Ashburton Guardian Farming, June 2021

Farming GUARDIAN

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

THE RAW

INSIDE M I D CA N T Y women

in business

TRUTH Pages 3–4

Emmily Harmer Emmily Harmer Photography and Picture Framing When it comes to passion, Emmily Harmer has it in spades.

She’s never happier than when behind a camera, capturing images of families, individuals and people simply being themselves.

From an early age Emmily was fascinated by cameras and the images they could capture but it would take marriage, a move to the country and motherhood before she turned a hobby into a business “I was a town girl who married a country boy and I kept getting told off because, when we were out on the farm, I was always taking photos rather than working,” Emmily said.

Children Madilyn and Flynn, now 10 and eight, provided Emmily with captive subjects but rather than satisfying her need to capture special moments, the birth of her children fuelled her desire to do more with her camera.

About six years ago she decided it was time to establish her own studio in a backroom on West Street. When the opportunity came to take over the entire building, Emmily grabbed it and her business now includes a studio, photo framing business and a street front shop.

“For me it’s important to take the time to build a relationship with people you’re working with. The hair and the make-up, they add to the experience.”

While she prefers to shoot in her studio, she’s happy to travel to locations that may be special to her clients. “ I have quite a few rural families who want photos on trucks or in crops and they’re always a lot of fun.”

She also works on projects for specific events. A series for the suffrage anniversary gave her first large exhibition at the Ashburton Museum.

She followed up with a Faces of Women project and has just completed a series to celebrate EA Networks gym’s fourth birthday.

Those projects are challenging but they’re an incredible opportunity to get to know people, she said.

The next one involves an old chair placed in her studio. She’s capturing images of anyone and everyone sitting in that chair and those photos will become the subjects of her first book.

“I love what I do. When I’m behind the camera I almost feel like a different person.”

While she’s passionate about portraiture, that doesn’t extend

After

to weddings or newborns. They’re specialist fields and Ashburton already has good photographers working in those areas, she said.

“And I wouldn’t have the patience.”

With her framing business Emmily becomes a one- stop-photo-shop.

Currently she loves folio boxes that can contain up to 25 photos and sit on a coffee table or bookshelf.

And she prefers frames to prints on canvas saying there’s no comparison when it comes to quality.

“I’m quite passionate about printing.

You won’t just get a USB from me, you’ll get a professionally printed photo that will last a life time. They’re not just for you, they’re for the future, they’re heirlooms. I want photos to be treasured and kept.”

She admits to being impulsive and said that will see her running a seminar for business women in Ashburton in July next year as part of her Women in Business Facebook group of around 240 women.

Those women have so much potential but many never go to conferences. That, Emmily said, motivated her to bring a conference to them.

“I never think why not, I just do it.”

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN BY EMMILY

She’s self taught but has invested heavily in time and money to hone her skills from the best, attending workshops in Australia and the United States. Currently she works with an American mentor.

Portraits are her first love – families, individuals, it doesn’t matter. What is important is seeing the transformation that happens when she’s behind the lens. It’s all about having fun, getting people to relax and to enjoy what should be a special time, she said.

And Emmily goes out of her way to ensure her clients are relaxed. There’s a hair and make-up studio, rack after rack of clothing if people want to try different styles, and there are always nibbles and refreshments.

Page 45–51

with Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy, VenaSeal and Endovenous Laser.

Before

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Business owner

Farming

2

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

GUARDIAN

EDITORIAL COMMENT

INSIDE

Flooded farmers need support

Guardian Farming is proudly published by the Ashburton Guardian Limited

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

Dairy Focus WED NES

PAGE 8

E 30, 2021 DAY, JUN

TOP COMMUNICATOR

Heather Chalmers

UP FOR THE

CHALLENGE

T PAGE 29

Page 27–28

We appreciate your feedback

FONTERRA’S STRUCTURE

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

Designer Lisa Fenwick Post Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton 7740

PAGE 37 DON’T TAX UTES

RURAL REPORTER

he Canterbury floods showed the full power of Mother Nature.

While for many Canterbury farmers the rainfall was welcome after a particularly dry autumn, for those at its epicentre in the foothills or alongside rivers which burst their banks the damage has been catastrophic and heartbreaking – undoing years of farm development.

An Environment Canterbury rain gauge inland of Mt Somers recorded its largest 48-hour rainfall ever of 526mm, making it a one-in-200-year event.

During the peak of the flooding, river flow meters in the Ashburton River showed a river jumping from six to more than 1500 cumecs (cubic metres per second).

Poor maintenance and a build-up of shingle in the river over the years made the flooding devastation worse, spewing this over surrounding farmland where stopbanks were breached.

Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown has acknowledged that breaches upriver probably saved Ashburton from a breakout closer to the town.

The community response to the flooding has been amazing with the Farmy Army, Student Volunteer Army/Handy Landys, businesses and individuals from around New Zealand turning up in their hundreds to lend their labour and support, some with diggers and tractors.

Some farmers have large parts of their properties covered in sand, silt, shingle, rocks and trees and the bill to clean this up will be substantial and possibly financially crippling.

However, if a stopbank breaches and floods your farm is that your responsibility?

Farmers can insure buildings, but not land.

It is not about subsidising farmers.

If flooding had occurred in Ashburton, Government assistance would have been immediate.

The Government has pledged about $4 million to Mid Canterbury farmers struggling to repair their flood-affected land; farmers say it is not nearly enough.

The $4m should just be the start. ECan and the Government need to front-up with assistance to restore these farms and this needs to be done sooner rather than later to provide these farmers reassurance that they won’t be solely left with the bill.

Take your horse to the next level with The Stable Door Equine

114 Hepburns Road, Allenton, Ashburton | ph 027 220 2249

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10.30am-12.30pm Sonia & Justin Waddell The Stable Door Equine

www.guardianonline.co.nz

3

Plant advocates finding audience Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

T

wo Canterbury siblings are riding a wave of interest in plant-based eating.

Known as the Two Raw Sisters, Rosa and Margo Flanagan are finding themselves fulfilling the need of a growing audience wanting to switch the central focus of their dinner plate away from meat and towards plantbased options.

They are quick to point out they are not preaching some rigid, extreme plant-based diet requiring expensive, hard-to-get ingredients.

Neither are vegan or vegetarian.

“Our goal is simply to change your mindset around how you start your meal. Most people start their meals with meat, and the vegetables are added on as a last-minute, boring side. We challenge you to take on our definition of plant-based. This means starting your meal with your plants, and then adding the meat, dairy, fish, or poultry if you choose.

“Our meaning of Two Raw Sisters is using whole, unprocessed, raw ingredients. In other words, nothing out of a packet and yes, we do cook and use ovens. We don’t just eat carrot sticks.”

Both had personal health journeys which led them to look more closely at nutrition and what they were eating.

Rosa was an elite sportswoman, representing New Zealand in middle distance running. However, overtraining and under-eating and an obsession with her sport at the expense of personal and family life left her depressed and her legs riddled with stress fractures.

Meanwhile, younger sister Margo struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome for five years. “Health professionals were telling me that there was nothing I could do about it.

I went to the United States and learnt about gut health and within three

months my chronic fatigue had largely disappeared.”

The United States trip, in 2017, to a raw/plant-based culinary school in Los Angeles was transforming for the sisters. Both did the two-month course and noticed the positive impact a raw food diet had on their health and wellbeing.

On their return, they immediately held their first culinary workshop with a group of friends at their rural family home near Christchurch. They started supplying cafes and farmers’ markets and writing an e-newsletter. Two Raw Sisters was born.

“Workshops were a stand-out for us as we loved being in front of people and educating them.”

Two Raw Sisters now have their own purpose-built kitchen in central Christchurch where they run workshops and do recipe testing.

They have also authored two cookbooks, which have together sold about 30,000 copies. A just-completed third cookbook will be released in October.

They also have a range of salads branded “Hello Raw” in supermarkets.

“It is amazing how much it has grown in such a short time. It is all a bit of a whirlwind,” the sisters said.

They have 60 people coming to their kitchen each week for workshops and more than 50,000 active followers on social media.

They are also expanding into Australia and online ecommerce with a Two Sisters’ app “which will enable us to grow globally, instantly”.

“Our calendar is filling up quickly.

This can only mean one thing; the demand for more education and recipes around plant-based food is rapidly growing.

“The change to plant based is moving from a niche to a more mainstream way of eating.”

While Rosa is 25 and Margo 22, most people who go to their workshops are aged from 35 to 60 years. “So half are old enough to be our mums.”

When people are asked why they attend the workshops, the feedback is that they are not only focused on their own health and wellbeing, but also their families’. continued over page 4

Here to help ■ Wood Pellet fuels ■ Kindling ■ Domestic and Industrial coals – bagged or bulk ■ Charcoal

Fertilisers ■ Dolomite - AgLime Humates ■ Bio Fertiliser blends ■ Shipped throughout the South Island

I am available to you as a source of information, advocacy, connection and support. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require assistance.

Jacqui Dean MP for Waitaki waitaki.mp@parliament.govt.nz 127 Thames St, Oamaru 0800 MP WAITAKI

804 Jones Road, Rolleston Canterbury 03-347 8800 office@tesl.co.nz www.tailoredenergysolutions.co.nz

Authorised by Jacqui Dean, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Two Raw Sisters Margo (left) and Rosa Flanagan make plants, rather than meat, the centre of their meals.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Naturally warm & healthy homes

Showhome 1200 Main North Road, Christchurch

fraemohs.co.nz

4

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Two Raw Sisters’ salads are substantial, filling and filled with delicious favours, colours and textures.

From P3 “Since Covid-19, people are becoming more aware of what they are putting in their bodies.

We see that first-hand every week.”

People were also more interested in where their food comes from and sourcing locally-grown produce.

The sisters use as minimally processed foods as possible.

“We focus on cost effective, time efficient and easy recipes that are sustainable and will nourish, fuel and power your busy body to succeed and remain healthy and happy.”

Their salads are so much more than just “lettuce, tomato, cucumber and some feta if you are lucky”.

Need water?

From consent to the pump

Two Raw Sisters’ salads are substantial, filling and filled with delicious favours, colours and textures. As well as leafy greens this can include everything from grains, nuts and seeds and legumes to sundried tomatoes.

“Grains and seeds are a great plant-based source of protein and an affordable way to bulk up a

residential

we can help you with water wells

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

meal,” the sisters told a grains and pulses forum at Lincoln organised by the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association.

“We pride ourselves on keeping things as simple and straightforward as possible.

Only using the ingredients that are cost-effective, ones you are familiar with, have been using for

irrigation

Ph 03 324 2571

lifestyle

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

FROM DESIGN TO MANUFACTURE IN OUR ON-SITE WORKSHOP

Manufacturers Manufacturers of of Fine Fine Jewellery Jewellery

years and already have at home.

The difference is, we will show you new and inventive ways to make these basics taste more fun, exciting and delicious.”

Having found a common purpose, the sisters are now a dynamic team. “We hated each other when we were young, but now we are working together!”

270 Stafford Street, Timaru Phone 03 688 1362 www.theringmakers.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

5

How do we manage our rivers?

David Clark

T

President of MC Federated Farmers

his has been a big month for our district. A dry autumn has been ended by a large flood event which is not an uncommon occurrence after an extended dry spell.

The response from this district has been truly outstanding, neighbour helping neighbour, mate helping mate, strangers responding in the hour of need.

It is extremely fortunate there were no lives lost in this flood and Ashburton was lucky to be spared evacuation.

Ashburton was lucky full stop, but not so many of our farmers.

The river broke out in many locations that relieved pressure on the town protection works.

All of this poses some big questions about how we manage these rivers. Whether

“

The whole nation benefits from a wellmanaged river system, as we well saw during the flood with the disruption to logistics and travel.

we like it or not, we live in a highly modified landscape, with ongoing natural process continuing, regardless of our attempts to prevent or slow those processes.

There are some folk who believe we should let the rivers “run wild” and indeed we could, however the Ashburton’s most recent alternative path is down through the northern side of town and out to sea via the gully at Wakanui on the north and through Lake Hood to the south.

The Waimakariri River has flowed to the sea both via the Avon and out through the airport before joining the sea via Lake Ellesmere in relatively recent times. For one reason or another, valid or otherwise, the folk of Ashburton and Christchurch aren’t that fussed on that idea. Widening of the riverbeds will only serve to delay the process for a short period.

Towns historically developed next to rivers, which set us on a path to then protect the town from the river. Efforts to do this more reliably intensified post World War Two as the value and number of assets at risk increased and society expected a higher degree of protection.

The planting of willows and carrying out bed and berm maintenance was the first step, followed by the construction of stop-banks in areas where the natural riverbank was low and outflows were expected.

On the Ashburton River, the designed protection level was to ensure a “one in 50” flood was contained within the river.

Ultimately that was deemed insufficient for the urban area of Ashburton and with pressure for residential development of flood prone land, by the early 1990s the community decided

Paddocks now look like riverbed after floodwaters and excess shingle spewed out onto private land when riverbanks burst.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

to develop stop-banks affording protection to the town in a “one in 200” flood event.

Urban and rural communities alike come to rely on the protection offered by the flood protection schemes. Now before any of us criticise a farmer for relying on river protection of his or her assets, please pause and consider where our EA Networks Centre is built, what the high terrace behind it was formed by and what kept it dry in this flood.

All of this is done with good intent, but it ignores the natural process that has gone on long before us and will continue long after us.

We live on an alluvial plain below a mountain range degrading as a result of tectonic disruption and rocks being shattered by frost. These rocks make their way down onto the plains in flood events, resulting in rivers that aggregate with shingle until the riverbed is higher than surrounding ground, at which point it breaks out, forms a new channel and then builds up yet again.

All pretty simple really, except

until we come along, build a town, develop some farms, take a photo and seek to “freeze-frame” the natural process.

The reality is that our rivers have continued to fill with shingle in many places, particularly in the North Branch of the Ashburton River as a result of it being steep and swift above Thompson’s Track and then levelling out below at which point the water speed decreases and the sediment load is dropped.

This is a problem that has been known for a long time.

It could be argued that collectively we have not addressed this problem and worked out a way to remove sufficient shingle from the riverbed to maintain the required “bed to stop-bank top” height required to maintain the expected one in 50 and one in 200 protection levels expected by the community.

That is something we need to address at a “whole of community” level as we all benefit from a managed river system and those living some distance from the river are still living on the alluvial plain built

by the natural process. In fact, the whole nation benefits from a wellmanaged river system, as we well saw during the flood with the disruption to logistics and travel.

So that brings us back to this flood event, if we accept that we have decided to hold the river in one general location for good reason and that the natural process will continue, then we collectively need to take responsibility. But on this occasion, a few individuals have taken one for the team.

Riverbanks have burst and shingle, the excess shingle from the natural process has spewed out onto private land. I am of the view that it is unreasonable for there not to be some form of assistance given to those people to remove that shingle from their properties and then we need to broaden our view on how we fund river protection going forward.

The alternative, in my opinion is that we abandon the river protection concept and let the rivers run free, but I’m not sure that there would be many folk in Ashburton or Christchurch that would support that approach.

SIZE, STRENGTH & STABILITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS • • • • •

Bulk Grain Storage Container Cartage Firewood Supplies Hay & Straw Cartage Agricultural Spraying

• • • •

Lime & Super Spreading Precision Nitrogen Sowing Log Cartage Shingle Supplies

Methven - Christchurch - Daily Freight Supplies

• • • • •

Swing-lifting Grain Cartage Silo Storage Cool Storage Stock Cartage

Methven - Ashburton - Daily Freight Supplies ISO ACCREDITED

PO Box 28 Line Road, Methven

Ph 302 8616 - Fax 302 9657

philipwareingltd@xtra.co.nz

6

Farming

Resolution: The Farm Management App Changing the Game of Modern-Day Farming When the founders of Resolution came together, they had one simple goal in mind: to provide practical onfarm solutions for farmers in a way that was effective, easy to use, and flexible around each operation.

As farmers themselves, they know the complexities of modern-day farming first-hand. Resolution works to cater for all of your farm management requirements; all of your data is online and in-one place.

The programme covers everything from records, to mapping and compliance, as well as tasking, tags, and timesheets. The App has been designed on the fundamental principles of farming; it simply works in the way that farmers already know how.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

The Resolution team is committed to giving their users all of the tools they need to run their operations as efficiently as possible, it gives the farmers the opportunity to create systems for managing their health and safety, winter grazing, farm environmental planning, staffing, and all of their other farm management and compliance needs.

Although it has been built from these grassroots, you can feel confident that the programme will adapt with you and your operation; our team has utilised the latest available technologies to make sure it stands the test of time.

We are proud to provide our growing community of users with practical, real-time solutions, whether they are out on the farm or back in the office.

“Resolution has been able to provide our support with an easily accessible and accurate platform to record all of our farm activities; from H&S, farm inputs and animal health.”

- Dean Rabbidge

To get in touch, or find out more: Visit: https://resolutionapp.co.nz Contact us: support@resolutionapp.co.nz

Pictured: Winter Grazing with Resolution

www.guardianonline.co.nz

7

Growing US appetite for grass-fed S

trong growth and increased demand is coming from the United States for New Zealand’s grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and lamb, says Beef + Lamb NZ. Despite significant export and supply chain disruptions, New Zealand’s red meat exports reached a record high of $9.2 billion last year, with the US leading beef export volume growth across all key global markets.

B+LNZ has seen doubledigit percentage increases in quantity (15 per cent) and value (34 per cent) of grass-fed beef exported to the US in 2020, signifying high demand and growing preference for New Zealand grass-fed beef.

“The global meat sector faced unprecedented challenges last year, but the tremendous growth we achieved is a testament to the agility of our farmers and processors, and growing demand,” B+LNZ general manager market development Nick Beeby said.

“Throughout the pandemic, consumers sought safe, nutritious and sustainable food choices, and many selected New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb from our trusted brand partners.”

In addition to growing consumer awareness and

was pleased with its retail and e-commerce expansion and would continue to focus on channel growth to bring Americans its sustainable red meat.

Appetite for grassfed meat continues to show significant gains in 2021 as Americans prioritise sustainably raised food products. A 2020 survey found that nearly 7 in 10 Americans said buying sustainably raised or produced food products is a priority.

As consumer behaviours and preferences shift toward conscious consumption and more sustainable choices, B+LNZ continues to educate Americans about the benefits of grass-fed beef and lamb and the New Zealand grassfed difference.

“With grass-fed beef and lamb from New Zealand, people can feel better about their meat choices without compromising on taste or quality,” US-based registered dietician and nutrition consultant Samantha Cassetty said. “Not only is grass-fed red meat more sustainably and humanely raised than conventional meat, it’s also nutritionally superior and contains important vitamins and nutrients for overall immunity, energy levels, focus and performance.

Plus, it’s leaner, more finely textured and tastes better.”

Appetite for grass-fed meat continues to show significant gains as Americans prioritise sustainably raised food products.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

preference for grass-fed beef and lamb from New Zealand, several market trends also contributed to strong performance in 2020, including a surge in athome meal consumption due to Covid-19 and a focus on healthy eating and immunityboosting foods. According to IRI data, “100 per cent grass-fed” was one of the top 10 product claims consumers looked for in 2020.

The overall fresh meat category also saw growth in 2020. Fresh meat sales were up 35 per cent and fresh meat led to fresh aisle

growth at 18 per cent.

Meanwhile, distribution and availability for New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb continues to grow at retail and online through a growing number of meat processing and marketing companies.

“While B+LNZ focuses on building awareness and preference for New Zealand grass-fed beef and lamb, we work with meat processing and marketing companies on specific campaigns to drive consumers to their products leveraging the Taste

Pure Nature brand,” Beeby said.

One of many companies taking advantage of Taste Pure Nature is Silver Fern Farms.

The meat exporter has seen a 36 per cent increase in retail presence on the US west coast compared to the year prior.

In November 2020, the company launched a direct-to-consumer e-commerce site to provide their premium quality grassfed red meat products direct to customers across the US. Silver Fern Farms US director of sales Matt Luxton said it

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS WE ARE BASED IN ASHBURTON WE ARE BASED INSOUTH ASHBURTON COVER THE WHOLE ISLAND

COVER THE WHOLE SOUTH ISLAND

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

PMR offer • Siteoffer Consultation PMR • Site Consultation

• Supply • Supply

• Design • Design

• Installation and Repairs • Installation and Repairs WAKELY ROLLER WAKELY MILLS ROLLER MILLS Suitable for

Save time and money by utilising Save time and money by utilising farm saved seed farm saved seed

processing Suitable for a wide rangea processing of crops. wide range From 1.5tph of crops. through to From 1.5tph 30tph plus. through to 30tph plus.

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

SKIOLD DISC MILLS SKIOLD DISC MILLS

SILO LADDER SAFETY CAGE SILO LADDER SAFETY CAGE can Cages, platforms and handrails

be ordered to meet AS/NZ Standards.

Cages, platforms and handrails can Can be designed to AS/NZ suit seed be ordered to meet Standards. cleaning equipment, breweries Can be designed to suit seed and all manner of on farmbreweries or factoryand sites. cleaning equipment,

The all round mill for the grinding grain The all roundof mill for andgrinding crops. of grain the Low crops. power and consumption, quiet Low power operation andquiet consumption, minimum dust operation andlevels.

Superior to milllevels. grain. minimum dust Superior to mill grain.

all manner of on farm or factory sites.

Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists

johnny@jwneilholdings.co.nz OAMARU johnny@jwneilholdings.co.nz OAMARU

Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists

03MOBILE 303 7266 | MOBILE 606 TEL 03 303 TEL 7266 0275 146 607 0275 EMAIL146 steve@pmr.co.nz TEL 03 303 7266 MOBILE 0275 607 paul@pmr.co.nz EMAIL steve@pmr.co.nz MOBILE 0274 151 390146 EMAIL EMAIL tom@pmr.co.nz MOBILE 0274 151 390 EMAIL paul@pmr.co.nz www.pmr.co.nz www.pmr.co.nz www.pmr.co.nz

Farming

8

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Wiggins named top communicator M

id Canterbury-based rural personality and farming advocate Craig ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins is the 35th winner of the Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year award.

The award recognises and honours individuals and groups that have made important contributions to the agricultural community by using their skills to effectively communicate issues, events and information that are relevant to the sector.

Wiggins is a passionate farmer, horse trainer, commentator, announcer, and MC based near Ashburton. His profile lifted during Covid-19 restrictions when he established Whatever with Wiggy, a weekly Zoom forum for farmers to engage with industry leaders and politicians to discuss issues of importance to the agricultural community.

Wiggins was a leading organiser and facilitator of last month’s Agri Connect rural mental health seminar in Ashburton, which taught attendees the tell-tale signs of mental strain and where to direct farmers for help.

New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators president

Jackie Harrigan said Wiggins was a deserving winner because he had facilitated much needed discussions within the agricultural sector – much of it in a voluntary capacity – and kept political and industry leaders appraised of the mood on farm.

“Craig’s passion and advocacy for New Zealand’s agricultural communities has engaged and connected farmers, industry leaders, politicians, NGOs and the public.

“Whatever with Wiggy has been an invaluable communication platform for members of the agricultural community, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown and restrictions when many were feeling isolated and overworked.”

Wiggins has played an important role in promoting farming and agribusiness as a viable career pathway for the next generation. In November 2020, he organised and hosted an online Careers Day and invited every high school to attend. He spent the day interviewing rural professionals and leaders about their roles and why the sector is a good career choice for students entering the workforce.

Former winner Lain Jager summed up the judging panel’s

thoughts. “Craig has a broader industry mission and his role as a volunteer must be commended.”

Presenting the award was Ravensdown’s general manager customer relationships Bryan Inch, who praised Wiggins’ ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

“Craig’s easy-going style appeals to people right across the sector and his positive energy shows that it is possible to thrive in a changing landscape.

“His work has allowed farmers and rural people to keep up with new farm and freshwater regulations, ask hard questions of their representatives and champion rural mental health.”

Wiggins was thrilled with the award which was presented during the National Fieldays at Hamilton. “I think it is just great that Ravensdown support awards like this. My family deserve all the credit for putting up with me and all my travel.”

Craig Wiggins is recognised for his work in the agricultural community.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED • For Casual & Permanent Bin Hires • Cardboard Recycling • For Casual & Permanent • Drum HiresBin Hires • Cardboard Recycling We offer a regular Rubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies hiring our Front Loader Bins and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages, • Drum Hires

Paveco.

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

We also have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, for property clean ups, Allbuilding provided by aand Company in Tinwald. works Garden based tidy ups.

Covering all your concrete needs.

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

All provided by a Company based in Tinwald.

Gary McCormick Transport Ltd PO Box 5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 3072101

Gary McCormick Transport Ltd

PO Box 5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 3072101

•

* Dairy yards * Wintering barns * Silage/feed pads * Driveways * Floor slabs * Paths/patios

Open top bins for property and garden clean ups, perfect for Open top bins for property and garden clean ups, perfect for moving off farm. moving offthe the farm. & ••For Casual Bin&Hires Hires For Casual Casual & Permanent Bin Hires For Casual & Permanent Permanent Bin •• For Permanent Bin Hires • • Bins already on a number of farms in the area and casual •Cardboard Cardboard Recycling Bins already • onCardboard a number of farms in the area and casual • Recycling Recycling hire hireavailable available• Cardboard Recycling • Drum Hires • Drum Hires •• Drum Hires • • Household waste Drum empty service Weoffer offer regularservice RubbishRemoval Removal Service, with many local Companies Drum Hires Householdand/or and/or Garden Garden waste Drum empty We aaregular Rubbish Service, with many local Companies •

hiringour ourFront FrontLoader LoaderBins Bins and using Cardboard Recycling Cages, hiring and using ourour Cardboard Recycling Cages,

• • Regular Removal Service, with many local We aRubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies Regular Removal Service, with many local Wealso also have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, property clean Weoffer offerRubbish aregular regularRubbish Rubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies We have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, forfor property clean ups,ups, building works and Garden ups. companies hiring our Front Loader Bins andusing using ourand building works Garden tidytidy ups. companies hiring our Bins Front Loader Bins and our hiring Loader and using our our Cardboard Recycling Cages, hiringour ourFront Front Loader Bins using Cardboard Recycling Cages, AndaaHousehold Householdand/or and/or Garden waste Drum empty service. For high quality concrete placing, contact Martyn Wheeler on 027 4508196 today.

Cardboard And Garden waste Drum empty service.

CardboardRecycling Recycling Cages Cages

We casual basis, basis,for for property ups, Wealso alsohave haveOpen OpenTop Top Bins Bins on a casual property clean ups, All providedbyby a Company based in Tinwald.

All provided a clean Company based in Tinwald.

Allprovided provided by a a works Company based in All by Company basedtidy inTinwald.

Tinwald. building works ups. building and Garden Garden tidy ups.

AndaaHousehold Household and/or and/or Garden waste And wasteDrum Drumempty emptyservice. service.

Gary McCormick Transport Ltd All provided by a Company Company based Gary McCormick Transport Ltd All provided by basedininTinwald.

Tinwald.

POBox Box5044, 5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 7741 || Phone: PO Tinwald, Ashburton Phone:3072100 3072100| Fax: | Fax:3072101 3072101 asual&&Permanent Permanent Bin Hires sual Bin Hires • CardboardRecycling Recycling Cardboard yMcCormick McCormick Transport Ltd Ltd • Drum Hires Transport

13 Robinson Street, Riverside Industrial Estate, Ashburton Phone 03 307 6466 – www.paveco.co.nz

Enjoy a relaxed taste of the High Country at The Clubhouse restaurant at Terrace Downs Resort, with all-day dining options and views over the golf course to Mt Hutt. The Clubhouse is open daily from 8am.

A CPG Hotels property, Terrace Downs Resort offers a range of self-contained villa accommodation, 18-hole golf course, an onsite restaurant and bar and complimentary wifi. Visit us to experience our majestic scenery and warm hospitality.

Terrace Downs Resort 623 Coleridge Rd, Windwhistle 7572 P 03 318 6943 E reservations@terracedownsresort.com W terracedowns.co.nz

10

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

CALVING FEATURE

Does more milk cause scours?

T

here’s a common belief that feeding a high volume of milk to calves causes scours.

A high volume of milk feeding is considered at least 20 per cent of a calf ’s bodyweight in milk, or eight to 12 litres per day. But does this cause diarrhoea (scours) in calves?

Recent studies tell us the answer is no, says DairyNZ solutions and development specialist Katherine DeWitt.

Scouring for evidence Feeding calves a greater volume of liquid feed does create more faeces overall – but offering consistently high volumes of milk should not result in scours. Scours episodes are commonly caused by viruses, bacteria and protozoa, and the volume of milk fed should have little effect on their spread.

Calves are more likely to be exposed to these bugs through: • Poor hygiene (especially associated with milk feeding equipment).

• Housing conditions (especially bedding conditions).

• Insufficient colostrum intake, leading to a poorly developed immune system.

High volumes and overall health Several studies have shown

It is a myth that feeding calves high milk volumes causes scours.

that not only does feeding higher volumes of milk not cause scours, but it actually promotes a better immune system in calves.

High milk intake also leads to an increase in calves’ pre-

weaning growth rates, which is linked to better lactation performance, and earlier age at first breeding. Other benefits include reduced crosssucking behaviour and less vocalisations.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Farmer experience Southland farm owner Amy Johnston decided to try ad-lib milk feeding 10 years ago after having trouble with scours. She trialled one pen of calves, then quickly switched to rearing her

250 replacement calves this way.

Johnston fills the drums with milk once or twice a day, depending on the temperature outside. She estimates that each calf drinks at least eight litres of milk daily.

“Sometimes we’ll get the odd scours if it gets cold, but I definitely notice less scours than our previous system.

The biggest surprise was actually that the pen is silent.

I didn’t realise that they only holler when they’re hungry or stressed.

“Watching the behaviour and playfulness in the pen, you can see that they’re happier and just as friendly. The main motivator for me is labour saving, but more than that, I know my calves are getting a good start and that they’re happy and not hungry.”

Here’s how For best results, feed calves at least twice a day or ad-lib because they can’t drink high volumes in one feeding. This also satisfies their natural need to suckle and drink milk in multiple meals.

Scours is more likely to be caused by bugs and/or poor hygiene and housing conditions.

Feeding higher milk volumes can actually improve calves’ future health.

Find out more about rearing calves at dairynz.co.nz/calves.

Made In Nelson, NZ

Calf rearing workshops

Portable Calf Rearing Shelters WARM AND DRY

• Priced from $850+GST and freight • Proven over 10 years of hard use • Low height of the roof keeps the calves warmer compared to an open shed • Calves can be reared in the paddock in all weather

experience & innovation

Transport & Marine Covers Ltd 143 St. Vincent Street, Nelson sales@tmcovers.co.nz tmcovers.co.nz 03 546 6809 TM Covers

P

ractical workshops on successful calf rearing by Dairy Women’s Network and SealesWinslow are ensuring New Zealand farmers are entering the season confidently with the right tools and knowledge to raise healthy calves.

Calf rearing is a critical time for dairy farmers, with success determined by the quality and management of newborn calves from the time of birth through to 12 weeks of age.

Each of the workshops will focus

on the best practice behind providing food and shelter for newborns, with SealesWinslow’s nutrition and quality manager Natalie Hughes presenting on calf housing and pen design for optimal health and stimulation.

“During the workshops we’ll explore the latest research and look at how we translate this into practical tips and advice to set you up for a successful calf season,” Hughes said.

Workshops are being held throughout New Zealand.

PREMIUM CALF BEDDING Sawdust and Chipped Mulch 100% untreated We personally GUARANTEE there will be no contamination CALF BEDDING $27.25/M3 + GST AND SAWDUST $17.50/M3 + GST Minimum order of 10m3 - Delivery charges apply

Adams Sawmilling Co Ltd - Your local timber and firewood merchants -

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

www.guardianonline.co.nz

CALVING FEATURE

The scissor lift gave observers a perch to watch both calves and their mothers from.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

11

An observer keeps a close eye on a recently-born calf to see if it is feeding well from its mother or other cows.

Are calves feeding from their dam?

J

ust how adequately cows feed their newborn calves remains a contentious issue between farmers, as does the topic of calf pick-up rates.

These factors, along with public scrutiny of cow and calf separation, have created the need to investigate the cow-calf relationship further.

VetEnt researchers Emma Cuttance and Winston Mason have shared their findings from a study on cow-calf behaviour.

Last year, a VetEnt study observed cow-calf interactions across two Waikato and two Canterbury farms.

In particular, they were interested in how different approaches to feeding calves might affect the prevalence of failure of passive transfer (FPT).

This occurs when calves fail to absorb sufficient antibodies from colostrum across their intestinal wall, increasing the risk of mortality and disease.

In Year two, they repeated the study, using a different set of four farms from the same regions. Here’s what they found across both research periods.

What they did They observed 703 calves and their dams for 24 hours a day

CALF MEAL processing from

$150

p/T

across a two-week period on each of the eight farms, and recorded: • calves’ times of birth, first feed and/or pick-up from the paddock.

• the weather, feeding break size, and pasture cover.

• FPT prevalence, using blood samples taken from calves on day one of age (prior to being fed colostrum by the farmer) and again on day three of age.

• colostrum quality using a Brix refractometer.

What they found Overall, 446 out of 703 (63 per cent) calves fed from their dams in the paddock, but this

ranged from 40 per cent to 90 per cent between farms.

Calves that did not feed from their dam were about two times more likely to have FPT. However, the extent of FPT in these calves varied between farms, which they believe was due to the quality of colostrum offered in the shed.

When calves were fed higherquality colostrum (e.g. with a Brix measurement over 22 per cent), very few had FPT. What this means Whether to leave calves to feed off the dam depends entirely on each individual farm

scenario. On some farms, the calves fed poorly off the dam, but were given exceptional colostrum in the shed. On other farms, calves fed very well off the dam, but the calf-rearing management and colostrum quality was poor.

The take-home messages so far are: test your calves for FPT to assess your management practices, feed high-quality colostrum, and work with your team to improve practices where needed.

For more information on calf rearing go to dairynz.co.nz/ calves

For all your on farm Stock Feed requirements

• Servicing Culverden - Oamaru fortnightly

Call Stew 0274 622 529

• Made fresh on farm and custom blended • Rolled, crushed or bruised grain, peas & maize • Other Micro-ingredients can be added • We’ll even unblock auger tubes while we’re there

Trucks based in Pleasant Point Ashburton Valetta

12

Farming

FOCUS ON SEED FEATURE

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Dairy dominates feed market D

airy demand now leads New Zealand’s feed market where domestically-grown grain is complemented with imported alternatives, says Viterra NZ grain trader Khan Sayer.

Dairy has grown from consuming around 20 per cent of local grain production to about 45 per cent.

Of the one million tonnes of grain grown in New Zealand annually about 24 per cent was for human or industrial consumption, 22 per cent for

pig and poultry, 9 per cent other feeds and 45 per cent dairy.

“Even in a softer global market, domestic grain can still trade higher based on dairy demand.

“The additional demand is no longer freight disadvantaged as it is from dairy in Canterbury and Southland,” Sayer told a Grains and Pulses Forum at Lincoln organised by the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association.

This means very little grain

was now freighted to the North Island. Instead, North Island farmers were buying North Island grain/silage and supplementing with imported feed.

The feed market was highly competitive, with lots of alternatives, Sayer said. Historic freight price discounting was no longer relevant, as grain was consumed locally in the South Island.

Due to relatively stable production, more grain was

MAKE THE MOST FROM YOUR LAND Whether you’re trying to achieve higher yields, faster growth, better nutritional value or optimising current resources, our complete solutions achieve your commercial objectives by taking your unique land, resources and environment into account.

We call it Performance Agronomy™.

To find out more go to catalystag.co.nz

Dairy has grown from consuming around 20 per cent of local grain production to about 45 per cent.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

forward sold in New Zealand than most other countries.

New Zealand produces 20 per cent of the total grains and feed proteins consumed.

The grain market will trend closer to import parity or often above especially in low price years.

Sayer forecast that grain imports into the South Island would become more frequent, possibly every three years compared with every four to five years now.

In global trends, Australia was finally out of drought, with New South Wales swinging from being a 3.5 million tonne net importer of wheat to a four million tonne exporter.

Global production was growing, but at a slower rate as easy yields gains have been made.

“The climate is more variable and the world is likely to be more suspectable to supply shocks creating more volatility for seaborn trade,” Sayer said.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FOCUS ON SEED FEATURE

13

Call to support locally-grown wheat Heather Chalmers

C

RURAL REPORTER

anterbury arable farmers are calling on consumers to support the use of domestically-grown milling wheat amid an industry shake-up which could make the staple crop uneconomic to grow.

Farmers are already believed to be turning away from sowing milling wheat in favour of feed wheat this season as Canterbury growers respond to uncertainty around a new procurement system.

This comes just as momentum was building to make New Zealand selfsufficient in milling wheat by 2025, with consumers becoming more aware about sourcing products made from domestically-grown wheat.

Three-quarters of the bread sold in New Zealand is made from grain grown overseas, primarily Australia.

About 100,000 tonnes of milling wheat was grown in each of the last two seasons, predominantly in Canterbury. While high yielding and good quality, high transport costs to the North Island make it less competitive than Australian wheat.

Efforts to promote New Zealandgrown wheat and reduce reliance on imported product were gaining traction with both Foodstuffs South Island and Countdown in-store bakeries using local supply.

However, wheatgrowers have been blindsided by a new system which abandons the traditional contracting arrangement between growers and flourmillers, with growers instead being asked to deal with global commodity trader Wilmar Trading on an individual basis. Wilmar will buy for two major mills AB Mauri and Goodman Fielder, leaving Champion Mills as the only significant player outside the buying arrangement.

Federated Farmers’ arable chair Colin Hurst said that feed wheat prices were up about 10 per cent on last season, while milling wheat prices had gone down.

This put the two at a similar pricing level, at odds with the premium milling wheat traditionally attracted as it was lower yielding and needed to meet higher quality specifications for protein, screenings and falling number.

International grain prices had lifted significantly, which usually made it more economic to buy domesticallygrown wheat rather than import from overseas.

“We need the support of consumers to maintain locally-grown supply.”

As well as a likely swing to feed wheat, greater areas of grass seed were being grown, as bigger volumes were being contracted this year. Some just-sown wheat crops may have also been drowned out during the Canterbury flooding.

“The bread still has to be put on the table and if it is not grown in the South Island companies will have to look for their milling wheat elsewhere, most likely from Australia, which is not ideal for anyone.”

Hurst said he had already heard

about imports of milling wheat into the South Island.

“I would rather collaborate and try and work out a solution. So, I am encouraging more dialogue.”

Darfield wheatgrower Syd Worsfold told a Grains and Pulses Forum at Lincoln that disruption to the procurement process was the biggest threat to growing milling wheat in the South Island since deregulation of the industry in 1987.

“All of the plant breeding and research and development that goes into the milling wheat industry of New Zealand is at risk.” Under the traditional contracting arrangement, merchants took an agency fee, with the model helping to fund plant breeding programmes.

“

I think it is a blip.

I think that things will reshuffle and fall back into place next year.

I am moderately optimistic that will be the case.

We can’t let 120 years of plant breeding and milling wheat history collapse because of one year.

Arable Food Industry Council chairman Ivan Lawrie said that in the 15 years he had been involved with the arable industry he had never encountered as much unity and conversation regarding milling wheat.

“We are having meetings with senior people that we have never contacted before.

“I think it is a blip. I think that things will reshuffle and fall back into place next year. I am moderately optimistic that will be the case.

“We can’t let 120 years of plant breeding and milling wheat history collapse because of one year,” Lawrie told the forum, organised by the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association.

Viterra NZ grain trader Khan Sayer told the forum that under the new procurement system an erosion of historical premiums for milling wheat was already occurring. The feed wheat price of $410 a tonne was above tier two milling wheat contract prices for next season.

“At that level we are just not going to see milling wheat grown.”

The new system was adopting a more feed model where companies did not have to buy the required tonnage at once.

“The risk for millers is that feed users have other options. They can bring in palm kernel or tapioca. For milling wheat there is no other option.

Realistically it is South Island grain or Australian grain.”

Australian grain delivered to mill next year was priced at $480 a tonne or more, Sayer said.

Efforts to make New Zealand self-sufficient in milling wheat used to make bread have been disrupted PHOTO: SUPPLIED

As we approach spring planting soon, it is now the time to think about your spring planting options. Please discuss with one of our experienced field staff now on field selection and the right option to suit your farming practice.

Seed Production Specialists Seed Production Specialists

Seed Production Specialists

Experts in O.P. and Hybrid.

Smith Seed’s Total Programme Steve Forrester 027 241 5973 Management Wayne McDowell 027 247 4999 ensures customers enjoy superior results.

Brad Quinlan 027 900 0410 For all your vegetable seed production requirements contact:

Smith Seeds Ltd

Dayle Jemmett 027 438 0684

PO Box 358 Ashburton 7740 New Zealand Phone 64 3 308 2700 Fax 64 3 308 2705 Email: info@smithseeds.co.nz Find us at www.smithseeds.co.nz

Seed Production Specialists

14

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FARM MAINTENANCE FEATURE

Trauma after government response

One farmer said he had quit the land because of the impact of the elimination programme and said he could not remember the birth of a child because of the stress at the time.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Heather Chalmers

A

RURAL REPORTER

poorly managed government response to the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak inflicted significant and lasting trauma on farmers whose stock was culled, a University of Otago study has found.

While the study was based on extensive interviews with affected farmers in Southland and Otago, Mid Canterbury farmers said their experiences mirrored those of their southern counterparts.

Pendarves farmer Frank Peters, whose 1300-cow dairy herd as well as young stock were culled in 2018, said that having M. bovis meant you had

no control over your farm.

“It is devastating for the whole family.

“Some of it just didn’t make sense. You can’t get your point across to them and the representatives that visit you have to go to a higher authority to get an answer.”

Three years later he is still seeking compensation for milk claims and interest.

“The replacement herd we bought was not as good as the one we had in terms of production,but trying to prove that sufficiently to gain compensation is difficult,” Peters said.

Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust M. bovis coordinator Frances Beeston said it was great to see a study done on farmers’ experiences.

“We have seen some of the same things happen in our region as well when the response/programme first started. It wasn’t pretty,

everyone was learning and building the programme around the disease eradication as things went along.

“We have seen the toll it has taken on our farmers and their teams in our community. I wouldn’t wish this experience upon anyone.

“There is no compensation for the farmers’ time, the number of official meetings, increased stress or the emotional toll of going through the programme. For some it means losing their whole herd, which is heartbreaking. This is our farmers’ livelihood, it’s not just financial. The farmer, farm team, husband, wife and kids all are connected in some way to the land and care for their animals. Everyone has a friendly one, or a story about one they saved, or helped calve one night in the back paddock or one with character that just likes a scratch.

“I hope some learnings can be taken and their recommendations on how to manage a future incursion, should/when it happens, be implemented and I hope the M. bovis independent advisory group takes their findings into consideration,” Beeston said.

