Northern Farming Lifestyles, February 2014

Northern

Farming Lifestyles February 2014 Edition

33,200 copies DELIVERED FREE to every farm and rural delivery address from Albany to Cape Reinga

NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS 2014 MAP & SITE LISTINGS P34–35

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Kaeo flood works progress

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 | 021 639 9633 Editorial: Paul Campbell Andy Bryenton Colin Patterson Joanne Speechly Cynthia Matthews

by Paul Campbell

Northern Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Graphic Design: Gavin Bainbridge Jan Balcombe Paul Bakulich James Menzies Jessica Wright Greer Mackay

Advertising: Betty Willetts

Production: Brenda Ilton Vivian Webb

Accounts: Lesley Robinson | accounts@nsmm.co.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Work on the $700,000 project designed to ease the impact of flooding that plagues Kaeo is on schedule and now more than 50 per cent complete and should be finished next month.

Work on the project began late last year and Northland Regional Council programme manager, Bruce Howse, says it aims to protect the town from destructive, high-speed floodwater rushing through it.

The scheme includes a roughly 1km long network of three-metre high stopbanks but it is not designed to stop flooding from occurring.

“What it is designed to do is to deflect damaging, high-speed floodwaters away from the town with a series of stopbanks and essentially convert it into slow-speed ‘backwater’ flooding,” Mr Howse said.

Mr Howse says the work — at this stage expected to be finished on schedule at the end of next month — is being funded via a roughly 50/50 split between central government ($386,000) and a targeted rate on approximately 2,200 local properties.

He says good progress has been made to date overall, with a severalhundred metre long flood wall on the Whangaroa College grounds complete and scheme drainage and the works’ main stopbank from the Pohue Pa to the

college progressing well. A large spillway cut upstream of those works was also about 50% complete.

Mr Howse says collectively, the Kaeo works will slow the speed of future floods and should make them much less damaging and dangerous.

“It’s definitely not a ‘silver bullet’ solution but it will make it easier for residents to protect flood-prone properties with sandbags and other tools like flood shutters.”

“Kaeo is built on a floodplain and has flooded for as long as recorded history.

Its position and local geography means a practical and affordable solution to stop flooding from happening completely is simply not possible.”

Meanwhile, Mr Howse says a temporary river crossing for machinery to haul earth across the Kaeo River from the spillway to the stopbanks has also been working well.

“The temporary crossing enables material to be hauled across the river with no unnecessary disturbance to the river bed from machinery movements, preventing sediment from being stirred up and maintaining water clarity.”

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A welcome from the president People heading to the Northland Field Days from February 27 to March 1 will be able to see, do and win more than they ever have before,” says Field Days president Lew Duggan.

“We have really pulled out all the stops this year. A trip to the Northland Field Days anywhere between February 27 and March 1 will be sure to be a thrilling, educational and worthwhile experience.”

“I extend a warm welcome on the committee’s behalf to all our exhibitors and visitors to an overflowing program of events and attractions.

“The committee, The Radio Network and exhibitors including Tru Test Group have been working hard to make sure there is something for all ages.

Younger people will be able to get up close and personal with a number of cute and cuddly creatures this year thanks to Mobile Farm Park’s Petting Zoo. “They will be able to pet and feed animals including turtles, chickens, ducks, a miniature horse and dogs, or ride around the event on a cart pulled by a team of Clydesdale horses.

“The Tru Test Group site is likely to be a hot destination for people of all ages this year with a live auction three times a day. Radio Hauraki will also have the ‘Win your weight in meat’ competition.

“The Northern Wairoa Vintage Machinery Club and chainsaw carvers will also have sites at the events and there will be plenty of things to see and do.

“With numerous competitions including lawnmower races, dog trials, tractor pull and logger sports

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

NGAH E R E FsAtuRd M

a twofold

BY JOANNE SPEECHLY

a dual focus, set within a landscape h wit d stu a is m Far e her Nga s pa’ aka Kaukap h and this farm is a picturesque mix that reflects its name. Ngahere means bus forest. of good grazing, rough pasture and native

T

he North Auckland property is home to Doug and Jenny Sheldon’s Magna Poll Dorset Sheep Stud and Eadon Highland Cattle Fold, established in 1994 and 2005 respectively. “Doug was introduced to Poll Dorsets in 1994, the year we bought our first mob,� says Jenny. “While Doug had worked Romneys, Dorset Horn, Southdown, Coopworth and Perendales in the 1960s and 70s, he wanted something a bit different and the Poll Dorset ram is a particularly good terminal fat lamb sire, so that’s the breed we chose. “The progeny are fast growing, early maturing sheep, so farmers can get

them away to the works very early, before the dry season,� adds Doug. “In our operation, we cull quite heavily and therefore only the best are kept for breeding.�

Poll Dorset’s are known for their easytemper and the Ngahere flock are well used to handling. As a meat breed, they produce a long, lean, well muscled carcase, but they are also excellent milkers and are used extensively in the sheep milking industry.

Poll Dorset ewes are noted for being excellent mothers with high fertility and the ability to breed out of season. They also come into season earlier than most breeds, making them an excellent choice

“Ninety five percent of our animals have really good temperament and those we choose to breed from have an excellent temperament,� says Doug

for the warmer climate of Northland and North Auckland.

Early in 2005, the Eadon side of the business was born with the purchase of Scottish Highland cattle, which now total about 150. Historically, this hardy yet beautiful breed, were bred to survive in the harshest of environments and

consequently, they love to tuck in to the harder pasture, often ignoring the areas of lush grass. They are a smaller size, with a friendly temperament. “For the type of farm we have, we really needed some cattle to help keep it in order because sheep on their own weren’t doing the job,� says Jenny. “So

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Doug and Jenny have been showing cattle at local A&P Shows since 2007 and have many Champions, Reserve Champions and Supreme Champions among their Fold

I said, ‘If we’re going to have cattle, why don’t we get something that’s nice to look at as well’, which of course isn’t a very ‘farm’ thing to say!

“We had a look at these highland cattle and did the numbers and agreed they should be economically viable but we also had a look at what sort of animals they were. I liked the idea that they were just that little bit lighter so they would be easier on the country.

“Coming from the Scottish Highlands they have to be hardy to survive and they actually like getting stuck into the rougher pasture, they’re good at breaking down the countryside and they can really thrive under rough conditions.”

Although AI and embryo transplants are widely used in Highland cattle breeding, the Sheldon’s have chosen to stick with natural breeding.

“We don’t use AI because our farm is big enough to support bulls,” says Doug. “This year we have

A scenic view of Ngahere Farm with its mix of good grazing, rough pasture and native forest

four Scottish highland bulls, including a new bull with totally different bloodlines — and that’s the most important thing, being able to introduce new bloodlines.

“Our first priority in choosing for breeding, and also culling our animals, is temperament.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful the animal looks or how good it is constitutionally, if the temperament is no good then it doesn’t get chosen.

“As a result, ninety five percent of our animals have really good temperament and those we choose to breed from have an excellent temperament.”

Doug and Jenny have also found a market for their bulls in the Waikato.

“We have a couple of farmers in the Waikato who buy bulls from us every year,” says Jenny. “They are very good over dairy heifers because of the smaller progeny.”

“You rarely have to assist a highland cow with calving and a highland bull gives a much better result in dairy heifers,” adds Doug. “We have a dairy farmer in the Waikato who buys a bull from us every year and he no longer has a vet bill for his Friesian heifers. That’s significant because it not only saves money, it also avoids any potential damage to the young animal.”

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Healing horses

BY JOANNE SPEECHLY

Debbie Barker may just be New Zealand’s answer to the Horse Whisperer and for many horses who have passed through her care, she is a lifesaver.

B

ased in Kumeu, Auckland Horse Havan is a horse rescue welfare group, which takes on horses that need re-homing. Many have health problems and are underweight, others have been classed as dangerous and are therefore unwanted and some are simply misunderstood but for most, there is happy ending.

“Although we started off small, we have grown rapidly,” says founder, Debbie Barker. “When I started the haven it was little more than a hobby, but as people became increasingly aware of us and our goals, we realised there was a real need for our services.

“In addition to providing a safe place for horses to recover, we also work with the horses so that they can find more permanent homes. However, despite our best efforts, it is not always possible to safely rehabilitate and re-home all the horses that come to us.” Working alongside Debbie is a dedicated team, which has also grown rapidly with the growth of the Havan.

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“Auckland Horse Havan is the product of a combined effort and each person in the team has a role that is crucial to the running of the business. Having the numbers means that each and every one of our horses gets adequate handling and attention.

“Our team is made up of people who are committed to restoring health to every horse that walks through our gate. We also have a committee that has a hand in running and managing the Havan and overseeing any changes that need to be made and some even assist with the care of the horses.

“Foster families are another important part of our team, providing a temporary home for horses in need. Their help allows us to balance our resources and avoid overstocking.” For Debbie, horses are a passion and she showed signs of having a special affinity with horses from a very young age.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

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communicate with them.” When Debbie left school at age 16, she started working with race horses at McKee’s Racing Stables in Takanini. In the years following, she went on to work with various race trainers, show jumpers and event riders, which she says was a great learning experience.

“I have always believed that by listening to and watching animals, they will tell you what you need to know”

The dedicated team at Auckland Horse Havan ensure that sad stories can have a happy ending

the largest independent horse rescue and re-homing organisation on the North Island.”

Debbie believes that some people are reluctant to ask for help because they think they will be judged for the situation they have found themselves in.

However, shes says it’s just a matter of asking the right people for guidance and that probably means sticking to the professionals.

“I also think there is some stigma around looking to places like ours for horses because people expect us

“The more horses I work with, the more I know this is what I am meant to be doing and I am succeeding in making a difference in a very positive way.

“Seven years ago I suffered a head injury, leaving me on limited duties and unable to ride.

The accident was a personal setback but it turned out to be a blessing for Auckland Horse Havan. I needed an outlet, so I put all my energy into building the Havan to what it is today —

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to have rundown thoroughbreds or bad-natured horses but that isn’t the case. Many of our horses are talented, safe and great with kids.” Debbie has been awarded the Assisi Award by the New Zealand Companion Animal Council for Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare and in 2012 Debbie was asked to join the advisory group for Animal Care and Management at Unitec.

Auckland Horse Havan has also won awards for our Outstanding Service to Horse Welfare and a

New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award.

Auckland Horse Havan launched the New Zealand National Register of Stolen and Missing Horses 11 months ago and people are encouraged to contact Debbie with their details and photos if they wish to add a horse to the database. The register can be viewed at: www.facebook.com/ groups/402851076473701/.

For further information contact Debbie Barker at Auckland Horse Havan on 09 835 482.

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Field Days spur on local businesses

by Colin Patterson

When the Northland Field Days kick off later this month almost 300 companies and organisations will be showing off their products and services, hoping to tempt visitors into becoming customers.

You would expect most of these exhibitors to be rural servicing and equipment providers. After all, Field Days are about providing a chance for farmers to get together and view the latest innovations and technical advances that could help them to be more productive and efficient.

But Field Days are more than about farming. Many visitors are townies who would struggle telling one end of a plow from the other.

And because it’s not just a rural show, it attracts companies and organisations offering their wares to townies as well as farm folk. For them, Field Days has one critical component essential for business success — people. With more than 25,000 visitors expected over three days, Field Days provides

big opportunities for companies of all types to reach potential customers — and to interact with existing ones — in ways not possible in the ordinary course of business.

Marion McEwing from the Dargaville Sewing and Curtain Centre says she has been exhibiting at Field Days for 20 years. “We started because at the time we were the only five-star Janome dealer in Northland and Janome required it of us.”

While there are now other Janome dealers in the region, Ms McEwing says a presence at Field Days is still worthwhile. “You get to see people from all over Northland. I like to meet people. We nearly always get to sell a sewing machine.” While it’s a big commitment to maintain a presence for

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the three days at Field Days, while also keeping the shop open, Ms McEwing says she gets help. “Our staff keep the shop open and I have a friend who helps at Field Days.”

She says Field Days is a great opportunity to show off the latest model of sewing machine. This year’s is one that you can control from your computer or iPad. Paul Udall from Freemasons of New Zealand says his organisation has been at Field Days for a number of years.

“We want to project ourselves into the community so people know who we are and what we do.” While a number of lodge members are farmers and enjoy

the opportunity to meet up, Field Days is also a good recruiting tool. “We get members who join us entirely because of Field Days.”

Tom Harvey from Carruth House, the hostel at Whangarei Boys’ High School, says Field Days provides a good chance to reach parents throughout the region and show them their sons have an option to attend a bigger school. “Because we’re bigger, we offer more classes and more sporting opportunities.” He says Carruth House will have a presence at Field Days even though it will be full at the start of the 2014 school year. “We’ll bring some of the boys along. They’ll have a good time.”

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Jill Wilson from Roper and Jones First National in Dargaville has been at Field Days for 13 or 14 years. “I think it’s important to be seen in the community.

It’s also great to meet up with past and present clients. It’s also a good way of chatting with people who don’t know much about real estate.” Whangarei retail business Arnold Franks has been coming to Field Days for 13 years, although the company has been trading for 50 years.

Spokesman Steve Nightingale says many of their customers are rural.

“Field Days gives us a chance to catch up with customers who don’t come to the shop.”

Even if it is difficult to work out exact sales from Field Days, Mr Nightingale says being there is a simple decision. “It’s not expensive for us.

We get a good return. And we know there’ll be farmers there with money to spend.”

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Far North farm a world away

BY CYNTHIA MATTHEWS

‘New’ New Zealanders Peter and Lilo Niepel’s farm is tucked away in Kaitaia’s southern dairying hinterland with its pleasant landscape of small hills and creek bottomed valleys. From a German village and urban based occupations to the rural ‘Top End’ the couple has made massive life changes. “Germany feels like another life now,� says Peter.

T

he Niepels’ move into farming wasn’t immediate. Peter was a software developer and Lilo a textile technician. Her work took her all over and on one trip a fellow traveller Kiwi’s enthusiasm for Aotearoa was catching.

The couple came out and moved to Auckland and then to a small block at Wellsford before settling on their 41ha farm near Fairburn. In the process they learnt much from a farming neighbour and good friend. Lilo undertook some North Tec. Ag. Courses and Peter started his home based enterprise Cottage Crafts.

The couple milk six cows, Friesen and pure bred Jersey, and relish the milk, cheese and yoghurt obtained from their own herd. An older prized cow was a present from family in Germany. The Niepels raise calves off their cows supplementing with others brought in.

Peter & Lilo’s farm and home

The neighbour’s Angus bull is used for breeding. “He has a very placid nature.

You can work with the cows around him,� says Lilo. Adds Peter: “We still keep

‘bull respect’!� The property’s cattle share the farm with ducks, dogs and Peter’s 33-year-old horse, now retired along with best mate the donkey.

The couple have lived four years in their farm house completely revamped

by Lilo. A step away a small building houses Peter’s cheese-making

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11

First in the North to offer comprehensive home insulation Pilkington Insulation Ltd has been installing insulation in Northland for seven years, and has now expanded their services.

Homes that Richard visited over the last seven years have had many different problems, with the homeowners needing to find solutions to insulate the home.

Pilkington Insulation Ltd is the only company in the North to offer the service of visiting your home and assessing the state of your insulation, giving a free energy assessment and quotation for the whole home.

At the milking stalls

Locally made Cottage Crafts cheese press

They are able to give advice on areas thought to be inaccessible with the new products they use. They offer a service of removing any old or damp, ceiling insulation and fitting new. Or they can ‘top up’ existing inadequate ceiling insulation — and the retrofitting of homes that do not have any wall, or under-floor insulation. There are a lot of homes supposedly insulated, but as time goes on some insulation becomes less effective, and many homeowners don’t realise this.

Pilkington Insulation Ltd is the distributor and installer for Qumulus and Cosywall in Northland.

Their services include: • Free home energy assessment, measurement and quotation • Removal of old ineffective ceiling insulation • Ceiling insulation using blown in Qmulus (mineral wool), or other blanket insulation eg Earthwool

Jersey cow from the herd

They will continue to keep a few Jerseys for milk. Lilo wants more time for her textile design work as a complement to her farm interests and Peter’s focus is on developing a bakery with a commercial sized oven to meet increasing demand for his breads and baked goods.

• Underfloor insulation using Warmafloor insulation (polyester blanket) • Easy payment terms If your home suffers from cold and damp issues in the winter months, and possibly too hot in the summer, these are a sure sign that your home may not be well insulated.

Richard can help you solve this to create a healthy, comfortable and energy efficient home. Cosywall installation can take place year round, from either the outside through existing cladding, or inside through plasterboard (similar) and will usually be completed within one or two days. Renovation can be completed as soon as the insulation is installed. When you have insulated the whole of your house, the transformation will astound you, as you realise that you now have a cosy, comfortable, more healthy and energy efficient home — and you will see the difference in your power bill.

Come and meet us at site 157A next to Rural Pavillion 1. View the new products and systems, and make an appointment while you are there.

Contact Richard ph 09 431 5223 and let him help solve your insulation problem.

See our advertisement for more information or refer to www.pilkingtoninsulation.co.nz.

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equipment business. He quickly recognised the increasing popularity of home cheese making in New Zealand and sells all over the country and even to the Chatham Islands. (He also sells yoghurt making equipment.) 35% of his customers are in the bigger centres.

His products also come with a basic DIY guide, with easy instructions such as making ricotta from whey.

“I am absolutely committed to simple, healthy unprocessed food,” he says.

Lucky friends visiting the Niepels’ home might enjoy a craft beer to wash down artisan breads and cheeses. Peter’s hobby beer brewing, home cheeses and his breads developed from the same impetus: “Like many others who came from Europe, you end up making it yourself.” He belongs to a group of craft brewers and the Kerikeri Cooking Club and likes the community interaction.

The breadmaking is a newer initiative of Peter’s. He was encouraged by early market success and today sells at the Doubtless Bay Farmers market at Taipa and supplies Mangonui restaurants.

He would like to develop the business further. “90% of my breads are done in a conventional oven so it limits how much I can make.”

The Niepels now want to move more into Angus breeding and steer finishing.

• Existing wall insulation using Cosywall (dry fibre)

s At

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12

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Photographer looks north for work

by Colin Patterson

When Christchurch photographer Paul Wilson came to Northland Field Days in 2013 it was a last-minute decision.

As a result of the earthquake things were in a shambles. “I was involved in the Lincoln University Field Days. I heard about Northland and decided to come up.”

He ended up with a double site in the middle of a marquee to promote his services as a fine-art portrait photographer. “Last year was really good. I was not overly well organised.

But I did well enough to return up here for some commissions.”

Mr Wilson has been a photographer since 1985. He has one studio in

Christchurch and another in Rotorua. But he is keen to emphasise he’s not just an ordinary photographer. He specialises in photographing rural people — mostly farmers and their families — on their land. “I’ll do a number of images. I’ll work on something for a month. Our goal is one masterpiece.”

Mr Wilson will touch up an image until he gets exactly the right look. He then puts his final image onto canvas — like a painting. That is apt because Mr Wilson sees himself as an artist.

For him photography is not just about

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country. I do a lot of location work in the South Island.”

But the response at the 2013 convinced Mr Wilson there is a demand for his work in the north.

He’s already done commissions for some of Northland’s landed families and is looking for more from Field Days 2014.

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taking photos. It’s using a camera as a starting point in a process that ends with exactly the right image. The responses from customers and their friends are unanimous,” says Mr Wilson.

“Everyone stops and looks and looks at these images. It’s basically people and their land.” His work involves lots of travel. “I enjoy wandering around the

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Homeopathic Farm Support Ltd is a small business to support dairy, dry stock, sheep, dairy goat, alpaca and lifestyle block farmers by natural means.

Our homeopathic products are of a high quality, organically certified by BioGro and have Class Determination by MPI (ACVM).

