Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, February 2022

February 2022 edition

Hands-on approach at Enviroschool Pages 6–7

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February 2022

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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

Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz Journalists: Denise Gunn | Ann van Engelen Advertising: Braxton Epere 027 525 8217 Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Hansen | Liz Clark Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz

WETLANDS

IMPORTANCE RECOGNISED

BY DENISE GUNN The recent World Wetlands Day recognised the vital role wetlands play in the environment.

Opinions expressed in this publication and in advertising inserts, by contributors or advertisers, are not necessarily those of Integrity Community Media. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Integrity Community Media.

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A

lthough it is estimated just 8.4% of Taranaki’s original wetlands remain in the region, the Taranaki Regional Council has managed to reduce that decline over the past decade.

The council and dedicated landowners have worked to restore and protect more than 100 wetlands during the past five years. Many of these are recognised as Key Native Ecosystems (KNE). As a result of this work, more than half of these wetlands, which cover around 43ha, have been legally protected.

Taranaki Regional Council director— operations Daniel Harrison said wetlands are important natural tools that combat floods, droughts and other extreme weather events.

“Wetlands, which are where the water table is near the land’s surface, or where land is permanently or temporarily covered by water, are among the world’s most productive and valuable ecosystems and have not always been valued — despite the many benefits to water quality and biodiversity,” he said.

“Wetland loss has mounted over the past 150 years. However, we are seeing more and more forward-thinking individuals, community groups, schools, landowners and organisations working and exploring how to restore these valuable ecosystems across Taranaki.

“Wetlands offer major benefits to our environment like storing carbon, capturing sediment and run-off, removing nitrogen, reducing flooding and increasing biodiversity.”

Environment Minister David Parker said 90% of our wetlands had been lost since human habitation, which is one of the highest in the world.

“Strong protections, along with our significant investment and efforts to restore and re-establish them, are an important part of the government’s commitment to improve freshwater health and management. Protecting and restoring wetlands is a key aspect of the government’s Essential Freshwater reforms.”

To mark World Wetland Day, the Department of Conservation published reports on five New Zealand Ramsar wetland sites. New government regulations also provide better protection for wetlands.

“The new rules help increase public knowledge and appreciation of wetlands, and ensure landowners and government agencies commit to restoring and protecting wetlands,” said Mr Harrison.

“Wetland restoration projects are currently underway all over Taranaki. From initiatives like the constructed wetland programme in Awatuna to filter farm runoff, to small-scale projects on private land undertaken by community groups and individual landowners.”

Mr Harrison encourages people to contact the council for advice about restoration planning, management, weed and pest control, native plant growing, revegetation, and reviewing potential funding eligibility.

“Together, we can continue making progress on conserving the wetlands across Taranaki that are not only an important part of the solution to support better climate and water quality outcomes, but also home to a diverse range of native birds, plants and insects.”

Contact 0800 736 222 or email info@ trc.govt.nz for further information on restoring and protecting wetlands.

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

Central Districts Field Days called off

by Denise Gunn

This year’s Central Districts Field Days has been cancelled, joining the growing list of events axed due to Covid-19.

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Electronic card spending for the Manawatū region was up 13.4% in March last year, while overall spending in New Zealand was up just four per cent compared to March 2020. Major events such as the Central Districts Field Days significantly contributed to this much-needed growth.

Spending in cafes, restaurants and bars was up 68% compared to a 38% nationwide increase. It was followed closely by takeaways up 49% in the region, which was more than the 38% throughout New Zealand. While the country saw a decline in accommodation by eight per cent, regional figures increased by 32%.

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The 2020 Central Districts Field Days were also cancelled to the first Covid-19 nationwide lockdown.

Since the inaugural event in 1993, the field days have grown to become a one-stop shop for those working in New Zealand’s primary industries. It’s an opportunity for visitors to keep upto-date with the latest technology and developments in rural innovation. The event also attracts townies.

“We are looking forward to planning a sensational and safe event in 2023 when it will be the 30th year,” said Mr McLernon.

