Guardian Farming - June 2017

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Farming GUARDIAN

JUNE 2017

MAKING IT

RAIN Page 3 - 6

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

GUARDIAN

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PAGE 8 HONOURS FOR RURAL FOLK Linda Clarke

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PAGE 36 PINK WRAP PAYS OFF

SENIOR REPORTER

Irrigation has saved Ashburton from being a dustbowl but farmers using that water are under scrutiny now more than ever to show they are not abusing the resource.

Farmers that belong to irrigation schemes are already complying with the need to provide nutrient budgets and farm environment plans, and these are being independently audited. So the fact that the Mayfield Hinds Irrigation Scheme and the Valetta Irrigation Scheme have merged to become a bigger entity should not be viewed as a bad thing by those outside the group.

They have critical mass to lead change and enforce stragglers to adopt new ways.

They are doing their own research and monitoring and can pinpont problems quickly if they

arise. They didn’t create all the problems facing the environment right now but they sure are doing something to make things better.

That’s why it was disappointing to see the Ashburton District Council not do its part by giving some longer term access to an unused stockwater consent that is giving water to the managed aquifer project on Frasers Road. I get that water is a complicated issue but the new councillors who voted for only 12 months access owed it not only to themselves but to the district, and those who will learn from the project in other parts of the country, to get themselves fully up to speed on the implications of their decision - which was shortsighted and flies in the face of the project’s positive results so far.

The project’s governance group includes some pretty clued up people at the top of their respective games: a lawyer, an accountant, a farm consultant, farmers, environmentalists and agri-business star performers are on the 12-person group. These are also people who live here, play here and do business here.

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33

Storage top priority for company Linda Clarke

SENIOR REPORTER

Storage will be a priority for the new MHV Water company.

The Mayfield Hinds and Valetta irrigation schemes merged recently and the farmers in charge say it is positive news for the environment and the way water is managed in the Ashburton district.

Farmers in both schemes, which use water delivered by the Rangitata Diversion Race, voted 87 per cent in favour of the merger. The merged business, which began trading on June 1, will supply water to around 47,000 hectares of farmland in the Hinds catchment where farmers are working to meet strict environmental targets.

Leading the new MHV Water company are (from left) chairman John Nicholls, new CEO Melanie Brooks and vice chairman Mark Dewhirst.

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Contractors Fulton Hogan are installing underground pipe for the new extension at Ruapuna. Farmers in the area are already preparing land for the installation of centre pivots that will run off the pressurised water when it comes on line in September.

080617-LC-023

From P3 Mayfield Hinds was already one of the largest privately owned irrigation schemes in New Zealand when it was supplying water to 33,000ha Farmer shareholders in both schemes have been considering merger information since December and at least 75 per cent support was needed from each camp to go ahead. The new company will be headed

by CEO Melanie Brooks, specially appointed for the job and who took up the reins on June 6.

Brooks comes from a corporate banking environment, where she was involved in financing new and existing irrigation schemes and other large infrastructure projects.

She said she was excited to be joining a team that was passionate about delivering efficient, effective and reliable water which was sustainable, both financially and environmentally.

Brooks lives with her family at Lincoln; she is a hobby beekeeper, a social hockey enthusiast, and loves spending

time with her wider family and in the outdoors.

Former Mayfield Hinds chairman John Nicholls is the new chair of MHV Water and former Valetta chair Mark Dewhirst is deputy.

Nicholls said water storage continued to be a priority for their irrigators, whose water came from the Rangitata and was subject to restrictions in times of low flow. Mayfield Hinds built three big storage ponds at Carew in 2015 but these will be increasingly under pressure as the East Coast of New Zealand gets

drier and the west gets wetter with climate change.

Storage was also vital to ease pressure on underground water stores.

An option going forward was to invest in a new mega storage lake proposed by the RDR at Klondyke, he said. Resource consents for the lake will likely be heard at the end of the year; the proposal, which also includes an ecological refuge and wetland and a whitewater kayak course, attracted 97 submissions - 41 are in support, 46 are opposed and

10 are neutral.

The mega lake could store up to 53 million cubic metres of water and also be used to boost local stream flows and for managed aquifer recharge.

Nicholls said it was an interesting time to be involved in the irrigation sector with changes to irrigation practices and improved irrigation efficiencies. With over 50 wells monitored for nitrogen and well depth in the new catchment area, farmers were increasing their knowledge all the time and using results to improve the environment.

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The new Ruapuna extension will be fed from this new outlet on MHV Water’s off-take from the Rangitata Diversion Race.

080617-LC-012

Farmers must demonstrate they are using water efficiently and reducing nitrate loss; those who don’t risk losing their water consents and right to farm.

Nicholls said farmers had made good strides using technology and changing practices. An external audit had shown a 16 per cent reduction in nitrogen discharge from shareholders’ properties in the last season.

He said the managed aquifer recharge trial in MHV Water’s patch was also showing positive results.

“Water has now moved over 2.2km below the trial site, well levels have lifted by 18 metres and nitrate levels have decreased by 60 per cent.”

Work had begun to determine how to apply this on a catchment-wide basis, he said.

A second managed aquifer

recharge site has already been identified in the catchment and it could use some of the water being supplied by the Ashburton District Council to the pilot MAR on Frasers Road.

Infrastructure is already planned for the spot on the south side of the Hinds River, where water from the RDR could be released and allowed to filter down into the water table.

The area is a dry part of the river-bed, covered in gorse and broom, and a natural MAR. Experts say on-farm mitigation will go a way to addressing water quality and quantity issues, but storage and augmentation will be important tools to take the pressure off groundwater.

“While we do not yet have all the answers, we believe we have turned a corner and are beginning to make positive

progress,” Nicholls said.

Both the Mayfield Hinds and Valetta irrigation schemes have been delivering water from the Rangitata River via the Rangitata Diversion Race for about 60 years. The water is consented and subject to restrictions when river flows are low.

The Mayfield Hinds network is still open channels, though a $13 million new extension at Ruapuna is being piped. Valetta converted its open channels to pipes in a $31m project in 2014.

Nicholls said they preferred to invest in storage over piping at this stage.

Farms in the area have undergone huge changes since the 1940s when the RDR was created and about half the area is now in dairy with the remainder in dairy support, mixed livestock and cropping.

Nicholls said farmers have large environment targets and the merged group gave them critical mass to effect change, as well as tell their side of the water story.

“A lot of people when you talk to them don’t understand what we are doing with technology to better our footprint. We are guardians of the land and want to leave it in a better space.”

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Farming

Water has changed the face of business for Hinds farmer Evan Chisnall.

The former sheep and cropping farmer now runs 6000 cows across three properties that are irrigated by 24 centre pivots.

The spray irrigation is a lot more efficient than the old borderdykes that once watered his home block and the water brings reliability that allows him to plan, budget and diversify like any other businessman.

Evan is the fifth generation of his family to farm in Canterbury. His ancestors arrived in New Zealand in 1850 and farmed at Ilam, now part of Christchurch, before moving to Hinds. By the 1870s they had 9000 acres on the plains, running Corridale sheep for wool more than meat and growing crops.

The mixed crop and stock model was still in place when Evan bought the farm from his father in 1992; by then the original area had been divided and sold among family members and Evan was running 280ha. He bought a farm opposite the home block on Hinds Arundel Road and concentrated on trading stock, upwards of 20,000 lambs a year and cattle.

In 2006 he converted to dairying, the efficiencies of spray versus borderdyke apparent as he crossed the road each day to the new block. The flood irrigation was being applied at 800ml/ha, the spray at 450ml/ha – and there were no clocks to set or gates to check.

Evan said it was not a difficult decision to put in a centre pivot. “We could see the efficiencies, not only for growing grass but for wheat, barley and winterfeed.”

Water has also allowed Evan to grow his farming operation.

He now has 1650ha, running 6000 cows through six sheds on three different blocks, using water from the Mayfield Hinds Valetta and Barrhill Chertsey irrigation schemes.

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Investing in water has changed the face of Evan Chisnall’s farming business.

He employs 35 people and spends half his working week in an office, rather than a paddock.

He has borrowed a lot of money to take opportunities that presented themselves and says his family of workers, many from the Philippines and India, are an important part; their children bolster numbers at local rural schools and they are part of the fabric of the community.

Evan spent time travelling, working in other jobs and completing a diploma in farm management at Lincoln University before returning to the family farm. He enjoys working outdoors and with animals, and is now

also enjoying the business challenges of running a large operation.

He says reliable water gives farmers opportunities to grow or change, but with water consents came a responsibility to use the water efficiently and without harming the environment.

