Canterbury Farming, November 2015

November 2015 Edition

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

Potato grower’s new leader

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November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Canterbury tops dairy production figures North Canterbury dairy farmers are leading the country as efficient milk producers according to the latest figures, released on November 17, for the 2014–15 season, which show overall that five million milking cows are producing more milk with more milk solids than 10 years ago.

The New Zealand dairy cow produced on average 4,235 litres of milk last season, 18 percent more than 10 years ago when she was producing 3,574 litres in 2004–05, according to the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2014–15, published annually by industry body DairyNZ and herd improvement cooperative LIC. Cows from Nor th Canterbury are the highest producers. On average each produced 4,706 litres of milk in 2014–15 with 416 kilograms of milk solids.

“North Canterbury cows recorded the highest milk volumes as well as the

highest milk fat, protein and milk solids per cow,” says DairyNZ senior economist Matthew Newman. Taranaki cows recorded the highest percentage of milkfat and West Coast cows gave the highest percentage of protein and milk solids,” In 2014–15 there were just over five million cows producing milk across the country, up from 4.9 million in 2013–14. However, this season farmers have been reducing cow numbers because of the low milk price.

In 2014–15 dair y companies processed 21.3 billion litres of milk containing 1.89 billion kilograms of

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milk solids. Total milk solids increased by 3.6 percent from the previous season.

“This was a record level of milk production and 56 percent higher on a milk solids basis than 10 years ago.”

October is when the spring calving dairy cow hits her milking peak, producing a daily average of 1.98kg milk solids from 23.66 litres of milk in October 2014.

“It’s also when pasture is at its most plentiful and highest quality on farm, providing a perfect synergy which helps to make New Zealand’s pasture-based farming system so efficient,” says LIC’s genetics business manager Greg Hamill. “ T h a t ’s our core competitive advantage here in New Zealand — a costefficient pasture-based farming system, using great cows that are fed well — and that becomes even more important in seasons with a lower milk payout.

“Today’s New Zealand dairy cow, and the new benchmarks

she sets each year, is a result of good breeding and high levels of genetic gain over many years. Combine that with the care and skill of the country’s 11,970 dairy farmers and their ongoing commitment to improving year on year, our cows are highly efficient converters of pasture into milk solids, and that is key to maximising a farm’s profitability.”

DairyNZ subsidiary New Zealand Animal Evaluation Limited manages the National Breeding Objective for New Zealand dairy cattle and calculates genetic gain as worth more than $250,000 to an average sized herd over 10 years. That equates to a contribution of about $300 million annually to the national economy.

Other key 2014–15 dairy statistics show two million cows now call the South Island home for 40 per cent of the national herd, while Waikato has the biggest cow population with 23.4 percent living there.

North Canterbury is the next

Matthem Newman DairyNZ senior economist

highest with 13.4 percent of the national milking herd.

Southland is the only other region reaching doubledigits with 11.4 percent of our dairy cows calling the bottom of the south home.

Two thirds of New Zealand

herds of cows are run by owner-operators, with 17 percent in herds owned by 50:50 sharemilkers and 15 percent in herds run by variable order sharemilkers.

Sharemilker herds continue to decline.

Region

Number of cows

Average A v e r a g e Average kg/milk % of NZ’s dairy cows herd size annual litres of solids per cow in region milk per cow

North Canterbury

672,828

808

4,706

416

13.4%

South Canterbury

244,075

803

4,430

395

4.9%

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CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

Potato grower’s new leader

by Paul Campbell

GOLF & LEISUREWEAR

Canterbury’s broad acreage of potatoes and their growers have a home-nurtured champion after Potatoes New Zealand Inc. appointed a new chief executive with long academic and hands-on links to the province.

Potatoes NZ chair, Stuart Wright announced the appointment of Chris Claridge to the position on November 18, and said he welcomed him to the organisation which has a target of doubling New Zealand fresh and processed potato exports by 2025.

Mr Claridge studied hor ticulture at Lincoln University before gaining a Masters in biotechnology at the University of Canterbury He is also a former Dean of Business Studies and Senior Lecturer in Management at the Christchurch College of Education, worked as a business advisor for Canterbur y Employer s Chamber of Commerce, and ran his own full service agency, specialising in marketing communications, for 11 years.

“Chris brings a wealth of horticultural, business, leadership and marketing experience to the role,” said Mr Wright.

“That will prove invaluable in building on the very good work that has already been done towards achieving our goals of boosting productivity in the sector for the benefit of growers and the New Zealand economy.”

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Science and Technology.

“Horticulture, particularly the application of technology to biological systems, has been an enduring passion for me so I’m very pleased to step up to the challenge of lifting performance in the New Zealand potato sector,” he said “Potatoes are the third most important crop in the world after rice and wheat and

there is great potential to add value. Potatoes New Zealand Inc. is very well positioned to pursue our strategic goals of continuous productivity improvement to increase profitability per hectare and lifting the domestic market by 50 per cent by 2025.”

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November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

From the Minister Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Preparing for El Nino

Country Matters with Rob Cope-Williams

What horses?

It’s been a very busy month for the primary sector since my last column with a lot of positive things happening.

There are many countries whose people celebrate in different ways for different reasons.

The Tr a n s P a c i f i c Partnership (TPP) agreement was completed last month and is hugely exciting for our farmers, fishers, foresters and growers. It removes tariffs off most of our exports and opens up major markets like the Unites States, Japan and Mexico.

We have also announced that free trade negotiations are going to start with the European Union which is a market worth around $20 trillion. This is a small but important first step.

Last month I was also proud to see the police announcing they have made an arrest in Operation Concord — the criminal blackmail threat of dairy products.

Well done to the police and the Ministr y for Primary Industries for their response, and in reassuring

The people in United States have a festival for their independence, love on St Valentine’s Day, and they even celebrate scaring the daylights out of people with their Halloween rituals.

The Brazilian people have huge fun with their street parties — the Chinese celebrate their New Year with gusto and so on.

Here in Canterbury we have cup and show week.

Thousands of dollars are spent by people who use the Tuesday Cup day as a substitute for a party.

Huge excitement, bubbles with breakfast and an all day drinking marathon for many of them. Although I do acknowledge that the organisers have slowed the consumption down to stop the not so great results of past years.

The races, for many, have become secondary for many as fashion and being seen has taken over.

Riccar ton has the luxury of three key days

international markets that our food products are safe.

Another two new industries have just signed up to the Government Industry Agreement on biosecurity — Onions New Zealand and the Forestry Owners Association.

This means they can work together with the Government on managing and respond to the most important biosecurity risks I hosted a kiwifruit industr y function at Parliament a couple of weeks ago to acknowledge the strong bounce back of their industry from the Psa virus. Zespri has now sold over 100 million trays this season which is a great achievement.

And I was interested to see new recent figures showing beef exports have surpassed lamb and mutton

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

exports in value — the first time in 20 years.

It isn’t all good news though. MPI has published information for farmers and growers encouraging them to start preparing now for the dry summer that El Nino could bring. This could mean drier conditions in the east of both islands, so it is important to start planning and preparing now.

On top of all this, I managed to run the New York marathon and sneak in just under four hours, raising money for spinal cord research. I even bumped into Richie McCaw and the All Blacks at Los Angeles airport on the way home and was able to congratulate our awesome World Cup winning team.

So a busy month and lots more to do as we race towards the end of the year.

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taking both Saturdays and the mid week slot.

That for some means three new outfits, but while the fashion aspect is there, there is still a very strong focus on what is happening on the track.

Plus there’s the A and P show which is less focussed on fashion and being seen to be there, but certainly does have a gala atmosphere on the village lawn.

It is interesting that Auckland has tried to copy our special week, but even they can’t recreate the atmosphere we create here in Canterbury.

Perhaps they should stick with things they do well such as boating and yacht racing.

So let’s be proud of our special week.

A week where the city folk can enjoy the traditions that the rural folk have enjoyed ever since Canterbur y was founded.

Does it matter if many don’t actually understand a ny t h i n g about the

horses? They get as much fun out of picking their bets by the sound of the name or their lucky number as the informed people do after studying the form over several months.

At the show it doesn’t matter if the city visitors don’t even know the breeds of the cattle, they can still appreciate the size and whatever other aspects they see the cattle through.

There is a continuing gap growing between the urban and rural sectors as all our lives take on more and more speed, technology and stress, so a week long party seems like a very good reason for us all to get together.

We don’t even think about the funds that the week brings to our region, or the boost that it has for our retailers and hospitality people, because it is simply a great week to celebrate the build up to Christmas, the end of winter and to celebrate our roots in our fabulous province.

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CANTERBURY FARMING November 2015

O’Connor Comments with Damien O’Connor Opposition Spokesman on Agriculture

Our future A group of young emerging leaders in the primary sectors were brought together by KPMG for a day and discussed the issues that they consider important for our future.

The report on their views is certainly worth reading and offers a fresh perspective on the more traditional leaders’ reports we have been reading for some years.

The harsh reality for those of us who are not so young is that these young leaders deserve more attention than the old leaders. Unfortunately that is not happening often enough in the conservative primary sectors and too many people are recycled through leadership roles when new blood is desperately needed.

More open markets, emerging technology and consumer expectations are changing the world rapidly and just as we accept the redundancy of our telephones, we must realise the occasional redundancy of our established wisdom.

A presentation by a United States futurist thinker was another prompt to realign my views on what we need for a sustainable economy.

Producing and selling more

of the same will not deliver New Zealand a prosperous future even though more people need more protein as the National Government keeps preaching.

Rural and farming viability will depend upon so much more and the underlying messages of innovation, collaboration and branding from the younger leaders were strong and consistent.

While we have heard it before the lack of progress by existing industry leaders means we must provide emerging leaders with an opportunity to develop their skills and take up positions of leadership across the agribusiness sector.

While wisdom and experience are invaluable, fresh innovative thinking is the key ingredient of a future focussed economy.

Generating interest in the amazing opportunities for challenging and rewarding careers in agriculture has not been easy. While the numbers in university degrees is now increasing there is a huge deficit in the numbers of highly educated and skilled people we need.

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At every level of farming from tractor driving, milking cows through to frontline scientists, New Zealand is very dependant on migrants who chose New Zealand as a place to work. Their ability to become permanent residents is dependant on government policy of the day and often creates frustration for them and uncertainty for agriculture.

We have to ask young Kiwis what we can do to attract a new generation to farming to ensure vibrant and sustainable rural communities.

The blockages that we as older New Zealanders create must be torn down to allow our young leaders to lead us into a smarter economy. One where rewards can be shared with teams of innovative businesses that work collaboratively to maximise the value of everything we produce and sell to the world.

That is the only option for New Zealand and we need to act swiftly or fall further behind our international trade competitors as producers of quality food and fibre. We need to act now.

A Green Perspective with Eugenie Sage, Green Party Primary Industries spokesperson

Native plants and wildlife are special

Eighty million years of geographical isolation and the diversity of our land and seascapes mean Aotearoa/New Zealand is a global hotspot for biodiversity.

In pre-human times New Zealand was probably very noisy, with large flocks of tui, kaka, and korimako/ bellbird, kakapo booming at night and millions of petrels darkening the sky when they returned to their burrows on coastal headlands.

It’s a different story today.

Much of the landscapes and habitats our native plants and wildlife once called home are now farmland or urban sections.

Some argue that you need to ‘balance’ the economy with the environment - that we can exploit the environment as long as we don’t push its systems to the point of collapse.

I would argue that a strong economy and the benefits of jobs, prosperity and thriving communities cannot exist without a healthy environment. We need to prioritise this

because of New Zealand’s biodiversity crisis.

Predation and habitat destruction and degradation mean 85% of our native lizards, 74% of our native freshwater fish species, 40% of our native birds and nearly 40% of our native plants risk extinction.

Our remaining native forests, shr ublands, wetlands and rivers need protection for the habitat and the ecosystem services they provide – clean water, clean air, and erosion protection.

Many farmers, such as those with QE II covenants - those who have fenced wetlands, are planting streambanks, and/or controlling weeds and rats - stoats and possums have realised this. Their efforts are often inspiring.

Yet habitat destruction continues. A 2015 ECan repor ts says between

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1990 and 2012, more than 11,630ha of undeveloped land along the margins of Canterbury rivers such as Rakaia and Waiau was conver ted to intensive agricultural use. 40% of this was public land. The habitat these undeveloped margins provided for native plants, insects and lizards is now gone.

That’s why the Green Party wants a stronger RMA and a National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity with strong policies and standards so that councils give more weight to protecting native species and habitats.

Many threatened plants and animals live outside the conservation estate so private landholders have a crucial role.

Some 28% of kiwi habitat, 70% of threatened lizard species, and some threatened plant species are found on private land.

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November 2015

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Country Law

Money Talk with Andrew Wyllie

with Ronald W. Angland & Son

Rights of co-owners between themselves Co-owners in property, however their ownership is legally structured, own on the basic principle of unity of possession. This is to say they all have equal rights as to enjoyment and possession of the entire property, even if their ownership shares are unequal.

Issues can arise around actual use and occupation and propertyrelated expenses in these instances. If, for example, all the co-owners are not in occupation at the property and it is being treated as a rental then all would expect the rental expenses and income to be apportioned in a manner consistent with their ownership share.

In terms of expenses, monies advanced by one owner entirely voluntarily above-and-beyond what the co-owners are responsible for will generally be considered lost with the exception that, on a sale, such expenditure may be recoverable to the extent that the expense increased the value of the property — in that scenario all the co-owners will benefit from the expenditure so it is only fair that there be some recompense. However, during

a period of co-ownership one co-owner cannot compel others to reimburse them for voluntary repairs or improvements not agreed to by all the parties.

Examples of improvements made by one party which required reimbursement by the other co-owners might be a conservatory, decking, solar heating, etc.

It should be borne in mind that any amount recoverable is no more than the amount actually spent, even if the improvements generate a greater general value on the property.

Where only one co-owner pays instalments on the mortgage, or insurance, or rates on the property, it is arguable that these instances are not a voluntary expenditure, and recompense may be appropriate. If such expenses are not recovered at the time then upon sale there may be an equitable accounting; h o wev e r, these payments tend to be considered more on a caseby-case basis as they do not add value to the property.

When one co-owner is in sole possession generally all the owners must nevertheless share the costs of ownership

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— an owner who fails to exercise the rights of use and occupation has no claim for compensation from the owner that did actually occupy.

There are exceptions to this rule where payment of a fair occupation rent to the non-occupying party is appropriate — where one co-owner has actually excluded the other and wrongfully prevented him/ her from having use of the common property, or where there is an agreement in place stating one has use of the property on such a basis. Similarly, where one co-owner received more than his/her share of rent from a rental property there is an ability to recover what is owed to the other.

Issues can arise b e t we e n co-owners in various situations.

Obviously, where a relationship fails and the parties were living together these issues arise. Other co-ownership issues can arise in relation to crossleases, office blocks, blocks of flats, timeshare arrangements, etc. and in these instances the co-ownership rights are usually more formally defined from the outset through legal ar rangements such as shared title, corporate entities or leasehold interests.

This article has been prepared by Craig Wakelin, a Solicitor with Ronald Angland & Son, Solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 324 3033 or e-mail: craig@anglands. co.nz

Investment Markets update Covering the three months ended October 31, 2015 Global Environment Global growth has slowed in recent months on the back of weaker Chinese growth and its flow-on impact to emerging markets.However, domestic demand fundamentals remain solid in the United States and Europe, while Chinese economic data is not suggesting a sharp slowdown.

This leaves the world’s three largest economies on a reasonably sound footing.

Although economic growth has slowed in the United States, it is expected to remain suppor ted by improving consumer sentiment, with consumption being boosted by the ‘gain’ from the collapse in oil prices and improving real wage growth.

Persistent low inflation meanwhile suggests that global Central Banks are expected to keep monetary conditions accommodative by way of low interest rates.

An extension of the European Central Bank’s bond purchases has already been foreshadowed, and Japanese authorities are expected to follow suit.

The United States remains the only major developed economy where monetary policy may be tightened.

However, even if the Federal Reserve raises official cash rates for the first time in several years, this tightening cycle is expected to be more restrained than previous cycles meaning growth is unlikely to be derailed.

Global Equity Markets Taking a look at equity markets, we did see declines over the last quarter although they did finish on a stronger note. Factoring a lower growth outlook into future earnings expectations was a primary reason for declines in

equity prices. The correction also reflected some profittaking after a period of strong returns.

The weakest performing equity market over the quarter was Hong Kong. This market was impacted by both Chinese equity market declines, as well as lower mainland China economic growth rates.

The Japanese equity market also declined, impacted by weaker export data and expectations of the need for the Bank of Japan to implement further stimulatory measures.

Australian and New Zealand Equity Markets Australian equities continued the trend, with New Zealand dollar returns further impeded by the weakness in the Australian dollar. Energy companies led the declines, with lower oil prices continuing to weigh on their earnings outlook and projects being written down in value. Margin compression and lower than expected growth implied by Telstra’s earnings guidance weighed on telecommunications, while equity raisings across the banking sector contributed to weakness in that sector. Like other equity markets Australian equities generally performed better during October.

New Zealand equities proved to be very resilient, with a positive return for the quarter. Healthcare, Spark and transport companies provided the best of the returns.

