides of the river – castles dotted among some of the oldest wineries in Europe, quaint villages where it appears that time has stopped, and visits to many old and modern cities as well. Everything is organised for you and for most of the river cruises everything is included in the price.”

Lynne says Harvey World Travel Bayfair and Harvey World Travel Dinsdale are “cruise professionals”, and both teams will be able to find the right cruise for every client.

“All staff are also CLIA accredited, which means that they have sat a series of exams on each individual cruise company and in a lot of cases have cruised on them also.”

Ultraviolet radiation number one carcinogen Could a sunburn cause skin cancer?

Yes– especially if it occurred frequently during many years.

The most common skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and melanoma. While many factors can cause skin cancer such as genetic (hereditary) syndromes, arsenic and immune suppression; the most common cause is ultraviolet radiation. about In fact, ultraviolet radiation is a Category 1 (highest possible category) carcinogen (cancer-causing-agent). This means that prolonged exposure to the sun will cause skin cancer and tanning beds/ sunbeds will cause skin cancer.

Sunburn occurs when the skin is burned by ultraviolet radiation. Keratinocytes (skin cells) die and an inflammatory response follows. A lifetime of constant sun exposure and sunburns will increase your risk.

There is often a delay between sun exposure and the development of skin cancer. For instance, in basal cell carcinomas, up to 10 years could lapse before the skin cancer develops. In other cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma, the time may

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Page 50

COUNTRY LIVING

Lifestyle lots disappearing in Waikato and Waipa New lifestyle lots may become a rare commodity in the Waikato region once current and future changes to the district plan comes into effect.

Already, Waikato District Council has halved the number of lifestyle blocks allowed, from two down to one (your current title must pre-date December

1997 and be larger than six hectares). And that is set to get even harder.

In an appeal to this rule, Waikato Regional Council is seeking to restrict such lifestyle subdivision to lots more than 40ha. This will stop most subdivision close to the city, and push these lifestyle blocks much further afield.

In Waipa, the proposed change to the district plan is set to take away the right to subdivide a retirement block off your farm – currently allowed when you have lived on the property for 15 years or more.

This rule is proposed to disappear in the next month or so and, once gone, the only way to subdivide small lots will be by protecting environmental features, which will be much more limited and costly.

Because of the complex process that these rule changes go through, the rules affecting subdivision are virtually changing by the day. It is quite a job to keep abreast of these changes.

However, we are a party to the proceedings, so we are kept informed. We believe that applications for retirement lots will still be received by Waipa during the next month or so.

Waikato will be receiving applications for lifestyle lots from blocks of more than six hectares – until the Environment Court rules on the regional council's appeal.

This could well happen quickly, with a negotiated settlement avoiding ‘going to court’, so time is fast running out.

Waikato does not have a specific rural subdivision rule. But Waipa currently has a minimum rural lot size of 25 ha, which they propose to change to 40 ha soon.

Both councils will generally allow boundary adjustments and

relocations as a discretionary type application, giving the ability to consolidate farm land into a single title, and produce the odd lifestyle block of a more manageable size.

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, right now is the time to act.

It will soon be too late. 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 and Bay of Plenty.

For further information call 07 838 1571 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

What goes into making a health supplement?

As well as a nutritional therapist, I’m also a product formulator - and using my latest joint product as an example - I’ll explain how I go about making a new product.

Abundant Health

The goal with my new ‘Bettaflex’ product was to create a formula that would achieve two main goals.

Firstly, we would target the cause of osteoarthritis, which is the progressive destruction of joint cartilage.

We want to give the body the building blocks of cartilage to allow optimum repair.

The second goal is to reduce the amount of inflammation, associated with this loss of cartilage.

We first add glucosamine and chondroitin as important components of cartilage. We then add a potent antiinflammatory compound, extracted from turmeric, to reduce the inflammation associated with joint tissue repair.

