Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, March 2016

Taranaki

FARMING Lifestyles

March 2016 Edition

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Dairy provides career path

High hopes for Holsteins

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MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Peak time for yellow bristle grass spread

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

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by Denise Gunn

Editorial: Denise Gunn — 06 329 7701

With the peak season for spread of yellow bristle grass in the region, the Taranaki Regional Council encourages farmers to identify and eradicate this invasive weed.

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The annual summer grass, which is thought to originate from China, is now widespread in Europe, the United States, Africa, and Australia. It was first observed in New Zealand in 1905.

Yellow bristle grass is commonly found on the roadside and is an aggressive annual seeding plant.

Each seed head can contain between 100 to 200 seeds.

“Bristle grass can take over farm paddocks and damage the profitability of dairying, so avoiding its spread will help support productivity,” said TRC’s environmental services manager, Steve Ellis.

“Seeds can be spread along roadsides by mowers and other mechanical means, as well as in freshly chopped maize silage being moved around.”

“After becoming established on the roadside, it can quickly move into farmland,” he said.

The plant can also spread to farms through stock movement, supplementary feed, roadside grazing, and agricultural contracting machinery.

“Yellow bristle grass seeds also pass through animals after being eaten and is spread around farm in dung,” said Mr Ellis.

Studies have shown a 13 per cent drop in dry matter production on dairy farms infested by the plant. The cost of supplementary feed required to maintain milk production is estimated to be $343 per hectare a year. There is also evidence that the distinctive seed heads can cause lesions and ulcers to the mouths of grazing cattle.

The TRC advises a key way to help prevent its spread is for farmers to avoid grazing stock on roadsides or making hay from vegetation growing on road verges, from December to May.

Yellow bristle grass is a prolific seeder Photo courtesy of AgResearch

Mr Ellis also suggests that imported maize chopped for silage goes into the pit and loose debris is not spread along the access way and into adjacent pasture.

Incoming hay and machinery should be inspected, and feeding out of infested hay should be restricted to areas where the weed can be readily controlled. Checks should also be made that stock brought in from outside of the farm during summer have not grazed on pasture infected with yellow bristle grass.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Ballance Agri-Nutrients seeks partnership

MARCH 2016

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A partnership arrangement is being investigated by Ballance Agri-Nutrients for the proposed redevelopment of its ammonia-urea plant in Kapuni.

The plant, which is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, has been owned by Ballance since 1992. Petrocorp and Petrochem originally owned the facility, followed

by Fletcher Challenge. It was one of former Prime Minister Rob Muldoon’s ‘Think Big’ developments in the 1980s.

In late 2013 the plant underwent a $21 million upgrade and now produces close to 260,000 tonnes of agricultural urea each year — around one third of New Zealand’s needs.

Ballance CEO Mark Wynne said the decision to invite partners into the project was the next step in a process which to date has included a year-long study, followed by an extensive tendering round.

“We now have a potential price for a world-class ammonia urea plant capable of meeting the highest safety, environment and production standards.”

Converting reformed natural gas and nitrogen to ammonia and

then to urea, the petro-chemical plant operates to stringent international standards.

“As you can imagine, a project of this scale has lots of moving pieces,” he said. The costs are in the hundreds of millions and they have come in higher than expected.

“It makes good sense for us to be looking at inviting an appropriate partner on board who can share in the investment and add value to the wider business.”

Mr Wynne said despite the revised costings, the project was still stacking up as a sound investment.

“We are really excited about the possibilities this project provides to future-proof our production capacity and improve our global manufacturing competitiveness.”

The co-op seeks to engage with potential partners over the coming months before making any further decision on the project.

Shareholders would be fully consulted over any final recommendations.

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MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

WHITE GALLOWAYS

CAPTIVATE Sue Huckstep never set out to breed Galloways but after using a couple of bulls over her dairy heifers, she was hooked.

by D

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“

was looking for an interest when the last of my children went off to boarding school,” said Sue. “So after seeing different beef animals at the A&P Shows, I went trawling Trade Me to see what I could find.”

Sue bought two bulls — a Belted Galloway and a White Galloway.