Measuring the human cost of the M. bovis eradication programme was the focus of the study, which was carried out by Dr Fiona DoolanNoble, Dr Geoff Noller and Associate Professor Chrys Jaye, of the University of Otago’s department of general practice and rural health.

Study lead, Doolan-Noble said that for her and Noller it was heart wrenching listening to the accounts told by farmers in particular but also the veterinarians and front-line workers.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has been presented with the study results.

A dominant theme of the research was the intrusive, impractical and inhumane nature of the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) eradication programme in which local knowledge, expertise and pragmatism were ignored in favour of inefficient bureaucratic processes which made no sense to farmers.

Farmers described the damage to their sense of identity and the forced separation from typical farming practices and seasonal rhythms as they transitioned into an incursion management process overseen by an ill-prepared government agency.

The researchers noted another disease incursion was inevitable and that solutions need to be sought from within rural communities and then integrated into the relevant bureaucratic processes.

They proposed the development of a regional

GDC For All Your Earthmoving Requirements • Shingle Supplies • Maintenance • Development • Lime capping • Lime chip pivot ruts • Farm work • Mulching • And much more

Phone us for an obligation free quote.

Find underground services before you start • Water pipes • Power

Mob 027 433 8003 Office 03 308 8479 Free Phone 0800 432 532 Email office@gdcgroup.nz Web www.gdc.net.nz

Workshop Facilities PH: 022 010 7580 to find out more

www.guardianonline.co.nz interprofessional body to develop pragmatic approaches to future incursions.

They also recommended genuine local engagement to seek solutions from the groundup and the formation of a nationwide ‘standing army’ of rural-based experts who can be called on to help shape the response to the next incursion.

“One of MPI’s key principles in terms of biosecurity is fair restoration – ‘no better or worse’. We believe this should not just apply to the financial impact on farmers but should be applied to both the mental health of all involved, and also the social wellbeing of rural communities.”

M. bovis programme director Stuart Anderson said that three years on from the joint decision by government and the farming industry to attempt to eradicate M. bovis from New Zealand, it was well on track. Of the 267 properties that have been confirmed with M. bovis, only six active confirmed (currently infected) properties remained, all in Mid Canterbury.

“In 2019 we had a massive reset and have been continuously focused on what we can do to improve things for farmers affected by M. bovis to lessen the impact on them,” Anderson said.

Of the 56 properties infected and cleared in Southland and

FARM MAINTENANCE FEATURE

M. bovis programme director Stuart Anderson says systems have been improved to lessen the impact on affected farmers.

Otago, the vast majority were in 2018.

The study detailed how once a Notice of Direction (NoD) was issued for a property, farming families effectively lost control of the running of their farm while remaining responsible for the welfare of their remaining stock.

This situation was compounded by poor

communication, lack of clarity about animal testing regimes, delays in providing results, indecision regarding stock management, authoritarian and at times brutal decision-making concerning herd culls, and the ignoring of practical solutions to on-farm problems.

One dairy farmer described how a slaughter team arrived early and started killing cows while he was still in the milking shed.

“So [MPI] decided to start killing them on the farm.

And I said, ‘Look, that’s a bit rough’. But they said, ‘No, that’s what’s going to happen’.

So, this truck arrives, from this pet food outfit...this guy pulls up and just shoots 10 of them, in the yard. Cuts their throats ...I come [out] there, there was hysterics, there were staff crying. I just said to the guy, ‘You can’t do this. This is just heartless’.”

Another farmer recounted how MPI officials insisted on following the mandated process of decontaminating a shed at a cost of $150,000 when he could have had it rebuilt for $70,000.

On another farm a cleaning team was paid to sit at a table dipping individual screws into disinfectant and scrubbing them clean with a wire brush when the cost of brand new screws was negligible.

One farmer said he had quit the land because of the impact

“

Local knowledge, expertise and pragmatism were ignored in favour of inefficient bureaucratic processes which made no sense to farmers.

of the elimination programme and said he could not remember the birth of a child because of the stress at the time.

The study participants noted that farming was a 24/7 business but MPI officials were unavailable at weekends or over holiday periods. However, they didn’t necessarily blame MPI staff.

“In MPI, there’s a lot of people really, really trying. And they’re just getting caught up by red tape,” one farmer said.

Anderson said it knew the eradication effort had been especially challenging for the farmers involved. “Even when the process goes as intended and by the book, it is tough for those affected by movement restrictions and directions to

15

cull their animals.

“We and our partners Dairy NZ and Beef and Lamb NZ, are continuing to work hard to support the wellbeing and recovery of those impacted

by M. bovis.

“We listened to a lot of farmer feedback and our programme staff have been very focused on farmer welfare, including getting farmers through the process faster with more support and shorter turnaround times for farms under movement restrictions. Alongside our partners, we have improved the compensation process with claims paid as quickly as possible.

“The eradication of M. bovis has been one of the most significant biosecurity challenges we have faced in New Zealand. Allowing the disease to spread would have caused an estimated $1.3 billion in lost productivity in our vital cattle sectors in the first 10 years alone. This is why Government and the farming industry are investing $870 million over 10 years to achieve eradication,” Anderson said.

Farmers are also being surveyed in a review of the M. bovis eradication programme being carried out by M. bovis programme partners MPI, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ. The review is chaired by Professor Nicola Shadbolt.

WE CAN COME TO YOU

Fully Consented Our Curtain Burner is fully mobile to come to your site. It can process all wood waste from land prep, forestry (including stumps) and demolition wood waste (no treated timber can be processed).

Think “Biochar from your clean waste timber”.

SOUTH ISLAND WIDE

CONTACT US TODAY FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE Office (03) 308 8479 Mob 027 432 6915 Free Phone 0800 432 583 Web www.gdc.net.nz Email office@gdcgroup.nz

Farming

16

www.guardianonline.co.nz

EFFLUENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT FEATURE

Long road ahead to restore flooding damage About a quarter of the Rooney dairy farm at Winchmore is now covered in shingle.

Heather Chalmers

T

RURAL REPORTER

he Rooney and Shearer families have farmed alongside the north branch of the Ashburton River for five generations and are aware of the risk of flooding at their farm, aptly named Riverbound.

However, the damage from the Canterbury flooding is far

beyond what the families have experienced before or could ever have imagined.

At its peak, 80 per cent of Laurence and Philly Rooney’s Winchmore dairy farm was under water after the river burst through its stopbank, spewing a torrent of floodwaters, shingle, sand and branches across the farm.

While the water has receded, the flood has left behind debris, broken fences and shingle and sand up to one metre deep in places.

The Rooneys have had to move out of their waterdamaged home and are now

PHOTOS: HEATHER CHALMERS

staying in Ashburton along with their four children and three dogs.

A social media campaign to help the Rooneys and their neighbours Ben Streeter and Kate Shearer quickly gained momentum with people turning up to clear debris, some coming with diggers and tractors.

The Rooneys are now waiting for the farm to dry out before bringing in heavy machinery.

Kate and Philly are cousins and the two families share a milking shed, which fortunately was untouched and acted as HQ for anyone wanting to volunteer.

The farm is on Shearers Road, while Rooneys Road is nearby, illustrating the long history the families have had in the district.

“Laurence is the boy from next door,” Philly said.

Shearers have farmed the land since 1911. “When my Dad was young they had some floods, but nothing as bad as this. That was before the stopbank was put in.”

During the milking season, the shed milks the Rooneys’ 500 cows as well as 230 cows from the Streeter-Shearer’s next door.

People travelling the Ashburton-Methven highway

are oblivious to the devastation that awaits when you turn down the side road towards the river.

“We had two days that we were at the end of Shearers’ Road and didn’t have access to our animals. They were roaming the rest of the farm,” Laurence said. While 400 cows had been trucked away for winter grazing a day before the rain started, 300 cows and heifers were on farm when it flooded.

When the Rooneys say that the damage is even worse on the other side of the farm near their house, it is hard to believe, but it is true.

CERTIFIED ORGANIC COMPOST Living Earth compost is a high performance, nutritious brew made from organic garden waste.

It’s 100% seed and weed free and ideal for top dressing, vineyards, orchards and all types of gardens.

Living Earth compost is perfect if you are looking to: • Save water by increasing soil water retention • Reduce nitrate leaching • Add organic nutrients which will improve soil health • Improve plants’ resistance to drought • Reduce soil loss and erosion

Living Earth has been producing quality compost for over 25 years. Our compost is produced to NZS4454:2005 standard and is certified organic.

Get in touch with one of the team today. A site visit can be arranged to discuss your needs.

Contact Tony Poole:

M 021 657 992

E tpoole@livingearth.co.nz

Dairy Bedded Pack Composter

PFAS_GUARDMAR

• • • • • •

Simon Jackson

027 512 7205

Contact Power Farming Ashburton for more information.

Tom Wells

027 706 4147

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

Improve milk production Lower somatic cell count Minimize manure storage expenses Reduce culling rate Comfortable environment Reduce bedding cost

Power Farming Ashburton

www.guardianonline.co.nz

EFFLUENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT FEATURE

Much of Riverbound Dairy now resembles riverbed after a stopbank burst in the Canterbury floods.

This is where the river broke out, after punching a 100 metre hole through the stopbank.

While their eight-year-old house was in the direct firing line, about 300m away, it was saved by a 70-yearold row of conifers, which diverted the flow, preventing significant damage.

Even so, their house, built a metre above ground level, is surrounded on two sides by sand and silt up to the top of the foundations in a scene reminiscent of liquefaction damage during the Canterbury earthquakes.

All the yard sheds had up to a metre of gravel in them. “Personally, I think we will have to bulldoze them down.”

About 50 hectares of the Rooney’s 200ha farm is covered in thick sand, silt and shingle and Laurence is unsure who will pay for the substantial remediation work needed. “You can’t insure land, only the buildings.”

ump amera.

Philly and Laurence Rooney are grateful for people who have volunteered their time and machinery to help clear-up their farm.

“About 20ha of the 50ha we can return to grass relatively quickly, but about 30ha will take a long time to recover.”

SEPTIC TANK, As the Rooneys won’t have enough Locally owned feed when their herd returns from FARM EFFLUENT, and operated winter grazing, they are considering COMMERCIAL WASTE BLOCKED DRAINS selling their in-calf heifers to reduce Allen’s Ashburton DRAINS numbers or culling some cows.

Allen’s Ashburton DairyBLOCKED Saucer/Wedge/Sump offer a great service Some pasture was expected to have Dairy Saucer/Wedge/Sump offer a great service and Drain Clearing.

CCTV Camera. recovered by spring. “I will have to and Drain Clearing.

CCTV Camera. buy in extra feed to compensate for the loss of grass.”

Laurence said the volunteer help had been amazing, clearing paddocks of wires, sticks and debris. “It was very impressive. My wife and I and the kids couldn’t do this on our own.”

This cleared the way for the big machinery as “wire and machinery don’t go well together”.

“We are trying to clear the better part of the farm.”

Allen’s Ashburton offer a great service

CALL THE

17

SEPTIC TANKS, SUMPS, DRAIN CLEARING, WEDGES AND PONDS CCTV CAMERA

SEPTIC TANKS, SUM

SEPTIC SUM Does your Septic Tank need to be emptied?

WEDGESTANKS, AND PON WEDGES AND PON

POOCRU

CALL THE

Does your Septic Tank need to Does your Septic Tank need t

CALL THE POOCRU

Phone Darryl Burrowes on 03 308 5293 or 0274 333 563

Phone Darryl Burrowes on 03 308 5293 or 0274 333 563

Dairy Effluent ne Darryl Storage Burrowes on 03 308 Solved!

5293 or 0274 333 563 Locally owned and operated

• • • • • • • • • •

The Original Flexible Tank Storage Best value bladder on the market Safe - tank is fully enclosed 10 Year manufacturer’s warranty Up to 20 year life expectancy Depreciable asset Minimal smell and no crusting Multiple stirring valves included Environmental storage solution Made by Labaronne CITAF the French company who invented the Flexi Tank 60 years ago • Recognised by industry as a sensible, viable option for effluent management

Storage size range 20m3 - 2000m3 www.flexitanksnz.com Anton Meier M: 021 289 5999 • P: 07 829 5940 E: anton@flexitanksnz.com

18

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

SIDE FEATURE

Businesses need to evolve A

SIDE keynote speaker Dr Ceri Evans discussed mental performance under pressure and how to respond better to challenges.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

round 450 dairy farmers attending the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) in Ashburton heard about the need for continued transformation in a changing farming environment.

The two-day event opened with keynote speaker Dr Ceri Evans, who discussed mental performance under pressure and how to respond better to challenges.

“People often respond with an instinctive response under pressure. In these states people can overreact, and have difficulty thinking or acting. You need to know your state to control how you respond. People can also choose to respond in a more positive way, involving thinking, curiosity, exploring and connecting,” Evans said.

“If you want to reach your potential you need to explore your limits. Think about ‘How do I get better?’ which is by staying in the discomfort and trying to problem solve. Mindset and attitude are the big things that you can change.”

SIDE chairman Andrew Slater said that dairy cannot ignore the need for businesses to evolve and meet upcoming challenges.

“The agricultural sector is constantly facing multi-faceted challenge and change. We have all survived these challenges to date, relying on resilience, foresight and getting on with it,” Slater said.

“With continued environmental challenges, changes in the finance sector, and increasing demands

INCREASE YOUR HERDS MILK PRODUCTION Less Calcium = Less Milk By supplementing your cows diet with Healthy Cow throughout milking ensures increased milk production and bolsters immune function.

from the end users of our products, our farming systems need to evolve to not only survive, but to prosper and grow sustainably while continuing to be the backbone of the economy.”

These challenges include the recent Canterbury flooding, which affected many farms throughout the region.

Acknowledging the impact on local farmers, SIDE’s organising committee have donated $1000 from the event to Rural Support Trust, which provide support through adversity, including providing support for farmers affected by the flooding.

DairyNZ chairman Jim van der Poel also acknowledged the issues flooding had created for

farmers, before discussing current positive aspects of the sector.

“Global demand for dairy is on the rise, prices are strong, and we are on the brink of landing a free trade agreement with the UK. Our public perception of dairy has also improved due to Covid-19, as the rest of New Zealand remembered what a huge economic contribution our dairy farmers make,” van der Poel said.

“It is a great time to be a Kiwi dairy farmer, even if it may not always feel like it with all the regulation that has been coming our way.

“We are making great progress in reducing our footprint. We should be proud of this and the work we are doing.”

POWERING Residential Rural Irrigation Commercial

Available from your local dealer or contact: Lower South Island: AB Lime: 0800 227 559 • Upper South Island: Victory Lime Ltd: 0800 303 980

www.healthycow.co.nz

PHONE 03 307 7500 service@plainspower.co.nz www.plainspower.co.nz

+ Mid Canterbury’s Local Electricity Company +

www.guardianonline.co.nz

SIDE FEATURE

19

Inventor sets sights on fixing ag Heather Chalmers

hristchurch inventor Logan Williams admits his brain never rests.

That’s not surprising when at age 25, he is already well on his way to developing and commercialising groundbreaking technologies which could transform New Zealand’s wool and dairy industries.

His latest development, still largely under wraps, aims to solve the problem of methane – a potent but relatively shortlived greenhouse gas – being emitted by cows.

Most methane busters involved biological solutions including vaccinating cows, feeding cows seaweed or interrupting digestion in the rumen, Williams told the South Island Dairy Event in Ashburton.

“I think that is the incorrect solution. Our solution is completely different. It is a chemical solution. It is a small unit that sits on the outside of the cow.

Logan Williams.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

His solution is a biodegradeable material called Keravos made of a combination of strong wool and polylactic acid (PLA) from corn starch to make all sorts of products as a replacement for plastic.

PLA is used around the world as a plastic substitute but combining it with wool is novel.

“The world has awakened to the devastating ecological affects of plastics, with an estimated 300 million tonnes of plastics produced each year.

“What if we could replace plastic in a way that did not require changes to the supply chain.”

Most plastic products start with a pellet, a small bead of

plastic. “So what if we could make pellets with the same properties that could go on the same machines and make the same products, but instead of plastic the pellets are made out of wool. That is exactly what we have done.”

It was scientifically proven that adding wool makes it stronger, lighter weight and more sustainable, “not to mention that the wool looks cool in the product”.

Keravos is now partnering with 37 companies adding wool to their material, with four products already on the market. Products in the pipeline include everything from kayaks, catamarans, tiles, buttons and zippers, furniture, lighting fixtures and claddings, to doors, cooler bins and fabrics.

Partnered with NZM through dollar-for-dollar funding with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Keravos has set a wool price at $3 a kilogram for the first two years for its supply.

This was significantly above the market price, particularly for lower value wool types such as bellies and pieces which might be worth only 60 cents a kg.

“Our invention takes any type of wool. We do not care. We do not even scour wool, we just clean the dirt, faecal matter and

vegetable matter out of it and put it into our process to make pellets.

“Ideally we won’t take fleece as we believe strong wool prices will rise.

“We want to push the market from the bottom and lock our customers into 10-year contracts.”

Long-term, the goal was to provide woolgrowers with contracts at $5/kg, with fleece wool selling above this for clothing and carpet.

While using the material in a catamaran may not sell a lot of wool, it captivated people’s imagination, positioning it as a premium brand, Williams said.

“If I immediately started using the material for packaging, everyone would perceive the material as a cheap, commoditised product that no one wants. The best way to start is to create a high-value, high performance product.”

Williams said he didn’t sit down and come up with an idea. “What you do is come up with a problem and then create hundreds of solutions to it. Then you find the best solution and engineer it with the market.”

He now has a team working on projects, with Williams making the critical decisions.

TALK TO THE EXPERTS FOR FARMING SUPPORT 07 858 4233 farmservices.nz info@farmservices.nz

Be quick!

Get your order in!

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

@HomeopathicFarmServices

Double square feeders

Hay Feeders

HOMEOPATHIC FARM SERVICES

Benefi ts of our feeders

C

RURAL REPORTER

“As the cow burps it annihilates the methane.”

Using biomimicry - adopting strategies found in nature to solve human design challenges – he worked out how methane was breaking down in the atmosphere and replicated this on-farm with cows.

The research was carried out at Fonterra’s research and development centre at Palmerston North.

“It’s still in development and has not reached commercialisation, but watch out for it,” Williams said.

His solution to restoring the strong wool industry to profitability already has products on the market.

Despite wool fibre’s many natural attributes, the stronger end, which makes up the bulk of New Zealand’s wool clip, is at rock bottom with prices failing to cover the cost of shearing sheep.

Approached by the New Zealand Merino Company 18 months ago he was given blue sky license to come up with a ground-breaking technology.

As New Zealand produces 220,000 tonnes of strong wool a year, he realised he needed something more large-scale than the wool shoes and wound plasters already on the market.

Square Feeders

Round Feeders

Cradle Feeders

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

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

20

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Seller’s market for rural properties Calvin Leen

P

PGG Wrightson Real Estate

lenty of motivated and cashed up buyers are active in the local rural property market, seeking a stake in most land use types.

Lining up with buoyant commodity prices, demand is keen and some dairy property sales have reached levels not seen since 2013.

Farmers are confident and highly attuned to the benefits of increasing their holdings.

When rural land is offered for sale buyers are coming forth: listings are rapidly finding purchasers, frequently under fierce competition.

While the traditional annual rural property cycle features a lull through the winter, this year several attractive dairy farms are set to list for sale in our region. While they have shown less enthusiasm in the past few years, motivated buyers are now queueing up.

Since the start of this year,

interest in dairy property has undergone a resurgence.

This season’s forecast payout is up, and projections for the next few years firmly indicate it will stay elevated. Buyer enquiry from parties resourced to purchase property in the $10 to $15 million bracket has renewed. People with that amount of capital, whether singly or representing groups of investors, are wise to the returns dairy currently has to offer.

For these well-resourced purchasers, reliability of water is the number one consideration. As more new land and water use regulations are established, assurance of future environmental compliance is also important.

Even if dairy slips from its status as the primary land use option, purchasers want to see their investment safeguarded, with evidence of the farm’s capacity to remain profitable for the next 10 to 15 years.

Included among the local farms that will list in winter or early spring, several are high input units, exceptionally compliant from an environmental perspective, including low emissions and a small carbon footprint. These

Some dairy property sales have reached levels not seen since 2013.

offer the long-term sustainability that the market seeks.

Meanwhile, in the sheep and beef sector, although some properties are signed up for spring campaigns, we remain short of listings relative to the high prevailing demand.

A common theme coming through from many recent

property transactions, both here and elsewhere in the country, is buyers prepared to pay whatever it takes.

Many offering rural property for sale at present are thinking about moving on to the next stage of their farming career, including exiting the industry.

Often these are people who have

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

been thinking about this for some time. Now is an ideal time to activate those plans. We are firmly in a seller’s market, and they stand to be well rewarded.

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

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FOR 2022 NOW OPEN!

Our Scholarship Opportunities are Available to both Day and Boarding Students, Boys and Girls, New and Current Students.

Various Scholarships - Academic, Boarding, Sporting and Cultural, are available for children in Years 5-8.

You can apply at: https://waihi.school.nz/new-family/enrolments or by contacting our Executive Assistant, Wendy Groves: executive@waihi.school.nz phone 03 687 8071 Please see our website for further details.

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON THE 1ST JULY 2021

Nurture Success in your child - www.waihi.school.nz or ph 03 687 8071

www.guardianonline.co.nz

21

Online hub offers job support B

eef + Lamb NZ has launched an online employment hub, a one-stop shop for farm owners and managers to assist them as employers.

“Farmers have told us that they are struggling to employ and retain staff with unclear entry points, limited employment experiences and little to no support during this process,” B+LNZ’s chief insights officer Jeremy Baker said.

