ATS News December 2011

ATS News D E CE M B E R/ J A N UA RY 2 0 1 2

Quiet success in Canterbury foothills Off-farm interests complement on-farm management Sheepmeat export markets—an Australian perspective

www.ats.co.nz

From the CEO Farming is always at the mercy of Mother Nature and she has certainly provided many challenges during 2011.

Number one has to be the Canterbury earthquakes which have dominated our news and thoughts for much of this year. These occurrences combined with the usual array of climatic variances are unavoidable. The real test is how we pick ourselves up and move on.

New Zealanders, and especially the farming sector, are particularly good at getting on with things in times of adversity. It’s that sort of resilience which is needed to continue creating success. These qualities are also apparent in some of the personalities featured in this issue of the ATS News.

Our regular rural commentator, Ele Ludemann catches up with farmer turned radio host Jamie Mackay. He started farming the family farm at 19 following the sudden death of his father, survived the turbulent 1980s and is now at the forefront of rural broadcasting with his nationwide Farming Show.

Also featured in this publication is Alister and Jeanette Maxwell’s sheep and beef farming operation nestled in the foothills near Mt Hutt. It’s a busy life with Jeanette also finding time to chair the local Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre Section.

Recent visitor to Ashburton, Kate Joseph, president of the Sheepmeat Council of Australia, also shares her thoughts on the international sheepmeat industry. Some of you may have caught up with Kate when she spoke to ATS members at the Ashburton A & P Show.

Upcoming Events 8 December

Contributors

Christmas with ATS 6pm–9pm ATS Ashburton www.ats.co.nz/christmas

Richard Rennie, Anita Body, Pip Hume, Kate Joseph, Ele Ludemann, Dr Rob Derrick, Kim Newth, Ian Walsh, Ian Hodge and Sue Page

ATS holiday shopping hours We will be closed on the following days through the Christmas New Year period: Christmas Saturday 24 December to Tuesday 27 December. We will re-open on Wednesday 28 December.

Photography Charlotte Mackenzie, Pip Hume, Ele Ludemann and Nikki Craig

Advertising Enquiries Please contact the Marketing Department on:

New Year Saturday 31 December to Tuesday 3 January. We will reopen on Wednesday 4 January.

Tel: 03 307 5100 Email: marketing@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz

If members have any emergency requirements the Duty Manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.

Our team welcome your contributions, enquiries and letters.

Please post or email to: Dave Jackson Marketing Manager david.jackson@ats.co.nz

Each of these articles share a common thread in that all involved see many positives when moving ahead in the farming sector, whether it be the general market climate, new strategies being developed or positive trade and marketing alliances.

Editorial Enquiries

Front Page Photo Mt Hutt sheep and beef farmers Alister and Jeanette Maxwell

This ATS News also features articles about our recently retired chairman, John Low; our newly elected ATS Director, Methven dairy farmer, Alister Body; and our successful inaugural ATS Card Supplier Awards which publicly recognise the contributions of our Card Suppliers.

We hope you enjoy this issue and wish you a happy and safe festive season.

Neal Shaw, Chief Executive

ASHBURTON

METHVEN

RAKAIA

HEAD OFFICE

97 Burnett St Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6721 ashburton@ats.co.nz

88 Main St Tel: 03 303 2020 Fax: 03 302 8184 methven@ats.co.nz

68 Elizabeth Ave Tel: 03 303 5440 Fax: 03 303 5430 rakaia@ats.co.nz

PO Box 131 Ashburton Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6721 ats@ats.co.nz

DISCLAIMER: All information contained within ATS News is to the best of the author’s knowledge true and accurate. Opinions expressed are those of the author and not of Ashburton Trading Society. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice. This newsletter is issued as a helpful guide to members.

www.ats.co.nz

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Quiet success in Canterbury foothills

Tucked against the flank of the Southern Alps brings more than simply great proximity to the Mt Hutt ski field for farmers Alister and Jeanette Maxwell.

Contents 5

Off-farm interests complement onfarm management

Methven dairy farmer Alister Body’s passion for agriculture, in particular biotech research and development along with farm systems, that has led him to interesting and fulfilling off-farm opportunities.

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Sheepmeat export markets—an Australian perspective

Kate Joseph provides a unique overview of what’s happening in sheepmeat export markets.

Retired ATS Chairman and Director John Low

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How efficient is your tractor?

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Opinion—Ele Ludemann

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From farming to Farming Show

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Changing tides at Riverside Vets

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Retiring Chair reflects on changing times

GB Tune Tech

Thoughts from across the rivers

Nationwide radio host, Jamie Mackay

VetEnt Riverside

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A first for ATS Suppliers

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Improved nutrition improves profitability

The inaugural ATS Card Supplier Awards

Dr Rob Derrick, SealesWinslow

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A back-up plan for electricity

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Whole new look for Ashburton family store

ATS Energy

Sparrows

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Property market update

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Thiamine deficiency in ruminants

Property Brokers—Hastings McLeod

VetEnt Riverside

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New nitrogen option

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News at ATS

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Classifieds

Ballance Agri-Nutrients

ATS at the Ashburton A&P Show

Quiet success in Canterbury foothills

Tucked against the flank of the Southern Alps brings more than simply great proximity to the Mt Hutt ski field for farmers Alister and Jeanette Maxwell.

Sitting a full 500m above sea level also brings the added benefit of a 1400–1500mm a year rainfall that makes farming there closer to a Southland experience than a Canterbury one at times. By Richard Rennie It also makes for ideal summer safe country, and a farm that rather than requiring irrigation is wet, and has drainage to move water away, alongside a low impact, low cost farming system that fits well with the approach and lifestyle of its owners.

While Jeanette describes herself as simply the “farm worker” her calendar these days is split between more than simply getting jobs done on the land—with the demands of three teenage children, the farm operation and her relatively new role as Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre chair, life is proving a busy affair.

Jeanette assumed the Federated Farmers post after then chairman Bruce Wills was voted in as Fed Farmers President, opening the way for a completely new executive on one of the country’s most vocal and active member groups (see accompanying article.)

Alister describes the rolling 250 effective ha property bordered by the Mount Hutt

ski-field road as split 50:50 between sheep and beef income, and one that is a rarity in the increasingly dairy dominated landscape of Mid Canterbury. However he has no particular desire to make the move himself, even though the property’s size could lend itself to a useful converted unit.

“It is a property that does face high levels of rainfall and soil moisture at certain times of the year which would present a real challenge if you were running cows. We find the system we have developed fits well with the environment, and delivers all we want from a farm.”

That system includes running 90 predominately South Devon breeding cows that were established after Alister’s father bought the property in 1973. It is a breed he enjoys farming, given their excellent grass to protein conversion ability and an easy, quiet temperament.

Alister Maxwell

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This in turn translates to tender meat and the recent decision by a Christchurch restaurant to use some of their South Devon in its menu.

Typically any surplus bulls not required as replacements are quit by spring the following year while steers and heifers destined for processing are sent away during late autumn- early spring with weights ranging from 220–280kgCW. Through spring Jeanette will also rear an additional 20–40 calves by hand.

Four years ago the Maxwells down sized their sheep operation after several seasons of sub-optimal returns, reducing flock numbers from 2200 down to the present 1650 head of composite CoopworthTexcel cross ewes and 500 hoggets. Alister views the Coopworth as a smart, lamb wise sheep whose growth ability is enhanced by the Texcel bloodlines.

The lambs are well suited to the later finishing summer safe country that does not demand a crop to carry them through before quitting between January and early April.

Alister has improved his flock’s tailing percentage over the years, in part thanks to changes in paddock subdivision and water supply enhancing the composite’s good scanning levels. Paddocks that used to run north-south and place stock in the path of storms have been re-subdivided, while water has been reticulated centrally throughout, and more trees planted to provide shelter.

The result has been improved survivability and his best ever tailing percentage was 169.9%, and is

typically around 163–165%. This has inched up year by year, from around 155% 10 seasons ago.

“We keep a pretty closed shop as far as the flock goes, and I think over time your flock adjusts to the climate the farm has, and its ability to withstand challenges also improves over time.”

With his wife in one corner lobbying strongly for meat and fibre farmers, and the promise of better returns and $100-plus lambs this season, he shares the industry’s optimism after those tough years. He has no major plans to adjust his farming system, enjoying the relatively low impact, low cost system that fits well with his needs and Jeanette’s even busier schedule. On a broader industry level Alister is encouraged by the Red Meat Sector Strategy that bought some real focus to areas within the farm gate the industry could look to in lifting productivity.

Jeanette Maxwell stills finds the time to help out on the farm

“It seemed like the industry had been something of a ferris wheel until the strategy came out, going around and not getting very far. The massive down sizing of the national sheep flock has been a real wake up call to everyone, and we have not finished the job entirely of figuring out what the problems are, but are further along than we were.

“The challenge we do risk though is that with prices strong we need to be careful lamb does not simply become too expensive, and fall off consumer shopping lists.”

New challenges lie in Feds boardroom Loyalty, communication and investment are three steps to a more robust, profitable red meat sector in the eyes of the Feds first, and so far only, woman chairperson.

Jeanette Maxwell makes it plain what she wants to see come out of the industry’s Red Meat Sector Strategy released earlier this year, and believes farmers have to embrace some simple philosophies to see the industry advance in unity. By Richard Rennie “The first thing needed is more loyalty. I really don’t care which meat company farmers may choose to support, as long as they are loyal in that support, for the whole season, preferably longer.

