ATS News June 2012

ATS NEWS JUNE / JULY 2 0 1 2

Vistas of potential at Mt Potts Arable options

open up with cows and water Beauty and isolation of

Antarctica

Co-operatives

take the spotlight

From the CEO Welcome to this bumper edition of the ATS News. At 52 pages it is our biggest ever and in it you’ll find plenty of informative and interesting articles covering a wide range of issues.

Among the featured articles is a story about Mt Potts Station and its manager Matthew Griffin. He shares his vision to make Mt Potts a place which successfully accommodates the demands of the environment, economics and people. This includes the role of tourism which Matthew says is as much a part of the farm’s redevelopment as the farming.

Irrigation is one factor in the process at Mt Potts, and it is also central to another article which focuses on BCI Chairman and Mayfield farmer Rab McDowell. He talks about his recent irrigation development and the effect dairying has had on local arable farmers. With predictions of another 30 dairy conversions in the Canterbury region, farmers such as himself (who he describes as a dry matter farmer) will continue to be kept busy.

This issue of the ATS News also takes readers off-farm, with Lauriston School teacher Judith McKendry sharing her adventures as a crew member of Gareth Morgan’s “Our Far South” expedition to Antarctica via the Sub Antarctic Islands.

Readers will also find some timely information on filing end of year financials and how to set yourself up for the coming financial year. The winter months are often a good time to make sure you have got your books in order.

July will see also the celebration of the International Day of Co-operatives.

It is a special day, especially as this is the International Year of the Co-op.

ATS is proud to be a sponsor of this and we see it as a great opportunity to focus on the role co-ops play in our business world.

Also coming up is the ATS Instore Days. It is always a great opportunity for farmers to come town and take advantage of the great deals ATS has negotiated on your behalf. More information will be coming your way closer to the time. We look forward to seeing you there.

Upcoming Events 2–4 June Queen’s Birthday ATS will be closed Saturday 2 June to Monday 4 June. We will re-open on Tuesday 5 June

5 June, 9.45am NAIT Roadshow Find out what you need to do to prepare for the NAIT scheme Hotel Ashburton For more info visit www.nait.co.nz

7 June Water Quality Forum Ashburton Events Centre For more info: Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers on 03 307 8145

8 June, 2pm–4pm FMG in store Visit Alan Giles, Business Development Manager from FMG to answer any insurance queries ATS Ashburton

11 June, 5.30pm–8.30pm Farming the Changing Climate Beef+ Lamb NZ Rakaia Gorge—Mt Hutt Lodge For more info contact ian.knowles@ beeflambnz.com

12 June FAR Women in Arable Dairy field trip—robotic dairy farm For more info visit ww.far.org.nz

13–14 June Extreme self care Dairy Womens Network Hotel Ashburton For more info contact Rebecca Millar 03 302 7879

20 June FAR Arable Y’s Hotel Ashburton For more info contact Richard Chynoweth 03 345 5783

Neal Shaw, Chief Executive

18 July, 7.30–9.00pm

Contents

Far Women in Arable The Senior Centre For more info visit www.far.org.nz

www.ats.co.nz ASHBURTON

METHVEN

Editorial Enquiries

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

RAKAIA

HEAD OFFICE

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

Our team welcome your contributions, enquiries and letters.

Please post or email to: Charlotte Mackenzie charlotte.mackenzie@ats.co.nz Nikki Craig Co-op Marketing Co-ordinator nikki.craig@ats.co.nz

Advertising Enquiries:

Please contact the Marketing Department on: Tel: 03 307 5100 marketing@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS:

Photography:

Richard Rennie, Anita Body, Ele Ludemann, Pip Hume, Linda Clarke, Dr Rob Derrick, Ian Walsh and Ian Hodge

Nikki Craig, Charlotte Mackenzie, Judith McKendry, Desme Daniels and Hayden Marshall

DISCLAIMER: All information contained within ATS News is to the best

Front Page Photo

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.

Archie, Matthew, Tanya and Jacob Griffin—Mt Potts Station

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5

6 21 Features

Regulars

Profiles

Etc

2 Arable options open up with cows and water

Rab McDowell

15 Ele Ludemann

21 Once-in-a-lifetime development

Ashburton Contracting Ltd

5 Co-operatives take the spotlight 6 Vistas of potential at Mt Potts

Matthew Griffin

27 Increasing feed efficiency

46 News at ATS 48 Out and about 49 Classifieds

10 Beauty and isolation of Antarctica 17 Farmers get up close on genetics’ value 19 Taking the stress out of Year End

23 Now is the time to soil test 29 Options open for power complaints 37 Payout driving land prices 39 Wintering the rumen 41 A solid finish to the 2012 harvest

25 Keep your pets smiling CareVets 32 Water—and quality plumbing—are integral parts of modern, efficient dairy farming

Stocker Dairy Plumb 35 Welcoming new arrivals

Ashburton Long Run Iron

FEATURE

Arable options open up with cows and water Mayfield farmer Rab McDowell recalls a meeting he had almost twenty years ago with a young North Island dairy farmer who had recently made the move south. A couple of months before, Rab had been speaking at a MAF seminar on the outlook for Canterbury farming at the Ashburton Hotel. He had said that, as an arable farmer, he saw potential for dairying to strengthen and add diversity to the local economy.

By Richard Rennie

It would complement existing arable farming systems by providing outlets for arable crops and straw, and an increase in dairying would be mutually beneficial to both dairy and arable farmers. This was at a time when the influx of dairy farmers was regarded with some resentment.

“The bloke had attended the seminar and he came up to me and thanked me. He said it was the first positive thing he had heard said about North Island dairy farmers coming here and he really appreciated it.”

A decade and a half later, attitudes have changed and those opportunities Rab spoke of have arrived. He is pleased to be one of those able to capitalise on the choices and flexibility dairying’s success and expansion have brought 2

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in its wake to the region. His evolving farming system highlights the ability of the arable sector to provide the dry matter fuel for surging dairy cow numbers.

“I spent many years thinking, am I a sheep farmer growing some crop, or a cropping farmer with sheep?”

This coming season looks no different, with expectations of another 30 conversions in the Canterbury region. Rab quickly does some back of envelope calculations to indicate how much extra off farm feed dairy farmers will require for another 30,000 cows.

“Roughly we are looking at another 2000ha of kale, 1000ha for grain and 2000ha to run young stock on, and that is all on top of what we already grow to feed existing numbers.”

With figures like that it is easy to see why he could be feeling optimistic about the place for arable farmers in Canterbury’s agricultural infrastructure.

“I spent many years thinking, am I a sheep farmer growing some crop, or a cropping farmer with sheep? I think what we really are is dry matter farmers, we grow and supply dry matter for stock feed.”

Growing that dry matter has never been a guaranteed, straightforward process on the McDowells’ dryland arable farm. The 540ha

property sits in “purgatory” as Rab describes it in regard to the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR).

“When it was built in the 30s and 40s, it was aimed at lower rainfall areas with lighter soils, so we did not get water, we spent the better part of our lives looking at the race above us and the irrigated country below!”

Also, falling into an aquifer shadow near the Surrey Hills meant deep well irrigation opportunities have been limited.

To adapt, over the past 10 years Rab developed a double cropping approach to maximise what could be done within rainfall windows.

“Typically we would get our grain crop off and put in a winter feed crop, usually green feed oats or a brassica, and, come spring, put in a cereal.”

The system demanded timeliness, good gear, and an appreciation of how much yield can be lost to delays.

A green feed rape crop for example that goes in mid February rather than mid January can see that four week delay costing a massive 500–800kgDM/ ha in lost yield every week that sowing is delayed.

The variability of dry land cereal cropping is also enough to give anyone used to irrigation’s reliability nightmares over cash flow and delivery.

Over the past five years Rab’s autumn sown wheat crops have yielded 9.2t/ha in 2007, 5.2t in 2008, 3.2t in 2009, 9t in 2010 and 4.1t in 2011.

“For customers requiring guaranteed quantities and quality of crop, that is just not good enough anymore.” The key determining rainfall is the early summer moisture that assists grain fill—missing that significantly compromises yield.

This left Rab’s “last big challenge”, to get irrigation across the property and one he fulfilled last year with the installation of three centre pivots to cover 50% of the farm. It was the fulfilment of a goal he started out to achieve 15 years ago when he was chair of a group of farmers in the Ruapuna Mayfield district who applied for consent to take water from the Rangitata. They were thwarted by a conservation order being placed upon it.

Salvation ultimately came via the Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation (BCI) scheme when its zone was extended. Five pipelines now provide gravity fed water across the upper plains. For Rab’s property

that water arrives at an impressive 135psi, requiring pressure reduction valves to knock it down to more manageable levels.

“The water from it came as our Christmas present in December 2010. The irony is that since the water arrived we have had one of the best growing seasons ever, including this year with a yields of 9t/ha on our dryland crop!”

“We had pretty much pushed things as far as we could with the double cropping, becoming overly dependent on a few crops like spring barley.

We were coming to a point we needed to change the system.”

However he is confident the gains irrigation will provide will be seen, ultimately expecting up to 12t/ha for cereals, but also it is the flexibility it brings in the type of crop that excites him.

“We had pretty much pushed things as far as we could with the double cropping, becoming overly dependent on a few crops like spring barley. We were coming to a point we needed to change the system.”

He is still considering all the options, with specialist crops like grass seed back on the agenda. The stonier soil of his property prevents some crops like clover being grown, but other crops like dairy fed kale are increasingly competing with conventional arable crops in terms of their value. “ A 15t/ha kale crop with lower growing costs than wheat, winter fed to dairy cows competes extremely well with a 10–12t/ha wheat crop for return—you don’t have to harvest it, you just put cows on it.”

opposite PAGE: Rab McDowell From top left: Heifer grazing; lambs on kale;

Margaret and Rab McDowell

more and more of our income is defined by the dairy sector, with the bulls, heifer/cow grazing and grain growing.”

It is a far cry from the days when he ran more than 5000 breeding ewes and 1800 hoggets, before finally pulling the pin on breeding ewes four years ago.

Meantime Rab is also repaying the founders of the BCI scheme who “sweated blood” to get the scheme started, by giving time to be chairman of the BCI board.

“John Wright worked very hard to get that scheme going and has now vacated the board chair position to concentrate his efforts as operations manager. We can see its potential, it is taking time to build, increasingly the reliability concerns are being sorted out and once reliability reaches 95% uptake will grow even faster.”

The second generation farmer and his wife Margaret are optimistic about arable cropping’s place, despite the media concerns about land being lost to dairying.

“We still have a very long way to go compared to places like the Waikato. There, 90% of land use is dairy, here it is still only around 30%. I think the options here explain why the Canterbury rural sector has been as buoyant as has been—people have options on this country.”

