Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, December 2020

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Five generations on family farm Pages 4–5

Massey creates new short agriculture courses P3

Growing living Christmas traditions

Dairy aware boosts future goals

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December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Don Linklater Memorial Bursary awarded

Integrity community media

Horizons Regional Council has awarded two environmental studies students with the Don Linklater Memorial Bursary for 2020.

The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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The Don Linklater Memorial Bursary was established to honour the contribution made to the region by the late Don Linklater. Mr Linklater was Horizons Regional Council chair from 1989 to 2000.

Horizons deputy chair Jono Naylor noted each student was able to receive up to $3,000 with the bursary being open for students studying at either undergraduate or postgraduate level.

The recipients, Claire Gordon and Danielle Thompson, were both awarded $3,000 for the 2020 academic year.

Councillor Naylor said the grants were a tangible way to support students in the environmental field and reflect the environmental work Horizons does.

“Providing this bursary is an exciting opportunity, especially when the applications we received were all very impressive — this gave the panel a tough job of selecting the recipients.

“Natural resources are integral to New Zealand so it is fantastic to be investing in our future students who will protect those resources.”

Claire Gordon, from Pongaroa, is studying toward a Bachelor of Science, majoring in geography and minoring in environmental science, at the University of Canterbury. Ms Gordon is hoping to become a farm consultant.

“I am passionate about the outdoors, agriculture, and the environment.

Through growing up on a sheep and beef hill country farm, I am particularly interested in working alongside farmers to plan effective erosion control methods unique to their farm system,” said Ms Gordon.

Danielle Thompson, from Whanganui, is studying toward a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Natural Resources at the University of Canterbury.

Horizons deputy chair Jono Naylor

“Growing up on a farm in Whanganui has made me really value working with nature rather than against nature.

“In the future, I would love to work in regenerative planning and development, including introducing nature in a larger capacity back into our cities, or disaster risk and resilience particularly in regard to flooding and earthquakes,” said Ms Thompson.

To be eligible for the Don Linklater Memorial Bursary, applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and plan to study full-time university study in 2021. They must also be from the Horizons region, however may study outside of the region.

Applications for the 2021 funding round will open early next year. More information can be found at horizons. govt.nz.

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December 2020

Massey creates new short agriculture courses Massey University has created more agriculture short courses to meet demand for training following government-mandated freshwater plans for farms.

On September 3, the government introduced new rules under the new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. One of these changes was the requirement for almost all farms in New Zealand to have a freshwater plan.

Massey University’s Professor of Dairy Production Systems, Danny Donaghy said these short courses move away from the traditional ‘hours and hours of online lectures’ and will instead focus on flexibility, new technologies and case studies.

“With many of these people already working jobs, it’s not feasible to have long, full-time courses. These short courses will help upskill and train people to feel confident in delivering these plans.”

Building on an array of established short courses such as Sustainable Nutrient Management, Massey University’s School of Agriculture and Environment has created two new courses; Introduction to New Zealand

Farm Systems and Intermediate Farm Environment Planning. A third course, Advanced Farm Environment Planning, is due to be developed in 2021.

“There was a real concern in the industry that there was a lack of people who were qualified to develop plans like this — so we set out to design courses to fill this gap.”

The group received funding from the New Zealand Fertiliser Association to support the development of the courses, with assistance from a reference group comprising industry and the government.

Introduction to New Zealand Farm Systems is a newly created, six-week course for those who are new to the industry and want to understand the implications of their decisions further down the line.

“It’s really important to understand the farmer’s goals and values so you can actually work well with them to produce a successful plan,” said Professor Donaghy.

Intermediate Farm Environmental Planning builds on important concepts for freshwater plans.

Dr Lucy Burkitt, who is leading the creation of this course, said that the teaching would introduce students to the concepts and components of a freshwater Farm Environment Plan.

“We’ll be using an online environment and digital resources to guide students through the development of a desktop Farm Environment Plan.”

Participants from industry and the government will be asked to provide feedback as Massey trials these new courses as pilots through 2021.

The courses are being well received with industry players keen to get involved. Courses into 2021 are already receiving enrolments. More details, including enrolments, can be found at massey.ac.nz/~flrc/courses.html.

Massey University’s Professor of Dairy Production Systems Danny Donaghy

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December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

FIVE GENERATIONS ON FAMILY FARM

by Denise Gunn Five generations of the Saunders family have farmed their 390ha sheep, beef and cropping property at Glen Oroua, each acknowledging the responsibility that goes with the land and the legacy.

