Farming february, 2014

Farming GUARDIAN

Guardian ASHBURTON

February, 2014

The velvet jigsaw

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2 Pete Swann’s fondness for deer spans 40 years and shows no sign of ending. He was a pioneer in the live-capture days, and today produces his own brand of velvet capsules under the Glenfiddich Deer Farms label.

A growing affair Michelle Nelson

Pete Swann keeps a close eye on his herd.

Photos: Michelle Nelson 300114-MN-011

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n a 30-hectare farm in the Elgin district Pete Swann and his wife Jema run 160 stags, a few beef cattle and a handful of Pitt Island sheep.

Mr Swann says producing high-quality velvet is all about management, diet and genetics.

He was just a kid when commercial deer farming gained traction. A block on the family farm at Sherwood Downs, near Fairlie, was fenced with the regulation six foot six inch (two metre) high fences required in the days when deer were deemed noxious animals.

In 1974 Mr Swann and his father embarked on their first live-capture mission.

Wild deer were hunted in helicopters, tranquilised using a dart gun and airlifted back to the farm.

In the early days the animals were slung under the helicopter by their hind legs, however, too many were injured and bags were designed to carry them safely.

While several animals suffered from shock, Mr Swann says the deer that would make up the Glenfiddich herd were released into the familiar terrain of tussock-clad high country making for a gentle transition.

In the early nineties, the Swann family shifted the operation to Mossburn, at this time the Glenfiddich velvet herd comprised 550 head, out of a total herd of 750 animals.

“The place was quite run down, and we started trials looking at the impact of

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From paddock to powder, Pete and Jema Swann are growing velvet and manufacturing health food supplements.

300114-MN-028 “We started looking at the quality of the velvet, and realised there’s a huge variation.

“I noticed some of the antler was very boney. Once we started to deal with the powder we closed the herd, because we couldn’t find stags that were compatible with the type of velvet we wanted to grow.”

Mr Swann isn’t concerned about line-breeding the

herd – by his reckoning there were only about 100 deer introduced into the country by early pioneers, and the base of his herd was captured in the Fairlie basin, so there’s always been a limited gene pool.

“There’s been one outcross with a Danish stag and one with a German-English stag, everyone says we can’t keep doing what we are but I’ll keep going – as long as you don’t mate a father with a daughter.”

He concedes at some stage he might have to look at introducing a new genetic line, but says the problem will be finding suitable blood. For the past 10 years the focus in New Zealand has been on developing long antler tines for the trophy-head industry, while a shorter antler is required to produce quality velvet.

Mr Swann has spent years looking at the impact of nutrition, and says deer are browsers not grazers.

For this reason he sticks to the basics; grass, baleage, oats and a few nuts. He also avoids brassica-based winter-feed crops.

“Wild deer might eat turnips for a short time, but

they soon move on.

“We feed them the best we can year-round. Getting the right mix of pasture and stocking rate is very important, and keeping them in their age groups.

“You can influence velvet just like that with diet.

“By doing this we’ve brought the ash content down – which is the quality marker for velvet.

“We select animals with a minimum beam measurement of 19cm, and a specific style of antler and allow it to grow it out a further week – which the experts say you can’t do with red deer.

“One of our stags produced 16.5kg of quality velvet.

“It’s like a jigsaw – there are season variations, but you can minimise the effects by having a basic feeding pattern that works.”

The average percentage of ash, the basic test for velvet powder, falls between 32 and 34; Mr Swann is producing overgrown velvet with an ash content of 32.3 per cent, and the Koreangrade short cut at 29 per cent.

But at this point there’s no marker for quality. Velvet is

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graded on the measurement of the antler beam, the length and weight.

“Because it’s only a beam measurement and it’s paid by weight we can’t define the quality when it’s all mixed up.

“We are trying to develop a marker for the quality so we get paid for yield.”

This has led the Swanns to develop their own label, processing velvet in Luggate through the Alpine Deer Group’s plant. It is encapsulated in Christchurch and marketed through the Glenfiddich Deer Farms website (www. glenfid.co.nz).

A natural therapist in Auckland is conducting trials on integrating velvet with other superfoods, and another in Christchurch is using it to develop a line of functional foods. The Swanns hope to expand the market in that direction.

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1

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It’s like a jigsaw – there are season variations, but you can minimise the effects by having a basic feeding pattern that works.

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various feeds,” Mr Swann said.

“Three years later we dropped the numbers back by 50 and cut 0.5kg more velvet from each stag – we were getting 1.2 tonnes of velvet from 550 stags, five years later we got 1.8t from 385 stags.

“The quality went through the roof – 90 per cent was super and A-grade – most farms were producing less than half that.”

Initially velvet from the Glenfiddich herd was sold through a Christchurchbased Korean agent.

Typically, the antler is cut off near the base after it is about two-thirds of its potential full size, between 55 to 65 days of growth, before any significant calcification occurs, but Mr Swann was asked to experiment with growing it out further.

“The second year our best stags grew 12 to 12.5 kilograms. Then the market crashed in 1994-95. The next year I was approached about marketing directly into Hong Kong under our own name – Glenfiddich, and to work on developing our own velvet capsules.

4

A test of endurance Greg Martin

BRASS AND FEATHERS

O

n my first tahr hunt I thought we were going to have to use our EPIRB (emergency locator beacon). I was thinking this as we made slow progress up a sheer-sided ravine, every now and then thigh-deep in snow, looking for a way out.

First tahr hunt. First rescue.

What the hell had I been thinking?

It was July, 5pm. Southerly clouds were racing over the craggy tops around us, every now and then lowering to add a dusting of snow to the sleeves of our jackets. I didn’t care.

I had my head down: one

step, and then another, hoping that somewhere up there we would finally be able to get up over the edge and onto scree that would take us back down into the valley far below. That was where we needed to be, perhaps two hours ago. But we were still going up.

Tahr hunting: always going up.

After driving in, and then walking for a few hours, we had left our packs in the bush at the mouth of a stream and started to walk it to its source – a high saddle south of the Rakaia.