Evan, like all farmers in the new, larger scheme, must provide a nutrient budget and farm environment plan that is audited. “Farming has taken a lot of steps to clean up its act.

We know we still have work to do but it is not just farmers, there are still cities and towns pouring effluent into rivers or the sea.”

The new MHV Water

080617-LC-018

entity will be ensuring its farmer shareholders are using good management practice and Evan says some go way beyond.

On his farms he uses technology to make sure every drop of water is accounted for. Having 90 per cent of his land under centre pivots gives Evan the most efficient delivery method, but he also uses soil moisture monitoring to support scheduling decisions and audits his irrigators using Irrigation New Zealand’s bucket test to make sure application rates are as budgeted.

In the future he sees more widespread use of variable irrigation and of fertigation.

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As a director of MHV Water he is also involved in the scheme’s wider development and workings.

He has been involved in the Ruapuna extension, which will deliver piped water under pressure to farmers in that area.

He is also on the board’s environment sub-group and overseeing analysis of the well monitoring project. “The scheme is trying to bring information together and say this is where we are at, how can we enhance it.”

Evan has a vested interest in making it work – the next generation of his family will soon be knocking on the door.

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Vote for Arjan!

The best young farmers around the country are gearing up for the grand final of the Young Farmer of the Year contest in Feilding next month, among them Aorangi region representative Arjan Van’t Klooster.

The competition is just as fierce off the field as it is on it for the people’s choice award and Aorangi supporters can vote for their man online now.

The FMG People’s Choice Award was introduced by FMG in 2016 to encourage finalists to sharpen their marketing skills and further promote themselves as young leaders for both the competition and the industry.

To help promote themselves, each of this year’s seven finalists have established their own public profile Facebook page, have their face and name plastered on a billboard within their region and have received a ‘101’ on how to market themselves and seek opportunities to raise their profile.

The lower order sharemilker and farm owner from Glenavy has been posting a few fun videos about farm life. He has dried off his herd and preparing for mating season.

Van’t Klooster won the Aorangi final in Methven, performing well across all facets of the contest. He won the agribusiness challenge, where contestants face a tough technical exam, as well as the agri-growth challenge where he was grilled by a panel of interview judges.

Since coming on board as the principal sponsor of the contest, FMG has looked at ways to build on the competition’s popularity.

Along with the unveiling of the new trophy in 2016, People’s Choice helps the regional finalists showcase themselves as ambassadors; encouraging more young people into the industry.

The 2016 People’s Choice Award winner Calvin Ball says a top farmer these days has to have an increasingly wide range of skills.

“One of these is being a good marketer. I’m not just referring to being able to market a product or a service, but also the ability to market yourself, create a personal brand and establish yourself as an industry leader.”

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Rural sector achievements and value Achievements in the rural sector were highlighted in the recent Queen’s Birthday honours list.

Federated Farmers national president William Rolleston said it was great to see the sector and the people involved in it commended for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

“The number of Queen’s Birthday honours which have an agricultural connection shows the significant contribution farmers and agribusiness continue to play in New Zealand.”

Overall, there were 13 people associated with the rural sector honoured.

Wendy McGowan ONZM for services to rural women McGowan is a member of the Kaimai-Mamaku Catchment Forum and Federated Farmers Rotorua/ Taupo Province, and has been President and Chairperson of Federated Farmers Meat and

Fibre section for the province.

Nick Pyke MNZM for services to the arable industry Pyke is Chief Executive at the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR). His contributions have seen New Zealand’s arable industry being recognised as a world leader in a number of areas such as cereal, ryegrass, vegetable seed and clover yields, sustainable resource use and environmental management.

Wendy McGowan.

Maxine Simmons CNZM for services to science, particularly biotechnology

and started ICP Bio, developed and marketed products for animal breeding – pregnancy kits hormone, ovulation enhancers and embryo transfer solutions.

Simmons has been a leader in scientific research and innovation for more than 35 years. She was a member of the Foundation for Research Science and Technology Board

Doug Avery MNZM for services to agriculture and

PHOTO SUPPLIED

mental health Avery successfully adopted land use techniques to drought-proof his farm and has spoken to audiences around New Zealand, Australia and Argentina about his new farming systems that have provided a basis for sustainable environmental and financial growth. In 2011, his family won the

South Island Farmer of the Year competition for their farm management systems. He is an advocate for rural mental health and frequently shares his personal experiences with audiences around New Zealand. Avery has received numerous awards in recognition of his contributions to sustainable land management techniques.

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highlighted in honours list Rebecca Keoghan MNZM for services to business, particularly the dairy industry Keoghan is Business Manager at Landcorp Farming Ltd and responsible for the strategic development and management of five large dairy farms in the region, as well as a dairy support farm and a machinery syndicate spanning the Cape Foulwind and Grey Valley areas.

She is also director of Westland Milk Products Ltd and of Buller Holdings, which has responsibility for Buller District Council’s commercial assets. Keoghan is a member of the Northern South Island committee of OSPRI, which manages the National Animal Identification and Tracing programme to eliminate bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand.

Peter MacGregor MNZM for services to Maori and agriculture MacGregor held various positions within the Department of Maori Affairs in the 1970s and 1980s.

He developed the Joint Working Agreement between the then Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Te Puni Kokiri.

He has been also involved in several initiatives including the Te Kuiti Maori Farm Managers Diploma and the development of the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer competition.

MacGregor is a Trustee of several Ahuwhenua Trusts and is an advisor Trustee to the Hinemanu/Ruaka/Te Upokori Charitable Education Trust.

Guild has been a councillor and President of New Zealand Deer Farmers Association and been active in the deer industry for over 40 years. He has advised the Government on issues such as animal welfare, livestock tax, and played a role in the development of the Game Animal Council Act. He is Chair of Queen Elizabeth II National Trust and Molesworth Steering Committee.

Graham Kennedy MNZM for services to business

Dr Lesley Rhodes CNZM for services to science and marine farming Rhodes is a Senior Scientist with the Cawthron Institute since 1994 and been involved in programmes which have revolutionised the management of marine algal blooms and biotoxins in shellfish internationally, ensuring New Zealand’s seafood exports meet international food safety standardsvital to our shellfish export industry.

She has published more than 100 papers in international journals and has influenced international monitoring standards and policy development.

Hon Jim Anderton.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Tony Hall CNZM for services to education and sport A Pro-Chancellor and then Chancellor of Lincoln University, Hall has provided leadership through a challenging period post-earthquake, and has overseen the progression towards the establishment of the Lincoln Research and Education Hub.

Hon Jim Anderton CNZM for services as a Member of Parliament From 2005 to 2008, Anderton served as Minister of Agriculture, Minister for Biosecurity, Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Forestry. He was involved in politics from 1963 retiring in 2011.

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James Guild MNZM for services to the deer industry

Kennedy has been actively involved in the business community in the fields of accountancy and corporate governance. In 2005 he was awarded a District of Ashburton Civic Honour for services to the establishment of Lake Hood and is founding Director of the NZX listed Heartland Bank Ltd.

Allan Scarlett MNZM for services to local government and the dairy industry Chair of the West Coast Regional Council and a Councillor for five terms, Scarlett was Chair of Westland Milk Products and led Westland Dairy through the introduction of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act.

David Finlay QSM for services to irrigation and sport Finlay served for 41 consecutive years on the committee of the Lower Waitaki Irrigation scheme and the board of the Lower Waitaki irrigation company, a scheme that irrigates more than 19,000 hectares of farmland.

His contributions to irrigation have transformed the North Otago region overseeing developments from inception through to completion.

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Farming

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Farms provide “non-farm” income A myriad of alternative income opportunities have unfolded in recent years for land owners seeking to diversify their property’s farm income, and reduce their reliance upon land based, grass generated income.

Traditional “non-farm” type industries like tourism have provided a valuable option for many years to land owners and farmers seeking a more diverse income.

But the huge growth in tourism in the past two years has opened up even more options, from simple on-farm café businesses to underground caving and rock climbing on farms well off the beaten tourism track.

But for some seeking off farm income within the farm gate, the answer sometimes lies in the wind.

New Zealand has 19 wind farms either operating or under construction, with a combined installed capacity of 690 megawatts. Supplying about 5 per cent of New Zealand’s annual electricity generation, there is another 2500 megawatts of generation consented. Having wind turbines on a farm property can prove a valuable asset on a number of levels for farmers located in areas suitable for wind generation.

Grenville Gaskill, chief executive for the New Zealand

Wind Energy Association, says as New Zealand is required to meet its commitments under the Paris Accord, moves to

“de-carbon” our economy put wind energy in a positive light heading into the future.

“For landowners fortunate

enough to be in an area where wind farms could be installed there are a number of benefits.

They get significant investment

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11

opportunities for having the turbines there.”