The Belted Galloway caused a few problems, including lifting gates off the hinges, so the Hucksteps sold him. The White Galloway was easier to manage and Sue soon wanted a few more.

“The calves are just adorable — so placid, very hardy and extremely cute,” said Sue. “I hadn’t planned on breeding them but once I had my pedigree bull, I

thought he needed a lady to keep him company.”

Sue again turned to Trade Me and found two cows. After she had bred from them for a few years, Sue needed a new bull to put over his female offspring.

A friend’s neighbour happened to be selling her bull, along with three more cows, so Sue bought them as well.

“I’ve always been into the breeding side of the dairy farm but I am less involved now and this gives me a hobby doing what I enjoy.

“I love the look of the White Galloways, their nature is brilliant, they are so easy to run, and the meat would have to be one of the best beef breeds out there.”

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Sue finds the White Galloway easy to manage

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Sue and her husband Rowan have found the breed ideal for clearing up the rough areas on their Opunake dairy farm.

“They are great for clearing up all the odd spots that aren’t suitable for the dairy cows,” said Sue. The couple are in the process of fencing off a two hectare area around their new house for the Galloways. This will allow them to view the herd from the window.

There are currently ten White Galloways, including three young calves, on the Huckstep’s farm.

“I have too many according to my husband,” said Sue. “I would like to purchase a few new cows. It gets hard when you have such a small number to keep the genetics fresh so as not to have any inbreeding.”

Sue’s youngest calf is her first heifer after nine bulls.

“I have had way too many bull calves born.”

As Galloways originate from Scotland, Sue decided to give her stud a Scottish name, ‘Dafferie’ which translates to a ‘bit of fun’.

“Which is exactly what they are to me.

They make me smile every time I see them.” she said.

Her crossbred animals are sold mainly to people to rear for beef or as school calves.

“People love their cuteness and the calves just love being handled.”

Pedigree stock are generally sold by word of mouth through the Galloway Society. Aside from a couple of calving problems, the Huckstep’s haven’t found any major challenges breeding Galloway.

MARCH 2016

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Galloway cow with her newborn calf

“They like to be treated very calmly and take a while to resettle if they should happen to get upset. Mostly they are just very placid and docile,” she said.

“I have a couple who you can handle and who love nothing more than for you to give them a great big scratch and happily stand there for ages while you brush them.”

Although Sue hasn’t shown her cattle yet, she would like to.

“I need to be able to pen them so I can train them but mostly, at the moment, it doesn’t work in with how the dairy farm is set up for access.”

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Sue is hopeful this will change soon.

There are three types of Galloway in New Zealand — Belted, White and Standard. Within each type there are three different colourways.

The New Zealand Galloway Society is holding its AGM in New Plymouth in April. Sue is a member of the society.

“We will have a tour on the Sunday around different herds and this year mine is one of them which is really exciting.”

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MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY PROVIDES CAREER PATH

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ga initially set out on a different career path, working as a builder in Tauranga for three years.

“When the building industry dried up, I saw an advert in the paper for a dairy assistant,” said Nga. He applied for the position but during the interview was told he didn’t have enough experience. So Nga went back to the drawing board and decided to study at Taratahi. He completed Taratahi’s one-year Level Three Work Ready course within six months.

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Nga established the Urenui Young Farmers Club

said Nga. On Te Rua o Te Moko, Nga worked for sharemilkers Michael and Ruth Prankerd. By his second season he was one of two employees promoted to a herd manager position.

Shortly after becoming involved in the dairy industry, Nga joined the Young

Farmers movement in 2012. Two years later, he and his partner, Jacinda, established the Urenui Young Farmers Club with Nga as chairperson.

Nga finds involvement with Young Farmers is a good place to unwind from the farm.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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With the herd on the new feed pad

“It’s a good support system. I also “The cows didn’t like the feed pad to enjoy listening to young farmers coming start with and it took a few months for them to get used to it.” through the industry,” As a result production he said.

“Since I The couple are currently figures were slightly down working on a Waikato dairy from the same time the came back previous season. farm for the season but to Taranaki “We kept on top of have plans to move back and got the feed then in October to Taranaki. The 115ha into dairy, I cranked the feed into them. farm has a herd of 380 predominantly Friesian “As the cows gradually haven’t adjusted to the feed pad, cows. In an endeavour looked production figures began to better utilise feed and back” to rise to be on par with avoid wastage, a new feed last season’s. Figures have pad was constructed on the farm at the start of the season. since steadily risen to surpass last Nga said this initially provided year’s and 98 per cent of the feed is challenges as the cows were reluctant being utilised. The target this season to go on it. is 138,000kg MS or 390 per cow,”

The 115ha farm has a herd of 380 predominantly Friesian cows

said Nga. “It’s turned into an awesome advantage for us. Everything down their throats is being turned into good, high quality milk.”

Maize is grown on eight hectares of the property. Turnips have been cut back to save costs, covering four hectares.

“We are looking at using 140 tonne of palm kernel as the bulk of the feed,” said Nga. Nga has maintained his

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Young Farmers’ membership, attending the club at Piarere while working in the Waikato. In June the couple will move back to Taranaki, taking up a contract milking position in the southern part of the region.

“Our ultimate goal is to buy some cows, hopefully by 2020 we will have 500 cows. Our new job will give us the opportunity to grow our herd,” said Nga.

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MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

HIGH HOPES FOR HOLSTEINS

by Denise Gunn Breeding dairy cattle has always interested Rhys Parry. However, it wasn’t until he returned to the family farm after a stint travelling overseas that he was able to develop this interest further. ituated on the northern border of Manaia township, the Parry’s dairy farm is nearing its 100th anniversary in the same family’s hands. Rhys is the fourth generation on the property.

The farm, which has a milking platform of 130ha, expanded close to five years ago through acquiring the neighbouring property which belonged to Rhys’s grandfather’s brother.

Originally 460 cows were milked on the farm. This year the number will reduce to 400 as the herd is being transitioned to move away from splitcalving for ease of management.

“Currently we are split calving, with half the herd calving in autumn and the other half in spring,” said Rhys.

Last year the herd of 440 cows produced 267,000 kg MS. “This year, with cow numbers being cut back, we are looking towards 255,000 kg MS from 400 cows.”

Rhys recently established Waiokura Holsteins, breeding registered Holstein Friesians, and he enjoys going to the dairy cattle sales. He’s also keen to get involved in on-farm competitions this year.“All my cows were purchased through sales and I acquired more

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Some of the Waiokura Holsteins herd

Rhys is keen to get involved in on-farm dairy cattle competitions youngstock from those animals coming through,” he said.

“I’m currently contract milking for the family company.”

Although the majority of the herd belongs to the family company, Rhys owns 160 cows that he leases back to the farm.

With the farm’s location just three kilometres from the coast, pasture tends to dry out in summer.

Rhys said this has been particularly noticeable over the last few years.

“The summer-dry has been the main challenge for the farm. We are tending to go through more feed in the summer now than in the winter,” he said.

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“That’s why we’ve been split-calving for the last 20 years, even with rough winters, the farm still tends to grow grass,” said Rhys.

The family has winter-milked the herd for many years and finds the wet conditions manageable with a covered feed pad.

A 35ha support block, located opposite the farm, is used as a run-off and to grow maize and grass silage.

Palm kernel and a protein feed are bought in.

Rhys finds working with animals and being in an outdoor working environment an ideal combination.

“I was always out on the farm when growing up,” he said.

He also enjoys the genetics side of breeding, along with the nutritional aspect.

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“It’s a different challenge every day, great to see the results and benchmarking it.”

Rhys and his partner, Tamara, have recently purchased their first farm with a June 1 takeover date.

The farm, located in Ohangai, is a 15-minute drive east of Hawera.

Rhys’s father, Alistair, will step back onto the family farm near Manaia.

“We will have our heads down, working hard to pay off as much debt as we can,” said Rhys.

With plans to keep developing the Holstein Friesian breeding operation at the new property, Rhys would like to establish a name for Waiokura Holsteins.

“I’m just getting into breeding service bulls and I’m keen to take that side of it further,” said Rhys.

“Long-term, we would like to be in a comfortable position in ten years.”

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE Getting the keys

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But contemplating moving in needs to be balanced with some practicality. It is a time also to be most careful.

There is the builder to pay out but before you call the moving company.

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It can also affect financial considerations as a mortgage holder will need to be satisfied that finance is properly secured over the property.

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Ask the builder for a clear council inspection showing your home has passed, or that the items outstanding are of a minor nature. The certificate also underpins the value of your new build. Construction finance company NewBuild advises that ‘in today’s environment, having a CCC is like gold, so do not compromise anything to ensure you receive this certificate. If you

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don’t get one, the value of your home could fall dramatically.

‘To take possession you must have accomplished the following: ‘Your valuer must revisit the home and declare it finished and also advise what, if any, work is incomplete; ‘You may want to complete your driveway later, but if your valuer has included this in his original valuation, then the home will be deemed incomplete; ‘The CCC comes from the council, and is normally sought by the builder, but it is obviously important for the client to be aware of the process; ‘NewBuild recommends you plan on taking possession several days after the council inspector provides

a clear field inspection to avoid that unnecessary “mad rush” and stress at hand over’. And there is the vital matter of insurance.

‘You must arrange to have homeowner’s insurance cover in place because your builder’s cover normally expires at the time you start putting your belongings into the new home.

Caution here, once you start putting personal items in the home, even if the home is not quite finished, your builder’s insurance — Builders Risk Cover — may not protect your belongings, and in fact may not cover the house.

‘So give yourself a week before handover to review the final invoice, and don’t allow this to be left to the last minute’.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

MARCH 2016

11

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE First things first The architects have sent in the bill for the plans for the new build, and your wishes have been faithfully incorporated in the the the blueprint and the section has been signed up.

But before the hammer hits the first nail of course, there is the matter of a building consent.

This is quite simply, permission to build a structure with the assurance that it complies with the rules and your first stop is your local council to obtain the formal approval issued by a Building Consent Authority (BCA) that certain works meet the requirements of the New Zealand Building Act, Building Regulations and Building Code.

Some minor work is exempt under the Act, but consent is required for most work, including of course, new buildings.

However the consent also applies to a wider range of construction including the following: • swimming pools, spa pools and fencing, retaining walls over 1.5 metres (no surcharge) • retaining walls any height incurring a surcharge • decks over 1.5 metres high • pergolas attached to buildings • free-standing non-habitable buildings larger than 10 square metres • plumbing and drainage work • demolition

• Annuals • Vegetables • Perennials • Herbs

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• relocation of buildings • additions, alterations to existing buildings • change of use (may include an increase in occupant numbers) • heating including fireplaces • ventilation and air-conditioning systems (commercial) • small dams (more than 35,000 litres of water) Consents can be organised online with application forms that can be obtained from council’s websites or from offices, and these are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

All building work should be completed within two years from the date that the building consent was granted.

Building consent applications can be complex — councils recommend that

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you engage a professional person to help with design work and drawings.

Fixed fees are available for some types of applications. If your project does not meet the fixed fee criteria, the cost will depend on things like the type of application, cost of work involved and the level of detail provided.

Council’s charges are listed on their websites and are based on the length of time it takes to process an application.

An estimate of the fees involved may be provided, however the final cost will not be known until the application is processed. When your application is ready for issue and all fees are paid, your building consent will be posted, or sent electronically to the contact person nominated on the application form.

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12

MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Bride of the year Taranaki Bride of the Year Marriage is alive and well in Taranaki and there is nothing as lovely as a bride on her wedding day. Thanks to the Gilbert Smith Dance Trust and CACI New Plymouth, all brides can relive their wedding day, along with their entire bridal party, at the Taranaki Bride of the Year competition on Saturday, May 28 at 7.30pm at the TSB Showplace, New Plymouth.

Entries are now open for brides married between January 2015 to May 2016. The categories are: brides, bride and groom, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride or groom, flowergirls and pageboys.

“There has been a fabulous special category added to this year’s event called ‘Rock the Frock’ for brides married prior to 2006,” said convenor Rebecca Askin.

“Those who have been to the Taranaki Bride of the Year before will have experienced the slick sophisticated nonstop production. If this is to be your first time, you are in for a treat. Event goers get to see the gowns close-up and vote for their favourite bride.”

The Gilbert-Smith Dance Trust was set up to help fund workshops, seminars and other events to encourage dancers in Taranaki.

“Our main focus is to support dancers in our community and promote dance,”

said Ms Askin. “We have always enjoyed packed houses at our Gala Night over the past 29 years, a record to be proud of, and this year the Breast Cancer Foundation will be the recipient of a donation from each ticket sold.

“This is a fun night for everyone and it is very glamorous. The evening gives people the opportunity to dress up and have an evening off the farm.”

A night of glamour, entertainment and gorgeous prizes is only made possible for a non-profit organization like this by the generosity of sponsors.

This is the Trust’s main fundraiser for the year and special thanks must go to the Platinum sponsor CACI New Plymouth. Gold sponsors — More FM, Pak N Save, The Marketing Company and Silver sponsors — TSH Sound and Poolside Taranaki.

“The continued support of all our sponsors large or small allows the Trust

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to reinvest in the students through fun and appreciation of dance.

“We always get a strong support from our rural and coastal towns. It is great to see so many enjoying the evening.

“Corporate tables are available where guests can enjoy wine, nibbles and a goodie bag, then just sit back and enjoy.”

For enquiries email info@ taranakibrideoftheyear.nz or contact Rebecca Askin 021 726 044.

Check out their Facebook on Taranaki Bride of the Year.

Entrys close May 6. To enter the competition is free of charge with limited spaces available. Go to www. taranakibrideoftheyear.nz.

Tickets for the show are adult $38, child $20, and corporate tables are $50 each or $350 for eight people and available from the TSB Showplace or www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

MARCH 2016

13

Bride of the year Pre-wedding events Whilst the wedding is all about the union between two people, the hen or stag night is about their last night as an individual, before they begin the next chapter in their lives.

The media is full of stories of bachelor and bachelorette parties going wrong, but a bit of simple planning beforehand will make sure the night stays on track, and that everyone enjoys themselves and stays safe.

Firstly, as the organiser of the event you have the responsibility to ensure the lucky man or woman enjoys their final night of ‘freedom’, and remember it for all the right reasons. The first thing to do is to talk to the hen or stag and find out what they imagine their party will involve. Some loved up couples won’t want the traditional ‘naughty’ entertainment, opting for a quiet night with friends, however establish what their vision is first as you don’t want to disappoint.

About four months before the wedding, begin to put together some ideas, and discuss what the bride or groom to be is comfortable with. Are they the pub crawl type or would a few beers and pizza be more their style or

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maybe a glass of champagne and a meal at a classy restaurant?

Once that is decided, you can start thinking about setting a date, ideally in the two weeks leading up to the wedding.

Then a venue can be chosen, activities planned and the guest list written. Two months before the event send out a save the date card or ring around the group to get an idea on numbers and make bookings.

Brainstorm a few games to play and make sure you write down the rules and itinerary and keep it handy to refer back to incase of a few too many wines or whiskies. Purchase any accessories or party supplies a week or so before the big night.

The week before, give the stag or hen a rundown on what the night will involve, check that everyone can still make it and that the bookings are still good. Most importantly make sure to get plenty of sleep and remember safety is important at all times.

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MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

A new way to farm

by John K Morris CEO of Agrissentials

For Agrissentials these are positive times, as farmers look for alternative methods to help reduce their on-farm costs.

Now the most cost effective move to begin with is to start fixing your nitrogen requirements directly out of the atmosphere, with the help of soil micro-organisms and start storing that nitrogen in the organic matter of the soil, courtesy of the soil biology. The best thing about this atmospheric nitrogen is that it is completely natural; it is there for the taking, it is environmentally friendly and it has no cost factor. Plus it has the added advantage of regenerating clover growth in your pasture. The clover seeds are sitting in your soil ready to germinate. (Note In the presence of artificial nitrogen, clover is negated

— Dr Barry Commoner’s book The Closing Circle).

Although some consultants say that it is impossible to fix atmospheric nitrogen, one has to wonder how plants have managed to do it for the past 460 million years. The natural forests, jungles, savannahs and the oldest farm on the planet, the Serengeti Plains have always fixed not only nitrogen but also gaseous elements, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and oxygen straight out of the atmosphere. These four gaseous elements make up 97.5 per cent of the plant’s mineral requirement. The 2.5 per cent of minerals are made up

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Soil and water are the two most precious elements on our planet; without these two wonderful products, life cannot exist. According to Doctor Morgan Williams’ report to the government in 2004, we are losing between 200–300 million tonnes of topsoil each year. If we continue at this rate we will lose the topsoil we rely on to furnish our income. Chemical production is not in line with today’s consumer call for safe, certified, nutritiously dense food. It is a good time to make a switch to a more lucrative market.

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and take care of our environment. It’s a simple, uncomplicated system which recycles all waste on the farm, back into topsoil, building humus in the soil, which not only holds the minerals but increases water retention capacity in the soil, helping farmers increase production and giving them a live, living soil that will keep them farming through those dry drought periods.

The new consumer is crying out for safe certified food and it’s not just a fad; it’s a reality — people want top quality food. New Zealand with its isolation, its enviable farming status and its clean green image is well positioned to take advantage of this golden opportunity.

Agrissentials can take you there. Call us today on 0800 THE KEY for a FREE INFO PACK, that’s 0800 843 539, for the key to a better way of farming.

Alternatively you can contact your best on earth fertiliser representative Adrian Rowe on 021 873 304 to snap up a special deal today.

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

MARCH 2016

DAIRY

Uncommon sense

15

David Law, Managing Director of Forward Farming Consultancy

In every sector of society we see the emergence of growth industries. These new industries are usually triggered by a problem which needs addressing. farmer buys 100 tonne of PK at $250 per tonne ($25,000), his cows will only utilise 52 tonne of that feed. Only half of that feed investment will go towards animal health. Only half will end up contributing to money in the vat.

Where does the remaining 48 tonne of unused PK go?

It either ends up on the ground or in your effluent pond. After examining hundreds of ponds throughout the country, we have established that the crust and sludge is mostly undigested PK. High users of PKE have a distinguishably browner colour to their effluent arising from the increasing amounts of sludge buildup.

What are the unseen costs of PK? Tangibly, there is the cost of excavation which farmers are forced to carry out when sludge builds up to critical levels.

Then there are the less obvious costs.

Going back to our ‘who pays $250 per tonne for PKE’ — what he’s actually paying is $480 per tonne of usable feed since 48% of PKE is indigestible.

When you also consider that any increase in production only affects the fat portion of your milk solids AND do a full add-up of associated costs, it may

be that other people are making the profit out of this PKE growth industry, not the farmer.

Is there a better way?

Let’s contrast the PK approach with a basic all-grass system. In an all-grass system, biological activity naturally produces the correct enzymes to help the cow digest the feed she est eats. Studies show that cowsD o l o Zare CalciZest able to digest and utilise 80% of grass feed. That means tonnes more food goes into animal health and vat profits, and tonnes less ends up in your pond.

Makes sense?

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In 2008 a Nationwide drought saw the need to bring in feed from offshore.

Thus began the Palm Kernel Expeler (PKE) market and it caught on like a match thrown into a haystack. 330% growth since 2008.

Yes, there was demand at that time and it necessarily filled a feed deficit when nothing else could. Yet since that time, farmers have become addicted to using it. Ships have been assigned to bring it into New Zealand. Massive storage sheds have been erected and a transport industry has grown to cope with the demand. Farmers have even built PK Bunkers to store it.

All this, in spite of the years of good weather since 2008. Why? Three reasons. First, feeding animals with PK is convenient. Second, it’s relatively cheap. And finally, due to a steady stream of sales pitches from socalled experts, we’ve come to believe that using PK is all benefits with no down sides.

But that isn’t true.

Here’s a fact that might make us all think twice us about over-using PK. Analysis has shown that the digestibility of PKE is 52%. That means that if a

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16

MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Soil Matters with Peter Burton

Magnesium — the basis of good farm health The last dolomite article contained the quote by the late Tom Walker, a past Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at Lincoln University, ‘It makes good sense to me to correct animal deficiencies through the soil and the plant’.