“Our employment hub pulls together all the information

and resources into eight stages of employment to help assist both employers and employees with recruitment, defining on-farm roles, the application process, employee development, and more.”

North Otago sheep and beef farmer Jo Hay who already used B+LNZ’s employment hub said a staff member had resigned “and it has been a great goto resource to organise their exit and also our recruitment process moving forward”.

“All you have to do is click on the category and it will drop down with relevant resources,” Hay said.

The wider project will see the creation of a supporting farmer network made from B+LNZ’s Farmer Council members across the country who have a special interest in the area.

“We know farmers learn best from other farmers, and knowledge transfer is vital in the industry. The network will share experiences, tips

and tricks and help farmers when it comes to recruitment and employment questions.

The network will also identify other farmers who could be good mentors in this space and are able to demonstrate and promote good practice,” Baker said.

“We are deliberately not focusing on legal and human resource support because Federated Farmers, local Chambers of Commerce, and many commercial

operators already provide this information.”

The webpage will be developed to provide advice and guidance on all aspects of recruitment and retention for farmers, as well as recommended contacts to engage with regarding farmers’ legal requirements as an employer.

This is part of B+LNZ’s commitment to supporting, growing, training and retaining people in the sector.

RANGE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE Machinery for sale

P

PRI

Cambridge Roller 2.7m Wide 660 Diameter Ring

C $1,8 E 00

3/4 Drive AF/ Metric 27 Piece Socket set

RIC $25 E 0

P

Round bale feeder suitable for fattening lambs

RIC $95 E 0

Phone: 0274 326 847 mcmullanent@xtra�co�nz - www�mcmullanenterprises�com

Todd Double Sheep Ramp ����������������������������������� $2,800 Hooper 3 m Maxi Till ������������������������������������������� $1,800 Loader Bucket 2�2m New ����������������������������������� $2,000 Clough Double bar Grubber ���������������������Being Prepared Farrow Press 3�1 Mtrs Wide �������������������������������� $1,200 Knverlamd 5 Furrow 14 inch Plough Tidy ������������ $6,500 Duncan 13 tine grubber ����������������������������������Coming in Clough 4 farrow mounted plough ��������������������Coming in Ferguson 11 tine grubber��������������������������������Coming in Burnett 2�0m sheep feeders����������������������������Coming in Clough 14ft Maxi till �������������������������������������������� $1,800 Agrimaster KN2000 Mulcher ������������������������������������POA Grubbers Single Bar & Double Bar ���������������� From $800 American Line Discs 12ft wide���������������������������� $4,500

All prices exclude GST

22

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Call to clarify biodiversity plans

Beef + Lamb NZ is recommending a pause in the mapping of Significant Natural Areas.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

B Land Development and Civil Siteworks Done Right 30 years of local knowledge and experience makes us the right people to talk to when it comes to earthmoving and civil siteworks. We explore every angle of a project upfront to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. For us, being the best isn’t about getting a job done fastest, or cheapest. It’s about getting it Done Right.

Find out how we will get your project Done Right at tarbotton.co.nz

eef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on the Government to clarify its biodiversity plans and continue working with industry bodies to fix the original proposals.

“We understand farmers’ fears about the recent activity by councils to map Significant Natural Areas (SNAs),” B+LNZ chairman Andrew Morrison said.

“In regions such as Northland and on the West Coast where SNAs are currently being mapped, up to 60-80 per cent of land on farms would be defined as an SNA, and it is currently not clear what activity farmers will be able to undertake on that land.

“We understand that off the back of submissions by farmers in 2019 the Government is planning to make changes to the originally-proposed rules and we encourage them to make this clear to ease the concerns of farmers.

“We also recommend the Government ask regional and district councils to pause their mapping of SNAs until the policies are clearer,” Morrison said.

“Farmers are not against the protection of biodiversity and they actively manage native vegetation on thousands of farms across the country.

“We want to give farmers the ability to integrate indigenous biodiversity within their pastoral systems and to be recognised for the benefits existing habitats on farm provide, as well as to be rewarded for their work to protect native species.

“Policies should ensure that biodiversity is an asset for farmers.

“Research by the University of Canterbury estimates that on average about 25 per cent of sheep and beef

farms are covered in native vegetation and our farmers are very proud of this.

“B+LNZ is encouraging the Government to commit to narrowing the definition of SNAs and to clarify the rules to ensure that agricultural production and the protection of biodiversity can co-exist.

“B+LNZ also wants the Government to consider carefully the staging of the introduction of any new rules.

“There is a lot of regulation coming at farmers at present,” Morrison said.

“Some of the essential freshwater rules still need to be fixed and then implemented, while 25 per cent of farmers must know their emissions number and have a plan to manage and reduce those emissions by the end of the year.

“We are therefore also encouraging the Government to delay the release of the new Biodiversity National Policy Statement until at least the end of the year.”

B+LNZ is also continuing to raise concerns with the Government about the perverse incentives that are driving wholesale conversion of productive land into carbon farms.

“We want limits to be placed on forestry offsetting before more damage is done to rural communities,” Morrison said.

“A better way is to recognise the real sequestration currently happening on sheep and beef farms and to support farmers to undertake further plantings within their own farm systems in an integrated way that optimises landuse, while at the same time ensuring that rural communities continue to thrive.”

www.guardianonline.co.nz

23

Rural mentors needed to pass baton Meagan Bell

W

PROPERTY BROKERS

hilst the rural team in my office are understandably concerned about the effects of the Government’s environmental regulations on farmers and the uncertainty that brings to the price of farms, I cannot help but sit here and wonder… who on earth is stepping up to learn from these guys?

I have been in real estate as an administrator for coming up four years. I have learnt a lot since my first day, but by no means am I an expert nor do I try to act like one. I have since moved into a PA role for one of the rural agents in the Property Brokers’ Ashburton office.

I am extremely fortunate to be able to learn from a great agent and I am really enjoying the complex nature of rural real estate and I could not recommend enough on-the-job learning to anyone who has been thinking of making the

move into sales.

I do often wonder when someone else my age is going to come on board. It is going to take me 20 plus years to ever match the knowledge of our rural team and by then most of them would have retired.

I cannot help but feel nervous that I will be left in an industry with a small team of work colleagues who may lack enough experience to be of any great help to our farmers and others in the industry.

So, the question must be asked, is it a lack of advertising these opportunities or is a lack of people to offer them to?

Are these mentoring to student options available but with no one to fill the gaps, are the younger generation being proactive about learning and finding a mentor, are the experienced industry professionals even wanting to take on the task of passing on knowledge?

I think it would be such a shame to see some of the best rural agents leave the industry taking with them years of knowledge and having no one to fill their shoes.

This issue I’m sure happens every generation, but the way the world is going now it feels

We don’t just say team.

We promise it.

Rural real estate involves a lot of skills and knowledge which can’t be learnt online.

like the younger generation are disconnected from how important gaining knowledge is.

Yes, we have access to so much knowledge through the internet but there are many skills that we cannot learn online.

For example, communication, reading people’s emotions, putting deals together,

teamwork and maintaining working relationships. It is something we should really keep in mind and have a good think about what we can offer to the industry.

Are you knowledgeable? If so, are you comfortable taking on someone and teaching them what you know? And if you

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

are in the younger generation or even older but looking for experience or a career change, are you ready to dive into the deep end and ask someone you know if they would mentor you?

Something to think about and not just in real estate, but any industry that requires a good amount of experience.

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

Find out more at pb.co.nz/trueteam

South Island Rural Team

pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

24

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Plantain’s nitrate reduction trialled A

new $22 million research initiative is underway to help dairy farmers improve freshwater quality – through using plantain pastures.

The Plantain Potency and Practice programme is designed to help dairy farmers meet environmental goals, government regulations and market expectations.

Modelling by DairyNZ forecasts a potential reduction of 15,000 tonnes per year of nitrate-nitrogen leached on 4200 New Zealand dairy farms in nitrogen-sensitive catchments per year by 2035.

This is a 37 per cent reduction from current levels.

Plantain use is predicted to lead to flow-on benefits to national and regional economies.

This is due to farmers spending less on other nitrate leaching solutions, therefore having more money to spend on goods and services. Plantain use is expected to save farmers more than $1 billion per decade.

The work will focus on proving plantain’s effectiveness at reducing nitrate leaching, investigating regional effects and protecting the supply chain.

The programme will use PGG Wrightson Seeds’ Ecotain environmental plantain because it

already has proven effectiveness.

The work aims to give farmers confidence to invest in growing plantain as an animal feed on their farms throughout New Zealand. An evaluation system will be developed to assess the environmental benefits of other plantain cultivars.

“This programme is very exciting and is geared at delivering many positive outcomes for farmers, the environment and New Zealand’s economy,” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said.

“Plantain offers the sector real potential to deliver a new effective option for farmers. This research is a platform to see what it can really do for farming and our waterways. Dairy farmers have a long history of innovation on-farm. This is a great example of government, farmers and organisations working together to refine our practices and technologies.”

Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri announced an $8.98m Government grant over seven years to expand the sectorrun programme.

Programme partners DairyNZ, PGG Wrightson Seeds and Fonterra welcome the grant from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI’s) Sustainable

A research initiative will focus on proving plantain’s effectiveness at reducing nitrate leaching.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Food and Fibre Futures fund. The three partners are collectively investing $10.47m in cash and $2.8m in kind.

“We are delighted the Government is contributing to this innovative initiative. We’re optimistic the programme will confirm previous research, commissioned by us and undertaken by a range of organisations, showing plantain has the potential to significantly contribute to environmental improvement,” PGG Wrightson Seeds chief executive John McKenzie said.

“New Zealand dairy farmers are already world leaders when

it comes to sustainable milk production, and this is about offering another practical way to improve environmental performance on farm,” Fonterra director on farm excellence Charlotte Rutherford said.

“The programme will look at the impact of Ecotain pastures right across the supply chain – from the farm to the consumer and everything in between, including our manufacturing processes.

“Our goal is to develop a quality solution that can be applied at scale across farms nationwide. The partners will work closely with farmers to ensure the solutions

work for them, are achievable and fit well into New Zealand farming systems.”

Ecotain was developed by seed company Agricom (one of PGG Wrightson Seeds’ businesses).

The programme aims to substantially reduce nitrate leaching to freshwater from New Zealand dairy farms using plantain.

Farm trials • The programme will include large-scale farm systems experiments at Lincoln and Massey Universities. These will measure nitrate leaching under plantain pasture compared to perennial ryegrass, to confirm reductions in leaching.

• The trials will also confirm the proportion of plantain required in the pasture to achieve nitrogen-loss reductions, determine the effects of different soil and climate conditions, and capture any changes in farm profit between the systems.

• If proven successful, the partners will work with farmers nationwide using a co-development approach to help them adopt plantain onto their farms, measure outcomes and demonstrate success to other farmers.

SPECIALISING IN DAIRY FARMS & MAINTENANCE

TRIMBLE GFX-350 PACKAGE Easy to use, simple to fit, for guidance and steering we've got the kit!

• • • • • • • • • • •

• Effluent Ponds & Concrete Tanks Dairy Conversions • Rut Filling Farm Tracks • Shingle Supplies Feed Pads • On Farm Shingle Screening Underpasses • Building - Pump Sheds Silage Pits - Implement Sheds - Hay Barns Bulk Cartage • Concrete Bunkers Site Works & Driveways Tree Removal Water Reticulation & Storage Irrigation Free Quotes Mole Ploughing

• • • • • • • • •

Excavators Loaders Trucks Graders Rollers Transporters Tractor & Rut Filler Hire Tractor & Muckspreader Tractor & Trailer

$3,975* +GST

✔ Streamlined proof-of-placement ✔ Integrated farm record keeping ✔ Easy nutrient reporting

✔ Plan and manage work orders

www.vantage-nz.com

*includes first year annual software fees

No Job Too BIG or Small

Steve 027 640 3414 Office Phone 03 693 7457

Locally Owned & Operated

E-mail: oliverbros@farmside.co.nz www.oliverbros.co.nz

YOUR PARTNER IN PRECISION AG

Dairy Focus

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021

UP FOR THE

CHALLENGE Page 27–28

RURAL WATER SERVICES Tank Trough and Waterblasting Services Trough cleaning • Let’s face it, cleaning out water troughs is a smelly and tedious job which more often than not gets pushed to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list.

• We have the right equipment and track record for working to the highest standards getting troughs ready for fresh clean water.

• We clean and repair troughs, repair or replace ballcocks, design and consult stock water reticulation systems.

• Provide detailed GPS tracking of work carried out.

• ‘Lead with Pride’ audits

BEFORE AFTER

Phone: 027 876 8447 (027TROUGHS) Email: ruralwaterservices@xtra.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

27

Grabbing the bull by the horns F

irst time competitor Dale a tertiary education, so packing Farmers Club member started McAlwee is preparing to his bags and heading off to his relationship with Young compete in this year’s FMG Lincoln was the next logical Farmers while at Timaru Boys Young Farmer of the Year step after high school.

High School but took a hiatus grand final in Christchurch.

“Dad was really keen for me while at university and working It’s a huge year for the farmer to go because he never did and in America. who has also taken on his first he regretted that. I enjoyed “I regret not joining a club contract milking position just a my time there immensely when I was at university. You month before the finals. and I honestly don’t think I meet people from all walks Lincoln University alumni would have got as far in the of life, you can always rely Dale McAlwee is having a competition without my degree. on turning up and being able whirlwind of a year. From It’s also been a really important to speak to someone who can competing in the FMG Young base to have for my farming help you if you’ve got an issue farmer of the Year competition career.” or an idea you want to float. for the first time, to making After graduating in 2017, I landed my contract milking it to the grand finals and now with some encouragement from role through contacts I made entering into his first contract his mates, he headed to America through Young Farmers.” milking position starting in to do the harvest and a bit of With a lot on his plate June. travelling around. Once home, already, McAlwee is often asked Dale McAlweeCUSTOMER on his way to winning the Aorangi regional final to “I knew from a really young he took up an opportunity on why he decided PUBLISHING to enter the CHRISTCHURCH VEIN CLINIC 02/09/14 book a place in this year’s Young Farmer of the Year grand final in age that I wanted to be a a friend’s family mixed-arable competition.

He said he entered Christchurch. SALES REP BERNADETTE.CHRISTIE PHOTO: SUPPLIED farmer. I grew up on the family farm before he landed his role as to support hisPUBLICATION local club in the STRAIG farm just south of Timaru.” assistant manager at Singletree district finals and never dreamt GENERA DESIGNER Unknown SECTION Working on some smaller farms The farm was originally a CUSTOMER Dairies. farmCLINIC ownership so I’m excited CHRISTCHURCH VEIN he’d end up in thePUBLISHING grand finals, PROOFED SIZE 10X7 and growing up on a family 27/08/2014 sheep and bull beef farm but The 600-hectare property for it. It’s1:31:18 going to p.m. be good to but it’s an opportunity he’s SALES REP BERNADETTE.CHRISTIE PUBLICATION farm, it was a real change for when the dairy industry grew, near Ashburton milks around be self-employed whilst also grateful to have.

ERTISING AD ID 6268508AA FAX me to adjust to.”

Unknown SECTION his parents sold up the sheep DESIGNER 2500 cows and employs around dealing with employment and “Honestly, I don’t think the 4528 He grew a lot during his time and bulls and started grazing 11 staff. It’s a big operation that the business side of things surprise factor has worn off ROOF 27/08/2014 1:31:18 p.m.

SIZE in the role, experience he might dairy cows. Part way through PROOFED playedPLEASE a large role in setting where I’m the one responsible yet. I’mTHAT viewing itANY as a period APPROVE THIS AD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NOTE ALTERAT not have got on a small farm. his studies at Lincoln they McAlwee up for in his for everything rather than of personal development and a FAX AD IDsuccess 6268508AA With his ambition always to get chance to really test my skills converted the farm to dairy. career. onlyBY focusing on operational MUST BE FINALISED OUR MATERIAL DEADLINE. into farm ownership, McAlwee and learn some new ones.

The family farm has been in “My biggest learning from objectives.

PROVE AD AS SOON AS NOTE THAT ANY AL said he’d beenPOSSIBLE. on the lookout for It’s going to be a challenging the family forTHIS generations, with Singletree has probably been I’ve been working towards a while for his next opportunity. this for a long time, so when the time preparing for grand finals the original part of the farm dealing with a whole lot of MUST BY DEADLINE. “From JuneOUR 1, I am contractMATERIAL and starting contract milking, purchased back in 1890. BE FINALISED moving parts. It’s a large opportunity came, I had to grab milking 1200 cows. It’s that but you have to make the most McAlwee, 26, said his dad was operation and there’s a lot the bull by the horns.” first step on the road towards of what life gives you.” “hot on his case” for him to get of people to interact with.

The Pendarves Young

ADVERTISING PROOF

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

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

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

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

Southern Cross Affiliated Provider

Dairy Focus

28

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Background is no barrier

Tasman finalist Roshean Woods doesn’t expect not coming from a farming background to put her at a disadvantage in the Young Farmer of the Year grand final.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

D

airyNZ farm systems scientist Roshean Woods is gearing up to compete in this year’s FMG Young Farmer of the Year grand final in Christchurch.

She is one of a handful of women to have competed in the grand final.

Woods, 30, is the sole female competitor this year. It’s a lot of pressure, but something she’s trying not to focus on too much.

“My approach going into this is to do my best, which is all I can do really.

I’ve competed many times at district competitions, but it’s never been with the ambition to win, it’s been for the learning experience.”

Unlike her fellow grand finalists, Woods doesn’t come from a farming background.

Far from it, but she says that doesn’t put her at a disadvantage.

YOUR OLD CLAWS FOR A NEW SET OF

WAIKATO 320 CLAWS AND GET

Growing up, Woods always loved the sciences and coming up to her final year of high school, was trying to figure out what a future career could look like. A visit to her school from DairyNZ and a student liaison officer from Lincoln University proved to be just the thing to help her figure that out.

“They came around to my science classes and spoke about the opportunities in the agricultural industry. They spoke on the wide variety of people needed in the industry and when they said they need researchers my interest piqued.

“When I pictured my career I never really saw it being full time in a lab, I like being outdoors. Once I’d heard about the opportunities in the agricultural industry, I could picture myself out in a paddock working with farmers in the science space. I probably didn’t really know fully what research was back then to be honest.”

As dux of her school, Woods had the pick of a few scholarships but ultimately decided that Lincoln University was where she was headed.

A DairyNZ scholarship sealed the deal and she started her pathway into agriculture.

“Once I started my degree I just loved it even more. I did summer placements and took every opportunity I could to get practical experience both on farm and in the research environment.”

At the end of her Bachelor of Science degree she went on to complete an honours year focusing her research project on looking at greenhouse gas emissions from dairy shed effluent and what would happen if that effluent was applied to native plant areas.

From there she took up an internship opportunity with DairyNZ and AgResearch which saw her do placements at each, working in technical roles around the country.

“I got to work with a lot of scientists and it confirmed my desire to do what they were doing, everything from project planning to experimental design through to interpreting the results. It was an amazing chance to network as well.”

Deciding she wasn’t quite done with study, Woods eyed up a PhD. Through contacts she’d made during her internship she signed up to do her PhD within the forage for reduced nitrate leaching project.

While she was finishing up her PhD she met Charlotte Glass, founder of AgriMagic in Canterbury. She was looking for people to join her team and she’d spoken to Woods’ supervisor who’d mentioned her name.

“My role at AgriMagic gave me a chance to upskill my farm systems knowledge and work within an amazing team to support farmers to maintain resilient farm businesses as they respond to environmental challenges.

“I loved interacting with our farmers and it helped me build a lot of soft skills which I think set me up really well for when I made the move into my current job.”

Now, working as a farm systems scientist, Woods is involved in a number of research projects including a farmlet study being conducted at the Southern Dairy Hub in Invercargill. The project is a farm systems comparison designed to better understand crop-based wintering in relation to consequences for environmental impact and profit.

“In other projects I’m involved with we are partnering with commercial farmers. I love the interaction with them and that constant feedback loop. As researchers, we don’t know everything, so having farmers involved and asking questions and questioning our assumptions helps keep us relevant.”

Over the coming weeks, Woods will be hard at work preparing for the grand final in July. Going into her Tasman regional final, she felt her biggest hurdle was going to be the practical elements, but her seven-year tenure as a competitor at district level has left her with a good foundation to work from.

With some help and encouragement from her husband, she says she’s ready to tackle whatever is thrown her way but will be putting in the hours of practice and study just to be sure.

“I’ve only ever entered the competition to gain experience and learn, now it’s the real deal. So while I am taking it seriously, my main focus is enjoying the whole experience.

Previous competitors I’ve spoken to have all said the same thing, to enjoy it, because it’s over pretty quickly.

“I hope that through my urban background it will encourage others to have a go. I’ve learnt so much and I’m ready to tackle the grand final.”

ConcreteWater/Feed Water/Feed Troughs Troughs • Precast Panels • Water ••Concrete Water Tanks/ Tanks/ Effluent EffluentTanks Tanks SilagePits Pits••Concrete Concrete Bunkers Bunkers • Weeping Walls • Cattle Stops ••Silage Stops •• Wingwalls Wingwalls••Concrete ConcretePipes Pipes *

Or call into the yard at Forany anyquote quoteororinquires inquirescontact contact us us on on Or For

03308 3084816 4816 03

205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald, Ashburton 205 Ashburton

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

www.guardianonline.co.nz

29

Fonterra listening on capital structure Fonterra is seeking to address the compulsory requirement for farmers to invest huge sums of capital just to supply the co-operative.

Craig Hickman

W

ELBOW DEEP @dairymanNZ

hen Fonterra was legislated into existence back in 2001, the newly formed co-operative took the simple and pragmatic approach of adopting the capital structure format used by its predecessors; farmer shareholders had to own one share for every kilogram of milksolids they supplied.