“It is only with loyalty and secure supply that companies can go out into the market place with confidence, knowing the product it is supplying is definite, ensuring it can compete out there with certainty and strength.”

The second requirement is for farmers to communicate better with their company.

“It is about letting them know when there are problems and working to sort through those, rather than just dropping them for another.”

Linked to this is a desire to see greater engagement from farmers with their industry, taking advantage of the many field days and educative events put on by bodies they often contribute to, including Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

“Increasingly there are two types of farmers behind the farm gate—those who grizzle but don’t engage to get things changed, and those who are simply working so damn hard they don’t have the time to engage as much as they know they should.”

Jeanette’s earlier engagement in the industry has included completing her 2006 Kellogg rural leadership programme on “Strong Wool NZ—Where to from here?” Even here she believes there was a need for greater communication between key players Wool Partners International, and was an example of what can go wrong.

“Their intentions were good, but they did not make it clear to farmers and lost confidence as a result.”

She can also take some credit for the aspirational target of T150 set by the Feds three years ago for lamb prices.

It was questioned by some as being too high at the time, but one achieved by some farmers last season.

However it is a mid-season goal, one she remains committed to and believes could still be possible, reminding farmers it also includes a wool component which was even more positive in the past year.

Meantime Jeanette is a new face on a new Fed executive, one aiming for fewer sound bites and more behind the scenes accomplishments in coming months.

“We are working on getting involved in the things that affect farmers early on, rather than having confrontation later when it can be far more difficult to get things changed for our members.”

Jeanette Maxwell is the first woman Chariperson on the Federated Farmers Board

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Retiring Chair reflects on changing times Finding the right mix of knowledge, expertise, stability, and enthusiasm within a Board of Directors is always a big ask and retired ATS Chairman and Director John Low says he’s been fortunate to be part of a team which has continued to evolve and meet this challenge over the last 15 years. By Anita Body The Board John joined in 1996 functioned on a very different level to the one he stepped down from in November. Not only have times and expectations changed, but the business is also operating in a very different and much more competitive environment.

The development of water usage practices around the district have opened the doors to many agricultural opportunities and with those come new farmers and new players in the market place.

All of these changes required a renewed focus on how ATS carried out its business while still meeting its original commitment to lower input costs for farmers.

“When I became Chairman (eight years ago) we were talking about having an independent director on the Board.”

A few years later Garry Diack was appointed as the Board’s first independent Director. “We struck gold with Garry. He was very strong on strategy and structure and creating a footprint for the business.

He helped the Board build the foundations for the future of ATS and all of the Directors seized this opportunity—they could see the potential for moving ahead.”

“I’m pleased we have a business orientated Board. ATS has evolved into a very good business model and the envy of many other businesses.”

One of the challenges for the future is to maintain a level of enthusiasm and vitality and to achieve this John says it’s important for the Board make-up to change and not become stagnant. “It needs to be a young and vibrant Board and it will need the support of younger members to make themselves available.”

With the changing dynamics of farming in the region and a general reluctance by younger people to become involved in community type roles John acknowledges this is could be a big hurdle. People are busy and find it difficult to make time for these sorts of roles.

“Those that were involved in the set-up of ATS knew what it was for, but that’s changing now with new people in the district.” The challenge for all members is to understand ATS was set up by farmers just like them and continues to serve farmers in the same way but also relies on their loyalty to maintain the co-operative’s continued success.

One of the keys to this success has been the strength and value of the ATS card. “It is a discount card. It is not just another charge card and in time I would not be surprised if it grows beyond our natural boundaries. It is an area of ATS expertise.”

There’s no doubt there’s been a tremendous amount of change during John’s time on the Board. In 1996 there were 35 staff on one site. Now there are 70 staff operating over three sites. The annual turnover has also grown, from 68 million dollars in 1996 to 211 million dollars in the last financial year.

Standing down and making changes is not always easy, but John feels very relaxed about the changes he and his wife Pat are making, saying the time is right. Not only is John leaving the ATS Board, but the couple are also moving off the farm.

Sons Greg and William are both sharemilking on their own farms and John says he and Pat decided to move to town to give them the freedom they need to run their own operations.

John Low taking a step back from the ATS Board

Despite the big lifestyle change John is confident he’ll have plenty to keep him busy. There’s an overseas trip planned, and like many new retirees, he’s hopeful his golf handicap will be substantially lower in a year’s time.

What will he miss about his time at ATS? “The people I have worked with other the years, and I will miss the dynamics of being on the Board and the mental stimulation it provided. But I know now is the right time.”

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Off-farm interests complement on-farm management

Methven dairy farmer Alister Body’s interests are many and varied, from his family and farm through to skiing, sailing and theatre. It is his passion for agriculture, in particular biotech research and development along with farm systems, that has led him to interesting and fulfilling off-farm opportunities. By Pip Hume Alister grew up on the family farm, Midfield, near Methven. The farm has been in the family since 1925, and was an arable unit for many years, diversifying into sheep through the war years.

“It was farmed as a pretty standard Mid Canterbury mixed farm with cropping and sheep,” says Alister. “The farm always ran a handful of dairy cows. The cream was collected at the gate, while the skim milk was fed to the pigs. My parents Clem and Shirley looked after the arable and mixed operation, while my aunt looked after the cows. Mum also worked as a relief teacher, later becoming full-time at Methven High School.”

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In 1969, the family decided to expand the dairy side of the operation. The plan was to milk 50 to 60 cows alongside the arable and pig operations. A six-a-side herringbone shed was built. Milk collection went to tanker pick-up, with the milk processed by Midland Dairy into milk powder and butter.

Over time the dairy operation continued to expand—the herd increased to 90 cows and the shed was extended to eight-a-side.

Alister says that the late 1970s were a difficult time for farming. In the early 1970s things were pretty buoyant, but the second half of the decade was challenging, with a dramatic decline in profitability.

As a Lincoln student in 1980 Alister visited Don McDonald’s property on Thompsons Track.

“Don was a progressive farmer from the Waikato, and had one of the first rotary sheds in the district. That experience was really one of the catalysts for the decision to convert Midfield to totally dairy.”

However, the initial conversion was not without its difficulties. With the family unanimous in deciding to go ahead with the conversion to dairy, the decision was made to put in a 28 bail rotary shed. But funding became a major obstacle.

“At that time the Rural Bank was the major rural lender,” explained Alister. “We went to them with our proposal, which they turned down. Mid Canterbury was not regarded as a dairying area, we were seen as being too close to the mountains, and we were running Jersey cows.”

Undaunted, the family sought funding from the only other avenue available at the time; the insurance sector.

“We got the money, but at a cost—the interest rate was 21.5% per annum.”

At the time of the conversion Alister was still a student, completing the work experience component of the Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) he attained at Lincoln University.

“I was working on a sheep farm near Mt Hutt, which made the conversion even more challenging,” he commented.

The property had partial irrigation via border dykes for many years, however with the mid 1980s marked by drought, the irrigation was extended to fully water the whole farm. The heavy soils have good water holding capacity, and are ideally suited for border dyke irrigation, which is still in use today.

These days the home farm area of 106ha is complemented by 76ha of lease land. The business milks 580 Jersey cows. Milking is still through the original 28-bail rotary shed, now 30 years old, however a new 54 bail shed is just days away from completion.

Farm Manager Hamish Monk is now in his third season on the property; previously Alister employed a Herd Manager for many years.

Alister is married to Janine Peters, who runs her own graphic design business. Janine’s interests include equestrian sports and she is a keen dressage competitor. Alister and Janine have two teenagers; Olie, who shares her mother’s enthusiasm for horses

as well as art, drama and hockey; and Markus, who has a keen interest in drama and enjoys music and playing soccer.

The whole family ski, and they also love sailing, mainly at Akaroa. “We’ve got a sailing dinghy that Janine’s parents brought out from England. They operated a sailing school on the Sussex coast before immigrating to New Zealand to develop a kiwifruit orchard in Motueka,” Alister explains.

“We’ve also got a little dinghy called a Topper, which approximates a scaled down version of a Laser. It’s very good for the kids to learn to sail—it will take two kids or a kid and an adult in a good wind. We’re looking forward to the time when we can do more sailing.

Alister’s off-farm interests have developed since he first became involved with the Methven Young Farmers’ Club. In the early 1980s it was the biggest Young Farmers’ Club in the country, and his association with the Club and his interest in travel led Alister to a USA exchange in 1986. Initially he was hosted in South Dakota, followed by a period in Georgia. The experience also gave him the opportunity him to meet other exchange students, and at the end of the year away he was able to travel to Canada, the UK and Europe visiting the friends he had made.

Alister Body, newly appointed ATS Director

His return to the family farm saw Alister very involved not only with developing the farm further, but also with Young Farmers.

Alister says that period was the beginning of his interest in governance, and as he progressed from District Chairman to a position on the National Executive and then National President he learnt a huge amount.

“My time on the National Executive particularly was an incredible education,” he says.

Alister admits that at the end of his term as National President he was happy to enjoy a period just farming, until his interest in dairy company issues led him to become involved with Federated Farmers at a local level, ultimately becoming Provincial Dairy Chairman.

In 2005 Alister was elected to the Board of Dairy Insight, which later merged with Dexel to form DairyNZ. He is currently a Director, as well Chair of the Dairy Environment Leadership Group and the Human Capability Leadership Group.