Our plan hadn’t been to go as far as the saddle, but after watching a mob of nannies above us on a bluff, we spotted a bear of a bull dancing its shaggy mane up the valley.

Trophy tahr. It looked so big that it somehow didn’t make sense. These animals were meant to be small.

Of course we followed, but he was too big and old and when we finally made it to the saddle all we found was a bewilderingly majestic alpine valley beyond, empty.

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The only way out is up ... carrying a tahr.

Five tips for tahr hunting in Mid Canterbury snow started to fall. “I have never been on a tahr hunt when, at some point, I haven’t felt outside my comfort zone,” a hunting friend told me a while later.

That pretty much sums up every tahr hunt I have been on.

It is endurance in the discomfort zone. It’s normal. And that’s what makes it one of the most epic hunting challenges.

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• Watch for animals coming down the slopes at twilight.

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Advertising feature

Fertigation – The four benefits Most farmers are becoming more aware of fertigation due to advertisements, field day displays and companies promoting products that can be applied through this method of application. Regardless of who is promoting it, there are four main reasons why farmers and growers are investing in fertigation systems to increase their profitability.

Investment Farmers have invested thousands of dollars in their irrigation systems and fertigation gives them another use for this capital investment.

Personal Staff don’t have to drive tractors or trucks to spread urea every 20-to-30 days. All they have to do is check that there is enough fertiliser in the tank to last for another few days and if they need more, text or call the supplier who will deliver it in a timely manner.

Production Fertigation allows nutrients to be applied to paddocks in a timely and precise manner, “little and often” which has been proven to improve pasture & crop production and quality.

Profitability Farmers love spending less money on; freight, spreading, fuel and vehicle repairs and maintenance. How many vehicles have been damaged by driving over pivot ruts or getting stuck in them?

Profit from SustainabilityFertigation

On a dairy farm in Canterbury the average spreading cost is $70 per hectare per annum or $21,000 for a 300 hectare farm.

Fertigation will enable them They can get on with a more to save 80 percent of this each important work like measuring and every year. Farmer’s will grass covers or checking on the still need to apply granular cows – these jobs make more nutrients over the growing driving vehicles!

Fertigation is an efficientmoney andnot effective season to have a balanced So no matter how you look nutrient wayprogramme. to fertilise crops, saving time and at fertigation, it will make Cropping farmers can apply your farm Fertigation more efficient. It is money while improving yields. nutrients in a timely manner in definitely well worth the time works with existing irrigation lineSystems with what the plants need to look and talk with one of our rather than what fi ts in with specialistspasture on how fertigation and nutrient plans to improve other work on the farm. can improve your bottom line sward and grazing residuals; reduce and profi tability on your farm.

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Water report provides insight

L

ast month’s water use report from Environment Canterbury, unsurprisingly, showed irrigators used more water during last year’s dry spell than the previous wet summer.

However, the increase wasn’t as large as might have been expected in a season that bordered on drought in the South Island (www.ecan.govt. nz/advice/your-water/watermetering/Pages/water-usereport.aspx).

The data actually reinforced the changes we’re seeing on the ground as new technologies and improved practice lead to more targeted water application.

Contrary to some media reports farmers who irrigate don’t pump water out of the ground because they can, because pumping costs them money and time, as well as wear and tear on infrastructure.

There is an efficiency driver and the majority of irrigators pride themselves on being responsible water users.

So let’s look at what the report

said, given it was the first time ECan analysed water usage by zone under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

Data for July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 year confirms between 13.91 per cent and 65.1 per cent of allocated surface and groundwater across Canterbury was taken for irrigation.

Predictably usage was

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strongest in the Ashburton zone, alongside the OrariOpihi-Pareora and SelwynWaihora zones. Given the significant irrigation activity in these districts this comes as no surprise.

Of more interest to us than differences between water use in the 10 water-management zones is how the regional council manages and publishes

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IrrigationNZ will roll out our Smart irrigation programme this year to support farmers in keeping up with the technologies, skills and management systems necessary to drive water efficient irrigation.

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A change in the way ECan analysed water use this year does mean these results should be treated as indicativeonly. The 2012-2013 Water Use Report contained data from less than 40 per cent of consented water takes with rates five litres per second and greater.

During the past few months, hundreds more farmers across the region have installed watermetering systems so next year’s report and those that follow will be significantly more accurate.

So while this report is interesting our perspective on it has to be qualified. In the next couple of years we’ll have a much better picture of regional and zone water use based on higher percentages of farmers providing data.

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THERE IS A REASON WHY RETIREMENT IS REFERRED TO AS THE GOLDEN YEARS, AND AT LOCHLEA LIFESTYLE RESORT, WE BELIEVE IT’S BECAUSE…

it’s your time to shine.

You’ve given a lifetime of work and commitment, whereas now it’s time to relax and appreciate the glory of what life has to offer you. At Lochlea Lifestyle Resort, life really does keep getting better.

Our emphasis is on living in comfort within a safe and friendly environment amongst a gated community, the first of its kind in Ashburton. Residents have a range of retirement options for varying levels of independence, from self-contained villas, through to hospital care.

Proposed construction of the 80 bed hospital will commence in 2014, featuring well aged-care and specialised dementia units, ensuring the best care is available to those requiring individualized care.

All residents of the Lochlea Lifestyle Resort will have exclusive access to a range of exciting resort leisure activities at Lochlea Lodge, due for completion in early 2014. Featuring a therapeutic bromide pool and spa, as well as a gymnasium, medical facilities and a spacious common area for socialising, Lochlea Lifestyle Resort is quickly becoming the place to be.

With strong interest received from outside of the district as well as positive local interest, some future residents are selecting their villa site areas before construction commences. Selections can be made on these site areas for future occupancy dates (special conditions do apply), so there is no need to delay securing your future security and happiness. We understand that you may not be in a position to move for a period of time, so you are free to choose an option that fits your lifestyle and time line, without missing out on the home of your dreams. All questions can be answered by our friendly Resort Manager, Tony Sands.