Hamish and Julie Ormond farm at Te Uku near Raglan west of Hamilton. They have turbines on their property that are part of the 28 turbine Te Uku wind farm operated by Meridian. The couple bought the 1300ha store property with the wind farm already in place, and receive an income stream based on having 2.5 turbines on their property.

“ made into roading and access on their property.

“They get to retain use of most of their land area, thanks

to the turbines’ compact footprint, and of course there are regular lease payments made by the generator to the land owner

as a sustainable source of energy.

“During my 13 years as a real estate agent we have seen what I describe as ‘on farm, but non- farm income streams’ become more and more desirable. I am not sure if more people recognise the tourism opportunities and the alternative energy options more now than they used to, or if they want or require the

Having wind turbines on a farm property can prove a valuable asset on a number of levels for farmers

“We are paid a retainer per turbine, plus a portion of what the company makes once they have covered the cost of their capital on the project.

It is enough to make quite a significant difference to our farm’s bottom line profit.”

Mark Dawe, Bayleys rural manager in Hamilton, says wind farms are not a common opportunity, but one becoming more acceptable over time as people recognise the operations

additional income streams.

“I have had the opportunity to meet a number of people who have these on farm, nonfarm income streams and I have found they open up really interesting conversations. They also offer possible added value when selling the property.”

Another area that can lie under the radar for potential on farm, off farm income is in the poultry industry.

New Zealanders are making

poultry their favourite meat; consuming the equivalent of 21 chickens each a year from barn raised or free range, hormonefree birds.

Poultry Industry Association NZ chief executive Michael Brooks said the association is often approached by farmers interested in participating in the industry.

“The meat poultry industry is completely vertically integrated, so a farmer will provide the land and finance the sheds and then be provided with all the technology and expertise to run the operation by the company that they contract to. NZ meat chicken companies have an industry policy of requiring famers to undergo training themselves to Level 2 Primary ITO poultry industry standards.”

He says for those prepared to make the commitment investment can provide good returns to supplement a farm’s income, in a sector that is experiencing 5 per cent a year growth and has good export prospects thanks to New Zealand’s high biosecurity standards.

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Farming

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River a perfect study area University of Canterbury masters student Katie Coluccio will be paying special attention to the Ashburton River over the next five months.

She is conducting research for a paper on leaky stream beds, as part of her study at the university’s Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management. She is looking at the interaction between groundwater and surface water on braided rivers - she says the Ashburton is perfect and hopes farmers will be willing to be part of the important work.

Katie will be doing some groundwater well measurements as well as tests in the river and is particularly interested in properties close to the south branch. She will shortlist wells she would like to sample, then make contact with the landowners.

Field work in the river during winter and early spring will involve using flow gauges, seepage meters, mini piezometers and temperature sensors to monitor water to figure out areas of connection

between ground and surface water, or how much water was moving between the two systems.

Water will also be collected to compare instream and groundwater chemistry to improve the understanding of water and nutrient sources for the river.

Katie is hoping to show where the gains and losses are in the river system.

She said she was looking forward to working with those who farmed in the area and keen to share what she

learned.

“I will also provide an update to the Advance Ashburton Foundation, who has funded the project, in August and I will present my results at the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management Conference at Lincoln University on November 14. My final thesis, and final results, will be published at the end of February next year.”

Katie said there was a lot of studies globally and in New Zealand looking at how

groundwater and surface water interacted in rivers.

However there was a gap in studies looking at these issues in braided rivers.

“Braided rivers are clearly very important throughout New Zealand and especially in Canterbury for a variety of cultural, social, economic, recreational and ecological purposes. I am really interested in how a better understanding of groundwater-surface water interactions can help us improve sustainable allocation

of surface and groundwater as well as better understand how contaminants are transported through our water systems.

The Ashburton River is a great study area for this topic - the surrounding plans are intensively farmed, and thus issues around sustainable water allocation and contaminant transport are very relevant.”

Katie grew up in a suburban neighbourhood in the United States but says she always felt a call to farming.

“I spent some time working on various farms, mainly vegetable farms in the United States. I live in Christchurch now, but I enthusiastically tend to my ever-expanding vegetable garden and I am very much interested in issues the farming industry faces, particularly in regards to water management.

Katie’s study has been funded by Advance Ashburton through money left by the late Ian Glassey, an Ashburton nurseryman with a passion for trees and the environment.

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13

The incidence of milk fever was higher than usual in some New Zealand regions last season, but introducing maize silage as a supplement for late dry cows can reduce the likelihood of cows falling victim to this metabolic disease.

Caused by low blood calcium levels, approximately 2 per cent of cows go down with milk fever each year1, with most cases occurring within a day of calving.

The birth process and colostrum production requires a lot of calcium. To meet the demand, cows must mobilise calcium from their bones and increase the amount of calcium they absorb from the diet.

Magnesium is also very important as it is required to produce hormones that control calcium regulation. Magnesium supplements are commonly applied by pasture dusting, but this method has a high rate of mineral wastage.

Research has shown that the balance of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions) in a diet impact milk fever risk.

An excess of potassium in pasture diets causes the DCAD (dietary cation-anion difference) to rise, increasing the risk of milk fever. Effluent paddocks or paddocks recently fertilised with potash are likely to be high in potassium, as will silage or hay made from these paddocks.

Maize silage aids in the reduction of milk fever incidence in three ways.

Firstly, maize silage contains a much lower average potassium content than pasture (0.9 per cent vs 3.3 per cent) and is an excellent base for a low-DCAD diet.

Secondly, growing maize decreases soil potassium levels, as it produces high yields and has a high potassium requirement.

This leaves the subsequent pasture safer to eat.

Research has shown maize can be grown in high fertility dairy paddocks (including effluent paddocks) without the need for additional fertiliser.

Thirdly, maize silage is an ideal carrier for magnesium (pre-and post-calving), calcium (post-calving) and other minerals.

Feeding maize silage also allows a gentle transition from a carbohydrateheavy diet (fodderbeet) to a fibre-rich diet (pasture) as it contains the perfect balance of fibre and carbohydrate.

Without this transition, the cow’s rumen microbes may struggle to adjust to the dramatic change in their food source.

Maize silage is a consistent, versatile feed; it can be stored and fed as required, which means close-up dry cows’ diets can be planned in advance. Cows can be fed well regardless of weather conditions or pasture growth rates. Well-fed cows produce more, cycle faster and have a lower rate of nutrition-related metabolic diseases such as ketosis.

1

Roche, DairyNZ, Preventing milk fever – are all magnesium sources equal? http://www.dairynz.co.nz/file/fileid/27279

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14 2

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FAR CONFERENCE FEATURE

15

Recognition of excellence Growing sustainable futures is the theme of FAR’s 2017 conference at Lincoln University at the end of the month.

The two-day conference will include four research sessions - Future farming, farm systems, agronomy and weeds, pests and diseases.

There will also be an afternoon of environmentally focused field visits and a conference dinner.

Organiser Anna Heslop says many of the spots have already been taken, and urges people to register soon.

“This year’s venue is slightly smaller than the one we used for our 2015 event, so if we have the same amount of interest now, some people will miss out.

Registration is easy, and can be done entirely on-line.”

Accommodation is available in the Lincoln University Halls of Residence, and this can also be booked online.

Two international speakers have been confirmed: Susannah Bolton, director of Knowledge Exchange (extension) at the AHDB, in the United Kingdom and Edmundo Nolan, board secretary of AAPRESID, the Argentine No Till Association.

FAR is also celebrating the Queen’s Birthday honour bestowed on its CEO Nick Pyke for his services to the arable industry.

Pyke was appointed research director of FAR in 1995. Since then, his vision has enabled FAR to develop into a world leading arable research and extension body with a reputation for research excellence and innovative extension programmes.

The flow on from this research and extension has contributed substantially to the economic and environmental sustainability of the New Zealand arable industry.

Pyke has developed and maintained strong links with farmer based research organisations locally and

internationally, ensuring that FAR’s research and extension is nationally and internationally informed and benchmarked. The strength of FAR’s international reputation and Pyke’s vision combined in 2012 with the formation of FAR Australia, a FAR subsidiary providing project management, research, extension and training services to the Australian grains industry and fostering better research and extension linkages between the Australian and New Zealand agricultural research sectors.

Under his leadership, FAR was one of the first organisations in the primary sector to recognise the importance of whole farm systems over individual crop and management issues. Biosecurity is another key issue for the industry and Pyke was instrumental in facilitating an industry responses to recent black grass, velvet leaf and pea weevil incursions.

Pyke has also worked hard to ensure that levy payers have access to research and demonstration sites.