Research and development is a personal interest, and Alister is totally committed to facilitating farmer extension and the adoption of R & D learnings. He also has a strong belief that biotech will have a huge part to play in the future of New Zealand as a country and is a Director of Pastoral Genomics, a New Zealand research consortium for forage improvement through biotechnology.

The new 54 bail shed approaches completion

Alister recently became a Director of ATS, and is enthusiastic about contributing his experience to the continued growth and development of the Cooperative.

“I appreciate the focus on adding value to members’ businesses. ATS is providing an increasingly good service. I want this improvement to continue with good focus and excellent value.”

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How efficient is your tractor?

Mention performance tuning and it’s more likely that an exotic race car will come to mind than a tractor. By Pip Hume But performance tuning has a crucial role when it comes to performance and cost management in the high spec machinery commonly used these days by farmers and contractors.

Invercargill-based GB Tune Tech are new Card Suppliers to ATS, with owner Greg Browning looking after the business’s Mid Canterbury customers. It’s an area he is very familiar with, having spent a large part of his career as a qualified mechanic working out of Christchurch.

‘‘You could expect to achieve fuel savings of up to 15% for a diesel car and about 10% for a diesel truck. For tractors, we’ve achieved up to 6 litres per hour while harvesting.”

Greg uses a computer-based system which interfaces with a vehicle’s engine control unit via the diagnostic port. The engine control unit uses computer technology to monitor and dictate engine performance according to the conditions. The vehicle’s existing computer file is downloaded and emailed to specialist programmers in the United Kingdom or Germany, who customise the file to suit the customer’s requirements. The reconfigured file is then uploaded. The process requires little down-time ­about 30 to 40 minutes to read the existing file, and a fraction of that time to upload the remapped file.

The original computer file is retained on a memory stick, so the process can be reversed at any time, and the new file can also be changed at any time to give optimum performance.

“About 90% of the vehicle fleet in New Zealand today have ECU’s,” Greg explained. “Creating a custom file for a specific vehicle can give very good results, because generic files are often tailored to overseas requirements, for example around fuel quality, local atmospheric conditions, or emissions.”

Most vehicles can be reprogrammed, although the results for petrol vehicles are not as significant. ‘‘You could expect to achieve fuel savings of up to 15% for a diesel car and about 10% for a diesel truck.

For tractors, we’ve achieved up to up to 6 litres per hour while harvesting,” said Greg.

“For petrol vehicles between 5% and 8% could be expected.’’

“The ability to increase horsepower and torque as well as improving fuel consumption can make a big difference.”

The interface can be used to for most European vehicles, as well as Japanese-made Mitsubishi and Subaru vehicles. Greg expects that more Japanese vehicles will eventually be included.

Greg Browning

The ability to increase horsepower and torque as well as improving fuel consumption can make a big difference. In one instance, increasing a tractor’s horsepower slightly to accommodate a larger implement meant the farmer saved thousands of dollars in fuel. He would have needed to spend to upgrade to a bigger tractor. However, there are safety parameters which are not exceeded.

Greg commented that remapping should not be confused with chipping.

Contact:

“Chipping requires the ECU to be opened and the chip physically changed,” he said. “Remapping does not usually involve opening the ECU.”

G.B. Tech Tune

Greg is enthusiastic about the benefits of the system he uses, and he’s happy to give specific examples of the gains his customers have achieved.

Tel: 03 217 6362

23 David Street Invercargill Mobile: 0274 960 0511

‘‘There are other systems available, but most of these systems only increase fuel pressure and do not do a complete remap of all of the parameters in the ECU.”

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Sheepmeat export markets—an Australian perspective

Kate Joseph provides a unique overview of what’s happening in sheepmeat export markets.

Kate’s involvement with the sheepmeat industry in Australia is on many levels.

Not only is she the current President of the Sheepmeat Council of Australia; she also manages a specialist prime lamb operation in South West Victoria.

ATS General Manager Business Development, Chris Bristol with Kate Joseph

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She also holds a Masters Degree in Agricultural Science (Sheep Nutrition) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Rural Leadership Program.

Just over 50% of Australia’s lamb production is consumed domestically, with the remainder exported to many countries. The major markets are the USA and the Middle East. By Kate Joseph Lamb trade with the USA was established in the mid 1990s and by 2010 was Australia’s single biggest export lamb market. However it is fair to say that this market has experienced a few hiccups, with the US imposing a tariff on lamb imported into the USA in the late 1990s. This action was deemed unfair because product from Australia (and New Zealand) did not threaten the USA sheep industry, and a joint appeal by Australia and New Zealand to the World Trade Organisation won both countries the right to resume trade into the USA market.

As well as the positive outcome of free market access, the WTO decision lead to an agreement between the United States, Australian and New Zealand sheep industries to set up the TriLamb Group. The rationale behind the TriLamb Group is that sheep producers in the three countries (and in fact around the world) should be working together, as competition for market share is increasingly from other food sources including vegetarianism rather than from other countries. The TriLamb Group meets annually to share information and develop programs to increase consumption of lamb in the USA. The US sheep industry is an enthusiastic but small industry. With a flock size estimated to be well below 10 million head and a population of over 300 million people, lamb is virtually an unknown product in many households. Annual sheepmeat consumption sits at about 0.5kg per head per year over most of the country, with the exceptions to this being a few areas such as Colorado and California, Washington and New England, especially around Boston on the East coast.

The US sheep industry is very different from that in Australia. There are some large producers, however the average flock size is less than 50 head. In the case of larger flocks the grazing management is very transient.

In California most flocks are regularly moved around between crops on leased cropping land, or in the case of alfalfa, over the winter after harvesting. In Utah, where 85% of land is Government owned, flock sizes are generally larger and the sheep spend most of the year grazing Bureau of Land Management land.

The sheep are very intensively managed with imported labour from countries such as Mexico or Peru mostly living with the flocks on the range. Sheep are lambed down in intensive conditions where freshly lambed ewes are placed in ‘jugs’ (small pens) to mother up for the first 24 hours post lambing.

One of the major concerns for the US sheep industry is the move to stop grazing on public land as well as the (misplaced) desire to reintroduce predator species promoted as native to the area and threatened by ranchers grazing the rangelands.

Unlike in New Zealand or Australia the definition of lamb in the US is not based on dentition but rather bone density, determined by the break joint in the front leg. This can potentially extend the age definition

for lamb to up to 18 months of age. Lambs in the US are mostly finished in feedlots so being older they have much larger carcase weights (30 to 40 kg) than those produced in Australia and New Zealand.

Taking into account live sheep, frozen and chilled lamb, the Middle East is Australia’s biggest total market, and is worth over $760m annually. It is a diverse market, with preferences and requirements for fresh, chilled or frozen lamb or mutton varying between the countries in the region.

Of all Australia’s exports to the Middle East, by far the biggest market is for live sheep. The live sheep market is important to Australia as a profitable by-product of the wool industry, offering not only a competitive market opportunity for older sheep but also important security of food supply to many countries in the Middle East. While there is great wealth in some sectors of the population there are many people who do not have refrigeration and rely on the daily supply of fresh meat to feed their families.

In most cases sheep are processed overnight or early in the morning, cut into chunks and sold fresh in the markets, taken home and cooked for that day’s meal.

Neal Shaw with Kate Joseph

Bahrain fresh meat market

The Middle East has a limited supply of local sheep which are very highly valued. Local breeds are usually fat tail types and are managed in small flocks which are very docile as they tend to live with the family.

These animals would be purchased by the wealthier members of the community and the fat tail is displayed during meals (but not eaten) as it is seen as a sign of wealth.

Like New Zealand, Australia is a supplier of product of consistent quality. Export markets are of increasing importance to its sheep industry and as the world’s population increases and sheep numbers around the world continue to decline, there will continue to be demand for quality sheepmeat.

Dairy feedlot in Saudi Arabia

The Sheepmeat Council of Australia (SCA) represents the interests of producers of lamb, sheepmeat and those who supply the live export sheep trade.

Its main roles are to: •

Advocate and pursue the policy interests of Australia’s sheepmeat producers;

•

Oversee the performance of, and set the strategic imperatives to be pursued by levy funded bodies, in particular, Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Animal Health Australia (AHA) and the National Residue Survey (NRS);

•

Broker industry and government programs and funding arrangements;

•

Represent and promote the views of Australian sheepmeat producers.

Meat & Livestock Australia, like Beef & Lamb New Zealand, is a levy funded organisation that is responsible for research and development and marketing on behalf of sheep and lamb, beef and goat producers.

Saudi livestock Souq where sheep are so quiet they are untethered

TriLamb Group representatives 2010

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Thoughts from across the rivers At this time of year I think enviously about life on the other side of the world. By Ele Ludemann How much easier it must be to celebrate Christmas as a bright spot in the middle of winter, rather than having to fit it into summer with all the competing seasonal activities and deadlines.

There, it’s just Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Their break-ups and most of the other pre-holiday deadlines come six months later before their long summer break. In the south we get it all at the same time and about now if we’re not careful it can all seem too much.

“If we let it all get to us we could turn into Grinches.”

It doesn’t help that all those pre-Christmas, end of year and pre-holiday pressures coincide with one of the busiest times on the farm. There’s hay and silage to be made, crops to be sprayed, cows to be milked and herd tested, sheep to be shorn, lambs to be weaned and drafted, irrigation to attend to…

If we let it all get to us we could turn into Grinches.

But while there’s nothing we can do about the farming calendar and tasks dictated by weather and season, it’s possible to cull other things from the pre-Christmas clutter of commitments.

