Guardian Farming - October 2018

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Farming GUARDIAN

OCTOBER 2018

PRECISION

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INSIDE

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NEWS

Fuel increases start to bite

Farmers feeling the pain of rising fuel costs at least have the consolation that meat and PAGE 8 milk prices are at acceptable levels.

Pump prices nationally AUCKLANDERS reached $2.44 for 91, and DAIRY STARTERS $1.80-plus for diesel last week after fuel companies raised their prices again. Ashburton motorists have been buying slightly cheaper fuel because of competition, but still at record prices.

Farmers have also had to dig deeper into their pockets PAGES 10 – 14 despite receiving discounts for buying bulk fuel for farm tanks.

Of some comfort to them PRECISION AG PAYS OFF is that sheep and beef prices have remained high and the milk price has resisted further drops partly because of the lower dollar. The currency shift is among reasons for higher fuel prices.

Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury president Mike Salvesen said he got fuel delivered the other day and PAGES 17-19 in his invoice it was a bit of a shock to find it had cost him SILO 1/2 PAGE GUARDIAN FARMING 250W X 180H MM $2.40 a litre.

NEBRASKA LESSONS He said petrol was used

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

for motorbikes and small machinery on the farm and like other farmers he was a large diesel user for other machinery.

Farmers would also bear higher transportation costs for the carting of stock and other services, he said.

“As a truck driver pointed out the only thing not delivered by a truck driver is a baby.’’

While fuel costs were overshadowed by bigger items such as farmers paying for increased regulation costs, they were adding to overall costs, he said.

Salvesen said local and national government was contributing to the price hike by placing more taxes on fuel even though this was hurting

Farmers expect higher transportation costs will be a result of fuel price hikes.

people on the tightest budgets who could least afford the increases.

He said fuel users were also subsidising the electric car movement as its owners did not pay as much fuel tax or road user charges and that would become more of an issue as more people shifted to them. Electric vehicle technology still had a long way to go before it became a viable option on farms.

Salvesen said the lower dollar was contributing to higher fuel prices as was

geo-political reasons such as the United States president Donald Trump and Iran supply situation.

Trump had threatened to pull the US out of an Iran nuclear deal and Iran threatened to shut the world’s busiest seaway for oil exports with analysts expecting this would send crude prices higher. Meanwhile, the limiting of oil production by Saudi Arabia and Russia had reduced supply.

Salvesen said while it was a pain having to pay for higher fuel prices, farmers tended to get more for their produce when there was a lower dollar.

For people outside of trading there was not this advantage, he said.

Sheep and beef farmers were enjoying good prices and the milk price might have been lowered more than the 25 cents cut lately to bring the forecast to $6.75 a kilogram of milksolids without a lower dollar, he said.

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NEWS

3

Farmer confidence slipping Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

negative to positive territory, jumping from minus-six per cent last quarter to seven per cent.

“Sheep farmers are having a good run with intense procurement competition for tight lamb supply seeing unprecedented farmgate prices this season. A weaker New Zealand dollar is also underpinning price support for red meat returns and we anticipate elevated prices to continue over coming months,” Gourley said.

Just over a quarter of surveyed farmers expected the performance of the agricultural economy to worsen in the coming year and pointed to government policies, falling commodity prices and overseas markets for their pessimism.

Making them nervous are changes signalled by the government in freshwater management, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions, foreign investment requirements for farmland ownership and the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act. Gourley said the details of the changes were unknown, but were still weighing on the minds of some farmers.

“The escalating US-China trade war is also creating uncertainty for agricultural producers here in New Zealand and farmers will be keeping a close eye on how the latest iteration of tariffs impact the global trade of agricultural products.”

Farmer expectations for

Farmers aren’t as bubbly as before about their outlook for the agricultural economy.

their own farm business performance are also down on last quarter but remain at positive levels overall.

The pessimism was led by dairy farmers as well as

horticulturists feeling their long run of lifting returns may be coming to an end.

Sheep and beef farmers were the most positive for their own business

performance.

Overall, farmer investment intentions were back slightly from last quarter with all sectors recording reduced investment intentions.

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The mood of farmers has taken a tumble and is in negative territory for the first time in two years.

Farmer confidence eased from the previous quarter year in a Rabobank survey.

The survey found a fall in farmers expecting agricultural economy conditions to improve in the next year, down six percentile points to 20 per cent the last quarter.

Farmers expecting economic conditions to worsen increased slightly and those believing it would stay the same increased at 54 per cent from 46 per cent in the last survey. This was led by sheep and beef farmers with confidence down among dairy farmers.

Concerns over government policy and falling commodity prices were among the main reasons cited for farmer pessimism.

Rabobank New Zealand general manager for country banking Hayley Gourley said the overall, slide in confidence was driven by rising dairy farmer pessimism.

“Dairy farmer confidence in the agricultural economy fell sharply with the net confidence reading among dairy farmers dropping from 14 per cent last quarter to minus-nine per cent in this survey,” she said.

“This fall is not particularly surprising given dairy commodity prices experienced some downward pressure since the last survey, as well as Fonterra trimming farmgate milk price expectations for the current season by 25 cents to $6.75 a kilogram of milksolids.’’

In contrast, the survey found confidence in the agricultural economy lifted among sheep and beef farmers compared with the last quarter year.

Their optimism moved from

4

Farming

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NEWS

Young Farmer contest gets revamp New Zealand’s longest-running agricultural contest is undergoing a major overhaul.

The revamp of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is designed to attract more women to the contest and to help showcase the country’s food story.

“We’ve just celebrated our 50th anniversary, which is an amazing achievement,” said Hinds dairy farmer and contest board member Cole Groves.

“However, if we don’t make some major changes now, this contest won’t be relevant in another 50 years.”

The changes are outlined in a new strategy unveiled this month.

“There will still be a strong practical side to the contest, but our modules and challenges need to utilise technology more,” said board chairwoman Rebecca Brown. “In future contestants might have to use GPS technology to mark out and erect a fence around riparian planting.”

Contest organisers are keen to tap into innovation and technology.

“We’d like to inject a bit of

excitement and unpredictability into the contest through the use of innovation,” said Cole.

Awards for the highestscoring competitor in each of the five challenges from agribusiness to agri-skills are being scrapped.

They will be replaced with new awards assessing contestants’ skills and knowledge across innovation, food, people, environment and technology.

“We’re hoping the changes encourage more women to give the contest a go,” said Cole. “We want to expand contestants’ knowledge beyond just fencing and identifying different types of fertiliser.”

The contest will also be used to better tell New Zealand’s paddock to plate food story.

As part of the changes, the TeenAg competition will be rebranded the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year.

TeenAg competitors will still compete in teams of two. The changes will start rolling out at regional finals across the country early next year.

The Young Farmer of the Year grand final will be held in Hawke’s Bay in July 2019.

Hinds farmer Cole Groves says changes to the Young Farmer of the Year competition format will PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN be good for future contests.

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NEWS

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M. bovis taking toll on farmers Ministry officers acknowledge the response to eradicate mycoplasma bovis cattle disease is taking its toll on farmers.

Ministry for Primary Industries response director Geoff Gwynn was in Ashburton meeting with farming leaders, response staff, industry partners and support agencies as well as community leaders just over a week ago.

A ministry spokeswoman said the response was tracking well and the general mood in Ashburton was good, but the affect the response was having on individual farmers must be acknowledged.

“These farmers have found themselves in trying circumstances through no fault of their own and Geoff has been meeting with key people in Ashburton to help work out local solutions to help them through this time.

It is the members of their own communities who are best placed to help support farmers who may need it.’’

The Government announced in May its decision to spend $886 million on the phased

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

eradication of the disease, expected to result in the culling of more than 150,000 animals.

MPI said the disease response was, overall, making good progress with about 38 properties now in some form of recovery.

In Canterbury, nearly 20 properties have had their infected property status lifted since M. bovis was first discovered. So far every identified property with M. bovis is connected to another infected property.

The spokeswoman said this may be of little comfort to the farmers affected by the response, but it showed good progress was being made.

Mid Canterbury farmers have raised the need for an

Above: MPI response director Geoff Gwynn.

Right: Milk is tested for M. bovis at MPI lab.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

easier and sharper system for claiming costs resulting from the response such as paying extra prices for stock after cows were culled and for ensuring infected animals are quarantined before being transported to meat processing companies.

The spokeswoman said MPI has decided to pay for some farming costs upfront to support farmers who were under movement restrictions.

This included farmers paying for feed to avoid animal welfare situations where the

animals could not move off farms for grazing.

Compensation must meet certain criteria under the Biosecurity Act and was for losses incurred by MPI direction and mainly relating to the destruction of stock and effects of movement controls.

Straight-forward claims could be processed quickly and complex claims naturally took longer, she said.

Gwynn’s Ashburton visit is part of his regular schedule of travelling around New Zealand to regional control centres.

He was also in Ashburton last month and has travel planned for other areas in coming weeks.

He will continue to talk to key people in regions about the response, hear their thoughts and see things from a local perspective.

Spring bulk milk testing is well under way with almost one third of the testing completed.

So far there have been no unexpected results and the findings are expected to be released later this year once the testing has been completed.

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OPINION

EDITORIAL COMMENT The announcement of the first ‘Beyond Bovis’ seminar to be held in Hamilton this month is a reminder – as if we need one – of how trying this cattle disease has been for our farmers.

Hundreds of farmers and rural professionals are expected to attend the seminar.

Heavyweight speakers will include Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor, Professor Keith Woodford and industry leaders touching on the mycoplasma bovis disease and the Government’s eradication programme.

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

The seminar’s goal is to rebuild and strengthen the cattle industry and its organisers deserve credit for setting this up.

Farming GUARDIAN

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Farmers are doing some rebuilding of their own – at least those who have watched decades of cattle breeding and their life’s work go onto a truck for one last ride.

Can you recall the stigma that was attached not so long ago to farmers who were found with bovine tuberculosis (Tb). It wasn’t much fun.

I recall being a younger reporter and calling a farm manager who had just learned that his herd had been infected with Tb. Cattle showing any sign of the disease, including expen-

sive bulls, were slaughtered.

That was one of the harder stories I have written. I felt guilty even calling him as it was difficult to single out one farmer when many others were anonymously enduring the same fate.

To his credit he treated it as a public information exercise and willingly revealed how hard it was dealing with the disease.

Maybe 10 or 15 years later and the wheel has turned again, but this time farmers are waiting for the death knock from officials telling

them their herd has M. bovis.

If there is anything wonderful about this tragedy it’s the farmers who have stood up, revealed their herds are infected and spelled out to the public how devastating it has been.

It’s hard enough farming during a good season, let alone a bad one. Imagine adding the burden of many disease tasks adding to the workload.

After all, farmers may never truly know if they will eventually be free of the disease.

The Beyond Bovis seminar is being held in Hamilton on October 27.

Not a season to be late For the past couple of months the warning signs have been there.

Finally they make the press/media with NIWA and others warning of potential dry conditions over spring through summer.

Now that spring in my mind has finally begun water use and other crop factors will ramp up.

“Officially” spring begins and ends on a calendar day – but really when does or did it start? In true English fashion we officially consider the start of spring to be September 1 - primarily it seems to make record keeping easier.

Elsewhere in many other countries the equinoxes and solstices define the beginning of seasons - the astronomical definition.

Spring in the Southern Hemisphere would therefore begin on Sunday, September 23. And because the timings of the equinoxes and solstices change each year, the length of the astronomical spring will also vary – but I have no idea if this spring is going to be longer or shorter than other previous springs.

So back to NIWA, Weather Watch and other meteorological services.

For the past couple of months I’ve been writing about the similarity of our rainfall pattern to that of New

Tony Davoren

HYDRO SERVICES

South Wales and the influx of warm air from across the Tasman.

Every month since May rainfall has been below average and we had some unusually warm weather – it seems about the fifth warmest winter on record (not official yet).

The winter soil temperatures were really not that low; with a minimum of 4.8 degrees Celsius and an average over June-September of 7.2°C – definitely not that cold.

The soil temperature record illustrates why spring really doesn’t start until around the equinox. This year it took until September 15-16 to reach and exceed 10°C each day.

Assuming 10°C to be a representative base temperature, then the equinox (or thereabouts) really did start spring and not September 1.

The soil moisture record illustrates the same/similar start

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OPINION

7

Where will the one billion trees go?

The announcement of the government’s one billion tree policy has brought tree planting and forestry into the spotlight.

Some farming leaders have asked where the one billion trees will go and this is a valid question in the Ashburton District where serious restrictions have been placed on the planting of trees in the Rural C Zone.

Rural C Zone is the high country, which extends from the foothills to the Main Divide. In this area, forestry is a discretionary activity, meaning that a resource consent is required.

Furthermore, the Ashburton District Council has decreed that all tree planting in the Rural C Zone, other than planting for the purpose of screening buildings is limited to within the “shelterbelt areas”. These areas are outside the boundaries of outstanding natural areas.

There are several conditions for planting within the shelterbelt areas: the establishment of trees including shelterbelts

Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

on any one site cannot exceed five hectares in any continuous period of 10 years; the trees shall be planted up to a maximum width of 15m; and trees of the following species shall not be planted: lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), corsican pine (Pinus nigra), dwarf mountain pine (Pinus uncinata), mountain pine (Pinus mugo), douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), all poplars (Salicaceae spp) except lombardy poplars: male clones, all larches (Larix spp.), alders (Alnus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and holly (Rex aguifolium).

The restriction on species is to minimise the risk of trees spreading from seeding trees. Wilding conifers are also identified as pests in Environment Canterbury’s new Pest Management Plan 2017-2038 and are managed under the progressive containment programme.

This programme has the goal of containing and reducing the geographic distribution or extent of wilding conifers (contorta, corsican, scots, mountain and dwarf mountain pines and larch) within Canterbury.

Wilding conifers will be cleared from 900,000ha of land in Canterbury by 2028.

Land occupiers within the Wilding Conifer Containment Area need to destroy all wilding conifers present on their land prior to cone bearing if the wilding conifers are located on land where control operations to clear wilding conifers have been undertaken; and if the control operations were publicly funded (either in full or in part).

A good neighbour provision

has also been included in the new Pest Management Plan.

Land occupiers in the wilding conifer containment area are responsible for ensuring all wilding conifers present on their land within 200m of an adjoining property boundary are controlled prior to cone bearing, if control operations to clear wilding conifers have been undertaken on the adjoining property, within 200m of the boundary, since the start of the plan.

Welcome news in the plan is that the sale, propagation and distribution of wilding pines or the conifer species declared pests in Canterbury is not allowed within Canterbury.

Despite the restrictions from both the Ashburton District Council and Environment

Canterbury, there are still opportunities for tree planting in the Rural C Zone and famers may be able to take advantage of funding available under the one billion trees scheme to plant native trees or the regeneration of native vegetation.

