Guardian Farming April 2014

Farming GUARDIAN

APRIL, 2014

Social media connections

Pages 4-5

Chanelle O’Sullivan is keeping rural mums connected with Farming Mums NZ Facebook page.

Photo: Donna Wylie

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Farming

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Healthy well-functioning wetlands can help farmers manage their pasture and infrastructure.

Mary Ralston

Greg Martin

John Leadley

Sheryl Stivens

Chris Murdoch

COMMENT FROM EDITOR

P7

We also have a great line up of columnists. Mary Ralston talks about the role of wetlands in the environment and Sheryl Stivens has some great tips for recycling in our green farming feature.

Greg Martin takes us into the back country – on a hunting trip with overseas visitors, and takes in the scenery from their perspective in his Brass and Feathers column. Longtime columnist John Leadley tackles the falling rate of home ownership and law and order in the Ashburton district.

Chris Murdoch broaches the subject of farm prices in his discussion on rural real estate, with reference to the $70 million a Mid Canterbury property fetched at auction recently.

Farm forestry on irrigated properties is also on the agenda, with details on an upcoming field day on page 25.

We are always looking for story ideas, and want to know what our readers would like us to cover. Feel free to contact us with your ideas.

FOREST AND BIRD

Taking foreign hunters into our back country makes for a satisfying experience.

P10

The Ashburton district’s home-ownership rates and alcohol policies are causing concerns.

P18

Around the world and at home, there are many ways to help keep the environment cleaner.

P21

Interest in the rural real estate market is high following the Ealing Pastures sale last month.

P26

Michelle Nelson

RURAL EDITOR

T

his month we look at the role social media is playing in keeping rural women in touch, with the inspirational story of Chanelle O’Sullivan – a busy young mum who saw a need and rose to the occasion.

In recent years there has been a lot of attention paid to mental health in the rural sector, but it has largely been centred on men. Federated Farmers has worked hard to highlight the alarming suicide rates for farmers. However, Chanelle discovered there are a lot of women on farms also suffering from depression.

We look at the journey the committee underwent to get the piped Valetta Irrigation scheme open. It is the first of its type in Mid Canterbury.

BRASS AND FEATHERS

RURAL COMMENT

MASTAGARD ASHBURTON

CONTACTS Advertising Email emma.j@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7936.

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Editor Email your comments to michelle.n@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7971.

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Valetta’s piped water scheme flows Michelle Nelson

RURAL EDITOR

T

he story of piping the Valetta Irrigation Scheme has been a long time in the making.

The proposal to pipe the scheme was first suggested in 2007 during an informal meeting.

The following year Aqualinc Research was hired to evaluate the proposal, and found a staggering 37 per cent (1.2 cumecs) of the water entering the open race was wasted, at a cost of about $14.4 million annually.

This equated to almost half the $31 million price tag, and the decision to proceed was made, with the rest of the scheme funded by the 41 shareholders.

“Looking back it was an embarrassment,” Valetta

Irrigation chairman Alistair Morrison said.

Gerard van den Bosch, general manager of Aquaduct and Bosch Irrigation, put together a proposal to import extruders from China to manufacture the 84 kilometres of plastic pipe required and incorporate hydro-generation into the scheme.

Aquaduct set up a portable plant which is operated 24 hours a day, churning out 1600mm plastic pipe up to 200m long for the scheme.

The pop-up plant was the first of its type in the world. It cost around $250,000 to set up and can be relocated in a couple of months The pipe was dragged on purpose-built trailers Bosch designed and built to nearby farms where the entire piped system, which the irrigation scheme was will include two small hydroconverted from open channels electricity plants that will to pipe. generate two megawatts for Making the pipe onsite was cheaper than transporting it in the national grid.

The fall of the plains means shorter lengths from factories water will be delivered from farther afield and sped up installation time as fewer joins the Rangitata Diversion Race under pressure now $1850 excl so farmers are necessary. On average can run their centre pivot and every kilometre done, saved now $1400 excl lateral spray irrigators. over a week’s welding time.

Valetta Irrigation chairman Alistair Morrison and Gerard van den Bosch, general manager of Aquaduct and Bosch Irrigation discuss the piped scheme with shareholders.

Photo: Michelle Nelson 210314MN-006

Productive land had been reclaimed from filling in the open races, and Valetta Irrigation had installed nine fire hydrants along the scheme.

Mr Morrison said other advantages of the piped scheme were the reduced fire risk from more irrigated land, increased productivity, the ability to sell water, and from a

farmer’s point of view to be able to turn water on and off via their smart phones.

The scheme was switched on in October, and officially opened last month.

The section of piping connecting the RDR to the piped scheme will be completed, and the turbines installed during the next few months.

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Farming

Country links

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Keeping New Zealand’s rural mums in touch via Facebook is providing busy Mayfield mum, Chanelle O’Sullivan, a way to use her 21st-century skills.

Michelle Nelson

on a station, overlooking Lake Pukaki.

While the view was idyllic, the owner of the property was something of a curmudgeon.

“He was a 60-year-old guy with two hip replacements – I lasted three months, which I thought was pretty good considering the previous guy only made it through one month.

“I had no chance to learn anything about deer – it was straight into the deer shed.”

Chanelle met David O’Sullivan at a Mackenzie Young Farmers meeting a month into her job.

After a stint on a dairy farm, she found herself back on a deer farm near Timaru. The O’Sullivan family now live on a Barford Road property which runs 3000 head of deer, 1000 sheep and some beef cattle.

Soon after arriving in the district, Chanelle took over the Farming Mums NZ Facebook page as an administrator.

“Another woman had been running the page, she put the call out for someone to take it on and I decided to pick it up,” she said.

RURAL EDITOR

F

rom the Chatham Islands to Northland, a Mayfield mum is using the power of social media to connect women in rural areas.

Chanelle O’Sullivan arrived in the district a year ago, with husband David and daughter Isabelle, who was just 12 months old at the time.

Chanelle grew up in suburban Auckland, but had always preferred country living.

“Farming was something I always wanted to do,” she said.

“I used to go on horse riding camps in the Waikato in school holidays, and worked on the farm.”

Armed with a certificate of agriculture, she upped stakes Chanelle O’Sullivan and daughter, Isabelle, at home in Mayfield. and headed for the Mackenzie Photo: Michelle Nelson Country to take up a position

At the time Farming Mums NZ was a closed page with about 100 members. Chanelle changed the format from a page to a group, which now counts more than 800 members and continues to grow by the day.

While in Wellington on a Federated Farmers leadership course last month, Chanelle met with representatives from Rural Women New Zealand to discuss the role of the page.

“They were really supportive, and said they would help where they could,” she said.

Since developing the concept in New Zealand, Chanelle has set up Farming Mums UK and Farming Mums.

“I did some research and couldn’t find anything like it in either country, there are about 50 members on each page,” she said.

“It can be difficult if you don’t know anyone, and there are a lot of mums working on farms, and others doing administrative stuff.

“We have one member who velvets 600 stags with two kids in a room off the deer

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“

5

We’ve already been contacted by women shifting on Gypsy Day – which is great because they will have some support when they arrive

Chanelle O’Sullivan in the office.

shed,” Chanelle said.

The Farming Mums NZ site is loaded with pictures of mothers with young babies in front packs and older children in strollers carrying out farming tasks.

“A lot of people still don’t live close enough to be able to use childcare centres,” Chanelle said.

“My nearest is at Hinds. I’ve just started taking Isabelle there once a week so she gets to spend time with children her own age.”

Chanelle controls the membership and the content of the page, and says sometimes personalities clash, but she is determined to remain neutral.

“If someone is stirring I delete them. Some people will say all sorts of things when they are hiding behind a computer.

Soon after taking over the page, Chanelle realised how many rural women were suffering from depression, or struggling with the isolation.

“You hear about men on farms suffering depression, but there’s a lot of women in the same boat,” she said. “There have been a few ask for help.

Mothers of younger kids often find themselves home alone for long periods – women in town usually have a partner home in the evening but that’s not always the case on farms, especially in busy periods like calving or harvest time.”

Having a platform to share these feelings is important, and Chanelle tries

where possible to get some support for these people, whether that’s encouraging a neighbour to invite them for coffee, or delivering some home baking.

Future projects include a calendar, and a cookbook.

“I’m hoping to include all 12 regions, at the moment I’m trying to appoint a coordinator for each region to run with it.”

Monthly dinners with speakers are also on the agenda. “We had a tea party in January, with six women – it was fun to get dressed up for a change. Most farming mums don’t get many chances to do that.”

Coffee groups already established in Geraldine and Ashburton also provide an opportunity to catch up faceto-face, and Chanelle would like to see more set up.

“We’ve got members from the top of the North Island to Southland, even one from the Chathams.

“We’ve already been contacted by women shifting on Gypsy Day – which is great because they will have some support when they arrive.”

Anneke Smit has taken on the job of editor for the

Farming Mums website (http://farmingmumsnz. wordpress.com), which features members, businesses, recipes and a food blog.

Deanne Parkes has also come on board as an administrator for the Facebook page.

“She is more business minded than me, and it’s getting to the stage we need more structure.

“Deanne is hoping to set up a fitness programme without needing to go to a gym – she’s got heaps of experience and has trained elite athletes.

“We are also hoping to get a nutritionist on board to provide quick healthy recipes for freezer meals – which will be great before calving starts for dairy farm mums.”

Chanelle admits the Facebook page is time consuming, but the old adage “if you want something done ask a busy person” holds true – she also chairs the Deer Industry New Zealand Canterbury Advance Party, and is completing a diploma in agribusiness through Lincoln University.

She and David’s ambition is to own their high country property.

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7

Wetland: swamp by another name Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

W

etlands are what we used to call swamps. They are not just wet places with a few rushes around the edge, but are natural sponges that can take the peaks and troughs out of fluctuating water levels and are home to many native plants and animals.

Wetlands are lovely repositories of natural biodiversity. Because water level fluctuates, wetlands offer many different habitats and so often have a very high number of species compared to a similar-sized area of forest or tussock grassland.

Why do our wetlands matter? Around the world, wetlands have greatly diminished in number, size, quality and biodiversity.

Photo: Mike Watkins

Fun in a red tussock wetland bordering Lake Heron.

Much of the loss of wetlands and swamps has been due to draining for farming and settlement and, more recently, for industry and airports.

In New Zealand, it is

estimated that over 90 per cent of the wetlands that were here in pre-human times are gone.

Most of this loss is due to the expansion of agriculture, and, traditionally, wetlands

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This perception is changing, with many farmers realising that healthy, well-functioning wetlands contribute to the

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Farming From previous page.

pasture and infrastructure.

They stabilise shorelines and riverbanks.

In dry times they release a steady stream of moisture to downstream paddocks. Their water provides moisture to pollinating insects, native and introduced fish, and native and game birds.

Wetlands help recharge aquifers, and plants such as flax and raupo take up nutrients washed from farmland so that downstream water quality is enhanced.

They are a significant carbon sink.

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2. This day is the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

The theme for World Wetlands Day this year was “Wetlands and agriculture: partners for growth” which recognises the interrelationship between farming and wetlands.

New Zealand’s Fish and Game organisation marked World Wetlands Day by reminding farmers that they offer a range of free freshwater advisory services

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Wetland wonder

to enhance existing wetlands or develop new ones.

Fish and Game can assist with stream bank management and water quality, help

improve fish passage through culverts and fords, and help with design and planting of small ponds and wetlands on farms.

Locally, Fish and Game has worked on some significant projects to improve wetlands, such as Deep Stream in the Upper Rangitata where

A wetland at the coast near Wakanui with jointed rush or oioi, flax, Plagianthus and Carex species.

Photo: Edith Smith

a collaborative effort was made by Fish and Game, the Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury and the landowner.

There are some significant wetlands in the Ashburton District but most have gone from the plains. The Hakatere Conservation Park has some great examples of high country wetlands, and these are nationally important for wildlife.

On the coast, there are interesting wetlands at Wakanui that support a range of species. There are many wonderful wetlands along the margins of our braided rivers.

More wet places are needed in between the hills and the sea – let’s celebrate the theme of “Wetlands and agriculture: partners for growth” by enhancing and creating wetlands on the plains.

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9

Thinking of converting – check the Land and Water Regional Plan ARTICLES BY ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY

I

f you are thinking of converting your land-use you need to be aware of what you need to do under the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.

The Plan is the framework for managing land and water in Canterbury for the foreseeable future.

It contains a number of rules for farmers as well as for other activities. For more information visit

www.ecan.govt.nz/lwrp (About the Plan, Understanding the Plan).

Nutrient allocation

If your farm is in an overallocated nutrient red zone then you cannot increase the nitrogen loss from your baseline (which is the average annual loss of nitrogen from a property from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2013). If you are unsure what nutrient allocation zone you are in call Environment Canterbury Customer Services on 0800 324 636.

Water allocation The Plan identifies areas where groundwater is fully allocated.

If you cannot secure “new” water then you may be able to find someone willing to transfer their consented water – be aware that any transfers are subject to a portion being surrended.

If you are near an irrigation scheme it may be possible for your property to be included in the command area.

Water efficiency The Plan requires the efficient and improving use of water – you will need a water measuring system that complies with the Irrigation NZ standards.

Hinds Plains The Land and Water Regional Plan applies in the Hinds Plains catchment – as it does throughout Canterbury (except for the area covered by the Hurunui Waiau River Regional Plan).

The Ashburton Zone Committee has developed a number of recommendations for the Hinds Plains and Environment Canterbury is developing a variation to the Land and Water Regional Plan based on these. The variation is expected to be notified for public consultation later in the year.

To read the committee’s programme of recommendations visit: ww.ecan.govt.nz/publications/ Council/hinds-zip-addendummarch-2014.pdf

Sustainable groundwater the subject of community workshop

A

community workshop on Wednesday April 16 is looking at the options around better ways to manage groundwater in the Hinds Plains area.

The workshop will cover a number of ways to improve the sustainable management of groundwater - collectively known as “managed aquifer recharge” or MAR – which are already used in New Zealand, Australia and other countries. Examples include the seepage of surface water (through soakage basins) and the direct injection of water through specially developed bores.

The community workshop will allow people to discuss the opportunities and

potential issues around managed aquifer recharge for the Hinds Plains area. A pilot project for managed aquifer recharge in the Hinds Plains has been recommended by the Ashburton Zone Committee.

This will be developed by the zone committee working with Environment Canterbury and Ashburton District Council, along with Arowhenua Rūnanga, and community stakeholders.

Why is managed aquifer recharge important?

Sustainability is a term used a lot in describing everything from efforts to address a changing climate to managing a household

budget. When it comes to managing groundwater and connected rivers and streams, sustainability is about achieving a balance between what is recharged (gained) and what is discharged (lost) from the underground reservoir (the aquifer).

Aquifers gain water from rainfall and by leakage from rivers and lose water via springs emerging above ground and by human abstraction for drinking water, irrigation or other uses.

L

understanding of the goals behind the use of MAR in the Hinds plains area.

For more information about the workshop please email: bob.bower@ecan.govt.nz.

Community workshop details

• Wednesday April 16 • 7.30pm until 9pm • Hinds Community Hall Anyone interested in the

Local farming leaders recognised in Ballance Awards

ocal farmers have featured strongly in this year’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards, announced at an event in Christchurch recently.

The Ashburton Zone Committee recognises the value of awards as they highlight that excellence in farming is part of the ongoing work to improve environmental management on-farm.

Awards such as these also show that good and innovative farm management can also be good for business.

The zone committee has also had the privilege of working with a number of local farmers who entered in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards as part of the ongoing work to develop the Hinds Plains Zone Implementation Programme Addendum.

managed aquifer recharge pilot project is welcome to attend.

The workshop will be an opportunity to share ideas, concerns, and develop a better

Managed aquifer recharge is about sustainable groundwater use.

Mike and Nicky Salvesen.

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Kelly and Jeff Gould, and Wyvern Jones.

Mark and Devon Slee.

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2 10

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Showing off the best hills Greg Martin

A

few years ago, on a Monday morning, I phoned my doctor’s surgery to make an appointment.

My ear was ringing. It was my left ear, and it was ringing because the day before a friend of mine had fired his .270 at a Rangitata tahr, too close and a little behind me.

My mistake. On the walk out something seemed to rattle against my eardrum with each step I took down the riverbed. It was a bad end to a great two days out back.

That Monday my regular doctor wasn’t available, so I was invited to see a locum from the United States.

“What’s the problem?” she asked after I had sat down in the consulting room.

“I was out hunting yesterday and I was too close to my buddy when he fired his rifle.

Now my ear is ringing and I can’t hear properly.”

“Hunting!” she said breaking

A doctor hunter in the hills.

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11

Tips for guiding overseas visitors • Don’t assume a visitor knows about firearm safety (even if they have a licence).

• If they’re holding or using your rifle, they need to stay within arm’s length of you.

• Take them to the range before letting them shoot at an animal.

• Always assume low fitness levels, especially with smokers.

• Check their foot gear the night before you head out. Nikes are no good in the back country.

Dawn over deer country. A happy locum (right) with a felled hind.

into a grin. “Where were you and what were you trying to shoot?”

It is great giving someone else the hunting or fishing experience that you may have decided to keep for yourself.

Probably, because as an observer, you get to see their faces, hear their excitement, take their pictures. (I once wanted to be a film director.)

For them it is a once-in-alifetime experience. For you it would have been just another deer.

And there is nothing wrong with that. But there is also something addictive about taking a visitor from overseas to your favourite place and watching them hanging onto a bending rod and an

out-of-control fish, even if it all goes wrong. It’s about showing them the best of New Zealand. I often have that someone else in mind when looking at new country. “Soand-so” would love this, I am thinking.

A few weeks after my left ear had stopped ringing, “so-and-so” was the doctor locum from the US and her friend. I took them out to newly tenured-reviewed Conservation estate. “This is nothing like Montana,” one of them had said as we gazed out across the undulating tussock from a high-point. “So open.”

It was hot and I didn’t fancy our chances anymore. But then, way in the distance a speck above a gully glimpsed

through binoculars was translated instantly into deer.

We dropped down, and over the next 40 minutes stalked in, staying low. It was hot and slow, the wind not always in our favour.

Eventually we were on our stomachs at the lip of the gully where we had seen the animal standing in the sun on the other side. It was small country when you were up close; matagouri hiding a gurgling stream. We moved up to the left to the head of

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the gully, and then sat looking down.

Suddenly, the big old hind came out of nowhere and was running the slope opposite us.

Locum doctor from the US had the rifle. Locum doctor grew up hunting with her dad.

The hind went down with one shot.

“Unbelievable,” my American friends said as we arrived back on the flat a few hours later.

We clambered over the fence to the road and a Lord of the

Rings tour bus went past.

Grubby with blood and deer legs slung around our necks, the tourists must have thought we were extras shooting another movie. And in a way we were.

“That was the most unbelievable hunt ever.”

You could tell my friends meant it. I was exhausted, but smiling. Yes, another most awesome hunt ever.

Only this time I had made sure that I had put my fingers in my ears.

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2 12

Farming

Water and effluent

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Introducing CompliancePro H

ave you ever found yourself in any of these situations?

• You see the council vehicle pull in the gateway and all you are thinking is “have I done everything I’m supposed too?”

• To consultant…“I’ve had a visit from the council and now I’ve received this letter…”

“

It’s important to have all your documents in the one place.

We would certainly recommend it to other businesses.

• The data logger has been downloaded and you have been advised that you have well and truly used your consented allocation and then some, and the rate of take has

regularly been exceeded.

Managing resource consent compliance these days is just about a fulltime job in itself.

Resource consents now have more conditions and a higher level of consent holder input, and let’s face it, when you are in the thick of calving, lambing, mating, making supplement feed, or just being farmers, making sure you are compliant with your resource consent conditions is not high on your list of priorities.

CompliancePro, designed to help you be 100 per cent compliant, all of the time by:

• Use of CS-Vue™ software, which is an online programme (computer, smart phone, anywhere).

• Administration of Compliance Management Reports received from councils.

• Consulting expertise to assist setting up the correct triggers and alerts within CS-Vue™ required for your consent to ensure full compliance.

• Assistance if non-compliance occurs.

• Advice on consents and what can be done to make compliance easier to manage.

• Field technicians to monitor consent conditions.

• CompliancePro features task calendaring, compliance signoffs, email or text alerts, document archiving and contact management tools.

The Pye Group at Temuka have used CompliancePro and the online software for the past six months to monitor and manage all the Pye Group resource consents and say: “It’s important to have all your documents in the one place and be easily accessible, and that’s the beauty of CS-Vue. It provides the tool to make it easier to review and monitor all your consents, and even allows you to link similar consent conditions together to make it more efficient to engage third parties and record resulting information for submission to ECan. By having the alerts function, it is less likely that you will forget about key requirements of consents until it is too late.

We would certainly recommend it to other businesses.”

CompliancePro maintains a highly accountable and visible record of consent compliance - no more lost documents (even when the manager leaves because they can never be deleted)

The core benefits of consent holders using the Compliance Pro package is:

9 Increased accountability and transparency with an audit trail.

9 Documents accessible and centralised electronically online.

9 Alerts (email or text) to meet conditions on time and to the right people.

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9 Improved relationships with councils.

9 Decreased compliance costs.

9 Decreased legal and financial risks.

9 Improved operation in relation to industry bestpractice guidelines.

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Water and effluent

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13

Four tips to get the most out of your effluent pond 1. Use a good quality liner

maintenance of the effluent systems and who to call if something does go wrong.

The more education and knowledge you and your staff have the easier it is to take care of your effluent systems.

A High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is what I would recommend.

This material is made from petroleum and known for its large strength to density ratio.

HDPE is the most widely used geomembrane used for lining not only for effluent ponds but also landfills, canals and hazardous waste containment.

HDPE has a high chemical resistance along with a high resistance to dairy fats and oils making it well suited for use in your effluent pond.

3. Future Proof Just like you, your farm will change over the next 5-10 years, it may grow or downsize these possibilities need to be taken into account.

Choose a size with the help of your contractor and other advisors that will work for you now and allow room for extension should you need it. The location of the pond is another thing to consider, we can never tell what the weather will do so take note of the maximum water table heights that could affect the pond in the event of extreme weather.

2. Play by the rules Make sure you meet all permitted activity rules in your area 365 days of the year. It is a good idea to aim for good practice rather than just achieving compliance, this makes it easier for you in the long run. I would recommend educating your staff on the rules, operation and

4. Do your research Take the time to research your contractor, their previous

projects, their health and safety standards as well as their credentials.

A minor breach can have toxic effects and considerable financial costs, for this reason you need to have 100% confidence in your pond lining specialist. Important things your contractor should offer • Warranty • Double welded seams of the liner • Comprehensive pressure testing of those seams throughout the installation • Technicians’ use of a teniometer for peel shear and tensile testing of HPE welded products. Regular testing ensures the reliability and structural integrity of the product and seams.

• HDPE roll number recording to ensure the traceability of the product.

•

Onsite fabrication for design flexibility.

Last of all on completion of your project you should receive a detailed quality assurance report. The main

thing is to ask questions don’t be afraid to get involved and make sure you are making your effluent pond the very best it can be.

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2 14

Farming

Water and effluent

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Been in it for the last 40 plus years

I

n 1975 I purchased an effluent spreading run that was originally started by Habgoods Cartage of Lincoln then sold to Collin Hamilton who ran it for a few years.

It was then only three or four days per week carting and spreading mainly manure from under-laying cages, pig manure and a few dairy sumps.

In those days I had a single axle Bedford with a 10,000 litre single artie unit under it.

She would think about getting stuck while driving past a wet paddock while still on the road.

Things have come a long way since then with our latest truck having fat singles on the

front and air pressure controls on the rear tyres for better traction and less compaction and damage to the paddocks.

Over the years I have noticed a huge change in the dairy farms.

Most of the early farms we went to were only a hole in the ground and when fill, ran into the nearest creek or a ditch that had a couple of weirs in it to hold back the worst of the solids.

Today things are much tidier and on the whole I believe most dairy farmers are genuinely trying to deal with their dairy effluent in a proper and more cost efficient way.

Robsons have emptied quite

a few larger effluent ponds, moving up to 2560 cubic metres sucked and spread using four trucks over two days.

On a larger pond we have two stirrers operating and an extra man moving these around the pond to keep it completely stirred up for an ideal spreading consistency.

Leaving ponds too long only makes the effluent too thick and much slower to suck and spread, costing more for the same job.

We have noticed over the years that the farms that empty their saucers at least once or twice through the milking season do not have

the same pump problems as saucers that clog up with sand and rocks that seem to go through all systems causing blockages and break downs.

We advise regular maintenance on saucers and wedges and some customers have learnt that this is better than digging it out with a tractor or digger and ending up with a product that still needs spreading.

In my opinion, weeping walls are a good system but it is advisable not to leave them too long as once again they become a lot harder to empty and in the long run cost more.

Keeping your effluent systems running clean is like

changing the oil in your carif you do not do it you pay the price for repair bills and breakdowns.

On most effluent pond jobs we go and have a look at the site beforehand so as to advise farm management what is needed, when we will have a stirrer on site and what day we can do the job.

Robsons is a family owned and operated business with myself and two sons Keiran and Justin running a fleet of 12 vehicles covering all aspects of liquid waste including septic tanks and grease traps.

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Robson Environmental Services Ltd Phone (03) 349 8871 robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz

Water and effluent

www.guardianonline.co.nz

15

Effluent application made easy Simon Johnson stands in front of his Zimmatic centre-pivot with the Precision VRI add-on which he uses to distribute effluent.

A

mongst soil’s powerful properties is the ability to filter effluent and extract the nutrients for the benefit of the pasture, micro-organisms and soil animals. The ability to apply effluent across the land surface to promote pasture growth requires the right infrastructure.

Injecting effluent through spray irrigation systems allows for low rates to be applied with minimal manual input, making it a preferred method compared to other alternatives. Installing variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology onto your centre-pivot or lateral-move irrigator can transform that effluent dispersal system from sufficient to smart. The difference VRI technology creates is the ability to vary application depths along

the length of the irrigator to match the soil’s ability to retain the nutrients from the effluent.

Simon Johnson (Rangitata Island, Canterbury) has had great success using his Precision VRI system to distribute the farms effluent.

“The VRI has given me options for effluent discharge I never had before. It has allowed us to pin point application, distribute lightly and widely via the pivot, cover areas that have drains and water at different times of the year and generally take all the risk out of our system. Our old system was fraught with issues and risk.”

“I was first a little nervous around effluent through the VRI as it had not really been tested, but it seems as long as you follow the rules by flushing the system afterward

Bowden Environmental

and pond management, it works fantastically. I also believe your pond design is critical to achieve good green water at the quality you need.

We run 100 per cent effluent through the pivot and have no problems so far.”

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The VRI has given me options for effluent discharge I never had before

Effective effluent application requires a knowledge of the volume and nutrient content of the effluent being distributed, the area necessary to handle the

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effluent effectively and of soil properties and groundwater conditions. A key principle is the application of effluent only to soils with sufficient water holding capacity, at suitable application rates to allow infiltration.

As the Precision VRI system controls every individual sprinkler along the length of the irrigator; tracks, drains and troughs can be totally avoided. Buffered avoidance zones, as required by many consents, can be placed around environmentally sensitive areas and waterways.

The solid particles within the effluent will need to be screened/filtered to prevent nozzle blockages on the irrigator. New, customdesigned filtered valves are an option with Precision VRI systems to combat valves blockages. The Precision

VRI system comes with the advantage of online monitoring and reporting.

The new online tool, which is available for the coming irrigation season, allows farmers to view how much effluent has been applied through the irrigator, when and where. Reports can be easily produced by farmers to provide third parties proof of placement.

Smart effluent management with Precision VRI can therefore lighten a farm’s environmental footprint and improve the bottom line at the same time. The Precision VRI system is available through Zimmatic dealers.

It is recommended that they be consulted to discuss the suitability of the new filtered valves for your filtered effluent supply.

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Farming

2 16

Water and effluent

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To irrigate or not – autumn is the Tony Davoren

HYDRO SERVICES

T

he time is right to be a reluctant irrigator.

All but into the second month of autumn, past the equinox, less than 12 hours daylight and declining solar radiation.

Put it in the mixer with periodic rainfall and it is time to think about irrigating, or not, and saving on your nutrient leaching.

At this time of the irrigating season, the adjective reluctant should apply to you as an irrigator – even more so this year with pretty regular rainfall during March.

It should mean that you experience some inner struggle and are unwilling or unable to decide whether to irrigate or not. Reluctant is derived from the Latin

Tony Davoren says it’s time to think about turning off the irrigation system.

reluctantem* meaning “to struggle against”, although nowadays reluctant conjures

up a sense of “unwilling”.

If you’re reluctant to irrigate, you might likely feel

you might “struggle” against your neighbours who are irrigating or keen to irrigate.

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Water and effluent

www.guardianonline.co.nz

17

season of the reluctant irrigator

Graph one

Graph two.

Last month I discussed how day length and solar radiation declines at this time of the year and we lose the “energy” to drive water use and growth.

A month on since the last article (now in the schematic below) – day length is well below 12 hours and solar radiation is about to decline quite quickly.

It is now pretty difficult, despite some Indian summer temperatures and blue sky days, to both grow lots of leaf area and therefore have high water use (evapotranspiration).

Graph one

Not only is there not enough energy to drive growth and water use, plants can now “grab” water off the soil particles when it is more tightly bound.

It is easier to get water from the soil when 2mm/day or less is needed when 5mm/day is needed. As the diagram shows, we are now well into the “low” (and continuing lower)” demand stress band.

Graph two

The “stress band” will continue to

decline as we move through April – the inner struggle against irrigating should become more intense, perhaps “ulcerous”, particularly if we continue to get 10-20mm every week to 10 days.

“

It is now pretty difficult, despite some Indian summer temperatures and blue sky days, to both grow lots of leaf area and therefore have high water use (evapotranspiration).

Rainfall of these amounts is more than enough to meet demand for whatever you ware growing: What irrigation is likely to assist

most at this stage is: • Increased drainage; • Where drainage = nutrient leaching; • Where nutrient leaching = difficulty complying with Land

and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) nutrient limits that are soon to arrive on your farming system. *Reluctantem – be unwilling, accept the inner struggle and leave the red light on.

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2 18

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

News from the Ashburton district is John Leadley

T

RURAL COMMENT

wo items of news in the past week have tended to downplay some of the many positive aspects of life we enjoy in this great Ashburton district.

First, the data released last week from the March 2013 Census highlights Ashburton district as having the largest drop in percentage of home ownership to population across the whole country, from 72 per cent in the 2006 Census to 67 per cent last year.

While this is still above the national average of 64.8 per cent, it indicates a worrying trend, particularly as the district has consistently had one of the lowest if not the lowest level of unemployment in New Zealand, over the seven-year period. The 16HMDG2020 reasons for this may be

many and varied but the fact remains that home ownership is declining. Debt-free home ownership at retirement should surely be the aim of every couple.

Waimakiriri district tops New Zealand’s home ownership rankings with more than 80 per cent of its residents owning their own homes and the figure is still rising. Why is this the case?

Both Waimakariri and Ashburton district have rural-based economies, both have similar percentages of residents over 65 years of age (above the national average) and both have benefitted from the Christchurch relocation.

Property values are similar.

Census data shows that the median income per male worker in this district is $43,900, that is. $7400 higher than the national medium.

Interestingly female wages are on par with the national median. This still needs addressing at a government level.

The key point of all this is that despite perceptions, low wages should not necessarily

be a reason for low homeownership levels. The main reason is financial indiscipline and savings prioritisation.

In a similar vein, lack of building sites is not an issue, with several hundred consented and available from $90,000 upwards.

One area that I believe could and should be addressed is the rather high level of one-person households in the district, that is, 2913 of our 12,001 census night households, about 25 per cent.

I’m certainly not advocating forcing any person from their own home, but am fully aware that this situation was highlighted at the Inaugural Social Wellbeing Forum set up by ex mayor Bede O’Malley following the huge 2006 snow event.

These forums were organised mainly because trauma from the snow clearly indicated that Ashburton appeared to fall into a crack of social service delivery between government welfare services based equally between Timaru and Christchurch. We were in “no-man’s land”.

Ashburton police senior sergeant Grant Russell on his final day at the Ashburton Police Station last month.

Health services are Christchurch based, police and family welfare issues Timaru etc – and the likes of Housing, Inland Revenue and others without local representation.

At that forum Housing New Zealand advised that it would be rationalising State housing in Ashburton, noting several sole-occupier situations and Ashburton Guardian many instances of quarter-

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19

not something to be proud of

acre sections – often contiguous, where further housing units could be constructed for low cost.

Unfortunately actions didn’t follow words – something I

believe that could and should be addressed at a counciladvocacy level.

The other mediahighlighted issue was the matter of alcohol policy and

youth behaviour. This is best instanced by the alleged “king hit” on young father Alan Hill on March 9. In Australia “king hit” has been replaced by “coward attack” by the judiciary. A great idea.

Amendments to the National Alcohol Policy provided an opportunity for more local input to closing hours. Great proactive work by licence holders in collaboratively establishing a “one-way-door” policy was a positive initiative some years ago.

As one who has volunteered with Town Watch for many years, I’m well aware of the deterioration of street behaviour after the hours of 1am on weekend mornings.

Ashburton has just the same issues as our major cities only on a smaller population base.

It’s only a matter of time before someone is maimed or killed, if the booze culture is not reined in.

The Alcohol Reform Bill was introduced with great fanfare by government as the opportunity to make meaningful changes to liquor policy. The longer it has spent

in its communication and collaboration stages, the more watered down have its reforms become.

Despite pressure from police, Safer Ashburton, Acads and other health-wise authorities, it seems that pressure from the liquor outlets, and the financial might of a major grocery consortium may well skittle most of the meaningful clauses of the reform.

Unsurprisingly, it is not these people that are on hand to address the trauma, both mental and physical, that results from alcohol-fuelled mayhem.

These idiots can have relatives and friends who are genuinely ill awaiting attention from already overstressed doctors and nurses.

Wellington hospital reports 80 per cent of its admissions on Friday and Saturday nights are a direct result of drug or alcohol over indulgence. This figure is common across the country.

A shameful and financially crippling state of affairs

from a so called developed nation. The time to act as a community is now. The people to lead this locally are surely our district council and staff.

While I accept that social issues may well be outside the comfort zone of our mayor and some councillors and staff, the fact remains that through the mandate of the Local Government Act, council does have a responsibility for economic, environmental, cultural and social issues. The so called “quadruple bottom line”. Remember?

Council should not be blamed for the decline in behavioural standards of our young people, or the decline in housing ownership. They must however be part of the solution.

How true the words of retiring senior sergeant Grant Russell. “We don’t really have a significant youth problem in Ashburton. What we do have is a serious parenting problem.” How very true.

Please Mr Mayor and councillors; can an annual Social Wellbeing Forum be reinstated?

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Farming

2 20

Green farming

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Free recycling encourages repeat visits A grecovery Rural Recycling is returning to rural Canterbury to hold five free container recycling events following the success of collections in previous years.

Three events in Darfield and Fairlie in 2012 netted 2000kg of plastic, equivalent to about 4000 containers that might otherwise have been burned or buried on local farms.

This year, events will be held in Darfield, Fairlie, Cheviot, Geraldine and Oxford.

“

Several retailers and contractors are supporting the events including Farmlands, PGG Wrightson and Whitestone Contracting.

Farmers and contractors can bring their empty, triple rinsed agrichemical and animal health plastic containers to the following events: Darfield – April 14 at Farmlands, 40 South Terrace, 8am–12pm or PGG Wrightson, 1 Ross Street 12:30pm–4:30pm; Geraldine – 7 May at PGG Wrightson, 4 Talbot Street, 10am-2pm (with BBQ); Fairlie – May 9 at Whitestone Contracting, Allandale Road, 10am-2pm; Cheviot – May 15 at PGG Wrightson Open Day, Main Road, 11am-3pm (with BBQ); and Oxford (details still to be confirmed, please refer to www.agrecovery.co.nz).

“Our 56 participating manufacturers pay a levy to allow containers to be recycled for free. We really hope farmers will throw their triple rinsed empties into the ute and avoid illegally burning or dumping plastic,” says Mr Scotland.

The collected plastic will be recycled at Astron Plastics in

We have 12 permanent collections sites across Canterbury

“We have 12 permanent collections sites across Canterbury which provide year round access to recycling for farmers and growers, however with the ban on burning and dumping we want to widen that network as much as possible,” says Duncan Scotland, of Agrecovery.

Christchurch, with one of the common uses for the recycled plastic being an underground cable cover.

“Last financial year, we collected enough containers nationwide to make a 15cm wide cable cover reaching from Auckland to Invercargill and back,” says Mr Scotland.

To recycle through this event, containers must be upto-60 litres in size, free of chemical residue and organic contamination inside and out, and still have the label on to identify the brand. All containers will be inspected before being accepted. Only containers from participating brand owners are free to recycle. A list of these and full acceptance criteria are available by calling 0800 247 326 or visiting www.agrecovery.co.nz.

Permanent Agrecovery container collection sites around Canterbury are located in Amberley, Ashburton, Culverden, Duntroon, Leeston, Mayfield, Methven, Rakaia, Rangiora, Rolleston, Temuka and Waimate.

Full details are available at www.agrecovery.co.nz.

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FREE recycling of empty plastic containers DARFIELD - 14 APRIL Farmlands, 40 South Terrace, 8am–12pm PGG Wrightson, 1 Ross Street, 12:30pm–4:30pm

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FAIRLIE - 9 MAY Whitestone Contracting, Allandale Road, 10am–2pm Your containers must be: Plastic, 0-60 litres in size, with lid removed Free from chemical and organic residue inside and out * From participating brand owners – leave product label on for identification (see www.agrecovery.co.nz or free phone 0800 247 326 for brand owner list)* +

* Triple rinsing is recommended. Only containers from participating brand owners are free to recycle. All containers will be inspected before being accepted.

Your land, our environment Protect it! www.agrecovery.co.nz | 0800 AGRECOVERY (0800 247 326) Terms and conditions apply | Events subject to cancellation

Agrecovery Container Recycling – collected plastic is processed in New Zealand into underground electrical cable covers.

Agrecovery Container Recycling – Agrecovery mobile processing truck shreds containers brought in for recycling at previous collection event.

Quality Compost Mastagard Ashburton COMPETITIVELY PRICED & TESTED ~ ready for application to farmland • Improve soils & water retention • Reduce fertilizer inputs • Reduce nutrient leaching This fully matured compost has been developed over two years, enhanced with Effective Microrganisms and is now ready to be bulk loaded from the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park.

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Green farming

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21

Recycling at home and overseas Sheryl Stivens

MASTAGARD ASHBURTON

The circular economy Rethink how you spend your money so you buy durable long-lasting items. Many Recycling Centres are in fact “product graveyards” where many badly designed, poorly made or obsolete household items – such as vacuum cleaners, televisions and computers end up. Incredibly 90 per cent of the products we buy become waste within six months.

The United Kingdom is investing $2.3 million (£1.2 million) into new design and business partnerships that rethink products, components and systems so as to close the resource loop and move from a linear take, make, buy and

dispose model to a circular economy. In order to make this shift designers, members of the public, materials experts, manufacturers etc are being encouraged to work together to enable The Great Recovery. This will lead to products with far lower environmental impact and less dependency on finite and polluting materials. www.greatrecovery.org.uk

Cleaning up plastic in our oceans A 19-year-old student, Boyan Slat has designed an award-winning mechanism that he believes can clean up millions of tonnes of plastic waste from the planet’s five giant ocean gyres. The network of floating booms and processing platforms won the best design award at the Delft University of Technology and $92,500 ($US80,000) has been raised for the first feasibility study.

The ingenious design uses the ocean’s currents to funnel in the plastic pieces and filters separate plankton from plastic.

In his inspiring speech he

explains how it will eventually be self-sustaining as the plastic collected can be sold for recycling. Mr Slat was inspired as a young boy diving in Greece where he saw more plastic bags floating in the ocean than fish. www.boyenslat.com

Do you have farm plastics to recycle?

Farm plastics including silage wrap, silage covers and baling twine can all be recycled via a collection system Contact www.plasback.co.nz Triple rinsed plastic agricultural chemical containers are also recyclable Contact www.agrecovery.co.nz Clean plastic bottles and containers – as well as clean plastic bags and film – can be dropped off for recycling at the Ashburton or Rakaia Resource Recovery Parks.

Plastic litter can so easily become ocean pollution.

Do you recycle your ink cartridges?

Save your empty cartridges

and drop them off at the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park for safe recycling.

They are refilled and reused and eventually the plastic is recycled into durable park benches and other useful items.

Solar spinachrenewable energy from plants Have you ever noticed that when weeding a bed of spinach how much light emanates from the leaves when the sun is shining on them? I was intrigued to read recently that the protein in spinach has been found to convert light into energy so readily that it is being combined with silicon to make hyper-efficient solar cells.

This protein (PS1) can continue to photosynthesise even when extracted from the parent plant and converts almost 100 per cent of sunlight into energy – more than double the efficiency of today’s best photovoltaic panels. This bio-hybrid solar cell is non-toxic and renewable

and could potentially transform the photovoltaic market.

The science of bio mimicry continues to surprise us by unveiling nature’s wisdom.

Build up your soils this autumn Autumn is a good time to apply compost onto farmland and gardens. If it is compost you have made you can spread it out on bare soils before it is entirely broken down.

Cover with a layer of mulch, old carpet, wet newspaper and straw or stack bottom from your silage pit. Use whatever you have to protect your soils over winter and build up organic matter.

Mastagard have freshly screened and tested compost competitively priced and ready for application to farmland.

Give it a go to improve your water retention, reduce your nutrient leaching and fertiliser inputs in 2014.

• If you want help with composting or recycling call 0800 627824 or email bholley@mastagard.co.nz Advertising feature

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

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2 22

Farming

Green farming

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Enviromental effects and management Environmental management plans Modern engineering standards mean that waste facilities are constructed to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

Water quality

It is important to undertake extensive monitoring of the water quality both on and around sites. Several types of testing should be performed regularly, including those outlined below.

may have stormwater ponds or wetlands. Smaller sites often have grassed swales and rain gardens. These structures retain stormwater and allow it to be released slowly into a reticulated network or natural water. By slowing the flow of water, sediment settles out of the water column. The wetlands act as a biological filter and provide habitat for native wildlife.

Sediment control

Leachate-collection systems trap landfill leachate which forms when liquid seeps through refuse. A network of drains collects the leachate from within the landfill for disposal at a wastewater treatment plant.

Leachate is monitored at bores in the landfill to check quantity and quality.

Sediment control measures such as silt fences are used at landfill and managed fill sites.

Silt fences are put up around areas of earthworks and in stormwater drains. Silt fences trap sediment (soil) but allow stormwater to pass, which reduces the sediment load in stormwater runoff. Sediment is also removed from surface runoff when it settles out of the water in a sediment pond - typically aided by a chemical flocculent.

Stormwater is managed at waste facilities (landfills, managed fills, recovery facilities) to ensure only clean rainwater leaves the site. Larger sites

Groundwater quality is monitored at landfills and managed fills using monitoring bores or wells. Groundwater is collected from the wells

Leachate

Stormwater

Ground water

and analysed for chemical parameters required by resource consents.

Air quality landfill gas

Landfill gas is created by decomposing refuse. The gas is primarily methane and carbon dioxide.

A network of pipes collects and controls landfill gas.

Following collection the landfill gas is either used for generating electricity or burnt in a flare.

Regular monitoring ensures gas is not escaping through the landfill surface or migrating through the ground.

Dust

Dust is managed through strict waste acceptance criteria and use of dust suppressants.

Odour

Odour is minimised through waste acceptance criteria. Odour monitoring is undertaken at recovery facilities, composting plants and landfills to ensure there is no odour nuisance beyond the boundary.

If necessary, reodorant can be sprayed to minimise any odour that arises.

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23

Clean up, cut up and chainsaw!

A

fter the winds that we all experienced last year, many of us are still to deal with the damage left. Wind gusts uprooted trees, ripped roofs off houses, smashed windows and even trampolines flung into power lines its a job we - have been putting off for months.

Now its time to dust off the chainsaw and tackle those trees.

You dread it. We dread it.

The trees dread it. Everyone hates it, but the laws of physics demand it. Yes, it is time to talk about tree trimming!

Dead or damaged limbs on a tree should be removed to help promote healthy growth. A chainsaw can take much of the work out of tree trimming. Although great care must be used when operating a chainsaw. When operated properly, a chainsaw can be a useful part of the home landscape tool arsenal.

1. Locate low-growing limbs that are dying or have been damaged.

Trim only limbs that are no more than shoulder

height with a chainsaw.

2. Put on safety glasses, earmuffs and gloves.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and closed-toed shoes for protection. Consider wearing chainsaw chaps as added protection for your legs.

3. Clear any debris, such as rocks or limbs, from around the base of the tree so there is good footing. Fuel and start the chainsaw following the manufacturer’s directions. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart for good balance.

4. Cut limbs using an undercut method.

Beginning at least eight inches from the tree trunk, make a cut one-third of the way through the limb from the bottom.

Remove the saw and make a cut on the top of the limb in the corresponding location.

Cut completely through the limb this time and allow it to fall.

5. Make the final cut on the limb within two inches or so of the trunk.

Place the saw bar on top of the limb and cut down and completely through the limb. Stop the saw and remove

the limbs from the area before continuing with additional trimming.

Things you will need • • • •

Safety glasses Gloves Earmuffs Long-sleeved shirt

• Pants • Closed-toed shoes • Chaps Contact your Local STIHL Shop Ashburton for further details and information on their chainsaw and lamb meat pack competition.

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25

Discussing trees for irrigated farms Programme May 1 Mayfield Memorial Hall, Arundel-Rakaia Gorge Road.

Michelle Nelson

9.45am Registration

RURAL EDITOR

10.15am Presentations

A

n open workshop looking at tree plantings for irrigated farms will be held in Mayfield on Thursday, May 1.

The Trees on Farms workshop is one of a national series, partially funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries and run in conjunction with the NZ Farm Forestry Association.

Aside from the aesthetic value, planting the right trees can significantly boost farm profits and management systems to provide multiple benefits.

These can include an income from timber, shade, shelter and fodder for livestock, soil conservation, enhanced water quality, and habitats for native wildlife.

12.30pm Lunch 1-3pm

Visit Tom Corbett’s property, 169 Somerville Road.

The free one-day workshop will feature a combination of presentations, short videos and a field visit to showcase a local farm-forestry property.

Irrigation NZ chief executive Andrew Curtis, along with farm advisers, regional council representatives and farm foresters will speak during the morning.

NZFFA Ashburton branch president Tom Corbett will show farm forestry in action on his irrigated mixed livestock and cropping farm

Tom Corbett’s Mayfield farm will be showcased at a Trees on Farms workshop on May 1.

Photo Susan Sandys

in the afternoon. “Trees are definitely back in fashion and these Trees on Farms workshops were most successful in the North Island last year,” Mr Corbett said.

“They attracted many farmers relatively new to

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tree establishment and management. Now they are offered in the South Island.”

Time has been set aside to discuss best-practice options and management for different objectives.

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a resource pack with handouts, a DVD featuring the videos shown at the workshop and other relevant information.

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Farming

2 26

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Auction sparks interest in market The auction of Ealing Pastures, run by Property Brokers, attracted much interest, both locally and nationally.

Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

A

fter the successful auction of Ealing Pastures last month many people are asking: has the market ever been this hot and is that the best price ever paid for a farm in MidCanterbury?

To question one, the market this season from early August 2013 until now has taken a considerable lift from a year ago.

In the 2012/2013 season the market was sitting in the mid to late $40,000s per hectare. I think our top sale was about the $50,000 per hectare. For top end, quality units with good irrigation, rotary dairy shed and good improvements around the $47,000 to $48,000 per hectare price range was expected.

Remember last season’s milk payout was back a lot from this season as well.

This year sales seem to have started in the early $55,000 to $57,000 per hectare. There has been a sale at about $60,000

per hectare and just the other day I believe there was a sale around the $61,000 per hectare bracket.

So is the market hot?

I guess it is, but I would call it solid.

The price paid for Ealing Pastures, in my opinion, was that it was at market levels if you break down the property into dairy units and dairy support.

The thing that made it

such a large sale was that we sold three farms as if they were one. Normally the farms would have been spilt up and sold separately but as was ordered by the High Court they were to be sold as one hence the large block of ground and the high price.

However, having said that there are several farmers within Mid Canterbury that have equal to or more land held in their names but most are in several blocks.

I guess this just goes to show the strength of our local economy and our farming community.

It was a great sale and gave Property Brokers a good local and New Zealand wide promotion and coverage.

So now we are looking for the next opportunity.

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Farming

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Discover the warmer side of winter I f you are thinking about taking a holiday this winter, then now is the time to start planning your break.

We are fortunate to have outstanding destinations within a short flying time from New Zealand. Rarotonga, Fiji, and Samoa to name a few – all with a great range of beaches, activities and accommodation options. Australia is always a favourite and there is a world of things to see and do beyond the eastern coast that attracts so many of us.

However – it is not just us kiwis that are attracted to

these countries as they are being sold across the world as preferred holiday locations, so if you are interested in a particular destination it pays to get in as early as you can to secure your place.

Every autumn/winter we have clients who for one reason or another leave it too late to make a booking and miss out. If you only have a narrow window of opportunity for a holiday you need to get in early.

Don’t wait for that last minute deal, because at that time of the year there won’t be one. The airlines need to

maximise their revenue so don’t let it be at your expense.

“

It pays to get in as early as you can to secure your place.

Alternatively, why not look at a cruise? You unpack once, and everything else is pretty much paid for – accommodation, meals,

Tahiti.

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Take a Break when the

Cows are Dry It’s been a long year so time to take a well-earned break.

Imagine waking to the sound of the Pacific Ocean lapping at the shores. After a long relaxing sleep, you are ready for the delights that await in Fiji, the Cook Islands or Hawai’i.

What about a Pacific Cruise? Unpack, relax and enjoy one of the many all inclusive cruising options we have available.

Call in to United Travel Ashburton and speak to one of our experts today, we’d be happy to create the perfect escape - at the time of year that is all about you!

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entertainment during the day and at night, plus a range of shore excursions to choose from.

Or just stay on the ship by the pool and soak up the sun while you unwind.

If you are looking for something a bit longer, we still have space on our farm based Africa tour.

This leaves New Zealand on 19th May and will be fully escorted by Steve and Terri Lawson.

Although now resident in Ashburton they originate from that part of the world so know the places they visit intimately.

Gold Coast.

This year we are also offering a post tour extension to the Serengeti.

For those of you who can, or need to plan further ahead, next year I will be taking a group to Canada and Alaska.

This will leave in June and highlights will include The Rocky Mountaineer, the Calgary Stampede and small boat cruising in Alaska.

We look forward to hearing from you, catching up with you in our office or talking to you at this year’s ATS In Store days.

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29

Roar hunters urged to take care T

he Mountain Safety Council is urging all hunters heading out for this year’s Roar to think twice before pulling the trigger.

“No meat is better than no mate” is the mantra that all hunters should know and remember, Firearms and Hunter safety programme manager Nicole McKee said.

With increased hunting activity expected, especially on public land, now is a good time for hunters to refresh themselves of the seven basic rules of firearms safety, before going bush. “Identifying your target beyond all doubt is perhaps the most important rule at this time of year and should be second nature to all hunters,” Mrs McKee said.

Hunters should avoid firing at shape, colour, movement or sound. The advice is to be aware that under certain circumstances the brain can trick the eyes, so you should assume any shape, colour, movement or sound is a human until you can prove otherwise.

“Hunters should sight the head, neck and shoulder of the

tricky terrain. Slips and falls can occur at any time and THE FIREARMS SAFETY CODE: whether deep in the bush, Seven basic rules of safe firearms handling climbing a fence or obstacle or chasing that tahr on to a 1. Treat every firearm as loaded Assume colour, shape, sound, and shape rocky outcrop, taking care of to be human until proven otherwise. yourself is vital before taking Check every firearm yourself. the shot. Incidents involving 5. Check your firing zone Pass or accept only an open or unloaded hunters falling and shooting firearm. themselves or a companion THINK! have been reported in the past.

2. Always point firearms in a safe What may happen if you miss your Rule three states that you direction target? should only load a firearm What might you hit between you and the when ready to fire and Loaded or unloaded, always point the target or beyond? make sure that you are in an muzzle in a safe direction.

Do not fire when you know others are in area where it can be safely your firing zone.

3. Load a firearm only when ready to fire discharged. If game gets away, 6. Store firearms and ammunition safely put the round back in the Load only the magazine after you reach magazine and close the bolt on When not in use, lock away the bolt, your shooting area. the empty chamber. firearm and ammunition separately.

Load the chamber only when ready to Lastly, wearing coloured Never leave firearms in a vehicle that is shoot. clothing that contrasts with unattended.

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31

N

Minimising nutrient loss Smart irrigating can reduce nutrient loss.

utrient management is now at the forefront of farmer thinking. In the past it has not been, but with nutrient-loss limits being set through regional plans, how farmers use and manage nutrients is now central.

The signals and stimulus, until Government’s 2011 National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, were all about lifting production and improving performance, but this approach lacked environmental balance.

So farmers cannot be blamed for not responding to nonexistent pressures.

All farmers want to leave the land in a better state than when they begin and in many instances individual farmers have achieved good environmental performance.

But collectively the impact of catchment or area-wide practices has led to problems in some areas. What is happening now is a coordinated approach which has the potential to deliver significant improvements.

The awareness that has been gained by pro-active intervention from primary industries has seen a gradual mind-set change.

Farmers and the primary sector should be congratulated

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The question becomes how do we manage our properties to minimise these losses?

Overland flow is the key for P and drainage is the key for N. A report completed for IrrigationNZ and Environment Canterbury by the Agribusiness Group looked at a range of land uses across irrigated and dry-

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IrrigationNZ has developed a training programme to assist farmers to irrigate more effectively. With the advent of Farm Environment Plans, irrigation management is a key component. The regime of accountability and justification of water application requires farmers to be proficient water managers.

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2 32

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

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33

I

t was third time lucky for Wairarapa farmers, Matt and Lynley Wyeth who have scooped the award for the tastiest meat in the country.

At the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards, known as the “Glammies”, they won the best of breed terminal cross for their primera/highlander lambs.

“We have entered the competition every year for the last three years and got fourth and fifth place, so it’s been amazing to win this year and be recognised at such a high level,” Mr Wyeth said.

More than 150 farmers from throughout the country entered the annual competition where all lamb entries were tested for taste, tenderness, succulence, colour, cooking loss, fluid loss, PH and yield.

Mr Wyeth says it was a very rigorous process, as they had to select 30 of their best highlander/primera lambs, which were then sent away for processing at Silver Fern Farms Takapau plant.

Matt and Lynley Wyeth, from the Wairarapa, are this year’s Glammie winners.

“It is amazing to win such a prestigious award but it’s not just about the placing for us, it proves consistency and we have the evidence that we are getting it right.”

The couple own Springvalley Enterprises, which is a 1000-hectare hill country property that runs 12,500 stock units. They have 7000 highlander ewes, half of which they cross with primera rams and half with highlander rams. “Our breeder Focus Genetics deserves some credit for this achievement. We have been using these superior genetics for the past seven years and are really starting to see some good results” Mr Wyeth said. “We find that highlanders and primeras are the best performing breeds on our hill country, all the way to getting superior product out the gate. They taste good, they yield well and have amazing fertility.”

The Wyeths usually scan more than 200 per cent and dock close to 160 per cent, but this success isn’t achieved without hard work. They lamb their triplet ewes indoors to increase productivity.

“We scan about 1200 triplets so we have set up an indoor programme in our covered

“

Once they have lambed we leave them in a pen for 12 hours with their lambs.

This gives the ewe the opportunity to really bond with her three lambs, so she is less likely to drop any.

yards. We bring the ewes in around their due dates and lamb them inside. Once they have lambed we leave them in a pen for 12 hours with their lambs. This gives the ewe the opportunity to really bond with her three lambs, so she is less likely to drop any,” Mrs Wyeth said.

In 2010 the couple lost

1000 lambs in bad weather and this event prompted them to change some of their practices.

“It was absolutely mortifying that we couldn’t do anything about it. So the following year we decided to lamb our triplets indoors and I began an orphan programme where I now bottle feed all our orphan lambs on the farm,” she said.

Mrs Wyeth says she can feed an orphan lamb for $34, so if the lamb sells well, there are still good profits to be made.

“Farming is not just about the money for us. We have moral obligations to ensure there is no waste and we aim to keep every lamb alive so we can be as productive as possible.”

Focus Genetics chief executive, Gavin Foulsham congratulated the Wyeths on their prestigious award.

“Matt and Lynley are making the most of our genetics with good on-farm management practices. Their award can be attributed to their hard work and consistent results on the farm.

“They’re certainly getting the best out of our highlander and primera breeds,” Mr Foulsham said.

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Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Chicago comes to Ashburton Susan Sandys

B

roadway classic Chicago will hit stages in Ashburton next month, showcasing talent from Mid Canterbury and further afield.

Variety of Theatre Ashburton members are working hard on the musical production after rehearsals kicked off in February.

Set in the legendary city amongst the razzle and dazzle of the 1920s jazz scene, Chicago tells the story of two rival vaudevillian murderesses.

It is based on actual murders which took place in the American city in 1924. The sensational stories were written about in 1926 by Maurine Dallas Watkins, a reporter for The Chicago Tribune. Her reporting famously focused on the farcical, cynical, and

sensational aspects of the two cases, the press and public interest, and the legal proceedings which followed.

She characterised the defendants as two attractive "jazz babies" claiming to be corrupted by men and liquor.

There was Beulah, "beauty of the cell block", and Belva, "most stylish of Murderess Row”.

“

It is based on actual murders which took place in the American city in 1924

Both women, after months of press coverage in Chicago's seven daily papers were found not guilty, although Watkins was convinced they were.

The resulting musical Chicago is a satire on the corruption of a judicial system, the concept of the “celebrity criminal” and how the media can, at times, influence the

outcome of court cases.

Playing the male lead role of Billy Flynn, a stylish, energetic, persuasive and suave criminal lawyer, will be Christchurch school teacher Blair McHugh.

He has joined NASDA graduate Layna Hunt of Ashburton and Rakaia mum Megan Hamilton, in filling lead roles.Together with director Regan Jackson and musical director Luke Di Somma, both of Christchurch, choreographer Amber Bailey and a line-up of top performers, the trio will be aiming to create magic come opening tonight.

Chicago will stage May 17 and 18, and 20 to 24.

Performances will be 7.30pm and the matinee at 2pm. All tickets are $55.

Event centre manager Roger Farr said the Variety Theatre had developed a brand of performance known for its high quality productions.

“And I’m certain that Chicago, one of my favourites, will be another huge success.

Ticket sales are already going well at this early stage so I’m Taking Chicago singers through their paces at rehearsals is picking another very big season musical director Luke Di Somma. for them,” Mr Farr said.

Photo Tetsuro Mitomo 190214-TM-121

Variety Theatre Ashburton presents

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Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb Based on the play C H I C AG O by Maurine Dallas Watkins Director Musical Director Choreographer Regan Jackson Luke Di Somma Amber Bailey

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH ORiGiN THEATRICAL ON BEHALF OF SAMUEL FRENCH LTD www.varietytheatreashburton.co.nz

www.guardianonline.co.nz

35

Farmers’ confidence slips slightly N

ew Zealand farmer sentiment has eased from last year’s highs, although it remains at robust levels, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has shown.

Sentiment among horticulture producers is stronger than in the broader farming community likely due to a recovery in the kiwifruit industry following the PSA outbreak and stronger prices.

Completed early last month, the latest quarterly survey showed New Zealand farmer confidence eased this quarter with 42 per cent of the country’s farmers expecting the agricultural economy to improve in the next 12 months (compared to 56 per cent last quarter) while 13 per cent of farmers expect conditions to worsen (up from five per cent previously) and 44 per cent expect conditions to remain the same.

Rabobank New Zealand chief executive Ben Russell said the results largely reflected changes in the economic cycle with interest rates expected to increase and

the likelihood of some easing in commodity prices over the next 12 months.

“Confidence among New Zealand farmers has been strong over the past three quarters and while there has been some easing this quarter, there remains broad optimism and strong fundamentals in some sectors,” he said.

“The decline in confidence is likely related to an expectation among farmers that record high dairy prices have peaked, while interest rates are likely to increase, which may contribute to a flow-on effect across other sectors in the coming 12 months.”

The survey was completed before the announcement by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand on March 13 of an increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR).

“The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has forecast increases in the OCR of two to 2.25 per cent before the end of 2015,” Mr Russell said. “This alone will significantly tighten cashflows for those farmers carrying significant debt and may modify decisions around

Kiwifruit farmers are optimistic about the coming year, according to the latest Rabobank farm survey.

investment intentions.”

While confidence eased across all industries, horticulture producers were found to be the most optimistic with 58 per cent expecting the rural economy to improve in the year ahead.

Of those farmers expecting agricultural conditions to worsen, 42 per cent cited falling commodity prices (down from 54 per cent previously) followed by concerns about the rising New

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Zealand dollar (22 per cent up from 14 per cent last quarter).

Worries about government regulation/policy eased this quarter (from 22 per cent to five per cent).

Of the farmers expecting the rural economy to improve, 48 per cent cited rising commodity prices (down from 57 per cent) followed by confidence in overseas market conditions (stable at 34 per cent).

As confidence in the rural

economy eased this quarter so too did New Zealand farmers’ expectations for the performance of their own farm business with 46 per cent expecting business performance to improve over the next 12 months (from 55 per cent) while 11 per cent expect a deterioration (from six per cent last quarter).

Interestingly, New Zealand farmers’ assessment of their own business viability improved this quarter with more farmers (75 per cent) reporting confidence in the overall viability of their farm business (up from 67 per cent).

Mr Russell said the strengthening in the viability index was a result of the improved seasonal and market conditions experienced over several previous quarters.

“It’s a good sign that more farmers are self-reporting stronger viability in their business, which we put down to an improved cashflow position in 2014 following better seasonal conditions towards the end of 2013 and a lift in production levels,” Mr Russell said.

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