Trials are carried out in all arable regions, with particular focus on two long term research sites in Canterbury (Chertsey) and Waikato (Tamahere), and in 2016, FAR secured the lease of the 15.5 hectare irrigated Lincoln Arable Site with the aim of expanding seed production research and strengthening seed industry links with the Lincoln research community.

Since starting with FAR 22 years ago, Pyke has developed a nationally and internationally recognised research and extension organisation that has made substantial contributions to improving on-farm performance and environmental management, ensuring that arable farming remains a viable land-use in New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND ARABLE PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE GRAIN & SEED INDUSTRY FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS.

His vision has contributed to New Zealand’s relatively small arable industry being recognised as the world’s best in areas such as cereal, ryegrass, vegetable seed and clover yields, resource use and environmental management.

His dedication, leadership and vision has ensured that FAR operates as a true industry good organisation, allowing farmer levy payers to determine the development of their industry and communities.

Nick Pyke, CEO - FAR.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

16 2

Farming

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FAR CONFERENCE FEATURE

New SDHI fungicide for higher yield Wheat growers have a new fungicide option available this season, with the launch of Elatus Plus offering longer lasting green leaf protection and higher yields.

Elatus Plus is a solo SDHI fungicide approved in wheat for the control of leaf rust, stripe rust, speckled leaf blotch (Septoria tritici) and glume blotch (Septoria nodorum).

The ‘Plus’ in the name highlights the need to apply the product ‘Plus’ a DMI mixing partner for resistance management. However, the ‘Plus’ could also refer to more yield, because that’s what growers can expect with Elatus Plus, according to Syngenta.

“Elatus Plus is one of those products that really stands out in the field,” says Syngenta territory manager Sam Livesey. “In over 25 replicated trials in New Zealand over the past six seasons, Elatus Plus has consistently performed better than comparison fungicides, giving longer lasting green leaf area and superior control of rust and Septoria.”

“It’s really great to be able to bring a new fungicide to the market that offers growers such visible benefits over existing products. We have seen Elatus Plus treated crops stay noticeably greener for 10 weeks after application to the flag leaf, with corresponding yield increases.”

There is a well-known link between green leaf area (GLA) and yield. By extending the duration of GLA from the point of flag leaf emergence, an additional yield of 150 kg/ha/day can be achieved.

The confidence Syngenta has in the performance of Elatus Plus is backed by extensive local and global research over the past 11 years.

This includes biokinetic studies and microscopy work by Syngenta scientists to understand how Septoria and rust can impact yield by causing damage inside the plant before signs of damage can be seen on the leaf surface.

This work has reinforced the benefit of using Elatus Plus in a preventative fungicide programme at both T1 and T2 (Flag leaf) to get on

top of Septoria and rust before the damage is done.

“We have seen significant benefits mixing Elatus Plus with a full one litre per hectare rate of epoxiconazole compared to lower rates, and we expect this to be the most likely mixing partner for Elatus Plus. However, we have also had excellent results mixing Elatus Plus with 600-800 ml/ha of prothioconazole, or one litre/ha of the prothioconazole/tebuconazole mixture, so the choice is really up to the grower.”

Syngenta recommend the use of Amistar air induction nozzles for Elatus Plus, using water rates of 100-150 litres/ha. The Amistar nozzle is designed to counter the forward speed of the sprayer, resulting in improved plant coverage and better penetration of spray into the crop, compared to flat fan nozzles. This means more chemical reaching lower leaves three and four, where Septoria can spread from to infect the all-important flag leaf.

“Amistar® nozzles have been shown to increase yields by up to 0.5 t/ha over standard flat fan nozzles.

If you combine this with the yield benefits of Elatus Plus, it’s a very exciting prospect,” says Livesey.

Amistar nozzles can be purchased from Syngenta resellers for $12.95 plus GST each. They are also available free from Syngenta to growers who purchase qualifying amounts of Elatus Plus or other Syngenta crop protection products.

Elatus Plus is packed in 10 litre containers with a use rate of 750 ml/ha (plus a DMI). It is approved for wheat with a withholding period of 42 days for grain, and 28 days for silage.

For more information on Elatus Plus or Amistar nozzles visit www. syngenta.co.nz, or visit the Syngenta stand at the FAR conference.

Advertising feature

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 1 - Rust in wheat leaf, five days after infection - Untreated.

Figure 2 - Septoria in wheat leaf, 20 days after infection – Untreated.

Figure 3 - Healthy wheat leaf – Treated with Elatus Plus.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Figure 3

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18 2

Farming

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The answer is in the soil ...

Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

Climate change, or climate disruption, is now not a matter of if but when. The Government’s Greenhouse Gas Inventory shows New Zealand will release about 647.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions between 2013 and 2020, which is 137 million tonnes more than we are allowed under the Kyoto Protocol.

Serious amounts of carbon (about half to two-thirds) have been lost from our soils in the processes of cultivation, burning and removal of native vegetation cover. The agricultural sector continues to dominate New Zealand’s emissions and is responsible for nearly 48 per cent of emissions. Emissions from the sector have increased by 16 per cent since 1990 – largely due to dairy expansion and the clearing of forests.

Agricultural emissions are indeed an issue – but agriculture can also be one of the answers. Carbon sequestration (storage) in the soil is a very undervalued and overlooked method of removing carbon from the atmosphere and at the same time it can rejuvenate our soils and provide top-quality grass-fed meat, milk and other products. Carbon storage from forestry and tree crops such as fruit and nuts are another major source of high quality products.

Carbon in the soil comes in many forms: organic matter from crop residues, old leaves and grass stalks, manure,

Long-term pasture can store large amounts of carbon – one of the ways we can remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

roots (especially from deeprooting species), and fungi and bacteria that are associated with these roots. (Soil organic matter is about 60 per cent carbon.)

According to the former Australian chief scientist, Robin Batterham, carbon in the soil is “a saviour”.

Deliberately farming to increase the level of carbon in the soil can have a big impact on global warming, and improve water quality and restore marginal land.

Specifically, what should farmers do? Many farmers are already using many of the recommended methods for increasing organic matter in the soil: practices such as conservation tillage with cover

crops and crop residue mulch, applying compost and manure, and minimising cultivation.

A major method that is overlooked in our modern agricultural setting is the use of long-term pasture with deep-rooting species.

Ryegrass is well known to be shallow-rooted and shortlived; tall fescue, cocksfoot and lucerne, and herbs such as chicory, are very deep rooting and can sequester much greater amounts of carbon, especially if the grazing regime allows long recovery times.

Clovers and lucerne fix nitrogen and so reduce the need for soluble fertilisers (another source of greenhouse gases).

Old-fashioned deeprooting species also have the advantage of being much more resilient to drought and insect attack, and provide a better range of minerals.

They have complex interactions with soil fungi and bacteria which hold large amounts of carbon. And the more carbon in the soil, the more nitrogen is stored.

Pasture renewal without spraying or cultivation is achievable by using the animals’ hooves to trample in clover and herb seed. The best time to do this is in spring, when the pasture can be hard grazed. The soil underneath remains undisturbed and so does not lose moisture or organic matter and a season is

not lost while the paddock is re-sown. All methods of soil carbon sequestration (storage) need to be encouraged at the highest level of government and farmer organisations.

It’s urgent that we address greenhouse gases and this type of agriculture (as well as forestry) can make a big difference to our emissions.

It also addresses some of the other issues we face, such as water and fertiliser use, and provides us with top-quality grass-fed products for which the world is willing to pay a premium.

And next time someone tells you that meat is bad for the environment, tell them grassfed meat is the way to store carbon and save the world!

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19

Century farm families honoured Over 240 people gathered in Lawrence recently for the 11th New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards honouring 36 families who have farmed their land for 100 years or more.

Farming families arrived from all over New Zealand to commemorate those who had gone before them, share stories, and celebrate each other’s dedication, perseverance and success over 100-plus years of farming. Six families received sesquicentennial awards.

Associate Minister for Primary Industries Louise Upston honoured their significant achievements by formally presenting the families with distinctive bronze plaques and certificates to display on their properties.

From a farming family herself, the minister understood and recognised the hardship and perseverance experienced by the families present and their forebears to reach such an important milestone.

It was an especially poignant occasion with NZCFSA honouring its patron, the late Russell Brown who had passed away a few weeks ago. In an emotional address, chairman Symon Howard noted that Brown was the New Zealand founder of the awards, having heard about the initiative from American visitors.

Over the years Brown had been a strong supporter of the event and the region as a whole, treating the community and the organisations he was involved in like his extended family. There was also much joy and laughter throughout the night.