HFS has developed Herbal AB for animals and people to help and strengthen the immune system, MA Udder Spray to enhance udder health, Herbal Digestive Drench to balance the natural worm life within the digestive system and a Natural Teat Conditioner. Also available are Homeopathic books for cows, horses and people, kit sets, laminated reference sheets and calendars for the cowshed.

Feedback received from a south Taranaki farmer regarding the Natural Teat Conditioner. “After much anticipation we were very pleased to get our hands onto

the newly released Natural Teat Conditioner.

We premix it in a 20 litre container and fill a Cambrian sprayer at the end of each milking. The system and product work very well. After about a week all the cows’ teats had softened dramatically. We have also received this recommendation for one of our Homeopathic Books.

“The ‘Homoeopathic Handbook for Dairy Farming’ is worth its weight in gold.

Regularly referred to, it is our most used farming related text. We have notes from our experiences and successes recorded throughout as we are continually learning and extending our remedy repertoire and knowledge base — that’s the exciting part.

We are ultimately in control and not reliant on others! And most importantly, it works.”

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

13

14

February 2014 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

by Colin Patterson

HRV — A Northland icon

Not many people know it, but a well-known ventilation system that keeps thousands of kiwi homes warm and dry in winter is actually a Northland innovation.

Former Whangarei Boys’ High School old boy Marcus Foote established HRV 11 years ago. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength and is a market leader in the fields of home dehumidifying and ventilation.

“It’s a Northland success story,” says HRV Northland general manager, Brendon Fox. HRV has been coming to Northland Field Days for a number of years. Mr Fox says Field Days are a great opportunity to talk to homeowners and show them how an HRV system can keep them and their families healthier. “We like to take the product to the people. We’ll have a double stall at the Lifestyle Pavilion. We’ll have information on the product and consultants to talk with people.”

It was an easy decision to return for Field Days in 2014.

“Field Days are very, very, good for us. And it’s not just about sales.

“It’s a chance to meet up with existing customers and hear from them.”

The team at HRV Northland is looking forward to being of service at Field Days

While Northland is one of the country’s warmer regions with mild winters and relatively hot summers, Mr Fox says those who believe that high moisture levels in our homes are not a problem are mistaken. “There are a lot of damp homes in New Zealand. We have the second highest asthma rate in the world. And one in four Northlanders live in a home that has high levels of humidity.”

For the world’s purest invironments At HRV, we’ve made it our mission to improve the health of New Zealand homes and those that live inside them.

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An HRV system takes warm, dry air from the roof space, removes the moisture and distributes it throughout the house.

The HRV filter also removes condensation, mould and mildew.

Mr Fox says HRV will be repeating last year’s offer, with one lucky person to sign up for an HRV system at Field Days winning all their money back.

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16

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

February 2014

DAIRYING

Scholarships on offer

Northland Field Days will provide the opportunities for agriculture students to receive a head start on their careers.

NATION WIDE

The region’s biggest outdoor event will be giving up to five young Northlanders interested in a career in agriculture a big ‘leg up’, with the organising committee offering up to five students at any recognised tertiary provider studying agricultural based programmes a scholarship of up to $2,000.

“Agriculture is the powerhouse of New Zealand and there are plenty of exciting and lucrative opportunities for ambitious young people within it,” says Northland Field Days committee member Kim Leigh-Mackenzie.

“We want to make sure that young Northlanders get the best opportunities available.”

Applicants just need to have come from Northland and can study anywhere in New Zealand at any university, polytechnic, or farm based training provider like TaraTahi or Ag ITO.

Applications will be available from the Northland Field Days office at the Northland Field Days between February 27 and March 1 or download them from the Northland Field Days website from February 27.

Applicants will be from Northland, must demonstrate a keen interest in the agricultural industry and be able to provide both school and work references.

Kim says students can use the funds for anything from materials to course fees and the committee hopes it will enable students to make the most out of not only their education but also their holidays where they often need to look for jobs to get work experience.

“We hope, that by providing these grants students will be able to go for the jobs that really do carry their careers forward rather than taking the first job that comes up to pay the bills.”

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

DAIRYING

17

ADVERTORIAL ADVERTORIAL

Keeping the dairy industry pumping this Field Days Advance Dairy and Pump has been in the Dargaville area for over 50 years (formerly as Watkins Bros), so they know the needs of the local farmers very well.

Their prime business interests are the management and servicing of farm water, dairy and effluent systems.

The ‘water’ part of the business includes the design and maintenance of farm water systems and pumps. This extends to domestic water and pumps too. Noel Watkins (from Watkins Bros), still plays a large part in ensuring the correct system for the individual situation. With his 50-plus years of experience, he’s not often wrong!

As Fonterra leads the drive to improve the quality of water being used through dairy plants, farmers too have been moved to understand more about the quality of their water and it’s source. Each farm is very individual and needs to be treated as such. Advance Dairy and Pump deal with every farmer individually, and encourage them to start with testing their water at the source.

The company also offers a full dairy plant service, from installation of new plants (DeLaval), to maintenance and servicing of current plants. They have

a fully trained NZMPTA registered milking machine tester, who can test and service at the same time, if necessary. Advance Dairy and Pump also provide a full range of aftermarket products, specifically for the dairy shed.

Their milk quality specialists are also available to discuss cleaning requirements, and DeLaval’s latest solution to detergent residuals in the dairy plant.

Farm effluent management is their other main area of work. In conjunction with their allied Farm Dairy Effluent accredited designers, Advance Dairy and Pump are able to ensure that the correct planning, equipment and servicing are put in place.

This is a very sensitive area within the dairy community, and they know the importance of getting it right and having the pump, irrigator or other vital part working ‘now’! “With ex Dairy farmers driving the business and multiple years of staff experience, we understand what is important.”

Carl and Ally Steiner – delighted with Bosch dairy hot water Carl and Ally Steiner milk 900 Jersey/Friesian cross in a 46-a-side herringbone.

Their wash regime is a 460 litre plant hot wash twice a day and 460 litre vat hot wash once per day.

But there wasn’t enough time after the vat wash for the water to fully heat up again for a plant wash and their hot water capacity was restricted because of the low height of the shed.

Also their copper cylinders needed replacement every three years because of the corrosive effect of high iron in water supply.

They were about to replace their leaking cylinders again this season when they discovered the Bosch dairy hot water system distributed by Longveld On Farm.

“Once we analysed the economics it was a no brainer,” said Carl.

“The system is much easier to use and so fast,” said Carl. “Before everything was manual, now it’s all programmed ready to give us all the water we need when we need it.

They installed the Bosch dairy hot water system and replaced their 2 x 450-litre copper cylinders with a single 1,000 litre horizontal stainless tank to allow for future for Northland Fieldays “Longveld are very professional. The growth. The system isAdvert fully relocatable so it was installed a lot quicker than couldTo be moved to aNorthern new shed. The Steiners system run in Farming Lifestyle, Fieldays Feature can now heat 600 litres to (20cm 850°C in deep only expected over twowide) days with no interruption 20 x4 x 13.05cm 55 minutes. to milking.”

Why dairy farmers are switching to

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See the demons trati and be in to WIN on at site 283

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E T I S 283

18

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRYING ADVERTORIAL

Cow handling made easy

BACTERIA CAN HIDE IN A MILLION PLACES. THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM.

Kiwi farm ingenuity is famous the world over and The Wrangler is a great example.

Awarded ‘Most Innovative or Quirkiest Business’ by NZ Business Magazine’s David Awards, the Wrangler was invented by a farmer who thought ‘there must be a better way’. Many years on the Wrangler has become standard farm equipment and made cow handling safer and easier along the way.

When it comes to keeping a lid on cell count, now theres one less thing to worry about in the mission to eliminate bacteria. * It will not absorb milk fats.

Wilco Klein Ovink, farmer turned developer of the Wrangler, explains that by giving staff equipment to do the job properly will reduce the cost of lameness.

“Good equipment encourages staff to look at hooves.

* Outstanding mechanical strength * Exceptionally smooth surface * Long lasting * Recyclable * Compatable with most milking machinery

Lameness can be reduced by examining a hoof at the first sign of lameness rather than leaving her in the hope she will come right”.

See for yourself why this new liner is changing the game in New Zealand dairy sheds.

Northern Fieldays Site 160

The Wrangler has winches and a backleg support which holds the leg securely for examination. Belly girths prevent the cow from falling during treatment. The front hoof can likewise be winched onto a support and held in place with webbing.

With two feet up, the cows head in the headbail, and two belly girths under her she can’t move at all and examination can be conducted quickly, easily, and safely.

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Calving, caesareans, or other procedures can also be performed in the Wrangler. “All new sheds should include hoof facilities,” explained Wilco. “Many shed designers are now putting Wrangler’s into every yard layout which is great because they can have a great set-up and be in place before the concrete is poured”.

The Wrangler range can be seen at Central Districts site O41.

On display will be the new Walk Thru Headbail and also the Ride Over Gate which is fantastic for centre pivot irrigators and for ease of driving.

ON THE FARM

TM

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

DAIRYING

19

ADVERTORIAL

A history of farming dedication EITHER WAY Garry and Bronwyn Shaw have owned Northland Farm Services IT’S 20K for the last 15 years — over half of the company’s history.

With a reputation for quality work extending back over a quarter century, customers know they are in good hands.

This local, family-run business, promises the best service from well-trained and knowledgeable staff.

Grant Shaw has been a valuable addition to the business, and he is now

a shareholder within the company.

Grant continues the family legacy of farming knowledge, and he also has considerable experience with milking machinery. He is an expert in the design and implementation of all water, effluent and milking systems. Northland Farm Services has recognised the need

for their expertise to expand into the Dargaville area, and will be opening a new branch at 106 Jervois Street in March 2014. It’s a big move for the tightly knit family firm, but one they look forward to with confidence. “We have the most knowledgeable and available staff in the business!” say Garry and Bronwyn.

“We’re here for you 24 hours a day to provide any service or equipment you may need — and we’re looking forward to being part of the Dargaville community.”

MIND yOur SPeeD arOuND SCHOOL buSeS

20

GLOBAL PUMP SOLUTIONS

ADVERTORIAL

At the crest of the energy wave Phil Rumble has been a registered electrician for 21 years, during which time technology has shot forward at an incredible pace.

It’s been an exciting time to be in the trade, and Phil and his team stay at the forefront of new developments.

This is Rumble Electrical & Solar’s fourth year at the field days, and they are excited to showcase their Alternative Power Systems and equipment. The main push for Phil and the team at the Field Days is to raise awareness of their local Northland business — selling and installing quality Alternative Power systems, with material and installation guarantees for customer peace of mind.

Rumble Electrical & Solar will have three qualified Solar Electricians onsite to answer any questions you may have about system design, solar panels, generators, batteries — in fact anything at all about alternative power!

Many people still aren’t aware of the savings Alternative Power can provide.

Not only can households lessen their carbon footprint, they can provide and enjoy sustainable energy — cutting those power bills down to size. In the

agricultural sector, installing a grid-tie system can potentially provide farmers with a passive income for the life of the system — that’s 25 years generating power and income.

“It’s not just new advancements in solar, either,” says Phil. “We’ve got some hot deals on generators this year, and many other products are discounted for the duration of the field days. Come along and have a chat — you will find us at site 314, Vodafone Lane.”

Rumble Electrical & Solar are excited about the new era of electrical energy efficiency, and passionate about generating cleaner, greener electricity.

With a qualified team offering sales, advice, system design, installation, upgrades, serviced maintenance contracts through to after sales support, they are the folks to talk to this Field Days. Alternatively, visit their website, or Phone for an appointment today! www.rumbleelectrical.co.nz, 09 436 5442, 027 543 6544

GLOBAL PUMP SOLUTIONS

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NEW BRANCH Opening in Dargaville

Northland Farm Services Limited See us at the Northland Field Days Site No. 124 Your Local Farming Partner Suppliers of Waikato milking systems and can provide expert advice and service on Effluent systems Ph 09 438 3844 • www.northlandfarm.co.nz D E S I G N / S U P P LY / S E R V I C E

Rumble Electrical & Solar Solar Power for Farms www.rumbleelectrical.co.nz • Solar Energy Specialists • Return on investment in 5 years or less • Northland based • Electrical Installation and Maintenance • Field Days Specials Come see us at the Northland Field Days — 314 Vodafone Lane

Call Phil 027 436 5445 A/H 436 5442

Cow Cafes & Beef Barns • Feed Pads for Dairy & Beef • Covered & Uncovered • Dry Scrape Option • Clear Plastic Roof • Covered Effluent Storage • Customised Design from Experienced Feed Pad Builders

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20

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRYING

Kiwi innovators‘milking it’ at Field Days

by Joanne Speechly

Once upon a time the term ‘Milk Bar’ was synonymous with milkshakes, one penny lollies and the daily newspaper but in the 1980s, ‘Milk Bar’ took on a new meaning, thanks to a time-saving invention that made calf rearing a lot easier.

This is the story of the Milk Bar. In the 1980s, farming was tough in New Zealand and Ross and Diane McInnes were feeling the pinch. With the regulated economy and the rough payout, Diane decided she better go back to nursing to help make ends meet. Ross thought that seemed like a good compromise — until calving come around. The calf shed filled up but Ross couldn’t keep up.

Diane had grumbled about this calf-rearing business but had he listened?

An exasperated Ross realised that he needed to solve this problem — so on went his engineer’s hat.

“There has to be a better way to deal with this,” he thought. “And an easier way to feed the mobs away from the shed.”

By the time the ‘89 Field Days came about, Ross was ready to share his invention with fellow farmers — a mobile feeder with loads of teats to feed loads of calves, meaning no more buckets or tubes. Next on the innovation agenda was a fence hanging feeder that could train five calves at one time.

“Absolute bliss!” toasted Ross and Diane.

Diane folded away her nurse uniform once again and took to the road instead, selling the Milk Bar. Ross had his hands full with the farm

Visit us at Northland Field Days and we’ll get you cleaned up

and the calves and making feeders to fill the orders Diane was bringing home.

Business was booming — but troubles were looming. The teats back in those early days filled many a farmer with dismay — leaking milk meant gasping calves. Ross introduced a valve but the milk pumped too fast and the calves got crook bellies. He had to stem the flow.

It was time for Ross to don the engineer’s hat again and go back to the drawing board. He came up with the idea of making a teat with a rubber web — and it worked! The calves fed slower, their tummies were healthy and the Milk Bar Teat was born.

For the McInnes family, the success of the Milk Bar meant a few changes, including selling the farm where it all started.

However, some twenty years later, the business of the Milk Bar is still a family affair — now they’re just part of a larger team — and the Milk Bar is sold all over the world.

Fact is, innovation doesn’t just happen — the Award Winning Milk Bar range was born from years of dairy farming experience.

“We think that rearing healthy calves, kids and lambs is the key to improving your profits and quality of life and Milk Bar products are here to help you do that.”

Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings .

New or existing walls Able to be applied ring between milkings du summer months

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We understand that dairy hygiene, milk quality and profitability go hand-in-hand. That’s why our new acid detergents - Cidiwash and Cidisan Plus – have better cleaning and bacterial kill than ever before, and no residues left after rinsing. So come and talk to us about dairy hygiene and we’ll get you all cleaned up.

COME AND SEE US AT SITE 141B. Call 0800 222 228 or visit www.delaval.co.nz

Colourcrete Dairy Floor Resurfacing System Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas Applied by contractor or supplied as a DIY kit Come see Davie at Field Days site 160A

Bruce Cameron 027 498 8412 09 235 8263

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

DAIRYING

21

Corkill milking machinery on show at Field Days

by Colin Patterson

Steve Corkill’s mission is to help the country’s dairy farmers save money at the milking shed.

Twenty-five years ago he and a mate set up Corkill Systems, a Taranaki-based company dedicated to supplying farmers with more efficient and cost-effective milking systems.

“Our equipment is all about improving milk quality and saving energy,” says Mr Corkill. “We retrofit to existing systems to improve them.”

Corkill Systems has expanded and now supplies farmers across New Zealand. It also exports to Australia, UK, Switzerland and America.

Corkill’s products are considered innovative and cutting edge, winning the company awards and scores of new customers every year. “We’ve always got new developments. Most of our products have been world firsts.”

As Northland is one of the country’s premier dairying regions, the decision to come to Field Days is a simple one.

Mr Corkill has been coming here for 20 years.

He says Corkill has a dedicated display trailer which they bring up to Dargaville. “It’s interactive and mobile,” he says.”We can go all around the country. We go to four field days.”

He says Northland Field Days provide an opportunity to meet up with existing clients plus find new ones. “A significant number of our clients are in Northland.

Field Days are a chance to meet them face to face.” With new clients, Mr Corkill says it is important to talk with them

The team at Corkill Systems has been innovating in the field of milking machinery for more than 25 years ADVERTORIAL

A big solution for small farms Sometimes size matters — but not in the way that you may think.

And while huge farms need huge infrastructure, not all farmers do.

For smaller farms, lifestyle blocks, boutique cheesemakers and a wealth of other small agricultural practices, investing in a giant herringbone or rotary milking shed system is neither practical or affordable.

Steve Corkill in front of one of his company’s milking machines

and find out their needs. “A golden rule of dairy farming is that no two sheds are the same. At Field Days we can talk to people and design individual solutions for them.”

While it’s a big commitment for a small company to make time for Field Days, Mr Corkill says it is definitely worthwhile. “In bad years you debate whether it is. But people appreciate you keeping the flag flying. We’re here for the long haul.”

But milking by hand is still the same annoying chore it was back in colonial times. A happy middle ground had to be found, and it took a small but innovative Kiwi company to source the right technology to fill this vital market niche.

Milking Solutions specialise in Portable Milking Machines with affordable options for cows and goats,

Portable Milking Specialists

Brent from Milking Solutions has a vast background in the dairy industry, including 15 years at The Puhoi Valley Cheese Company. Brent takes pride in the products he supplies, and operates a double Portable Milking Machine himself, for his calf rearing operation.

No previous experience is necessary as the machines are user friendly and Brent is just a phone call away to help or just give advice.

SITE 253a

FREE MANUAL CREAM SEPARATOR with the purchase of a portable milking machine!

Stainless Steel Milking Machines for cows, goats and sheep. Single or double units. Kitsets, with petrol or electric motors.

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Ideal for house cows, calfrearing, cheesemaking etc. Milking time 5-6 mins per cow. Easy to use and clean. All parts and accessories available. 12 month warranty.

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not only importing machines but all parts and accessories too, such as cream separators, butter churns, milk/ cream cans, cups, vacuum pumps, tanks, regulators, and gauges .

Site 249B GENERAL CONTRACTORS

We cover ALL of • Farm Water Systems • Farm Effluent Systems Northland from Kaitaia to Whangarei South • Farm Drainage

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For the best advice

Registered Drainlayer

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Subject to multiple patent applications.

Ph 09 439 8248 Beach Rd, Dargaville

22

February 2014 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

2014 Northland Field Days Site #207

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

FEBRUARY 2014

MAXI culvert Twinwall Culvert Pipe

SIZE NOMINAL ID

225mm 300mm 375mm 450mm 600mm

6M PRICE

3M PRICE

$159.00 $275.00 $349.00 $499.00 $749.00

$ 95.00 $165.00 $209.00 $299.00 $449.00

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

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Incorporating the strength of corrugated outer shell with the smooth inner wall to optimise hydraulics.

Contractors Ring for a Quote

Smaller coils also available

450mm x 6m

MAXI drain

Punched & Unpunched Drain Coil 110mm OD x 100m 160mm OD x 45m

299.00 $299.00 $

MEGA ROLLS AVAILABLE

110mm x 425m & 160mm x 190m Drainage Contractors call for a quote Manufactured from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

MDPE pressure pipe 9 Bar Rural Pressure Pipe Outside diameter

$ per 100m

$ per 200m

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$248.00 $310.00 $421.00 $634.00 $965.00

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

Irrigator DRAG hose LDPE Drag Hose

Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks

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199

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WHANGAREI Cnr State Highway 1 & Piano Hill Road, Kamo Phone: 09 433 7028 Fax: 09 433 7029

LDPE water pipe Rural Nominal Bore Pipe

ID nominal Pressure $ per 100m bore rating (PSI)

15mm 130 20mm 116 25mm 94 32mm 72 40mm 65 50mm 50 Anka & Hansen

$ per 200m

$ 76.00 $148.00 $141.00 $270.00 $182.00 $355.00 $223.00 $434.00 $264.00 $514.00 $346.00 $674.00 fittings available

20mm x 200m 116PSI

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AUCKLAND 105 Settlement Road, Papakura Phone: 09 297 2045 Fax: 09 297 2046

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

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014 ADVERTORIAL

Natural pet products a real winner WashBar began when Jules Smith had a chance conversation with a friend who had a dog that was allergic to fleas, leaving it miserable during the hot summer months.

She asked Jules to make soap with natural ingredients that could help manage her dog’s sensitive skin and repel fleas. Jules had been making a few bars of soap as a hobby in a garden studio and took up the challenge.

With some research, she developed a bar which had impressive results.

That was just over three years ago and now WashBar’s products have expanded to include a range of Natural Shampoos, Natural Flea Repellent and Daily Spritzers which are a spray that can be used between baths to keep dogs smelling great.

“One of our most popular products at the moment is our Horse & Hound Shampoo Bar. We developed it to clean horses and help with ticks.

“I get so much positive feedback from people that it has sorted out scald, mud fever and ringworm. I was at a show recently and commented on how shiny a horse looked and how white the socks were, the owner told me they only use Horse & Hound Shampoo Bar!” With growth into export markets the business has finally outgrown its home base, and is moving into warehousing and offices in Whangarei. “It’s a new phase in our journey and I’m looking forward to leaving the farm every day to go to work.

“Although I will miss wandering out to check the goats and cattle and letting the chickens out for their afternoon scratch about.”

If you are reading this then so are your customers

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Ph 0800 33 66 99

Email info@AquaRain.co.nz for a brochure

23

WILSON EARTHMOVING

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Forestry roading underpasses Effluent ponds Feed pads Mulching Dams

Valvoline Oil Supplier Enviro taB fuel conditioner Full workshop repairs and callouts

all grades of oils Fleet Guard filters alco calcium batteries

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Phone Mark Wilson 021 848 537 Murray Pattinson 021 226 6161 mark@wilsonearthmoving.co.nz 47 Edwin St, Dargaville

24

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

THE

DRIVING EARLY

NORTHLAND CATTLE INDUSTRY

BY PAUL CAMPBELL ALL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE KAURI MUSEUM

The origins of the Northland beef and dairy cattle industry are many and varied, but a substantial source of stock improvement can be traced to the Smith brothers, George, Bill and Richard, shortly after the turn of last century.

T

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Phone the team on 09 439 7874 or 021 228 2671 or Alternativley Email sales@kdspreaders.co.nz

hey farmed at Matakohe and Ruawai, Parahi and Pikiwahine as Whakatu Stud. A tribute to George Smith’s work can be found in a New Zealand Farmers Weekly from 1937 and it traces part of the stud’s history. ‘An interesting story lies behind the establishment of the purebred North Devon herd owned by Mr G Smith of Matakohe. It is a tale of almost insuperable obstacles in an effort to keep the strain pure and of a high standard.

‘The founding of the herd dates back over 50 years, when the north was a very sparsely settled and underdeveloped territor y, with no transpor t facilities other than by water and bullock tracks.

‘The first of the Devons was imported from England and landed at the Bay of Islands and consisted of one bull and 20 cows.

The herd was afterwards purchased by Mr Edward Coates (the father of Prime Minister Joseph Gordon) and a little later they again changed hands and became the property of Mr. Smith who has retained them ever since.

‘In 1908, Mr Smith visited the Sydney Royal Show and purchased the reserve champion bull, Myrtle Boy and the

champion cow, Coquette 48th, bred by Mr Hunter White of Mudgee Farm, New South Wales — and also six heifers.

All these cattle have been noted prize winners, the bull having won almost enough ribbons to make him a cover.

‘Mr Smith had great difficulty in persuading Mr Hunter White to sell. It was only after much argument in which he painted a vivid picture of a 100mile trip through the bush to catch a boat, a trip down the Wairoa River in dense fog, in which they ran aground, and finally a sea voyage to Sydney for the express purpose of buying that particular animal that Mr Hunter White (stating that he was a sporting man himself and admired the trait in others) consented to sell.

‘The price was the only thing not discussed and Mr Smith did not know the bull had cost him 300 guineas until he was back in New Zealand’.

The article goes on to list a number of champions that have now passed into history, before noting that Mr Smith travelled again to Sydney and bought another champion for 300 guineas, only to find he could not bring it to New Zealand because of a disease called worm nodules.

“It is a tale of almost insuperable obstacles in an effort to keep the strain pure and of a high standard.”

Cowshed alterations & repairs

• Heavy Duty Steel Bar Gates • Stockyard Gates • Backing Gates Drive Units • Top Gates - Circular & Rectangular • Head Bails Water Tippers • Drafting Systems & Holding Pens • Pipe, Steel & 47 Pipiwai Rd, Kamo, Whangarei - ph: 09 435 3152 Concrete Work email: info@nmi.co.nz - www.nmi.co.nz • Bin Covers & Re Roof Northland Metal • Cow Retainer Systems Industries Ltd. • Vet Platforms

NMI

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

25

Maximising maize silage returns “When you’re responsible for client’s feed management programmes you need to be sure that what you’re specifying will perform.”

Kelly Ludlow is a farm operations and advisory manager delivering a comprehensive range of services which include cash flow budgeting, on-farm systems and feed management.

Paparoa Show 1958, with brothers Edgar and Gilbert Worthington receiving a stock trophy

‘On approaching the director of agriculture in an effort to overcome this difficulty, Mr Smith was told the beast would have to be killed to ascertain whether or not it was infected. Mr Smith replied he considered the director a bright sort of doctor if he had to kill the patient in order to discover his ailment!’

The Smith stud is prominently represented in the New Zealand Herd Books of the early part of last century.

Later the Smiths added a Hereford stud and cattle from the farms at Ruawai and Matakohe were selected for a shipment of 1,200 head organised by the World Bank to upgrade herds in Chile.

Maize silage is a significant component among Kelly’s supplementary feed options and to suit his requirements he’s looking for a good solid hearty plant that can handle Northland’s adverse weather conditions.

During the last five seasons a mainstay of Kelly’s maize hybrid mix has been PAC 624, with 140 hectares planted during the most the current one.

“We have found the performance of PAC 624 to be excellent through all of the last five seasons, with yields exceeding 25tonnes/ha on a consistent basis” he says.

What makes these yields additionally impressive is the fact that this hybrid’s strong agronomic traits allow him to plant PAC 624 at a low sowing rate of 85.000 plants per hectare in low fertility areas.

DRIVE TO THE CONDITIONS

“These high yields lets us minimise our land requirements without any

compromise to the amount, or the quality of feed, that we can harvest.”

In addition to PAC 624’s consistent performance Kelly also commented on the hybrid’s distinctive deep green colour and strong sturdy plants, as well as its drought tolerance that allows it to consistently deliver a sustainable crop with high nutritional feed values.

“The actual cob size and the number of large kernels stacked are also impressive,” Kelly added PAC 624’s soft starchy grain is easily digestible and during recent seasons Kelly has recorded ME levels consistently in the 12% — 13% range.

“Hybrids like PAC 624 are selected for consistency of yield, agronomic attributes and quality,” said Pacific Seeds territory manager Barry Smallridge.

“That’s why they deliver such high levels of starch and energy — both of which are important factors for achieving maximum animal performance.”

For further details visit www. pacificseeds.co.nz or phone Barry Smallridge 027 494 7706

PAC 624 IS ROCKET FUEL FOR COWS Kelly Ludlow

Farm Consultant

We’ve been growing PAC 624 for maize silage for the past 5 seasons. During that time the hybrid has handled everything that our Northland weather has thrown at it and still delivered a consistent 25 tonne/ha.

Equally impressive are our recorded ME levels in the 12% to 13% range.

Barry Smallridge

Scott Shaw

• Northland • Waikato • Bay of Plenty • Poverty Bay • South Island

New Zealand Product Development Specialist

027 494 7706

027 563 6700

Get your season off to a great start with quality Pacific Seeds maize hybrids.

Bred to consistently deliver high yielding performance for your specific growing needs - For full details visit www.pacificseeds.co.nz

0800 PACMAIZE (0800 722 624)

NLPAC624

PAC 624 is high yielding full season silage only hybrid, with excellent stalk and root strength. The slow dry down provides a long harvest window and large, full cobs provide high levels of starch and ME.

26

February 2014

by Andy Bryenton

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

A NEW GENERATION FOR A FABLED SPORT

Harness racing is a sport with a storied past in New Zealand — and one with its share of champions.

F

rom the very first harness races here in the 1860s, through to the first official trotting race, held in Canterbury in 1875 (with the princely sum of ten pounds as the stake) and into the present day, the spectacle of horsemanship and skill in competition has proven wildly popular.

Drive into the small town of Mataura, near Gore, and a sign still proclaims this as the birthplace of the great Cardigan Bay, the world’s first million-dollar winning standardbred racehorse. While breeders and trackside pundits all have

their own theories and opinions on what produces a truly great horse (even one of Cardigan Bay’s stature), the process of becoming a driver in harness racing is one which demands exceptional commitment, and the development of a huge range of skills.

Few other sports expect more of their upcoming generation, but the rewards of a career in harness racing and the allure of its unique challenge draw many young hopefuls each year.

To help them achieve their potential, Harness Racing New Zealand have

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How tough are your 4WD tyres?

N ew Zealand has some pretty unfo f rgiving terrain most of which can fo be fo f und on the properties of rural farms. Damage to tyres on farm and fo f restry vehicles cost time and money. Down time

Northland Field Days Site 13b

resistance in the tyre when trying to push weaker the tyre is. A tougher construction like PowerPlyyTM could mean less damage and reduce your chances of punctures when driving on the farm.

Micke k y Thompson ke

Mickey Thompson, the leader in specialty 4X4 tyre technology, y has designed a tyre with y, greater puncture resistance. PowerPlyyTM is a carcass construction that lessens the twist in the tyre. This means greater traction and it closes the rubber gaps between the cords giving you greater resistance to sidewall damage. This tough construction means Other Brand less damage, which means less down time repairing tyres, that’s ’ how you save time and ’s money.

Intermediate Cadet of the Year Kimberley Butt receives her trophy — carrying on a proud family tradition

partnered up with Primary Industry Training Organisation and the NZQA, developing a programme which aims to produce world-class drivers, trainers and stable hands. Indeed, without the support of a huge range of industry

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participators, the cadet programme would not be able to operate.

The first step on this path is to complete the extensive eighteenmonth Level 3 National Certificate in Equine (stable procedures). Those who work with horses know that they are rewarding but demanding of time and care, so it should come as no surprise that this course covers a wide range of disciplines, from anatomy and physiology through to grooming and nutrition — even aspects of equine psychology, workplace organisation and safe procedures for transportation.

By module four of this course skills such as banking and financial management, shoeing and hoof care, and the rules of harness racing are taught side by side.

After this comprehensive regime, a young person entering the sport is qualified to become a junior driver or trainer, going on to the guidance and mentorship of older hands in the sport.

An even more specific and detailed level four National Certificate in Equine (harness racing) is then required to further hone and fettle skills both

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

mental and physical — from a course in facing scrutiny in media interviews through to a full veterinary dissection of equine physiology, and of course the established rules, regulations and judicial processes of the sport itself.

Much is made in the news of the grit and determination of our young future All Blacks, Silver Ferns and Olympic hopefuls. But the early mornings, long hours, academic acuity and perseverance displayed by budding harness racing cadets might very well top them all.

Through all this training and study it’s the love of horses and the thrill of competition which drives and inspires.

From the musterer in the hills to the pony-club show jumper, anyone who works closely with horses will be able to explain the emotional bond with these animals, and in harness racing the synergy between horse and trainer, or horse and driver, must be close indeed to secure victory.

Each year Harness Racing New Zealand awards young harness racing

27

The graduating class of 2013 — ready to apply their new skills and experience to a career in one of New Zealand’s favourite sports

cadets who have shown exemplary skill or ability across a variety of fields within the sport. This year’s prizegiving in Canterbury was no exception, with a crop of future stars receiving accolades for their achievements.

REMEMBER It is ILLEGAL to use a hand held cellphone while driving a motor vehicle

Harness Racing New Zealand encourage young people from all over the country to get involved and make their start in the sport — Northlanders especially. With tracks in beautiful locations like Ruakaka’s

beachfront, and hundreds of young folks working with horses across a variety of disciplines, the door is open for those wishing to make their love of the equestrian life into a lifelong, profitable career.

Molasses Direct from Northport Northland Field Days Site #623

DDGs • Canola Meal • PKE • Triple Blends • New “Pasture Plus” Pellets

FOR COMPETITIVE PRICES, PROMPT AND RELIABLE SERVICE

DRIVE PHONE FREE!

*

Phone Nutritional Services Ltd 0800 278 214

28

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

February 2014

S O G FA N O S WILD COLONIAL PAST

BY ANDY BRYENTON

The history of a nation isn’t all written down in books or gathered in academic papers. In fact, the more vibrant and colourful stories often live on more readily through other mediums, from children’s rhymes to famous poems, and of course, through song.

T

here’s a long tradition of folk music preserving the kind of ‘real people’ stories which governments and archives would perhaps rather forget — not just in Europe, but around the world.

Australia, our nearest neighbour, boasts a wealth of well-known folk songs about colourful characters, many of whom are more well known to Kiwis than our own colonial figures.

It’s this realisation which spurred musician and composer Chris Priestley to dig a little deeper into the tales of our own nation’s past. With a passion for folk music, and a thirty-year history of covering famous New Zealand folk songs such as McKenzie the Sheep Stealer, Chris wanted to branch out into lyrical composition by celebrating some of our literally unsung heroes.

“I thought it would be nice to get their stories out there,” he says. “You never get taught this stuff in school.”

And indeed you don’t.

Though some of the characters featured on Chris’ new album Unsung Heroes may have come to your attention, many are ghosts from the past, brought to life through music, lyrics, and the carefully researched clippings and photographs accompanying the CD. Across the twelve tracks listeners will be introduced to heroes, rogues and daredevils, soldiers, miners and moonshiners. Chris says that the characters appeared one by one as he delved into Kiwi history.

www.mastercraft.co.nz/ideas for ideas and inspiration

“I star ted writing the song about ‘Darling Jennie’, going through old newspaper clippings and visiting the records’ section of the library for research.

But as I researched one character I’d uncover another and another.”

Tales of the wild colonial frontier make up a significant part of Unsung Heroes, as befits what was once a perilous and rugged borderland of the British Empire. From the story of ‘Darling’ Jennie Anderson and her troupe of magicians, riding the Cobb and Co. stage coaches from settlement to settlement, to the pioneering life of George Fairweather Moonlight —

prospector, publican and one of our first lawmen — Chris’ music and lyrics paint a vivid picture.

One particular character who stands out is Gustavus Ferdinand Von Tempsky, and not only for his flamboyantly Germanic monicker. A ‘rock star’ of the late 19th century, the swashbuckling military hero fought in the fierce New Zealand land wars, while returning from his wild forays and pitched battles to serenade the Auckland public as a popular guitarist. Though his image was part Mick Jagger and part Captain Jack Sparrow, Von Tempsky was no retiring artistic type, however. His fierceness in battle and the much-used heavy cavalry sabre which swung at his hip earned him a reputation as a fighter. This Prussian warrior who lived by the sword finally met his end at the siege of Te Ngutu o Te Manu, the fortified pa of Titokuwaru.

He’s credited with developing some of the tactics of stealthy, skirmishing forest warfare still used by army rangers today.

Or consider Bridget Goodwin, known affectionately as ‘Little Biddy of the

NORTHLAND

FIELD DAYS Site 269b

team at the “See the Mastercraft 9” Field Days - Site 64

Come and see us for a free consultation, great advice, and award winning design at 178 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei.

Call 09 438 3037 whangarei@mastercraft.co.nz

NORTHLAND Gates

9am–4.30pm thursday–Friday 9am–3pm, saturday

entry

FIELD DAYS

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27 February – 1 March 2014 State Highway 14, Dargaville Phone 09 439 8998

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29

ADVERTORIAL

Calcium and soil/plant health When studying to become a dentist, Dr Alexander ‘Sande’ Beddoe learnt that healthy teeth have a self-cleansing process from the tooth’s centre to the outside surface or enamel.

In order to maintain the ideal health for teeth, you must have a healthy mineral rich body. What causes the natural self-cleansing process to breakdown, resulting in tooth decay? Simply the lack of sufficient minerals, especially calcium, in your diet.

Food grown today is lacking nutrients. Calcium is used more than any other mineral in life and is critical in every phase of cell functions in your body. It is also one of the most difficult minerals to digest in an inorganic state. That is why it is important to let nature digest it for you from the soil up, through the plant.

The following information comes from Dr Beddoe and highlights the crucial role that calcium plays in both soil and plant health.

The heroic Von Tempsky was the ‘rock star’ of his age

A 19th century cartoon of Kimble Bent

Buller’. This slightly built lady (accounts of the day put her at no more than four feet tall) lived in the most rugged of conditions, working as the only female gold miner in New Zealand. She was still panning for gold three years before her death, at the age of 93.

Chris, along with other talented collaborators such as pianist Linn Lorkin, guitarist Nigel Gavin and many more, weaves music through the lives of these colonial personalities — and because it’s the kind of music which they themselves would have heard, sung, played and enjoyed, the experience comes full circle.

Chris plans to take the Unsung Heroes experience on the road, accompanied by a full multimedia show. After all, it’s only fitting that songs about the ‘Pakeha Maori’ Kimble Bent, the wild frontier town of St Bathans, and the eruption of Tarawera should take their place in the New Zealand folk canon ahead of Aussie imports!

You can find Unsung Heroes online. A hard copy of the CD along with a handsomely presented booklet of historical notes can be ordered from the website of Marbecks Records — www.marbecksclassical.co.nz.

Glass & Polycarbonate

Greenhouses & Accessories 10 year guarantee

• Calcium is required by weight and volume more than any other element. Calcium is to soil what grease is to a bearing • Available calcium determines available energy for the plant

Save money & protect the environment

• Calcium is vital to the proper manufacture of plant sugars. Without calcium there will be inadequate buffering of plant acids (with a resulting sour taste in fruit — an indication that more calcium is needed).

The fine particle size (less than 90 microns) of EF Nano-Cal makes it available to plants faster.

Come and meet the Environmental Fertilisers team at the Northland Field Days, site 145, on the corner of Beyond Organic Weigh and Farmlands Road.

Soil Force / Soil Mag Phosphate & magnesium fertilisers that are readily available to the plants.

Re-Charge / Nano-Cal / Multi-Cal Non-leaching calcium-carbon fertilisers.

Fish Plus / Humus Builder / Cal-Phos / Activated Carbon Foliars & more The fast way to increase soil humus and biological activity – from $12 - $40 /ha Humates Increased water retention/ nutrient release – from $380 - $800/t

Features of a Winter Gardenz Greenhouse...

Freephone 0800 946 837 www.wintergardenz.co.nz

• Calcium is the key to good soil structure. Calcium + carbon + water opens up the soil structure to oxygen, improves drainage and increases yields

Stock Primer – Mineralised Carbon Drench / Water Treatment Build immunity, suppress pathogens; e.g. Rotovirus, E. Coli, for as little as 4¢ per cow/day. Add to calf milk (1ml /L milk).

Pricing from $995

SEE US AT NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS SITE: 267A

• Calcium increases plants resistance to disease and insect attack by thickening and strengthening cell walls

Biological Fertilisers

Quality NZ made Greenhouses

3 Two superior glazing options available: • 6mm Twin wall polycarbonate - insulating • 4mm Toughened safety glass - strong & safe 3 Strong and durable powder coated aluminium joinery construction 3 Sturdy Aluminium base included with foundation mounting options available 3 Large range of sizes to suit your growing needs 3 Full range of accessories & shelving 3 Built to last! Don’t be fooled by cheap & nasty imported copies which don’t last!

• Calcium feeds soil bacteria. Soil bacteria release food for plants when they die

Soluble Humate Granules Halve N costs – from $700/t

CONTACT US 0800 867 6737 www.ef.net.nz

REAMS SOIL TESTING The only test that shows what nutrients are available for plants.

30

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Colour, flavour and creativity

ADVERTORIAL

Back pain solutions for the farm!

Every week there are farmers who lose function and many man hours due to back pain.

The job is physical and often puts our spines in situations of stress. “Farmers are busy people, not coming to town for treatments and medical visits. Having something that provides relief from backache and keeps them safer while on the job, is just like having decent work boots,” comments Sue from The Better Back Company. “Days off work cost. Investing in yourself and your workers pays.”

The Better Back Company is dedicated to helping people maintain a healthy back and offers solutions for those already suffering back pain. Our products help support the spine and help keep the back in the correct position preventing pressure on the discs.

A back support is an essential tool when doing heavy lifting, handling stock, tractor work, riding a quad bike and for

by Joanne Speechly

those jobs requiring prolonged forward bending. Farmers, manual labourers, office workers and those with disc issues are among those benefitting.

“I used to have 2/7 good days with my back now with these products its 7/7.” J Morris, Waikato.

Partners in life and business, Andrea and Marzia Loggia complement each other, each bringing with them generations of collective knowledge concerning wines and liqueurs.

“I purchased a LUMBARJACK support belt (excellent for drenching sheep, marking calves, lifting heavy items and general farm work I might add) and a BACK-UP for the dreaded office work. Before, I had massage to free up tight muscles and get temporary relief from ongoing pain.

Using these products my pain levels are manageable, I have increased fitness because of less pain and life is far more enjoyable. I let my father (broken retired farmer) try out the BACK-UP and he thought it was great.” Mike, Otago.

In a similar way, it is the complementary colour, flavour and lemons zest of their Sovrano Limoncello, which makes it an award winner.

Andrea and Marzia were born in Northern Italy but Sovrano Limoncello was born in Kerikeri making it, they say, the purest ever made — perfect, from beginning to end. The couple emigrated to New Zealand is 2007 and settled in ‘magical’ Kerikeri. Andrea’s family is of Sicilian origin and carry the tradition of crafting liqueurs, while Marzia’s family are from Mantova and have been in the winemaking business for generations.

Family experience and taste have taught them the importance of using fresh ingredients and they say the secret of Limoncello must be in the pleasant and persistent, but not

Back Ache Doesn’t Kill, it Tortures. We can help.

pungent, aftertaste. In 2009, having sourced the best lemons in Bay of Islands and the finest pure alcohol produced in New Zealand, Andrea and Marzia began production of Sovrano Limoncello.

Their vision was to produce the best Limoncello Liqueur in New Zealand and they were met with success from the very beginning.

After conquering the local market and with a dream of raising New Zealand made Limoncello to the highest possible level, Andrea and Marzia started entering overseas competitions and now have an impressive cache of international awards behind their brand.

Visit Andrea and Marzia at this year’s Northland Agricultural Field Days at site 869 in the Lifestyle Pavillion. www.limoncello.co.nz

NZ MADE COOKER at an affordable price

Install a Power Saving WAGENER FAIRBURN for Cooking, Heating & Hot Water.

Try Our Back Supports For Farm, Home, Office & Computer, Sport, Driving (vehicles, tractors), Leisure, Lifting, Carrying, Leaning.

Field Days Site 648

N

Mobile 027 649 9934

www.betterback.co.nz

EW

ZEALAND MA DE

5 Allen Bell Dr, Kaitaia Ph (09) 408 2469 www.wagenerstoves.co.nz

Come and see us at the Field Days Site Number 187C and enter the draw to win $500 worth of shares!

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Forward thinking and innovative solutions for all your financial management needs Our Services

• Financial Management and Accounting • Tax advice and Opinions • Cash Flow Forecasting and Budgeting • Business Planning • Accounting and Business Management Software • Succession Planning

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f: 09 438 0108

• Business Asset and Share Valuations • Farm Accounting • Companies Office, Compliance and Formations • Retirement Planning • Property Management • Payroll Business Administration

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MAXIMISE your income and grow your investments

Our Advisors are experts in improving long term returns!

• Unbiased financial and investment advice • Investment advice on shares, funds, bonds and cash • Full portfolio management • A disclosure statement is available on request and free of charge

47 Normanby Street, Dargaville 0310

PO Box 925, Whangarei 0140 New Zealand

www.yovich.co.nz

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

Trees for more than shade by the Land Management Team, Northland Regional Council

Trees on your farm can provide a lot of benefits — shade for your herd, production timber, firewood, fodder, habitat for wildlife, and a more aesthetically-pleasing landscape for you to live in.

However, there are still many treeless and shadeless paddocks offering cows no respite from summer sun. There is a considerable amount of research and information available (e.g. from DairyNZ or via a quick Google search) about the health issues and production losses associated with heat stress.

Heat stress in ruminants can be triggered by temperatures above 240°C at relative humidity of at least 75%, which in Northland could happen around 20 days each summer.

This can translate into a lot of lost production from cows affected by heat stress, especially given that the highestproducing cows in herds are the ones most likely to suffer because of their higher metabolic heat production.

Some studies suggest that production loss can be around 10 to 20% from affected cows, along with ongoing health and fertility issues.

Many farms have sprinkler systems installed at their sheds, which is certainly a useful measure. However, studies undertaken in the United States have found that cows prefer the natural shade of trees to artificial shade or cooling by sprinklers.

Shading yards with trees can provide some challenges, but how about all those bare paddocks and races?

How long do your cows take to walk to the shed in the afternoon in the hot sun?

Next time you are planning to change paddock boundaries or fence lines, think about how you could incorporate shade trees into the paddocks and along your races.

By planting deciduous trees you won’t be impacting too much on winter pasture growth but in drought conditions, they may offer enough shade for grass to grow better in some areas.

Consider where the best place to plant will be for your situation. You need to provide enough shade so that each cow in your herd can access it without undue competition.

While clumps of trees spread through paddocks, allowing shade access all day no matter the sun’s direction can be very effective, young trees will need to be fenced from stock, adding to the total cost.

Planting quick-growing poplars or willows along fence lines might be a more practical way to protect them from stock and establish enough shade for the whole herd.

Remember that these trees will need maintenance before they get too big, but prunings can provide useful stock fodder and firewood, or further stakes to plant elsewhere on your property.

31

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Lawrence Agriculture Ltd AGGREGATES SUPPLIES

Harvest your Maize on time

**Brown Rock Specials** All grades of aggregate Best quality

Maize for feed security

• Maize silage gives you security of feed continuity through adverse weather conditions and maintains cow condition

Undersowing — Duncan Envirodrill

• Fix your drought damaged pastures to improve winter growth

Come and see us at Field Days site 21 on Service Equipment Lane 1039 Matakana Valley Road, Whangaripo

Call us on 09 423 7529 Mob 027 687 9821

Phone

Graeme 0274 763 499 or 09 439 6546 Phone Peter 0274 902 942

32

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Northland summer can cause serious injury in just 10 minutes.

One that can have grim consequences in the future despite being shrugged off at the time as a ‘touch of sunburn’.

Melanoma and other skin cancers are strongly associated with sunburn.

Latest information shows New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and Northland is over represented in these figures.

In 2010, 2,341people were diagnosed with advanced melanoma,

2,265 with early stage disease, and there were 324 melanoma related deaths. Reports indicate 67,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, although the true number is considerably more as these cancers are frequently not recorded in the NZ Cancer Registry.

Northland has a high percentage of outdoor workers across many industries that don’t have the luxury of avoiding our unforgiving sun.

Over their working lives they spend long periods in peak hour sun, increasing their risk of skin cancer later in life.

Northland Bulk Haulage Ltd Specialising in

Bulk Cartage • Fertiliser Lime • Aggregate Silage Bales Contact Shane

Mob: 0275 374 064 A/h: 09 407 6653

We need to realise that the sun is potentially as dangerous as toxic chemicals or heavy machinery.

90% of skin cancers are preventable.

There are simple strategies that reduce risk — seeking shade or doing indoor tasks between 10am and 4pm if possible, wear a wide brimmed hat that protects your face ears and neck — sorry guys caps just don’t cut it.

Wear long pants and sleeved shirts and a good quality sunscreen applied 20-30 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapplied every two hours is the final line of defence.

Be wise and don’t burn.

That’s below the belt...

Tapping into rural knowledge Within the farming community there is an untapped knowledge bank that could serve as a valuable resource. New website runoff.co.nz recognises this and is seeking your help to collect and collate this information.

Founder of runoff.co.nz, Steve Karl, has had a long association with rural New Zealand and says there is a wealth of information in the community that can be shared.

“The website is designed to be a starting point to gather and share information on all aspects of rural and farming life and eventually build runoff. co.nz into an encyclopaedia for our farming and rural lifestyle sector,” says Steve.

“There are many challenges to keeping rural business and lifestyles prosperous — climatic, environmental, physical, financial and political — but there is also a vast knowledge bank.”

As a resource for posting and seeking information on subjects relating to the rural sector, runoff.co.nz can be used freely. It also provides a venue to buy, sell, and advertise services and vacancies for a fee or commission.

“In the past, when I want farming information, I’ve found very little I can hook into and when it comes to trading farm items, the current websites are not specific and they certainly don’t give people a lot of options.

Steve Karl, founder of runoff.co.nz

With runoff.co.nz, people can talk to each other via email and shake hands over a deal.

“Right now, I’m looking for farmers who can contribute ideas, information and handy hints and also for specialists who can share their knowledge in specialist areas. There seems to be a reasonable amount of information for dairy farmers but there is very little available for dry stock farmers, so I am hoping that this website acts as a vehicle to get that information out there.”

More New Zealand men get cancer and die from cancer than women.

runoff .co.nz Yes talk to your mates but also talk to us for cancer information and support Phone 0800 366 066 www.cancersocietynorthland.org.nz

TRACTA TRANZ LTD WHANGAREI phone

09 437 1003 or 021 443 951

faX 09 459 1276 email diSpatch@tractatranZ.co.nZ WWW.tractatranZ.co.nZ

i based, Whangare ed and operated n locally ow M THE

FRO SERVICINGH TO THE FAR NORT REGION WAIKATO

rting point Our website is designed to be a sta all aspects of to gather and share information on rural and farming life. encyclopaedia I invite you to help build this into an - Steve of NZ farming and rural lifestyle.

Visit our website www.runoff.co.nz for more details and use the CONTACT US page to touch base with Steve

We make covers for all areas of the farm and home

I told you to get some covers from Palmer Canvas

• Cow and Calf covers available • Fertiliser Covers • Machinery • Trucks and Trailers • Tarps • To protect from UV, Wind, Rain and Sun

Field Day Specials

— bring this advert in to qualify for Field Day Discount.

Valid until June 30th 2014.

“SpecialiStS in carting all formS of machinery and equipment”

www.palmercanvas.co.nz 141 LOWER DENT ST, WHANGAREI PHONE 09 438 8343

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

33

Committed to Serving

NORTHLAND From ATVs & trucks to tractors, loaders & forest machines,

We do it all!

SERVICE • QUALITY • VALUE We promise our customers ONLY THE BEST

See us at the Northland Field Days

Site 13B & 127

Gas & Tyre SER V ICES

www.gasandtyre.co.nz

0800 788 288

sales@gasandtyre.co.nz

148 Victoria Street, Dargaville

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS 2014 – MAP & SITE LISTINGS Dargaville ←

State Highway 14

Vintage Machinery & Mini Max

Quad Skills

Logger Sports

Tractor Pull HQ

Northern Advocate Lawn Mower Race Track

Trac

Start/Finish CERVUS EQUIPMENT LANE 3

5

7

9

11

13

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POWER FARMING NORTHLAND PLACE

116 118 120 122 124 126

gh Ri

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77Northern 79 Food Advocate Court Rural 2 Pavilion

83

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130 132 134 136 138 140 142 144 146 BEYOND ORGANICS WEIGH

ts le ab ail Av

117 119 121 123 125 127 129 131 133 135 137 139 141 143 145

re He

168 170 172 174 176 178 180 182 184 186 188 190 192 194

171 173 175 177 179 181 183 185 187

ak

F A R M L A N D S R O A D

En o vir

ARB NORTHERN LANE

F al

t en nm

296 298 300 302 304 306 308

tili er

ck ra

MARKET AREA

1

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2

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3

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4

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F O N T E R R A

Lime & Fert Limited Limited

Soil Tests • Recommendations • Delivery • Application

7

71

Fribesco Ltd Fw1 Waterless Cleaner G – Gallagher GEA Farm Technologies NZ Ltd Gilmore Brown Limited Giltrap Engineering Ltd Glenbrook Machinery Ltd Go Karts Direct Godfrey’s Chainsaws & Mowers Good Life Soap goodGround Real Estate Green Tea X50 Greenwood Gunson McLean Ltd H – Hansa Chippers Hansen Products (NZ) Limited Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau

701 107b 202 241 608, 609 142 068 311b 231 895 134b 893 279 190a 189 224 897, 899

Northland Field Days

Site No 635

PRILLED FINE PARTICLE LIME a/h

BERTOLIN

147 149 1

196 198 2

DARGAVI

197 1

240 2

276 278 2

HONDA H

275 277 2

310 312 3

VODAFON

Balla S

DAVE PH

ETN 125 F – Fairbrother Industries Ltd 072 Farmers of New Zealand Inc. 175,177,220 Farmgard Ltd 104, 106 Farmgate Direct 141a Farmlands Co-operative Society Ltd 148, 150 Farmquip 204 FarmSafe 625 Fiber Fresh Feeds Limited 273 First National Roper & Jones 151 FlexiTunnel 288 FMG 192 Fond Foods Limited 616 Fonterra 276, 278 Forsyth Barr Investment Advice 621 Four Seasons Gutter Pro 914, 916 Freemasons of New Zealand 903

021 792 805

148 150 1

TMX BOU

Site list current at time of printing

ph

9

Lifestyle Pavilion 2

6

71

97

Lifestyle Pavilion 1

5

71

95

RD1 ROAD

4

71

98 1

REDLINE

237 239 2

Lifestyle Pavilion 3

1

71

4

W 309 311 3 H E Y 340 342 3

297 299 301 303 305 307

T rs se

Exhibitors Carpark

96

S E R V 238 E D

229 231 233 235

FIBER FRESH WAY

43

E 195

232 234 HQ

259 261 263 265 267 269 271 273

41

R

189 191 193

258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 274

d

Public Carpark

NORWOO

RD1 ROAD 217 219 221 223

oa tR as

E int Po ino

Public Carpark

Heavy Vehicles & Buses

218 220 222 224 226 228 230

230c 187c

CRAIGS INVESTMENT PARTNERS PLACE

Aw

Carruth House at Whangarei Boys’ High School 901 Carters 135, 137 Carters Tyre Service 047 C-Dax Ltd 221 Celestial Wines 894 Certified Builders Association of NZ 139 Cervus Equipment Ltd 037,039,092,094 Chainsaw & Mower Services 15, 17 Chapel Olive Oil Ltd 868 Claas Harvest Centre Northland 027, 029, 082, 084 Classic Builders Whangarei 650 Combi Clamp Ltd 260 Compass Trailers 003 Coolsense Ltd 302a Corkill Systems Ltd 247b Corrosion Control NZ Ltd 080a Country Dawn Quilting 867 Craigs Investment Partners 194 Cramp-Stop 878 Croplands 088 CRV Ambreed 248b D – D & A Wordsworth Contracting 116 Dairy Wall Coatings Ltd 160a DairyFlo 160b Dargaville Ford 196, 198, 200 Dargaville Hunting & Fishing 244 Dargaville Sewing & Curtain Centre 891 DCT Soil Conditioners 651 DeLaval 141b DENZ 190b Devan Plastics Ltd 209 Diesel Performance Solutions Ltd 152 Dinerite Ltd 890 Donovan Group 269b Doug the Digger 324 E – ECU Chips 268 Electoral Services 717 Emuology Ltd 862 Endraulic Limited 076 ENJO 864 Environmental Fertilisers Ltd 294

mi Na ad Ro

A – Absolute Concrete Ltd 174 ACE Equipment 023 ACT Party NZ 296a ADF Milking 249b Advancequip 011 Advantage Feeders 281 Ag Brand Products 248A Agri Farms Ltd 071 AgriFert 155a AgriMat 203 AgriSea NZ Limited 229 Agrissentials NZ 187 Ag-Tech Industries 259 Allied Petroleum Ltd 045 Angela’s Body Therapy 866 Angus Pure Burgers 143 ANZ Bank NZ Ltd 233, 235 Aqua Rain Ltd 874 Aqua Synergy Group Ltd 646 Arnold Franks Ltd 272 ASB Bank Ltd - Rural 197 ATV Imports Direct 267b Aurora Associates Ltd 620 Avoca Lime & Fertiliser 245 B – Ballance Agri-Nutrients 191, 193 Bank of New Zealand 246 Barfoote Construction 081 Bayleys Real Estate 284, 286 Beacon Heat Detectors 610 Beauty in a Bottle 703 Bee Kind Limited 911 Bell-Booth Ltd 240B Bertolini Australasia 147 Bettershedz 264 Big Fun Events Ltd 352 Blue Wing Honda 275 Boonies footwear 285 Briggs & Stratton New Zealand 128a Brookings Agencies Ltd 896, 898 BRP Australia Pty Ltd (Canam) 266 Bryant Tractors 1983 Ltd 065, 067, 118, 120 Bucktons Ltd C/- Giltrap Engineering Ltd 100 C – Cable Price Ltd 263

75a

February 2014

128a

34

09 405 3305 • admin@limefert.co.nz

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

NORTHLAND FIELD DAYS 2014 – MAP & SITE LISTINGS Emergency/ Evacuation Gate

Whangarei →

Prime Site 14x18m

ctor Pull

Site 14x18m Market Site

Start/Finish

Parking

OD ROAD

45

Beer 51 47 Tent

53

55

1 57

Disabled Parking

Entrance

100 102 104 106 108 110 112

99 101 103 105 107 109 111

152 154 156 158 160 162 164

151 153 155

157A

200 202 204

206a

NI BOULEVARD 159 161 163

Rural Pavilion 1

Food Court 1

208 210 212

ILLE FORD TERRITORY

Road Naming Rights Available Here

ROAD

Ticket Booths Toilets

Beer Tent

Childcare First Aid

Food

H

Attractions

Helicopter Rides Services 1m

199 201 203 205 207 209 211

Danger No Entry Loading Ramp

242 244 246 248 250 252 254

Road 15m wide

D

Road 10m wide

241 243 245 247 249 251 253

280 282 284 286 288

N

HIGHWAY

Bush

279 281 283 285 287

314 316 318 320 322 324

NE LANE

Food 313 315 Hall 317 319 321 323 325

344 346 348 350 352 354 356

ULEVARD

ance Agri-Nutrients Sheep Dog Trials

HILLIPS MEMORIAL DRIVE

H Helicopter Rides

Demonstration Area

Helinorth 211 HerdHomes Systems Ltd 655 Homekill Services Ltd 617 Homeopathic Farm Support Ltd 624 Hopkins Farming Group Ltd T/A Strautmann Hopkins 070 HotSpring Portable Spa 320 HRV Northland 885, 887 Husqvarna New Zealand Ltd 078 Hydroflow Distributors Ltd 205 Hynds Pipe Systems 033, 035 I – IC Motorgroup 183,185,226,228 Ideal Buildings 909 Ifor Williams 298 Infinity Sales Tupperware 883 Iplex Pipelines (NZ) Ltd 101 Irri Max Ltd 304

