Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, December 2013

Taranaki

FARMING Lifestyles December 2013 Edition

10,000 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki

Farmers urged to monitor cattle for theileria infection P3

History preserved at Taranaki Pioneer Village

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Raising bulls at Rata Rock Page 4–5

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December 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Labour inspectors visit region’s dairy farms

by Denise Gunn

As part of a national strategy, labour inspectors are visiting Taranaki dairy farms to check compliance with minimum employment rights.

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

Phone: 0800 466 793 Advertising: Carolyn Jones -– 021 439 947

Editorial: Denise Gunn — 06 329 7701

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The visits, which began in November, are part of a long-term operation to identify breaches of employment law, particularly focussing on a practice called seasonal averaging and the failure to keep accurate time and wage records.

Labour inspectors for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment began visiting dairy farms in Southland in August. Dairy farm visits have now been extended across New Zealand in regions with a high number of dairy farms, and will continue into 2014.

Labour inspectorate central region manager Kris Metcalf said inspectors will be gathering information on the business practices of dairy farms and also any impacts on migrant labour.

“The dairy industry and migrant exploitation are two key areas of focus for the labour inspectorate.

“Any practice of averaging out pay across a season, especially for those earning low salaries, is likely to breach the minimum wage rates set in legislation.”

Mr Metcalf said farmers need to ensure an accurate record of all time actually worked by farm workers is kept.

“Even workers on salaries can be vulnerable working long hours that do not equate to each hour, day or week paid meeting the minimum wage.”

“It is also difficult to see how farmers who do not keep accurate time and wage records can meet their obligations for the payment of public and other holidays.”

In the past, visits to dairy farms have been carried out by labour inspectors on an ad hoc basis in response to complaints received from the public. For the national strategy, individual farms visited are selected from previous interactions, regional demographics and employment of migrant labour.

Inspectors will initially conduct an introductory visit to explain the purpose of the visit and the employer and employees they would like to speak with at an arranged follow-up visit. During the arranged visit, inspectors will check time and wage records, employment agreements, and interview employers and staff.

Mr Metcalf said appropriate enforcement action will be taken should any breaches of employment law be identified, with non-compliance attracting fines of up to $10,000 for an individual and $20,000 for a company.

“New Zealand’s reputation as a fair place to work is important to maintain.

“I would encourage anyone in this situation or who knows of people in this situation to phone our call centre on 0800 20 90 20 where concerns will be handled in a safe environment.”

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December 2013

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Farmers urged to monitor cattle for theileria infection

by Denise Gunn

With a rise in the number of cattle infected by the new strain of the blood-borne parasite theileria orientalis, Taranaki farmers are urged to continue monitoring their stock.

Carried by ticks and causing theileriosis in cattle, theileria has been on the increase since late last year.

Hot, dry weather is considered a likely cause for the rise in tick populations.

With a relatively mild winter experienced in most regions, the ticks probably survived and are becoming more active.

Although the majority of confirmed theileriosis cases have occurred in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country, there have also been reports of infected cattle in Taranaki, Whanganui and Canterbury. Taranaki is included in the high tick risk area.

DairyNZ animal husbandry team leader Nita Harding said the New Zealand cattle tick is currently in the adult part of its life cycle, and looking to attach and feed on cattle over the next three months.

“It’s called ‘questing’ as the adult tick seeks a host to feed on before it lays eggs.”

Dr Harding said the adult tick will only be on the host animal for about a week.

“After feeding it drops back onto pasture where it lays up to 2,000 eggs over a three week period and then dies.

“Larvae hatch from the eggs six months later,” she said.

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The adult cattle ticks, Haemaphysalis longicornis, feed for up to five days around the tail head, inside of the legs, udder and in the ears of cattle.

They are small and difficult to spot with the naked eye. Fully-fed adults measure 2.5mm in length and the larvae are only 1mm long.

To avoid spread of theileriosis, cattle should be treated for ticks before being moved to other properties.

Infected cattle should be rested, have access to high quality feed and water, and handling limited to avoid stress to the animal.

A veterinarian should be contacted for advice.

