Canterbury Farming, November 2021

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast

November 2021 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Historic trade deal

p3 Ask a lawyer Q+A

p10 Ag Show mailer

p17 Enhanced formula

Vaccinated: Canterbury/North otago Share Farmers of the Year Dinuka and Nadeeka Gamage believe vaccination against Covid-19 is vital to help protect their family, staff and business.

Rural sector working together to fight pandemic Farmers, agricultural industry organisations and companies are banding together to ensure all farm workers are vaccinated against Covid-19

❚ by Kent Caddick p33

Canterbury dairy farmers Dinuka and Nadeeka Gamage believe vaccination against Covid-19 is vital to help protect their family, staff and business.

The 2021 Canterbury/North Otago Share Farmers of the Year contract milk 980 cows for Dairy Holdings at Ealing near Ashburton, where they employ three full-time staff.

“Getting vaccinated is important, especially for rural communities. The vaccine is part of our plan to shield our business from the virus,” Dinuka said.

“All five of us, and our 15-year-old son, have had the first dose of the vaccine. We’re booked in to have our second.”

The Gamages are from Sri Lanka and their staff comes from India and Argentina.

Until the borders reopen, they remain cut

off from their faimilies.

“We’re like many people working in New Zealand’s primary sector, we haven’t seen our families overseas for a long time,” Dinuka said.

“The more people we can get fully vaccinated, the sooner borders will hopefully reopen to allow travel and help ease workforce issues.”

TO PAGE 2

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Farmers encouraged to get vaccinated FROM PAGE 1 It’s a sentiment echoed by Federated Farmers which is encouraging all farmers to support their staff to get vaccinated.

“I know farmers have been flat tack with calving and lambing, and now mating is starting on dairy farms. But there’s nothing more important than the health of your family, your staff and their families,” Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Chris Lewis said.

“If your nearest urban centre has a walk-in vaccination centre, or a GP clinic is willing to take a short-notice booking, you might even send in a staff member with a few dollars to pick up a morning or afternoon tea shout for the rest of the team.”

Lockdowns and limits on gathering sizes have forced the cancellation of events such as field days, discussion groups, sporting fixtures and A&P shows, including this month’s 158th New Zealand Agricultural Show.

President of Rural Women New Zealand, Gill Naylor, said we all need social connections.

“In rural New Zealand we often work on our own or within small teams, more so now with current staff shortages, so social and networking opportunities are a lifeline for our

Encouraged: Alliance Group’s Smithfield plant Karen morris says the company’s focus has been on making it as easy as possible for all of their staff to get the vaccine.

mental health and wellbeing,” Naylor said.

“High vaccination rates are one of the tools that will enable restrictions to be eased.”

The primary sector’s largest employers have been part of workplace pilots to make it easier for workers to be vaccinated.

Dairy co-operative Fonterra employs more than 12,000 people across its New Zealand manufacturing sites, distribution centres, offices and Farm Source stores.

“We’ve administered more than 7,500 vaccines to our employees,” Fonterra’s director of global quality and safety Greg McCollough said in October.

“Vaccinations were available on-site at most of our workplaces,” McCollough said.

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“Where there were too few employees at any one office or site, those people were given time to go to workplaces where the vaccination clinics were happening.

“We made it as easy as possible for people who work on our sites to have vaccinations.”

The dairy co-op’s vaccination drive is part of sector-wide efforts to prevent disruptions during the busy spring period, when milk production peaks.

“Keeping milk collection and processing going is crucial for our farmers, the welfare of animals and to continue getting milk on the table for New Zealanders,” McCollough said.

The meat processing industry is New Zealand’s largest manufacturing sector and directly employs more than 25,000 people.

Some processors have offered on-site vaccinations. In September, Alliance Group’s Smithfield plant in Timaru hosted night clinics, in partnership with Arowhenua Whanau

Services (AWS), as part of its ongoing drive to provide easy access to Covid-19 vaccinations for staff.

The plant’s vaccination support programme began in June when it hosted a trial clinic for South Canterbury District Health Board (DHB).

Smithfield plant manager Karen Morris said their focus has been on making it as easy as possible for all of their people to get the vaccine.

“These night clinics provide easy access to vaccinations for workers who might usually be asleep during normal clinic or GP hours.

“As summer looms on the horizon, it’s vital the sector’s processing capacity isn’t affected by positive cases of Covid-19.”

High vaccination rates will enable horticulture businesses to operate efficiently again and source workers to harvest crops according to the general manager of Vegetables New Zealand, Antony Heywood.

“We’re approaching the busy summer season where our workforce doubles to harvest strawberries and seasonal vegetables.

High vaccination rates will ensure people can move freely to where they are needed to pick crops,” Heywood said.

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Historic free trade deal secured New Zealand and the United Kingdom have agreed in principle the details of a historic Free Trade Agreement, which will further accelerate the country’s Covid-19 economic recovery, according to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.

❚ by Kent Caddick New Zealand is the second country behind Australia to secure a new free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom postBrexit. The deal substantially cuts costs for exporters and businesses and provides greater access to the United Kingdom’s market.

O’Connor, who as Minister for Trade and Export Growth was involved in the UKFTA negotiations, said the UK was New Zealand’s seventh largest trading partner pre-Covid, with two-way trade worth nearly $NZ6 billion to March 2020.

He said pre-Covid estimates also projected that NZ goods to the UK will increase up to 40% and that NZ GDP will benefit up to $970 million due to the FTA. “It was crucial our agreement needed to provide comprehensive and commercially meaningful access for New Zealand exporters and businesses, and especially to those sectors that are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy such as our dairy and meat producers. This deal achieves that,” O’Connor said.

“By removing tariffs and other barriers that have limited the growth of our goods and services trade, as well as our investment connections, our exporters and businesses can now enter a new era of market access they have never before had available.”

Federated Farmers said the free trade deal is great news for consumers and farmers in both countries.

“The United Kingdom is walking the talk when it comes to promising a truly global Britain,” Federated Farmers National President Andrew Hoggard said.

Recovery: Agriculture minister Damien o’Connor says the recently signed Free Trade Agreement with the United Kingdom will accelerate the country’s Covid-19 economic recovery.

Key factors of the UKFTA:

“We congratulate the New Zealand team of negotiators, officials and politicians who have tenaciously pursued this deal. The result is impressive. It’s a job well done.”

B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor said key features of the agreement include improved access for high-quality New Zealand beef and more certainty for sheepmeat exports.

“The New Zealand red meat sector has not had quota free access to the British market since the United Kingdom joined the European Union in 1973.”

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Apiculture New Zealand said the agreement in principle will see the removal of tariffs on all New Zealand honey into the United Kingdom.

Chief Executive of Apiculture New Zealand Karin Kos said the UK consistently ranked as one of top three export markets for New Zealand honey, worth $70 million annually.

“The free trade deal will be a great outcome for our industry and will improve our competitiveness in one of our largest export markets,” Kos said.

• A boost of almost $1 billion to New Zealand GDP, unprecedented access for New Zealand exporters to the UK market • UK to eliminate all tariffs on New Zealand exports, with over 97% being removed the day the FTA comes into force • NZ exporters to save around $37.8 million per year on tariff elimination • Elimination of tariffs on all honey, wine, kiwifruit, onions, a range of dairy and meat products, and most industrial products • Significant increases for beef and sheep meat market access • Working Holiday arrangements to be improved and extended

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November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

On free trade, pandemics and vaccination

Damien o’Connor ❚ with Minister for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ❚ Food Safety and Rural Communities ❚

I’m writing from MIQ in Auckland after being in Europe on trade negotiations and we’ve just announced the details of the UK free trade agreement (FTA).

This FTA removes all tariffs and gives us access to markets we’ve been locked out of since the 1970s, when Britain joined the European common market.

I was growing up on a Westport dairy farm when New Zealand felt the impacts of that.

I’d never have thought that 50 years later I’d be negotiating getting us back into the UK market tariff-free.

Right from the get-go butter, cheese and red meat will enjoy significant tariff-free quotas that will grow until five years and 15 years respectively after which it’ll be completely open. And pretty much every other thing we export to the UK will be open from day one.

Another thing I never thought would happen in the 70s is that I’d be doing this work in a pandemic, wearing a mask constantly abroad, doing my best to avoid a virus and spending two weeks in quarantine on arrival back home.

As we all know, New Zealand has weathered the Covid storm so far and our economy is perhaps the least affected in the world.

I want to thank rural New Zealanders for their commitment and hard work since Covid-19 arrived on our shores. You’ve underpinned the strength of our economy.

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Your ef for ts have ensured that Kiwis are fed, and the steps you’ve taken to operate safely have helped prevent the spread of the virus.

There’s now another big way people can help and that’s to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It will benefit those both near to you and far away as we begin to reconnect with the world and return to a freer flow of people into the country.

You can find out about where to get a vaccine by phoning 0800 28 29 26 or visiting the websites BookMyVaccine.nz or Healthpoint.co.nz The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and it’s free. The way to stop the Delta variant in its tracks is for people to be vaccinated. Simply, the more people who are vaccinated the more opportunity we have ahead of us.

Before taking the next steps in opening up to the world, we’re aiming to get our vaccination rate as high as possible. We reckon above 90 per cent is achievable. We’ve all got an important role in making this happen.

As I write, over 69 per cent of our eligible population is fully vaccinated, with around 86 per cent having had at least one shot. Since Delta arrived, the rate of vaccination in New

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Zealand has been among the fastest in the world. We are well on track to having every eligible person fully vaccinated by the end of the year.

It’s great to see Canterbury’s vaccine uptake is tracking ahead of the national average, with South Canterbury slightly behind the pace. If you’re already fully vaccinated then good on you, especially if you weren’t

so sure about it to begin with.

I had my two jabs back in May and June before I went to Europe on UK for trade negotiations. It was fine.

Having seen first-hand the situation overseas, I was very happy to be fully vaccinated.

The UK is opening the gate, so let’s all vaccinate, we’ve got some excellent tariff-free quotas to fill.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

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Wastewater testing helping farmers The same technology used to detect Covid-19 in wastewater is now being used to help dairy farmers manage Johne’s disease in their herd, a contagious infection estimated to cost New Zealand more than $40 million in lost production each year.

❚ by Kent Caddick Johne’s disease is caused by a bacterium which infects the gut of dairy cows and other ruminant animals. Common side effects include lower milk production, difficulty reproducing and rapid weight loss.

Herd improvement co-operative LIC has developed a new test which detects whether the bacteria responsible for Johne’s disease is present in a farm’s effluent wastewater.

The test is a New Zealand-first for farmers, to help them detect the disease and prevent the spread of it on their farm, protecting the health and wellbeing of their animals.

LIC chief scientist Richard Spelman said, similar to COVID-19 wastewater testing, the test is a surveillance measure.

“We developed this test because Johne’s disease is common in dairy cows but it can be difficult to detect. Infected animals often don’t show physical symptoms of the disease, meanwhile their milk production can drop and they spread the infection to others.

“This new test provides famers with a cost-effective way to screen their herd for Johne’s disease and use this information to determine whether individual animal testing is require,” Spelman said.

“It’s important that farmers have a range of tools available to help them produce the most sustainable, productive and efficient animals, and this new effluent test is another tool they can add to their toolbox.”

He said the test comprises of four sam-

extracted from wastewater sites and analysed by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), the LIC test extracts DNA from the effluent samples, which are analysed by scientists using the same type of PCR test.”

Each effluent sample receives a ‘detected’ or ‘not detected’ result.

“If Johne’s disease bacteria is detected in a sample, we encourage farmers to get each of their cows tested using blood or herd test milk samples to identify carriers of the disease.

“If there is no sign of the bacteria on-farm Testing time: LIC lab technician analysing a farm in the initial effluent effluent sample which is tested for bacteria responsible test, LIC’s research for causing Johne’s disease in cows. shows the herd is likeples taken from different areas of the farm’s ly to either be currently disease free, or low in disease effluent system.

“Similar to Covid-19 testing where RNA is prevalence.”

Annual testing is recommended so farmers can identify if or when animals start shedding Johne’s bacteria into the effluent system.

“For spring calving farmers, it’s best to test from September to December to help ensure the entire herd is captured in the effluent samples.”

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November 2021

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Water, it’s time to get it right

Water is our most vital resource. We have plenty of it, but for a range of reasons, people view it with a scarcity mentality.

Yet more than 90% of our water runs straight out to the sea.

barbara Kuriger ❚ with Party Spokesperson ❚ National ❚ for Agriculture

We simply need to store more of it, so it will benefit us economically, socially and environmentally.

Water is renewable, we can use it over and over again. But we must respect it, and our waterways, and keep them clean. By doing that, the ‘essence of life’ water is, will provide for the generations to come.

As recently as three summers ago, every time water storage was mentioned, you could hear the push back.

Many people viewed water storage as something solely for farmers, or the prospect of there being more farmers because of it, a totally incorrect assumption many weren’t too excited about.

Then everything changed. Auckland’s ongoing drought and few options to source water for New Zealand’s largest city, resulted in a tense dialogue between regional local authorities, before it began taking water from the Waikato River.

This year’s winter rainfall has not raised the extremely low levels in our hydro dams nationwide.

Meanwhile, shrinking available natural gas supplies have produced shiploads of Indonesian coal arriving weekly to generate electricity.

The result has been horrendous. Wholesale electricity prices during winter this year were four times higher than the affordable level they should be at, and current climate change targets are now at risk.

It is high time we learned once again to value our natural resources in New Zealand.

As well as water, we have a great climate for agriculture and plenty of weather that is amenable to renewable electricity. Our farmers provide food at the lowest climate emission rates in the world. Yes, we still have some work to do on our environmental challenges, but I’ve seen so much change in the past 10 years alone.

With the smart technology, we now have the ability to irrigate our land at optimum rates, especially the east coast areas of both islands, which will add value to our export offerings.

Some diversification from dairy will take place, with land being converted to horticulture, creating a great mix of products for both local and global food bowls.

I have seen some really good water reservoirs recently, which can be used to support horticulture.

As we search for climate solutions and find new ways to produce both renewable electricity and renewable energy, I believe some smart minds can get together and work on ideas for multiple water storage infrastructure projects to support energy, agri-

culture, urban supplies and our environment.

We can have it all, if we work to understand the needs and create systems with the ability to provide us with fresh water. We only use around two percent of our yearly total rainfall which doesn’t fall evenly across New Zealand. But we do have the power to balance it out.

We have to be thinking about long term strategies and educating the public about them and why they are necessary.

Now that we have a third of the population is constantly short of water, to run our largest city, it should be easier to create a joint understanding between rural and urban needs.

Canterbury Farming_1/2 Page 180x260mm_Canterbury_V1

Instead of finger pointing, everyone now knows that there are issues in both populations.

