Ashburton Guardian | Guardian Farming | June 2, 2020

INSIDE

Farming

Dairy Focus TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

GUARDIAN

Accidental dairy

farmer Pages 18 and 19

• Very strong, yet flexible • Lightweight 35kg – staff and stock friendly • Insulated – roll it over the hotwire to the next bale

• Easily moved by hand – no tractor required!

• Will not rust • UV stable • Doesn’t get stuck in the mud

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

CUTTING FOOD WASTE Pages 3-5

When your paddock’s waiting and you need help NOW!

Proud to be Mid Canterbury’s locally owned and operated tyre providers.

Ph 308 6737

197 Wills St, Ashburton www.neumannstyres.co.nz

2

Farming

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

GUARDIAN

INSIDE

Guardian Farming is proudly published by the Ashburton Guardian Limited

Give farming a go

DAIRY FOCUS AND GUARDIAN FARMING HAVE COMBINED TO GIVE YOU A BUMPER RURAL READ EACH MONTH

Dairy Focus

PAGE 8-9

2, 2020 Y, JUN E TUE SDA

SHEEP, BEEF EXPORTS HOLD UP

airy Accidental d

farmer d 19 Pages 18 an

le g, yet flexib • Very stron and ht 35kg – staff • Lightweig dly stock frien the – roll it over • Insulated bale next the hotwire to

– d by hand • Easily move ired! no tractor requ

• Will not rust • UV stable mud stuck in the • Doesn’t get

We appreciate your feedback

PAGE 31 WILDING PINES GET THE CHOP

Editorial Email your comments to heather.c@theguardian.co.nz Advertising For advertising enquiries email cushla.h@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7955.

Designer Guardian art team Post Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton 7740

PAGE 36-37 ZERO BOBBY CALVES A GREAT RESULT

W

ith predictions of unemployment rates of 10 per cent in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, times are going to be tough financially for a lot of people.

Many are finding that the jobs and industries they thought were secure have rapidly downsized, or been put on hold indefinitely.

So why not consider an industry where it is largely business as usual? There are heaps of opportunities to progress and employers are actively looking for staff.

That’s right, agriculture.

Even if you live in town and don’t have any farming background, with the right attitude you could give it a go. Especially if you like animals and/or machinery, being outdoors and don’t mind physical activity and sometimes getting dirty and dusty.

My story on Ash-Leigh Campbell (pages 1819) is a case in point.

Growing up on a lifestyle block near Lincoln, a career in agriculture never crossed her mind.

However, stints on dairy farms, initially with the short-term goal of earning money, led to further opportunities and qualifications.

Now, at 29, she has just been named the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year and says she is committed to the dairy industry.

With the new season just starting, dairy farms in Canterbury, Otago and Southland are particularly short of workers (page 20), with 1000 jobs up for grabs immediately.

While new entrants to dairy farming would start off in the more junior roles, those with the

Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

right attitude, smarts and work ethic can progress quickly.

The pay is not bad either.

A just-released Federated Farmers-Rabobank farm remuneration report (page 12) shows that agricultural pay packages have increased significantly in the past two years.

Don’t just look at the money being offered, as farm jobs come with lots of benefits such as accommodation, meat and firewood.

The report showed that 80 per cent of permanent employees are provided with on-farm accommodation.

Having no rent to pay is a big saving and supplied firewood means no heating bills. Farms are great places to raise children.

So what have you got to lose? At worst you have a job to keep you going and an insight into a different industry and way of life until your preferred role cranks back into gear.

At best, you may have found a whole new career path.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

3

Above – Meadow Mushrooms grows 10,000 tonnes of mushrooms annually.

Right – Meadow Mushrooms’ chairwoman Miranda Burdon says mushrooms are sensitive to environmental factors “and that has kept us aware of any micro-changes in PHOTO SUPPLIED the environment”.

Mushroom magic

By Heather Chalmers

M

ushrooms are “sensitive souls”, says Meadow Mushrooms’ chairwoman Miranda Burdon.

This has led the company to ensure it not only has the best environmental conditions for growing the fungi, but that it is doing everything it can to reduce its overall environmental footprint and reduce waste.

Now a staple of the supermarket fruit and vegetable section, mushrooms weren’t a huge part of the national cuisine when Meadow Mushrooms started as a business in Canterbury in 1970. In the 50 years since, the company

Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

has taken mushrooms from being an occasional mealtime accompaniment to New Zealand’s fourth most popular vegetable by sales.

Its growing plant grows 365 days a year and harvests mushrooms 364 days a year. It is by far New Zealand’s biggest mushroom producer, with

virtually all sold domestically.

Along with its two standard varieties of mushrooms, white buttons and swiss browns, which can be grown out to portobellos, Meadow Mushrooms also extended its range with shiitake about a year ago, which has a smoky, woody flavour.

“Mushrooms are sensitive to environmental factors and that has kept us aware of any microchanges in the environment,” Burdon told a B.linc online seminar.

Mushrooms also use minimal land space, thanks to their vertical growing method and produce one of the biggest yields per hectare. A 1.5ha site yields 3.8ha of cropping area

and produces nearly 10,000 tonnes of mushrooms per year.

“So we are one of the original vertical farms. It is a trendy thing to be now, but we have been doing it for 50 years.”

Meadow Mushrooms was started on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus in the 1960s by former Cabinet Minister Philip Burdon and friend Roger Giles.

When intercommunal violence erupted on the island, Burdon and Giles moved the operation back to New Zealand, founding the business in Canterbury in 1970.

The company is now wholly owned by the Burdon family, who bought out the Giles family some years ago. Burdon family

members hold various board positions, with Miranda Burdon, daughter of Philip Burdon as chair, alongside independent directors.

An executive team manages the day-to-day management of the business which employs close to 500 staff across its five sites.

“The mushroom farm is part of our extended family and always will be. Growing up, all of us worked in the business at different times and now the next generation is wanting to do the same,” Miranda Burdon said.

“As a private company, we make long-term decisions and don’t tend to focus on shortterm payback. We invest to be sustainable in the future.” continued over page

with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, VenaSeal and Endovenous Laser.

Before

After

4

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

The company uses 23,000 tonnes of waste or by-products from other food industries to make its compost at its composting site near Dunsandel.

From P3 The company was vertically integrated, covering every level of the supply chain from creating compost and spawn through to hand harvesting, packing, distribution and sales.

Over the past decade Meadow Mushrooms had spent about $100 million upgrading from the older style tray farms to new shelf-based production, streamlining operations and creating a more efficient and safer workplace for everyone while improving the company’s environmental footprint.

Meadow Mushrooms’ approach was circular, using local by-products to create mushroom compost and grow mushrooms, then returning the spent compost to surrounding arable land.

“Much of our waste minimisation and waste management techniques have been steadily refined over many years, adopting science and technology as it has come available.”

To grow 10,000 tonnes of mushrooms

annually required a lot of inputs.

The company used 23,000 tonnes of waste or by-products from other food industries to make its compost at its composting site near Dunsandel. This included 275t of wheat straw and 170t of chicken litter every week. This made 1200t of phase one compost every week, with the rest being added water.

Rainwater was captured and used as much as possible, along with run-off water.

Mushrooms are a relatively resourceefficient food, requiring 20 litres of water to produce one kilogram of mushrooms.

This compared with 200 litres for tomatoes, 280 litres for potatoes and 2500 litres for 1kg of rice.

The most intense phase was wetting the bales to start making the compost. Most of the water used in this initial stage was referred to as “goodie water”, much of it run-off from previous compost making.

“It is a really efficient way of minimising water use.”

Another by-product that is extracted and captured during the composting process is ammonium sulphate, which is used as a fertiliser on surrounding farmland. This is collected through an ammonia scrubber which is used to keep the air clean and reduce smell.

Every week, Meadow Mushrooms turns out some of its growing rooms, leaving it with 600t of spent mushroom compost.

All of this is recycled into arable cropping and in gardening and landscaping, with some used to grow the wheat used in the next year’s compost.

Trials done by Lincoln University researchers on its benefits as a growing medium showed it was rich in nutrients and organic matter, helped to improve soil structure, had good water holding properties and contained phosphorus, potassium and slow release nitrogen.

As it was heat treated at the end of the mushroom growing cycle it was free of weeds and disease.

“We have spent a lot of time and effort

to find different opportunities for this,” Burdon said.

Over the last five years, through energy efficiency projects, Meadow Mushrooms had reduced its carbon footprint by close to 1000t of carbon per annum.

This was done by upgrading its growing technology, upgrading and retrofitting energy efficient parts or equipment such as boilers, fans, compressors and lights and reducing energy losses through heat or steam leakage.

“It has been an ongoing process of refinement and improvement by the team at Meadow Mushrooms.

“By upgrading our growing systems we have reduced water usage by 37 per cent.”

Opportunities had also been identified post-harvest in packaging and cool chain.

“Mushrooms continue to respire after they are picked.

“They come off the beds at 18°C. For every hour that they sit at 18°C a day of shelf life at top quality is lost.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

5

Food waste an ongoing problem A Meadow Mushrooms has eliminated the equivalent of five million plastic drink bottles by using recyclable and biodegradable trays.

Food Nation, owned by the Burdon family, uses less than perfect mushrooms to create a range of plant-based products like minces and burgers.

“So, we work very hard to get the temperature of the mushrooms down as fast as we can through vacuum cooling.”

In terms of packaging, Meadow Mushrooms has eliminated the equivalent of 5m plastic drink bottles by using recyclable and biodegradable trays.

While there was a huge emphasis on reducing plastic and packaging in stores, packaging still has a place, Burdon said.

“Having the right kind of packaging is much more important than not having packaging. We are working hard to find packaging that allows the product to breathe and to maintain shelf life and quality.

“If we can find packaging that is environmentally friendly and will enable products to stay in good condition longer that is much more valuable than getting rid of all packaging. Don’t disregard packaging altogether, it has an important part to play with food.”

In a novel twist, the company was trialling punnets for its products made from mushroom stalks.

“We have 50t a week of mushroom stalks that are a waste stream. They are quite a unique material because of the way they respond to water.”

The company worked with Plant and

Food Research and the Biopolymer Network to develop punnet prototypes that were designed to be breathable, keeping the mushrooms fresh.

The packaging takes advantage of a mushroom’s ability to absorb water. This allows the packaging to absorb moisture from its surroundings, without losing its structural strength.

“None of this innovation comes easy and all of it takes lots of time and commitment.

“It shows the opportunity if you keep looking and we will keep trying to find ways to use these waste streams and derive value and ongoing use from them as they are too big not to do that,” Burdon said.

Mushrooms are also a key ingredient in new plant-based food products launched under the brand Food Nation in May. Food Nation, owned by the Burdon family, was developed through a desire to change diets and enable people to eat in a more plant-based way, he said.

The plant-based products were suitable for eaters of all persuasions, whether omnivore, carnivore, vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian.

“Instead of using imported soy or grains, beans and pulses as a base ingredient, we are using mushrooms to create a range of products like minces and burgers. It also enables us to use less than perfect mushrooms. The more we can turn less than perfect products into edible options the better.”

Its Magic Minces were available in different variants including Mexican corn and capsicum, or mushroom and hemp.

Its Happy Patties, to be launched soon, will include options including cauliflower, turmeric and ginger, or beetroot, kumara and quinoa.

“We are not trying to mimic meat, we want to celebrate plants and make the ingredients quite visible in the packaging,” Burdon said.

third of global food production is wasted, while millions of people worldwide go hungry.

Meadow Mushrooms chairwoman Miranda Burdon said it was hard to comprehend the scale of food waste until you started to look at the numbers.

Globally, 1.3 billion tonnes of food production was wasted every year.

This was one third of world food production. At the same time, more than 820 million people did not have enough to eat.

Food waste was increasingly becoming a big topic internationally as well as domestically as people became aware of the scale of the problem.

“This is not just waste of the end product, with waste happening all along the supply chain from the production stage to household consumption. Without this waste, we are already producing enough food to feed 10 billion people, the expected population by 2050.”

Food waste also represented 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Meadow Mushrooms had an ongoing programme to eliminate waste streams from its production line by deriving value and ongoing use from them, Burdon said.

New Zealand currently had no formula for measuring waste, or targeting waste reduction, she said.

In 2011, it was estimated that New Zealand’s food waste ranged from 327,000t to 1.3mt.

Bin audits, which purely focused on household waste, estimated 229,000t, the equivalent of $563 per household.

Initiatives in New Zealand include lovefoodhatewaste. co.nz.

Cnr Robinson & McNally Streets Email admin@rainer.co.nz www.rainer.co.nz

Farming

6

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Not the year to have a tough winter President of MC Federated Farmers

David Clark

I

t’s not often we would all say we were pleased with rain at the end of May, or that it was insufficient!

Last week here we had swedes beginning to show moisture stress and there certainly was moisture stress when trying to tread standards into the ground.

But here in our patch of paradise we are better placed than most other regions in New Zealand who are going into winter with significant and serious feed deficiencies.

There is one thing for sure; this is not the year to have a tough winter.

We face many storm clouds on the horizon, the biggest of which is an intention and/or need to borrow $140 billion to take the nation’s government debt to 53.65 per cent of GDP; hopefully only 53 per cent, based on some reasonably optimistic timeframes for the borders opening to near normal tourist numbers.

In all of the announcements around wage subsidies, business support packages and income support for redundant people, there are a couple of things that I haven’t heard.

Firstly, a clear message to folk who have been employed in industries that will not be returning to normal levels of activity anytime soon, that they need to look to working within the primary sector.

There may be little point continuing to support some businesses and the sooner someone who has been employed driving a jet boat learns to drive a tractor the better.

Secondly and more importantly, we have heard some faint muttering about the importance of revenue from the primary sector to see us through, but it almost seems a little begrudgingly.

I would have thought now was the time to look at what we do well, what we can do better, what we can do as new industries and what we can do to extract further value out of what we are already good at doing.

The only pathway to sustainable prosperity for our country is to sell goods and services to those living beyond our shores.

Selling lattes to each other is stirring the milk in the bucket, but doesn’t fill the bucket up.

• • • • •

Locally owned and operated Locally owned

and operated T

R

A

N

S

P

O

R

Borrowing milk from elsewhere to fill the bucket up, doesn’t give us more milk to sell.

Milking the cow to fill the bucket to sell to someone else is the trick. What we need to do is work out how to extract more value from the milk and employ more people by doing so.

Before you start writing a letter to the editor, I’m not necessarily advocating an increase in dairying.

Feel free to replace the bucket of milk with a bag of seed,

rack of lamb, subscription to an accounting program or ride in a jet boat. But equally I see little long-term merit in borrowing money to fund fanciful, nice to have social or aesthetic projects that will not generate ongoing income.

The trap that will be easy for New Zealand to fall into is often described by farmers as “mortgaging the back paddock to buy the groceries”.

Whereas we urgently need to work out what can be profitably

and sustainably done with the back paddock to earn the money to buy the groceries.

It is a deep hole in which we all find ourselves in and there are big challenges ahead for those holding the responsibility of policy leadership.

On farm I see we have an important role to play, stay focused, get the basics that generate revenue right and then wherever possible, choose local businesses to support with your custom.

Stock Cartage Bulk Cartage Fertiliser Spreading General Freight Hiab Truck Hire

Proud to service the farming community in Canterbury T

L T

D

Phone 308 4079

Visit our website www.ruraltransport.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

7

Local rural property market thriving despite global situation Calvin Leen

O

PGG Wrightson Real Estate

ver the past few weeks, we have seen several excellent sales of rural properties in our region.

Rock Farm, a 490 hectare Cave property in the same family since 1923, transacted in May. A well-situated 125ha Waimate dryland property, lending itself to numerous farming activities, predominantly cropping and finishing, went unconditional in the past few weeks.

Cracroft, a productive 423ha dryland Ruapuna block with

reliable rainfall and the option to winter dairy cows or fatten bulls sold recently. Located at Greendale, an exceptionally well sheltered 121ha irrigated finishing farm with superb improvements was another to change hands recently.

A couple of other high-profile local farm sales are also set to go unconditional shortly.

While these properties are sheep and beef or arable farms, interest in dairy is also building, with a couple of farm sales completed in May, albeit these particular transactions have been a long time in the making.

Commodity prices remain exceptionally strong and interest rates have never been lower.

Even if much of the rest of the world is facing difficult times with the pandemic, the enduring impression is that rural folk are

able to go about their business with relatively few restrictions.

Day-to-day activity and general farming practice is largely unchanged and the longterm forecast for our products and export capability remains healthy. Consequently, the local rural property market is more positive now than it has been for at least the last two years.

That said, the recent flush of positive market activity is based on sound long term planning and astute marketing strategies.

As noted previously, vendors who subdivide land prior to marketing a farm are benefiting.

When purchasers find it difficult to raise the capital necessary to acquire a property worth more than $5 or $6 million, subdivision enables more buyers to participate, for example taking a smaller portion

BARRY WHITTAKER CONTRACTING LTD.

of the farm to augment an existing property.

Reconfiguring the size of land holdings into more bite-size chunks, utilising multiple titles, or making boundary adjustments is providing opportunities to extra parties, and has been a factor in some of the recent notable local sales.

For those farmers looking to sell property, so long as you have patience, a positive attitude, and a well-structured marketing strategy, there are buyers actively looking, and the market should deliver the outcome you are looking for during the next few months.

Calvin Leen is Mid-South Canterbury and North Otago sales manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited.

Innovative Instigator

THE MAINTENANCE MASTER

Fill can be used for : • Around water troughs • Farm track & driveway ruts • Filling trenches • Erosion around irrigation ponds

RUT MASTER | INSTIGATOR | HEDGE CUTTING P: 03 302 3888 M: 0274 803 380 E: b.jwhittaker@xtra.co.nz

Removing the build up on the edge of Dairy Lanes, allowing stock to move easier, faster & lanes no longer contribute to health & feet issues.

Digger also available

Farming

8

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Positive outlook for sheepmeat,

Throughout Covid-19, the red meat sector has proven remarkably resilient.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

A

positive outlook remains for New Zealand’s sheep and beef exports for the 201920 season, despite significant disruption from Covid-19 and widespread drought, says Beef + Lamb NZ. “While the drought and Covid-19 have both had impacts for farmers and meat processors, the fundamentals are looking likely to remain strong for New Zealand sheepmeat and beef exports this year,” said BLNZ’s chief economist Andrew Burtt.

“Red meat is expected to remain a key component of many diets and African Swine Fever (ASF) in China continues to drive a shortage of pork there, which underpins solid demand for beef and sheepmeat imports there.”

BLNZ’s mid-season update forecast beef, lamb and mutton farm-gate prices to maintain their high levels by long-term historical standards, supported

by a strong start for the first half of the season and an expected weakening of the New Zealand dollar.

New Zealand’s export receipts for beef and veal, and lamb and mutton (including co-products like offal, meat-and-bone meal and hides and skins) were forecast to total just under $9 billion, which was equivalent to $1800 for every man, woman and child in the country.

Beef export receipts were expected to pass $4b for the first time, lifting 18 per cent to $4.6b.

A lift in the average export value for lamb offsets a lower lamb crop in 2019, resulting in a 4 per cent lift in total lamb export receipts to $3.54b.

Throughout Covid-19, the red meat sector had proven remarkably resilient, Burtt said.

It directly and indirectly supported more than 92,000 jobs across New Zealand and had proven it was willing and able

Need water?

From consent to the pump

to continue to play an important role in supporting the country’s recovery.

Chinese demand remains solid The outbreak of Covid-19 disrupted an incredibly strong start to the 2019-20 season.

Chinese demand for New Zealand’s red meat exports was severely curtailed during the second quarter of the season and the human and economic toll of the virus in both Europe and the United States will impact demand for red meat exports for the remainder of the season.

Significant short-term volatility in market demand and prices were expected, Burtt said.

Despite the disruption, demand fundamentals from China remain solid. The shortage of pork in China as a result of ASF was expected to underpin a recovery of demand

residential

we can help you with water wells

for New Zealand sheepmeat and beef exports.

In 2020, Chinese pork production was expected to be down 40 per cent on pre-ASF levels. During 2019, Chinese consumers were increasingly turning to sheepmeat and beef as alternatives to pork.

As economic activity recovers following Covid-19 being brought under control, demand for meat was expected to similarly recover.

Shifting market access dynamics have the potential to change the distribution of beef exports this season. The US is forecasting a significant lift in beef exports and has gained improved market access to China and Japan, though US exports have currently been significantly impacted by Covid-19 due to the closure of meat processing plants.

This may increase competitive pressure for New Zealand

irrigation

Ph 03 324 2571

beef in some markets, but has the potential to create opportunities in others. Brazilian beef has recently regained access to the US market, increasing competition on the US imported beef market.

However, a significant reduction in Australian sheepmeat and beef production will provide some support for demand for New Zealand red meat in key markets during 2020.

Farm-gate prices near historic highs Average weighted farm-gate prices for 2019-20 remain near historical highs despite disruption by Covid-19 and widespread drought. Prices reached record highs in the first half of the season, providing a strong foundation for a weaker second half as the disruptions of Covid-19 and drought weigh on farm-gate returns.

lifestyle

www.drilling.co.nz 120 High St, Southbridge

www.guardianonline.co.nz

9

, beef exports despite Covid-19 largely driven by an increase in the number of breeding cows (+8.9 per cent) and weaners.

The number of sheep at June 30, 2019 was provisionally 26.7m head, 0.8 per cent lower than the previous June.

Overall, excellent lamb and mutton prices underwrote a deeper culling than usual of lower performance sheep in 2017-18.

This was countered by retention of ewe lambs, and the younger breeding flock matured, resulting in a younger flock on average and relatively stable numbers.

Farm profitability

CHRISTCHURCH

Gross farm revenue for 201920, which ends on June 30, under an exchange rate scenario of $US0.61 is forecast to average $597,600 per farm, down 3.8 per cent.

This was driven by decreases in revenue from wool, sheep and beef cattle.

Even though revenues were forecast to decrease, there was still some further downside risk due to uncertainties about the impact of Covid-19.

Farm expenditure for 201920 was forecast to increase.

Higher expenditure was forecast to occur in all parts of farm businesses, except for interest due to lower interest rates.

“So, decreased revenue and increased expenditure sharply reduces the farmers’ profitability,” Burtt said.

“Adjusted for inflation, farm profit before tax for 2019-20 is forecast at $104,400 per farm, down 20 per cent on 201819, and this was before the escalation of the coronavirus crisis.

“How the situation develops from this point is uncertain given Covid-19, however, the New Zealand livestock production and red meat processing sectors continue to work hard to deliver products that meet customer needs.”

The shortage of pork in China as a result of African Swine Fever is expected to underpin a recovery of demand for New Zealand sheepmeat and beef exports.

looking to visit our beautiful city...

The combined challenges of Covid-19 and drought had made the 2019-20 season an extremely challenging one for farmers, Burtt said.

Lamb production down At 295,000 tonnes shipped

weight, in 2019-20, New Zealand’s export lamb production for the entire season was estimated to be down 3.5 per cent from 2018-19, driven by a lower lamb crop for spring 2019 and lower carcase weights.

Mutton export production in 2019-20 was expected to be down 10 per cent, reflecting the

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

expectation that the breeding ewe flock stabilises by June 30.

New Zealand export beef production was expected to lift marginally for the season. An increase in the number of cows processed is the predominant driver of the lift, as steer, heifer and bull production are largely steady on last season.

CHRISTCHURCH

Livestock numbers New Zealand’s beef cattle herd grew by 5.4 per cent to 3.92 million head at June 30, 2019, though these increases follow many years of steady decline since the 1990s.

The recent increase was

looking to visit our beautiful city...

CHRISTCHURCH

CALL GROUTPRO FOR AN HONEST DISCUSSION ABOUT YOUR GROUT AND TILE AFTERCARE

NZ OWNED

CHRISTCHURCH AND OPERATED

looking to visit our beautiful city...

looking to visit our beautifulFOR city... THE PAST 28 YEARS

HELP NZ STAY IN BUSINESS

119

$

119

$

NZ OWNED AND OPERATED FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS HELP NZ STAY IN BUSINESS

119

$

NZ OWNED AND OPERATED FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS HELP NZ STAY IN BUSINESS

for two people in a standard studio room with a complimentary drink

for two people in a standard studio voucher for Jimmy’s Bar and a fully cooked breakfast the next morning. room with a complimentary drink Free room upgrade if available voucher for Jimmy’s Bar and a fully 42 Papanui Road, Christchurch NZ | Freephone 0800 805 555 | reservations@pavilion.co.nz | www.pavilionshotel.co.nz cooked breakfast the next morning.

Valid for stay any night until Wednesday 30th September 2020, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bookings are essential and room upgrade is subject to availability.

Free room upgrade if available

for two people in a standard studio

with a complimentary 42 Papanui Road,room Christchurch NZ drink | Freephone 0800 805 555 | reservations@pavilion.co.nz | www.pavilionshotel.co.nz voucher for Jimmy’s Bar and a fully cooked breakfast the next morning.

Free room upgrade available 2020, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bookings are essential and room upgrade is subject to availability.

Valid for stay any night until Wednesday 30thifSeptember 42 Papanui Road, Christchurch NZ | Freephone 0800 805 555 | reservations@pavilion.co.nz | www.pavilionshotel.co.nz

NZ OWNED

Valid for stay any night until Wednesday 30th September 2020, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Bookings are essential and room upgrade is subject to availability.

To deal with Dirty Tiles and Grout CALL GROUTPRO WE HELP YOU KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR SHOWER AND TILE MAINTENANCE • Tile shower makeovers • Professional tile and grout cleaning • Re-colouring existing grout

• Sealing and repairing/replacing tiles/grout • Replacing mouldy and tired silicon

WE TRANSFORM TILES/GROUT IN BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, SHOWERS, BALCONIES, CONSERVATORIES AND ANY TILED AREA

Contact GroutPro Brett Muir for a quote and an upfront honest discussion.

027 746 7632

www.groutpro.co.nz

10

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

M. bovis outbreak ‘shrinking’, data shows N

ew Zealand’s world-first plan to eradicate the cattle disease mycoplasma bovis is on track the latest technical data shows, Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says.

“Two years ago the Government, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand and industry partners made a bold decision to go hard and commit to a 10-year, $880 million programme to eradicate M. bovis to protect our most important sector and the economy.

“Recent events have shown what an important moment this decision was for our economy.

“Had we thrown up our hands and said ‘it’s too hard’ and left this disease to run rampant, I’m not sure our dairy and beef sectors would have been able to weather the economic storm of Covid-19 and the challenges of drought conditions as well as they have.

“Beef and dairy export prices have held up. In fact, there was record demand for our meat. In March total red meat monthly exports topped $1 billion for the first time. This shows that these sectors are well-placed to lead us out of this economic crisis.

“We’ve also shown that we’re able to do what other countries have not in terms of disease eradication efforts.

That’s something our farming community should be really proud of. I’m certainly very proud of them.

“One key measure of success, the Estimated Dissemination Rate (EDR), shows strongly that we have M. bovis firmly in our sights. If the EDR is greater than one, then the disease is growing. If it’s below one, we’re shrinking the disease.

“The EDR is now at 0.4, which is down from over two at the start of the outbreak, so we are looking harder to find fewer infected animals. This tells us that M. bovis is not endemic in our national herd.

“We currently have 17 active properties and 232

THE NUMBERS

Current situation (as at May 20):

– 249 total confirmed properties – 17 active, 232 cleared Breakdown: – 58 dairy, 137 beef, 54 other – 68 North Island, 181 South Island – 154,788 animals culled – 1,431,333 tests completed – $149.3 million compensation paid

Above – Mycoplasma bovis is not endemic in the national herd, technical data shows.

Right – Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor says the M. bovis eradication programme is working.

that have been cleared of the disease. We’ve culled 154,788 cattle.

O’Connor said other key measures showed the programme was working: – Genetic testing shows only one strain has been identified, which links all infected farms.

– Bulk milk testing is more timely and research is under way to improve testing further.

– A beef surveillance programme is up and running.

– Compensation processes have improved for affected farmers.

– Use of Nait, the national animal tracing system, is improving.

O’Connor said the priority over the next 12-18 months continued to be finding and eliminating the

disease.

“This ‘delimiting’ phase was expected to end in 2021. After that, background surveillance testing would continue for around seven years.

“We will get another technical advisory group report in the coming months, but two years into a 10-year effort, I’m pleased by the progress made.”