“Other families reduce the time and budget pressure by each picking one name from a hat and buying for just that one.”

In mid-October we broached the subject of holding a staff party with our managers. We couldn’t find any free Fridays or Saturdays that month or November and only one in December. We could see if we chose that, the party wouldn’t be something to look forward to. It would be just one more thing to squeeze into an over-full schedule so we’ve postponed it until next May.

“Then I just need to take a deep breath, do what has to be done, enjoy Christmas and relax on Boxing Day which marks the start of my favourite week of the year.”

Not all events, meetings, appointments, activities and other things to do, places to go and people to see that are crammed on to the things-to-do list can be postponed. But putting even a few on hold helps, as does reducing the gift giving.

We decided years ago that the adults in our extended family wouldn’t exchange Christmas presents and we stop giving to nieces and nephews when they are 21. Other families reduce the time and budget pressure by each picking one name from a hat and buying for just that one.

I’ve learned to further reduce pressure by accepting that the end of the year is an arbitrary deadline for some things and that having procrastinated about them for weeks if not months, the sky won’t fall if they’re put off a wee bit longer.

Ele Ludemann

Then I just need to take a deep breath, do what has to be done, enjoy Christmas and relax on Boxing Day which marks the start of my favourite week of the year.

There’s usually enough food left over from Christmas to make meal preparation easy. It’s too late to worry about what I haven’t done this year and too soon to be concerned about commitments for next. And providing there’re no emergencies on the farm, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the weather that’s the bonus of celebrating Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere.

opinion by:

Ele Ludemann Web: homepaddock.wordpress.com

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From farming to Farming Show

Dominic George (Farming Show Producer) working with Jamie Mackay (Farming Show Host)

It’s a long way from Riversdale to nationwide radio host, but the skills and attitudes Jamie Mackay learned there have been instrumental in the success of his journey from farm to Farming Show. By Ele Ludemann Jamie was born and bred in Riversdale. He left home for Otago University but his commerce studies were cut short when tragedy struck. His father died suddenly when Jamie was only 19 and he returned to run the family farm.

Three years later he took a year off to do a Diploma of Agriculture at Lincoln, graduating with distinction. “It helped that I was a bit older and had the knowledge and work ethic from farming,” he says. “It was an excellent grounding for farming and what I do now.”

Armed with what he’d learned he returned to farming and a couple of years later bought his own 400 acre property. It was signed up on July 3, just days before the 1984 snap election. By the time he took possession in November, Roger Douglas’s first Budget had scrapped SMPs and other farming subsidies.

It was the start of the rural downturn and like many others Jamie lost his equity. By July 1986 the property he’d bought for $365,000 had a Government Valuation of only $224,000, less than the $240,000, he owed the Rural Bank.

But he survived the turbulent 80s, supplementing income from the farm with shearing and crutching and wife Penny’s teacher’s salary. By 1992 he was ready to expand but the bank wouldn’t lend him $90,000 to buy the neighbour’s 100 acres so he sold the farm.

Penny became the main breadwinner and Jamie was the househusband, looking after their two pre-schoolers.

“It was a miserable two years. It was a close as I ever came to getting depression, even though I was only a househusband from 8.30am to 3.30pm. As soon as Penny came home I took off, shearing, crutching 14

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and I was involved in local body politics with a seat on the Mataura Licensing Trust.”

By then Jamie’s life-long love of rugby had moved from playing to commentary. He wrote a sports column for the local paper and was doing rugby commentaries on the radio.

“One thing led to another and in 1994 I bought myself a job. Radio New Zealand was selling its provincial stations. A mate, Lee Piper who I’d been commentating with, and I bought 4ZG in Gore and rebranded it Hokanui Gold.”

Lee, who had a broadcasting background, hosted the breakfast show.

Jamie was sales manager and he saw a gap in the market.

“I knew farmers listened to National Radio for the farming news and I reckoned we could get them listening to us too. We started with a five minute interview at lunchtime and gradually got longer. One day I went over time. It was a quarter to one when I finished and I thought if I had another couple of people on I could do an hour.”

He’d entered farming at a bad time, but it was a good time to start a radio farming show. “Other stations were cutting back on rural broadcasting as were building up and we got a good audience because of that.”

Jamie had a few learning experiences at the start. “I was quite rough and ready. I had to learn on the job and acquire some of the tricks of the trade like how to get out of a hole I dug myself or one of the interviewees dug for us both.”

At the start, a lot of the interviewees were people from companies which bought advertising.

Jamie Mackay, Farming Show Host

“We put a lot of people on in the early days because we were a fledgling business and needed the advertising revenue, but some of them weren’t up to it.

“One was absolutely terrified. I asked him a good open question but he gave me a one word answer and froze. I didn’t have the skill to get out of it and there was silence. The producer rescued us with an ad break. When we got back on air I apologised for the technical breakdown and carried on with the next interview.”

The Farming Show was going ahead hand in hand with sports broadcasting. “I started doing some rugby commentary with Lee. We went from club rugby at the Gore show grounds to an All Blacks test at Carisbrook in 1996 and Sky TV in 2000.”

The knowledge Jamie had from his university studies and on the farm were invaluable in running the radio station. He understood business principles, could do GST returns and PAYE, deal with a balance sheet, negotiate loans and organise his day without anyone standing over him.

“People like me who’ve left farming, gone into business and been successful have business acumen and a good work ethic. Farmers don’t have nine to five attitudes; we keep on working ‘til the job’s done.”

Jamie knew that with a bit of tweaking the Southland Based Farming Show would work further afield. In 2004 he leased Hokanui Gold and Radio Clutha, a satellite station he’d set up two years earlier, and contracted back to do the Farming Show on the ZB provincial network.

That covered all cities and towns with fewer than 50,000 people including places like Timaru and Ashburton. Jamie knew the show would go well in bigger cities like Christchurch and Hamilton which service the provincial powerhouses. He convinced the Radio Network and the show now broadcasts nationwide, except in Auckland and Wellington, on Radio Sport.

“There was a lot of scepticism about the Farming Show and whether people in urban centres would relate to it. But we’ve proved that people in towns and cities are linked to farmers. If you’re selling cars in Christchurch, some of your customers will be farmers.”

The show has a mix of farming, politics, sport, music and humour.

Among the original contributors is Australian correspondent, Chris Russell, who has missed only one broadcast in 17 years. Jamie enjoys interviewing people from all over New Zealand including two Mid

Canterbury regulars, arable farmer David Ward and Paul Brown from South Island Dairy Farmers.

“One of the things I’ve really enjoyed is meeting and talking to people who were my sporting heroes—Colin Meads, Brian Lochore, Ian Kirkpatrick and Dick Taylor.”

Jamie says radio is a very good medium for reaching farmers who are sophisticated listeners.

“They listen in tractors, utes, the woolshed or dairy shed. They’re often working alone and they can listen to the radio when they’re doing something else. They come in for lunch and the radio is on and they tune in when it gets their attention.”

Listener statistics confirm the popularity of the Farming Show and its stable mates, Farming Show Reloaded, broadcast from 5–6am; and the Best of the Farming Show on Saturdays from 6–7am. They are complemented by the show’s website.

That popularity attracts advertising revenue and has enabled Jamie to help good causes. The auction of one of Colin Meads’ rugby jerseys raised $45,000 for the Canterbury earthquake appeal and Jamie talked all his Radio Network colleagues in Dunedin into joining him in growing a moustache for Movember.

“It was an good opportunity to highlight depression and prostate cancer and have a laugh at ourselves at the same time.”

Jamie still owns a 10 acre wetland block on the family farm which he describes as his most valued possession. He goes back each year for duck shooting with his Riversdale Primary School mates, two farmers, a doctor, lawyer, and a driller in Western Australia.

He also has a bare land block in Gore and has recently taken a share in an equity partnership, with sheep farmers, in a Western Southland dairy farm. His career has almost gone full circle with a return to farming through that partnership and he’s very confident about the outlook.

“I don’t think in my 30 odd years of farming and commenting on it, have the prospects ever looked better for farming. Asia, led by the tiger economies of China and India (1.35 and 1.2 billion respectively—more than a third of the world’s population) are protein hungry. There has been a paradigm shift in the price of food and farming is back in its rightful position of absolute kingpin in the New Zealand economy”.

And Jamie is in his rightful position as kingpin of the Farming Show.

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Changing tides at Riverside Vets In a move that highlights its connection to New Zealand’s largest nationwide vet group, Riverside Vets has rebranded its operations as VetEnt Riverside.

VetEnt (Veterinary Enterprises Group) acquired a 51% shareholding in Riverside Vets in 2006, with 49% retained by local ownership. This successful joint venture has operated over the past five years. “The decision to change our name to VetEnt Riverside emphasises our status as part of the national VetEnt group, but also reflects the local focus of our 16 vets at Riverside” . “The combination of local knowledge and expertise, together with the group’s national buying power means our customers benefit from competitive pricing on product, and receive the hands on support of a dedicated team. It also means that if a product is in hot demand VetEnt’s preferential supply status ensures we can offer the local market the continuity they need.”

The ‘Riverside’ component has been retained in the new branding, drawing on the name of the original industrial park where the first Ashburton clinic was set up in 1994 VetEnt Riverside will represent the Ashburton, Timaru, Rakaia and Mayfield operations.

“Our focus remains on large animal veterinary medicine throughout the predominately dairy region of Dunsandel to the Waitaki River, south of Waimate,” says Allan. The clinic also sees significant numbers of deer, sheep, beef, and a steady stream of pets in the local towns. Vaccinations, worming programmes and nutritionally balanced pet food keep companion animals in premium health.