Irripod Flexible Irrigation 181 ISL Animal Health 158b J – JackJaw 267b James Engineering Ltd 061 JK Engineering (Keenan True Technology NZ) 063 Just Horse N Around 273 K – Kaipara Workwear & Safety 223,262 Kawasaki Motorcycle Distributors 271 Keith Hay Homes 253b Keri Shelter Trimmers 13a King’s College 313b Kitchen Trendz by Mastercraft 649 Kliptank Ltd 249a KSN Products 299b Kwik Kold (NZ) 259 L – L J Hooker Whangarei 073 LandPrepNZ 005b Lastrite Footwear Ltd 179a Lawrence Agriculture Ltd 021 Leadshed 915 LeafScreen 872 Leisure Therapy 305b LIC 240a Lime & Fert Limited 635 Livestock Feed Systems 250 Longveld 283 M – Macs Equipment Ltd 179b Marine North 149 Mark Cromie Holden 083,085,087,136, 138,140 MarketBook Australia 075a McIntosh Bros Engineers Ltd 061, 114 McQuinn Pumps 310 MD Distributors Limited 103, 105 Metalform (Dannevirke) Ltd 126 Mickey Thompson Tires 13b Milk Bar 243 Milking Solutions 253a Mitre 10 Mega Whangarei 316 Model Barn Ltd 297a Mountain Fresh Limited 886 MTF Vehicle Finance 155b myebiz.international 145 N – Name Art 879 National Field Days 318 New Zealand Historic Places Trust 644, 645 Newman Engineering 2004 Ltd 090 Ngahiwi Farms Ltd 134a Noel Remnant Filtration 602 North Country Grains 277a North Island Limousin Breeders Inc. 654 NorthAble Disability Services 313a Northern Honda 117 Northern Wairoa Voice for Life 876 Northfuels 102 Northland Autos 172 Northland Boating centre 222 Northland Devon Cattle Breeders Club 176 Northland Farm Services Ltd 124 Northland Farm Water Solutions Ltd 252 Northland Kia Ltd 156 Northland Regional Council (NRC) 251 Northland Spa and Pool Co 171 Northland Toyota 138 Northpower 218 Northside-Solar 706 Norwood Farm Machinery 041, 043, 096,098 Number46Ltd 641 Nutritional Services Ltd 623

Talk to us about U2 and your autumn solutions at the Northland Field Days

Available from Ravensdown

Black Beetle larvae

Black Beetle adults

Grass Grub larvae

Argentine stem weevil

Porina caterpillar

Nuttz Gourmet 910 NZ Fudge Farm 861 NZ Solar Northland 870 NZCES Ltd (Solar Energy Systems) 613 O – Ombro Leather Goods 704, 705 Opus International Consultants 265 OSPRI New Zealand 604,605,606 P – Pacific Motor Group Limited 129,131,133 Pam and Stan Torkington 712, 713 Pearson Engineering Ltd 122 Performance Products Ltd 153 PGG Wrightson 199, 201 Phiten Health and Performance 882 Pieroth Wines NZ Ltd 913 Pilkington Insulation Ltd 157a Pioneer Brand Products Ltd 643 Plasma Biotec Solutions 282a Plumbing and Heating Centre LTD 261 Polaris NZ 256, 258 Porter Group 019 Portraits on Strowan 923, 925 Power Farming Northland 089 Power Farming Wholesale Ltd 091, 093, 144 & 146 PPP INdustries Limited 270 Primary Industry Training Organisation 154a Progressive Red Devon 657 Prolan NZ 282B Promax Engineered Plastics 162 Prosol Ltd 618 Q – Quadbar NZ 123a R – R&R Demonstrations Ltd T/A Stoneline/PS Marketing Ltd 871, 873 R&R Demonstrations T/A Expandable Hose 615 Rabobank New Zealand Ltd 188 Rainbow Soaps 715 Ravensdown 217, 219 RD1 Limited 237, 239 RDS Systems Ltd 647 Redline Farm Machinery 095,097,099 Ria’s Natural Health Soap 880 Ringrose Stockfoods Ltd 287 Rotational Plastics 062 Rotowiper Ltd 069 Royd Pawson - Wooden Toys 888 Rumble Electrical & Solar 314 Rural Direct 207 Rural Property International 639 Rural Research - Nitrosol 277b S – Scooterworks Mobility 238 Second Drawer down 881 Semex NZ Ltd 658 Seventh-day Adventist Church 905, 907 Shelter Station 060 Shuzi NZ Limited 889 Silver Fern Farms Ltd 025a Skin and Vein Clinic 900 & 902 Sock Lady Ltd 206a Solo NZ Ltd 031 Spire Chartered Accountants 185 Stihl Shop Warkworth 080b Stonewood Homes Whangarei Limited 892 Story Chairs 714 Strainrite Fencing Systems 254 Stronghold Trading Ltd 201 Suzuki New Zealand Limited 178,180,182 T – Taege Engineering 074 Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre/NorthTec 158a Te Pari 186

Black Field cricket

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Thursday 27th - Saturday 1st March 2014 Site 217/219, Dargaville

35

Te Whai Bay Wines 877 TechniPharm 173 The Feeder Leader Company Ltd 122 The Liquorice Lady Ltd 912 The Wrangler Ltd 247a Think Water Northland 306 Tiaho Trust 607 Tokoroa Engineering Ltd 119 Totalspan 274 TracMap NZ Ltd 637, 638 Tractor and Machinery Hire Ltd 107a Tree Wise Northland Ltd 121 Trueform Spa Pools 340 Tru-Test Group 232, 234 Tulloch Farm Machines 086 Twincoast Helicopters 2007 Ltd 164 Tyres 4 U 127 U – Union Car Spares 308 V – Veronicas Delights 301 Versatile Homes and Buildings 230 Villa Italia Ltd 869 Vodafone New Zealand 309, 311a W – Wade Concrete Products Ltd 184 Waikato Milking Kaipara 296b Walker Mowers 064 & 066 Warren Hay Marine 166,168 WES Solar 613 Wesco Seeds Ltd 642 Westpac 280 Whangarei Mobile Locksmiths 614 Whangarei Treatment Providers Ltd 904 Whites Handcrafts 297b Winter Gardenz 267a Wrack Auto Electrical 312 X – Xstream Profiles 305a Y – Yamaha Motor NZ Ltd 170 Young Farmers 154b Your Health Naturally 918 Yovich Hayward Pevats Johnston Limited 187c Z – Zenteq 875 ZeroPak 863, 865

North Island Limousin Breeders Inc.

See us at site 654 Pavillion 2 Northland Field Days Phone: 09 423 7016

With expert advice from Ravensdown representatives we can help you this autumn

Carolyn Green Rosalie Bakker 021 900 242 021 900 324

Chris Dickson 021 900 238

For more information call 0800 100 123 or visit www.ravensdown.co.nz

36

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Mix and apply

Sample

Urea

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Urea: 35 kg Boron: 1 /ha kg Lime Flo /ha ur: 100k g/ Magnes ium: 5kg ha /ha Thistle S pray: 2li tres/ha 35 hecta res 1 Tow an dF 3 minute ert load s per he ctare

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

37

New events add to the fun

by Paul Campbell

The wide variety of events over the Northland Field Days are the veritable life blood of the event, be they corporate, business or social, or simply a lot of fun.

Some of the machines are works of art, others more basic, but all have standard lawn mower engines and gearboxes and must use at least one belt in the driveline. The chassis may be modified and all mowers must be fitted with axle brakes.

The Waipu Lawnmower Racing Club organises this event and as a non-profit organisation any funds raised are distributed among local charities.

The action takes place in Fieldpower Place.

Northland Field Days have been running the tractor pull competition for more than two decades with a 100m track for novices, experienced drivers and spectators to enjoy.

This year will be no different. Join in and experience the fun that tests brute strength, skill and technique. continued on page 38 …

SEPTIC TANK OWNERS How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy 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 wagon pulled by a team of powerful Clydesdale horses evoke the spirit of pioneering times

The Freestyle New Zealand motorcross team will be performing four 15-20 minute shows a day on Thursday and Friday.

Made up of Trent Garton from Kaitaia, Jason White from Palmerston North, Andrew Jackson from Gore and Stewart Eweing from Gore, considered to be the top four riders in New Zealand, the group will be sure to entertain the crowd with exhilarating and difficult moves including the ‘cliff hanger, superman and backflip’.

Hunters and target shooters can show off their sharpshooting skills at a digital claybird shooting stand all day Saturday.

On Saturday March 1 Classic Hits Northland will be running gala games near the event headquarters allowing visitors to take part in a range of family

competitions from wife carrying to dunking for apples.

The team at Sheep n Show will be holding sheep races and live shearing events with three races and two shearing displays each day.

Previously appearing at the America’s Cup Village, the Royal Easter Show and the Aotea Centre the Sheep and Show team hosts the ‘grand national sheeplechase’ complete with full commentary, pre-race build up and the ability to win prizes by selecting the winning sheep.

Lawn mower racing is back again having become a great attraction which is possibly the most affordable form of motor sport, allowing, anyone to get involved, compete and have fun in the process.

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.

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 SeptiCure™ 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™.

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

38

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

… continued from page 37

BUYING • SELLING • RELOCATING

• We help with your permits • Difficult sites no problem • We supply the foundations • 40 years experience

The roar of mighty diesels heralds the start of the tractor pull

unfamiliar tractors. The best time carries on to a final play off.

In the event of either of the tractor front wheels leaving the ground during the pull the entrant will be disqualified during the heats or relegated during the finals.

Businesses also get in on the act in the Thursday Challenges.

No rural show can be complete without the woodchopping events, even though the sport attracts dwindling numbers in the 21st century.

Logging workers from all over Northland and New Zealand have gathered at the Northland Field Days for more than 20 years to take part in this competition. The ubiquitous quad bike has earned a place at field days as a farm

Planning Your Next Project?

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The Northland Tractor Pull is the main event and drivers take to the track on Friday and Saturday to compete for a great prize pack.

There is a $40 entry fee and it takes place in Totalspan Alley, testing the skills of operators in selecting the best combination of tyre, tyre pressure, drawbar height, drawbar length, gear ratio and engine RPM, to obtain the best pulling speed.

Entrants will supply their own as long as it is a standard agricultural tractor with PTO output between 25-139kw (30-180hp).

Scientifically calibrated sledges are weighted according to the power output and all tractors will be tested on the Dyno before each race. A KW of power output means 40kg of weight.

Each competitor will also have the opportunity to compete in the three legged race.

This race has great spectator value and a chance for you (if you have a driver’s licence) to challenge all comers on unfamiliar tractors which are supplied. This competition is for teams of three and designed to test drivers’ skill on three different and

Dog trials bring out the acrobatic best in human and canine competitors alike

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MERRIVALE CARE HOME AND RETIREMENT VILLAGE

SUPPORTING THE OLDER PEOPLE OF THE WHANGAREI DISTRICT At Merrivale Care Home, we are proud to be able to offer a full range of care – including rest home, hospital and secure dementia care. We pride ourselves on our welcoming, sociable environment with plenty to do. But if you’re a person who enjoys your own company, we’ll respect that too. Our catch phrase is “your day – your way”, and it’s at the centre of everything we do.

Right next door in the Merrivale Retirement Village are our serviced apartments, offering independence with a little extra assistance. Our residents enjoy a midday meal, apartment cleaning, laundry service and an interesting range of activities.

Call Beth on 435 3388 to find out more about our care home, or Jenny on 021 838 128 to find out more about our serviced apartments. www.bupa.co.nz

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

39

On track for top speed thrills The Northland Field Days is a big event, with all kinds of displays, events, activities and fun.

The skills of the woodsmen who first tamed the Kaipara’s forests are alive and well

workhorse par excellence. In the Quad Skills Competition competitors take turns getting a quad and trailer around an obstacle course in the fastest time possible.

It doesn’t matter if you come from the town, the country or a city, you can take part in this event that is open for anybody above the age of 16 and pay a $5 entry fee.

One that has never changed in the history of farming is the role of our canine companions in working the land.

A show ‘must see’ then must be the top sheep dog trialists in Northland

facing off against each other to find out who is the best in the region. With sometime displays of uncanny ability, sheep are rounded up and penned to the demands of a good shepherd’s whistle.

With competitions being run since 2008 the field days continuously attracts Northland’s top dogs and shepherds.

And of course — time for just chilling out and the place to do this is in the food hall which is the hall opposite the sheepdog trials’ area.

Treat yourself to lunch accompanied by some of the best music in Northland.

Let yourself be entertained.

WAGENER Sparky

But despite the huge size of the Field Days’ site, it’s still hard to believe that they’ve managed to fit the entire Mount Panorama racing circuit in amongst the tractors and tents this year.

But they have. Not in a purely literal sense — not only would Faye and Ken Subritzky’s V8 super-simulator the fabled blacktop of Bathurst be a little too large to set of powerful speakers create a fullshoehorn into a field just outside immersive atmosphere of engine rumble Dargaville, the Aussies would also and tyre squeal. probably notice it missing. No, this The car itself was once used by the iteration of the immortal mountain police force in the line of duty, but Mr racetrack is purely virtual.

Subritzky salvaged it after a crash and The brainchild of Ken Subritzky, turned it from a law enforcer into a Kaipara fabricator and motorsports machine which helps people (legally) enthusiast, our region’s one and smash through the speed limit. For the only full sized, trailer-mounted petrolheads, a visit to Bathurst during V8 supercar simulator adds in the Field Days is now not just possible everything except the smell of high — it’s pretty much mandatory! Serious octane petrol. bragging rights are sure to be up for The road ahead is projected in grabs as armchair strategists and racing life size in front of the windshield drivers pit their skills against Australia’s of a real Holden Commodore shell, famous stretch of asphalt — all without while hydraulics move the car and a even leaving Dargaville.

Your Forestry Management Experts www.northlandforestmanagers.co.nz

Northland and Coromandel’s climate and soils pose many challenges to a forest manager; challenges that Northland Forest Managers are well experienced in handling.

The cute wee fire with a big heart

NFM offers a complete forest management service to commercial forest owners and growers which includes; • Silviculture • Planning

Pop him in your mobile home, rural cottage or holiday bach or even in front of your old open fire. Sparky will chuckle away & brighten your day.

5 Allen Bell Dr, Kaitaia Ph (09) 408 2469

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Bridge Building & piling specialists

Email info@nfml.co.nz

Quality Service and Products • 4m Power Harrow + air-seeder • Conventional Haybaling

We offer design & Build for Bridges including plans, permits, consents and construction.

• Round Haylage & Hay • Square Haylage & Hay • Grass & Maize Silage • Cultivation

Or see us to strengthen and repair your existing bridge to ensure safe access on your property.

• Regrassing & Drilling • Buy Standing Grass Phone: 09 431 2236 • Graham: 0274 492 394 Clare Borck: 027 522 8477 Email: borckcontracting@xtra.co.nz

contact: gHK piling

phone: 09 435 4443 Fax: 09 435 2469

address: 3 pipiwai road email: admin@ghk.co.nz Kamo, Whangarei Web: www.ghk.co.nz

CONTRACTING LTD

40

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

First choice for vocational agricultural training

by Joanne Speechly

Taratahi has been the name behind agricultural training in New Zealand for 95 years, with campuses based throughout the North Island.

Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre was established in 1919 in Wairarapa as a training farm for men returning from the First World War. The original costs were funded by gifts and public donations amounting to $56,000, with a further government contribution of $18,000.

Sixty men initially received practical farm training and, in the years that followed, the farm continued to be used for various agricultural training pursuits and upskilling. After the Second World War, Taratahi training centre was again made available to returned servicemen and from 1944 to 1950, 80 men passed through the farm under the government’s rehabilitation scheme, prior to settling onto their own farms.

In 1951, a change of focus saw extensive improvements for Taratahi training farm and the trustees enlarged the activities to provide agricultural learning for young people between the ages of 16 to 20 years.

It was known as the Wairarapa Cadet Training Farm until the early 1980s, when the name Taratahi Agricultural

Training Centre was adopted. Since that time a large number of students have graduated from Taratahi and gone on to successful careers in agriculture.

It is a unique training establishment, widely recognised for its historical contribution to New Zealand’s agricultural sector and also its commitment to providing innovative training in a constantly evolving industry.

In partnership with NorthTec, Taratahi delivers a range of full-time and short programmes throughout Northland and Rodney.

Taratahi also offers STAR/Gateway and its Primary Industries Trades Academy (PITA) programme through schools — its philosophy of ‘real training on real farms’ ensures students get hands-on practical experience from the word go.

Taratahi offers a unique learning and supportive training environment, with scholarships available for full time students.

Their programmes are carefully researched to ensure that graduates have the skills necessary to meet the

About 2500 Taratahi students graduated nationwide in 2013. Rodney students celebrate their success

changing needs of the farming industry.

The training centre is registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and programmes are accredited to offer selected units of learning from the national qualifications framework in agriculture and many land-based skills.

Enrolments for 2014 are now open.

Programmes range from the nine-week National Certificate in Agriculture, Level 2 programme — ideal for lifestylers and those wanting to take the first step

towards agriculture and the 20-week General Farm Skills through to the one-year full-time National Certificate in Agriculture Work Ready, Level 3, and National Certificate in Agriculture, Level 4. Taratahi also offers the Massey Diploma in Agriculture and the Lincoln University Diploma in Agriculture through its Masterton and Taranaki campuses.

Taratahi will be available to answer your questions at this year’s Northland Field Days.

Caddy Recycled Grass Ltd A WIDE RANGE OF ALPACAS FOR SALE – PET BOYS FROM $300 +GST • Alpaca stud services • Individual farm tours

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• Alpaca products and knitting yarn for sale in our farm shop* and online *(open by appointment)

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Neil & Bronwyn Dempster Silverhill Alpacas 739 Silver Hill Rd, RD4 Wellsford Ph 09 423 9668 Mob 0274 868 756 email valerie@silverhill.co.nz w w w. s i l v e r h ill.c o.nz

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“Westhay” R.D.1, Paparoa, 0571 Northland, NZ Phone: (09) 431 6613 Mobile: (027) 280 1066 Email: neildempster@slingshot.co.nz

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

LIVESTOCK

Be my Guest

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand Membership Services: 09 439 5219 09 430 3758 Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz

Keeping farming in the family

The family farm has been the cornerstone of farm ownership for well over a century.

The issue of succession can be very emotional for many families. There is an old saying, where there is a Will there is a relation.

Over Christmas, reading Keeping Farming in the Family, A guide to farm succession, by author lawyer Allan Ross Blackman, was a very valuable read and I recommend it.

The majority of us have difficulty in dealing with the issues of testamentary promises, Life Interest Wills, The Inter Vivos Trust, Memorandum of Wishes, Companies, The Succession Plan, Choosing your Advisors, Protecting the Family Farm.

The majority of farming families are asset rich and cash poor and if the family farm is to remain an important part of farm ownership, it is important to receive the very best of advice in the setting up of trusts and formulating a good succession plan.

Mr Blackman says in his book, that educating the farming client is a vital aspect of succession planning, one that

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the traditional professional is not inclined to do. The old-fashioned conventional approach by professional advisers has been to tell the client what to do, without explaining why and how.

In the context of succession planning, the professional who says do it this way because I say so, is not providing an adequate service.

The ability to identify what the farmer needs and provide innovative and flexible solutions is key.

Simply forming a trust and divesting all your property into it, requires great thought, particularly when choosing trustees. Under the Trustees Act, there are special responsibilities the trustees must follow in ensuring the interests of the beneficiaries are protected.

Many farms have been owned by families through successive generations, but there have been a number of law changes where families under the Family Protection Act, have successfully challenged estates and there is case law, in particular the High Court case Scott vs.

th e “Buy direct from it ” e b ugger that mad Wrapper Wire

Scott which was held in December 2007 in Hamilton and twice in 2008 in Rotorua, that makes compelling reading.

This family over a six-year period was in litigation concerning the fate of two farms which had been in the family for many years. In summary, the plaintiff was Mr Lewtyn Scott and the defendants were Lewtyn’s mother and his three sisters.

Lewtyn Scott was encouraged by his father and mother to return from London to take over the main family farm.

He purchased his father’s half-share in July 2000 at the registered valuation and his mother promised him her halfshare of the property. He paid $36,000 in interest on the money he borrowed from his mother, up until October 2004 when the family became involved in litigation.

He would have thought having paid fair value, that he had an entitlement to the increase in the value of the half-share of the property that he had purchased.

Because of the significant increase in the value of the farm land at the time, Lewtyn’s three sisters were concerned that his acquisition of the farm had

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41

Carl & Rose Cookson 09 401 1957 433 Wharepunga Rd, Kaikohe Lee Fulton 09 432 2724 403 O’Carroll Rd, RD8, Whangarei Jean & Alasdair McLaughlan 09 433 1170 1817 Mangakahia Rd, Titoki John Squire 03 614 3739 (S.I.) Cave, Timaru Gavin Cooper 09 422 1958 979 Run Rd, RD7, Tapora

Northland Field Days

SITE # 657

disadvantaged them. It is also ironical that Lewtyn’s mother in 2002, had promised in writing, to transfer to him her total interest in the farm and that she would make provision in her will to forgive the debt.

Her letter concluded — in the meantime you can regard the farm as yours. The letter omitted one important piece of advice, that the second farm had already been transferred to Lewtyn’s three sisters to his exclusion, which he did not accept.

The issues surrounding this case were complex but after six years of legal dispute and hundreds of thousands of legal costs, Lewtyn was told by the judge that he had to give back his half-share of the main farm and his mother was not obliged to sell him the other half.

The importance of having the legal structures correct, and clearly documented directions as to how the family succession plan will work is important. When the court’s get involved the gloves are off.

Ian Ross Blackman’s book Keeping the Family Farm, A guide to farm succession, is a must-read for all farming families. For further details regarding the book, contact Farmers of New Zealand.

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42

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK A dog’s tail …

Tha Feel Daze is hear agin

Hally lewla! It’s that tyme of yeer agin.

Tha Feel Daze has come roun’ and that meens Boss and Sharlene gonna do a runner, and leev you-no-who, yer, rite, Me! in charge ofa proppity fer three daze!!

Akterly, Sharlene’s Mum gonna stay hear too, ta look afta yung Sophy, cos Boss an Sharlene got plans ina Dargyville wear tha Feel Daze is held.

They was havin’ a cupp tee ona wool shed steps, an’ I heard ‘em makin’ plans.

‘Deah, I’m gunna have lunch with the gerls over at that Aratapu Tavin and then we can book inta tha Northern Wairoa pub fer our stay, cos I wanna do sum shopping at Snazzi Gifts sed Sharlene.

“OK” seda Boss, Wile yer doin’ that, I’m gonna look at sum quad bikes

ata Polaris and Yamaha and Honda dealas. And hava look at Bryant tractas.

Then we kin have a free time fer that show eh”?

Ya know, I’m gunna rilly enjoy lokin’ afta tha proppitty. Wen Mum’s hear, I gets ta stay ina house, and she feeds me reel good. She reckons Boss gives me a hard tyme an’ she kin spoil me win he’s away. Mine you, it’s a bitta wurry too.

Wile I’m livin’ lika king ina Feel Daze, Boss kin be spendin munny like a King too! Ya just havta look unner the woolshed ta see stuff he brung home last year, an’ neva even used.

Boss will spend up large ta keep Sharlene happy, but I seen him comin’ back fruma Feeld Daze fer a few yeers

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now. Rembers how Boss came home las’ yeer wivva tray ofa ute piled up wiv’ stuff he rekind we needed ona farm.

They must have sum pritty fast torkin’ sales fellas there, cos Boss got a hole lotta stuff on speshil.

There wa s a ANOTHER ‘lectic gate opena and closer wot didint work. That’s cosa Boss forgot we didint hava electrikery connected ata road gate anyway.

He also gotta machine fer tippin’ cattil beests upside down, or weighin’ them or sumpin. Trubble is, he never cood unnerstand tha instrushins wot come with it. So its still ina box.

It usually happins wen Sharlene is lookin’ around tha showgrouns an’ stoppin’ off fer a kupptee wiv’ sum other farmer’s missusis and wen’ tha Boss stops off ata farmer’s bear tent. Kupla ours later an’ he starts wandrin’ roun’ wiva check book. I reckin thats wen he gits inta trubbil.

Ya shud no by now readas that Borda Collys’ got more sence than sum peeple.

Well, shoodint be dissloyal, but ya gotta wunder when peeple gunna lern from experience an eye’ll give ya a report on Wot tha Boss bort ata Feel Daze nek time I rite.

Ina meentime, I’ gunna kick back and chill out. Cos Mum’s gunna be in charge ofa house, and me in charge ofa farm.

Come ta reckin on it, maybe Boss cood take Sharlene fer a few dayze trip afta tha show. I ratha fancy tha leatha couch ina lounge.

Cheers then Billy, tha Farm Managa.

Meet Your Local Wool Representative at PGG Wrightson Wool

Want to find the best way to market your wool?

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

LIVESTOCK

by Cynthia Matthews

43

Feeding the North’s livestock

The Garton family has been part of the rural scene in the Far North for many generations.

Selwyn Garton and his sons are grain growers and agricultural contractors who run their stock feed manufacturing plant — North Country Grains — from a site on their farm on the outskirts of Kaitaia.

The enterprise has grown from producing maize and grain on 30 acres and supplying the Kaitaia Dairy Company to growing on around 600 acres this season, and the company is looking for more Northland contract maize growers.

Maize provides the basis of the North Country Grains stock feed mixes which sell to retailers and customers through to the Bombay Hills, with an additional two retailers in the Waikato.

All North Country Grains meals contain no palm kernel, with grains being New Zealand grown and not genetically modified (some of the product is sourced in the South Island such as oats or barley). Poultry mixes

have no artificial yolk colouring or animal by-product.

The ‘Supa’ brand of feeds by North Country Grains encompass a wide range of livestock — calves, cattle, poultry, pigs, sheep, horses, deer and alpacas.

Selwyn engaged nutritionists in developing these mixes — compound feeds — to ensure premium quality.

Mixes, such as the poultry feed ‘Supa Chook’ for example, incorporate wheat, maize, peas, barley and oats, added molasses and supplements such as

calcium. “Molasses has good feed value and it enhances palatability,” Selwyn explains.

North Country Grains has a useful website with feeding recommendations for a range of stock and farm animals.

The company will again exhibit at this year’s Northland Field Days.

“I like the opportunity to be in contact with our customers and to receive feedback,” says Selwyn. “Looking forward to seeing you at the Field Days site 277A.”

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44

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Proof is in the paddock

by Cynthia Matthews

The New Zealand company Agrisea will be exhibiting at the Northland Field Days for the fifth time this year.

Agrisea is experiencing rapid growth due to demand for its seaweed based products — soil conditioner, foliar spray and animal health tonics. The family owned company is based in Paeroa and

Gisborne and employs 30 staff. Around 30 families harvest brown kelp which is cold brew fermented. Customers come from all over the country and while 95% of them are conventional farmers, others

The Dempsters’ Otonga farm

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are wine and kiwifruit growers, horse breeders, gardeners and smaller land block owners.

In Northland Barry and Lorraine Dempster are Agrisea users.

They run sheep and dairy heifers.

Earlier in his farm life Barry had sheep in poor condition. “Nothing I did made the difference. I added the seaweed with drenching and they picked up.”

Fast forward to ten years ago, when after a brief stint herd testing Barry and Lorraine returned to farming at Otonga near Hikurangi, buying an 80ha block in gorse and pine. (Their new farm overlooks where Barry was raised.) He slashed the gorse, fenced the block into paddocks and enclosed the bush. Barry says the breaking down gorse added nitrogen to the soil. He limed, manured and then applied the soil conditioner. After four years he is making baleage from this same land. “It was a gradual change, but then it took off.” Barry first saw improvement in his calves. They require no worm drenching and have no bloat. “We start them on baleage and they do much better on it.”

The calves can be bred when they’re a year old.

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Despite the last dry weeks the Dempsters’ calves are doing well. The pasture is full of chicory, plantain and clover. “It’s not too rich for them, has the trace elements, and is easier on their rumens,” Barry explains. He has already taken hay off the flats this summer. “The pasture, particularly the paspalum, has more resilience in drought and the depth of the soil’s fertility increases — and the grass grows deeper. The clover roots lengthen too, helping fix natural nitrogen.” The farm is Hikurangi pipe clay and the high earthworm count he attributes to the soil conditioner which helps release nutrients for pasture growth. “The results are lowered costs — not only in animal health but in buying in feed or supplements.”

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

FA R M W H E E L S

45

The Vikings have landed conquer as much territory as the original Vikings themselves. There’s nearly a foot of travel in the clever suspension setup, and the key UTV factor of smart chassis design has been prioritised for sharper handling and minimal body roll, especially on uneven ground.

Yamaha have come out swinging in the battle to gain market share for their UTVs, and to this end they have benchmarked the Viking against big names such as the popular Polaris Ranger and US favourite the John Deere Gator, with ample internet video

footage on their promotional website claiming advantages over these industry heavyweights in a slew of categories.

The proof, however, will be in the driving — and indeed the hard yards put in on Kiwi farms. A great place to begin is with a test drive, so talk to your local Yamaha dealer soon about meeting the Viking first hand. Despite the fearsome reputation of its namesake, this machine is designed to be less of an uncivilised barbarian and more a Scandinavian rock star — the perfect Viking for the modern age.

Northland Field Days Site #128 It’s a tough battle in the UTV sector of the rural vehicle market, with top offerings from the likes of Can Am, Polaris, Kawasaki and many more slugging it out with new contenders like the Tuatara and specialist vehicles like the all-terrain Argo for onfarm supremacy.

That’s why Yamaha’s latest entry into the side-by-side fray has a suitably warlike name — meet the 2014 Viking, the first ‘true three-seater UTV’.

The Viking name has connotations beyond the obligatory horned helmets and big axes. Just like the Norsemen for whom it’s named, the new Yamaha prides itself on go-anywhere toughness and grit, and like the longships which ferried the medieval sea-reavers as far afield as Iceland and North America, this rugged workhorse packs in a lot of gear.

Here are the figures.

The Viking is equipped with Yamaha’s most powerful 686cc engine with a broad, usable powerband. Four-valve head with 10:1 compression delivers optimum torque for virtually any workload, and up to a 30% gain in fuel efficiency. Add to this close to 40 litres of fuel in the tank, and a hard day’s work will need far less in the way of pit stops!

When it comes to carrying capacity, the Viking really shines. With the addition of a middle seat the new Yamaha transcends the side-by-side template, and the extra seat is offset (MacLaren F1 style) to cut back on legroom squabbles. By mounting the engine low beneath the cargo deck, the Viking’s engineers have maximised space in the articulated tipping tray, with the guts to haul close to 300 kilos on board, with a further 700 kilos towing capacity. That near as makes no odds to a ton of tools and gear.

Yamaha have also gone all-out to make sure their Norse-named UTV can

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

FA R M W H E E L S ADVERTORIAL

Two new models of Go Karts available

Go Karts Direct is an exclusive importer and distributor of Drift Go Karts and now have a selection of models to choose from.

Owners Bryce Marshall and Jan Wyllie began importing Drift Go Karts into New Zealand nine years ago and now supply karts to buyers all over the country.

The latest 2014 addition is the Xtreme Drifta (photo), an awesome go kart ideal for teenagers and adults.

These are designed from their Drifta ll model featuring a longer wheelbase giving added legroom, foot operated accelerator and brake, padded seat with safety harness, racing steering wheel and a 9hp 270cc

wet clutch engine. Having established a reputation for quality drift go karts, suitable for children and adults, Bryce says the Drift Go Karts are extremely safe to use, having a low centre of gravity while still maintaining a good ground clearance.

“They are designed to travel on flat, even terrain and because of their design they drift rather than roll. It’s a great way for children to learn driving techniques and control out in the open spaces, and it’s something we can do safely with our kids” Fun for the whole

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family, these go karts are ideal for lifestyle blocks, orchards, farms, paddocks and fields — any large open space.

The go karts come pre-assembled in the box so are very easy to put together.

The go karts arrive basically in three preassembled parts.

Final assembly involves putting these three parts together — running the cables to brake, throttle, and kill switch/ stop button, and attaching seat and seatbelt. For the roll cage models, the roll cage is simply bolted on at the end of assembly.

Heavyweight champ rings in We’re proud to host Field Days here in the north — it’s a great showcase of our region’s agricultural achievements One of the biggest three-day festivals of commerce and fun in the country.

But for all its size and prestige, our field days doesn’t hold a candle to the biggest event of its kind in Europe — the mammoth agricultural event known as Agritechnica.

Part Detroit motorshow, part state fair, this immense gathering of farming technology is convened with a single goal in mind — to judge and crown the very best machines in their field. The fight to be voted best tractor is hotly contested, with top-of-the-range models from long-established brands fairly bristling with new technology.

This year one tractor stood out head and shoulders above the pack to earn the top honour. New Holland’s new T8 Auto Command tractor was recognised as the ‘Maschine des Jahres 2014’ — that’s ‘Machine of the Year 2014’ in English — by a panel of journalists from Europe’s pre-eminent machinery publications. It’s right up there with a car being awarded 10 out of 10 by Top Gear’s Clarkson, May, Hammond and

company, or an actor winning an Oscar for their performance.

“This award testifies the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the development of the T8 Auto Command” said Carlo Lambro, Brand President New Holland Agriculture. “(It) is a great recognition of the innovative approach we take to product development and the benefits this has for our customers, and moreover of our commitment to developing state of the art technology, which improves the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of the world’s farmers.”

The T8 range spans the 273 to 419 horsepower band, and incorporates a raft of technological innovations for driver comfort, lower emissions, more power and less impact on fields and crops during operation. With both this supreme award, and a silver medal in the equally fiercely contested combine harvester category, Agritechnica has been a roaring success for New Holland.

It’s a fair bet that our local field days will be one too.

See us at the Northland Field Days Site 179b or online

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

FA R M W H E E L S

47

ADVERTORIAL

Providing long-lasting protection

Prolan’s unique, versatile products are exported around the world and used in some of the toughest and coldest environments, protecting machinery, vehicles and even wind turbines.

Using New Zealandproduced lanolin, selectively chosen from quality suppliers, the Prolan team have combined strong practical engineering and science backgrounds to create an environmentally friendly, high performance corrosion inhibitor, industrial lubricant and anti-seize greases for use in a multitude of areas.

Established in 2003 by directors Murray and Julie Shaw, the Tauranga-based company has continued to grow both in New Zealand and internationally.

Prolan’s unique, versatile products are exported around the world and used in some of the toughest and coldest environments, protecting machinery, vehicles and even wind turbines.

“Prolan products are replacing traditional petro-chemical lubricants in

but for those on sheep and beef farms, one application can last up to two years.”

The Prolan team are committed to understanding the needs of their customers and are willing to help solve corrosion, lubrication and anti-seize problems.

At this year’s Field Days, the new Prolan Enduro range — a corrosion inhibitor — will be available.

“This product dries off to a less tacky finish, attracting less dust and sand, stays on for a long period of time, resists cold water blasting, and maintains machinery,

tools etc in excellent condition.” Also the new Prolan Degreaser — developed in conjunction with Ag Research Christchurch will be available.

This excellent degreaser will remove all existing lanolin coatings bringing machinery back to its original condition and improving resale value.

Julie said the Field Days provide an ideal opportunity for staff to have one-toone contact with customers. Site S282B Northland Field Days. Ph: 0800 PROLAN (0800 776 526) Web:www.prolan.co.nz.

Protect your farm assets long term

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

FA R M W H E E L S

HD sees the bigger picture The new Ranger 570 HD carries all the tried and true features of the Ranger 500 which it replaces and more, with major improvements in power, handling, styling and durability developed right here in New Zealand.

Recently top engineers and management from the US based manufacturer came to see just how rugged our countryside can be. They witnessed first hand the kind of day’s work Kiwi farmers expect from a UTV or quad, and after taking on board some vital tips and pointers from our men of

the land, they set to work making the already popular ranger even beefier — cattle pun intended.

The recipe begins with a new ProStar 567cc, 40hp EFI engine with 25% more power. Add in a 1.5cm longer wheelbase for an even smoother ride (small changes, as Lotus boss Colin

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“The visit by senior Polaris managers and engineers shows not only their commitment to understanding our market, but also to delivering products that are specifically designed for our quite unique conditions, climate and usage.”

Combine these smooth riding, Kiwifocussed features with best-in-class power, 567kg of towing capacity and 226kg box capacity, no matter the task the Ranger 570 HD will work hard for you.

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A look at the size and reinforcement of the Ranger’s new sway bar, upgraded rear driveshaft and grease fittings is enough to tell you that Polaris mean business. Two things which Kiwi customers demand are hard-wearing parts able to take the knocks, and ease of maintenance and servicing. Both are delivered by the HD package, which gives the Ranger 570 an almost ‘built for the army’ feel. The impression here is that mere rocks, ruts and mud won’t make any significant impact.

“Combine these smooth riding features with best in class power, 567kg of towing capacity and 226kg box capacity, no matter the task the Ranger 570 HD will work hard for you,” say Polaris bosses, including Polaris Industries Australia and New Zealand Country Manager, Brad Wolstenholme.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

FA R M W H E E L S

49

Masterful move hits hard New drill revolutionises seed planting

For produce growers there are now scores of machines that offer savings on the cost of planting.

But will they perform the multitude of precise tasks that planting incorporates? Steve Woods is one person who is able to sort the wheat from the chaff.

Steve and wife Sue started Turiwiri Gardens 30 years ago.

In 1995 they changed their name to Turiwiri Produce and set up Dargaville’s first wash plant in response to Woolworth’s desire to sell only washed kumara.

It became clear to Steve that if growers sold their produce under one brand it would mean lower costs and higher returns.

His fellow growers agreed and a multi-million-dollar business is the result.

Three decades later Steve is still at the cutting edge. Thanks to John Moolenschot at Redline Farm Machinery Dargaville, he is bringing a unique machine to the Northern Wairoa, a Kuhn SD4000.

“It’s something no one else in the district has done,” he says. “There is nothing it won’t plant. It’s a precision tool. It’s extremely accurate.”

Steve’s direct drill can be made available to farmers interested in planting their crops more efficiently.

However, as it is a valuable piece of machinery and needs a big tractor to power it, the drill comes with its own operator.

Steve says it can drill ground in any condition, whether it be hard or soft.

It can also handle uneven contours.

“It’s fully adjustable for any kind of seed. It’s a one-task machine — or two, if you want to double drill.”

He says the drill can plant oats, sorghum, chicory and even maize.

“There’s almost nothing it won’t plant.”

If you want to follow Steve and make planting more efficient, have a chat with Steve and find out how the direct drill can save you money.

by Andy Bryenton

In chess, as in martial arts, you’ll often find that the hardest-hitting move is one which comes from a little reflection and consideration.

That’s why, when Honda launched their Pioneer 700 recently, all eyes were on the Japanese auto and motorcycle giant to deliver an instant masterpiece.

Honda have been creating landmark bikes (CBR series, CRF series) and cars (NSX, Civic Type R) for decades, so their research and engineering grasp is formidable indeed. While other companies have jumped in feet-first to the fray in the UTV or side-by-side sector of the market, Honda have stuck with their tried-and-true range of quad bikes and two-wheelers. But an initial look at what the Pioneer 700 offers (as both a 2 seater and a 4 seater UTV) proves that it was worth the wait.

Starting with the engine, Honda have gone with proven technology, drawing from their automotive expertise as much as from their knowledge of smaller engines. Like the popular NX650 Dominator bike, the Pioneer uses a single cylinder OHV configuration, though with 675cc and a 9.2:1 compression ratio. Full fuel injection guarantees fuel economy and maximum power from the four-stroke mill.

The transmission is much like one you’d find in an automatic car — with a hydraulic torque converter rather than CVT. Power is delivered smoothly via independent doublewishbone suspension front and back, giving the Pioneer close to a foot of ground clearance.

What’s most amazing is that this rugged little machine — with a dry weight of only 575kg — can haul 454kg and tow more than its own weight!

Add to this the versatility of the seating and load arrangements in the Pioneer 700–4, and you have winning combination.

Honda riders who already appreciate the build quality and reliability of their chosen product, as well as the established dealer network, will love the fact that the popular UTV layout is now part of Honda’s catalogue. And farmers looking for a hard-working UTV will be pleased to know that one of the biggest names in automotive manufacturing have finally thrown their hat in the ring — giving them some serious food for thought this Field Days.

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50

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

FA R M W H E E L S

Good things in small packages

ADVERTORIAL

High Speed floatation tyres a multi-role solution Alliance Tyres, established in Israel in 1950, is a world renowned brand that has a strong belief in the principle of Tyre Technology in Motion.

Increased demand for food produce has led to increased mechanisation of agricultural practices. This has resulted in significantly higher output. To handle this, highway trucks are increasingly being thrust into agricultural transport duties.

With the introduction of trucks to agri-transport duties, it is possible to shift and transport more agricultural produce with shorter cycle times. However, there were no ideal tyres available in the market, which can handle both field and highway duties, until Alliance launched the High Speed MPT series of tyres, engineered specifically for use on agricultural trucks.

With the new 396 MPT (High Speed), Alliance has a High Speed All-Steel Floatation

Radial tyre that can be used in the field on soft/wet surfaces and can also be driven at speeds up to 100km/h on the highway.

Floatation tyres can be used on a range of vehicles, from light-duty tractors and equipment, used on grass and turf, to heavy-duty agricultural and industrial haulage. These tyres have a wide surface area and, as a result, they don’t damage the surface, be it agricultural fields, grass and turf or other sensitive terrain.

Alliance and Carters Tyre Service have a complete line-up of tyres for forestry machines, compact construction equipment and tractors used in municipal and other such on and offroad applications.

by Andy Bryenton

Around the world inner city congestion charges, fuel prices and parking issues have seen a huge upswing in popularity for the small car — the kind of city commuter which traditionally sacrifices power and performance for practicality.

The mind of most true auto appreciators recoils in horror from the vision of a V8-less future populated by small beige boxes on skinny wheels, with miniscule carbon emissions but no ineffable sense of soul.

Which is exactly why Ford’s vision of the road ahead — the fiery little Fiesta Ecoboost S — is such a welcome one. Because rather than build their latest small car down to emissions targets, safety levels and fuel consumption

figures, they have put together a small car which is light, nimble and fun to drive. While incidentally ticking all of those previous boxes.

Take a drive in the Ecoboost and you’ll swear that it runs primarily on witchcraft. A look at the ultra-frugal 999cc mill with its little turbocharger under the hood simply does not prepare the driver for the pick-up and go of the new Fiesta, which seems willing and able to an extent even it’s more weightily endowed predecessor won’t match. Dynamics are the key here — feedback through the steering wheel and pedals, a neat turn-in through the corners, and a spurt of extra power which comes from who-knows-where to carry you past any lumbering left-lane obstacles.

You’re left looking at that little engine block — nearly smaller than the battery — and wondering at the wizardry of Ford’s engineers.

Because not only is the little Fiesta peppier than many cars with far more iron under the hood, it hasn’t been pared back ‘superleggera’ style to achieve that neat precision of handling.

Inside you’ll still find a well appointed cabin with Ford’s distinctive new control layout,

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FA R M W H E E L S

51

ADVERTORIAL

Mowing down the competition The legendary Walker zero turn mowers — first imported from the USA into New Zealand in 1988 — have long been the standard for innovation, quality and ease of use. With New Zealand at the top of Walker’s worldwide per-capita sales, it’s clear that Kiwis love their Walker Mowers.

Maybe it’s because they’re the best choice for tight space — Walker’s compact size and zero turn manoeuvrability allows mowing and trimming in small landscaped areas and reduces mowing time.

centred around a colour screen. The chunky, tactile ‘cogs’ which are the dials for entertainment and climate control are intuitive enough to step in and command without even looking at a manual.

So, here we have a supermini well worthy of the name — practical, comfortable, a pleasure to drive, with the will to attack every apex and more power than its diminutive cc rating would suggest. A contender which punches above it’s weight in a very literal sense, delivering a more balanced performance than rivals such as the Barina and Polo, for a very reasonable price. And this is

all before we even touch on the little Ford’s knockout punch (to stretch the boxing metaphor a little too far).

At less than 4 litres per 100 kilometres, the new Fiesta seems all but teetotal. And it really is more of a ‘little brother’ to the slightly mad, totally engaging Fiesta ST than it is a workaday commuter tool. The only way to appreciate what Ford have achieved here is to take it for a drive. You won’t have had more fun with less than 1,000cc since the last time you saddled up a mid-range GSXR or Ninja. And the best part is, this time you don’t have to wear a leather speed suit.

A Walker allows you to get to places where other ride-on mowers won’t, and walk-behind mowers or trimmers have to be used instead. Less trimming and weed eating time means more weekend!

Design is the key to the Walker mower’s success. Placing the mower deck in the front of the operator was no mistake.

The operator sits low with an excellent view of where the mower deck is, perfect for trimming efficiently.

The out-front design gives optimum reach under trees, hedges, bushes and fences, and the balance of the Walker Mower means that it performs superbly on almost any terrain. Hills, rolling contours, irregular shapes, small

or large spaces and tight corners are where Walker Mowers excel.

Their New Zealand distributor customises Walker mowers especially for New Zealand’s unique conditions, ensuring years of reliable operation, backed by great after sales service and support.

Walker are not a company to rest on their laurels, however. In recognition of their ever advancing products, Walker recently launched a new branding initiative, modernising their classic identity while honouring their historic background.

Their striking black, white and yellow logo and bright yellow machines should be easier than ever to spot mowing wherever beautiful lawns are desired, at your local dealer — or at the Northland Field Days.

For detailed information, or to find the model that would best suit you, go to www.walkermowers.co.nz or find a local reseller by calling 0508 367 783.

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52

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

GREAT MATE

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FA R M W H E E L S ADVERTORIAL

Where the rubber meets the road

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from the very latest in tractors and harvesting machinery all the way down to motorcycles and quads. Of course the entire event could hardly be organised at all without a huge fleet of trucks, cranes, excavators and utes — and that’s without even mentioning the vintage machines on display from bygone eras.

There’s one thing which all of these widely varied vehicles have in common — most of them rely totally on a good set of tyres to work at all! All the horsepower, torque, technology and computer-assisted wizardry on earth can’t help you with a flat, after all, and amid the tumult of new machinery on display, you’ll find one dedicated team who know the fundamentals of tread and rubber literally inside out.

The Gas and Tyre Services team will be represented at two locations during the big three-day Fieldays, exhibiting tyres to suit all manner of vehicles from the racetrack to the cattle race and beyond. Of special interest is sure to be their display of agricultural and forestry tyres, from leading brands

Alliance and Nokian respectively. You’ll note these king-sized wheels rising up over the crowds — both Alliance and Nokian make serious rubber ‘footwear’ for serious hard working machines, including the very biggest tractors and the mammoth log skidders which drive the local rural economy. Mickey Thompson’s legendary off-road tyres will be on show as well, rounding out a huge range for the trusted local tyre specialists.

No farmer’s car, ute and bike will be forgotten — and it’s good to know that there’s one exhibitor’s stand where all things to do with tread and ply can be discussed with a very knowledgeable and helpful team. Great deals will be available throughout the Fieldays’ period on the popular GT Radial road tyres brand, Mickey Thompson tyres, Alliance ag tyres and on hard-wearing Nokian tyres for hard-working machinery. It’s all going on at stands 127 and 13a — look out for the big tyres and the bigger flags as Gas and Tyre Services and their suppliers make this Fieldays the place where ‘the rubber meets the road’

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FA R M W H E E L S

53

An ace ahead of the pack

by Andy Bryenton

With UTV and quad bike technology now a staple of rural life and work, the task of the major players in the industry in recent years has been to refine, sharpen and hone these established platforms, delivering a better ride, more fuel economy, greater carrying capacity or any one of a host of minor tweaks and upgrades.

The leaps and bounds of evolution which occurred early on in what has become an ‘arms race’ of off-road superiority have settled down to revisions on a theme, or technical, engineering advancements which are hidden under the skin of the latest machines to hit the showroom.

That is, until Polaris released the Sportsman Ace. Press release emails were blazoned with promises that this would be a game-changer, but this scribe’s jaded sensibilities did not expect such claims to be the literal truth. They were, and it is — the Ace is definitely a whole new class of off-road machine, and one which looks to have a waiting market here in New Zealand.

Initial impressions are of a quad bike sized machine which the driver sits in, rather than on. Handlebars are replaced with a steering wheel, and the controls are mapped out just like those in a small road car. There’s a high-backed, comfy seat with safety belts, and a fully enclosed roll cage — a key feature — to make this mode of transport safer than an open-topped quad in the event of accidents.

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nimble single seater version with tons of carrying capacity and rock-solid safety features would seem to be a winning combo.

With quad bike accidents prominent in the news last year, the advent of a more stable, fully roll-caged option is likely to be seen as an opportunity too good to pass up.

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The benefit of the redesign is not just safety and comfort — it’s also weight redistribution. With the driver sitting lower than a rider would, and with some clever engineering form Polaris HQ, the Sportsman Ace is stable and capable, not just of keeping up with traditional quad bikes, but of negotiating the toughest trails and mud. All the suspension and chassis design tech developed for ‘big brother’ machines like the RZR and the Ranger have been refined down into the Ace as well, along with the steering systems which have made the switch from manual bars to assisted wheel a possibility. Much of the promo material

out of the United States regarding the Sportsman Ace shows it ripping along woodland trails for kicks, or transporting hunters into the deep forest with all their kit.

But Kiwi farmers are bound to love this concept too. The side by side UTV has been embraced here as a working tool, and the allure of a smaller, more

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54

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

FISHING AND HUNTING OUTDOORS

Hail to the Captain

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There are few more Kiwi experiences than surfcasting off a pristine white-sand beach, into crystal-blue water capped with white rollers.

The peace and the scenery alone would make it all worthwhile — and the kind of fish which a canny angler can hook off of Northland’s shores are more than the icing on the cake. They’re world class. That’s why the Ninety Mile Beach Snapper Bonanza is such a great chance

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to head down to the water’s edge. Not only do you get to drink in the natural beauty of one of New Zealand’s prettiest tourist spots, you also get to cast your line for some seriously weighty fish. And if that’s not tasty enough, consider the prize package stumped up by Captain Morgan and his crew of sponsors and organisers — $30,000 for the biggest snapper, as part of a prize pool tipping the scales at more than $70,000.

That’s no minnow, but then you have to consider the rest — $100,000 in spot prizes, including a $50,000 brand new ute. And some folks say that

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angling is unprofitable? The Captain is about to kick off the big event again for 2014, after the stunning success of 2013’s record haul. Last year’s winner Darin Maxwell took home thirty grand for bagging the biggest snapper, and this year it’s open season as a whole new group of fishos look to beat his record and hook in the prizes.

Captain Morgan himself was a man who took every opportunity to the fullest (and yes, the man on the bottle of your favourite drop was a real historical figure). You can bet that the lure of so much ‘sunken treasure’ would have piqued his attention. We can only suggest that you follow in the footsteps of the Captain this March (18th — 22nd), and pack up your rod and reel for one of the world’s great fishing competitions — perhaps the biggest surf casting tourney on the planet.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

FISHING AND HUNTING OUTDOORS

55

Casting further with new technology The Abu Garcia company has seen a lot of changes since its foundation in 1921. Primary among them has been the change from manufacturing watches for the Swedish market to making high-tech fishing rods for the anglers of the world. spinning configurations as well. With a 30 ton rating and extreme sensitivity transmitting every twitch of the line, they’re great for going after snapper off our coast as well. Kiwi fishos have taken to the nanotech innovation in droves,

and it’s a certainty that more than a few hooks will be slung on West Coast beaches this year using Veritas reach and power.

TI TREE HILLS

use. The nanomanipulation process strengthens it and provides a definite sense of whip-like action, with some anglers swearing they can cast half as far again with the Veritas.

“I fish for a living, 275 days a year, and have yet to encounter any problems with any of these rods,” says one very happy customer from Texas. “The rods have held up to hundreds of bass caught by my customers with zero failure.

“Their sensitivity and strength is beyond compare in my opinion.

Besides, the price of these rods makes them the best bargain out there.”

And while this particular angler is hooking in fat bass, the Veritas series incorporates rods designed for casting — schooling rig, winch models and

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One can only assume that the minute attention to detail required of the manual watchmaker informed their decision to incorporate the tiniest and trickiest of technologies into their latest range of rods — the lightweight Veritas series.

Veritas is Latin for truth, and it’s a fitting name for these top-end rods.

Picking them up for the first time, many people don’t believe that they’re holding a piece of kit which can take on the ocean’s big predators. Others are suddenly very aware that Abu Garcia’s claims of extensive nanotechnology incorporated in the Veritas must indeed be true. Because even the largest surf-casting Veritas rod weighs very little indeed.

This has been achieved by the spaceage means of the atomic manipulation of graphite. It’s the cutting edge of a technology much talked about in science fiction, and slowly crossing the horizon into fact.

Why here, in a fishing rod, and not in a NASA moon lander?

Because here, in a fishing rod, traditional graphite has long been in

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56

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

February 2014

RURAL WOMEN

Northland home a hive of industry

by Cynthia Matthews

Rachael Chester runs her business — Bee Kind — from her sunny farm cottage near Maungatapere.

The Northland entrepreneur is sending her products out into the world and they are finding success — and accolades.

Her beeswax based wood and leather restoring and polishing products and active manuka honey skincare range and handmade soaps are increasingly

appreciated here, the United Kingdom, Australia and Japan.

Rachael manages ever ything from marketing to manufacture but acknowledges she’s reached a point where she will take on employees.

She started Bee Kind around four

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years ago. With her on-line eco store ‘Écochi’ it represents an amalgam of her training, skills and experience which includes a post grad. graphics diploma, corporate website design and marketing, herbal medicine training and biochemistry interests. Rachael found high pressured corporate work exacerbated her psoriasis and chemical sensitivities. At home she suffered rashes and migraines from using conventional products on household furniture. “I asked, what would our great grandmothers have used?”

Researching, Rachael found traditional recipes using carnauba and bee waxes. Her furniture polishes and conditioners use these as well as plant oils and essential oils such as orange or lemon. Bee Kind’s tea tree and eucalyptus leather conditioners soften, waterproof and prevent mildew and have been welcomed by horse and motorbike riders and stockmen.

Rachael’s newer Honey Beekind skin care range is based on Northland active manuka honey and Manuka oil with no paraben or formaldehyde. The natural oils and Shea butter soaps, ‘Naughty

but Nice,’ have appealing fragrances (the naughty!) and a luxurious lather.

Bee Kind was Top Finalist in Best NZ made Product on the world stage, 2013 — Export New Zealand — and won a 2012 silver platinum award, Natural Health, Beauty and Eco Worlds, United Kingdom.

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

RURAL WOMEN

Award recognises grassroots leadership of dairying women

by Joanne Speechly

The Dairy Women’s Network is calling for nominations for its annual Dairy Community Leadership Award. The award recognises the voluntary role that dairy farming women play in their communities by sharing their time and skills beyond the boundaries of their own farm gates.

The award winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship from calf rearing equipment specialist, Milk Bar, to attend a leadership programme of their choice within New Zealand.

Dairy Women’s Network Trust Board chair Michelle Wilson said nominations were welcomed from rural community members, employers, employees or partners, however nominees are required to be members of the Dairy Women’s Network.

Last year’s winners were Sue Forsyth from Te Awamutu and Sharron Davie-Martin from Culverden.

Mrs Davie-Martin is using her scholarship to attend the Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme in 2015.

Mrs Davie-Martin is chairperson of her local Rural Women’s Dinner Group and is particularly passionate about helping immigrant dairy farm workers settle well into the North Canterbury community. She has developed a welcome pack that is used by dairy farmers employing overseas workers and her voluntary work has been recognised and used by the New Zealand Immigration Department.

Mrs Davie-Martin said receiving the community leadership award last year served as an inspiration to continue developing her skills. She is now also close to completing the Taratahi Generate Leadership programme and recently won another scholarship to attend the Rural Women’s Growing Dynamic Leaders course in Wellington.

“Dairy farming has served our family well and we think it’s important to give back to our

Welcome to 2014 Welcome to the second edition of Abundant Living in 2014. Over the past 10 years I have written over 400 columns covering many topics. Most of these are related in some way to the role of nutrients in protecting and reclaiming our health. In the process I have spoken by phone to thousands of readers and offered personalised advice where appropriate. I trust you will benefit from the comments and advice. I also write a longer weekly email column. To subscribe to this column just follow the instructions below.

By way of introduction to new readers, I am the founder of my company Abundant Health, established in 1998. I work with various international experts to formulate what I think are a very special group of nutritional supplements. I also practise as a nutritional medicine practitioner providing personalised advice in a structured way. This column brings together my thoughts as a both a nutritional therapist and supplement formulator and researcher.

Culverden dairy farmer Sharron Davie-Martin receiving the Dairy Women’s Network Community Leadership Award in 2013

community. It’s pretty simple for us — we just really enjoy helping people and it’s just a real pleasure to immerse ourselves in our community,” said Mrs Davie-Martin.

Michelle Wilson added, “Rural communities continue to flourish because of people like Sharron, who so often take the lead in driving the many activities that happen outside their own farm gate for the benefit of the wider community.”

Milk Bar said it was incredibly proud to be the new sponsor of the award and have the opportunity to give back to rural women and their communities.

Nominations for the Dairy Leadership Community Award must be made on the official form which can be obtained from the Dairy Women’s Network website www.dwn.co.nz or by phoning 0800 396 748. Nominations close at 5pm, March 1, 2014.

The next few months will be a very special time for me as we introduce a product I am sure will have a profoundly positive affect on cardiovascular health. This is a completely natural product that research shows is the most effective natural cholesterol support product available. Many people have genetically high cholesterol which causes an imbalance in the series of liver enzymes responsible for new cholesterol production. This US patented product will help balance these enzymes. This will be excellent for people who cannot tolerate cholesterol medicines or for those who prefer not to take them. People on cholesterol medication will also be able to take it safely as it will have many heart health benefits not just cholesterol balance.

I will be writing a new series on heart health which will focus on the types of diet and supplements that can offer significant benefits for those concerned about their heart and circulatory health.

We will be looking at most aspects of cardiovascular health with everything from cholesterol to the actual processes which cause arteries to block. We will look at hypertension and in particular the types of diet proven to help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. In the meantime feel free to call me for personalised advice.

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

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Mr and Mrs Pip

by Joanne Speechly

Mr and Mrs Pip are not married — in fact they’re not even a couple — but that is the moniker students have affectionately bestowed on Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre tutors Pip Beauchamp and Pip Jobe.

The two Pips are well known in the Hokianga, Okaihau, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands and Far North areas where they teach Taratahi’s agricultural programmes.

“The students figured the names out themselves and they’ve stuck,” says Pip J, from Okaihau.

For the first time this year, the two Pips will be teaching the National Certificate in Agriculture (Work Ready) Level 3 programme in Okaihau, which they hope will encourage young people in the area to rejuvenate and re-

establish farming as a focal point of the rural community.

“We want to encourage young people to invest their time and energy into the land that is available to us all as New Zealanders,” says Pip B. Taratahi’s philosophy of ‘real training on real farms’ ensures students get hands-on practical experience from the word go.

“Agriculture is something you can’t learn in a book, you need a balance between theory and practical to figure For

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Tutors, Pip Jobe and Pip Beauchamp, doing real training on a real farm

out why you do what you do,” says Pip J. “If you just learn something practically, you are more likely to cut corners because you don’t know the full picture.

On the flip side however, if you just learn from a book, you are not getting the hands-on experience. Agriculture is a hands-on industry, you learn by doing.”

Taratahi runs several agricultural programmes throughout Northland in partnership with NorthTec. The oneyear full-time National Certificate in Agriculture (Work Ready) Level 3 programme teaches students a wide range of skills preparing them for entry into the workforce.

During the first six months, students work alongside their tutors on local farms and for the second half of the year, their training includes 20 hours a

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week work experience, which will prove invaluable when the time comes for graduating students to seek work.

While agriculture is Northland’s fourth largest industry, a Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Occupational Outlook Report released in January says farm job opportunities are limited without substantial work experience.

“Farmers are increasingly completing post-school qualifications in farming.

This is because modern farming requires good technical and business skills,” the report says.

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Enjoy fine wine EITHER WAY IT’S 20K at the Field Days

by Colin Patterson

If the weather is hot at Northland Field Days this year (and it usually is) many of us will hanker for a relaxing glass of wine, perhaps a Riesling or Pinot Noir.

There is good news for wine buffs at Pieroth also organises special events Field Days 2014. One of the country’s for its regular customers. Three times a leading wine importers will be exhibiting, year it hosts wine tastings in prestigious showing off their range of fine wines from hotels when customers get the chance to sample the latest vintages from around the world and taking orders.

Europe and elsewhere — wines Pieroth Wines was founded in that are otherwise not available in Germany 330 years ago and now has vineyards in 29 countries, New Zealand. says Auckland sales manager “Our wines are of the highest Ralf Sobota. quality,” says Mr Sobota. “Therefore “We source the most beautiful they cost a few dollars more than you would pay in the supermarket.’’ wines from across the planet.

He says Pieroth Wines has Not every country can do every been at the National Field Days variety. But by selecting styles for the last five to 10 years and from Europe and around the came to Northland Field Days for world we can offer New Zealand the first time in 2013. “It was customers the best and quite a big success.” widest selection.”

Their time at Mystery Creek Mr Sobota is quick to has shown that farmers enjoy emphasise that you won’t find Pieroth wines in your fine wine. “Farmers from all supermarket or local liquor over New Zealand come store. “We do private to do their business. tastings in homes. The Pieroth Wines offer the They have spare time and chance to sample and tastings are similar to disposable income. They buy some of the finest Tupperware parties.” like their wine.”

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Growing happy

CHILDREN AT GUMBOOTS

BY JOANNE SPEECHLY

After the arrival of their first daughter Jessica, city slickers Genelle and Brent Bailey spent two years searching for a new home - from South Head to Bombay.

T

hey figured they were looking for a newish home on two or three acres but instead they fell in love with a beautiful 21-acre property, with a cruddy old house at the Waimauku end of Peak Road. That was 1997 and ‘Welcome to our NO-life style block’ became a family joke as the endless list of chores and upkeep became apparent.

Genelle was general manager of a European motor vehicle dealership at the time and Brent’s career in IT sales and management saw him making the daily commute to and from the city. So, when their second child Bianca arrived, their plans for developing their NO-life style block started taking shape.

“I’m a big dreamer with an active imagination but I’m also very practical, so not all dreams make it past that point,” says Genelle. “But the need

to make our land productive started a journey for me.”

The property came complete with an large rustic packing shed, including a bay that had been converted into accommodation and after a mighty facelift, Genelle’s parents, Ron and Judy Cooper, moved into the shed and became a vital part of the children’s and the property’s growth and development.

“Our kids loved the huge barn with its great concrete floor. Whatever the season or weather conditions, they were always in the barn playing, riding their scooters and bikes, dancing and doing shows, making huts — it was an awesome place to grow up and great for parties and gatherings.”

In the main house however, thing were not so rosy. Every winter, when the rain was coming in heavy from the

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NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

For the children, this means answering questions with another more probing question, frequent walks through the property and visiting the hand-raised chickens, two miniature ponies and Ginger Spice, the kunekune pig.

Gumboots embraces New Zealand curriculum Te Whariki and has a very passionate team who implement it. They operate with a child to staff ratio well above the regulated requirements.

“Being able to provide employment in the local community is a wonderful thing and we currently have 22 staff.”

The Bailey family is also closely linked with Kaipara College.

“The decision to move the girls to the local high school was the best one we’ve ever made. They’ve achieved more academically and musically. Brent and I wanted to express our appreciation of such satisfying results, so we are paying

Be water wise this summer

61

it forward and are now on the Board of Trustees of this fabulous school.”

Gumboots is run on a day to day basis by centre manager Diane Manders.

“Diane has been with me from the beginning and I can’t imagine the journey without her. I have another full time job but I manage to spend the first few hours of most days at Gumboots and then, after a daily fix of hugs, I leave my wonderful team to it.”

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“Outstanding in the field” east, the family would watch a waterfall pour through the kitchen ceiling, down to the strategically placed chilly bin on the servery.

Time and time again, a recurrent question arose about what to do with the land and buildings, then finally an answer emerged — “We could use the shed to grow more happy children like our own!” But that didn’t mean having more children.

Research suggested that there were only five childcare facilities between Westgate and Helensville and they were all full, so Genelle started eying up the horse paddock. It was far too big for one horse but the perfect location for a purpose built facility for up to 70

pre-schoolers. On January 16 2006, Gumboots Early Learning Centre opened its doors with a team of four staff and 12 children.

Developing the philosophy of the centre started with some key things that were important to the Bailey clan.

First and foremost, balance underpins everything they do and think. There are lots of philosophies and practices in early childhood and they think they’ve picked out bits of the best of them.

“Where living is learning is a nobrainer, whether it’s the children, the Gumboots team or the families. We want to live in a world where we are all learning things every day about ourselves and our environment.”

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62

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES ADVERTORIAL

Pasture renovation Call: 09 438 3456 Fax: 09 438 3471 Email: info@barfoote.com Rotary & Herringbone cow sheds • Designed to reduce time and labour expenditure.

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New trial work by AgResearch shows that routine regrassing of older paddocks on high performing irrigated farms may not always be cost effective. (Keene, Howard. Regrassing no certain silver bullet. Straight Furrow. 22 October 2013) Regrassing is costly, so it’s important to farmers that it pays off. In the trials the farmers chose a paddock they considered “runout”.

This was divided into two; one half was renewed with a novel endophyte rye grass (new grass) and the other half remained with the old pasture (the control).

After three years the average production over all the farms, perhaps surprisingly, showed the new grass, the control and the good paddocks had all produced the same amount of grass — approx 50 tonnes of dry matter per hectare rendering no production advantage from regrassing a stable, old paddock. AgResearch Senior Scientist Tom Fraser was involved in the trials led by Lincoln based associate Anna Taylor.

When we look as nature’s farms like the Serengeti Plains in Africa, most probably the earth’s oldest farm which has been operating for thousands of years, we never question or think about how it operates, it just does. The only interference by man is the culling of exotic animals for money. There are no fertilisers spread upon the plains, no drenches or drench guns used, no veterinarians with chemical wands; it operates by itself, successfully producing hundreds of thousands of kilos of muscle, blood and skin and bone and newborns every year in a very fertile and sustainable natural capital system. The grasslands provide food for the herbivores and meat for the predators whilst continually renewing themselves without

interference. The annual floods that erode the rockdust from the Ethiopian mountain range are providing mineral for the soil microbes living on the plains, who in turn convert that mineral to a plant available form and that’s the system that Agrissentials uses and promotes. It’s not the brand, species or variety of the plant that is important, it’s the mineral value within the plant that is the most critical factor for both animals and people.

The formula for growing pasture is minerals, microbes, moisture and sunlight. Agrissentials multi mineral, microbial rich fertilisers are providing the first two parts of the formula; mineral and microbes put these together with rain and sunshine and your animals will do the rest.

If you want to get more of that free natural capital to drive your farm forward hook into Agrissentials natural, certified, sustainable fertilisers. To find out more about Agrissentials best on fertilisers phone 0800 THE KEY that’s 0800 843 539 today for a FREE INFO PACK or you can contact your friendly representative Chris Storm on 021 738 609 (North of State Highway 14) or Ray Holland on 021 669 059 (South of State Highway 14) to find out how we can make your farm more successful. Don’t forget to come and see us at site 187 at the Northland Field Days and ask about our cash and carry specials for the home gardener or volume specials for the farmers.

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

63

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February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Cellmate Batteries Northland REPACKERS of portable equipment batteries POWER TOOL BATTERIES (most brands) BIG SAVINGS compared to new retail prices TOP QUALITY new cells used with in most cases more capacity “longer running times” HARD TO PROCURE battery packs “good chance we can make them up for you” WE COVER NORTHLAND with top quality courier service at economical rates WORRY FREE 12 months warranty on repacking DON’T THROW AWAY those favourite tools repack their batteries

$$$$$$$

SEE US: Upstairs opposite Briscoes, Okara Shopping Centre, Whangarei CALL US: 09 430 6552 / Bill McQuinn 027 435 3400 EMAIL: billymcbattery@xtra.co.nz

BOI Plumbing & Drainage Ltd GERRY WHITE

• CERTIFIED DRAINLAYING • We are a local Kerikeri based family company and we have been servicing the far north district area successfully since 1994.

Specialising in commercial & domestic Drainlaying, commercial & domestic pumping systems, for both water supply & irrigation

needs & mechanical wastewater systems along with conventional trench systems.

We also have engineering experience, both in the commercial industry & rural sector, in design work of systems & implementing final installation of these systems.

We are FNDC & NRC recognised TP58 onsite wastewater & TP10 onsite stormwater designers, including subdivision drainage reports for soil & site evaluations prior to council consent approval.

GIVE US A CALL…

Standard Gravity Systems & Secondary Mechanical Systems Installation TP58 approved FNDC Wastewater Designer

P: 021 716 681 A/h: 09 407 8591

gerry@boidrainage.co.nz

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 info@arthurholmes.co.nz Freephone 0508 894 103

Modern Preserving

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 104 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.

66

February 2014

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

Northern Rural Marketplace AFFCO LIVESTOCK Terry North

Bill Callwood

Maize Planting & Harvesting

specialising in all mulching... gorse, grass etc, lifestyle Blocks, Farms, sections, Orchards

Phone 09 439 5902

Mobile 027 484 1823 • Fax 09 439 1320

A

N DY M AC K AY CONTRACTING AGRICULTURAL & FENCING

Ph/Fax Andy 09 423 7339 or 0274 956 674

Bouquets on Broadway

Round Hay & Silage

Cultivation Under Sowing

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

C&C Contract Electrical Commercial • Industrial Domestic • Dairy

Phone Craig 021 440 634 09 439 6465

p. 09 401 1706 | bobflorist@xtra.co.nz 107 Broadway Kaikohe | www.bouquetsonbroadway.co.nz

More Milk

Contact: Mathew Cobb 027 220 2702

Ph: (09) 404 1615 or 0800 AGRI FRM

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

027 543 7244

Fresh Flower Bouquets and gift ideas • Jewellery / Greenstone • Cake and Wedding accessories • Balloons, cards & soft toys • Venue dressing • Daily deliveries

Slurry Tanker

Fertilizer Spreading

Mob 021 556 806

bill.callwood@btopenworld.com

Conventional Hay Baling

Better Health

Less Metabolics

No jobRing tooAndrew small

Covering the Kaipara! Cell 0274 557 750 NOW AVAILABLE

Grader aNd aNd 12TONNe 12TONNe dIGGer dIGG IGGer er ALSO AVAILABLE

WOOd CHIP aNd SaWdUST FOr aNIMaL BeddING 110HP 4WD Tractor and Slasher.

Phone now for pricing and bookings.

Dempster Digger s Ltd PH: 027 262 1848

A/H: 09 433 7325 www.dempsterdiggers.co.nz

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 Free parking and we don’t run late

Neil Johnson P: (09) 438 4273

HYLINE PULLETS FOR SALE

GUARANTEED HENS FANTASTIC LAYERS

CALL FOR PRICES & TOO ORDER PH: 021 825 174 – LOCATED IN KERIKERI

phone 0800 4 DOLOMITE 0800 436 566 Bio-Gro certified

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING 21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM

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

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.

43 years EXPERIENCE

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

0800 627 8466 148 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei

www.mcquinnpumps.co.nz

Dams • Winching • Bulldozing • Driveways House Sites • Landscaping • Earthmoving • Sub Divisions

NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2014

67

Northern Rural Marketplace 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

Doug Wilson Manager Phone: Fax: Mobile: Email:

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

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!

MARGARET & JOHN BISHOP

Pat’s Healing Centre

Northland Laser Drainage Ltd Neil Carter Trading as

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

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

QUALITY • INTEGRITY

RO O FING SP EC IAL ISTS

Ph 09 432 0820

021 026 322 86 • jim@toproofer.co.nz

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

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

MIND yOur SPeeD arOuND SCHOOL buSeS

20

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

For Sale

For Sale

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 31/2/14.

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 31/2/14.

PLYWOOD 19MM H3 treated 2.4x1.2m $69 incl gst. Scooters Plywood, 43 Commerce St, Whangarei. We stock a wide range of plywood including 2nds, marine, claddings for sheds.

Cutting service. Phone 09 438 6565 or sales@scootersply.co.nz.

SINTERED BRAKE PADS — for MX and 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.

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 31/2/14.

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

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.

BACK 2 WOOD Demolition. We buy & sell renovation materials. Servicing Northland — Auckland. Specialising in Windows, Doors, Ranchsliders, Kitchens, Vanities, Roofing and More! Check out our website back2wood.co.nz or Phone 0800 10 98 77.

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, 7x4 $1895, 8x4 $2195, 8x5 tandem $2895, 8x5 single $2295, 10x5 tandem $3495, 10x6 tandem $3895 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 31/2/14.

DOG TRAINING Products – SportDOG remote trainers, Anti-Bark Collars and Containment systems. Trainers with up to 1.6 kms range and can work up to 6 collars. Completely waterproof and rechargeable. Call 0800 872 546. Website www.innotek.co.nz 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 31/2/14.

For Sale

Health Products

ATV FARM BIKE MX SPARES

LOSE WEIGHT. New Years Resolution. Unicity Balance. Make a 3 month commitment and receive $50 saving. Dr recommended. Ph Helen 09 433 8411 or 027 293 7157.

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 31/2/14. Conditions apply.

Water Tank Services TANK WATER TESTING. Find out what harmful ‘bugs’ are present in your drinking water. Samples tested for Coliforms, a written report supplied and remedial actions suggested. Contact Simon at 09 422 9345 or at tankwater@xtra.co.nz.

Travel

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 31/2/14.

MX FARM BIKE SERVICE

Rural Services

Receive 7.5% discount off RRP for standard

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

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 31/2/14

Nurseries & Plants

Energy Efficiency

SUBTROPICA NURSERY. A wide range of subtropical fruiting and ornamental plants by courier throughout NZ. Bananas, cherimoya, casimiroa, kava, lucuma, pineapples and much, much more.

Visit www.subtropica.co.nz or catalogue $5 from Subtropica, Massey Rd, R.D.2, Waipu.

DO YOU LIVE IN A WINDY SPOT? 3 phase wind turbines starting at $2,200 includes 450 watt turbine, 6m pole, charge controller and inverter, Batteries not included. Ring Colin at Windpower Waikato Phone 0274 831 041 A/H 07 843 7983 Email colin@windpowerwaikato.co.nz

SPRINGTIME IN NEPAL. Last chance to join this great escorted tour. Departs 23 March – 18 days. 3 – day trek, rafting, wildlife safari, sightseeing. Skylark Tours, phone 09 432 8065, www.skylarktours.co.nz.

NORFOLK ISLAND Country Music Festival. Escorted tour 18 – 25 May 2014, incl fares, accom, rental car, five concerts and more. Skylark Tours, phone 09 432 8065, www.skylarktours.co.nz.

REAL MOROCCO. Escorted tour 21 October – 11 Nov 2014, incl fares, accom in Riads, Desert camel trek, most meals. Skylark Tours, phone 09 432 8065. www.skylarktours.co.nz.

CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITY Due to increasing demand Coresteel Nth Harbour require: 1. Labourer — experienced, or keen to learn.

Must have a good work ethic, and be able to demonstrate good health and safety practices.

2. Builder crews experienced in steel portal frame construction for the area Auckland Harbour Bridge to North Rodney.

Mostly non RBW, but an attention to detail is essential. Predominantly commercial and rural builds.

Phone 09 425 7088 ext 1

Better Steel Buildings

68

February 2014 NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES

FIELD DAYS SITES 256 & 258

WORK HARD. RIDE SMOOTH. $10,430 SAVE $1500 $10,865 SAVE $1500 *

*

EX GST

EX GST

• 549cc 4-Stroke EFI Engine • OnDemand True All-Wheel Drive • Rolled Independent Rear Suspension • 680kg Towing Capacity • Anti-kickback steering • Converts to a 2-seater in under 10 seconds • Rear dump box • Turf mode • Active Decent Control and Engine Braking System

• 549cc 4-Stroke EFI Engine • On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive • Rolled Independent Rear Suspension • 680kg Towing Capacity • Anti-kickback steering • Active Decent Control and Engine Braking System

HEAVY DUTY FEATURES •N NEW Sealed driveshaft splines • NEW Sealed suspension bushings

RANGER FINANCE OFFERS ONLY 6.99%P.A OVER 24 MONTHS ^

1/3 UPFRONT

1/3 IN 12 MONTHS

1/3 IN 24 MONTHS

SAVE $2000 +

$2000 FREE

ACCESSORIES

*

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 MAIN ROAD, HUAPAI. PH: (09) 412 8109

LIMITED EDITION

CA MOTORCYCLES LTD

725 POUTU ROA, DARGAVILLE. PH: (09) 439 0170

*Offer ends 31/3/14 or earlier if stocks run out. Only available at participating Polaris dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients.^Subject to credit approval, fees, terms and conditions apply.

Based on a 24 month Hire Purchase Contract. To approved Registered GST No Holders for business purposes only on applications for Polaris Ranger 800 Crew, Ranger 800 6x6, Ranger 800, Ranger 900 XP, Ranger 900 Diesel, Ranger 900 Diesel Crew Ranger 400 and Ranger 500 models. Offer expires 31/3/2014. Polaris Finance is a program operated by De Lage Landen Ltd Company No: 135515.

0800 440 290 www.polaris.co.nz