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This year’s Central Districts Field Days has been cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions

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Central Districts Field Days event director Henry McLernon said due to Covid-19 restrictions and the uncertainty of how long the Omicron variant would be active in the community — the field days will not go ahead.

“Although we considered a postponement as a potential option, we cannot confidently confirm a date in the current climate.

“We’re gutted we won’t be able to showcase the best New Zealand has to offer within the primary industries at Central Districts Field Days 2022.”

The three-day event, New Zealand’s largest regional field days, was to be held in Feilding on March 17–19. Last year it drew 30,200 visitors, with 17,000 of those from outside the region. Exhibitors also travel from around New Zealand to set up and showcase their businesses on-site.

“Our exhibitor numbers were tracking well and in line with previous years. Those that were waiting to book closer to the event were hospitality vendors already hit by the impact of Covid. Exhibitor response to the cancellation has been incredibly supportive,” said Mr McLernon.

As a result of this year’s cancellation, economic benefits to the region will also take a big hit. In recent years, more than $50 million in sales revenue was generated with $13 million in sales for Manawatū businesses.

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February 2022

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

FIVE GENERATIONS ON

FAMILY FARM

BY DENISE GUNN

Fifth-generation farmers Chris and Lindsey Blair own and manage Pukatea Estate near Kai Iwi.

T

he 249ha property was originally bought by Chris’s great-great-uncle in 1910. He owned a large area of land further up the road and used Pukatea’s front paddock to rest animals en route to the saleyards.

Chris was raised on the farm and was out helping his parents from an early age.

“My passion was hunting. So for over a decade, I was a full-time, big game hunting guide in New Zealand for six months and Alaska for two months,” said Chris.

When the hunting season finished in the northern hemisphere, Chris returned to help out on the farm for the busy period, then left to guide again each February.

Lindsey grew up helping and working on her grandfather’s dairy farm in Alfred, upstate New York. She majored in art and design at university, focussing on pottery.

A move to northern Michigan followed, where Lindsey taught at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

It was during a hunting trip to Alaska when Chris met Lindsey. For the next 10 years, they continued to divide their time between working in Alaska and the family farm in New Zealand. They married in 2011.

Following the death of Chris’s father in 2013, the couple stopped travelling and have since worked full-time on the farm.

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The couple currently runs 200 autumn Friesian bulls and between 40–50 two-year-old steers on the property, along with 1,000 Romney ewes and replacements.

“We fatten and trade around 2,000 lambs,” said Chris.

Lambs are processed at Affco in Whanganui, bulls are killed at a target weight of 300kg, and steers are usually killed around 320–340kg. Some cattle and lambs are sold as store.

Pukatea is situated between 180– 230m above sea level with a flat to rolling contour, which includes some steep side hills. An annual, average rainfall of

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600–700mm falls on the property that experiences mostly mild winters with some frosts.

Since taking over the farm, Chris and Lindsey began improving the water system.

That included laying seven kilometres of new pipe along with replacing and resetting 50–60 troughs.

“Water is pumped from the farm’s own springs near the farm to the top tanks (100m lift), then gravity fed from there.”

Some tracks and fences have been replaced and a steep six-hectare area sprayed in preparation to plant pines for carbon credits. Another 10ha has been retired and planted in natives.

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There are currently 200 autumn Friesian bulls on the farm

Close to 20ha of feed barley and 15ha maize grain is grown on-farm.

Four hectares of kale are grown annually for wintering steers. Baleage or hay are bought from the neighbouring lifestyle farm.

“Some calf meal supplement to 100kg calves is bought in June.”

The couple’s 100 hoggets are wintered on a walnut orchard next door.

One of the biggest farming challenges Chris and Lindsey faced occurred in 2016, after a particularly persistent facial eczema season. The couple had to cull their entire flock, including lambs and replacements.

Chris said weekly grass testing, spraying and zinc application during the

high-risk period has since helped their stock performance dramatically.

“Performance is the key.”

As dry conditions usually kick in from February through to March, warm rains after that period of time can cause the eczema spores to rise rapidly.

“It’s something we keep a very close eye on.”

The 2015 June floods were another trial.