Act now to secure your retirement villa with the ease of knowing that you are receiving the very best quality at Lochlea Lifestyle Resort. Come along to an open home or give Resort Manager Tony Sands a call to set up a no-obligation chat. Lochlea Lifestyle Resort, where life keeps getting better.

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9

Property’s moving

Dry...?

Reserve Bank’s announcement on October 1 which ramped up the deposits needed by first-home buyers.

This has dampened this area of the market a little, however, baby boomers Hamish McLeod are assisting their children with HASTINGS MCLEOD deposits, and investors are recognising the opportunity.

Interest rates remain low, property s we look forward to the property outside of Auckland and Christchurch market in 2014, it is interesting is stable and affordable. In Property to anticipate the opportunity it Brokers’ country, towns such as provides for buyers and sellers.

Rangiora, Ashburton, Timaru and In 2012 we considered $50,000 a Geraldine, which offer exceptionally hectare to be a great sale for a Mid affordable lifestyles people are shifting Canterbury dairy farm. In December from Christchurch to these areas.

2013 a 276ha Ashburton dairy farm sold Lifestyle is becoming a huge instigator at auction for nearly $16 million at more for people sick of the rat race and than $57,000 per ha. moving to rural towns is an alternative.

It followed the $10m deadline sale In 2014 we see a continuous upside of a 169ha dairy farm in the same area as New Zealand recovers better than that worked out at $60,360 per ha, most from the global financial crisis. taking the total dairy farm sales for Canterbury, in particular, should Property Brokers Ashburton to about continue to benefit from increased $100 million for the last two months of activity in earthquake recovery work 2013. The market remains strong, dairy and the continuing growth and appeal payouts are at record levels which will of Mid Canterbury as an area for dairy continue to fuel property prices – as farm buyers is showing no sign of well as a large number of significant slowing. farming entities which are absolutely Property Brokers Ashburton is positive business focused and will continue to about what 2014 will bring and looks grow. forward to working with locals across The residential market experienced residential, lifestyle, rural, commercial a strong finish to 2013 despite the We stock a wide range including and property management markets. Brewing, cooking

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We stock a wide range including Brewing, cooking ingredients, cake decorating and party lines, cleaning products, bird seed, gluten free and organic products.

Monday - Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm P 307 6077 F 307 6078 105 Victoria Street, Ashburton eml: ashburton@simplifood.co.nz www.simplifood.co.nz

10 Robinson Street, Ashburton P: 03 307 9049 F: 03 307 9047 www.rainer.co.nz

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WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS NEW HOLLAND HAS IT COVERED NEW MODEL

T4

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• 3x transmission choices, Range Command™, Power Command™ or easy to use Auto Command™ • Award winning SideWinder™ II armrest available • Fully integrated IntelliSteer™ Auto Guidance System

T8

• More power and productivity • Cab suspension • Maximum versatility • Long wheelbase for comfort and agile performance • Low operating cost • Models from 257hp - 340hp (rated hp)

Johnson Gluyas Tractors

225 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton | Phone 03 307 8330 or Fax 03 307 8331

www.johnsongluyas.co.nz

0800 367 5263 Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

216HA HINDS DAIRY CONVERSION/GRAZING

217 West Street, Ashburton

ashburton@propertybrokers.co.nz 03 307 9176

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY HINDS 131 Liddles Road

WEB ID AR35284

Quality borderdyke irrigation farm within the favoured Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Scheme. Handy to Ashburton.

Farmed by the occupiers since 1957, it is in excellent heart. Nutrient Management Plan and DDT test available to Purchasers.

Reliable irrigation water, productive soils, inherent fertility, good range of farm buildings plus attractive sheltered environment for the appealing family home makes this a "must see" proposition.

View By Appointment DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Monday 10th March 2014 at 4.00pm

DAIRY GRAZING - 56 HA

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY LOWCLIFFE Stevens Road

WEB ID AR35271

This dairy run off unit is very well fenced and is spray irrigated using Briggs 125 Irrigator. Approximately 25 to 30 hectares of kale grown for winter grazing. Good soils almost frost free winters. Take care of your dairy grazing issues today.

View By Appointment DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Wednesday 26th February 2014 at 3.00pm

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

11

Fluctuations of the grebe Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

L

ast weekend there was a national census of the Australasian crested grebe.

The previous count was 10 years ago, in 2004, when 300 adults were counted. Although the results haven’t all been tallied yet, numbers from this year look like there may be now twice as many – between 500 to 600 grebes throughout the country. This is great news for this lovely bird that once was quite common throughout the country but is now classified as nationally vulnerable.

But locally, numbers seem to have decreased: in 2004 there were more than 100 in the Ashburton Lakes, the majority of these at Lake Heron, but this year only 22. Conditions this

from ARU e v i TIM lus Exc OP™ OW SH N L H O STI EM

D

year weren’t good for counting on the lakes – it was windy and there were whitecaps on Lake Heron which makes it hard to distinguish birds, but even so it does seem they aren’t breeding as well as they should to maintain a healthy population and we don’t know why.

The grebes’ status throughout New Zealand has changed a lot in recent years. They have completely gone from the North Island and their range in the South Island is shrinking.

At the last count, the northern limit was the Kaikoura Lakes, but this year some were back at Lake Grassmere, near Blenheim.

West Coast numbers continue to decline. Numbers are good for the new Lake Opuha (21) and Lake Alexandrina (93, up from 13 last time).

Crested grebe are totally aquatic birds. They live and feed on the water and build floating nests at the water’s

The crested grebe is totally aquatic, building floating nests upon the waters where it lives and feeds.

PHOTO: PETER

LANGLANDS edge. Although they aren’t a species that interacts with humans the way fantails and keas sometimes do, they seem to cope with a reasonably high level of human noise: at Clearwater in Christchurch grebes are seen in the same vicinity as jetskis, and they are also numerous on Lake Hayes near Queenstown which is a popular lake, as is Lake Opuha.

Predation is probably the biggest factor in limiting their breeding success: stoats eat both eggs and chicks, and avian predators (harriers and the New Zealand falcon) are also known to take chicks.