With substantial growth achieved by the VetEnt group over the last decade, including other South Island clinics in Leeston, Lincoln and Halswell, VetEnt has established itself as a key player within the veterinary industry. Its innovative and progressive business model incorporates interests in 16 nationwide veterinary practices spread throughout New Zealand’s rural sector.

The bringing together of the collective minds of 64 veterinarians within the kiwi-owned VetEnt group has resulted in several innovations for the farming

sector. “The Pure Milk mastitis consultancy came out of the combined brainpower of the South and North Islands, and was developed last year “It is now used throughout the VetEnt group. Pure Milk focuses on increasing productivity by a cell count reduction, and reducing on-farm costs by lowering the incidence of clinical mastitis.”

Infovet is another VetEnt innovation developed to monitor milk production, on farm animal health, events, clinic purchases and lab results, collecting and synchronising the information daily with LIC Minda system and Fonterra. Dairy farmers also use it as a reliable source of information to enhance productivity decision-making. It has since been marketed to vets nationwide to access the latest information regarding on-farm production, disease incidence and treatment.

Jason Gill and Steph King

Of particular interest to South Island farmers is a new service called Integrated Nutrition.. “This is just being launched in the South Island, and is ideal for farmers who may spend hundreds of thousands of dollars buying feed. Integrated Nutrition is a completely independent nutrition consultancy, designed to create the optimal feeding model. Results are monitored via Infovet The ability to share knowledge between the 64 VetEnt veterinarians is a valuable resource the VetEnt Riverside team utilise whenever necessary. “We have access to an abundance of experience and expertise within the group. There are times when a simple call or email can provide the solution to a complex local farming issue we dealing with here.” says Allan.

“Our goal is to provide local farmers with the most comprehensive, and objective advice on their animal health and wellbeing. We work hard for the continual improvement of the business performance of local farming operations.”

Contact:

VetEnt Riverside Ashburton 03 308 2321 Timaru

03 687 4445

Mayfield

03 303 6042

Rakaia

03 302 7931

VetEnt Lincoln

03 325 2808

Leeston

03 324 3575

Halswell

03 322 8331

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December / January 2012

s d i K S T A .

Welcome to the ATS Kidsforpato ge do over your Christmas break.

Christmas is here so here are some fun ideas We hope you enjoy the recipe and other creative activities.

White Christmas You will need:

What you do:

1 c desiccated coconut

1. Carefully melt Kremelta on stove top (or in microwave).

2 c Rice bubbles 1 c Icing sugar

2. Mix all ingredients (excluding Kremelta) in large bowl.

1 c milk powder

3. Pour Kremelta into mix and stir until combined.

185g sultanas

4. Press mixture into paper lined tray(about 2.5 cm high) or spoon into paper cups or mini muffin tins.

185g diced dried apricots 60g chopped red glace cherries 250g Kremelta (white vegetable shortening)

5. Refrigerate until set. Let an adult cut in to squares if made in tray.

Reindeer Paper Cup You will need:

What you do:

1 plastic, paper, or foam drinking cup

1. Paint cup with brown paint and set aside to dry.

Brown and pink acrylic paint

2. When paint is dry, stand cup upright and glue two wiggle eyes on the front of the cup, about halfway down from the rim.

2 x 7cm square pieces of tan felt

3. Glue red pom pom on for the nose just above the bottom of the cup, centered under the eyes.

2 medium wiggle eyes

4. Use scissors to carefully poke a slit in both sides of the cup where you want the ears to go.

1 medium red pom pom 2 black pipe cleaners Strip of felt to fit the inside rim of your cup PVA glue Black marker Scissors

5. Roll one of the felt squares up like a cone; insert the pointed end into one of the slits on the cup. Repeat on other side.

Glue felt to the cup with PVA. 6. Bend each pipe cleaner in half. Form pipe cleaner ends into antlers by creating a couple of bends on each one.

7. Glue strip of tan felt inside the rim of the cup, then immediately insert the antlers under the strip on each side.

You may need to hold these in place for a few minutes until the glue grabs. You can also hold it in place until dry with clothes pegs.

8. Use a black marker to draw on eyebrows.

9. Dip your fingertip in pink paint and dab the extra off onto a paper towel. Dot pink on for cheeks.

Tips: • To give this cup some weight, glue a washer to the bottom of the cup.

• Fill with wrapped sweets and give as a gift.

• Red glitter can be used instead of pom poms.

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Christmas Tangrams Cut out and use the tangram shapes to make the pictures—a candle, a Christmas tree and a present. Use all seven pieces for each picture. Lay them flat without overlapping. Each piece must touch another.

Solution:

Christmas Word Scramble Enjoy these fun word scrambles:

denalc

9.

tranmone

2.

prodhul

10.

strnpee

3.

tsicmrhsa

11.

hsgile lselb

4.

tnaas

12.

elon

5.

gmnrae

13.

gaenl

6.

rhawte

14.

ksctgoni

7.

dcnya acne

15.

edirnere

8.

ssjeu

Answers: 1. candle; 2. Rudolph; 3. Christmas; 4. Santa; 5. manger; 6. wreath; 7. candy cane; 8. Jesus; 9. ornament; 10. present; 11. sleigh bells; 12. Noel; 13. angel; 14. stocking; 15. reindeer

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1.

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The 21 category winners of the Business Growth & Development Awards

A first for ATS Suppliers For the first time, ATS has publicly recognised its Card Suppliers. The inaugural ATS Card Supplier Awards were held at the Ashburton Events Centre on Thursday 6 October. By Pip Hume “The ATS Awards have been initiated as a means of rewarding the contributions of our Card Suppliers, which are some of the most successful businesses in Canterbury,” explained Neal Shaw, ATS CEO.

members to start thinking about who they want to support for the Members’ Choice Award 2012 as well,” he said.

“The strength of the Card Supplier network is fundamental for ATS members, allowing us to secure preferential terms of trade for them at leading local businesses. Giving recognition will help us to strengthen and extend our network for the benefit of our members.

We want our suppliers to work with us to grow their businesses and improve their profitability.”

The Members’ Choice Award gave ATS members the opportunity to nominate a supplier who has provided exceptional service and value for money and has exceeded members’ expectations.

The evening function was attended by more than 130 people and featured a lively and entertaining presentation by keynote speaker and author Allison Mooney. Allie is renown as an award winning motivational speaker and trainer, and her interactive presentation had the audience dividing into personality groups.

She then gave an insight into effective communication for each group.

After the presentation of the awards, the evening concluded with the opportunity to network with other suppliers over light refreshments.

“We’ve received great feedback, with suppliers enjoying both the format and the networking opportunities—as well as some suppliers signalling their intention to be strong contenders for the awards next year,” said Neal.

“Members can look out for the new ATS Supplier Award Winner logo which the successful suppliers are displaying, and we’d encourage 22

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Awards were presented across four major categories.

The award was won by popular and well-regarded Ashburton business Neumanns Tyres. The business has enjoyed its Card Supplier relationship with ATS for many years, and is proud of its record of excellent service.

The Excellence in Marketing Award was presented to Smith & Church Appliances, for its innovative approach to promotions and its proactive role in partnering with ATS at events. The business also consistently promotes the ATS relationship to members and consistently displays the ATS supplier logo in its advertising.

Alister Lilley, of Smith & Church Appliances, said that the partnership with ATS is a key driver in the success of that business.

“We’re committed to our partnership with ATS and put a lot into promoting the relationship. We aim to go that bit further for our customers and provide ATS members with the best possible service, and if something goes wrong we are there to back up our products.”

The Emerging Business Award, for an exclusive supplier which has joined ATS within the past 12 months, was won by Laser Plumbing.

Clockwise from top left: Guests at the ATS Supplier Awards; Guest speaker Allison Mooney; Award winners Ron McFarlane and Brent Christie (Laser Plumbing), Alan Neumann (Neumann Tyres), and Alister Lilley (Smith & Church Appliances); Emerging Business Award winners Brent Christie, Ron McFarlane, and Megan Christie of Laser Plumbing.

In judging this category, the criteria also included turnover exceeding expectations along with consistently promoting the relationship to members.

“Receiving this award is recognition to the team for the huge effort put in over the last year, to successfully change systems,” said Brent Christie, of Laser Plumbing. “Our focus has been on improving our service to our clients, and we are now able to offer ATS members plumbing and electrical services 24 hours a day, as well as supply and installation of fires and general plumbing services, all through their ATS account.”

The awards for Business Growth and Development were presented across 21 categories. The award winners have been ATS suppliers for a minimum of 24 months and have the highest percentage of growth within their category

Recipients were Riverside Vets (Animal Feed & Health), Peter May (Canvas & Upholstery), Farmside (Communications), Agricultural Consulting Services (Consultants), Stocker Dairy Services (Contracting), ElectraServe (Electrical & Plumbing), WaterMetrics (Farm Merchandise), Mt Hutt Lumber (Fencing), Speights Ale House (Food/Liquor), Mitre 10 Mega (Hardware/Building), Cranfield Glass (Home & Garden), Southern Cross Health Care (Insurance), Jeff Marshall Motorcycles (Motorcycles & Lawnmowers), Office Spot (Office & Supplies), The Frontrunner (Personal), Helmack Engineering (Repairs, Maintenance, Engineering & Machinery), Midlands Seed (Seed), House of Travel Ashburton (Travel), Neumanns Tyres (Tyres), AutoSparks (Vehicle), and Allens Ashburton (Waste Disposal & Cleaning).