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“These attach to a host animal, feed and return to pasture to develop into the next stage of the life cycle which is the nymph, and then repeat this process to develop from nymph to the adult tick.”

The tick climbs up plant stems and attaches itself to a passing animal.

Although the ticks use other animals as hosts, they only transmit the theileria parasite to cattle.

Infected cattle may be lethargic, anaemic and lose their appetite.

Other symptoms include pale mucus membranes, a pale udder, and increased heart and respiratory rates.

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December 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Raising bulls at Rata Rock

BY DENISE GUNN

Since purchasing their 145 hectare farm in 2004, Bruce and Adele Clement have established a reputation for raising top-quality, well grown bulls.

T

he couple are the fourth generation in the Clement line to buy the farm.

Bruce’s great-grandfather, Walter Clement, originally bought the property in 1915. Tucked under Mount Taranaki, the farm is situated roughly halfway between Opunake and New Plymouth.

Bruce and Adele fittingly named their farm, Rata Rock Station, due to the abundance of both rock and native Rata trees found on the property. They lease a further 168 hectares within a 12 minute drive from their farm.

Originally the couple started out fattening Friesian bulls before progressing into the service industry.

“People started approaching us for service bulls and it’s just grown from there,” said Adele.

“At the time we were working three jobs to buy the farm.”

The couple milked their neighbour’s cows, and Bruce worked as an artificial breeding (AB) technician with Adele as his AB assistant, while they were running their lease farm fattening bulls.

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The Clement family with livestock agents Tim Hurley (left) and Nigel Corbett (right)

Six years ago Bruce and Adele held the first bull sale on their property.

“We decided that we would give it a go and it’s gone from strength to strength.”

The annual Rata Rock Station bull sale is held on-farm in September each year. At their 2013 bull sale, 250 mixedbreed bulls, which included Jersey, Angus, Hereford, Friesian, and Murray Grey, were sold.

“We get a lot of repeat customers,” said Adele.

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Rata Rock Station bulls are also sold privately and are available for lease.

Adele said the bulls are usually leased out for up to six weeks before returning to Rata Rock.

“This year we wintered 600 service bulls and 200 steers for local trade.”

Bulls are sourced from all over the North Island, brought and then raised on Rata Rock Station.

“It’s very satisfying to grow a bull well,” said Bruce.

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Since buying the farm, the couple have developed 90ha of the property. These developments have included draining and contouring, followed by cropping areas of land.

Rocks are physically picked up by the couple on a continuous basis before a rock-picking machine is brought in to remove more. Regrassing is then able to take place.

“It’s a two-year process,” said Adele.

“We crop it, and then the next year it’s regrassed to make it into a hay paddock.”

Bruce and Adele do all the work on the farm themselves with contractors coming in a couple of times a year to perform specific tasks.

Rata Rock Station usually receives an annual rainfall of 1,800mm and the weather tends to be very changeable.

Adele said winter months can be very long and spring is often wet.

“We usually have very low grass growth in spring but we don’t dry out here.”

Despite the farm’s close proximity to Mount Taranaki, snow usually falls just once every few years, lasting only a day.

All of the bulls are break-fed from April to October, consuming a diet of grass and hay.

“Break-feeding the bulls means they are handled daily, ensuring they have a good temperament,” said Adele.

“We strive for quality, strength and service.”

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Bruce keeps an eye on bulls in the sale ring

The couple have three primary school-aged children, Savannah, Alexia and Levi, and are actively involved in their local school’s Board of Trustees and Parent Teachers Association.

Bruce also coaches sports teams at the school.

Bruce and Adele plan to continue developing Rata Rock Station and to increase the service bull sale. They place a strong emphasis on raising sturdy, strong, quality cattle with a good temperament.

“We are very fussy,” said Bruce.

“We don’t put any bulls into the sale that aren’t paramount.”

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December 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

History preserved at Taranaki Pioneer Village

by Denise Gunn

From its early beginnings initiated through the Stratford Antique and Collectors Society, the Taranaki Pioneer Village has progressed to incorporate a multitude of historic buildings and activities providing an insight to Taranaki’s history, all set on a ten acre property.