I then settle on the balance of the ingredients, in this case 50 per cent glucosamine, 45 per cent chondroitin and

five per cent (as a 95 per cent curcumin)turmeric extract. These doses attempt to replicate research into therapeutic levels of each ingredient. The next step is to obtain high quality ingredients through my ingredient supplier in the USA. Once I have my product design in place, I then target optimum dosages to ensure a therapeutic outcome. While I was confident on the role and dosages of both glucosamine and turmeric, chondroitin is a little more controversial. Most joint products include some chondroitin. But I have always felt that small doses have little benefit. A clinical trial in 2011 confirmed that chondroitin has great value but only at higher doses of 800mg daily.

The final step is to set the dosages and make up the label design and final pricing.

By following these processes I generally know in advance how a product will perform. But the ultimate test is the actual benefits obtained by those who use it.

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. Join his weekly newsletter at: www.johnarts.co.nz. For product information, visit: www.abundant.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

New centre-right party contests next election He may dress in a blue jacket but Focus NZ Party president Ken Rintoul says his centre-right party definitely doesn’t replicate Act or cross-over with the National Party.

Joe Carr (a former Federated Farmers dairy chairman), Lachlan McKenzie (a primary industries commentator), and former National Party MP Ross Meurant. Ken says the bulk of membership is now coming from out of Northland.

The Northland farmer and Crippling business owner was at last “Joe and I founded this month’s Mystery Creek FielNZ Focus Party president Ken Rintoul and party party because of overdays’ drumming up support secretary Christy Gordon were drumming up regulation – regulations of prospective members and voters – with his belief that this support at this year’s Fieldays, at Mystery Creek. were coming in on a daily basis, and they’re cripcountry is in too much debt pling the economy and and its dying provinces need to producers, and stifling growth,” says Ken. be re-kindled to stimulate economic growth in New He points to the issue of young people, interested Zealand. in getting into businesses, not taking the step, “either “Our provinces are dying and it is really critical that because they’ve seen their parents struggle or they’ve we re-kindle them because when they’re doing well calculated the rate of return”. everyone does well. It’s a down-stream effect. You “Unless they get handed a generational business, a lot can’t stimulate cities to stimulate provinces – it doesn’t of them can’t get into business these days.” work,” says Ken. Ken says the average person wouldn’t know “that Every person who works on-farm, creates eight jobs today, 40 per cent of the cost of a house is made up of off-farm, says Ken. “And farmers aren’t making money compliance costs or taxes to the Government”.

– the rate of return is between two and seven per cent “This is ridiculous – they’re borrowing to pay taxes to – you need six to break even.” our Government [for it] to prop up the economy.”

Sounding like an economic conscience - while being During the last 40 years, Ken says the country’s a rural champion – the party, with motto ‘prosperramped up to borrowing $12b to $15b each year. ity through productivity’, hasn’t limited itself to an “Our debt is growing every year. It started at $1b a agricultural sector voting base. year, and this year total borrowing could be more. The Government will borrow $9b and the private sector Name change will borrow the same - if not more - and we can’t keep A recent name-change from the Rural Party (formed in August) to Focus NZ Party reflects that people from going – we’ve got to stop borrowing one day.”

Party policies released so far cover tax rates, asset sales, other industries are interested in the party’s values too, livestock tax on breeding stock, and tax on speculative says Ken. foreign funds – with dabbles in debate on rail trans“We found about 40 per cent, who were joining port and housing. or talking of joining, were not from rural provinces.

Policies show the party wants to cut taxes, but not in They’re people in manufacturing, businesspeople and even people in cities,” says Ken. “But they said it’s hard all areas, and introduce a new tax on international financial transactions but is opposed to asset sales to get people to join with that specific [rural name], – offering a stance that floats across NZ’s political because it doesn’t resonate with them.” spectrum.

Party membership is now about 50 per cent rural Ken says another 10 policies will be “ready to go” people and provincial farmers, and 50 per cent busiin the next few weeks; and the party plans to stand nesspeople, self-employed or people who work for on three to four main points – including (as its name “down-stream” companies. suggest) a focus on economics “of getting the dollar Ken says the party is 40 to 50 members short of the down” and “empowering communities”.

500 required to register with the Electoral Com“Empowering communities is about people taking mission. “But we’ve just been to Fieldays’ and we’re responsibility, instead of the Government taxing us starting to get memberships from there.” and taking on the responsibilities of everyone.”