Fixed Interest Market Looking at the fixed interest market, interest rates moved lower over the last quarter as another cut in New Zealand’s Official Cash Rate was priced into shorter-

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| E ben.turner@bayleyscanterbury.co.nz

term rates. Persistently low inflation also led to longerterm bond yields moving slightly lower.

There is little from a macro sense that can lead to significant increases in interest rates. However, with these factors already well known, the scope for longer-term interest rates to fall materially is limited (outside the impact of any global shock).

An increase in international corporate bond issuance, along with greater risk aversion, has led to higher ‘spreads’ on corporate bonds.

We have not, as yet, seen that same widening in corporate spreads in New Zealand, although there are signs the market may be moving in that direction.

This is a trend which investors need to consider as issuance picks up in New Zealand. On that note, BNZ have recently announced a new Fixed Interest issue seeking up to $300 million, with an indicative rate of over 5% for the initial five year term. Contact an Authorised Financial Adviser for full details.

If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.forsythbarr. co.nz/investing-with-us/ new-to-investing/ or contact Andrew Wyllie, an Authorised Financial 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 should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

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THIS SUMMER

Think water safety

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

November 2015

7

New food rules to take effect

Ministry warns on El Nino As weather forecasters predict strong El Nino conditions over summer and into autumn next year, the Ministry of Primary Industry has warned the event could rank among the strongest on record.

CANTERBURY FARMING

by Paul Campbell

For schoolyard sausage sizzles, farmers’ markets, on farmproducers and horticulture packhouses, all the way up to city supermarkets and major institutions, new food safety regulations are coming into force in March 2016.

The ministry says each El Nino is different and its impacts on our climate cannot be easily predicted, but that New Zealand generally experiences stronger or more frequent winds from the south-west in spring, and from the west in summer. This typically leads to cooler temperatures and more rain in the west with drier conditions in the north and east El Nino is the extreme end of a natural cycle known as the El Nino Southern Oscillation, during which major changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation result in a sustained period of warming in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.

El Nino occurs every three to seven years on average,

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during which easterly Pacific trade winds weaken for a prolonged period or even reverse direction, moving warm surface waters eastward along the equator and preventing cold, deep water from upwelling on the tropical west coast of South America.

This leads to extensive warming of large regions of the ocean and influences weather patterns across the Pacific.

‘El Nino will increase the chances of more frequent and extreme adverse weather events so farmers, growers, and the rural community need to think about how they will prepare’. The ministry checklist warns farmers to have a plan in place with set dates for decisions depending

on climate conditions and to discuss the plan with trusted advisers and update it over time.

Irrrigation water needs to be used efficiently and plans should be made for water restrictions.

Other advice is for those on the land to meet with their bank, accountants, vets, professional advisers, and peers who have experienced previous El Nino events.

‘Make time for yourself, your staff and your family.

Look out for your neighbours.

Sometimes a few hours away from the business can make a huge difference.

‘If you are unsure where to go for advice or assistance, contact the Rural Support Trust to find out what your options are’.

To help producers and handlers, Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew has launched an online tool to clarify how various businesses will be affected by the new Food Act when it becomes law.

“Under the new Food Act there will be different rules for different businesses, depending on what they make or sell, and to who,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“We’ve created this online tool so that anyone providing or selling food can easily find out how the new food safety rules apply to them.”

Businesses that will use a food control plan (FCP) include manufacturers of meat, poultry, fish, dairy or processed egg products as well as restaurants, cafes, takeaways, catering, or hospital kitchens.

Others affected are food retailers that prepare or manufacture and sell food — including retail butchers, fishmongers, delis, and supermarkets and manufacturers of fresh ready-to-eat salads and other meals, nonshelf stable sauces, dips or dressings, among many more.

The on-line food tool moves

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through a series of ‘yes/no’ questions to identify which requirements businesses will need to follow.

“We have about 45,000 food businesses throughout New Zealand, as well as people involved in other food activities,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“The new Food Act will ensure low to medium risk businesses are not overburdened by requirements, and that high risk businesses, such as those dealing with raw meats, will meet more stringent food safety criteria.

“We designed the Act so food businesses can manage food safety themselves in a

way that suits their business, while ensuring New Zealand has a system that meets the highest possible standards.

“There is also a clear exemption for traditional Kiwi activities like fundraising, sausage sizzles, and home baking at school fairs. The only rule is to ensure that the food is safe and suitable to eat.”

The new Food Act comes into force on March 1,2016. Existing businesses will be given a three-year transition period to move to the new rules. Full details are on the MPI website: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/foodsafety/food-act-2014/wheredo-i-fit/

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November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

SECOND CHANCE FOR SPIRIT ECLIPSE

BY AYLA MILLER

Racehorse Spirit Eclipse’s story is of hope, second chances and the power of community.

A

fter sustaining a serious training injury through no fault of his own, his future looked bleak, until the team at Canterbury Equine Centre heard about him and set about to save his life whilst helping those in need through the Ronald McDonald House South Island.

Spirit Eclipse is a six-yearold ordinary racehorse who had 21 starts for one win.

When the injury occurred in late 2014, owners had only two options — to euthanise him or to spend an uneconomic amount to repair his leg in the hope that he would make a full recovery and race again.

This is where Bill Bishop, skilled equine veterinarian, and his team at Canterbury Equine Clinic come in.

Bill has had 40 years of experience in the equine veterinary industry, studying in South Otago in 1972.

After some time overseas he returned to New Zealand to run the Canterbur y Equine Clinic with friend and colleague Peter Scholes in 1978.

“We get a lot of requests for sponsorships and we had been involved with Ronald McDonald House South Island as a sponsor for the last two years with their annual polo tournament.

We saw the problems these

young people face and thought what a wonderful charity it was,” Bill says.

The team saw an opportunity to help and offered their services to perform surgery on Spirit Eclipse as well as donating his ongoing veterinary care.

Spirit Eclipse suffered from a fracture of his pastern bone, an injury that usually results in the end of racehorses careers and often lives.

“The procedure took two hours and we had to put a cast on his leg to recover the horse. He has come through and his leg is now better than new and he is having no problems. We do quite a lot of these procedures because it

Spirit Eclipse was given a second chance, thanks to the team at Canterbury Equine Clinic

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An x-ray of three screws in the bone after surgery was performed by Bill Bishop and his team of equine vets

Lydia and Spirit Eclipse have formed a close bond, having been through similar tests of endurance is a typical racehorse injury.

A lot of people still have the idea that if a horse breaks a bone then you just shoot it. But we can put him back together and we get good results. It’s very satisfying and when he retires we already have a home arranged for him.”

It took a long time to recover but the operation has been deemed a success.

Since the operation Spirit Eclipse has taken a second, a third and a fifth place during races at Methven.

Lydia Benner knows first hand what a difference the Ronald McDonald House can

make in a person’s life as she and her family are staying in the South Island house.

Lydia has a brain tumour and has been made ambassador of Spirit Eclipse, bringing a personal element to the reason behind saving him. He races in special Ronald McDonald colours and winnings from his races are entirely donated to the Ronald McDonald House South Island.

Bill says the most satisfying par t of the project has been seeing the smiles on Lydia’s face when she spends time with Spirit Eclipse.

“It is the first time her parents had seen her smile and laugh for a couple of years so it is really wonderful.”

A Spirit Eclipse syndicate made up of Spirit Eclipse Char ter Members, was formed to cover the costs of his training, provided at a significantly discounted rate by trainer Nigel McGrath.

“This is a story of the power of community,” says Bill. “We, and the racing community were in a position to help this horse and to raise money for a worthy cause.”

To be a Spirit Eclipse supporter go to spiriteclipse. co.nz to donate.

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10

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING MENDIP HILLS

by Ann Morgan

Simon Lee is the manager of Mendip Hills Station in North Canterbury, which is home to 1,120 breeding cows, as well as progeny two-year-old heifers, steers, sheep and red deer.

S

imon is married to Meesha and they have three children. Simon grew up on a sheep and beef farm in the Wairarapa and has been the manager of the 6,130ha property for nine years. He studied for his agriculture diploma at Telford, South Otago.

“My employers have three properties, this one, one in Spotswood of 180 hectares and one in Ashburton of 155 hectares.

Simon is responsible for seven staff across all the properties and all the farms

have beef, sheep and deer.

“I am responsible for the day to day, week to week and year to year running of all the properties. My employers trust me to do the job and let me do the job my way — they are great to work for. I am ultimately answerable for all things regarding the whole operation.

“We have been involved in a progeny test with Beef and Lamb NZ for six years and last year we artificially inseminated 529 cows with genetics which we have selected for different traits.

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“There are five farms in New Zealand doing the trial.

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“There is a lot involved — we record everything we can

Simon and some of his shepherds docking the spring lambs

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to give details back to Beef and Lamb NZ and the wider industry. I like cattle and I like giving any information possible to the wider farming community to help them for now and the future.

“I am a fan of Hereford cattle and Angus bulls. We have more Hereford than Angus. When I first started here they had Herefords and always had them until I started cross breeding. I began putting Angus bulls over my poor performing cows which gave me a bit of hybrid vigour and I knew if there was a black calf it was from a poor cow and wouldn’t use them as replacements. Eventually I did and now have cross breed stock.

The total operation winters 39,000 stock units. There are 70 young hereford bull

calves retained for sale into the dairy industry and an additional 300 steers join the others on the finishing farms.

The whole operation has 280 hectares of irrigation and they farm Romney sheep with 10,400 mated ewes and they also winter 4000 hoggets.

“I use Romney because I have found they suit this country and my style better than others.

“We finish all our lambs within our farms, and have also brought in more lambs as well in good seasons. The lambing percentage is 142 per cent to ewes mated.

Annual draft ewes are sold at ewe fairs and shearing is done once a year in March/ April, with a team coming on — farm for approximately a week. “We have done lots of things for the industry

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With the snowcapped ranges in the background, the staff move the stock on horseback to greener pastures in general. We have run all sorts of field days and are actively involved in the community including dog trials. As far as a farm goes in the area, we are involved in many organisations and are doing all sorts of trials for the industry in general to advance.

“We have 1250 breeding hinds of red deer and all progeny are fattened. There are also 310 yearling hinds plus sire stags. Before we came here they had deer.

I like them as an animal and we plan to continue expanding them.

All the fattening progeny go to the farm in Ashburton

and are used for export. They suit our growth curve and they are low input animals, low labour and easy to care for in general.

“Farming three types of animal means things are done at different times of the year so they all dovetail into each other. This makes life interesting having different things happening all year round.

“We have been in a drought for about 18 months now and are just having to work with it.

We ourselves have got stock out on grazing for this coming spring. It’s not easy and it is what it is really at the end of the day.”

11

November 2015

In the midst of a drought the sheep at Mendip Hills Station keep on the move

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WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

Irrigation Issues with Dr Tony Daveron

The perfect storm Reading media articles in the past two to three weeks has had me wondering what country some live in. It has been clear and obvious to the farming sector (I mean those doing the farming) we were heading for a very dry and demanding growing season months before El Niño (or whatever the cause) has become the topic of discussion.

So to ‘The perfect storm’ or aka as we like to use the expression describes an event where a ‘rare combination of circumstances will aggravate a situation drastically’. Wikipedia also

defines the term as one ‘used to describe an actual phenomenon that happens to occur in such a confluence, resulting in an event of unusual magnitude’. Those circumstances in 2015-16

that have the potential for the ‘perfect growing and irrigation season storm’ are: 1. Very strong El Niño conditions 2. Low to very low groundwater levels

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3. Low to very low cumulative 2015 rainfall in key areas 4. Low to very low soil moisture reserves I have repeatedly commented in previous articles about the strength of the El Niño indicators — something not seen since 1997-98. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has pretty much mimicked 199798 since June and has been as strong or stronger in the last four months.

As we know this typically results in lots of westerly, SW and NW weather, low rainfall on the east coast and often strong NW winds. So it has been and so it will be it seems all the way till April if the mimicking of 199798 continues.

What about groundwater levels? Once again in previous articles I have discussed how low groundwater levels and little recharge occurred in the 2015 winter. In their October state of water resources report, ‘approximately 79% of the wells we monitor’ have levels below the longterm October mean. Coastal bores in the area north of the

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Rakaia River and West Melton are still very low.

Obser vation bore M36/1926 in the mid-plains had similar low/little recharge in both 1997 and 2015, but 2015 recharge began from significantly lower starting levels. As I wrote last month, as soon as irrigators began we would see the reverse of the ‘kick back’ with water levels dropping nearly 5m in a month. The second factor in the perfect storm is worse than 1997-98 by a fair distance.

No need to tell any of the readers that rainfall has been below average — no big south easterly rainfall events in the autumn or winter in 2015.

Recent NIWA reports for the end of October show rainfall deciles in parts of Canterbury are the lowest on record — North Canterbury and parts of the central plains in particular.

Most of Canterbury has received less than 40% of the long-term average

rainfall. Hmm — with El Niño conditions potentially till April — well it just won’t get much better.

The fourth factor of the perfect storm is a ‘no-brainer’ — with 40% of long-term average rainfall it is a given soil moisture reserves will be low or very low. We’ve known that since March.

We’ve known about the last two factors and the potential for the ‘perfect storm’ since early winter. However, it never ceases to surprise me how long it takes for some to become aware. For example: in the Rural News Group Bulletin of November 3, one headline read ‘Bank on drought watch’ stating the ‘Reserve Bank has joined farmers on drought watch, refusing to reduce the official cash rate from 2.75% in part because of the predicted El Nino’. No… ! Where have they or their advisors been all year? Certainly not outdoors in Canterbury, maybe not even in the South Island.

WATER

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

13

The ‘Know to make it Flow’ Andrew Curtis, Irrigation New Zealand CEO

Hot summer sharpens focus on efficient water use By the time you read this, IrrigationNZ will have launched our SMART Watering campaign in conjunction with seven partners.

The pilot campaign — being rolled out in four districts in Canterbury — focusses water users on the part they can play in conserving water.

This summer will be a critical time for water use.

We know how dry it gets in Canterbury and this year it is set to be worse than usual. NIWA is predicting low seasonal rainfall in Canterbury and Otago and media reports about the severity of El Nino are rife.

Concerns are mounting about water restrictions and what this means for farmers, businesses and those at home who want to enjoy green grass, sprinklers and swimming pools over the summer break.

Aware of these concerns, Irrigation New Zealand has teamed up with Timaru, Ashbur ton, Selwyn and Waimakariri District Councils,

Environment Canterbur y (ECan) and industry partners RX Plastics and Water Supply Products — to use SMART Watering as a way to share information and education about how to make water go further this season.

Home gardeners, community groups and businesses will be able to access simple factsheets and guidelines on easy ways for efficient water use. New SMART Watering webpages have been added to the current SMART Irrigation website (www.smartirrigation. co.nz) to widely communicate good water management practice. These webpages sit alongside a new Facebook site aimed at urban gardeners; wateringsmart h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/WateringSMART/ and one targeted at irrigating far mer s ir rigatesmar t h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

com/IrrigateSMART/ It is a way to help everyone get through what is likely to be another ‘Big Dry’. Key messages include knowing how much your garden needs, ensuring any moisture is retained, and distributing water in the garden effectively.

Also, simple things like what you plant, how it’s shaded and the mulch you use can all make a big difference to water use and evaporation.

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The east coast of the South Island is already classed in drought and Government is advocating the importance of planning and preparing for very dry El Nino conditions highlighting the seriousness of the situation and making this a very timely campaign. The SMART Watering campaign is about all communities coming together to make an effort to make the best of our precious natural resource.

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November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Deep in the heart of the Dordogne, Perigord Noir, in south-western France, Paul Campbell visited an old friend’s sprawling chateau, sited among 50 acres of rolling land, part forest and part walnut plantation. It wasn’t long before he was . . .

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arrived to find my pal, Pierre, with a finger badly crushed in an accident involving a tractor and a tree, as he inspected his walnut farm. He greeted my arrival with an appeal for help. It was harvest time, and his ability to help out was rather limited.

I’ve had a Kiwi upbringing, harvesting potatoes and kumaras on school holiday jobs, scrub cutting, tractordriving, milking on an uncle’s’ farm. Walnuts? Shouldn’t be a problem.

That’s when Pierre mentioned his 700 trees and a 10 tonne harvest.

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Plantation patrol: Paul Campbell on pre-harvest inspection duty ripening date required, I soon found myself the man of the moment.

But expectations of overseeing a host of seasonal workers picking walnuts from the ground beneath the trees were soon dispelled.

First job off the rank was mowing the verdant grass between each lane of trees to a close crop, a task that took a couple of days on a familiar steed — a Massey Ferguson tractor-mower.

Then the cavalry arrived in the form of some mechanised locals. The old hand-picking days were long gone, and in their place was another tractor with a contraption on the PTO that clamped onto each tree trunk in turn and simulated an earthquake. Suddenly it was raining walnuts, shaken from the husks and piling up below the trees, along with the odd dead branch and not a few leaves.

A man with a powerful version of a leaf-blower then marshalled the nuts into windrows, and then another

entered aboard a giant vacuum cleaner on wheels.

Another day and a half of roaring machines then saw a 10-tonne truck loaded to the brim and heading for a washing and grading plant nearby.