The Allan family of Oamaru were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the same night, with Bob Allan acknowledging he was wearing the same tie as he had

Roseveare family from Clinton celebrating 115 years.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Matthews family from Northland celebrating 177 years on the same farm.

worn on his wedding day.

Howard was pleased with how the weekend went.

“Families always enjoy the awards dinner, it’s often a very emotional evening as the significance of getting to such an incredible milestone really hits home.”

This year the organisation introduced a very successful welcome function on the Friday night giving an

extended opportunity for the families to meet and get to know each other.

“The Friday night event was an added bonus – and of course they got to spend more time in Lawrence meeting the locals and exploring the region. Everything combined made for a very special weekend”.

NZCFSA’s purpose is to capture and preserve the

Sesquicentennial awardees, Deborah and Peter Jackson, vineyard owners from Marlborough.

Cromwell orchard owners, the Webb family receiving their centenary award.

family history which might otherwise be lost through the generations.

Families submit narratives of their farm history, together with copies of related photographs and supporting documents which are then archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, ensuring all records are kept in perpetuity.

Over 400 families from

throughout New Zealand have now received awards.

Applications are now open for the 2017 year and any families that have owned their farms since 1917 or earlier are encouraged to apply.

Closing deadline for applications is November 30.

Further information, including application forms, can be found at www. centuryfarms.co.nz

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21

Watering at the push of a button

Hamish with one of his irrigators.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Growsmart Precision VRI with FieldNET is the ultimate add-on for easy and cost efficient irrigation, Maniototo sheep and beef farmer Hamish Mackenzie says.

“It’s simple, easy to use and gives you heaps of flexibility. I can sort and upload a watering plan and set it going at the push of a button,” Hamish says.

At Kyeburn Station, an extensive 3300ha sheep and beef property, 260ha of flats are irrigated. Half the area is watered by a 570 meter Zimmatic centre-pivot. It was installed with Growsmart Precision VRI in 2015 and in November 2016 was upgraded with FieldNET, a remote communication tool making it possible to control Growsmart Precision VRI from any internet-capable device. The limited cell phone coverage means Hamish is not set up for complete remote control but FieldNET has given him greater flexibility over irrigation. And he says the new updated system is far superior to its predecessor.

“I do all of my irrigation plans on the home computer. If we had reliable cell phone coverage I’d be able to send them remotely to the pivot but because we don’t I put them on a memory stick which I then plug into the pivot panel of the irrigator. It’s

really simple and straightforward.”

This season the pivot watered 37ha of Relish red clover-based pasture; 28ha of lucerne; 12ha of barley; 17ha of swedes; and 7ha fodder beet. The patchwork of different crops, each with different watering requirements throughout the season could have made irrigation planning and management a headache. But the combination of Growsmart VRI and FieldNET made it surprisingly straightforward.

“You can add in as many different fields as needed, and alter the watering rates on each or keep them out of the rotation as required. That’s the beauty of VRI and FieldNET, it’s so easy to alter things.”

Installation of FieldNET was about $1000 on top of the Growsmart VRI but he reckons he’s easily recouped the cost – and saved water. Efficient use of water is a number one priority given the region’s 500mm annual rainfall and extended summer dry periods.

Water is taken from the Kyeburn River, from a main race which Hamish shares with four farms. He has a 52l/s allocation but over the last year the combination of Growsmart Precision VRI and FieldNET has reduced pivot water use to about 43l/s.

WE MAKE IRRIGATION THIS SIMPLE

“I’ve been able to cut back the percentage flow through the pivot in summer and we’ve been able to use the extra if needed for k-line irrigation. Also we’ve saved money because we’re not having to pump as much water and we don’t need as much pressure.”

Irrigation development at Kyeburn Station started after completion of tenure review in 2009.

“We surrendered 4700ha of hill country to the Crown in 2009 so we had to intensify what we were doing.”

The goal was to maintain the same number of stock units by ramping up production on flat country. They purchased some neighbouring land that was irrigated, and added another 100ha pivot. There is now 260ha under irrigation, of that 180ha is covered by two Zimmatic pivots, one of which has Growsmart Precision VRI and FieldNET. “I will sometime in the future retro fit the older Zimmatic pivot with Growsmart Precision VRI as well. I think it’s really important given the push by regional councils to encourage farmers to use less water and become smarter with how they irrigate.”

Advertising feature

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This amount of control makes improving the sustainability of your operation effortless, so you can spend less time in the field, giving you more time for what matters.

CALL YOUR LOCAL ZIMMATIC® DEALER TO MAKE IRRIGATION CHILD’S PLAY! 0800 438 627 • growsmartvri.com

ZIMMATIC, FIELDNET AND GROWSMART ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE LINDSAY CORPORATION. © 2017 LINDSAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

22 2

Farming

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WELL DRILLING FEATURE

What if your well dries up?

Groundwater levels are very low this summer, because we’ve had three consecutive winters with little rainfall to replenish the aquifers.

It is the responsibility of the well owner to ensure that their well is deep enough to get water in the driest of years, or to make arrangements for alternate supplies in those very dry years.

If you need to have your well deepened, you’ll have to find a well driller. For a shortterm water supply, you can use the services of registered water carriers.

Why can farmers still irrigate when private shallow wells are drying up?

Many irrigators are allowed to continue irrigating.

Their consents are not tied to groundwater levels, but instead are managed by annual allocation volumes. As long as they don’t take more than their consented annual volume, they are allowed to irrigate no matter how low groundwater levels go.

Drilling a well in Canterbury no longer requires a resource consent, in most

Ashburton Guardian Option3 250mm x 88mm

cases. Installing a bore or gallery is a permitted activity if the work is done my a member of the CRC bore installers programme and all other conditions of the Land and Water Regional Plan are met.

Installation of a bore does not authorise the taking or use of water. It is drilling client’s responsibility to check the requirements for taking water from their bore and to apply for a resource consent if required.

“

NIWA has also recently released its autumn summary

Environment Canterbury should be the first port of call for advice.

If your well is low, don’t be relying on rainfall this winter to recharge it.

NIWA’s meteorologists are forecasting above average or near average winter

temperatures for all regions of New Zealand; there will be a few storms and good snowfalls though. The climate organisation’s outlook is predicting that from June into July, frequent high pressure systems may contribute to extended periods of dry and settled weather across much of the country. At the same time, warm Tasman Sea surface temperatures may help to energise storms as they head toward the country from time to time.

NIWA has also recently released its autumn summary and May summary. It was the wettest autumn on record for parts of the North Island, and rainfall was well above normal for parts of the northern and eastern South Island, including coastal Canterbury, however for Mid Canterbury soils were drier than normal at the end of autumn.

The eastern side of the South Island mostly experienced near or below average temperatures. May temperatures were below average for eastern and inland parts of the South Island.

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WELL DRILLING FEATURE

23

Making your well an asset to your farm After many years working in Australia, contracting to mining giants like Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, the Barber Well Drilling team have quickly become leaders in dual-rotary drilling in the South Island, answering the call for straight wells that provide a long well life.

Established in 2001 and based in Geraldine. Bruce and Wayne lead an exceptional drilling team who, with a wealth of drilling experience, bring an abundance of skills and expertise to South Island farmers.

Demand for well maintenance and old well redevelopment is increasing as regulatory costs increase to control demand.

Barber Drilling can video and test existing wells, and find ways to help farmers bring old wells back into use again.

These services include: down hole video, well monitoring and flow testing equipment for ECan consents, well redevelopment, advice and problem solving.

Barber Well Drilling pride

Drilling in South Canterbury.

themselves on their very high standard of efficiency, meaning less breakdowns and inconveniences for the farmer.

“

PHOTO SUPPLIED

test developing pumping and confirmation of water volume being accessed. “Our method of testing is to the highest

to maintain reliability and productivity,” says Wayne.

“It’s our ability to provide advice and be involved in

Our method of testing is to the highest standard to ensure customer satisfaction, and we specialise in test pumping and well performance in older bores to maintain reliability and productivity

Barber Well Drilling operates three rigs for drilling and screening bores and another rig specialises in

standard to ensure customer satisfaction, and we specialise in test pumping and well performance in older bores

problem solving onsite with our clients that sees us currently booked three months in advance.”

“Our dual-rotary drilling rig is designed to prevent sticking or breaking in your well. We can drill to a depth of 300m with well diameters from 150mm to 400mm.” says managing director Wayne O’Donnell.

Barber Drilling uses only thick-wall steel which doesn’t buckle, so your well stays straighter, giving you a better quality long-life well.

While much of their work involves 300 mm bores and big pumps that drive huge pivot irrigators they also do a lot of 150 mm bores for stock, domestic lifestyle blocks, and dairy sheds. Barber Well Drilling has also been involved in the drilling of monitoring wells for ECan during the past 12 years.