If you wanted to supply Fonterra you had to buy shares from Fonterra and, if you exited the co-operative, they would buy the shares back off you.

This format worked well for the next seven years. Then there was a massive increase in dairy conversions and, as most of those new farms had no choice but to supply Fonterra rather than a competing milk processor, way more shares were being bought than sold.

Synlait’s appearance on the scene in the 2008-09 season and to a lesser extent Open Country Dairy in 2005-06, was a game changer. Suddenly

Canterbury farmers had the option of supplying an independent processor and receiving practically the same payment for their milk without having to hold expensive shares. There was almost no risk involved as legislation compelled Fonterra to supply independent processors with milk at cost, ostensibly for domestic consumption, which was then processed into high value ingredients for export.

With the average Mid Canterbury dairy farm holding 300,000 Fonterra shares, each farmer exiting the co-op to supply a competitor was costing Fonterra some $1.35 million with share redemptions alone. The declining share price, from $6.79 in the 2006-07 season to $4.47 in 2008-09, only hastened some farmers’ exit from the co-op.

Fonterra identified this redemption risk, great sums of money washing out of the company to buy shares back from exiting farmers, and in 2012 a change to the capital structure of the co-op was voted on and adopted; Trading Among Farmers (TAF).

Essentially TAF allowed the public to buy non-voting (dry) shares in Fonterra which would entitle them to a dividend, and farmers who were leaving

the co-op could convert their supplying (wet) shares to dry shares when they left and sell them in this market.

Creating this fund protected Fonterra’s balance sheet by shielding them from the cost of redeeming the shares and provided a new mechanism for valuing the shares.

TAF, of course, was incredibly short-sighted but typical of the way Fonterra operated at the time. It only addressed one issue, the threat to Fonterra’s balance sheet, and ignored systemic problems like the high cost of becoming a Fonterra supplier and the fact suppliers were still leaving the co-op in favour of independent processors.

The proponents of TAF seemed to assume milk supply would continue to grow and Fonterra’s share of that supply would remain stable. In fact, milk supply leveled off shortly after the introduction of TAF and Fonterra’s share of the milk pool fell from a high of 96 per cent to its current level of around 80 per cent.

I still recall the urgent, almost desperate lobbying of farmers to vote in favour of TAF. There were no alternatives offered and TAF was presented as the only solution to a desperate problem.

Farmer feedback wasn’t sought

Absolute accuracy 100% ISOBUS compatible

PFAS_GUARDMAR

Automatic calibration Simon Jackson

027 Rd, 512 7205 1 George Holmes Rolleston Contact Power Farming Ashburton for more information.

Tom Wells

027 706 4147

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

in any meaningful way and the scheme was ultimately passed through gritted teeth as suppliers felt they had no other option.

The proof TAF was not the solution Fonterra needed can be seen in the fact capital structure changes are being explored again a mere nine years after its implementation, but this time things feel very different.

This time Fonterra wants to address the underlying issues that affect the co-op; the high cost of entry and the compulsory requirement to invest huge sums of capital just to supply.

After researching and discarding many different models, the one they have chosen to present to suppliers centers on farmer choice.

Farmers would only be required to hold one share for every four kilograms of milk solids supplied and could then choose to buy more shares if they felt the co-op’s performance warranted it.

Ashburton In one move this drastically slashes the entry cost of being a new supplier and allows existing suppliers to free up as much as 75 per cent of the capital they have invested in shares.

Share value would no longer be determined by the trading actions of private investors

Range of spreaders available for all types of farming operations

but rather by the company’s performance over time, a useful metric for assessing the performance of both management and the board.

The real difference though is that this time Fonterra is having a conversation with their shareholders. The board and senior management are touring the country and saying, “these are the problems we face and this is the solution we have come up with, what do you think?”

Then they listen.

Fonterra has real diversity in their shareholder base in terms of range of ages and stages, objectives, goals and aspirations.

The co-op has realised the onesize-fits-all compulsory capital structure currently in place that requires all shareholders to hold shares on a 1:1 basis is a key factor in farmers deciding to leave and they have proposed a solution.

Regardless of the outcome of the vote at November’s annual meeting, and I hope the proposed capital structure changes win the approval of shareholders, suppliers can take heart that this proposed change to our constitution has been approached with a sense of purpose, maturity and collaboration that has been lacking in the past.

Dynamic weighing ISOBUS and VRT ready Fertiliser, lime Gypsum & manure

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

INDEPENDENTLY CERTIFIED TO SPREAD UREA

Power Farming Ashburton is proud to have taken on the sales and distribution of trailing Irish fertiliser spreading brand AgriSpread giving them a complete portfolio of Variable rate technology in spreaders as this is being rapidly adopted by all farmers.

Auto rate control, auto shut off and

Agri-Spread has a proven track record in spreading a variety of different product with application rates down to 1kg/ha for mouse and snail baits and up to 10,000kg/ha for manures. The Agri-Spread can also accurately spreads product with moisture content up to 40%.

Power Farming Ashburton Dynamic ISOBUS & weighing

F

VRT ready

• Spread rates 1kg/Ha - 10,000kg/H

Dairy Focus

30

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Plan a cow-friendly environment Fred Hoekstra

VEEHOF DAIRY SERVICES

B

efore we know it, we will be back at calving time and things will get really busy again.

It is always a good idea to think and plan ahead.

There are things we can do to minimise lameness before the season starts: lameness management does not start at calving but at drying off.

What you do between now and calving has a big impact on the season to come.

I have talked in previous articles about the effect of a lack of resting time on lameness. You need to make sure your cows can lay down in a comfortable dry spot. I think this is an issue that is too often overlooked and must be taken seriously.

I am strongly opposed to having cows on winter crop paddocks without access to a grass paddock.

I am not a ‘Greeny’ and I am not unrealistic when it comes to cow comfort. Cows are not human beings and as such they

Calving is a risk period for cows.

can handle a lot more when it comes to weather conditions.

But I do believe that we, as farmers, have the responsibility to provide an environment for our cows where they can function well. Muddy paddocks do not fit that criteria – but that is not what I really wanted to

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

focus on this month.

Calving is a risk period for cows.

During this time, they undergo changes in diet, daily routine, environment, staff, and on top of that, a lot of hormonal changes.

Specifically, influential here is a hormone called Relaxin which has a big impact on the ligaments

in the foot. This can result in significant haemorrhage as the pedal bone (the last bone of the cow’s foot that sits inside the claw) presses onto the live tissue.

You cannot do anything about this hormone; its production is necessary for the cow to be able to push her calf out.

HOOF TRIMMING CRUSH THE CRUSH YOUR COWS PREFER

FREEADE R UPG MAT

Paul Bailey

BER RUB W-BAR OR

027 229 9774

paul@canterburylivestock.co.nz fb/canterburylivestock

Superior design for comfort and safety, the WOPA keeps you in control and out of harm’s way.

• Designed by experts to work in harmony with animal anatomy, keeping your cows secure, comfortable & calm.

Standard Crush $5,490+gst

Instead, there is a heightened need to focus on other factors that have an impact on the health of live tissue. The key here is to minimise stress, especially for dominant heifers. They have never calved before, they have never been milked before, and are now suddenly subject to the more dominant older cows. All those stresses add up.

So again, try to control the ones you can. If possible, keep heifers in their own herd. Make sure you fully feed them with a sensible diet, handle them with patience and keep waiting time to a minimum.

You may wonder what I mean by waiting time. It is basically the time when a cow is not in the paddock engaging in normal cow behaviour (grazing, drinking, resting and socialising).

A cow walking to and from the cow shed is classed as a waiting cow just like the one that is standing in the yard, waiting to be milked.

Now is the time to think about these things and plan for a cow-friendly farm environment and enjoy the benefits of reduced lameness.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss or comment about these issues: fhoekstra@dhi.ac.nz

WANTING Incalf mixed age cows Incalf 2 year Heifers GIVE US A CALL

• When using a correct trimming technique, operator safety is assured.

• The international market leading WOPA cattle crush combines 40 years of design innovation for greater job satisfaction and increased efficiency.

To find out more, call us today!

T&C applies. With every WOPA crush sold before 30/6/2021, you choose your free upgrade of either a W-Bar valued at $450* or rubber mat valued $250*. Not redeemable for cash. All pricing GST exclusive.

“Supporting farmers to become the best they can be”

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

www.veehof.co.nz

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

www.guardianonline.co.nz

31

Down cows no longer an issue D

eath, taxes and down cows do not all have to be certainties in a dairy farmer’s life.

As dairy farmers you do not have to accept that this is a reality, and by changing your focus on farm from treating sick animals to prevention you can remove one of the ‘certainties’ from the list, making dairying more enjoyable and more profitable.

Unfortunately, the acceptance of down cows being part of life is reinforced by their prevalence during springtime. Downers are now so common it is like a self-fulfilling prophecy; every farm has them, it’s just some are worse than others.

DairyNZ published that there are about 2 per cent of cows in a herd that actually go down in New Zealand during the calving period. For every one that goes down, there are at least 10 times more that are sub-clinically suffering the same problem. In fact, DairyNZ suggests that one-third of all cows in New Zealand are affected. This results in further problems with calving, milk production, fertility and mastitis through the season.

There are many reasons for the high levels of hypocalcemia cows in the dairy industry.

The most well acknowledged

Farmers who have adopted balanced nutritional systems don’t fear calving.

is the magnesium deficiency created in cows by excessive levels of potassium and nitrogen based molecules in our modern grasses. This lack of magnesium means that the cow fails to regulate her own calcium homeostatic systems prior to calving and also during lactation.

A failure to regulate calcium homeostasis by magnesium means the cow fails to break down sufficient bone prior to calving to allow for available calcium at calving. It also means

the cow is unable to absorb sufficient calcium during the lactation period, which means she is unable to replace her bones. Not dissimilar to not replacing body condition score.

By pasture dusting, drenching and water dosing with magnesium prior to calving we are enabling the cow to break down her bones and use this calcium at calving. However, this is effectively “raiding the bank” when it is not necessary.

It also means that we have to replace more calcium in

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

lactation, which is likely to be already lacking.

Hypocalcemia has also been demonstrated to be the precursor for just about every major metabolic disease post calving. This includes mastitis, ketosis, retained placenta, metritis, dystocia and even prolapse. These metabolic diseases increase the loss of body weight in early lactation, reduce production and have a negative effect on fertility.

So how can you tackle hypocalcemia?

The first part is to feed a balanced diet all year round.

This enables cows to have a healthy skeleton prior to calving and enable the cow to draw on this reserve during calving and into lactation.

To achieve this we need to maintain the macro mineral balance (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) and also the fat soluble vitamin balance.

It is important to realize that minerals and vitamins are not feed additives, they are critical components of a cow’s diet, not unlike energy, protein and fibre.

The second part is to balance her diet immediately prior to calving, in what we call the transition period. Research has shown it is possible to achieve this on a grass based diet by utilising highly available sources of magnesium, calcium and an advanced form of vitamin D called HyD. HyD has been demonstrated to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet during the milking period and to activate calcium prior to calving.

The farmers that have adopted balanced nutritional systems don’t fear calving – they often get to the point where a down cow is most unusual, and certainly not to be expected as a normal part of calving.

Are you hot washing your plant or silo once or twice a day?

Do you want to reduce this to 3 times per week*?

Imagine the power savings!

Talk to us today about our new C.I.P. micro bubble technology.

QCONZ TESTED & MPI APPROVED

Cleaning with this new Nozzle in place produces micro bubbles in the wash tank which removes solidified protein residue, reduces plate and thermo counts during the wash cycle, whilst also reducing the energy usage and carbon footprint.

The efficiency of the micro bubbles results in such a high standard of “cleaning” that only 3 hot washes* per week are required to achieve the standards of hygiene required by the NZ Dairy Industry. * Approved wash proceedures must still be followed

THE PREFERRED MILKING SYSTEMS PARTNER FOR DAIRY FARMERS

Ph

0800 577 583 www. morrisonagri.co.nz 742 East Street, Ashburton

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WELLS AND IRRIGATION FEATURE

33

Flexing ballcock Fieldays’ innovation E

verything from a flexing ballcock to a camera that looks for disease in plants were winners in the Fieldays Innovation Awards.

Winner of the Prototype Award, Springarm Products, have achieved the seemingly impossible: inventing a ballcock arm that won’t break.

Instead of snapping when put under pressure, the Springarm flexes, saving farmers water, time, money, and stress.

Springarm director Marianne Awburn said that at the Fieldays Innovation Hub they received non-stop positive feedback from farmers who’ve been facing water supply issues for a long time.

“We’ve just watched all of these people come in and seeing the relief on their faces because there’s a solution to their problem that they’ve been facing for so long.

“Some of the older generations of dairy farmers have come in and said, ‘Why didn’t you invent this when I still had my farm?’”

Awburn’s husband and the inventor, Ric Awburn, was standing at the empty trough one evening, on the farm he manages. He was observing the cows nudging the ballcock, and the arm would just snap. He thought, “if only it could give a little.” Two years later, Springarm Products have developed a durable and reliable ballcock arm that’s easy to install – they call it the “farmer’s little saviour”.

Cropsy Technologies took home not one, but two Fieldays Innovation Awards: the Early Stage Award and the Young Innovator’s Award. The team of young engineers, Leila, Ali, Rory, Winston, and Hank are innovating in the crop analytics space with their scalable AI enabled hardware.

Co-founder Leila Deljkovic said getting their name out there and sharing the work Cropsy’s been doing in the Fieldays Innovation Hub was amazing.

“Seeing all the other things going on is so cool, there’s a lot of researchers here and it’s all cutting edge innovation.

We’ve been enjoying networking and connecting with people that we could potentially work with.”

Deljkovic said the idea started with Ali’s internship at a hydroponic organisation where he was researching the pain points for growers.

“Growers can’t monitor every vine in their vineyard, and they don’t have the resources to. Being engineers we thought, how can we help?”

What’s resulted is a camera with machine learning, attached to the front of a tractor, that looks out for disease,

Springarm Products have achieved the seemingly impossible: inventing a ballcock arm that won’t break.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

counts bunches of vines, detects missing or dying vines, and anything that’s wrong with the plants. With Cropsy’s innovation, growers can minimise crop loss, estimate yield to improve supply chains, and replant with precision.

Cropsy is trialling with large wineries, including Pernod Ricard Winemakers, and is looking for pilot partners for commercial deployment next season.

Growth and Scale Award winner, IGS Limited has taken vertical farming technology to new heights with its Growth Towers. The vertical farm-in-a-box is Internet of Things enabled and is powered by a three-tier intelligent system to deliver Total Control Environment Agriculture. It has the potential to deliver maximum yield with quality and consistency, using 50 per cent less energy and 80 per cent less labour.

Based in Scotland and the United States, IGS Limited had their innovation represented despite not being able to make it to New Zealand this Fieldays due to border restrictions.

• Dairy Shed Effluent • Drainage • Irrigation • Water • Power • Fibre

Trenchless Technology

Cropsy Technologies took home not one, but two Fieldays Innovation Awards.

Mob 027 433 8003 Office 03 308 8479 Email office@gdcgroup.nz Web www.gdc.net.nz Free Phone 0800 432 532

Farming

34

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Pests compromising carbon sinks Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

N

ew Zealand’s forests and long-term grasslands are widely accepted as being valuable carbon sinks. And, if well managed, they are.

But many of our native forests are losing carbon.

Lack of regeneration and loss of leaf canopy because of browsing animals means that the forests are shedding carbon at a greater rate than they are taking it in.

Browsing pests, such as possums, goats, deer, pigs and wallabies damage forests from the ground up: they eat the leaf litter and seedlings so that no new trees or shrubs can establish, and they can kill saplings and mature trees by eating their bark and leaves.

Once this happens, forest productivity starts to go into reverse and there is a net carbon loss rather than gain.

This phenomena is easy to see in our local beech forests – a forest floor with basically no

regeneration except perhaps for ferns and horopito (pepper bush) which are unpalatable to deer. There may be seedlings of broadleaf, beech or fivefinger that are 5cm high, but none bigger than that survive because they’ve been eaten by deer or possums.

A new report has quantified the loss and the effect on carbon emissions of mammalian browsers. New Zealand’s most common type of native forest, the kamahi-podocarp forests found on the West Coast, are bleeding over three million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year. The report details how 30 million possums, 500,000 goats, deer and wallabies are out of control, munching through our native forests.

Sustained pest control is needed urgently to address this issue. We need to put emotional attachment aside and restore native forests to maximise carbon sequestration to address our ever-rising emissions.

Native habitats can be a saviour, but only if they are managed and pests controlled.

Controlling these feral animal pests would increase the carbon sequestration of native ecosystems by 8.4

million tonnes of CO2 per year, which is equivalent to nearly 15 per cent of New Zealand’s 2018 net greenhouse gas emissions.

New plantings are part of the solution too of course, but many of these are also compromised by mammalian browsing. There’s no point going to the expense and effort of planting if it’s just feeding the deer and possums.

We need urgent action on the climate crisis and the pest issue is one way to get carbon sequestration runs on the board. And there are biodiversity benefits as well – thriving forests, shrublands and tussock grasslands without browsing mammals are improved habitat for native species, many of which are endangered or under threat.

There’s no risk that we’ll ever get rid of all deer – there’s thousands of them on private and public land – so this is an issue all Kiwis should be able to get behind.

Deer and other mammals are munching through our native forests and causing many forests to have a net carbon loss.

PHOTO: LUC HOOGENSTEIN

BREDAL: PRECISION APPLICATION

BREDAL F8/F10

BREDAL F4

K SERIES

• Specialised fertiliser spreader designed for professional users.

Bredal F4

• Combined Lime & Fertiliser spreader

• Simple and precise

• Meets stringent European standards for headland spreading and wedge shape spreading.

• 1500 to 4000 litre capacity

• Requires only a change of discs and chutes to change from lime to fertiliser.

• 2 independently driven floor belts to allow perfect variable width & rate spreading.

Bredal F8/F10

• Full width belt ensures constant supply of material.

• Auto turn on and off at headland.

Isobus operated 12 section control.

JAMES MCCLOY 027 782 7606

• Very latest technology • 5700 to 9650 litre capacity

MARK SMITHERAM 027 292 5014

• Two large spreading discs distribute Bredal’s signature 4 x overlap.

ELIOT SCHOFIELD 027 611 1892

• K45 – K165 models, trailed. Option to truck mount.

• 3500 – 19,000 L capacity.

• Working width Lime – 12m • Working width Fertiliser – 12 – 36m

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Feeding the worm farm.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

35

Mulching a layered garden bed with newspaper and straw.

Sheryl Stivens harvests vegetables from a raised bed made from a recycled trailer top two years ago.

Create new garden beds this winter

KIOTI PX1153

3 YEARS

POWER SHUTTLE CABIN 115HP LOADER COMBO

0% *

Only

$84,980

PFAS_GUARDMAR

027 706 4147

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

Terms and conditions apply. Offer ends 30/6/2021 or while stocks last. Images may differ from product advertised. * Finance terms are 1/3 deposit, GST in month three, with 0% interest, and is for PX1153 loader combo only. ** 4 year or 2000 hour power train warranty.

• lev

4 IN 1

• el

027 512 7205

WARRANTY**

TRAIN

Tom Wells

p

POWER

• G

4 YEAR

INTEREST

Simon Jackson

+GST

inter provides a break from weeding, watering and harvesting our food crops and a time for planning what trees and food crops we want to plant next season.

Most importantly, it is the time to build and repair our soils and begin to establish new organic garden beds.

Establishing a new garden bed or raised bed garden often means sacrificing a portion of the lawn – yes less lawn to mow and more food to grow.

You can kill grass (or other ground cover) with chemicals, however this is harmful for

worms do the work.

Don’t destroy them with chemical fertilisers or sprays.

Worms are the ultimate pets.

Set yourself up a worm farm in a bathtub if you have the space or invest in a commercial worm farm. Then you can harvest the liquid gold worm juice for foliar feeding as well as the worm castings to enrich your garden beds at planting time.

Besides that you have a place to feed your tea bags, coffee grounds, food scraps, rotting fruit and pony poo year round to your worm farm. These guys are your ultimate pets, they don’t bark at night, you don’t have to take them for a walk each day and they eat all the things you don’t want and turn them into fertile loam. How cool is that.

Your kids will love it. Enjoy watching the magic of your ecological garden evolve.

loader

RAD

b

W

Finally, add a layer of unsprayed pea straw or leaves you have raked up and stored from autumn or whatever mulch you have including sileage.

Now you have the most amazing garden bed that will evolve over time, being useful for various crops as it evolves.

In the first season you can plant garlic cloves into the bed and begin to grow your crop of garlic, leeks or onions as they are all rich feeders. You can leave your new garden bed to rest until spring and plant into it your broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage to grow for Christmas feasting.

Your new rich garden bed will not be ready for seed crops like carrots or beetroot until next season but by then you will be ready to make another compost garden bed to suit your winter crops.

Enjoy the magic of winter soil building and watching the

gra

ECO EFFICIENCY

build it at ground level if you so desire. We used a top off an old trailer with a corrugated iron edging a few years ago and it has provided us with such a lot of food because it is raised up to almost waist level so the soil temperature is warmer in winter and spring than the ground temperature.

Firstly, lay a thick layer of cardboard or newspaper over the defined area. Ensure that any seams overlap by at least 15cm. If you’re using newspaper, layer them eight to 10 sheets thick. Then, place your raised bed frame onto the area selected.