New incentives for planting were recently announced and funding will be available for: • Grants to landowners for the cost of planting and establishing trees, and indigenous forest regeneration. The aim is to encourage the planting of natives, trees for erosion control, and environmentfocused planting.

• A partnership fund to create closer working relationships with regional councils, nongovernment organisations, researchers, training organisations, Maori landowners, and community groups.

This will help achieve the one billion trees target by enabling co-funding opportunities and use of existing know-how and experience.

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Farming

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NEWS

Keen interest in dairy apprenticeships Aucklanders make up one in five of all people wanting to take up a dairy apprenticeship.

Of the 240 people to have registered their interest so far in becoming a dairy apprentice, more than 40 of them are from Auckland.

Urban dwellers from the major city outnumber the 28 interested people from Canterbury and are close to the 47 registrations from the dairying hotspot of Waikato.

Primary ITO chief executive Dr Linda Sissons said many more Aucklanders and people from other centres were needed for the joint Federated Farmers Apprenticeship Dairy programme between the federation and Primary ITO. “It’s a good signal that dairying is a great career and starting out as an apprentice puts you on a premium pathway to leadership and even farm ownership.’’

The dairy farming industry estimates it needs about 17,000 new workers by 2025.

Sissons said employers would be looking to the cities with more than 85 per cent

REGIONAL BREAKDOWN OF INTEREST

Aucklanders make up one in five?

Auckland . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Bay of Plenty . . . . . . . . . 19 Canterbury . . . . . . . . . . 28 Hawke’s Bay . . . . . . . . . . 8 Manawatu-Wanganui . . . .12 North Otago . . . . . . . . . . 2

Aucklanders are surprisingly showing strong interest in dairy apprenticeships.

PHOTO DANIEL MACDONALD

of New Zealanders living in urban areas.

“We’re really pleased to see that Aucklanders are interested in learning to be dairy farmers. When we launched the apprenticeship programme with Federated Farmers, we wanted to encourage smart, innovative and ambitious people on to farms. One year in, it’s great that people around New

Zealand are seeing the benefits of a dairy apprenticeship.

She said there were benefits of a dairy farming career in the regions, such as affordable living and short commutes, but there were also benefits for the regions from people joining communities.

At this stage, about 60 people have started apprenticeships, with most of them in Taranaki and Waikato.

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Sissons said Primary ITO was working closely with Federated Farmers to identify potential apprentices and match them with the best employers.

Primary ITO is seeking more funding from the Provincial Growth Fund for relationship managers to work with apprentices and employers in provincial areas.

Northland . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 South Otago . . . . . . . . . . 6 Southland . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Taranaki . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Tasman-Nelson . . . . . . . . 2 Waikato . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Wellington-Wairarapa . . . . 5

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PROFILE

Precise farmers reap tech benefits Precision agriculture exponent Craige Mackenzie ponders the many changes made to his family’s farm over a quarter century and takes a punt at the technology to come over the next 25 years, writes Tim Cronshaw.

When Craige and Roz Mackenzie first took over his parent’s property near Methven 25 years ago it was a typical mixed Canterbury farm.

There was the prized flock of coopworths, traditional crops and the land that was irrigated was in border dykes.

A hint of the innovative changes to come was Craige’s father dabbling with a sprouting radish crop in the 1970s.

Otherwise, any attempt at going further against conventional farming was confined by water availability and drought. Later, government and economic changes were to test the Mackenzies.

So when Craige and Roz bought the farm in 1983 from his parents they had little idea of what was to come.

“At that stage it was 320 hectares in total and run as a mixed cropping operation.

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

The home block of 200ha was dryland and was subject to drought and water conditions which didn’t allow us to grow the high value crops of today. We had probably 2500 breeding ewes and traded up to 300 cattle a year and grew mainly milling wheat, malting barley, ryegrass and peas for seed and a little bit of white clover. Dad had grown one of the first paddocks of sprouting radish which back in the 1970s was pretty adventurous and probably was a catalyst for us looking outside the square.’’

The 1980s proved to be not

a time for risk-taking, recalls Craige.

“Dad was quite innovative, but along with everyone else we were restricted [by the removal of government subsidies] and that put a handbrake on everyone because it pushed the banks into a different philosophy and it wasn’t just the subsidy removals it was the economy as well which was pretty tight.

I often say in presentations it’s hard to be green when you are in the red and we were very much in survival mode through that time.’’

On reflection, he can see that this period strengthened his farming skills.

“It was very tough but I guess for us it was a good time in your farming career to happen. You become much more business savvy than what you might have been when things were easier. It taught us to spend wisely, not spend until we made the

money and invest in things that give you a better return.

Dad always said you can take a risk in things, but it has to be a win or a draw and not a win or lose.’’

Over the years they have always invested in technology that makes a difference to their business rather than just buying “shiny steel’’ such as a new tractor or harvester.

About 100ha of the land was under border dyke irrigation during the handover period. That’s not to say the family sat around content with the system – wild flood borders were remoulded to narrow border dykes and then laser-levelled into 36 metre wide borders. They became more efficient with managing water, but there was always that feeling they could do more.

About 20 years ago they took a punt and drilled a well on part of the dryland farm.

The expensive exercise

ended without water and they found themselves in a quandary. Roz was nervous, but Craige pushed for another attempt and they drilled in an area on lighter soils. When that struck water at 67 metres it was a ‘big relief ’ for the couple. It also transformed the way they farmed at Greenvale Pastures on slowly rising Methven country before it reaches the Hutt Range.

The downside was that there wasn’t enough water so they dug into their pockets again and drilled at another site.

Attempt number three finally gave them enough water to install an irrigator gun. They believe their irrigation wells were at the highest point in Canterbury at that time.

“That was a real changing point for us,’’ says Craige. “We then had companies coming down the drive asking us to grow specialised crops. We went from out of the tough times and did take a punt, but

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PROFILE

“

Craige Mackenzie says a strong balance sheet gives farmers investment options.

PHOTO TIM CRONSHAW 021018-TC-0102

that did change everything.’’

They began growing carrot and radish seed and parsley, onion and red beet crops also for their seed.

Their property appealed to seed companies because it was isolated from other arable farms growing these types

of crops and was on a higher elevation so different crops such as radish could be grown to spread their risk if carrot or other seed crops failed.

Another convenient coincidence for them was that water had just become tradeable among irrigation

schemes and they bought water from the RDR and Ashburton Lyndhurst schemes. Until then water rights had been tied to farm shareholders. The schemes were made more efficient when some of the irrigation races were lined. The saved

11

People thought we were a bit crazy putting in overhead irrigation when everyone had border dykes or RotorRainers or guns.

water belonged to the schemes so could be traded to other farmers.

The Mackenzies made one of those pioneering calls and put in a centre pivot about 18 years ago. It was likely the second pivot to be built on “this side of the Main South Road’’ and certainly between the Ashburton and Rakaia rivers.

“People thought we were a bit crazy putting in overhead irrigation when everyone had border dykes or RotorRainers or guns, but the efficiency gain was just dramatic. We were looking forwards and not backwards and went for the most efficient irrigator of the day to future-proof ourselves.’’

The couple had seen centre pivots during overseas trips and a visit to innovative arable farmer Eric Watson, who had always provided good irrigation advice, helped them make the decision.

The new technology allowed Craige to understand more

about water efficiency. He says he learned more from an Australian who only had a few millimetres of rain a year than anyone else in his travels around the world.

The Australian’s water source was rain and he based his farming on growing more kilograms of grass per millimetre of rain.

Craige took on the same mindset for rainfall and irrigated water.

Today the two guns and flood irrigation have been replaced and the Mackenzies have a linear irrigator with variable rate irrigation and the centre pivot also has variable rate technology, as do another three pivots and a lateral irrigator at an adjoining dairy farm.

Adopting this technology has allowed them to increase the net profit on their cropping farm by 50 per cent from when more than half the farm was on dryland.

Continued over page

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PROFILE from page 11 Roz says while they might not have reduced debt the changes have allowed them to put everything back in the farm to increase production, become more efficient and future-proof the business.

“It gives us the ability to invest in the right things at the right time and back up your investment with a strong balance sheet,’’ says Craige.

A tough call was sending the flock of breeding sheep down the road. His parents had put a lifetime of breeding into the coopworth flock. During their best season the high performing sheep produced a lambing percentage of 162 per cent.

Yet Roz can remember Craige’s father smiling the day they departed 17 years ago.

“I had just had a hip operation and couldn’t do what I used to do,’’ says Craige. “I said to Dad what I Roz Mackenzie and granddaughter Paige.

PHOTO TIM CRONSHAW 021018-TC-0142

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needed to do and Mum and Dad told me my heart was in cropping and I had to follow my passion and that’s been really good advice.’’

Timing is everything and the flocks were sold in a high market and that allowed them to invest in other areas to drive the business.

They started improving crop production on the farm and lifting their yields and quality.

In 2006 they decided to go dairying and again their timing was faultless.

The farm next door to them was sold to a Dutch couple. As it happened, the property had been in the Mackenzie family’s possession until 1984 when 120ha was sold and Craige’s brother left the business.

Roz and Craige began talking to the new owners, Willy and Jeanette Leferink, about joining the two properties together and this led to the dairy farm partnership of Three Springs Dairies.

Coincidentally, the milk payout was low and it was a good time to get established as cow prices were $1200 a cow and it cost them $800,000 to build a fully-automated 54 bale rotary dairy shed.

A year later and cow prices

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lifted to $2000 and the shed construction would have cost them $1.3-$1.4 million.

“We had 900 cows and that would have been $1m of extra debt to do the same thing with no benefit, so our timing was spot on,’’ says Craige. “This was another case that if you have a strong balance sheet you have options.’’

He says the arable and dairy operations provided a good farming balance, removing some of the risk if cropping or dairying was down as the other might be up. The strong business relationship between the partners also gave both of them access to new skills and the Mackenzies have learned a lot about dairying from the Leferinks.

Another 100ha of land is leased and they built the herd to 1240 cows at one stage, including during the backto-back years of low payouts, before reducing it to about 900 cows.

There were no complaints about their production of 1970 kilograms of milk solids a hectare and 500kg a cow, but they followed the adage that “production is vanity and profit is sanity’’.

The best time to have a high stocking rate is during a high payout, but they came to the

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PROFILE

conclusion they could have a more sustainable business by pegging numbers back.

So they went from a pasture based System Five with a lot of grain and inputs to a pasture System 3.5 with some grain and palm kernel.

While it was a commercial decision, tweaking the system was easier on the staff to manage the farm and they have always valued their team.

The connection between the arable and dairy farms is also a commercial relationship.

The dairy farm has first right of refusal to get the grain and winter grazing access and prices are set at a good commercial rate, neither the highest or lowest on the The Mackenzies still graze some sheep but the focus is on cropping at the arable farm. market. This ensures one does not support the other and they are stand-alone businesses.

PHOTO TIM CRONSHAW 021018-TC-0136 The water drilling and irrigation investments set the the way to reduce our carbon the world, the opportunities sprayer measured the growth Mackenzies on a trajectory footprint was to reduce inputs and challenges and it opens variability of crops and was of precision agriculture, but and increase your outputs doors and networks.’’

United States technology the full realisation of this which led us to precision Being away for so long also designed by Greenseeker. was brought about when agriculture. In 2008 New taught them to work on their Yield maps in the combine Craige was awarded a Nuffield Zealand was looking to join business rather than always harvester allowed them to scholarship in 2008. He went an Emissions Trading Scheme being in the business. retrieve yield data at a field on a six month trip around the (ETS) and here we are 10 Probably the first step level. world, mainly to Europe and years later looking to join an towards the precision Craige says the technology North America, to understand ETS. Nothing has changed, agriculture route for them backed up farmers’ knowledge more about the carbon but things have changed was investing in the first of which parts of a paddock footprints of different farming dramatically in the way we crop sensors and yield maps were highest and lowest POD-LOCK 1/2 PAGE CANTENBURY 250PW X 180H MM farm. AFARMING Nuffield opens your at Greenvale Pastures. The yielding with real data. systems. eyes to what is happening in sensors mounted on the crop Farmers tend to focus more on “It became clear quickly

the higher yielding areas, but the technology showed where they were losing money on the lower yielding areas and where they could fix them.

“Once we understood that and what we were going to do with the data that changed everything we did.’’

After electro-magnetic mapping identified the water capacity of their soils and the different soil types they could put more or less water as needed accurately with variable rate irrigation. This ensures nutrients stay where they are needed at the root level of plants and aren’t straying into the groundwater or outer environment.

This technology hasn’t really pushed them to grow different crops, but it has allowed them to produce more even crops maturing at the same time for more efficient harvesting and applying inputs such as fertiliser. Today they still grow grain crops and more lately have changed to chicory, plantain and hybrid canola because of market demand and the relationship with their seed companies rather than technology reasons.

Continued over page

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Farming

from page 13

Craige says the technology has been invaluable, but their team still makes the decisions because farming is a biological system.

Electro-magnetic mapping technology has also allowed them to measure spatially across a field for the variability of nutrient levels and only apply the right amount of fertiliser for each area.

They also do variable rate seeding such as planting fewer seeds for wheat in light soils because they cannot support large seed numbers. By the same token heavier soils get higher seed rates.

A sensor is being tested at their dairy farm which measures pasture growth in real time and nutrient sensors are expected to be next.

They already use satellite technology to look at their crop variability for different nutrient levels and a drone plots out variability in fields to assist the decision making process for putting inputs on at different times and different areas.

Less time in the field means Craige spends an average

“

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PROFILE

I can see potentially where we grow plant-based material into some of the synthetic food and we shouldn’t be afraid of that, we should be a part of that.

of two hours a day behind a computer screen numbercrunching data and building maps for their farm and other properties.

Roz is at the computer four hours a day, but today concentrates on the accounting and myriad of office work for the two farms since their daughter Jemma took over the management of the precision agriculture company Agri Optics. The business sells precision agriculture consultancy and data management services as well as technology.

They developed the business because they saw an opening in New Zealand and also to work with their family.

Their commitment to excelling in farming has been rewarded and they were the national supreme winners of the Ballance Farm Environment Awards in 2013. In 2016 Craige won the International Precision

Agricultural Farmer of the Year award.

They were also recognised

by Environment Canterbury for their outstanding contribution for excellence and innovation in farming.

Craige sits on the board of the Global Farmer Network, a group that brings 12-15 farmers from developed and developing countries to the US each year to talk about food sustainability and production and grow them into leaders.

This month he will go to Rome to sit on the panel for the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations and will be a keynote speaker talking about sustainable food production.

On hindsight, he would change little with the adjustments made at Greenvale Pastures.

“We have probably been tempted to grow some crops we shouldn’t have grown.

Sometimes it’s harder to say no to some opportunities than yes and we have been more focused on crops that we know we can get a secure outcome than risky crops. Outside of that it’s been a journey and at times we have taken a very cautious approach to some of these decisions.