When you use Barber Drilling to drill your water well, you can be reassured that you have chosen Canterbury’s most experienced, well trained team of professional drillers, whose knowledge of local conditions will ensure that your new water well is an asset to your farm.

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24 2

Farming

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WELL DRILLING FEATURE

Family owned and operated Smiths Welldrilling is a family owned and operated business based in Leeston.

Owner Barry Kewish has over 20 years’ experience with water wells in the Canterbury area and his knowledge of drilling, well repairs and maintenance, pump systems and installation, equipment, Maintenance and Engineering skills are invaluable.

Cathy Kewish is in charge of the office and admin side of the company and, with our close-knit group of employees, we can offer over 55 years experience to help with all your needs.

We have been operating in the water well business since 1961 and specialise in domestic, stockwater, dairy and Irrigation wells. We also supply and install pump systems. This makes life much easier for clients, as we can advise on the best pump options once the well is drilled and then complete the entire job in one instance or in stages to suit your needs.

We have both rotary and cable tool drilling rigs to cover all requirements.

We are able to offer a selection of different brands of pumps from surface types to submersible pumps along with pressures pump and tank systems.

Smiths Welldrilling are also agents for Devan Water Storage Tanks which are an excellent brand with a 20-year guarantee and free delivery to your site in the South Island.

With irrigation wells, we not only drill the well but also undertake the step and constant pump testing and monitoring per Environment Canterbury requirements.

This involves working with the clients, consultants and ECan. We have a full selection of electronic loggers and flow meters to monitor your well plus other neighbouring wells for any water level fluctuations to enable the most accurate data to be taken and processed for consents.

We also specialise in well maintenance. This normally involves lifting pumps in the winter and compressing wells to ensure they will be up to optimum performance for the irrigation season.

We advise this to be done on

a regular basis to ensure your pump is kept in good condition as they are a very expensive item to replace.

Too often we see pumps in a very worn state due to lack of maintenance.

The last few years we have been called out to “fish” irrigation pumps from the bottom of wells where they have broken off Riser pipe and fallen. This is a very tricky exercise and another reason for checking your gear in the winter.

We can offer a same-day emergency well/pump repair

service if required, no matter how big or small and are often called out at weekends.

Loan pumps can be installed while your own pump is being assessed.

So whether it is residential, lifestyle or irrigation, we can take you from the bore permit application through to the pump system ready for final connection, can be contacted seven days a week and offer free site visits to discuss your requirements.

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www.guardianonline.co.nz

25

Serious nutrient budgeting I must say time and time again during the past couple of years this topic comes up and someone asks “what’s the N loss on this property?”

So of course we go to the vendor and say we need a Farm Environment Plan and an Overseer Budget and of course a base line number based on 2009-2013 years inputs and unfortunately a large number of farmers reply with “oh, I haven’t worried about any of that s….”. “Do I really need that to sell my farm?”

It never ceases to amaze me how many of our farmers still have their heads in the sand and, like ostriches, if you put your head in the sand the bit that’s left up in the air is very vulnerable, say no more!

However I do understand how they feel, mainly because the rules seem to keep changing and of course when something costs between $4000 and $5000 and you feel you don’t need it today the feeling does become why spend the money.

Someone will bang on my door when I have to have it.

Chris Murdoch

This whole issue really is an ongoing story that won’t go away and neither should it.

We are only the guardians of this land and we need to hand it on in better condition than we bought it.

A couple of days ago I was talking to a dairy farmer and we were discussing N leaching etc and he made the comment that the soil type

his farm is located on was a good Lismore Silt Loam and the water holding ability and therefore N leaching measurements were based on this, however he has been dairy farming this land for the past 20 years and the depth, quality and water holding ability of his farm is totally different (for the better) than it was when he

first purchased the property way back then.

Surely, he said, if you are going to put N leaching restrictions on me you need to re-test the farm’s ability to hold water and therefore to leach N into the water table because the way it is now it appears his land is measured as though it has been a sheep farm for the past 20 years.

PROPERTY BROKERS

I guess what I’m trying to say is everyone is yet to get on board the nitrate leaching ship but definitely will need to before she sails!

But also the science and technology need to improve greatly and more research is necessary to achieve the results that are required without bankrupting every farmer in the process.

TRUE TEAM

GUARANTEE

26 2

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Water solutions for the Canterbury South Canterbury man Denzil Paterson takes a keen interest in water issues.

Seventy per cent of the irrigated land in New Zealand is in Canterbury, which has been struggling to supply water for key industries.

It seems Canterbury is consistently in drought these days.

The water shortage is cause for great concern and is only going to get worse unless drastic action is taken soon.

Canterbury rivers are quickly becoming toxic and water levels are steadily declining.

It’s clear that water is a valuable resource and we need to treat its conservancy with great care.

Clearly, we are using more water in Canterbury than our aquifers and rivers can cope with supplying so it makes sense to seek alternate sources of water supply.

The West Coast is renowned for torrential rainfall and has water to spare. In the 1960s, a feasibility study was commissioned with a view to diverting water from the West Coast to Canterbury.

Bores were excavated and plans drawn to build a tunnel to bring water from the coast.

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Southern Alps in order to obtain water for Canterbury.

This was put on the backburner when the Green Party raised concerns over

Maori attitudes towards river water.

Should these plans once again be reconsidered, Maori would need to be consulted

www.guardianonline.co.nz

27

Plains

WIKIPEDIA

South Canterbury man Denzil Paterson has been looking at how the Limon Dam in South America uses water supplied by an underground tunnel. The tunnel takes water from a traditionally wet area to a dry one.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

regarding the removal of water from West Coast rivers.

Those consultations will need to be done respectfully and inclusively and in a manner

which clearly shows the opportunities which would be open to Maori.

A similar project was built in the early 1800s in Hawaii, when

Chinese labourers were used to dig tunnels by hand through mountains on the island of Oahu in order to divert water to where it was needed.

The Otira Rail Tunnel, one of our greatest engineering endeavours, provides river to river connections, but it slopes from the high point in the east to a low point in the west.

For a gravity fed water tunnel to be effective in supplying water to Canterbury, it would need to slope the opposite way, rising in the west, lowering in the east.

Wind turbines or a hydro scheme could be utilised to assist gravity in diverting water to Canterbury.

New Zealand has considerable experience in building water management systems, with the string of dams on the Waitaki just one of the major projects undertaken since the 1960s.

In 2001, Fletcher Challenge completed work on a 10km water tunnel in Manapouri, taking only 33 months to build it. I believe the potential exists for there to be a symbiotic relationship with the West

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Coast. If the water tunnel has a built-in road component, this could be used to transport West Coast goods to East Coast ports. It could also easily transport tourists to West Coast attractions.

If a dam needs to be built in conjunction with the tunnel, this could form the basis of a cost effective source of hydroelectricity for East and West Coasters alike.

There is no doubt that a project of this scale would be costly but so would the ultimate and inevitable failure of the Canterbury water supply, which would not only be costly, but devastating to many Canterbury industries. I believe the time to act is now.

Every year our rivers become emptier, our soil becomes drier and our farms are already continually battling drought conditions. There is no magic want to stop this happening so the sensible approach would be to have a contingency plan and my suggestion is to build a hydro tunnel through the Southern Alps.

Why wait until the situation is untenable?

The Limon Dam, part of the Olmos Transandio Project, is an under construction multi-purpose concrete-face rock-fill embankment dam on the Huancabamba River in northwestern Peru, located to the south of Guabal.

When completed, the project will help produce 4000 gigawatt-hours (14,000 TJ) of electricity per year and transfer water from the Cajamarca region west to Lambayeque, near Olmos for the reclamation and irrigation of 43,500 hectares of farmland.

The greatest feature and engineering challenge of the project was digging the 20km trans-Andean tunnel as it connects the Atlantic side of the Andes (Amazon basin) with the Pacific side.

The Olmos Irrigation Project is the largest of seven irrigation projects in Peru.

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28 2

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

TREE MAINTENANCE FEATURE

Shady trees under fire Getting every farmer with trees that shade roads in winter to trim those trees is a long process for the Ashburton District Council.

While smaller trees might only need to be cut back by a metre others needed to be reduced by a significant amount before they complied with council

regulations, says roading manager Brian Fauth.

“A large percentage have already been cut back but we’re still working with some property owners and in some cases this might take two to three years to get them down to the required height,” he said.

Large shelterbelt trees can shade rural roads,

making them icy and dangerous in winter.

Gritting shade-affected roads reduces the ice hazard, but is a growing cost with about $200,000 spent on gritting rural roads in 2015.