Farm Details:

This winter he will run 6000 lambs, 700 dairy cows and 500 heifer replacements, with kale, rape and green feed oats being key crops.

location:

Mayfield

soil type:

Medium stony Lismore silt loams

“We have also increasingly been supplying Jersey service bulls to dairy farmers, and they tend to fit in well with our growth patterns and rotations.”

size:

540ha

irrigated:

270ha, three centre pivot irrigators

Crops:

Mixed—cereals, seeds and feed, including wheat, barley, and kale

“The challenge here on in is to work out what the best crop combinations are to maximise the irrigation return. Whatever that may be,

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Visit www.ats.co.nz for more details

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 4

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

FEATURE

Co-operatives take the spotlight

This year co-operatives are in the spotlight thanks to a United Nations General Assembly decision to make 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives (IYC).

By Anita Body

It is a great opportunity to educate people about the roles and benefits of this important business model and ATS is proud to support this event as a Bronze Partner.

ATS chairman, Phil McKendry says it was an easy decision for the Board to be involved. “The Board is very happy and proud to have the opportunity to sponsor this event. They see it as supporting a general awareness about co-ops and in particular supporting the important work of the NZ Cooperatives’ Association.

A good definition of a co-operative according to the NZ Co-op Association is “an organisation owned by and democratically operated for the benefit of those using its services”.

Co-ops are about creating value for their shareholders who are also their customers. That is the key difference between co-operatives and investor-owned businesses where their shareholders are not necessarily their customers or suppliers.

While co-operatives are not always well understood or recognised, they are an important and successful part of our business environment.

In New Zealand co-operatives are seen as having a strong commercial flavour, especially when compared to some of their European counterparts.

ATS is no exception according to Phil. “We are commercially driven although our image has a community aspect and we are a constructive player in the community. But if we were not

commercially viable then ATS would not be able to do this.”

“A co-op’s business model has to be more effective than other options otherwise shareholders will put their money elsewhere to give them the benefits they are seeking. This commercial imperative on co-operatives is part and parcel of operating in New Zealand’s free and open economy.”

ATS was established in 1963 and in terms of business longevity it is now serving more than the original generation that started it, and it is continuing to grow. It has also remained true to its founder beliefs of lowering input costs for farmers. Not all businesses or co-operatives can say they have done that over a 50 year period.

To stand the test of time, the ATS business model and operation has had to change but the purpose of why farmers invest their $500 shareholding into it remains the same.

Generally the rural sector has a good understanding of co-operatives and that’s not surprising when more than half of the NZ Cooperative Association’s 55 full member businesses are agriculturally based. “One of the reasons they are so strong in the rural sector is because they make this sector more competitive and help keep the marketplace honest,” says Phil.

NZ Co-op’s largest member is Fonterra while the smallest are community co-operatives. ATS is

16th on NZ Co-op’s Top 40 Co-operatives and Mutuals, sitting ahead of the likes of Rabobank New Zealand, Livestock Improvement, FMG, Electricity Ashburton and Paper Plus New Zealand. This Top 40 had a collective turnover/revenue of more than $39 billion.

According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Statistics NZ the contribution of co-ops and mutuals to the GDP (for the year ending 31 March 2009) was three per cent. This is significant given there are less than 200 cooperatives and mutual enterprises nationwide.

This year’s IYC celebrations will provide the opportunity to focus on the role co-ops play in our business world. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for New Zealand co-operatives to come together to celebrate their success, gain understanding of their business model, and achieve the best policy and legislative settings to trade and grow in the national economy.

Activities planned for this year include a Co-operative Research Conference in Wellington this month (in June); International Day of Co-operatives on 7 July; and later in the year Christchurch will host the Co-operatives Association AGM. ATS N E W S

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FEATURE

Vistas of potential at Mt Potts Mount Potts station manager Matthew Griffin acknowledges the view from his workplace every day is more than just half the planet away from the rural views he grew up with in Gloucestershire, England.

By Richard Rennie

Matthew spent much of his later childhood working after school and over the holidays on a 60 acre farm near his home. Those days spent, feeding pigs, calves and mucking out confirmed in his mind that farming was where he wanted to go.

“The truth is I can’t get away from it, and of course it helps that Tanya feels the same way about it.”

“I think back to that farm now, at the time it seemed like this huge place. When I came here, it absolutely blew me away, when I got into the high country, I knew ‘this was me.’”

Tenure review five years ago saw the station’s scale significantly reduced, losing 10,000ha of high country and swamp area to conservation decrees.

After a year of managing Mt Potts for new owner Russian businessman Alex Germanovich, Matthew’s enthusiasm is far from dampened for his and wife Tanya’s new home.

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His palpable enthusiasm comes as much from the landscape he works in as it does from the potential he can see in the 1,200ha property.

He acknowledges the mixed feelings that have accompanied the tenure review process in the region. However he is also hoping that time will deliver the ecological benefits the review promised to bring with it.

“Far be it for us to work against the likes of DOC, given they are our neighbours and account for a huge portion of this country. We have found it more worthwhile to be sitting down with them and getting a handle on what they want to achieve.”

Meantime the loss of land to the review, and Alex’s ownership, has put the focus on areas where productivity can be increased and alternative income streams can be enhanced.

A unique water consent is a key part of that. It provides 41L/s supply to the property’s centre pivot irrigator, drawing water from the Mt Potts River. At present the irrigator covers 85ha, and this

Tourism valued alongside farm business

is to be lifted to 150ha, utilising infrastructure put in place by the Urquhart family, owners before the last owners, the Dewsberys.

“Given the length of the winters here, we allow for 150 zero growth days, the need to increase that irrigation further is not really there—you can have snow on the ground and cold early on in autumn, and spring can be late, we can only grow so much feed with it.”

Matthew has moved the stocking rate from 3600su to 4800–5000su. All Matthew’s plans for the future have one broad parameter around them, and that is the weather. Ranging from 500m to 900m and facing predominately south, the property will experience winters deepened by early autumns and late springs.

“When I came here, it absolutely blew me away, when I got into the high country, I knew ‘this was me.’”

“Mark Dewsbery did a good job and gave me plenty of time when we took over, as did the owner before him, Alisdair Urquhart—it is the sort of place that is hard to let go of, even when you have left. It was not for nothing they did things the way they did, recognising the constraints that go with this sort of country.”

Mt Potts is not the first piece of high country Matthew has worked in, having also worked on Lochaber Station and casual mustering work around the area. He also has the unusual claim to having worked for an Englishman, Italian, Welshman and now a Russian, testimony to the cosmopolitan ownership of Canterbury’s high country today.

clockwise from top: Eighty-five year-old hydro power

station; angus yearlings; the newly opened restaurant

the role they play in worm and pasture control and increasing the number cash streams and spreading the risk .

“The pivot area has had predominately cattle on in over the past few years, and I feel sheep will play a key role in helping reduce the worm burden there, and improve the pasture.”

The deer will also gain from the expansion of the irrigation system. Better feed quality will mean recently fawned young hinds will be able to increase their bodyweight faster before winter, requiring less supplement. He has recently being successfully trialling lifted fodder beet on the deer with good success from the high energy feed.

At present the station is running 425head of Angus breeding cows. The 80 heifer calves Matthew took over with the property last year

Matthew Griffin never saw himself as a tourism operator when he took on the management of Mt Potts, despite the property including a lodge facility capable of housing 35 people.

He was drawn to the property due in part to the lure of less people, more space, and the opportunity to leave his mark on the property’s farm redevelopment.

“I quickly came to see though that tourism is as much a part of that process as the farming, and could play a big part in helping the place reach its full potential.”

Tourism is not new to Mt Potts, with previous owners the Dewsberys heavily involved in heliskiing operations.

“Part of the development included finding good staff to look after the day to day running of the lodge and allow me to work on the business not in the business.”

Alex’s capital input to the property includes intentions to increase the level of subdivision around the top country, making stock rotation through it more controllable to capitalise on the spring growth more effectively with the breeding cows. Also improve the pasture on the 200ha of flats (which includes the irrigation) with capital fertiliser / lime and pasture renewal.

Carl and Kristy Davison were employed in December 2011 and chef Reece (a friend of Alex’s) was taken on for six months who has been helping set up the lodge for the future.

Matthew purchased 200 hinds last spring and 450 Romney-Texel crosses out of Mt Algidus Station. All proved to be an expensive purchase, but Matthew looks on them as an investment not only for wool and lamb returns, but also

A newly opened restaurant also promises to couple high country appetites with quality, locally sourced cuisine and offer a social focal point for people staying or visiting for the day.

However part of Alex Germanovich’s plans for the property have included upgrading the lodge, with an emphasis on being accessible for families and groups.

have gone to the bull, and he kept 125 heifers and 85 steers on to see how they could play a role in boosting cashflow over summer.

A great believer in hereditary traits, and traceability, he is exploring the use of different genetics and EID for the deer and cattle.

With a focus on lifting productivity on the land that remains as freehold, Matthew is helping move Mt Potts Station from being more than a romanticised, “iconic” piece of country. While acknowledging the sweeping vistas and stunning landscapes that drew him there in the first place, careful development aims to make it a place accommodating the demands of the environment, economics and people.

He is relishing the challenge of proving all can sit together comfortably within the same boundary.

Work is on-going in upgrading the facilities and this includes installing a smart energy system throughout the lodge and other dwellings on the property. Initially there were plans to double the output of the station’s 85 year old hydro power station to 130kW. However it was not a cheap option, and plans now include installing an intelligent energy management system that manages power flow within the hydro’s existing 65kW capacity.

It is a cost effective alternative that will see the hydro kept in its near original state from the days it came up from the Mount Cook Hermitage lodge.

“It also fits well with our ethos to try and work within what we have, in a sustainable, low impact way,” says Matthew.

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FEATURE

Beauty and isolation of Antarctica Few of us will ever experience a trip like the one Mid Canterbury teacher Judith McKendry has recently returned from. The destinations were extraordinary, as were her fellow crew members.

By Anita Body

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Judith was one of a 52 strong crew selected to take part in the Our Far South voyage to Antarctica and the sub Antarctic islands. The 30 day trip organised by Gareth Morgan was aimed at raising awareness about the value and importance of this area, and to outline threats and opportunities.

Crew members were selected for their varied skills and qualities with scientists, technical experts, and people from all walks of life represented. As a primary school teacher (at Lauriston School) with publishing experience and the ability to turn scientific jargon into “plain speak”, along with a long-held interest in Antarctica and its history, Judith was one of only five South Islanders to take part in the voyage.

The crew attended daily seminars and discussions about the issues affecting places they visited, and having 12 scientists and other experts on board was like having Wikipedia to talk to.

“I was unable to get the interaction I would have liked but that was part of the communication difficulties we all experienced and expected on board.”

Since her return she has been able to answer many of the questions posed on-line and her work continues in the form of school visits.

She’s visited a number Mid Canterbury and Christchurch schools to talk about her trip and share videos and photos. Nationally around 150 schools have requested visits from crew members.