Add a layer of well-rotted horse or pony manure on top of the cardboard or newspaper ideally up to the top of your frame or 30cm deep. The organic material will sink as it breaks down into soil or loam. Add another layer of newspaper or cardboard on top of the horse manure to suppress any weeds that may grow.

scoo

Sheryl Stivens

you, your family and the environment. Here is an effective non-hazardous way to remove grass and the roots that go along with it.

Known as sheet mulching or layering, this method involves laying down an organic material, such as thick newspaper (at least eight sheets) or cardboard, to smother the grass.

Sheet layering is effective and not harmful to the environment as both the grass and the newspaper or cardboard simply break down and will be mixed into the soil. Because it requires moisture for the worms and micro-organisms to make this happen it works well in winter especially a wet winter like we are experiencing.

Start by defining the area for your planting bed. You can then build a raised bed or buy a system that works for you to contain your new raised bed or

E

•

Power Farming Ashburton

36

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Breakthrough pasture spray boosts production, cuts carbon footprint A

natural New Zealanddeveloped and tested pasture spray is the answer for dairy and sheep and beef farmers wanting to increase production while also reducing their greenhouse gas footprint.

Biozest has been proven to pay for itself several times over in increased milk and meat production, while reducing the environmental impact of farming.

Biozest has been developed

by New Zealand scientist Nathan Balasingham, who has more than 40 years’ experience in crop biotechnology and describes the product as “transformational” in terms of its benefits.

“I have produced a product that tricks the plant to think that it is being attacked and so produces phenylpropanoids.

These activate plants to be more resilient and productive.”

“Zest” products by Balasingham’s family company Zest Biotech have been used by growers and farmers across New Zealand for more than 10 years.

Biozest is manufactured from plant extracts, fatty acids, plant

compatible organic acids and wetting agents and is suitable for both conventional and organic farms.

Applied to pasture as a liquid spray, Biozest works to improve pasture resilience and growth.

All plants have receptors on their surfaces that detect changes (such as high UV light, pest attack or disease) and trigger an immune/defence response from within the plant.

Biozest is designed to be detected by these same receptors so that plants respond to Biozest via the same immune/defence system.

This triggers the phenylpropanoid pathway production of a wide range of bioactive molecules which sustain plant immune systems, assisting plants to overcome stress and damage from pests, disease and environmental effects such as frost or drought.

By producing these bioactive molecules, Biozest-treated pasture is more resilient and productive.

Biozest not only increases pasture productivity, but also ruminant productivity.

Applied to pasture as a liquid spray, Biozest works to improve pasture resilience and growth.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The inefficient nature of the ruminant digestive system

means only 20 to 25 per cent of pasture protein is converted to milk or meat. The rest is lost as waste via urine and dung while energy is lost as methane gas.

The bioactive molecules (phenylpropanoids) in Biozest-treated pasture protect the protein so more pasture is converted to milk or meat instead of being broken down to ammonia and excreted as urea.

Biozest-treated pasture also has higher levels of soluble sugars which makes pasture more palatable and provides energy at key stages of digestion.

Scientific data shows that by using Biozest-treated pasture, meat and milk production is increased by 7.5 per cent.

In an autumn dairy farm trial, gestating cows grazed Biozest-treated pasture and untreated pasture in eight to 10-day cycles. Dairy cows grazing on Biozest-treated pasture produced 8.5 per cent more milk solids and 12 per cent more fat per litre compared to feeding on the

untreated pasture.

In a baleage trial, all Biozesttreated paddocks outperformed the untreated paddocks. Overall, Biozest-treated paddocks yielded more than 2.2 times as many bales as the untreated paddocks.

In terms of application, two initial treatments, about five days apart, are required to kickstart the plant response.

For drystock farms, a minimum of four sprays, one spray in each season, is recommended.

As dairy farms are more intensive, these may need to apply six sprays a year.

One application is also recommended before closing paddocks for silage or hay production.

Balasingham hoped that farmers would eventually be able to use Biozest to claim carbon credits.

Since 2006, another product, Agrizest, has been used on kiwifruit, grapes, apples and other tree crops. This improves the crop’s colour, flavour and growth, while withstanding pest and disease stress.

Biozest

®

5943

www.guardianonline.co.nz

37

FARM VEHICLES AND MACHINERY FEATURE

Tax Remuera Rovers, not rural utes T

he Government is being urged to introduce a variable regime on higher emitting vehicles so farmers, tradies and rural contractors – who have no current choice but to run them – are not penalised.

Rural Contractors NZ chief executive Andrew Olsen said his members now face $3000 penalties for buying a new ute.

His organisation supports reducing emissions from vehicles and the new charges for buying bigger new diesel and petrol cars should be applied to those who have other options.

“We have no problem if those who live in urban areas and have alternatives are charged a premium if they still want to buy a ‘Fendalton tractor’ or a ‘Remuera Rover’.

“That does not apply to our members who live rurally and often remotely. Currently there are no vehicles that meet their needs, no EV charging stations on backcountry roads nor public transport. This extra cost is yet another disincentive to live in rural New Zealand.”

Olsen said the only bigger size four-wheel drive he’s aware of available as an electric or plug-in hybrid is the Mitsubishi Outlander. “It’s a nice car but it’s a bit ‘soccer mum’ for a

Claydon V3.45 Drill

$27,995*

Strip Tillage Drill.

2005 model. Very tidy condition.

Hardi Commander Plus Sprayer

2200L tank, 24m boom. Year 2000.

$24,995*

rural contractor. They need vehicles they can load-up with equipment and take into areas requiring serious four-wheel capacity like steep hillsides or still flood-sodden Canterbury farms.

Given rural contractors have no current choice but to buy diesel or petrol vehicles, the Government should consider exempting them from the new regime which from January would add around $2,900 to the cost of a new Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger.

“We will be making this case to Government officials and anyone else who accepts that rural contractors, who have no choice under these changes, should not be penalised.”

Rural contractors are actively supporting environmental change – but on-road electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids are not yet an option for them,” Olsen said.

Government fees on newlyimported higher-emitting vehicles from January next year are to cover the cost of rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (up to $8625 for new and up to $3450 for used) from July 1.

Federated Farmers’ transport spokeswoman Karen Williams

HE-VA 6m Master Tiller

Farmers and rural contractors say the vehicle emissions fee should be deferred until affordable and fitfor-purpose EV utes with sufficient power and range are widely available.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

and president Andrew Hoggard have written to Transport Minister Michael Wood and Climate Change Minister James Shaw requesting a deferral of those fees on petrol and diesel vehicles for rural New Zealanders where an electric

HE-VA 6.3m Disc Roller

$54,995*

Househam AR3000

2004 Model. 24m boom, 3000L tank. Ag Leader GPS with auto section control. Excellent condition.

$95,000*

HE-VA 3m Disc Roller

$54,995* 2014 model. Levelling boards, rear drawbar. Tidy condition.

Heavy duty tined cultivator. One season old. As new.

$24,995*

$31,500* As new. Hydraulic levelling boards. 24”, 10 spoke cambridge rings.

HE-VA 6.5 m Contour Disc Roller

Amazone Catros 6m

2015 model cultivator.

Workshop serviced.

Tidy condition.t

also be used for a trip to town to pick up groceries and farm supplies.

The fee should be deferred until affordable and fit-forpurpose EV utes with sufficient power and range were widely available, Williams said.

HE-VA 6.3m Cambridge Roller

$36,995* As new

HE-VA 6.3m Tip Roller

2013 model. Farmer owned, well maintained.

Immaculate condition.

vehicle was not a practical alternative option.

Williams said utes were popular as they were multipurpose vehicles. They could carry a good load, had a good towing capacity, were four-wheel-drive but could

$39,995*

Farmer owned.

Workshop Serviced.

New discs fitted.

$74,995*

Freephone: 0800 EUROAG

JAMES MCCLOY 027 782 7606

MARK SMITHERAM 027 292 5014

ELIOT SCHOFIELD 027 611 1892

Bredal F2

$15,500*

2012 Model. Stainless bin. Good condition.

Optional loadcells & rate readout for $21,500+GST (total).

Househam Merlin

POA Arriving Soon

2013 Model. 24m boom, 4000L tank.

Auto steer ready.

Section control. Hydraulic Axle.

38

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Grazing sought for Canterbury livestock Alternative grazing is needed for livestock on flood damaged farms.

T

he Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is helping drought and flood-affected farmers in Canterbury to find alternative grazing for their livestock.

Widespread flooding caused by an historic one in 200-year rainfall event caused significant damage to thousands of hectares across the region.

MPI has allocated $4.5 million to support floodaffected farmers, including providing grants to help repair

uninsurable damage to farms.

“I have visited farms where pasture and winter fodder crops have been buried under flood debris,” MPI’s director of rural communities and farming support Nick Story said.

“This event has been an extremely challenging situation for farmers. The worst affected farms have a need for alternative grazing for their sheep, beef cattle and dairy cows.”

MPI’s national feed

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

coordination service has been expanded to help find grazing, distribute donated feed, and connect people with surplus feed to farmers who need it.

“Our feed coordinators had more than 35 additional requests from flood-affected farmers in the first half of June who need grazing and feed,” Story said.

“It’s likely the worst floodaffected paddocks will be unusable for some time, so we expect demand will increase

Hilux spares 93-2015 Hilux Specialists Hilux spares 1993-2019 Hilux Specialists

further as we move through the winter.

“The service is keen to hear from people who may be able to help with grazing, especially those in Otago, Southland or the West Coast.”

Farmers can also receive free expert support to complete a feed plan to help make crucial decisions about feed this winter and ahead of spring.

“The service helps calculate feed demand and supply, and options to fill feed gaps. Having

a feed plan can help give you piece of mind,” Story said.

People with surplus feed or grazing, or farmers who need support to do a feed plan, are encouraged to call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) or to register online via https:// www.mpi.govt.nz/fundingrural-support/adverse-events/ dealing-with-floods/ Farmers needing help to clean-up can call or register to enable industry groups to match them with volunteers.

YOUR LOCAL H HONDA SERVICE

PARTS & SERVICE

YOUR LOCAL HONDA PARTS & SERVICE CENTRE STORE ASHBURTON Honda Honda Service Service Store Store Ashburton Ashburton

93-2015 Hilux Specialists

location: 68 Falsgrave Street, Woolston, Christchurch email: nzvanspares@hotmail.com | phone: 03 379 3932 / 0508 698 267

location: 68 Falsgrave Street, Woolston, Christchurch email: nzvanspares@hotmail.com | phone: 03 379 3932 / 0508 698 267

299 299 Havelock Havelock Str, Str,Ashburton Ashburton

299 Havelock Str, Ashburton Ashburton 308 9109 03299 308Havelock 9109 Str, MALCOLM MALCOLM LOVETT LOVETT 03 03 03 308 308 9109 9109 hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE LTD LTD hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz hondaadmin@malcolmlovett.co.nz

MPI’s director of rural communities and farming support Nick Story; a livestock feed coordination service has been expanded.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

39

Volunteers needed for flood clean-up Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

Flood recovery coordinator for Federated Farmers Angela Cushnie says stress levels are high.

T

he on-the-ground flood recovery work is far from finished and plenty of volunteers are still needed to help.

That’s the message from flood recovery coordinator for Federated Farmers Angela Cushnie.

“We really need to get people to get an understanding of the scale of this event.

“A lot of farmers haven’t had the chance to fully assess or grasp what recovery even looks like.

“There is still a huge need out there. The Farmy Army wants to communicate that this is long-term and we are all in this together,” Cushnie said.

Mid Canterbury’s flood damage has drawn people from Southland and north of Canterbury wanting to pitch in and help. “Some of these people had help in the Kaikoura earthquakes or Southland floods and they know how much that help meant to them, so they are

Plenty of volunteers are still needed to help clean-up flood damaged farms.

paying it forward.”

Three tiers of work is required; manual labour or “boots on the ground” people, skilled fencers and light and heavy mechanical.

“Most people have sustained moderate damage on certain parts of the farm. That’s what we call low-hanging fruit which is quite easy to tidy up. This often involves clearing wires so heavy machinery can come in.” More significantly damaged, difficult to manage areas of farms are being put on hold for now.

Cushnie said she had a list of about 30 farms that were significantly impacted. This included farms bounding the north and south branches of the Ashburton River, on Double Hill Run Road in the Rakaia Gorge, as well as pockets in Staveley and River Road.

“I’ve had three farm tours to date and the damage is quite mind boggling.”

Federated Farmers and other agencies were surveying flood-affected farms to quantify the damage.

FORWARD ORDER YOUR PARTS & SAVE TIME AND MONEY THIS SPRING

PFAS_GUARDMAR

027 359 7195

Stefan Lawrence Service Manager

027 257 5642

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

“One of the key challenges is capturing what businessas-usual looked like before the flood and then what it looks like now. This is not just an economic impact, but a social impact,” Cushnie said.

“Everyone is putting in some pretty big hours at the moment, stress levels are high and the initial shock is slowly wearing off.” For anyone struggling in terms of mental wellbeing they can either phone or text 1737 or call Rural Support on 0800 787 254.

IF YOU CAN’T FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR, ASK US!

We have the ability to order parts for a diverse range of makes and models, if we don’t have it in stock we can now order it and have it ready for you so you can do your Winter service and be ready for Spring. We now have access to Europe’s leading parts supplier.

John MacPherson Parts Manager

To seek clean-up assistance, or to offer assistance, registration forms are available on the Federated Farmers’ website.

In a Facebook post, Greenstreet dairy farmer Stacey Stewart said her family had met Environment Canterbury representatives to discuss damage to their farm and the recovery going forward and were told it had no money to provide assistance.

“Our insurance won’t even touch the sides of this.

“So why is it up to the farmer to yet again fund a recovery?

Yes it was an adverse event, but at the end of the day it was the failing of the stopbank that has caused us to lose over 20 hectares. That equals around $250,000 of lost income this year,” Stewart said.

SPRAYERS

CULTIVATORS

GRASS GEAR

FORESTRY

Ashburton 233 Alford Forest Road 03 307 7153

Contact Power Farming Ashburton for more information.

Power Farming Ashburton

Keeping your farm vehicles working

TRACTORS

4WD

IRRIGATORS

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

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

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

40

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FENCING AND MAINTENANCE FEATURE

Father and son dominate fencing’s test of endurance

Shane Bouskill, second from left, and his son Tony won the Silver Spades Doubles Championship at the National Fieldays for the fourth time.

HAVING HAVING PROBLEMS PROBLEMS WITH INTERNAL WITH YOUR YOUR INTERNAL GUTTER GUTTER SYSTEMS SYSTEMS

F

ather and son duo Shane and Tony Bouskill again dominated the National Fieldays fencing competitions regarded as a “gut-busting test of endurance”.

Tony Bouskill won the prestigious Golden Pliers singles championship for the third time, with his father Shane coming runner-up. Both have also won world titles.

New Zealand Fencing Competitions vice chairwoman Debbie White said the Golden Pliers was recognised on the world stage as being a highlycoveted trophy which exhibits precision fencing.

“It’s a gut-busting test of endurance and requires dedication, fitness, an eye for detail and the mental agility to produce a top-quality post and batten fence.” The resulting 50-metre, nine-wire fences are scrutinised closely by the judges, right down to the smallest details.

Together, Tony and Shane combined forces to take out the competition in the Fieldays Silver Spades doubles championship for the fourth time. A unique category in the competition, the Fieldays’ Silver Spades can only be won by pairs. The competition requires competitors to not only exhibit confidence with new products from sponsors, but also demonstrate seamless cooperation with their teammate.

R B Foster Contracting Easy gate, gate handles, tried & proven for 25 years, great for dairy farming.

Manuka St Ahaura, West Coast.

Ph : 027 2203 522

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

DJ GLEESON CONTRACTING LTD FENCING

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

Alps Alps Continuous Continuous Spouting Spouting

Brian

Ben

Danny Danny

Ananias Ananias

Kurtis Kurtis

Ben Kruger • Phone Phone 308 308 4380 4380 or or 027 027390 3901027 1027 email: benkruger@xtra.co.nz benkruger@xtra.co.nz www.alpscontinuousspouting.co.nz www.alpscontinuousspouting.co.nz

LET US TAKE THE STRAIN

CALL DJ TODAY ON 027 437 1040 EXPERIENCE IN ALL TYPES OF FENCING NO OBLIGATION QUOTES GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

www.guardianonline.co.nz Shane Bouskill, a Hawkes Bay-based fencing contractor and competition fencer previously worked at Smedley Station for nine years training young people in fencing and shearing.

“It’s about doing a quality job. What I teach to young people is to do a good job and worry about the speed later.”

The competitions are organised and run by New Zealand Fencing Competitions, who also run regional and local competitions around the country.

Qualifying heats are held prior to Fieldays and the top eight finalists qualify for the Golden Pliers final.

The next six finalists who have never competed in a Golden Pliers final qualify for the Bill Schuler Competition final, named after the legendary Waikato fencer and champion competitor who passed away

FENCING AND MAINTENANCE FEATURE

41

in 2018.

Fieldays fencing competition results: Golden Pliers singles championship, Tony Bouskill, 1, Shane Bouskill, 2, Mark Lambert, 3, Jeff Joines, 4, Tim Garrick, 5, Cory Twigley, 6. Best quality, Tony Bouskill. Nick Liefting First off the line trophy, Tony Bouskill.

Fieldays Silver Spades doubles championship, Shane and Tony Bouskill, 1, Mark Lambert and Jeff Joines, 2, Tim Garrick and Cory Twigley, 3, Dan Kirk and Dan Hunt, 4.

Bill Schuler final, Martin Leveridge, 1, Tom Dingle, 2, Dan Kirk, 3, Nick Herries, 4, Bradley Fountain, 5, John Graham, 6.

Fencers in action at the National Fieldays.

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

021 026 05004 donaldmiddleton100@gmail.com

42

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FENCING AND MAINTENANCE FEATURE

Virtual fences a game-changer G

allagher showcased a virtual fencing system at Fieldays that will revolutionise New Zealand pastoral livestock operations, helping farmers meet environmental regulations and saving them millions of dollars on traditional fencing.

The development and commercial expansion of eShepherd will accelerate after Gallagher acquired Agersens, a leading Australianbased developer in virtual fencing technology. Gallagher first began investing in eShepherd in 2016. eShepherd allows graziers to control the location and movement of cattle using a web application and an intelligent, solar-powered neckband connected to the internet via a base station. Testing, through a beta trial programme in Australia and New Zealand, shows the technology is proving effective in rotational grazing and the protection of riparian zones.

Gallagher global strategy and new ventures manager Sarah Adams said eShepherd will provide farmers with a valuable tool for maximising pasture utilisation and productivity, but also help them tackle a number of bigger industry challenges.

“The future of farming is digital and hi-tech. Farmers need tools to make their lives easier on farm and provide them with data to drive good decision making.

“There are also bigger issues at play, with farmers coming under increasing pressure to produce more with less. From animal welfare and climate change to protecting our precious natural resources, the pressure is on them as food producers. “eShepherd is an example of the type of technology our industry needs to remain efficient, profitable and sustainable, and ultimately maintain our license to operate.”

New Zealand livestock producers have operations spanning thousands of hectares, often on hilly, remote terrain that can be extremely difficult to fence. Add to that the stock exclusion regulations introduced in 2020 as part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater Policy and fencing becomes a challenging and expensive business, Adams said.

“New stock exclusion rules allow for the use of ‘novel technology’ to keep stock out of waterways. eShepherd is

The eShepherd cattle collar allows graziers to control the location and movement of cattle using digital technology rather than fences.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

just that. It is an exceptional example of clever, customerinspired technology that will change the way the livestock industry manages pasture and animals. And the potential cost savings are huge.”

Using eShepherd, farmers can set up virtual paddocks and fence lines to effectively manage their stock. They create the virtual fence from either their tablet or computer using GPS coordinates on a digital map of their property.

Animals are then fitted with

a GPS-enabled neckband. As they near the GPS fence, they are alerted by an audio cue from the neckband - a loud beep. If they move away from the fence, nothing further happens. If they ignore the cue and cross the boundary the neckband delivers a short aversive electrical pulse – a training approach similar to that used for a traditional electric fence.

Commercial trials have been conducted involving animal behaviour specialists

in Queensland and on New Zealand properties. Results showed cattle typically learn to respond to the audio cue within seven days.

The GPS-driven interface also has the capability for farmers to create exclusions zones within the inclusion area, allowing overgrazed paddocks, areas prone to pugging or waterways within a paddock to be virtually fenced off.

All trials have been run under animal ethics approval. The technology will detect if an animal is being chased or has bolted through the eShepherd fence and will automatically turn off.

“Once the animal gets back to walking speed the system will again put a fence in front of them and start herding them back to where they should be,” Adams said.

Farmers can set up as many virtual paddocks as they need.

When cattle are ready to be moved, the farmer selects the virtual paddock destination and, if it is contiguous, the system pushes them to the new paddock from the back.

If cattle are being moved a large distance the virtual fence is simply deactivated and then reactivated in the new paddock.

Styx are a New Zealand company dedicated to producing high quality, easy-to-use fencing solutions. With a strong farming background driving their ideas, they've set out to solve many of the fencing issues faced by kiwi farmers.

As many Canterbury farmers are now struggling with the loss of substantial amounts of fencing post the recent floods, Styx are here to help! Cost-effective, quality fencing options that can be installed quickly and easily.

NEVER USE STAPLES AGAIN

EASY BATTEN SYSTEM Styx Easy Battens - the cost-effective alternative to wooden battens. They clip directly onto wire, meaning no staples or tools to install. Fence lines become stronger, and because the battens flex with impact, they lessen the chance of injury to animals.

They not only look great, but fences can be set-up or repaired faster and at less cost.

Suitable for hot wires - this batten is effectively a giant insulator!

021 437 202

BECAUSE STOCK SECURITY IS KEY

KEEP THEM OFF THE FENCE

OUTRIGGERS Styx Outriggers attach directly to the Styx Batten without fasteners or tools, or can be screwed directly to wooden posts or rails.

Fasten them to the top of fence posts and they can stop cribbing, or increase the height of your fence. The unique design stops tape from spinning in the wind, and they flex with impact, reducing the chance of breakage.

Designed to carry multiple wires, and suitable for all types of wire.

www.styxsolutions.com

POLYWIRE, RIBBON TAPE & BUNGY Styx supplies a range of NZ-made quality polywire, tape & electric bungy cord, all with great conductivity and UV resistance. Their range of products provides a solution for all farming situations and conditions, ensuring animal security. Call Styx if you're wondering which tape, wire or bungy is best for you and your stock.

sales@styxsolutions.com

www.guardianonline.co.nz

43

Ruralco scoops double award win I

n what is traditionally perceived as a conservative, male-dominated industry, Ruralco has shattered stereotypes, winning the 2021 Gender Diverse Organisation Award.

Sixty per cent of its staff are female, including 50 per cent of management positions.

The Ashburton-based rural supplies co-operative now has a nationwide membership after developing its online trading to extend sales beyond its traditional catchment. Its only stores are all in Mid Canterbury, in Ashburton, Methven and Rakaia.

Ruralco chair Jessie Chan also won Inspiring Leader of the Year.

As the first female chair of a major New Zealand rural service co-operative and with a continuous desire to learn, grow and make a difference, Chan was the choice of the judges at the Women in Governance Awards.

Chan is an inspirational role model, as a mum of two young sons, Adam, eight, and Noah, two, she balances raising her boys, alongside dairy farming, several directorships, and board representation.

Chan said she was proud to receive the award, which she dedicated to her father.

“He taught my siblings and I that we could be whatever we wanted to be and instilled in us that along the way we should help others to reach their potential, in whatever shape or form that might be.”

In an industry that has been traditionally considered male dominated, Chan has spent much of her career breaking down barriers and perceptions.

“When you pause and consider

it, farming has always been a family effort of both a husband-and-wife team. The role of women in farming is a critical one, and in our business partnership, we play to each other’s strengths. In the past women had roles that were less visible. What has changed, is women are now taking on more public roles in industry or corporate leadership, governance or executive management,” Chan said.

“Men and women have to work just as hard as each other to be leaders. Do not underestimate yourself because you are female, or too young or old, or a different colour. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe in, take responsibility for my decisions, nor do I shy away from the hard work it takes to deliver results.”

For women returning to the workforce after having children, Chan acknowledges that it is not an easy path. “It takes a mammoth effort, there are sacrifices made at home and additional support is needed. Be under no illusion that sometimes the wheels fall off, and when they do, just calmly put them back on and keep rolling.”

On winning the 2021 Gender Diverse Organisation of the Year, Ruralco chief executive Robert Sharkie said it had always been about the best person for the job. “We have created an environment that treats everybody equally, fostering an open-minded culture, not just putting quotas around gender.”

Ruralco has led the way with the co-operative members voting women to four of the seven seats on the board of directors.

“Having a mix around the

• • • • •

Locally owned and operated Locally owned

and operated T

R

A

N

S

P

O

R

boardroom has an advantage to the overall success of the business. By having that diversity of thought around the board and executive table, it means the organisation is much better placed to understand their customers and stakeholders and benefit from fresh perspectives, new ideas, vigorous challenge, and broad experience. I firmly believe this approach to business gives Ruralco an edge.”

“We acknowledge the influential role women play in the farming business and wider community.

Ruralco takes pride in our collaborative culture, our flexible working practices, and our ability to act quickly to embed change. The success of our swift response to the last year’s rapidly changing trading environment demonstrated to us that our team has resilience, determination and the culture to meet future challenges head-on,” Sharkie said.

The Women In Governance Awards are administered by Governance New Zealand and are held annually and recognise and celebrate innovation, excellence, creativity and commitment to diversity by both organisations and individuals.

Ruralco chair Jessie Chan has won Inspiring Leader of the Year.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Stock Cartage Bulk Cartage Fertiliser Spreading General Freight Hiab Truck Hire

Proud to service the farming community in Canterbury T

L T

D

Phone 308 4079

Visit our website www.ruraltransport.co.nz

44

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

M I D CA N T Y women

in business

PHOTO SUPPLIED

nd Picture Framing

FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN BY EMMILY

aught but has invested

“For me it’s important to take the time to build a relationship with people you’re working with. The hair and the make-up, they add to the experience.”

While she prefers to shoot in her studio, she’s happy to travel to locations that may be special to her clients. “ I have quite a few rural families who want photos on trucks or in crops and they’re always a lot of fun.”

She also works on projects for specific events. A series for the suffrage anniversary gave her first large

to weddings or newborns. They’re specialist fields and Ashburton already has good photographers working in those areas, she said.

“And I wouldn’t have the patience.”

With her framing business Emmily becomes a one- stop-photo-shop.

Currently she loves folio boxes that can contain up to 25 photos and sit on a coffee table or bookshelf.

And she prefers frames to prints on canvas saying there’s no comparison when it comes to quality.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

45

Argyle Welsh Finnigan Argyle Welsh Finnigan is a leading law firm in Ashburton. Our firm provides quality legal services with a commitment to our clients and to understanding their individual needs and requirements. Introducing some of our women.

Emma Taylor

Jane Argyle-Reed

Shelley Oakley

Kate Beaumont-Smith

- LLB

- LLB / BA

- LLB (Hons), LLM

Partner

Partner

Associate | Registered Legal Executive

Emma has a particular interest in

Jane primarily practises in the areas of relationship property and employment law. She and her husband Simon have a farming business based in both the Rakaia and Malvern Districts, so she has first-hand knowledge of the commitments of rural communities.

Jane is also the chairperson of the Board of Directors of Ashburton Community Alcohol and Drug Services Incorporated and a trustee of the Community Trust of Mid and South Canterbury.

Shelley joined the firm in 2017 after

Kate practises in the areas of

living and working in Dunedin as an Associate | Registered Legal Executive. Living in Kirwee, Shelley

conveyancing, trusts, relationship property and succession planning.

She works in both the Ashburton

works between our Ashburton and

and Rolleston offices. Kate and

Rolleston offices. Shelley has extensive experience in many areas of the law and enjoys working in our

her husband James are contract milking 650 cows in Rakaia. Kate also sits on the committee for the

commercial, rural and property teams.

Turner Syndrome Association of New Zealand and Ashburton District Council Creative Communities Grant Committee.

trusts, wills and estate administration and leads the Argyle Welsh Finnigan estate administration team. She also has extensive knowledge of asset protection and elder law issues. It is important to Emma to be able to help and guide her clients, at what is often a very difficult time in their lives.

Senior Solicitor

Our expertise is diverse. Some of our core areas of practice include: • Rural • Corporate and commercial • Wills, succession planning, trusts and estates

• • • •

Home purchases and sales Relationship property Subdivisions Employment

Contact Argyle Welsh Finnigan Trust them to help you, your business and your families.

Westburn Courts, 201 West Street, Ashburton | Phone 03 308 8228 Fax: 03 308 8656 | Email: email@awlegal.co.nz Web: www.argylewelsh.co.nz

46

Farming

It is all about the people Tracey Henderson has a welcoming smile and contagious bubbly personality. Having started her career in real estate in 2016 this was her opportunity to do what she has always wanted to do – help people find their forever home.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

possible and keeping everyone informed along the way is paramount. Nothing beats the smiles on the faces of clients she has helped.

Being part of the award winning Harcourts Ashburton team Tracey is surrounded by amazingly supportive people and every day is a great day heading to the office.

Tracey knows there is no one size fits all solution to buying or selling and her approach is an intelligent appraisal, empathetic understanding of your situation and belief in a collaborative effort that sees everyone informed and involved throughout the process.

For Tracey it’s not about the bricks and mortar it’s about the people. Sometimes she is selling someone’s biggest asset and with that comes a huge responsibility.

In her spare time Tracey can be found every Tuesday at the Hampstead Rugby Club running the housie nights along with being part of various community groups around Ashburton.

For some people it’s a walk in the park for others it’s highly stressful and her focus is on making it as stress free as

For Tracey helping people and giving back where she can is her reason.

Jo Metcalf from Memory Funerals Offering a warm and intensive service during challenging times.

Jo Metcalf’s Memory Funerals has become one of the most sought after funeral services in the Ashburton district.

And this is no fluke.

After more than a decade-long tenure as a funeral director, Jo has forged a reputation of going above and beyond for any person or family. Jo and her team rely on a practice where sensitivity and compassion needs to be balanced with providing a thorough and highly professional service.

The Ashburton woman and her family have strong ancestral ties to the Mid Canterbury region which sparks an underlying fondness for the local people of the district.

Memory Funeral’s Moore Street premises offers a warm and welcoming family lounge and provides loved ones a choice of private services. During highly emotional circumstances, Jo allows families to take their time during the process.

Sensibly priced funeral options provided by Memory Funerals,

give you the opportunity to make informed decisions and arrange a personalised tribute and farewell for your loved one. In Mid Canterbury we are spoilt for choices on suitable venues to hold a funeral, many have a range of catering options.

A prepaid funeral held in trust allows you to set money aside now to pay for your funeral expenses.

Funds are available immediately for funeral expenses and any unused monies is reimbursed to your estate. Your pre-payment is your money.

A funeral director anywhere in New Zealand can apply for the funds held in trust, should you change your preferred funeral home or your location making proceedings simple and streamlined.

Jo welcomes you to make an appointment to simply have a chat or discuss your wishes and preplanning your funeral.

CALL ME TO FIND OUT WHY Y MY CLIENTS CHOOSE TO SELL BY

Tracey Henderson Licensed Sales Consultant M 0274 058 064 tracey.henderson@harcourts.co.nz Ashburton Real Estate Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Ashburton’s ONLY locally owned Funeral Home

Jo Metcalf

18-22 Moore Street, Ashburton 0800 263 6679 027 637 1229 | www.memoryfunerals.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

47

Hammers, nails, concrete, framing, floor plans, and exterior cladding When you think of a building company you probably are thinking of a male-dominated industry. Well, Jennian Homes Canterbury is bucking the trend.

Dwayne and Sue Prendergast along with Paul and Bubs Jenkins as owners of Jennian Homes Canterbury employ 16 staff members with 10 of those being women, including project manager Kate Moses. As a project manager for Mid-South Canterbury, Kate looks after all of the building sites with homes that are under construction.

She has a diverse role that includes checking sites on a daily basis, communicating with tradies along with making sure supplies are arriving to site on time, meeting clients on-site and keeping them up-to-date with weekly checkins and photos of progress on their new home. Kate has been an employee of Jennian Homes for 10 years now and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jennian also has two wonderful female new home consultants who look after the Mid-South area of the business.

Amanda Gormack looks after their Timaru clients and Michele Strange is based in Ashburton. These two knowledgeable women take care of the sales process which includes being the face of Jennian Homes in the display homes, helping clients choose the right home for their section, presenting

Michele, Kate and Amanda

pricing, and all the other exciting parts of building and designing a new home.

Michele says the most enjoyable part of her job is the relationships built with clients and being part of their journey from just a sketch on a bit of paper to a brand new home.

Among the other female staff at Jennian Homes Canterbury are two owners, one of which is project manager Bubs Jenkins, and Sue Prendergast who looks after building consents and client liaison, the rest of the female team include Christchurch new home consultants and admin staff who all contribute to make this such an amazing business.

Amanda’s advice to women thinking about getting into the building industry – “Do it, what you can’t do or don’t know, you can learn”.

Come on over...

Carolyn Bond-Hood Grant Hood Contracting Business owner and office manager earthmoving business, but it’s a business Co-Director Carolyn Bond-Hood knows that, in a family crisis or for an important easy; she’s been a working mum with children and now a grandson.

When she, and husband Grant, started their business 20 years ago the couple had three school age children. And for Carolyn that meant adding the challenge mum. the kids had gone to bed. It was all pa per based then so the kids became very

and build with your local, award winning builder...

Timaru Display Home

PHOTO SUE NEWMAN 060519-SN-0013

When you’re juggling two jobs, every moment is precious and Carolyn recalls 64 Spring Road, Timaru Sun 12-4pm, or by apt

ish swimming lessons.

“And if Grant needed anything the kids would be thrown in the truck and we’d have to head out and deliver it,” she said. and all the jobs no one else wants to do. today it has a much larger payroll.

That growth now sees the business working on contracts across the South Island. And that means there are many

weeks when Grant is away and Carolyn adds day-to-day running of the business to her workload.

She moved aside a large slice of her takes care of payroll and a string of jobs that’s so long and varied it would She loves what she does, loves being part of the Grant Hood team and the challenges that come knowing that every years ago, Kate juggles work with raising a young family, but she says the com makes the juggling act much easier.

As a family and as business owners, she said, they are very aware- of “We know a lot of people rely on us to pay their mortgage and to put food on the table, but most importantly to send their loved ones home safely at the end of each day.

Tanya Hulme joined GHC team last year as the Health and Safety Manager.

This adds strength to our commitment to compliance and H&S in all areas of the business. Tanya is also a mum of two daughters and manages her work and home life balance.

Call Amanda today to see what Jennian Homes has to offer.

Amanda Gormack | M 021 195 0346 | E amanda.gormack@jennian.co.nz

Ashburton Display Home

Cnr of Whiteoak Grove and Waterford Place, Oaklea Wed, Thurs, Sun 12-3pm, or by apt

Call Michele today to see what Jennian Homes has to offer.

Michele Strange | M 027 491 5266 | E michele.strange@jennian.co.nz

Jennian Homes Canterbury 212 Main South Road, Hornby P 03 741 1436 E canterbury@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz

MEMBER

48

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

Connecting farmers with the right staff Rural People director Paula Hems is passionate about finding the best staff for New Zealand farms and her in-depth approach to recruitment ensures that the right candidate is placed in each role, while upholding the highest ethical standards.

a high standard of candidate care.

Ultimately the best outcome for everyone is a happy staff member who enjoys their role and is invested in the success of the farm.”

Ashburton dairy farm Fearann Farming say using Rural People as their recruitment agent has improved their business while saving them time, energy, and money.

“I never place a candidate without personally visiting a farm first. It is vital to sit down with the employer and take the time to understand their needs, the operation they run, and what type of person will be the best fit for them.”

Rural People director Paula Hems eases the burden for farmers by understanding their recruitment needs and providing them with the best candidates to fill staff roles.

Paula’s philosophy is based on building long term relationships with clients and investing time and energy into matching the best person for each position.

the candidate can get a real feel for the farm and the employer can learn much more about a potential worker than they would via a phone or video interview.

“Not needing to worry about the recruitment process frees farmers up to focus on running their business, while knowing that we will find the best person for them.”

Candidates who apply for roles through Rural People are interviewed and reference checks are carried out before two or three potential staff members are presented to the client for an interview. In person interviews are always preferred so

“Anyone can fill a role but for me and my team it is much more than that.

We build long lasting relationships with our clients and their success is our success in terms of being able to provide the right staff to grow their business.

Paula ensures that all her candidates are treated ethically and that legal requirements are followed, especially for those who require a work visa.

“We always take our candidates’ needs into consideration and provide

“Rural People have improved our business immeasurably. Trying to find the right person when you are busy on the farm is exponentially more difficult. Now we don’t have to aimlessly search for staff, and we have professionals to help us deal with immigration. We are really grateful to Rural People for easing the burden for us.”

Paula Hems Director Phone: 027 511 8814 Email: paula@ruralpeople.co.nz www.ruralpeople.co.nz

Struggling to find good dairy farm workers?

We offer a range of services including but not limited to: • End to end recruitment • Immigration service in conjunction with our licenced immigration advisor • Reference and police checks

• Individual employment agreements • Season and fixed term workers • Staff planning

• • • • •

Job descriptions Tailor made advertising Labour market testing Performance management Candidate care

Rural People are passionate about working with the Dairy Farmers of New Zealand

www.ruralpeople.co.nz

PAULA@RURALPEOPLE.CO.NZ

PAULA: 0275 11 88 14

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

Passion Found in Real Estate

‘If you’re a buyer or seller, call Della’ is the catch phrase Della Glassey from Harcourts Ashburton uses and stands by. This catchy phase is well know in most households in Ashburton.

Business owner Tammy has been an amazing mentor to Della guiding her to the success she has had so far.

“It is an amazing team, we all get along so well,” Della said.

It’ and have no regrets!. Real Estate was her chosen career and she is now a passionate sales consultant with a warm, honest and positive personality.

She is also known to do a bit of modelling for a couple of reputable Having moved from Hastings as a young child Ashburton is home and Della has even been lucky enough plus size companies. She entered to be acknowledged at the Hara competition and was the only one she has raised her family of three courts South Island Annual awards chosen out of around 300 ladies here. evenings receiving recognition for who entered in New Zealand. her efforts.

She now lives in Tinwald with her The prize was being flown over to partner Kevin and with only her son Melbourne for a four day modelling Della says she isn’t in it for the left at home Della has the drive, shoot with six other Australian modrecognition, she is focused on her dedication and time to do her best els, all expenses paid!! ‘That was customers and giving them the best for her clients. one pretty cool experience’ says service she possibly can.

Della.

Being a sales consultant is a 24/7 job and your day is always filled with Della has come from a background In her spare time Della is on the a variety of different tasks. Although in retail and was known as the committee for the upcoming Relay dynamite fl oor manager at Harvey she does try to have Sunday’s as for Life in October, enjoys quiet eveher family day, her phone is always Norman in the Electrical departnings with her family but also enjoys ment. Whilst working there she had a good catch-up with her girlfriends on! a bowel cancer diagnosis and whilst and soul sisters.

Della has been part of the Harcourts she recovered from the treatment she sat back and pondered on how Della’s mantra is simple – Enjoy life!

Ashburton team for nearly three years and loves the supportive and her life could have been so different Buy the shoes, Eat the cake, No and decided it was time to ‘Just Do regrets! positive office environment.

49

50

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

Sonia, Emily, Sarah, Gemma and Martina from Molloy Agriculture Women perform several key roles at Molloy Agriculture, an agricultural spraying business near Methven.

clients ranging from dairy, sheep and beef, and arable farms, from Geraldine to Rolleston.

Molloy Agriculture was founded in 1985 by owner/operators David and Sonia Molloy and has expanded to an experienced team of 25, including seasonal staff, spraying about 120,000 hectares each year. Molloy Agriculture works in close partnership with its customers to guarantee great service, professionalism and reliability.

Gemma had started out as a vet tech but eventually stepped over to agronomy.

“I enjoy the process of putting a seed in the ground and seeing the process right through.“It’s satisfying as you get to see the end result.” Working in the agricultural sector was quite personal, she said, and she enjoys building a rapport with the farmers. “You really get to know them and there isn’t that chauvinistic attitude that some people think there is, it’s the opposite.”

Sonia Molloy said the business started with one truck, with David in the field and her taking care of administration.Six years ago, their eldest daughter Emily, joined the business, with Sonia stepping back from an administrative role. Sonia continues to sit on the board as a director and is still an active participant in the business.

Over its 36 years, the company had evolved into having several divisions, to complete its cycle of advise, supply, apply, comply and recycle, Sonia said. “It has evolved into an end-to-end service that we provide for our clients, from agronomy advice to chemical spray and liquid fertiliser applications and recycling of chemical plastic containers.”

As a consignment store for Ravensdown, Molloy Agriculture can supply and apply Flowfert N and other liquid fertiliser products or deliver in bulk to tanks onfarm. Molloy Agriculture is also the New Zealand agent for the sale of Bateman self-propelled sprayers, as well as servicing and parts.

Office manager Emily Molloy, who joined the company in 2015, ensures the

smooth running of the company’s office administration. She is also responsible for HR tasks such as health and safety and payroll and supporting new staff coming on board, including work visa applications.

Events co-ordinator and office administrator Sarah Robertson runs the company’s events, as well as being responsible for the company’s financials.

Having a presence at the local A&P Shows as well as the South Island Agricultural Field Days provides a good opportunity to highlight the many aspects of the business.

There is a lot of work that goes into organising these events and it is really satisfying when people come onto the

stand and you get feedback about how the company is known for doing a good job and providing high levels of service Sarah said. “Working for Molloy Ag is really rewarding as the company recognises staff members strengths and interests and gives them opportunities to further their experience and training in these areas.”

Chemical manager and agronomist Gemma Oliver is responsible for the efficient running of the company’s extensive chemical stocks and the supply to meet customer demand. “I have to keep my finger on the pulse. “We have 12 trucks on the road, so I’m making sure we have the inventory there for them when they need it,” she said. She is also available for agronomy advice, with

Agronomist Martina Padrutt comes from an extensive background of farming including working for a field trials company in the United Kingdom, harvests in Australia and America and most recently on a cropping farm in Mid Canterbury. “I was employed as a farm hand and got my first taste of arable farming and got hooked.” Martina has been with Molloys for two years and is available to advise farmers on fertiliser programmes, disease management, timing of spray programmes and agricultural chemical recommendations.

“A lot of my crops are potatoes because that’s where my passion lies.”

She said that there is no difference between being a woman or a man, only that “working on a farm you have to prove yourself by doing a good job”.

Molloy Agriculture recognises the value of women in agricultural businesses.

Although they do not have any female applicators presently, they are hopeful that will change in the not too distant future. Watch this space….

One Brand, delivering an end-to-end service and added value

The team at Molloy Agriculture can help your farm with Agronomy, Chemical Supply, Flowfert by Ravensdown, Application, a Compliance package and Recycling services.

Professionals In Our Fields Since 1985

Physical Address

Contact

Postal Address

402 Methven Chertsey Rd, RD 12 , Rakaia 7782, Mid Canterbury, New Zealand

Call: +64 (0)3 3028098 office@molloyag.co.nz

PO Box 85 Methven 7745 Mid Canterbury, New Zealand

molloyag.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Emmily Harmer from Emmily Harmer Photography and Picture Framing

Emmily Harmer Emmily Harmer Photography and Picture Framing Business owner Photographer Emmily Harmer is

ontothe move, and that’s Whenalways it comes passion, Emmily usually she has a camera Harmer has itwhen in spades.

She’s never happier than when behind in hand. a camera, capturing images of families, For the past week, however, individuals and people simply being she’s been on the move for a themselves. different – she’s From an earlyreason age Emmily wasbeen fascinated by cameras and theand images packing up her studio they moving could capture buttown. it would take across marriage, a move to the country and Emmilybefore Harmer motherhood shephotography turned a hobby opened its doors in a new into ahas business “I was a towningirl who marriedtrendy a location, Ashburton’s country boy and I kepttriangle getting told off Victoria Street precinct. because, when we were out on the She might still be settling in but farm,Emmily I was always taking rather couldn’t bephotos happier in than her working,” Emmily said. new home.

Children Madilyn and Flynn, now 10 and eight, provided with captive For the past Emmily six or seven years subjects but rather than satisfying her studio was based onher West needStreet, to capture moments, the butspecial increasing traffic birth volumes of her children fuelled her desire started her thinkingto do more with her camera. about finding a new home.

About six years ago she decided it was time to to establish her own studio “It got the stage where it in a backroom on West Street.

When just wasn’t a good fit for my the opportunity camethe to triangle take overis. the business, but entire building, Emmily grabbed it and Justin Skilling (building owner) her business now includes a studio, is being so progressive and I photo framing business and a street frontwanted shop. to get in there. It has a great vibe and it’s quite relaxed.”

Emmily has a long held belief that the Triangle has huge

51

WOMEN IN BUSINESS FEATURE

FAMILY PHOTO TAKEN BY EMMILY

New Location: 106B Victoria St

She’s self taught but has invested potential as aand precinct a heavily in time money with to hone special arty character, and she her skills from the best, attending believes its time hasand come. workshops in Australia the United States. Currently she works with an “It just needed American mentor.some vision and Justin has Portraits arethat herand first he’s love –hoping families, with my business individuals, it doesn’tmoving matter. What is in there itiswill attract more important seeing the transformation businesses and give that happens when she’speople behind the lens.

It’s all about having fun,here,” getting the confidence to come people to relax and to enjoy what she said. should be a special time, she said.

Moving a photographic studio And Emmily goes out of her way to is no easy task.are relaxed. There’s a ensure her clients hair and make-up studio, rack after rack While camera gear canto try different of clothing if people want be easily packed, the real styles, and there are always nibbles and challenges come in moving the refreshments. hundreds of props, dozens of pieces of lighting equipment and furniture that is part of her large West Street studio.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

And that’s the only catch in what her is having a camera in hand, images families,They’re she“For describes as the perfect me it’s important to take the capturing to weddings or of newborns. relocation – a asmaller studio and groups of peoplealready time to build relationship with peopleindividuals specialist fields and Ashburton you’reHowever working with. and the simply hasbeing good photographers themselves. working in space. thatThe hashair also make-up, add to thethat experience.” those areas, she said. created anthey opportunity will She’s been bythe patience.”

While she prefers to shoot in her “And I fascinated wouldn’t have see Emmily develop a second cameras and images since she studio, happy to travel to locations With her framing business Emmily studio atshe’s her home. was becomes a child and thatstop-photo-shop. fascination that may be special to her clients. a oneI have quitehas a few ruralafamilies Currently into she loves folio boxes that can adulthood, The“relocation been time whohas endured photos on or in crops contain up motherhood. to 25 photos and and It sit on a ofwant evaluation for trucks Emmily and as and marriage they’re always a lot of framing fun.” coffee bookshelf. part of the move, her wasn’t untiltable afterorher children She also works on projects And she prefers frames to prints on were born, however, that she business has been scaled for specific events.

A series for the canvas saying there’s no comparison decided to take the step of down for both space and time suffrage anniversary gave her first large when it comes to quality. establishing her own business. reasons. exhibition at the Ashburton Museum.

“I’m quite passionate about printing. followed up withprocess a Faces ofatWomenShe’sYou won’t just and get ahas USB from me, self taught “I’llShe keep the design project and has just completed a series you’ll get a professionally the triangle and I’ll frame from invested heavily in time andprinted to celebrate EA Networks gym’s fourth photo that will a lifefrom time. They’re home, but it will be smaller. money to hone herlast skills birthday. not just for you, they’re for the future, the best, attending workshops in That’s part of me pulling back a Those projects are challenging but they’re heirlooms. I want photos to be Australia and the United States bit. My business is growing and they’re an incredible opportunity to get treasured and kept.” and she to work with and I need to take control of it rather to know people, she said.

Shecontinues admits to being impulsive thanThe it taking control of an me,” mentor. next one involves old chair an American said that will see her running a seminar she said. placed in her studio. She’s capturing for business women in Ashburton in Portraits are her first love and images of anyone and everyone sitting July next year as part of her Women in she never tires of watching The one thing that won’t in that chair and those photos will Business Facebook group of around 240 her camera lens, the change move newbook. through becomewith the the subjects of to herafirst women. transformation that have occurs premise is the passion she “I love what I do. When I’m behind Those women so much potential brings to every photo shoot. when people start to and the camera I almost feel like a different but many never gorelax to conferences.

That, Regardless of the scale of the have fun.

That’s when the best person.”

Emmily said, motivated her to bring a images are captured. job,While it’s always about creating she’s passionate about conference to them.When the portraiture, extend never think why not, I just do it.” magic “Ihappens. great imagesthat anddoesn’t ensuring her customers love her work.

For her photos are works of art that become family heirlooms to Passion is something she is be cherished for generations never short of and happiness for

Limited time Only!

1st to 31st July

$129

One Outfit • Three Posing Options • Choose Background Color Professional Hair Styling & Makeup Extra To book your photo session in advance call,

027 310 6521

emmily@emmilyharmer.co.nz New Location: 106B Victoria st

52

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FARM FINANCE

Bank closures erode confidence C

oncern about branch closures can be added to the continued slide in farmers’ satisfaction with their banks, the latest Federated Farmers’ banking survey shows.

More than 1100 farmers responded to the May survey and 71 per cent of them said they were concerned about bank branch closures. Of those who were concerned, 42 per cent said they needed branches to carry out their business and 56 per cent were worried about the impact of closures on their local communities.

“Provincial towns are under all sorts of pressures, with workforce gaps, farms jobs disappearing as productive land is planted out in pines for carbon credits, competition from on-line sales trends that all traditional retailers face, to name some of the factors,” Federated Farmers’ president and commerce spokesman Andrew Hoggard said.

“Bank branch closures are just another hit on confidence, making doing business in rural areas that much harder, and another reason for young people to look to cities for their future when agriculture is the main way New Zealand earns its living in the world.”

The six-monthly survey, run

Farmers’ satisfaction with their bank relationship has dropped from more than 80 per cent to 62 per cent in the last five years.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

with the help of Research First, found 62 per cent of farmers are satisfied with their bank relationship, down four points on November and a continuation of steady erosion in satisfaction over the past five years, when it was over 80 per cent. Meat and wool and arable farms are the most satisfied, while “other industry groups” were least satisfied.

“Just on 18 per cent of farmers said they’d been feeling under pressure from their banks - down half a point on

W W

W W

six months ago, so that’s stable.

Arable farmers are feeling the most pressure, when in earlier surveys of late it has been dairy farmers,” Hoggard said.

Some 58 per cent of farmers said communication with their bank has been good or very good, down four points on November. As with overall relationship satisfaction, that sentiment has been eroding steadily over recent years.

The May survey also threw in a question about banks

phasing out cheques. Five per cent of respondents said they use cheques and don’t have easy access to alternatives; “I would suspect a reflection of poor internet connectivity in their locality,” Hoggard said.

Another 61 per cent said they don’t use cheques, but are concerned about people who don’t have easy alternatives; 34 per cent are not concerned.

Other findings: • 24 per cent of farmers say their lending conditions have

changed over the past six months, down 3 points on November. Of those with changed conditions, 14 per cent were tougher and 10 per cent easier.

• Average mortgage interest rate was 3.8 per cent down from 3.9 per cent in November. 91 per cent are paying mortgage interest rates of less than 5 per cent.

• Average overdraft interest rate was 6.3 per cent, down from 6.4 per cent in November. 20 per cent are paying overdraft interest rates of less than 5 per cent.

• 79 per cent of farmers have a mortgage with an average value of $4.3 million and median value of $2.2m.

Arable farms had the biggest average and median mortgages, even bigger than dairy farms.

• 78 per cent of farmers have an overdraft with an average value of $193,000 and median value of $100,000.

Arable farms also had the biggest average and median mortgages.

• ANZ had the biggest market share for both mortgages and overdrafts.

• Farmers were most satisfied with Rabobank and Westpac.

FARM INSURANCE

ARTIN ARTIN AKEFIELD AKEFIELD LTD LTD

W

SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO SUIT YOU

ARTIN ACCOUNTING SERVICES ACCOUNTINGAKEFIELD SERVICESLTD

W

RURAL BUSINESS SERVICES

CCOUNTING SERVICES Benchmarking • Bookkeeping/accounting • Budgeting • Business Start-up • Cash Flow Forecasting • Financial Planning • Financing • Monitored Business Performance • Office Duties • Payroll 03 687 7122 Services 03 687 7122 1, 26 Canon Street, Timaru •Level Portfolio Management Level 1, •26 Canon Street, Timaru Fax: 03 684 8558 reception@martinwakefield.co.nz • Software Solutions • Strategic Planning Fax: 03 684 8558 • reception@martinwakefield.co.nz

www.martinwakefield.co.nz www.martinwakefield.co.nz

WE WORK WITH

Locally Owned Local People Local Pride.

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

2189807 2189807

03 687 7122

Level 1, 26 Canon Street, Timaru Fax: 03 684 8558 • reception@martinwakefield.co.nz

www.martinwakefield.co.nz

Phone: David 027 221 9190 | James 027 276 7747 73 Burnett St Ashburton 2189807

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FARM FINANCE

53

Environment-linked loan a first

I

n a New Zealand first, dairy investor Southern Pastures has entered into a three-year $50 million sustainability-linked farm loan with BNZ and its syndicate.

Southern Pastures, owner of Lewis Road Creamery, will receive financial incentives for meeting new water quality and biodiversity targets and for achieving further reductions in its already low on-farm carbon emissions. Achievement of the targets will be directly linked to lower loan costs.

Southern Pastures’ executive chairman Prem Maan said the deal recognised that it was in their common interest for farming to mitigate climate change and environmental impacts. “In my view, farming in New Zealand should be driven by the ambition to become carbon neutral.”

Southern Pastures owns 20 farms in Waikato and Canterbury.

It produces milk under an independently certified 10 Star Certified Values Programme which stipulates strict environmental, climatic, animal and human welfare requirements.

Its Waikato farms which supply Fonterra include the largest organic farm in the country.

“We use our organic farm, for example, to learn how to minimise antibiotic use. So we

now use less antibiotics on all our farms than what is allowed under EU organic regulations.”

BNZ head of natural capital Dana Muir said Southern Pastures was a leader in the New Zealand primary sector with ambitious environmental goals. It made sense to partner with them to show that capital incentives can deliver financial and environmental benefits.

“Like BNZ, Southern Pastures are driven to make a real difference improving New Zealand’s environment. The environmental targets linked to the loan are ambitious and go beyond compliance minimums – achieving them will require innovative on-farm planning, practices and reporting,” Muir said.

BNZ chief executive Angela Mentis said the bank had developed the innovative loan structure as part of its sustainable finance portfolio to help deliver carbon reductions and sustainable benefits in New Zealand. BNZ will increasingly seek to use Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-linked lending with New Zealand farmers, agribusinesses and other sectors to help meet New Zealand’s climate change obligations.

“Bold ESG initiatives not only help protect the environment

Southern Pastures’ executive chairman Prem Maan; the dairy business will get a loan discount if it meets environmental targets.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

and build natural capital, but also increase the value of our consumer products globally and strengthen brand New Zealand.

“There is great work underway on New Zealand farms, throughout the primary sector and other sectors. We want to partner with businesses who are striving to go above and beyond compliance minimums and show what best practice in environmental management, labour and governance looks like,” Mentis said.

As part of the loan arrangement, AsureQuality is acting as an independent onfarm auditor, visiting the farms on an annual basis to collect data and verify progress against targets. Discounts to interest rates will be applied during the term of the loan provided interim and final targets are met and verified.

AsureQuality’s environmental assurance lead Simon Love said it had used its expertise to turn environmental targets into

measurable and auditable proof points. “It was a challenge and the right thing to do for future generations.”

Southern Pastures is a longstanding signatory to the United Nations’ principles for responsible investment and BNZ is a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition, a signatory to the principles of responsible investment and committed to the United Nations’ principles of responsible banking and the collective commitment to climate action.

Let’s grow together KPMG Farm Enterprise – your agri-business partner Operating a farm business comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. So when you need business advice, you need agri-business experts. KPMG’s Farm Enterprise team partners with farmers across New Zealand to help grow their businesses, and navigate through what is an ever changing and challenging environment. Our local specialists are backed by global expertise and combine their practical knowledge of Farm accounting and agribusiness advisory, with a passion for helping businesses thrive.

Some of the services we offer: — Business planning, budget and cash flow forecasting — Debt funding for agribusiness — Monthly management accounts and governance reporting — Annual Financial statements, audit and tax advice — Governance advisory — Farm sale and purchase due diligence — Succession planning.

Get in touch for a chat about how we can help you achieve your business goals.

Brent Love M: 027 528 1537 E: blove@kpmg.co.nz

Grant Polson M: 027 702 9394 E: gpolson@kpmg.co.nz

© 2021 KPMG, a New Zealand Partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.

54

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS

SITUATIONS VACANT

SITUATIONS VACANT Field Trial Operator Gore Vacancy 41408 PRACTICE NURSE

About us Plant & Food Research (‘PFR’) is a vibrant organisation conducting research that adds value to New Zealand’s horticulture and seafood industries. Our approximately 1,000 employees, spread across 14 New Zealand locations, are proud of the way our science and commercialisation supports the production of top quality, sustainably-produced foods and high-value products that earn a premium in international markets and benefit human wellbeing.

Operations Manager We are searching for a motivated and enthusiastic person to take on the role of Operations Manager at our seed cleaning business in Methven.

What you will be doing

Prior seed cleaning experience is preferred but not essential, however the right attitude and ability to learn quickly is paramount.

The position of Operations Manager is varied and challenging and would suit a practical, motivated and ambitious person looking to further their career by taking responsibility for the day to day management of the business.

Reporting to the Science Group Leader, and working in collaboration with colleagues nationally, you will take the lead on regional trials and the evaluation of breeding projects, proactively connecting and communicating research results with the wider group. With the pending retirement of our Regional Trial Operator and the chance to learn from him in the short term you will manage all aspects of arable field trials including sowing, maintaining, assessing, selection and harvesting of crops, together with the reporting of results. Key projects include our forage brassica and swede breeding programmes located throughout Southland. Working remotely, and within a small team, the ability to use your broad range of skills and experience to safely operate and maintain a range of machinery and equipment will be essential.

The successful candidate will: • Be taught the art of seed cleaning to the extent that they can proficiently set, operate and monitor the performance of a range of seed cleaning equipment.

• Have hands-on participation in the practical running of the plant including unloading trucks, bagging, stacking, mixing and loading out seed.

• Become trained and certified in forklift operation, seed sampling and phytosanitary inspection.

• Move seamlessly between physical work along-side other staff on the machine floor to supporting the Administration Manager particularly around scheduling work, staff management including health and safety, and seed analysis.

• Provide strong leadership and managerial skills.

• Enjoy problem solving and practical maintenance.

• Have excellent communication skills and ability to relate to clients.

• Take an active role in business development and strategic planning.

What you will need To be successful in this role, you will ideally have a relevant tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience in agricultural science and arable farming with a working knowledge of field trial methods including trial management, data collection and analysis. Your understanding of plant breeding methods and ability to manage and report on trials in an accurate and timely manner will beneficial however, a proactive, can-do attitude coupled with in house training could see you develop those skills.

To effectively lead our Southland trials, you will have the proven ability to self-manage, problem solve and proactively communicate with colleagues throughout NZ. Knowledge of the Southland region and connections with the Southland farming community would also be beneficial in the role but a relocation contribution for those returning to, or moving to the region can be provided.

This role requires physical fitness and a NZ drivers License and the ability to travel locally will also be essential.

This position would particularly suit someone currently working in the seed cleaning industry who is looking for the challenge and reward that management brings.

Remuneration package may include the use of a three bedroom (+office) house and company EV by negotiation.

Applicants must be New Zealand residents currently living in NZ.

What you will get The opportunity to work within a friendly, national organisation whilst also having great autonomy to manage and deliver important projects locally.

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous leave provisions and employer contribution to superannuation, and subsidised health insurance.

Phone: John McCaw 027 414 0157 • Email: john@mccawseeds.co.nz Postal: John McCaw, McCaw Seeds. PO.Box 37, Methven 7745

For more information, registration details and to apply for this position please visit: People & Careers · Plant & Food Research (plantandfood.com) and Visit the job portal.

Please quote vacancy number 41408 Applications close 4 July 2021

Ashburton Health First requires a fulltime practice nurse to join our busy practice.

Applicants must be NZMC Registered and allowed to work in New Zealand.

Send CVs to admin@healthfirst.kiwi

PUBLIC NOTICE

Ashburton Club & MSA

The Annual General Meeting

of Members will be held at the Club on Sunday June 27 2021 at NED UNTIL POSTPO 10.00am HE FURT R NOTICE BUSINESS: • To receive and discuss the Annual Report of the Committee and the Statement of Financial Position for the year ended 31 March 2021 •PO ToSdeclare the TPONED UNTIL election FU RTHERofNClub Officers. OTICE • To consider any notices of motion for which the necessary notice is given.

• General Business.

Stuart Geddes General Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE

Housekeeper Extraordinaire!

We require: A mature, reliable, well presented, fastidiously fussy, energetic person to look after the daily housekeeping of our luxury lodge.

B+LNZ Extension Manager – Northern South Island

Hours of work: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9.00am to 12 noon.

For a full job description please email: sue@lochlearesort.co.nz or phone 3079080.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) are hiring an Extension Manager for the Northern South Island region in a full-time, 12 month fixed-term role. Location is flexible within the Northern South Island region. Applications close 24 June 2021.

Applications close at 4.00pm on Wednesday 30th June and must include two working referees. The successful applicant will be available to start on Friday 2nd July.

Please email your applications to tony@lochlearesort.co.nz

J’s Conveying & Contracting Sheep Drenching, Injecting, Jetting & more

As the Extension Manager you are responsible for delivering B+LNZ’s extension program in the region. To achieve this, you will have a deep understanding of farmers and their needs and deliver extension in a way that ensures farmers have access to new research and changes in farming practice and can implement the new knowledge and technologies to improve performance behind the farm-gate.

or; Post to: Reception, Lochlea Lodge, 25A/25 Charlesworth Drive, Ashburton 7700.

PUBLIC NOTICE

You will work collaboratively with the B+LNZ regional, environment, and farming excellence teams, and with agribusiness professionals, farmer/community groups and the region’s farmer council to co-design and deliver extension activities that meet the unique needs of your region through your region delivery plan’s activity such as focus groups and field days for on-farm tech transfer.

Let’s start the conversation call 0800 764 846 455 West Street, Ashburton Email: ashburton@smith-sons.co.nz or visit: smithandsons.co.nz

Locally owned and operated Jimmy McAndrew 027 335 3199

TM

enovating?

Thinking of r WE MAKE IT EASY WITH OUR THREE SIMPLE STEPS ...

Sound like you or someone you know?

Visit: beeflambnz.com/about-blnz/work-us

TM

We’ve got the South Island covered.

TM

We’ve got the South Island covered.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS

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

To deal with Dirty Tiles and Grout CALL GROUTPRO WE HELP YOU KEEP ON TOP OF YOUR SHOWER AND TILE MAINTENANCE

• Tile shower makeovers • Professional tile and grout cleaning • Re-colouring existing grout

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

WE TRANSFORM TILES/GROUT IN BATHROOMS, KITCHENS, SHOWERS, BALCONIES, CONSERVATORIES AND ANY TILED AREA Contact GroutPro Brett Muir for a quote and an upfront honest discussion.

027 746 7632

www.groutpro.co.nz

Solar is the undisputed leaders in the RVs, Caravan, Motorhomes, 5 Wheelers, Boats and Yacht, market.

With 30+ years’ experience, thousands of happy customers, and a friendly can-do attitude.

Come see us in Riverside Business Estate 4 McGregor Lane Ashburton 03 307 4777 - 027 442 3103 ashsolarpower@xtra.co.nz ashsolarpower.com

Win

Emmily Harmer Photography professional digital headshot shoot.

Package includes hair and makeup with a couple of back drop and outfit changes.

Total digital package valued at $490 How to enter: Does your headshot need updating – show us why goodies@theguardian.co.nz Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Winners photo may be used for promotional purposes.

Ash Solar Power

We’ve got the South Island covered.

D I S C O V E R

WINTER IN THE ALPS

Explore Aoraki/Mount Cook and enjoy serenity at the Hermitage.

Book direct and save with all-inclusive packages.

H E R M I TA G E . C O . N Z

55