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The team at Neumann’s Tyre Services wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Neumanns Tyre Services Ashburton

Wills Street Ashburton Phone: (03) 308 6737 (24 Hrs) Fax: (03) 308 8591

Call out service hotline—call 03 308 6737 anytime 24 hour service available (afterhours—callout fee applies) We’re open throughout the holidays (except for stats)

From wheelbarrow to scraper tyres—we do it all!

Two computerised wheel alignment machines with experienced operators.

www.neumannstyres.co.nz

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There are potential financial and animal benefits from feeding to support higher yields.

Improved nutrition improves profitability Supplementary feeding for dairy cows used to be predominantly focused on bridging a feed deficit, especially in the shoulders of the season. By Dr Rob Derrick, SealesWinslow Ltd More people are now appreciating that complementing grass throughout the year with quality feed helps to support cows to achieve more closely to their genetic potential.

Economic figures produced by Dairy NZ for the 2009/10 season suggest better feeding is not just about having cows in good condition that walk more enthusiastically to the dairy shed. Whilst profitable dairy farmers are found throughout the spectrum of feeding systems, on average herds in the survey in system 4 and system 5 showed better return on equity and assets than herds in systems 2 and 3.

Despite higher levels of cash being available, closing term liabilities per kilogram milk solids grew by 8.7% to $21.65. Being able to produce and utilise effectively high quality grass is crucial for profitable dairy production across all systems. Efficient farmers can make a really good return in a low input system; but for those that are dealing with higher debt levels it can be difficult to cut costs further or raise production to increase profitability on an already low input, efficient system. The profitability of higher input farmers in 2009/10 is dispelling the myth that importing feed is just

buying production. Greater efficiency is achieved partly because as production rises less feed is used purely to keep the cows alive; a cow producing 1kg MS is only using about 50% of the energy in her diet for milk production.

Current production at Stradbrook Robotic Dairy Farm is also demonstrating financial and animal benefits from feeding to support higher yields. By ignoring the inclination to stop feeding supplements when there is any surplus grass in the paddock cows have been supported to produce more milk than ever before.

High quality supplements purchased according to what they deliver rather than an arbitrary ruling based on 5% of the milk value means that grass utilisation per hectare can still be high when concentrates are fed. Feeds should not be judged on price alone as this implies poor quality silage will deliver as much production as grains. Feed quality is important at higher levels of production because cows simply cannot consume enough energy if the digestibility of the diet is too low to support higher milk production and is more likely to eat less of a lower ME diet when she really needs to eat more.

Key performance indicators by system

Estimated dry matter intakes required at different diet ME levels

1 (low input)

2 (feed for dry cows)

3 (10-20% to extend lactation)

4+5 (20% or greater inputs)

Average

Milk solids per ha

787

826

993

1210

962

Milk solids per cow

315

316

351

386

342

Return on equity

5.2%

1.3%

1.8%

7.2%

2.7%

Growth in equity

7.4%

3.4%

3.2%

9.6%

4.4%

Return on assets

5.6%

3.6%

4.3%

7.0%

4.6%

System

Kg DM at 10 ME @ 85% utilisation

Kg DM at 11 ME @ 85% utilisation

Kg DM at 12 ME @ 85% utilisation

350

5775

5250

4812

400

6160

5600

5133

500

6908

6280

5757

MS/cow

Source: Dairy NZ Economic Survey 2009/10

The range of SealesWinslow nutritional products are available through ATS.

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Portable generators available at ATS stores

A back-up plan for electricity In this region we’re more aware than ever before of the potential for the kind of disaster that knocks power out for a significant period. By Pip Hume Many of our farm businesses are reliant on electricity—whether the power is on or off, the cows still need to be milked, the chickens and hot houses still need ventilation, and pasture management often relies on electric fencing.

It’s also worth considering what will happen in your home in the event of a major, prolonged outage.

For most of us, having no electricity in the home for a few days is an inconvenience—but if the outage is any longer than that, issues as thawing freezers, lack of hot water and lack of cooking facilities start to become major problems.

It’s worth considering a plan for back-up electricity— whether a standby generator designed to carry a heavy load capable of powering the farm or your whole house, or a portable generator to power critical areas of the home or farm.

Whether you choose a standby or a portable generator, it needs to have sufficient capacity to start the motor it is powering—the capacity normally needs to be two and a half to three times greater than the motor it is starting. Depending on the type of starter being used, it can momentarily take seven to eight times the current to start a motor than it does to keep it running. If the generator doesn’t have sufficient capacity its output voltage will drop too much during starting and it won’t be able to start the motor.

Standby generators commonly run on diesel, and in the event of a power outage either self-start on automatic, or can be operated manually. They should be sized correctly to have sufficient capacity to suit the installation and can be either connected to the installation wiring, or for mobile generators may be plugged in to a special inlet plug.

It’s important to note that a licensed electrician must install the generator—and it needs to be correctly positioned on the installation side of the meter,

otherwise you will be billed for using the power you generated yourself.

Make sure that the generator is tested at least once a week to check that it starts and changes over properly—and if it’s purpose is to power a dairy shed think about using it once a month for a complete milking to make sure staff are familiar with running it.

Portable generators must never be connected via a wall outlet, or directly into the wiring—a special socket is required. Don’t be tempted to cut costs in this area. Use an electrician to wire up a plug and transfer switch which will prevent your electricity back feeding into power lines, with the potential to cause serious injury to unsuspecting lines workers.

“Make sure that the generator is tested at least once a week to check that it starts and changes over properly—and if it’s purpose is to power a dairy shed think about using it once a month for a complete milking to make sure staff are familiar with running it.”

To avoid overloading your generator, don’t connect all appliances at the same time. Start with the most critical and progressively add load until you reach the maximum capacity of your generator. Note that the name plate on electric motors shows the output power in watts, and an allowance of about 20% should be added to the motor rating to allow for losses within the motor.

Finally, observe the “common sense” safety rules—never use a generator indoors, never add fuel while the generator is running, never exceed the generator’s maximum output rating, ensure that leads and appliances are undamaged and if multiple power leads are required, use a multi-box with an overload switch.

Tracey Gordon

Contact:

Tracey Gordon ATS Energy Account Manager Tel: 0800 BUY ATS Mobile: 027 652 2133 Email: tracey.gordon@ats.co.nz Web: www.ats.co.nz/energy

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Whole new look for Ashburton family store Sparrow’s Fashion is New Zealand’s oldest family-owned apparel and footwear retailer and has a longstanding reputation for retail excellence in its field. By Kim Newth Thanks to a complete refurbishment, both inside and out, this classic store is continuing to show the way as a much-loved market leader in Mid Canterbury.

One hundred and twenty four years after Scottish tailor William Sparrow first opened a men’s clothing store in Ashburton, the legacy he started continues to thrive.

Fourth generation family member Euan Sparrow and fellow owner Richard Wilson have recently launched the store into the future with a thorough makeover of the East St premises. Put simply, it’s like walking into a brand new store, but the commitment to quality and excellent customer service remains the same.

Richard, who first started work at Sparrows at the age of 15 and has been with the store for more than 30 years, says Sparrows has never looked better. “The store has been brought into ‘the now’: we’ve employed a concept store approach so when people walk in they can readily identify where they should be looking.”

The removal of a central wall has allowed for an expansion of both the footwear and menswear departments. The footwear stock has doubled and includes a great range of McKinlays Footwear, another Kiwi icon which has been making shoes since 1879.

The spacious store is much roomier and better lit. Customers will appreciate the clean, crisp and inviting new modern decor.

Sparrows’ interior refurbishment includes a new Icebreaker concept store, showcasing New Zealand merino garments renowned for their light, breathable qualities and fusion of nature and technology. “This is a hugely important part of the store,” explains Richard. “Mid Canterbury people understand merino and why Icebreaker is a leader

in its field.” Designed by nature itself, Icebreaker merino performs equally well in hot and cold weather.

In-depth product knowledge from a friendly team is a given at Sparrows. Says Richard, “When you come into the store, it’s like you’re coming into our home: you will be made very welcome. Everyone here has their own area of expertise but we are also multi-functional and can work across all departments.”

With Sparrows being locally owned and operated, fashion wear and footwear is purchased to satisfy the needs of the local market. The team is very discerning in its purchase policy. “With the more exclusive labels, we don’t buy a lot of one particular thing. So when you buy a designer shirt or dress from here, you’re getting something quite individual—you won’t end up walking out with something that half the town already owns.

Richard Wilson, Robyn Lester and Jayden Mably

“What we carry also represents exceptional value for money.”

Well known brands in-store include CCC, Line 7, Quiksilver, Summit shirts, Rembrandt and Silverdale Knitwear. “Sparrows is an iconic brand in Mid Canterbury but we are a whole house of brands too, which gives us a real point of difference.”

For ATS customers, there is the added attraction of exclusive access to the store’s fashion and footwear at competitive discount prices plus ATS exclusive offers. The fantastic corner location on East St makes shopping for quality so easy.

Hours: Weekdays 9am to 5.30pm, Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm, Sunday 11am to 3pm.

Contact:

Sparrows Trading since 1887 176 East St Ashburton Tel: 03 308 5771 Email: sparrowbros@xtra.co.nz

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Christmas Gift Baskets and Bouquets Made to order, compliment your flower arrangement and incorporate a special gift, wine, chocolates, aromatherapy or toys.