Closing the Auckland beaches each summer due to the quality of the water is no more acceptable than having some rural rivers that are not swimmable. So we have a common purpose to work together and get it right.

By 2050, it is estimated some areas in NZ will take 15 percent more water just to continue present day activities, due to less rainfall and increased evaporation.

It’s time now for that grown-up conversation about water storage, because, while anything can be grown with water, nothing can be grown without it.

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November 2021

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Young Farmers’ launch new club Networking, events, working bees, and socialising are back on the calendar for Young Farmers on the West Coast.

❚ by erin Speedy The brand-new Westland Young Farmers’ Club has been launched for anyone from rural communities in the district aged 15 to 31-years-old to join.

Tasman Regional Chair Cheyenne Wilson said the decision was made to form a new club to service the West Coast, based in Greymouth, after a number of people expressed interest about getting involved.

“This is really exciting for all young people on the West Coast because you don’t have to work on a farm to join as a member, you could work in any part of a rural community or just want to sign up to make new friends,” Wilson said.

“It’s such a good opportunity to get off the farm, to network and to meet new people because socialising is such a big part of being a Club, not to mention the leadership opportunities that you can gain through Young Farmers.”

She said isolation is one of the biggest issues young people face on the Coast, given it’s such a large, vast area which is sometimes hard to access.

“Farmstrong research has proved how being a member of New Zealand Young Farmers has a positive impact on mental wellbeing by getting people off the farm for events and meetings and giving members something to look forward to. All the evidence is there that there’s so much to gain,” she said.

Wilson hoped everyone in the rural community would get behind and support the new club and its members.

“We want farm owners and corporates to support their employees to join and help them find the time to get along to meetings and events,” she said.

New Zealand Young Farmers CEO Lynda

Relaunched: Young Farmers is back in action on the West Coast with around ten people showing up to the brand new Westland Young Farmers’ first meeting.

Coppersmith said it was great to see young people in the district want to get involved with the organisation and what it has to offer.

“We’re really looking forward to helping Westland Young Farmers as the club grows and seeing young people in the area come together,” Coppersmith said.

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“It’s heartening to see young people still turning towards Clubs to network and make new friends, especially in this digital age.

It just goes to show how important having something to look forward to such as a meeting or event is and how you just can’t beat face to face interaction.”

Westland Young Farmers will meet once a month (date, time and place TBC at AGM) and has replaced Grey Valley which was put into recess in 2019.

For more information and to sign up as a member please visit www.youngfarmers.co.nz

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November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

bessie Paterson LLb ❚ with Ronald ❚ W Angland & Son A team of independent experts will undertake the review and it is intended that it will be completed prior to the 2023 election so that any changes to be made will be put in place before the 2026 election.

The rules which are to be considered by the team are: voting age, funding of political parties, length of the parliamentary term and the Electoral Commission’s recommendations on MMP. At present the voting age is 18. There are many people and organisations who think that it should be lowered to 16. Lowering the voting age to 16 would require a vote of 75% of the House of Repre-

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Review of our electoral laws The Government has decided to undertake a review of some of our electoral laws. The present legislation has been in force since the 1960s and the review is timely.

sentatives or public support in a referendum.

The funding of political parties has been a contentious issue for many years. The National Party receives much of its funding from donations and gifts from its members. The Labour Party relies mainly on the supportive unions and other random donors.

The length of the Parliamentary term is one of the matters under consideration and it is expected that there will be a lot of interest in the recommendation submitted to the Government when the enquiry has been completed. The term of each Parliament is 3 years although in some circumstances an

earlier election may be called. There is a large body of voters who are of the view that a 4 year term would be more suitable. A longer term would enable a government to implement more of the changes it wished to make.

The team of experts has been instructed not to include in its enquiry on-line voting, a return to the former first past the post voting system, the future of the Maori electoral seats, local electoral law, and fundamental constitutional change.

The question of on-line voting raises many issues. The elderly are not always computer savvy and do not own a computer. Younger

people attend to most of their needs with the use of a computer or other appliance and the thought of visiting a polling booth would be a strange experience for them.

The enquiries to be undertaken by the team of experts will not be of a wider constitutional nature. Let’s hope that they come up with recommendations which are satisfactory to the majority of our citizens and serve the country for many years to come.

This article has been prepared by bessie Paterson, a Partner at ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street. Leeston.

Vaccinations important for rural areas I hope you got out to get vaccinated for Super Saturday if not you can be super any other day of the week.

Teanau Tuiono ❚ by spokesperson for ❚ Agriculture the Green Party ❚

Like many of us, I have been having conversations with people about the importance of getting vaccinated and what that means for us as families and communities.

Not too long ago, a good friend of mine and I were having a conversation. It had been a while since we’d seen each other because of lockdowns so you can imagine the delight in seeing a familiar face.

During our catch up, we got to talking about ‘the jab’ and whether or not we had got

them yet or not. I disclosed to my friend that I had already had both my shots done, and asked whether they were considering getting it themselves. They replied jokingly “I’m actually thinking of heading up into the hills and wait this whole thing all out”. Cracked me up, but then they revealed they were thinking about it and were ‘pretty sure’ they’d get it done. Next time I see them, I’m going to ask if that ‘pretty sure’ changed to ‘I got it too my bro!’

Having conversations with our loved ones is a key tool we can all use to help get us there. The more of us that are fully vaccinated, the more protection we will have against Covid-19.

The stats tell us that as of the 5th of October, just 53% of the eligible population were fully Vaccinated, 81% have had

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at least one dose, and 19% are still to be vaccinated. We would have got a much needed bump up from Super Saturday but to keep us all safe, we urgently need to ramp this up However, just this week University of Otago researchers found the number of people who had at least one dose of the vaccine was 11 per cent lower in rural areas and up to 19 per cent lower in remote rural areas compared with major metropolitan centres.

It’s a double whammy if you’re Maori. The research revealed rural Maori were 10 per cent behind urban Maori in first vaccinations.

Life is busy in rural communities and while it’s great to be living away from the urban centres there can be an inequity to access to quality public services, potable water, health care, education, and even basic broadband.

For the record my broadband is absolute toast.

In urban areas, the median drive time to the nearest service was three minutes, but that tripled to 10 minutes in rural areas and up to 21 minutes in remote rural districts.

That means rural areas are no place to come down with a serious respiratory illness that needs intensive care like Covid-19.

If you come across someone who is adamant that they won’t get the vaccine, it’s okay to leave them be. By getting in touch, you will have at least planted a seed and let them know you care about them. Getting into an argument and causing stress to your relationship will simply make them less likely to change their mind down the track.

Opportunities to get vaccinated are ramping up around the country so do check in to the nearest place to get it done. Do it for your family, your community, your sheep dog if that’s what it takes. Whatever you do. Get it done.

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Grant edmundson ❚ with Helmore Stewart Lawyers ❚

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

9

Mandatory vaccines in uncharted waters

With the national focus on the vaccine rollout across the country, employers are having to tackle the complex issue of vaccination in respect of their own enterprise. to the extent applicable) and employers may wish to secure the services of a health and safety professional to provide advice if there are unique circumstances pertaining to the work environment.

The use of an independent third party resource may also provide a level of comfort to employees that the employer is taking all reasonable steps and measures that are necessary and relevant to health and safety in the workplace whilst at the same time limiting the burden on employees and respecting the employee’s rights under the Human Rights Act 1993.

A number of risk factors should be considered by the employee including (on a weighted basis) how many people does the employee carrying out the work, come into contact with, how easy will it be for the employer to identify who the employee comes into contact with, does the work involve regular interaction with people considered at high risk of severe illness from Covid-19, ie people with underlying health conditions, the proximity of employees to each other in conducting their workplace activities.

If the risk ratings attached to these questions pose a high risk and if the employee is

not able to implement controls, the employer may be entitled to require the work to be performed by a vaccinated employee.

If the risk assessment conducted by the employer indicates that the risk of Covid-19 infection and transmission through a particular work task is no higher than outside of work, the employer may decide not to require the role to be performed by a vaccinated employee. The key point is that a wholesale approach to the risk assessment and its findings is not advisable.

The imminent arrival of rapid testing regimes in the New Zealand corporate and commercial environment may go a long way to alleviate some of the bureaucratic burdens and administrative challenges faced by employers in dealing with Covid-19 infection and the impact that it will have on the workplace environment.

Once again however, the adoption of rapid testing will need to form part of the vacci-

‘

A wholesale approach to the risk assessment and its findings is not advisable.

nation policy in terms of how the testing will be conducted, when it will occur and the processes that are likely to be followed if a positive test is returned.

In summary, a vaccination policy tied robustly to a risk assessment (conducted on a regular basis) should be prepared with the assistance of professional legal advice.

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There is an expectation on employers under the Health and Safety Work Act 2015 to ensure a safe workplace and the Covid pandemic puts this obligation under sharp focus.

Employers are entitled to introduce from time to time, workplace policies which are required to dovetail with an employer’s right to monitor and manage its employees.

The implementation of a mandatory vaccination policy may form one of such policies, if the employer is of the view and has determined that the work environment requires such policy to be adopted.

The cornerstone of this determination (for it to be valid and binding) will largely fall to performing a risk assessment which will provide guidance as to whether mandatory vaccination is required.

This is particularly important where the nature of the work gives rise to a possible risk of Covid-19 infection beyond that which would ordinarily be the case in the outside environment. The focus of the risk assessment is not on the individual performing the activity, but more importantly, the work itself that is being undertaken in the workplace.

The risk assessment ought to be completed with employees (and their representatives

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Re s i d e n t i a l / Co m m e rc i a l / R u ra l / L i fe st y l e

10

November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Deeds, new rules and vaccinations Welcome to the first edition of our ‘Ask A Lawyer’ column. This is a new initiative which provides a high-level legal response to some of the questions we hear asked on a regular, if not daily, basis affecting the Agri sector.

Q: I have come across my Family Trust Deed in the bottom of a drawer. It was set up in March 2000. The Trust now has more assets than us and the kids are now adults.

We are approaching retirement. Is the Trust Deed still fit for purpose?

A: Consider: 1. Having the Trust Deed reviewed to bring it up to date and in line with the new Trusts legislation. The aim of doing that is to keep your family trust working flexibly and properly.

2. What category does your Trust Deed and Trust fall into? For example: a. It is a keeper and running well with no problems. There is a plan for the future in place; b. There is a problem with the Trust Deed or with the Trust itself. Without making too much fuss it would be a good time to deal with any concerns you have. A stitch in time…; c. It is serving a useful purpose. If not, should it - or can it - be wound up? What sign offs would be needed to do this safely?

In any event, because of the legislative changes, it is a good time to review your trust arrangements. Claims against trusts are increasing, because these days that is where a lot of wealth is held.

Q: I am thinking of selling my farm and my accountant has mentioned that I need to be wary of the new purchase price allocation rules. What does this mean?

A: Under the purchase price allocation rules, the Inland Revenue Department now

requires both the Vendor and the Purchaser to adopt the same tax value for different components of the sale, for example, timber, buildings, land, etc., which form the total sale price.

Although allocations should reflect the market value, in reality the Vendor will have more power and incentive to push for a more favourable allocation. That is, it will often be in the Vendor’s best interest for the allocation to be at book value rather than market value, thereby reducing the depreciation recovered on the sale.

We suggest that you first talk to your accountant to see how you are impacted, and whether there are any tax benefits to be had by allocating a sale value that suits you (rather than the Purchaser).

Q: Can an employer share an employee’s vaccination status with other employees?

A: No. An employer must protect personal information about their employees’ vaccination status and cannot share it without their consent.

Q: Can employees who are vaccinated refuse to work alongside those who are not, and does an employer have a duty to provide separate facilities to address this issue?

A: This is a fast-moving situation with parameters around COVID-19 precautions and guidelines changing by the day. Employers who haven’t yet developed a COVID-19 risk

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mitigation strategy should consider doing so.

Evolving public health information and context would need to be taken into account, to ensure that the employer meets its health and safety obligations by protecting the health and safety of its workers.

Any specific measures such as the provision of separate facilities would need to be considered in light of this information and balanced against any costs involved in doing so. The nature of the work will be relevant here.

Q: Can an employer be prosecuted for discrimination if they do not employ people who choose not to be vaccinated?

A: Unlawful discrimination includes discrimination on the grounds of age, race or colour, ethnicity or national origin, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, disability, religious or ethical belief, marital or family status, employment status, political opinion, being affected by family violence, and involvement in union activities.

Risks exist around discrimination where a person is not vaccinated for medical, religious or ethnic reasons. If an employee says they do not wish to be vaccinated, we recommend that employers engage in discussion to explore whether any of these reasons exist, before determining next steps.

Q: Can an employer direct employees to be vaccinated?

A: If an employer wishes to direct employ-

SUE ANDERSON

ees to be vaccinated or to require a specific role to be performed by a vaccinated person, a number of steps need to be followed.

Where workers are covered by the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Order 2021 (Vaccination Order), an employer will need to ensure vaccinated workers perform the roles affected by the Vaccination Order. Consultation is highly recommended in most cases.

Many industries not yet affected by the Vaccination Order are considering whether they should introduce a mandatory vaccination policy. This would need to be carefully justified and, as a part of that, employers should undertake a thorough health and safety risk assessment. Consultation is also required.

Where existing staff are not vaccinated and their role is identified as requiring vaccination, it is best to get advice before taking steps towards termination of employment, as there is a process to be followed.

An employer could choose to require that new staff must show proof of vaccination as part of the pre-requisites of becoming an employee. This would need to be set out in the relevant employment agreement and be agreed to by the prospective employee.

If you have a question you’d like us to answer, please email us at email@wynnwilliams.co.nz with the subject line: Ask a Lawyer.

CHARLENE SELL Specialist areas: ¥ Asset + succession planning ¥ Working with Trusts ¥ Farm transactions M: +64 27 482 2171 E: susan.anderson@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

Specialist areas: ¥ Small + medium sized businesses ¥ Commercial contracts + terms of trade ¥ Intellectual property M: +64 27 685 5653 E: charlene.sell@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

DAVID HAIGH Specialist areas: ¥ Farm succession + ownership structuring ¥ Land subdivisions ¥ Buying + selling rural properties ¥ Overseas investment M: +64 27 573 7775 E: david.haigh@ wynnwilliams.co.nz PHOEBE DAVIES Specialist areas: ¥ Corporate structuring + governance ¥ Rural contracting + acquisitions ¥ Offshore investment M: +64 27 414 9825 E: phoebe.davies@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

ANNABEL SHEPPARD Specialist areas: ¥ Succession planning ¥ Sale + purchase of properties ¥ Trust structuring M: +64 27 484 1417 E: annabel.sheppard@ wynnwilliams.co.nz AMANDA DOUGLAS Specialist areas: ¥ Employment law ¥ Health + safety ¥ Privacy law M: +64 21 885 585 E: amanda.douglas@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

Auckland | Christchurch | Queenstown www.wynnwilliams.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr

November 2021

11

Global share markets hit a speedbump

Since the lows of the Covid crash in late March 2020 it has been an exceptional run for global share markets.