Hopefully, the trapping programme at Lake Heron and the Maori Lakes will have some impact on the introduced predators there.

A lack of suitable nest sites may also limit breeding – they like sheltered bays; the wash from boats may swamp their floating nests and the fluctuating levels on the hydro lakes aren’t ideal.

Crested grebes are but one of our distinctive native species.

Taking photographs of our native birds, or plants if you prefer to photograph things that don’t move, is a very satisfying activity and there is a

photo competition coming up!

Here’s your opportunity to get into the high country, coast and rivers to take photos of our flora and fauna. The photos must be taken within Mid Canterbury and must be of native species.

The top 40 images will be selected, framed and exhibited.

For more information and entry forms, contact Warren Jowett on email ecotour@nature.net. nz or phone 3030880. Entry forms will also be available at the library. The competition closes on April 30, 2014. We look forward to seeing your shots.

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irrigation wells potable water supplies water quality testing ground source heating geotechnical assessment

www.drilling.co.nz Ph 03 324 2571 120 High St, Southbridge

12

So the games have started Median household income over percentage of smokers Aranui Bexley Phillipstown

John Leadley

$43,300 $52,400 $44,500 33.6% 30.1% 32.4%

Mt Pleasant $95,900 4.8%

Dean’s Bush $119,000 4.6%

Westmoreland $105,400 4.6%

RURAL COLUMNIST

I

f the public of New Zealand needed any reminding that 2014 is an election year it has certainly been highlighted in the past couple of weeks.

Party leaders from all political persuasions have commenced a strange mating ritual with other parties and individuals that have previously been in the “no-go” arena.

The prospect of a close election certainly has melted barriers that seemed previously to be quite impenetrable.

As expected promises are being made via media releases and mysteriously amended a couple of days later when challenged by opponents.

Nothing new there.

My experience in public life indicates it is the initial message that gets through to constituents, not the retraction.

All spokespeople are quite rightly focusing on issues of home ownership and lowincome earners, access to the property ladder as key points, along with education.

Census statistics highlighting a decline in the percentage of families living in their own homes is not good reading. A decline of 2 per cent in home ownership every five years is cause for major concern, and frankly unsustainable.

I’ve always believed debt-free home ownership at retirement should be a goal for every family – what is more I consider that with disciplined spending and sound long-term priorities this is still highly achievable in many cases.

The Cunliffe announcement of $60 a week for all newborns in families on a combined income of under $150,000 per annum, for the first full

year starting 2016 is dubious.

Extending it until the child’s third birthday for those on low and middle incomes (currently an undefined figure) is blatant nonsense.

One of the last things families on “low and middle” incomes need is an incentive to breed.

Evidence is well documented that school children who come to school poorly clothed and under nourished frequently come from larger families and often from parents living on benefits.

When will we learn that parenthood is a responsibility and privilege lasting for at least 20 years, not a taxpayer liability for a generation of others to fund.

An overgenerous welfare state does nothing to encourage personal responsibility and worthwhile decision making in family budgeting.

I’m frequently appalled by the inability of many families to differentiate between wants and needs without first addressing the issue of home ownership. That new flatscreen TV, another electronic communication tool, overseas trip, excessive smoking, drinking or gambling habit – are they all necessary?

Census data released this month in relation to smoking and household income in the Christchurch region made interesting reading.

Figures quoted are median household income over percentage of smokers.

Within two years cigarettes will cost a dollar each – at 20 a day, $7200 a year.

Priorities! Need I say more – not to mention the associated health risks.

As we move into February no doubt we will read of the heavy

Labour Party leader David Cunliffe delivers his state of the nation address last month.

workload of budget advisory agencies as Christmas excesses on credit cards come up for payment.

Allied to this the annual increase in family violence as a consequence of the stress on

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7 Laughton Street, Washdyke, Timaru Phone 03 688 2725 www.jmacjoinery.com

36 Hickory Place, Hornby CHCH P 03 344 5645 Sales Maurice Jordan 0272 607 821 Nick Wilson 0274 987 044 Service Dave Paris 0272 607 822 Parts Grant Legge 0277 056 837

9a McGregor Lane, Ashburton P 03 307 6031 Sales Terry Gordon 0272 60 7820 Bede Prendergast 0277 066 682 Service Christoph Kalin 0272 607 833 Parts Dave Shaw 0272 607 001

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JJ

MAC OINERY LIMITED

13

school-year expenses bite. This further emphasises a lack of budgeting skills.

I see it as totally irresponsible that a major international chain store operator offers “no deposit, 60 months to pay” on a whole range of household goods, many of which have a life expectancy of five years or less. Without doubt the banks

are the real villains in this scenario. Credit availability is far too lenient.

I still believe the best way to approach low levels of home ownership over the longer term is by government subsidising first home loans on table mortgage over 20-25 years by 1 to 2 per cent.

If this is done on table

mortgage with meaningful capital gains tax on nonowner occupied investment residential properties, it would doubtlessly increase the housing stock for first home buyers and partially address the problem of initial home ownership.

A similar system 60 years ago by the then State Advances

Corporation worked admirably with a legacy of many current pensioners and retirees with debt-free homes.

Oh for an administration with the courage to look really long term – not something our three-year election cycle encourages.

One of the more rational statements to come from politicians in recent weeks was from Finance Minister Bill English.

His unveiled warning that while the New Zealand economy is currently strong and improving compared to our trading partners, we are still some way from a balance of payment surpluses – and should not be committing funds not yet received.

The figures released by the Labour Party for the proposed baby bonus will cost $271 million in the 2016-17 year rising to $566 million a year by 2020.

Where does this extra half billion dollars come from?

Not stated. My guess is from increased personal taxes together with a blanket capital gains tax. Neither measure likely to increase production.

While I promote a limited

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capital gains tax on investment property not related to owner occupancy, and understand property investment popularity at recent house values, this is not the best use of money, as it does nothing to boost productivity.

A blanket capital gains tax across the productive sector would be counter-productive.

An owner-occupier driven market, rather than one driven by investors would surely stabilise the housing market.