It has always been a team decision and we hold each other to account.’’

Looking into the future, he can see even more changes by the time 2043 rolls along.

Crystal ball gazers are talking about artificial intelligence (AI) being a game changer.

Over the next 25 years Craige would prefer smart technology lifts the decision making of his team rather than down-skilling them or removing their decisions.

“What does the future look like? I guess we will be full of sensors and decision supporting tools

and potentially lots more AI or augmented intelligence.

Potentially we are going to have autonomous vehicles and tractors.

Cultivation in the field will become pretty accurate because you can put a robot on to mow the lawn today and it won’t go into the garden. What crops will be grown?

We are already looking at synthetic foods and I can see potentially where we grow plant-based material into some of the synthetic food and we shouldn’t be afraid of that, we should be part of that.’’

One day the Fonterras of the world might produce 50 per cent soya milk, synthetic milk and lactose intolerant milk and the rest will be cow milk. New Zealand farmers will continue to produce high end and high quality food and will hopefully target the 40 million wealthiest people they can feed, he says.

Craige says the decision of what farmers produce will hopefully be influenced by informed consumers.

Whatever happens, farming will have to adapt to change and if businesses choose to ignore the signals they stand to become the next Kodak or Blockbuster.

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PROFILE

15

Waimate contractor helps young farmers land seasonal work in Australia Young Waimate contractor Craig Wilson has found a way to see another bit of the world and get paid at the same time, writes Brad Markham.

Craig Wilson is among many young farmers earning good money in the tractor seat planting and harvesting crops in Australia.

The NZ Young Farmers member recalls first arriving on the hot, dusty plains surrounding Morawa, after a four-and-a-half-hour drive north of Perth.

The area’s average rainfall is a meagre 300 millimetres a year. Scorched red earth is a striking feature of the parched landscape.

“I remember wondering how anything could grow in such a barren place,” says Craig, who is 27 years old.

Water may have been in short supply, but opportunities weren’t. Craig and his twin

brother Scott spent their early 20s working in Western Australia.

The pair first arrived in 2010, doing a six-week stint seeding crops, before flying back to New Zealand to finish their apprenticeships.

They moved to Australia in mid-April 2011 and stayed for five years, driving tractors and working in the mines.

One of the farms Craig worked on grew 12,000 hectares of grain.

“Seeding usually started about a week before Anzac Day in mid-April. Then the gear goes 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week for two months,” he says.

“We’d have two or three seeding rigs going at once.

We’d drill seed into the dry

The Wilson twins spent their early 20s working in West Australia.

soil, then pray for rain.”

The main crops grown in the area were wheat, canola, lupins and barley.

“You’d be surprised how little rain was needed to produce a crop. A bit of moisture combined with the

heat, and wheat was bouncing out of the ground within eight to 10 days and growing like mad.”

Planting up to 500ha every 24 hours meant the machinery used to carry out the job had to be big.

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“We had two tractors, one was a 500-horsepower pivot steer the other was a 570-horsepower pivot steer.

Both had 18.5 metre bars and were pulling 22-tonne seed and fertiliser bins,” he says.

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Farming

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PROFILE

Big machinery is needed to plant up to 500 hectares and requires teams to work 24 hours a day.

from page 15

“In most places shifts driving the tractor are usually 12 hours, and you spend an hour either side of that organising gear.”

The varied work provided huge opportunities for the Glenavy Young Farmers member to learn new skills.

“I gained a lot of skills driving everything from swathers, seeding rigs, selfpropelled sprayers and even a road train. That’s what got me interested in driving machinery I suppose,” he says.

“Every farmer is keen to teach you what they know.

They want you to learn

and broaden your outlook.

Most people would never get the opportunity to drive machinery like that in New Zealand.”

Craig preferred being behind the wheel of massive road trains which carted the season’s grain harvest to bulk handling depots.

“Our local CBH depot was only 15 kilometres down the road. But if I had to take a load to port that was a 280 kilometre round trip,” he says.

Craig says good staff who looked after gear are hard to find in Western Australia and Kiwi workers are always in demand.

“Kiwis love to work. If you’re going to fly overseas to earn a living, you’re generally

motivated and a good worker to start with,” he says. “It’s an amazing experience. The people I worked for welcomed me into their family and they became close friends.”

Craig would often clock up 100 hours a week and admits there were times when boredom would set in.

“All of the tractors are auto steer, so you just turn the corner, push a button and monitor everything. Some of the runs can be three to four kilometres long.’’

He says his pay rivalled what he earned in the mines after a few more hours of weekly work.

“I brought a fair bit of money back to New Zealand and so did my brother Scott,”

says Craig.

The pair used the cash to start their own rural contracting business in Waimate called Multi Ag Limited.

“We operate several types of balers producing conventional square, medium square and round bales. Plus, we have a round baler fitted with a combi wrapper to make individual silage bales,” says Craig.

“The business also owns mowers, tedders, a combine harvester and we’ve recently bought a truck and trailer unit to cart bales and woodchip.”

Craig owns an agricultural spraying business, operating a 15 metre boom on the back of a Land Cruiser. Scott runs an engineering business.

“So that keeps us out of mischief,” he laughs.

Craig’s using his contacts to help open the door for other young farmers wanting to work in Western Australia.

“I’ve got 10 people who flew over there this autumn to work for friends on farms around Morawa,” he says.

“They’re all from [Mid and] South Canterbury – places like Ashburton, Timaru and Waimate. A couple of them are NZ Young Farmers members.”

“They get me to recruit a lot of people. They’re always chasing good workers.

I recommend every young person who wants to broaden their outlook go over and give it a crack,” says Craig.

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17

Irrigators dive deep into Nebraska water A trip to Nebraska was an eye-opener for many Canterbury farmers aiming to fine-tune their irrigators and retain fertiliser where it is needed most, writes Tim Cronshaw.

Ashburton farmer Charles Ross is keen to lower his farm’s nitrate loading by introducing fertigation after seeing it in action during an irrigator trip to Nebraska in the United States.

Ross was among 25 Tim RURAL irrigators, farm and Cronshaw REPORTER environmental consultants and irrigation scheme and service leaders to also want to control all the return from a five-day trip pivots on our property from a organised by IrrigationNZ cellphone as soon as possible.” to find fresh ways to improve Darfield farmer Paul Jarman environmental management in is another member of the New Zealand. group excited about the Among the irrigation prospects for fertigation at innovations the group saw his family property, Essendon was fertigation – the delivery Farms. of small amounts of liquid “The potential for nutrients to crops through Paul Jarman likes the look of fertigation and is keen to try it at introducing fertigation in New PHOTO SUPPLIED his farm. centre pivot and linear Zealand looks promising, as irrigation systems. we are under a lot of pressure Ross says he was impressed here to make our use of smaller amounts from centre but this was with mainstream by fertigation and some of the nitrogen more efficient.’’ pivot nozzles. broad acre farming.’’ new irrigation technology the He says fertigation will “Most of us hadn’t had Applying fertiliser from the group viewed. bring environmental benefits much to do with it and centre pivot will save tractor “I will be looking at because nutrients, particularly there’s probably a little bit in movements over paddocks, he fertigation as a way to lower nitrogen, and water can be New Zealand probably with says.

HAMMER GUARDIAN FARMING 250W X 180H MM our nutrient FORCE loading, 1/2 and PAGE I applied more often and in horticulture and hydroponics, “It’s certainly catching

on in the US and we visited a plant where a company called Agri-Inject made the machinery in Yuma, Colorado and they specialise in making fertigation equipment. … It was good a representative from one of the fertiliser companies was there and was looking at what the infrastructure would be to make it work.’’

Jarman says he can see it working for growing grass for dairying and for growing crops at Essendon Farms.

Start-up costs do not look to be overly expensive, he says.

Other eye-openers for him were new nozzle designs, precision agriculture technology and track tyres with tread for both directions of a centre pivot. The tyres cause less rutting and have just landed in New Zealand.

Continued over page

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18

from page 17 Jarman says the Nebraskans were quite innovative in trying to protect groundwater.

A large corporate dairy farm with 115 centre pivots was bought through irrigator levies or taxes and retired so water could be returned to streams or left in the ground.

Knowing little about corn before visiting Nebraska, he came away with a new respect for how much its productivity has been improved, to now produce amazing yields despite water and nutrient limitations.

“Even with our short growing season in South Island, I am looking to see how this crop might integrate into our dairy farming business.’’

Also impressed by fertigation was Timaru irrigation designer Jon O’Sullivan.

“I was extremely impressed at the use of fertigation equipment and the Americans’ ability to analyse and better increase their yields. Where nutrients are applied when and where they are needed, losses are low but production is maintained. It seemed clear this needs to be adopted as soon as possible in New

$346

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PROFILE

Left – At the Nebraska University Extension Centre trial farm the group could see corn growing reach new levels.

Centre right – The tour group meets local farmers at a barbecue in Imperial Nebraska.

Far right – Attending a Cornhuskers football match was an off-farm highlight for the touring party.

Zealand. The use of a pivot as an applicator of nutrients or chemicals would hugely reduce costs,” he says.

Fertigation is often used in Colorado and Nebraska. Trials by the Irrigation Research Centre in Yuma and the University of Nebraska have shown that fertigation reduces the amount of nitrogen that is applied, while providing more consistent yields.

IrrigationNZ is in the process of developing a guide for using fertigation in New Zealand.

Attending the trip were 18 farmers and other representatives from the irrigation hotspot of Canterbury. They visited the world’s largest irrigated farm show, the University of Nebraska’s Water for Food

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Global Institute, research farms and research trials and irrigation schemes.

MHV Water chief executive Mel Brooks says the trip would encourage collaboration within the irrigator sector.

“I know there are opportunities that will deliver improved environmental and economic results in both the short and longer term,’’ says Brooks.

Jarman found it interesting to hear about the history of Nebraska from experts.

“Nebraska was one of the

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states which was devastated by the dust bowl storms in the Great Depression and farming families had to leave the land. After the depression they started to adopt better land management practices to keep their top soil. They also invested in irrigation systems and the state is now very productive.’’

By 1932, 750,000 acres of farmland was abandoned in Nebraska because of soil erosion and dust storms. On “Black Sunday” in 1935 strong winds blew an estimated 300

million tonnes of topsoil from the prairie states as far as the east coast and Washington, turning the sky black in its path.

More lately Nebraska has experienced some of the problems that New Zealand farmers are putting their heads together to solve.

Nitrates entering groundwater are a major concern for its farmers. However, the state has managed to turn a trend of increasing nitrate levels around in many areas.

IrrigationNZ chief

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executive Andrew Curtis says Nebraska’s changes have largely been made by people taking a non-regulatory approach.

He says water quality and quantity management plans are developed which identify problems.

Groundwater is managed by local natural resource districts which have elected boards made up mainly of rural representatives.

“The farmer representatives are very proactive in encouraging other farmers

PROFILE

to adopt more sustainable practices. The districts have focused on data collation, investment in good science, farmer-to-farmer education, and best practice standards coupled with incentives.’’

He says farmers are investing in a range of farm and catchment based solutions such as augmenting rivers and managing aquifer recharge projects.

The widespread move from surface flood to centre pivot irrigation has been a key part of reducing nitrate losses to

4M 1/2 PAGE GUARDIAN FARMING 250W X 180H MM

groundwater.

The group had mixed views on how Nebraska compared with New Zealand for its approach to environmental management.

“New Zealand is very heavily regulated from an environmental point of view, and this can often lead to lost opportunities as we focus too much on regulation,’’ says Haidee McCabe, director of

Irricon Resource Solutions. “In contrast, Nebraska has very little environmental regulation, with a real acceptance of how vital agriculture is to their economy – potentially sometimes to the expense of the environment. Enforcement is a last resort – they prefer to influence to achieve behavioural change.’’

“And from our perspective,

this appears to largely work.

However, some of their management does appear to be a little dis-jointed – managing surface water independently from groundwater for example. In my view, the answer is somewhere between the two Nebraskan and New Zealand approach – more of a balanced approach between the environment and the economic/social factors.”

Brooks says the way to deliver sustainable solutions is to continually challenge the status quo.

“We don’t have the monopoly on good ideas so having the opportunity to see how Nebraska is responding to challenges and how they are balancing environmental, social and economic outcomes was thought provoking.

“Spending time with industry experts and researchers was hugely beneficial and reinforced that in New Zealand we are progressing well in our journey to improved water quality outcomes.’’

The trip wasn’t all work and no play as the group found time to cheer on the Cornhuskers football team at a college match along with 90,000 other fans, and visit the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.

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OUR 1023E

Compact Utility Tractor STARTING FROM

20,585

$

*

INCL GST

WITH 54D MOWER

• 22 hp (16 kW) 3-cyl. diesel engine

+

OUR 3038E

Compact Utility Tractor STARTING FROM

29,210

$

+

Compact Utility Tractor STARTING FROM

23,000

$

INCL GST

WITH 300E LOADER

+

OUR 1025R

*

• 37 hp (28 kW) 3-cyl. diesel engine

*

INCL GST

WITH 120R LOADER

6-YEAR

• 24 hp (18 kW) 3-cyl. diesel engine

POWERTRAIN

WARRANTY †

6-YEAR

POWERTRAIN

WARRANTY†

Make sure you do your homework first.

Then visit us and see for yourself why NOTHING RUNS LIKE A DEERE™

832 East Street Ashburton 03 307 9911

40 Racecourse Road Timaru 03 687 4005

1 Main North Road Oamaru 03 437 1111

3 Charles O'Connor Street Greymouth 03 768 5116

Utility-Tractors.com/DnE

*Prices shown in New Zealand dollars including GST through 31 October, 2018. Price includes pre-delivery, inward freight and assembly. Price for the 1025R and 3038E models excludes the pictured anti-spill kit. Other dealer charges may apply on all models. †Valid on 1-4 Family Utility Tractors. Conditions apply. 6 year/2000 hours (whichever comes first). See us for more information on the Limited Warranty for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment.

JNDSA60737_SmallTractors_D&E_GF

799 Jones Road, Rolleston Christchurch 03 349 4883

www.guardianonline.co.nz

21

Trials back multi-site chemistry in barley resistance battle Ramularia resistance trials support Phoenix ® Crop protection company Adama New Zealand’s concerns regarding Ramularia resistance in barley, and the need for multi-site chemistry, are being backed by recent Foundation for Arable Research trials (FAR Crop Action Edition 134, 14.

September 2018).

The FAR trials show that Ramularia was the main disease present in autumn sown barley and was also prevalent, along with leaf rust, in spring sown barley.

Ramularia is resistant to strobilurins and has, of late, become less sensitive to the SDHI fungicides. The pattern in this country is following the well-documented experience in the UK and Ireland.