When animal deficiencies are corrected in this way, not only is animal performance enhanced, soil health and subsequent pasture performance also improve. There is now a growing awareness of the inexorable link between soil, plant, and animal health.

Persistent animal health issues in spring are a symptom of less than ideal soil health, and supplementing cows with magnesium via water troughs or dusting is little more than a temporary quick fix.

By addressing the real issue, the availability of magnesium for plant uptake, plant and animal performance lifts, costs come down, and the frustration of not knowing when the next animal will require attention rapidly diminishes.

In our experience the only fail-safe way of doing this is by an annual application of Golden Bay dolomite. It may be applied at any time during the year.

However, with the greatest demand time for magnesium being prior to calving, autumn is the ideal time to apply.

Animal systems are unable to efficiently store magnesium, so it is essential that sufficient is eaten each day to meet their demand. The obvious and most effective way of doing this is to ensure that every mouthful of pasture contains a healthy amount of magnesium.

Last autumn a property, with a history of numerous severe and persistent calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring, applied a fertiliser mix containing 217kg/ha of dolomite,

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which applied 25kg/ha of magnesium.

Calving in spring was largely trouble free, with only a handful of animals requiring treatment, and all responding rapidly. A marked and welcome change for a farmer in a district where severe metabolic problems are regarded as normal. This is only one of many instances reported over the twenty eight years of supplying dolomite to intensive high performing dairy properties, and the reasons for the outstanding performance are now well documented and understood.

Trial work conducted at Massey University on magnesium fertilisers highlighted the superior performance of dolomite in lifting Soil Exchangeable Magnesium, when compared with other magnesium products currently available.

Dolomite is naturally occurring carbonate rock, different from limestone in that it contains 11.5% magnesium, and 24% calcium, compared to around 35% calcium and no magnesium in high quality agricultural lime.

Fineness of grinding of dolomite is a key to the almost immediate lift in the magnesium content of pastures, and the subsequent improvement in animal demeanour and overall health. Animals with sufficient magnesium in their diet become content and increasingly docile, making yarding and handling an easier and more pleasurable activity.

Magnesium also aids the uptake of phosphorus by plants. An important factor to bear in mind when deciding on

nutrient inputs this autumn. Having a pH modifying, or ‘liming’, effect greater than limestone, means that where soil calcium and pH levels are already generally adequate, dolomite is an ideal maintenance product.

The outstanding improvement in overall animal health and performance may not be solely attributed to the magnesium and calcium content of dolomite. The Golden Bay deposit was initially a seabed deposit and, as a result, also contains a wide range of essential trace elements and minerals.

As soils weather over time, mineral content of the topsoil is steadily lost.

Although only present in very small amounts, the boron, cobalt, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc contained in dolomite will be beneficial, particularly on soils where those elements are deficient.

There are very few pastoral situations where more than 220kg/ha (25kgMg/ ha) of dolomite is required to obtain the animal health and performance benefits discussed. At this rate a truck and trailer load of 28 tonnes is sufficient for 127ha.

Dolomite is available nation-wide and, if not in stock at your local fertiliser supplier, it can be delivered within a few days. It may be mixed with any nonnitrogen fertiliser product or applied separately at any time, as the only effect on animals eating it is beneficial.

For more information call Peter on 0800 4Dolomite (0800 436 566).

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18

MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS ADVERTORIAL

Recharge — the message is getting through

“Finally,” says Gerard Anselmi of Recharge the Battery Additive, “after 18 years on the market in New Zealand and 13 years in Australia, the message is getting through. Don’t put Recharge in dead batteries, they are dead,” he says.

“The big issue is every battery you buy is sulphated. Treat batteries early with Recharge, repeat the process every two years and keep batteries charged by backing up with a mains powered charge every six months or so and most batteries will go a long time — 10 years or more. Yes you will get some failing batteries back but not all so worth a go at $4 or $5 per car battery.”

Anselmi says every show he and his wife Debbie do, and that is about one a week these days either in NZ or Australia, they get Recharge customers with batteries that are 10, 12 and 14-years-old and often still going. “I had a farmer at the Southland Field Days

in Waimumu in February who told me he’d been using it for years and wasn’t sure but then took a battery out of a tractor that had just died and it was 17 years old so he figured it must have done something.”