A subsequent wander through the trees turned up many a basket of overlooked nuts, as well as some unwanted chestnuts that would go into the chateau’s autumn and winter larder. And it was job tidy.

Perigord hosts thousands of walnut trees and the history of their produce dates back many thousands of years to the cave dwellers who once inhabited the rocky cliffsides of the area, and whose cave art today is a huge tourist draw.Peasants of mediaeval times paid their debts in nuts, or walnut oil, which was traded afar afield as Holland, Germany and Britain following the October — November harvest.

The region today boasts the Ecomusee de la Noix,

that salutes the walnut’s place in the history of the region’s commerce.

From Pierre, over a glass or two of post-harvest vin du noix — a liqueur made from leaves and nuts steeped in alcohol, I learned that locals attribute health and longevity to the nut which boasts cholesterol-lowering properties and is high in potassium, zinc, copper and magnesium.

The nuts go around the world in a variety of food treatments, in cheeses, breads, even jams and sauces and other confections, or simply as nuts for the Christmas table. And nothing goes to waste. On a visit to a local market in the nearby town of Sarlat, I found ground up walnut shells on sale as cat litter.

But, back at the chateau, perhaps the finest memory of my time as a Kiwi walnut harvester, was enjoying some local pate foie gras, wild pork and venison from the estate forests — and that walnut

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Paul Campbell travelled in France with assistance from SNCF and Rail Europe.

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November 2015

FORESTRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd An unexpected turnaround What a difference a month makes! In the last four weeks we have seen log export prices move rapidly off a 10-year low to a 10year high!

This staggering and very unexpected turnaround is the consequence of marked increases in settlements in China together with slight reductions in shipping rates and the US/Kiwi$ exchange rate.

These factors have combined to result in a staggering NZ$35+ per cubic metre increase for logs at the wharf gate (NZ). However the situation looks to remain very fragile for some time.

We would anticipate some volatility over the next three months as the market comes to grip with wildly fluctuating circumstances, not the least being uncertainty over the macro economics of the new China.

There is no doubt the rapid increase in prices in US$ landed in the market terms (CNF) is the direct consequence of a knee jerk reaction in China. When prices dropped, it took some time for the inventory at the eastern seaboard ports to drop as NZ slowly cranked down supply. Part of this

relates to the failure of some of the larger forest owners to react to clear market signals.

Some of it relates to pure wood flow and the time it takes for the wood to move out of the system once key factors change.

In the final analysis, inventory levels did eventually drop, in the case of two key ports, to almost nothing.

China buyers started to panic when they saw the potential for running out or wood. Some commentators have argued prices did not need to fall as far as they did for there to be a slow-down in supply. Others have argued it took the low level to wake the big boys up (gender free of course) and make them realise the loggers had to slow down or else low prices were on the horizon for the foreseeable.

The net consequence of all this is a reversion to an increase in supply, the extent of which is currently difficult to quantify. There is no question the slump saw a great deal of capacity come out of forest harvest. Some

logging crews and logging truck owners have exited and allowed their financiers to pick up the pieces.

Others have exited and put everything on the market. And out of the carnage of this very imperfect storm called supply and demand, there are the inevitable casualties, but also opportunities.

On the domestic front, centred on Christchurch, the drop in demand we saw three to four months ago does not appear to have recovered.

This relates to the house frame (pre-nail) segment where there appears to have been a saturation level reached. Most sawmills are quoting a slow-down, also commenting the key players in this segment are chasing each other down the price spiral staircase.

The traditional F7 (framing) market in Australia has been a good volume market for Canterbury Sawmills. This market is also under some price pressure, again a supply and demand space in time.

The rising exchange rate

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is also taking most of the margin out of this business.

On the positive side, sawmills are commenting the DYI market, typically home handyman and small builder company box store sales, are strong. Some believe this is a pre-Christmas rush to get the wife’s list shortened, others are quoting a shift from house build to getting the boundary fence, pergola and deck ready for the barbecue season.

In ter ms of how commentators view Christchurch, there appears to be a consensus the reconstruction faze is moving from domestic housing to commercial buildings. And of course this sector still persists with those nasty high pollution components called steel and concrete.

As I drive around the city it is good to see some

projects have the token wood included. At least we can say there will be some carbon stored and locked within the city’s rebuild.

The utilisation segment of the NZ forest industry in tandem with some very clever engineers are developing wood construction elements than can include multi-story wood commercial buildings using practically only wood.

As a consequence there are many such buildings that have been and are being constructed throughout NZ. Those technologies are developing at a rate that will continue to improve cost effectiveness and ease of construction. We can all look forward to the day when common sense and sustainability actually prevail and wood becomes the product of choice and

requirement. To emphasise the impact of climate change and how forests and wood might feature in the go forward plan, we should contemplate the words of Barack Obama.

‘All across the world, in every kind of environment and region known to man, increasingly dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the long-running debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it’s here, and its effects are giving rise to a frighteningly new global phenomenon — the man-made natural disaster’.

Thus it has never been more timely to remember, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

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FORESTRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Research awards go southwards

EMERGENCY

DIAL 111

Forest science is on a roll in the South Island, in light of the fact that Canterbury based researchers have taken home four out of five of New Zealand’s forest growing research awards for 2015.

The recipients of the 2015 awards were: Innovation that enhances sector value — Professor XiaQiChen, Bart Milne and Chris Meaclem, College of Engineering, Canterbur y University, for their work on tele-operation and autonomous har vesting machines. Their development of innovative guidance systems and a new tree felling head have acted as a further catalyst to the rapidly expanding use of machines for felling and extracting trees off steep land.

Research participation and implementation — Aaron Gunn, Blakely Pacific NZ Ltd, Christchurch, for the contribution he has made to steering industry research programmes and for his work in fostering the uptake by the forest industry of remote sensing technology such as LiDAR. Science of international standing — Eckehard Brockeroff, Scion, Christchurch for the work he has done to raise the international profile of the importance of biosecurity to protect New Zealand from

incursions that have the potential to inflict devastating harm to trade, the economy and the environment.

Contribution to a science team — Annette Brockeroff, Scion, Christchurch for the very strong management support she has provided to the industry’s flagship research programme, Growing Confidence in Forestry’s Future.

This programme has the ambitious target of doubling forest productivity and forest value while maintaining the forest growing sector’s strong focus on sustainability and minimising environmental impacts.

The awa r d s we r e introduced in 2011 by the Forest Owners Association to recognise research efforts in five key areas that underpin the success of forestry in New Zealand.

Russell Dale, the association’s research and development manager, says the association brings together industry funding for research and provides a channel for obtaining matching public funding.

Much of this funding comes

from the Forest Growers Levy introduced in 2014.

“We also put great emphasis on ensuring grower-funded research is relevant to industry needs, is managed effectively, and that the results of the research are disseminated to forest growers. We want to ensure maximum benefit from this funding to individual growers and the wider

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November 2015

industry,” Mr Dale says.

The only award to skip Canterbury was that for Communication and sector engagement, which went to John Moore, Scion Rotorua, for his work in identifying opportunities to improve productivity and the value of forests and engaging with large and small forest owners to communicate the key findings of his research.

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17

18

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

HARVEST PREPARATION Storing up nature’s bounty

by Andy Bryenton

A plentiful harvest is a satisfying achievement — it means a season of tackling climate, pests and disease, nutrient issues have come to fruition, and all that hard work has literally reaped rewards.

But, as ancient man knew, the harvest is only as good as where you store it.

Advancements in technology in this field have led to massive improvements in the quality of human life over the years, and it’s arguable that without our freezers, grain silos and the like that the huge population of the modern world could not be fed at all. Methods of keeping stored goods fresh and insect free have also come a long way with modern silos and storehouses able to be safely fumigated with no detrimental effect to the product or to its eventual consumers.

The grain silo itself may have actually have been a bigger historical invention than the wheel. Without it,

nomad tribes would not have been able to settle down in one place and farm the land.

Coming soon after the advent of pottery, grain storage silos underground were made of fired clay, and have been uncovered in ruins in Turkey from over 12,000 years ago.

The civilisations of Egypt and Sumeria may have been made famous for their temples and pyramids, but it was their ability to store grain for the dry season or the winter which made them great.

Nowadays, silo technology is both close to the ancient ideal and very far removed from it technologically.

Custom engineered steel and rotationally moulded polyurethane silos replace buried ceramic and terracotta,

and advanced volumetric and quality control sensors are available to monitor the contents within, scanning for changes in temperature and moisture content which may signal problems. While the ancients relied on cats to keep vermin out — the likely reason we domesticated these animals in the first place — the modern silo system is thorough proof against such incursions, so long as it is well maintained.

Hence, before the harvest comes in, savvy farmers will be checking the integrity of their storage spaces, and stepping up their baiting and deterrent measures around farm buildings and storage structures.

The post-harvest phase,

before storage, is also a time to analyse this year’s crop and break down factors for an equally good — or even better — season next time around. Grain analysis has become almost forensic in its ability to isolate factors which may improve the soil

or growing conditions, and, as noted in this publication recently, the sampling of grain has been made easier with the advent of automated sampling systems, such as the ‘Heron’ automated probe. The ability to store and transport,

quantify and control harvested materials is the bedrock of civilisation. Today, as it was thousands of years ago, these factors are vital to ensure that all that hard work growing is turned into profit and performance at the end of the season.

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HARVEST PREPARATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

19

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In recent years, other challenges including mycotoxins have emerged, requiring the industry to demonstrate due diligence.

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This foundation step of harvested grain will confirm if it meets marketing criteria.

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At out-loading from the store/silo, representative samples should be taken as trucks are loaded to provide evidence of what has been dispatched. This is the best

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At destination, most buyers will sample from each truck, often using automated equipment, and should follow the best practice recommended by assurance schemes recognised in their industry.

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20

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

HARVEST PREPARATION

HEARTFELT

HARVESTING

BY AYLA MILLER

FOURTH GENERATION DARFIELD FARMER MATTHEW REED IS AS PASSIONATE ABOUT HARVESTING AS HE IS ABOUT MAKING HIS CUSTOMERS HAPPY.

H

e started his own business Broadgate Harvesting in 2004 when he was 27 as a supplementary source of income when he returned to work on the family farm.

Starting out with a Class Dominator 48 and a 1460 Axial Flow harvesting 300 acres of mainly cereal, he now harvests speciality seed crops including pak choi, carrots, beet and chrysanthemum as well as high-value hybrid radish seed crops with clients including Ashburton company Smith Seeds.

“I love my job. It’s really good to go to a customer’s farm and see a nice crop being produced. We are the ones that see the final end result. It is enjoyable to have the customers ride with us and see it going in the bin,” he says.

Growing up, Matthew gained an in-depth knowledge of the land and went on to work on two large scale cropping farms.

When he isn’t harvesting he runs a 500 acre sheep farm with some cropping.

“I’m just a normal farmer

like everyone else. The family have been here in Darfield since 1898 so I know the land.”

Matthew works with two full-time staff members harvesting a wide variety of crops covering most of the Selwyn district, across the Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers to parts of North and Mid Canterbury.

In an average season, the cereal harvest ends just in time for the radish harvest to kick in.

Matthew has a passion for combine harvester technology

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“I range anywhere between 300-acre clients to 10 acres.

My motto is no job is too big or too small and that’s been the case right from the start. You never want to give the little guys away because one day they might be your biggest customer.

“I used to do wheat, barley, clover and peas and they are worth a few thousand dollars per hectare. Now we are doing carrots and

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HARVEST PREPARATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

21

Need a new pencil or centreless auger we stock a large range of grain augering equipment at great prices

MATTHEW REED OF BROADGATE HARVESTING TAKES A SELECTION OF HIS FINEST MACHINES OFF TO A HARVEST JOB

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Leanne who helps him out with the ewes when she isn’t working on her PhD in speech therapy.

“It takes a special person to put up with this work because we can’t go away and if it’s a nice enough evening for a barbecue it’s nice enough for harvesting.

“I’m pretty passionate and get excited about harvesting and really look forward to the season. The rest of the year I’m a normal farmer.

Once harvest is finished we start lambing, then we make baleage and it’s back to harvest at the end of November. It’s quite good

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because you are refreshed and ready for the next season.” Over the years Matthew has witnessed some changes in the industry with farms getting bigger.

“Once upon a time a lot of people tried to do their own harvest and were pretty proud that they didn’t need a contractor. Now farmers under 300 acres can’t warrant a new combine or anything half decent.

“There is a lot of money tied up in irrigation and they have other farm debt to pay.

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a couple of days to pick up the slack.” He says he prides himself on notDRIERS overbooking MASTER and believes it is important Manual or fully to •turn up to the job on time automatic systems. and get it done.

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radish which is in excess of ten thousand dollars per hectare for the customers.

It’s quite satisfying.”

Harvest starts at the end of November with corn salad and then moves into the barley and finishing up with radish around the end of April to the start of May. Matthew is on site at the start of every job to make sure he is happy with how the machines are running.

“It is about attention to detail and making sure we are doing the best we can. It’s seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”

He recently got engaged to

A BROADGATE HARVEST MACHINE WORKING A FIELD OF TURNIP SEED “Customers can grow they will be there for another with me. I give them good 10 years. “I’m not just a service and it becomes a DRYING contractor, I am a&farmer too, CROP FANS good relationship. so I can talk the GAS talk and CONSTANT HUMIDITY “I have 10-year customers whatever else is going on in BURNERS already and I like toAvailable think to their world.” match all sizes of fan units.

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22

November 2015 CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL CONTRACTORS Seed drill makes light work The new Taege 6.0m AirSeeder, built on top of the proven 6.0m Cultivator base, has the same features as the smaller Taege Seed Drills, only wider with better Contour following.

It is priced competitively and offers great value for money.

The hoppers are a nominal 1400 litre or 850 litre capacity which means they can handle one tonne Fert bags easily. The Taege proven, electronically controlled metering system ensures fast and accurate calibration.

Sowing rates can be tested at any time for proof of kgs/hectare delivery.

It also features a strong, extra heavy duty, category two and three combination two point linkage front draw bar. This provides the best manoeuvrability on headlands for tighter turning circles.

Taege Engineering Ltd general manager Mick Ingram and sales manager Trevor Goodeve say they are excited with the drills outstanding performance in both rough and smooth terrain, and very low repair and maintenance costs.

“We have been testing our drills in various conditions.

There is a market perception that our drills are only geared towards direct drilling and working in rougher ground, where others can’t. As we started at the rough ground level, not only to prove the fantastic results and how robust they are, we thought everyone knew they would work perfectly well in worked ground as well.

“It’s exactly the same as how we run our standard drill. We know it is all tried and proven. It just happens to be a bigger model. Going to a bigger size actually allows better contouring as it is manufactured in three sections across the unit, therefore follows the ground better.”

A simple but clever safety wing lock system is used, so that when the wings are folded up the weighted lock system prevents the

wings from creeping down in transport mode.

The slotted wing ram carriers are an important feature of the airseeder as it assists with contour following — just one of the reasons people want a 6 metre Taege AirSeeder.

These slots mean the wings can raise and lower above and below the horizontal. This, combined with flexible tynes set on an angle, gives that desirable contour following.

Unique Taege phasing rams ensures equal raising and lowering of the airseeder over the four hydraulic legs regardless of the weight over each axle. Equalising the rams is done simply and automatically every time the drill is raised to its full height.

We have won awards for the least amount of horse power to pull our TAEGE DRILLS. All our testing was done with a 140 H/P tractor

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RURAL CONTRACTORS

Driving simulator promotes safety Leading infrastructure and resources company Fulton Hogan has shifted into high gear in its focus on health and safety with the introduction of the latest in driver simulator technology.

The company has purchased a pair of state-ofthe-art simulators capable of recreating a range of conditions including night driving , sudden road obstructions and weather conditions including wind, rain, fog and snow.

The simulators will be transpor ted around the country, from Northland to Invercargill, so the company’s 3,800 New Zealand-based employees can broaden their on-road skills.

Fulton Hogan CEO Robert Jones says the initiative is part of the company’s drive to continually lift its game on health and safety.

“With more than 3,000 vehicles on New Zealand roads, our fleet is one of the biggest in the country,” Mr Jones said.

“Making sure that our people are safe behind the wheel is non-negotiable for us, and this innovative technology will give our drivers greater experience and awareness.”

The simulators, designed

by Simworx are equipped with a wrap-around triple-monitor setup, realistic graphics,

and provide force-feedback through the steering wheel.

“These simulators allow our staff to gain valuable and realistic experience driving in difficult conditions without actual risk,” Mr Jones said.

“This lets us take great steps in our goal of ensuring all of our 3,800 staff are safe on the road, both for their own benefit and for the community.”

The road safety initiative has gained the support of ACC, ERoad, the New Zealand Police, the New Zealand Transport Agency and Worksafe New Zealand.

EROAD’s CEO Steven Newman said it was exciting to see a company of Fulton Hogan’s stature taking the lead in promoting safe driving training.

“New technology has a major role to play in the transport sector’s success in improving the safety of New Zealand roads,” Mr Newman said.

“We’re very pleased at this opportunity to support Fulton Hogan’s innovative approach to training.”

New Zealand Transport Agency Chief Executive Geoff

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

23

• Get Connected • Stay Connected Monthly plans

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$49 $5 Premium installation cost apply.

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Fulton Hogan have purchased a pair of new driving simulators which allows people to practise difficult driving conditions

Dangerfield has also voiced his support for the initiative.

“The NZ Transpor t Agency is committed to a safe workplace — we want all of our people, including contractors delivering our projects, to go home safe and well every day, no exceptions,” Mr Dangerfield said. “As part of this, we’re committed to creating a Zero Harm culture — a systemic real-world approach to health and safety

— not only within our own organisation, but across the wider roading industry.

“We’re very pleased to suppor t Fulton Hogan’s investment in the safety of their people and the wider community.”

The simulator training programme began at the start of October, with the two simulators travelling to Fulton Hogan sites across New Zealand.

STOP MEANS

DON’T BREAK THE LAW

GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY BUT NOT ‘CHEAP’ SUPER EFFECTIVE BUT NOT EXPENSIVE CLEVER BUT NOT COMPLICATED CLASS WITH CLOUT

Why does TAEGE AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT produce such good results? ANSWER IS our own vibrating tyne and tungsten faced tip. We use the same proven angle mounted tyne system on all our machines, because it works better than anything else in most conditions.

TILTH GROWS SEED. IT REALLY IS THAT SIMPLE

Postdrivers • Cultivators • Drills • Tyre Rollers • Snow Plows • Custom Builds Trevor - 027 222 6050 or a dealer near you • sales@taege.com • www.taege.com

A Ground BreAkinG CompAny

24

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL CONTRACTORS

silage tyres to give away

free delivery within canterbury area

phone 021 890 652

ADVERTORIAL

Providing unique solutions Frews Contracting is a third generation family owned business that has been operating since 1951, making them one of the oldest and most experienced contractors in the South Island.

1.5

M please

Newlands are proud stockists of Tait and Hytera two-way radio systems.

For all your two-way needs, please drop in and visit the team.

Ashburton - 80 Kermode Street - phone 03 308 7234 Rolleston - 825 Jones Road - phone 03 347 3476 Timaru - 45 North Street - phone 03 688 6800

www.newlands.net.nz

FORESTRY - Stump Removal - Root Raking - Forest Roading

- Land Development - Land Clearing - Hedge Removal

QUARRIES - Aggregate Supplies - Hard fill dumping

- Concrete Crushing - Rock Breaking

CIVIL AND EARTHWORKS - Ground Remediation Solutions - Effluent Ponds - Trenching and Irrigation - Roading and Dairy lanes - Contaminated Land Remediation- Landscaping - Carparks and Driveways - Special Waste Cartage

Ph: 0508 4 FREWS Cell: 027 42 42 455 brendan@frews.co.nz www.frews.co.nz

Providing solutions for Canterbur y’s most complicated projects for over 50 years, Frews Contracting has earned a reputation for excellence.

Over time the business has diversified and now offers a range of services.

Whether removing pools, garages or houses, or tackling large multi-story commercial buildings, no feat is too big or too small. Frews have

even utilised helicopters and cranes to complete their more complex projects including civil and rural work. Frews Contracting specialise in ground remediation, siteworks, landscaping, carparks, and driveways, alongside expertise in trenching, irrigation, farm tracks, stump removal, and land clearance.

With their range of modern plant and specialist attachments, the company

provides cost-effective and creative solutions. They are also experts in material processing and recycling and can process a range of construction materials at their quarries, including hard-fill, concrete, wood, screening soil, and crushed concrete.

Their specialist processing equipment enables them to take an innovative approach when providing solutions for unusual materials.

• All residential, light commercial drainage • Septic Tank systems • Alterations • Excavations • Canterbury Wide • Free Quotes

M: 027 437 2468 | E: office@dynamicdrainage.co.nz | W: www.dynamicdrainage.co.nz PO Box 86024, Rolleston West, Rolleston 7658

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL CONTRACTORS

November 2015

25

ADVERTORIAL

Irrigation system innovation

ELLESMERE EXCAVATION & AGGREGATE

A mechanism to enable irrigation systems to cross fences, the Solcor Fence Defender is a fortuitous mix of Loring Industries design expertise and on-farm irrigation needs.

EXCAVATION SPECIALISTS 2A filter sand | Crushed AP 20, 40 & 65 Crusher dust | 6/19mm chip| Boulders Washed Premix & More Pick up, ex river or we deliver

Phone Sandy on 027 438 9576 A 400ha lamb and beef finishing unit near Aylesbury in the Selwyn District is using large scale irrigation with four pivots and 300 crossovers. As with most pivots, where the tower crosses the fence there is immense pressure applied to the wire strands, especially where the tower crosses on an angle.

After ongoing issues with the fence wire breaking at crossover points, the Solcor Fence Defender system was

trialled where the problems were the worst. This shows the Solcor product to be much superior to their previous setup.

Installation is easy without having to dismantle or cut strands in existing fences.

The mechanism is designed to fit three diameters of wire and incorporates a clamping device which attaches to both the fence wire and the high specification Solcor shock cord. This absorbs the

stretch and retraction from the wire as the tower wheel passes over each strand.

With two years of trials and improvements the market response and feedback has been most encouraging, proving the Solcor Fence Defender to be a complete and effective solution.

To view the system in action, go to www.solcor.com and click through to the video or brochure from the links at the bottom of the page.

Contact Roger: Home: 03 307 6401 Mob: 027 223 0406 or Bailey Smith Mob: 027 824 9968

Specialising in Crop Preperation for Winter Feed - Kale, Brassicas, etc

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming

Please call 03 347 2314 or email sales@canfarm.co.nz

SOLCOR FENCE DEFENDER Angle crossovers tried, tested and totally effective!

4.8m wide leveller/roller drill combination custom made for Canterbury conditions

Website: www.rogersmithcontracting.co.nz

AVAILABLE & IN USE 2 years of on-farm testing AND successfully sold into the market for 3 years.

We will design and construct your storage ponds from start to finish and: • Save you time and money • Reduce the risk of effluent non-compliance • Give you environmental protection • Be more effective in utilisation of nutrients and water Liner options include Clay, GCL and HDPE For a free no-obligation quote call

Kerry Bartlett (Jacko) on 0275 746 803 • Dairy Conversions • Water Storage Ponds • Stock Races • Siteworks • Underpasses • Track Maintenance • Driveways / Landscaping • Forestry • Tree Removal • Border Dyking • Bulk Earthworks • Screening

• Easy to install • Can be used on existing fences - no wire cutting • High specification UV resistant cord and nylon fittings • Available through your local Farmlands Visit www.solcor.com to see a video of Solcor’s Fence Defender in action

p 0800 773 2002 m 0275 746 803 e jacko@paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz www.paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz

26

November 2015

RURAL CONTRACTORS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Recognition for combine harvester

GROUND SPRING TIME: CONTROL Let us take care of that long grass or scrub.

CANTERBURY From paddocks to roadsides, keeping grounds trimmed will prevent fire danger LTD later on when things start to dry out.

• Lawn mowing • Grounds mowing & mulching • Brush & scrub mulching

Our passion lies in providing you with a top quality grounds service, aggregate supplies and delivery.

Claas Lexion 700 combine harvester has been awarded the 2016 Machine of the Year 2016 at leading European trade fair, Agritechnica.

Our services and supplies include • Grounds and lifestyle block mowing • Long grass and brush mulching • Vegetation Control (GrowSafe Certified #104842 - approved handler) • From soil to boulders supplied and delivered • Stones • Sand • Boulders • Rocks • Track shingle & Premix

Ph: Tim 021 0297 1185/ Kristine 021 0242 9553 info@groundcontrolcanterbury.com Check out our website for more information

www. groundcontrolcanterbury.com

The Claas Lexion 700 combine harvester has been recognised as the 2016 Machine of the Year at Agritechnica

The ‘Machine of the Year’ title is awarded each year by a jury of 19 technical journalists from eight European countries.

The awards recognise agricultural innovations across 16 different categories.

The jury made special mention of the many technical innovations incorporated into the Lexion 700 series, such as the 4D cleaning

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Slip, Slop, Slap

Irrigation Development

and automatic crop flow monitoring, both of which were recognised with a silver medal at Agritechnica. 4D cleaning enables efficient harvesting on uneven terrain, providing a continuous airstream over the return pans, preparation floors and sieve.

The system consists of slope-dependent rotor cover plates and an automatic blower.

A third pair of rotor cover plates automatically open or close depending on the lateral and longitudinal angle of the machine, while the

blower speed is automatically adjusted according to operating conditions.

Claas has also introduced an automatic crop flow control that monitors the rotational speeds of the engine, the APS threshing mechanism and the Roto plus residual grain separation system.

The feeder, threshing, separation and grain tank discharge systems are automatically shut down if critical load peaks are detected.

Other improvements include the ongoing

d ev e l o p m e n t of the awa r d - w i n n i n g Cemos automatic system which automatically optimises har vesting operations for maximum throughout, and grain quality or fuel efficiency to suit the prevailing conditions.

Initially available for wheat, barley and canola, the system can now be used to optimise harvesting operations in maize and soybeans.

It is now controlled directly via the Cebis operating system rather than a separate terminal.

Cresslands Contracting Ltd We provide an extensive range of agricultural and earthwork services in the North Canterbury area.

Controlled tree topping of larger trees to a height to clear pivot irrigators for stock shelter.

Specialist tree grab for total hedge and tree removal. Quick and efficient burn on all stumps and trees. Grappled log skidder with 3 meter wide rake for efficient moving of all trees and slash.

All areas raked and levelled ready for seeding.

All trees inspected for logging.

Can market for sale all logs.

CANTERBURY

CALL ERNIE

TREE

0274 802 554 RAKAIA 03 303 5179

REMOVAL

• Silage / Maize • Cultivation • Cartage • Drainage • Mulching • Driveways • Foundations • Cow tracks • Site clearing • Stump removal • Farm maintenance cresslandscontracting@gmail.com

Nathan Stewart Waikuku

Phone: 027 357 5655 Phone: 03 313 6864

Pay nothing until 2017 Buy now, pay later on new 600/500 models CLAAS ARION 600/500 CMATIC 7 MODELS FROM 145-184 HP

CLAAS Harvest Centre Ashburton 03 307 9400 Timaru 03 688 6900 Christchurch 03 341 6900 Westland 03 755 8450

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New CVT by CLAAS – the world’s most efficient CVT

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Full 4 corner cab suspension + front axle suspension

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Super comfortable, high visibility cabin

Terms & conditions apply, see your local Sales Representative for more details. Offer ends 31/12/2015

CLAAS Harvest Centre www.claasharvestcentre.com

RURAL CONTRACTORS

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

27

Specialists in Farm Waste ALWAYS KEEP EQUIPMENT AT LEAST FOUR METRES FROM POWER LINES

Over 50 years taking care of your business

Reduce the risk of electrocution and electrical fires on the farm.

Contact Orion to arrange free onsite advice.

Bulk Liquids Removal & Disposal • CCTV Inspection of Drains High Pressure Water Blasting • Pipe Cleaning & Unblocking Septic & Holding Tank Cleaning • Farm Waste Spreading Grease Trap & Sump Cleaning • Effluent Stirrer Available Hydro Excavation • Farm Effluent Ponds & Sump

Use your

Use industry safe working practices: The New Zealand Code of practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34:2001).

Visit our website oriongroup.co.nz or call us on 0800 363 9898 for free advice.

Card here

We service Mid & South Canterbury, North Otago & Lakes Districts A family run business 100% locally owned & operated

Call Free 0800 155 669 Email: sjallen_timaru@xtra.co.nz www.sjallen.co.nz

M

ID CANTERBURY ACHINERY

We Buy,Sell & Trade Machinery

Ring to Hire Machinery!

Rata Forks JD Fittings �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$750 Gregoire Besson 5Mtr Discs ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� $15,000 Claas 680 Profill Rake ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ $10,500 Lely Lotus 300 Rake �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$5,900 Dunhill 8 Furrow on land plough �����������������������������������������������������������������������$3,500 Howard 80 AR Rotohoe Tidy ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Coming in Sulky DPX 28 Fert Spdr 2013 ����������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,900 Alo 1�5 Silage Grabs Shipment Arrived �������������������������������������������������������������$5,000 Agrimaster RMU 2000 Mulcher �������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,500 Cambridge Rollers 10ft,11ft & 22ft ��������������������������������������������������������� From $2,000 Grubbers Trailing ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,750 Fieldmaster 3Mtr Gear drive ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� $9,750 Bamford 7 Reel Rakes ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $1,250 Celli 2�5Mtrs Roto Hoe��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,500 Taege Vrake 7 aside �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$9,750 Krone AMT 283S Trailing Mower Conditioner ��������������������������������������������������� $7,000 Unic Crane 220V Turbo �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$1,800 Gray 10FT Water Ballast Rolle ��������������������������������������������������������������������� New POA Duncan 701 Drill C/W Eclispe Box ��������������������������������������������������������������������$4,250 Kverneland TLA 5�5 Maxitill ������������������������������������������������������������������������������$6,750 Claas Rollant 44 Blaer (untidy) ����������������������������������������������������������������������������$500 Duncan 734 Direct Drill ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $9,750 New Holland Left & Right Roll Bar Rakes ��������������������������������������������������������� $7,500 Cattle Ramp ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ $2,400 Nobili BNG 310 Mulcher ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$8,250 Grader Blades �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $500 Fiat 250 Tractor ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ $2,000 Watson 6�3 Rollers www�walter-watson�co�uk ����������������������������������������������In Stock UFO 3100 Mower ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $3,750 Pearson Silage Grab Euro Fitting ���������������������������������������������������������������������$3,700 Kuhn 700 & 800 G11 Mowers �������������������������������������������������������������������From $8,500 Topping Mowers ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� From $1,500 Kuhn FC 202 4 Disc Mower Conditioner ����������������������������������������������������������� $3,500 Subsoilers 5 Leg ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������From $7,250 Tandem Trailer 4�1x2�45 Reg & wof ������������������������������������������������������������������$3,500 Trailer 2 Axles Turntable �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� $10,000 Taarup Mulcher 2�10 Wide Ideal for Roadsides ������������������������������������������������$1,500 McHale Soft Hands ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� New $3,150 Sunbeam Shearing Machine ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������$400 Kverneland NG300 H4 Power Harrow ��������������������������������������������������������������� $7,900

Just a Small Selection of our Stock • We Buy, Sell & Trade Machinery All Prices + GST • www.midcanterburymachinery.co.nz 172 Wills Street Ashburton Tel/Fax: 03 308 9889 Mob: 0274 341 040 E: n.stockdill@xtra.co.nz

28

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL CONTRACTORS

Still time to plant summer forage crops With a dry summer predicted, many farmers will be wondering if they will have enough feed to see them through.

DairyNZ’s senior developer feed and farm systems, Kim Mashlan says even though sowing time is nearly over, there is still time to plant crops that will provide a valuable summer feed buffer in some areas.

“There are still some crops that can be planted between now and early December like

sweet sudan grass, sorghumsudan grass hybrids, and greenfeed maize. These maintain relatively high levels of production during hot and dry conditions and can reduce the risk of having inadequate forage during the summer.

“Sudan grass and sorghum-sudan grass hybrids are primarily used for grazing

and cutting because of their high regrowth potential. They regrow faster than forage sorghum and recover quickly after grazing or cutting.

Warm soil temperatures, 17 degrees celsius and rising, are required for germination.”

Sorghums are known for being drought tolerant. They absorb water more efficiently

• Fine chop silage; grass, wholecrop & maize • Mobile weighbridge • Covers cut to length Call us today on 03 329 6655 or 0274 848 564

because they have twice as many secondary roots per unit of primary root as maize and have half as much leaf area and a waxier leaf surface — traits that help withstand drought and provide a source of feed during summer pasture shortages.

Sudan and sorghum-sudan grass can be grazed 35-45 days after planting, when the crop reaches the minimum height of 0.8-1.2 metres recommended. It will normally be ready for a second cutting or grazing within 28-35 days at 0.8 metres. Intake should be restricted to 30-40 percent of diet. The quality and feed value drop drastically once the grass begins to mature to greater than 1.4 metres in height. To maximise quality, feed when the crop is between 0.8-1.0 metres in height.

Greenfeed maize can yield large quantities of green fodder per hectare relative to most other alternative summer fodder crops and summer pasture.

It has an energy content of around 10-10.5 MJME/ kgDM and crude protein of 8-12 percent. It can be cut and carried to the herd or

DairyNZ’s senior developer feed and farm systems, Kim Mashlan

break fed. The summer green feed option is not suitable for silage.

Intake should be restricted to 25-50 percent of diet. It can be planted once soil temperature is 10 degrees celsius and rising and greenfed from 42-56 days of planting.

Nitrate poisoning is a potential issue with any crop that grows rapidly, has been drought stressed, or has been frosted.

Crops should be sampled and analysed before grazing/ cutting if nitrate buildup is suspected.

Prussic acid poisoning is a concern if feeding sudan

grass and sorghum-sudan grass hybrids to dairy cows.

As the danger is highest in early growth stages and after frosting, farmers should not graze or green cut until the crop is greater than 0.8 metres high and spray out paddocks before autumn frosts or regrassing.

“As sudan grass is low in sulphur, farmers should check pasture sulphur levels — if low, less than 0.25 percent, sulphur supplementation is recommended. Farmers should contact their local veterinarian if they have concerns about nitrate or prussic acid poisoning,” said Kim.

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

29

PASTURE MANAGEMENT Balancing pasture Pasture-based dairy farming is a balance between managing the pasture and the cows to maximise sustainable profit. Grazing management must optimise future pasture production and quality, with milk solids production and reproductive performance. is influenced by a range of factors.

It is much more important to maintain appropriate residuals of 1,500–1,600 kilograms DM/ha. Decisions about grazing frequency

The tools of grazing management are frequency and intensity of grazing.

Pasture production and quality are mainly affected by the amount of pasture and grazing intensity. Pasture intake is generally affected by the amount and quality of the available pasture offered each day. DairyNZ believe pasture and herd performance are optimised by having sufficient quality feed on an annual basis to meet cow demand and by allocating this feed applying the following principles and management practices.

Control the area grazed each day to manipulate pasture eaten to meet average pasture cover targets for the farm.

Estimate the area and pre-grazing cover required for the cows based on the target grazing residual and adjust after observing when / if the cows achieve a ‘consistent, even, grazing height’.

Treat pasture as a crop.

Remove pasture grown since last grazing and prevent postgrazing height increasing over the season.

Have pasture cover distributed between paddocks in a feed wedge to ensure that high quality pasture is offered on all paddocks Over the season the height of post-grazing residuals does not change but the dry matter mass does increase.

This is the value of using ‘clicks’ on the Rising Plate Meter or one formula for the RPM for the season.

The number of times fresh pasture is offered within a day does not affect dry matter intake or milk production and grazing frequency does not affect grazing time, rumination time or resting time of cows.

There is no research evidence that grazing frequency — 12 versus 24 hours — affects pasture growth, as growth

SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM LOOK OUT FOR YOUR WORK MATES

are often a result of farmer preference due to specific farm characteristics, for example even/uneven paddock sizes, shape of the farm, soil types, and labour availability.

MY SUSTAIN GAIN

$2,813

NET BENEFIT *

Local Business Serving The Hurunui Area • Hay - Medium Square, round, conventional. Baling.

Mower Conditioning. Wrapping. Baleage.

• All Heading and windrowing requirements • All Forms of Agriculture work • Direct Drilling • Giant Discing • Ploughing • All forms of cultivation work • Power Harrow • Air seeding etc

By applying SustaiN on his farm throughout the year Nigel has enjoyed the benefits of growing more grass, and the wider application window means he can put it on when it suits him. This is because SustaiN reduces ammonia volatilisation losses, leaving more nitrogen available for plant uptake.

FA R M I N F O R M AT I O N

Nigel Rathgen - South Canterbury 1000 cows

This season Nigel’s net benefit from using SustaiN instead of urea is expected to be $2,813.

330 hectares

5 applications of SustaiN per year N

28kg N per application

Nigel Fletcher 03 314 4565 (H) or 0274 321 581 (Bus.) Email: fletchercontracting@live.com

AGROTAIN® is a registered trademark of Koch Agronomic Services.

BAL22498 Ballance SustaiN Gain CF004 (NIGEL) 280x172mm_FA.indd 1

WAVE22498 CF004

*For details on the variables used in the above calculation visit www.sustaingain.co.nz.

Call your Ballance Nutrient Specialist to find out what your SustaiN Gain could be or phone 0800 222 090 for more information.

11/11/15 11:57 am

30

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Healthy pasture The current economic climate has brought back to the fore the reasons that New Zealand was so successful in producing low cost food for the world.

“Very little of what we grow and remove from our land can be produced without soil yet so many take it for granted,” says Calvin Bracken of Canterbury based Sustainable Soils.

“We need to go back to the basics of growing top quality low cost produce and our clover based pasture systems is where we need to start. At Sustainable Soils we have a focus on getting the balance of the nutrients right using the Albrecht method.”

This method focusses be successful through timelyratios and profeson the between soil sional services andelements. knowledge in For dealing instance, with events outside the thenorm. ratio between calcium magnesium should be Agrichem, with over and 20 years’ service to the farming community. around 68 per cent calcium 12 per cent magnesium.

Our Productsand They do soil testing and − Soluble Solids give recommendations and − Complex Micro Nutrients advice. “We mainly use

he Precision Agriculture Specialists

world leader in technology and the production of high quality d globally and formulated in their own custom facility.

g m , e

Ballagh Contracting ltd

y e e

r

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− Plant Activators − Secondary Nutrients − Soil and Water Conditioners − Suspension Micros − Chelated Micro Nutrients − Complex NPK’s − Plant Health Products stations, Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) and Agrichem NZ is backed by the full resources − Simple NPK’s Now Operating: Precision Fodder planter, systems.

Pottinger Cultivation Drill, now with fertiliser. fertigation of Agrichem Australia with its team of in Beet − Sulphate Micros house agronomists, irrigation scientists and “Through our resource network we can team of research people along with − BFA Certified Organic Products provide technology, products, knowhow and technical resources pulled from one of the − Weather stations crop programs tailored to suit any farming largest farming cooperatives in the USA. situation. We can troubleshoot when − Soil Moisture/Temp/Conductivity needed, provide crop pathology and supply This allows Pete and Graeme to provide the − Resin Balls products to help mitigate” latest information on products and − Fertigation Systems technology to allow farms to operate Our programs are structured with product − Irrigation monitoring and strategy sustainably and economically. These turning up to farm when needed. Planning to − Agronomy and plant programmes include soil moisture probes, weather − Seed Dressing Activators and Fertilisers − Biologicals

AGRICULTURE CONTRACTORS

SMOKE ALARMS

Save Lives

Please Call Sam 027 279 1344 A/h 03 318 6542 or John 027 432 1988 A/h 03 318 6847

FERTIGATION

Seed Germination with NutriSeed®

biological friendly products that are non acid based which enhance our soils and improve the root feeding zone of farm pastures, resulting in healthier stronger grasses that are more nutrient dense.

Having a nutrient dense feed for your animals means they will achieve higher production in meat or milk.”

Less artificial nitrogen will be needed as clover based pastures will be fixing the nitrogen that pastures require naturally.

There is a range of natural fertilisers such as Viafos guano phosphate, New Zealand’s only Fert mark and Bio-gro approved guano phosphate.

“We also supply Potash 22, a potassium carbonate which has been very popular since being introduced two years ago and there is sulphur, boron and trace minerals added to our mixes. A number of other products including CalciZest and DoloZest are available.

DoloZest is a dolomite based product with a carbon source

added — Zest which contains humate and beneficial microbes and bacteria.

“We have been using EM from Nature farm. This comes in liquid and a dry form. We did a trial with the liquid on a fodder beet crop last year and achieved a 17 per cent increase in yield. The farmer is using this along with our solid fert programme again this year — the dry EM goes in with the fert.”

Sustainable Soils custom blends its solid fertiliser mixes to suit the individual farm and paddock.

“Farmers following our programme have noticed a marked improvement in clover growth in their pastures, they also note that lambs and fawns are coming off these pastures heavier.

Where trial paddocks are treated, in the initial period the farmers are also noticing a preference by the animals to graze the pastures that have been fertilised over what they had been using in the past, which is another benefit,” said Calvin.

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PASTURE MANAGEMENT

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

31

Weather Watch by Tony Trewinnard Like the previous few months, October saw an increased frequency of southwesterly airflow over New Zealand, with regular southwest changes affecting Canterbury.

However, as expected in the spring-time month of October, some periods of warmer northwesterly winds blew over the region as well.

Sunshine hours were 1525% above normal for the month across the Plains, but near normal on the foothills.

Rainfall was 25-50% of normal across the Plans, but like sunshine, near normal on the foothills as some periods of spill-over rain in northwesterly airflows topped up totals there. Temperatures were quite variable, with mean temperatures for the month overall a little milder than usual, with departures generally around +0.5degC. However, night-time temperatures were highly variable with some significant frosts and colder than usual nights, balanced by some nights with gusty mild northwesterly airflow which were significantly warmer than usual. Day-time temperatures were similarly affected by the alternating southwesterly and northwesterly airflows.

Most of November has seen frequent periods of southerly airflow bringing cooler than normal

temperatures and some semi-regular small rainfalls.

However, the last 10 days of the month were warmer and dry with northwesterly airflow returning.

In the tropical Pacific, ocean temperatures remain in El Nino territory. A strong El Nino is currently in place, and is responsible for the frequent southwesterly airflows over New Zealand this spring. We expect this El Nino to peak around now, and there are increasing signs that this is happening.

There are a number of similarities between this season and the 2009/10 season, which was also an El Nino year with southwesterly airflow dominant through the spring months and moderate summer dryness following, with warmer temperatures later in the summer.

All computer models we monitor continue to predict a strong but steadily decreasing El Nino over the next three to four months. A strong La Nina event often follows, and some models are now starting to predict this. Here at Blue Skies we think it looks increasingly

likely later next year. Both current computer model data and past experience strongly suggest that El Nino events similar to our current one bring increased frequency of southwesterly airflow over New Zealand in the spring and early summer.

This has been clearly seen so far this spring and may continue in December.

However, El Ninos of this type often bring increased frequency of anticyclones over New Zealand, (especially over the North Island) from about January onwards and through the summer months.

As autumn arrives a return to westerly airflow often occurs.

This pattern happened in the 2009/10 season, bringing a drier (but not intensely droughty) summer with increased sunshine hours, especially inland, and temperatures a little milder than usual after a cool start.

We expect most of 2016 to see a steady trend from the current strong El Nino to a strong La Nina by year’s end. When this type of significant transition occurs, weather patterns over New Zealand are often dominated

by anticyclones and westerly airflow. This raises the prospect that many months in 2016 could be drier than normal in Canterbury. The currently developing pattern is increasingly suggestive of not one but several dry seasons ahead.

For December, we expect to see westerly airflow dominant, with some cold southwesterly changes still occurring, but warmer northwesterly periods too. For January and February anticyclones are expected to be the dominant weather feature over New Zealand, especially over the North Island. These months are likely to be sunnier, drier, and possibly a little warmer than normal in Canterbury. March may see a return to regular periods of westerly airflow.

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November 2015

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

CANTERBURY FARMING

Weevil to fight weed Agri Realty Limited, Colliers International, Licensed under 2008

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Federated Farmers welcomes the application by Landcare Research to introduce into New Zealand the British weevil as a biological control against the invasive field horsetail weed which affects pastoral production.

We are pleased to welcome Richard O’Sullivan to the Colliers Rural and Agribusiness team.

Richard comes from a strong rural background, spending the past 15 years in technical, agribusiness and banking based rural roles. He has diverse experience across finance, farm operations, development, real estate, due diligence and farm sales/syndications and brings a quality network of relationships in the rural sector.

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QUAD BIKE SAFETY Wear a helmet.

A helmet is a must while riding a quad bike around the farm.

F ield hor setail is widespread in parts of the North Island, the upper South Island and on the West Coast. It is a weedy fern, spreading throughout wetter regions, competing with grasses, reducing the productive potential of land and impacting both grazing and cropping farmers.

The weevil has the ability to reduce the plant, control its spread and, importantly, would not pose a threat to any other plants.

“Federated Farmers is supportive of any efforts to introduce a proven biological control for a significant pest problem.

“We now await a final decision from the

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Environmental Protection Authority and hope their assessment paves the way for a green light,” says Federated Farmers Pest Management spokesperson Chris Allen.

“This weevil gives us a chance to control a highly annoying pest. It will reduce farmers’ reliance on chemical weed treatments and help improve the productivity of their pastures.”

If approved by the Environment Protection Authority the introduction of the British weevil will follow the successful use of a parasitoid wasp to control the clover root weevil, which a decade ago posed a significant threat to New Zealand’s agricultural sector.

“Clover pasture is the basis of our pastoral farming system, so bringing that pest under control was — and remains — critically important.

With the British weevil we now have a chance to achieve the same with the field horsetail weed,” says Mr Allen.

Landcare Research, supported by the Rangitikei Horsetail Group, has been investigating potential biocontrol solutions to help control it. Landcare Research researcher Lindsay Smith says throughout their testing, they found the weevil to be one of the most damaging biocontrol agents causing significant damage to field horsetail.

“The plant is attacked by both larvae and adult weevils, with the larvae burrowing down the weed’s stems and into its extensive root system.

Over the last three years we have been testing the weevil in our biocontainment facility at Lincoln to confirm it is ‘host specific’ to horsetail and so will only damage horsetail and won’t pose a threat to other flora here in New Zealand.

“We are very grateful for the funding we have received over the last three years to be able to carry out this research.

“We couldn’t have done it without it.”

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PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Training with military precision

by Andy Bryenton

It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to raise a field of crops.

in Germany, earning an innovation award in the process. Their Series-S Go Harvest appears to have all the features of a top of the line combine harvester — without the harvester. That’s because it’s a full virtual reality simulator, of the kind used by military pilots to train for aerial battle.

The Series-S Go Harvest was designed to be a training tool — John Deere know that every farm will not need or want such an advanced piece of machinery. Instead it is designed to be placed at training centres and hubs of agricultural development, so that those getting into the art of harvesting can hone their

CANTERBURY FARMING skills before even stepping aboard a real machine. The savings in fuel alone will easily pay for time in the sim.

And it also means a new level of professionalism for young aspirant harvester drivers — or, indeed, older farm workers who want to add this specialist skill to their CV. The simulator allows drivers to get a feel for the machine and its size and weight, with moving parts, sound, and a surrounding bank of flat screens replacing the cabin glass.

Seven training modules teach skills such as working in tandem with other machinery, using GPS to harvest precisely, and the

November 2015

finer points of turning and handling a harvester. While the view out the window is unashamedly green and yellow, the skills learned here apply to all such machines, including tractors.

In an age when qualifications, especially in the use of heavy machinery such as excavators and transporters, become more structured and less about being thrown into the cab and into the deep end, John Deere’s fresh idea is a welcome one.

We may very well see a simulator of this kind in New Zealand soon, training up a new generation for tomorrow’s harvests.

Locally owned and operated In a very real sense, the farmer has been one part guardian, on part pest controller, and another part soil scientist, carefully bringing forth profit and nutrition from the earth. So it’s no surprise that farm owners demand a huge level of professionalism from those who drive their harvesting

machines. A modern combine is no easy machine to throw into gear and get mowing, either. With precision control and integrated sub-systems comes a cockpit which is as daunting as that of a 747 to new operators, and a learning curve that’s rather steep. Combine giant John Deere realised the issue

early on — one can’t really practise driving one of these huge machines with the light, precise touch needed unless it’s actually cutting through crops. And no farmer wants his precious profits used as a rookie’s training ground!

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PASTURE MANAGEMENT

November 2015 CANTERBURY FARMING

Legumes and pasture Lincoln University’s Dryland Pastures Research Team has drawn together evidence from long term grazing experiments to give recommendations for legume choices on dryland pasture environments.

Lucerne to be considered whenever possible

Beef and Lamb New Zealand established animal production is driven by total dry matter grown, which is strongly related to the legume content of the pasture.

Pasture persistence requires the interaction and complementary traits of plant species and the use of legumes is crucial.

When selecting legumes, on-farm factors need to be considered. These include the

duration of drought periods in relation to rainfall distribution, evapotranspiration, soil depth, the potential for flooding and soil fertility.

Using existing knowledge about paddocks to assess the average duration and frequency of summer dry over several years is invaluable.

Consider when the paddock normally dries out and how long it stays dry and unproductive for.

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Legumes are the most important component of pasture mixes. The duration and frequency of summer/ autumn drought provides the basis for selection of the best legume.

It is suggested to adopt a Landscape Farming approach, separating your property into zones such as dry or moist, and select the appropriate legume to optimise production in each zone.

Sow non-legume seed as recommended in each area, otherwise high grass seeding rates can compromise legume establishment. To ensure productive and persistent pastures, make grazing management decisions according to the requirements of the legumes.

Lucerne should be considered w h e n ev e r possible. Grow lucerne for high yields and animal production. Sow it in the deepest soils. Shallowerrooted species are unable to reach the stored water in deeper soils. Permanent

pastures complement the area of lucerne. The choice of clover is critical and is determined by the soil moisture limitation of the paddock.

In the dry zone, pasture growth is compromised for about five months in an average year — November to March. These areas have less than 700mm annual rainfall and often have shallow, stony soils with low soil-water holding capacity.

Use sub clover as the primary legume in grassbased pastures in the dry zone to complement lucerne on deeper soils. The basic dry zone mix comprises bare seed, sub clover mid flowering and late flowering plus cocksfoot.

In the intermediate zone, growth is compromised by a lack of water for about four months in an average year December to March.

Use a combination of ryegrass, cocksfoot and sub clover on the sunny faces. For more information go to www. beeflambnz.com

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November 2015

35

E D U C AT I O N ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

Tradition, culture and family

A strong academic focus Timaru Girls High School and Hostel offers every girl the opportunity to with facilities second to none nurture her talents and accept responsibility to become a self-confident young woman equipped both personally and academically to face the future.

We could tell you all about why Adams House has built a reputation one of this country’s premier Boarding Schools, but why not get Educationasit Feature straight from source? Here is what the students have to say…

18

ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, Saturday, November 26, 2012

We proudly maintain make it a priority to interact within a safe and caring strong cultural traditions directly with the girls, family environment. with an emphasis on self- maintaining that all-important Students are encouraged motivation, high personal personal contact through the to focus on their studies, values, mutual respect and period that many regard as discover and explore new An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature discipline. These combine the most significant formative opportunities and have fun to provide our girls with years of all. Girls from many while they are doing it. an experience that is not different backgrounds and We do everything possible only enjoyable but which nationalities add a welcome to ensure the girls’ academic, also fosters a true sense of diversity to life at Timaru co-curricular and social self-worth.

Girls’ High School, providing interactions are pool, rewarding, second to none.

The swimming tennis The educational framework a valuable insight into and productive and enjoyable

by Duncan Wood, courts, cricket nets, weights room, dedicated an understanding of other experiences. Students are in place Girls’ HighStudent Year at 13Timaru Adams House 2012 music room and great food make School begins with a broad cultures and societies. encouraged to the achieve ‘Hostels’ the envy of the rest of theenjoy school.a based programme for junior The culture of our school their potential and “I nee We could tell you all about why The boarding house has a strong academic girls, leading to a wide range is based on its long proud measure of independence by Adams House has builtareas a reputation as and one of of specialist study history sound traditions learning with, trust,and and focus and I have found to thelive structures this country’s Boardingwhich Schools, but our during their premier senior years. provide girls with respect their peers.

The bonds staff to be extremely supportive towards my why not get itare straight fromtosource?

Here base is from Programmes available the sound which toNo favour students formtoo as much boarders education. is ever to ask cater individual steps become lifetime friendships what for thethe students haveneeds to say…take their first confident of them. Although having to do homework of girls at each level and to out into the wide world. beyond high school. each night—may atWe firstwelcome seem likeyou a chore, it For me, it goestheir without saying that further expand personal Boarding facilities to come certainly helped me Timaru developGirls’ good High work Christchurch Boys’ High School situated is one of the in thehaspark-like development in preparation and visit habits which takeand intoHostel, the future.

Also, for education grounds of the school ‘The I will School educating besttertiary secondary schoolsorinthe the country and House’ is home to students work force.

South Canterbury’s young the convenience of living with others doing after being a part of its boarding school for The principal and staff at from all over the thesame South women since 1880. is a huge assignments and courses the past five years I can say the same for Timaru Girls’ High School Island. It offers many benefitscome exam www.timarugirls.school.nz advantage time. Looking back,

A strong academic focus with facilities second to none

Adams House. It was a huge decision for me and my family coming to the boarding house after growing up in a small town on the West Coast. Living away from home in the big city of Christchurch seemed very daunting at the time. The routine of hostel life helped me to settle in along with the friendly staff and prefects who were all extremely welcoming. Adams House itself is an exciting place to live in, with facilities

being put out of my comfort zone and making the move to Boys’ High has benefitted me greatly, allowing me to mature more quickly, make lifelong friends, and become a lot more independent. I have no regrets whatsoever, and I cannot emphasise enough the opportunities which lie ahead when you are fortunate enough to board at Adams House.

For me, it goes without Adams House itself is an which I will take into the saying that Christchurch exciting place to live in, with future. Also, the convenience Boys’ High School is one of facilities second to none. of living with others doing the best secondary schools in The swimming pool, the same assignments and the country and after being a tennis courts, cricket nets, courses is a huge advantage part of its boarding school for weights room, dedicated come exam time. the past five years I can say music room, and great food, Looking back, being the same for Adams House. make the ‘hostels’ the envy of put out of my comfort zone

by Amanda Wright Notability is theand ultimate note taking app to It was a huge decision for the rest of the school. making the move me and my family coming The boarding house Boys’ High has benefitted will help you organize your thoughts, not allhouse agree after that they should be that has a strong academic me greatly, allowing me to We the may boarding making it a must have for any college or in our schools, but thetown realityfocus is thatand iPads, growing up in a small I have found the to mature more quickly, Unfortunately it’s only on tablets the West staff tostudent. be make lifelong friends, andCoast. smart phones willstructures continue toand tertiary Livingan away from home in class extremely towards and become a lot available on Apple devices, and the creamake appearance in our roomssupportive theand biglectures city of this Christchurch myspirit education. more independent. year. So in the of tors, Ginger Labs, have no intention of seemed very daunting at No favour is ever too I have no regrets embracing this technology, here is one an Android version any timeI soon. the time. much to askcreating of them. whatsoever, and cannot of the most useful apps for college, high The routine of hostel Although having to doyou emphasise enough The closest will find on Android is an the andme tertiary students. lifeschool helped to settle in homework eachapp night may opportunities called LectureNotes, at a costwhich of $4.03lie Notability along with the friendly staff at first seem like a chore, ahead when you are in theme Playstore.

The reviews has certainlyNZD helped and who fortunate enoughfrom to board Thisprefects note taking app were has beenit around people who have used both apps agree all for extremely welcoming. develop good work habits at Adams House. a while, giving the company plenty of

An invaluable app for advanced learning

time to perfect it. With this app you can take notes in a variety of helpful ways, ensuring that you’ll never miss anything important in a lecture. Notability powerfully integrates handwriting, PDF annotation, typing, recording, and organising so you can take notes your way, including recording the entire class so you can listen again later.

that the usability of Notability is easier, but LectureNotes is better, and can export to Evernote, an amazing way to make and share school material.

Either way, it will be a powerful companion to your learning in 2013.

K NOW L E D GE I S P O W E R

Hostel enrolments now open EnROLLInG nOw fOR 2016

Tradition, Culture, family TIMARU GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL

A TRADITION OF EDUCATION FOR 135 YEARS

principal@timarugirls.school.nz | 03 688 1122 | Cain Street, Timaru | www.timarugirls.school.nz

His home...

Adams House is a superb Boys’ boarding facility with exemplary standards.

We provide a structured, well supervised and disciplined environment which fosters high achievement.

Students enjoy outstanding modern facilities and are supported in all aspects of school and boarding life by caring, friendly staff in a family environment.

Registrations of interest now being taken for 2017

ChristChurCh boys’ high sChool

A tradition of excellence Contact Richard Taylor 70 Harakeke Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Ph 03 348 5003 Ext 268 www.cbhs.school.nz/boarding larterjtl@staff.cbhs.school.nz

...away from home

36

November 2015

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

A very proud school Girls at Waitaki Girls’ High School are very proud of our school.

The school’s values are based on developing learners who are respectful, responsible and resilient.

Our small boarding hostel provides a ‘home away from home’ for girls who need it and is a pleasant and well maintained facility. The senior wing was recently refurbished and Year 13 girls have the opportunity for more independent living preparing them for the transition to the wider world after school.

Research backs up that girls learn better in a girls’ school. Girls take on all the leadership roles and support and mentor younger students.

We have over fifty clubs including many varieties of sport, cultural activities and service groups.

Nestled in the heart of beautiful and historic Oamaru, we have strong links with our community.

We offer a strong curriculum programme that promotes excellence and striving to reach one’s potential. This is evidenced in our very good NCEA results.

We are interested in the whole person – excellence of character as well as academic ability and this is mirrored in the many Student Wellbeing programmes we offer at all year levels.

2015 Dux, Lucy Paton

A Waitaki Girls’ learner is equipped to take her place in the world after school. We welcome your consideration of Waitaki Girls’ High School as a learning community that will allow

your daughter to thrive.

Please visit our website www.waitakigirlshigh. school.nz and contact us for further information or visit.

Tracy Walker Principal

Waitaki Girls' High School Learning the Waitaki Way! We offer a rich and varied curriculum with passionate, hardworking teachers and an ethos in which we educate young women to be well-equipped for the world.

Counting the cost of school It is never too soon to start planning for education, and while 2015 heads towards Christmas and long summer holidays, many rural households will also be looking towards the new school year, with perhaps young ones just staring at local schools, or older ones looking at college further afield.

On the heel of holidays, back to school can be an exciting time, but costs can also bring stress and strain on the family budget.

Enrolment fees, uniforms, transpor t, s t a t i o n e r y, schoolbags, even provision of lunches — it all adds up.

Budget advisors are well aware that some families may find it difficult to avoid tension at this time. Good advice is to make back-toschool preparations fun and get the family involved, making a fun atmosphere so that budgeting and saving is an enjoyable activity.

It also creates an awareness of the costs associated with everyday

items among children and contributes towards a sense of responsibility.

In fact, organisation is key, and writing lists is a great way to identify costs and by being organised before you head off to the Warehouse Stationery or other outlets, you’re less likely to fall into the overspending trap. Make sure you have your list of the new school year needs.

Identify the most important requirements — what is needed now, and what perhaps can be postponed until later in the year — for instance, sporting clothing and equipment might wait until the winter season comes around.

Not your usual walk in the park

We have a small and caring attached hostel which provides a family atmosphere and home away from home. Girls get to enjoy all the benefits of school as well as great hostel facilities and a 'big sister; little sister' mentoring programme which is run in both school and hostel.

Enquiries welcome for day and boarding places. We invite your consideration as a school and hostel to meet your daughter's needs.

Contact our hostel manager E: mbaird@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz Ph: 03 434 6587 Visit our website: www.waitakigirlshigh.school.nz Located in the spectacular Fiordland National Park the Hollyford Track is one of the greatest guided walks in New Zealand.

In three days you will transect the Hollyford Valley by foot, jetboat and helicopter. Your expert guide will bring to life the diversity of landscape, wildlife and stories of early Māori and Pioneering families and you’ll enjoy first rate cuisine, personal service and comfortable private lodges in New Zealand’s most beautiful valley.

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And another good tip is to make an inventory of what is already in the family. Perhaps an older sibling can pass on books or other items that may serve a ‘second term’, rather than being bought new.

Check around — there might be pens and pads around the house that can go in the schoolbag. The cost of education cannot be taken lightly in New Zealand households, with state education perhaps costing the average parent nearly $35,000. Kiwi parents would pay about $16,000 for eightyear primary school state education and more than $18,000 for the secondary school years.

EDUCATION ADVERTORIAL

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

37

An education for life

Waihi is an independent preparatory school for boys aged from eight to 13, catering for day and boarding boys from Year 4 to Year 8.

For more than a century Waihi has provided a remarkable education in the heart of beautiful South Canterbury with the boys coming from across the South Island to live, grow and learn.

The sign over the gate claims that Waihi is ‘A Boy’s Education for Life’, and it is indeed the big picture the school looks at when designing an experience that will help the Waihi boy to grow and develop.

We understand how boys think and learn. We present them with opportunities and challenges that seek to develop a curiosity of the world around them.

Inspiration and aspiration are important motivators for boys.

The Waihi boy is encouraged

to ‘have a go’ at everything.

We help him discover his talents and passions and to then both enjoy and excel in those areas.

Whilst we foster those qualities that help boys mature into good young men, Waihi is also a place where a boy has the freedom to simply be a boy, and our unique rural environment gives them many opportunities to play and learn together.

The experiences, values and challenges presented to each boy help shape his views, attitudes, dispositions, and ultimate success for his future years.

We invite you to visit and discover just how Waihi can really make a difference for your son too.

LIMITED SPACES LEFT FOR 2015

Waihi is a small, family oriented, Independent School with spacious rural grounds and up to date facilities For over one hundred years boys have enjoyed a remarkable situated education north of Winchester on State Highway 1 in here in the heart of beautiful South Canterbury.

South The Canterbury. boys of today are no different, they travel from across the

South Islandsmall to live,class grow and extensive learn in our very special school.

Christian values, sizes, pastoral care by peers and staff ensure every Waihi boy experiences, values and challenges presented to each respondsThe to the challenge of personal development.

Boarding & Day School for Boys Years 4-8

boy help shape his views, attitudes, dispositions and ultimate success for his years. information: We invite you to visit and discover Contact usfuture for more just how Waihi can really make a difference for your son too.

T: 03 687 8014 E: admin@waihi.school.nz

State Highway Winchester, South Canterbury T: 031,687 8014 E: admin@waihi.school.nz

Mid Year Enrolments Welcome

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Opihi College is proud to announce the commencement of our new buildings project.

This comprehensive restructure of the school site will involve a multi-million dollar renovation and replacement project to include a Wharenui, Music and Performing Arts Suite, multi-purpose Classrooms and Laboratories in a modern learning configuration alongside an upgrade to the existing Gymnasium and change facilities.

This provides an exciting opportunity for learners at Opihi College to experience state of the art premises accompanied by an excellent standard of teaching and student support as cited in our recent 2015 ERO report.

We look forward to accompanying your child on an exciting educational journey in 2016 and beyond.

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Phone: 03 310 6815 0800 929 246 www.way2go.co.nz

State Highway 1, Winchester, South Canterbury www.waihi.school.nz www.facebook.com/WaihiSchool www.waihi.school.nz

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HELISERVICES

Opihi College is a small, friendly school surrounded by beautiful countryside.

A family atmosphere and safe supportive environment encourages students towards excellence.

Opihi College, Richard Pearse Drive, Temuka, South Canterbury 7920 office@opihicolllege.school.nz www.opihicolllege.school.nz

(03) 615 7442

38

November 2015

EDUCATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

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This programme would suit someone who likes to work with their hands and enjoys problem solving in an industry with technology that is constantly being updated.

Students learn basic engineering skills and and our training is a prerequisite for starting apprenticeships in automotive engineering, (heavy equipment) automotive electrical engineering, automotive machining, and motorcycle engineering.

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Looking for something a bit different? Enroll in the Certificate in Collision Repair incorporating the National Certificate in Motor Industry Entry Skills, also under the Zero Fees scheme at SIT. This programme would suit anyone who is passionate about cars and has some artistic flair. The programme can lead to careers in panelbeating, refinishing, coach building and restoration. The

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Opportunity aplenty for school leavers

by Andy Bryenton

In the past, the choice facing school leavers was a clear cut one. Either continue on to higher learning through university, and join a profession, or strike out into the workforce. Those days are far behind us, as this year’s crop of graduates enters a realm of new possibilities.

In the tertiary sector, the old established subjects of academia, such as philosophy and literature have waned in comparison to new courses teaching the foundations of business management, computer technology and the many strands of new scientific learning.

Even more highly specialised courses can focus in on creative careers such as fashion design, animation or computer game programming. Vocational courses now span far more than just hairdressing and makeup artistry, cooking and hospitality — young chefs can further specialise in their areas of culinary interest, while it’s not uncommon for future movie special effects makeup designers to train just down the hall from those seeking a place in the fashion industry.

The real sea-change of recent years has taken place outside the halls of learning, however.

After a lamentable hiatus, apprenticeships are once again forging the practical skills of young aspirant electricians, plumbers, welders — and even farmers.

The industr y bodies which govern these qualified trades watched numbers of young up-and-comers dwindle during the years when apprenticeships were scarce, and now real support and encouragement is given not only to young folk seeking a career in the trades, but also to the master craftspeople who mentor them.

In this way, skills learned and earned the hard way, through years of on-site knowledge, are passed on while projects are in full

swing, providing a very handson learning environment.

Of particular note to school leavers in the agricultural heartland of Canterbury is the range of apprenticeship programmes available in the farming sector.

No longer is becoming a farmer — and making a success of your enterprise — dependent on coming from a long dynasty of farming ancestors.

This perception has been exploded by the new approach to teaching the often complex and scientific skills needed to maintain a modern farm, encompassing biotechnology, vet medicine, soil science and more. All manner of careers, from raising deer through to caring for thoroughbred racehorses are open to this year’s crop of graduates looking ahead to a bright future.

Discover a better future at Thomas House Timaru Boys’ High School

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Enrolments are now being accepted for boarding at Thomas House 2017 and beyond. Please call us for an enrolment pack on ph: 03 687 7560 Ext 703 buntingca@timaruboys.school.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

39

UC research could offer NZ potato growers an edge New Zealand potato growers could gain a new marketing edge thanks to a line of potatoes developed by University of Canterbury researchers.

UC Biotechnologists Dr David Leung and Dr Seyedardalan (Ardi) Ashrafzadeh have developed potato plants that are potentially resistant to cadmium, a highly toxic metal found in soil which is harmful to crops and can contribute to health issues in humans.

Biotechnology lecturer Dr Leung says that their potatoes have a trait that could solve this problem and enhance New Zealand’s best potato varieties.

“New Zealand growers are competing with growers from all over the world. Imagine the difference that adding a cadmium-resistant trait could have on the market for our potatoes. It could certainly give our crops a marketing edge,” he says.

Usually potatoes accumulate cadmium from soil. This has negative effects on the quality of the crop and also means that the cadmium, a known carcinogen, is passed onto the consumer. Over time this can contribute to health issues, including cancer.

Dr Leung and Dr Ashrafzadeh have discovered a potentially cadmium-resistant line of potatoes by exposing potato cells to the toxin and monitoring cells for damage.

The cells that survive the process may have natural mutations that make them resistant to cadmium exposure.

These cells are then grown into potato plants for further testing.

Plant biotechnologist Dr Ashrafzadeh explains that stressing the plant cells in this way mirrors the process that would occur in nature.

“Stress is a principle Dr David Leung (right) and Dr Seyedardalan Ashrafzadeh have that causes plants to developed a potentially cadmium-resistant line of potatoes that could slowly change over time. give New Zealand growers an edge “We are using stress in a lab context to push plants determine their cadmium to evolve. We’re effectively accumulation potential helping them to develop a in a real world situation. natural advantage faster,” Ultimately, Dr Leung and Dr Ashrafzadeh believe that this he says.

The next phase of testing line of potatoes could make a will involve growing potato difference in the New Zealand plants in contaminated soil potato market by adding one to discover how cadmium- more unique factor to our resistant they are and best-selling varieties.

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40

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

Zane Charman’s family lived in Dargaville at his great-grandfather Matty Peko’s house on Victoria St when he was young. He is the fourth generation to enjoy holidays at the family bach at Tinopai on the Kaipara Harbour where Matty passed on his love of the sea, and Zane now works in the mussel industry.

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“M

y papa was originally a Dally gumdigger and had a billiard hall in town.

At the Tinopai slipway he had a clinker dinghy with a seagull motor. That was my introduction to the sea — you didn’t have to go far to catch big fish and he taught me a lot,” said Zane.

Zane married Justine Jeffs who also holidayed at Tinopai at her family bach in front of the Peko’s and the couple now have three daughters.

He worked in logistics as well as on a pilot boat at the Ports of Auckland. He applied for a position at Sanford’s to manage their greenshell

mussel farms and got the job. “Sanford’s had just purchased the Marlborough Mussel Company,” said Zane.

“Mussels are interesting to work with. The mussel seed is called spat and we have three main sources to get this. The first is on seaweed which floats in the water at Ninety Mile beach with spat attached.

“It washes up on the beach and collectors gather, sort and send it to us to grow out.

“We hang weighted fluffy rope in the water and wild spat settles on it and grows at Golden Bay in the South Island. Our third source

Zane checks a crop of mussels before harvest at 90 -100mm with most being sold to international markets with the majority going to the United States

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CANTERBURY FARMING November 2015 is from Sanford’s mussel hatchery in Nelson.”

The spat it is left to grow to 5–7mm and then the juvenile mussels are stripped and thinned out. This is called inter-seeding. “Over the life of the mussel this happens three more times before harvest at 90–100mm. The trick to good mussel farming is having all the mussels on the line near the same size.

“Our mussel operations are geographically spread from Kaitaia to Stewart Island.

There are several operations involving partnerships with Iwi and private growers. Our farms range from two to 2,695 hectares. Sanford’s largest farm in Pegasus Bay is still under construction.”

There are many challenges in the industry including la Nina and el Nino weather patterns.

“The weather has a big impact on the upwelling of nutrients for the crops as they are filter feeders. We study this closely and what we are finding is if it’s an el Nino we have strong mussel growth and if we have a la Nina we have slower growth. I am expecting that this season will be a bumper crop as we are going into a strong El Nino.

“Another challenge is rainfall. We use a world class sampling programme that is based on monitoring rainfall and river flows. We are continually testing water quality. There is a lot of pressure when it rains as our harvesting areas may

be temporarily shut due to extensive nutrient runoff from the land which the mussels feed on.”

When the crops are harvested they are sent to Sanford plants in Havelock and Tauranga. Both factories are capable of processing 18,000 tons per annum.

The mussel industry is good for rural communities which don’t traditionally have a lot of job options for local people. The mussels get graded for size, then go through a cooking process where the shell opens slightly and the byssus thread is pulled out by rollers.

They then go to the automatic opening machine leaving the half shell with meat. The mussel is frozen and a water glaze is added.

It then goes to a weigh machine which sorts to optimum weight for packing.

The mussels are then put into the cold store for shipping to distribution centres or customers.

“Much of the final product is sold to international markets with the majority going to the United States.

The future of our industry is looking great.

“Seafood is an important contributor to the export sector and aquaculture is a big part of that. Sanford has access to good water space for growing mussels.

“Mussels are full of protein and are nutritious.

The greenshell species are the only ones that have

41

A mussel line which has the crop attached to grow on. The greenshell species are the only ones that have lyprinol content which is good for the joints lyprinol content which is good for the joints. They have great medicinal properties and are native to New Zealand. It’s a sustainable industry. What we

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grow — we harvest. I believe we are a very green industry — mussels don’t pollute the water, they improve its quality.”

The trick to good mussel farming is having all the mussels on the line near the same size. They then get graded, prepared and boxed for sale

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42

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

IN NEED OF A NEW WORK HORSE? Avon City Ford would like to welcome Andrew McWhannell, our new rural sales representative, joining us with over 30 years of experience in the rural industry.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

43

Fish for the future Motivated by a love of fishing and a desire to ensure future generations can continue to have the same fishing opportunities, Tony Craig and John Murphy put their heads together to design and create a recreational fishing app that records people’s catch to paint a bigger picture of overall national consumption. after Tony and a friend had a conversation over a game of golf.

“We were having a discussion about technology advances and how it is changing the world and I just happened to mention that I had an idea that would help considerably in the world. We discussed the two problems that face recreational fishing world wide which is funding and robust data.

“After a bit of scoping, we talked to some people, put in some money for the first stage to build the iPhone version first and then the Android and the rest is history.”

Tony has a long list of experience in the fisheries industry including working as the business policy manager of Seafood New Zealand.

He says the information will only be used by the sector when it engages in fisheries management and allocation forums that are convened by government.

“When recreational fishing representatives go along to forums at the moment they don’t have any information of their own to assess whether the government surveys are correct so this gives them their own level of information that they can build on.”

The information will not be released at an individual level, only collective.

A trust has been set up

Oi! • • • • • • • • • •

specifically for the purpose of separating the commercial aspects of it from the political advocacy side.

Over the last year they have been gathering feedback from users to find out what would enhance the overall experience and help them collect better data.

“There has been some really good feedback such as wanting more species, and about how people navigate through the app.

“We understand that a scientist would look at it and find holes in the whole process but those can be fixed with the goodwill and co-operation of people as we go forward.

“The important thing is to make it as easy for people to use as possible and to give them their own information back which is their fishing diary and their statistics. It can do so much more once the sector realises how powerful it can be.”

Tony says the biggest challenge in getting something like this up and running is money.

It has been self funded, and Tony and John have spent a lot of their own money building it and trying to socialise it.

“It’s about getting the message out there and getting people to use technology in a way they understand.”

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John and Tony with Tony’s granddaughter Jemaia - an early adopter of the app

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Fish4all is designed by recreational anglers, for recreational anglers.

It enables people to store and share data about their catches.

The information is then stored in a database owned and controlled by the recreational fishing sector so better data and information across New Zealand can be gathered to improve fisheries management.

Tony says many New Zealanders believe fishing is a birthright but now people are realising that perhaps it is a privilege instead.

“The message out to rural New Zealanders is that although you might only go fishing once a year, there are many others out there fishing in their Christmas holidays and it is important that they understand how big that effort is. Once or twice a year is still important for us to see what you are catching.

If people download this app before they go to the beach to input the data, it will be really helpful.”

The app offers users the chance to log, track and share their catches with photos. It lists their top three species caught by month and year and compares these to other fishers in their region as well as the top six in the North and South Island. The app came into existence in 2014

44

November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

Buy gifts that multiply Finding time to buy the perfect gift during a busy summer can be a challenge, but Christian World Service, through the Gifted programme, runs a scheme that can make yours multiply.

Purchase a gift card or ecard that includes a donation — it’s simple and it works for the receiver and for someone who needs a few seeds, breeding stock or a water tank in a poor country.

You can then give your card as a gift — perhaps with chocolates to make it sweeter.

This new way of giving is catching on as people search for gifts that are meaningful and practical. There are

gifts to help small farmers get back on their feet after devastating drought in Sri Lanka, give children a chance to go to school in Haiti or South Sudan, and fishermen buy equipment lost in the Philippines’ super typhoon.

Gift givers choose what appeals. The money donated in this way will be directed to a local partner group providing training and resources to people who need

a hand. Purchasing chickens will provide a family with chicks, feed, a coop, training and support.

Kellen is one farmer who has benefitted from the scheme. She lives in the driest southwest of Uganda where water has become scarce in recent years.

After her husband died, she became very sick and relied on her children to take care of her. It was only later she

Cat New outalogu now e ! discovered she was infected with HIV/AIDS. With the right medication, she could do much more, but it was a new rainwater tank that made all the difference. Now her farm is flourishing and she

earns extra by selling banana pancakes. CWS was started by churches in Christchurch and is best known for the annual Christmas Appeal, a 70-year-old Kiwi tradition. It is part of ACT Alliance (Action

by Churches Together) with membership in 140 countries and a long history of helping families in need. Gifts can be ordered on line at www.gift. org.nz or call 0800 747 372 for a catalogue.

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DAIRY

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

45

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

What’s the best surface?

There are many publications out there about lameness and how bad tracks and bad animal handling cause lameness, that we regularly get asked the question…

‘What do you think is the best surface material for tracks?’ Even though claims of the above are, in principle, correct, it seems that most people don’t have a clear understanding of what it is about bad tracks and animal handling that increases the prevalence of lameness.

Often the explanation goes something like this: ‘When cows stand on stones they get bruising in their hooves and that makes them lame’.

If you push cows on tracks and they can’t see where they put their front feet then they encounter more stones causing more bruising and therefore more lameness.

When you improve the tracks and you stop pushing cows you do end up with less lameness and so this theory seems very plausible. The problem with this explanation is that it is based on assumption and there is no evidence to support it. I agree that improving tracks and animal handling decreases the prevalence of lameness.

But what I am saying is that there is no evidence that the stones are the culprit. If you are interested in doing a hoof trimming course with us I can show evidence for the opposite.

So, if it is not the stones on the track that is the problem, then what is it?

Well, it has a lot to do with stress. The reason why cows are under more stress on bad tracks is that it takes longer to get to and from the cowshed which means that they spend less time in the paddock doing cow things.

When you look at a well fed herd in the paddock, cows are grazing, drinking, socialising or lying down.

This is normal, natural behaviour for a cow. When cows are walking on the tracks or standing on the yard they are not showing any of that ‘normal’ behaviour. This means that cows are being forced to take on activities that are not natural to them. This, in itself, is not a problem as most cows adapt themselves to that routine, but, if you force them to do it for a long time it will become a problem. If you have muddy tracks or there are a lot of stones on the track you will find the cow flow a lot slower therefore this increases the time out of the paddock and places more stress on your cows. The added stress of pushing cows will make it even worse.

So, when I am asked what surface material I would advise for the tracks I say concrete. Concrete

is easy to clean, it doesn’t hold puddles, cows don’t sink into it and it doesn’t need sunshine to dry up. You may think this is a ludicrous suggestion, but some of our clients that have done it love it. I know it is expensive, but

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Just remember — the main aim is to get cows back in the paddock as fast as possible in a stress free manner.

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46

November 2015

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

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Something old, something new The financial situation that dominates activities of the farming community right now is not new. In the late 1980s the dairy and sheep industries were in similar straits, compounded by interest rates of 15–20% at that time.

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In one sense it was easier to handle then, because the hole being so deep, and money so expensive, there was little an individual farmer could do — it was just a case of box on and hope for the best.

In the case of the sheep industr y the landscape changed forever. Many small efficient farms were amalgamated and skilled diligent farmers were lost from the industr y.

Productive pastoral land was planted in pine trees and whole communities simply disappeared.

Research changed from an industry and farmer focus, to a short-term commercial focus, and people with much knowledge and expertise went elsewhere, along with vast amounts of historical data.

Farmers being a resilient and resourceful bunch, battled on, but the loss of important research, along with the pathways that ensured wisdom was handed from one generation to

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New Canadian manufactured Heavy Duty Cultivator from Pluck’s Starting at 6.8 Meters Wide x 30 Legs, at 9" or 7" Centres x 4.6 Tonnes We have just assembled our latest cultivator from Canada and it’s even bigger and tougher than before.

It has been manufactured to our design, from input we got from you, for New Zealand farm conditions and roads and still has the bullet proof Morris 2” x 11/4” Auto Reset Trip Legs.

the next, have never been recovered and our industry is the poorer for it.

And as if the present financial pressures are not enough, there are rapidly approaching environmental regulations that will further stretch farmer resilience and adaptability. It’s an unfair burden to place on farmers when there is such a shortage of long-term research work to provide them with practical everyday answers.

However, there are alternatives, which an increasing number of farmers have been implementing for the last fifteen years. They don’t come from mainstream industry and research groups, but from the edge, where significant and far reaching change always comes from.

Science will in time work out why it works, and likely claim it as their own. In the interim both science and farmers need to be aware that alternative systems to the current heavy applications, and subsequent losses of nitrate and phosphorus from intensively farmed pastoral land are already available.

These solutions result in an increase in pasture grown, with the benefits immediately available. The reason the process works so efficiently is that it focusses on building humus, by modifying both

Also with 3 extra front castor wheels (7 wheels in total) and a fully floating tow bar that makes your cultivator follow your paddock contours far more closely.

soil chemistry and biology.

Gaining sustainable increases in production through modifying soil biota is not new. Thirty years ago government invested significantly in this work, and the results were positive.

That revolutionar y technology and some of the people involved at that time are still around, with a commitment to seeing the work come to fruition.

Humus is the filter that effectively stops excess nitrate and phosphorus being lost to waterways.

It’s formed by a wide range of fungi, bacteria and ear thworms that adapt and change activity throughout the seasons.

During winter organic matter from the growing season is digested, with nutrient stored, and then released on an on-demand basis as soil temperatures and sunlight hours increase.

It’s incredibly efficient as lengthening daylight is also the trigger for an increase in pasture growth.

Humus also acts as a sponge holding moisture for uptake during drier periods, and with plant roots able to delve deeper into the soil, dry summers are more easily managed.

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nitrogen long-stemmed large-leafed clover steadily dominates the summer sward, fixing more than enough nitrogen for a steady increase in pasture production.

With clover being more nutritious and digestible, as well as containing several times the calcium content of grass, animal production lifts, without reliance on worm drenches and other illhealth remedies.

There are management changes to be made to maximise the benefits of the system, but they are logical and easily learned, and when embedded, result in a peace of mind that comes when working in harmony with natural systems.

A question often asked by farmers as they begin to appreciate the benefits is: ‘why do not more farmers do this?’ The answer is fear.

Apprehension at the thought of change can often be a natural safeguard against unnecessary diversion. But it’s fear of ridicule by, and isolation from, peers that is the tough one to overcome.

Change is always challenging.

However the right to clean fresh drinking water is a right of every citizen and stock animal, and there are only upsides to steadily implementing the steps to a healthier future.

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DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

47

From the classroom to the farm

by Andy Bryenton

It’s our single most important export activity, an industry which, despite its ups and downs defines the rural Kiwi landscape for many. Now, the dairying trade is seeking a new generation of ATS NEWS AUGUST 2013—hANhAm 1/2PG ADVERT potential leaders.

Now, as many young Cantabrians wrap up their school year, some will be looking beyond academia for new ideas.

With the assistance of organisations like DairyNZ and Primary ITO, these young future farmers are being shown the pathway to entering an industry which delivers up to 25 percent of our yearly export earnings.

Dair yNZ’s ‘Go Dair y’ website provides a multilayered resource for those looking to break into the trade. From tools to help educate very young prospective farmers on the realities and processes of a modern farm, through to a career explorer which charts the path from farmhand to sharemilker or farm owner, this site has the full support of an organisation dedicated to the future of dairy. They also offer a service linking job

seekers with farmers looking to recruit and train, through Farm Source Jobs.

Meanwhile, Primar y ITO, the industry training organisation, has taken dairying development back to the grass roots with an apprenticeship programme designed to offer hands-on experience. This approach accentuates the fact that it’s not necessary to come from a dairy farming family, or even a rural background in order to engage with this growing industry. As with many careers, a willingness to learn and some oldfashioned motivation are far more important criteria than statistical facts and figures when applying to be an apprentice.

With Primary ITO’s scheme, anyone over 16 may apply, and the Dairy apprenticeship course sits beside similar programmes in sheep

and beef farming, equine development and racing, and even horticulture. But both of these organisations, and those who work on the front lines of dairying agree — making this demanding but rewarding career a viable option for young Kiwis is vital if we are to continue leading the world in the future.

A historical bias in education for academia, and the expectation that all students should attempt university level studies, has had a detrimental effect on the uptake of core trades in the rural sector, which may have been seen as less prestigious.

In fact nothing could be further from the truth — those who choose this career path can look forward to a future filled with promise, keeping ahead of biotechnology and ecological developments to make dairying stronger.

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November 2015

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

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Korean tax on deer velvet to be lifted The South Korean Government is planning to remove a special excise tax (SET) on deer velvet, an impost that has been a source of frustration for the deer industry for several decades.

The tax is applied to several ‘luxury’ products, including dried and frozen deer velvet. For velvet, the excise tax was 7 percent, however when additional taxes were added to it, the effective rate has been 10.1 percent.

DINZ market manager Asia, Rhys Griffiths, says the

tax is being eliminated in two stages. The first cut, which removed 30 percent of the tax, took effect in late August.

The second cut, which will take it to zero, depends on final approval of legislation now before the South Korea National Assembly. Reports suggest it will take effect on January 1, 2016.

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“In addition to the removal of the SET, legislation is being considered that will give effect to South Korea’s free trade agreements with China, Vietnam and New Zealand.

Under the Korea-New Zealand FTA, the 20 per cent tariff on dried velvet imports from New Zealand will be reduced by 1.33 percent a year,” Griffiths says.

“The first (2015) cut of 1.33 percent will take effect once the FTA becomes law. In New Zealand the legislation that will bring the FTA into effect has passed its third reading and we are hopeful the Korean government will approve and implement the FTA this year. If this happens, it will be followed by the 2016 cut of 1.33 percent on January 1, 2016,” says Griffiths.

“Taken with the removal of 10.1 percent in SET-related taxes, this could mean a reduction of nearly 13 percent in taxes and duties on dried velvet exports to Korea during this season. There will be no change to the duty rate on

The Korean National Assembly is a long way from Canterbury, but decisions being made there may mean more money in our deer farmers’ pockets.

frozen velvet, but removal of 10.1 percent in taxes is still significant.”

Griffiths says these changes are “hugely meaningful” for the NZ velvet industry over the longer term.

“Import duties and excise taxes are an unnecessary burden carried by producers and consumers for no real benefit. Also, tariff reduction

and removal of the SET will make New Zealand processors more competitive with their ov e r s e a s counterparts, making it more attractive for Korean buyers to source their velvet directly from New Zealand.”

He says the industry is getting a growing number of approaches from corporates, as well as suppliers to

oriental medicine doctors, who want to source their velvet directly from NZ using transparent channels. This is in the interests of NZ producers because it helps ensure the integrity of NZ velvet on its long journey to the customer.

For more information, please ring Rhys Griffiths, 04 471 6112 or 021 506 647

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Special resolution Farmers of New Zealand supports highly respected dairy leader and former Fonterra Director Greg Gent in sponsoring a special resolution to change the constitution of Fonterra reducing the size of the current board from thirteen to nine by 31 March 2016.

This proposed Notice of Motion is up for discussion and resolution at the annual meeting of shareholders of Fonterra Cooperative Group Limited scheduled to be held on 25 November 2015.

The reported response

by Fonterra Chairman John Wilson hitting back with, “We need to have a constructive and genuine consultation within the shareholder base, not have imposed a solution by two of our farmers on the back of an envelope”, demonstrates the typical father and mother stance that, we know best and we just can’t have an idea like this coming from out of the blue and not in our control.

Chairman Wilson should not be so disrespectful or dismissive of Greg Gent.

Greg is a director of a number of high profile New Zealand companies, an ex-chairman of the Northland and Kiwi Dairy Companies and played an integral part in the setting up of the Fonterra structure, which was not easy. The Gent proposition seeks shareholder support to reduce the size of the board and achieve a leaner and fitter Fonterra, making the Fonterra Cooperative more globally competitive and successful. As supplying shareholders our businesses and livelihoods depend on that.

What Chairman Wilson proposes as an alternative is that they

simply knock up a few options in a discussion document that they like or can live with and then undertake consultation with shareholders which will guarantee that board members and the shareholders council end their preferred solution. It is called self-preservation.

Remember the board has a number of exshareholder council members and the council itself has no doubt many aspiring directors currently in its ranks. Chairman John Wilson’s criticism of this resolution is in fact contrary to what the board previously promised. The chairman fails to disclose in his media release that the board’s stated

position in the 2012 notice of meeting assured suppliers that the board and Fonterra’s Council had initiated a review to consider development of Fonterra’s governance and representation to meet the challenges of the coming decade. Over the last three years John Wilson and his board have not produced any review options to shareholders and therefore not met their obligations to shareholders.

Shareholders must question why highly respected ex-directors are taking this action. They also must ask themselves why high profile independent directors are choosing to stand down from the board. Such behaviour

It is also important to understand that after a certain period time a board can become comfortable with one another.

While this can be a sign of seamless operations, it can also be an early sign of complacency. Recruiting new board members is an important way to introduce new thought and perspective to board debates while avoiding groupthink and related risks. Succession planning is inexorably linked to board composition.

The NZ Institute of Directors makes the point that the interests of shareholders will be best served if its board acts with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. A Board that is too large may not give its members the opportunity of participating in discussions and

November 2015

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decisions to the best of their ability.

We believe thirteen directors is far too many.

The notice of motion is timely and well considered.

If this action had not occurred what we believe to be a critical debate would not be taking place.

We thank Greg Gent’s and Colin Ar mer’s courage of conviction and professionalism bringing this issue to shareholders. It is timely to remind Fonterra’s Chairman John Wilson, the board, and the shareholder council not to underestimate the intelligence of F onterra’s shareholder suppliers, to consider and form their own opinion regarding this very important notice of motion to downsize Fonterra’s board.

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may be symptomatic of potential issues of concern around the board table.

The proposal to reduce the number of directors does not target any directors on the current board.

The process has been designed to make sure that shareholders retain the absolute power to elect the candidates they regard as the best candidates for the job.

The NZ Institute of Directors in publishing The Four Pillars of Governance Best Practice for New Zealand Directors, states that a board composition is a direct contributor to board performance, achieving a balance of skills and experience on the board is a key goal.

Diversity on a board is vital but should always be approached through the lens of demonstrated competence. Farmers of New Zealand believes that both the size of the board and the current mix of expertise around the board needs urgent consideration.

We do not believe the current composition is even close to being appropriate to govern a large global processor and marketer of food products.

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50

November 2015

LIVESTOCK

CANTERBURY FARMING

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Wool market in good shape Wool prices paid to growers at auction during the early part of November remained healthy with a slight upward movement evident at the latest sale held in Napier at time of writing.

Although there had been a small dip in prices, mainly for crossbred hogget types, between the middle and the end of October, pricing in general in my opinion, was in good shape. What the future holds no-one can tell however it would appear that volumes likely to come to market within the next few months will probably be around normal expectation and quality will be the determining factor of return to growers.

From mid-September until

early November I was unfortunately away from the coal face of the wool market due to an extended annual leave period which encompassed a trip to the Northern Hemisphere with a group of like-minded people visiting a number of different countries, and watching a few games of rugby, in Wales and England.

Whilst the trip did of course focus on the RWC, pre-match activities enabled ample time for a good look

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around and our private tour took us to a number of historical sites including Gallipoli and Normandy giving me personally a better understanding of what ANZAC really means, and when it became obvious that the RWC would be decided between the All Blacks and Wallabies, our group was extremely excited and looked forward to attending the final at Twickenham.

The result is now history however I will always remember how many of the ‘opposition’ fans attending the ‘business end’ games involving the All Blacks, France, Springboks and

the Wallabies conducted themselves during and after the matches. French

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supporters present at Cardiff were passionate, vocal and united during the battle, and were extremely gracious in defeat.

The South African suppor ters present at Twickenham were passionate, arrogantly vocal before and during the battle and generally gracious in defeat.

The Australian supporters present at Twickenham were passionate, arrogant, and although some could be described as gracious in defeat many I noted were far from that descriptive! We also attended the ‘Bronze Final’ between the Pumas and the Springboks, and with virtually nothing at stake I’d have to ask the question why this game should even take place at each RWC. However the almost full-house crowd at the Olympic Park showed empathy for both teams with probably a slight bias towards Argentina which I suppose was natural given that quite a few attending may have been

Kiwis who attended the RWC in 2007 and had purchased tickets for this particular 2015 match ‘just in case’?

As for the New Zealand supporters? I think we had a smattering of ‘all the above’ but generally were very well behaved and extremely gracious in triumph!

The Canterbury A&P Show was held just a few days prior to writing and, from what I witnessed this year, I don’t think for a moment the event has lost any of its attraction.

Without knowing exactly how the gate takings panned out for the Association this year, all three days did appear quieter to me than some I can remember over the years.

The standard of entries in the Wool Section looked extremely good and I say ‘well done’ to the exhibitors and judges for turning out such a great display, after what has been a rather challenging twelve months in the wider Canterbury area.

That’s my view.

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November 2015

51

Thunder struck six

by Andy Bryenton

Ford and Holden battle it out each year on the hallowed tarmac of the mountain, in a struggle which seems as old as time.

The older petrolheads talk in hushed tones to a new generation of the mighty Falcons and Commodores of yesteryear; of the coming of the Valiant Chargers, and the season of the mighty Godzilla Skyline.

The thing is, this could be the last year of the great rivalry between the red and blue — at least as we know it. In the 12-hour endurance race which is a curtain raiser to the big day, Nissan’s GT-R blitzed past in the final laps to steal the crown — from a podium made up of an Aston and a Bentley. Audi came fourth. And in the main event, too, the other marques are showing their fangs, with Volvo pipped for a podium place. With Commodore and Falcon now facing big changes, what will 2016 look like?

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

Holden are keeping tight lipped, but in the meantime they are not letting the Commodore go quietly into the twilight. Their ferocious Redline model V8s have been a revelation, spurring arch-rivals FPV to make their own swansong just as manic.

Now Holden have released a special edition of their usually tamer, calm and comfy V6, dubbing it the Storm.

The Holden Commodore SV6 Storm ups the ante in the engine department, packing a 210 Kw, 3.6 litre direct-injection V6, delivering, interestingly, more power than some of those old V8 ‘commies’ did back in the day. This mill is mated to a six speed transmission, an automatic with active select technology for crisp, rapid shifting. In line with some of that classic Commodore

racing pedigree, the Storm features a limited slip diff as well, which may show a little of Holden’s intent. You could certainly tow a lot with the 350Nm of torque on tap, but it’s more likely that you’d like to enjoy seeing what such power can do unleashed on the open road.

What’s best about the Storm, though is its price.

Following up on a very successful, limited-run Storm edition of the Commodore in 2014, the Holden management decided to make this model even more enticing. So as well as design tweaks such as custom red stitching on the upholstery, fog lights and satnav, the Storm only costs marginally more than its standard V6 counterpart. Many will consider this over the V6 Calais in the lineup.

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52

November 2015

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Unstoppable utility times eight

by Andy Bryenton

The trusty off-road bike used to be the last word in tackling mud and harsh terrain.

Then it was replaced, briefly by the off road trike, before that evolved into the ATV quad. Recently, the ATV has given rise to the two-seater UTV, in all its farm-ready and sporting variants.

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But all this time — since the 1960s, to be exact — there’s been another breed of off roader in the background.

It’s one which doesn’t rely on one wheel drive like a bike, or even four like a quad. And it hasn’t evolved into anything so prosaic as a simple dune buggy. Like the shark, it may have been perfect for its own extreme environment from day one.

The Argo — named for the far-traveling adventurers of classical mythology — has been about in one shape or another since 1967.

Born of the need to handle every kind of terrain from deserts to swamps, the Argo does away with traditional steering, adopting the same kind of controls as a military tank. That’s the first clue to its intention. The second comes when it runs out of land entirely.

Because, like the big armoured personnel carriers it did its bit to inspire, the

Argo doesn’t just wade — it swims. Argo’s latest creation is the culmination of all those years of research and field testing with farmers, hunters, foresters and emergency personnel. The 8x8 750 XTi can carry 450 kgs on land and across water, with a four stroke, 750cc liquid-cooled v-twin doing the hard work under the hood. Add a towing capacity of over 900 kilos, and the massive traction afforded by eight driving wheels, and it’s easy to see why there’s very little that can stop this machine in its tracks.

Argo have made the move to modern direct fuel injection, offering both more power — 30hp at the wheels — and better fuel economy.

Considering the type of terrain where Argos tend to work, the long distance between fill-ups is going to be very handy. Other small

stylistic tweaks — and the addition of the nowobligatory USB output on the dash — round out a design which is pure Argo.

Function is king here, and the form of the whole Argo range is built around offering simply the toughest, most unsinkable, unstickable vehicle on the market. A tough roll cage keeps passengers safe, in a style similar to

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After a bash through the rough stuff — and across the wet stuff — in the 750 XTi, conventional four wheel drive may begin to feel a bit like a sad compromise.

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RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

November 2015

53

Economy class flying high

by Andy Bryenton

Farming these days is a matter of balancing the books as much as it is cultivating the land.

Margins can be thin, and savvy operators are always looking for a way to pare down those overheads. In this environment it’s easy to slash the budget for high tech ‘toys’ — but there’s still the necessity for certain modern amenities on the farm.

Take the simple matter of getting about — herding livestock, running errands, checking fences and the like. In the current economic climate, investing tens of thousands into a brand new quad or UTV may seem daunting. But less than 2k for a tough-as-nails two wheeler that can do the same job? If it can take the hard knocks, that’s genius.

The same philosophy which informs popular utes like the Foton and Great Wall is at work with the Jialing 150, a small, nimble farm bike made with a no-frills

approach. Then again, it’s also made by a company which specialised in building military motorbikes for the vast Chinese armed forces, and which then teamed up with Honda in the early 1980s to build the off-road-bike equivalent of the AK47.

Able to deploy in harsh terrain, hard to break and easy to maintain, this early Jialing has been changed only slightly to the present day, with the addition of electric start.

What the buyer gets for that sub 2k price tag is a 150cc four stroke, single overhead cam purpose built farming bike, geared for mud and rough terrain.

Generously sized racks front and back pack on the tools and equipment, while bars protect the engine, chain and grips. Having ridden one of

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F: 03 371 1101 E: carlights@carlights.co.nz 325 Brougham Street, Christchurch these machines extensively on mud, dirt and sand, I can claim first hand that they are willing and able little bikes — no flat-out speedsters, and definitely not for the road.

But for high-torque, low speed chores on the paddock, they weigh up against competitors three times the price.

There was a time when most

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November 2015

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

Pony express

by Andy Bryenton

There are some events in 2015 which have been much anticipated — a long time coming, and carrying, for the masterminds behind them, the weight of expectation, tradition and nostalgia.

One of them — JJ Abrams’ new Star Wars episode seven — will be released in midDecember. But the other — the new Ford Mustang generation six — is already among us. And Ford have left the world in no doubt that with this car, their global programme has reached a new apogee.

Once the very icon of Americana, the ‘pony car’

is a movie star in its own right, to rival the likes of Han Solo. Gone in 60 seconds, for example, elevated the Shelby variant to the status of something to die for. Now, the looks and the performance of that lineage are back on forecourts around the world, this time coming fresh from the factory with the controls on the correct side of the car. We got our first look

at the Mustang as part of Ford’s nationwide Blue Oval Roadshow, and its presence is undeniable. With the aggressive grille, long bonnet and classic Mustang stance, hunkered down low over fat tyres — this car would not look out of place on screen with Steve McQueen.

That’s a big check for style, then — and a large aesthetic improvement from the brutally

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squared fifth generation Mustang which polarised critics. Everyone has their favourite classic Ford, and this shape hearkens back to the Mach 1, though without the ostentatious louvered back window. But is this new offering up to spec when it comes to speed and handling?

The answer, in short, is yes. And it’s not the big 5 litre V8 which truly surprises, though a commendable 306kw and 530nm of torque won’t fail to deliver

smiles. It’s the combination of losing that live rear axle in exchange for modern suspension tech, and the light, punchy twin-scroll-turbo ecoboost variant which is a revelation. Now, I can already hear the V8 purists opine that there’s no replacement for displacement, and if you want a burbling, rumbling muscle car this is true.

It’s just that the ecoboost option is far away from being watered-down. In fact, it makes the new Mustang two very different cars — one

a thunderous homage to a great tradition, the other a glimpse of the future. The ecoboost’s 233kw is nothing to sneeze at, either, especially as the switch-out lightens the whole car.

Really, this is one pony which deserves a test ride.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

the ‘last’ word

November 2015

55

Snowlea Romney with Rob Cope-Williams

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The summer holidays are looming large for the urban folk who are looking forward to time out on beaches and lakes as they relax and heal after a very long and hard year.

The rural folk face a summer of very hard work, a possible drought, huge costs for electric power, and perhaps half a day off on Christmas day.

You have every right to feel hard done by as every form of the media crows about the summer holidays and how wonderful this brilliant hot and dry weather is as people relax over drinks and barbecues.

It is as frustrating as radio announcers saying they are counting down to the end of the working week when you are unemployed.

The advice of my travel agent is to start working on your break now and let the knowledge that you are going to have time out sink in over the busy times.

I know that budgets are a problem for many farmers, but I will say now that there would be very few bankers who wouldn’t find funds for a family break for you, and if yours doesn’t, look at another bank. Nicole, my travel agent, says there are lots of deals

for overseas that don’t cost a lot.

I went to see her recently about tickets to Aussie and not only did she find airfares that were half of what I would be paying on our national carrier, she showed me prices for a holiday in Phuket that were cheaper than resorts here in New Zealand.

She also knows about stress as her doctor told her she had to take time out or she would have a very bad breakdown. Fancy a travel agent not having a holiday and having to be told by her doctor to take one!

Anyway she did, and she says her working ability was hugely bigger after she got home, and yet she hadn’t realised that she had become inefficient. So the moral of the story is planning and counting down to a holiday is half the fun of going away.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that you will be sipping drinks and eating fabulous food that someone else prepared while your urban cousins are

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grinding their way through the winter with summer fun a million miles away from their thoughts.

I will suggest though, that you do contact your travel agent as they are able to find the best deals for you — and to be honest, your time is better spent making money rather than trolling through the internet in the

hope you will find a bargain.

I can’t speak for all travel agents, but mine for example certainly doesn’t charge a booking fee or load the fares in any way but relies on the commissions they get, so all you are doing by booking online is saving the airlines a commission.

Book and dream now and enjoy later.

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November 2015

CANTERBURY FARMING

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