In the FAR trials, adding multi-site protectant fungicide Phoenix to Proline® in a two spray programme gave significantly better control of Ramularia than mixes of triazole with SDHI and, also, the highest yield. Further trials are planned for 2018/19.

It is an outcome that Adama has welcomed.

Over the last two years, the company has been committed to increasing awareness of multi-site chemistry, the issue of resistance, and the need to protect not only yields, but the agrichemicals that generations of cereal growers have relied on.

Adama’s knowledge, and the combination of the multi-site Phoenix with Bolide®, has had notable success in tackling declining Septoria control in wheat throughout New Zealand.

The launches of Phoenix and Bolide have been a welcome addition to the Septoria arsenal.

Septoria tritici (speckled leaf blotch) is acknowledged to be the number one yieldrobbing threat in wheat. Both here and in the UK. Now, Adama’s spotlight has been turned on giving support to growers battling Ramularia. And the company is very confident of being able to provide effective chemistry and support.

This August, for a second time, Adama hosted Andy Bailey, Technical Specialist at Adama UK for fungicides, and a global expert. He met with field reps, agronomists and industry influencers in both the North and South Islands

Above: Ramularia infected barley.

Left: Daren Mabey, Commercial Manager Adama New Zealand.

to share his insights into fungicide resistance in the UK. As he explained, alarm bells sounded there some years ahead of in this country.

“In the UK, pre 2003, azoles [DMIs] worked really well in Septoria curative situations. I mean, they were giving 80–90 per cent control.” Now he says some estimates are that action is as little as 30-40 per cent at best.

“We’ve seen a dramatic 50 per cent reduction in the effect of these compounds over that time, and because we relied on them so much for curative activity that is a huge problem for us.”

Andy says, however, that Ramularia resistance came up in the UK even more rapidly, taking the industry by surprise.

“The Ramularia situation has moved on quite quickly.

When I was here last year, I was talking about the fact that we did have isolated mutations confirmed previously in Germany, then they were confirmed in the UK. I think what’s happened since then is that last year in the UK we saw performance problems in the field, so we were actually seeing a reduction in fungicide efficacy.”

“Historically, this has been a pathogen which has been confined to Ireland and the north of England and Scotland, but in season 2016/17 it was seen throughout England. Now we have Ramularia resistance to all key chemical groups. So, we’re in a situation now where we’re struggling to control Ramularia in barley in the UK and Ireland.”

Scientific data was also published showing that some sites, particularly in Scotland, had no control at all from triazoles plus SDHI mixtures.

Which, Andy says, is quite alarming.

Fortunately, there is an effective solution in multi-site chemistry.

“Because of the challenges with Ramularia now and the problems with effective chemistry we’re looking very hard in the UK and Ireland in terms of research in trials and future programmes.

We know that T2 is the absolute optimum in timing for the multi-site, in this case, Phoenix. We’re also looking at additional timings earlier, say at T1.

Likewise, we know that leaf wetness in the spring is a risk factor for Ramularia and there is that connector.”

Claire Mills, Adama NZ’s Technical Services and Development Manager, says that Phoenix is already approved for use in barley, and Adama is confident of adding a label claim for Ramularia in the near future to provide an effective solution to this emerging resistance issue.

“Our trial work in NZ has shown Phoenix to be effective against Ramularia, and we are working to get this disease added to the product label.

When approved, it will mean Phoenix will be registered for control of the two most damaging diseases in New

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Zealand wheat and barley.”

“We’re also fortunate to have the overseas association with Adama UK. We can work together to find solutions for these emergent disease problems.”

Daren Mabey, Adama New Zealand Commercial Manager, says Ramularia can be devastating at the end of the cropping cycle.

“Everyone recognises there’s a problem. It can take the shine off what people thought was a very goodlooking crop.” While he says the disease is nothing new, resistance has seen it make a resurgence and a new challenge for growers.

However, he is quick to acknowledge that all growers and cultivars are different and management is complex.

“That’s why we’re always talking to people, on the ground.”

For more information on how to future proof your resistance management strategy with Adama products, contact your local technical advisor or visit www.adama.com.

Advertising feature

24

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

OPINION

Improving sustainability globally and locally I’ve just returned from a great adventure. The starting point was attending a convention in California along with 2300 people from around the world.

The gathering of many minds came with a common interest in a large body of research linking soil deficiencies to all the diseases and ailments of animals and ultimately humans. It was awesome.

From there it was onto Mexico to visit the desert landscape of the Baja California Peninsula and then the rainforest and Caribbean coast of southern Mexico.

I was so impressed with the clean, tidy beaches free of litter and packaging, fresh and organic food available in areas we visited, the pride of the people in their culture, heritage and food and the three bins for waste, recycling and organics that we saw along the beaches and all over the place.

Even though recycling is difficult, having the bins available clearly reduces litter problems.

I had already read about the vertical gardens that have

Sheryl Stivens

ECO EFFICIENCY

been established in Mexico City to improve air quality and was further inspired by what I saw.

So back here in Ashburton District what can we do to improve our sustainability?

It is so easy to stop burning and burying your farm waste.

Solutions for your farm and household waste and recycling are only a phone call away.

1. Envirowaste provides bins and services for many farms and local businesses. Deidre Nuttall is on the road visiting farms and can help with your farm waste and recycling systems. Call 0275 490-904 or Email deidre.nuttall@ envirowaste.co.nz 2. Plasback NZ is a waste management company which operates Agpac’s Product

Stewardship scheme to recover used farm plastics for recycling.

The company provides userpays bins and delivery services for silage wrap, silage covers, baling twine and polyprop bags. Make sure you visit their site at the Ashburton A&P Show.

Plasback has recovered more than 10,000 tonnes of waste plastic since 2006 and now operates six purpose-built balers to improve transport for materials to recycling plants.

New products have been introduced over the past few years made from recycled plastics including Tuffboard, Tuffdeck and Plaswood and the latest product in the range is Rootbarrier made in New Zealand from recycled bale wrap. For further information email recycle@plasback.co.nz or call 0508 338 240.

3. What about your household recycling?

The community recycling depots throughout the district have bins for clean household recycling including glass bottles, plastic containers,

The perfect location for your event…

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Santa Maria beach Mexico – well signed bins take care of plastic bottles and packaging.

cardboard, paper and cans, See the council website www. ashburtondc.govt.nz to find the closest depot to your place.

Finding markets for recycled products

Recycled plastic bottles are now being used by some New Zealand companies.

Lewis Road Creamery is switching to recycled bottles branded rPET for its milk range as part of its commitment to the New Zealand Packaging Declaration. The company is among businesses committing to using completely reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging in their New Zealand operations by 2025.

Lewis Road is the first milk producer in the country to change to rPET bottles which are made from entirely recycled plastic. No new plastic is created to produce the bottles, which can then be continuously recycled.

Switching to the recycled bottles will save about 210 tonnes of plastic being produced and imported into New Zealand each year.

The bottles can be recycled by consumers rinsing and placing them into their kerbside recycling bins.

If people recycle their plastic bottles and put them in the right place we won’t have the environmental problems that we’re seeing with litter.

MANUFACTURERS OF TIMBER BOXES & PALLETS So for all your pallet or box requirements, no matter how big or small, give Wayne a call today at Adams Sawmilling Also Manufacturers/Suppliers of FARM IMPLEMENT SHEDS IRRIGATION PUMP SHEDS

Adams Sawmilling Co Ltd www.skitime.co.nz | (03) 302 8398

ISPM 15 accredited for Export Pallets

Malcolm McDowell Drive, Ashburton Ph (03) 308 3595 Fax (03) 308 5649

Country ROADS

BT50

G I TBHTE5B 0 DEAL BIG DISCOUNT FOR CASH BUYERS GET AT LEAST 20% DISCOUNT*.

BIG 5 CYLINDER DIESEL PERFORMANCE WITH A 3.2 LITRE ENGINE PRODUCING 147KW POWER AND 470NM TORQUE. BIG TOW WITH 3500KG TOW RATING You can talk to us about tailoring finance deals for your BT-50 or adding additional extras and accessories to suit your lifestyle. *Excludes Special Edition models.

Timaru Motors 207 Hilton Highway • Timaru • P 03 687 4133

26

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

COUNTRY ROADS

Mazda BT-50 up to the challenge The Mazda BT-50 is built tough to take on any task, and do it in style. It delivers grunt when you need it, and refined comfort with every drive. Fill it with gear, pull a load or take it off road. As a workhorse or a weekend warrior, it’s always up to the challenge.

Equipped for work, play and everything in between, BT-50 can do it all – with added Zoom-Zoom.

When it comes to performance, Mazda BT-50 brings the goods. Powered by new generation turbo diesel engines, you get more muscle from less fuel with a choice of 6-speed manual or auto. Boosted by a lagreducing variable geometry turbocharger, the punchy 3.2 litre engine gives you 147kW of power and a whopping 470Nm of torque to easily overpower any challenge.

Built tough from the ground up, its ladder frame chassis provides reinforcement for maximum rigidity. The resulting stability can be felt in car-like handling, while the powerful

engine makes towing light work. Speaking of towing, BT-50 is capable of pulling an impressive 3500kg.

Every new BT-50 comes with Mazda commercialcare* providing comprehensive cover with fixed price servicing for three years or 100,000km (whichever occurs first) which means you only pay $200 (incl.

GST) per service at scheduled service intervals every 6 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first) and all carried out by Mazda factory-trained service specialists using the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment.

As well as 3 years of Mazda on call roadside assistance plus an industry leading 3 years or 150,000km (whichever occurs first) comprehensive Mazda warranty at no extra cost.

Pricing from $35,295 (including GST, plus ORC) for single cab to $59,795 (including GST, plus ORC) for double cab limited model.

Visit: BT-50.co.nz for more information

THE BIG BT50 DEAL Mazda BT-50 GLX D/Cab 2WD Auto

LEASE A NEW 2WD DOUBLE CAB AUTO FROM

$ Mazda BT-50 GSX D/Cab 4WD Auto

369 +GST

PER MONTH

1/3 DOWN AND % INTEREST 1/3 1/3 1/3 DEAL

0 NO DEPOSIT& .9% 3 INTEREST

Monthly lease rate shown above is based on 48 months / 60,000 kilometres term and is a non-maintained operating lease. Subject to lease company finance criteria and availability. Includes on road costs, 3 years/100,000kms (whichever occurs first) $200 capped price servicing, 3 years/150,000kms (whichever occurs first) warranty and 3 years unlimited kms 24/7 roadside assist. Excludes any accessories.

Please enquire about other terms and kilometres which are available on request.

With three easy payments and 0% interest, there’s never been a better time to own a Mazda BT-50. For a limited time, drive away in one of New Zealand’s hardest-working utes and pay just 1/3 of the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) up front together with the On Road Costs, a $430 Establishment Fee and the cost of any accessories fitted. The balance is then paid in two annual payments, interest free. This Mazda Finance offer is based on the Mazda Recommended Retail Pricing effective 1 August 2018 and only available through UDC Finance Limited. Normal credit and lending criteria apply. See Timaru Motors for full terms and conditions.

For a limited time, take advantage of No Deposit finance on a Mazda BT-50.

On payment of the On Road Costs (ORC) and the cost of any accessories, the Recommended Retail Price (RRP) plus a $430 Establishment Fee are then financed at 3.9% per annum over 48 equal monthly instalments, with no balloon or residual payments. This Mazda Finance offer is based on the Mazda Recommended Retail Pricing effective 1 August 2018 and only available through UDC Finance Limited.

Normal credit and lending criteria apply. See Timaru Motors for full terms and conditions.

Mazda BT-50 GSX Freestyle Cab Chassis 4WD Auto (shown with optional flatdeck) You can talk to us about tailoring finance deals for your BT-50 or adding additional extras and accessories to suit your lifestyle.

Includes Mazda CommercialCare - 3 Years or 100,000kms of $200 Capped Price Servicing, 3 years/150,000km warranty, 3 years/unlimited km Roadside Assist on Mazda BT-50

Timaru Motors 207 Hilton Highway I Timaru I P 03 687 4133

Craig Tindall 027 836 6503 I Craig Shillito 027 555 5519 | Wayne Hitchcock 027 442 7707 | Matt Maindonald 027 234 3196

Every pack Every pack needs a leader.

Introducing most needs athe leader. powerful IntroducingAmarok the mostever.

Every pack powerful Amarok ever. needs a leader. customer advert ID booked size dimensions

AUTOWORLD TIMARU CH-8211206AA (74%) M6X12B 38.2X27.4, cms width by height

Introducing the most powerful Amarok ever.

publishing publication section proofed

advertisingproof

10/06/18 TIMARU HERALD MOTORING 04-Oct-18 1:29:47 PM

Please check your proof carefully and approve it or submit corrections by the Final Proof Alterations deadline.

You can now approve or submit changes to your ad within the ATOL system at a time that suits you. Just follow the link in your ad proof email to view your ad, then click the APPROVE or CORRECTIONS button right from there - no new emails required!

Presenting a beauty that’s also a beast. The growl of the new Amarok produces class-leading

Amarok V6 580Nm Aventura

Presenting a beauty that’s alsoplenty a beast. growl the new Amarok produces 580Nm of torque and ofThe bite, withof200kW* of power.

Add aclass-leading staunch 3,500kg towing 580Nm of torque andspeed plentysensitive of bite, with 200kW* ofsteering power. Add a staunch 3,500kg the towing capacity with Servotronic and it’s no wonder savage new turbo capacity with speed Servotronic steering and it’s noUte wonder theYear. savage new turbo V6 Amarok hassensitive been awarded 2018 International of the V6 Amarok has been awarded 2018 International Ute of the Year.

Amarok V6 580Nm Aventura

From

From

89,990

*MRP $ * $ 89,990 MRP

Book your test drive today, if you dare.

Book your test drive today, if you dare.

VWG0008

Dealer Name| |Dealer Dealer Address Dealer |xx-xxx Ph: xx-xxx |that’s www.<dealer website>.co.nz Dealer Name Address Dealer City City | Ph:Presenting xxxx | xxxx www.<dealer website>.co.nz a beauty also a beast.

The growl of the new Amarok produces class-leading *Price excludes road costs.

200kW power accessible between 3500-4000rpm when the when is inengine “overboost” mode. *Price excludes road costs.

200kW power accessible between 3500-4000rpm the is in “overboost” mode.

Amarok V6onon 580Nm Aventura 580Nm of torque and plentyengine of bite, with 200kW* of power.

Add a staunch 3,500kg towing

$89,990*MRP

capacity with speed sensitive Servotronic steering and it’s no wonder the savage new turbo V6 Amarok has been awarded 2018 International Ute of the Year.

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From class-leading w Amarok produces . Add a staunch 3,500kg towing no wonder the savage new turbo Year.

Phone 03 683 1215 | Corner Sefton Street & SH1 Bypass, Timaru

Book your test drive today, if you dare.

