Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, December 2016

Manawatu

FARMING Lifestyles

December 2016 Edition

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

December 2016

Lamb exports up

The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned

The 2016 Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Lamb Crop report shows an increase of 2.1 percentage points in the average lambing percentage across the country.

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Lamb exports worth $2.5 billion due to increased lambing percentage

The average lambing percentage of 123 lambs born per 100 ewes is attributed to good condition of ewes, enough spring feed and more lambs born from hoggets.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand economic service chief economist Andrew Burtt said the report estimates 23.7 million lambs were tailed this spring. They came from a breeding ewe flock that was down 3.1 per cent on last year.

“The smaller ewe flock occurred with the shift towards cattle production and the impact of facial eczema in North Island regions.

“Farmers read the climatic signals and made decisions early, and the lamb crop result reinforces the impact of those management decisions.”

Mr Burtt said lamb numbers in North Island regions were affected by the impact of facial eczema on breeding ewe condition and numbers, and wet climatic conditions which hindered lamb growth rates. Lamb numbers in South

Island regions were slightly ahead of last season, due to good climatic conditions, improved lamb thrift and a lift in ewe lambing percentages. These factors combined to offset a decrease in breeding ewe numbers.

Mr Burtt said there was a 1.3 per cent drop, or 0.3 million fewer lambs, over the entire country than last year.

In the North Island, 11.3 million lambs were tailed, down 0.3 million on last year but up on 2013’s tally.

Meanwhile, 12.4 million lambs were tailed in the South Island.

“There will be 19.4 million lambs available for export in the 2016–17 season, down an estimated 2.7 per cent,” said Mr Burtt.

“This contrasts with last season’s 19.9 million. Lamb export receipts for 2016–17 are estimated at $2.5 billion, slightly down on the previous season.”

The lamb crop survey covers 500 commercial sheep and beef farms which are statistically representative.

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

Search on for nation’s best butchers The hunt is on for six of the best butchers in the nation to form the Pure South Sharp Blacks team to compete in the 2018 World Butcher’s Challenge in Ireland.

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Butchers are invited to nominate themselves for a place on the national squad of six, travelling to Belfast in March 2018 to represent New Zealand.

The World Butcher’s Challenge is designed to showcase the highest level of skill in butchery, and involves each team breaking down a side of beef, pork and a whole lamb into a themed display of value-added cuts, all within a threehour timeframe.

The 2016 team captain, Corey Winder said the upcoming competition is already delivering a hefty task as it looks to grow from four to more than eight nations.

“I’ve competed for the last six years from when it all began in 2011 as a

trans-Tasman competition. “It’s been gaining momentum ever since the UK joined in 2013, and this year France competed for the first time.”

Since Ireland has been confirmed as the venue for the 2018 competition, Scotland, Germany, Italy and Spain have also expressed an interest in competing.

“Even though France were newcomers this year, they took out the title so there’s no doubt in my mind these new countries will raise the bar even higher,” said Mr Winder.

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

HAS A LONG HISTORY

by Denise Gunn

With the third oldest registered Coopworth flock in New Zealand, Tom and Anne Abraham continue to strive for excellence with their stud animals.

T

om and Anne are the second generation on their southern Rangitikei family farm. The couple took over the farm from Tom’s father, David, 16 years ago. While Tom takes care of the day-to-day farm management, Anne works as the principal research scientist at Fonterra Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North. The couple have two

young daughters, Emma and Jane.Tom said their sheep are considered to be purebred Coopworth with records dating back to 1969.

Initially resulting from crossing Border Leicester rams and Romney ewes after World War II, the Coopworth was further developed by a team of scientists at Lincoln College (now Lincoln University).

Research aimed to improve breeding,

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Tom and Anne’s Coopworth flock is the third oldest registered in New Zealand

fertility levels, reproduction and disease control. The New Zealand Coopworth Sheep Society was formed in 1968.

Tom served two years as president of Coopworth Genetics New Zealand (formerly the New Zealand Coopworth Sheep Society), completing his term in 2013. He continues as a Coopworth Genetics New Zealand council member.

Coopworth ewes are proven to lamb easily, have excellent mothering instincts and good milk production.

The breed is suitable for both meat and wool production.

Tom said he particularly likes the dualpurpose breed for their mothering ability, high fertility, facial eczema tolerance and growth rate.

Work to improve the farm’s soil fertility, especially P and K levels, is ongoing. Ten per cent of the farm is regrassed every year.

Although the farm receives an average rainfall of 1,100ml per annum, the property experiences dry summers and wet winters. Close to 10 hectares of the farm is used to grow chicory and hunter brassica for summer feed.