Most people visiting Antarctica fly in and as a consequence miss out on experiencing these amazing and remote islands.

opposite PAGE: Scott’s Terra Nova hut clockwise from top: King penguins on Macquarie

Island; Vince’s Cross. McMurdo Sound; Hooker sea lion on Auckland Island; map showing the route of the trip

threatening. The crew were able to experience many species of birds and wildlife at close range.

Most of the sub Antarctic Islands they visited are owned by New Zealand. “We became quite passionate about these islands.” In one of her last blogs Judith summed it up by saying: “This voyage has been incredible and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity I have had to see such a beautiful part of the world in the company of a wonderfully friendly and talented group of people. I now know that New Zealand is a much bigger place than I thought it was.

Thirty days is a long time to spend on a ship, but Judith says it was necessary to do justice to the sub Antarctic Islands. Most people visiting Antarctica fly in and as a consequence miss out on experiencing these amazing and remote islands.

With no internet access, this was a great help when writing her daily blog for children and teachers. Sending the information was a little more challenging. She would save her blog on a memory stick and a fellow crew member would then magically line up the satellites and email it to Wellington where it would then be put onto the Our Far South website. Judith did not see the completed blog until she returned home.

While it was always a big focus of the voyage, Judith says it was also the most surprising part for her especially “how beautiful and varied they were.”

“At Campbell Island it usually rains six out of seven days and it is very windy. But it was very beautiful and not bleak as I had expected.”

The weather was clear during their visit, but incredibly windy on the hill tops. “It was hard to see compared to what we would see here on the Plains as there was no tree movement to gauge the wind, because there are no tall trees.”

Campbell Island has the dubious honour of having the world’s loneliest tree, a Sitka Spruce which is the only tree on the island with the next closest tree being on the Auckland Islands, 150 nautical miles away. It is also home to one of the largest Southern Royal Albatross colonies.

Spending four hours watching these magnificent birds fly in, feed and interact was one of the trip highlights.

“What strikes you about these (sub Antarctic) islands is that the wildlife and birdlife are so at home and not used to human contact.” Seals would approach them to have a look; they’d show their teeth but they weren’t deliberately

The Snares, Auckland Islands, Antipodes Islands, Campbell Islands and the Bounty Islands are part of New Zealand. We own these islands so it is New Zealanders responsibility to look after these places and preserve their past, as so much of the past is indicators for our future. We are guardians too for The Ross Dependency and therefore we need to ensure that this slice of Antarctica is reserved for science and peace.”

It’s this sense of responsibility which led to the launching of the Million Dollar Mouse project

by Gareth and Jo Morgan following the trip. The project aims to raise $1 million to eradicate mice ATS N E W S

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Judith felt reasonably well most of the time thanks to the sea sickness patches most of the crew wore. By day 21 she thought she might be able to do away with the patches, but despite relatively calm conditions she quickly felt queasy and unwell, so the patches were reinstated for the remainder of the journey.

from the Antipodes Islands—the only home for the Antipodes Island snipe and the Antipodes Island parakeet. Other seabirds use these islands as life-rafts in the Southern Ocean, to breed, feed or just rest. Mice eat eggs and chicks, and they also eat seeds and insects important to the seabird’s feed infrastructure.

New Zealand has established itself as one of the world leaders in pest eradication, with many success stories including the eradication of rats from the Campbell Islands around 10 years ago.

The removal of mice from the Antipodes has been on DOC’s radar with only funding delaying its implementation.

“Ironically it was human intervention that caused the problem and now it is going to need human intervention to solve it,” says Judith.

“You could see the sea icing up very quickly and it was too dangerous to stay.”

The Antipodes Islands and the Bounty Islands were not part of the original itinerary, but a change in sea conditions while at Antarctica led to the unscheduled visits.

The three days spent in McMurdo Sound saw crystal clear skies with almost unprecedented views of Mt Erebus and the coldest day reaching only minus 15degC. Despite the fantastic weather, sea conditions can change quickly. “You could see the sea icing up very quickly and it was too dangerous to stay.” They were unable to land on Antarctica again.

But the three perfect days provided ample opportunity to fulfil Judith’s lifelong dream of visiting the great explorers’ huts—Shackleton’s Hut and Scott’s Terra Nova and Discovery huts. She also got to visit Scott Base, experience a polar plunge, climb Observation Hill, meet with scientists and archivists as well as spot plenty of wildlife.

Rodney Russ of Heritage Expeditions, has been conducting tours in the region for 21 years, and had not known a trip to be as calm as the Our Far South voyage. “We still had to enforce the ‘one hand for you and one for the boat’ rule at times, but generally it was a pretty calm trip,” says Judith. “We had amazing meals and because of the generally calm seas, we were able to sit down and eat them in the dining rooms.”

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Now that she’s been home for a while, Judith has had time to contemplate the “what next” question. “I would like to go back but realise I would not be able to replicate the journey that I had, mainly because of the people. That was a one off.” She would like to take husband Phil to the region one day—possibly to volunteer to help out with projects on the sub Antarctic islands or maybe to visit the Antarctic Peninsula from the South American side.

She acknowledges one of the ironies about her trip was that part of the crew’s brief was to look at the impact tourism has had on the area. “I would

encourage people who get the chance to go down there to go. There is that dilemma on the other hand of having to protect and look after these places, but DOC is doing a good job to ensure there are controls on the number of visitors and their impact on flora and fauna is minimal.”

For now, Judith is looking forward to catching up with crew members at the launch of four books produced as a result of the voyage. This will take place in Wellington early in July and will feature a photographic book by Mike Wilkinson; Gareth Morgan’s record of the journey; Geoff Simmons’s book on the issues and science behind the trip; and a children’s book featuring Shackleton Bear by John McCrystal.

To read more you can visit Judith’s blog http://www.ourfarsouth.org/blog/author/judith/ clockwise from top: Elephant seal Macquarie Island; Mt Erebus at 1.30am; pancake ice; gamming albatross on Campbell Island

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REGULAR

Opinion

Ele Ludemann homepaddock.wordpress.com

Thoughts from across the rivers Conversions to dairying started slowly in the South Island with black and white or caramel cows standing out on a few farms surrounded by sheep and crops.

BY Ele Ludemann

It wasn’t easy for those first arrivals to fit in with locals who didn’t understand the different demands of dairying. The need to be on deck early in the morning isn’t conducive to late night socialising and afternoon milking gets in the way of sport and other activities.

But gradually the economics of dairying in Canterbury, Otago and Southland led to more conversions. As numbers have grown, communities used to sheep, beef and cropping have adjusted to the different requirements of dairying and dairy workers and appreciated new opportunities they provide.

“The need to be on deck early in the morning isn’t conducive to late night socialising and afternoon milking gets in the way of sport and other activities.”

Dairy grazing and support offers options for those with excess pasture, supplements or crop. Relief milking is well-paid part-time work, including weekend or holiday jobs for older school pupils and students. New businesses supplying or servicing dairy farms have opened and existing ones expanded.

One major difference in communities where farms had stayed in the same hands for generations with a relatively stable workforce is dairying’s transient population with a much faster turnover of land and labour.

It is most noticeable at this time of year when one milking season finishes, another starts and hundreds of dairy farm owners, managers, sharemilkers and staff change farms and move home.

It’s dubbed Gypsy Day but its effects are noticeable for a few weeks from the end of May to early June as stock, machinery, furniture other personal effects and families shift.

There are obvious opportunities from that for businesses which move animals, machinery and household contents. There are others we hadn’t thought of until we got into dairying such as work for locksmiths, cleaners, carpet layers, painters and curtain makers.

Incoming staff often want to be sure that the outgoing workers won’t be able to get into their houses so lots of locks have to be changed.

Newcomers can’t be expected to deal with dirt and mess left behind by previous occupants either. Some workers keep their homes so clean you could just about eat off their floors. Others leave their houses in an appalling state.

Many need a heavy duty clean, others have to have curtains and carpets replaced and require repairs and repainting as well.

“New businesses supplying or servicing dairy farms have opened and existing ones expanded.”

Gypsy day also has a big impact on schools with a large number of dairy farm children on their rolls.

A school with 100 pupils might have a roll change of 20% or more as some families come and others go. Children can lose up to a term of optimal learning each time they move school. However, more conversions in an area has enabled parents to change jobs within a school catchment and shift smaller distances so it’s less disruptive for their children.

Gypsy Day also helps hoarders take a disciplined approach to discarding what not’s really needed.

Shifting home regularly teaches you to declutter your house. That’s another lesson from dairying I’m trying to learn.

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FEATURE

Farmers get up close on genetics’ value

Over 50 farmers attending a seminar on dairy genetics got the inside running on developments impacting their herd breeding decisions for years to come, earlier in May.

By Richard Rennie

Speakers at the seminar included some top talent from the country’s dairy genetic industry who provided candid and valuable insights on improving herd genetic performance.

Charlie Chase of VetEnt Riverside in Ashburton gave farmers an insight to the value they can gain from his company’s ReproMap program that can help better understand the reproductive performance of a herd.

He demonstrated the ability of the program to show changes through time and herd profile.

Differences in reproductive performance within specific age profiles and pregnancy generation curves generated by ReproMap provide greater insights about reproductive performance over time.

“A lot of success comes down to planning early on, we are finding successful farmers will be focussing before the first cow has calved on what they want to achieve over the next mating period.”

He says as inductions become less and less an option, the focus on effective and timely reproductive programmes is only going to increase.

Dr Jeremy Bryant, a pasture and animal improvement specialist from genetics watchdog NZ Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) provided some useful rule of thumb indicators to farmers on managing gains attributable to genetics within herd.

“The gains in Breeding Worth over a period of 10 years equate to around an extra 2kg of milk solids per cow per year, if fully recognised. However to capture those gains, there are some management shifts that farmers need to make, and be aware of over time,” says Dr Bryant.

Rather than simply “riding the curve up” in national genetic gain increases, farmers learned it will be necessary to reduce stocking rates and/or increase the amount of feed cows get to see the gains in milk solids.

main image: Dr Charles Chase (VetEnt Riverside), Dr Jeremy Bryant (DairyNZ), Neal Shaw (ATS) and Dr David L. Hayman (Liberty Genetics).

Photo supplied by Ashburton Guardian.

“In number terms it equates to reducing cow numbers by one cow per 300 every year, or offering another 5t of additional feed per 300 cows every year to realise it.” Additional feed may come from offering supplements or improved pasture species.

Rakaia Gorge farmer Rob Mawle says the value of the seminar lay as much in the conversations held after the event, as the event itself.

These system changes are needed to realise the full dollar benefits of genetic gain in the herd, he says.

The challenge for Canterbury farmers who were often expanding herd operations was to try and take a step back, and re-assess the balance of feed inputs and numbers against the natural genetic gains they should experience.

“The upside for Canterbury farmers is they can at least have some control over nature in the form of irrigation to keep feed supply more even than is often the case up north,” says Dr Bryant.