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Dealer Name | Dealer Address Dealer City | Ph: xx-xxx xxxx | www.<dealer website>.co.nz

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*Price excludes on road costs. 200kW power accessible between 3500-4000rpm when the engine is in “overboost” mode.

PRE-LOVED SUPER DEALS!!

2008 Nissan Skyline 250T Auto Tiptonic

2005 Volkswagen Golf Auto 5 Door Hatch

2008 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 Turbo 5 Door Hatch - NZ NEW!

In silver, low KMs.

In racing red, great KMs.

80,000 KMs and in moonlight silver.

5,990

8,990

10,990

$

$

$

2014 Subaru Forester 2.5P 4WD

2008 Toyota Estina Areas 2.4L Auto

2013 Nissan Pulsar 1.8L Auto 5 Door Hatchback

Reverse camera, tinted windows, perfect family wagon!

Great condition, 8 seater, low KMs.

Only 37,000 KMs, one lady owner, stunning in silver leaf.

12,990

11,990

13,990

$

$

$

1996 Nissan Terrano 4X4 Auto

2007 Nissan Dualis 2.0L Auto

2009 Holden Commodore Berlina V6

Immaculate condition in midnight black, only 80,000 KMs.

Low KMs om smoke grey, moonroof.

NZ new, traction control, auto lights, climate control.

Was $13,990

NEED FINANCE?

9,990

$

Speak to Renae! Our Finance Guru!

Customised finance starts from

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*T&C Apply.

/AutoworldTimaru

CH-8211206AA

11,990

$

Farming

28

www.guardianonline.co.nz

COUNTRY ROADS

Eye-catching crossover utility The all-new Kia e-Niro is the first fully electric crossover utility vehicle produced by Kia. With a range of 485 kilometres (301 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle, the all-electric e-Niro combines driving enjoyment, eye-catching design, crossover utility and a zero-emissions powertrain – to create one of the most capable electric vehicles on-sale worldwide.

The e-Niro occupies a unique position in the market as an all-electric crossover, with intelligent packaging, high practicality, and a long-distance driving range.

Buyers will also benefit from a range of dedicated electric vehicle in-car technologies, new safety features, and stand-out exterior and interior design.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “A combination of cool crossover design and advanced powertrains led to more than 33,000 Niro sales across Europe in 2017, and more than 30,000 year-to-date in 2018, making it one of our best-selling models.

“Annual sales of electric vehicles across Europe are expected to reach 200,000 this year, rising to nearly one million units by the end of 2022.”

THE NEW LOOK HILUX .

• • • •

Hilux has a bold new look across all SR extra cab, double cab and SR5 models, with a tough new grille, front bumper, fog light garnish and black bonnet garnish. And the features don’t stop there: 7” touch screen as standard, reverse camera as standard, 5 star ANCAP safety rating across the range, powerful 2.8L diesel engine with up to 450Nm torque*, 3.5 tonne towing capacity* and plenty of accessories available to suit your style. Add some good looks to your grunt.

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

• For Casual & Permanent Bin Hires Bins already on a number of farms in the area and casual hire available• Cardboard Recycling

Visit toyota.co.nz to build your own Hilux, today.

• Drum Hires Household and/or Garden waste Drum empty service Regular Removal Service, with many We offer Rubbish a regular Rubbish Removal Service, with manylocal local Companies companies hiring our Bins Front Loader Bins and using our Cages, hiring our Front Loader and using our Cardboard Recycling Cardboard Recycling Cages

Accessorised Hilux SR5 Cruiser shown. *Maximum braked towing capacity and torque varies across models.

Ashburton Toyota

We also have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, for property clean ups, All provided by a works Company basedtidy in Tinwald. building and Garden ups.

• For Casual & Permanent Bin Hires And a Household and/or Garden waste Drum•empty service. www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz Cardboard Recycling • For Casual & Permanent Bin Hires OPEN MON-FRI 8AM-5PM SAT 9AM-1PM All provided by a Company based in Tinwald.• Drum Hires

ual & Permanent Bin Hires Cardboard Recycling McCormick Transport Ltd • Drum Hires

• Cardboard RecyclingPHONE 0800 286 9682 | Cnr East St & Walnut Ave, Ashburton We offer a regular Rubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies • Drum Hires Service Manager Parts Manager Vehicle Consultant hiring our Front Loader Bins and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages, offer a regular Rubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies We also have Open Top BinsWe on a casual basis, for property clean ups, hiring our Front Loader Bins and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages, building works and Garden tidy ups.

We also have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, for property clean ups, building and service.

Garden tidy ups.

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

All provided by a Company based and/or in Tinwald.

All provided by a Company based in Tinwald. shburton 7741 | Phone: | Fax: 3072101 ubbish Removal Service, with many 3072100 local Companies ader Bins and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages, Terms & Conditions apply.

Gary McCormick n Top Bins on a casual basis, for property Gary clean ups, McCormick Transport Ltd Transport Ltd PO Box 5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 3072101 uilding works and Garden POtidy Boxups.

5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 3072101 old and/or Garden waste Drum empty service.

Danielle Pattullo

Andrew Rattray

Eddie Bakos

Vehicle Consultant

Robin McClimont

Case IH JX1080U and Loader 5961 Hrs

$32,000 + GST

Case IH Puma 140 MC c/w 7950Hrs Loader

$53,000+GST

Case IH Maxxum 125 Ultimate 1270 Hrs $75,000 + GST

Kubota M135X 4516 Hrs Loader

Case IH Magnum 340 c/w Duals 3008 Hrs

$188,000+GST

Case IH 535 Quadtrac 6415 Hrs

235,000 + GST

$69,000+GST

$58,000 +GST

Case IH MXU115

6400Hrs C/W Pearson 20-43 Loader

$35,000 + GST

Case IH Puma 165 MC

$53,000+GST

$60,000+GST

7590Hrs Loader

New Holland T6090 FH/PTO 6093Hrs Loader

$72,000+GST

Case IH 8010 Axial Flow

Case IH 6088

1500 Mill Hrs 24ft Vario Front

$POA

Gregoire Besson 5 Furrow Hyd Vari & Reset

Giltrap Slurry Spreader

22,000 + GST

$29,500 + GST

Sam Ag Trailer

Sam SI 3000 Sprayer

$13,500 + GST

Case IH Maxxum 115 Loader

6612Hrs Rear Duals

Case IH Puma 140MC Loader

$42,500 + GST

$250,000 + GST

Case IH Magnum MX200

12,000Ltrs

7014 Hrs

$88,000 + GST

5900 Hrs

New Holland T7040

4528 Hrs, With rear duals

Case IH MXU115 X Pro 6400Hrs, C/W Pearson, 20-43 Loader

$15,000 + GST

$44,000 + GST

New Holland T7.170

Valtra M120 Loader

16 run

$9,500 + GST

McIntosh CP900SF Silage Wagon

$22,000 + GST

Simba SL500 DTD

Taege CF1100

5mtr Disc Tine Cultivator

Centre Feed Silage Wagon

$52,000 + GST

3150Hrs Loader

John Deere 6220

Duncan Eco Seeder

$25,000 + GST

Case IH Maxxum 125 Ult Loader

Case IH 5130 270/95R48 / 270/95R32 Row Crop

Case IH 1680 Axial Flow

Kuhn PH2 6 Row Planter

$26,000 + GST

$78,000 + GST

$65,000 + GST

$45,000 + GST

8953 Hrs

$49,000 + GST

6113 Hrs

$64,500 + GST

Case IH MXU110 c/w Loader

$9,000 + GST

For more information, or to view any of our tractors, contact: Ashburton 03 307 8027 Amberley 03 314 9055 Leeston 03 324 3791 Timaru 03 688 2179 www.cochranes.net.nz

Loader ready

5950 Hrs

$39,900 + GST

Field Master HD70 Heavy Duty Slasher $7,000+GST

Robertson Mega Combi c/w Scales $28,000+GST

Vicon RV2160 RK Round Baler $18,000 + GST

30

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

EDUCATION FEATURE

Medbury ‘home away from home’ Boarding at Medbury has been an integral part of the school since it was established in 1923, offering boys unique life opportunities and enabling them to develop independence, make strong friendships, discover inner strengths and enjoy the full benefits of Medbury’s family-based culture.

The Medbury Boarding House is a second home for up to 43 boys, aged seven to thirteen years.

Heading up the boarding team are dedicated and experienced boarding staff, who are ably supported by enthusiastic “big brothers” to ensure every boy receives the attention, support and friendly advice he needs to flourish and feel at home.

“

The organisational skills and self-discipline Medbury establishes, will serve boys throughout their ... life

At Medbury the focus is on the “whole boy”, with small class sizes enabling teachers to deliver a personalised learning programme in the classroom, while boarders can spend weekends at home after Saturday sport, or stay in for Boarders’ Weekends, regular outings, barbecues in the summer, and extra-curricular activities.

For those who are not quite ready to board fulltime, or want the flexibility of boarding short-term, Casual boarding is an option. This

Teachers and Gap tutors supervise and assist the boarders with their homework within a regular scheduled time.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

can also assist with the demands of families’ busy schedules and varying work commitments, and provides an uninterrupted routine when parents are out of town.

According to Medbury headmaster, Ian Macpherson, the Medbury Boarding House also provides an invaluable foundation for boys intending to board at secondary school.

“The organisational skills

and self-discipline Medbury establishes, will serve boys throughout their school life and beyond,” Macpherson said.

“These skills make the vital transition to secondary school seamless, while also supporting the boys’ academic endeavours by equipping them with strategies that enable them to hit the ground running in adapting to

secondary structures,” he said.

Boarders are further supported academically with teachers available to the boys to assist with homework tasks in the boarding house at regular scheduled times.

Medbury is an independent boys’ school in Christchurch, offering an education for both day boys and boarders from Years 1 to 8. With traditional values and a strong emphasis

on manners and respect, Medbury’s mission is unlock the potential of every boy.

For more information on boarding at Medbury, please contact the Registrar, Jayne Foster on 03 351 6169, email registrar@medbury.school.nz or visit www.medbury.school. nz

Advertising feature

Unlocking every boy’s potential Thinking Boarding, Think Medbury.

You are invited to attend the Medbury School Open Day to discover what makes a Medbury education unique.

To register online visit Enrolment at medbury.school.nz

The Open Day is on Wednesday 24 October 2018 from 9.00am to 10.45am.

The Headmaster will speak at 10.15am.

OPEN DAY

www.guardianonline.co.nz

EDUCATION FEATURE

31

Putting you on the path to a job Did you know the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) has a campus in Christchurch?

For over 19 years years the Christchurch Campus in Hornby has been offering programmes of the highest quality, which are widely recognised within related industries and lead to real job opportunities.

There is a wide range of courses offered at SIT, including: automotive engineering, collision repair, construction, electrical engineering, refrigeration and air conditioning and hairdressing.

Pre-trade courses are structured around apprenticeship requirements.

When you complete a pre-trade course you receive an industry recognised qualification that can set you on your way to an apprenticeship in your chosen field. The learning you complete in your pre- trade course will reduce the time you spend on your apprenticeship.

Along with trades courses, SIT offers training in make-up artistry, health and wellbeing, personal training and group fitness.

All courses are NZQA

approved and students maybe eligible for student loans and allowances through studylink. SIT has a proven record of students moving into employment or apprenticeships.

Decisions on what, where and when to study are often not the easiest to make, however we are here to help you identify a path that will lead to further training or employment opportunities.

To find out more, contact our friendly team on 0800 TO STUDY (0800 867 883), go to our website www.sit.ac.nz, or visit the campus at 60 Waterloo Road, Hornby to find out more or tour our facilities.

The Zero Fees Scheme is another fantastic reason why students are choosing to study at SIT. This means there are no tuition fees for students, only direct material costs.

SIT is committed to training people to gain a quality education without incurring large student loans.

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Collision Repair and Automotive students receiving hands on, industry relevant experience.

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• Automotive • Make-up artistry • Construction • Electrotechnology • Hairdressing • Collision repair • Health and well being • Sports and exercise • Refrigeration

32

Farming

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EDUCATION FEATURE

Explore and discover Boosting skills Presently Boost is found in 13 schools in Ashburton, Methven and the Foothills with 155 students and 38 volunteer tutors.

Montessori is becoming a well known name worldwide, and we love that we can provide this service in Ashburton.

Montessori is a method of education that is based on selfdirected activities, hands-on learning and collaborative play, allowing children to discover and explore the world and to develop their maximum potential.

At Ashburton Montessori we have three classrooms caring for and educating children from four-months to six-years.

Bambino Piccolo is our nursery for babies and toddlers aged four-months to two-years.

Our teachers in here bring a vast knowledge of best practice as well as a variety of qualifications that allow them to provide the best care and education for infants and toddlers.

The teachers ensure that high quality care is a top priority, our teachers recognise each childs unique

strengths, interests and needs.

We have two classrooms for our older children, Persistenza and Scoperta.

Teachers dedicate their time to helping the children gain independence, concentration and respect for themselves, others and their environment.

Children are given opportunities to freely explore activites in all areas of the Montessori curriculum and they develop a strong love of learning and discovery.

Owners Tessa Skevington and Lauren Barltrop ensure that they spend time teaching so they can build and maintain relationships with children and families while also ensuring that Montessori runs smoothly and adheres to ministry regulations.

Please call in to meet us or contact us for further information.

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NURSERY SPACES AVAILABLE We provide a small nurturing environment where babies and young children discover the world around them.

We make a difference by giving children the literacy skills needed to be successful in school.

In 2019 we are looking to expand into more schools and need tutors for our country areas including Rakaia, Hinds, Longbeach, Wakanui and Chertsey.

Anyone willing to volunteer as a tutor would be warmly welcomed.

We have secured funding from Advance Ashburton and the McKenzie Trust for the next five years to continue and to expand into new schools.

33 The programme runs for 30 weeks (March to November) 33 Two hours of tuition twice a week, two children per tutor during tuition, (each tutor has four students so they have two students then the next two) 33 Tuition is at the school, in the morning 33 BOOST is a 30-week programme during school terms, full training is given 33 As volunteers, if you need time away, we work it out

33 The BOOST programme complements the school programme 33 Information about the Steps approach we use can be viewed at www.learningstaircase.co.nz 33 BOOST supply’s all of the materials required (laptops, workbooks, resources) 33 BOOST is free to the school and the child

Anecdotal comments from teachers include the following • My children are now close to achieving, due to BOOST. • Very good for children with dyslexia • Children loving it. Can’t wait to go to their lessons.

• Lovely relationship has developed between tutor and child. Especially nice for these particular children to have someone special to relate to.

• Children are more confident to have a go and take part in class activities.

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Boost is a Mid Canterbury initiative, which has been set up to support and improve the literacy success rates for our children.

It is aimed at children 7 to 9 years old who need a BOOST to achieve in literacy.