The board of Focus NZ includes Ken and co-founder

By Merle Foster

Page 51

FORESTRY

Page 52

Diversity may be feature of future forests

The future of New Zealand’s forestry industry is growing in neat rows at the Scion Nursery in Rotorua – but not all the trees are radiata pine.

Peter Harington, Scion’s nursery manager.

Cypress, eucalypts, redwoods, Queensland and New Zealand kauri, totara and red beech are propagated too.

Nursery manager Peter Harington says while growing improved varieties of conventional plantation species is the prime focus of the one million plant nursery, it is also researching other species.

“There is a strong interest from iwi groups, in particular, in growing natives for commercial forests. These groups are not concerned that it will take longer, maybe up to 60 years, to harvest as they see forestry as benefiting future generations.”

Some of the work the nursery carries out is for the Radiata Pine Breeding Company - which has been working to breed for improved radiata pine since the late 1980s – and has shareholders that include major forest growing companies in New Zealand and Australia.

nursery, and later in plantations, information which is invaluable in future selections.

Developing new improved tree varieties is not quick. It can take decades to find out if the trees live up to expectations. But research has been going on in New Zealand since the 1940s – so Peter says Scion (originally the Forest Research Institute) has a wealth of knowledge and information from which to draw.

While RPBC is owned by major forestry companies working co-operatively to improve tree stocks. Peter says they focus at a commercial level on growing their forests, selecting plants which will best meet the needs of where they will grow or the end product they produce.

Peter began his career with the New Zealand Forest Service and well remembers collecting pine cones for seed. “There were no OSH regulations back then. We used to climb up one tree, collect cones then get the tree swaying until it came close enough to the next one so we could grab a branch and jump across. It saved having to climb back down and up again.”

Superior

Peter says the nursery grows clonal trees (a tree that can or has cloned itself ) selected from those which have shown superior properties, including wood properties and disease resistance, up to the stage where they are ready for planting out.

Grafted trees are also grown for seed orchards, where they will be hand-pollinated and their seed collected for the next generation.

The progress of each new generation of trees is carefully recorded and tracked throughout their life in the

Conservation

The nursery has a conservation focus too, including one project aimed to save the now rare kaka beak.

“There are probably only 109 kaka beak left growing in the wild and we have many more than that growing here,” says Peter.

The project, which is part of wider work to protect the rare plant, was begun by staff member Karen Te Kani. And since Peter joined the nursery last year, more resources have been put into propagation. While kaka beak can be bought from garden centres, what they sell is a hybrid. The work of Scion staff, DOC and private individuals is to preserve the original species, and eventually re-introduce it to the wild.

The nursery is also custodian of the Rene Orchiston collection of 50 flaxes, collected by Rene from iwi throughout the country. “We are proud to care for this living library of flaxes, which are traditionally used for many different types of weaving and each plant is individually named,” says Peter.

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Plantation pines must be uniform in shape, with not too many branches down low, but there’s one tree in the nursery which breaks all the rules. “This is our Christmas tree variety,” Peter explains. Its perfect cone shape means it’s in demand, for growing trees, for the festive season.

After years in the forestry, working for Carter Holt Harvey, later setting up the 6 million tree Te Ngae Nursery (also at Rotorua), and then being a partner in Woodmetrics for 12 years, Peter is happy managing the Scion nursery.

“I enjoy the people I work with who are dedicated and innovative – and I also get to work with trees which I also love.”

By Elaine Fisher

Page 53

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Investing in opportunities to expand onshore wood processing has been the subject of a recently released study of the New Zealand forestry and wood processing sector.

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading. August issue deadline 18 July.

Friday 5 July

Te Puke Biz Grow At Kiwi 360, SH2, Te Puke 11am – 1.30pm.

Developed for those who want to enhance their skills and career options.

This session discusses 50/50 job opportunities. Ph Wilma foster 021 246 2147 or email: Wilma.foster@dairynz.co.nz

Saturday 6 July

Whangamata Area School Treemendous School Makeover Working bee anytime between 9am – 12.30pm at Whangamata Area School, Port Road, Whangamata.

All welcome. A Project Crimson and Mazda Foundation initiative.