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel said there was no question M. bovis had had a huge impact on the sector, particularly those affected farmers and their families.

“While there’s still work to do, farmer feedback has been heard and processes improved.

We are seeing more farmerfocused processes and shorter turnaround times for farms under movement restrictions,”

van der Poel said.

“From here, we want to continue speeding up the process, so farmers are moving through the programme as quickly as possible. M. bovis has been one of our biggest biosecurity incursions and it has highlighted how crucial biosecurity is for New Zealand.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman Andrew Morrison said farmers deserved a lot of credit for their efforts in helping to free New Zealand of this disease.

“Although there is still a long way to go, the sector can be proud of its contribution. We are encouraged by the increasing number of farmers meeting their Nait obligations, but we are still short of where we need to be.

“It is vital we continue to

lift this compliance, otherwise we will remain vulnerable to diseases. As the response to mycoplasma bovis has found, there is a significant cost to the sector if farmers do not comply with Nait. It’s also vital farmers maintain complete and accurate Nait records for the speedy tracing of animals and ultimately to protect the industry,” Morrison said.

To view the most recent M. bovis facts and figures visit https://www.mbovis.govt. nz

RANGE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE PR

PRIC

IC $95 E 0 e

$325

E

0

ach

F

F

RO $12 M 00

Feeders – 2.5m sizes available

1.5 meter loader bucket. Has euro mounts.

Suitable for light work, bark chip, sawdust etc. Have a 2.2 available as well.

RO $12 M 00

Buck Rakes 2.4m wide Euro Hitch, 1250 long tines

Call to enquire regarding delivery schedules for Hay Feeders.

Phone: 03 308 2059 | Mobile: 0274 326 847 mcmullanent@xtra.co.nz - www.mcmullanenterprises.com

Heavy duty quick hitch in stock.

All prices exclude GST No cups of tea for now, thanks.

All prices exclude GST

www.guardianonline.co.nz

11

MAR project gets $950,000 grant Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

M

id Canterbury’s Managed Aquifer Recharge project has been given a significant funding boost with $950,000 from the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund.

A pilot MAR site at Lagmhor in the Hinds catchment was established in 2016, where water is deliberately leaked into underground aquifers.

This is already showing promising results by raising groundwater levels and diluting nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in groundwater.

The funding will go towards completing feasibility and pilot work on the project to help protect and improve groundwater quality and supply in Mid Canterbury, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones said.

“Work on the Hekeao Hinds Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) pilot has been progressing for a number of years.

Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funding will enable the project to complete its feasibility investigations and finalise the business case,” Jones said.

The pilot was evaluating the use of MAR to enhance groundwater quality for ecosystem health and safe drinking water, improving flows to spring-fed streams and rivers and replenishing declining groundwater levels.

Above – A pilot MAR site at Lagmhor in the Hinds catchment.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Inset – Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones.

PHOTO ASHBURTON

The use of MAR worldwide had been proven to be an effective water management tool which enhanced the economic, environmental and cultural benefits of the communities in which they existed.

“Ashburton is one of the most productive agricultural regions in New Zealand, with a wide variety of land uses and a large number of people employed in the agriculture and forestry sectors.

A managed aquifer recharge will protect this existing economic activity and complement improvements on farms to significantly reduce nutrient losses to groundwater,” Jones said.

The funding will go to the Hekeao Hinds Water Enhancement Trust.

Trust chairman Peter Lowe

said it extended its thanks for the recognition and support, “Trustees would also like to recognise the community support that has initiated the trial and enabled this partnership with PGF.” The MAR trial was New Zealand’s largest groundwater rehabilitation project.

A community-led project, it operated alongside strict planning rules regarding nutrient leaching from land use activities.

The MAR trial targeted nutrients already in the slowmoving groundwater system from historical land use activities, while planning rules targeted improvements in onfarm practices.

“Together they provide a multi-pronged approach to

drive improved environmental outcomes,” Lowe said.

In the last year, the MAR project had increased its number of active recharge sites from one to 12 and increased the annual recharge volume from 1.85 million cubic metres to 6.15m cubic metres.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown welcomed the funding and said the project was important for the prosperity of the district as well improving environmental outcomes by lowering nitrate levels in groundwater and replenishing shallow aquifers.

MHV Water chief executive Melanie Brooks said that one of the challenges of the farmerowned irrigation co-operative which had been delivering water to 58,000 hectares of the Hekeao Hinds Plains for the last 80

years, was the legacy from past practice.

“In recent ageing analysis of our groundwater we had water dated to 154 years, so the changes we make today may take many years to be visible.

“Being a partner in the Hekeao Hinds MAR trial is incredibly rewarding because it is the community all working together for common goals which includes dealing with some of those legacy issues.

“I’m delighted that the PGF have recognised the importance of this project for Mid Canterbury and New Zealand as a whole,” Brooks said.

In the last five years, there had been a material improvement in on-farm irrigation practices, uptake of technology, attitudes and engagement, she said.

12

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Strong growth in farm workers’ pay S

trong growth in pay packages in the last two years is another reason for New Zealanders to consider a career in agriculture, Federated Farmers’ president Katie Milne says.

The 2020 Federated Farmers - Rabobank farm remuneration report shows that between 2017-18 and 2019-20, the mean total remuneration package (salary plus benefits such as accommodation, meat, firewood and Kiwisaver) has increased significantly for farm employees across all sector groups.

Based on survey responses relating to nearly 3000 onfarm positions, the report shows the mean farm employee remuneration package for dairy farm workers rose by 9.7 per cent to $57,125.

Across sheep/beef farm roles it was up by 7.6 per cent to $55,568, across grain farms it was up by 3.1 per cent to $58,800 and in other specialist farm roles outside standard position descriptions, it was up by 16 per cent to $61,288.

“We’ve seen during the Covid-19 pandemic that agriculture is an essential service and one of the nation’s economic pillars. Not only does a career in our sector offer very good job

Left – The remuneration package of dairy farm workers rose by 9.7 per cent to $57,125 in the last two years.

security and the satisfaction of working outdoors to produce quality food for families here and around the globe, it also offers competitive pay packages,” Milne said.

“Those who have the right attitude and show leadership potential can find a satisfying career pathway in front of them.

“For example, in the last two years, the mean total remuneration package for a dairy assistant manager has

jumped $10,643 (20.6 per cent) to $62,317, while the mean package for a dairy operations manager is now up by $1658 (1.96 per cent) to $85,986.”

The mean total remuneration for a head shepherd was now $60,091 (up by 8.37 per cent) and for a senior tractor/machinery driver on a grains farm, $65,269 (up by 4.67 per cent).

The report provided a range of information relevant to farmers who employed or who

were looking to employ workers.

As well as data on remuneration and the value of other benefits provided to employers, broken down to the standard farming roles in each sector, there was broader information around employee demographics, average duration of employment, staff turnover, employer satisfaction and feedback on the ease of finding employees.

“The remuneration report aims

to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for farmers employing staff,” Milne said.

“While remuneration needs to reflect the skills and experience of the worker and the specifics of each role, the report provides an indication of market rates.

This is particularly important at a time when farmers are looking to attract new staff and retain existing staff.”

Those surveyed indicated a high degree of satisfaction with employees, with a majority of employers (93 per cent) either “very satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” with at least one of their employees’ performance.

The report also underlined the value of on-farm accommodation, with accommodation provided to 80 per cent of permanent employees.

“There are some areas beyond remuneration where farmers can look to differentiate themselves, with over half of employers claiming not to have provided any formal training to their staff,” Milne said.

Have your service and repair work

carried out now!

Get ahead of the field now and don’t put your next service off.

Our trained technicians and engineers will maintain your New Holland tractor, baler, combine or farm machinery either in our fully equipped workshop or we’re more than happy to come to yours to get the job done.

We have options available to help you get through your next season trouble free.

 Guaranteed fixed pricing for scheduled maintenance services on all T6000 series tractors*

 Use your Ruralco Card and have your invoice split over 3 months with our progress payment plan at no extra cost**.

Contact us today to find out more! * Terms and conditions apply ** Minimum spend $3,000+GST

THERE’S NOTHING TO IT WITH JOHNSON GLUYAS ON YOUR FARM! Ph 0800 58 28 28 Ashburton: Timaru: Oamaru:

225 Alford Forest Road 03 307 8330 252 Hilton Highway 03 688 1133 1 Korora Road 03 437 2007

www.guardianonline.co.nz

13

A great place to ride out Covid-19 Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

What’s changed?

Prior to Covid-19 hitting our streets, towns and country things were ticking along quite well.

Sure, the real-estate market has been on a go-slow (especially rural) for about two years.

But returns for agricultural products had been at an all-time high, especially for beef, lamb and dairy. Grain and venison were also going okay.

As many will tell you the good year was needed. I must say I am only reflecting on our local Canterbury market because

Southland and the West Coast had issues with too much rain.

The North Island is in a one-in-100-year drought, so no matter how good prices are it is hard to make good money and progress when you have conditions like this. So for Canterbury, the year was going along quite well.

Then along comes Covid-19.

For most rural folk nothing much changed. They still fed their stock, worked their paddocks and milked the cows, but for other parts of the economy disaster struck. Who would want to be a tourist operator in Queenstown, or have been working for one?

I cannot and do not want to know how hard this must be for some families right now, but for others nothing changed.

For example, if you were not working prior to Covid-19 and on a benefit of some sort then life just carried on. Your benefit

We don’t just say team.

We promise it.

wasn’t cut, you couldn’t be kicked out of your rental property, the landlord was not allowed to increase your rent and you got the extra (double) the winter allowance.

If you were working you got the wage top-up. Sure, not as much as a full wage, but then your living costs had dropped because if you were obeying all the rules you would have stayed home.

As a real estate agent, you are never on a set wage as all agents are commission only. If you don’t list and sell you don’t earn.

I always say you only “eat what you kill”. Don’t get me wrong, any agent is doing what he or she does by choice, but any agent will tell you that most if not all, will have gone through periods of two, three and even six months with no income.

How do we get through these periods? It’s simple, by having

six months of income put away for a rainy day.

I still find it hard to believe that after a seven week stand down our country is going to borrow $50 billion dollars to dig us out of this hole.

How does that happen? How do we pay that amount of money back?

New Zealand agriculture depends on a large immigrant population to fill its jobs.

Will New Zealanders step up to fill these places? There should be no unemployment issues in New Zealand until all these positions have been filled.

In terms of my first question of what changed?

The answer is a lot. However, Canterbury is a great place to live and work when these types of things come to our shores.

Properties are still being listed and sold, so for sound advice give me a call.

When you list your farm with our South Island team, there are Property Brokers’ members across the country working alongside them to get you the best result. That’s because every one of them has signed a binding agreement to work together to sell your property. It’s a New Zealand first for the rural real estate industry that means we put your best interests first. Which is exactly where they should be.

Find out more at pb.co.nz/trueteam

South Island Rural Team

pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

14

Farming

FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

www.guardianonline.co.nz

At EuroAgri, it’s all about quality A

family-owned business, for EuroAgri, it’s all about people doing business with people.

All machines brought into New Zealand are top-level products in their own countries, which focus on worldwide research and development, and this, combined with the local experience and local knowledge of EuroAgri’s own team, becomes a recipe for success.

For management and staff of EuroAgri, sustainability, and looking after future generations of farmers are major aims.

With a belief that excellent service and support, along with competitive prices, are what New Zealand farmers look for, the small team of hands-on staff

are committed to ensuring the success of their products both now and into the future.

Machine set-up, help and guidance are all part of the service and if the time arises, they’re only a phone call away to answer any questions or provide further support.

EuroAgri carries a comprehensive parts stock holding, knowing how crucial it is to keep machines running around the clock.

Parts are freighted throughout the country or can simply be collected from the

premises.

Despite being located in the centre of the South Island, the client base is spread far and wide, from the tip of the South Island to the top of the North.

Why? Because clients value their brands, designed for rugged European conditions, which are very

Right – EuroAgri’s client base is spread far and wide because people value their brands.

Keverneland CTC Cultivator

similar to those in New Zealand, but most importantly, they perform.

While the Northern Hemisphere winters may be more severe, similar soil types and topography are experienced, and farming systems, methods and culture are compatible.

If you are looking for a good quality used machine of any make and model, EuroAgri is your place.

With many years in the industry, their extensive contacts often mean they may just be able to get their hands on the machinery you’re after.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

15

Being part of the Power Farming team A

t Power Farming, you’re not just a client, you are part of the Power Farming team.

Priding themselves on being part of their clients’ organisations and, most of all, making sure their businesses grow - the reason the dedicated team gets out of bed in the morning is to make sure your team is not just the best performing in your district, but that you’re up there with the best in the country.

In fact, the best in the world.

At Power Farming in Ashburton, tractor brands Deutz-Fahr and Kioti provide them with options for every rural and municipal requirement from lifestyle to professional contractors.

Additional to their tractors they also supply Merlo Telehandlers. Merlo is proud of its heritage with New Zealand and has been the number one selling Telehandler in NZ for the past 20 years.

The machinery line-up includes Kverneland, Maschio Gaspardo and McHale.

They’re literally some of the best machines in the world.

Power Farming’s balers are designed and built in a country similar to New Zealand, and their drills are innovative throughout Europe and work effectively here in New Zealand.

Kverneland invented ploughing and working the land in tough volcanic country like New Zealand and they are one of the leaders in ISOBUS technology.

Power Farming understands the best manufacturers from around the globe and makes sure they’re bringing in top quality gear with the finest designs that will be suited to your farm, project or contract.

They also support local suppliers such as Aitchison and Howard machinery who have an understanding of the local working conditions.

The Power Farming Group is the largest independently New Zealand-owned importer and distributor of farm machinery in

Australasia with 16 dealerships and four independently-owned dealerships throughout New Zealand.

As well as selling and supporting some of the best agricultural and construction tractors, telehandlers and machinery with specialised sales and support teams, they have highly trained service technicians who are supported by an amazing parts delivery system from hubs in the Waikato and Canterbury.

Call 03 307-7153 or visit our dealership at 233 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton.

DEUTZ-FAHR 6G SERIES LOADER COMBO 135-205HP, 6 CYLINDER • • • • •

Deutz TCD Tier 3A engine No AdBlue required Stop and Go function Cabin suspension 6 speed Powershift ZF transmission gearbox • Available with 125 litre CCLS hydraulic pump 6G SERIES TRACTORS START FROM ONLY

FA5585

1 George Holmes Rd, Rolleston

Simon Jackson

027 512 7205

Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 30/6/2020. Contact your local dealership for more information.

123,750

+GST

ON ALL NZ STOCK

$

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

Power Farming Ashburton

16

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Milk price hit by Covid-19 uncertainty S

ynlait has cut its forecast base milk price for the 2019-20 season by 20 cents to $7.05 a kilogram of milksolids, slightly lower than Fonterra, citing easing commodity prices.

Synlait chief executive Leon Clement said the decision to reduce its forecast base milk price for the 2019-20 season was because, “in line with other commodities, dairy prices have eased significantly this year and as a result are lower than we were anticipating when the forecast was set in January”.

Synlait’s opening forecast for the 2020-21 season was $6/ kgMS. “Covid-19 has created significant global uncertainty.

We don’t yet have a clear view of Covid-19’s economic impact, but we do know it will impact demand, resulting in our decision to release a conservative opening forecast for the 2020-21 season.”

Synlait would continue to monitor movements and keep its farmer suppliers up to date.

Synlait’s final milk price for the 2019-20 season will be confirmed when the company releases its full year 2020 result in September.

Fonterra earlier narrowed its

Synlait chief executive Leon Clement says Covid-19 has created significant global market uncertainty.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

forecast payout range for the current season to between $7.10 and $7.30kg/MS, with a midpoint of $7.20. The previous range was $7 to $7.60.

Fonterra chairman John Monaghan said it had narrowed its price range and reduced the mid-point of the range in response to a softening of demand relative to supply, which was pushing down prices.

“One of the main drivers of the softening demand is that many food service businesses remain closed. On the supply side, the EU and the United States have just been through

the peak of their season and that milk is flowing into export markets and increasing competition for sales. As a result, prices are softening across the board.

“This supply and demand imbalance has impacted GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) prices for the products that determine our farmgate milk price. In US dollar terms, GDT prices for whole milk powder are down 17 per cent since late January.

“Looking out to next season, a global recession will continue to reduce consumers’ purchasing power.

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR INTERNAL GUTTER SYSTEMS

“It is not clear what impact government interventions in the EU and US will have on curbing their milk supply, however, we expect our competitors there to put more of their milk into the product types that determine our milk price, as they chase government support programmes and favour longerlife products.

“Covid-19 adds significant uncertainty into the process of forecasting what will happen with global dairy prices over the next 15 months,” Monaghan said.

For that reason, Fonterra had set a wide range for its opening 2020-21 forecast farmgate milk price at $5.40 to $6.90/kgMS. “The wider range reflects the increased uncertainty we face in the coming season.

“This forecast is based on the information that’s available now. We will regularly update our farmers on changes or events that may impact our milk price as the season progresses,” Monaghan said.

FARM INSURANCE

SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO SUIT YOU

Locally Owned Local People Local Pride.

Is water leaking into the soffits or even into your house?

We can change your internal gutters to standard external gutters Give Ben a call for a free quote. All jobs guaranteed.

Brian

Ben

Danny

Ananias

Kurtis

Ben Kruger • Phone 308 4380 or 027 390 1027 Alps email: benkruger@xtra.co.nz Continuous Spouting www.alpscontinuousspouting.co.nz

Qualified, experienced broker with a farming background who works for you to get more out of your insurer. You benefit from our NZbrokers membership, as we provide broader cover and policies to cover your whole business operation.

Phone: David 027 221 9190 | James 027 276 7747 73 Burnett St Ashburton

Dairy Focus Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Accidental dairy

farmer Pages 18 and 19

• Very strong, yet flexible • Lightweight 35kg – staff and stock friendly • Insulated – roll it over the hotwire to the next bale

• Easily moved by hand – no tractor required!

• Will not rust • UV stable • Doesn’t get stuck in the mud

Dairy Focus

18

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Ash-Leigh’s living proof of the opportun G

rowing up on a lifestyle block near Christchurch, Ash-leigh Campbell never expected to make a career of dairying.

However, the rapid progress she has made in 10 years shows the opportunities available in dairying, even for people without a farming background.

Her achievements were recognised when she became the youngest person, at 29, to win the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year at the Dairy Women’s Network Awards.

Dairy Women’s Network trustee Alison Gibb, who headed the judging panel, said Campbell “exudes energy and passion for the dairy industry and has actively sought opportunities to both contribute and grow in an industry she loves”.

While Campbell’s family lifestyle block near Lincoln had the typical pet ponies, chickens and lambs when she was growing up, she had not considered agriculture as a career.

Her first experience of dairying was relief milking after high school at a local farm to pay for the running costs of her first car.

Going from high school to

Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

university, but unsure about her future direction, she “bombed out” and planned to travel overseas.

Needing to earn money, she again turned to dairying, getting a full-time job on a farm near Dunsandel. However, this time, with a more wide-ranging role, she started to build her skill set, backed up by qualifications from doing Primary ITO courses. She also joined the Young Farmers Club at Dunsandel.

A couple of years later she was offered the role of managing a drystock unit near Sheffield.

“That was sole management, so it was really tough and a real learning experience. I was 22 when I started and I learnt a lot and it definitely made me quite gritty. There were days when I would have a cry on the side of a hill when the animals didn’t

Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year Ash-Leigh Campbell checks lysimeter technology at Ngai Tahu’s dairy farms in North Canterbury where she is technical farm manager. Lysimeters measure the effect of farm management on groundwater and nutrient losses.

want to play ball.

“That’s when I knew I could make something from this industry.

“At that time a lot of my friends were finishing university or dropping out as they didn’t know what they wanted to do. I realised that I really liked what I was doing and that pushed me to make the decision in my mid-20s to return to university.

“I found I had to work that little bit harder to have as much credibility as my male

LIVESTOCK HANDLING AND FEEDING EQUIPMENT

www.riverdownsteel.co.nz TITAN BULL FEEDER BUILT TO LAST

2900mm L 1400mm W 1360mm H 24 Feed spaces

All

Ste e

$1650*

l We

lde

d Tr

ay

HEAVY DUTY CIRCULAR RING FEEDER Feeder is manufactured in two sections bolted together. 2135mm (7’0”) diameter x 1450mm high x 670mm deep welded base, 20 feed spaces. May need some self-assembly.

$695* *All prices exclude GST

counterparts so thought qualifications would assist my career.”

At university she became involved in the Dairy Women’s Network, becoming a regional leader and the driving force behind the Lincoln group which has now merged into Selwyn.

She completed diplomas in agriculture and farm management, gaining a summer internship at Ngai Tahu Farming in North Canterbury where she became its technical

farm manager. She also continued to study part-time, completing a BCom majoring in agriculture.

In her role at Ngai Tahu she is responsible for assisting the management and performance of eight dairy and dairy support farms carrying 8000 cows. She works alongside farm managers to help them with sustainability, auditing and compliance.

“I am the only woman in a team of 10.”

Campbell said she grew up

Email - riverdownsteel@gmail.com Call Greg Dawber on 0211 433 469

SHEETED HIGH DENSITY FEEDER 610mm deep base, 1520mm wide. Has 24 feed spaces 326.5mm between feed spaces Sold flat packed. Units have corner bracing for added strength. Mitred corner sits flush, giving even more strength and helps the unit to sit square in conjunction with the bracket when animals are feeding.

RESERVE YOUR $1350* FEEDERS NOW FOR WINTER. HEAVY DUTY TOMBSTONE FEEDER 2285mm (7’6”) diameter x 1195mm high x 545mm deep welded base. Formed into 12-sided shape, rather than one continuous circle. 12 feed spaces.

Manufactured in three sections bolted together.

$875*

www.guardianonline.co.nz

19

nities in dairying knowing she was of Ngai Tahu descent, but having no direct connection with the iwi.

Returning to university she applied for a programme called Whenua Kura for young Maori seeking a career in the primary industries. “There was a cultural requirement as part of the scholarship and I reconnected with Ngai Tahu.

“They are proud of growing and engaging the next generation of Ngai Tahu coming through.”

While most farming businesses were looking at a 12 or 24-month plan, Ngai Tahu also had a long-term vision for its land and people stretching 50 to 100 years. “It has been great to hold a wider, holistic lens around farming.”

Campbell also quickly climbed the ranks of the Young Farmers organisation, moving from Tasman regional chair to its national chair two years ago within a few months of being elected to the eight-member board.

“If it wasn’t for my involvement in Young Farmers, I don’t know whether I would be where I am today.

“It started off being purely social and getting off-farm,

meeting others in the local community and playing some sport during the week. I have met and made many friends and industry connections through Young Farmers as well as getting jobs.

“Organisations like Young Farmers and the Dairy Women’s Network are so vital for our industry as they give people the opportunity to get off-farm, socialise, learn new things and connect with like-minded people.”

Campbell said one of her mantras was “work hard, play hard until 30”.

“So often we get sucked in and we work really hard and forget to have time with our friends in our 20s.”

As Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Campbell receives a scholarship prize of up to $20,000 to undertake a professional business development programme, sponsored by Fonterra.

While her travel plans have been clipped by Covid-19, she hoped to attend a business course at Harvard University, or see where New Zealand dairy sat on the global stage.

“With food safety paramount, now more than ever, we have a

product we can showcase to the world.”

Campbell said her goals tended to be short-term. “I am only looking three, six or 12 months ahead. With having shorter goals you keep yourself in line as you know the goal is only just ahead. So you work really hard and really quickly to

get there and achieve it. Then you can pivot and decide where to go next.”

Her own rapid progress showed what can be achieved in the dairy industry, she said.

“It shows all the awesome opportunities that the dairy sector provides. There are so many ways to jump up the ladder and make something of

yourself.”

Campbell said she was committed to the dairy industry.

“I am genuinely passionate about what I do and it doesn’t seem like work to me.”

The other finalists were Auckland microbiologist and biochemist Natasha Maguire and West Coast dairy farmer Heather McKay. In her role at Ngai Tahu Farming in North Canterbury, Ash-Leigh Campbell is responsible for assisting the management and performance of eight dairy and dairy support farms carrying 8000 cows.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

CHARLIES TAKEAWAYS RAKAIA

ED AT ER P O & ED N W O Y IL M FA % 0 10 ; DAIRY EFFLUENT

EXPERTS ; ALL ANIMAL EFFLUENT SUMPS ; DRY MUCK SPREADING ; FRONT END LOADER

72 003 3 0 0 8 0 Been in the business for over 40 years robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz

Rakaia 0800 372 004 Christchurch 0800 372 003

20

Dairy Focus

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Dairying jobs available W

ork is available on Canterbury dairy farms for people who have lost jobs due to Covid-19.

With the national unemployment rate forecast to rise sharply due to Covid-19, DairyNZ was encouraging people to consider work on dairy farms in a new Go Dairy campaign that also includes entry-level training to help their transition to farming.

Dairy farms in Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Waikato are particularly short of workers.

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said there were 1000 jobs up for grabs on dairy farms immediately.

“As the new season gets under way on June 1, even more positions are likely to become available. For people who’re looking for work and like the idea of caring for animals and the environment, there are lots of jobs and career progression opportunities.”

People interested in knowing more about working on dairy farms, where the jobs are and the introductory training can visit godairy.co.nz/career-changers where they can register their interest.

While the Go Dairy career changers campaign, which was supported by Federated Farmers, aims to create awareness of the job opportunities, there was a big emphasis on ensuring new staff understand what is involved in farm life.

“We want a win-win situation – for new dairy farming employees to be happy and fulfilled in their new lifestyle and jobs, and for farm employers to have great talent working for them,” Mackle said.

Dairy paid one of the highest average wages of all the primary sectors.

“For the most part, we’re anticipating interested people will be from the regions where there are big job losses in tourism and hospitality and where there is dairying close by.”

Mackle said that while new entrants to dairy farming would start off in the more junior roles, they could anticipate a rewarding career pathway.

“Even though they are new to farming, many people already have skills that are readily transferrable and valued on dairy farms.

“This is because dairy farming

these days is quite diverse and there are many roles, from doing the farm books, to working with machinery, working with animals, and managing staff, and making full use of technology along the way.

“Skills from previous work – and a determination to give their best – will see people new to farming quickly progress from a farm assistant position to herd manager and then other management roles, and even ownership later on.”

Dairy is projected to earn $19.2 billion in export revenues in the financial year ending on June 30.

Sstatistics show that of the 48,000 people employed in the dairy sector, 34,000 were working on dairy farms and the remainder in processing and support operations.

Mackle said that opening the door to new people would also help fill the gap this coming season that farm employers have in the recent years of low unemployment filled with new migrant staff, who were now impacted by border restrictions.

DairyNZ was among those in the rural sector working with Government to ensure the 4500

Dairy farm job vacancies by region.

MAP SUPPLIED

migrant staff already living in New Zealand and working in farm teams can have existing visas extended.

“Even with all the current

migrant dairy staff being retained, there is still the shortfall of at least 1000 employees for the new dairy season,” Mackle said.

Winter is here...

and it’s wet Our Lime Rock is the ideal aggregate for dairy lanes, silage bases, feed pads and gateways.

It’s an economic choice, long-lasting and less slippery than aglime or clay-based lanes.

Prepare for winter now.

0800 303 980 • www.palmerresources.co.nz

22

Dairy Focus

www.guardianonline.co.nz

New dairy cow traits database A

$1 million project backed by funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will develop a new information system to help shape the genetics powering New Zealand’s multibillion-dollar dairy sector.

The world-leading system will be used to record and collate vital data on a range of important traits of dairy cows.

Each year physical and behavioural traits of 50,000 dairy cows are assessed by breed societies to help evaluate the

“

programmes Steve Penno said.

“The ‘traits other than production’ (TOP) data collected through this database will help all dairy farmers in their pursuit to breed more efficient cows performance of New Zealand’s top manager Brian Wickham said. which are healthy and live longer. breeding bulls.

The current system used by breed “This project attracted SFF Futures “The data collected is hugely important. societies to collate the information was investment because of the clear animal It enables the sector to fast-track genetic more than 20 years old and no longer fit health, environmental, and economic gains for traits important to farmers using for purpose. outcomes being sought, and its aim of artificial insemination,” New Zealand “It’s a threat to the dairy sector’s future-proofing our dairy industry by Animal Evaluation Limited (NZAEL) competitive advantage. The system has having access to the best genetics.” major limitations and is inadequate to The new independent system will deal with the rise in the use of genomic integrate with the Dairy Industry Good technologies,” Holstein Friesian New Animal Database (DIGAD), managed by Zealand general manager Cherilyn DairyNZ subsidiary New Zealand Animal Watson said.

Evaluation Limited.

“The data collected by breed societies It will provide New Zealand’s dairy on behalf of CHRISTCHURCH their members and genetics industry with access to thePUBLISHING latest CUSTOMER VEIN CLINIC 02/09/ companies is accessible to all dairy technology, improved data, and the SALES REP STRAI farmers.

It’s aBERNADETTE.CHRISTIE vital industry-good service ability to add new traitsPUBLICATION in line with which is independent and impartial.” world standards, something not currently GENE DESIGNER Unknown SECTION The new database is CLINIC being jointly possible.

CUSTOMER CHRISTCHURCH VEIN PUBLISHING BEFORE BUYING developed by27/08/2014 New Zealand independent, “The key to utilising genomic SIZE 10X7 PROOFED 1:31:18 p.m.

SALES REP BERNADETTE.CHRISTIE PUBLICATION not-for-profit dairy cattle breed societies, technology is having access to accurate AND SELLING ERTISING AD ID 6268508AA FAX 4528 which include Holstein Friesian New phenotypes in suitable training SECTION DESIGNER Unknown Zealand and Jersey NZ. It will enable the populations,” Wickham said.

YOUR LIVESTOCK ROOF PROOFED 27/08/2014 1:31:18 whole dairy p.m. industry to have more options “The more flexible and adaptable TOP SIZE PLEASE APPROVE THIS AD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NOTE THATwillANY Paul Bailey when selecting genetics for physical traits system we’re developing facilitateALTERA AD ID 6268508AA FAX of cattle, like height and teat length. independent collection of phenotype data 027 229 9774 MUST BE FINALISED BY OUR MATERIAL DEADLINE. MPI, through its Sustainable Food for calibrating and validating our genomic paul@canterburylivestock.co.nz GIVE SOON US A CALL AS POSSIBLE. and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund, predictions.”

ROVE THIS AD AS NOTE THAT ANY A was contributing $792,000 towards the The new system was expected to be fb/canterburylivestock 10-month project. completed and fully integrated into the MUST BE FINALISED BY OUR MATERIAL DEADLINE. “Genetic improvement is good for the DIGAD by November 2020, Watson said. environment, animal welfare, and for “It will serve the dairy industry well for the profitability of New Zealand’s dairy many years to come, while delivering a sector,” MPI’s director of investment range of benefits for New Zealand.”

Each year physical and behavioural traits of 50,000 dairy cows are assessed by breed societies.

ADVERTISING PROOF

INSTANT TESTING FOR P RESIDUE!

Hoof Trimming and Calf Dehorning

Lame cow treatments Certified calf de-horning Routine trimming to prevent lameness

V

IBEON Services

WE HAVE CLIENTS WANTING TO BUY AND SELL Herds | In-calf heifers | Heifer calves | Empty heifers & cows

Call George for availability and a quote Phone: 027 239 8314 | acebook Email: george.vibeonservices@gmail.com

Takes less than 60 minutes, with results within hours

FAST AFFORDABLE DISCREET Contact Mobile Email Website Freephone

Clem Hall 027 926 8882 clem@methtest.co.nz www.methtest.co.nz 0800 00 36 36

CHRISTCHURCH VEIN CLINIC LASER VEIN - State of the Art Varicose Vein Treatment

• It’s not just your livestock that needs to be in good condition • Banish the aches, itching or restless legs associated with your varicose veins • Treatment options include injections, laser or minimally invasive surgery

Call us today. Let’s get your legs looking and feeling good again.

146 Leinster Road Merivale, Christchurch Phone: 355-0922 | www.christchurchveinclinic.co.nz

Southern Cross Affiliated Provider

www.guardianonline.co.nz

23

Keeping the girls warm in winter Fred Hoekstra

I

VEEHOF DAIRY SERVICES

t feels like winter has arrived.

It doesn’t happen very often that we get rained out of a trimming job, but it does happen every now and again.

Although some rain would be very welcome at the moment, it got me thinking about our cows and how they can’t go and shelter from the rough weather and this made me think again about the stress we put on our animals.

I know that the cows can handle it, but they do suffer.

You can see this very clearly when we have a longer period of cold weather.

The cows start looking rough and it is difficult to keep them in good condition.

This comes back to earlier articles I have written about how much we ask from our cows and the challenges farmers face with the public opposition to housing

cows indoors.

They have a strong opinion and we need to listen to them because they pay our wages.

So, when the cows are outside in the rough weather, we need to minimise the stress they are under.

For that we need to understand what the problems are. I think there are several factors we need to keep in mind, but the main ones I see are: 1. Cows need about 12 hours a day for resting.

2. Cows need more energy to keep themselves warm.

For a cow to have a good rest they need to be comfortable.

That means that they need good shelter that is dry and warm.

This is particularly difficult to do when cows are fed winter crops.

There is often no dry place for resting, only mud.

Wouldn’t it be better if cows had easy excess to a paddock of grass to do their resting?

If it is better for the cow it is better for you.

Another issue with winter crops is that cows are eating more soil.

They can handle about 1 kilogram a day, but often in paddocks with turnips they eat more.

Keeping themselves warm takes more energy.

This is particularly important for the cows that are being milked through the winter.

Straw is a good product for keeping cows warm.

Obviously, they can lay in it, but I am thinking more about putting straw into their diet.

Straw takes hours to digest and therefore generates more warmth.

These things are important for the wellbeing of the cows and it also has a big effect on lameness.

When cows are not being fed well and are under more stress either through bad stockmanship or weather the risk of lameness will increase.

I guess it has a lot to do with cows feeling good and functioning well, their immune

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS

SAVE $500 off your WOPA Crush*

system works better and the body stays on top of things.

When they get run-down and start losing condition then the cow suffers and that shows up in their health just the same as it does with people.

Not many people realise it, but this is another cause of laminitis in New Zealand.

Do not underestimate the negative effect of it as it may potentially be the biggest risk factor on your farm for lameness.

CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

WE ARE BASED IN ASHBURTON COVER THE WHOLE SOUTH ISLAND

FIELDAY S DEALS NOW ON !

PMR are able to supply total feed delivery systems through our supplier GSI into both rotary and herringbone dairy complexes.

PMR offer

• Site Consultation

• Supply

• Design

• Installation and Repairs WAKELY ROLLER MILLS Suitable for processing a wide range of crops.

From 1.5tph through to 30tph plus.

SKIOLD DISC MILLS

WOPA Crushes are designed to help keep stock safe.

NOW $4,990

+gst

Treat and prevent lameness whilst protecting the health and safety of your staff and livestock.

ORDER NOW AND SAVE ON FIRST 10 CRUSHES SOLD

Standard Crush retails at $5,490+gst

Contact us today!

“Supporting farmers to be the best they can be” * Offer valid on first 10 crush sales. Offer ends 31/7/2020

SILO LADDER SAFETY CAGE Cages, platforms and handrails can be ordered to meet AS/NZ Standards.

Can be designed to suit seed cleaning equipment, breweries and all manner of on farm or factory sites.

Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists

The all round mill for the grinding of grain and crops.

Low power consumption, quiet operation and minimum dust levels.

Superior to mill grain.

Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists

Freephone 0800 833 463 Email info@veehof.co.nz www.veehof.co.nz

TEL 03 303 7266 MOBILE 0275 146 607 EMAIL steve@pmr.co.nz MOBILE 0274 151 390 EMAIL paul@pmr.co.nz www.pmr.co.nz

Airport Farm feedback: Cow health - Significantly improved the health of the herd Heat detection - Picks up silent heats. No tail paint or scratches People - Mating is probably the easiest time of the year now Calving - A breeze. We know if a cow is in trouble 24/7 Allflex - Great support #goodpeople

“

Great company to deal with, always available, great support Ed Whiting, Airport Farm, Taranaki

Contact us for a no-obligation free quote. For more details visit: www.thegamechanger.farm

www.guardianonline.co.nz

25

Spotlight on farm biosecurity L

ifestyle block owners will be surveyed to find out their attitudes and behaviours regarding on-farm biosecurity as part of the mycoplasma bovis programme’s efforts to eradicate the disease from New Zealand.

Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research has been appointed to undertake the survey, which will build on data collected in its 2019 survey of rural decisionmakers.

“Like commercial farmers, lifestyle block owners have an important role to play in accelerating the eradication and supporting ongoing absence of the cattle disease from New Zealand,” John Roche, chairman of the M. bovis strategic science group and the chief science adviser for the Ministry for Primary Industries, said.

While there were 140,000 to 175,000 lifestyle block owners in New Zealand, they had been identified as a group about which there was little data regarding their on-farm biosecurity practices.

“These survey results will help us understand how we can best engage this group in the M. bovis eradication effort. It will provide useful data for the programme as it moves towards confirming absence of disease,” Roche said.

Researchers will survey a sample of lifestyle block owners on their biosecurity practice and attitudes, including questions about animal ownership and awareness

Farmers under active surveillance for mycoplasma bovis are finding good support from the Farmer Assistance Programme.

of, and compliance with, legal obligations under the NAIT and Biosecurity Acts.

Manaaki Whenua will run the voluntary electronic survey in June to best fit with the farming calendar. The results were expected to be available in September.

As at May 15, 249 properties nationally had been confirmed with M. bovis, of which 19 remained active and needed

to complete a destocking and cleaning process.

Almost 155,000 animals have been culled.

To date, $278.8 million had been spent on operational costs since the start of the eradication response in July, 2017.

In addition, $149.3m had been paid in compensation to farmers.

A new science project was also under

way aimed at making it easier to detect the cattle disease.

New Zealand-based biotechnology company Pictor has been appointed to undertake research to enhance the antibody (ELISA) detection method, one of two tests used to detect M. bovis in cattle.

“The programme’s testing regime is really good for this stage of the eradication programme, but, in 12-18 months, as the prevalence of the disease in the cattle population gets lower and lower, the ability to detect it will get harder and harder. The development of a more sensitive test has the potential to optimise future testing,” Roche said.

“To provide confidence New Zealand is free of M. bovis, background surveillance will continue for some years after the current delimiting stage of the eradication, which is focused on eliminating M. bovis.”

Roche said science and better diagnostics, in particular, would play a critical role in accelerating the eradication of M. bovis from New Zealand and in preventing another incursion.

The Pictor project was expected to take 14 months to complete and was the first of several diagnostic projects in the research pipeline.

The M. bovis programme had allocated up to $30m for M. bovis research projects to help accelerate eradication of the disease from New Zealand.

Struggling to find good Dairy Farm Workers?

New season? start as you mean to go on....

The best time to get your HR procedures in place is now and we are here to help you We now offer affordable HR packages that have been tailor made for the dairy industry.

You can choose a package that suits you and your business needs.

Our packages include but are not limited to: • • • • •

Individual Employment Agreements 30/60 and 90 day performance reviews Job descriptions (for all roles across the board) Work policies and procedures Health & Safety inductions

• Personal grievance, disciplinary process and mediation support • Developing a good team culture • Exit interviews • On farm drug testing

INFO@RURALPEOPLE.CO.NZ

NICKY OR PAULA: 0275 11 88 14

26

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Covid-19 spin-off: farmers’ status rises C

ovid-19 appears to be having a positive impact on New Zealanders’ views of farmers and growers.

Close to three-fifths (63 per cent) of New Zealanders hold a positive view of sheep and beef farming, a significant increase of 9 per cent compared to just eight months ago, according to a rural research survey.

Dairy farmers also enjoyed a similar increase in positive support, now at 60 per cent positive, up from 51 per cent.

Horticulture continues to receive the highest positive rating of 65 per cent.

Ratings for fisheries just clicked over into majority positive territory at 53 per cent, up from 47 per cent in August 2019.

The main reasons New Zealanders gave for feeling more positively disposed towards these food producing industries included: • Efficient and high-quality producers of food for New Zealanders and the world, • Being an essential industry to New Zealand, • Good for the New Zealand economy as they provide

In a time of crisis New Zealanders are more clearly seeing the critical importance of their food producing sectors.

exports and jobs, and • Farmers worked through and will help us through Covid-19.

Marc Elliott, director of rural research at UMR, which carried out the survey, said the research appeared to show that in a

time of crisis New Zealanders were more clearly seeing the critical importance of their food producing sectors.

“This should be a small shot in the arm for pastoral farmers who are facing droughts, along with looming regulations and

long-term uncertainty in the markets.

“I keep hearing from farmers that one of their main challenges is negative public perception. While there are pockets of hostility towards our farmers, there is also a growing

PHOTO SUPPLIED

wave of warmth.

“When times are good, critical aspects of our economy can be taken for granted, however in the current crisis our food producers appear to be receiving the extra credit they deserve,” Elliott said.

• For Casual & Perm • Cardboard • Drum

We offer a regular Rubbish Removal Se hiring our Front Loader Bins and using We also have Open Top Bins on a cas building works and G And a Household and/or Garden All provided by a Compan

Gary McCormick Transport Ltd

PO Box 5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 307

• • • •

Open top bins for property and garden clean ups, perfect for moving off the farm.

• For Casual & Permanent Bin &Hires • For Casual Permanent Bin Hires Bins already on a number of farms in the area and casualRecycling • Cardboard hire available• Cardboard Recycling • Drum Hires • Drum Hires Household and/or Garden waste Drum empty We offer a regular service Rubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies hiring our Front Loader Bins and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages,

Regular Removal Service, with many We offer Rubbish a regular Rubbish Removal Service, with many local We also have Openlocal Top BinsCompanies on a casual basis, for property clean ups, building works Garden tidy ups. companies hiring our Bins Front Loader Bins and using our and hiring our Front Loader and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages, And a Household and/or Garden waste Drum empty service.

Cardboard Recycling Cages

We also have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, forAllproperty ups, provided by clean a Company based in Tinwald.

All provided by a works Company basedtidy in Tinwald. building and Garden ups.

And a Household and/or Garden waste Drum empty service.

McCormick Transport Ltd AllGary provided by a Company based in Tinwald.