We are based out of The Adult Learning Centre at 71 Park Street in Ashburton.

Bambino Piccolo is our Nursery. It is a spacious area both inside and out allowing tamariki the opportunity to explore and learn while discovering the world around them.

Babies and toddlers experience an environment where their needs are met and where they are encouraged to join in with activities to support their development.

Call us now for more information 03 308 0380 info@ashburtonmontessori.co.nz

If you think you could be a tutor for BOOST we would love to hear from you.

We undertake a police check and full training in February.

Please contact winterviewfarm@gmail.com or pop into the Adult Learning Centre.

Judith Sommerville – Boost co-ordinator 71 Corner Park & Havelock Street, Ashburton Phone 308 5322 | adult.literacy@xtra.co.nz

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EDUCATION FEATURE

Learning support

33

Children exploring Maddox Brook, two, and Addison Wederell, four sitting on the dirt hill at the new preschool site.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Literacy Mid and South Canterbury provides free literacy and numeracy support to adults in the region.

They hold weekly courses covering a variety of topics eg supported learning for literacy and numeracy, computing, smartphones and digital devices, and office computing.

We help a cross section of adults in the community; from young people wanting to upskill, employees needing literacy and/or numeracy support, through to retirees looking for help with new technology. Classes are held at Community House Mid Canterbury.

Operating with small class sizes (maximum five), allows Alison, our qualified tutor, the opportunity to meet the needs of every student. An individualised learning programme is then put in place.

With its primary focus on literacy and numeracy, the supported learning

course runs Thursdays from 1pm to 2:30pm.

The Introduction to Computing course runs Wednesdays from 10am to midday and covers use of Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, use of the internet and email.

For users wanting more advanced content, the Office Computing course runs from 1pm to 3pm on Wednesdays, and focuses on using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Office 365 for typical business tasks.

The smartphone and digital devices course runs Thursdays from 10am to midday and allows people to bring their own device. The course benefits beginners with a new device, or those needing tips for more advanced features.

For more information or to bookin, contact us.

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At Tiddlywinks Preschool children are encouraged to explore and develop a sense of wonder through natural resources and experiences.

Set in a small homely centre, parents and children are welcomed as part of the whÄ nau by caring teachers, who show genuine love and interest in the child.

By having good child to teacher ratios we are able to give children the opportunity to go on many outings into the community including our forest.

Tiddlywinks is focused on each childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellbeing and each child has individual planning to meet their needs within the centre.

A relaxed and flexible environment allows children to learn through play while gaining the skills needed to succeed. We are very excited to be building brand new premises in the

Oaklea sub-division which will be ready around April next year.

Our open plan design takes what we love about our preschool and blends it with new ideas to make a wonderful space for the children to be in.

Our garden has been designed so the children will be able to explore, create and learn in many different areas that reflect our districts natural environment including a braided river boardwalk, native plantings and a favourite with our children - a mud kitchen!

We have limited spaces available for the new centre so, if you would like your child to be an independent, creative and confident learner, please call Tiddlywinks Preschool on (03)307 0420 or visit our website www.tiddlywinks.co.nz for more information!

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For more information call 03 307 0420 or visit www.tiddlywinks.co.nz

34

Farming

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EQUINE FEATURE

There’s more bite in the system If you live in New Zealand and own horses and other animals you are responsible for their care.

On October 1st, 2018, new animal welfare regulations The Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations, came into effect.

There are 45 new regulations. Most rules reflect existing standards, but a few set new rules and requirements. Tails stay on dogs – no cosmetic tail docking is allowed. Tail docking of cattle is also prohibited. Horses have some regulations too.

The new regulations are making a better life for animals, and it is the responsibility of animal owners to get it right and help others to get it right too.

Whether you ride a horse, own a pet, transport livestock, have a lifestyle block, or are a commercial farmer – if you are responsible for an animal these regulations apply to you.

MPI have developed informative websites and guidance for these new regulations. A cool online tool called “Ask Reg” permits animal owners to find all the requirements for your animal or your activity.

Type in animal or activity (ie horse or transport) and “Ask Reg” will provide you with: • regulations, • guidance on these regulations, • minimum standards from across the codes of welfare.

So why the new regulations?

The changes build on what is already required and also set some new rules.

Regulations make it easier for MPI and the SPCA to take action against animal mistreatment.

Essentially, the Animal Welfare System in New

Zealand is based on three main levels or sections. These are the Animal Welfare Act (1999), Regulations and the Codes of Welfare.

The Codes of Welfare provide detailed minimum standards for specific species and activities and reflect good practice and scientific knowledge.

Codes of Welfare are not directly enforceable and are not attached to offences. The Animal Welfare Act covers high level obligations to provide for an animal’s needs both physical and behavioural.

Offences and penalties under the Animal Welfare Act were for the most serious cases.

The Codes are separate from the Act because, with so many different types of animals and situations, it is impractical to include them all in the Act – it would make for lengthy

and unwieldy legislation.

Codes of welfare also have recommended best practices.

These recommendations set out standards of care and conduct, over and above the minimum required to meet the obligations in the Act. They are included to encourage higher standards of animal welfare. More than one code of welfare might be relevant for a particular situation.

The new Regulations are more specific than the Animal Welfare Act and are more directly enforceable than the Codes of Welfare. Before October 1, 2018 regulators only had the options to prosecute or write a warning letter. The new regulations allow a better response to low and middle level offences.

Essentially, the new regulations mean either Infringement Notices – a

sort of instant speeding ticket-type fines for offences against the regulations, or Prosecution Under the Regulations for more serious offending and may result in criminal conviction. The new Regulations complement Codes of Welfare and broaden enforcement powers. So now, penalties and fines will be issued for certain actions, and will give MPI and the SPCA more choices to take action against mistreatment of animals.

There are new and changes to Regulations for Horses whether they be companion, racing or sport horses. The key message on horses are regulations 18, 19, 20, and 54 and relate to tethering horses, equipment that may injure horses, persons must not strike a horse on the head, and castration of horses.

These new regulations are good for New Zealand and reflect MPI’s commitment to bettering animal welfare.

These improvements in the animal welfare rules reflect community and global expectations, good practice, scientific knowledge and technical advances.

Not competent at recognising the signs of illhealth, injury or welfare?

Call and ask your veterinarian.

Have a concern regarding animal welfare or abuse – call 0800 00 83 33. Check to see if you are doing it right – go to www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs.

Dr. Glenn Beeman, BSc., DVM., MANZCVSc (Equine Dentistry).

$3850 +gst $4385 +gst extra $695 +gst

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EQUINE FEATURE

35

Spring horse behaviour Why do horses fizz up, go loopy or become generally OTT over spring?

Read on and you will understand why there is a lot more to it than just more sugars in the grass.

Spring grass is very unbalanced when it comes to the minerals because what it needs for growth is not compatible with having a calm horse for your ride or show at the weekend.

It isn’t just that the grass becomes deficient in magnesium. Green grass is full of magnesium because magnesium is the central molecule of chlorophyll which gives the grass its green colour.

Rather it is about disturbance to the interactions of the macro-minerals, (including magnesium), which are involved in normal brain function, nerve impulse transmission, muscle function and hormone secretion.

When they deviate from equilibrium horses lose their ability to process information, they can’t think and react instead of respond.

Jenny Paterson

BSC ZOOLOGY AND BIOLOGY

Consequently they are liable to exhibit behaviours that are uncharacteristic. It is just like their eye-sight is affected and they become overly claustrophobic.

Then, on top of this, the higher sugar content of lush spring grass provides instantly available energy.

Your horse can now do silly things with more pizazz!

Hence the show rings can be chaotic! No wonder the risk of accidents sky-rockets when people don’t understand and ride their horses anyway.

If your horse is overreactive or not behaving normally then it is simple: Don’t get on! It is a no-brainer when you think about it!

Grass needs potassium and nitrogen for growth.

Grass affected horse exhibiting uncharacteristic ‘behaviours’ PHOTO SUPPLIED with ‘pizazz’

Nitrogen is required for synthesising plant proteins.

Clovers fix nitrogen and share it with neighbouring grass plants. Having clover in your pasture grass means your horse ingests too much nitrogen. Many people report their horse’s urine burns the ground leaving brown patches, this is the reason.

While cows and sheep possess an enzyme in the rumen which can incorporate

the nitrogen into protein molecules, horses do not.

The nitrogen is converted to ammonia then is excreted in the urine as urea.

Grass grows from the base of its stems and leaves and this is where most of the potassium and nitrogen resides. Horses eating short grass are consuming a lot of potassium and nitrogen, not much fibre. The leaves don’t get a chance to develop and

produce sugars because they are continually nibbled off.

Horses eating lush grass are ingesting more potassium, more nitrogen, more sugars and more water. Still relatively little real fibre. Keep feeding hay throughout spring to keep the flora in the hind-gut healthy.

The high water content of spring grass creates an increased need for salt (which most people are now routinely adding to their horse’s feeds).

All of the above are the perfect storm for horses to tip over into not just obesity but metabolic syndrome, laminitis, head-shaking, sacroiliac problems and dangerous behaviours. These issues are often described as seasonal, because they coincide with the seasonal changes in the grass.

All require some attention to pasture management which is relatively easy if you own your own property but virtually impossible if you don’t.

Spring and autumn are also times when conditions are ripe for any fungi in the environment (or feeds), to produce mycotoxins.

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36

Farming

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OPINION

No better or worse off I along with thousands of others heard the phrase “no better or worse off ’’ used by the Government and MPI at the very start of the mycoplasma bovis outbreak.

It was a term that wasn’t used once but many times and I believe it was used to get the farming community behind the idea of complete eradication. You seldom hear these words used now by either the Government or MPI. I wonder why?

You don’t have to go, far into the dairying and beef world to hear stories that tell you that those words no longer exist and probably never did.

When the original outbreak happened I felt we should have gone into control mode, not eradication mode.

However, after listening to the experts speak at the Hotel Ashburton at the first public meeting to discuss the outbreak and MPI and the Government’s intentions to eradicate this disease from our shores with the guarantee that no farmer would be “No better or worse off ” than before they contained the disease and

Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

their belief in being able to control and destroy this new disease I felt they had to try and eradicate it at this early stage and besides no one was going to be worse off at the end of it.

Well what a load of s… that turned out to be.

In my job as a real estate agent I come into contact with farmers all day, every day and several of these farms and farmers have been affected by M. bovis.

Not one of them have said they are better off after having contracted the disease on farms and all bar none have said they are considerably worse off financially, mentally, stressfully.

All of them have said it is putting their future lives in

jeopardy as far as being able to continue to farm.

To give you some idea of the things I have heard, one dairy farm I know had a total cull order put on their cows, and all other associated stock, after the disease was contracted.

A valuer appointed by MPI valued the herd at $1800 a cow and there were 1100 cows in the herd. All the cows were killed about three months ago but still no compensation has been paid.

About three weeks after the

cows were killed the same firm that valued his cows at $1800/ cow offered to sell him a herd of cows for $2500/cow. A quick push of the calculator tells me that farmer is $770,000 worse off and that’s not taking into account losses such as the loss of income and loss of top quality stock. How does that equate to no worse off ?

Another issue that many of you may not realise is that any extra interest charges the farm incurs, solicitor fees and accountant fees are

not considered under the compensation claims and some of the farmers are clocking up thousands of dollars to make sure their claims are 100 per cent correct because, if they are not presented exactly as required, they are automatically turned down.

The time and accuracy needed to apply for a claim, as I understand it, is so exact that the average farmer trying to run what’s left of his farm, keep his family together, keep everything running smoothly as possible for their children and keep the bank and creditors at bay, has no time left to present such accounts.

I think really the only people who probably know what these farmers are going through are those families that had their houses destroyed in the earthquake and are still fighting insurance companies for compensation.

All I can say is, come on MPI and the Government, get your act together and make the system simpler and fairer.

I know it’s all new for you as well but does it need to be this hard?

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They will put your interests first, to get you and your farm the best result.

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

37

2018 Ashburton A&P Show Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

The Ashburton A&P Show is already promising to be a bigger event than last year in some sections as a result of increased entries.

Ashburton’s showgrounds are a hive of activity as organisers prepare for the largest two-day annual agricultural event in Mid Canterbury.

The 114th show will again be hosted at the showgrounds on 17.4 hectares of land, owned by the Ashburton Agricultural & Pastoral Association since its founding in 1877.

Even the cancellation of cattle showing is failing to dampen the enthusiasm of organisers for the event to be held on October 26 and 27.

Each year the association’s

Lauriston farmer David Butterick believes he hasn’t missed attending a show in all of his 63 years.

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

president chooses a show theme and David Butterick has selected irrigation.

The theme will come to the fore in many exhibits and competitions.

Butterick said irrigation was chosen for this year’s show because it was the life blood of Mid Canterbury.

Before irrigation farmers were vulnerable to droughts and restricted in their farming,

PALMER MAKES FINDING PARTS EASY

but it had opened the way to dairying, potato growing, small seeds, maize and other types of farming, he said.

“The theme is not just for modern irrigation, but [reflects] the RDR scheme and its construction and Lyndhurst and the Mayfield Hinds scheme which is now MHV. “Constructing these schemes in the 1930s and 1940s created

Come and see us at the Ashburton A&P Show

jobs and much of the work was done by manual labour.

“All the ditches which are since being piped are from the hard work of 80 years ago and we have moved to the modern up-to-date schemes which are as efficient as you will find anywhere. [The district] would be a bit bony, stony and dry without it and I think we take it all a bit for granted.’’

Butterick said initial entries

pointed to another well attended event, particularly if the weather co-operated.

The arable farmer, who does beef, heifer and some sheep grazing and has five irrigators on the property, is a big show supporter.

“I don’t think I have missed a show since I was born and I am 63 years old.

“I can’t remember the first one I went to, but I was born in August and the show is in October so as far as I am aware I have never missed one as I probably went as a baby.’’

He said the event was shaping up to be another good event with good trade and market entries and the livestock sections were always well supported and organisers just needed the weather to cooperate.

The cancellation of cattle showing was disappointing but necessary because of the risk of spreading the mycoplasma bovis cattle disease.

That would remove none of the excitement from livestock showing, he said. continued on next page

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38

Farming

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

2018 Ashburton A&P show from previous page “The risk of bovis was too much to handle. But I think the bovis thing is calming down and hopefully, in the next few years, cattle will return, but we have to take the precaution.’’

Few A&P shows were holding cattle showing events this year.

Cattle were removed from the show ring at the Mayfield A&P Show last March and many school pet shows have also closed cattle entries.

The show continues to attract other exhibitors from throughout the South Island.

Trade sites have again been in demand and the 112 sites booked is slightly up on last year.

The outdoor market is full with a waiting list in case exhibitors pull out.

There are only a few positions in the indoor market still available.

Livestock entries are still being finalised and the red ribbons can again be expected to be hotly contested.

The home industries pavilion will include a full programme of entries and the adults’

knitting and sewing section has more than doubled.

Many student classes are well up from last year.

Administrator Lucille Brown said the equestrian section was again “our big player’’ with more than 1300 entries, excluding showjumping with the showjumping entries not closing until mid-October.

Equestrian riding would run over both days of the show with livestock judging held only on Saturday.

Brown said an early start could be expected for the sheep dog trials, with the first of 153 runs starting at 7.30am on Friday and continuing the next day.

She said more dog trialists had entered than last year and they were attracted to the good prizes and the competition as the event was part of the Tux sheep dog trials circuit.

Many of the dog trialists were familiar names and efforts had been made to attract younger trialists, she said.

Shearing entries have yet to be confirmed for the Saturday competition.

President’s address

Big welcome from show president

Welcome to the 141st running of the Ashburton A&P Show.

The theme for this year’s show is: Irrigation – the lifeblood of Mid Canterbury.

Please visit the Presidents Tent beside the Home Industries Pavilion where Mid Canterbury irrigation companies have displays showing the benefits of irrigation to our local economy.

I hope you enjoy seeing how the way we now do things has advanced so much since days gone by.

Please remember the change in the layout of the show that happened last year. Please look for the yellow direction signs so you don’t miss out on seeing your favourite attractions at the show.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the committee members and volunteers for the hours of work that they put in to prepare for and run the annual show.

David Butterick , Ashburton A&P Association president

On behalf of the A&P Association I would like to thank our numerous sponsors for their continued generous support, without them we wouldn’t be able to put on the show.

Good luck to all the

exhibitors and competitors who have come to the show and I hope you all have a successful show.

Thank you for coming and please enjoy your day.

David Buttrick, president Ashburton A&P Association

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

39

Plenty on offer for the children At the show there are a number of things to interest and entertain children. Note that Pedalmania and items 5-10 are available on Saturday only.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU 1

Go to the Home Industries Pavilion to see colouring competition entries, as well as student and pre-school entries (includes cooking, craft, technology, flowers, woodwork, sand saucers, Lego, junk-to-funk and art).

5

Find balloon man Clint Hawke within the showgrounds and be rewarded with a balloon animal.

THIS YEAR’S ASHBURTON A & P SHOW 2

Go to the ITM/Young Farmers Animal Pavilion and see a variety of animals.

On Saturday, you can see more animals at the show, including sheep, goats, alpacas and poultry.

6

Watch, or if you are young enough, enter into the Tiny Tots competition, held on the Hokonui entertainment stage.

3

Take in the sideshows, or maybe take a ride on the ferris wheel. Maybe you will win a prize to take home with you at the sideshows.

7

4

Ride a pony with Pony Parties or crazy bike with Pedalmania, both located at the Farmyard (eastern end of the grounds near the market sites).

Watch or dance a jig or reel in the Highland dancing located by the ITM/ Young Farmers Animal Pavilion. Or, for a different style of dance, watch the St Joseph’s School hip-hop group on the Hokonui stage.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEIN

AT THIS YEAR’S ASHBURTON A &

8

Enter your pet lamb in the show or watch the judging of the pet lambs. Maybe win a mountain bike when you are crowned Ashburton District primary school champion!

9

Watch a performance from, and be amazed by, magician Josh Grimaldi and his stilt walker persona The Golden Man.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

10 Watch the entertainment of the show’s Grand Parade and catch some lollies in the lolly scramble.

AT THIS YEAR’S ASHBURTON Josh A& P SHO Grimaldi

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU

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40

Farming

A&P Show program

THIS IS OUR PATCH JOIN US AT THE ASHBURTON A&P SHOW

The show events programme tells you about the things going on at the show. The show events are spread over two days, Friday and Saturday. More events occur at the show on Saturday.

Friday, October 26, 2018 From Friday morning, the trade, market and food sites and sideshows are operating at the show. Dog trial and equestrian competitions also start, and continue throughout the full two days of the show. Following judging Friday morning, the Home Industries Pavilion opens Friday afternoon.

7.30am Dog Trials 8.00am Horse Events commence 9.00am Indoor & Outdoor Markets 9.30am Wool Judging 10.00am Home Industries Judging

Grain & Seed Judging: ITM/Young Farmers Animal Pavilion 1.00pm South Island Seed Dressing & Storage Home Industries Pavilion opens 2.00pm Dog Trials Dog trials – The dog trials can be found at the East Street end of the showgrounds,

by Drummond and Etheridge. At the dog trials, you can (over the two days of the show) see working dogs herd sheep.

In the Home Industries Pavilion, you can find entries in areas such as cooking, flowers, photography, grain and seed, and children’s competitions.

DON’T FORGET YOUR RURALCO CARD FOR LUNCH

141st Annual

 Animal section

 Pony parties, balloon man

 Crazy bikes

 Equesterian and

 Shearing

     

100% OWNED BY ATS 0800 787 256 RURALCO.CO.NZ

26th and 27th October 2018

 Trade and market sites



SUPPORTING MID CANTERBURY FARMERS SINCE 1963

Ashburton

showjumping Cowboy challenge demo Aorangi YFC stock judging Live music on stage Highland dancing Home industries Small animal area Sheep dog trials

 Tiny tots  Fencing

GATES 9AM OPEN AYS D BOTH adult

e $15 Entry fe lren FREE id h All c s $10 Senior nly) o (Friday

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

41

mme of events Saturday, October 27, 2018 On Saturday, the animal entries arrive at the show. Animals that can be seen at the show include sheep, goats, poultry and alpacas. The animals can be found on the northern and eastern sides of the showgrounds. Judging for animals occurs at various times during the day, as set out in the programme. On Saturday morning, the highland dancing and shearing competitions commence and events also start happening on the entertainment stage.

7.30am Dog Trials 8.00am Horse Events commence 8.30am Donkey Judging

Alpaca Judging 9.00am South Island Seed Dressing & Storage Home Industries Pavilion

opens

Indoor and Outdoor Market opens

Sheep Judging

Aorangi Stock Judging competition commences

Shearing commences 9.40am Highland Dancing Competition starts

Hokonui Radio Entertainment starts 10.00am Goat & Poultry Judging:

ITM/Young Farmers Animal Pavilion

Dance demonstration from St Joseph’s School hip hop dance

group on the Hokonui Entertainment Stage

Pony Parties and crazy bikes with Pedalmania start 10.30am Shetland Pony Judging

Champion of Champion Lamb Competition

10.30am

11.30 am

Family magic show by magician Josh Grimaldi on the Hokonui Stage Shetland Harness Live music from ToPeace (Nikita Hydes and Simon Christiansen) on the Hokonui Stage

On Saturday afternoon, the entertainment highlights of the show occur, the entertainment stage and the show’s grand parade. Presentations also occur of prizes in a number of areas of the show, as set out below.

12noon

Champion of Champion Ram & Ewe Hogget’s Presentation of Sheep & Awards: Sheep Pens 12.15pm Family magic show by magician Josh Grimaldi on the Hokonui Stage 1.00pm Tiny Tots Show on the Hokonui Stage 1.30pm Book reading at the Bayleys Real Estate trade site 1.50pm Address by A&P President 2.00pm Grand Parade led by the Ashburton Highland Pipe Band

Vetlife Ashburton Lucky Draw 2.15pm Farmlands Lolly Scramble 2.30pm Cowboy Challenge 3.00pm Live music from ToPeace (Nikita Hydes and Simon Christiansen)

on the Hokonui Stage

Showjumping continues 3.30pm Shearing Presentations 4.00pm South Island Seed Dressing & Storage Home Industries Pavilion

– trophy presentations

Great relationships start with a

handshake.

We’re committed to growing a world of difference.

In a few weeks we’ll be at the Ashburton A&P show to meet you and have a chat about all things agriculture. The BBQ will be fired up and our agronomists will be available to answer any of your questions, so be sure to stop by over the weekend of 26th October.

wholesaleseeds.co.nz

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Farming

ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

SHOW MAP

SHOW MAP

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

43

New farm machinery range welcomed Based near Ashburton, Willowbrook Machinery are the sole New Zealand importers and distributors of Proforge cultivation equipment and FarmGem crop sprayers.

Proforge are the manufacturers of a large range of cultivation equipment, including the top selling UK disc cultivator, the Proforge Inverta. Proforge have an ever-expanding range of machines available under their brand, currently the product list includes disc and tine cultivators, rollers, moledrainers, mulchers, tractor weight blocks, log splitters and loader attachments. There are a number of new additions soon to be added to this list.

FarmGem” sprayers are a leading European sprayer manufacturer. Their range consists of mounted, trailed and air blast sprayers along with specialist self-propelled machines. FarmGem have just released a new generation of their sprayers after listening to the needs of existing owners and operators they have designed new models incorporating new features

Above: A Proforge 5.0m InvertaMax cultivating some ex winter feed ground FarmGem’s latest offering of “New Generation” trailed sprayers.

Right: FarmGem’s latest offering of “New Generation” trailed sprayers PHOTOS SUPPLIED

and the very latest technology. This allows Willowbrook Machinery to offer some of the highest spec sprayers on the New Zealand market, with some exceptional pricing.

They currently have these new high-spec machines in transit to New Zealand and look forward to presenting these exceptional machines to the New Zealand market.

Matthew Sim, managing director of Willowbrook Machinery, is a third generation arable farmer in Mid Canterbury and understands the requirements of the New Zealand farmer and contractor. He has spent considerable time over the last three years developing relationships with UK based agricultural manufacturers and dealerships to

now bring an ever-expanding range of new brands and machines not previously seen on the New Zealand market.

Matthew uses both Proforge machinery and FarmGem sprayers on his 250ha cropping farm.

“We are using the the top selling UK disc cultivator, the Proforge Inverta a Proforge InvertaMax a Proforge Roller

and a FarmGem sprayer on my own farm, which often allows for potential customers to view the machines in action before they decide to make a purchase.” says Matthew Willowbrook Machinery also brings in various pieces of second-hand machinery that are popular here in New Zealand and are able to provide their clients with new and used machinery from a number of overseas countries, machines are hand-picked by overseas contacts and then workshop checked and prepared for shipping to New Zealand.

Willowbrook Machinery are able to sit down with their clients and discuss their needs, then go about sourcing the right piece of equipment for the job. They can provide clients with a number of options including detailed pictures and pricing for them to choose from.

Call the team at Willowbrook Machinery today to discuss your needs. No item is too big or too small for them to source.

Advertising feature

Proforge Products • • • • • • •

Disc/Tine Cultivators Rollers Mulchers Power Harrows Weight Blocks Loader Attachments Machinery Parts

FarmGem Sprayer Products • • • • • • •

®

PROFORGE S T R AT E G I C A L LY S T R O N G

3PTL Trailed Self-propelled Orchard & Vine Yard Trailers Orchard/Vine Yard Mulchers Pick Platforms

Sales – Matthew Sim 0274 470 815 Email – info@willowbrookmachinery.co.nz Website – www.willowbrookmachinery.co.nz Address – 1052 Valetta Westerfield Road, RD1 Ashburton

44

Farming

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

Revolutionising lighting in NZ – The ultimate way The lighting industry in New Zealand has enormous potential for revolutionising the way energy is used in all spheres – domestically, commercially and in industry.

Around a third of New Zealand’s electricity usage is from households. A further third is from the industrial sector.

Ultimate Lighting has been servicing the industrial sector for the past eight years producing high quality lighting solutions to industries and spaces across the country.

This enables businesses to save on their overhead costs while having the best and brightest in smart lighting technology.

Why would industries, commercial spaces and outdoor spaces change to LED lighting?

• LED lights last 6 to 10 times longer than traditional lighting, lasting for around 50,000+ hours of use.

• The extra illumination saves businesses thousands of dollars per annum in electricity charges • LED lights have no warmup time and comes on instantly at full strength.

• LEDs are cost effective and environmentally friendly Ultimate Lighting’s team has a combined experience of over 40 years and has worked throughout New Zealand and Australia introducing cost effective lighting solutions and making LED lighting a

mainstream lighting solution.

Ultimate Lighting is based in Sydenham, Christchurch.

We have a wide network of suppliers and manufacturers that have invested millions of dollars of research and development and are recognised world leaders in the field. Standard LED lighting emits around 90 to 100 lumens per watt.

Ultimate Lighting FUJILITE premium products emit up to 180 lumens per watt. This means more light for less energy and less cost.

Our clients in the industrial and commercial sector are actively looking for ways to reduce their overhead charges while maximising their output.

Ultimate Lighting will prepare a lighting plan assuring illumination is well distributed and the fixture is suitable for the type of activity and business.

We have a wide range of customisable fixtures and light specifications available making sure that our lighting solution is the best choice for you.

All our products are quality tested and appropriately IP rated.

Ultimate Lighting also has a range of LED solar Smart lights. These lights are clean, sleek, easy to install and extremely efficient with zero operating costs. These solar lights are the future of lighting.

Advertising feature

OUR CLIENTS The following are some of the companies who have benefited from the Ultimate Lighting Solution Pak ‘n’ Save Turners Car Auctions Caltex, Mobil and NPD Petrol Stations Smith’s Cranes Hokitika Rugby Club George Henry Blackwell Motors Ray White Real Estate Four Square Supermarkets CSR Shirley Tennis Club, Christchurch Viridian Glass Amcor and many more!

Above – Metal halide to industrial LED big bulb lighting system replacement at Turners Cars, Christchurch.

Bottom – Ultimate Lighting system installation in Pak ‘n SaveMoorhouse, Christchurch.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Visit our website at www.ultimatelighting. co.nz to view a comprehensive guide to our products and their specifications to find the perfect innovative solution for you.

We supply LED Lighting solutions New Zealand wide.

(Insert image here- either background or normal layout)

Light up your spaceThe Ultimate Way! The Ultimate LED solution to light up your space

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Get the best in LED Lighting technology for you

We offer expertise to evaluate and help you decide the kind of LED lighting solution that works for your domestic, commercial or industrial space.

From a free product trial to a quick installation

and consistent after-sale service, we take care of it

Long-Lasting

all!

www.ultimatelighting.co.nz

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Farming

ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

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D&E have you covered Effluent solutions

Drummond & Etheridge are your local John Deere dealers, selling and servicing all things ag related, including; combines, foragers, tractors, farm machinery, ATVs, golf and turf equipment, lawnmowers and the ever popular range of John Deere toys and merchandise.

Alongside the agricultural business is D&E Repairs & Spares based in Chalmers Ave, specialising in refurbishing, dismantling and selling used parts, also found at Chalmers Ave is D&E Water Solutions and D&E Track & Trail.

Based at Moore Street is D&E Outdoors, your one-stop recreation shop, specialising in offering a personalised purchasing experience.

D&E Outdoors are agents for the revolutionary range of Stabicraft

boats, as well as Yamaha Jetskis and Outboards. They are also home to UBCO electric drive bikes and Polaris Utility Vehicles, and have an exciting new product line launching soon…!