O

riginally founded by Ian Harrison and Jim Best, the concept to develop a pioneer village was first raised in the antique society’s newsletter.

The development of the village began in the early 1970s but at a different site — Ngaere Gardens near Stratford.

Machinery that had been held in storage and the first two buildings, Tariki Station and a pre-fabricated classroom, were transported to the location. In

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December 1975 the lease on that property expired. The property which now sites the village, on SH3 south of Stratford, was purchased at auction in January 1976. Development work began with the arrival of several buildings and the Taranaki Pioneer Village Society Incorporated was officially opened in November 1990.

Spokesperson Carol Reynolds said all the buildings transported in were originally local except for the main part

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Children wait for the train

of the hospital which was formerly a boys’ borstal in Levin.

“Some are as they were and some have been refaced for the purpose of the displays in them.”

The majority of the buildings were moved onto the property in the 1980s and a railway viaduct was constructed in the mid-1990s. Cemetery tombstones from the Stratford Cemetery in Regan

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Taranaki Pioneer Village was officially opened in November 1990

December 2013

A relaxing jaunt around the pioneer village

Street were moved to the village in 1986, including a memorial headstone for Colonel William Malone. Colonel Malone commanded the Wellington Infantry Battalion during the Gallipoli Campaign. He was killed during the Battle of Chunuk Bair.

Okato Cottage, built in 1853 at Tataraimaka by the Julian family, is the oldest building on site. The Julian family arrived in New Plymouth in 1842 following a four-month voyage on the Blenheim. Tom and Nancy Hammond later owned the house which was donated to the pioneer village in 1977.

Two other older buildings, the Colonial Cottage which was originally part of Goodwin House in Stratford, and the Brookes Road Cottage, date from the late 1800s.

The remainder of the buildings, each with their own recorded historical information date from the early 1900s.

A handyman works on-site four days a week to maintain the structures.

School trips to the village provide children with an insight to education during the late 1800s to early 1900s with a full immersion class experience.

Carol said the Living Use Sliders, Stacker and Village Day is proving very popular.

Bifolds to enlarge your Period costumes, old-time living space live music, and craftspeople at work ensure the Living Village Day provides visitors with an authentic pioneer experience.

The village blacksmith demonstrates traditional skills during the Living Tyler Gardiner won a best dressed Village Day and also division at a recent Living Village Day operates on-site on the “We have a dedicated school teacher fourth Sunday of each month.

“Call us for a free quote or With the arrival of the Mangatoki who puts through approximately 2,000 e-mail us your plans” Church, dated 1904, and the children each year,” said Carol.

Children are supplied with period establishment of a function centre, the dress-ups to wear during their classroom village offers a venue for weddings and lessons and games. Slate boards are other special occasions too.

200 Taupo Quay, Wanganui. P 06 344 6777 The Taranaki Pioneer Village is open used for writing, and pupils are also 0800 000 677 or admin@creativealuminium.co.nz www.c r e a t i ve a l u m i n i u m .c o .n z given opportunities to try using feather daily from 10am–4pm. pens with ink. Optional activities available include making butter, candles and soap.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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December 2013

FA R M W H E E L S ADVERTORIAL

Family karting fun 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 addition is a two-seater buggy, ‘The Drifta Buggy’. (photo) This awesome machine has a 150cc, 4-stroke, single cylinder engine and is automatic with reverse. Featuring front and rear brakes and an electric start, the new machines have a full roll cage, safety harnesses, and are available as a complete kitset or assembled ready to go. There are now four models of single

seater drift karts to choose from and available in five colours.

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, 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. It’s a great way for everyone to gain confidence and of course have lots of fun.

“We recommend everyone wears a helmet and use the fitted seatbelt when they are driving a kart.”

Fun for the whole family, these go karts are ideal for lifestyle blocks, orchards, farms, paddocks and fields, reserves, or even for the larger home section.

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

9

to brake, throttle, and kill switch/stop button, and attaching seat and seatbelt.

Go Karts Direct can freight your chosen go kart directly to you, along with safety helmets.

The family team at Go Karts Direct pride themselves on making go karts affordable and accessible for New Zealand families.