“We buy in baleage to feed during summer-dry,” said Tom. “Sometimes we graze ewe hoggets off the farm in

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Each year since 2010, the couple have sent up to nine rams to Lincoln University for CT scanning

very wet winters.” Current stock on the Abraham’s Puketauru farm includes Coopworths only. The couple run a breeding operation of 560 ewes, and winter 220 ram hoggets and 250 ewe hoggets. All animals are recorded on SIL. Forty per cent of the lambs reared are kept for sale as flock rams. The remainder are finished and sold to Alliance, Affco or Silver Fern Farms.

“We have no contracts or specific loyalty.”

Tom enjoys the challenge of breeding to improve stock.

Each year since 2010, the couple have sent up to nine rams to Lincoln University for CT scanning.

Tom said the main reason for sending the rams to Lincoln comes down to cost.

“Coopworth Genetics New Zealand sponsors the transport,” he said. “It costs about $100 per ram to scan at

Lincoln versus $200 plus at Massey.”

The Abrahams have made good progress with the meat production value of their stock through CT scanning and eye muscle area measurement.

“In 2014 my best eye muscle measurement was 18.06cm²,” said Tom. “This year my top 50 rams averaged 18.22cm².”

Currently the couple are ramguard testing at level six for facial eczema tolerance.

While improving eczema tolerance is a priority, the couple endeavour to do so without compromising the other traits of their dual-purpose sheep.

“All our animals are SIL recorded and ranked for production from six traits — reproduction, survival, adult size, meat, growth and wool,” he said.

“Our breeding aim is to produce sheep that will make the most money for our clients.”

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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lthough raised as a townie, Marty was keen to work in the dairy industry and began relief milking on a local farm while he was a high school student. He was lining up to become an accountant upon leaving school but decided to milk cows fulltime instead.

“I stayed on the same farm for several years,” said Marty.

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

between 16 and 19 years, to develop practical skills,” he said.

“It was an interesting, varied job. I love to see people develop and help them to get where they want to go.”

Marty began his position as Primary ITO’s northern Manawatu/Rangitikei training advisor in September last year.

His territory covers Feilding to the Whanganui River, follows the Ruahine Ranges along to Gentle Annie and across to National Park.

The training organisation is geared to help people in more than 30 primary sectors, to achieve their business and career goals. Accredited training courses and qualifications cover practical and theory aspects.

The role of Primary ITO training advisors is to work closely with trainees to help them set and reach their goals.

“I go and visit workplaces and Attending discussion groups is ideal for networking and increasing knowledge farmers, looking for new farmers to sign up to Primary ITO, and to visit a New Zealand Diploma of Agribusiness help from his Primary ITO training current trainees and their bosses,” said Management later this year. adviser and former employer, who Marty. “I’m out and about five days As a father of two, with another on have helped him to achieve his a week.” the way, Marty is devoted to his family current position.

Marty’s position covers agriculture, and also serves on his children’s “I can see the difference it all some horticulture with vegetable kindergarten board of trustees. makes and I’m passionate about the growers, as well as florists.

He is currently the regional manager industry. Agriculture is a big part of New “My main focus is on the dairy, and of the Manawatu Dairy Industry Awards Zealand’s success and we need people sheep and beef sectors,” he said. and still milks cows at the weekends. in the industry now, to be able to lead “When I started, my portfolio was Marty acknowledges the support and our country in the future.” probably 80 per cent dairy and 20 per cent sheep and beef.

“My goal over the last 12 months has been to get the sheep and beef farmers more engaged in training.”

Marty organised a livestock feeding course for a class of 12 trainees in CR Law Cooper Rapley Lawyers has an efficient, professional Taihape this year and hopes to increase that to two classes in 2017. team of legal advisors who care, listen and communicate.

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Marty also attends discussion groups to network with those connected to the agricultural industry. Discussion groups help increase his knowledge in different areas too. He plans to continue his own studies with the aim of working towards

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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While we continue to use chemical fertilisers, we will need to continue with chemical toxic sprays, which will keep us on a chemical treadmill; down the road to soil erosion and environmental destruction.

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

How much better can I be?

About 500 people a year contact me for the first time. Most contact me because they have some type of health issue. The majority of these are under the care of their GP but are seeking diet, supplement and lifestyle measures that are complementary to medical treatment.

The best thing about what I do is to share with clients health improvements they never thought possible. So here is the real question. How much better can I be than I am now?

By way of example someone contacted me in May this year.

He had significant knee pain from osteoarthritis that caused discomfort and severely limited his mobility. His only medical options were heavy pain relief and a future knee replacement.

He had been proactive and was already taking supplements that helped a little.