In addition to their great brands, D&E Outdoors also stock Hutchwilco, Loose Unit, Jobe, Waxenwolf and Yamaha water sports equipment and life vests/ jackets, plus a great range of UTV attachments and accessories.

Plus, with a full parts department and service workshop for all your marine and off-road aftermarket needs, you’ll always be serviced and ready to go when you want.

For more info on the Drummond & Etheridge brands, phone 0800 432 633, or visit www.dne.co.nz Advertising feature

QUALITY BRANDS AND SERVICE. WHAT WE HAVE BEEN PROUDLY OFFERING FOR OVER 85 YEARS.

Established in 1984 with offices in Christchurch and Geraldine, Pump Systems Ltd. (PSL) is a specialist supplier of high performance, high quality pumping and wastewater process equipment to the municipal and industrial wastewater markets in New Zealand and Australia.

Partnering with some of the world’s leading manufacturers in the areas of sludge and solids pumping, tank and digester mixing, energy recovery and screening solutions, PSL holds extensive experience and a proven history of performance in these fields.

Pump Systems in conjunction with Marsden Engineering now introduce these world class products to the New Zealand agricultural market.

With a combined wealth of technical application and engineering expertise, and backing of industry leading manufacturers, the combination of the two companies enables delivery of high quality, efficient and experienced “turn-key” effluent solutions.

Pump Systems employ highly experienced and factory-trained sales and projects personnel and pride themselves on delivering successful, cost-effective solutions first time, and on time.

This is achieved through meticulous

Manifold, headwork fabrication and pump installation on CPW scheme.

application analysis, product selection and design, professional communication, after sales technical support and training.

Marsden Engineering’s team of trade qualified, certified engineers along with in-house mechanical engineers ensures the delivery of quality products with total control of every phase from design and supply, through to installation and commissioning.

Marsden Engineering and Pump Systems, the right choice for all your engineering, effluent pumping, separating and storage solutions. We will pump your problems.

Advertising feature

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

47

Rainfine your Iconic gear is here! irrigation solution RainFine Irrigation are the major manufacturer of irrigation systems in China, with access to the most advanced manufacturing technology RainFine Irrigation has been providing international clients with customised watering solutions since 2002.

Now available in New Zealand, RainFine Irrigation Canterbury Ltd was developed to provide Canterbury farmers with high quality irrigation solutions and servicing at affordable pricing.

With access to several patented products such as no-flat tyres, and the best product guarantee available in New Zealand, (manufacturer’s 20 years warranty on galvanizing) RainFine has the equipment to meet the specific needs of your agribusiness.

RainFine Irrigation Canterbury understand that every agribusiness is different, the unique types of challenges faced by Canterbury farmers and that every farm requires specific requirements to best fit a irrigation system.

By using accurate GPS mapping we can ensure your system will fit your land as designed. At RainFine

Irrigation Canterbury Ltd we will help you plan out and install every aspect of your new irrigation solution, whether you’re changing or upgrading your current system, converting a dry land block starting from scratch, our mission is to plan, supply, install and maintain your new system at competitive prices.

Whether your agribusiness needs a centre pivot or lateral move system, our experienced team will visit your property and customise an irrigation layout that maximises your property’s area.

Our irrigation systems have been built to work with the different types of challenges and environmental conditions faced by New Zealand agribusinesses, and coupled with the best guarantee available on the market, ensures your investment will stand the test of time.

Advertising feature

Ikon Machinery is an importer and national retailer of agricultural machinery, based in Geraldine, South Canterbury.

We are a family owned and operated business, specialising in high quality machinery.

Our brands are class-leading, iconic in their markets!

Our brands are specialists in their field, they concentrate on making the very best machines, by the mark of quality not quantity.

Köckerling are specialists in cultivation and seeders.

Made in Germany, the family business was established in 1955.

Since then it has grown to be a household name in Europe, a force to be reckoned with and trend setting a lot of cultivation machine designs.

Köckerling have a policy of continuous product improvement.

Siloking are specialists in mixer wagons/diet feeders, trailed and self-propelled. Made in Germany, the business was established in 1983.

Since then the company has grown into a global brand, their R&D into the dietary requirements of livestock is second to none and this, shines through in their machines pioneering design and build quality.

Larrington Trailers are specialists in trailers and crop transfer.

Made in the UK, the company started in 1972.

They are often referred to as the Rolls-Royce of trailers. Their high build quality and clever design, have set some major milestones in the UK trailer manufacturing market.

These three major brands, brought to the New Zealand market exclusively by Ikon Machinery, have been selected for their build quality and their class-leading working operation of machines.

Come along and see Ikon Machinery at Ashburton A&P Show.

Advertising feature

System Design Pivots SPECIALISING IN HIGH QUALITY AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Towable Pivots Laterals

 Köckerling Cultivators

Steel Wheels

 Siloking Mixer Wagons  Larrington Trailers

Underground Cable Ivan 027 283 9040 Brian 027 436 3939

www.rainfine.co.nz

Give George Andrews a call: 027 22 54 566

www.ikonmac.nz

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Farming

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

A profitable option Innovative machinery Pure Beltex carcasses, Silver Fern Farm Pareora.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Since the import of Beltex embryos and about 60 purebred lambs being born in 2017, a further 120 purebreds have been born at Blair Gallagher’s “Rangiatea” property at Mount Somers this spring. Increased numbers will be available at the Beltex sale 2019.

In the UK the Beltex lambs continue to command premiums at auction equivalent $NZ 20 to 30 / lamb compared with lambs from other sires.

From our own data from some purebred ram lambs we slaughtered, meat yields were about 80 per cent.

Experienced butchers at Pareora were astounded at the results and quality carcases.

We expect that quarter Beltex (from a Beltex X Suffolk or Beltex X

Texel or other terminals) will confer a 2 per cent higher meat yield, 2.5 per cent killing out per cent, and similarly a pure Beltex will confer about a 4 per cent higher meat yield or 5 per cent killing out per cent in the progeny from commercial ewes, in comparison with existing terminal sire breeds in New Zealand.

Consequently Beltex crosses from existing terminal breeds will very much become the terminal rams of choice within industry as more and more purebred animals become available.

The higher meat yields are on current schedules worth another $4 to $8 / lamb, and the greater muscling allows greater returns from the premium cut areas.

Advertising feature

We are a family owned Canterbury business in the heartland of the South Island’s rural community specialising in delivering innovative agricultural machinery solutions for leading New Zealand farmers and contractors.

You may have already heard about us, we are the exclusive New Zealand importers, dealers and service agents for leading European cultivation, fertiliser spreading and spray equipment brands; He-Va, Bredal, Househam, Mzuri and Billericay. We are also the South Island importer for Multidrive specialised tractors.

For more than 20 years, EuroAgri has developed and maintained a reputation of excellence, not only by the quality of the machines we stand by, but also by the service, we provide.

Connecting farmers and contractors with leading European equipment that combines innovation and excellence, with an unsurpassed suitability for our conditions is one of our key goals.

Because we are dealing direct with

all our European franchise brands, which are family owned and operated, there are no extra links in the chain. This means more competitive pricing, quality assurance and most importantly, products to suit contractors, large-scale farmers and smaller specialist operators.

Euroagri have recently released a new range of Bredal spreaders with the very latest in spreading technology and reliability. Mzuri have also released a new vacuum precision planter to add further versatility to the Mzuri Pro till range of drills. Heva have updated their disc roller range with the release of the contour range from 2.5 to 8 metres and also the brand new XL range of heavy duty disc rollers.

It’s actually quite simple. At EuroAgri we believe in providing excellence … and constantly enhancing our operations to the benefit of our clients.

Advertising feature

t e l e x B

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Making every drop count It can be easy to assume that irrigation is, just add water and it’ll grow. But many have discovered that there’s more to it than this.

Visualising what you can’t see under your feet, while looking up at the weather and juggling compliance and profitability can put anyone to the test.

Farmers and growers can now unearth what’s really beneath their feet with the accuracy and timeliness of soil moisture technology.

Combining state-of-theart AquaCheck software and sensors with agronomy, allows crops and pastures to be measured and managed more accurately.

Irrigation, rainfall and soil temperature data is captured in real time.

“This can mean the difference between an average grower or an extraordinary one,” says Agri Optics operations manager Chris Smith.

“The AquaCheck range of products provides a powerful tool to improve the management of all

Some of the Agri Optics team installing an AquaCheck soil moisture probe in a Mid Canterbury PHOTO SUPPLIED ryegrass crop.

agricultural crops,” he says.

AquaCheck has more than 20,000 probes installed in more than 20 countries around the world.

The technology allows growers to optimise water use, optimise production and reduce potential nutrient leaching by accessing data such as: current soil moisture status, infiltration rate, date and time of irrigations, depths of irrigation and fertigation applied and daily water consumption rates.

The AquaCheck soil probe is compatible with a range of telemetry options and end user platforms.

The probes are a verticallyoriented, are easy to install and have a short settling time.

They also have multiple soil moisture and temperature sensors down their length, giving you a detailed look at what’s going on under your feet.

All information from the AquaCheck probes is wirelessly telemetered to

AquaCheckWEB software and all the soil moisture and temperature data can be viewed, recommendations made and forecasts given for irrigation requirements or soil moisture trends.

Additionally, the AquaCheck soil moisture probe data can also be pushed to other websites so that you can view your AquaCheck soil moisture data along-side other information that you may use for your irrigation scheduling.

“Quick and easy access to

this data is having a significant effect on farmers’ production and profitability,” says Smith.

The farmer has online access to these sensors anywhere in the world through a computer or a phone app in the palm of their hand.

“Agri Optics provides the tools and knowledge to understand your soil moisture and irrigation, enhancing management, productivity and profits. Precision is the key to a more robust farming system,” says Sephrah Rayner, an Agri Optics advocate.

Agri Optics NZ Ltd is based in Methven but helps people in agriculture optimise their operations New Zealand wide; from horticulture to dairy farming and everyone in between.

They have a spring 2018 limited offer on a range of robust, reliable and affordable AquaCheck soil moisture probes with a range of telemetry options. Optional extras include weather stations and rain gauges.

Advertising feature

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Farming

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

Efficient water use using Aquaflex Hamilton 470 HamiltonJet New Zealand has taken a step away from the conventional with the design of its newest jet boat model, the 470 Sportsman Range.

The 470 takes a fresh look at every aspect of comfort, safety and practicality for the jet boater and passengers, with the boat’s whole design, from bow to stern and keel to windscreen, a reflection of this focus.

Offering a different profile from anything else seen on local rivers and lakes, thanks largely to its distinctive curved sheer line and sleek windscreen. These obvious differences are just a small part of the whole design philosophy behind the Sportsman Range, which has come about after listening closely to jet boater feedback for many years.

We’ve taken into consideration all

those things jet boaters have told us they like and dislike, and what they want from a boat to give them the best jet boating experience.

We’ve taken all the good things about our jet boats and enhanced them further, while at the same time taking a clean sheet redesign approach to those aspects of our current designs which didn’t fit this new philosophy.

The 470 is available with three standard engine configurations, each ideally suited to the HJ212 waterjet with turbo impeller. Also an additional option of customer supplied engine package. Hull, deck and seat upholstery are available in a range of colours. Sold as turn-key packages only.

Advertising feature

An Aquaflex customer recently commented that “trying to manage irrigation without an Aquaflex Soil Moisture Sensor is like trying to drive a car without a speedometer – I don’t know how I managed without it”.

Being able to observe soil moisture trends, the effect of rainfall and irrigation and also the rate of soil moisture depletion allows both production and environmental considerations to be addressed.

With more stringent environmental and consent requirements being enforced on farmers, Aquaflex is a vital part of any Farm Environmental Plan and Nutrient Budget.

There have been interesting papers generated lately re minimising nutrient loss by efficient irrigation management – but you need an

accurate gauge (speedo) to make sure you are on target.

With its unique 3m long sensing tape correctly installed Aquaflex provides an accurate representative indication of soil moisture, this spatial averaging is what motivated the researchers at Lincoln to develop Aquaflex in the 1990s.

Use of an accurate soil moisture sensor such as Aquaflex allows users to: • • • • • •

Save water Save energy Save fertiliser Optimise yield/production Optimise crop quality Comply with farm environmental plan conditions Advertising feature

Check out the new Sportsman 470 Range TODAY 20 Lunns Road PO Box 709 Christchurch 8024 Ph: 03 962 0505 Email: hamiltonjet.nz@hamjet.co.nz www.hamiltonjet.com

Proudly supporting JBNZ for over 50 years

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ASHBURTON A&P SHOW FEATURE

51

Discover boarding at St Margaret’s Creating a warm, caring home-away-from-home atmosphere for 150 unique individuals is what the St Margaret’s College boarding staff excel at.

When school finishes at the end of each day, the boarding houses come alive with the sounds of many voices and laughter. The boarding staff take pride in having the privilege of watching the girls grow and blossom into incredible young women and treasure the moments they capture with them.

By successfully creating this home-away-from-home, St Margaret’s provides our students with the opportunity of a world-class education while building strong relationships and learning lifelong values.

The three boarding houses are arranged in year groups and structured to the specific needs of each developmental stage. In Julius House (Y7-10) the environment is structured and nurturing for the girls to make the transition into boarding. Kilburn House (Y11-12) encourages the

“

girls to begin personally integrating these skills.

Cranmer House (Y13) allows for more freedom to help them develop life skills and become driven, self-managed young

women, all in a monitored setting. These senior girls thrive as they become the leaders of the boarding school and the ‘older sisters’ of the younger girls.

The boarding community is at the heart of St Margaret’s and the culture is closely aligned with the school’s vision of a holistic education, embracing the spiritual and

The boarding community is at the heart of St Margaret’s

emotional wellbeing of the girls, as well as their academic achievements and development in sport and the arts.

Come and find out more at our SMC Ashburton Regional Event on Thursday 25 October at the Somerset Grocer at 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Meet other local St Margaret’s families, past, current and future, along with our Director of Boarding, Nicky Langley, and Executive Principal, Diana Patchett.

Call Wendy Groves on 03 379 2000 or email wendy. groves@stmargarets.school. nz to register. We’d also love to see you on our stand at the Ashburton A&P Show.

For further information on St Margaret’s College, visit www.stmargarets.school.nz.

A place we can call our own

Boarding at St Margaret’s College is a home away from home. It’s a place where lifelong friendships are formed.

Come and find out more at our St Margaret’s College Regional Event at The Somerset Grocer, 161 Burnett Street, Ashburton on Thursday 25 October at 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

All SMC Families – past, current and future welcome! Or come and visit our stand at the Ashburton A&P Show.

For boarding enquiries, please contact Lizzie Dyer: T: 03 353 2563 E: enrol@stmargarets.school.nz

stmargarets.school.nz

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