Lead acid batteries usually die prematurely from sulfation build-up on internal lead plates, corroding the lead plates and compromising the batteries’ holding capacity,” and according to Gerard Anselmi, “most batteries are ready sulphated when you buy them so treating them early and keep them charged will prevent premature battery failure with the simple Recharge Battery Conditioning Programme.

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Yes you can treat sealed batteries, simply drill into each cell, top up with water, treat, charge and reseal with silicone, sika-flex or a plastic bung.

RECHARGE is available from Farmlands. The 500ml farmer pack works out at $4.50 per car battery or $8.50 to treat an N-70zz light commercial battery.

A more cost effective 2-litre commercial pack is also available and can also be purchased on line at www.recharge.net.nz or on TradeMe. As RECHARGE is acid based it is dangerous goods and expensive to freight; the 2-litre bottle is therefore, the only one that we sell directly. The 2-litre pack treats 42 x N-70 batteries or 22 x N-150 truck batteries or about five sets of electric golf cart batteries, about $6,000 to $8,000 worth of batteries treated for $340 delivered.

And yes you can treat sealed batteries simply by drilling into each cell, treat and reseal with silicone, sika-flex or a plastic bung.

Recharge is also great for deep cycle batteries like fork-lifts, golf carts, scissor hoists and lighting system batteries.

“The big deep cycle batteries we get a very good result with,” says Anselmi, “they should go for a long time but usually don’t.”

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STRATFORD - 06 765 5690 - Juliet Street *Finance available through John Deere Financial Ltd to approved commercial applicants only. Fees and charges apply.

Price listed is GST exclusive and is based on a 5075E ROPS tractor with a John Deere H240 loader.

TAR Farm 5E Series 140h x 130w.indd 1

7/03/2016 8:32:29 a.m.

Pay attention!

around road works

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

MARCH 2016

LIFESTYLE BLOCK SERVICES

19

Planning for a positive lifestyle

by Paul Campbell

Lifestyle blocks are a burgeoning sector of New Zealand rural life, and with this comes a great responsibility that new owners may have not fully appreciated when making their move from an urban environment — and ‘environment’ is a key consideration.

This is where a lifestyle block management plan — LBMP for short — can help lifestyle block owners identify actions to enable them to achieve high standards of environmental management.

Based on a wider plan for larger agricultural operations, it is a plan that is simplified for smaller properties under 20 hectares in size. It will help lifestyle block owners recognise key environmental risks, and identify and carry out key actions to manage those risks. They can be unique to a property and reflect the local climate and soils, the type of farming operation, and the goals and aspirations of the land user to better manage the impact of their enterprise on the environment.

Perhaps the best source of overall information on planning management ot your piece of land on the plan, which will be in an overall sense be applicable from North Cape to Bluff, can be found at Environment Canterbury — www. ecan.govt.nz/lifestyleblock.

There you will find a copy of Good Management Practices for Lifestyle Blocks and use this to get ideas for actions you can take to make improvements around land, soil and

fertiliser management, irrigation management, and management of waterways, wetland and biodiversity wherever you are in New Zealand.

The site advises that small holdings are generally not large contributors to nutrient leaching and losses to the environment but poor soil and waterway management practices can still have significant effects on water quality.

Completing a LBMP should not be onerous and will help you think about your property in terms of impact to the environment, and identify any risk areas that may need to be managed in a different way. Your planned actions and careful management will reduce nutrient and other pollutants from reaching waterways and groundwater, as well as ensure a high standard of environmental management. There are also some activities that should be carried out carefully so as not to cause nuisance to your neighbours such as having offal or rubbish disposal areas not too close to the boundary. In all, there is useful information that is relevant to any lifestyle block in the country — and a check of the regional council information in your particular province is also recommended.

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TARANAKI FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Phone 0800 466 793 Animal Health Products HIGH CELL Count? Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L $49.95, 200L $450 or 1000L $2,000 +GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. blacktypeminerals.co.nz.

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20

MARCH 2016

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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