Christmas wreaths, table centre pieces and flower arrangements for any occasion.

Order your Christmas gifts by Monday 12th December and get an extra 5% discount*

P F E W

| | | |

03 308 3342 03 308 3035 flowers@allentonflorist.co.nz www.allentonflorist.co.nz

85 Harrison St Ashburton

* Minimum order value $100

Getting ready for…

Spring Cleaning?

Christmas Camping? guests?

Wrights Drycleaners provides a complete drycleaning service including: • Curtains & Furnishings • Duvets & Bedding

• Sleeping Bags • PLUS Laundry & Repair Service

Contact Wrights Drycleaners in Ashburton for a superior drycleaning service.

8 Grey Street, Ashburton

Tel: 03 307 8360 ATS NE WS

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Property market update Property market activity in the Canterbury province is continuing to experience a number of variables and increased activity in some areas, especially when compared to typical levels recorded over the last two years. By Ian Walsh, Property Brokers—Hasting McLeod Rural At a recent auction, bidding for a 100ha irrigated Killinchy property (arable) reached $35,000/ha equivalent, before being passed in. This indicates a strong level of interest however the seller obviously felt it was worth more.

We currently have two significant Mid Canterbury grazing/dairy support farms for sale, plus a block all set up to be converted to dairying and a 107ha dairy farm for sale. These properties are attracting considerable interest and when trading conditions are taken into account, it isn’t surprising buyers are keen.

Bank profits are up and bad debts are down and more importantly, we have noticed a full resumption of rural lending services from at least two banks. This has been a very welcome development.

If you are having hassles don’t forget to shop around for financing—there are different levels of appetite for supporting farming proposals. With some strong financiers back in the market, a good spring, solid commodity prices and reasonable interest rates on offer, it isn’t hard to be happy heading into Christmas.

Commercial Buildings Demand for leasing commercial space has been fairly strong and some rents are increasing on the back of increased demand and higher foot traffic in places such as Rangiora. Ashburton is beginning to show a similar trend.

Building values will now be more heavily influenced by earthquake strength which depends upon its design and construction details. The importance of understanding the degree of earthquake strength is another reason why it is far cheaper in the long run to seek good advice at the outset if you are investing in commercial property.

We’re on the move in February 2012 from our East Street premises to West Street in Ashburton. Building fit-out and earthquake strengthening works are underway although our West Street building only

needs a simple modification to achieve almost 100% of code. This is a rare situation for a 1960’s designed commercial building.

Investment Property Demand for rentals is continuing to grow. The question currently being asked is whether landlords are adequately rewarded enough to be encouraged back into the rental market? Overall we are still seeing more landlords selling their properties rather than buying more, so the current squeeze on those seeking rentals will continue for a while yet.

Residential The number of residential and lifestyle properties on the market in the Waimakariri district have dropped 50 per cent from levels seen six months ago. Stronger sales and slightly fewer than normal new listings have contributed to this situation. It has also seen values (based on recent sales) climbing up to 15%.

Our “average days to sell” measure for Rangiora has dropped from over 80 days to below 30 days. These changes have been driven by people moving out of Christchurch.

Selwyn is also experiencing a smaller (as compared to Waimakariri) but still noticeable lift in demand and prices. Mid and South Canterbury property market patterns remain on a normal trend without the significant spike in demand as seen further north although demand for rentals is strong.

With more clarity on the future of quake affected land, we can only see the trend of movement into Waimakariri and Selwyn (and possibly Ashburton) continuing at above normal rates for the next two to three years.

This will translate into further upward price pressure on sections, houses and lifestyle blocks. Road development underway around Christchurch will ease congestion for these extra commuters and add further support to the trend of moving further out.

Properties for Sale: State Highway 72, Ashburton Cairndale Farm 275 ha Cereal Crops/Dairy Grazing Deadline Sale Closing: 12/12/11 Maronan Road, Ashburton 77 ha Farm Start/Additional Land $1,250,000 plus GST Mt Peel—Arundel 155 ha Bareland $3,500,000 plus GST Methven 171 ha Excellent Soils

By Negotiation

Contact:

Property Brokers—Hastings McLeod 324 East Street, Ashburton Tel: 03 308 8209 Fax: 03 308 8206 Web: www.propertybrokers.co.nz

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Thiamine deficiency in ruminants The changing seasons in New Zealand often bring a new set of animal health challenges and diseases.

By Ian Hodge, VetEnt Riverside In autumn we often see parasite problems, in winter copper problems, in spring metabolic problems, especially in dairy cows and in summer we often see a disease which can affect all ruminants—vitamin B1 deficiency.

“With high concentrations of salt in the cells water naturally follows, and soon the affected cells start to swell and become dysfunctional.”

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is produced by microorganisms in the rumen of both sheep and cattle. Thiamine has an important function in producing energy in nervous tissue.

This energy is used to keep excessive salt out side nerve cells. In thiamine deficiency the pumps which keep salt out start to fail and salt leaks back in to the cells. With high concentrations of salt in the cells water naturally follows, and soon the affected cells start to swell and become dysfunctional.

Thiamine is a water soluble vitamin and cannot be stored in large quantities in ruminants. They rely on the bugs in their rumens to make the thiamine, and normally this process carries on without a hitch. Occasionally other bugs in the rumen degrade thiamine or make it much less available for the cow or sheep to use effectively and in these situations deficiencies can occur.

Dietary changes can also predispose to thiamine deficiency by causing an imbalance in bacterial populations in the rumen. This often occurs with high starch intakes commonly seen in summer with lush grass and meal feeding to calves and adult dairy cows.

Some plants also produce substances which destroy thiamine.

High sulphur levels have been thought to play a role in thiamine deficiency and this is sometimes seen when water sulphate levels in water supplies are too high.

Animals affected by thiamine deficiency show nervous signs which are related to the changes in the salt content of the nerve cells in the brain. Water flows in to the cells and they swell. In fact the entire brain swells and presses against the inside of the skull. It is this process that is largely responsible for the changes in behaviour we see in affected animals.

“A quick diagnosis is required for the treatment to

be successful, and a careful veterinary examination will soon rule out other possibilities like lead poisoning, magnesium deficiency, Listeriosis and meningitis.”

In the early stages of the disease, animals with thiamine deficiency will separate themselves and may appear unsteady or blind. They may walk aimlessly and bump into gates etc. If left untreated the disease quickly progresses and these animals become aggressive, blind, have muscle tremors and soon are unable to stand. Once down they become more and more rigid, throw their heads back and have fatal seizures if no treatments are given.

The treatment for thiamine deficiency involves high doses of thiamine hydrochloride possibly combined with anti inflammatory drugs, and drugs that promote loss of water from the brain. A quick diagnosis is required for the treatment to be successful, and a careful veterinary examination will soon rule out other possibilities like lead poisoning, magnesium deficiency, Listeriosis and meningitis.

In summer thiamine deficiency is common in weaned calves.

These young ruminants are susceptible to sudden dietary changes and often succumb. Some treatments for Coccidiosis can precipitate an episode of thiamine deficiency.

Calves should be given plenty of fibrous feed to complement their grass, and any changes to the diet should be made slowly.

Interestingly, adult cows can also get thiamine deficiency but it is less common than in calves.

VetEnt Riverside are ATS Suppliers allowing members to charge services to their ATS Card.

Contact:

VetEnt Riverside Tel: 03 308 2321

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Over 100 years servicing NZ • NZ made wire rope • On-site hydraulic hose repair service with two vans on call 24/7 • Lifting chains & slings • Transmission drive trains & belts • Stainless steel fittings • Rigging equipment • Workshop facility for all repairs of hydraulic equipment Contact details:

120 Moore Street Ashburton

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Phone: 03 308 9778 Email: jbennett@bridon.co.nz Web: www.cookes.co.nz

New nitrogen option ATS members now have access to another nitrogen fertiliser option from Ballance—SustaiN Green.

Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients reduced by the use of SustaiN Green. This product has a coating of Agrotain®, which slows the conversion of urea to ammonium, so allowing time for the urea to diffuse into the soil.

Figure 1 shows how SustaiN Green reduces volatilisation losses, especially in those critical early days. Figure 2 shows the cumulative reduction in volatilisation losses over time: SustaiN Green results in an average of 50% less loss than urea. This loss reduction can be turned into improved production, as shown in Figure 3.

Compared to standard urea, on average SustaiN Green will reduce ammonia volatilisation losses by 50 percent. This makes it an ideal product to use when you want to minimise the risk of losing nitrogen as ammonia and maximise pasture response.

Loss risks In typical pastoral situations, between 10 and 15 percent of the nitrogen applied as urea will be lost through volatilisation. However, in some situations losses may be nil; in others, as high as 50 percent.

Volatilisation is affected by a range of factors, including: • The rate of nitrogen applied—the higher the rate, the greater the losses • Soil moisture levels—risk of volatilisation losses are higher in dry conditions • Soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and organic matter content—the lower these characteristics, the greater the risk of volatilisation • Level of pasture or crop cover—lower covers are associated with higher losses of ammonia.

AMMONIA VOLATILISATION (KG N/HA/DAY)

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CONTROL

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UREA

SUSTAIN

7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

1

2

3

4

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9 10 11 12 13 14

DAYS SINCE APPLICATION

Figure 1: Losses through volatilisation after an application of urea fertiliser (100 kg N/ha) are high for the first few days; using SustaiN Green reduces this loss.