They provide back-up support, professional advice and a full range of spare parts at low prices.

For more information, visit www. gokartsdirect.co.nz.

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10

December 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRYING

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

The hoof trimmers’ tools

This month I am talking to you about the tools that we use when we trim, with particular focus on knives.

These are the most important tool that you will use and it is important that they are used correctly which means they need to be kept clean and sharp.

We get a lot of knives of varying quality sent to us from all over New Zealand

to be sharpened. The main thing that determines quality is the hardness of the steel used. The harder the steel the longer it will stay sharp. Most knives are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is relatively hard and therefore will keep

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its edge reasonably well. However, some of the cheaper stainless steel knives are very soft and will go blunt quite quickly.

Often farmers will buy these cheaper knives because they tend to be used for many things other than hoof trimming and it becomes quite expensive if you have to keep replacing them. The better quality hoof knives are made of hardened steel.

These knives will stay sharper for much longer than stainless steel knives, but they will rust if they are not kept dry.

Because they are so hard they can break easier than stainless steel knives so it is important to use the right trimming technique. The horny tissue needs to be sliced off not broken off. What I mean by this is that many people tend to start a cut and then part way through twist the knife so as to cause the hoof to break off rather than making the slice clean.

Generally people are not even aware that this is what they are doing, but it is something I encounter frequently when running training courses.

When we trim cows it is important that our knives are sharp. We wouldn’t

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like it if a surgeon performed an operation on us using blunt knives. Not so much because it is harder work for the surgeon but more because the end result is not the same.

This is the same for cows. If we use blunt knives we are more likely to cut ourselves and the trimming job is not going to be very successful. By using sharp knives you can be much more precise with less effort. Sharpening knives is, however, not the easiest thing to do. It takes a lot of practice and patience. We use a bench grinder with a linishing belt. This will sharpen the blade and create a nice bevel. The angle that you put the knife onto the belt will determine the angle of the bevel.

As a rule of thumb, this bevel needs to be a minimum of 10mm. Many of the knives you can buy have a much steeper bevel than that which makes the knife much more difficult to use, giving you less control with your cutting.

We sharpen the hook of the knife on a rubber disc attachment on our grinder.

You can sharpen the hook on the outside if you wish, but you should NEVER sharpen the back of the blade. If you do, you end up having to tilt the knife when trimming and it is much more likely to cut into the hoof rather than taking a slice off. I know it is very tempting to touch up that side of the knife because it is easier to get a sharp edge but you will ruin the functionality of the knife. (to be continued…!)

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2013

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11

December 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Without a trace Boron ‘The Steering Wheel’ Boron (B) is necessary for uptake and efficient use of calcium in the plant. It is a calcium synergist and a temperature regulator. Boron is essential for cell division and development, particularly in the growing points of shoots and roots, also promoting flowering. It affects pollination, pollen viability, fruit and seed set. It is required for the movement of sugars (e.g. energy) within the plant and hence plays a significant role in photosynthesis.

Typical Boron deficiency symptoms include: hollow stems in cabbages and cauliflowers; woody taste in strawberries; poor seed set generally; crosswise cracking of celery stalks; external and internal cork in apples; lop-sided fruit and heavy fruit shedding of citrus; ‘shot’ berries and poor fruit set in grapes; flower shedding with deformed and bumpy fruit. It also affects growing tips (i.e. dieback) and leaves. Small clover leaves may indicate B deficiency.

In the soil B is an anion and therefore is found mainly the soil solution or complexed with humus.

Marine soils may have high B reserves. Deficiencies can be worse in long dry spells and in high pH soils. Kiwi Fertiliser recommends Organibor, a natural magnesium-calcium borate from Argentina.

Without boron, the plant cannot transfer sugar from leaves to the roots.

In animals, boron helps regulate both Ca release into the blood and Ca absorption. Boron helps convert Vitamin D into an active form which facilitates Ca absorption. Silicon and calcium together are cell strengtheners but they both require boron to deliver their benefits.

Boron encourages silica to form silicic acid which then moves into the plant to form nutrient highways which then help to move the poorly translocated calcium into the plant. Required at 2ppm in the soil.

Cobalt The B-Group vitamins are arguably the most important nutrient deficiency in the soil and in humans.

Krasilinokoff measured soil fertility based on the relative presence of B vitamins.

Microbes cannot manufacture vitamin B12. B12 comes from cobalt and Co is ignored in many soil programs. Vitamin B12 is a major human deficiency (over 74%) Cobalt supports nitrogen fixing organisms. Vitamin B12 is important for fertility, cellular longevity, nutrient absorption and metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Ketosis and Johne’s disease may be related to cobalt deficiency. The ideal human intake is 1 mcg daily. Ruminants require from 0.10-1.0 ppm in their rations. Cobalt is important for the growth and vitality of rumen microorganisms.

Symptoms of a deficiency include poor appetite, decreased milk production and rough coat; also lack of nodules, or small white nodules on clover.

Sources of cobalt include Cobalt sulphate added to the soil, trace mineralised salt and vitamin B12 supplements. It is required at 1-2ppm in the soil, but rarely is at this level. We add 1kg of cobalt sulphate per ha if the budget allows.

There are no unimportant nutrients. Some are just required in smaller amounts than others.

A dull brown coat indicates a lack of copper.

Boron deficient Lucerne on the right.

Copper Copper is the element linked to protection from fungal disease. It is the “protein nutrient”, increasing the uptake of ammonium form of nitrogen; it is essential for chlorophyll production, sugar synthesis and root metabolism, and it increases stalk strength and elasticity.

Although necessary for some microbes, Cu can also have a fungicidal effect in the soil.

Copper is widely used and abused as a fungicide resulting in a toxic build-up in the soil, but Humic acid can help to buffer the microbekilling effect. High copper also antagonises phosphorous, iron and zinc. Get copper into the leaf by way of building soil levels, rather than onto the leaf as a more sustainable disease control option. Cu sprays on the leaf cause a physiological change which may make the leaf more susceptible to disease agents.

Cu is critical for iron transportation in the blood and formation of hemoglobin, and is an anti-oxidant It is also critical in the formation of the myelin sheath and is associated with elastin. It is a component of catalase and tyrosinase.

Ruminants require 25-100 ppm in their feed; human optimum daily intake is 2-4 mg/day Organ meats, shellfish, legumes and mushroom are rich in copper.

Cu is an important coenzyme linked to immunity and detoxification.

Symptoms of deficiency include severe diarrhoea, abnormal appetite, poor growth, and a course bleached coat. Split bark, lodging and brittle branches result from Cu deficiency. High OM, Mo, Fe or sulphur can induce Cu deficiency, as can excess phosphate.

Sources of copper include copper sulphate, licks, powder, blocks etc.

Copper Sulphate can be added to troughs at 1gm/1000lt to control algae or 4gms/1000lt as a supplement. It can also be applied as a paste (2%) to control ring worm.

The minimum soil level is 2ppm; but get to 5-10ppm for better plant and animal stock health.

Zinc Zinc is the “energy micro-nutrient” required for correct functioning of many enzyme systems, being an important enzyme activator, second only to magnesium in terms of the number of enzymes to which it is linked. It is essential for phosphorous uptake, and is needed for ADP and ATP production. It regulates plant sugar and transforms carbohydrates. Zn is critical for uptake of moisture through roots.

Zinc is required for synthesis of nucleic acids and is critical for soil organisms. Crops sensitive to Zn deficiency are; maize, linseed, green beans, fruit crops, pastures and cereals, (being involved in filling grain properly).

Zinc governs the production of auxins which determine leaf size, starch formation and may give the largest response of any trace element. Zinc must be properly matched with phosphorus in the soil.

If P is high, Zn needs to be high. If P is low, Zn needs to be low. If they are out of kilter, the high one can block the low one.

Zinc antagonises iron, copper and sulphur so these should be “background nutrition” if they are marginal when applying zinc.

Cu fungicides can induce a zinc deficiency. Zinc is essential to cell growth, replication, sexual maturity and reproduction. It works alongside Vitamin A. It is essential to the immune system, natural killer cells and the thymus gland. It improves disease resistance, reproduction and reduces skin and feet disorders.