PO Box 5044, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 3072101 • For Casual & Permanent BinTinwald, Hires • Cardboard Recycling Gary McCormick Transport Ltd • Drum Hires

www.guardianonline.co.nz

27

Support farmers managing feed shortages

Agencies are working to match stock feed with farmers in drought affected districts.

Significant feed shortages across much of the country has seen government and industry bodies rally together to put support structures in place to help those affected get through winter.

B

eef + Lamb NZ has been working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Deer Industry NZ and AgFirst to set up and run an industryresourced feed planning service to help farmers put together a winter feed budget.

B+LNZ has also commissioned case studies from Northland through to Southland to show how farmers in areas affected by feed deficits are managing their resources and outlines their decisionmaking process and outcomes.

In addition, B+LNZ has commissioned a supplementary feed table, listing a wide range of supplementary feeds along with their feed value and estimated costs.

B+LNZ’s general manager North Island Matt Ward said there were feed shortages right across the country and the whole sector was lining up to do the best for farmers.

Once farmers have contacted the feed-planning service, an initial stock-take is carried out and then depending on their situation, they could be referred on to other support services such as a local farm consultant to help develop a winter feed plan or Rural Support Trust.

Ward said well over 40 farmers had contacted the B+LNZ feed planning line, but beyond that there had been a big lift in the number of people accessing information and feedrelated resources on the B+LNZ website.

Other industry organisations were reporting a similar trend.

“Farmers are going to their industry bodies and selfserving on the information and resources that are available.”

Hawkes Bay-based B+LNZ lead extension manager Mark Harris is in the thick of the response, leading B+LNZ’s feed planning service as well as looking after his area which is one of the worst affected in the country.

Working with MPI, Harris was instrumental in getting two feed co-ordinators in place; one in the North Island and one in the South and was also backing initiatives such as the Rapa Feed Run which has Wairarapa farmers donating precious feed to their neighbouring region.

“There were 330 bales of feed donated within four days by farming folk looking to help out their mates.”

Harris described the role of feed co-ordinators as being “like a dating service for feed”.

This means they are matching people’s needs with the services and people who can help them.

He is also backing Poppy Renton’s very popular Hawkes Bay Drought Facebook page which has become a gathering place for farmers in the region.

He urges farmers to stay connected with friends, families and the support services that are in place to help them.

“Don’t get isolated, it is really important to stay connected at this time.”

He says while the government

had supplied financial support for these services, the money was just covering the base costs, with many people giving a lot of their time, knowledge and experience to help farmers get through this difficult time.

The Foundation for Arable Research had also produced a brief good management practice sheet focusing on feeding grain to sheep, available on its website.

Cereal grains are a good source of energy and provide a good option for feeding sheep when grass and other supplements are in short supply. This fact sheet provides information on the nutritional value of various grains and some tips on how to introduce grain to sheep.

Scannell Bale Feeders The Scannell 12m³ Universal Feeder features an elevator that is fully adjustable from 15 right through to 90 degrees of tilt. Functions are controlled by a joystick in the cab with fingertip control giving the machine its reputation of being easy to use.

le finan xib ask about

It is great for feeding out into troughs or over fences and gives the option of feeding out any product that you may need with no trouble. It comes with a sprung tail door to allow for rear loading of bales. The USF-12m³ features an offset axle pivot allowing the front tyres to carry less weight for better performance of soft ground lessening the chance of sledging.

ce

fle

FOR FEEDING OUT OR TRANSPORTING ROUND BALES FROM THE FIELD.

bl

d

ea

e

SEApaSymOenNts AL l S ava il a

FA5583

1 George Holmes Rd, Rolleston

Simon Jackson

027 512 7205

Terms and conditions apply. Contact your local dealership for more information.

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

Power Farming Ashburton

28

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Dry may flow into next season I

t is the end of May and maybe only three-and-a-half months or so before we potentially might be back irrigating!

But where is the rain and how much do we need to get a safety net for that next season?

Without exception, during Covid-19 lockdown Level 3 and now Level 2, the weather has been a discussion point; you know, “how good has the weather been during lockdown” and “imagine if it had been cold and wet”. No question the warm and dry conditions have helped.

It did mean the irrigation season was extended in some places and was needed well in to the third week of May. While I do remember having clients irrigate in June, this is pretty unusual.

Once we have these conditions so late into autumn, I think about the next irrigation season and how our water, especially groundwater, is placed.

Since December, as we all know, it has been dry and irrigation has been full on.

Looking at Mid Canterbury rainfall, only December and March rainfall has come close to the long-term (1934-2020) average.

In the last six months there has been less than half

Tony Davoren

HYDRO SERVICES

the average rainfall; 188mm compared to 415mm long-term (see graph: Rainfall).

Combine the below average rainfall and high irrigation demand for the last five to six months and I wasn’t surprised that groundwater levels had reached uncomfortably low levels.

Looking at the ECan observation bore L37/0022 on Hamptons Road at Pendarves, we are really not in good shape – still in the red and only slowly heading back in an upward trend.

For this time of the year, (May 20 reading) a water level up around 32mbgl would be nice and give a degree of confidence going into the next irrigation season. Right now, groundwater is 10m below this level.

The amount of rainfall recharge needed in the next couple of months to replenish the millions of cubic metres of water required to close that 10m

gap is somewhat daunting (see graph: Depth to water).

Just how much rain is needed then? At Christchurch Airport there are some very deep (1.9m) soil moisture access tubes.

When the soil moisture was measured on May 12 the difference to field capacity (green to the blue trace) was 132mm.

On these Rangitata soil types (shallow stony sandy loam) at least 132mm is required before any groundwater recharge will occur.

On any unirrigated deeper soils, the deficit will be even greater, so the “at least 132mm” won’t come close to producing any recharge.

Fortunately, where there is irrigation, the soil moisture deficit will not be anywhere near as great and recharge will occur sooner.

Maybe Level 1 might bring a change in the weather pattern (sounds like a Trumpism that Covid-19 has affected the weather as well!).

Regardless, we need to see some recharge to lift groundwater levels (up to around 30mbgl in L37/0022). This means some large rainfall events before the end of July or midAugust at the latest (see graph: Depth profile).

• Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Precast Panels • Water Tanks/ Effluent Tanks • Silage Pits • Concrete Bunkers • Weeping Walls • Cattle Stops • Wingwalls • Concrete Pipes For any quote or inquires contact us on Or call into the yard at

03 308 4816

205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald, Ashburton

www.hanhamconcrete.co.nz info@hanhamconcrete.co.nz

CHEAP Pivot Rut Shingle

www.guardianonline.co.nz

29

Mt Hutt makes a safe home for kea Mt Hutt Ski Area has a predator trapping programme to help protect the kea, which is vulnerable to introduced pests such as stoats.

Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

PHOTO CRAIG MCKENZIE

M

t Hutt Ski Area occupies a special alpine basin in the foothills behind Methven.

With tens of thousands of people visiting the area every winter, there’s the potential for a lot of impact on the immediate environment and the bigger picture: skiers travel, eat and drink, go to the toilet.

The managers at Mt Hutt recognise this and take environmental responsibility seriously.

From looking after kea and tree planting to management of rubbish, water and diesel emissions, they are trying very hard to be good corporate citizens.

One of the initiatives is predator trapping to help native birds. Alarmed by the dramatic decline in kea numbers at the ski area, Mt Hutt teamed up with

the Kea Conservation Trust and began a trapping programme.

“We had around 10 kea for many years, then there were two, then none,” Mt Hutt Ski Area manager James McKenzie said.

“We suspected predators – we often saw stoats and possums on the access road after dark.”

Mt Hutt staff monitor and rebait the traps that are set along the access road and down the ridges.

They no longer see animals

on the road but know it’s a long-term commitment to make a predator-free environment that is safe for kea to nest and successfully raise chicks.

Carbon emissions are another area of action: to offset the emissions from the dieselpowered snow groomers and buses thousands of manuka seedlings have been planted on the lower slopes of the mountain in the place of wilding conifers that have been removed.

The manuka have been grown from seeds collected locally to maintain the genetic integrity of the vegetation.

As well as manuka, an earlysuccessional species suited to replanting in open areas, totara will be planted.

Totara like to grow amongst other plants and manuka will give these long-lived forest giants shade and shelter while they establish.

“We planted 2000 trees last

year, this year it will be 3000.”

Waste water treatment, rubbish disposal and providing fresh water to guests have been other areas of big investment.

“We’ve reduced the amount of waste generated per guest by a significant amount,” McKenzie said.

“This has been done by investing in a food waste grinding machine that breaks the food into tiny pieces that can be safely put into the waste water system. This reduced the amount of waste we have to transport off the hill each day.

“At the same time, we’ve made a significant upgrade to the sewerage system. The quality of the water leaving the treatment area has improved by orders of magnitude.”

Drinking water has been another great improvement.

Mt Hutt has put in a secure bore that takes water from 120 metres below the ground, so it doesn’t need to be treated.

“We’re aware the ski area has an impact, but we are doing whatever we can to minimise it,” McKenzie said.

It’s great to see responsible businesses stepping up; well done Mt Hutt!

Save time and money by utilising farm saved seed Seed treatment is your first line of defence against pests and disease Operating 6 length separation indent cylinders combined with a high capacity gravity table to get the best quality seeds for re-sowing and contract specs Mobile trailer with indent cylinders for fine cleaning and length separation with cereals or rye grass Twin rotor screening machine with aspiration for screening all types of seeds for contract specs

johnny@jwneilholdings.co.nz OAMARU

30

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Silver Fern farmers help ‘Meat the Need’ S

ilver Fern Farms is enabling its farmer-suppliers across New Zealand to donate meat locally to those who need it most, as a founding sponsor of new charity Meat the Need.

Following a pilot in Christchurch, the initiative will extend to rural communities and other main centres, just as foodbanks are reporting record demand.

Created by YOLO farmer Wayne Langford of Golden Bay and Siobhan O’Malley of Pukeko Pastures, Meat the Need enables farmers to help feed New Zealand families who are struggling to make ends meet, by providing a way for them to donate livestock that is then processed by SFF and delivered to foodbanks.

In planning for over a year, the initiative was accelerated in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Langford said Meat the Need welcomed SFF’s partnership, which connects key participants in the supply chain including the processing and distribution of the end-product.

“Silver Fern Farms’ role in getting their farmers on board, and as the processor of the donated livestock, is pivotal in

Terewai Huirama packs meat for donations.

getting the meat to those who really do need it most. We’re thankful for the urgency they’ve placed on finalising the details so that we could get this up and running faster than planned

in response to current needs,” Langford said.

The first delivery of 5000 packs of meat, processed and donated by Silver Fern Farms, was delivered to the

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Christchurch City Mission on April 23.

It was expected that supply of product will extend to other regions as more farmers donate stock.

SFF’s head of communications and sustainability Justin Courtney said its involvement in Meat the Need was a direct response to calls from its farmers for a way to give back to their community.

“Silver Fern Farmers are proud of the role they play in producing food for our nation and the world and want to contribute to ensuring Kiwis don’t go hungry. They want to know that all New Zealanders benefit from the fact that we produce large amounts of the best red meat in the world right here.

“When Meat the Need approached Silver Fern Farms in 2019 it was an easy decision to throw our resources behind this, especially in recent weeks as we

have accelerated the planning and implementation in response to the increase in need that has been created by the global pandemic,” Courtney said.

A simple booking process has been put in place for farmers who supply livestock to SFF for processing to donate the value for an agreed number of livestock into the Meat the Need charity fund.

SFF processes then provides a quality, natural beef mince to foodbanks.

“We’re already seeing significant interest from our farmers in donating, and we are actively promoting this to them so that together we can help Meat the Need to build the supply of mince to foodbanks both now and into the future,” Courtney said.

Meat the Need is one initiative in SFF’s wider sustainable chain of care programme, which is committed to making a difference by investing in local communities, sustainability and the environment.

Farmers and the public can also get involved by donating funds to Meat the Need through its website Meattheneed.org

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FARM SERVICES FEATURE

31

Extra funding for wilding pine control W

ilding pine projects in Canterbury are to benefit from $2 million in government funding for the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme.

Three new projects have been announced, being managed by Environment Canterbury, to both tackle the problem of wilding pines and employ people hardest hit by the economic fallout of Covid-19.

Minister for Biosecurity Damien O’Connor said more than a quarter of New Zealand was at risk from wilding pines, including some of our most iconic landscapes.

“We’ve brought forward control projects in Northland and Canterbury so we can provide work for people as their sectors recover.

Accelerating these projects will remove major seed sources, preventing more infestations.

“Wilding pines are a $4.6 billion threat to our farmland, waterways and ecosystems.

The cost of wilding control increases 30 per cent year on year. By going hard and going early we can reduce the total cost of controlling these infestations,” O’Connor said.

Funding for a total of 55 projects throughout New Zealand – including the wilding pine control projects in Kaitāia, Dargaville, Arthur’s Pass, Ōhau and Tekapō – will come from the government’s $100 million regional support package.

ECan biosecurity regional leader Graham Sullivan said the wilding pine work and government support was important.

“Canterbury is badly affected by the spread of wilding pines throughout alpine catchments and foothills; currently, they represent our most serious pest threat.

“We are very grateful to receive this extra funding which will allow us to both expand our control programme and provide assistance to a

Wilding conifer seedlings on Flock Hill Station near Arthur’s Pass due for control as a result of goverment funding.

sector of the community that has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 lockdown.”

The three projects in Canterbury will provide jobs for around 50 people, with work for around three months in locations near where workers are available.

Sullivan said that most of those hired previously worked within the hard-hit tourism sector.

“We have targeted people working in the tourism industry, such as mountain guides, helicopter pilots and crew, and the hospitality sector who have all lost their jobs.

These people are an important part of our rural community and we want to assist them to stay in the area.”

O’Connor said the projects

would also stimulate economic activity for the wide range of businesses involved in delivering wilding control.

In Canterbury, work will focus on removing wilding pine infestations in the Craigieburn Forest Park and the Mackenzie basin, protecting both farmland and conservation land in the area.

Craigieburn

Wilding pine issues in Arthur’s Pass can be traced back to trees planted in the Craigieburn Range for erosion control in the 1950s and 60s.

Wildings have since spread and taken over large tracts of valuable conservation land and productive land. These are home to indigenous subalpine herb fields and various invertebrate species.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Mackenzie

There are two projects in the Mackenzie basin, at Ōhau and Tekapō. Trees were planted from the 1950s for erosion control, shelter and beautification. A particular threat in the area is from Pinus contorta, an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and a declared pest in Canterbury’s Regional Pest Management Plan.

Contorta has spread from initial plantings infesting the landscape in the Mackenzie basin and upper Waitaki valley, including unique environments and the open and tussock-clad slopes such as the Ben- Ōhau Range.

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS • • • •

New home Alterations Light commercial Farm buildings

• General maintenance • Paths • Tiling

Fully qualified licensed building practitioner

No job too small so phone Peter on 308 7133 or 027 220 8257 TaylorBuilt@xtra.co.nz

Winter Service Reminder "The service team would like to advise that we are here for all your winter servicing & repair needs for most makes and models of gear, our focus is to keep you growing. Call me direct on 027 836 0635 or call our dealership to book a service.”

Simon Munro, Service Manager

FA5584

1 George Holmes Rd, Rolleston

Simon Munro

027 836 0635

Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 30/6/2020. Contact your local dealership for more information.

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

Power Farming Ashburton

32

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

First in the queue for dairy industry stars I

magine having first use of a potential industry superstar, years before the rest of the country.

That’s part of the appeal of CRV Ambreed’s Progeny Test programme.

By joining the 30-year-old programme, farmers can jump the queue and get genetic gain earlier and take advantage of world-class genomic selection at a fantastic price.

CRV Ambreed is calling for Canterbury farmers to join the programme, which has produced generations of daughter-proven sires from elite jersey, holstein friesian and crossbred bull calves.

All of the young bulls are selected for the Progeny Test programme with the goal of them becoming daughter-proven sires.

They form the nucleus of product development for CRV breeding, and farmers using these bulls are the first to benefit from industry innovations, such as the recently-released LowN Sires team and polled bulls.

The Progeny Test bull team enjoys a 12-point lift in BW (Breeding Worth) each year, compared to the national average of 10. So, while Progeny Test farmers use non-daughter proven bulls, they receive a greater lift in BW than they may have using other products.

The herd testing involved in being a farmer in the Progeny Test programme was also a powerful management tool, as the information collected at each herd test was used to strengthen the breeding values for protein, fat, volume and somatic cell count (SCC). This contributed significantly to the national breeding objective, BW. On the farm, joining the programme adds to the value of

Left – The Lilleys use progeny test semen across 80 per cent of their herd, with jersey and aryshire genetics used on the remainder.

Right – Mid Canterbury sharemilkers Ben and Mel Lilley at Millydale, Alford Forest, are getting genetic gain in their herd earlier.

Far right – Ben and Mel Lilley get advice on CRV Ambreed’s Progeny Test programme from Janine Broekhuizen.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

a herd and helps farmers to make more informed decisions about their herd and breeding goals.

When a heifer calf is born, the breeding values, NZMI and BW, are calculated as the average of the sire and dam.

This parental average remains in place until the heifer enters the milking herd and records, such as calving, mating and herd testing, begin to be collected on her.

The programme has worked for Ben and Mel Lilley, who have a 50:50 sharemilking business, Millydale Pastures, under the Mid Canterbury foothills.

Farming at Alford Forest, near Methven, they have a 780-cow herd and started herd testing with CRV Ambreed three years ago.

The Lilleys run a combination of older cows from a previous sharemilking job at Winchmore and a younger herd from the West Coast, where Mel grew up.

“We had some friends on the West Coast who had talked to us about the Progeny Test and how they had seen some benefits.

Then, when we went with CRV Ambreed in the 2016/17 season, the technician who came out to AI told us about the Progeny Test programme.”

The couple weighed up the cost/benefit, including the likely savings.

Mel Lilley said the Progeny Test programme gave them flexibility to continue with breeding goals within their mainly crossbred herd, while keeping good control of their costs.

“It was a no-brainer for us, mostly because we’re getting genetic gain earlier. That’s important to us because we’re 50:50 sharemilkers and we own the cows.”

It’s also rewarding, knowing that their animals were likely to be among the pick of the national herd.

“You’ve already got those genetics early, so you’re ahead of the game.”

The couple also have a lease block, where they see their young stock growing every day, all the way to the day when they

enter the shed.

“So, we see the whole story, really.”

The Millydale herd contained a small line of pedigree aryshires which the couple want to keep pure: then they breed their own jersey bulls for putting over the heifers each year.

The flexibility of using progeny test semen across 80 per cent of the herd gave them room for their aryshires and use of jersey bulls while still benefiting from the latest genetics of progeny test bulls across most of the herd.

They progeny test across CRV Ambreed’s friesian, jersey and crossbred packs.

The Progeny Test programme wasn’t onerous, Lilley said.

“It doesn’t require much extra work at all.

“This is the first year that we’ve had those progeny test daughters come into the herd.

We’ve done four herd tests and the CRV Ambreed people are great; it runs really smoothly.

“It’s a fantastic service, the set-up was really, really smooth

with two testers coming to set up the shed for our first time.

We find having meters in the middle of the rotary is a great set up.”

The one-day TOP (Traits Other Than Production) inspection of the heifers was also easy.

“It’s quite cool to see a person come out, grading each heifer on her weight, how she looks and conformation.”

There’s always something to learn from being part of the Progeny Test process, the Lilleys said.

The couple employ a 2IC and a farm assistant, on a property owned by Andrew and Val Jackson. CRV Ambreed has also had a hand in supporting their farming generally, Mel Lilley said.

“I’ve done a DIY AI course with them and the rep, the herd tester and the Progeny Test people have all taken a high interest in our herd and are willing to help us whenever we need it.”

In Central Canterbury,

Our friendly drivers have over 30 years of industry experience and strive for excellence from start to finish.

TRANSWEST FREIGHT YOUR ESSENTIAL WEST COAST BASED RURAL FREIGHT PROVIDER We offer land transport services that cater to a wide range of markets including farmers commercial industrial residential 4 Kaiata Park Drive, Kaiata 7805

Phone: 03-768 3405

www.guardianonline.co.nz

33

rs

Ange Ward and family run a 400 cow friesian herd with an all grass-based system at Leeston. They have been with CRV Ambreed’s Progeny Test programme for 13 years, joining the programme because they preferred the temperament and reliable production of their CRV Ambreed animals and wanted to keep ahead with genetic gain.

They like the constant feedback and evaluation that the testing process provides for a variety of genetic markers and traits.

And there’s a certain thrill in getting first use of bulls that could go on to become stars of the breeding industry by graduating into the sire catalogue. “It’s quite cool to know you’ve had those genetics in the herd for the previous three years,” Ward said.

Ward farms Pitcairn Farm in partnership with brother Matthew, his wife Priscilla, and parents Paul and Jenny on a property bought by her grandfather in the 1970s.

Pitcairn Farm was a stud back

then and while the Wards are purely commercial operators, they love seeing proven genetic gain.

The family value their cows less on index, but more on having the good performing, healthy animals that they enjoy milking.

Ward said the Progeny Test programme was excellent value for money considering the number of heifers that were assessed and being involved wasn’t much extra work.

“We’ve found progeny

test cows to have reliable production, with good udders and capacity and don’t find the testing obligations required of a progeny test farmer to be much more involvement than we would with the herd anyway.”

When first-calving heifers first come into the shed the Wards give them a score from zero to 10, for temperament traits including milk let-down and behaviour in the shed.

The Wards have about 90 first-calvers at a time so assessment isn’t a particularly

big job.

In November an official from the Holstein-Friesian Association inspects the animals and gives them a TOP score.

Constant improvements in genomic science means there’s minimal chance of receiving a less-than-ideal animal.

“There’s always a slight risk of having a bull that doesn’t perform but 95 per cent of the heifers that come here, you would put them into any commercial herd and they would do well,” Ward said.

The Card The Card that gives back that gives back

ANDY CARD HOLDER

AM CARD HOLDER 911047780 ANDY CARD HOLDER

6005 0991 1047 7802 911047780 911047780 6005 0991 1047 7802 AM CARD HOLDER EXP MAY ANDY CARD HOLDER 911047780

ANDY CARD HOLDER AM HOLDER AM CARD CARD HOLDER ANDY CARD HOLDER 911047780 ANDY CARD HOLDER AM CARD HOLDER 6005 0991

Our new online store is OPEN! Shop for batteries and other products using your Farmlands account.

Works for you Works for you Works for you Works for you

EXP MAY 1047 7802 911047780 6005 0991 1047 7802

25

IN STOCK NOW

www.harness.co.nz

$99+ GST

MORRISONS SADDLERY & FEED

PT46 & 47

32 Racecourse Rd, Ashburton Tel: 03-308-3422 or 0800 Harness (427 637)

www.newlands.net.nZ 0800 153 771 Rolleston 827 Jones Rd Ph 03 347 3476

25

EXP EXP MAY MAY 25 25

Standard Farmlands Ad 8.5cm x+ 7cm $85.00 GST 8.5cm x 7cm $85.00 + GST Our own canvas horse covers and 8.5cm x 7cm 8.5cm x 7cm Weather Beeta covers! synthetic

batteryshop.nz

Ashburton 80 Kermode St Ph 03 308 7234

25

EXP MAY 25

ALREADY FEELING THE Standard Farmlands Ad Standard Farmlands Ad COLD WINTER? $85.00 + GST THIS Standard Farmlands $85.00 + GST Ad

SHOP ONLINE AT NEWLANDS

electric fence batteries only

6005 0991 1047 7802 6005 0991 1047 7802 AM CARD HOLDER EXP MAY

Timaru 86 Hilton Highway Ph 03 688 6800

PLANTS, TREES & FARM SHELTER FREE ON-FARM CONSULTATIONS | PHONE RODNEY 0274 753 798 SPECIMEN TREES

(Direct from the grower) • Magnolias • Dogwoods • Maples • Prunus • Fruit trees and so much more!

GARDEN CENTRE

FRIENDLY PRICES

Grahams Road, Ashburton 03 308 9950

• • • • •

Rhodos Roses Shrubs Buxus Natives

Don’t have a Farmlands Card? Join 68,000 shareholders nationwide and enjoy the huge Don’t have a Farmlands Card? Join 68,000 shareholders nationwide and enjoy the huge range of exclusive offersJoin and68,000 rebatesshareholders that only Farmlands Card can offer!the huge Don’t have a Farmlands Card? nationwide and enjoy range of exclusive offers and rebates that only Farmlands Card can offer!the huge Don’t have a Farmlands Card? Join 68,000 shareholders nationwide and enjoy range of exclusive offers and rebates that only Farmlands Card can offer! range of exclusive offers and rebates that only Farmlands Card can offer!

6005 0991 1047 7802 AM CARD HOLDER EXP MAY 6005 0991 1047 7802 ANDY CARD HOLDER AM CARD HOLDER 911047780

25

EXP MAY 25

ANDY CARD HOLDER

911047780 6005 0991 1047 7802

AM CARD HOLDER EXP MAY 6005 0991 1047 7802 ANDY CARD HOLDER

FAR_08949 FAR_08949 FAR_08949 FAR_08949

AM CARD HOLDER 911047780

ANDY CARD HOLDER 911047780 911047780 ANDY CARD HOLDER 911047780 AM CARD HOLDER

25

EXP MAY 25

Works for you Works for you Works for you Works for you

Visit www.farmlands.co.nz or phone 0800 200 600 for more information.

6005 0991 1047 7802 Visit www.farmlands.co.nz or phone 0800 200 600 for more information.

AM CARD HOLDER EXP MAY 25

ANDY CARD HOLDER

EXP MAY 25

6005 0991 1047 7802

Visit www.farmlands.co.nz or phone 0800 200 600 for more information.

Visit www.farmlands.co.nz or phone 0800 200 600 for more information.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

35

Meal service boosts food suppliers C

hristchurch consumers and Canterbury food suppliers are set to benefit from the local launch of meal-kit company HelloFresh.

Canterbury food manufacturers already supplying the company’s North Island customers have welcomed the move and say it will lead to larger volumes of local production.

Akaroa Salmon managing director Duncan Bates said the meal kit company was currently his largest customer.

“We started supplying HelloFresh earlier this year which allowed us to diversify our business into a new distribution channel which has now significantly surpassed our restaurant trade and international export volumes.

“As well as buying thousands of units of our product with every order, they also display the Akaroa Salmon name on their packaging which gives us a significant lift in exposure,” Bates said.

James Massey, managing director of Botany Group, which produces dairy products in Leeston, said they had to expand capacity to meet the demand from HelloFresh.

“Our supply relationship with HelloFresh has grown

Left – Canterbury food suppliers are set to benefit from the local launch of meal-kit company HelloFresh.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

exponentially over the past six months which has required extra production shifts and staff to keep up.

“Entering this channel has

also helped us expand our product range which gives us new capability in this area and positions us to move into other markets.

“Their simplified home-cook based menu makes it easier for us to achieve greater economies of scale, by producing a small number of products at much

Be quick!

higher volumes and means we’ve been able to supply hundreds of thousands of units of Greek yoghurt and sour cream for their meal kits,” Massey said.

HelloFresh NZ chief executive Tom Rutledge said it had requests to supply Cantabrians since they first opened in the North Island less than two years ago.

“We are excited to bring a new level of convenience to those in the Christchurch area and look forward to expanding our offering throughout the South Island over the coming months.

“Weeknight meals should be simple, delicious and affordable and we know our South Island customers will enjoy discovering a new way of channelling their inner home cook and preparing dinner for their families,” Rutledge said.

Christchurch residents were now able to benefit from fresh seasonal ingredients and easyto-follow recipes being delivered directly to their doorstep each week.

Double square feeders

Hay Feeders

Get your order in!

Square Feeders

Round Feeders

Cradle Feeders

Benefits of our feeders

Quality hay feeders from Palmer Agri Parts Direct are what they need.

• Various sizes and types available • Safe feeding while eliminating as much wasted hay as possible • Longevity of the feeder maximised • Competitive prices • Deer and sheep feeders also available

0800 4 PALMERS - 0800 472 563 - 34 Robinson St, Riverside Industrial Estate, Ashburton

36

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Zero bobby calves a massive bonus for T

he versatility of holstein friesians is being credited with allowing a young South Canterbury couple to produce zero bobby calves.

Ryan and Billie Moffat milk 460 cows at Waimate. Production on the 145-hectare irrigated property was 262,000 kilograms of milksolids (kgMS) in 2018-19.

The couple bought the farm off Ryan’s parents Mike and Chris Moffat last year, after buying their herd four years earlier.

“Our business doesn’t produce any bobby calves,” Billie said.

“We’ve always had a strong market for our surplus heifer and beef calves. That’s a huge benefit of farming holstein friesians.

“There’s limited demand for bull calves out of crossbred and jersey cows.”

Six years ago, the Moffats started using Samen’s overseas genetics over their herd.

“We were quite a high BW (breeding worth) herd, with a big focus on BW. We used a lot of LIC genetics, then switched to using CRV Ambreed sires,” Ryan said.

“But the genetic pool was getting too tight and we wanted to breed a higher-producing, medium-sized holstein friesian cow.”

The Moffats are aiming for per

1

cow production of 550kg/MS. “We usually rear about 160 replacement heifer calves, selling 40 after weaning.

“They go to a local buyer or are sold to the export market,” Billie said.

“There’s still a big demand for the heifers. People are starting to look for quality over high BW. We have been really impressed with our Samen calves.

“Last spring’s calves are

probably the best we’ve had.”

The couple is in their second season doing all artificial insemination (AI).

The main bulls they have been using are Seagull-Bay MVP-ET, ABS Joppolo PP-ET, Co-Op Bosside Massey-ET and DE-SU 11236 Balisto-ET. “We use mainly holstein friesian sires. In the final four weeks of mating we mix it up a bit and use angus, speckle park, belgium blue

and wagyu semen,” Ryan said.

Rising two-year-old heifers, which are at a 185-hectare (effective) runoff owned by Ryan’s parents nearby, are run with angus bulls.

“Our beef calves have always been highly sought-after. Mum and Dad now buy our beef calves.

They take them right through to finishing, where they’re worth around $2000/head based on current prices,” he said.

“Here in the South Island we get between $100-$150 for four-day-old calves, which is significantly more than what a bobby calf is worth.”

The Moffats start calving on August 1 and milk through until the end of June.

Tackling the herd’s empty (not-in-calf) rate, which usually sits between 16-20 per cent, is currently their number one focus.

CHARLIES TAKEAWAYS RAKAIA

100% FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED ; SEPTIC TANK EMPTYING ; PUMPS SUPPLIED & FITTED ; GREASE TRAP EMPTYING ; WATER JETTER WITH CAMERA

2 003 37 00 08 Been in the business for over 40 years robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz

Rakaia 0800 372 004 Christchurch 0800 372 003

www.guardianonline.co.nz

37

South Canterbury farmers 1 – The Moffats use Samen’s overseas holstein friesian genetics.

3

2 – South Canterbury dairy farmers Ryan and Billie Moffat always have a strong market for their surplus heifer and beef calves.

3 – Olivia and Delilah Moffat with a 2016-born cow sired by the bull Deangate Quentin.

4 – The Moffats milk 460 cows on an irrigated property at Waimate.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

2

4

Moffat believes the herd’s high per-cow milk production was a contributing factor, with energy intakes failing to match outputs.

“Within weeks of calving, our cows are producing well over 2kgMS/day, and they’re peaking at an average of 2.7 to 2.8kgMS. That is at a time when we are trying to get them to cycle and get in-calf,” he said.

“I think historically they’ve probably been slightly energy deficient.”

This season, bypass fat has been added to the herd’s in-shed feed ration to help plug the energy gap.

“Bypass fat is high in

energy content. It has an ME (metabolisable energy) of 33 per cent. It’s expensive, but so is having empty cows, so we hope it will make a difference to our final in-calf rate,” he said.

“It’s already had a positive impact. The cows had a much higher BCS (body condition score) at mating this year.”

The farm has a modern sixyear-old 54-bale rotary milking shed with automated drafting.

The cows’ in-shed feed mix consists of barley, wheat, distillers’ grain, tapioca and proteins like canola. Minerals such as magnesium and calcium are added to molasses.

The farm does not have a feed pad. The next big infrastructure project on the horizon was expanding the irrigation system.

“We have one centre pivot that covers 65ha. A further 14ha is under k-line irrigation. The remainder of the farm is under flood irrigation which will be converted to pivots over the next four years,” Moffat said.

“That side of the farm is an odd shape, so we might need several smaller pivots.”

The herd will be wintered on just grass and silage for the first time this year. Fodderbeet is grown at the runoff for young

stock and beef cattle.

The Moffats have 313 registered pedigree holstein friesians, including young stock, and are keen to grow the number.

“We stopped registering our cows through the pedigree system when we were developing the farm,” he said.

“It’s something we got back into this year. We’ve been using holstein friesian sires, so a lot of animals were eligible for registration.”

The Moffats trade under the name Deltop Dairy Limited. They featured heavily in the 2018-19 production results for registered

holstein friesian cows.

They were the top producing protein herd in the Canterbury/ Westland ward, with an average of 312kg/cow (3.6 per cent).

They ranked 9th highest in the country.

The Moffats were second highest in their ward for fat, with an average of 337kg/cow (3.9 per cent).

The couple have three children Olivia, 10, Vincent, 9, and Delilah, 6.

The couple have two staff, Raymond Serilo and Jerome Paray, which make juggling young children and the runoff easier.

Improve your productivity Take your tractor to the next level with Deutz-Drive, a range of affordable options to give your farming operation the benefit of precision farming.

Improve decision making and traceability while enhancing the value of your tractor.

Match your farm practices more closely to crop requirements, reduce your farms environmental footprint while boosting performance of your farm by improving managment of fertiliser usage, seeding, drilling, planting and monitoring of other farming activities.

FA5582

1 George Holmes Rd, Rolleston

Simon Jackson

027 512 7205

Terms and conditions apply. Contact your local dealership for more information.

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

• 3 integrated options available • Suitable for all Deutz-Fahr cabin models • A range of correction sources available (Autonomous, Topnet Global D, OmniSTAR and RTK) • ISOBUS compatible • Section and rate control compatible • Produce more with less, maximise efficiency and operate more profitably

Power Farming Ashburton

38

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Growing your own food is rewarding Far left – Sheryl Stivens harvesting parsley and parsnip seed for next summer’s food crops.

Left below – Planting garlic is so easy once your soil is prepared.

Sheryl Stivens

ECO EFFICIENCY

Left above – Miners lettuce grows wild in the winter once introduced to our gardens.

I

t’s the winter of 2020, the year we will never forget.

Many of us have come out of lockdown with different goals and aspirations. For a number of people this includes growing more food in our gardens and being more prepared should another lockdown eventuate.

So what can we realistically grow at this time of year.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

which is milder and has big fat cloves. It grows very easily and is so tasty to eat.

HOW ABOUT A WINTER EDIBLE GREEN THAT GROWS LIKE A WEED?

WHY NOT GROW YOUR OWN GARLIC?

It’s so easy to grow and garlic and onions all love growing in the cold weather. The traditional time for planting garlic is round about the shortest day. However, any time from now until late August is a good time to plant garlic.

NOW TO SOURCE SOME GARLIC TO PLANT

It’s important to find garlic that has not been treated or bleached, like much of the imported garlic, which may not grow.

Visit a farmers’ market or a garden centre or contact friends who grow garlic who may have some garlic bulbs to spare that you can plant, ideally organic.

TO PREPARE THE GARLIC FOR PLANTING

Begin by breaking up the bulbs into individual cloves by simply peeling off the outer layers of dry skin, but don’t strip off all the skin, that is there for

helps your garden grow and keeps your crops healthy.

More about that next month.

protection. You may get as many as 6-12 corms or more from a single bulb.

It’s fun to weigh the garlic cloves before you plant them and keep a record in your gardening diary.

So long as you plant your garlic crop in rich soil, feed it well and keep it weeded you will get rewarded with about 10 times the weight in garlic of what you planted.

For example, planting 1kg of garlic yields about 10kg.

If you are looking for a cash crop, garlic is a great plant to grow as there is a ready market, especially for organic garlic and most of what we see in the shops is imported.

HOW TO PLANT YOUR GARLIC

NOW TO PREPARE THE SOIL

Dig out any weeds and prepare your garden bed by adding some compost or worm castings or well-rotted horse manure.

Garlic is a heavy feeder, so to get plump, healthy garlic you need really rich soil.

Do not rely on store-bought compost as much of it is often made from composted pine or other materials that do not provide enough soil richness for heavy feeder crops.

Worm castings or vermicast is great and can be purchased if you live near Ashburton from the Ashburton Meat Processors.

It may be a good time to set up your own worm farm as the liquid from the worm farm really

Gently push your individual little garlic cloves into your soil with the root side down, placing them about 8cm apart in rows 4cm apart so they are just below the soil surface.

Cover with a good thick layer of mulch such as pea straw or lawn clippings.

In a month or two you will see the little green shoots beginning to grow through the layer of mulch.

Pull out any weeds that grow and feed with liquid fertiliser you have made from soaking manure and weeds, or from your worm farm. By the longest day, your garlic will be ready to harvest and enjoy.

We also grow elephant garlic

If you havent heard of miners lettuce or French purslane it’s a must-have for your winter garden.

The story goes that the early gold miners brought this plant into New Zealand to counteract scurvy. We were first sent some in a plastic bag over 30 years ago and told to spread this green mush under our fruit trees.

Sure enough it started to grow and now grows wild at our place in winter and provides lush green leaves we can gather and put into a salad bowl or add to a sandwich.

Miners lettuce is so delicious and rich in vitamin A and C and antioxidants. The small white flowers that come later are also edible.

THE TIME IS RIGHT TO GET CREATIVELY PLANTING

Plan to turn your food scraps and garden waste into healthy plant food.

De-stress naturally in your food garden no matter how small it may be. It is so rewarding to grow your own food.

SIZE, STRENGTH & STABILITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS • • • • •

Bulk Grain Storage Container Cartage Firewood Supplies Hay & Straw Cartage Agricultural Spraying

• • • •

Lime & Super Spreading Precision Nitrogen Sowing Log Cartage Shingle Supplies

Methven - Christchurch - Daily Freight Supplies

• • • • •

Swing-lifting Grain Cartage Silo Storage Cool Storage Stock Cartage

Methven - Ashburton - Daily Freight Supplies ISO ACCREDITED

PO Box 28 Line Road, Methven

Ph 302 8616 - Fax 302 9657

philipwareingltd@xtra.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FARM TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

39

Spot the robot is capable of handling even New Zealand’s most tricky terrain and could change the face of farming.

Robot a potential game-changer A

New Zealand-based robotics company is lending a hand to a US counterpart in creating a role which could make the humble New Zealand farm dog redundant.

The technology which sits in the form of a robot is capable of handling even New Zealand’s most tricky terrain and could, change the face of an agelong pastime.

The robot’s name?

Spot.

A mobile, durable, and customisable robot, Spot has been built to go where other robots can’t.

Coupled with the Kiwi company, Rocos platform, Spot can be easily managed from a remote location, missions can be designed and edited on the fly, and sensor data collected on the mission can be accessed by remote teams.

Spot can also be manually teleoperated to investigate issues, capture new data, or be redirected as required.

This is particularly important for industries where autonomous robots have been embraced – such as utilities and agriculture.

Equipped with payloads like heat, LIDAR, gas and high-resolution camera sensors, Spot navigates rugged environments to capture data in real time - feeding this data back into existing business systems, wherever they are located.

In the energy sector this provides

real-time anomaly detection as well as access to historic digital records for comparison. In agriculture, farmers can access information such as more accurate and up-to-date yield estimates.

This provides access to a new category of automation, and a safer, more efficient business.

A recent test run near Gisborne, in which Spot was put through its paces in an agricultural setting on a sheep and beef station was hailed a success with even creators surprised at just how well the robot handled the challenge.

While speed might be an issue, with Spot a long way off from being able to keep up with a working dog, there was enough promise in the test run to suggest that the plan was worth investigating even further.

Sheep and beef farms aren’t the only targets within the agricultural sector that the robotic technology is being aimed at with Spot also having been tested in various other settings such as orchards.

Overseas, Spot has already been used for a number of different tasks, including in the battle against Covid-19.

In Singapore, the robots patrolled a popular park, estimating the number of people in the area and playing messages to encourage social distancing.

Kitted out with iPads and two-way radios, it’s also helped medical teams in a Boston hospital evaluate possible coronavirus patients.

40

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FEATURE

Calcium and phosphorus, a strong bone combination

Above – Shaun Balemi from Agvance Nutrition provides some handy advice to a dairy farmer.

Right – Cows graze on fodder beet.

C

alcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) make up a large portion of a cow’s bone structure.

Together, these two minerals are essential for the strength and structure of the bone, milk production, a healthy metabolism, muscle function, immune function and a whole range of other cow functions.

It is becoming more common to have periods of the year where the cow’s stored levels are being depleted due to low levels of Ca and P in the diet.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

This can be a combination of factors; poor soil fertility yielding Ca/P deficient pasture, feeding low Ca/P supplements, or feeding low Ca/P crops. Feed testing at key times through the season, to monitor the phosphorus and calcium content of the diet, is a great tool for identifying deficiency.

As we move through autumn and closer towards spring, avoiding low Ca/P levels steps up a priority level.

Blood tests can be used to

provide current Ca/P status, however, this is an alarm bell meaning immediate action is needed.

Tests are best taken on a mixture of cows at different stages; 10-15 days pre-calving, 2-6 days pre-calving and 12 hours post-calved.

If these tests show blood levels are low, immediate supplementation is critical and taking steps to avoid these low levels going forward is essential.

Calcium and phosphorus work

together. They’re linked together in the bone specifically in a 2:1 Ca to P ratio.

Because of this we supplement them together, ideally in a matching 2 parts Ca to 1 part P supplement blend.

Supplementation can be done via dusting on pasture or silages, mixing granular supplement through grain in the shed, looselick or water soluble options.

In my experience granular supplementation through the inshed feed or a mixer wagon is the

most efficient for cow uptake and the most cost-effective.

But different farms will benefit from specific solutions, depending on what the herd requires and your feeding system.

If you would like further advice on mineral nutrition, talk to your vet or contact the Agvance team directly.

Shaun Balemi, dairy nutritionist (M.Sc, NZARN) at Agvance Nutrition.