We made a number of changes to his diet. I made changes to his supplement programme in particular initially targeting 1,500mg of high grade chondroitin, 200mg of 95% curcumin, 6,000mg of fish oil and a number of anti-inflammatory

antioxidants. The results after 6 months have surpassed what he expected. He has much less pain and in his own words just the odd twinge. He is back exercising, has more energy and just feels better.

Joint problems are the most common reason for people contacting me. Our goal is firstly to reduce the unwanted inflammation often the cause of much of the pain. Secondly we add antioxidant compounds such as curcumin (from turmeric) and the potent grape antioxidants like ActiVin® grape seed extract and its twin Resveratrol.

Thirdly we add the building blocks of cartilage to improve the function of cartilage and other joint tissues. If you have joint problems, how much better can you be? Feel free to contact me.

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

Abundant Health Bettaflex Super Joint Formula

Rural games shift north After two years in Queenstown the Hilux New Zealand Rural Games is relocating to Palmerston North next year, the weekend before the start of New Zealand Agri Investment Week 2017.

NZ Rural Games founder and trustee Steve Hollander participating in the 2016 Hilux Haystacker Challenge. Photo credit Paul Green

Games founder and trustee Steve Hollander said he was confident the new location would attract thousands more spectators thanks to the growing awareness of the event nationally.

“The Manawatu is a heartland rural area with an enormous catchment throughout the North Island known as ‘the middle of the middle million’.

The NZRG will remain a free event and staging them in the centre of Palmerston North provides a perfect platform to showcase traditional sports, and get more visitors along to have a go themselves,” he said.

Chair of NZRG Trust Margaret Kouvelis said: “The games celebrate what built our country — shovelling coal, shearing

sheep, fencing and wood chopping — good old fashioned values and with a good dose of fun such as egg throwing, wine barrel racing, gumboot throwing and caber tossing.

“The Running of the Wools through the centre of Feilding on Friday, March 10 will attract families from far and wide.”

The NZRG hosts national and transTasman championships for traditional sports including wood chopping, speed shearing and speed fencing, alongside fun participation contests like cherry stone spitting, gumboot throwing and cowpat tossing.

The event will take place in The Square, Palmerston North on the weekend of March 11–12 2017.

What is Bettaflex?

• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function.

• Bettaflex combines high grade chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate and a potent 95% curcumin (turmeric) extract.

• Each capsule of Bettaflex contains 382mg of high grade chondroitin, 425mg of glucosamine and 50mg of curcumin extract.

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How can Bettaflex help?

• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.

• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.

• Curcumin from turmeric helps to balance joint immune function to support joint health.

• Research suggests chondroitin is effective only at levels of over 700mg daily.

John Arts comments:

“I formulated Bettaflex based on the latest research into natural compounds that can help with joint support and function. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend a double dose for the first 1-2 bottles to saturate joint tissue.”

(John Arts, Founder Abundant Health Ltd)

Abundant Health

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

WATER MATTERS Life in a drop of water

by Andy Bryenton

There is a good argument to be made that all of civilisation exists just so we can have — and just because we have — a supply of pure water. Our nomad ancestors settled down to farm at oases and by rivers, which is why the oldest inhabited places in Egypt, for example, are around wells and on the banks of the Nile.

But take a look at the quality of water in developing countries today and it’s easy to see why so many of our ancestors suffered ill health — and even death — from bad water.

Before the knowledge of germs and bacteria, tainted water was a killer which took more lives than warfare. All that changed with the discoveries of two early scientists, back in the time when a knowledge of the workings of nature was still considered witchcraft by the credulous. Today’s modern ultraviolet purification and filter technology relies on knowing that there are things in the water to kill or to sift out! While people knew that obviously unclean water — brown, turgid, stagnant — was bad to drink in Regency era London, nobody knew why. The first man to peer into a droplet of water and see what he called ‘animacules’ — germs — was the polymath genius Robert Hooke. A contemporary of Isaac Newton (who he’d later argue with over questions of gravity

and calculus), Hooke had already contributed to the fields of medicine, physics, chemistry and optics before he took one of the Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens’ magnifying lenses and looked not up at the stars, but down into a puddle.

In the same year that he discovered water was full of living tiny creatures — and correctly deduced that they were a source of sickness — he also invented an improved pocketwatch, a better way to lower and raise ship’s anchors, and came up with the idea of the internal combustion engine — though he wanted to run it on gunpowder, not petrol. However it’s his book Microscopia which allowed later scientists and engineers to work out how to filter water, making it safe to drink and slashing disease and death. Farm filtrations systems today owe all their health-giving benefits to this largely unknown genius from 400 years ago.

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Designed for whole house application either via Tank supply or Town mains supply, the jumbo KDF-GAC filter is a two media cartridge consisting of KDF media (high purity copper-zinc alloy) and GAC (granulated activated carbon) Through the electrolytic and oxidation reactions of the KDF and the adsorption and entrapment capabilities of the GAC, the KDF-GAC filter can remove or greatly reduce a wide range of contaminants.

• Kit comes complete with variable density cartridge, dual media cartridge, stainless steel screws and bracket, valves and spanner • Removes up to 98% of chlorine and dangerous by-products • Reduces heavy metals like lead, arsenic and mercury • Helps control scale • KDF controls the build-up of bacteria, algae and fungi in the filter • Better tasting water and no bad odour • Removes pesticides and other chemicals • Removes particles, sediment and rust down to 1 micron

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

W AT E R M AT T E R S

Irrigation Matters with Clem Powell The mystery of irrigation Irrigation is the black art of replacing water which has been removed from the ground by evapotranspiration (ET) through plants. This is part of how plants ingest their nutrients.

Important points to know: NIWA have ET rates for your area, check their website. It will show rates as a graph through the year, summer obviously higher but ET is also determined by the atmosphere’s ability

to absorb the moisture, so it is higher on windy days due to higher dispersal.

Every millimetre of rain you need to apply daily requires 10,000 litres/ha, so if ET hits 5mm you need at least 50,000 litres every hectare, every day. That’s if

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you want the plant to really grow, not just look green.

You need to match ET rate plus allowance for percolation through the soil (over irrigation) plus loss during irrigation, minus rainfall (if any).

ET rates follow quite closely to available moisture rates so it is important to begin irrigating early enough as the plant growth will have checked by the time you notice it.

Woody plants have a higher ET rate than leafy plants so kale ET will likely be more than chicory. Admittedly plants with deep roots will hang on longer, mostly in heavy soils but in the end

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need still water replacement. Irrigating methods are just that, management tools, don’t be fooled by the fancy promises, they can’t make your plant excel with less than ET rate — assuming you are trying to hold constant moisture in the ground. Beware of stories telling you that a system allows you to get away with less application. They do exist but also require electronic monitoring and experience on the operator’s part.

Keep water droplets as large as practicable.

This is where you can save some water. Despite public perception, small sprinklers can easily have the same losses as large sprinklers, it’s just not so visible. The law of physics tells us when you expose water to warm air it evaporates.

Large bodies of water (large droplets) have a greater mass to surface area than small bodies, so fine mist tends to evaporate more — keep the nozzle size up/nozzle pressure down, within reason!

There’s no free lunch with irrigation, either you can have a cheap system with lots of running costs and maintenance or a more reasonably priced system but with better application evenness, better growth patterns, and easier and less time consuming management and maintenance. Often the principal cost differences between the two are not proportional to the results.

Clement (Clem) Powell of Irri-Max Ltd has been installing irrigation systems for over 20 years. Give him a call if you want more information on 0800 426 296.

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

W AT E R M AT T E R S

Harnessing the sun for water

13

FARM SUPPLIES | IRRIGATION | COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC SUPPLIES | LIFESTYLE BLOCKS WELL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

by Andy Bryenton

Today more than ever before, water is necessary to get the most out of arable land and pasture.

Modern practices of intensive farming demand optimum conditions for plants at the root level, and delivering the correct amount of irrigation has become a matter controlled, in some instances, by electronic probes and computer mapping.

Modern methods of monitoring may be able to pinpoint areas in need of water, but all of this is useless unless there is a ready supply. Relying on an unpredictable climate which can serve up storms one year and droughts the next means that security only comes from having a buffer of supply — dams, bores and ponds which can take up the slack when necessary. The problem with a distributed water supply, however, is reticulation — the issue of getting pipes to where they’re needed, and the added issue of getting power to farflung pumps.

While diesel and petrol pumps have proven useful, this kind of userinteraction heavy method chews up time and resources. It’s great for short-run, high-volume pumping, but in many arid countries ‘sipping’ a little from each well has proven a better method. This has given rise to robust, no-maintenance solar pump technology which is now finding its way onto Kiwi farms. Once dismissed as a means for pumping

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water only to bird baths and ornamental fountains, solar power now ‘juices up’ massive centre-pivot irrigation operations in the United States, and has proven indispensable in bringing clean water to developing nations. A variety of companies offer competing ruralapplication solar water pumps in New Zealand, but there’s news on the horizon which challenges even this photovoltaic cell revolution.

A device from the early 1800s known as a Stirling Engine has been

demonstrated to work well for constantflow, small volume pumping solutions.

The Stirling Engine works by means of a heat gradient — its top plate is warmed by the sun, while its lower plate is cooled by the very water it draws up to pump. So long as the temperatures are different, the engine keeps working, and its lack of moving parts and relative simplicity make it a possible future technology — recovered from the past — to aid in filling troughs and irrigating rows on tomorrow’s farms.

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14

December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

Adventure awaits AT MAKOWHAI STATION

by Denise Gunn

Makowhai Station has a long history as a sheep and beef farm. More recently the property has made use of its expansive size and features, opening the gates for visitors to enjoy the great outdoors.

F

our generations of the Matthews family have run the 22,000 acre Waitotara Valley property since Joseph Haddow and his wife, Sophie, settled in the area in the early 1890s.

Four other farms, Matemate, Takiri, Kapara and Angiwa, have been added to the station over the years. Some of these properties were originally farmed

by WWI returned servicemen under

the New Zealand government’s farm settlement scheme.

The station is now operated by Henry Matthews, his sister Melody, and Melody’s husband Eon. Although Melody was raised on the station, she spent 12 years working in the dairy industry before returning with Eon and their three children. Henry, Melody and Eon ventured into ecotourism five years ago,

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

offering a wide range of activities and a couple of accommodation options.

Melody runs the adventure tourism section of the business.

“The decision to diversify was to add another source of income,” she said.

“We conform to the New Zealand Safety Audit Standard for Adventure Activities 2013, through AdventureMark.

“We can operate guided quad biking and trail biking tours.”

Guided hunting of free range Fallow deer, goats and wild bulls are also available.

Private groups regularly bring their own horses, bikes and four-wheeldrive vehicles.

“They can either self-guide or we can provide a guide,” said Melody.

Makowhai Station’s range in altitude, starting at sea level and climbing up to around 500 metres, along with its varied terrain, includes numerous geographical features. Its native bush, lakes, and streams create an outdoor adventure playground for visitors.

More than 200 kilometres of tracks cover the station, enabling visitors to venture into the back-country. The station’s historic homestead, built by the early settlers, offers a nonpowered accommodation option for visitors. Shearer’s quarters, located alongside the woolshed, provide another alternative to bunk down for the night.

The property’s higher country experiences frosts during the winter

15

Makowhai Station is a popular venue for horse-trekking

but the valleys, sheltered from the wind, form a microclimate. Melody said flash flooding is prevalent in the winter and the steep areas are prone to slipping.

“The wet weather causes tracks, which are largely papa subsoil, to become very slippery.”

In 2009, beehives were introduced to the station. A couple of years later Henry established the Settlers Honey brand. Both bush and manuka honey

are processed on the property. Settlers Honey development manager, Bryn Hudson, said the placement of hives around Makowhai Station is worked out on the density of manuka in the area.

“We generally use the formula of one hive per hectare of manuka, although this can vary depending on access and site conditions.”

After the manuka has flowered, beekeepers remove the honey boxes

from the hive and transport them back to the honey extraction plant, located on the station. Bryn said the hives are then shifted on to a new home for autumn, winter and spring. Tours of the plant and bee sites are available to visitors. Melody said they’ve always received positive feedback from visitors to Makowhai Station.

“They love to hear the history and are amazed by the scenery and wildlife.”

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

FORESTRY

ADVERTORIAL

All facets of forestry John Turkington Ltd (JTL), based out of Marton in the Rangitikei, is a widely experienced forestry company specialising in the harvesting and marketing of all-sized forests, and also providing a multitude of other services across all facets of forest management.

JTL markets over 700,000 tonnes of logs per annum, a figure which is increasing each year.

Health and safety is central to all JTL operations and contracted crews, with a full-time health and safety manager who is also a Competenz registered trainer and assessor with extensive practical experience in ground-based and cable-harvesting operations. All crews are regularly visited

and audited for both health and safety and quality control.

JTL works with its contractors who each receive a copy of the JTL Operational Procedures book which they must comply with, and which includes a comprehensive drug testing regime including random and post-incident testing.

The company is highly conscious that successful operations require a skilled

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and motivated workforce and works with contractors to secure good candidates and map a training plan to suit their skills and attributes.

Key to optimising forest owner returns is long-term planning, integrated logistics and supply chain solutions. JTL has built strong partnerships with Centreport, Port of Napier and Kiwirail to establish rail hubs in Wanganui, Palmerston North and Masterton to provide a low-cost transport system which reduces heavy vehicle use in and around Wellington and Napier while also increasing efficiency and storage at the ports.

Over the next 3–10 years there will be significant areas of private forest maturing for harvest which will place a strain on harvesting and transport capacities. Due to increased forest size, roading and hauler crews will spend more time at each operation

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thus placing a strain on available resources.

Depending on forest area, roading can take up to 12 months to complete and allow to bed down prior to harvesting. Key to maximising forestry profits and preventing waiting periods is forward planning of road construction to ensure harvesting can be scheduled.

Also pivotal in maximising forest returns is JTL’s domestic and export markets. JTL has excellent relationships with domestic processors as well as a comprehensive range of export options from Napier, Wellington and New Plymouth to ensure customers have an optimal market solution which will minimise transport costs.

The company also has innovative pricing mechanisms which can remove seasonal variations affecting large blocks that take longer times to harvest.

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It’s also threatened. Much of the kārearea’s natural habitat has been lost to farming and its numbers further reduced by cats, rats, stoats and weasels.

Our plantation forests have become important breeding grounds for this wonderful native bird. They nest there, they hunt there, and they have found a congenial home among the exotic trees – along with many other native species.

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

FORESTRY

Focus is firmly on forest safety With demand for wood in new housing at a buoyant level, led by the Christchurch rebuild and housing programmes, and with demand probably increasing after the Kaikoura event, so to has there been a demand for forestry workers able to safely operate mechanised harvesting equipment.

With safety at the forefront of the industry, this has led to New Zealand’s first entry-level New Zealand Certificate in Forest Harvesting (Basic Machine Operations) programme.

The first students are now using simulators, as well as actual forestry machinery, to learn how to operate in real forest conditions on a threemonth course at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Rotorua.

And reinforcing the focus on safe operation will be a Safety Summit conference series in 2017.

“The forest industry has developed major new safety improvements in both culture in the workplace and technologies to reduce harm on the forest floor,” said Forest Industry Engineering Association manager, Gordon Thomson.

Registrations are now open for the March 2017 conference series running in Rotorua and Melbourne. An online delegate registration offer is available for a limited time at www.forestsafety. events.

“Our Safety Summit has a great lineup of inspiring and practical speakers.

Many of them have already delivered

safety outcomes for their teams and clients. So, the case studies they will bring are proven to bring results,” Mr Thomson said.

“For the first time FIEA has teamed up with the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) to organise a workshop as part of the Safety Summit. Working with Fiona Ewing of FISC has led us to include a series of workshops and panel sessions for people to interact — from the forest floor to the CEOs.” Two key speakers from Canada include Peter Sprout, an experienced tree falling trainer from coastal British Columbia and Richard Lawler, Director of Engineering, Forestry for John Deere Forestry from USA. These keynote speakers are among many local industry leaders and safety champions who have come forward to support the 3rd FIEA Forest Industry Safety Summit.

The conference series sold out in 2013 and 2015, and is running again in March 2017 in Rotorua and Melbourne. It will be held on March 1–2 at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua. The following week it runs at the Bayview Eden Hotel in Melbourne on March 7–8.

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17

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Boost for genetics In a landmark trans-Tasman collaboration, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics and Meat & Livestock Australia are committing a total of $5.2 million over three years towards major joint beef research projects.

New Zealand beef genetics research is about to get a ‘shot in the arm’, thanks to the landmark trans-Tasman collaboration. All projects within the collaboration — regardless of which

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side of the Tasman they fall on — will be overseen by B+LNZ Genetics.

B+LNZ Genetics general manager Graham Alder says the collaboration means every one dollar of New Zealand farmer levy investment translates to $3.50 of research funding.

“The research and development needs of New Zealand and Australian producers are well-aligned. It makes sense for scientists on both sides of the Tasman to work together to solve common problems,” Mr Alder said.

“Beef genetics research in New Zealand has been underfunded for 30 years. This partnership means research can progress and the results communicated out to breeders and commercial farmers many years earlier. For Australia, it means faster progress and an opportunity to advance projects that may not have otherwise gone ahead.”

The partnership centres around the trans-Tasman Beef Cow Profitability Programme, which aims to balance desirable maternal traits in beef cows, with the finishing performance of the calves and their ability to meet quality carcase specifications. The programme

will develop genetic measures for better describing the important physical attributes of the cow — such as size, body condition and her ability handle fluctuations in feed availability, fertility indicators in heifers, and selection tools for easy decision-making.

It will also investigate how different environments and farm systems in both countries impact on the balance of traits required to produce an economically efficient cow.

This research will also help underpin advancements in genomic technology.

Who is involved? In Australia: the University of Adelaide and the University of New England’s Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit.

In New Zealand: AbacusBio and Massey University.

Commercial beef farmers and bull breeders will also be heavily involved, along with Angus New Zealand and the New Zealand Hereford Association.

The research will draw on existing projects already underway in commercial farm settings. In New Zealand, B+LNZ Genetics’ Beef Progeny Test and Maternal Cow Project will feed into the research. In Australia, inclusion of the

Graham Alder B+LNZ Genetics general manager

Angus Sire Benchmarking Programme and Hereford Progeny Test are being considered by the respective breed associations, with solid initial interest.

The programme kicked off with a joint meeting of Australian and New Zealand beef breeders, farmers and science providers on November 14–15 in Albury-Wodonga.

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DAIRY

19

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Regular pond cleaning means less buildup of solids and more storage space available. It will also help you to keep your irrigator working effectively.

Putting in small efforts every day will also contribute to a better effluent system.

Ensuring rubbish does not enter ponds and sumps means they will work more effectively, and when it comes time to clean them out, the whole operation will run more smoothly and be more cost effective. Apply solid effluent to pasture regularly so that the organic matter and the nutrients will be improving soil and pasture.

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

Uncommon sense

David Law, Managing Director of Forward Farming Consultancy

Let’s keep the integrity It is with mixed emotion that I read about the failure of our two big fertiliser co-operatives to procure decent RPR that meets standards set by the NZ Fertiliser Council.

It is pleasing to see that this problem, of inferior phosphate being dumped on the NZ market to farmers who put a lot of trust in these majority stakeholders, is being aired publicly at last.

Printed in a leading fertiliser company newsletter September 2015, I quote, ‘Clover King Sechura contains high quality sechura rock from Peru… Our new phosphate rock fertiliser can be expected to outperform similar Functional Fertiliser Ltd have created

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products on an equal kilogram of phosphate applied basis.’ Although later in the piece, the writer admits the product doesn’t come up to standard, I felt the article was misleading and not only degrading to quality RPR, but also degrading to the name Sechura.

It is horrifying to expect farmers to now buy some second-grade fertiliser just because these guys haven’t got the real McCoy. I am pleased to see the NZ Fertiliser Council are there to keep the integrity and standards set for RPR, as this product is becoming the go-to phosphate source for our ever increasing forwardthinking farmers heading towards a more environmentally friendly future.

RPR is natural, and gradually releases in the soil at a near neutral pH which soil biology can handle, and is an alternative

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source of phosphate allowable for organic farmers. As it contains calcium, it does not have an acidifying effect on the soil. The standard set by the NZ Fertiliser Council for RPR requires no less than 10% phosphate and no less than 30% solubility in citric acid.

Sechura RPR has always set the gold standard for RPR which is mined in Peru.

Think think think.

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An example of a shipment of Sechura Reactive Phosphate Rock (RPR) procured by a North Island based fertiliser company in June 2016, tested 12.495% phosphate, 6.4pH, 71% calcium carbonate, citric solubility of 47% and includes a range of trace elements.

Where phosphate is required as an input into a fertiliser programme, there is arguably no other product on the market in NZ that can touch Sechura RPR for quality and proven results over a long period of time.

I applaud Fertmark for standing its ground and not compromising the standards and integrity of our fertiliser products in NZ. In these situations it can be an easy move to be persuaded to lower the bar. Smaller fertiliser companies who specialise in custom blends can get the best quality RPR. I would urge farmers to shop around for quality if they are to expect the best response for money spent.

If you are looking for Sechura RPR (the real stuff), ask uncle Google. He has all the answers.

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

RURAL WHEELS

21

Busting the two party system

by Andy Bryenton

Down here in New Zealand and Australia, it’s always been a two-horse race in the world of big V8 four-door tourers. Folks nail their colours to the mast at an early age, declaring for Ford or Holden and often defending their choice loudly and with malicious use of Bathurst victory statistics in the nation’s bar-rooms.

But there’s a third big automaker in the US, and they’re poised to fill the niche left behind as the classic Commodore and the iconic Falcon leave the spotlight.

Sure, the likes of Mustang and Camaro stir the blood, but there is a special place in New Zealand motoring for a big, four-door, comfy, growling V8 touring car. One that’s not German, or indeed Japanese, considering options way back to the Lexus LS400.

So, presenting the Chrysler 300 SRT. A hyper-muscular version of the Ralph Gilles designed 300C, which caused such a stir in the early 2000s with its ‘Goodfellas’ good looks and its purring hemi eight, the SRT shares that trio of letters with muscle car royalty.

Think Viper, Hellcat and even the monumental Ram pickup truck — and you’re in the ballpark. Not to be outdone, this boosted version of the second generation letter car, packs in 350 kilowatts — that’s 460hp in the old money. Add in space, comfort and the fact that, seen from a certain angle, it has a bit of the Bentley about it, and this looks like a real contender for the vacancy at the top of the four-door V8 table.

Now, to be clear, the 300 SRT is not specifically what the Commodore or XR8 were. Those were bold, brash, working-class heroes made good. The Chrysler stems from a bloodline that contains a shot of W211 Mercedes, and it brings luxury and an aura of subtle menace to the road. That low roofline, massive rims and the subdued growl of the 6.4 litre eight, hint at knuckle dusters hidden up a tailored suit jacket sleeve.

Take it out for a spin, though, and it’s smooth and unruffled, eschewing the tyreshredding pantomime of the maddest Fords and Holdens downunder. The sound is there, but the fury is tamed by adaptive damping suspension, a balanced eight-speed box and Brembo performance brakes. The perfect gentleman, then?

Well, they did fit the SRT with launch control for a reason. But inside, you’ll find a calm space at the centre of the

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December 2016

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

Predator free board appointed

The company which will be a key player in achieving New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 ambition is now up and running.

The official establishment of Predator Free 2050 Ltd and the appointment of a skilled board of nine directors has been marked recently.

“This company and its leadership will be absolutely integral to the success of the Predator Free 2050 programme.

“Their role will be to direct investment into regionally significant predator eradication projects and the breakthrough science solutions we need to achieve predator free status,” says

Conservation minister Maggie Barry.

Formation of the company was signalled in July, when the Government committed to the ambitious goal of eradicating rats, stoats and possums from New Zealand by 2050.

PF2050 Ltd will receive $6 million per year of new government funding to invest in regionally significant predator eradication projects and break-through science. It is expected to leverage additional contributions from

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business, local government and philanthropists of approximately $10 million per year.

Combining the current $70 million a year spent on predator control with the additional central and leveraged funding will result in a programme of investment estimated at more than $3 billion through to 2050.

Since the announcement in July, DOC and councils have identified 90 current and potential regional-scale projects across public and private land. “To achieve this goal we all need to work together — we back New Zealanders’ ingenuity, know-how and commitment to achieve the vision,” says Ms Barry.

“The directors have been chosen for their wide range of skills and cross-sector experience. I have absolute confidence they are the right people for the job.”

Jane Taylor has been appointed as chair of the nine-member board. Ms Taylor is also the chair of Landcare Research and NZ Post. The other eight directors will be Sir Rob Fenwick, Chris Liddell, Jeff Grant, Gary Lane, Traci

Maggie Barry, Conservation minister

Houpapa, Warren Parker, David MacLeod and Arihia Bennett.

The board is expected to hold its first formal meeting in January.

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2016

Seasonal workers welcomed

23

An increase of 1,000 seasonal workers announced by government brings some welcome relief to the growing horticulture industry, says Horticulture New Zealand Chief Executive Mike Chapman.

Government has increased the number of workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme to 10,500 for the 2016–17 season.

“While the horticulture industry is strongly focussed on getting New Zealanders into permanent work, at harvest time it is essential to have extra hands to get crops out of the fields and onto the consumers’ plates quickly,” said Mr Chapman. “The RSE scheme celebrates 10 years next year and it is a win-win initiative that gives horticulture and viticulture a critical workforce at its busiest time, while allowing workers from mostly the Pacific Islands to gain invaluable experience and the chance of being able to send money back to their communities at home.

“Some of our growers have had the same workers coming for the duration of the RSE scheme and they have close bonds. This is a fantastic scheme and it is not taking away any local jobs.

“HortNZ has a number of programmes to get New Zealanders into permanent work and the RSE is separate to that. In fact, by handling the harvest, RSE has allowed the horticulture industry to grow and employ more New Zealand workers

in permanent roles.” The horticulture and viticulture industry is New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry and aims to increase exports to $10 billion by 2020. Seasonal workers from the Pacific are an important part of a sector that employs around 60,000 people across New Zealand.

RSE workers come from the eligible Pacific countries of Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Fiji.

Horticulture New Zealand, along with its affiliated organisations, represents the interests of New Zealand’s 5,500 commercial fruit and vegetable growers.

Based in Wellington, it works in key areas of advocacy which affect all growers including biosecurity, food safety, seasonal labour, education and training needs of the industry, and resource management issues around New Zealand. The New Zealand horticulture industry is valued at more than $5 billion, with $3 billion in exports.

The horticulture industry’s goal is to reach a value of $10 billion by 2020.

Combined with viticulture, it is New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry.

Mike Chapman Horticulture New Zealand chief executive

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