T

he Saunders family took ownership of the farm when WJ Saunders bought the property, Ongarua, in 1906. He and his son, Tom, built stopbanks along the Oroua River to protect the property from flooding and make farming the land possible.

The farm was eventually handed on to Tom’s son, Thomas (Dick), who was also chairman of the Manawatu County Council. When Dick passed away in 1977, the farm was split between two brothers, Brian and Graeme. Brian’s sons, Tim and Mark, have taken over their father’s block of land.

Mark has worked on the farm since he left school. Initially, Tim was undecided

if he really wanted to be farmer, instead heading to university and graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science. He then worked as a TV and film camera operator, a cave guide and a tour bus operator before moving to Germany.

The call for wide-open spaces soon beckoned, however, and Tim moved back to New Zealand and the family farm. Tim’s partner, Kathrin, moved to New Zealand from Germany more than 10 years ago. Her natural animal health studies and skills prove useful to the stock.

The brothers’ nephew, Daniel, a trained chef, also helps out on the farm. Brian is back working on the land

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Currently the farm runs 200 steers, 700 breeding ewes, and turns over around 5,000 trading lambs each year

too after recovering from some health problems earlier this year.

Currently the farm runs 200 steers, 700 breeding ewes, and turns over around 5,000 trading lambs each year.

All livestock is now purchased privately, with the brothers constantly on the lookout for new farms to buy stock from.

Eighteen-month-old cattle are purchased in autumn and early winter, and then wintered on the family’s sand-country runoff at Taikorea.

Finished stock are sold exclusively to Affco.

Tim and Mark have found some traditional farming practices, which once seemed normal and safe, have since proven to be detrimental. This has led to them sometimes thinking outside the box when approaching tasks. They’ve also embraced technology as the best way to improve productivity.

“New grasses, crop varieties and improved animal breeding are being developed all of the time,” said Tim.

“All of which are designed to increase productivity. Technology is also leading to dramatically improved machinery — some tractors burn cleaner fuel than many cars.”

The main improvement Tim and Mark have made is subterranean tile drainage, using Nexus pipe.

Tim said this has increased production, with parts of the farm that were too wet in winter now becoming usable.

The historic woolshed on the Saunders farm was built by the original owner, Isaac Greenaway, in 1898 using matai cleared and milled on the property.

Originally designed as a 12-stand blade shearing shed, it now accommodates four electric stands. The shed’s high-pitched roof was based on similar designs in the United Kingdom.

“The high roof is fantastic for shearing in summer, allowing adequate ventilation,” said Tim. Crops grown on the farm include wheat, barley,

“We like to grow a few paddocks of brassica every year”

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Cattle are wintered on a sand country runoff at Taikorea

sweetcorn, peas and maize grain. “The maize grain and wheat are grown under contract, and will primarily go to chicken feed. We are diversifying into barley this year, to see how that turns out. We grow peas and sweetcorn for McCain’s. Both crops grow really well here.”

Wheat straw is sold to dairy farmers when possible. Grass for hay in summer is also sold.

“We like to grow a few paddocks of brassica every year as a winter feed crop for lambs. It grows really well and fattens lambs better than anything else on the farm. We also make our own hay and baleage, which is fed to our cattle in winter.” Tim said every generation has new ideas on how to improve what they are given and it is important to remember the past.

“There is a reason that we are here, and that farming is still viable. That reason is the people who walked this land before us.

“We must not forget the lessons of earlier generations — they’ve seen it all before. Everything I know about farming has been handed down from generation to generation.

“The individual animals may have changed, the technology has improved, but I am more or less still farming sheep and cattle the same way as my greatgreat-grandfather.

“The ground I work is the same ground he walked over.”

Tim is also a keen writer. His book, This Farming Life, was published in August and covers a year in his life on the farm.

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December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

GROWING LIVING

Christmas traditions

BY DENISE GUNN With an extensive horticultural career spanning several decades, Mary Van der Velden is now growing living Christmas trees on her lifestyle block near Levin.

M

ary’s horticultural career began at the age of 17, in an Otaki garden centre.

“I was brought up on a dairy farm and loved milking cows and rearing calves. If I had been a male, farming would have been a career for me but my parents wanted me to do something else which involved meeting people. Mum took me down to the local garden centre in Otaki as they had advertised for a male. I was the only applicant, so was offered the job. I knew in that first week that working with plants was going to be my passion.”

Pohutukawas gathered from seed that had dropped to the ground from trees on the Napier foreshore, were the first plants Mary grew. After many years this crop grew to 2,000 trees, which was enough for a deposit to buy 14 acres of bare land in Manakau.

Mary’s first husband, Dean, joined her in developing this piece of land, founding Pukehou Nursery, which went on to be the New Zealand Garden Centre of the Year. As well as running Pukehou Nursery, the couple also raised four children.

Mary Van der Velden among the Christmas trees she has grown

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“We went on to grow thousands of perennials, which we wholesaled to garden centres in the lower North Island. Perennials were all the rage in the 1980s. Old-fashioned roses were the next big thing. We continued to grow larger grade trees such as Pohutukawas and natives.”

Pukehou continued to expand, becoming a full-scale garden centre with a gift shop.

Staff also ran garden workshops.

“Lavender Pukehou and the Pukehou strain of Hellborous orientalis were bred during this time.” A large show garden, which included a rockery, perennial

borders, roses, bog gardens and a lake, were also developed.

Mary has always enjoyed being outside with her hands in the dirt, sharing her knowledge and passion for gardening.

Media have also tapped into her extensive expertise. For many years, Mary wrote a weekly garden column for the local newspaper, was a columnist for the New Zealand Gardener magazine, and a regular talkback garden host on national radio for 13 years.

When her marriage ended 18 years ago, Mary moved to a lifestyle block on Heatherlea Road and continued her

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A wide range of trees are available at Potted love of gardening. The family’s living Christmas tree, which was brought inside each year and decorated, moved with her. She planted it in the garden and the tree grew with the children, becoming part of the family’s Christmas ritual.

Mary remarried five years ago and when she and her husband, Duncan, bought three and a half acres next to their house block, she decided to grow Christmas trees in pots.

“As the world is becoming more ecoconscious, I felt it was timely that there was another option for Christmas trees. I’ve always hated the waste of cutting down perfectly beautiful trees which only last three weeks or so, and then thrown out.”

After researching suitable trees, Mary settled on conifers.

“I buy them as seedlings from a nursery which specialises in raising such trees from seeds. I have 11 different varieties available — mainly Firs and Spruces but also a Scottish Pine and Christmas Redwood which grows narrow. They are all distinct and come in various shades of green, silver and blue-grey.”

Trees arrive at Mary’s property as bare-rooted seedlings in winter.

“The first batch I received, Duncan, who is not a nurseryman, questioned me ‘did I really think those ugly duckling looking plants would grow into beautiful Christmas trees.’ Well, five years later they have. It has required a lot of selfbelief and faith, and hard work. As it takes five years’ to produce a tree, I also have another four years worth of crops, all in various stages of development coming on. Every plant has been repotted twice before its final show pot.

As they get bigger, they need trimming, spacing and top-feeding.”

Retiring from working at wholesale tree nursery, Leafland, in August this year has given Mary more time to devote to her garden and living Christmas tree nursery, Potted.

The trees at Potted vary in size from the smallest, Albertiana Spruces, standing at 1.1 metres, to the tallest, Douglas Firs, at 1.7 metres.

“Customers are getting the concept — real living trees which smell divine.

Trees which are treasured and grow with the family.”

“We went on to grow thousands of perennials”

The finished product ready for Christmas

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December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

Dairy award boosts future goals

BY DENISE GUNN Manawatu Dairy Trainee of the Year, David Reesby, grew up on the family farm and knew from an early age that dairy farming would be his career choice.

D

avid said he had always been interested in the farm and watching his parents, Gareth and Sandra, and grandparents, Don and Meg, expand the dairy operation.

“Farming was in my blood on both sides of my family. I enjoy working with my family on the farm. They are very knowledgeable people who I am always learning off and great role models to me.”

The 180ha farm at Oroua Downs, north of Foxton, has been in the family for a number of decades. Don arrived

in the district in 1963 and picked up a job milking cows on a Himatangi Beach Road farm. Five years later, he and Meg began sharemilking on that property. In 1977 the couple moved onto their Oroua Downs farm.

As David grew up on the farm, he worked weekends and holidays, milking cows and taking care of general chores. He attended Feilding High School and particularly enjoyed the agriculture programme.

David said agriculture teacher Grant Davis became another mentor, sharing

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that I can put into practice,” he said.

Now into his third season on the family farm, David is in a 2IC position. A herd of 420 Friesian cows are milked on the property. Supplementary feed, mainly grass bulk silage and hay, is grown on the run-off block.

“I’m taking on more responsibilities as I progress and learn with three generations working on the farm.”

Working with the cows and youngstock also brings rewards.

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to the national finals in May. David won $5,550 in prizes plus three merit awards.

Off-far m, David enjoys sport, racing motorbike sidecars and is a competitor at national level smallbore rifle shooting.

He has also joined Young Farmers.

“I hope to meet other like-minded farming people and to compete in

“I really enjoy working and being able to work towards a qualification”

Young Farmer competitions to expand my farming knowledge.”

David said the dairy industry provides opportunities to progress up the ladder.

With his sights set on becoming a contract milker, David has plans to build up equity with herd ownership and sharemilking. His ultimate goal is land ownership, buying into the family farm.

“I want to continue my way up the dairy industry ladder. I have always wanted to be a farmer and the dairy industry offers

great career opportunities and lifestyle,” he said.

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David said entering the Manawatu Dairy Industry Awards set him a personal challenge

A herd of 420 Friesian cows are milked on the property

“I get satisfaction out of rearing the youngstock and cows to a high level and see them produce well.”

Entering the Dairy Industry Association Awards set a personal challenge for the 19-year-old. One of his biggest career highlights was being named the 2020 Manawatu Dair y Trainee of the Year and going through

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WOOD IS GOOD Forestry news and events: December

SNI Scholarship Recipient 2021 Congratulations to Tegan Hardie from Fielding Agricultural High School for being awarded the SNI Scholarship to attend Canterbury University in 2021. Tegan is enrolled in a Bachelor of Forestry Science at the School of Forestry, and has future ambitions for becoming a forest scientist, and we sure need plenty of those! Well done Tegan for earning 8K towards her degree costs, and our board is looking forward to providing her with holiday work and experience for the next 4 years while she completes her degree.

Steve Couper, Ernslaw One presents Tegan Hardie with her scholarship

The SNI Wood Council Scholarship will reopen next year for new applications, please check www.sniwoodcouncil.co.nz for details.

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Even if you are not growing plantation pine on your farm, the chances are you are using it for your fencing needs!!

MitchPine fills a critical gap in the market for small logs. Many thinning’s that come from plantation forests can be sold to the post market for a good profit. This is called “Production Thinning” and means that many small

and large forest owners can get some profit from their forest early in the rotation. Having this sawmill based locally in Levin means many of our posts do not travel far from the forest to the farm in the Manawatu region.

MitchPine have kindly taken groups of students through their sawmill to watch the post making process and we look forward to having them in our Wood Council!

Message from your Wood Council Board.

Thanks to all the participating community groups, schools and local businesses for contributing to a great year in our community for Forestry.

Our Wood Council remains dedicated to providing communication and clarity around our sector activities and have a full calendar of events planned for 2021.

We look forward to continuing to assist our

country move to a carbon free future by growing and processing our best renewable and carbon free resource, wood.

Our sector remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s primary exports, increasing to $6.4 billion last year and providing a critical sustainable product for other countries.

Merry and safe Christmas to all.

Southern North Island Wood Council Board members Steve Couper CHAIR (Ernslaw One), Bert Hughes (Forest Enterprises), Blake Jones (Forest360), Duncan Oakley (Kiwi Lumber), Sean McBride (JNL), Nick Cusack (Nixin Logging), Ray McDougall (McDougall Logging), Pat Hawinkels (MPI), Julian Batson (Farm Forestry Association), Mark McCarthy (McCarthy Transport)

Whanganui Forestry Big Day Out

Denis Hocking shows students his love of farm forestry Although many of farmer”. We agree. our school trips were Ray McDougall, owner cancelled this year, of McDougall Logging, Cullinane College and ferried students up steep Whanganui High school roads to view his cable were happy to participate hauling operation as part in an organized bus trip to of this school trip. Ray take students to view farm has employed students forestry and cable hauling from these colleges in the operations. past and was happy to Proud to show us around explain how this type of his farm forestry operation system works, and how was Denis Hocking of much money is involved Rangitoto Farm, near Bulls. in contracting. Although Denis showed students we were in deep mud, the the many different stands students had a ball, and of different species that had to be dragged back to has transitioned his bus. Thanks for inspiring farm over 40 years from the next generation Ray pure sheep and beef, to and we’ll be seeing you now a full farm forestry again next year! operation where he Any secondary school who harvests a proportion of would like a Forestry Big his plantations every year.

Day Out funded bus trip in Some with a portable their region for students sawmill. Denis tells us he and teachers is welcome now makes more income to contact the Wood from forestry than his Council. sheep and beef side of the farm and that he considers himself a “forester before a

The Southern North Island Wood Council provides a collective voice for the forestry sector in Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Tararua and Wellington. Members have a common interest in ensuring the long-term success of the sector. Membership is open to any company or individual with an interest in the local wood industry.

Erica Kinder, SNI Wood Council CEO, can be contacted for more information. sniwoodcouncil@gmail.com

0273 290 498

sniwoodcouncil.co.nz/

Forestry Events Calendar

MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

11

ADVERTORIAL

Golden Bay Dolomite NZ’s most loved magnesium.

Women’s careers in forestry Women who work in forestry hold a selection of professional and operational roles across New Zealand in an industry that appeals to those who enjoy science, biology, maths and combining technology with the environment space.

call 0800 436 566 or visit www.dolomite.co.nz

BEFORE

Top: Erica Kinder (SNI Wood Council), Liz Brown (Forest Enterprises), Tracey Thurston (Forest Enterprises), Jess Littlejohn (Forest Enterprises), Amanda Horne (Horne Logging), Karen Rogan (McCarthy Transport Ltd), Nikki Coulmann (Forest Enterprises) and Michelle McCabe (Forest360). Front: Sue Silvey (Forest360), Terene Batten (McCarthy Transport Ltd), Silva Sze and Fred (Forest Enterprises), Marg Willis and Jack (Forest360), Nikki Manihera (Kiwi Lumber Masterton) and Hannah Harvey (Forest Enterprises)

Or maybe those who just love trees!

Forestry is perfect for natural problem solvers who can apply their learning to the diverse range of careers in an industry that earns six billion dollars in exports for New Zealand.

In a time when many women have lost jobs, forestry has provided job stability and increasingly women are filling the technical roles in this previously male-dominated business. The only degree options for forestry are based at Canterbury University and these

graduates are extremely sought after around New Zealand.

Because of this, these courses boast 100% employment, and female graduates are among the most sought after. Forestry has a range of indoor and outdoor jobs to suit many individuals. Some of our companies have roles including forest investment, forest managers, community projects,

harvesting contractors, log trucks, shipping and logistics, sawmills, environmental applications and forestry scientists. If you want to know more about training or careers for forestry, or how to enter New Zealand’s second-biggest export earning industry, then contact Southern North Island Wood Council for more information or visit www.sniwoodcouncil.co.nz.

AFTER

DAMAGED FARM TYRES??

Factory Vulcanised repair available at MTR Group Our quality repairs are a cost effective way to see out the life of your farm tyres.

We also have a large selection of new and quality used tractor and earthmover tyres in our warehouse.

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MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

WATER MATTERS

13

ADVERTORIAL

The secret of success The story of our business began in 2010 for Sharp As Linehaul, as an owner-driver with just one truck.

In 2016 there was a shortage of water carriers in Whanganui. So we took a gamble and introduced a 14,000-litre tanker to the region to assist with servicing houses and community amenities, only supplying water from the Whanganui Council District water supply.

We were the first carrier in Wanganui to obtain an A-grade accreditation, which we maintain with regular testing.

Delivering the water is something we enjoy doing, it gives us a chance to have a yarn with the locals.

Being able to deliver in a time of need also gives us satisfaction knowing that we have probably made someone’s day, as a few of us know too well how stressful it can be with no water in a family household.

At Sharp As we operate a number of divisions now, from storage to carting products all over the country in our 23m truck and trailers or containers. From

loading straight out of orchards to the packhouses to carting hay, silage and spreading metal on farm tracks, we also move a lot of product for the commercial sector. Logistics is an interesting time-consuming challenge that we are happy to accept in meeting customer demand.

Our secret to our success, we believe, is to surround yourself in good people. Create that culture where you want to go to work.

Having a good team with values enables you to deliver strong work ethics collectively.

A decade later the company is continuing to grow from strength to strength with a fleet of 30 trucks and 74 staff. We often reflect; how does this family-owned business do it? The answer is a hands-on approach and keeping it real NZ!

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14

December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

WATER MATTERS Small leaks — big losses

by Paul Campbell

JASES

WATER CARTAGE

CALL JASE

027 590 4844

email: jaseswater@gmail.com Household Water Delivery

Underground water lines on rural properties are subject to breaks and leakage, and a leaking water line can lose a massive amount of water if it’s not repaired promptly, about 14,000 litres a day, for example, through a hole the size of a small nail.

With a water meter, it’s easy to do an overnight check for problems. Just read the meter before going to bed, then first thing in the morning. The difference should be minimal.

Watching for leaks if you don’t have a meter is a little more difficult. The obvious first step is to watch for wet spots on dry ground, there could be water soaking the ground from the line below, or for pasture areas that grow more quickly than others.

Sometimes you can hear the water rushing out of the pipe, so keep an ear to the ground! So keeping an eye out, and that ear to the ground can make a real difference.

Getting the water to you; it’s not cheap and it’s not easy! We drink it, cook with it, shower under it, or bathe in it.

We use it to wash our dishes, clothes and cars. Access to fresh, clean and plentiful drinking water is a

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An underground water leak can be very obvious

cornerstone of modern society. If you’re on town supply, it’s easy to take water for granted.

For the vast majority of rural residents, rainwater is the key to household use, with irrigation coming from streams and creeks and perhaps aquifers. So maintenance is vital. DairyNZ has some good advice.

• Identify problem areas and mark locations of weak spots on a farm map • Gradually upgrade older sections to help prevent water loss • Replace ill-fitting connections to decrease the risk of leaks • Bring the problem areas to the attention of everyone working on the farm

Water lines that are near the surface, run under races or over drains are at particular risk of damage.

• Bury the lines deeper to protect them • If renewing or replacing lines, bury them alongside a fence to give added protection • To prevent problems where water lines must go under races, place them inside a larger rigid pipe for protection • Where lines cross drains, strap them securely to the bottom side of a pipe or post • Bring these water lines to the attention of everyone working on the farm

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MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

WATER MATTERS

15

Savings on the dairy front Summer is soon to be upon us, and as usual, rural thoughts turn to water usage, whether the weather will be kind or not, and of course, new regulations that have many people looking askance at the government rules effective from September this year.

Water is a very valuable resource, and a lot is used in the milking shed. DairyNZ advises that efficient processes for milk cooling, vat wash and yard hosing can add up to significant savings.

The primary milk cooling system should use about two to three times as much water for the volume of milk cooled.

If there is a continuous flow of water when milk is coming through the cooler intermittently, more water is being used than necessary.

To cut this water use a solenoid valve can be installed at the inlet to the cooler and linked to the milk pump, or a variable flow drive so water and milk flow match.

Use correct flow rates through the plate cooler — two to three litres to every one litre of milk. Increasing water volume does not decrease water temperature.

Ensure the plate cooler is serviced regularly and has adequate pumps and water storage to function efficiently.

Cleaning and improving the efficiency of plate cooling will require the services of a technician who can align the plate’s spacings correctly.

Ensure all refill tanks and cylinders have an automatic shut-off to avoid overflows. Toilet cisterns or trough floats have been used as proven refill and shut-off options.

The well-managed milking shed can save water

Improving yard washing efficiency is another way to improve the bottom line on the farm ledger.

On warm, sunny days, pre-wet the yard with a hose or sprinkler to help prevent dung from sticking.

Use a scraper or a chain inside an old yard hose on the backing gate to break up dung before hosing and wash the yard after each milking. Hose the yard with high water volume under low pressure so you are pushing effluent not spraying it around and maybe include a timer setting on the yard washdown pump.

Set a time standard for washdown and train staff to achieve it. Flood wash with green water recycled from the effluent

• Cartage of domestic water SUPPLIERS OF: • Water troughs • Fittings • Drainage & culvert pipes

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pond. There are strict compliance requirements for this practice under the New Zealand Food Safety Authority’s Code of Practice for the Design and Operation of Farm Dairies (NZCP1). If you are recycling green water, get advice from your dairy company representative to ensure you are compliant with terms and conditions of supply.

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16

December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

ADVERTORIAL

Creative journey through Artists Open Studios Artists will open the doors to their studios in March, giving the public an opportunity to meet them, view their art, and look behind the scenes.

Now into its 21st year, Artists Open Studios is considered to be one of the largest, longest-running and diverse art trails in New Zealand. Starting with seven artists taking part in 2001, next year’s event has 89 studios listed in Whanganui and Marton, showcasing a wide range of works.

Event coordinator Ness Radich said Artists Open Studios will give art lovers the opportunity to meet the artists behind the art.

“To not only get a sneak peek into how art is created but also build a personal relationship, and story, with the artists themselves. What visitors learn quickly is that Whanganui is an art hub; we have 89 studios participating this year.

Although the art culture of Whanganui may still be unfamiliar to some, the event has been running for 21 years so has built its reputation over a long time.

“Artists Open Studios gives visitors the chance to explore this beautiful, vibrant river city by taking a journey around the art studios,” she said.

“Make sure you check out the Starting Point Exhibition; a multimedia showcase of displays from all the studios participating in the 2021 event. This is

Visitors view artistic creations in Bedford Avenue Studio in Gonville, Whanganui

the perfect place to begin to map out your journey. It is also open during the week of Artists Open Studios and works on display are available to purchase.”

Studios will be signposted and an event trail guide, available for $5, lists all the studios that will be open with

background information on each one.

There is also a free trail map available.

“There is no fee for visitors but an invitation to support local art,” said Ness.

“Incredible workshops and events are on during the event too. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gift an experience to your

loved ones this Christmas.” Artists Open Studios will be held on the weekends of March 20–21 and 27–28 from 10am to 4pm. Some of the studios will also open between those weekends.

Visit openstudios.co.nz for further information.

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Meet the artists behind the art in Whanganui & Marton 20 - 28 March 2021

Add it to your calendar and make a weekend of it.

View all participating studios on our website:

openstudios.co.nz

Artist: Julie Oliver, Marton Arts & Crafts Centre (#87)

s

MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

December 2020

17

ADVERTORIAL

Beating the parts shortage For the past six months, it has become increasingly hard to source parts and whole goods within the outdoor power equipment industry.

At Central Mowers, this was predicted as far back as June, and the team put in place a new ordering system.

During June, they more than doubled the number of parts on hand to ensure that they could fix and service what they sell, and meet the needs of their customers.

With the issues surrounding the delays at ports in New Zealand, it has become harder to source unusual brand parts.

Even some of the more common brands have shortages.

Rob from Central Mowers would like to pass on some general maintenance tips to help keep your machines in tiptop shape: 1. Check the oil in your engine regularly, make sure it’s not low, and if it is, top it up. If the oil looks very black or thicker than it should be, change the oil or book it in for a general service.

2. Keep the machine clean. That does not mean hosing it down when it’s hot; leave the mower for at least an hour, and then clean carefully. Most of the time, this can be done with a brush or damp cloth rather than using water. If you have a battery-powered engine, the use of water can damage the bearings — so be careful!

3. Annual service. To make sure your mower or machine lasts longer,

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Alex of Central Mowers and the team are happy to help wrap your gifts this season

book it into an authorised workshop for a general check over and service.

Replacing the spark plug, oil, air filters and regular sharpening or replacement of blades can double the lifespan of your mower.

If you are in the market for a new mower, ride-on, chainsaw or trimmer — Rob and the team have stock available.

However, some new items are becoming scarce, and you may need to be prepared to pre-order for the new year.

The team is open through the Christmas period.

Google for holiday hours or visit their website or Facebook page for information. They have you covered from go to mow.

eastown TIMBER & FENCING

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Merry Chrismas HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

MONIQUE MCKENZIE

DENISE GUNN

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER

JOURNALIST

Special thanks to all of our loyal advertisers, and those who have come on board in 2020 to help spread the message for their businesses.

After a year of challenges, you all deserve a relaxing and festive time with friends and family. We will return again in the new year to get 2021 off to a happy, positive and profitable start.

After such a turbulent year for many of us, 2020 is now drawing to a close. Through it all, I thank those who have given their time to feature in our publication. It has been an absolute pleasure to share the stories of those working on the land in this region. I wish all of our readers a wonderful, safe, festive season with the opportunity to relax and to spend time with family and friends.

monique.mckenzie@intgerity.nz

SAVING LIVES,

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18

December 2020 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK ADVERTORIAL

Cleaning out woolsheds is easy Clearing out the manure from under woolsheds has become easy work with Cleansweep Woolsheds.

Mark Turton, along with his wife Megan, has been servicing the Tararua area for more than 30 years with their fencing business. Wanting to further assist their clients with farm maintenance, Mark invented a machine that goes under woolsheds and pulls out all the sheep manure.

The system is highly versatile, able to be used for any type of woolshed and handle the lowest of sheds. The Clean Sweep machine is also ideal for cleaning the hard count-out pens, and by using the Kanga and bucket set up, they can clear away deposits on the undercover yards.

“It also decreases wool staining, and most important of all, it reduces the ammonia smell which the shearers will appreciate,” says Megan.

There is a huge variety of woolsheds around, so Mark visits the farm first and gives a no-obligation quote. Once

It's the dirtiest job on the farm!

Let us take care of your woolshed.

Clean Sweep Woolsheds can quickly and efficiently remove all the manure from under your woolshed, count out pens and covered yards, giving you a cleaner and healthier shed. Less ammonia smell and faster drying sheep.

• Fast • Cost effective • Operated from outside • Can reach the furthermost point

a quote is accepted, Kelly and Joe, who have both been working with this machine for the past four years, will complete the clean.

We have had great feedback from clients. Many are impressed by the speed of the machine, and Kelly and Joe, who make a good team, are very pleasant to work with.

One client says: “Thanks for the awesome job your staff and machinery made of our woolshed. Innovative thinking and a couple of hard-working clever guys combined to make an unpleasant job a breeze.

“I would highly recommend this to anyone.”

If you have not cleaned out under your woolshed, count-out pens or covered yards for a while, give Mark a call.

Phone 027 682 1186, email markturton@xtra.co.nz or visit website cleansweepwoolsheds.nz.

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DAIRY

MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2020

19

Eliminating Mycoplasma bovis positive Eradication of Mycoplasma bovis is going to plan, but the industry still has a way to go for the disease.

“Although we are on track to achieve eradication, there is still a lot of hard work ahead of us, and we expect to find more infected herds as the M bovis programme continues,” says a DairyNZ spokesperson.

DairyNZ is still actively involved in the programme, at both the governance level and on the ground supporting farmers.

As of November 12 2020, there have been 257 confirmed properties to date, with seven Active Confirmed Properties and the remaining cleared.

“Of these, 137 confirmed properties have been beef, 63 dairy, and 57 classified as others such as calf rearer, grazing and lifestyle. $184.9 million has been paid out in compensation.

“Screening is continuing on dairy farms. Each month, a sample is taken at the point of collection, as part of the normal milk collection process. As at November 12, there were six new properties confirmed with M bovis as a result of Bulk Tank Milk screening.

“One dairy in Canterbury’s Selwyn District, three dairy farms in Ashburton District, and a further two farms in this area were linked by cattle movements.

Recent BTM screening gives confidence that this is an isolated cluster connected by animal movements. These newly identified properties show the national surveillance programme working as it

should detecting possible cases and showing where to look to eliminate the infection.

“The National Beef Cattle Surveillance Programme covers screening of beef cattle not connected to the known network of infected properties, sampled at meat processing or alongside TB testing. As of November 12, samples have been collected from about 86,600

animals, from over 4,000 farms. No beef farms have been confirmed as infected from the surveillance programme.

“As we continue to find fewer cases, the M bovis programme’s efforts will be focussed on national surveillance to provide confidence that the disease is absent. An independent technical advisory group has been commissioned to review the existing performance

measures and surveillance programme.

The group will provide technical advice to support the next stage of the programme.”

The programme partners DairyNZ, Ministry for Primary Industries and Beef + Lamb NZ are considering how to ensure the lessons learned from dealing with M bovis can help improve future responses to other diseases.

0800 feedsystems

20

December 2020 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

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Christmas Special

GC Tractor with Mower and FEL from $20,990+GST and get a Lawnmaster Stealth Push Mower included!*

WHATEVER THE JOB, GET IT DONE. MF GC1700 COMPACT RANGE 23-25 HP MF GC1700 Series tractors make light work of tough jobs. Their compact size and versatile handling mean they’re ideal for small acreage, commercial and residential owners. Tackle a range of tasks and get the job done with the MF GC1700 Series - the perfect on-field performer with all the best features of a Massey Ferguson tractor rolled into a compact size.

• High torque engine performance

• Tilt steering and covered storage compartment

• Two range hydrostatic transmission

• Optional mowing deck, front loader and backhoe

• Three point linkage as standard

• Proven Japanese build quality

*BONUS PUSH MOWER

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER

4 Turners Road, Feilding 06 323 0309 www.trctractors.co.nz *Terms and conditions apply. See instore for more details

TRCTRACTORS.CO.NZ | 06 323 0309

A world of experience. Working with you.