Trimming or removing troublesome trees can help prevent accidents and also remove potential problems

with power lines.

Overgrown trees can cause lines to clash or break, interrupting power supply and causing serious risk of electrocution or fire.

EA Networks has a tree department that is qualified to trim or remove trees near power lines, and can fell problem

trees to prevent continual interruptions.

Qualified arborists and professional tree trimmers are a good choice for those needing to cut back tall trees or shelterbelts.These guys make sure your trees are healthy and will live longer, and get rid of damaged branches and remove dead limbs.

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We supply logs to domestic sawmills and have access to log export markets through both Timaru and Lyttleton.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

TREE MAINTENANCE FEATURE

29

Hitting the bullseye Kieran Melville doesn’t miss his old job as a tiler. He’s been logging and providing firewood for people around Mid Canterbury for five years and loves working in the outdoors with his chainsaw and the people he meets.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m here to make a living. But that’s just a small part of it.

I enjoy building relationships and meeting new clients.

There’s something quite satisfying knowing I leave a logging site tidy and provide a good amount of firewood at a reasonable price.

“The end goal is to build a respected name for myself based on the hard work I do and how clean we leave the site.”

Melville was working as a contract bushman before he bought Elite Firewood and its gear from Tim Boyd this year; he also trades on Facebook as Bullseye Tree Felling.

“Before then it was just me, a chainsaw and my 4x4 travelling around as a contract bushman logging for other crews. It’s a big step going from gun for hire to a logging

contractor.”

But things have fallen into place, with help and support from those around him and Melville says the business is starting to take off and run smoothly.

“Being self-employed has its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s tough starting out on your own but if you put your head down, focus and work hard, it all pays off in the end.

“Ashburton has a great rural community. People tend to be fairly supportive of the smaller outfits and guys who are just starting out, especially if you’re seen to be a hard worker and have drive.”

Melville said he travelled all over the South Island competing for work as a floor and wall tiler. Selling firewood in the beginning gave him an opening to find income that was closer to home.

CONTRACTING LTD

He was raised on a five-acre block in New South Wales, across the ditch, but didn’t touch a chainsaw until his late 20s. “Most of the skills I have now, I’ve picked up from talking to and working with other guys over the past few years.

“I enjoy the chainsaw work the most. Whether it’s manually felling trees, making saw logs for export or just cutting firewood, I realised

very quickly when I first started making wood chips that it’s addictive.”

He says providing a personalised service is easy.

“Ultimately it all comes down to communication.

Listen to what people want and if we can’t provide to the letter, we simply work out a compromise instead.

Everything is negotiable if you have the right attitude.

“The best tip I could give someone considering using a service in my industry is to shop around and try to learn about what you’re getting into and with who. Talk to previous clients and see what they have to say, often good things take time to spread whereas bad reputations go far, quickly.”

The most satisfying part of his work is doing the firewood.

“We leave very little to waste by making use of all the log offcuts and seeking the look on our clients’ faces or even getting a thank you message after we tip the wood off always give a nice feeling.”

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www.guardianonline.co.nz

31

Rural schools are reducing waste A growing number of schools around Ashburton District are embracing co-mingled recycling with support from Ashburton District Council.

Being able to use one bin for mixed clean recyclable materials including cardboard, paper, plastic containers (apart from polystyrene) and aluminium and steel cans makes recycling easier in addition to reducing waste to landfill.

Ashburton Christian School principal Tim Kuipers says the co-mingled bin for mixed recycling has simplified the collection of recycling so much that it has significantly reduced rubbish at the school.

Hinds School School secretary Brigit Murphy reports that they have found co-mingled recycling is more efficient, tidier and cleaner as well as a lot more cost effective for their school.

Lauriston School principal Donna Reader says the children are now doing the recycling across the school.

This has made recycling so much easier as previously teachers had to take the

Sheryl Stivens

ECO EFFICIENCY

time to take recycling to either Rakaia, Methven or Ashburton in their own time.

Carew Peel Forest principal Kay Ward says the new system has streamlined recycling and made it far easier for the children to manage and get to know what is recyclable.

Being 35km from town the staff previously had to take their own recycling to town. Having the bin picked up saved a shed full of stuff and is so much less time consuming.

For me personally it is so good to see children across our district learning life-long lessons about recycling and reducing waste.

Most cities in the world now have co-mingled recycling using one bin for mixed

materials and this is the way forward to deal with the huge range of materials that now find their way into our homes, schools and businesses.

On farms having one comingled bin for recycling alongside a waste skip saves valuable time and reduces rubbish and pollution from burning or burying precious resources.

Co-mingled recycling in the large yellow lidded bins has increased recycling volumes at the Methven Community

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Recycling Depot by 55 per cent and made recycling easier at other community recycling depots and increasing numbers of schools around Ashburton District.

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Farming

32 2

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Targeting growth and fairness Maurice Myers

KPMG

Finance Minister Steven Joyce presented his budget to Parliament on 25 May 2017, it was clearly aimed at keeping the economy growing and maintaining the governments’ consistent policy of providing a suitable framework and initiatives to promote business growth and innovation.

He announced a billion dollar targeted assistance programme for trade, innovation, tourism, infrastructure and the film industry.

Mid Canterbury enjoys significant tourist spend and it will be interesting to see how the trickle-down theory will benefit the region.

The big ticket item, was the upgrading of New Zealand’s infrastructure with the

Government committing $4 billion in new infrastructure spending. Of primary interest to our region is the $9.17 billion committed over the next four years for a roading “spruce up”.

Within a week of this budget it appears unfortunately that the Tinwald Bridge was yet again shunted out into the nonforeseeable future.

Pressure, pressure and more pressure is absolutely imperative if we are to have State Highway 1 flowing freely.

Mid Canterbury has also enjoyed the benefit of a significant increase in motorhome and campervan traffic, and in order to cope with the forecasted significant increase in tourism, further funding has been allocated for freedom camping facilities, parks and public toilets.

It is hoped that we will share in those spoils as well.

The highlight of the Finance Minister’s announcements was, of course, to the proposed tax cuts, changes to the

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Students have also not

been forgotten, with the accommodation benefit rates for students being increased by up to $20 a week with approximately 41,000 students to benefit from this particular change.

No doubt the government have done their figures and will be acutely aware that any increase in the net incomes of Kiwis through tax cuts is likely to flow its way back into the tax system with more GST receivable on private

spending – a win/win situation you might say.

The Inland Revenue Department have announced the 2017 Herd Scheme Values.

As expected, the values have increased this season to illustrate: A farmer with a herd of 750 cows will see a tax free increase of the herd’s value of approximately $220,000. The sheep and beef values have risen on average 10-12 per cent across the board.

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www.guardianonline.co.nz

33

The following table highlights the trend over the last five years.

Type of livestock Sheep

Classes of livestock

Average market value per head

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Ewe hoggets

109.00

92.00

88.00

94.00

78.00

Ram and wether hoggets

103.00

84.00

83.00

90.00

69.00

Two tooth ewes

150.00

133.00

126.00

131.00

121.00

Mixed age ewes

131.00

117.00

113.00

118.00

102.00

Rising 5 year and older ewes

110.00

96.00

90.00

101.00

82.00

86.00

68.00

73.00

79.00

63.00

Mixed age wethers

Beef cattle

Dairy cattle

Breeding rams

349.00

304.00

253.00

257.00

273.00

Rising 1 year heifers

824.00

726.00

607.00

506.00

456.00

Rising 2 year heifers

1171.00

1079.00

940.00

799.00

724.00

Mixed age cows

1431.00

1273.00

1171.00

986.00

872.00

Rising 1 year steers and bulls

986.00

842.00

706.00

614.00

546.00

Rising 2 year steers and bulls

1325.00

1229.00

1104.00

933.00

837.00

Rising 3 year and older steers and bulls

1614.00

1468.00

1376.00

1145.00

1048.00

Breeding bulls

3095.00

2571.00

2293.00

2031.00

2098.00

819.00

530.00

681.00

946.00

892.00

Rising 1 year heifers Rising 2 year heifers

1421.00

1071.00

1324.00

1616.00

1560.00

Mixed age cows

1649.00

1356.00

1655.00

1963.00

1873.00

Rising 1 year steers and bulls

713.00

615.00

501.00

442.00

442.00

Rising 2 years steers and bulls

1091.00

1003.00

900.00

780.00

736.00

Rising 3 year and older steers and bulls

1356.00

1295.00

1177.00

1040.00

1007.00

Breeding bulls

1887.00

1607.00

1641.00

1398.00

1337.00

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34 2

Farming

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High performance agriculture High performance agriculture is defined as allowing plants to express in full, their inherent genetic potential by providing nutrition and the environment they need in a sustainable way.