“It gave us an opportunity to talk to guys like Charlie, and to meet some of the people involved with Liberty Genetics. We also intend to be speaking to our vet about fertility appraisal for individual farms after hearing Charlie’s presentation.”

ATS CEO Neal Shaw said the co-operative welcomed the opportunity to leverage the range and quality of speakers to benefit its members.

“We have drawn on the relationships we enjoy both locally and nationally to bring the best minds together for members, providing some impartial and well founded views on the value of reproductive performance,” says Neal.

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FEATURE

Taking the stress out of Year End Getting the end of year financials to the accountant is a source of stress for many—but it need not be a drama. Having your accounts in order is a process that is ongoing, and using one of the good software packages available streamlines the process.

By Pip Hume

Brian Eccles, Managing Director of CRS Software Ltd, developers of popular farm management software Cashmanager RURAL, advocates a disciplined approach to farm accountancy, and suggests updating financial transactions at least monthly.

Most farm businesses now make payments electronically, and software such as Cashmanager RURAL allows for bank transactions to be electronically imported—an end to entering each transaction manually and making reconciliation to the bank statement much easier and quicker.

Consistent coding of transactions throughout the year also makes year end much easier, for you and your accountant. “Using the CRS pre-coding

Aaron recommends monitoring outstanding deposits and cheques on reconciliation reports to see if they need to be written off prior to balance date. If a transaction is to be written off, don’t delete the original transaction—the correct procedure is to make an opposite entry in the current GST period. When checking cashbook coding, Aaron advises that if you use a “suspense” code for transactions you are unsure of, check that the balance of this code has been cleared out to Nil. It’s also important to keep accurate records of income and costs that occur prior to balance date where payment is due after balance date.

Grain and seeds, and livestock, are two areas where mistakes occur. Enter quantities for sales and purchases and keep accurate records of livestock classes and numbers on hand, and of grain and seeds on hand.

“Watch the cut-off of livestock and grain and seeds sales and purchases at balance date to ensure these are not either missed or included twice,” says Aaron, “and make sure that you have accounted for advance payments received for grain and seeds”.

The budgeting process goes hand in hand with keeping transactions sorted. Today’s financiers demand a plan and require regular updates during the year to confirm progress. Doing this well reduces their costs and benefits everyone, and doing it early will impress your financier.

ABOVE: Bryan Beeston getting prepared for Year End

service or setting up your own auto coding is a great time-saver,” Brian comments. “Plan as you intend to code and code as you planned.”

It’s also a good idea to talk to your accountant and financier ahead of year end, to prepare for the next financial year. Early discussion allows your accountant to plan ahead in such areas as tax planning.

Aaron Edmond, Director of Gabites Ltd, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, also stresses the importance of regularly updating and reconciling the cashbook through the year and suggests some areas that need careful attention.

“Don’t delete any transaction that has appeared in a GST return—and once a GST return has been finalized don’t make any adjustments to that GST period,” he stresses.

Brian Eccles says that today’s bank managers are less inclined to become involved in the budgeting process—they want farmers to own their budget. Farm consultants and advisers are great value, working with the farmer to achieve goals, and leading accountants are stepping up to the demand for planning and financial management advice.

It is advisable to revise the budget every month, merging actuals to date into the budget—but keep an original budget for reference. Plan to update the budget forecast about three times a year –updating the existing budget is much easier than starting from scratch.

“The great thing about having a plan is that you can make a change to the plan and measure the benefit of the decision! Budgets are never perfect—but any plan is better than no plan.”

Year End Check List Housekeeping:

Cashbook updated and reconciled Cashbook spring cleaned and backed up Accountants Report prepared and next year opened Opening livestock aged up / checked Signatures and authorisation:

Check bank authorities / signatories / mandates Check automatic payments and direct debit authorities Check ATS sub accounts / personal accounts. If staff have access to your ATS account consider whether a sub account may be more appropriate.

Details for your accountant may include but not limited to:

Cashbook reconciled to bank statements— manual or electronic Copies of bank statements FBT, PAYE and GST returns Interest and dividend certificates and statements Legal and loan documentation, loan statements Details of: • Overseas shareholdings • Changes in shareholdings • Details of overseas income including interest and dividend certificates List current debtors and creditors Total effective farming hectares; livestock on hand, grains and seeds on hand; kg wool on hand Details of capital expenditure, include assets purchased/sold in the year Details of motor vehicles—business percentage as per log book Private use and value of goods taken at cost, list transactions not through the business List expenses paid in cash through personal funds Livestock reconciliation

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PROFILE

Once-in-a-lifetime development A bold and visionary plan to extend popular Lake Hood is a once-in-a-lifetime project for Ashburton Contracting Limited (ACL).

By Linda Clarke

The contracting company is one of four partners in the extension, which will ultimately see the size of the lake increase by 80 hectares, and provide up to 350 development sites including lakefront, canalside and parkland living options, as well as larger lifestyle blocks further from the water’s edge.

The existing 80ha man-made lake has been a mecca for rowing, power boating, sailing and simply having fun by the water since it opened in 2002. The extension, which will be carried out over a number of years, will enlarge and enhance the Lake Hood Aquatic Park and give many more people a chance to own their spot in paradise.

ACL’s general manager Gary Casey said the project ticked all the boxes for ACL, which is owned by the Ashburton District Council but independently operated. ACL and the District needed a significant, long-term and reliable source of aggregate and the resulting extraction would create a new lake and enhance a well-used community asset.

Aggregate excavated for the lake is being processed near the site, and the resulting aggregates used in domestic and commercial construction activities around the District.

Excavation is being carried out every 18 months or so depending on aggregate use. The second, just under way, will create a 21-section peninsula (Stage 8) with some of the best views in the subdivision.

The project is outside of ACL’s usual business activities. Its 120 staff are involved in construction and drainage, working on everything from driveways, public roads and subdivisions, to water and sewage infrastructure. It also carries out work for the Ashburton District Council, including looking after its water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure in Mid Canterbury.

Another division of the company works on rural construction projects, including farm conversions,

underpasses for dairy cows, effluent ponds and laneways. A large diesel workshop at its South Street base specialises in repairs and maintenance on all diesel vehicles, from cars to heavy trucks and plant.

ACL also supplies ready-mixed concrete for household and commercial customers, and is working in Christchurch helping repair infrastructure damaged in last year’s earthquakes.

Its landscape and aggregates yard at Dobson Street sells directly to members of the public wanting soil, landscaping products and aggregates.

Gary said the Lake Hood extension was a special project and conceived in 2008. ACL’s partners in the venture include the Ashburton Aquatic Park Trust (that developed the original lake) and dairy farmers Willy and Jeanette Leferink, whose Riversdale Farm will become the new lake and living area.

Resource consents achieved, the first 200,000 cubic metres of gravel was extracted in late 2010, and lake users will be able to see the extension grow over the years until the two waterways are combined.

main image : The plan for the new Lake Hood extension above: PC 600 digger carrying out excavation at the

Lake Hood extension

time, but there are also cycle tracks and walking tracks. It’s a giant playground.”

The existing lake population takes in around 90 houses, and the new extension will add another 350 sections.

Gary said the Lake Hood community was a mix of retired farmers and businesspeople, young and older families looking for lake-side fun or tranquility, and people relocating from Christchurch and other parts of the South Island.

Prime lakefront sections in the new subdivision have already created interest with Stage 8 peninsula lots expected to be titled in the next 12 months. There are six larger lifestyle blocks in Stage 7 which have just been released to the market.

Gary has firsthand experience of Lake Hood’s special environment. He and his family have been living there for eight years and love it.

“It’s such a great lifestyle. It is the openness and the activities . . . you are living around water all the

Just an hour from Christchurch, and its international airport, Lake Hood was also becoming a regular host to national events including dragonboat racing and rowing, and to multi-sports competitions and boat shows.

More information about the extension project, and its development stages, will soon be available on the website www.lakehood.co.nz or call on 0508 LAKEHOOD (0508 525 3466).

48 South St Ashburton

Tel: 03 308 4039 acl@ashcon.co.nz www.ashcon.co.nz ATS N E W S

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Fertiliser Anna Bedford 027 499 7617 Russell Hamilton 027 677 4499 Michael Robertson 027 464 2972 Tel: 0800 222 090 www.ballance.co.nz

Now is the time to soil test Now is the time of year to get your soil testing done. Regular soil testing is a “best practice” farm management tool.

Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients

Soil tests take the guess work out of nutrient management; it allows cost-effective fertiliser programs to be developed; it allows you to measure whether your soil nutrient levels are high enough to sustain the required levels of production; it reveals any deficiency, excess or imbalance in major nutrients; it allows you to monitor the effectiveness of previous fertiliser applications and it enables you to monitor fertility trends over time.

will have 15–20% variation. This means that if a soil test result shows an Olsen P of 25, the actual Olsen P could be as low as 15 or as high as 35—and that would greatly affect your fertiliser strategy.

Soil testing is the only way to determine the nutrient reserves, and the nutrient requirements, of your land.

How to collect a soil sample

“Nearly all of the variability in soil test results comes from sampling.”

Soil tests are typically carried out in winter, so you can plan your spring fertiliser strategy.

The time of year testing occurs does make a difference—routinely testing in late autumn to winter ensures there will be less year-to-year variation in soil test values.

A single soil test is of limited value as it is essentially a snapshot of a dynamic environment.

It is best to soil test regularly, at the same time every year, or once every two years. This allows the comparison of soil test values over time to identify nutrient trends, which will give a better indication of how well your fertiliser programme is working.

Even with good sampling procedures, Olsen P levels

Nearly all of the variability in soil test results comes from sampling. That’s why it’s so important to get it right. The first step is deciding what time of year you are going to soil test, and then sticking with that for the long term. Winter is an ideal time.

It is important that you follow a scientific protocol when collecting soil samples, so that your results are a true reflection of the status of your soil.

If you wish to collect samples yourself, Ballance can give you advice on the correct method.

Some general instructions are as follows: You need to make sure the soil samples you collect are representative of the area. Avoid stock camps, areas around gates, fence lines and water troughs, dung and urine spots and recently grazed pastures. Land with different soil types should be tested separately. For crops, samples should be taken from the area recommended for that crop, e.g. from the drip zone or rooting zone.

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You need to be methodical when you take your samples. The samples should be representative of the whole area, taken in a transect (line) or grid pattern, and collected in a way that can be repeated from year to year.

Painting fence posts, using GPS or placing pegs under fences can permanently identify sampling lines.

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The soil sample should be taken at the recommended depth; this is 7.5 cm for pastoral soils or 15 cm for cropping soils. For a representative sample, aim for 500 g of soil.

Soil augers are specifically designed to take the right amount soil and at the right depth.

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You need enough samples to avoid the effects of variation; this means a minimum of 15–20 individual cores taken at 10 metre intervals. Take care not to sample when the soil is very wet, or frozen, or if there has been less than three months since the last fertiliser or lime application (as residual granules may distort your results).

Interpreting the results

Soil nutrient laboratories can do an in-depth analysis of your soil, but the key measures you should be interested in initially are soil pH, the level of phosphorus (shown as Olsen P), potassium, magnesium and soil sulphur levels (sulphate-sulphur and organic sulphur). These are the major factors that are likely to limit pasture production.

To get more information from the results of your soil test results ask your Ballance technical sales representative to talk you through them.

Also, consider carrying out some herbage tests, which will give you a more complete picture of your farm’s nutrient status and its effect on stock health and production.

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All your fencing requirements.

WILL MAKE:

Variety of sheds

Low line animal shelters and runs

Fowl houses

Chicken coops, rabbit hUtches

Stock ramps

Calf holding pens

Play houses

South Street, Ashburton Phone 03 308 6444 or 0274 334 536

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BBQ tables

Horse jump rails and fences

Keep your pets smiling with CareVets

PROFILE

The name might have changed, but CareVets Ashburton (formerly Pets n Vets) is still passionate about helping pets and farm dogs lead long and healthy lives.

By Linda Clarke

The two veterinary businesses merged late last year and CareVets now operates 5 stores in the South Island and 11 in the North Island. It opened its newest branch in Mosgiel recently.

In Ashburton, four full-time vet nurses support three senior and experienced veterinarians, including CareVets director and veterinarian Gabrielle Thompson. A dog groomer is also available at the practice, located in the Ashburton Central shopping complex, next to Briscoes.

Gabrielle said the staff have special interests in small and companion animals and its focus made it unique in Ashburton.

more often than usual, and paw at their mouths.

above: Gabrielle Thompson checking the health of Colin below left: The range of pet food available at

She said CareVets expected to see several hundred cats and dogs during the free check period. The branch is also running free arthritis check-ups until the end of June, another campaign to promote long and healthy lives for cats and dogs.

Gabrielle said education was the key to animal companions leading long lives, and a well-cared for cat could easily live to 18 years (88 years old in cat years).

Arthritis more commonly affects larger, older dogs; a first sign is difficulty moving in the morning. It is a painful condition affecting one in five adult dogs, but able to be treated with medication.

She said CareVets’ staff appreciated the special relationships owners had with their pets and went out of their way to make sure both were happy. ATS was also an easy payment option for customers.

CareVets

One way to help combat both dental disease and arthritis is through diet. CareVets has been promoting a range of nutritionally balanced dry food over the past decade and Gabrielle says she has noticed positive changes in pet health.

While the clinic deals with health issues and offers free check-ups, the retail store sells a huge range of nutritionally-balanced dry food, pet toys and other essentials, including feeding bowls, cat doors and home treatments for nasties like fleas and worms.

“When I started here 13 years ago I saw all sorts of diseases that you don’t see to the same degree now, like cats with bladders blocked by crystals caused by poor diet. I have been pushing people to feed better.” She said cheaper food options contained less protein, and pets, like humans, needed a balanced diet.

Gabrielle said free dental check-ups for pets will be part of a campaign in July and August aimed at improving pet health. So, if your pet has bad breath, it’s time for quick examination.

Obesity was also a growing problem, but one that could be countered by diet and exercise.

Overweight cats and dogs are more at risk of developing diabetes or arthritis.

Bad breath in cats and dogs is caused by bad teeth, and the bacteria that cause tooth decay can lead to kidney failure and heart disease.

“We need to change our mindset about having cuddly pets. It’s no good for them.”

But it is not just a place to come when animals are sick.

Gabrielle said dental checks were an important health assessment tool. Pet owners do not have to be existing customers; they need only ring up and book in. The examination takes 15 minutes.

Pets with dental diseases often lose teeth, leading to eating problems. They might also lick their lips

Obesity will be the focus of free clinics at CareVets in September and October.

The veterinary business also has an online presence. A CareVets facebook campaign recently raised $6000 for a much-loved pet who suffered serious burns in a house fire. The mastiff staffy called Demon lost 80 per cent of his skin in the fire, but survived a series of skin grafts and intensive care over four months to recover.

CareVets matched the Facebook community’s fundraising with specialist care.

CareVets 246 Tancred St Ashburton

Tel: 0800 227 383 www.carevets.co.nz

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Nutrition The range of SealesWinslow nutritional products are available through ATS.

Increasing feed efficiency There are about 80 known ionophores, feed additives used with ruminants to increase feed efficiency and rate of gain, but only a few are used commercially.

BY Dr Rob Derrick, SealesWinslow Ltd

Possibly the best known of which are Rumensin (which contains the active ingredient monensin sodium) and Bovatec (which contains lasalocid).

and protozoa in the rumen. They penetrate biological membranes and alter the flow of ions into and out of the cell.

I believe they are a useful tool to aid the efficiency of feed utilisation and the health of stock based on both published information and feedback from our customers over the years.

Gram-positive bacteria have less complex membranes than gram-negative bacteria so are more susceptible to the effects of ionophores. They expend so much energy correcting their ionic balance when an ionophore is present that they don’t have the energy left to divide and multiply so they lose out to competition from gram–negative bacteria.

“Whilst older animals can generally cope with coccidia unless stressed, young animals and chicks are very vulnerable.”

Both Rumensin and Bovatec are also effective coccidistats and can be used as an aid in the prevention and control of coccidiosis caused by the parasites Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii.

The coccidial parasite lives in the lining of the intestines where it undergoes a complex lifestyle. High levels can cause extensive damage to the gut wall which prevents nutrients and fluids being absorbed.

Gram-positive bacteria tend to produce more acetate (which drives milk fat production), hydrogen, ammonia and methane (which can become trapped and cause bloat).

Gram-negative bacteria tend to produce propionate (which drives milk production and milk protein production) and less methane than gram-positive bacteria.

By manipulating rumen fermentation, ionophores increase the amount of feed energy and protein available to the animal for milk production or growth.

Whilst older animals can generally cope with coccidia unless stressed, young animals and chicks are very vulnerable—especially if confined to areas contaminated with coccidial oocysts (eggs) in previous seasons.

Rumensin is a very extensively researched product and can aid in the control of ketosis (slow fever) at calving time. Ideally it should be fed to cows before calving to aid the transition to the production diet.

Ionophores are naturally occurring compounds that are toxic to many bacteria

Rumensin will help to deliver more energy from higher fibre feeds than low fibre feeds

but many people confine its use to the spring when the risk of bloat and acidosis is higher.

Bovatec has been linked to a reduction in the incidence of clinical mastitis in lactating dairy cows.

“By manipulating rumen fermentation, ionophores increase the amount of feed energy and protein available to the animal for milk production or growth.”

Ionophores have a wide safety margin to the target animals and do not enter the meat or milk so have a zero withholding period.

Ingestion of ionophores by horses and dogs can unfortunately be fatal. They are powerful compounds and for animal feed manufacturers there are clear rules set out by MAF and ACVM as to the inclusion levels and information provided on packaging and labelling.

They can be delivered by a variety of routes including in the feed, via molassed blocks (useful for young stock grazing away), capsules and trough treatment. Accurate delivery is important as they are required in very small amounts per day (typically 0.3g of active ingredient for milking cows).

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FEATURE

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

Options open for power complaints With its use of 80% of the country’s irrigated water source, and major surge in dairying over the past decade Canterbury has one of the highest non urban electricity demands in New Zealand.

By Richard Rennie

The rural reliance on electricity means it would be a rare farmer who does not have a reason to question his or her electricity company’s bill or practice, at some stage in their farming career.

In the past year a billing issue between some Canterbury farmers and a supplier has lifted the profile of a little known avenue for farmers experiencing issues with their electricity company.

The Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner (EGCC) was established in 2001 as a means to help resolve disputes between electricity/gas customers and the industry, whether that be the electricity retailer or lines company.

Since 2010 it has been compulsory for all lines, retailing and gas companies to belong to the scheme.

The Commissioner’s key role is to provide a free, independent complaints resolution service.

The Commissioner’s services are open to anyone with a complaint that is under $20,000, while values over that may be taken up by the Commissioner, with the company’s agreement.

electricity accounts are required to make this known to customers.

If no agreement is reached on the issue directly with the company, a simple email, fax or even phone call to the Commissioner’s office will bring the EGCC into play.

“The most common reason in 40% of cases is problems over a bill appearing too high, with 20% of complaints over customer service and 10% over meter issues,” says Commissioner Judi Jones.

“The Commissioner’s key role is to provide a free, independent complaints resolution service.”

Consumer use of the EGCC has soared with a 145% increase in the 2010-2011 year and a 100% increase expected this year. For 2010-2011 this amounted to 4,500 complaints and enquiries.

From this 250 investigations were made.

If an individual or business has a complaint about their company, the electricity company has 20 working days to respond to it. While companies can seek to have this extended, the complaining consumer is not obliged to agree to an extension.

“Almost half the complaints received are resolved over the telephone by us in the first 30 days,” says Judi Jones. She attributes this to the office’s focus on employing staff with excellent mediation skills and likens the office to the independent, non partisan nature of a marriage counsellor.

The company should also advise the complainant they have the right to take the complaint directly to the Commissioner, and

Judi Jones notes electricity companies are getting better at dealing with problems before they get to her office.

“In the earlier days of the office the consumer was almost always right in their claim.

However with improved systems, disputes over higher bills are more likely to go the company’s way now.”

ATS Energy Key Account Manager Tracey Gordon cautions customers that they also have obligations within their contracts with electricity companies.

“If you see something in your account like an exceptionally low charge you know is not right, you are obliged to bring it to the company’s attention.” She advises customers to make a note they notified the company, in case the problem continues. ATS Energy has established strong relationships with line and electricity retail companies, and Tracey urges ATS Energy customers to lever off this contact.

“Our customers are often busy operators running large businesses and don’t have the time to deal with the problems that can arise.”

With authority from their customers, ATS Energy staff can act on their behalf to sort problems, usually before they even have to go as far as the EGCC. To discuss any billing issues or power company problems, contact ATS Energy Key Account Manager Tracey Gordon on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

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Stocker Dairy Plumb: L Plumbing Innovation Water—and quality plumbing—are integral parts of modern, efficient dairy farming.

One relies on the other, and when it comes to specialist plumbing required to keep your business running efficiently, you can rely on Stocker Dairy Plumb to undertake that work.

Stocker Dairy Plumb is a division of Stocker Dairy Services, a leading Mid Canterbury dairy company.

Fusiotherm is also corrosion resistant, smell and taste neutral, impact resistant and stable under high heat. But Fusiotherm is but a part of the Stocker Dairy Plumb story.

Director Shane Stocker says, ‘’We specialise in dairy plumbing, not domestic plumbing. We install milking machines, and plumbing goes hand in hand with that.’’

Services they offer include:

The company, in its spacious new premises at 490 West Street, Ashburton, offers a comprehensive range of plumbing services to ensure your business, and in turn your livelihood, runs without a hitch.

Two qualified plumbers led by Plumbing Manager Daniel Wilkes undertake the specialist work involved.

They offer quality and service second to none using leading edge design and materials, including Fusiotherm an innovative Pipe system.

Fusiotherm is recognised by experts as one of the best plastic pipe systems.

Stocker Dairy Plumb offers a range of services, to suit your needs and, importantly, your budget.

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Annual back flow prevention device testing and maintenance

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A no-leak guarantee on Fusiotherm products

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Efficient water reticulation systems, saving you power

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A 24/7 call-out service

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Guaranteed high pressure at all outlets

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Full plumbing maintenance

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Full pump room manifold complete with multiple back up options—keeping you milking

But wait there’s more.

Shane states ‘’It’s (fusiotherm) German-made and we’ve been fitting sheds with it rather than PVC. It’s stronger, fusion-welded and robust. Once it’s welded, it becomes one piece, not glued.

Stocker Dairy Plumb also offers a full Pump Room—complete with a Pump Manifold, Cartridge Filter and UV Steriliser options. There are also Stock Water Dosing Pump systems, Hot Water Cylinders, Water Storage Tanks, and Skirt, Wall and Cup Wash systems.

‘’It’s also an inert product; nothing can stick to the inside of it. It’s leak-free, trouble-free, and has very good flow resistance.’’

The Dairy Plumb division also offers high quality Grundfos pumps, as well as other top brands.

Shane Stocker says the Dairy Plumb division was set up a year ago, and their demand for services was greatly increasing. ‘’The majority of sheds where we install the machine are also using Stocker Dairy Plumb do the plumbing, too.’’

The staff and clients at Stocker Dairy Services recognise the importance of quality systems in dairying.

Breakdowns mean lost production, which is why Stocker Dairy Plumb uses state-of-theart gear to keep your shed operating at peak performance, just like your farm.

Says Shane, ‘’We do all dairy shed water services and stock water associated with a farm.

We are looking after everything from leaking taps through to pump installations.’’

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PROFILE

Leading the way in & Ingenuity Stocker Dairy Plumb—leading the way in Canterbury for water reticulation in dairying, keeping you milking.

Top industrial-strength gear found at Stocker Dairy Services Dairy farming demands quality equipment, and that applies especially when it comes to Compressors, Water Blasters and Steam Cleaners.

Stocker Dairy Services has a comprehensive range of tough gear needed for the demands of dairying, including tough US and Italian compressors, water blasters and steam cleaners.

It was not uncommon for farmers to use a water blaster and they can be cleaning anything from sheds to vehicles for hours on end. Sub-standard products would not stand up to that kind of constant use.

Director Shane Stocker says “inferior gear won’t last in dairying situations”, which is why their

company offers industry-leading Air Command compressors.

Stocker’s offer a one-compressor-fits-all solutions in many cases.

They are built for industrial applications, unlike some cheaper alternatives. ‘’These compressors are not for the home handyman.’’

Stocker Dairy Services also offers a range of industrial-strength US and European-made water blasters and steam cleaners, including Lavor and Power Shot.

Stockers also offers a range of air tools, such as impact and duster guns, tire inflators, and the air couplers needed for the compressors,.

Says Shane: ‘’We stock a range of compressors, from 9 to 25 CFM (cubic foot per minute). Most farms have a meal-feed system, teat-sprayer, and some have automated drafting systems which are all air-operated. Unless the compressor is of good quality, they won’t last.’’

INDUSTRIAL 5.5 Heavy Duty 3 Phase Compressor MOTOR SIZE: BEST DISPLACEMENT: AIR DELIVERY: MAXIMUM PRESSURE: CYLINDERS: PUMP SPEED (rpm): TANK CAPACITY: DIMENSIONS:

5.5hp 23cfm, 650 L/min (@ 90psi)18.7cfm, 529 L/min 150psi 2 1350 200 litres 152 x 50 x 106cm

BEST DISPLACEMENT: AIR DELIVERY: MAXIMUM PRESSURE: CYLINDERS: PUMP SPEED (rpm): TANK CAPACITY: DIMENSIONS:

BEST DISPLACEMENT: AIR DELIVERY: MAXIMUM PRESSURE: CYLINDERS: PUMP SPEED (rpm): TANK CAPACITY: DIMENSIONS:

Testimonial:

ion, we hired our new dairy convers When we undertook mbing. Using to undertake the plu Stocker Dairy Plumb dairy shed ecifically designed for a plumbing team sp be a good decision. plumbing seemed to mely mpleted I was extre When the job was co the job, of whole construction impressed with the t pump ou d iently and easily lai especially the conven d. use and understan room. It is so easy to m is also pipe in the pump roo The use of Fusiotherm ty and be assured of its quali impressive and I can longevity. ng to work mb team were amazi The Stocker Dairy Plu dy to go the s professional and rea with, and were alway extra mile. ssed that ce, although not acce The afterhours servi ersion has time frame the conv often in the limited ured good, and I can be ass been running, is very . ckup there if needed there is always the ba

2hp 11.8cfm, 334 L/min (@90psi) 7.8cfm, 220 L/min 145psi 2 1330 50 litres (L x W x H) 85 x 38 x 73cm

AC16i / 16cfm Belt Drive 50L Compressor MOTOR SIZE:

And in the unlikely event the equipment breaks down: Stockers can handle that, too.

, Dean McConnell Siberia Farm Ltd

AC12i / 12cfm Belt Drive Compressor MOTOR SIZE:

The US-made Power Shot blasters range up to an impressive 4200 psi, power enough for any cleaning job on the farm.

3hp 15.7cfm, 444 L/min (@ 90psi) 10.5cfm, 297 L/min 145psi 2 1100 50 litres (L x W x H) 80 x 40 x 77cm

490 West Street, Ashburton

Tel 03 307 6388 Fax 03 308 1587

stockerdairyservices@xtra.co.nz www.stockerdairyservices.co.nz ATS N E W S

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PROFILE

Welcoming new arrivals Willy and Ken Meade have a new baby at their Ashburton Long Run Iron factory.

By Linda Clarke

The cobalt blue bending machine was built in Switzerland and uses the latest computer technology, giving the ability to program and fold many different steel flashings up to 6.4 metres long. It was commissioned last month.

Ken says the new technology will be a timesaver in the busy factory on McGregor Lane, in Ashburton’s Riverside Industrial Estate.

Corrugated and Ashdek ribbed long-run iron and associated flashings are made in the purpose-built factory, the business relocating from Alford Forest Road to the Riverside Industrial Estate four and a half years ago.

Also new to the business is sales manager Mike Kettley, a trained draughtsman currently studying towards a New Zealand Diploma in Quantity Surveying, and returning to the building industry after a spell in the automotive trade.

“My job here involves dealing with customer enquiries, taking measurements off plans and pricing jobs. I will be following the whole process, from the first phone call to the product leaving the factory.”

Mike lives in Ashburton, with his wife Vanessa and three daughters.

The extra help will be much appreciated by Ken and Willy, who are now into their 14th year in the business.

Long-time staff member Catherine Crawley works alongside Ken on the factory floor, while Willy runs the business and works out customers’ orders from plans or drawings supplied on the builder’s notebook (cardboard or blocks of timber). Each job—big or small—is made especially to customer requirements.

Ashburton Long Run Iron buys colour-coated Colorsteel, Zincalume and Galvsteel from New Zealand Steel’s Glenbrook plant in Auckland.

It arrives in coils, the roofing material coils have approximately 1600 metres of iron, are 940mm wide and weigh five tonnes.

Mobile cranes in the workshop lift the coils into place on different machines that shape and cut the iron into lengths to suit the distance from ridge to spouting. The traditional corrugated form is used mostly on houses for roofing and exterior walls, while the ribbed trapezoidal shape is used for a more commercial look.

The pre-painted iron is rust resistant and should need no repair in the first 15 years after installation. Ashburton Long Run Iron carries most of the colours in the Colorsteel range, designed to suit New Zealand environments, with colours to blend in or enhance bold design.

Ken says the roofing iron is strong and light, made of steel with a high tensile rating. The flashings are created from slightly softer but thicker steel for barges, ridges and valleys.

Willy says most customers want iron for outdoor use on fences, roofs and cladding, though some use it as an interior feature in bathrooms or kitchens to make an architectural statement. Creating chimney tops, lids and trays adds variety to just straight folding.

“Everything we do is custom-made for

above MIDDLE: Mike Kettley, Catherine Crawley, Ken and Willy Meade ABOVE: Cobalt bending machine

our clients who are mainly based in Mid Canterbury,” she said. “Because of our busy workload, we do require some time so that we can plan our production schedule to accommodate our customers’ needs.”

Customers short of ideas can take a walk around the outside of the factory itself. The building was designed to showcase corrugated and ribbed iron used vertically and horizontally, and shows the effect created by different flashings.

Ashburton Long Run Iron also carries a big range of accessories, including colour-matched screws and other fastenings used to fit iron, spouting, and translucent sheeting.

They are also the only locally owned and operated roll-forming business in Mid Canterbury.

Tel: 0800 IRON 4 U (47 66 42) 5 McGregor Lane 03 308 1850 Riverside Industrial Estate Fax: 03 308 1837 Ashburton willy.meade@xtra.co.nz ATS N E W S

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

Payout driving land prices We all know that dairy commodity prices have volatility, move through regular cycles and are affected by world economic conditions and exchange rates. The question we thought we’d try to answer is how will the recent dairy commodity price decline affect the market for farms?

By Ian Walsh, Property Brokers—Hastings McLeod

This is a tough question to answer. As most will be aware, the demand for Canterbury farm land has been unsatisfied with the result that prices are touching historic highs last seen 3–4 years ago. Other markets generally aren’t as buoyant as Canterbury however, Southland demand has recovered after the dry summer stalled the market earlier. Hawkes Bay and Manawatu report sales numbers are up however, value remain at similar levels.

We know that there are many factors affecting what people will pay for farm land—among them expectations of future commodities prices, farmer confidence, supply of land onto the market, interest rates and availability of credit. But how does the historic relationship between pay-out and land price look?

GRAPH 1: new zealand dairy farms

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35,000

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30,000

6

25,000

5

$/ha

9

40,000

20,000

4

15,000

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10,000

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5,000

$/ha

$/KgMS

1 0

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

0

YEAR

$/KgMS

Dairy Payout vs Land Price 45,000

Given there are easily obtainable statistics on the dairy farming industry via LIC Dairy Statistics published annually, we thought it was worth graphing the relationship between dairy land value and dairy payout. The graph below shows the relationship between milksolids payout and land value for the last 20 years.

The data in the graph has been sourced from the published LIC Statistics and are inflation adjusted. The graph shows payout has a strong relationship with land prices but short term blips in payout tend to have little short term effect and only impact if over a longer term. Given the current high level of demand for farms we don’t think the latest softening of dairy commodity prices will have a significant effect on land prices. If a longer term movement is seen, then this would change.

ABOVE: Gareth Cox, Property Brokers

History shows access to new water schemes creates further sales of rural land as some opt in and others opt out of the development activity associated with water. Property Brokers is well placed to advise farmers on their options with respect to developing, buying or selling.

Finally, we’d like to introduce Gareth Cox who has joined the rural team at Property Brokers.

Gareth covers the Selwyn District and West Coast and has a wealth of farming and agribusiness knowledge. Gareth comes from a rural banking background (NBNZ Southland), owns a share in a West Coast dairy farm and lives in Darfield. He coaches junior rugby and drives a header in his spare time.

The Central Plains irrigation scheme took a step forward recently with the project moving into design and construction stages. A recent shareholders meeting provided a strong endorsement for the scheme to work with Ngai Tahu and operate within the consent conditions granted. This means the company directors and management know they can proceed with the backing of farmers to plan the physical aspects of the scheme in some detail now.

Farm market commentary

The current forecasts indicate the water will be affordable with likely pressured supply at a rate cheaper than some other schemes. This will be a huge boost to the Selwyn District and have flow-on benefits to some Mid Canterbury schemes as well.

The marketing agent, Pat Portas, noted that all four bidders had quite different backgrounds and home locations but were commonly attracted to the good soils, good improvements and reliable rainfall of the property.

A recent Property Brokers auction at Norsewood Hall, Southern Hawke’s Bay saw a full house to see a 175 hectare dairy unit sold. With a sharemilker in place for the next two seasons, the good quality property on the outskirts of the township attracted steady bidding from the $4 million start. It eventually sold on the top bid of $5.45 million to a nonfarming family from Auckland.

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REGULAR

Veterinary 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

Wintering the rumen As many of you reading this will be involved with the husbandry of ruminant animals this winter, now is probably a good time for a refresher on rumen health. What is the rumen and what does it do? Why is so important that we look after it?

By Ian Hodge, VetEnt Riverside

Ruminant animals (cattle, deer, sheep, alpaca and camels) have four “stomachs” compared to monogastric animals (pigs, dogs, cats, humans) which only have one true stomach. The four digestive compartments in a ruminant are the rumen, the reticulum, the omasum and the abomasum.

The reticulum and omasum essentially squeeze and filter food material and extract water and other indigestible material from it. Whereas the abomasum acts a lot like our stomach by secreting hydrochloric acid on to food material so that it can be digested.

The rumen has the job of extracting energy and synthesising proteins from grass and also, perhaps, from concentrate feeds. This is a huge undertaking. Anyone that has been involved with trying to re-create a rumen in a laboratory will attest to just how difficult and complex this task is. Essentially the rumen provides ideal conditions for microscopic organisms to live and to digest food material.

Ingested grass is mixed with saliva and with the billions of microbes present in the rumen liquor. The musculature of the rumen continually contracts to ensure regular and coordinated rumen contractions mix the contents properly.

Ultimately, energy and protein is produced and is transferred into the blood stream and to the liver for transformation into useful tissue available energy and protein used for maintenance and growth, reproduction and production, and pregnancy. And all this happens 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the life of the adult animal.

As caretakers of these animals we must see that we provide the right feeds to optimise rumen

health. Clearly we will not have productive ruminants if we fail to do this.

Rapidly fermentable carbohydrate sources such as grain, potatoes, and even some grass can result in very acid conditions in the rumen. Under these conditions many of the microbes will die. Others will relish the harsh conditions and proceed to make things even worse.

An acid rumen will not contract properly and may become damaged by the acid which can result in ulcer formation on the rumen wall. The gases produced by feeds (clover in particular) can damage the rumen and eventually kill the animal.

As caretakers of these animals we must see that we provide the right feeds to optimise rumen health. Clearly we will not have productive ruminants if we fail to do this.

Bloat represents the formation of stable foams in the rumen (the bubbles can’t burst) and these bubbles stop other gases from being belched out.

The gas pressure distends the rumen and this can affect the contraction process. The intense pressure can quickly prevent the animals from breathing through pressure on the diaphragm and chest.

Cows are indiscriminate feeders and will “vacuum” up just about anything in sight. Staples, wire and nails are commonly found in the reticulum and rumen compartments. If they puncture the walls of these structures abscesses will form.

These infections can result in poor rumen contractions through damage to the vagus nerve—a condition called “Vagus Indigestion”.

In these animals the rumen takes on a peculiar shape which looks like a cross between a pear and an apple when the animal is viewed from the rear hence the term “papple rumen”.

The lining of the rumen is intriguing consisting of many thousands of finger-like projections called papillae. These have the job of assimilating and transferring energy across the wall of the rumen.

They must be grown properly and their growth is dependent on a good source of energy in the diet at all times.

Energy deficient ruminants will eventually lose a lot of the functionality of the rumen papillae and they will not be able to synthesise energy from the rumen. They will soon begin to become ill thrifty, lose weight and condition, and may even die.

Frost can burn the lining of the rumen. At post mortem examination the frosted rumen looks black as though it has been burned. The changes may be irreversible, so feeding excessive quantities of frosted food should be avoided.

The rumen doesn’t like rapid change. Different food types require different populations of microbes and these take a while to become re-adapted to different feeds. We should always avoid sudden feed changes to ruminants.

So what is good for the rumen? Rumens like roughage and saliva. Roughage like hay and straw will encourage good strong rumen contractions.

Chewing will make the animal produce good quantities of saliva which is critical for good rumen health.

If your animals seem unwell consider the rumen as a possible cause of the problem. Review the what, when and why of recent feeding, and for a professional opinion call your Vet. ATS N E W S

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Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Septic Tanks • Silage Pits • Water Tanks/Effluent Tanks Concrete Bunkers • Pump/Agri-Chemical/Killing Sheds For any quotes or enquiries contact us on

03 308 4816 40

ATS N E W S

Or call into the yard at 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald Ashburton

info@hanhamconcrete.co.nz

REGULAR

FEATURE

Seed Tim Dale ATS Seed General Manager Tel: 0800 BUY ATS Mobile: 027 272 9580 tim.dale@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz

A solid finish to the 2012 harvest It’s been a long and frustrating harvest in Mid Canterbury, but it’s not all bad news, says ATS Seed General Manager Tim Dale.

By Linda Clarke

A lack of sunshine dragged the harvest of some grains into late April, but the quality and yield of those crops has not suffered as much as first thought, he says.

“There were potentially some quality issues, given the long drawn-out harvest, but arable farmers have been getting their crops in… albeit later than most years.”

Tim said managing the crop in storage should now be farmers’ focus. Monitoring grain in silos and having a plan to have it processed were key to minimising potential problems.

He said growers should be checking silos regularly, looking for signs of insect infestation or high moisture levels. Many growers would also be artificially drying grain to reduce moisture levels, to meet milling or feed contract requirements.

For a season that promised above average results, growers are now counting the costs of on-farm drying and time spent physically moving grain in storage.

The late harvest locally means ATS Seed is reminding members it can quality test samples if growers are worried about deterioration and moisture levels.

“Even in a normal harvest season we get a percentage of late grain,” Tim said. “This year it’s just a bigger issue.”

not leave it that long, especially if the crop was harvested at higher-than-desirable moisture levels or during hot harvest days.

The late harvest means many growers have missed opportunities to sow winter feed, which has meant a rethink on what they will grow in some cases.

With 35 years in the seed industry behind him, Tim says most growers are used to dealing with the problems associated with late harvest and adapt their systems to suit.

Tim and his team of Bob O’Reilly, Tom Patrick and five ATS field reps are there to help.

The specialist team has grown since 2009 and has steadily gained traction in a market that must react to global trends as well as local issues impacting supply and demand Tim said ATS Seed staff could suggest good alternatives. “Some farmers have chosen quickergrowing options, and some have left out green feed completely because of the late sowing time.”

He said potential feed shortages come late winter and early spring had been well documented, but it would depend on pasture regeneration levels during the colder months which will dictate the need for extra supplement feeding.

The monitoring, drying and testing is all about making sure grain is not rejected by the end user, be it miller or dairy farmer.

Regardless of the current issues, Mid Canterbury retains its title as the nation’s grain bowl.

Natural fertile soils and farmers’ expert crop management skills keep the district at the top of grain and seed production lists.

While growers theoretically had until next harvest to dry wheat or empty silos, they should

Tim says growers should always be alert to new opportunities, and ATS Seed was also in the

ABOVE: The ATS Seed team—Tim Dale, Bob O’Reilly and Tom Patrick

business of brokering supply contracts. “This is an area of significant growth for us. We can offer cereal-growing contracts for feed and milling wheat, as well as herbage, vegetable and pea seed contracts.”

Keeping growers informed and abreast of the latest developments is also part of ATS Seed’s mission.

ATS Seed produces a monthly grain report keeping growers in touch with international grain market forecasts as well as providing a local market overview. It also runs grower education evenings – the next one in August on pasture options and management.

ATS Seed is also the main sponsor for the annual United Wheat Growers wheat quality competition held in May each year.

Tim said trust was an important part of a grower-adviser relationship, especially when farmers were making decisions involving hundreds of thousands of dollars.

His team have opportunities for crops and pasture in all types of farming operations, and offer competitive pricing to complete the package.

“Back in 2009 we used to supply limited amounts of seed from the store. Now we offer a full range of seeds and treatments, on-farm services and field reps that are constantly looking at and monitoring a large range of crops and pastures, and offer contracts to ATS arable growers.”

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The humble sock.

Like any sock they’ll keep your feet warm, but these are ATS socks and they’re so much more. They’ll make your shoes comfy, prevent blisters, your feet will stink less, you’ll walk straighter, and faster, they’ll make great sock puppets, draught excluders, gate latches, permanent wire strainers, emergency fan belts for the tractor, tow ropes for visiting townies, oil filters, home brew strainers, you’ll milk the cows faster, herd the sheep in the right direction for a change, dance better, talk smoother, make more money, the in-laws will like you better, they’ll even get stones out of horses hooves. You get the

picture, just buy them.

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ATS N E W S

THE ATS SOCKS

$14.40ea Members price

ATS N E W S

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A guide t o your winter wishlist 7

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Warm yourself up this winter with some great ideas from ATS.

1. Raco 12 cup muffin tin $22.00; Raco swiss roll pan $17.60 / 2. Stainless Steel Red Whistling Kettle only $52.80 / 3. Bodum Salt & Pepper grinders in a range of colours $36.20 / 4. Scanpan coloured knives starting from $6.80 / 5. Bodum Glass Storage Jars starting at $21.70 / 6. Scanpan Knife blocks (knives not included) $60.80 / 7. Bodum six cup plunger + two free thermo double walled glasses $62.80 / 8. Raco Non-Stick Frypans from $44.00 / 9. Blankets from $100.90 / 10. Square Footed Serving Bowl $60.60

CafĂŠ-style serveware Royal Leerdam oversized platters perfect for presenting cakes, desserts, and baking.

The threetiered version separates so you have three individual platters for use.

Italian crystal glass glassware

Classic heavy based tumblers by the Italian family run company Luigi Bormioli. The Strauss collection has been in production for over 20 years. The full range is available in store.

Tumblers from $30.40 per set of 4

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Eden bedware

Add a touch of class to your bathing experience with 100% cotton Eden towel co-ordinates. A full range of colours and options are available in store. Plus, escape to Eden each and every night with a full range of bedding options. Your Eden awaits you‌

Eden Bath Towels $16.40

3 tier platter $72.30 Disclaimer: ATS Members price as pictured. We cannot guarantee stock of all pictured items.

Strong. Tall. Italian.

Magnifico.

The unique technology used in Magnifico has created a glass almost twice as strong as similar glasses. So, with twice the resistance to mechanical shocks than other lead free crystal glass products, this truly is one tall, strong Italian.

Stemmed Glassware from $31.10 per set of 4

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News at ATS Gypsy Day

New Arable Key Account Manager

Gypsy Day has been and gone and no doubt for many it has been a busy time. We would like to remind members who have moved to let ATS know their new contact details so we can update our records. To update your details please call the Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287). Please note that new Sub Account forms must be completed by the Sub Account holder as well as the parent Shareholder.

ATS has appointed Graeme Fulton as its new Arable Key Account Manager for the area south of the Ashburton River.

If you have new staff and you would like a set up a new sub account or you would like to give them authority to make purchases on your account then please contact a member of the Customer Service team on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to discuss. If a staff member is no longer in your employment and have been authorised to purchase on your account, please let the Customer Service team know so they can remove their authorisation.

Graeme has been with ATS for almost two years, working in the Back Shop at Ashburton firstly in the fencing department, before moving into the area of chemical sales. During this time he has met and assisted many members with their on-farm requirements.

Originally from Zimbabwe where he was crop farming for about 15 years, Graeme, his wife Cynthia and their two children moved to the Canterbury region 10 years ago. Before coming to ATS he operated his own contracting business, installing spouting and flashings.

He is looking forward to getting out onto farms in the region and meeting with farmers to discuss their arable requirements.

Graeme replaces Jeff Hurst who is leaving ATS to take up a dairy farming position near Hinds. Jeff has been with ATS for six and a half years, where he’s held a variety of positions, including 2IC in the Back Shop, ag chemical representative and most recently Arable Key Account Manager.

ATS Arable key account managers

RAKAIA RIVER ASHBURTON RIVER

HINDS RIVER

RANGITATA RIVER

CHRISTCHURCH

Winners of the Angelina Ballerina Competition

Agrecovery provides farmers with a rural recycling programme for silage wrap and agrichemical containers.

Collection of silage wrap for recycling occurs on-farm. To arrange on-farm collection, please contact Agrecovery on 0800 AGRECOVERY

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ATS N E W S

LYTTELTON

RAKAIA 1

ASHBURTON HINDS

TEMUKA

TIMARU

Graeme Fulton 027 645 5663

ATS Dairy key account managers

Steve Lawson 027 245 5661

RAKAIA RIVER

ASHBURTON RIVER HINDS RIVER

RANGITATA RIVER

MT HUTT

CHRISTCHURCH METHVEN

MT COOK

LYTTELTON

RAKAIA 1

ASHBURTON

Collection of drums between 61–1000L (empty, triple rinsed and reasonably clean) can be booked in for free on-farm collection through Agrecovery on 0800 AGRECOVERY. Agrichemical containers (up to 60L) can be dropped off ATS Ashburton or Rakaia for recycling. For more information on this recycling system, please phone 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

Once collected, the drums will either be reused or recycled depending on the product type and condition of the drum.

METHVEN

MT COOK

ners of the recent Congratulations to the the win na Ballerina’s Big ATS and Meridian Energy “Angeli s were Andrea ner Audition” competition. The win sy and Kylie Ves Charmers, Mark Greenslade, Trish s to this pas ily Champan. They each won a fam recently was ch delightful ballet production whi tour by ide onw nati held in Ashburton as part of a the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Agrecovery—clean up your farm and recycle

MT HUTT

HINDS

TEMUKA

TIMARU

Steph Beeston 027 454 2230

Dave Steel 027 541 4481

Brad Elliott 027 229 9764

New Zealand Dairy Industry Award winners Congratulations to ATS Members Enda and Sarah Hawe for winning the regional and national Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year Award.

The couple have spent three years lower order sharemilking at Westerfield and on June 1 took up a 50/50 sharemilking position, milking 650 cows at Oxford.

Their goal is to milk 500 cows on their own farm within the next 11 years.

Mobil increase ATS discount ATS Members will receive a diesel and petrol discount of 7.25 cpl (excluding GST) or 8.33 cpl (including GST) when using their Mobilcard at Mobil branded Service Stations and Truckstops throughout New Zealand. This means one Mobil price nationwide regardless of the pricing zone but is based on Mobil Zone 2 pricing.

This discount applies at Mobil branded Service Stations and Truckstops.

Additional fuel stations accepting Mobil cards The following fuel stations and truckstops based in the Canterbury region will accept the Mobil card, however they do not display the Mobil brand. Please note all fuel purchases at unbranded or convenience merchants sites will be charged at the pump price.

Fuel Station/Stop

Address

Orchard Road Truckstop

Orchard Rd, Harewood

Hornby Bulk Fuel

96 Branston St, Hornby

Flaxton Road Truckstop

329 Flaxton Rd, Rangiora

Bairds Motodrome

149 King St, Temuka

Methven Motor Services

Rakaia Gorge Rd, Methven

Omarama Service Station

Main Rd, Omarama

Don McFarlane—won 60L of Iodoshield Active from FIL

Kurow Auto Services

Bledisloe St, Kurow

Stephen Bruce—won a dairy detergent pack of 100L of Jetset, 25kg of Quantum Powder and 20L of Graderite, also from FIL

Oxford Motor Co

57 High St, Oxford

Jacks Service Centre

1448 Leeston Rd, Doyleston

Parnassus Roadhouse

1227 Parnassus Rd, Parnassus

Waipara Junction Garage

9 Mt Cass Rd, Waipara

Le Garage Akaroa

55 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

Glenavy Service Station

10 Innes St, Glenavy

Tekapo Services

Main Rd, Lake Tekapo Township

Sheffield Service Centre

81 Main West Rd, Sheffield

Duvauchelle Motors

6035 State Highway 75, Duvanchelle

Wairewa Motors

State Highway 75, Little River

Central Garage

27 Hall St, Cheviot

Allied Culverden

72 Mountain View, Culverden

Spurr Motors

82 Evans St, Timaru

Windwhistle Garage

8 Rakaia Gorge Rd, Windwhistle

Mayfield Transport

17 Mckenzies St, Geraldine

Baylis Bro

99-105 High St, Leeston

ATS Hinds Truckstop

103 Peter St, Hinds

Caltex Washdyke

184 Hilton Highway, Washdyke

above: Enda Hawe, Steph Beeston and Sarah Hawe at the Field Day

ATS Dairy Days Out winners We would like to congratulate all of those members who won prizes during the recent ATS Dairy Days Out 2012. Prize winners include:

Michael Copland—won a bottle of ProGibb from Nufarm.

Barbara McFarlane—winner of the Bed Breakfast and Dinner package for two and the Moo Express gift hamper Beth Lovett—winner of the Singapore Airline flights Paula Davis—winner of the $500 GPS Farm mapping package Grant Irvine—winner of the Ardbeg Whiskey prize from the Ashburton Trust

above: Gerard Rushton of Agricultural Consulting Service and Paula Davis

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ATS out and about 1. Holly Berry, Natasha Rankin and Maddy Berry at the Peel Forest Childrens Day / 2. Mikayla Hoogeveen and Millie Howe at the Peel Forest Childrens Day / 3. Shannon Johnson, Daphne Williams, Mark Williams and Ben Johnson at Enda and Sarah Hawe’s Field Day / 4. Abby Munro at the Peel Forest Childrens Day / 5. Christian Zavala, Mark Cressey, Nicky Hogg and Lester Chambers at the ATS Genetics Presentation & Open Discussion / 6. Tom Mawle and Dave Steel at Enda and Sarah Hawe’s Field Day / 7. Hamish Monk and Earl McSweeney at the ATS Genetics Presentation & Open Discussion / 8. James Daly and Simon Chapman at Enda and Sarah Hawe’s Field Day 48

ATS NE W S

Classifieds PEST CONTROL

USE YOUR ATS CARD AND SAVE CANVAS & UPHOLSTERY

FLORIST

It’s an ideal time to control

RODENTS & WHITE-TAIL SPIDERS

Wrist corsages and buttonholes

SPIDERBAN

0800 556 778 308 0051 www.spiderban.co.nz ENGINEERING SUPPLIES

Add the finishing touch to you and your partners look at the School Ball with our custom designed wrist corsages and buttonholes.

P | F | E | W |

03 308 3342 03 308 3035 flowers@allentonflorist.co.nz www.allentonflorist.co.nz 85 Harrison St, Ashburton

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

For your farm truck we have a huge range of tail lights, headlights and indicators—non genuine at lower prices.

Specialists in AUTO RECYCLING for all your panels, parts and tyres

PHONE 308 8634 40 Robinson St, Riverside Industrial Estate, Ashburton

COMPUTING

We cover it all!

Auto Trimming, Motor Bike Seats, Boat Seats, Ute Covers, Boat Covers, Pool Covers, PVC Covers, Hay Covers, Sail Shades, Caravan Awnings, Trough Covers

Tinwald Canvas & Upholstery Ltd 115 Main South Road, Tel 03 307 2354 Tinwald, Ashburton tincanup@xtra.co.nz

AUTO ELECTRONICS ELECTRICAL

AUTO FENCING ELECTRICAL

Electronic Farm Scales from $780+GST Well Depth Meters from $285+GST Weather Stations from $149+GST Irrigation Monitoring Equipment from $195+GST Farm Weigh Bridges from $3800+GST 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 or sales@frizzell.co.nz

www.frizzell.co.nz MARINE

OFFICE SUPPLIES

Ph 0274 399 322 AUTO ELECTRICAL

Bells Auto Electrical Ashburton’s leading computer company.

144 Moore St Ashburton Ph: 03 308 5077 Fax: 03 308 3401 Email: info@comsol.net.nz

www.comsol.net.nz

• • • • •

Accessories Sales Service Fibreglass Repairs Servicing of all makes & models

177 Alford Forest Road Ashburton Tel 03 308 58 42 Fax 03 308 5842 ashburtonmarine@xtra.co.nz

www.ashburtonmarine.co.nz

For batteries, air conditioning and absolutely everything auto electrical.

4 Watson Street, Ashburton

Phone: 03 308 5222

bellsautoelectrical@xtra.co.nz

ATS N E W S

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