As this is a farm-orientated publication a reminder to our many great dairy farmers.

Congratulations on another good year. Just remember though, every future year may not be as good. So when you are thinking how to spend that tiny profit wisely, remember the word equity, and check that your staff is suitably recompensed for their diligence.

And have another look at environmental issues to make your enterprise the best it can be.

In many cases dairy farm debt is unrealistically high so make reducing it a priority for 2014.

It looks like an interesting year ahead.

14

Committed to ATVs and safety B

Wide range of Can-AM ATVs and safety gear.

eing in the Mid Canterbury district, many farmers will understand how important safety is when it comes to quadbike use.

Quad-bike use is widespread on New Zealand farms for work and non-work purposes. Unless ridden safely and properly, quadbike use can result in serious and fatal injures. Fatalities from quad bikes range from two to seven a year.

Can-AM ATVs have been designed to have a low centre of gravity which can make riding on slopes and over rough terrain more safe for you and others around the farm.

Stihl Shop Ashburton sells CanAMs throughout Mid Canterbury

and can’t stress enough the importance of wearing safety helmets and knowing the limits of your bikes.

Having specially designed keys for work use which restrict the power, to take out the factor of a speed incident has proved to be a handy feature. There are specially designed ATVs to support two people with a well-designed extended chassis to help with the support of a person on a seat behind the driver with handle bars for safety purposes.

When choosing the right vehicle for the job, consider the maximum towed and carried load limits for your quad bike. At the end of the day, it’s yours and others safety on the line!

STIHL Shop Ashburton, 418 West Street Ashburton.

All of our Stihl products are up there with top-of-the-line safety features from chain-brake systems, to kick-back guards and anti-vibration systems.

Stihl Shop Ashburton also stocks a wide range of personalprotection equipment and advises you to always wear safety gear to look after yourselves and others.

Our company takes great pride in knowing that our safety gear is getting used to its full potential out in the field or even around home.

We advise you to always wear a safety helmet when in use of an ATV, so feel free to contact us or come in store for some free advice on these safety features.

dpi 26592/13

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115 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton 7700 • Ph (03) 308 9099

16

Aiming for sustainability Sheryl Stivens

MASTAGARD ASHBURTON

S

ustainability is all about meeting the needs of today without impacting on/or compromising future generations ability to do the same.

Rather than focusing only on the economic viability, farming sustainably also involves using non-renewable resources effectively, growing nutritious foods and enhancing the quality of life of the farmers, the farm workers and the surrounding community by reducing the impact on the environment.

Besides the obvious benefits, sustainable farming also allows farmers to transform

their farms into giant recycling centres. They can turn crop waste and animal manure and bedding from sheds into fertilisers, use crop rotation to enrich the soil and re-route rainwater to fuel the irrigation system or wash down the cow sheds. Not only does this save money, but it also conserves natural resources. Sustainable farming also lowers the need for chemicals and pesticides, and it makes the transition to a more biological, clean farming process a lot more feasible and helps to clean up our rivers, streams and waterways in the process.

But how exactly can you turn your farm into a sustainable one? It all starts with a few conscious changes.

Here are a few tips to get you started.

Set up a recycling area for your farm houses and dairy sheds.

Hinds School teacher Randall Anderson helps pupils harvest their potato buckets.

You will need separate appropriate containers for: • farm plastics including silage wrap, silage covers and baling twine. Contact www.plasback. co.nz • Triple-rinsed plastic agricultural chemical containers – contact www. agrecovery.co.nz • clean plastic bottles and containers • clean plastic bags and shrink wrap • green, brown and clear glass bottles and jars • aluminium and steel cans • cardboard • paper Phone 0800627824 or email bholley@mastagard.co.nz or

sherylstivens@gmail.com for help.

Make your own farm compost or buy composted soil conditioner.

Mastagard at the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park has a supply of freshly screened compost, fully tested and priced right for application to rural soils. This will help you to reduce your fertiliser inputs, reduce nitrogen leaching and increase the water-holding capacity of your soils.

Provide each farm house with a worm farm.

Worms eat what we waste and reprocess household food waste sustainably right at our back door. If you need

help getting started call the Recycling Helpline 0800627824.

Consider setting up rainwater tanks on your farm sheds or houses.

An average house roof (120m2) could have collected over 18,000 litres of water in Ashburton last year.

Carry out an energy audit.

How much does your power cost? Contact Target Sustainability www. targetsustainability.co.nz to get professional help with reducing energy costs.

Plant shelter with native plants or bee food plants.

Look at riparian planting and fencing off any waterways that flow through your farm.

Enquire about any funding available from ECan to support your project.

Ask your school if they are including sustainability in their curriculum and school management processes.

Mastagard provide practical help and teaching resources to schools in Ashburton district as well as Waimakariri and Hurunui districts. Contact bholley@mastagard.co.nz

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0800 000 945

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Keeping your farm vehicles working

TRACTORS

HARVEST EQUIPMENT

IRRIGATORS

Neumanns Tyres will attend to your tyre requirements anywhere and anytime in Mid Canterbury

197 Wills St, Ashburton Ph 308 6737 www.neumannstyres.co.nz

• Prompt and efficient service • Very experienced technicians • Competitive price • 24 hour service (After hours callout applies)

StructureWise

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Sick of the mud?

WINTERING SHEDS!

Fast and efficient service to Mid Canterbury • Septic tank cleaning all systems • Portaloos • Dairy saucers and sumps • Grease traps • Swimming pools • Drain cleaning truck • 24 hours a day 7 days a week - on call • Locally owned

YOUR

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Improved: • Profit • Winter Production • Effluent Management • Cow comfort • Staff Morale

Phone Darryl Burrowes on 03 308 5293 or 0274 333 563

RECREATIONAL RIDERS Experience being part of hundreds of other cyclists when you ride in a Paloton of Cyclists across the Rakaia River Bridge.

CYCLE RACE

SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2014

This will be an experience of a lifetime, when you complete the Recreational Ride of Ride the Rakaia.