Zinc deficiency is directly linked to prostate cancer and breast cancer (our two largest cancers) Ideal human intake is 15-20 mg/day. Cattle rations need to have 50-100 ppm.

Beef, shellfish, cheese and dark chocolate, leafy greens are rich in zinc; it is needed for the healing of wounds and for robust rumen organisms. Symptoms of zinc deficiency include decreased weight gains, lowered feed efficiency and poor wound healing. Required at 6-19.5ppm in the soil depending on phosphorus levels.

Split bark on trees is a symptom of copper deficiency.

Ron McLean - .....................................Ph: 0800 549 433

Taupo Central Plateau - Dave Staite.....Ph: 0800 549 445

Central North Island - Alastair Dagg....Ph: 0800 549 449

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12

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

December 2013

LIVESTOCK

13

Wool Perspective From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Supply vs demand imbalance keeps prices up During the past few weeks and up until writing, the crossbred market in particular continued to surge ahead with new highs achieved at every wool auction. Exporters battled each other to gain supremacy in the auction room often with ‘buy at best’ instructions leaving a distinct sign of ‘blood on the floor’. Whilst growers pondered whether local wool merchants were offering good prices at the farm gate, real values in the auction room were rapidly surpassing the country prices, a reflection of the supply versus demand imbalance. Slow bidding in the auction room and clearances of 100% in some broker catalogues, certainly told the story of a strong market.

Crossbred fleece prices bolted past the 600 cents per kilogram clean mark at Christchurch on October 24 and then on October 31 in Napier continued their onwards charge. Another lift was apparent for crossbred fleece types on November 7 in Christchurch, however a few of the finer crossbred hogget types struggled to keep pace — perhaps a sign that the market had been a little ‘over-cooked’. Early-shorn crossbreds were not far behind the full length fleece for price, and second-shear types were only slightly off that pace. Bulky oddments drew good attention from the buyers’ bench with many romping home at very good odds indeed compared to body wool prices, with some of the shorter types sprinting home with prices which were reserved for fleece not that long ago.

Mid-micron types offered during the past month met with a mixed reception but true to type Halfbred and Corriedale wools definitely enjoyed the best of the market. Comment from the exporting

fraternity was harshly negative towards some mid-micron wools of doubtful breeding which definitely do not perform as well as the straight bred types during processing — thus discounts were obvious for those.

Merino wool types generally met with good enthusiasm from the specialist buyers in attendance at the Christchurch auction centre however a domination of hogget wools of average to poor tensile strength did limit buyer demand. An observation of a few merino clips throughout broker catalogues was the number of lines classed in comparison to the results achieved. Whilst it is important to ensure lines are as even as possible, the cost of testing and handling relative to the dollar value of the product must be taken into consideration and splitting lines of wool for a mere point of a micron, when in every other way the wools are similar,

is at present simply not cost effective for the grower.

A number of extra-fine and ultrafine wools struggled to reach grower expectation as a glut of these types was apparent on both sides of the Tasman, and buyers had the luxury of being extremely selective when filling their often limited orders.

At this time of year we begin to see wool style and tensile strength deteriorate due to the effects of lambing, competition for feed and changing feed conditions, plus warmer weather conditions. In-shed wool handling and preparation becomes even more important during the late spring and summer months and, even in such a strong market environment, buyers will become critical of mixed length, tender, and discoloured wools

Meet Your Local Wool Representative at PGG Wrightson Wool

being mixed together. The basics never change — keep similar lengths together, keep sound wools separate from tender wools, remove cotts and cotted points from otherwise free grown sound fleece lines, skirt lightly to ensure length and colour remain reasonably even and remove heavy vegetable contamination.

If these basics are adhered to and you communicate with your PGG Wrightson wool advisor along with your shearing contractor well prior to shearing, the result for your efforts will be positive.

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14

December 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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 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.

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Merry Christmas to everyone!

Once again another year has flashed by but all in all we have found it to be an extremely positive year with only a few bumps and bruises which happens every year when business is expanding.

Our Te Kauwhata plant is pumping away under the guidance of Peter Boldero, the plant manager, who sets a high level with his fertiliser blending skills and special mixes. In the deep south, business is booming to the point where we have outgrown the building we were leasing and have purchased our own industrial site of 1.6 hectares in Mosgiel, giving us plenty of room for expansion. Our main man Darryn Graves has been cleverly balancing production, making the shift to the new premises and helping customers with their fertiliser needs, with the skilful art of a juggler keeping everything on the move with his positive attitude and friendly manner.

The administration staff at headquarters in Tauranga have once again kept our business on course and moving in the right direction. We have had a few changes with our sales representatives during the past 12 months, for one reason or another; however the outcome has been positive — gaining new sales reps that have a passion for soil health and healthy animals — the future looks bright!

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers who have been with us for many years and recognise the value of a good healthy soil which reflects through into plant and animal health and a healthy environment.

I welcome onboard all the new customers that have joined us over the past twelve months and sincerely thank them all for choosing to farm with our fertilisers.

Agrissentials fertilisers are multi-mineral, microbial rich, live living fertilisers that bring health and vitality back to farming soils, pasture, animals, the family and the environment.

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 Adrian Rowe (North Taranaki) on 021 873 304, John Winter (South Taranaki) on 021 738 513 to find out how we can make your farm more successful. (Please note that over the Christmas break the office will be closed from the 20th of December and fully operable again on the 6th of January.)

Wishing you health, wealth and happiness — from Team Agrissentials John K Morris

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

December 2013

15

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OrdEr ONliNE At www.cramp-stop.co.nz

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR YOUR LOCAL STOCKIST CALL TOLL FREE 0800 620 600

TARANAKI FARMING

CLASSIFIEDS Phone 0800 466 793 Animal Health Products APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, garlic & manuka honey. 200L - $450 or 1,000L - $2,000 + gst, with FREE DELIVERY. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. www.blacktypeminerals. co.nz.

Energy Efficient 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

FARM BRIDGES

Phone Pat now 0800 222 189 – Visit www.bridgeitnz.co.nz

BRIDGE IT NZ LTD Rural Services

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.

16

December 2013 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $1500

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

DECEMBER 2013

MAXI culvert Twinwall Culvert Pipe

SIZE NOMINAL ID

100mm 150mm 225mm 300mm 375mm 450mm 600mm

6M PRICE

3M PRICE

$ 30.00 $ 65.00 $159.00 $275.00 $349.00 $499.00 $749.00

– _ $ 95.00 $165.00 $209.00 $299.00 $449.00

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

NEW SIZE

499.00

$

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

299.00 $299.00

110mm OD x 100m 160mm OD x 45m

$

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

25mm 32mm 40mm 50mm 63mm

$ per 100m

$ per 200m

$127.00 $159.00 $216.00 $325.00 $495.00

$248.00 $310.00 $421.00 $634.00 $965.00

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

DRAG hose

LDPE water pipe ID nominal bore

Pressure rating (PSI)

$ per 100m

15mm

130

$ 76.00

20mm

116

$141.00

25mm

94

$182.00

32mm

72

$223.00

40mm

65

$264.00

50mm

50

$346.00

$141.00

Anka & Hansen fittings available

LDPE IRRIGATOR DRAG HOSE

EFFLUENT pipe 8 BAR RATED - SUITS CAMLOCKS

Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks

75mm

63mm x 50m

90mm

199

$

20mm x 100m 116PSI

.00

63mm x 100m

389.00

$

110mm

$6.87 per metre $8.55 per metre $11.68 per metre

Suitable for above ground use.

90mm

$8.55 per metre

Xmas Depot Hours: Closed 25th Dec 2013 • Reopens 6th Jan 2014

TARANAKI BRANCH 83 Wallcourt Place, Normanby Phone (06) 272 8187 Fax (06) 272 8188 Trevor 027 323 2976 taranaki@ruraldirect.net.nz Depot Hours: 8am - 12noon Monday to Friday

MANAWATU BRANCH 77728 State Highway 2, Dannevirke Phone 06 374 8971 Sam 021 500 107 manawatu@ruraldirect.net.nz Depot Hours: 8am - 12noon Monday to Friday

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