That run hit a significant speedbump in September.

New Zealand market bounces despite lockdowns After being a laggard to global markets, the New Zealand share market had a strong quarter, boosted by companies reporting healthy results in August.

Some may be surprised the strong performance has come at a time when we’ve been hit with the first Covid -19 community outbreak in six months, and parts of the country remain in lockdown.

Lockdowns will impact economically-exposed sectors and companies.

The good news for investors, however, is the New Zealand market is dominated by defensive companies in sectors like healthcare, utilities, telecommunications, and consumer staples.

The earnings of these companies are less affected by the economic environment.

The silver lining of the outbreak is that it’s been the wake-up call for many New Zealanders to get vaccinated.

We no longer hold the inauspicious title of being the least vaccinated country in the OECD. This time round, New Zealand had little choice around how to respond to the Covid -19 outbreak.

Widespread vaccinations are the only way to provide countries with broader choices about how to manage Covid -19 in the future.

Interest rate rises are coming New Zealand has been one of the first countries in the developed world to raise interest rates in a post- Covid world.

On 6 October it lifted the official cash rate (OCR) by 25 basis points to 0.5%.

Our economy is facing pent-up demand and capacity constraints – the housing shortage being the most obvious example – from the tidal wave of migrants over the last eight years. In recent years, that same migration kept a lid on wages.

But now, with borders shut, capacity pressures are biting and inflation risks are rising. Closed borders are also driving up import costs.

New Zealand is distanced from key trading partners and, as such, global supply chain constraints and rising freight costs have had an even greater impact here than abroad.

Furthermore, unlike other countries New Zealanders have been breaking out the credit cards. Much of our strong economy is being funded by rising household debt for which we’ll eventually face a cost.

The market is pricing that by May

next year, we will see three more rate hikes lifting the OCR to 1.25%, but the environment remains fluid and subject to change.

The creep of the Covid-19 delta variant south of Auckland, uncertainty over how long level 3 lockdowns will be imposed, and growing questions around the pace of the global economic recovery will all influence the RBNZ’s trajectory from here.

Looking at off-farm investments?

A return to (normal) volatility Recent volatility has broken a period of unusual calm in markets. Whilst we remain comfortable retaining a healthy weighting of risk assets (shares, property) in portfolios, we also believe the easiest gains in this cycle are likely behind us and that future returns will be lower than what we’ve seen over recent time.

When you are thinking about your investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr To get personalised investment advice and portfolio management specific to your investing needs, talk to Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on (03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz

This report covers the quarter ended 30 September 2021.

If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www. forsythbarr.co.nz/intro-to-investing/ or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Investment Adviser with Forsyth barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and does not take any of your personal circumstances into account. For personalised financial advice, contact Forsyth barr for an overview of the services we can provide.

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With many markets near record highs and valuations generally lofty relative to history, they were susceptible to a pullback.

To emphasise just how unusually calm it had been, until the last day of September (when the run was broken) it had been 236 trading days since the MSCI World Index had seen -5% drawdown. That’s the second longest period in the past 25 years.

Markets can sometimes be volatile, but for most of the past year (until recently) they haven’t been.

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

13

Improving our freshwater quality You’ll no doubt be aware of the government’s Essential Freshwater package that was released in August 2020.

It’s a new nationwide approach to improve the quality of our freshwater within a generation.

Jenny Hughey ❚ by Chair ❚ Environment Canterbury At its heart is the concept of Te Mana o te Wai, which prioritises the health of the waterways.

The Essential Freshwater package is significant. It will influence farming operations across the country as its regulations are rolled out in the coming months and years.

Environment Canterbury’s role is to interpret just what the package means for Canterbury as a region and establish and communicate what it means for the day-today operations behind the farm gate.

With that in mind, I’d like to stress that we’re here to help everyone get their head around the regulations and prepare accordingly.

Some farmers, of course, already have a good understanding of the regulations and how they will be established and rolled out.

Others are perhaps still unsure of the fundamentals.

We are creating some comprehensive re-

sources to support farmers and industry representatives that break down the key aspects of the regulations.

It’s important to understand that there are new rules that apply now (such as around land use intensification, nitrogen cap, stock exclusion, stock holding, and feedlots) and new rules that are yet to come into effect, with winter grazing and water measurement being two such examples.

I would recommend looking into the key dates for the new regulations so you can make a start on the things that are required now and have time to prepare for changes coming down the line.

Compared to other regions, Canterbury is well position to apply the new regulations.

Our regional plans cover many of the same things as those of the Essential Freshwater package – there are similarities between them.

The fact remains, however, that there will have to be changes to how things are done on the farm, especially for those managing high-input and intensively grazed livestock systems.

One such change relates to the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F) – a key aspect of the Essential Freshwater package. The NES-F will mean more consents for more farmers, as some activities that were previously permitted will now require a consent.

Additionally, central government is proposing to make it mandatory for all farms above 20 hectares to have a freshwater module in their farm plan, which will need to be in line with catchment-specific freshwater objectives.

To help with your planning, you should

‘

There will have to be changes to how things are done on the farm, especially for those managing high-input

read the rules in the NES-F to find out whether any of your current activities will require a resource consent and what it means for your farm plan.

Once again, we’re here to help, and we’re putting a particular focus on supporting farmers around the use of synthetic nitrogen, managing wetlands, freshwater farm plans and winter grazing.

We know there is a lot to think about in the new Essential Freshwater package. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our website at ecan.govt.nz/farmershub or give us a call on 0800 324 636.

and intensively grazed livestock systems.

A correction to last month’s column In my last column, which was on the risk of the Ashburton Lakes/Tu Wharekai flipping, I mentioned that environment Canterbury has established a working group to find ways to protect them. In fact, the working group was established by papatipu runanga. my apologies for this error.

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14

November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

Good news at last for exporters At last, there is some good news for exporters as a free trade deal takes place between us and the UK.

❚ with rob Cope-Williams A recent announcement will give NZ a $970m boost and soon a drop in tariffs of about 97 percent.

That may take 15 years, but I am sure that exporters will be happy to know the blockages will be cleared.

For the record, wine exported from New Zealand into the UK faces a 50 percent tariff per 100 litres, and honey a 16 percent penalty, will be dropped, reports, however, have not said when.

The other winners are the dairy industry with increases in trade being promised.

The agreement and suggested $970m boost is certainly timely with suggestions that we are borrowing about $1b a week at the moment, so the marketing folk can certainly not relax.

I noted with interest the recent $8.3m grant to Agritech for research into “novel cellulose fibres” from New Zealand plant resources for textile use. The work is expected to take five years.

At the same time WRONZ is to explore new uses for strong wools by turning it into particles used in cosmetics, printing and personal care. I am sure the producers of strong wool, in fact all wool producers, would be happier if the marketing folk simply sold the wool on buoyant markets.

‘

need as many sales to overseas as we can get, not just to balance the trade situation, but to keep the producers, processers, and

As we lurch from confines to confines with the battle against Covid, the unseen pressures keep hitting with little or no solutions.

Producers who supply restaurants around the country are suffering badly with the restrictions, plus of course the owners and operators of the retail outlets.

I understand that in one week recently five hospitality centres closed their doors and

went into liquidation. Not only did the owners lose everything, but their staff are very unlikely to get another job and again, the wholesalers lose outlets to sell their wares, and that’s here in Christchurch so you can imagine what is hitting those who supply outlets further north including Auckland.

I know of several wholesalers who are laying off staff simply because there isn’t the work for them.

❚ with John Arts

Not feeling your best?

I have a younger client who had poor immunity with regular colds, low energy and generally feeling unwell for no medical reason.

Our first priority was to improve his immune system. Despite what you read, you cannot ‘boost’ your immune system. Our immune system is a complex, interconnected group of cells and tissue types.

Our immune system is highly dependent on nutrients. Of these, the most important is Vitamin D which acts like a master controller of our immune responses. Then there is a long list of trace minerals and some vitamins. I often talk to people who take vitamin C and Zinc for their immunity. These are important but just two of many. This is where a well formulated comprehensive multi-mineral, multi-vitamin and multi-antioxidant can be very helpful as they can provide all the important nutrients, not just some of them.

Having regular colds, especially in winter, can be the first sign of poor immune responses. You may have a great immune system but it may be half asleep or just disorganised. I put my client on an initial higher dose of my multi-nutritional formula to rapidly lift critical nutrients. We also included Vitamin D. He has been delighted with the response. He has been through winter

my point is simple, we

without a cold and with much more energy. The bonus has been that the niggling low grade depression has gone, probably from lifting vitamin D. Our bodies have a huge capacity to heal and restore but only if we give it the nutrients it needs.

Give yourself a three month challenge, you may well be surprised.

John Arts (b.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

Abundant Health

wholesalers alive.

My point is simple, we need as many sales to overseas as we can get, not just to balance the trade situation, but to keep the producers, processers, and wholesalers alive.

Yes the UK deal is good news, but we desperately need more of it.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

15

Parasite resistance to drenches plan A new plan designed to help manage parasite resistance to drenches in New Zealand has been launched.

❚ by Kent Caddick The new Wormwise Action Plan prioritises the responsible marketing and sales of drench, more accurate and easier parasite testing, research to demonstrate the costs and benefits of various parasite management approaches and better training and development.

It will also seek stronger engagement with farmers, more resources and a national survey to determine how big the problem is.

Wormwise is a partnership between Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Agcarm, the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) and other stakeholders.

The development of the plan follows an independent review of the Wormwise strategy carried out with industry input including farmers, veterinarians, drench sellers, MPI, B+LNZ, DairyNZ and Fonterra.

According to B+LNZ’s Farming Excel-

lence general manager Dan Brier, sheep and beef farmers rank resistance of parasites to drench as their single biggest animal production challenge.

“Parasite resistance to drenches is now widespread, appears to be getting worse and a new approach is necessary. We simply can’t drench our way out of drench resistance.

“Unfor tunately, New Zealand also faces new challenges including potential increased risk from new or more widespread parasites arising from climate change, the low likelihood of new drench products becoming available, and greater transparency demanded by consumers on animal welfare and the use of chemicals in farm production systems.”

Brier said the strategic review revealed there is a gap between the advice available and what is happening on the ground.

Dr. Helen Beattie, chief veterinary officer at the New Zealand Veterinary Associa-

tion, said vets are an important part of the solution through working with farmers, developing parasite management plans and providing veterinary advice.

“Through the review, we found the efforts of Wormwise and the strategic direction were largely in the right direction, but concluded there is scope to do much more.

“Ultimately, additional resourcing and a different approach is required if we are to genuinely influence parasite drench resistance in time.”

As part of the new Action Plan, the indus-

try will identify best practice for working with farmers on parasite management and drench resistance in order to help other farmers.

The industry will also work with drench manufacturers to ensure products are marketed responsibly and education and training is available for those selling drenches.

Research to demonstrate the costs and benefits of parasite management approaches based on actual farm experience, across several farm types, species and regions, and providing a benchmark for high/low performance, will also be rolled out.

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

Summer forage crop options For customers looking for spring cropping options this spring, Specialty Seeds has some valuable options in the form of Pillar forage rape and Marco turnips.

Stephen Finch ❚ by ❚ for Cropmark Seeds The products are well tested under our conditions and have stood the test of time on farms in New Zealand over several years.

The decision as to just what forage crop you sow depends on your conditions and your needs.

Pillar forage rape Pillar forage rape is a multi-graze forage that can either be planted in spring as a summer forage crop or planted in the autumn as a winter feed.

While high yielding and producing high quality forage, Pillar is able to handle tough conditions once established; making it a versatile crop for finishing lambs when other pastures are losing quality and dry matter yield.

Its combination of high per hectare yields and high forage quality supports high animal performance and live weight gain potential. This means more lambs per hectare turned off quicker than other types of forage rape.

Pillar should be sown at a rate of 3 to 4 Kg/hectare at 10mm depth. Pillar is well suited to sheep and cattle farming operations. Rotational grazing is recommended with up to 4-5 grazings possible where climatic conditions allow.

Marco turnips Marco turnip is the fastest maturing summer turnip available in New Zealand

Sheep grazing on Pillar forage rape but the decision as to just what forage crop you sow depends on your conditions and your needs.

and has changed the way many farmers use turnips now.

Marco has a tetraploid, tankard shaped bulb which increases animal access and utilization. With its fast maturity from sowing to grazing in just 55 to 65 days, Marco turnip can be used in situations where traditional turnips would be unsuitable. It is therefore an ideal crop where limited moisture is available, or an unseasonal rainfall event provides an opportunity to plant

The high yielding multi-graze rape • • • • • • •

a fast-maturing crop. Marco can also be used for late sowings or where a crop failure occurs. In some situations, it has been possible to get two crops of Marco in one season.

Marco turnip’s high feed quality supports high growth rates in lambs. This means more lambs grazing per hectare can be achieved with faster turn off times with good grazing management. Marco has a high bulb-to-leaf ratio and a tankard above-

ground bulb which retains its quality for as long as 90 days after sowing.

Marco can be sown from spring onwards when soil temperatures consistently reach 12 degrees Celsius. Select a free draining paddock that has been sprayed out and cultivated and sow Marco at 2 to 3 Kg per hectare at 10mm sowing depth.

For further information on these options, please contact Stephen Finch from Specialty Seeds.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

17

Show a no show again For the second year in a row the Canterbury A&P Association has been forced to cancel its annual New Zealand Agricultural Show.

❚ by Kent Caddick Restrictions brought on by the Government’s response to the pandemic, and more recently by the arrival of the Delta variety in New Zealand, has forced the organisers to pull the plug on the event for a second consecutive year.

The show, which was due to be held between November 10 and 12, is normally attended by around 100,000 people every year.

In a release the Canterbury A&P Association said it “was with much regret that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 158th New Zealand Agricultural Show”.

“The current COVID-19 level uncertainty means that the decision to cancel is in the best interest of all stakeholders during this difficult time. We strongly believe the Show plays an important role in New Zealand. Because of this, we will be working behind the scenes to deliver the NZ AG Show in 2022 under what we understand to be the new normal.

“We ask for your patience, tolerance and kindness as our team reach out to all of our loyal members, sponsors, trade exhibitors and loving community that have supported us for so many years.”

Veteran agricultural reporter and Canterbury Farming columnist Rob Cope-Williams says the cancellation has more impact than meets the eye.

Impacts: Commercial breeders will be impacted by the cancellation of the Show according to veteran agricultural reporter rob Cope-Williams.

No show: It’s not only famers, breeders and agri-businesses who will miss out due to the Show’s cancellation, as “townies” will miss their annual emersion in rural life.

“Firstly many of the commercial breeders use the show to talk with and compare stud breeders, it is a showroom for stud breed-

ers where they can literally showcase their goods.

“Secondly, the show exposes farming to

thousands of city folk who otherwise not have any access to animals, what machinery is now being used and in fact what farming is about, and that is a huge shame as farming of all industries needs a PR moment in the sun” He says for the city folk it is a lot more than candyfloss and hot chips, it is a window into what Canterbury is really all about.

Canterbury Farming general manager Kelvin Green says the cancellation of the Show is disappointing but understands the reasoning behind it.

“For many of our advertisers the Show is the cream on the top of their marketing campaigns.”

18

November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

Before you paint your bargeboards call us about disconnecting the power Getting in there with that paintbrush around live power lines is very dangerous. Call us about disconnecting the power, it might cost a bit more, but it could well save your life.

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Orion operates, and maintains, the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. We are always here to help if you have any questions or concerns about the network.

CANTERBURY FARMING November 2021

19

Addressing lone worker safety concerns in rural environments For one South Island high country farmer a new satellite farm safety device is bringing peace of mind.

❚ by Kent Caddick In 2020, there were 22,796 farm-related injury claims accepted by ACC. That’s over 60 incidents a day, taking a huge toll on farms, families, and the rural community whenever a farm worker is hurt on the job.

To help reduce that toll Connected Farms New Zealand has launched a satellite farm safety device designed to transform the way rural communities approach on-farm connectivity and safety regardless of how isolated they are.

Connected Farms is a South Canterbury based company providing connectivity solutions to rural and remote communities across New Zealand.

The Zoleo Satellite Communicator, operates on the Iridium network, and facilitates 2-way communication from anywhere including the highest, remotest high-country station.

This allows farmers and lone-workers to check-in to let others know they’re okay, or get help quickly and easily, even outside of mobile phone range.

For Mackenzie high country farmer Louise Anderson the Zoleo has brought some peace of mind.

“My son goes hunting on the remote areas of our farm and as a mum, Zoleo brings me a tremendous sense of relief knowing he

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can send me a location drop along the way,” she said.

“I can message him back and he can alert emergency services if anything goes wrong.”

Melissa Andrews, Country Manager at Connected Farms, said Zoleo is easy and intuitive to use with a familiar messaging experience when integrated with smartphones, improving remote communications simply and effectively.

“When we are talking to farmers about connectivity solutions over their land, the subject of lone worker safety always comes up,” Andrews said.

“Everyone knows someone who has been badly injured or even worse, has been out of range and unable to get help. Connected Farms have listened to these concerns and are delighted to bring remote communications to farmers with the Zoleo Satellite Communicator.”

Zoleo’s durable profile case, belt fastener, small size, and light weight (only 150 grams) make it ideal for all farming environments.

“With this device, the rural community not only improves lone-worker safety but, also acts as an important catalyst for reducing isolation to improve mental health and wellbeing, a growing priority across the rural sector.”

Among the features is a 24/7 SOS function for when things go wrong. This feature

Connected: When integrated with smartphones the Zoleo Satellite Communicator improvies remote communications simply and effectively.

has the ability to alert first responders with a GPS location plus 2-way triage information can be messaged for integrated emergency services.

The device features a long-life rechargeable battery and integrates with an app which also provides accurate weather forecasts, so farm workers aren’t caught out by sudden weather changes.

Versatile: Zoleo’s durable profile case, belt fastener, small size, and its light weight make it ideal for all farming environments.

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

Work safely with dairy cows The rate of injury in dairying is over 50 per cent higher than in sheep, beef or deer farming and ACC reports there are high rates (up to 27 per 1000 of workers) who are crushed or kicked by an animal. supplied by ❚ Advertorial The Wrangler Ltd ❚ These sort of injuries cause significant economic hardship for farmers. Thankfully there has been a downturn in the “week-off work” category of injuries as dairy farmers are turning to safer ways to do things.

Dairy farmers are now doing what beef farmers have always done - installing a good crush to safely treat their cows, but one that is specifically designed for working with dairy cows.

New Zealand cows walk great distances so hoof care needs to be done on a regular basis, little and often. They are strong animals so need to be well contained but with lots of access to them for treatment.

They are not used to a closed-in crush, after all, they can be held for milking with just a breast-rail. Kiwi cows also tend to vary a lot in size within the herd and finding something that fits each well is important.

Farmer Wilco Klein-Ovink saw the need for such a crush in 1993 when faced with the frustrations of treating lame dairy cows.

He designed the Wrangler after finding only beef crushes available in New Zealand.

He wanted something that “safely held the cow so she couldn’t go down, break free, or hurt herself or me”.

The Wrangler worked so well, Wilco setup an engineering company supplying Wranglers all over New Zealand and around the world.

The Wrangler has winches and a backleg support which holds the leg securely for examination. Belly girths prevent the cow from falling during treatment. The front hoof can likewise be winched onto a support and held in place with webbing. With two feet up, the cows head in the headbail, and two belly girths under her she can’t move at all and examination can be conducted quickly, easily, and safely.

Calving, caesarians, or other procedures

Working around dairy cows can be dangerous but the use of the Wrangler crush will reduce the likelihood of injury to the worker or the animal.

can also be performed in the Wrangler. It has become essential dairy equipment.

Cows and people are the backbone of

every dairy farm and good cow handling facilities that keep the cows healthy, and the staff safe, are a must.

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21

Healing the land one farm at a time A proud caretaker of the land, I have come a full circle in the agriculture industry.

John Barnes ❚ by Director ❚ Managing New Zealand ❚ Fertilizer & NZ Global Ecosystems ❚ My youth was spent working on our family farm, and now dedicated to providing products that take care of the land. Growing up, we all worked on the farm, gaining the best childhood and a strong work ethic.

I spent as much time as I could working and playing on the farm, though once I recall jumping into a pile of fertiliser and burning my knees – a memory that has stuck with me my whole life.

Back then our soils were loose and rich, but over the years our soils have significantly changed. Its ability to retain moisture and nutrients has reduced and regularly appears compacted and grey.

With the visible change in our soils, I could see the products we applied needed Presentation of the post-doctoral fellowship at Lincoln University. Lincoln University Deputy ViceChancellor, Professor Grant Edwards (left) and Lincoln University Professor Pablo Gregorini (right) with to change.

I set up Fertilizer New Zealand in 2004. John Barnes (centre).

The business centred around replenishing animal health improved with a lower sickness Reintroducing carbon and microbiology into the soil, while also targeting grass grub. The the soil microbiology and carbon, as well as rate.

We began in Nelson and now service the carbon creates the ideal living environment applying elements depending on specific nutrient deficiencies in each block of land. Our whole South Island from our Nelson, Christch- for microbes, which then draw in the nutricustomers immediately noticed their crops urch and Winton yards. Supplying both solid ents present in the soil and stores them in had improved, and produce had more flavour and liquid products, a wide range of these the root system, while also drawing in Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere. are BioGro certified. and an extended shelf life.

I also lead NZ Global Ecosystems Ltd, an Our products include a range of nutrients, Pastures were immensely stronger to environmental stresses, with less disease, and trace elements, carbon, microbes and fungi. endeavour that supports research and devel-

opment on sustainable agricultural systems development throughout the world. NZ Global Ecosystems Ltd is proud to support the Lincoln University Centre of Excellence – Designing Future Productive Landscapes, headed by Professor Pablo Gregorini, with a recent establishment of the “NZ Global Ecosystems post-doctoral fellowship” – to keep exploring future sustainable and ethical pastoral livestock production systems in a global context. Together we are healing our mother land one farm at a time.

The Lincoln University Centre of Excellence – Designing Future Productive Landscapes aims to conceptualise design, create, implement and test alternative agroecosystems and other productive landscape systems that improve ecosystem-societal services, including timely implementation models that utilise Matauraka Maori to support and sustain te taiao, building ecological, economic, health social and cultural wealth.

The Centre’s approach is to continually transform by design, rather than default current innovation practices, and influence by example future land-use options and practices.

Working in partnership with key local and international research entities and industry stakeholders, the Centre of Excellence will explore new functional systems integrated across spatial and temporal domains.

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November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

History of NZ’s largest A&P show Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association, est. in 1863, is an association under the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act 1908.

❚ by Kent Caddick The Association hosts an annual Agricultural and Pastoral Show which has grown over the years to become the largest A&P Show in New Zealand.

The decision was taken by the association in 2017 to rebrand the Show, changing its name to the New Zealand Agricultural Show to “ensure its longevity and continued support to the communities at its core for many more years to come”.

Following the establishment of official European settlement by the Canterbury Association in 1850 the province set about establishing itself on a rural economy and thus from its earliest European inception an interest in annually displaying the fruits of the horticultural and agricultural abilities of the area. Shows were an important part of the rural culture of England and the tradition quickly became a part of early settlement.

The earliest record of any such ‘show’ is 16 December 1852 in Hagley Park. In May 1853 an essentially horticultural display was held at the White Hart Hotel and a show of livestock held in the Market Place (Victoria Square).

In May 1854 a similar show including wool and grain samples was held at the Golden Fleece Hotel. Similar shows continued on through the 1850s with the formation of the Canterbury Farmers’ Club in 1858.

The first ‘recognised’ agricultural show in Canterbury was held by the fledgling Canterbury Pastoral Association on September 14, 1859 at B. Moorhouse’s station at Shepherd’s Bush, on the north bank of the Rangitata River. At the conclusion of this show the Canterbury Pastoral Association was officially formed and subscriptions were set at one guinea a year.

The next year a more successful show was held at Turton’s Accommodation House in Ashburton. This was a quite grand affair with a formal dinner and ball in George Hall’s Woolshed, the evening not culminating until 5am.

As a result of the shows during the 1850s a strong move to form an Agricultural and Pastoral Association was promulgated by businessmen such as Robert Wilkin, George Gould and J T Ford.

So it was in 1862 that the Canterbury Pastoral Association met to inaugurate a show on or near Christchurch and form an organisation with wider aims.

In 1862 the show was held for the first time in Christchurch, in Gresson’s paddock which was fenced with gorse and located in Armagh Street just north of Latimer Square.

Following the success of this venture the A&P Association was formally established and the group resolved to purchase a permanent site in Christchurch or its suburban area. The site of the first showgrounds was

Growing: From humble beginnings the Canterbury A&P Association’s New Zealand Agricultural Show is now sited on a 250acre site at the Canterbury Agricultural Park near Wigram.

purchased in 1863, a fourteen acre site in Sydenham, which later became Sydenham Park in 1894.

A show was held there on October 22, 1863 and though affected by inclement weather some 1,500 people attended.

By 1872 the site was well developed and some 8,000 attended the show that yea. By 1878 the Association had paid off its mortgage and the show continued to increase in size and attendance with the Association making a profit of £500.

When the Sydenham site became too small, the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association bought a 29 acre block at Addington.

The move to Addington by the A&P Association was quickly justified as entries and attendance increased and entries came from the North Island and the lower part of the South Island. By 1899 the grounds had been added to by way of a lease of land.

Side shows, industrial exhibitions and ma-

chinery and car displays became part of the show increasing the more general public interest.

In the 1950s the official provincial holiday for the anniversary day of the province was shifted from December to the Friday of Show Week, a change which meant large numbers of people from both town and country attended the show.

In 1962 the Canterbury A&P Association celebrated its centennial and continued at the Addington Showgrounds until 1996 when the A&P Association acquired a 250 acre block of land at Wigram from the Christchurch City Council, and the move to Canterbury Agricultural Park in Curletts Road was made in 1997.

The first show at the new site held that year included a range of events, from dog trials to axe men, and exhibits such as ostrich and llama, wines and cheeses, agricultural machinery and services, as well as the more traditional livestock competitions.

CANTERBURY FARMING November 2021

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Accessing boarding allowances If your child lives in a remote area or faces other barriers to achieving at school you can apply for funding so that they can board away from home and focus on their studies.

supplied by ❚ Information ❚ Ministry of Education

A boarding allowance is funding from the Ministry of Education so that your child can board away from home, either at a boarding school or a private boarding arrangement with someone who is not your child’s legal guardian.

The Government provides around $11 million for boarding allowances every year to help young people achieve a great education.

There are two different types of boarding allowance, the access barrier and the multiple barrier. The one mostly commonly accessed by rural families is the access barrier allowance which is for students who live too far away from an appropriate school and the Ministry’s school transport does not provide a solution.

The multiple barriers allowance is where a student experiences more than one of the following difficulties in their life that makes it hard to go to school or do well as school: Poor participation at school, Poor relationships, Behavioural issues, Low educational achievement, and Environment.

The allowance might not cover all of your child’s boarding fees. If it doesn’t you have to pay the rest yourself.

The boarding allowance continues for as long as the student is at school, or until the barriers they are facing no longer exist.

If your child goes to a boarding school the

allowance is paid directly to the school at the beginning of each term.

If your child is boarding privately, it is paid directly to the school at the beginning of each term. The person providing the board needs to arrange to receive their payment from the school.

How much is the allowance?

It depends on the type of boarding allowance.

Access barrier: Boarding school and private boarding $3,200 per year. Multiple bar-

riers: Boarding school – up to $8,000 per year (which includes $500 for pastoral care to help your child address the barriers they face). Private boarding – $4,500 per year (which includes $500 for pastoral care).

Is my child eligible for an access barrier allowance?

Your child is eligible if they live too far away from an appropriate school and the Ministry’s school transport assistance programme does not provide a solution.

“Too far away” is defined as living an unreasonable distance from the nearest appropriate school (eg more than 60km) and: the closest school transport service to get to their nearest school is unreasonable (eg 20km), or they have to travel longer than 60 minutes one way to their nearest school each day, or they have to drive an unreasonable distance (eg 60km) to the nearest school.

Can I choose what school my child goes to?

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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Meeting the needs of today’s young women Choosing the right school for your daughter is an important step, and with boarding another dimension enters into the equation. supplied by ❚ Article Chrisetchurch Girls’ High School ❚ Not only do parents desire a stimulating, engaging learning environment which challenges students to achieve personal excellence, they also need a safe, comfortable and happy living space.

Christchurch Girls’ High School is a purpose built school for girls, which places young women at the centre of education.

Acland, the boarding hostel associated with the school, establishes positive relationships which create a strong sense of family. This feeling is further enhanced by the completely refurbished main homestead.

A landscaped pool area and access to tennis courts, complement the living arrangements.

Boarders are supervised by a supportive, experienced and caring team. A Director of Boarding leads her staff in ensuring the welfare of the students is paramount. All nutritional needs are met by a professional, friendly, on-site food services team.

In this environment students flourish and thrive. They learn to manage selves, relate to others and par ticipate and contribute. In the process, they develop resilience, independence, a good work ethic and lasting friendships.

Learning and living at Christchurch Girls’ High School is tailored specifically to meet the needs of today’s young women.

Support: boarders at Christchurch Girls’ High School are supervised by a supportive, experienced and caring team.

Acland House Manaakitanga. Whanaungatanga. Aroha. Rangatiratanga.

Manaaki

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 NOW

Applications for students wishing to commence boarding in 2023 are now open and close on 28 February 2022 Limited places available Open Day will be on Monday 14 February 2022 Book an Open Day tour by emailing acland@cghs.school.nz Download an application form from the enrolment section of our website cghs.school.nz For further information contact the Director of Boarding: Acland House, Christchurch Girls’ High School / Te Kura o Hine Waiora, 85 Papanui Road, Christchurch 8014 Ph 03 355 7673 or email gud@cghs.school.nz

03 318 8411 | admin@darfield.school.nz | www.darfield.school.nz

Darfield High School

Rural College

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November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

What you need to consider when choosing a secondary school Choosing a secondary school is an important decision, and if you have a choice of secondary school it’s worth you and your child taking the time together to look at possible schools and explore the options available. supplied by ❚ Article Ministry ❚ of Education When deciding on a secondary school for you child start with the practical issues: • How will your child get to and from school? Is there a safe route to walk or cycle? Is there a school bus?

• Under 14s need to be supervised before and after school. Does the school have before-and after-school care?

Will your child be able to meet up with friends after school?

• Does the school have a uniform?

• Do you have to pay to go to the school?

• Do you live in the school zone?

• Are there any schools that family or friends have recommended?

• What schools are your child’s friends going to?

Also you need to think about what your education priorities are for you child. Your priorities will depend on your child’s talents and needs and what are your must-haves or what could you compromise on.

Here are some examples of priorities that you might see as important:

• additional support for special needs or talents • a bilingual unit or Te Reo Maori schooling • single-sex, or co-educational school • how the school supports your child’s culture and language • a strong emphasis on a particular curriculum area of interest to child, eg music or sport • particular subjects offered at senior level that will support your child’s interests and possible career path.

Then make a list of schools near your home, and any others you might want to consider, and visit them.

• go to the open days and parents’ evenings • arrange your own meeting with the school if you can’t get open days or want to follow up and get more information • ask questions - this is your chance to get all the information you need to make your decision • ask about the school rules - what are they, and how are students and parents made aware of them?

• find out how the school will keep in touch with you - ask to see a school newsletter, school report, and how they like you to get in touch with them • include your child in the decision.

You can check the Education Review Office (ERO) report for the schools you are considering. ERO is a government department that reviews schools as part of its work. ERO’s

reports provide information for parents and communities about a school’s strengths and next steps for development.

The reports cover things like learning environment, processes and procedures, how teachers relate to students, the commitment to bicultural practices, how they support Maori learners, how they review and monitor themselves, and their vision and philosophy.

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

27

Pluck’s Engineering since 1966 There’s a reason why farmers throughout the country – and even the world - choose Pluck’s Engineering Ltd on Main South Rd in Rakaia for their farm machinery. supplied by ❚ Advertorial Artikel & Swint ❚ They care about their farmers, and that certainly shows in the quality of Dairy effluent equipment and Farm machinery they produce.

When you visit their workshop, you can expect to receive expert advice from one of the very skilful and experienced senior staff, as well as some fantastic products on display.

Pluck’s Engineering has been catering to the farming community of New Zealand since 1966, with Neil purchasing the business from his parents Graham and Glenis 20 years ago.

Prior to the Pluck family ownership, the business had been running for five decades already.

Standing the test of time is surely down to the confidence and belief in their own on-site manufactured products.

From effluent irrigators and effluent systems through to pond stirrers, effluent screening systems, heavy duty cultivators, heavy land rollers of which many are made and sold a month, square bale feeders and more; everything is chosen and constructed with your needs as a farmer in mind. Quality parts are sourced from all over New Zealand and the world, if needs be, with the best team on the job to construct the equipment.

With a staff of 15, Neil is confident

in saying they are involved in leading the change for farm and effluent equipment.

“We’re very much in touch with the whole industry. We actively pursue farmer’s feedback and make sure everything is going properly and we modify as we develop.

“You have got to stay in touch and make sure they are using it as planned and adjust things if not. We work closely with farmers as rules change, developing new products to keep the farmers far from compliance troubles”, Neil says.

This contact also extends to distributors of Pluck’s products throughout New Zealand, to ensure they are installing and advising farmers correctly.

“We like to be a part of leading the change,” Neil says.

This quality business is also proud to back up their equipment with repairs and maintenance. Two trucks with Hiab cranes are readily available to travel within Canterbury to repair and maintain any Pluck’s equipment and pretty much any other type of farm machinery, usually within 24 hours of the call.

With an eye on the future of farming, a team of talented and skilled tradesmen and engineers and a passion for the industry, you can really look no further than Pluck’s.

Dairy Effluent Specialists Expert Manufacturers Since 1966

visit www.plucks.nz for the latest and greatest machinery and equipment.

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Pluck’s engineering has been catering to the farming community of New Zealand since 1966.

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November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

Types of effluent systems All effluent systems have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is simply a matter of choosing the system that best suits the farm physical variables, location and labour capacity.

❚ by Kent Caddick Effluent systems are unique and should be tailored to individual farms and not based around what the neighbouring farm is doing.

Common type of effluent systems may include:

1. Direct application to pastures, crops These systems may bypass effluent ponds and return effluent direct from the point source (dairy) back to pastures or crops via various application methods. Usual approach is pumping from a sump at the dairy back to pastures via a fixed or travelling effluent irrigator.

Advantage • Low cost and no pond maintenance.

• More effective utilisation of nutrients.

• Suitable to lighter free draining soils.

Disadvantage • Higher likelihood of conveyance problems.

• Difficult to contain effluent on farm during high rainfall.

• Fairly labour intensive. Moving or repairing sprinklers.

2. Single storage pond A single pond system assumes a storage pond capable of containing all the effluent

generated at the dairy and or feedpad over the wetter months of the year. A period when rainfall exceeds evaporation and the potential for runoff is likely.

Generally used to return effluent back to pastures or crops more quickly without nutrients settling out.

Advantage • Effluent stored and applied to pastures when safe.

• A more controlled and strategic application.

• Reduced workload in shifting conveyance pipes and sprinklers.

Disadvantage • Dependant on soil type and water table depth.

• Pond needs desludging every few years and ongoing maintenance.

• Requires agitation to access the valuable nutrients, with phosphorus and nitrogen settling in the lower layers of the pond.

3. Multi-pond system This usually involves one settling pond and one or more storage ponds. Dual or multiple ponds are designed for a variety of reasons such as anaerobic digestion, solid settling, pathogenic or odour treatment or simply as winter storage.

Stored: Effluent storage ponds are generally used to return effluent back to pastures or crops more quickly without nutrients settling out.

Advantage • Opportunity to recycle hence reducing the large volumes of water required to service floodwash and hydrant systems.

• Less conveyance and sprinkler problems.

• Large water supply rich with nutrients to ser vice nearby pastures or crops.

Disadvantage • Requires a significantly large site, which may take away valuable pasture area.

• Requires regular management and maintenance, in particular the first pond.

• Tendency to trap and retain the value nutrients within the lower sludge layers, which may be difficult to access.

4. Slurry tankers and wagons

A viable option for the small dairy farm that may have conveyance problems or limited accessibility to paddocks. Usually a preferred option on free draining soils for dairies maintaining a herd dry period and for reduced dairy operation over the winter months.

Advantage • Opportunity to strategically place effluent on specific paddocks.

• Cleaner collection at the dairy.

• Emphases a need to minimise water consumption at the dairy hence water savings.

Disadvantage • May have difficulty accessing laneways and paddocks over the wetter months.

• Labour intensive requiring constant management.

• Initial purchase costly with regular repairs and maintenance required.

CANTERBURY FARMING November 2021

Don’t drop the ball with your effluent pond drop test Does your effluent pond leak? How do you know?

❚ Supplied by Aqualinc

Most owners of dairy effluent storage ponds believe that their ponds don’t leak. This is understandable, especially where they have been synthetically lined.

However, the need to prove that this is the case is mounting. The need for proof is driven by the requirement to run the farm at Good Management Practice (GMP). To meet GMP, storage facilities must be sealed and maintained to ensure containment of effluent.

Although there may be a belief that the ponds won’t be leaking, without doing a test you can’t be sure. This is reminiscent of the early days of introducing Farm Environment Plans (FEP), where some would question the need for these given that they considered themselves to be a good operator.

The response often given was that it was no longer sufficient to be a good operator, you now must prove that this is the case.

This can be done via the FEP and auditing process, and with effluent storage ponds this can only be done by appropriate testing.

Testing needs to be accurate In Canterbury the criteria for storage being a permitted activity is that leakage cannot exceed 1mm per day. In a dynamic environment where there may be evaporation, wind, pressure changes, rain, inflows into the pond etc. it’s not easy to measure and have the confidence that the results will have the required accuracy.

Aqualinc have recently upgraded their pond testing equipment which has increased the degree of accuracy. It has also made it much easier to set up and dismantle, which saves time.

They have been busy recently carrying out tests, with many being done during the winter months. In the past it’s been a common misconception that these tests must be carried out when the dairy shed is not being used as this prevents in-flows during the test. However, with the equipment, process and analysis Aqualinc use there is no reason that the tests can’t be done at any time of year.

For more information or to book your test call Aqualinc on 03 964 6521.

Onsite drop testing of an effluent pond.

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

Gypsum and wastewater irrigation Dairy Factory wastewater (DFW) can be a useful resource for pasture and crops however high sodium levels in the wastewater may accumulate in soil.

❚ Supplied by Winstone Gypsum

Excess sodium can be detrimental to pasture and crop growth since it causes low soil water availability and poor soil structure. Soil structure effects may reduce the ability of the soil to receive DFW before surface ponding or runoff occurs.

Gypsum is an ideal material to address any build – up of sodium in soils receiving DFW, extending the number of years that affected land remains useful for receiving wastewater. Gypsum can also enhance soil structure, water infiltration and drainage in the face of high sodium levels. A gypsum programme should ideally start before critical sodium levels are reached.

Sodium Sodium in wastewater largely comes from the use of caustic soda and sodium hypochlorite in cleaning and sterilising processes. Sodium is relatively easily leached and the role of gypsum is to accelerate that leaching to reduce the chance of sodium accumulation.

effectively leached out of the soil. The soil then has more ability to flocculate and form stable aggregates to improve drainage and soil quality.

The reaction of gypsum in the soil is illustrated in the equation below.

Why Gypsum?

Gypsum application is a standard practice worldwide for addressing the build up of sodium in soils including soils receiving wastewaters. The combination of calcium and sulphate effectively address sodium.

Calcium release from the partially soluble gypsum is faster than from lime (calcium carbonate).

Lime is also unsuitable in many cases as it acts to increase soil pH, pushing out acid hydrogen rather than sodium from the cation exchange.

Application method and rates Gypsum is typically and most easily applied as a broadcast application to the soil surface. This is also the recommended

How Does Gypsum Work?

Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulphate. Calcium from gypsum replaces sodium in the soil. The sulphate allows the sodium to be

Apply Gypsum Now

method if soil crusting is to be addressed.

Incorporation of gypsum into the soil is not generally required as the gypsum can work through the profile of most soils.

Gypsum can be applied annually or every two or three years (at higher rates). Many soils will have quite high thresholds for sodium before soil structure is affected; this depends on the balance of the monovalent cations (sodium and potassium) with calcium and magnesium, the electrical conductivity of the soil.

It also appears that soil resilience to sodium is increased by the organic content (lactose etc) in DFW (Cameron et al., 2003).

Application of gypsum will be most effective if a programme of application commences before soil structure is impacted by the sodium and potassium.

Addressing subsoil Issues Sometimes subsoil structural issues can reduce drainage and impact on the ability of a site to receive wastewater without ponding or surface runoff. Gypsum may

be helpful if the issue is related to sodium and dispersive clay content (clay that loses structure in contact with water), or if there is a problem with high aluminium availability in an acid subsoil.

Reducing phosphorus loss Gypsum can reduce surface runoff of phosphorus and other nutrients by improving water infiltration (through soil structural and chemical changes), by binding organic matter and soil particles together better and by increasing the ability of soil to drain and thus cope with larger water inputs.

Gypsum also increases the binding of phosphate to soil minerals including calcium and reduces the susceptibility of all forms of phosphorus to drainage losses. references: Cameron, K.C., Di, H.J., Anwar, m.r., russell, J.m. & barnett, J.W. 2003. The “critical” eSP value: Does it change with land application of dairy factory effluent? New Zealand Journal of Agricultural research 46:2, 147-154. Jenkins, T. & Jenkins v. 2014. Use of gypsum to reduce effluent and fertiliser nutrient losses to waterways. In: occasional report No. 27. Fertilizer and Lime research Centre, massey University http://flrc. massey.ac.nz/publications.html

The benefits of gypsum in soil treatment are well known, but its value goes well beyond this: • Helps mitigate the flow of nitrates and phosphorus in New Zealand waterways • Can be used to address the issue of sodium from applied effluent • Reduces surface run-off and drainage loss, reduces preferential flow of water run-off in soil • Can be applied by a number of different means to target risk zones • Assists with addressing high soil potassium levels for more about Natural Gypsum and soil stabilisation visit www.gypsum.co.nz Rates vary per farm and soil type. Applications can last for up to three years and can be used as a base layer in stand-off (loafing) pads.

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CANTERBURY FARMING November 2021

31

Why shore mounted horizontal pond stirrers are recommended Trying to decide between a floating vertical shaft pond stirrer or a shore mounted pond stirrer?

Lloyd Thomas ❚ by Nevada Effluent ❚ Management Specialist ❚

We’d 100% recommend shore mounted every time, and we’ve got the science to show you why.

When investing in a stirrer you want something that’s going to get the job done as efficiently and effectively as possible, obviously, otherwise what’s the point?

So the first thing to keep in mind is what you want to achieve from stirring. The aim of stirring your effluent is to keep solids in suspension ready for pumping out.

Why? Because there are several unwanted issues that occur if you allow solids to settle: • Accumulation of solids can lead to blockages in your pump and/or irrigators.

• Nutrients lose value when solids are left to settle in the pond.

• Effluent storage capacity is reduced which can impact on council compliance.

• You end up creating an additional job in cleaning out the pond with a slurry tanker or getting a contractor in to dig it out.

This leads to why we recommend shore mounted or PTO pond stirrers over floating vertical shaft stirrers, because they are far more effective in keeping those solids in suspension for the entire effluent pond. Here’s why.

To create a stirring action that will get the entire pond swirling, you need to create a strong horizontal flow of water with sufficient velocity to carry the suspended solids.

A consistent speed of approximately 0.8 metres per second will stop solid particles from dropping out of suspension, and the only way to do this is by creating a strong horizontal thrust.

This is where a shore mounted electric stirrer is recommended as they are able to provide the right combination of angle, power and speed to churn up the entire pond.

In the past, floating vertical stirrers were promoted for having low power requirements, however these are not recommended for the following reasons: • Having a vertical shaft, the solids are merely pushed away from the propeller, and will then slow down and drop out of suspension in the water, so they never end up being effectively mixed.

Effective: Shore mounted horizontal pond stirrers are far more effective in keeping solids in suspension for the entire effluent pond.

• Moving the stirrer around the pond will only shift the solids from one area to another, so nutrients are not getting mixed in and therefore don’t end up leaving the pond.

• While some floating effluent stirrers may have low power requirements, a lot of the time these need to be run constantly to achieve any results.

• In terms of safety, it is always better to keep electricity out of water, and not

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have the need for anyone to venture out onto an effluent pond should the stirrer require maintenance.

Another option which has been suggested in the past is using a pump type stirrer.

In theor y these stirrers should work, however in reality you would need a massive pump, or even several pumps to even come close to what a shore mounted stirrer can achieve.

32

November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

Free Trade Agreement a significant milestone for red meat sector In 1882 the first frozen shipment of sheepmeat left Dunedin bound for London. This shipment proved transformative to this country’s red meat industry and this week we saw another significant milestone in the long trade relationship between the UK and New Zealand.

Nicky Hyslop ❚ by Beef + Lamb New Zealand ❚ Director, Central South Island ❚ The Agreement in Principle of a Free Trade Agreement was the result of years of work and negotiations carried out on behalf of NZ farmers by Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association.

Once the FTA is signed and ratified, farmers look set to benefit from greater export revenue as a result of greater market access

and more certainty for sheepmeat exports.

Our counter-seasonal production pattern means we can offer British consumers our best in-season products, particularly for the busy Christmas and Easter periods.

Beef will be the big winner in this agreement as from the outset, NZ will be permitted to increase export tonnages under a tariff rate quota regime which will, after 15 years, be eliminated.

This means that beef will initially have a 12,000-tonne quota, which will save New Zealand farmers around $44 million a year in tariffs, rising to 60,000 tonnes over 15 years, after which time all quotas and tariffs will be eliminated.

Sheepmeat exports to the UK will be able to be increased by 35,000 tonnes for the first four years, this is in addition to the 114,000 tonnes of existing quota, increasing by a further 50,000 tonnes over 11 years before tariffs are removed completely.

Co-products, or valued-added products such as processed met, petfood and offal won’t have any tariffs from the outset and this will hopefully go straight back into farmers’ pockets.

World leaders are preparing to gather in Glasgow for the Conference of Parties (COP)

26 to discuss addressing climate change.

New Zealand was the first country in the world to recognise the need for a split gas approach in the Zero Carbon Bill and this was validated in the latest IPPC report which specifically recommended countries take this approach and treat methane differently to CO2.

We are also the only country to build an agricultural-based framework – He Waka Eke Noa- for managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while developing methodology to recognise sequestration. The Government agreed to this partnership approach in return to staying out of the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Behind the farmgate, we all need to play our part by knowing our emissions number by the end of 2022 and putting together a plan to reduce them.

There are a number of tools available to help farmers calculate their numbers, including B+LNZ’s greenhouse gas calculator. It is very easy to use, so I encourage all red meat producers to give it a go.

Our sector already has a fantastic story in the way our absolute emissions have reduced over the last 30 years, while maintaining production. We also have opportunities to incorporate sequestering forests into our

‘

behind the farmgate, we all need to play our part by knowing our emissions number by the end of 2022 and putting together a plan to reduce them.

farm systems, on top of the existing native biodiversity.

The He Waka Eke Noa partners are now working on options for how agricultural emissions may be priced and how farmers can get better recognition for their sequestration.

B+LNZ, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers will be coming out to farmers to discuss these options before any recommendations are put to the Government.

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

33

Scientists aiming to enhance the ‘human-ness’ of infant formula AgResearch scientists think they have identified a unique new way to make infant formula more like breast milk and better for babies, using ingredients that could enhance brain development and overall health.

❚ by Kent Caddick Research into this next generation infant formula could create new oppor tunities for New Zealand’s primar y industries in a global market wor th tens of billions of dollars annually.

With funding over three years recently announced from the government’s 2021 Endeavour Fund, AgResearch scientists Simon Loveday and Caroline Thum, along with collaborators from Massey and Monash Universities, are aiming to enhance the “human-ness” of infant formula produced from New Zealand ingredients.

“We’ve recently discovered a new natural source of nutritional oil that is surprisingly similar to the fat in breast milk,” Dr Thum said.

“We will be combining this new nutritional oil with dairy phospholipids (a special kind of fat) in response to recent evidence that this component of milk enhances babies’ brain development. Fortunately, phospholipids are abundant in buttermilk, which is a by-product of butter production.

“We’ll then test our next-generation formula ingredient in the laboratory using equipment that simulates the conditions inside a baby’s digestive system.

“This will tell us how well the new combination is digested, compared to convention-

Doing the research: Agresearch scientist Dr Caroline Thum is part of a team looking to make infant formula more like breast milk, using ingredients which could enhance brain development and overall health, for a global market estimated at being worth tens of billions of dollars annually.

‘ al infant formula. We aim to show improved fat and calcium absorption, in addition to the positive effect of the phospholipids for brain development,” she said.

Dr Loveday said with the global markets for infant formula and baby foods expected to continue their strong growth, new products

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that provide a health advantage are in high demand.

“This new funding will allow us explore a new high-value opportunity for New Zealand’s primary sector and contribute to New Zealand’s global reputation as a source of naturally healthy foods”.

New products that provide a health advantage are in high demand.

Simon Loveday AgResearch scientists

34

November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Synlait targets reuseable market Drink, return and repeat is the philosophy behind Synlait Milk’s first branded foray into the consumer foods market.

❚ by Kent Caddick Synlait has launched Synlait Swappa Bottle, which is a 1.5 litre reusable, stainless steel bottle of homogenised milk sourced from Synlait’s highest performing farms.

Synlait’s Sustainability and Brand director Hamish Reid said the Synlait Swappa Bottle concept was simple: drink, return and repeat.

“Consumers purchase a Synlait Swappa Bottle and enjoy quality fresh milk, then return the empty bottle and lid to the store, and by repeating they are helping Synlait reduce waste and eliminating plastic packaging.

“New Zealanders have been telling us for years that they are deeply concerned about plastic waste, but in milk, there haven’t been many options,” Reid said.

“Synlait Swappa Bottle is a step in the journey towards eliminating plastic waste. Each time we drink, return and repeat, we contribute to a better future.”

Synlait Swappa Bottles are initially being launched in two South Island New World stores, with plans to widen distribution over time. The company said it was “taking a softly, softly approach to launch because this a disruptive product in a new sector to Synlait”.

Synlait has signalled its intention to move closer to the consumer for some time and its acquisition of Dairyworks in 2019 was seen as the start of this, Reid said adding a Synlait-branded product

strengthens and complements [the company’s] current business portfolio and expertise.

“There’s an opportunity for reusables to play a much bigger role in New Zealanders’ food and beverage future, as they are already in Europe and the USA. “In launching Synlait Swappa Bottle – a refillable, stainless-steel bottle that can be reused time and time again – we’re hoping to trigger change.”

To join the Synlait Swappa Bottle movement you pay $9.99 for the bottle and $5.29 for the 1.5 litres of homogenised milk, a total of $15.28. Once the bottle is purchased repeat refills will cost $5.28. The bottle itself is made of food grade stainless steel which is resistant to oxidization and corrosion. The sleeve is fully recyclable and vegetable inks have been used.

The lid is not curb-side recyclable.

“We can’t reuse it due to food hygiene risks, but if you return it with the bottle to New World the Synlait team will deliver the lids in bulk to a local metal recycler.”

Synlait says customers can even track their Swappa Bottle usage and its impact on their environmental footprint.

“Swappa bottles have a unique QR code etched on the base. Each scan tells you the fill date and expiry date. Overtime we will launch a personalised, opt-in dashboard where you can track your own contribution to reducing plastic waste by getting your milk in Synlait Swappa Bottles.”

Environmental footprint: Synlait’s brand director Hamish reid says the Swappa bottle is a step in the journey towards eliminating plastic waste.

Photo composition: Ness Weir

RUMBUL

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Available from your veterinarian.

For information please contact: Vetpak - 07 870 2024

Rumbul Magnesium Bullets An aid in the prevention of hypomagnesaemia in cattle during the high risk period associated with calving and early lactation in the spring.

For more information in New Zealand Email: info@agrimin.co.nz Web: www.agrimin.co.nz Rumbul is a Restricted Veterinary Medicine (RVM) Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No. A7796

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

November 2021

35

The true value of our own ❚ with Peter burton

With supply of fertiliser inputs from overseas becoming increasingly expensive and erratic, it’s worth focusing on our own resources such as Golden Bay Dolomite.

Magnesium is an essential input on virtually all intensive dairy farms and there is no guarantee that magnesium oxide products, all of which are overseas sourced, will continue to be available when required.

Golden Bay dolomite is a local deposit, supply is guaranteed, and prices, unlike other magnesium products, reflect only the cost of production and supply.

There is only one source of dolomite in New Zealand and it’s located in Golden Bay, hence the name.

The price of Golden Bay dolomite delivered varies depending on where you farm. The price delivered to Canterbury plains farmers is considerably less than for farmers in Taranaki.

Regardless of where in New Zealand you’re situated, if magnesium is required dolomite provides outstanding value regardless of price.

Dolomite is often referred to as dolomite lime and herein lies much of the confusion that surrounds it. In pastoral situations, based on extensive experience over the last 23 years, dolomite is best applied at the rate at which magnesium is required.

High rates, based on soil test calculations alone do not provide better protection against calcium/magnesium metabolic disorders in spring.

In our experience 200 - 250kg/ha applied annually is sufficient to ensure that the likelihood

of finding cows down behind hedges at 5.00 in the morning is largely eliminated.

Clients report the occasional wobbly cow, usually during prolonged periods of wet cold weather, however unless there is another contributing factor, there’s time to treat and the response is rapid.

Valuable time is not lost deferring immediate tasks to treat cows that may not get to their feet immediately, and cows down for even a few hours suffer significant muscle damage.

High producing animals in spring are typically on a metabolic knife edge and any shortage or imbalance of nutrient reduces production for the current season.

Magnesium deficiencies are seldom just that.

Calcium is nearly always involved, and this is where dolomite is unique.

It contains 24% calcium and 11.5% magnesium, in what has proved to be the near perfect ratio for both plants and animals.

That’s somewhat unsurprising as dolomite is an ancient seabed deposit, laid down over millions of years, and its application finely ground is largely a recycling process returning it to the land from where it originated.

A point made in a Radio NZ interview years ago was that although slivers of Mt Burnett are being mined it’s done so in an environmentally

responsible way with ongoing native plant re-establishment as part of the process.

In our view any loss is far outweighed by the benefits available to pastoral farmers from a low-rate yearly application.

Farmers can easily calculate the financial benefits from an annual investment, often less than $50.00/ha, with the loss of one top producing cow and her milksolids for the season exceeding $5,000.00.

Dolomite may be applied at any time with a range of other benefits and still provide protection in spring. It is a recognised soil conditioner with lighter sandy and pumice-based soils of the Nor th Island benefiting from a little extra stickiness that speeds the formation of soil crumb.

On heavier soils that are prone to treading damage during wet periods over winter it helps speed physical re-structing allowing more rapid recovery of pasture during spring and summer.

Being a natural seabed deposit, it contains a wide range of beneficial trace elements, and although they exist in parts per million and therefore hard to accurately value, there are many people world-wide that swallow a capsule a day knowing they are better off as a result.

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

What to consider when setting up a forestry block Many of the people interested in planting trees for profit are farmers who already own the land and wish to diversify their income or capital assets in future.

❚ Article supplied by NZFFA

However, increasing numbers of tree planters are not farmers, but people who want to create a valuable asset by planting trees.

The following is aimed principally at those who want to buy land for forestry, but much of it applies equally well to those who already own land and want to choose the best sites for planting.

Location How far is the site from the nearest port, or processing plant with ready access to export facilities? Long distance transport is costly and has a major impact on profitability.

Transport costs for sites that are more than 100km from the market can seriously erode returns for logs.

Access How close is the site to a public road and is there legal access? Getting logs from the site to a public road requires good reliable access for logging trucks.

Roading to a suitable standard can be

very expensive, particularly if the costs have to be met from only a small block of trees. If access would require upgrading, make sure the site is sufficiently large to bear the cost without seriously affecting profitability.

The quality of access can also impinge quite significantly on silvicultural costs (site preparation, planting, releasing, pruning and thinning). If access is by right-of-way or paper road, ensure that there are no impediments to using that access.

Topography Is the site flat, rolling or steep hill country?

Steep topography not only increases silvicultural costs and preclude a production thinning, but can have a major impact on harvesting costs. If tracking is required for harvesting machinery, this will affect profitability, and if harvesting has to be by hauler rather than ground transport, costs will be even greater.

Make sure that the drainage of flatter areas is naturally good enough for satisfactory tree growth, because there are no commer-

Get advice: It is sensible to employ a reputable consultant before you commit yourself to any expenditure on a forestry block. cial species that will grow on poorly drained sites, and artificial drainage is usually expensive. Be aware that in cool climates, flat areas may be frost flats where it is difficult to get trees established.

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FORESTRY & LOGGING

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

37

Impact of rising shipping costs

The trend we saw last month in the log export sector has continued with shipping costs increasing and sales prices slightly soft.

Allan Laurie mNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd

The net impact has been softer wharf gate prices across New Zealand but for most not hugely significant.

All current trade is dominated by rapidly increasing shipping rates. The bulk Handy Class and container vessels taking wood products to China, Korea, India and 35+ other nations we regularly sell wood products to, are no exceptions.

Interestingly, the log trade to China is currently paying about three times the 2020 shipping rates. Talking to a frozen lamb exporter recently and they are being advised refrigerated containers will cost them five times last year’s rates, and rising.

Good to see the US president come out with guns blazing a couple of weeks ago firing a couple of warning shots over the bows of ship owners suggesting a freeze was on the horizon if they didn’t reign it in. I would just like to politely suggest a couple of high explosive rounds in to the wheel house will be needed to get their attention, figuratively speaking of course.

Meanwhile in China, we are continuing to see some dynamic shifts in some macro-economic fundamentals. The construction sector has previously enjoyed a lot of attention from the government with incentives for home owners driving eventually to a highly speculative and housing cost increasing crescendo.

The more recent speak has been on improving environmental outcomes and targeting the technology sector. The collapse of the huge construction company Evergrande, with others destined to follow is adding an air of negativity with resulting recent drops in domestic log and lumber prices.

Off port sales have remained around the 80,000 cubic metres per day after a recent national holiday. This is generally seen as a low number with the eastern seaboard inventory as at mid-October heading north of 5 mil cubic metres.

Discharge issues have eased slightly with an example being one of our largest discharge Ports, Lanshan, reducing slightly from 20 to 15 days demurrage. At US$35K per day for your standard Handy class vessel that equates to an effective added cost of

US$1 per cubic metre per day.

My abacus says that’s well over US$500,000 in demurrage cost per vessel and there are currently over 30 vessels carrying NZ logs sitting off China ports awaiting discharge. I do not believe you will have to consult with your resident rocket scientist to figure out there could be a little log price softening out there in our midst.

On a more positive note, most commentators are suggesting this current situation is likely to be 2-3month problem. Some important statements have come out of Beijing in the last week recognising the importance of the construction sector to the economy albeit tempered with comment around the need to keep the lid on house prices.

We must also remember the current A grade price sitting at around mid US$160’s

is a very good selling price. It is only shipping rate that impacts so negatively at the NZ wharf gate.

Of some importance in this whole equation will be how NZ Forestry Inc slows harvest rates to reduce supply. If we don’t, that very blunt instrument called price will ensure we do. With about 60% of our current harvest coming from the private sector, severe price drops will do it. Unfortunately, it will once again be the people who do the work who will bear the heaviest burden.

If NZ production does slow, this will increase ship availability and hopefully a day of reckoning for ship owners. Again, this likely impacts why we think the price problem child will be around for two to three months only.

As reported last month and as has been the way for most of my 32 years managing harvest and selling logs, the domestic sawmills remain the backbone of stability and price. In fact, current log prices are excellent and good quality blocks of trees are certainly worth still harvesting.

The challenge will be to maintain log supply under a reduced harvest scenario. Challenging times likely lie ahead, although in Canterbury a recent wind storm will ensure reasonable level continuance in the medium term.

As always people, please remember the thoroughly important message, “It remains, as always, fundamentally important, no matter the challenges, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees”.

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38

November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

The importance of taking time off This year has seen many events sadly cancelled and that includes the New Zealand Agriculture Show, formerly known as the Canterbury A&P Show, and ‘Cup Week’ racing events are going to be without crowds for the first time in history.

vanessa Winning ❚ by ❚ IrrigationNZ CEO However, it is as important as any November in the past that you are available to spend on yourself, your family, and thinking about your business rather than buried deep in your business.

It’s too easy to think that you will just spend the day as normal working on the never-ending list of tasks like you would every other day.

But it’s vitally important for your mental health and that of your neighbours, friends, and family that you still take that day or two that you normally would and spend it doing something fun or learning something new.

It may just seem like any other day now, but my challenge to you is to look up something from your levy body, your membership groups, your council or even something you have as a hobby and clear that day to focus on that. We have an excellent little tutorial on

Canterbury Farming Option3 128mm x 100mm

Irrigation Management which will be a great reminder for the start of the season for example.

I know many of you use the A&P show to look for new ideas, or equipment for the farm, and would have been in the market for a new vehicle, equipment or even irrigation system, so instead of heading into the show grounds, why not make an appointment with your favourite dealership, design company or business, or spend a little money in your local economy and build long lasting relationships with your service industry.

Hopefully, the region will still be in level two, so why not invite your neighbour over for a leg of lamb, an early BBQ, with early season raspberries, and Otago wine or craft beer and savour all the products and produce this country proudly, cleanly, and carefully produces. Maybe even toast your Auckland cousins for taking one for the team in what is likely to be their 12th week of lockdown.

Its gutting that we are not on top of this virus, but we will be. Our ability to pivot as quickly as we did with our vaccination uptake has been outstanding, our care for each other, and our encouragement and support of businesses and people affected is what makes our country unique.

So, while we cannot compete at the show, or celebrate at cup week, we can still enjoy those days, and celebrate the food and fibre you produce, help our local businesses, and learn something new to implement in our business.

Most of all we can take a mental health day to clear the head and have a few laughs doing it.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

39

Spring bringing more temperate temperatures?

Spring is a month old as I write this, a time when we can expect a mixture of weather, and so it has been.

Every time we get on the warm side of that mixture you will be looking at soil moisture measurements and thinking about irrigation.

I’m hoping that when you look at these measurements they have been correctly interpreted for you and, they retain your faith in using soil moisture as a key management tool.

Spring has been everything one comes to expect – average temperatures around 16degC, a real mixture of weather with crisp, sunny days and brisk changes to cooler temperatures with “spring showers”.

Those showers have amounted to rainfall events sufficient to satisfy crop demand for water and on all but the lightest of soils. It will be nearly November before irrigation really needs to kick in.

Last month I lamented that the ‘the same old’ still occurs with the various soil moisture monitoring technologies sold to farmers: • Poor installation • Poor interpretation of the data (indicating a lack of soil moisture knowledge and expertise) • Poor on-going service This month is my “swansong” article – after more than 20 years writing articles this is my last. It is a severe criticism (no apology) of what is not uncommon for farmers putting

faith in a soil moisture sensor system(s) they have been sold. Then after a few months of following the measurements losing all faith in what they have been sold as the measurements just don’t reflect what they see in the field. It will be one of the three “same olds” above – and nothing to do with the farmer’s interpretation.

Recently I had occasion to advise on a soil moisture record that had the wrong field capacity and stress point set for the farmer.

The farmer had given up believing the measurements because despite irrigating hard out in January and February just couldn’t get the soil moisture above the stress point, let alone come close to the field capacity.

The farmer knew the pasture wasn’t under stress, the dry matter production was right up there, so something was wrong.

One look and it was little wonder he gave up on the information.

An audit was pending and the soil moisture record was not a good reflection of his irrigation management.

Fortunately, someone with expertise interpreting soil moisture measurements for irrigation management (an ex-staff member) looked at this data prior to the audit and applied the correct field capacity and stress points.

There is ample evidence in the record that the “field capacity” and “stress point” set for

the farmer were wrong, very wrong. Back in November and again in late December there were rainfall events that would have raised soil moisture to field capacity, or nearly so and not about 14mm below the field capacity that had been set.

Later in May and June the “correct” field capacity was confirmed. There was no evidence in the soil moisture measurements that the stress point was 76mm, not until later in January was there any evidence of moisture stress, when the water use “flattened out” at 65mm.

Clearly the provider never revisited the data record to see if the parameters they set were reasonable and the record made sense – no follow-up service.

Turns out the farmer had in fact done a pretty good job of irrigating despite what the soil moisture record was telling him. I don’t blame him for losing faith.

This was a Deja vu moment for me – since the early 1980s we have been preaching the importance of correct installation and expert interpretation of the measurements.

Seems little has changed but I can sign off writing about these sorts of “...-ups” knowing there is good expertise and experience out there to help farmers get the best out soil moisture.

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November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Farm plan trial proves positive Over the last couple of months Water Strategies has been trialling Integrated Farm Planning as part of the Waimakiriri Landcare Trust MPI funded SFFF project.

‘

There is a strong correlation between top performing farms and the adoption of a comprehensive business

Andrew Curtis ❚ by ❚ Water Strategies Integrated Farm Planning is a process through which a farm business’ risks and opportunities are identified and assessed, and actions then put in place to resolve or realise these.

Its focus is working with the considerable information most farmers already have in place and adding to this where appropriate. It does not involve creating yet another farm plan.

The purpose and content of an Integrated Farm Plan was initially workshopped with farmers and their service providers; drawing from the MPI Integrated Farm Planning document released earlier this year.

From this a comprehensive list of the different farm management areas and associated key questions was developed including: • People (Employment, Health & Safety, Wellbeing and Community) • Business Resilience (Goals, Monitoring and Awareness)

planning approach.

• Environment (Freshwater, Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste) • Biosecurity (Plants and Animals) • Animal Care (Five Freedoms).

Using this information a template was drawn-up and then piloted with three farms.

Through this process it was realised that if farmers were to gain maximum value from the Integrated Farm Planning the process needed to be split into two stages: 1: An initial triage of the business – typically a three-hour session where each area of the farm business is assessed; 2: Follow-up sessions with specialist support as required, this ensures the relevant support and advice is provided.

We were initially nervous that the pilot

farmers would not find the process useful, however we should have been more confident in the approach as all three stated they found the exercise of value.

For one farmer the process has helped them re-focus on an area of the business they knew they needed to sort; for the other two some significant risks to the farm business were identified and are now in the process of being addressed with specialist help.

One of the farms also used the process as an opportunity to think about the future.

The next stage of the project is to refine the template and then undertake another twelve Integrated Farm Plans.

Post this, a template will be made freely available for all farmers to use, either indi-

vidually or with support from a rural professional.

To be clear Integrated Farm Planning is not a regulatory requirement. However, there is a strong correlation between top performing farms and the adoption of a comprehensive business planning approach.

The value of an Integrated Farm Planning is the opportunities that may identified through the process alongside ensuring compliance.

If you would like help taking your farm planning to the next level, give the team at Water Strategies a call. We’ve a team of farm systems specialist that are known for their skills in thinking beyond freshwater compliance.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

❚ with rob Cochrane

Procurement Manager, ❚ Wool PGG Wrightson Wool ❚

November 2021

41

Coarse wool struggles, fine wool market healthy

With the end of the fine wool selling season now firmly in sight, wool brokers in the Canterbury and Otago regions would normally be looking forward to a slowing down of wool coming into stores and an increase in wool moving out.

However, due to the global shipping issues being experienced, wool brokers, wool merchants, wool scourers, and wool dumpers and have found themselves continually juggling warehouse storage space to accommodate the larger number of bales being held by exporters, compared to a similar time last year.

Obviously with shipping and land transport issues tripping up the movement of vessels and lorries around the world, all wool exporters in New Zealand are in a similar position, waiting and hoping to have container space allocated as soon as possible to move the wide range of wool types (not just fine wools) to their customers located in more than fifty countries.

Along with delays and shipping space limitations, come additional costs and many stories of considerable freight increases have been relayed during the past several months.

Several shipping companies have increased pricing to cover their costs of visiting NZ ports compared to other closer and possibly

quicker turnaround destinations.

Despite freight challenges, plus a high-flying Kiwi dollar, the NZ wool auction market has maintained very good support from global wool processors, and the exporter bench present at each auction has remained vocal, from behind face masks of course.

From a grower perspective, the coarse wool industry has struggled, and continues to struggle, to deliver meaningful returns and, in my view, there does not appear to be any reason to indicate a sudden upturn in wool price given the uncertain wider environment.

Prices for average style coarse wool measuring from 35 to 40 microns remain in or around the 250 to 270 cents per clean kilogram marks, with best styles reaching nearer 300 cents clean.

More recently a few finer hogget types measuring from about 30 to 32 microns gained slightly better traction fetching prices from around 325 to 355 cents per clean

kilogram. Poor styles displaying heavy discoloration (yellowness) and/or high vegetable matter contamination remained severely discounted. A quantity of old seasons’ wools offered of late also suffered discounts due to their very stale look and generally poor style.

Halfbred and Corriedale wool types have been in good demand although market prices have favoured those measuring around 26 microns and finer.

With limited Chinese demand for wools measuring from around 27 to 29.5 microns, these types have battled however a few exceptionally well grown and well-prepared clips have drawn attention from astute buyers. At the most recent auction, at time of writing, held on 21st October, the finer edge of the Halfbreds were keenly sought after again with auctioneers continually adjusting their calling prices upwards.

A feature of each wool auction in Christchurch dur-

ing the past few weeks, has been the very good selection of Merino wools catalogued.

With European, Scandinavian, and Asian buying interests represented, supported by Australasian interests, the market has been “on fire” across all types and micron ranges. On 21st October a very good selection of hogget wools was offered in Christchurch delivering extremely good results. Many extra-fine lots (14 to 16 microns) easily exceeded $30 per clean kilogram.

A line of hogget wool from “The Bend”, Patearoa, offered by PGG Wrightson, was very keenly sought with a single bale measuring 13.2 microns reaching $81.80 per clean kilogram ($55.30 greasy), and five bales (13.7 microns) at $73.44 clean ($49.50 greasy).

That’s my view.

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42

November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Bright future for farm-raised venison

Deer Industry NZ says venison has a great long-term future and is predicting a steady recovery in prices to farmers in the next 12 months.

❚ by Trevor Walton They say the immediate outlook (during the current European game season) is positive.

In Europe, a recovery is underway, with demand returning both at retail and food service. Also supplies of wild boar, a game meat that competes for sales with frozen venison, have been decimated by an epidemic of African swine fever.

Despite these good omens, the five venison companies and Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) are driving a major shift in sales of frozen venison away from the European game meat trade to non-traditional markets and market segments. Creating demand for venison in the United States and China is a major focus.

Gerard Hickey, deputy chair of the DINZ board and managing director of First Light Foods, says success in the US and China will – together with Europe – provide the industry with three major potential markets to negotiate with when marketing frozen venison.

“This promises to provide greater yearround price stability, higher average prices and more opportunities to add value. This won’t happen overnight, but it is happening.

“Farmers can expect to see prices steadily increase over the next 12 months as traditional markets recover and new markets bear fruit.”

The need to develop new markets was highlighted by the Covid pandemic which revealed how reliant the venison industry is on

sales to restaurants and hospitality. In the case of premium chilled cuts, this is not a long-term concern as demand is spread across many market sectors and will recover as the world finds ways to live with Covid.

Of greater fundamental concern is the exposure venison producers have to fluctuations in demand for frozen venison from the volatile game meat market in Europe. This trade is an important outlet, but is extremely price-sensitive and has a preference for local wild game.

DINZ venison marketing manager Nick Taylor says the development of retail demand in the United States is looking promising. Good progress is being made in the last 12 months and this is now expected to accelerate.

“Farm raised venison is now being actively promoted to consumers in retail stores and on new on-line sales platforms. The companies have generally started with ground or minced venison because it’s a good gateway product – a format that consumers are familiar with. Once consumers are confident with ground, they will often move on to higher value products like medallions.”

Dave Courtney of Silver Fern Farms says it has doubled the number of stores stocking its venison range in the last 12 months.

Venison has outstripped bison as the fastest seller in the exotic category, while their venison product has become the best seller in the venison category.

Gerard Hickey says First Light Foods

Benchmarked production and Johne’s disease info on your deer

65

“Earlier this year we completed some intensive recipe development work, marrying cuts of venison to Chinese cuisine styles.

These cuts and recipes are now being trialled in real restaurant settings,” Taylor says.

The Alliance Group, one of three venison companies licensed to export to China, has developed a range of products suitable for Chinese cuisine styles in association with its market partner, Grand Farm.

Duncan New Zealand executive chair Andrew Duncan says the focus of all venison marketers is on developing high paying markets. He says he would be disappointed if in a year this was not reflected in higher venison prices to farmers.

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has followed-up on its successful launch of ground venison in the US with higher value products such as venison meat balls, medallions and steaks with Lewis Road butter.

Mountain River, which is working in the US with Force of Nature, a retail game meat supplier, is catering for an American awareness of Elk as a quality meat. Marketing manager John Sadler says their retail sales of ground NZ elk/wapiti are outselling venison from red deer, by two to one.

The work by DINZ and marketers in China has focussed on building a deeper understanding of where venison best fits in certain Chinese cuisines. This information is then shared with all major NZ venison marketers.

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43

New Zealand ranks highly in global emissions survey The New Zealand agriculture, land use and forestry sector has been ranked at the top of 32 nations for the way it is getting to grips with climate change issues.

❚ by Kent Caddick For its just-published Net Zero Readiness Index (NZRI), global consultancy KPMG examined 103 indicators of commitment and performance on decarbonizing in 32 countries, which together are responsible for around three-quarters of global emissions.

It ranked New Zealand’s overall national performance in ninth place, with Norway, the UK and Sweden taking out the top three places.

But on the agriculture, land use and forestry league table, New Zealand was at number one, with the report’s authors noting the country’s high levels of forest biomass, low levels of food loss, a comparatively high number of agricultural clean tech companies and the He Waka Eke Noa government and food and fibre sector climate action partnership.

“With environmental NGOs and commentators regularly pointing the finger of blame at our farmers it’s pleasing to see an independent and in-depth assessment tell a very different story,” Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard said.

He said other comments in the report on

the global agricultural scene also resonated with Federated Farmers.

“Unlike so many other studies and commentaries, KPMG recognises that feeding the world has to be balanced with emissions reductions.

“And particularly pertinent to New Zealand, the Net Zero Readiness Index report says gene editing could allow significant progress for food producers in the drive to limit global warming, ‘but many governments are opposed’, with their views ‘often based on older and less sophisticated genetic modification technologies’.”

The report noted that reducing methane is a big issue for New Zealand, given livestock agriculture makes up a large share of our economy.

Hoggard said the technologies KPMG identified, such as low-emission feeds, future breeding programs and methane vaccines, will be key for farmers, who already boast the lowest emissions in the world per kilogram of meat and milk produced.

“While New Zealand ranked No 1 for agriculture, land use and forestry in the NZRI’s sector analysis on decarbonization action

Emissions: Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard says low-emission feeds, future breeding programs and methane vaccines, will be key for farmers to keep emissions low.

‘

Technologies identified will be key for farmers, who already boast the lowest emissions in the world.

and preparedness, we didn’t do so well for the four other sectors.

“For electricity and heat we ranked 6th of 32; for transport we were 30th; for buildings 19th, and for industry 15th.”

Andrew Hoggard Federated Farmers President

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November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

Isuzu MU-X gets five star safety rating The Isuzu MU-X has been awarded the maximum 5-star safety rating from independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP. Article supplied by positions across all three rows.

ANCAP’s 5-star rating announcement Isuzu Utes New Zealand

❚ ❚

The safety performance of the seven-seat Isuzu MU-X follows closely on the heels of its partner model, the Isuzu D-Max, with both Isuzu models now carrying a 5-star safety rating having scored well across all four key areas of ANCAP assessment.

“The MU-X takes advantage of the safety features already demonstrated in the D-Max, and its pleasing to see this strong performance carried over into the Large SUV segment,” ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg said.

“Safety is a must for those in the market for a seven-seat family vehicle, and the MUX provides a safe choice for active families.”

ANCAP commended the all-new MU-X for its standard inclusion of a full suite of airbags, driver monitoring system and intelligent seat belt reminders for all seating

comes shortly after the all-new MU-X went on sale throughout the Isuzu Utes New Zealand dealer network in August.

Isuzu Utes New Zealand General Manager Sam Wallers said the ANCAP announcement reaffirmed their commitment to safety with both the MU-X and D-Max models having achieved the maximum 5-star safety rating.

“With the all-new MU-X sporting the same comprehensive suite of active and passive safety equipment as the new generation DMax, expectations were high for the MU-X. “Due to the similarities between the two models, many of the test results obtained through testing of the D-Max last year were able to be carried across to the MU-X, with supplementar y testing conducted where the MU-X’s design and safety per formance was likely to differ.”

Improved protection: According to independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP the MU-X provides improved protection to the chest and upper legs of the driver and chest and lower legs of the front passenger.

The MU-X was subject to a fresh frontal offset (MPDB) test which revealed a score of 87 percent for Adult Occupant Protection with improved protection offered to the chest and upper legs of the driver and chest and lower legs of the front passenger. This score is among one of the highest scores awarded by ANCAP. The all-new MU-X is fitted with three seatback mounted tether points to accommodate three Child Restraint Seats (CRS) across the middle row, with compatibility for two ISOFIX CSR seats.

All seats – including the third row – feature a seatbelt monitoring system, which relays if a passenger is not buckled up. The All-New MU-X recorded a score of 85 per-

cent for Child Occupant Protection.

According to ANCAP cyclist and pedestrian safety is often a shortfall of large SUVs, but with the high and flat bonnet design, the MU-X provided good protection during the assessment.

The MU-X is one of the few SUVs on market equipped with AEB with Turn Assist, with the system designed to autonomously brake at intersections to avoid driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

The all-new Isuzu MU-X is equipped with the full suite of standardised safety and driver assistance technologies that has earned its place as one of the safest SUVs in its class, with a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

45

New era of clean mobility for Hyundai The IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s new battery-electric midsize SUV and is the flagship model behind the company’s new dedicated EV range.

❚ Article supplied by Hyundai NZ

IONIQ 5 is the first vehicle built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (EGMP). This dedicated battery electric vehicle platform enables faster charging, increased driving range, more interior space and better handling.

The battery pack’s position within the wheelbase ensures ideal weight distribution between the front and rear and a low centre of gravity for improved handling performance.

The IONIQ 5 is available with two battery options: 58 kWh (Standard Range) or 72.6 kWh (Long Range).

Hyundai’s world-first patented technology supports both 400V and 800V charging infrastructure without the need for additional components or adapters. Which means you can get in and out of rapid charging stations faster, because you have the flexibility of using a different charger if one type is occupied.

Depending on your grid connection at home or the type of charging station you have access to, the IONIQ 5 gives you a range of flexible charging possibilities aside from ultra-fast DC charging. You can charge at home overnight to take advantage of offpeak rates or top up at the grocery store when you’re shopping – the powerful 11 kW on-board charger gives you a range of flexible possibilities.

You can add 85km of range in 5 minutes at an ultra-fast charging station, and charge from 10% to 80% in just 25 minutes.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology for intelligent driving, the IONIQ 5’s regenerative braking system charges the battery while driving by using the electric motor to slow the vehicle.

Drivers can control the level of energy the system regenerates and stores in the battery by adjusting the level of regenerative braking with the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The higher the level, the more the car slows and charges the battery when you take your foot off the accelerator.

Furthermore, you can choose an all-wheeldrive version (AWD) with dual electric motors or a rear-wheel drive version (2WD) with a single electric motor. The 72.6 kWh battery delivers 160 kW in 2WD and 225 kW (225 kW) in AWD. The 58 kWh battery provides 125 kW in a 2WD powertrain.

New look: Clean lines and minimalistic structures are a feature of the IoNIQ 5. regenerative braking charges the battery while driving by using the electric motor to slow the vehicle.

The IONIQ 5’s design is a refreshing take on electric vehicles, clean lines and minimalistic structures. The unique clamshell hood spans the entire width of the car, minimising panel gaps for a clean, high-tech look.

The LED lighting showcases its signature Parametric Pixels, jewel-like design elements that will feature on the exterior of all future IONIQ models.

Up front are the distinctive LED headlamps with their 256 cubic pixels, while the innovative LED lighting design can be found in the back as well. Inside the IONIQ 5, the EV platform gave the designers the opportunity to re-create the interior with a larger flat floor, highly adjustable front seats which can be fully reclined, and a flexible centre console that can be moved throughout the cabin.

Environmentally friendly materials are used extensively in the IONIQ 5, like eco-processed leather and recycled yarn.

The recently announced Clean Car Discount provides rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles registered between 1st July and 31st march 2022. rebates include up to $8,625 for new vehicles and $3,450 for used.

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46

November 2021

CANTERBURY FARMING

New Subaru WRX gets an upgrade supplied by ❚ Article ❚ Subaru New Zealand

Equipped with a Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system built around Subaru’s Boxer engine, the WRX is the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance.

Ever since the first model hit the streets back in 1992, the WRX has gained worldwide support from sports car enthusiasts as a distinctive performance car combining impressive sport performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.

Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper said while inheriting the elements that have made WRX, a WRX, throughout four generations, the all-new WRX has further evolved.

“As a result, the value as a performance car and the value as a practical sedan have both been evolutionally enhanced with this 2022 model.”

The power unit has been upgraded to 2.4-litre direct injection Subaru Boxer turbo engine that brings strong, quick, and responsive acceleration. The engine is installed on the highly rigid body and chassis built on the Subaru Global Platform with full inner frame construction that significantly enhances vehicle responsiveness and ride comfort.

“A 2.4-litre direct injection Subaru Boxer turbo engine quickly responds to the driver’s acceleration pedal operation and generates high torque from low rpm.

Not only is there strong acceleration during sports driving, but the engine also delivers a smooth acceleration feel in daily use,

Solid: Full inner frame construction significantly enhances the WrX’s responsiveness and ride comfort.

enhancing the enjoyment of driving.”

In addition, Subaru Performance Transmission incorporates adaptive shift control for a much quicker shifting response, the Drive Mode Select system, which changes the driving characteristics of the car according to the driver’s preference.

Dumper said as a performance sedan which combines enhanced driving excitement and daily practicality, the new WRX offers greater performance, technology and safety to support active lifestyles.

“There has been so much excitement around the global reveal of this much antici-

pated new generation WRX. Subaru Corporation have exceeded expectations – we can’t wait to give Kiwis the opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of a 2.4 turbo engine.

“This could be the last chance for Subaru performance car devotees to get their hands on a WRX as we know it, given the rapid shift in the automotive market towards EV and changes imposed by Government legislation.”

While the WRX is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in 2022, New Zealand doesn’t yet have a confirmed launch date.

More power: The WrX power unit has been upgraded to 2.4-litre direct injection Subaru boxer turbo engine.

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2021

47

The lovely thing about soil It is amazing how a simple comment from someone can open and form a column for this fabulous paper, but that is exactly what happened this week.

❚ with rob Cope-Williams I was talking with an elderly lady who lives in Auckland, and she said that she having huge fun growing things in pots on her balcony, she obviously lives in an apartment or such thing. The story is that she had, many years ago, lived on a large section and was able to have trees and more importantly, a vegetable garden and flower beds.

Now living in a concrete jungle, she has gone, if you can excuse the pun, back to her roots and she is very happy with the results

she is having. In fact she admits to being proud of what she is doing.

I admit that my wee home has no lawn and a very small bit of garden, but I have a sizable deck out the back and a parking area out the front, being on a back section there is no road frontage, so what I have done is amassed a large number of pots including fruit trees, vegetables and herbs.

Hanging pots contain flowers for colour and I might say, I am very lucky having mature trees along the boundaries. Without my pots I am sure I would go potty, as it were.

That leads me onto the fact that now many ‘townies’ are getting their hands dirty, and growing some vegetables, fruit and herbs. A scan of the people at the Mitre 10 Mega will confirm that masses of potting mix and pottles of plants go through the checkout on any one day.

I know that doesn’t help the commercial growers but it is lovely to see that people are reverting back to grow and pick.

Especially when you consider that the old style quarter acre section is now totally in the past.

I rather hope that New World may bring back their seed campaign that encouraged children to grow things for their families.

Isn’t it lovely when you know of children who are growing things, rather than doing whatever they do on their ‘devices’.

A few years ago, schools started to have communal gardens, but of course Covid will have put paid to any of that sort of thing.

Soil; the substance that, when joined with water, feeds the populations and their souls.

Let’s celebrate it.

To worry or not to worry I used to worry a lot. I’m better now. Or at least I think I am. Or hope. Mainly I worried about where everything is going to end up. Like really end up at the end.

❚ by Solis Norton More recently I realized, or re-realized, that there is no end. It’s an important thing for those of us under stress to accept and be comfortable with.

I worried about the big things of course, like climate change, global financial collapse, greenhouse gasses, Covid-19 and when to expect Covid-20 and 21.

Then there’s the medium size things, like regulation of the primary sector. Like Keith Woodford’s great articles on the value of forestry versus sheep and beef farming on interest.co.nz. Like the incoherence and impossible rate of change of all the new rules.

There’s the little things, just to fill the last peaceful moments. Why is there a Covid QR scan code directly above the ‘no cell phone’ symbol on the petrol pump at the gas station? What is the dog burying in my spring vegetable garden? Is it unhealthy for my three year old daughter to collapse into such hysterical laughter when she tells her dad she’s going to do a poo on his head.

I used to worry a lot about where things would end up.

Until someone reminded me that there are no end points. That actually, these are all just points in and endless process. That there will no more be an end to my worries than an end to a tyre spinning along under my Honda CT125.

So thankfully there is nothing to be gained from all this worry and it can be abandoned.

It triggers a brief and disturbing flashback to that crazy alcoholic hippy painter lady who

bailed me up, looked me square in the eye and slurred “relaksh, nothing ish under control”. I think she’s right.

At least in the case of the regional councils, and this looming tsunami of regulation.

The big smiles and sense of relief from others who have realized this are great.

When they notice the great job they are

doing in comparison to the regulators. When they appreciate the council focus is really on the processes, not the outcomes.

I wish everyone worrying about this could appreciate the point. And carry on doing the right thing regardless.

It is a huge sense of relief. Something I reckon many of us could use.

48

November 2021 CANTERBURY FARMING

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