The Ride will start at Salmon World cross the Rakaia Bridge and finish just past the Te Pirita Hall.

Experience this amazing ride.

Ride the Rakaia 102k riders will go first followed by the Recreational Riders.

Check out the Combo deal with NBS Around Brunner Cycle Ride.

102km NEW

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Contact us today for a no obligation quote and see how we can meet your requirements.

CHCH LOCAL (03) 324 3392

0800 115 000

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18 Advertising feature

50 MAXs on roads

T

here is a new breed of mega vehicle on the road in New Zealand that goes by the name of 50 MAX. A 50 MAX vehicle combination has one more axle than the usual 44 tonne vehicle, meaning that the load is spread further along the road surface. Studies of the technical aspects around the 50 MAX have shown there is no more impact on pavement from a 50 MAX than a 44 tonne vehicle that is the current standard.

50 MAX vehicles were first seen on the road in New Zealand last year with many local businesses such as Hilton Haulage, Wilson Bulk Transport, Rural Transport and Philip Wareing Ltd taking advantage of these unique vehicles. The 50 MAX can carry up to 32.4 tonnes of goods, where the average truck can only carry approximately 29 tonnes.

Having 50 MAX vehicles in a fleet allows operators to carry a higher level of payload on areas of the network that carry lower amounts of freight. This leads to economic benefits for producers, customers and the community.

Having bigger trucks on our roads lowers the amount of truck trips needed to move equal amounts of freight; this could result in having fewer trucks on the road and is necessary to address the large volumes of freight that result from a booming economy.

Although at 23 metres in length, it is yet to be seen if these vehicles will encounter any trouble on some of the more challenging New Zealand roads.

Some of the nine axle units (nine axles are required for 50 MAX) are fitted with technology that lifts weight from the

Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising 80X5 COL (186X80MM)

BULK CARTAGE OF

GRAIN & SEED, FERTILISER, STOCK FOOD AND GENERAL BULK CARTAGE Providing farmers with an efficient bulk transport service covering Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury areas.

SZM002

• Servicing of all makes and models • Engine repowering and rebuilding • Diagnostic scanner for all late model EFI engines • Jet boat repairs • Jetski repairs and services for all makes and models • Trailer repairs • Electrical repairs • Fibreglass repairs and refurbishing • Obrien watersport equipment • Life jackets for pets to adults • Kayaks

LT-F300F KINGQUAD 300

RRP $8,995 IAN & JACKIE MOWATT

Operating for over 30 Ashburton Marine years as Mid 177 Alford Forest Road Canterbury’s Phone: 308 5842 dedicated marine Email: ashburtonmarine@xtra.co.nz business. www.ashburtonmarine.co.nz

LT-F300F KINGQUAD 300

RRP $8,995

OFFICE 03 302 6978 OR IAN 027 229 8657

The iconic Suzuki KingQuad 300 was built to work The iconic Suzuki KingQuad 300 was built to work but they’re not doing any not of doing thatanyon our showroom but they’re of that on our showroom floor. So we’re sending the last of them out at an floor. So we’re sending the of you them outvalue. at an even lower pricelast and giving even more even lower price and giving you even more value.

• • • •

Modern Stock Trucks Assure Quality Accredited Stock Crates Experienced and Accredited Drivers Stock Units based in Ashburton, Kurow and Fairlie • All Types of Stock Cartage Undertaken Nationwide

Prices include GST. Stock is limited and offer is valid only while current stocks last and is not available in conjunction with any other offCall er. Robert, Lindsay or Grant today

Locallyowned owned Locally and operated operated and ent stocks last and is not available in conjunction with any other offer.

T

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Phone 308 4079

to discuss your Stock Transportation requirements.

Proud to be servicing the farming community in Mid Canterbury

Visit our new website www.ruraltransport.co.nz

Advertising feature

19

near here back axle at low speeds that provide the same turning and manoeuvring capabilities of a standard 44-tonne rated truck.

50 MAX trucks are held to the same safety standards as other HPMV, including an increased resistance to roll over that is provided by the mandatory inclusion of an electronic-braking system.

Many operators are investing in speed limiting, GPS monitoring, weightload cells, electronic stability control, electronic road-user charges and other safety measures.

The Transport Agency recommends that all road transport operators consider the use of such available technology.

The Transport Agency is now accepting 50 MAX permit applications for state highways in the South Island, as well as an increasing number of roads as they

become delegated by local authorities. 50 MAX permits for other local roads are expected to be rolled out as they become available.

If you can’t wait for this or need to transport a higher weight on a specific route then you could 20X2 COL always apply for a higher(74X200MM) Rural Transport’s 50 MAX. mass HPMV permit from your local authority. The Ashburton District Council have now included nearly all county roads with most routes limited only by some lower weight capacity bridges.

Many expect that with the steady rise in the number of 50 MAX trucks on the road it won’t be long before 50 MAX trucks are phased into all truck yards as operators replace older trucks.

To find out more or to apply for a 50 MAX permit please, visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/ Wilson Bulk Transport’s 50 MAX. your/50max.

Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising

SZM0038 FARM PROM

22 KINGQUAD CLEAROUT

k m n

NO PAYMENTS UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER ON SUZUKI KINGQUAD, TROJAN & MUDBUG

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Promotion runs until 31 March 2014 and is not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Offer does not apply to KingQuad 300. Payments will include $395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 transaction fee.

Normal lending and credit criteria apply.

ONLY 25% DEPOSIT WITH JUST 187 West Street, Ashburton 3.95% INTEREST FINANCE Phone 308 2055 Get yourself a brand new Suzuki KINGQUAD, www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz TF125 or DR200 now for just 25% deposit.

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20 Noone Ford Simpson Ltd

Summer more present after Christmas The modern accounting firm with traditional values

NFS are a progressive plus we have the tools to make accounting firm 100% your farm accounts easy to Dayfrom length is end and hassle committed to the financialthan the nights. manage our

BY D R TONY DAVOREN to what we The last thing growth and success of its pretty important free from yours. ne month intoutilise 2014 and grow and the ultimate demand clients.