To achieve high performance a soil should be composed of 45 per cent minerals, 5 per cent humus, 25 per cent water and 25 per cent air. This is achieved by a balanced mineral application determined by a soil audit for each particular soil. It’s the chemical make-up of that soil which determines the physical structure, the correct physical structure provides an environment for the biology.

It’s the biology that provides the foundation for soil health by having adequate mineral nutrition, in a form readily available to plants, supplied by an active soil microbial community.

The key to plant production and the concept to grasp is when we provide a plant with greater levels of nutrition, the performance of these plants is greatly increased.

It all starts with photosynthesis, absorbing

water from the soil, CO2 from the air and through a catabolic process with sunlight energy forms carbohydrates (sugars) inside the leaves of green plants.

The Australian soil ecologist Dr Christine Jones termed this the liquid carbon pathway, (liquid carbon is basically dissolved sugars. Sugars are formed in plant chloroplasts during photosynthesis. Some of the sugars are used for growth and some are exuded into soil by plant roots to support the microbes involved

in nutrient acquisition).

This microbial support is also required to improve soil structure, increase macro and micronutrient availabilities and enhance soil waterholding capacity.

Anything we can do to increase the plants’ photosynthesis capacity will increase the plants’ energy.

Photosynthetic capacity is derived relative to (A) balanced mineral nutrition and (B) the micro-biology content, in the soil.

Nitrogen fixation depends

on energy efficiency.

It takes a lot of energy and requires a lot of sugars from photosynthesis and minerals, which means tuning the entire system by improving first sulphur, boron, silicon then calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as enzymatic co-factors – zinc, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum and cobalt.

Many of these elements are essential for resistance to pest and diseases and the resilience to climatic extremes such as drought or frosts.

A lot of chemicals and fertilisers are counterproductive to producing humus.

The application of large quantities of inorganic N, as found in urea, MAP and DAP, can compromise the effective system of producing N in the soil.

In addition, large quantities of water-soluble P, such as that found in superphosphate, MAP and DAP, compromises the symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which are essential for maximising the ability of plants to obtain

water nitrogen and minerals from the soil.

We must comprehend two important facts, (A) that the activity of the microbial life in the soil along with the process of photosynthesis in plants is solely responsible for directly or indirectly supplying the world food supply (B) that many of the traditional farming practises (that formerly were called best managements practices) are detrimental to that biology.

Tillage, glyphosate, chemicals, synthetic fertilisers, seed treatments, mono pasture species, are all contributing too most of the issues and problems that’s facing agriculture environmental and sustainability today.

The greatest road block in solving a problem is the human mind. Many conventional farmers are making really significant strides in sustainability, but many farmers are persisting with a farming system that’s failing them.

A system approach to problem solving in agriculture.

The Answer, Truly Lies in The Soil

RU

C TU

R E

MINERALS

ST IT U TR N

Don Hart 027 432 0187 or 03 302 8191 Lydia-Beth Gundry 027 698 9907

ENVIRONMENT

WEEDS, PEST, DISEASE

IN

Top Soils can x your whole farm!

FIXING SOILS

TE O PR

ANIMAL, CROP HUMAN HEALTH

TOTAL SOIL FERTILITY SOLUTIONS

BIOLOGICAL FARMING AND SOIL FERTILITY CONSULTANTS:

IO N

NITROGEN

TRACE MINERALS

To o s

S

PHYSICAL

top soils - ?

N LEACHING ENVIRONMENTAL

The added benets: Protability Sustainability Meet environmental goals

EFFLUENT PONDS

.

H P.

No compromises: Produce record yields Reduce chemical and pesticide use Decrease weeds and diseases

FIX

GRASS PASTURE CROPS

To o s TOTAL SOIL FERTILITY SOLUTIONS

BIOLOGICAL

Top Soils are demonstrating, by xing soils using the Kinsey-Albrecht system of soil fertility, it is possible to reduce articial Nitrogen applications up to 200%.

NG BY FIXIN ARMI GS F G OI N I L CHEMISTRY

www.guardianonline.co.nz

I have mentioned a lot about changing farming systems, what do I mean?

We have to shift from a farming system focusing on only production and yield to a farming system focusing on quality, protein and stewardship, benefitting the environment and sustainability by apply systems thinking to what you are doing.

Our food systems are complex, how I farm and what I produce doesn’t just affect us personally but effects our environment and human health, political stability and ultimately the stabilisation of our planet is important.

The quality of food that we are producing is having a dramatic effect on the health of the nation and its repercussion on the economy from both medical and economic measure are reaching epidemic proportions, and will continue unless we change.

Taking a system approach for problem solving is a valuable tool of how to make our farming more resilient and profitable.

System thinking makes us think about what we are doing, which is not always pleasant.

Most of us have been raised as linear thinkers, we have been taught to see a direct absolute relationship between cause and effect.

An example of linear thinking, for lack of grass, is applying more urea, or spraying a weed or pest rather than understanding and changing the environment which created the problem in the first place.

A system thinking approach takes the relationship between a problem and its cause.

Asking why, instead of how, makes us really think about what we are doing, and it’s that thinking that can lead to long-term sustainable solutions with minimal unintended consequences.

Animal health issues and

35

deficiencies therefore are a reflection on the mineral content of the soil. And if minerals are needed to be added to supplemental feed to keep animals alive and to support and maintain production, then it’s a direct indication of mineral or microbial deficiencies in the soil.

Future: On being a plant

“For me, it is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.” - Carl Sagan Until we change the human mind we are not going to change anything.

Healthy soil produces healthy plants but the reverse is also true, healthy plants build healthy soils and it is that environment which determines genetic expression (Epigenetics).

What we are demonstrating is that there are soil fertility systems, able to reduce the artificial nitrogen application on traditional dairy farms by up to 200 per cent without compromising yield and profitability.

On one farm trial over several years we have produced more kgs of milk solids and kgs of DM per ha with half the nitrogen application, and a greater gross margin than a conventional fertiliser system.

On cropping farms, produce record yields, decrease the amount of chemicals, pesticides, weeds and diseases.

All this with added benefit of being profitable, truly sustainable and meeting environmental goals within the 20 kgs /N leaching limit.

So, let the results speak for themselves.

In the end, it’s common sense with good science.

D L Hart, Top Soils, Biological Farming and Soil Fertility Consultant.

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

Contracting available or FOR DRY HIRE.

36 2

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Farmers wrapped to help charity Farmers who used pink bale wrap this season helped raise $20,000 to help those living with incurable breast cancer.

Sweet Louise is New Zealand’s only charity solely dedicated to supporting women (and some men), living with incurable breast cancer and was delighted to receive a cheque for $20,000 recently from agricultural crop packaging company Agpac as a result of their pink bales initiative.

The concept of the pink bales was designed by Agpac to support Sweet Louise and is made up of a contribution from Agpac and the premium that farmers choose to pay to purchase the pink rather than traditional green or white bale wrap. Many Kiwis see these pink bales from the roadside on farms from Cape Reinga in the far North through to Bluff in Southland.

The Pink Bales campaign is in its third year and with the addition of the $20,000, has raised over $68,000 for Sweet Louise.

Sweet Louise CEO Fiona Hatton is delighted with the

“

Sweet Louise CEO Fiona Hatton (left) met with Agpac general manager Chris Dawson recently to receive a cheque for $20,000 for the charity.

The Pink Bales campaign is in its third year and with the addition of the $20,000, has raised over $68,000 for Sweet Louise

PHOTO SUPPLIED

support from the rural sector: “Our charity relies totally on donations and another $20,000 makes the world of difference to our members and their families who are living with incurable breast cancer. We know that many farmers have had tough times themselves recently and we are keen for them to know how grateful we are for their support of this campaign.

“The money raised by Agpac and their farming clients goes a long way to funding the expenses of an additional qualified support co-ordinator.

Part of the support coordinator’s role is to liaise with our 550 members nationwide, getting to know them and their families so that we can offer bespoke services based on our members’ individual needs.”

Examples of support offered to members includes assistance with childcare, housecleaning, gardening, massages, mastectomy underwear, wigs and more.

Agpac general manager Chris Dawson said donations helped Sweet Louise continue its incredible work.

“Asking farmers to pay more for something like silage bales when they are constantly

under pressure to control costs was quite an ask in a tough economic environment.

The generosity of our farming community has been amazing and enables Sweet Louise to continue their incredible work supporting members and their families, and we are thrilled to be part of that.”

As with many innovative Kiwi ideas, the coloured bales concept has since been adopted internationally with colourful, charity silage bales now dotted across fields throughout Europe.

Each year 3000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with breast cancer; for 15-20 per cent it will be incurable.

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