Thursday 11 July

Beef & Lamb NZ Waikato/Franklin Farming for Profit Field Day At the Hillside Hotel, Taupiri Ranges (access from SH1 south of Huntly) from 9am. Successful business planning & profitable beef enterprises.

Speakers & topics include tools for success farm business planning; The opportunities for profitable beef enterprise; plantain & other forages,

profitable calf rearing systems & more.

Registrations essential with payment to Erica 07 839 0286

Friday 12 July

Beef & Lamb NZ BOP Farming for Profit Field Day At Nukuhou North Settlers Hall, Opotiki 9.45am – 2pm. Speakers: Bob Thompson, AgFirst Northland – “How to look after cows after a draught and successful heifer mating. Andrew Rutherford, Balance Agri Nutrients – “The role of fertilizer in developing Kererutahi.” Kererutahi is a 840ha hill country property being developed from forestry. Hear the challenges and progress so far. BBQ at conclusion of the day, bring your own lunch. Ph Rob Mcnab, facilitator 07 823 7450 or 0274 727 014

Saturday 20 July

Waikato Poultry and Pigeon Annual Show At Waikato Table Tennis Stadium, Edgecumbe St, Hamilton July 20 12-5pm, July 21 9am – 12pm. Huge array of birds with chooks, pigeons and ducks on display. Adults $5, under 16years free.

S

BER TR TIM E

NT ME AT

The WoodScape study, initiated by the New Zealand Wood Council (WoodCo), was conducted by Rotorua’s Crown Research Institute Scion in partnership with FPInnovations (Canada). The study supports WoodCo’s strategy to double export earnings from the sector during the next 10 years.

“With the global financial crisis and low housing starts, wood processing in New Zealand has had a difficult time in recent years,” says Warren Parker, chief executive of Scion. “On the other hand, this study confirms there are a number of promising new processing technologies and products. It shows too, the vital importance of continuous innovation to improve mill productivity and develop products, which can realise more value from our forests,” says Warren.

Scientists at Scion designed a model to undertake financial analyses of traditional and emerging wood processing technologies for the study. The model is able to highlight the most promising investment options, based on metrics such as potential return on capital, job

growth and GDP contribution.

The findings from this study show where the industry should increase its focus to realise WoodCo’s goal - of more than doubling forest and wood product exports to $12 billion by 2022.

The model was used in the WoodScape study to analyse the investment potential of a diverse range of nearly 40 different technologies; both traditional and emerging. They included solid wood products, panel products, pulp and paper, engineered wood products and biofuel plants.

“WoodScape is a valuable tool for investors. It will help them answer the question – are we heading in the right direction? And, it will also help us to focus our research to generate more value for wood processors, and gain a better understanding of how we can enhance industry value chains from the forest through to customers,” says Warren.

“Our next step is to work with companies to use the WoodScape model to help them understand their individual investment options at specific sites and regions.”

Scion held a series of workshops in June to demonstrate how the WoodScape model may help forestry and wood processing business owners and investors make decisions around the future of their operation.

For more information, visit: www.scionresearch.com

PEPP ER

Model helps foresters

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SHELTER TREES for sale top quality potted cryptomeria $5 & casuarina $4.50. Ph 07 573 4122 trades & services

CONTROL YOUR CHOOKS. No post’s, free standing fencing easily moved. Visit the website www.lifestyleproducts.net. nz or Ph Alan 027 432 1133

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GORSE SPRAYING Do you have a gorse problem?

Ph today for a free quote for all gorse control in the Bay of Plenty area.

Ph Scott 027 462 4769 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, Chipping, Maintenance & Removal. Bay of Plenty area. 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

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Page 56 Two year old Campbell has just learnt to scratch piggy’s tummy and make him roll over.

I took this photo of Campbell having a cuddle while piggy is enjoying a tummy rub.

Dylan with his new tractor hanging out with Buddy and best mate Meg. Sen

Sent in by Tracey Scott.

t in by Natalie Ma

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My Grandson Jack Jordon hen trying out the e th house before e. hens arriv Birkett Sent in by Bev (Nana).

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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.

Troy McLean, Nathan Darling, Mike Darling and Thomas Darling.

Shalyse with her pet rabbit Nibbles and cat Diesel. Sent in by Diane Hemingway.