CUMULATIVE AMMONIA VOLATILISATION (KG N/HA)

Reducing losses Volatilisation occurs when urea on the soil surface is converted to ammonium, and then to ammonia, which is lost to the air as a gas. Volatilisation losses peak 2–4 days after application of urea, as seen in Figure 1.

There will nearly always be some level of volatilisation loss from surface-applied urea, but this can be 35

UREA

CONTROL

SUSTAIN

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

1

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Average response efficiency (kg DM/kg N applied)

Using SustaiN Green SustaiN Green can be used in any situation where nitrogen would be applied, for example: • Apply it when soil moisture is less than field capacity and rainfall (5–10 mm) is not guaranteed within 24-48 hours of application.

• Use it on soils with lower CEC and organic matter levels.

• Side-dress spring crops with SustaiN Green, when surface-applied product will be used • Side-dress spring crops with SustaiN Green, when surface-applied product will be used • Apply it to hill country, where the need to book planes means there is less control over the timing of application relative to rainfall.

For more information about SustaiN Green, talk to your local ATS or Ballance rep.

12 10

Anna Bedford 027 499 7617

8 6

Russell Hamilton 027 677 4499

4 2 0

UREA

SUSTAIN

DAYS SINCE APPLICATION

Figure 2: Over a 14-day time span, the total amount of ammonia lost by volatilisation is approximately halved when SustaiN Green is used, compared to urea (100 kg N/ha). This graph shows the relative difference between the two types of nitrogen. The actual amount of ammonia volatilisation will depend on application conditions.

contact ats to discuss your fertiliser needs and/or to arrange for advice from your LOCAL ballance TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE:

Figure 3: Trial work by AgResearch has shown that on average, SustaiN Green increases nitrogen response efficiency compared to urea.

Michael Robertson 027 464 2972 Tel: 0800 222 090 Web: www.ballance.co.nz

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Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Septic Tanks • Silage Pits • Water Tanks/ Effluent Tanks • Concrete Bunkers • Pump/Dangerous Goods/Killing Sheds For any quotes or enquiries contact us on 03 308 4816 or call into the yard at 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald Ashburton info@hanhamconcrete.co.nz

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH ALL ATS STORES

Specialising in providing quality concrete solutions for more than 50 years.

We can work with you to fulfil your specific requirements.

News at ATS A new look for ATS stores The ATS stores have recently undergone a facelift. This is part of the roll-out of the new refreshed ATS brand that was launched into the company and market in 2010.

If you have any feedback on the new look of the ATS stores, please forward your comments to the Marketing Team at ATS.

ABA Rural Business of the Year ATS was recognised recently as the outstanding 2011 Rural Service Business at the Ashburton Business Awards.

This award recognises the outstanding effort by our staff who strive to provide exceptional service, products and advice to members.

The market is well serviced in this sector and the ability to secure the business is more often based on the overall service provided by the staff said Neal Shaw, CEO. “I also found it satisfying to see that of the 24 awards presented on the night, 14 were presented to ATS Suppliers or members. It’s a clear reflection of the quality of businesses that ATS partner with.

As a co-operative we are focused on our members and delivering lower farming input costs”, he said.

ATS also scooped the Medium/Large Business of the Year Award and was runner up for the Supreme Business of the Year.

Ashburton Business Awards 2011

Winner Rural Business Medium/Large Business Runner Up Supreme Winner

Neal Shaw (ATS CEO) and the ATS Team with the three ABA Awards

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New Dairy Key Account Manager ATS is pleased to appoint Stephanie Beeston as the new Dairy Key Account Manager replacing Alan Harrison. Steph’s territory covers south of the Ashburton River between State Highway One to the coast , and south of the Hinds River.

Christmas gift wrapping & gift baskets See instore for more details or call Jenny or Trish to place your order on 0800 BUY ATS. How about a gift basket?

Let ATS create you the ideal gift basket full of all the goodies. We can create a gift basket to suit all ages, occasions and to fit your budget—all beautifully presented.

Gift wrapping

Steph grew up on her family dairy farm in the Mid Canterbury district, and still today has a passion for the industry. Steph worked on a 550 cow dairy farm in Culverden for a season, before returning back to work on her parent’s dairy farm in Mayfield.

Since leaving her parents dairy farm, Steph has worked in Ashburton servicing farmers and has been with ATS for the past year. Steph is currently studying towards a National Certificate in Rural Servicing through AgITO. She is also a valued member of the Hinds Young Farmer Club.

Steph enjoys overseas travel and learning about other cultures. She has a special interest in South America having been an exchange student to Costa Rica in her final year at school.

Contact your ATS Key Account Manager today for on-farm advice, recommendations and all your farming requirements.

ATS Dairy key account managers

When it comes to gift wrapping, ATS staff are professionals. Each gift purchased from us can be beautifully gift wrapped to suit every occasion.

Stuck for ideas?

Let ATS take the hassle out of gift purchasing with ATS vouchers. ATS vouchers come in all values and are an ideal gift that allows freedom to choose from our great selection instore.

RAKAIA RIVER

Brad Elliott 027 229 9764

ASHBURTON RIVER HINDS RIVER

RANGITATA RIVER

MT HUTT

CHRISTCHURCH METHVEN

MT COOK

LYTTELTON

RAKAIA 1

Dave Steel 027 541 4481

ASHBURTON HINDS

TEMUKA

TIMARU

Ashburton A&P Show hamper winner Thank you to those who provided feedback over the Ashburton A&P Show.

Congratulations to the Thomas family who were the lucky winners of the Ashburton A&P Show hamper.

Steph Beeston 027 454 2230

ATS Arable key account managers

RAKAIA RIVER ASHBURTON RIVER HINDS RIVER

RANGITATA RIVER

MT HUTT

CHRISTCHURCH METHVEN

MT COOK

LYTTELTON

RAKAIA 1

Steve Lawson 027 245 5661

ASHBURTON HINDS

TEMUKA

TIMARU

Jenny McLauchlan of ATS presents the Ashburton A&P Show hamper to Georgina Thomas

Jeff Hurst 027 645 5663

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News at ATS

ATS at the Ashburton A&P Show

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CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE La Sportiua “Makalu” Boots Size 43 ½ or 10 – 10 ½ Mountaineering boot suitable for work purposes. $390 Tel 03 303 7666 or 027 2289 224

Kverneland BB85 plough 6 furrow vari width conventional plough Auto resets, very tidy condition $20,000 + GST Tel Alastair 03 303 7379 or 0274 914 215

C-Dax “Slugmaster” bait spreader $800 Tel Ian Maw 03 302 1778 or 027 2225351

Frizzell Ltd Electronic farm scales from $780.00; well depth meters from $285.00, weather stations from $149.00, Irrigation monitoring equipment from $195.00, Farm weigh bridges from $3800.00 (all prices plus G.S.T.).

If it’s Farm electronics contact Frizzell Agricultural Electronics for the best price. We also have a wide range of crates and platforms for scales, plus irrigation monitoring and farm security systems.

For free information on our wide range of products contact Alastair Frizzell on 03 318 1333, or your local contact Viv McLachlan on 03 302 7065 or 027 506 6434. www.frizzell.co.nz or sales@frizzell.co.nz.

Kidz Corner For farm toys including John Deere, animals and wooden farms; sandpit toys including the ‘Fun Ho’ tractors, trailers, trucks and graders.

Cereal balage 170 Round Bales, Winchmore Area Dry Matter & ME Tested Tel 0272 498 844

We have kites, games, trains, kitsets & electronic ‘Brian Box’ from $11.95. Kidz Korner has dolls, their houses, furniture, prams and beds.

As well as traditional toys we have loads of very unique children’s gifts at very affordable prices. ATS Supplier and free Christmas wrapping.

East St next to Dicksmith. Ph 307 0456.

Lucerne balage 160 Round Bales Winchmore Area Dry Matter & ME Tested Tel 0272 498 844

Honda 400EX Quad Bike—2005 Only 20 hours, comes with alloy sump guard, chain guard, bark-buster handguards, aftermarket hi-spec exhaust system, high performance carburettor, rear axle extenders, set of spare rear wheels. $6500 Tel Craige 021 796 092

RETAIL

Glyphosate 360 Purchase 2 x 20L Glyphosate 360 and receive a FREE ham. Strictly while stocks last.

Interchem Order your magnesium today at competitive prices. Call 0800 BUY ATS for more details and to get it delivered on-farm absolutely free.

Make Christmas easy ATS has a great selection of frozen goodies, perfect for Christmas and summer events.

Cheesecakes, crumbles, logs, shortcakes all available at great prices. Starting from just $21.97

Case CS 114 Header 1985 4217 hrs, 17 foot front with high lift rams.

V6 Mercedes engine. Hydrostatic drive with front height toggle on hydrostatic. Has new table auger new unload auger, electrics rewired. Good head lights unloading lights and a becon light that comes on when grain tank is full $35000 + GST Tel 027 229 7149

Hanham sheep/cattle troughs x 6 Approx. 700 litres $200 +GST ea Tel 027 229 7149

Poolcare A full range of pool care chemicals to keep yours looking sparkling clean all year round.

10kg pale of Chlorine just $90.88

The ideal Christmas gifts Check out the great range of chocolates and biscuits at ATS that make gift giving easy.

From tinned Mackintoshes, to Biscuits samplers, cracker selections and bagged lollies, we cover it all! All competitively priced, so be in quick!

Advertising Enquiries Please contact the Marketing Department on: Tel: 03 307 5100 Email: info@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz