Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, April 2017

Manawatu

FARMING Lifestyles

April 2017 Edition

12,965 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Manawatu

Searching for New Zealand’s next top butcher

Hooked on equine dentistry

P3

A fine tradition

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P14

to the rescue

P4

Caring for the community with canines Page 6–7

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

Levy rates for fire and emergency services announced

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Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne has announced the new levy rates that will fund the unified national fire and emergency service — Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

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A unified national fire and emergency service — Fire and Emergency New Zealand — will bring together volunteer and paid, urban and rural firefighters.

Photo Denise Gunn

From July 1, Fire and Emergency New Zealand will deliver fire and emergency services across the country. The organisation will bring together volunteer and paid, urban and rural firefighters to deliver a comprehensive national emergency service.

Following public consultation on levy rates in November 2016, cabinet has this week approved the new rates.

These will come into effect on July 1: New Zealanders with house and contents insurance will see their levy increase by approximately $0.70 a week, which is an additional $36 a year.

The total levy on house and contents insurance will increase to $127.20 a year.

Car insurance will increase by approximately $0.05 a week, which is an additional $2.37 a year.

The total levy on car insurance will now be $8.45 a year.

Mr Dunne said the new levy rates will ensure that Fire and Emergency New Zealand has the necessary funding to deliver essential fire and emergency services to both rural and urban communities. “Some commercial and public entities will face larger increases, though the new legislation will allow for certain measures to address affordability

and fairness concerns that were raised during the consultation process.

“Local government will also no longer fund the costs of rural fire services, approximately $30 million nationally, from local rates.”

“The government expects local government to return these savings to ratepayers as a consequence,” said Mr Dunne.

“This comprehensive reform involves bringing together 40 organisations and more than 14,000 volunteer and paid, urban and rural firefighters and personnel under one umbrella. It will deliver a flexible, modern and efficient fire and emergency service that is fitfor-purpose not just for this year, but for the future.

“This new levy rate will allow for improved support to volunteer firefighters, and will help to ‘close the gap’ in rural communities where fire and emergency services have been underfunded for years.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel will have a legal mandate for all the work the modern firefighter does, including responding to medical emergencies, natural disasters, road accidents, hazardous substance incidents and urban search and rescue.

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Searching for New Zealand’s next top butcher Stalwarts of the industry now have their chance to showcase their skills as the age requirement has been dropped from what was previously known as the Alto Young Butcher of the Year.

Head judge, Matt Grimes has been involved with the competition for more than 10 years and thinks the changes to this year’s event will make it even more competitive.

“I’m hoping that butchers who have been in the trade for years will jump at the opportunity to sharpen their knives and step up to prove their skills against the fresher faced of the industry,” he said. Entrants in both categories will first compete in one of three regional heats with the top butcher and apprentice in each area moving on to the grand final.

In each category, another seven butchers will be selected nationally, based on their regional scores to produce ten finalists.

During the regional heats, each butcher must complete a practical cutting test in which they will have two hours to turn a whole beef sirloin, pork shoulder and a size-20 chicken into a display of valueadded products.

The twenty butchers who make it to the grand final will be put through their paces once again in front of industry representatives who will be interested in the potential of the skills they bring to the table.

The 2014 Alto Young Butcher runnerup Jeremy Garth has just been selected

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as part of New Zealand’s butchery team, the Pure South Sharp Blacks, and credits the competition as being a great stepping stone to making it to the top of his field.

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

by Denise Gunn An advertisement for the American School of Equine Dentistry initiated Kristin Robinson’s interest in this field of work. She made enquiries, travelled to the Bay of Plenty to complete a course and has never looked back.

G

rowing up on her family’s farm in Wairarapa, Kristin always had a steady supply of ponies and hacks to ride. She began competing at the age of around nine years, adding a new dimension to her equestrian skills.

Kristin had just finished high school and was wondering what career path to take when she read the equine dentistry course advertisement. The eight-week full-time course, held in Te Puke, contained both theory and practical modules. “All the instructors from

the school came over from America,” she said.

“For the last two weeks we were let loose on a heap of horses to practise.”

“Once you finish, I think it gives you a good basic knowledge but there really is no substitute for experience,” said Kristin.

“I think you need to be out doing teeth for at least a year before you have a decent skill level.”

Unlike human teeth, equine teeth are continually growing or erupting. These From her Manawatu base, Kristin travels to a client base around the lower North Island

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April 2017

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Kristin graduated from the American School of Dentistry 11 years ago

teeth, due to the grinding action, develop sharp points on the outside of the top molars and the inside of the bottom molars. Enamel points can lacerate the cheeks and tongue, causing very painful ulcers which inhibit chewing and affect the horse while being ridden. The horse will lose weight, evade the bit, and could fail to stop or turn.

The basic job of an equine dentist is to file the points to ensure they are not sharp and to still keep the ridges for grinding.

Horses should have their teeth checked at least annually.

Kristin graduated from the American School of Equine Dentistry 11 years ago and travels to her client base around the lower North Island. Since qualifying she has attended a couple of refresher courses.

“I went to university not long after I became an equine dental technician and studied business, majoring in property valuation and management.” She also works as a property consultant/

project manager for Opus International Consultants in Palmerston North.

“I was full-time but have reduced my hours to accommodate my growing dentistry business.

“The two jobs balance out really well and I find it’s nice to have a salary that I can rely on if the dentistry is in a quiet time.”

Kristin still manages to compete in showjumping most seasons with a couple of horses.

“I love working with young horses and producing babies, but since I’ve got a baby of my own, I’ve kept one of my older mares which makes life much easier.

“I’ve also bred one of my own this year out of a competition mare I bought as a yearling several years ago.

“That’s been quite a lot of fun and I’m lucky, I got exactly what I ordered — a grey filly — she’s beautiful.”

Educating people on the importance of getting their horses’ teeth done regularly is important to Kristin.

“I recently went to do a horse in its late

Horses should have their teeth checked at least annually

teens which hadn’t been done in at least two years,” she said.

“No one had told the owner that the horse’s conformation meant it got front and back hooks.

So she didn’t realise that leaving it two years meant the hooks would get to the stage that I couldn’t do anything with my hand tools.

“The horse will now have to be sedated and power tools used to get

the hooks down.” Kristin said this is very manageable if it’s done six-monthly to yearly.

Through her work as an equine dentist Kristin has met many people who share her passion for horses.

“I’ve learnt so much about so many different aspects to do with horses just from talking to people.

“I’ve also met some really good sorts over the years,” she said.

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY WITH CANINES

by Denise Gunn

Living on a farm in the Rangitikei backblocks hasn’t deterred Ann Evans from giving back to the community through Canine Friends Pet Therapy.

A

nn became involved with the organisation after one of her dogs, Sophie, had successfully passed the Canine Good Citizen Bronze award. She was sitting on the verandah of the dog training club ground in Ashhurst when a woman approached

her, commenting how Sophie would be wonderful at pet therapy. Although Ann initially had reservations how this would work out when she lived in the country, she applied to become a member of Canine Friends Pet Therapy. Nine years later Ann is now the liaison officer for

Ann and Paul Evans run a 350ha farm near Ohingaiti and both have an interest in dogs

the Manawatu rural branch, a North Island Field Officer and a committee member. Ann also assesses the dogs for suitability and places them in suitable rest homes and other environments.

Ann and her husband Paul run sheep and beef on their 350ha property near Ohingaiti and both have an interest in dogs.

All of Ann’s dogs have gone through obedience training at the Feilding Dog Training Club, and Ann was the first person in New Zealand to have four dogs with the Canine Good Citizen Gold Award. She also instructs in this programme in Feilding. Paul competes in sheep dog trials, successfully breeding and training his own dogs.

Canine Friends Pet Therapy is a nationwide, voluntary organisation that started 27 years ago with a small group of five who saw a need in the community.

Now there are over 400 dogs visiting throughout the country.

“Canine Friends was set up to visit people in hospitals, rest homes and hospices and to spread some furry friendliness, comfort and joy,” said Ann. Volunteers and their dogs now also make visits by invitation to universities, schools and community events.

“Our visiting is done on a one-onone basis, meaning one dog plus their owner makes up a team who regularly visit weekly, fortnightly or monthly to a suitable home. But always the

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same time and same day of the week so we then become part of the rest home’s programme.”

Visits can last from an hour to an hour and a half, and no two visits are the same.”

“Some may want us there longer from one visit to the next,” she said.

“Our reward is a smile, a twinkle of the eyes or a laugh or two.”

Ann initially began visiting rest homes in Taihape and Hunterville, visiting every two weeks.

This grew to Ann and her dog visiting rest homes in Wanganui, Marton and Feilding.

“We do get special invitations and our group regularly get these asking us to visit Massey University to de-stress the students at exam time.”

The group also visit International Pacific College sometimes as part of studies and other times for the students, mainly from overseas, to enjoy well-behaved dogs.

“We are also seen by request at community events like garden festivals, Christmas carnivals and shows.”

Studies on pet therapy have proven that physical touching and interaction with pets can lower people’s blood pressure and provide stress relief and significantly reduce loneliness.

“Our dogs are non-threatening and non-judgemental, to most, patting our dogs is like taking a happiness pill.” said Ann. She said in some hospital care, the dogs have been credited with improving moods and motivating patients in a faster recovery.

The Manawatu branch has been operating since Ann became involved as when she began there was no assessor in the area.

“I started this and now have Canine Friends in all the rest homes in Feilding.

One of the rest homes, which is large, has three dogs visiting at different times. Under my umbrella of Manawatu Rural, I have 17 teams in action, I do sometimes get asked to talk to groups about our organisation, which I also love doing, but think maybe my dogs do the most without uttering a word.” said Ann. When assessing the dogs for suitability, Ann looks for well-behaved, happy, loving family pets with good temperaments. The assessment also includes the owner as they need to be

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One of Ann’s golden retrievers, Oakie, during a visit to a rest home resident

There are a few plants I grow in pots over the summer and then move them into the hot house over the cold months.

Lemon Grass is one plant that does so much better under the cover of the hot house and I can keep our chilli peppers growing for much longer also.

Canine Friends regularly visit the International Pacific College and Massey University in Palmerston North

good listeners, confident, enjoy meeting a variety of people, and naturally have a good rapport with their dog as they work as a team.

If successful, they pay an annual subscription to the organisation and receive a red scarf and badge. The dogs wear the scarf and the owners a badge during all visits. The assessor goes on the first visits with a new team, for support and help if needed, and a code of ethics and ground rules are followed.

Ann said it is rewarding to share her

dogs with others, put smiles on faces and bring happiness to people.

“We love what we do and it is special for us just as it is for those we visit.

“Anyone wanting to know more could visit caninefriends.org.nz or have a look on our Facebook page.”

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES ADVERTORIAL

Big cuts to farm vehicle running and maintenance costs UBCOs are a lot less harsh on your pocket.

April 2017

ADVERTORIAL

Should I take Coenzyme Q10?

by John Arts

Part 1 Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance essential for life. While we normally make all the CoQ10 we need, some people because of age, health problems or medications can benefit from taking extra good quality CoQ10.

D fo esi r f gn ar ed m s.

Fourteen months down the track from its launch, farmers are seeing the worth of adding a Kiwi-designed and developed UBCO Electric Farm Utility bike to their fleet.

Electric Bikes Palmerston North owner Kelvin Tong, says that farmers are turning to the UBCO because its rugged design and its cost effectiveness.

Farmers tell Kelvin they get frustrated at large annual servicing bills for their motorbikes and quads. “It is not uncommon to hear farmers remark that they spend more than $20,000 a year on servicing two quads and six motorbikes.”

Farmers also remark that they can’t see any sense in owning farm bikes capable of doing speeds of over 100km/h. Other farmers remark that they get annoyed at hearing their equipment being thrashed, increasing risk of injury and again more wear and tear costs on their running gear.

In contrast, farmers who have owned UBCOs for the past year report that their maintenance and running costs are way down, with some only having to change a set of brake pads every six to eight months. Kelvin remarks “the beauty of these bikes is that they have virtually no running gear to wear out, just front and

rear hub electric motors. UBCOs are also easy to operate, just switch on, twist the throttle and go.”

UBCOs also have great range. For the cost of a $1.20 overnight charge, expect 50–80km range. The bikes are quiet with no more shouting over the persistent thump of engine noise. UBCOs are great when working the dogs and around stock, especially during calving and lambing and also when hunting.

UBCOs are dual front and rear-wheel drive. Despite having a rugged frame and a battery, UBCO farm utility bikes are lightweight, so much so that after slipping out quick release battery, you can easily chuck them on the back of the ute.

Kelvin says that having an UBCO on the farm is fast becoming a ‘no-brainer’.

Two powerful 1-kilowatt front and rear hub-drives provide rapid acceleration up a top speed of 45km/h, catching up to most runaway stock quickly.

In terms of safety, UBCO’s 2x2 traction and lightweight design will do a lot less damage to you or your pasture than a quad. All in all, Kelvin says do your sums and give it a go!

For those seriously considering adding an UBCO to their fleet, give Kelvin a call and he will arrange a test ride for you.

CoQ10 is essential to make the energy our bodies need. The final stage of making energy needs CoQ10 to shuttle the hydrogen needed to generate energy. If your levels of CoQ10 are low this can be felt as low energy, weak muscles and general fatigue.

CoQ10 is also an exceptional antioxidant protecting cells and fats from free radicals. The most important antioxidant function is to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol as it circulates in the body. This is a critical part in our natural defences against blockages in heart arteries and other blood vessels.

Possibly the most common reason for CoQ10 supplementation is for those using cholesterol lowering (statin) medication. The side effects of statins are so common that they are a diagnosable disease called statin myopathy. The most common side effects are muscle stiffness, pain and weakness. This can also cause general fatigue, which often feels like a lack of motivation.

Statins effectively inhibit the enzyme

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needed to make cholesterol.

Unfortunately this enzyme (HMGCoA reductase) is also needed to make CoQ10. Blocking this enzyme reduces cholesterol but also CoQ10 by as much as 50%.

Drug companies are well aware of this problem and hold patents for combining CoQ10 with statins. Until such drugs are available I recommend those on statins supplement with 100–200mg of naturally fermented CoQ10. Adding a good CoQ10 alongside stains will in most cases protect against and often reverse existing statin side effects. My favourite is the well researched and patented US product CoQsol®.

If you are unsure feel free to phone or email your questions.

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

• CoQ10 is an important antioxidant that can protect ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.

• CoQ10 is an essential part of our energy conversion – much like spark plugs in your car engine.

• CoQ10 levels decline with age and can be restricted by some medications and health problems.

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SAFETY FIRST ON THE FARM

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

DUCK SHOOTING New rules for hunting season The Wellington Fish & Game region is now one of six adopting new loading rules as a measure for ‘sound’ conservation and sporting reasons.

The new game bird hunting season gets underway on Saturday, May 6, and a three-shot rule now requires hunters to plug their shotgun magazines so that the gun holds no more than three shots in total.

Other regions introducing restrictions on the number of shots are Eastern, Hawke’s Bay and West Coast, while Wellington and Nelson Marlborough are banning magazine extensions.

Fish & Game communications manager Don Rood says the three-shot rule is simply another tool to help reduce pressure on game bird populations and provide more opportunity for other hunters.

“We have to strike a balance between providing hunters enough ducks every season, while conserving populations for following seasons. We strive to achieve this with appropriate bag limits and season lengths,” he said. “The three-shot rule is another tool to help

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sustainability — that will help limit the number of ducks being harvested.”

Mr Rood says that decades ago, when semi-automatics first came on the market, they were restricted to a twoshot capacity.

“But these days, it’s possible to have shotguns with a capacity of eight-plus shots, so that six hunters on a pond could conceivably be firing up to 54 shots at a time.

“The three-shot rule means hunters know their shots are limited — which we believe makes them think more carefully about shot placement.

“The rule makes game bird hunting more sporting as it reduces any temptation to continue firing as game birds are moving out of range — which reduces the chances of wounding a bird.

“We have had positive feedback from hunters to say that ‘sky busting’ (taking too many shots at too long a range) is less prevalent.”

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He adds that Fish & Game is pleased to see the three-shot rule applied more widely “as we look to healthier game bird populations in regions such as Eastern, where the mallard population is on the way up.”

Fish & Game rangers will take a firm line where the rule is concerned this season because compliance is “pretty easy and inexpensive to achieve.”

The three-shot rule says that a shotgun magazine must not hold more

than two rounds of any size, plus one more in the breech — three in all. The rule applies for all waterfowl including pukekos.

Firearm safety rules should always be followed and a cartridge should not be put in the chamber until a shot is about to be taken. We advise hunters to study the game bird regulations booklet so they are very clear about whether the regulations apply in the regions they’ll be hunting in, Mr Rood says.

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April 2017

11

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

CELEBRATING NZ FIRE SERVICE A legacy of service

by Andy Bryenton

In the year 1867 the world was a very different place. New Zealand was still the most isolated outpost of the British Empire, barely thirty years old as a nation. When it came to civic services such as firefighting, there was no set pattern amid the ‘wild west’ chaos of the frontier.

From 1854, when the Auckland volunteer ‘bucket brigade’ came into being, the larger centres began to form their own separate ideas of what a fire service should be.

Smaller towns, however, were left to their own devices. Some brigades relied on citizens keeping buckets of water handy, while others were donated equipment by private companies.

Firefighters were hampered by a lack of real authority — they were sometimes stopped short by being unable to demolish burning structures, source water from private tanks or impose rules to stop fire hazards before they caused tragedy.

At last, in 1867, parliament convened to set up a plan for all of New Zealand.

When the Municipal Corporation Act was signed it contained a chapter all about firefighting in the small towns of rural New Zealand.

As it was reported at the time: ‘The act empowers the council to deal with fires, to lay on any works necessary for this purpose, to appoint fire inspectors

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The Wanganui Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1904

and to remunerate any association for the extinguishment of fires.

A fire inspector may take command of any fire brigade and enter on any premises, or order any building pulled

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down with a view to extinguish a fire’.

It was a turning point for firefighting.

Local councils could at last appoint an empowered representative to combat fire hazards. The core principles of this act formed what became the Fire Service constitution right through

A huge thank you to all the volunteer firefighters who selflessly protect our families and communities.

until 1900, the founding document of many fire brigades. With every borough and civic council pulling in the same direction, things like standardised equipment, doctrine, uniforms and training were made possible. It was the birth of the fire service as we know it. Fifteen decades on, we salute the generations of firefighters who have served their communities selflessly and with valour, often risking their own lives to protect their fellow citizens. It’s a proud history, and one which deserves to be celebrated in this 150th year since the act of government which set our modern fire brigades on their path.

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April 2017

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

BY DENISE GUNN The Palmerston North Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1906

The New Zealand Fire Service has come a long way since the first volunteer brigade formed in Auckland in 1854 with just buckets to douse flames.

F

ollowing the success of the Auckland brigade, volunteer brigades began to form around the country.

The Wanganui Brigade, formed in 1866, was among the first volunteer

brigades in New Zealand. Sheds initially used to house the brigade in various locations around Wanganui, later became satellite fire stations.

These were run by separate town boards. In 1918, following a disastrous

fire in Fosters Hotel, the brigade was changed from a volunteer service to paid employees. A fire board also took on the operational aspect.

Wanganui was the first Australasian brigade to have a self-propelled fire engine, which arrived in 1903. Eight years later, the brigade was also the first in New Zealand to obtain a petrol-driven fire engine.

Palmerston North’s initial fire brigade was disbanded in 1878 with a second forming in 1883. The brigade’s first fire

station was established in 1888 on council land in Coleman Place. A new station, built in Cuba Street in 1910, was replaced by another building 16 years later. Palmerston North Fire Brigade’s current station in Cook Street was built in 1977.

Manawatu and Wanganui come under New Zealand Fire Service Region Three, along with Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Hutt-Wairarapa.

The region covers approximately 53,000 square kilometres from the southern

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April 2017

15

Although the early fire brigades functions were primarily fighting fires, there have been considerable changes in the type of work now required tip of the North Island, up the west coast to New Plymouth, and across to Hawke’s Bay. The Chatham Islands is also included under Region Three.

Although the early fire brigades functions were primarily fighting fires, there have been considerable changes in the type of work now required.

As well as attending fires, a firefighter’s working day may now also involve road accident rescues, medical responses, attending to storm damage, smoke alarm installations, home safety checks, community education, hazardous material emergencies, high-angle rope rescues, urban search and rescues, hazardous material emergencies and flood responses.

Firefighting equipment and techniques have also continuously improved.

Scientifically-designed protective clothing and helmets have replaced the early woollen tunics and trousers, leather boots and brass helmets.

Some of the most modern firefighting apparatus available in the world is

used by New Zealand’s fire brigades.

Legislation and management changed through the years too.

The Fire Brigades Act 1906 was New Zealand’s first legislation dedicated solely to fire protection, setting up fire boards in metropolitan areas.

When the Fire Service Commission was created from 1974–1975, New Zealand’s 277 local authority fire boards were abolished.

The commission took over the control of brigades and formed the New Zealand Fire Service.

More changes came in the 1990s with the Fire Service Amendment Act, followed by major restructuring in 1995 and again in 1997.

From July 1 2017, Fire and Emergency New Zealand will deliver fire and emergency services across the country.

The organisation will bring together volunteer and paid, urban and rural firefighters to deliver a comprehensive national emergency service.

From left: Leonce Jones, Graeme Mills and Graham Williams outside the Palmerston North Fire Station during centennial celebrations

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YOUR FARM, YOUR FUTURE, OUR FOCUS. “

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

April 2017

17

ADVERTORIAL

New heating saves money Logicor has two new products available for central heating and hot water. The Clear Heater System and the InLine Hot Water System are easy to install, use less energy, are lower cost and give clients more control over heating expenditure.

Ecotherm is the contact for the products for the lower North Island region and director Samuel Millar says you don’t need to sit in the cold to save energy.

“Our patented technology has been proven to save substantial energy compared to using typical electric or gas central heating systems.

“Originating from the UK, the central heating panels and instantaneous hot water system both run solely on electricity. The central heating panels use infrared technology to efficiently heat homes and both products bring savings to our clients.

“Provided the CHS system is run at the same temperatures and for the same length of time as you previously ran your old heating system, we expect you to save at least 50 per cent on your heating energy bills and in some case up to 85 per cent or more.”

The electric infrared radiant heating system panels are wall mounted with a sleek design suited for both modern and contemporary dwellings and have fully adjustable heat

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Both systems will operate from the same control panel and use the electrical mains wiring in your home or office.

The Central Heating System and the InLine Hot Water System have no ongoing service costs and come with a 20 year guarantee.

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April 2017 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Chemicals impacting on topsoils

by John K Morris, CEO of Agrissentials

A Sanskrit text written around 1500BC noted: ‘Upon this handful of soil our survival depends. Husband it and it will grow our food, our fuel and our shelter and surround us with beauty.

Abuse it and the soil will collapse and die, taking humanity with it’.

Soil is a magical substance, a living system that transforms the materials it encounters, making them available to plants. A handful of healthy soil contains more microorganisms than all the people who have ever lived on earth.

To keep up with global demand for food, the UN estimates 6 million hectares of new farmland will be needed every year.

Instead, 12 million hectares a year are lost through soil degradation. We wreck it then move on, trashing rainforests and other precious habitat as we go.

The techniques of agrochemical production that were supposed to feed the world, now threaten us with malnutrition and starvation.

In hindsight, the ‘chemical age’ although initially looking good, has not done life on our planet any favours, in fact, it has demineralised our soils resulting in nutrient deficient food, which in turn is increasing disease within all forms of life on our planet.

Here at Agrissentials, we are fervently pushing multi-mineral, microbialrich fertilisers to increase quality and production. Our system encourages

worm life, essential for recycling all waste falling upon the land, back into topsoil.

This is all part and parcel of Mother Nature’s system, which has been operating on our planet for the past 460 million years.

United Nations FAO chose 2015 as the International Year of Soils. Soil is the largest pool of organic carbon, essential for mitigating and adapting climate change.

In an era of water scarcity, soils are fundamental for its appropriate storage and distribution.

Soil microorganisms boost soil’s ability to absorb carbon and mitigate desertification. According to FAO Director-General Jose Graziano de Silva, it can take up to 1,000 years to form one centimetre of topsoil, he urged investment in sustainable soil management, saying that would be cheaper than restoration. Incorrect!

Providing degraded soil still contains some carbon, restoration would be cheaper and quicker. Agrissentials recipe of multi-mineral, microbial-rich

John Morris CEO Agrissentials

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April 2017

DAIRY

19

Uncommon sense

David Law, Managing Director of Forward Farming Consultancy

What science?

There is a lot of talk about science, how we apply it on our farms and probably to the confusion of who it was supposed to help, the farmer, which science will best suit his or her needs.

I have discussed in previous articles the findings that our team are discovering repeatedly when applying international science and principles to soil. This is proving a superior path ahead for farmers involved in all aspects of farming. We’ve travelled to Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States to learn more, expand our thinking and advance our techniques to empower farmers to step into the light towards better ways of farming.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that we are better than the rest of the world, that our cow dung is better or even different from what cows produce in Wales, England or the US. I have even noticed that cows moo the same! It is also a misconception to think that soils are different in any other parts of the world. The differences we find in our own country’s soil from Cape Reinga through to Invercargill would come close to the variances across the world. The advanced courses we have attended have us working with international tutors teaching fertiliser recommendations on different soils from different countries and a diverse range of crops including avocados, grapes, oranges, walnuts, kiwifruit, trees and all aspects of livestock farmed soils.

The principles to balance any soil by adding nutrients that are lacking is simply universal.

Every soil which will grow anything efficiently demands the same approach to give the sufficient nutrients to do the job. During the last five years, many of our team have been to five to seven advanced scientific courses to learn these advanced international techniques which are helping our farmers in NZ become more in control of their destiny. The more science we

apply to our clients’ farms, the more we understand how farmers, without realising, have built the two large competing co-operatives. They supply 90% of the fertiliser to NZ farmers.

Ballance can trace its origins back to 1954, setting up bases in Southland and Bay of Plenty, whereas Christchurchbased Ravensdown began later in 1978 to provide some healthy competition.

These two giant fertiliser companies are now of similar size turning over approximately $1 billion annually. Both of these companies over time have adapted a set of policies or parameters, which have been accepted and followed by farmers, generally known as the NPK fertiliser approach, and it works!

Our NZ farmers have grown all aspects of farming based on this approach throughout many years.

However some of their policies, I believe, have been very cunningly set up to sell fertiliser rather than follow scientific principles.

The main product produced by both companies is superphosphate, and there would be no surprise to find that this is sold wherever there is an opportunity, even if it isn’t needed.

Phosphate is the least leachable nutrient in the soil provided it is not in excess to plant requirements.

During these last few tough years, when we find phosphate is at good levels, then farmers are wasting their money applying more, when other nutrients are lacking.

I have attached the nutrient availability chart, which is accepted science, showing the pH line that gives the best availability of nutrients to plant roots in the soil. Simply, if you move a vertical line from left to right, the availability of each element changes.

Note how the availability of phosphate is twice as available at 6.4 compared to 5.9 pH. We are finding that lifting the pH in the soil will naturally increase the availability of phosphate without needing to apply more. We are also finding that in some instances, particularly when calcium or magnesium are low with a correspondingly low pH, the cost to balance your farm and increase grass growth can be less than what you would expect. Even nitrogen is more effective above 6 pH. I would encourage

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farmers, especially in these tough financial times, to apply some forward thinking principles. It starts with some independent international soil testing and will guide you into a more scientific, healthier and more productive future.

David Law, Forward Farming Consultancy, forwardfarming.co.nz, 027 490 9896.

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April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

MTA CAR SHOW OF THE CENTURY A once-in-a-lifetime event

Historic, classic, fast and fabulous cars from the past, present and the future are all on show at the Car Show of the Century in Wellington at the end of April.

electric autonomous, intelligent Budii, has only ever been shown at the big international car shows of the Northern Hemisphere.

The show celebrates the Motor Trade Association (MTA) centenary by bringing together a careful selection of vehicles and the stories attached to them.

There is something for everyone in three exhibitions.

The centrepiece is a Rinspeed concept car from Switzerland. This car, the

For those wanting to learn more, there is a line up of speakers talking design, history, and looking ahead to what’s coming down the highway of the future.

The exhibitions Great Kiwis Great Cars: tells the stories of eight vehicles and their designers, drivers or their place in our history. Check out the New Zealand-made Trekka, Chris Amon’s Maserati, Alan Gibbs’ Aquada (which will also ‘drive’ on the harbour), John Britten’s Cardinal, Denny Hulme’s McLaren M23, the World’s Fastest Mini, the World’s Fastest Indian and the stylish Hulme Can Am supercar.

The Future Today: features all the latest in technology, elegance and ideas from the top brands along with futuristic concept cars, including the amazing Rinspeed Budii.

For the love of cars: We have carefully brought together cars, and motorbikes, from museums and private collectors from around the country. It is a once-in-a-lifetime showcase of examples of New Zealand’s most iconic, classic, beautiful, and fastest vehicles. We are privileged to share them with the public.

Test drive an EV: The Better NZ Trust will have a dozen electric vehicles under the sails for people to admire. Some will also be available for test drives/rides.

All cars shown here will be at the event: From top, Chris Amon’s Maserati 250F, Hulme supercar, Tesla S, BMW i3, 1931 Hispano Suiza, Rinspeed Budii, Amphibious Aquada (seen here in a record breaking crossing of the English Channel)

TSB Arena 29 & 30 April

$12 entry, children under 14 free. More information www.mta.org.nz

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

April 2017

RURAL WHEELS

21

Life of the party

by Andy Bryenton

The super-compact SUV is the latest metamorphosis of the breed — a combination of the supermini and the off-roader — which seems set to dominate the end of the market where hatchbacks once reigned supreme. Toyota may be a little late to the party, but their measured approach pays off with the arrival of the striking, urban-chic CH-R this autumn.

Already making waves in Europe since its debut at the Geneva motor show, the CH-R seems, on paper, to have a hard road to dominance. Up against the incredibly popular Corolla in its size segment, this machine needed a clear point of difference to get hearts racing.

Well, a single look at the bold, diamondinspired faceted cut of the CH-R’s exterior styling provides just that. This may not be a big, terrain-crushing 4x4 like the marque’s signature Land Cruiser, but it’s certainly no shrinking violet.

The CH-R is really pitched against such small ‘crossovers’ as the Suzuki Ignis and the Mini Countryman — vehicles for whom style is part of their substance.

The options list for Toyota’s new compact SUV includes customisable coloured panels, aggressive mag wheels and more, married up to head-turning design to make it a head turner. The interior is packed with smart gadgetry, leather and clever storage spaces too. But of course the big question is whether this small sports utility has the

true pedigree of other Toyotas such as the RAV4, which as you’ll recall, began its life as a small SUV in its own right.

Perhaps they weren’t late to this party at all.

The answer comes as another option, at least in Europe — the CH-R is indeed available with a frugal but peppy 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive. A popular option, however, has to be the front wheel drive only hybrid drivetrain, which delivers 122 horsepower and big fuel savings.

In British Pounds, both options cost the same.

We’ve yet to see what happens here, as the petrol turbo debuts first. But you can bet that those who want the interior space and style of an SUV, without ever leaving the tarmac, will want a look at that hybrid later on. A more visually appealing alternative to the ever-popular Prius? Or an eye-catching alternative to other compact SUVs with legendary Toyota build quality? The CH-R asks ‘why not have it all’.

Breaking cover, the CH-R concept car differs only slightly from the production model, set to hit Kiwi shores this autumn

THE SIDE-BY-SIDE THAT’S MADE OF STEEL

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Harry Sircombe 2014 POLARIS SPORTSMAN UTE

Off drystock farm, Bal factory wty till 6/17 9869kms, 1150hrs, Maxi Grip tyres, alloy rear tilt tray, bullbars, towball.

$12,995

2014 POLARIS ACE 325

One own/op on sheep farm, ROPS & seatbelt, 883kms & 84hrs, 2wd/4wd, Hi/Lo CVT trans, roof, screen, mirrors, rear storage box

$9,995

2015 POLARIS RANGER 570 HD

Tidy cond, 1 own/op on sheep farm, 9957kms, 1775hrs, new tyres, CVT Belt drive, Hi/Lo, Turf mode/2wd/AWD and ADC Modes, tilt tray

$14,995

2012 POLARIS RANGER 400

Water-cooled engine, 2WD/4WD/Turf model, hi/lo, CVT trans 4 wheel disc brakes, good tyres, poly roof, 1990hrs.

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2015 POLARIS RANGER 1000 DIESEL XP Tidy example, one own/op, 12773kms, 1078hrs, Bal factory wty til 3/17, glass screen, poly roof.

2013 POLARIS RANGER 500

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2008 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 700

Auto Hi/Lo trans, 2wd/4wd & pushbutton difflock, bullbars, Swamp Fox tyres, heated grips, rear tray extn, 34874kms.

For all your ON-FARM servicing in the Central Rangitikei region

Call Harry to book 027 499 2051

$7,995

2014 SUZUKI DR650

Excellent cond, 1 owner, 10105kms, LAMS adventure tourer, comes with black Acerbis 30L fuel tank, hand guards.

Remember: to maintain the manufacturer warranty on your machine it must be serviced by an authorised service agent.

$4,495

2015 SUZUKI DR200

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All used stock is fully serviced. Buy with confidence from LMVD. ASK US FOR A CUSTOMER, DETAILED QUOTE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS. Finance available on all stock subject to credit approval. Application and administration fees payable and terms and conditions apply.

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22

April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Otherwise fine!

I had just walked out of the Christchurch wool auction room after a reasonably firm wool sale (compared to the previous one) and fielded a telephone call from a wool rep asking about the market and, in particular, how one of his clients’ lines of wool had sold that morning.

Typically, this call came when the specific line of wool, which was not the best for quality, had been passed-in for failing to reach our pre-sale estimate and the grower’s reserve price!

After the rep’s obvious sigh of dismay, due to the wool having not been sold (he was probably standing beside the client at the time!), I consoled him by offering very sound reasoning that there were several other wool grower vendors with similar (to his client) types, who also had their wool passed-in, and then added the words ‘otherwise fine’ meaning that most other wool types sold OK. That’s when I

SHEEP HANDLER

thought of the DD Smash song entitled Otherwise Fine and suddenly could hear a line saying something about ‘the outlook for Thursday’.

Almost every wool auction in New Zealand is held on a Thursday, which lead me to the next line of the song which says ‘your guess as good as mine!’

Then I began thinking of how confused many growers might be when they have wool ready for sale and seek advice from brokers or others, and receive what may seem a rather blurred answer covering exchange rates, wool quality and quantities, etc. Over the past few

STOCK WORKER

Call in and see us at 73 Preston Street, Invercargill Ph: 03 215 8558 • Email: hecton@xtra.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products

Cow & Horse Processing in Levin No Moore Hassel Pet Food is an MPI approved and recognised primary meat processor.

Based in Levin we offer local farmers a free and highly professional pick-up service for unwanted healthy cows and horses in the Manawatu-Wanganui region.

seasons, PGG Wrightson Wool (PGW) and Bloch & Behrens (PGW’s whollyowned subsidiary and wool exporter) have been developing new relationships with overseas customers, many of whom manufacture finished products, and part of that business development has been to invite key personnel, from those customers, to New Zealand, to visit wool growers who supply wool to PGW, providing clarity of value to growers, creating brand partnerships and assisting sustainability.

During March two manufacturing companies from Germany and Norway each brought their CEO and Production Manager to New Zealand, and were hosted by B&B and PGW staff, along with a number of on-farm visits. A gathering of Marlborough merino wool growers

recently attended a presentation at Blairich Station from the CEO and Production Manager of Norwegian company, Devold, and heard how that company has been producing garments since 1853, how Devold has developed into an extremely well-recognised manufacturer of merino (and other wools) underwear, sports and leisure garments, and how the Devold brand now appears in high-end retail stores across Europe.

Devold is sourcing quality merino wool by contract via PGW from several growers in the South Island for the second year running this year, and is looking forward to further developing long-term relationships with new suppliers of fine wool to PGW. That’s my view.

If you would prefer to transport your animal yourself or have your horse or cow put down on the farm then we can arrange this with a No Hassell guarantee.

About Us

Meet Your Local Wool Representative at PGG Wrightson Wool

Our in-house processing plant enables us to guarantee the consistent quality and reliability of the process from the picking-up to the putting-down of the animal. As a recognised specialist you can rest assured that our years of expertise and close connection to the farming industry makes our service as convenient, respectful and professional as it can be.

Call us today!

06 368 2106

Levin Hokio Beach Rd, Levin 5510

nmhpetfoods.co.nz

Want to find the best way to market your wool?

Expertise is only a phone call away PGG Wrightson Wool Ltd handles in excess of 350,000 bales annually through its wool store network strategically positioned around New Zealand and its export company Bloch and Behrens.

Andrew Anderson Feilding/Taihape

027 7029 496

Tony Cox

Wanganui

027 5965 144

Eric Constable

Wanganui/Taranaki 027 4409 784

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

April 2017

Initiative celebrates women

23

A drive to promote women living and working in the primary industries in New Zealand and abroad was launched recently.

AgWomen Global celebrates all women who help shape the primary industries, no matter the size of the part they play.

AgWomen is a year-long project celebrating and sharing unique stories from 365 different women, all who have contributed in shaping the primary industries. At the end of the 365 days a coffee table book will be produced sharing these stories.

Chelsea Millar, founder and CEO of Grass Roots Media NZ, wants to honour women in the rural sector who she believes can often be under-represented.

“There are many amazing women doing amazing things throughout our industry and they all have a part to play in its success,” said Chelsea.

“We want to showcase a range of primary industry women by telling their stories digitally and bringing the audience on a journey to showcase and explore all parts of the industry.”

The content, which comes directly from women who experience it first hand, will share the successes and hardships of the primary industry as they know it. Images accompanied with written stories will be posted on the AgWomen Global Instagram and Facebook accounts, as well as an extended story published as a blog on the website agwomenglobal.com.

“This allows the audience a real opportunity to engage and share the women’s stories. Those profiled won’t only be from farms or the wives of farmers — they may be within a business that supports the industry; insurance,

banking or media for example.”

AgWomen has stories from women in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA, Chile and Argentina, and hope to gain more locally and abroad. “We encourage women to contact us if they are interested or want to nominate someone to have their story told,” said Chelsea.

“Please don’t think you don’t have a story because you are ‘just a wife or mother who lives on farm’. Every woman who is connected to the industry contributes to its success and we want to share the breadth of impact we have on our industry.

“By engaging with your community, doing the school run, inventing new tools or even working within an agribusiness, you’re all playing a part in making the boat go faster so please share that with us. We’d love to profile you.”

A PledgeMe campaign has started to help support the passion behind AgWomen.

The team are excited to announce that Plant & Food Research are supporting the campaign. Pledges are welcomed and start at $10 as they look to hit the $28,500 target to ensure the initiative can continue its success.

To pledge go to pledgeme.co.nz/ projects/4958-agwomen-global.

To follow go to agwomenglobal.com, facebook.com/AgWomen or instagram. com/AgWomen.

Chelsea Millar, AgWomen Global representative

Oi!

DON’T TXT & DRIVE

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Manawatu Rural Marketplace POHANGINA

advance AUTOMOTIVE Kirstine Laney Service Manager Ph (06) 353 3473 FREEPHONE 0800 895 133

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MANAWATU FARMING CLASSIFIEDS FROM $59

Phone 0800 466 793

Financial 06 210 0886

021 149 6923

Wood Splitting Onsite Services Wanganui Aero Club

06 345 0914

www.wanganuiaeroclub.co.nz

Dale Treanor For all your firewood needs Fast & Efficient

BANK SAID NO? We specialise in Farm Finance, working capital and debt consolidation. Also welcome applications from property developers, builder’s and first home buyers. Call 0800 888 449 or email bill@gfbl.co.nz.

Animal Health Products

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HIGH CELL Count? Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L $49.95, 200L $450 or 1000L $2,000 +GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. blacktypeminerals.co.nz.

24

April 2017

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

Rural Nominal Bore Pipe ID nominal bore

Unpunched 250mm

40m 130m

828.00 $2620.00

Connects to Maxi 225mm Culverts

$105.00 $135.00 $210.00 $305.00 $425.00

90mm

$ 6.87 per metre $ 8.90 per metre $11.68 per metre

$8

.90

per metre

25mm 32mm 40mm 50mm 63mm

$127 $159 $216 $325 $495

$248 $310 $421 $634 $965

LDPE irrigator drag hose Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks 63mm x 50m

75mm x 50m

Maxi Culvert 100mm 150mm 225mm 300mm 375mm 450mm 525mm 600mm 750mm

$ per 200m

63mm x 100m

Suitable for above ground use.

Available 50m and 100m

SIZE NOMINAL ID

$ per 100m

Drag Hose

8 Bar Rated - Suits Camlocks

110mm

Outside diameter

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

Effluent Pipe 90mm

141

9 Bar Rural Pressure Pipe

Joiners and custom fittings available

75mm

$ 76 20mm x 100m $141 116PSI $182 $ .00 $223 $264 $346

MDPE Pressure Pipe

Recycled HDPE Culvert Pipe 200mm 250mm 315mm 375mm 450mm

130 116 94 72 65 50

$ per 100m

Anka & Hansen fittings available

Enviro Culvert Pipe 6m Price

Pressure rating (PSI)

15mm 20mm 25mm 32mm 40mm 50mm

$

Diameter OD

APRIL 2017

LDPE Water Pipe

Maxi Drain Hiflo Twinwall Coil Sizes

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199.00 $ 389.00 $ 299.00

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Twinwall Culvert Pipe

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$ 30 $ 65 $ 159 $ 275 $ 367 $ 525 $ 620 $ 780 $1100

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83 Wallscourt Place Normanby Phone (06) 272 8187 Email taranaki@ruraldirect.net.nz

600mm x 6m

$ Incorporating the strength of corrugated Mad e in outer shell with the smooth new Zea land inner wall to optimise hydraulics Full range of fittings available Rubber ring seals available for water tight joins

.00 0 78

MANAWATU / HAWKES BAY

77728 State Highway 2 Dannervirke Phone (06) 374 8971 Email manawatu@ruraldirect.net.nz

All items in this advertisement are while stocks last. Phone Rural Direct for conditions of delivery. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST.