Northern Farming Lifestyles, December 2012

Northern

Farming Lifestyles December 2012 Edition

33,400 copies DELIVERED FREE to every farm and rural delivery address from Albany to Cape Reinga

Young lives in pioneer times

Harvesting the sea with zero waste P4

The tropics in Northland

P6

broug

P8

P26–28

The little chapel in the valley Pages 10–11

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2

December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

2012 — the year in farming

The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned New Zealand company.

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz • Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville General Manager: Deb Wright (dw@thelifestyler.co.nz) Editorial: Paul Campbell Kim Munro Rose Rees-Owen Andy Bryenton

Graphic Design: Dave Stevens Gavin Bainbridge Emily Stevens Jan Balcombe

Advertising: Betty Willets Lisa Moffat Carolyn Jones

Production: Brenda Ilton

Northern Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Managing Editor: Allan Mortensen (am@thelifestyler.co.nz) Accounts: Lesley Robinson (accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz) Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

Drainage Problems?

• Farm Drainage • Races/Roading • Earthworks

• Pipeline Cleaning • Laser Drainage • Maintenance • Trenching

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2012 has been a year of challenges and turning points for the rural sector, from the Fonterra share float to stricter controls around environmental management, along with a super-buoyant NZ dollar and ongoing economic fluctuations on the global market.

It’s also been a year during which the benefits of farming in New Zealand have been richly appreciated, and vital subsectors of the primary economy (such as aquaculture) have received a great prognosis for further growth.

of as ‘New Zealand Farming’. Others have been preserving our heritage, reviving traditional crafts, or finding interesting new ways to farm smarter.

Some you might even know as neighbours and friends!

For the team here at Northern Farming Lifestyles it’s been a landmark year as well. We’ve brought you twelve months of rural news, opinion, new scientific developments, and stories about real Kiwi people working the land, and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading our publication just as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it.

As we come into the ‘holiday’ season we know that many of you will be working harder than ever, making hay while the sun shines. We’d like to offer warm Christmas greetings to all of our readers, customers, and their families.

We’ve met some real characters in 2012, and though our stories and pictures we’ve introduced you to their unique lifestyles. Some have adopted new livestock, new practices or new technology to expand what we think

Have a happy and safe Christmas and we will see you all in February 2013, with another year of the issues, triumphs, personalities and people of rural New Zealand to share with you.

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December 2012

3

Tight deadline for dairy survey

by Paul Campbell

The country's dairying success is as much about receiving good information from farmers as the complex process of getting the milk from the farm gate in New Zealand to tables on the other side of the world.

As part of this overall organisation, the Ministry for Primary Industries is looking for feedback on the rules surrounding the New Zealand dairy herd improvement industry, and interested parties have only until February 15, next year, to have their say.

With New Zealand a world leader in both production and herd improvement, ministry studies have shown its ability to trace genetic improvements in the national herd through the dairy core database, has been a significant factor.

A consultation document has been made available to the industry since August that discusses the current system and poses specific questions, and all submissions must be received by 5pm on February 15, 2013.

Studies have shown that genetic gains through dairy herd improvement have accounted for about two thirds of the sector’s productivity over the last decade.

of amendments that could be made to improve the current regulatory system,” Ms Koning says.

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The industry has agreed to a process to transfer a copy of the database from Livestock Improvement Corporation to DairyNZ.

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4

December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

HARVESTING THE SEA WITH ZERO WASTE

by Andy Bryenton

Oyster farmer Ben Warren is part of a sea-change sweeping through the waters of New Zealand’s oyster industry. The third generation aquaculturalist is proud to live and work in the North, tending the oyster beds of the Waikare inlet as his father did before him.

His grandfather was also a harvester of ‘kai moana’, farming oysters across on the Kaipara harbour, and Ben is carrying on the family tradition — not just helping rebuild the industry which is in his blood, but making it better for the 21st Century The Waikare inlet once produced roughly a third of New Zealand’s oysters, proving that it’s not just pearls which make these shellfish precious. This equates to over twelve million oysters per season, delighting gourmands here

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“The focus of this group is definitely zero waste,” he says. “If we can establish a method to recycle everything which comes off a farm then it’s sustainable, both now and in the long term.”

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and abroad. But disaster struck in the form of effluent pollution, unleashing a Norovirus outbreak which almost broke the industry. Ten years of court cases, hard times and job losses followed as the fishery was shut down by the authorities.

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And despite the hard times of the last decade, Ben says that the spirit of the Waikare oyster farmers has remained steadfast.

“One good thing (about the situation) is that no one has walked away. There’s been huge financial strain, but nobody has quit — they’ve all hung in there.

Nobody wants to see a mess left behind, they want to see a thriving industry.”

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December will provide a more accurate timeline as the oyster farms get back up to full production.

“We’re looking at exceeding our old figures,” he says, referring to the historical 12 million oysters per season which used to come from these waters. “With better farm technology and husbandry we’d expect that to be the minimum where we are up and running.”

Project Oyster Shell will do more than just kick-start the oyster industry and provide local jobs — it’s also looking forward to a zero-waste, sustainable Ben Warren and his ‘oyster dog’ Roo head out for a day on the water future. Enterprise Northland envision a five to seven-year timeframe for industry. Dr. Reed’s intention was not completion of this visionary scheme — but long before only to build better relations between then you can expect to taste the rewards of their labour in oyster farmers and council, but also to restaurants and supermarkets across the country. find a solution to the problem of over 25,000 cubic metrers of waste shell debris. After ten years of inaction, this waste was a huge barrier to rebuilding and upgrading farms — but a novel approach presented itself.

After extensive testing, and two Ministry of Science and Innovation funded research projects, it was found that the compounds in oyster shells were a good fit with the concrete industry.

Golden Bay Cement got on board, with optimism growing that what was once considered waste could actually become a money-earning by-product of the oyster fishery.

Ben and the other farmers of the Waikare Inlet are ready for the challenge.

A huge extraction project has recently gotten underway, and this is scheduled to continue until 2014. A trial this A world famous gourmet delight, Kiwi oysters are always in demand

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December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

Young lives in pioneer times

by Paul Campbell

Courtesy Albertland Heritage Centre

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“Matakohe School, and we children followed a well-worn track through the tea tree scrub. When I started classes in 1916, we learned to print on slates, as pen and ink was something for the heady realm of adults”.

Growing up in rural Northland was a whole lot different a century ago and 102-year-old Mavis Smith’s words above rather sum up the time.

At The Kauri Museum at Matakohe, which she helped found, there is a summer holiday display for kids that provides a fascinating insight into life on the farm, at rural school, and at Christmas, way back then — an adventure in the museum

seen through the eyes of children, with old time crafts, gum polishing, story telling and much more to keep modern kids fascinated over the holidays.

The displays include stunning photographs from the book Images From Albertland, recording the activities of the children of Northern Kaipara’s Albertlander pioneers, both at work and at play, in more simple, less stressful times.

Mavis, a daughter to Albertlander parents, recalls those days: “The tea tree bush, incidentally, provided excellent cover for some of the boys who felt inclined to ‘play the wag’. In this respect my brother Gordon held the dubious honour of dodging the education authority for four weeks until a girl in the class let the cat out of the bag and Gordon paid the penalty — a few whacks of the cane!

“Another brother, Dick, was always completely irrepressible.

He roped a wild steer from Parahi in the yards and somehow managed to secure Dad’s expensive jockey saddle onto the poor beast! Dick mounted up and absolute mayhem was the result.

“However, excursions and alarums notwithstanding, somehow we all managed to learn our letters to some extent or another. We’d rather have been playing on the beach.

“Outside the classroom, sports were a rudimentary affair, football for the boys with a leather bag stuffed with straw, hockey for the girls with tea tree waddies and a pinecone.

Courtesy Albertland Heritage Centre

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Pioneer kids having holiday fun on the farm.

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NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

were always made weeks before. About the 19th of December, the house was cleaned from front to back and the big tablecloth was washed and made ready.

Music, talking, tea and cakes were the order of the day.

“Christmas Day itself came and the huge festive board was demolished by appetites unequalled. Then preparations truly began for the camping holiday on the Kaipara.

Photos courtesy Albertland Heritage Centre.

Above: A box or two, a little scrap iron, Mum’s washtub, and these children of Albertland farmer, Harold Marsh, had a car to go exploring.

Below: Holiday time often meant a trip to the local show, and a chance to inspect the sheep.

“The cord mullet net had to be tanned in the old copper full of wattle bark that boiled away in the paddock. Fishing lines were stretched from verandah posts to trees across the lawns, occasionally ‘catching’ an unwary visitor. The tents were brought out of the shed, sinkers and fishhooks made and sharpened.

Wonderful days.”

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“Five Smith children went off variously to higher education at Wanganui Technical College, Auckland Grammar and Thames High School.

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“My brother Tatty had no desire to wrestle with the problems of higher education. As he daydreamed in class, he was once asked: ‘Where are you Tatty?’ by a Matakohe master. Tatty replied that he could hear that the shearing shed engine at Totara House across the road was missing a beat. He

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was duly allowed to leave class to attend to it!

“Perhaps my most vibrant childhood memories is of family holidays on the shores of the Kaipara, with up to 25 young cousins of the Smith clan in Matakohe who all played together, made music together, acted in plays together, danced with each other, and ran in and out of each others homes with gay abandon.

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December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

Northland

by Rose Rees-Owen

It turns out, there is no need to travel to Mexico to try a casimiroa — a sweet fruit with a custard texture. Claire Leighton grows them along with over 100 varieties of subtropical fruit in her orchard and nursery in Waipu.

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“There are a number of people out there that want them — many people have never heard of some of the fruits so it’s always exciting and interesting to try something for the first time.”

Her nursery and orchard has flourished from plant cuttings given to her, otherwise she sources the seedlings from overseas.

“There are certain things that MAF will let into the country — if a plant is already growing in New Zealand then they are more lenient.”

She has always been a keen gardener and for several years she ran an organic market garden in Taranaki and has carried the values of organic farming all the way through.

“My nursery and orchard are almost organic and I try not to use any sprays. I share the philosophy

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behind organic farming but I haven’t taken it to the point of certification because I use slow release fertiliser. It doesn’t produce any run off and as I live up on a hill I don’t want to contribute to pollution running down to the sea.”

After running the garden she returned to Auckland and worked as a builder and renovator but fell ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and felt she couldn’t continue.

She hesitated when taking on the nursery and orchard as she was unsure she was up to the physical labour of pruning, weeding and fertilising but it suited her because although it was hard work the hours weren’t routine and she could work when she felt up to it.

After sixteen years of suffering, she found the ‘Lightning Process’ a threeday training programme

There are a “ number of people out there that want them — many people have never heard of some of the fruits so it’s always exciting and interesting to try something for the first time

”

designed by a British osteopath which she says is designed to realign her brain signals to her body, and she adds, she has been well for more than two years.

Now she is healthy she has more energy to source and grow weird and wonderful fruit as well as time to spend

In the past 2 weeks I have been attending a nutritional medicine clinic in Sydney. Most of the time we were taking cases, assessing diet and nutritional status and creating programmes to help address any underlying problems.

I recall one particular client who appeared to have a problem with every body system. I assessed her as early 60’s and was surprised she was early 50’s. Our initial client consultation included a 1 hour assessment of all body systems and it seemed there was a tick and comment beside every conceivable problem. During discussion of these complex cases the first question was to identify a starting point. In most cases treatment was a little like a long set of stairs. The only way to get to the top is one step at a time.

Claire Leighton with her exotic varieties of fruit

with her partner of 18 years, Pat Hunter, who runs a naturopath shop, Pat’s Healing Centre, which sells herbal remedies for animals.

“I really love it — I like watching a seed grow into this beautiful and rare plant and it’s seasonal too so in the winter I can have a break.”

When she’s not tending to giant red guavas, she likes riding horses through the nearby pine forests and began riding when she was around 10 years old.

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We identified the first step and included some measures to improve just a few problems. When facing multiple health challenges it is important for people to experience progress to give them hope that further improvement is possible. In her case our initial plan was to make some adjustments to her diet and some supplements to improve her digestive system and energy. In particular we wanted to include protein with every meal to help regulate her blood glucose and to remove the highly inflammatory fats in her diet.

This completely contrasted with another case where the person looked like she was early 40’s to find she was early 50’s. She had paid great attention to her diet, exercise and other positive lifestyle factors and was in amazing health.

Her only complaints were a minor digestive problem and slightly lowered bone density. For her, all we needed was a slight dietary adjustment and supplements to optimise bone density.

You may be incredibly healthy and all you need is to ensure your diet and nutrient intake is able to retain your health as you enter the next phase of your life. You may have multiple health challenges and need a detailed plan to start to deal with the underlying causes of the problems. Addressing these over time will usually mean real improvements but you need to identify the first step.

Give me a call if you need help.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. If you have questions or a free health plan contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. You can join his weekly email newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz or visit www.abundant.co.nz.

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December 2012

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The little chapel in the valley

The plan was to plant olive groves in Paparoa as a way to ease into retirement but Barry and Verity Baines say they have never worked harder.

Barry and Verity outside their cute chapel with the bright red door and their award winning oil.

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e love it — it keeps us young and fit.”

Before becoming growers the pair had office jobs in Auckland — Varity worked for statistics New Zealand and Barry was a marketer for an engineering company and the pair decided it was time for a change.

They live on a 20 acre block nestled in an off shoot of the Kaipara Harbour and their idyllic location is complemented by their house, a wooden chapel with a bright red door, which was once the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Remuera, Auckland.

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instantly fell in love. When we moved it here in 2001, it was quite dilapidated — the gutters and the roof needed fixing and it was quite sad looking.”

Once the pair began renovating they found little treasures that brought out the chapel’s charm.

“When we pulled the carpet back, the floors were maitai and they were absolutely pristine and hadn’t been touched, just like the day they had been laid.”

Now an impressive and interesting lounge with a kitchen, family room and bedrooms added on, the couple have made it an icon naming their

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NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs product, Chapel Olive Oil. “The hardest thing for us is marketing and finding a point of difference and we believe we have with our label which depicts our chapel.”

They add that with the groves being planted so close to the sea, the salty air gives them a unique flavour and a sense of Barry showing where the olives will freshness. fruit when they come into season in the Autumn “Our best trees are planted on the hill where the wind whips going to cover your costs, and it isn’t so through them — we have to stake them you have to let it go, ” says Verity. to hold them down.”

De-leafing the olives and driving them They planted a small patch of trees to the press in Wellsford is a family and community affair. Their in 2002 and their first harvest in 2004 large family of six children and several grandchildren often come up from Auckland to help and was cause for excitement and Barry is a member of the Paparoa celebration with a modest 170 Lions and his connections come litres of oil produced. in handy during harvesting.

“That was a fun time, every “We call a working bee single olive got picked,” says and anyone who can help will Barry and Verity with a chuckle, come up.” “now we leave a lot of them to the birds.”

The workers are rewarded with olive oil and the couple They now produce around give a donation to the Lions club 1300 litres and have around each year.

1100 trees with three varieties of olives — Frantoio, leccino Verity is a committee member and koroneiki. of Oliveti, the Northland olive growers association, and Having bigger groves, they recently they hosted a field choose to use a mechanical picker which sends a vibration up the tree freeing the olive onto netting.

“It’s easier that way and harvesting can be completed in a week instead of drawn out over a long period of time.”

The machine collects only the ripe olives and leaves around a third of under ripe olives behind.

“In the beginning it really upset me to see all these beautiful olives not being used, but you have to look at whether getting the picker in to harvest them is

we pulled the “When carpet back, the

floors were maitai and they were absolutely pristine and hadn’t been touched, just like the day they had been laid

”

December 2012

The little chapel olive grove

day where around 20 growers met to talk shop, get tips and discuss problems.

“Olive growers are passionate about what they do. It’s a real community and information flows freely between the growers.”

Her role is organising the Oliveti awards, much to Barry’s dislike as it means his oil can never win ‘best in show.’ Nevertheless the frantoio won gold and the leccino and koroneiki took away silver in a tasting competition very similar to wine with only certified extra virgin oil being accepted for judging.

Next year the couple plan to take some time out and travel to Africa visiting Kenya and Uganda where Barry went to school.

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December 2012

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The role of the helicopter in fertiliser spreading Dr Bert Quin, fertiliser and soil fertility consultant

In agriculture, helicopters are best known for their work in spraying weeds, where their ability to cover large areas quickly, and get into tight spaces at low altitude, comes to the fore in ensuring full covering and minimising the risk of wind-drift of chemicals onto neighbouring properties.

In fertiliser application, helicopters have largely been confined to two aspects. The first of these is applying nitrogen, where a boost to growth is required in a hurry and the ground is too wet or steep for trucks, or the nearest airstrip is either too wet or too expensive to be used by fixed-wing aircraft.

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been added. This literally doubles the efficiency of the N, compared to granular urea.

The ability to add trace elements, weedicides, humic acid, you name it is another major advantage of the Helisika bucket system. Trace elements are almost invariably far The other common use is in the application of low rates more efficient if applied in a form that of nutrient, usually in liquid form to allow boom spreading, permits foliar uptake. This is because mixed with one or other additives that are claimed to they are subject to many processes in release nutrients from the soil. The argument goes that the soil that reduce their availability. because of the additive, you don’t need much fertiliser. Take manganese (Mn) as an example.

The main limitations of a helicopter and boom operation Plants take it up, through the leaves are the very restricted weight that can be carried, and and roots, as what is called the the narrow spreading swath. These combine to mean very ‘divalent’ form. With foliar uptake, frequent landings to reload, which pushes up the cost the application can be fine-tuned to per hectare. overcome any deficiency, and avoid any To get round the swath limitation, Helisika have risk of toxicity. patented a fluidised fertiliser bucket which, fitted with a With application of dry Mn to the spinning disc and centrifugal pump, provides even swaths soil however, much higher rates must of 35-40m, meaning far greater areas can be covered be applied, because of the inefficiency. per hour. Also, because the fluid needs to contain only 15-20% water, compared to 50-60% or more for boom However, insufficient Mn in the soil can application, every time the helicopter reloads it is carrying easily become too much, and cause a lot more fertiliser. This combines to make the fluidised toxicity. Low soil pH greatly reduces fertiliser bucket viable for putting on full-maintenance the risk of Mn toxicity, but it can also and/or annual lime applications. There is no need to rely become temporally toxic at ‘typical’ soil on dubious claims about making existing soil nutrients Mn and pH levels if the soil becomes waterlogged. more available.

Furthermore, if nitrogen is required as part of the mix, In the next article, we will look more the fluidised fertiliser bucket can apply this as urea to closely at the importance of applying which the urease inhibitor NBPT has trace elements in the optimum form.

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NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

In the 1880s New Zealand was truly a rural country with nearly sixty percent of its population living in rural areas.

Over the last 125 years New Zealand has evolved to become one of the most urbanised countries in the world and this has resulted in a dramatic effect on attitudes, political power, and policy development.

In the early part of the nineteenth century New Zealand promoted the country as a rural farming paradise of lush rural vistas framed in snow-clad mountains. Everyone was proud of our rural heritage with images of hard men working land during the week and playing for the all Blacks in the weekend. The urban and rural communities co-existed remarkably well.

However, over the last few decades along with urban drift farming vistas changed to untouched biodiversity, pristine waterways, and our current clean green image. We have all Blacks that are now professionals, some even wearing makeup, and most selling their stories to women’s magazines. Farmers, once the nations heros, are often perceived in the media as polluting the environment and having questionable animal husbandry practices. And, rather than agricultural

sciences, biotechnology, and engineering youth are often more attracted to resource management, environmental science, and movie-making.

Despite this change agriculture still generates two thirds of our export income and remains the most productive sector in our economy. While farmers don’t produce exciting Hollywood movies they still underpin an innovative and creative industry delivering ever-increasing value added products to a world that needs them. Regardless of the spin from environmental lobbyists our agri-business sector is at the forefront of improving the sustainable management of our natural resources. And, even though our animals are already arguably the most efficient in the world, research to reduce our carbon footprint is ongoing and will ultimately

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The Agri-business sector is destined to remain a dominant force in New Zealand for a long time to come particularly as incomes and therefore demand increases in East Asia. The scale and scope of the opportunities are vast with the Asia Pacific region expected to capture more than half of the growth in agricultural imports over the next decade. Fortunately for New Zealand food exporters, as the Asian

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December 2012

15

A dogs tail . . .

The times, they is changin’…

“Well then Dog, its gunna be orl change ona farm nek year. You marks my werds, eh,” sedda Boss.

We wuz up tha backa tha proppitty lookin’ at some cattil beests wot Boss was plannin on’ ta stick ina Matakohe sale wiv ‘is mate auctioneer callin Allin, ‘an I figgered sumthin’ wus up ‘cos of wot happind ina kitchin this mornin’. Afta mornin’ smoko, Boss had come in from a farm office wiv ‘is shotgun, wot he keeps ina safe there unda lock in key.

Win ‘is girfren’ Sharlene saw it she askt wot Boss was plannin’ an’ he sed he wuz gonna ‘whack a cupla tirkys fer tha Krissmiss table.”

Well, ya shuda herd Sharlene.

“CHARLES”, she sed, in that loud tone wot make tha Boss jump a bit. Tha won she uses win he come’s late back froma pub.

“Those turkeys look just nice ina front paddick. Ya kin see ‘em froma road, ana kids love ‘em win they pass ona road ta skool. Ya kin just leave my turkeys alone. We’ll git one frum Ken the butcha.”

Well, Boss wuz a bit stumpt becose Sharlene niver sed anythin’ tha yeer before, an’ she ate up large.

She ran ina bedroom, ana Boss wint in afta her an’ closed a door, so I didn’t here anymore.

Afta wile tho, he come out wiv Boss give Sharlene a big cuddle, an she give me a big a big silly grin on ‘is face an’ hug, an’ thin Boss an me went ta that Paparoa Pub he locked up tha shotgun ona ute. agin.

I sat outside an’ lissind wile tha Boss bought ‘is “C’Mon Dog, lets do mates beers, Afta a wile, they orl startid singin. Ray, an sum werk,” he sed. He Andy tha plumba, Bob an’Gazza , Barree an’ Kev, they wuz singin’ sumthin’ about ‘win a chile is born‘ an yellin wuz still smilin’ Well, we checked a cupla stull about a krissmiss presint.

Yeah — that remines me. water lines wot wuz playin’ up, an thin we went ta check Merry Krissmiss! tha sale stock.

Billy Thena Boss dropt tha bombshell, about how things a gona change ona farm.

“Ya see, Dog, I’m gunna be a Dad. Sharlene’s gunna Buy Your Sires Locally hava kid. We gunna be Stud Est. 1990 a mum’n’dad. An ta rilly • South Suffolk/ top it off, I gunna havta Texel Cross git marreed!”

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“Don’t wurry Billy,” he sed. That made me a bit happy cos’ he only corls me Billy, stedda Dog, win he’s bein’ nice, like afta a cupla beers.

“You’ll still be me bes’ mate an orl. An’ ya gunna hafta be an uncle fer the kid eh?”

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Northern

FARM

Wheels

Value for money makes this diamond sparkle

by Andy Bryenton Mitsubishi’s highly recognisable triplediamond insignia may be centred on a newly styled grille, and the hard planes and corners of last year’s ‘jet fighter’ design may have been planed away to reveal a smooth, contoured shape — but don’t be fooled into thinking that the new Outlander is in any way a compromise.

Just over a decade since Mitsubishi Motors coined the term ‘crossover’, the

latest iteration of their go-anywhere, seven seater family friendly vehicle has been tuned for comfort, low environmental impact and clever convenience. It is part of a sweeping plan for 2013 which will see the Mitsubishi brand become more global and ‘green’, and if this offering is anything to go by, it will be a step in a very positive direction indeed.

The new Outlander is styled in a way which is elegant rather than outrageous — the kind of vehicle which offers smart,

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NEW HOLLAND AND MX...

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+

Mitsubishi call it ‘the more civilised SUV’, and part of this promise has been an extensive safety program, resulting in a vehicle which should not only attain but exceed ANCAP 5-star standards. There is a real sense that this is an ‘engineer’s car’, focused on safety and reliability rather than concept-vehicle flourishes.

But any thoughts of staid performance are banished with a press of the start button. The 2.2 litre VR diesel which I drove felt responsive and willing, with minimal turbo lag off the line and a very refined sound indeed — a far cry from the big diesel mills of early SUVs. Despite having impressive pick-up and cruising manners,

0274 929 714

• Reliable and economical engines • Affordable and hardworking • Straight forward and functional • 4WD high clearance heavy duty front axle for front loader work

reliable family practicality rather than huge air scoops and spoilers.

That being said, the interior is filled with clever niches and third-row seats able to accommodate actual adults, yet also fold flat. A colour reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and full iPod and Bluetooth connectivity round out a suite of electronic safety and comfort features which also boasts a simple to operate yet powerful stereo.

NLY FROM O

December 2012

the Outlander also boasts CO2 emissions of just 151gm/km and an astounding fuel economy figure — a consolidated 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

Mitsubishi have brought us shocking, aggressively styled and powerful machines in the past — just take a look at the EVO lineup for confirmation!

But when engineering a vehicle for the modern family, they have turned away from noise and fire and instead crafted an economical, sensible and able four wheel drive which also gains an edge in the most important way of all — value for money. Mitsubishi’s diamond advantage warranty simply adds more shine to an accomplished performance from this automotive giant.

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MX U8 Loader

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MX U8 Loader

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• 86hp, 96hp, 106hp and 115hp models available • Available in ROPS or cab • Tighter turning circles with 600 axle steering

Introducing the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander. It’s more advanced and more refined than ever. There are new 2.0L and 2.4L Smart MIVEC Petrol engines, which are up to 20% more efficient, as well as a new 2.2L Diesel option. You’ll drive even more cleanly and greenly with the new Eco Mode system. You’re kept very safe, thanks to ABS with EBD, Active Stability and Traction Control. VRX models feature e-Assist, which incorporates Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward

Collision Mitigation. Choose from 2 or 4 wheel drive for even more grip. The interior has been redesigned completely, with distinctly European styling, seven seats and a seven-inch touch screen with Satellite Navigation and audio controls on VRX models. The only things you’ll recognise from the previous model are the superb ride and the unbeatable Diamond Advantage Warranty. This all-new and rather smart package can be yours from $39,990 + ORC*.

CALL 0800 54 53 52, VISIT MMNZ.CO.NZ OR SEE US AT THE LOCATION BELOW TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE

Pacific Motor Group 36-50 Reyburn Street, Whangarei 09 430 4390

www.newholland.co.nz

22 Rewa Rewa Road | 0800 326 987 | Email: boytd@norwood.co.nz Whangarei

Simon Millan – Whangarei millans@norwood.co.nz 027-618 3183

Graham Denize – Whangarei denizeg@norwood.co.nz 027-450 2757

John Field – Kaikohe fieldj@norwood.co.nz 027-497 9929

Specifications vary between models. Price listed is for 2.0L 2WD LS model – 4WD VRX model shown. Visit www.mmnz.co.nz for Diamond Advantage Warranty terms and conditions. Price excludes On Road Costs of up to $750 for Petrol models and $950 for Diesel models, which includes Registration, WoF and a full tank of fuel.

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

December 2012

17

FA R M W H E E L S

Sensational seven-seater points the way forward

Petes towing and Vehicle deliVeries for all your Vehicle transPort needs.

by Andy Bryenton

from auckland to caPe reinga

The SUV market has come a long way since the days when these vehicles were seen by many as diesel-drinking behemoths of the highways, irresponsibly large and unsuited for the more refined tasks of the school run and the weekly shop. eights to accomplish. Chop down with the neat little tiptronic shifter and you’ll pass most anything on the highway, all with a whisper rather than a Kenworthlike rumble.

Then there’s the sheer sense of space inside — not just seven comfortable seats with ample legroom even for this somewhat bulky correspondent, but also clever niches, cubbies, cup holders and a boot which can engulf a whole holiday’s worth of luggage.

Far from Spartan practicality, the Sorento achieves a well-constructed sense of real luxury, too — check out the fulllength moon roof on the deluxe Premium model, the heated and ventilated seats, and a suite of electronics including voice activated stereo controls and phone. In

a world first, this SUV even parks itself, a feature which should prove much beloved by the urban families who are its target market.

The revolution, then, appears to be a fait accompli. Kia have delivered an SUV which is full sized, capable on and off road — and yet still frugal with fuel, quiet, comfortable and even better — it looks amazing, from its eye-catching alloys to the kinetic lines which run front to back.

If you’re still of a mind that SUV’s are lumbering, ungraceful things, this should make you think again. And if you think that nothing this good can ever be within your financial grasp, the very reasonable price will make you think very hard indeed about driving home in one!

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But times have changed — or rather public perceptions have been changed by the hard work of automotive designers and engineers, who have turned the SUV from a ‘civilianised’ slab of army hardware into a sleek and practical urban ‘swiss army knife’ — the vehicle for all seasons, all families, and all situations. Case in point — luxury marque Porsche already enjoy success with their Cayenne, and it’s been strongly rumoured that both Bentley and Maserati are considering concept four wheel drive machines.

That’s why it was a quiet revelation to find myself behind the wheel of the new Kia Sorento R — the eminently euro-styled SUV crafted by Korea’s most go-ahead auto manufacturer and styled by industry legend Peter Schreyer. Since leaving Germany to work with Kia the redoubtable Mr Schreyer has redefined how the world sees the Kia brand, and if this has been his mission then the Sorento R is his tour de force.

Much effort has gone into making large sports utilities feel more like the big sedans they have all but replaced in recent years, and with this seven-seat 2.2 litre turbo diesel it all seems to have clicked. This might seem to belittle the years of R and D which have honed and tuned the Sorento into a vehicle which glides through the corners flat and smooth, handles better than many cars on the road and still has space for seven full-grown adults, but effortlessness is at the core of why the Sorento works.

Take the engine, for example. The Sorento does with 2-and-a-bit litres of turbo-assisted power (that’s 145kws and a generous 436 newton-metres of torque, for the mathematicians) what the SUVs of the 1990s required vast sixes and

we’Ve got you coVered!

18

December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

FA R M W H E E L S

Better manners – but still formidable!

They’re calling it the ‘future of MX’, and with bold words like these you just know that the engineers at Honda were going to deliver a masterpiece with 2013’s all-new CRF450R. The latest generation of what is widely known as one of the world’s best off-road bikes had some big shoes to fill, but a more than positive reception from the motoring press and the riding public has proven once again that evolution, not revolution is the key to honing and sharpening up a bike for serious competition.

Or serious fun — because the key to the new CRF450R is ease of access. With greater mass centralisation to add stability, fully adjustable air suspension and a more ‘gentle’ pull out of the corners to make

endurance riding more about the mental than the physical, the new Honda does what few top performance motorsport machines can — it puts superhuman performance into the reach of us mere mortals.

Attention Horse FloAt And Horse truck owners WE DO

– Rust repairs – Interior refurbishment – Modifications – Brakes & servicing – also latches, springs etc.

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VALTRA 8450 140hp, Front linkage, Reduced! -Now only $48,500

LANDINI 65V Orchard tractor, 3215 hours, 2wd $12,500

JOHN DEERE 6410 Premium, 105hp, Tidy tractor $42,500

RHINO 30 4wd, 30hp

$9,500

MASSEY FERGUSON 4235S 70hp, 4035hours $39,000

STOLL Silage Fork with Grapple, 1.2m Brand new Special Price$4,250

BISON Grader Blade 1.8m Brand new Special Price $1,395

BISON Grader Blade 2.7m Heavy duty Brand new, Special price $2,150

After four generations, the CRF450R has been tamed of its sometimes terrifying bite, but it’s still ready to devour miles and miles of dirt!

FORD 4610 4wd, 60hp, Very tidy $22,000

NOBILI MULCHER BNE210 2.1 metre New belts & Bearings $4,500

PEARSON 20:42 loader, brackets to suit TS125A, MX135 , Rubin 150

Tractors & Machinery 30 Pipiwai Road Kamo Whangarei Ph 09 437 9036 Fax: 09 435 4536

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The scalpel has come out to cut weight from the CRF450R — and to lower that all important centre of gravity. This fourth generation bike comes with pneumatic spring forks, compact, lower mufflers and a host of other tweaks which make it handle more like it’s diminutive 250cc brother than the powerful off-roader it is.

Honda’s latest looks like being hard to beat in 2013, not only for technical refinement and cost, but on the track as well. Added to the checklist is the fact that it really looks the part, too! A redesign of the planes and angles of the CRF has lent it a lean and predatory aspect, and under all the stylistic cues there has even been space to slightly expand the fuel capacity of its tank, and accommodate those adjustable shocks.

NEW HOLLAND TL90A, 90hp, 4600hours $45,000

Prices EXCLUDE GST

sales@agspares.co.nz

Think about it — even the best road car is nowhere near the level of Formula 1.

Your yacht won’t be winning the America’s Cup anytime soon. But for a fairly modest price any dirt-riding enthusiast can own a bike which is being heaped with praise by the heavyweights of motocross.

www.agspares.co.nz

For more info visit www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz or www.hondadeals.co.nz

CALL FREE 0508 466 326

Kerikeri Mid North Honda SH10 Waipapa. P 09 407 7736 Kaitaia Archibald Motors 143 Commerce St. P 09 408 1900 Whangarei Planet Honda cnr Woods & Railway Rd. P 09 438 9780 Dargaville Dargaville Honda Jervois St SH14. P 09 439 1089 Warkworth Honda Warkworth 10 Morrison Drive. P 09 425 9498

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

December 2012

19

FA R M W H E E L S

New series points the way ahead The long-awaited debut of Massey Ferguson’s MF5600 series of tractors occurred at the EIMA agricultural show in Italy this November, and while it will still be some time before this latest advancement from the well-known global brand reaches New Zealand shores, initial reviews are very favourable indeed.

While there are those off the farm who consider the styling of a tractor to be of marginal importance, those working with the new Massey Ferguson mdels everyday will welcome both the ergonomic design of the cab’s interior and the design cues which update its exterior. Of special note is the ability to pack a versatile front loader attachment

Tractor Tyres – all farm types

le m b ar ila -F va On ce A i rv Se

As we have seen with successive generations of tractor from all the major manufacturers in Europe, one of the driving factors in agri-technology is the requirement to comply with ever stricter emissions regulations. The new Tier 3B/T4i emissions standards are tougher than ever, but the MF5600 machines fly through all tests, and still provide ample power in the 85 to 105 horsepower range.

addition to the Massey Ferguson lineup.

Full roll-out will coincide with the phasing out of the earlier 5400 series, a marque of tractor which has enjoyed a solid reputation during its model run. Expect the official Kiwi launch of the 5600 series later in 2013 — possibly even at the national Field Days — though exact dates are yet to be confirmed.

For tyres, wheel alignment, batteries, alloy wheels, fitting and balancing

— over half of all tractors sold in the UK in this horsepower bracket are sold with loaders, and similar figures are expected here.

All three tractors in the new range (80, 90 and 100 hp respectively) come with Massey Ferguson’s smooth-operating Dyna-4 transmission, a favourite with farmers which has proven its worth in the field. An additional feature which enters the range from bigger Massey

Ferguson machines is the convenience of Massey’s brake-to-neutral system, allowing operators to brake without the need to declutch.

The 5600 series joins the bigger, beefier (and award winning) 7600 series, introduced in early 2012, and fills the gap between these powerful machines and the smaller 3600 series, also a new

2013 CAN AM Models Now iN store

Wishing everyone safe travels and happy holidays • Kerikeri 09 407 7168 • Kaikohe 09 405 2004 • Kawakawa 09 404 3055 • Kaitaia 09 408 6035 • Dargaville 09 439 3060 24 months to pay, usual criteria applies

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December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

FA R M W H E E L S

Better service – on two wheels or four Whether it’s for the serious business of farming or for a spot of serious fun, Northlanders who need to tackle serious off-road terrain have an ally in Rouse Motorcycles and their partner store Yamaha Motorcycles Whangarei. Carrying three respected brands of all-terrain machines (Yamaha, Polaris and KTM), these two businesses work side by side in partnership to provide a select range of new bikes, ATVs and UTVs while also offering a speedy parts, maintenance and repair service to keep their customers moving.

Shayn and Jan Rouse founded Rouse Motorcycles back in 1993, growing over the years from a small showroom and workshop to one of the biggest businesses in the town of Hikurangi, just north of Whangarei. They’ve formed a strategic partnership with Jamie White of Whangarei’s Yamaha Motorcycles dealership, and things have gone from strength to strength based on their overall reputation for great service and a multi-faceted range of machines covering everything from road bikes through to

Diesel Power Chipping tough all-terrain working vehicles.

The Rouse Motorcycles workshop team is run by professional mechanic Patrick Frost, ably assisted by qualified motorcycle mechanic Ruel Gare and two young apprentices, Lance Wedge and Brian Kokich. Corey Wills is their resident parts wizard, providing all the pieces necessary to keep bikes and quads of any make and model running smoothly.

With the respected pedigree of the Yamaha brand and the tough, value-for-

money practicality of Polaris on board, (as well as the race-winning Scandinavian engineering of KTM), Rouse Motorcycles and Yamaha Motorcycles Whangarei have the best of both town and country covered.

Whether you want to cruise the highways, thrash some MX trails or take care of business on the farm, they are the team to talk to. They are sure to have a bike, ATV or UTV to suit your needs, and they back up the reputation of the marques they sell with great service and good advice.

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NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

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December 2012

Dairying Hoof Print With Fred Hoekstra

How many lame cows are acceptable?

Every now and again I get this question thrown at me on a hoof trimming course. It is an interesting question which you can answer in different ways.

Obviously, the ideal is ZERO.

Some small issues may need to be dealt with earlier because they could turn into big issues if left alone for too long. Another issue is that of course, when you improve one problem it may have an effect on the other problems as well. So, I don’t think there is a clear guideline on how few lame cows you should strive for — you just need to be constantly reviewing and evaluating the various restrictions at any given time and prioritise accordingly.

Let me explain that — when we run a business we always have issues to deal with. The smartest thing to do is to deal with the issue that puts the biggest restriction on business effectiveness and efficiency.

You could compare it with a water pipe that has restrictions in it that slows down the water flow. In the diagram you have a waterpipe with a number of issues or restrictions reducing the smooth flow through the pipe.

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Lamness

The reality is quite different. When you have livestock you have health issues, and lameness is a part of that. I think it is good to explore this question a little more. The question is: “how many lame cows are acceptable?” The question is not: “how much time is it acceptable for a cow to be lame?” The answer to the second question is irrelevant because we

can be done about that until milk quality becomes the biggest restriction. After that feed quality may need to be readdressed before the focus goes onto lameness. So the question of how many lame cows is acceptable is different per farm. Naturally we want all those problems to go away and have a farm that runs very smoothly and there are different strategies around to achieve that. One of the main difficulties is to identify the biggest restrictions in our businesses. It needs careful consideration.

Irrigation problems

Time

Milk quality

Feed quality

Mechanical problems

Water Pipe

have the responsibility to care for our cows and lame cows should be dealt with as soon as possible. We had a discussion about that within our team, and it made me realise how easy it is to mix up these two questions. I guess a different way of asking the same question is: “At what point is it necessary to put lameness up in the priority list?” I would suggest that the answer to that question is different per farm or per manager. I would even argue that it may be unwise to address lameness for some farmers.

In this scenario it makes more sense to concentrate on feed quality than on lameness because that is the biggest limiting factor for this farmer.

When the feed quality is improved to the point that time is the biggest restriction (not necessarily when the problem has been dealt with completely) that is when the focus should shift to the time issue and see what

Season’s Greetings from the team at Crompton Engineering

From Wellsford to Cape Reinga

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Richard Campbell, Director Mobile: 021 732 240 PO Box 4174, Kamo, Whangarei, Northland Fax: 09 435 0658 FREE PHONE: 0800 367 933 email: nvc2012ltd@gmail.com

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Test 2

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The EPS Stirrers come in a All the bearings are above the water line and are number of different Hp sizes and all of them fitted with auto greasers that grease for 12 months unattended. are very low kW/Hr, starting at .75kW. Call us now to find a distributor and installer in your area

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December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

Dairying

From a costly problem to a nutrient rich solution The dairy industry is rightly hailed as the ‘engine room’ of the rural economy — a success story combining hard work and Kiwi innovation which has put our dairy farmers at the top of the world in terms of best practice. At least, this is the impression given by industry reports. But environmental concerns are raising tension on both sides of a contentious debate, made even more pertinent by ever-tightening controls on one of farming’s inevitable by-products — effluent.

It’s not just the spectre of the emissions trading scheme which is stirring contention over bovine ‘output’. A brief trawl through recent headlines highlights the tougher penalties for the contamination of waterways by effluent runoff, strict new rules for building effluent ponds and containment areas, and, on a positive note, new technologies for accurately applying effluent as a fertiliser.

Maize Harvesting Maize Planting Cultivation Grass Silage Contact Ross 021 844 298

Alexander Ag Ltd

Resource Management Act rules (interpreted in similar ways by a variety of regional authorities) lay down the law in black and white — there must be no discharge of effluent into surface water at all. This is pertinent to ponds and tanks in terms of leakage, but even more important if, like many farmers, you wish to use effluent as a fertiliser.

This means of disposing of what is otherwise an odious waste product has been with us since the dark ages, but modern technology furnishes the rural industry with many options for accurately tapping into the nitrogen and other beneficial chemical compounds found in effluent.

Along with the use of separation methods which isolate solids from the effluent, the two main ways to spread are via sprinklers and via tractor-drawn tankers, with the former requiring less labour and the latter providing the advantage of precision spot coverage. It’s worth noting that under the NRC rules — contingency measures must be in place to ensure no rules are broken due to equipment

failure and when ground and/or weather conditions are unsuitable for application. There must also be no ponding on the land surface for more than three hours after application.

For just this reason, many farmers are turning to technology already proven and tested in Europe — slurry tankers equipped with either direct injectors or dribble bars. Not only do these have the benefit of very accurate placement, in some cases directly to the roots of pasture, they also cut down on the possibility of the aforementioned equipment failure, pooling and contamination.

The council themselves recommend using a ‘weeping wall’ type sludge bed/pond separator in conjunction with modern low application rate

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December 2012

Dairying

sprinklers. The advantage here is one of expanded contingency storage, while sprinklers of the approved kind are far less likely than older models to become blocked with solids — especially if the ‘weeping wall’ system utilised is installed correctly.

The council’s effluent monitoring

programme is its single biggest compliance initiative, showing just how seriously the issue of effluent contamination is being taken. All farms are monitored yearly (usually during the second half of the year, in the peak effluent loading season), and as public perceptions of the damage caused by outdated or faulty effluent systems trends toward calls for even tougher management, farmers can anticipate the need to upgrade.

We have seen similar trends in milk chiller plant technology, with increasing demands from companies such as Fonterra for stricter controls leading to equipment upgrades.

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The entire range of Massey Ferguson tractors and hay mowers are available exclusively in Dargaville and Wellsford from Northland Machinery. Call 0800 699688 or visit their website northlandmachinery. co.nz for more information.

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Innovation and integration at Edgecumbe open day

December 2012

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A recent open day held on the property of Edgecumbe farmer Bruce Woods has proven a huge success for organisers and rural industry guests alike.

The focus of the day was ‘how to maximise returns by integrating dairy housing with pasture’, and the centerpiece of interest was Aztech’s recently completed stand-off barn, the perfect venue for attendees to escape from the early summer heat.

“Using the dairy barn during the summer months is one way Bruce gets a return on his investment,” says Simon Clare of Aztech Buildings.

“That’s because cool cows produce more milk. One degree celsius drop in cow temperature can equate to one additional litre of milk per cow every hour.”

Keynote speakers on the day, such as Dr Sue Macky from Dairy Production Systems and Dairy NZ’s Cameron Bierre agree — smarter ideas such as this to tackle the warm summer climate can really boost farmers’ bottom line.

“One of the aims is to improve feed conversion efficiency and get more milk for the same amount of feed given to the herd,” says Simon. “But

it doesn’t stop there — cow comfort and welfare is of primary importance.

Aztech focus on managing cows’ rest, feed, space, water, air and light. Once these primary welfare principles are met, that’s when happy cows produce more milk.”

As Dr Macky says — “Cow’s don’t belong in greenhouses!” It’s important to build the right structure to maximise returns when integrating dairy housing and pasture.

“Dairy Housing is more than just getting the cows off the pasture. If you are going to do it, do it properly” says Simon. Aztech have conducted extensive research and development to bring the agricultural sector a range of dairy housing options, and they now offer a free dairy housing ‘blueprint’ to introduce farmers to the eight key benefits of their completed systems.

This is available online at www. aztechdairyhousing.co.nz or via phone on 0800 298 324.

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Forestry Report

SER V ICES

NORTHERN FOREST PRODUCTS

The recent relief for Northland farmers in the form of a few inches of rain has barely dampened harvesting activity and the rest of summer is shaping up as a good one for logging contractors and farmers who want to remove trees from difficult to get to places.

LAND AND MILL OWNERS call the

forestry specialists A family business with 40 years experience, we purchase, harvest and market private forests (specialising in private Radiata Pine woodlots).

We supply quality logs to mills and for export.

Keith Cochrane 0274 952 552 p 09 432 3750 e cll@xtra.co.nz

Never discount the potential value of your stand of trees and always obtain at least two and preferably three competing offers. If you don’t hear back from all three or they suggest you 'wait a few years' then you have got a problem — the trees probably have a negative value.

Put simply it means the cost of removing the trees are higher than the sales value of the trees. While the townie may not mind paying money to return a view, see the sun or have clean spouting, I haven’t met a farmer yet who is happy to pay to have their forest removed.

However plenty of land owners seem to be happy to give their trees away in exchange for the heap of branches left in the paddock for burning. Swapping trees for a tidy-up generally means the trees had a value but you will never know how much.

Most woodlot owners think the value

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of their pine trees is determined only by the area, age and tree quality. And of course these are important, but the value proposition of a woodlot is mostly determined by the timing of the harvest.

On one particular day your seven ha woodlot 160km from the port may be worth $20k or less and on another day the very same trees might be worth $100k or more, due to the result of log price volatility and seasonal effects on the volume/weight relationship of the logs. One thing that doesn’t change is that you can only cut your trees once so do your best to get it right the first time.

For smaller woodlot owners I would recommend the simple sales method of ‘lump sum’ with payment in advance of harvesting. This way you make a decision based on what you know you will bank and offers can easily be compared. Marketing agreements are better for larger forest owners who can enjoy ‘averaging’ over a few months of harvesting or have enough time to respond to market conditions as they evolve (ensure that your marketing agreement allows you to stop if prices tank). The problem with marketing agreements for smaller forest owners is the lack of certainty and lack of

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three years and Northland’s 84 forest worker injuries since January 2008.

Everyone takes the high ground on this issue but putting the politicking aside it must be acknowledged that every accident is avoidable at some point and there lies the challenge to us all to engage ourselves anywhere in the process where we can make a positive difference to these outcomes.

The risk in a composite price sale (average price per tonne for all merchantable timber) is that if log prices fall, the harvest may be delayed and you miss a better future opportunity.

Worse still, if harvest does occur in poor market conditions there may be increased wastage where merchantable low grade timber like pulp is left behind and therefore not paid for.

Export markets are positive and with 30 days of port softwood inventory in China at current offtake levels the response has finally been felt with a US$5.00 price increase across November and December for NZ radiata pine. While this increase breaks the stability stalemate over the previous 10 months don’t get too excited as global fundamentals won’t allow a bull run. Any sudden and sustained increases in price are inevitably followed by a rush in supply and a resulting price crash so slow and steady is best. What may help NZ forest owners in 2013 are the reduced volumes out of Russia and increased

On the ETS front NZ emitters are staying mum over the government’s decision to opt out of Kyoto so they obviously see this as good for them.

Recent trades of NZU’s were at $2.60. If you are sitting on wads of unsold carbon credits I feel your pain.

building activity in USA absorbing volume from the Pacific North-West.

It is likely that further small price increases will continue to occur in the first quarter of 2013 however this will be tempered by the stronger NZ dollar currently at 0.83 and perhaps the firming up of shipping rates.

There is little interest in increased log prices by domestic mills. They have had a tough run with increased timber sales not translating into increased margins and there has been plenty of

logs on offer to them. Many NZ sawmills are opting for an extended Christmas shutdown to reduce high inventories — for some, up to a month or longer.

The revised Code of Practice for Forestry Operations (bush code) was officially released last Wednesday, December 5 in Rotorua at a combined Forestry Event. At the same time there has been media attention given to the 13 bush fatalities in NZ over the last

If you cashed your credits in at a much higher price you might be tempted to buy them back lower, I said tempted.

One chap was all smiles telling me he had sold his credits for $20 and bought them back again at a much lower price.

That was when they were $10.

If you have any comments or questions then email enquiry@nfp.co.nz.

Gary Leslie is proprietor of Northern Forest Products Ltd independently providing forestry services in Northland since 1999.

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27

Gas & Tyre

brought to you by transparency. If timing is impeccable, there is the risk that all price benefits won’t be passed on to you and you will never know. If export prices tank, often by the time information flows back to you the trees may already be gone so it becomes another ‘hard luck’ story.

December 2012

Darrin Collett 0274 310 darrin@woodbank.co.nz

159

Mike Barlett 027 630 3002 mike@woodbank.co.nz

(09) 412 2261 www.woodbank.co.nz

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December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

brought to you by

Peter Clark writes...

Separating the wood from the trees

Research matters

Over the past two decades New Zealand forest owners have witnessed costs of growing, harvesting and selling logs rise faster than prices received.

Continuation of this trend will result in a slow but certain loss of profitability and eventual exit from forest investments. At the same time the government has set a target to increase all exports from 30% to 40% of GDP, and the forestry sector has produced a Strategic Action Plan that has a goal of increasing exports from the current $4.5 billion to $12 billion within 10 years.

by improving forest yields and reducing costs. Improving yields is mostly a longterm game around genetics, establishment practices and silviculture. While we will not reap the benefits for many years, the case for research into disease resistance and improved wood quality and growth is compelling for the new crops we plant. For the logs that will be harvested in the next 10 years, we have what we have.

The Woodco Strategic Action Plan places heavy emphasis on improved revenues from investments in wood processing that will generate more processed and higher value wood products for export, rather than unprocessed logs.

Reducing costs is a here and now challenge. To make material cost improvements we need some breakthrough technologies in forest inventory and in the harvesting/transport supply chain. The High Productivity Motor Vehicle (HPMV) permits programme is such a step-change

Forest owners can help themselves

that is gathering momentum thanks to strong central government support.

Other initiatives that are at various stages of development and require on-going industry support to further research are: • Use of satellite and advanced (LiDAR) imagery for low-cost but accurate resource assessment and monitoring • Improved scaling methods, use of cameras and/or scanners for log measurement and counting • Radio frequency (RFID) tags for log traceability and error-free matching to sales manifests • Hauler cab video and remote control of motorised grapple carriages • LiDAR for improved road layout and skid planning, and for derisking contractor pricing of road construction • Improved tools to assist truck utilisation and loaded running, including regional forest owner cooperation in this regard The second role of forest owners is to deliver logs to processors that: • are free of internal wood defects • are of high density • produce timber that is stable in enduse, and • are consistent (low variability of key properties).

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Delivering on that requirement needs better scientific knowledge of the causes of between-tree and within-tree wood variability, causes and solutions to internal wood defects and tools to measure and segregate logs and lumber to achieve consistent lines of raw material for further processing. Success is a key enabler to investment in wood processing to increase exports of high value wood products.

On October 10 the leaders of the New Zealand plantation forest growing sector met for a full day in Rotorua to consider our collective approach to improving the profitability of our sector through research. The future will be shaped by the decisions we make today. It was pleasing to have these leaders commit to some key decisions in principle. Some will need endorsement from investment funds and boards. Key decisions were: 1. Endorsement of the NZ Forest Owners Association (FOA) Science and Innovation Plan.

2. Commitment to fund the implementation of that Plan. The exact level of collective funding commitment is subject to individual firms until we have a commodity levy endorsed by a majority of forest owners — but the leaders committed to a sum that is materially greater than the current level of industry collective research and development (R&D) funding.

3. Set up a Research Committee whose first function will be to formalise communications between the various forest growing research organisations and providers to ensure that the industry spend on R&D is well aligned with the priorities set out in the NZFOA Science and Innovation Plan and that there is no duplication or gaps. Should a commodity levy be endorsed, the committee will also have the roles of: a. recommending and facilitating the industry structure needed to effectively manage R&D funding; b. the allocation of research funding raised via the levy to forestry research and technology activities; c. the quality and relevance of the science performed; d. forestry science issues, science and technology trends, challenges and opportunities in the national and global context.

PF Olsen is New Zealand’s leading national professional forestry services firm. It provides a onestop-shop for all forestry related services from seed to harvest — www.pfolsen.com

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December 2012

Crickets hit for six by new product

29

The battle against insect pests is a constant one for many farmers, but a new weapon is now available to combat a particularly insidious creepy-crawly — the common cricket.

Farmers have shown an enthusiastic response to a unique new cricket bait launched last autumn, setting the scene for more market growth this year, according to the company behind the innovation.

Crickoff Pro is a ready-to-apply treated whole wheat bait, comprising the active ingredient malathion.

Ease of application has been a major selling benefit, as farmers can broadcast the bait onto paddocks affected by black field cricket infestations, says pest eradication expert Stephen Finch. He and partner David Percival recently formed a new company called Pest Go to market this and other pest control products.

Crickoff Pro was their first product launch, and sold well last summer and autumn.

“We had a relatively quiet launch — we didn’t want create too much noise about it until we got our heads around manufacturing and distribution, but it was very well received in the market and we’re looking forward to selling more of it this year, depending on how much pest pressure is about.”

“Farmers like it because it is just so simple to use,” says Finch. “Just buy it and apply it — no messing around.”

Application at the recommended rate of 10–11kg per hectare shows a rapid and significant reduction of all mid to late stage nymphs (juveniles) and all adult crickets.

If populations are initially very high farmers can be confident of effective knockdown by applying just a little more — 15kg per hectare.

Crickoff Pro has been developed over the past three years with rigorous lab and field testing to ensure it meets both ERMA and NZFSA regulatory authority specifications, as well as ensuring it has minimal non-target species and environmental effects. Of course, another huge aspect of development has been making the bait attractive to crickets!

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Bait stability and weathering tests have all returned positive results and the company is doing further research to see whether the current seven-day withholding period can be reduced.

Kevin and the team would like to wish their past, present and future clients a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year

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NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

Fishing, Hunting

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Passion behind swimming pool product Did you know that you don’t have to do a typical ‘clean up’ to your pool each spring if you have a Floatron? That’s because the water stays clear all year round — even through winter.

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Having a Floatron in their own pool for more than 16 years has made a world of difference to family life for Floatron NZ Ltd owners, Craig and Melissa Growden.

They have a passion for this product because they have a seven year old daughter with eczema and allergies. She suffers when swimming in chemical-laden pools, but they are thrilled she can swim in their pool all day long, with no skin or health issues at all.

The Floatron is a revolutionary solar powered water purifier for swimming pools, which replaces the need for chemicals by up to 90 per cent.

Melissa Growden (Director, Floatron NZ Ltd) with her daughter Who has time to look after their pool “I have used a Floatron for more with today’s busy lifestyle? than 16 years now and realised I wasn’t the only Melissa says clients are so glad to person who wanted an easy alternative to using chemicals.” finally come across a product that keeps For people with a swimming pool in the pool clean all year round, without having to use a lot of their garden, it needs to look pristine all chemicals, or spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Developed by NASA to purify drinking water on year round to match its surroundings.

“Some people think that the Floatron space missions, the Floatron uses the same technology in sounds too good to be true, which is why swimming pools. we give it a money back guarantee” “So if the water is pure enough to drink, then it’s got to be pure enough to says Melissa.

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swim in.”

The Floatron is a revolutionary solar powered water purifier that floats around in the pool. It uses the process of ionisation to combat algae and bacteria in the water.

“With a Floatron you swim in virtually pure water, with no taste, smell or chemical effects – that means no dry skin or red stinging eyes.

Melissa says people are amazed to find a product that can save them so much time and money on their pools.

“You save so much time on pool maintenance because you don’t have to add excessive chemicals or frequently test the water. And you save money too because chemical usage can be cut by an amazing 90 per cent.”

Some people are led to believe that pool care is typically a lot of work, and in today’s busy society people don’t want to spend their leisure time cleaning their pool.

So a Floatron is the easy answer.

“In a world that is full of pollutants, isn’t it good to know that you can do something to reduce the effects of chemicals on your family. By using a Floatron you can effectively reduce chemicals by up to 90 per cent.”

Floatron has been sold in New Zealand for more than 16 years. This is the most revolutionary and exciting product available in the pool industry today says Melissa.

“The numerous testimonials from extremely satisfied customers reinforces its ever-growing popularity.

We are offering a HUGE special for Christmas. If you order by December 18 we’ll take $220 off the price.

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See our advert on page 33.

on our beaches

Marsden Cove Fishing Charters

from here to there... we’ve got the gearGetting you to your fishing spots FAST from here to there... we’ve got the gear …is what we do.

Share the beach with care • Slow down around other beach users • Keep off the dunes

Weather permitting, we travel at 26‑30 knots — getting you there faster, allowing more time to fish.

• Watch for wildlife • Remember road rules apply on beaches.

See NZ Fishing News article December 2012 issue (pages 118‑122). ...and many more top brands

Find out more at www.nrc.govt.nz/beachdriving

...and many more top brands

www.marsdencovefishing.co.nz Report dangerous beach driving to *555

www.facebook.com/MarsdenCoveFishing

Putting Northland first

Rosedale Plaza, Unit 5, 215 Rosedale Road, Albany Phone: 09 415 8145 www.top-gear.co.nz

Phone 027 492 2824

Photo courtesy: Professional Skipper Magazine

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

December 2012

31

Ask The Professionals Glass/Plastic Jars & Bottles

Also containers for lotions, sprays, creams, oils, aromatherapy, homeopathy etc in both glass & plastic.

NZ’s largest stock lines, no order too small

Arthur Holmes Ltd. Buy from our online catalogue,

or for a free colourful catalogue contact: www.arthurholmes.co.nz or email@arthurholmes.co.nz Freephone 0508 894 103

Modern Bottlers

Farmers markets are springing up across the country, and with them has come a revival in bottling of fruits and vegetables.

Arthur Holmes Ltd is a family firm which this year celebrates 102 years in business, wholesalers of New Zealand’s largest range of glass and plastic jars and bottles for food, oil, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, scientific, herbal and homeopathic businesses, and all types of cottage industries.

“We specialise in supplying small quantities of quality jars and bottles and their respective closures, says managing director, Rick Holmes.

“Additional closures can be ordered

individually, and there’s no minimum purchase requirement.

“Preserving jars and bottles are our mainstay and these have had a marked increase in sales in recent years. Many of our customers now sell in the frequent weekend farmers’ markets.

“Today preserving is so much easier. Gone are the days of seals and bands. The modern cap now has a built-in rubber compound which when hot filled creates a vacuum once it has cooled, the twist finish allows the cap to be opened by braking the vacuum.”

Arthur Holmes Ltd supplies over 20,000 customers.

Warkworth Rentals & Property Management

Northland Property Management Ltd

“Your Investment is Our Investment”

“Your Investment is Our Investment” Covering all Northland Areas

Covering Puhoi to Mangawhai • Property Management • Casual Letting • Comprehensive Tenant Screening • Quarterly Inspection • Competitive Management Rates

Mandy Harrison

• Prompt Reporting • Tailored Management Options • Free Rental Appraisals • Commitment to both landlord and tenant Letting Agent / Property Manager

Communication | Communication | Communication Cnr Mill Lane & Elizabeth Street, PO Box 332, Warkworth 0941 P: 09 425 8008 or 0800 729 736 F: 09 425 8866 email: enquiries@warkworthrentals.co.nz www.warkworthrentals.co.nz

• Property Management • Casual Letting • Comprehensive Tenant Screening • Quarterly Inspection • Competitive Management Rates

Wendy Matthews

• Prompt Reporting • Tailored Management Options • Free Rental Appraisals • Commitment to both landlord and tenant Letting Agent / Property Manager

Communication | Communication | Communication 130 Broadway, Po Box 487 Kaikohe P: 09 401 3035 F: 09 401 1460 Mobile: 021 849 582 email: wendy@npmlimited.co.nz

Why should you trim your shEltErBElts?

• Let in more sunlight • Improve your views • For the Health & Beauty of your trees • Frequent trimming improves density, providing excellent shelter and privacy, plus less clean up of debri

Hedge and Tree Trimming, no job is too big!

Hedge Trimming, Shelterbelts, Lifestyle Block Work, Farm Work, Orchard Work.

Treeline

TRIMMING

Phone Cuffy

Mob: 027 292 8360

A/h: 09 435 5333

www.treelinetrimming.co.nz

This Lifeguard is a REAL LIFE SAVER Quad bike accidents cost farmers their livelihoods and all too often their lives in New Zealand — a major issue which needs to be addressed. With ATVs now ubiquitous on Kiwi farms, the adoption of a simple Crush Protection Device (or CPD) has the potential to save farming families a world of grief, lost income and pain.

But many CPDs and ‘roll bars’ are either too unwieldy to use on a working farm, or prove just as unforgiving as the weight of a quad itself should the vehicle flip on its rider. The answer has come from Dargaville’s Ag-Tech Industries in the form of the Lifeguard; a flexible, passive form of CPD which

deflects around the body of accident victims, bracing the upturned quad off the ground.

Winner of 2012’s Golden Standard agricultural invention of the year, this innovation has grabbed the attention of the farming sector and the government and has gone through an intensive 18 months of trials and development.

In January 2013 this clever local product will go on sale across New Zealand, forever changing the image of quad safety on the farm. Take a look now at a safer, more secure future — visit www.atvlifeguard.co.nz to see for yourself how Ag-Tech’s invention will save lives!

Pre-order for January delivery $

1,595 inc gst

• • • •

0800 782 3763 www.atvlifeguard.co.nz

Flexible Pliable Passive Cannot collapse

Winner of The Golden Standard Award ‘Agricultural Invention of the Year’ 2012 Fieldays.

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December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

Ask The Professionals WISHING YOU PEACE, LOVE, HOPE & JOY THIS CHRISTMAS! ON HOLIDAY FROM 21.12.12 TO 7.1.13 — EMERGENCY REPAIRS? CALL JOHN 027 655 5216 • Pipe & Steel Supplies • LTNZ Approved Workshop • General, Agricultural & Structural Engineering • Mobile Welding Services • General Repairs & Maintenance

• de-CRAP-it®, Landplane®, Serious Incinerator® • 2 Ton Gantry Crane • Plate Roller, Profile Cutter & Press Brake • Field Rollers, Water Carts • K umara Gear Order New or…

Make Repairs Now!

Newman Engineering (2004) LTD SEPTIC TANK OWNERS Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard.

When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.

There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical.

Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

Are you sick & tired of dusty loose grAvel?

We fix it!

Ph 09 439 5065 Dargaville

www.newmanengineering.co.nz

MARGARET & JOHN BISHOP

How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months.

This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes

that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency.

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.

Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™.

Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™.

For Septi-Cure™- Call: 0800-109-202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz Also Available in Farmlands

r u c ti

e

sep

Faster... stronger... cheaper!

• Farm Races • Tanker Tracks • Standoff/Feed Pads • Unsealed Council Network Roads • Logging/Timber Haul Roads • Carparks • Airstrips/Runways

Adam Jane-Rashleigh

adam@stabilizationsolutions.co.nz

Driveways • Farm races • roaDing

Agents for

NEW Polymer Stabilizers use existing or new Metal/Gravel to create a long lasting Pavement. contact Adam on 022 133 5635 or 0800 2 stABle (278 225)

Greenhouses – shadehouses – dairy herd shelters – calf sheds – nurseries – Garden centres – floWers

...if it needs protecting from the weather... call us first

...we are the professionals.

Ph 0800 Harford (427 367) www.taylorbuilt.co.nz Serving the North for over 25 years Geotextiles – erosion control – contractors and landscapers – shadesails – shadecloth – Windbreak

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

December 2012

33

Ask The Professionals WE MAKE HARD LOOK EASY! Gravel Lock delivers a high quality, hard wearing road surface across gravel driveways, tanker roads, feedpads and races.

Say goodbye to corrugations! Say goodbye to dust!

Forget the expensive maintenance cycles.

Gravel Lock is the Kiwi-Made system that’s changing how the world builds roads and YOU can’t afford to miss out!

BEFORE

AFTER

READY TO LOCK IN THE SAVINGS? Kaipara District

Rodney and Whangarei Areas

Harrison Contracting Ltd Richard Harrison Ph 0274 984 133 richard@harrisoncontracting.co.nz

Email info@gravellock.co.nz

CALL 0800 199 199 NOW! Silverdale, Helensville and Auckland Areas

Stabilization Solutions Adam Jane-Rashleigh Ph 022 133 5635 adam@stabilizationsolutions.co.nz

Jason Peters Ph 027 44 55 308

| Web www.gravellock.co.nz

as Gift

hristm Great C

Swimming Pool Purifier Save money No more green pool No sore eyes or dry skin Easy and low maintenance

CUT CHEMICALS up to 90% Money back Guarantee

Don’t spend hours maintaining your pool this year.

Get a Floatron and save yourself time and money!

Having a FLOATRON in their own pool for over 16 years has made a world of difference to family life for company owners, Craig and Melissa. They have a passion for this product because they have a 7-year-old daughter with eczema and allergies. She is unable to swim in chemical-laden pools, but they are thrilled that she can swim in their pool all day long, with no skin or health issues at all.

After years of success, why not Join the many satisfied customers and secure a FLOATRON for yourself. FLOATRON comes with a MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Order now, or request a FREE info pack at www.FLOATRON.co.nz or 0800 161 181.

The FLOATRON is a revolutionary solar powered water purifier for swimming pools, which replaces the need for chemicals by up to 90%.

It uses the process of ionisation to combat algae and bacteria in the water.

Christmas speCial

SAVE $200

www.floatron.co.nz 0800 161 181

No pool hassles with Ean, Chantal and the team at Gilmore Brown Ltd wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Our offices will be closed over the Christmas/New Year period from Wednesday 19 December 2012 and will re-open Monday 14 January 2013 A skeleton staff will be available during the week commencing Monday 7 January 2013.

Contact us on : 09 470 1800 or 0800 FOR GBL

Ean Brown

Chantal Gilmore

Contact us Phone: 09 470 1800 or 0800 FOR GBL Email: accounting@gilmorebrown.co.nz www.gilmorebrown.co.nz

BusinEss advisERs ChaRtEREd aCCOuntants

Special SpecialS

Special SpecialS

• Awesome trade in deals • Extended warranties on selected pumps

0800 244 377 www.pumpland.co.nz 28b Silverdale Street • Water pump sales & service • Mobile & workshop services • Water filtration & treatment • Pool valet

Promotion ends 31st December 2012

g

Hea

in v i L y h t l a e H lthy Water.

Buy 1 filter AND receive yOur 2ND ONe At hAlf price

34

December 2012

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

Northern Rural Marketplace Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings New or existing walls

Able to be applied between milkings during summer months

Colourcrete Dairy Floor Resurfacing System Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas Bruce Cameron 027 498 8412 / 09 235 8263

Anlyn Piling & Contracting Ltd Whangarei

Andy Payne

• Pile Driving & Drilling • Farm & Rural Bridges • Dams • Retaining Walls • Earthmoving • Drain Cleaning • House Sites • Races & Driveways • 12 T & 5 T Diggers • 6 Wheel Tipper • Bulldozer & Sheepsfoot We dig your dirt

027 543 7244

email: anlynpiling@value.net.nz After hours & Fax 09 436 2982

Agricultural Treatment Systems Avoid Fines due to Effluent LEAKAGES Dairy Effluent Cleansing NATURAL Treatment Process NO CHEMICALS Irrigate your paddocks YEAR ROUND Easy UP-GRADE of existing set-up No Need for Paddock Recovery Paddocks for grazing NOT for Storage Ponds COUNCIL Appraised & Compliant

027 274 8262

ATS

ProPerty Maintenance & rePair

• Fences & Repairs • Flooring Repairs • Decks • Kitchen/Bathroom Fit Outs • Wet Wall Lining • Water Blasting & Chemical Washes • Windows & Latches • Plus Much More

DY M AC K AY N A CONTRACTING AGRICULTURAL & FENCING

Ph/Fax Andy 09 423 7339 or 0274 956 674

C&C Contract Electrical Commercial • Industrial Domestic • Dairy

Phone Craig 021 440 634 09 439 6465

No jobRing tooAndrew small

Covering the Kaipara! Cell 0274 557 750

More Milk

Better Health

Less Metabolics

Bios Life Slim Do you suffer from Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, or struggled losing weight?

Bios Life Slim is not a meal replacement. Not a diet.

Free parking and we don’t run late

Neil Johnson P: (09) 438 4273

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING®

Available from CRT, PGG Wrightson, Farmlands UV Protected Polycarbonate. Fits on any container with a flat surface.

Instructions supplied with the fitting.

$20 plus p&p

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING 21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM

Email: elaine.gordon@xtra.co.nz www.gordys-flytrap-fitting.com Patented in New Zealand/Australia

phone 0800 4 DOLOMITE 0800 436 566 Bio-Gro certified

Implements irect for tractor attachments visit us online

*Post hole borers *Box Graders *3 pt Scoops *Concrete mixers *Wood Chippers DEMO VIDEOS AND MORE PH 0800 733 355

• A medically proven, safe, effective, natural product for loosing F FAT and INCHES! • Increases energy without stimulants • Increases good cholesterol (HDL) • Decreases bad cholesterol (LDL) • Reduces appetite and cravings • Regulates bowel function • Balances blood sugar • Burns fat

www.bioslifesystem.com • Email helenslifestyle@gmail.com Contact Helen 09 433 8411 or 027 293 7157

FARMERS – How clean is your water?

Would you drink the water out of your troughs?

Now is your best time to service your water system…

Give us a call and let’s check it out.

PHONE 09 438 9103 (24HRS) CALL FREE 0800 McQUINN

Galvanized Towbar BUY ONLINE $195 Inc GST

www.implementsdirect.co.nz

0800 627 8466 148 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei

www.mcquinnpumps.co.nz

Make Your Life easier! use our services now!

• Pipe & Steel Supplies • LTNZ Approved Workshop • General, Agricultural & Structural Engineering • Mobile Welding Services • General Repairs & Maintenance • 2 Ton Gantry Crane • Plate Roller, Profile Cutter & Press Brake • de-CRAP-it®, Landplane®, Serious Incinerator® • Field Rollers, Water Carts • Kumara Gear

Newman Engineering (2004) LTD Ph 09 439 5065 Dargaville www.newmanengineering.co.nz

Northland Laser Drainage Ltd Neil Carter Trading as

Doug Wilson Manager Phone: Fax: Mobile: Email:

09 430 2934 09 430 2936 0274 302 934 dougw@nrh.co.nz

Specialising in Fertiliser and Metal cartage.

30 Tonne units available.

We cover your country!

Subsurface Drainage Specialists (Nth) All Services & Maintenance Available PO Box 1174, Whangarei Ph 09 434 7741 • Mobile 027 273 6865

1279 S/H 14, MAUNGATAPERE

Redan Auto Electrical

MARGARET & JOHN BISHOP

Pat’s Healing Centre www.animalherbs.co.nz — We courier to your door!

A big range of Health Solutions for you, your family and animals

• Solutions for control of fleas, ticks • Himalayan Salt Lick with and worms with WashBar products, 80+ minerals Diatomaceous Earth and Flee Flea • Orijen Organic Dog and Cat • Herbal and Homeopathic remedies Food — no grains for you and your animals

Ph 09 432 0820

Visit our Waipu clinic and shop, or website to buy online

Windy Ridge ContRaCting Phone Colin 09 439 7266 ~ Mob 021 882 857

BATTERY & AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALISTS Whangatane Dr, KAITAIA – 09 408 0120 – www.redanauto.co.nz

• Round Bale Hay and Silage • Medium Square Baling • Conventional Baling • Cultivation • Undersowing • 8 Tonne Tip Trailer • Mulching • Fencing

Servicing the Kaipara and Whangarei Districts

NORTHERN FaRmiNg LiFEsTyLEs

December 2012

35

Northern Rural Marketplace AFFCO LIVESTOCK

Yes - The grass is greener

Alternative Septic Solutions

Terry North

• NO POWER TO OPERATE & TREAT • LOW TECH PASSIVE TREATMENT • HIGH QUALITY EFFLUENT OUTPUT • RE-USE WATER FOR AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION • ECO FRIENDLY • USE YOUR PROPERTY EFFICIENTLY • ENGINEER DESIGNED & COUNCIL APPROVED • EXISTING TANK UP-GRADES • COSTS SIMILAR TO SEPTIC TANK

Ph: 027 274 8262

Email:

Building of rammed earth homes

asseptics@gmail.com

www.advancedsecondaryseptics.co.nz

Phone 09 439 5902

www.coastlineecobuild.co.nz

Mobile 027 484 1823 • Fax 09 439 1320

NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Reach 33,300 Rural Homes — Phone 0800 466 793

For Sale

For Sale

Work Wanted

Services

ATV MATS from $89 — Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz. Be quick offer ends 31/12/12.

WINDMILL WATER pumps by Ferguson Windmills Company. Phone 09 412 8655. www.windmills.co.nz. sales@windmills.co.nz.

FARM BRIDGES Phone Pat now 0800 222 189, visit www.bridgeitnz.co.nz. Bridge It NZ Ltd.

ATV SAFETY HELMETS — from $119 accessories from $15. The law has changed! Have you got yours? Come & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz. Subject to availability.

ATV FARM BIKE MX SPARES

CONCRETE PADS, shed floors, feedout pads, house floors, driveways, footpaths, concrete cutting and drilling, retaining walls, paling fences, excavation work. Waipu, Ruakaka, Whangarei, Mangawhai & Langs Beach. Phone Mark 027 443 3130 or 09 432 0107.

BOAT TRAILERS, full range to suit 12ft to 27ft boats, very competitive prices and immediate delivery for most models now. Call us to discuss free on 0800 162 500 Xpress Trailers.

BOX TRAILERS, single and tandem axle trailers at very competitive prices, full range of sizes, 6x4 $1695, 7x4 $1895, 8x4 $2095, 8x5 tandem $2795, 10x5 tandem $3395, 10x6 tandem $3795 Ph 0800 162 500 Xpress trailers.

CHAIN & SPROCKET KITS DIRT OR FARM BIKE. SAVE 10% off RRP If you get them fitted at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz. Be quick — offer ends 31/12/12.

FREE DELIVERY Northland wide for new or used tractors and implements. Specialising in smaller machines for Lifestyle and Horticulture Blocks.

Package deals to suit your needs. TT Network International 09 406 0435 or 027 496 4565 Email: ttnetwork@orcon.net.nz.

GUSSET SLIP on soft toe boot. Great for farming, horticultural work and casual wear. Cleated Commando sole. View www.lastrite.co.nz, click on farming category. 0800 4Boots.

JACKIE SLIP on square toe boot. Great mens/ womens boot for horse riding, casual/dress wear. www.lastrite.co.nz click on men or womens dress.

0800 4Boots.

NEED NEW ATV TYRES? GET 20% OFF RRP & FREE FITTING at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres. co.nz. Be quick — offer ends 31/12/12.

NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVs — 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi — phone 0800 963 636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei. Phone 09 438 0804. Offer ends 31/12/12.

SINTERED BRAKE PADS — for MX & FarmBikes — from $39 at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres.co.nz.

STOLEN QUAD-BIKES? — You won’t find any listed here, but you can pre-empt this kind of thing happening and protect your fuel too. Visit www.parabeam.co.nz or call 0508 727 223 for more information.

TRACTOR PARTS new & used huge range for McCormick, John Deere, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, AgSpares Whangarei 0800 788 788.

TRACTOR SEATS Full range, for cab & non cab tractors. Seat pans from $59+GST Suspension seats from $149+GST www.agspares.co.nz 0800 788 788.

TRANSPORT TRAY, Galvanised frame, tidy condition, 1950x1000 22mm pins $450+GST AgSpares Whangarei 0800 788 788.

WEED EATERS & CHAINSAWS — GET 10% OFF STOCKED ITEMS at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636. www.atvtyres. co.nz. Be quick — offer ends 31/12/12.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER. New Customers Receive 7.5% discount off RRP for all stocked items with this voucher at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. Be quick – offer ends 31/12/12. Conditions apply.

ATV SERVICE. Receive 10% discount off RRP for standard service parts* with this voucher when you get your ATV serviced at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street Hikurangi Phone 0800 963 636 | www.atvtyres.co.nz. *Conditions apply, offer ends 31/12/12.

MX FARM BIKE SERVICE. Receive 7.5% discount off RRP for standard service parts* with this voucher when you get your MX / Farm Bike serviced at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. *Conditions apply, offer ends 31/12/12.

Wanted WANTED LATE model tractors, any condition, Cash paid, Phone AgSpares 0800 788 788.

Nurseries & Plants GREENHOUSE FOR Sale. The best greenhouse available in NZ. A large range of sizes to suit any home gardener. 10 year warranty. Call us at Palmers Gardenworld Whangarei on 09 430 4070. Or visit www.wintergardenz.co.nz.

Property Maintenance FREE QUOTES given for servicing your driveway, section clearing, rubbish removal, post hole boring, and more. With over 5 years experience Fred’s Bobcats can provide you with efficient honest service at a good rate. Phone Fred 09 430 6978 or 027 246 4385.

Water Services BULK HOUSEHOLD water deliveries. For fast, friendly and reliable service, Phone water2go, 09 438 7141 or 021 714 660. Free quotes and WINZ quote available.

TANK WATER TESTING. Detect ‘bad bugs’ in drinking water. Report gives results and recommendations.

Sterilisation of water/gutters/pipes and vacuum cleaning. Contact Simon on 09 422 9345 or at tankwater@xtra.co.nz.

Childcare

Nanny & More!

Quality childcare courses in Stanmore Bay (N of Ak) Friendly Local Boarding Call Amanda now for free info!

424 3055 nannyacademy.ac.nz

FURNITURE MOVING Around NZ or around the world.

Single items or house lots. Pro Packing, moving, insurance. Via trucks, containers, shared loads.

Ph 0800 496 753 www.worldmoving.co.nz.

“Experience & Advice You Can Trust”.

HOOPER DISCS — Hooper super giant 5 aside discs, sandblasted and painted, all new bearings.

2 sets available, from $ 4250 + GST. VIRTUAL LAW Ltd. Friendly Mobile Service to your Home office or Cowshed. Fixed Fees. Open over the Christmas/New Year Holiday Period. Phone Miriam Hollins for a Quote: 09 438 5322, Or Mobile, 021 977 858.

Situations Vacant

ARE YOU UP TO THE

CHALLENGE? IF SO, THEN

Grazing DAIRY GRAZING available, small or large numbers, weaners, heifers or dry cows. Phone John 021 188 9049 or Carolyn 022 317 1102.

Ross Livestock

Livestock Auctions • Paddock Sales Works Cattle • Woolsales Fertiliser Needs Operating from Parua Bay

Next auction sale

FENCING SERVICES Limited. Specialists in electric fencing, alkathene pipe and Hansen fittings — good prices. Solo sprayers sales and service. Huge selection of wire netting — can cut to length.

Phone Grant on 09 438 9330. Open Saturday morning 9am — 12noon.

9th Feb

All profits retained locally 1% of sales donated to charitable trust Contact Murdoch Ross (owner) 09 436 5828 or Mike Bryham (Buyer) 09 436 5691

email: rosslivestock@gmail.com

Cars Wanted

WE NEED

YOU

We are expanding our telephone sales division, due to our community focus and belief in the NZ economy.

What you can bring: • Enthusiasm – heaps of it; actually you need truckloads!

• The ability to build relationships – it’s true, some of your clients will become great friends.

• Great communications skills and the ability to work as part of a team… Okay, so not just someone who can yak and socialise, but actually empathise with clients and commit to your workmates.

WE arE oFFEring: • Opportunity – We are going places and we’ll take you with us!

• Stability – our growth has been through the roof.

• Ongoing Training – we know we can always learn more – and we’ll teach you!

If you think you can keep pace with us (If you can then you will already know it…), then call in the first instance – we are local and we want your first contact with us to be easy – and we’ll all work out if we’re a good fit for each other.

09 439 6933 info@thelifestyler.co.nz Do you have what it takes to accept our challenge?

Publishers of Kaipara Lifestyler, Northland Farming Lifestyles, Waikato Farming lifestyles, Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, and Canterbury Farming.

Travel GET TO the fishing spots fast in a new, comfortable 12.5m Cat. Half and full day charters available plus game fishing. For more information see our website www.marsdencovefishing.co.nz or Phone Wally Browning 027 492 2824.

www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

36

December 2012 NORTHERN Farming Lifestyles

0% FINANCE

*

PAYMENT – FIRST IN 6 MONTHS / FINAL IN 12 MONTHS

SPORTSMAN 400 H.O.

$3000 DEPOSIT OR TRADE-IN RRP $10,495 INC.

• 455cc High-Output Engine • Automatic Transmission • Independent Rear Suspension • 555kg Towing Capacity • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive • Sealed Front Storage

SPORTSMAN 500 H H.O. O

SPORTSMAN 550 XP

$4000 DEPOSIT OR TRADE-IN

$4000 DEPOSIT OR TRADE-IN

• 498cc High-Output Engine • Automatic Transmission • Independent Rear Suspension • 555kg Towing Capacity • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive • Sealed Front Storage

• 550cc SOHC EFI Engine • Automatic Transmission • Rolled Independent Rear Suspension • 680kg Towing Capacity • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive

RRP $11,495 INC.

RRP $13,495 INC.

0.95% FINANCE

*

PAYMENT - FIRST IN 6 MONTHS / FINAL IN 12 MONTHS

$5000 DEPOSIT OR TRADE-IN

AWD Mode Turf Mode

POLARIS VARIABLE TRANSMISSION INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION IN

ON-DEMAND TRUE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE

UNLOCKING REAR DIFF

TIPPING DUMP BOX

$6000 DEPOSIT OR TRADE-IN

« RANGER 500 EFI • 32 horsepower 498cc Engine • Automatic Transmission • Electronic Fuel Injection • 567kg Towing Capacity

ONLY $16,995 INC. GST RANGER DIESEL » • 24 horsepower 3-Cylinder Engine • Automatic Transmission • 907kg Towing Capacity • 30.5cm Ground Clearance • 55 amp Alternator

ONLY $23,995 INC. GST ROUSE MOTORCYCLES 1 KING STREET, HIKURANGI. PH: (09) 433 8471.

MAUNGATUROTO MOTORCYCLES LTD 117 HURNDALL ST, MAUNGATUROTO. PH: (09) 431 8555

KUMEU CHAINSAW & MOWER SERVICES 377 STATE HIGHWAY 16, HUAPAI. PH: (09) 412 8109.

*Finance based on deposit, remaining balance split over two payments over 12 months, first in 6 months and final in 12 months. Offer ends 31st December 2012, normal lending criteria apply, offer not available with any other promotions. Documentation fee $375. Accessories fitted not included. Trade in may be used toward deposit.