They the latest farmers need is to be bogged the fi rst of the three for irrigation. technology and support tools to down with paperwork.” summer months down.

Much of what is grown and provide their clients with smart, developed Two months of summer to go irrigated are”We’ve “flowering” crops our efficient financial management. traditional accounting practices – so hoping these will be what everything from grass to NFS believe it is imperative–to in to innovative client-focused everyone wants. Sunny, warm, grapes. actively look at the underlying flexibility and dry and maybe the occasional We have services. short-day Our plants – fi nancial health of their clients adaptability will ensure we can helpful, short-duration rainfall. plants that initiate fl ower buds business. “From asset protection help you get the best results.”

While we are more than a when the day length is shorter topast succession to capital month the longest day, than lengthAnt or Ford and Nickday Noone, replacement, we work with ourthe critical why then is there still another when the night length is longer Tom Simpson have all been clients to achieve their goals and full month of summer? than the critical night length. in the rural heavily involved realise their dreams”.

Summer in the Southern Day lengths longer than critical and business community in Hemisphere is nominally NFS have a team of experienced result in vegetative growth.

South and Mid Canterbury. the months December to peopleofwith specialised skills Long-dayTogether plants – plants Red lineof is hours of the day at the Equator with their team February – oneaccounting. would logically in rural They make Blue line is hours of the day in the Southern Hemisphere. that initiate flower buds when staff over 25 specialised they expect to spread Orange line is solar radiation in the Southern Hemisphere. it summer their business to itself understand the day length is longer than continue to lead the way in equally theissues longest day.often thearound unique that the criticalinnovative, day length orindividualised the the issue: short-long day plants 22). So why does summer Logical because the day farming length is industry, surround night length is shorter than and long-short day plants. nominally begin just 21 days accountancy services in this spread relatively about along withevenly the practical the criticalregion. night length. Day What is important is that most before the longest day. This the summer solstice, December considerations of working lengths shorter than critical of the crops grown have critical is because solar radiation or 22. Attogether. a latitude “We’ll of about 43.6° “We know how hard farmers help you result in vegetative growth. day length shorter (whether insolation lags behind day southmanage everyoneyour knows nights and Day-neutral work to achieve business, plants – plants their results. long or short-day) than the length. The distribution of solar are longer thanwe days betweena oneWe see our because establish that initiate flower budsrole overasa providing longest the day. radiation looks outwardly to be the equinox March till thewith each and expertise on-oneinrelationship wide rangetools of durations to the to maximise Hence, ryegrass, wheat, similar to day length. equinox in September, and yourtoprofi ts and of our clients, our advice will daily exposure light.

Thesefuture-proof barley, clover etc. have “peak” At the Equator there is little days longer from September till plants form your business. ” be tailored for your individual flower buds after flowered before December 22. variation in insolation over March. needs. That means we’ll call the plant reaches specific size Consequently, the irrigation a year because insolation is The on long summer occur you if thatdays makes life easier or growth stage – like peas. demand for these crops is only affected by changes in

O

because we are tilted toward the sun so the days are longer

There are some other combinations just to confuse

often low or becoming low by summer solstice (December

truely understandrural rural accounting ToTotruly understand accounting we gumboots on. on. wereckon reckonyou yousometimes sometimes need need to to get get your your gumboots

To truly understand rural accounting we reckon you sometimes need to get your gumboots on.

Accountants & Business Advisors

the altitude of the sun above the horizon – the duration

of daylight at the Equator is always 12 hours.

The peaks in insolation intensity occur at the equinoxes when the sun is directly overhead. At about 44° south the maximum values of insolation occur a little later than the December solstice; ie there is greater solar radiation or insolation after the longest day. Solar radiation is the driver of crop water use (ET), so despite shorter days there is still high solar radiation and therefore ET well after the longest day. In fact, ET is disproportionately higher long after the longest day (compared to the same time before the longest day) – all because there driving force is still in abundance. Day length and solar radiation do not “cross” each other until April; more than 100 days after the longest day.

There we have it – summer lasts longer after the longest day because there is more “heat” in the system after this day than before. Roll on the next 30 to 40 days of summer.

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Suppliers of: Driers, belt & bucket elevators, conveyors and intake conveyors.

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Single & double units Harvest Augers come in sizes from 8” available. through to 13” diameter and 32’ long up to 112’ long.ROLLER MILLS WAKELY

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PMR are pleased to be able to supply the Wakely

Roller Mill. Wakely Engineering have been with either Harvest Augers are available manufacturing Roller Mills for the last 30 years hydraulic lift or winch lift, swing away and manufacture mills from 1.5tph through to hoppers or our standard inlet hoppers.

30tph plus.Visit stand to view this prod-

CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

uct. Mr Wakely will also be on our stand to answer any questions.

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CROP DRYING FANSSpecialists & CONSTANT Crop Storage CropSYSTEMS StorageSTORAGE Specialists CROP HANDLING SYSTEMS PMR GRAIN work in theAND following fields – product storage, handling and drying, HUMITY GAS BURNERS timber drive on ventilating floors, seed cleaning industry, milling and mixing equipment, Visit us at the South Island Field Days Site 740-741 Tel: 03 303 7266 Mobile: 0274 151 390 Available to match all Email: sizes of fan units.

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electronic monitoring including temperature, RH and grainand moisture PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS equipment work in the following fields – product storage, handling drying, equipment. paul@pmr.org.nz Web: www.pmr.org.nz Dairyseed Feed Systems nowmilling available. timber drive on ventilating floors, cleaning industry, and mixing equipment, electronic temperature, RH and grain moisture equipment. planning in PMR GRAIN monitoring SYSTEMSequipment supply aincluding full service from initial contact, site surveying, Dairy Feedsupply Systems available. installation and commissioning. drawings, machinery selection, ofnow machinery, PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS supply a full service from initial contact, site surveying, planning in drawings, machinery selection, supply of machinery, installation and commissioning.

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• Flat bottomed or hopper.

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• Can be fitted with stirrers, drying floors and unload systems.

• Dairy Feed Systems now available.

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GSI SILOS Flat bottomed or hopper. 10 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes. Can be fitted with stirrers

When theCONVEYORS pressure is

the pressure is on to get When your grain Flat bottomed hopper.Dairy 10 tonnes to 10,000 and unloador systems.

Feed Systems nowtonnes. available.Can be fitted with stirrers dry and moved, on to you get your grain and unload systems. Dairy Feed Systems now available. can rely on PMR dry and moved, you Q-SAGE SEED CLEANING EQUIPMENT equipment to deliver Q-Sage air screen cleaners can be supplied in a can rely on PMR Q-SAGE SEED CLEANING EQUIPMENT year after year.

Gold variety of sizes to suit application. Screen equipment to deliver Sponsor Suppliers of: Driers, Q-Sage air can screen cleaners can be supplied in a decks be sized year after year. belt & bucket varietytoof sizesexisting to suit application. Screen accept elevators, conveyors Suppliers of: Driers, deckssieves. can be sized and intakebelt conveyors. & bucket Web: www.pmr.org.nz to accept existing P 03 308 4039 A elevators, conveyors sieves. and intake conveyors.

390 | Email: dave@pmr.org.nz Mobile: 0275 146 609

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PERRY PERRY GRAIN GRAIN DRIERS,DRIERS, ELEVATORS & ELEVATORS & CONVEYORS

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Ashburton Contracting Limited

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22

Time to make decisions I

t is no surprise that a key ingredient to successful equity partnerships is effective decision making at all levels. Because there may be several different equity partners who have different interests and perspectives, a balance must be struck between ensuring an inclusive and consultative decision making culture, without creating a cumbersome and bureaucratic mess.

On a different level, it is also important to ensure a culture that leaves management decisions to management and governance decisions to directors.

Part of the shareholder agreement process identifies the various categories of decisions to be made, who makes the decisions and what happens if agreement cannot

Management decisions These are decisions relating to the management of the farm.

These decisions are ordinarily exclusively reserved to the manager, who in turn reports to the board.

While governance and guidance are crucial, excessive board interference with management decisions can create a problematic culture that ultimately can affect performance. For example, once policy has been established, a manager should be entitled to make routine decisions around matters such as pasture rotation, maintenance and stock husbandry without the need to refer back to the board for approval on a case by case basis.

This relies on the manager reporting as appropriate

and also operating within budgets and policies that are set at board level. That said, a manager would be unwise not to harness the relevant farming and management experience of board members and other equity partners who may bring a wealth of knowledge to the operation. Like most things, it is all about balance.

Board decisions The directors of the equity partnership will ordinarily be appointed by the shareholders, with the number of directors appointed by each being proportionate to their shareholding. Some equity partnerships also make provision for independent directors to be appointed.

Board decisions could be broadly categorised as those relating to the strategic direction and policy of the equity partnership.

The board will also “manage the manager” and ensure that performance is meeting agreed expectations and targets.

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Shareholder decisions At law, there are several decisions that are exclusively reserved to the shareholders, known as “special resolutions“.

With a company structure (most common), these include “major transactions”, being those involving more than 50 per cent of the assets of a company.

For special resolutions, the Companies Act requires a decision-making threshold of at least 75 per cent of the shareholder votes. Regardless of what the board decision is, some decisions require ratification at shareholder level.

It is important to note that a shareholder who votes against a special resolution has certain minority rights, including the right to require the company to purchase its shares in certain circumstances.

Shareholder’s agreement A shareholder’s agreement should (in addition to those

SMITHS

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be reached. This article looks at some aspects of the categories of decisions and how deadlocks can be resolved.

It is the manager’s role to decide upon the day-to-day running of a farm, ie, who has to brave the early-morning starts.

things that are mandatory at law) identify the different categories of decisions and the

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23

would change a shareholder’s fundamental rights or dilute a shareholder’s stake in the company.

Careful consideration is required to ensure that such decisions are limited to avoid a minority shareholder being able to hold the equity partnership to ransom.

Because farming moves at pace, it is important to agree on the process for effectively consulting and making decisions (outside of formal board meetings), in order that they can be made in a timely manner.

This has never been easier in the age of emails and smartphones, where required approvals can be procured quickly and easily without undue ceremony. majority required to pass them.

This will include the delegated authority of management (which is usually limited to management in accordance with a separate management contract and budgeted expenditure plus set a margin).

The shareholders’ agreement

will also identify the decision Resolving disputes limits of the board without There will be times when obtaining shareholder the required majority to a approval. In terms of shareholder approval, there will decision cannot be procured.

A shareholder’s agreement often be some decisions that now $1850 excladequate should include must be unanimous. provisions These types of decisions are now $1400 for exclbreaking the deadlock. often limited to those that

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There is always a strong incentive on the equity partners to resolve the issues themselves, given the cost of involving third parties (including lawyers).

The simplest way of resolving impasses is for the status quo to remain if the required majority cannot be found. The problem with the status quo is that it could be damaging to the business. For that reason, a multi-level dispute resolution process is the norm.

The first port of call where the parties cannot agree is often an independent farm consultant, who will not make the decision, but will advise on the best course of action. If this fails, the next option is formal mediation.

Formal mediation involves using the services of a mediator (ie, a qualified neutral third party) to attempt to resolve the differences.

A mediator cannot force a decision, but can encourage the parties to resolve the difference in a mutually beneficial way. If all else fails,

and a solution cannot be negotiated, then the final solution is arbitration.

This is a topic in itself, but in short, arbitration could be described as a private court, where the parties have input in terms of the choice of the arbitrator.

The arbitrator can make binding decisions, which the parties must comply with. The arbitrator is generally free to consider whatever information that they see fit.

It is always crucial to consider the economics of the matter in issue and whether the differences just defy the process. If an equity partnership needs to resort to arbitration to resolve a dispute (at considerable cost), it may be a sign that the equity partnership is dysfunctional and a better solution (including termination and sale of assets) could be identified. For that reason, common sense must always prevail.

That’s it for this month. All the best to our arable farmers for the rest of the harvest.

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