“We lost several kilometres of fencing and many slips on the hill country.”

Chris’s parents, Gavin and Dianne, set up a B&B around 2006, shifting and utilising the single man’s quarters that was already on the farm. The building underwent a complete renovation in

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keeping with the era it was built, giving it a unique, step-back-in-time feel. Guests from as far as the United States and Europe have stayed in the accommodation, enjoying a taste of farm life.

In 2018, the family branched into another income avenue, importing custom-built machinery to process garden mulch. Under the label Ma’s Mulch, this shredded pea straw supplies garden centres between Whanganui and Wellington.

Lindsey also plans to get her pottery studio back up and running.

With two young children, Cooper (8) and Belle (6), Chris and Lindsey are currently future-proofing their farm succession plan.

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February 2022

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

HANDS-ON APPROACH AT

ENVIROSCHOOL

BY DENISE GUNN In the few years since becoming an Enviroschool, the pupils of Ratapiko School have completed numerous projects with the help of the local community.

P

rincipal Lisa Hill originally introduced the programme to the school when she started in 2016.

Enviroschool practises are woven into the school’s curriculum, with many of the projects extending into the community.

“Children connect with the community and have a real sense of relationships. It’s one of the most important aspects of our tamariki wellbeing.

“It’s all practical learning, and pupils are engaged the whole time. They see the benefit of what they do. There’s been a real shift in the ownership as they see what they put in and what they get out. They see tangible evidence of their hard work.”

The two-classroom school, located south-east of Inglewood, had 27 pupils on the roll last year.

“We basically do something to do with the school every two weeks. That could be holding an enviro session, gardening or pulling weeds, tree planting, riparian tree planting, or spending an hour or two in our environment working.

“There is no caretaker, so the children do all the gardens and school upkeep,” said Lisa.

One of the school’s projects involved collecting and recycling 1,500 clear plastic bottles, which were used to build a bottle house to grow vegetable seedlings in. The wider school community became involved with saving bottles.

“Our local restaurant, Malones, provided quite a lot. I would drop off a bag every Friday, and then the following week, I would pick it up,” said Lisa.

It took more than 12 months to collect enough bottles. Pupils worked with local builder, Steve Bates from Upcycle Taranaki Limited, to create the bottle house. A group of employees from Taranaki Savings Bank worked with some of the senior students to finish it.

Inside the bottle house, pupils propagate a variety of vegetables with seeds donated by Egmont Seeds.

Seedlings are later transplanted to outdoor raised garden beds. A team at

Ratapiko School has been an Enviroschool since 2016

Bunnings donated the timber and helped build the garden beds.

During school holidays, families are welcome to pick vegetables and fruit from the orchard. The families

also water the garden and trees when required.

“We sometimes make up a family bag with whatever veggies we have to give to each family.”

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Pupils helped construct raised gardens

Year five student Rosie Young said one of her favourite projects was building the bottle house.

“I liked washing it. We water the seeds, plant them, and it makes our plants grow faster. I also like doing the outdoor learning space. We can observe birds and bugs and not be inside all day, so we get to learn outside.”

Mealworms are grown by pupils for the Black Robin, which has been reintroduced on Mount Taranaki. Together with Experience Purangi, Inglewood and Ngāti

Maru iwi, the students also released six kiwi into the bush and were involved in naming four of these. Staff and pupils work with the Taranaki Regional Council to eradicate possums, rats and pest plants too.

“We have six rat traps and two possum traps. Taranaki Regional Council supplied the traps, and we also sell traps from school for $10 to generate funds as well.”

A pizza oven, built by pupils and volunteers, is proving popular and is a favourite project for year seven student Blayke Collins.

February 2022

7

A variety of seedlings are grown in the bottle house

Using the bottle house is a favourite activity among pupils

“We made it out of clay. I love making pizzas here. We mainly make pizzas when visitors come over to say thank you.”

Staff and students have worked with the Department of Conservation, planting trees at the Everett Road Scenic Reserve. An annual roadside clean-up as part of Keep New Zealand Beautiful involves all the pupils.

Ratapiko School was a recent recipient of a Taranaki Regional Council environmental education award.

Year seven student Alex Young went forward to receive the award.

“I really liked making the outdoor learning space. We got some pallets and turned them into a table and logs into seats,” said Alex.

“I also liked making the bottle house. It was quite fun as we had to save up heaps of bottles and then put them together. It was a challenge that we completed.”

“We are still achieving success through what has been a really challenging year for schools, the community and everybody,” said Lisa.

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

Chicken and Leek Pie

by Deb Wright

I know it’s too hot for pies at the moment, but this is just one of those recipes you can have at any time of the year with a salad in the summer or mashed potatoes and broccoli at the cooler times of the year.

INGREDIENTS 1–2 tbsp olive oil 1 large leek 1 medium carrot 500g chicken breast 2 medium zucchini 300ml chicken stock 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard (optional) 2 tbsp sour cream or cream 1 sheet puff pastry Method Heat the oil in a frypan over a medium heat.

Slice the leek thinly and fry the leek in the oil.

Finely dice the carrot and add to the pan. Continue to sauté the leek and carrot until both are tender and fragrant (approx five minutes).

Dice the chicken. Add this to the frypan and seal the chicken; it does not need to be browned all over, it will cook in the stock — which you add next.

Add the stock, grate the zucchini and add this too.

Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. Leave the mix to simmer for 20–30 mins;

you want the liquid to reduce right down as this will be the filling of your pie. If it’s too liquidy, you end up with pie soup! You will think there is not enough liquid, but as the zucchini cooks, it releases moisture too, so try to wait before you add extra stock.

Once the chicken and veggie mix has reduced down, turn off the heat and stir through the mustard and sour cream or cream. Grease a pie dish and transfer the chicken and veggie mix into the pie dish.

Top with puff pastry. Pierce the pastry with a knife to create a few holes for steam to escape, and if you have the inclination, brush the pastry with a little melted butter.

Bake at 200 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden.

This pie is very versatile.

You can add a ½ cup of mushrooms and two rashers of bacon and omit the carrot and zucchini if you want. You may need to add a little flour if the liquid is too runny.

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The soil fixers

by Liz Clark

February 2022

9

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Look in any vegetable garden, and somewhere between the mix of lettuce and other vegetables will be a crop of peas or beans.

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lumbing, H 06 278P8883 Peas and beans are part of the extended family of legumes utilised for food consumption and provide nitrogen to the soil through nodules on the roots.

The family also includes peanuts, kidney beans, lentils, scarlet runner beans, broad beans and many more.

In the ornamental range, plants include sweet peas, lupins and many more used as cut flowers. Lupins, in particular, along with clover are also used as green manure for the soil to improve nitrogen levels and improve soil texture.

Growing beans in the garden is more a matter of taste than thinking about the nitrogen-fixing side of things, and the same applies to peas. Taking a look at the vast range available from New Zealand seed suppliers the choices are mindboggling, to say the least. Gardeners will be looking for varieties that are prolific producers for a long growing season.

Climbing beans speak for themselves.

They need some support to grow upon, the same as most pea species. Use poles, strings or netting to provide your

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Peas need little introduction — they’re another iconic part of the Kiwi diet. Most varieties require netting for support since they have a climbing habit. Use netting to provide a solid framework for your plants to grow upon. As with beans, peas need little care other than regular watering, a little fertiliser and regular picking of the pods. Types to try are Sugarsnap, Princess, Alderman Tall, Petit Provencal and Utrillo.

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Cartilage (Part two)

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In theory, osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the simplest diseases.

For years, we thought that cartilage in our joints wore away over time.

We now know that OA is a complex disease where the processes that reduce cartilage are affected by genetics, past joint trauma and nutrition, especially levels of important antioxidants.

Cartilage is very different from other tissue types. It has no nerve or blood supply, and it appears as lifeless tissue. Cartilage is a dynamic tissue. It is a matrix of proteins (collagen and elastin), chondroitin sulphate, water and living cells called chondrocytes.

Research shows that the health of chondrocytes is central to the development of OA. Each chondrocyte looks after a small patch of cartilage, repairing damage by secreting new cartilage matrix where needed.

The problem is when chondrocytes are damaged or die. It means that the cell can no longer maintain cartilage. Eventually, the cartilage thins — leading to a (painful) bone on bone scenario.

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I have been helping someone with OA in their base thumb joint at the wrist. Within three months, the pain had reduced. Now, after a year, the discomfort is really minor only when under heavy use.

I use a two-pronged approach to supporting cartilage. Firstly, we add compounds, especially chondroitin, that can support and repair cartilage. Secondly, we add curcumin from turmeric and Omega 3 fish oil to reduce inflammation.

Often the inflammation causes more pain and mobility loss than the actual cartilage damage. Thirdly, we add the antioxidants that protect chondrocyte cells from further damage.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice, contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all-new newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

New enhanced formula

Looking for a reliable and cost-effective fuel supply option?

Your own trailer or farm tank could be just the ticket as owning your own fuel tank or trailer tank for dispensing fuel has clear financial benefits and not just on the balance sheet.

Whether you’re a large scale enterprise, contractor or smaller business, being able to store fuel on-site gives you the advantage to refuel your vehicles without leaving the property. Moreover, because you have your own tank, you can often negotiate lower fuel prices with your supplier.

A trailer tank gives you the added flexibility of filling up at any supplier’s outlet. It also enables you to take advantage of any discount fuel options available, for refuelling your equipment on-site or at the workplace.

Protank trailers can be supplied with a hose reel option and a solar-powered Everlink Fuel Management System. These smart-systems track fuel transactions for

different sites or machinery, making billing to the job simple.

Petrotec Services is the exclusive distributor of Protank products, which are proudly Kiwi made.

Protank’s range of above-ground and onground diesel and petrol tanks range in size from 600L to 1,900L and are available in petrol/diesel combinations. Diesel trailers are available from 1,200L to 1,900L. The 1,400L and 1,900L trailers are tandem axle and braked. All trailer tanks are powered by Honda engine-driven pumps.

All Protank tanks are approved by a registered compliance certifier. For information and pricing, contact Petrotec on 0800 477 134 or email sales@ petrotec.co.nz.

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS WS NE

11

FIELD DAYS IN YOUR MAILBOX

A&L Contracting NZ

alcontractingnz@gmail.com

027 459 0020

Abundant Health Ltd

john@abundant.co.nz

0800 423 559

baileymotorcycles@xtra.co.nz

06 278 4756

barenbrug.co.nz

0800 449 955

newplymouth@bdo.co.nz

06 759 9034

bioboost@xtra.co.nz

06 754 8454 027 443 1809

Bailey Motorcycles & Dismantlers Barenbrug Agriseeds Ltd BDO Taranaki Bioboost Ld Branderson Homes Ltd

February 2022

Max Pennington Auto City

richardh@autocity.co.nz

06 769 5371 027 874 0487

mark@midwestheli.co.nz

027 241 2015

Moratti Earthmoving Ltd

therats.us@gmail.com

06 725 3570 027 449 7400

Newton Gordge Joinery

www.newtongordge.co.nz

06 751 5065

Mid West Helicopters NZ Ltd

NumberWorks ‘n Words New Plymouth NZ Cowshed Groovers

branderson@brandersonhomes.co.nz

07 827 3901

adminrcgltd@xtra.co.nz

027 264 5154

P D Fleming Logging Ltd

wanganui@chemdry.co.nz

0800 22 78 22

Paeroa Contracting Ltd

Central Spraying Services Chem-Dry Wanganui & Taranaki Chris Wise Contracting Limited Claas Harvest Centre Taranaki Crawford Agritech Cridge Seeds Head Office Energy Motors Ltd Hyundai & Isuzu

06 752 9710

steve.roylance@claashc.co.nz

021 287 5335

Primo Wireless

admin@crawfordagritech.co.nz

06 762 8023

Revital Group

www.cridgeseeds.co.nz

0800 473 337

enquiries@eisl.co.nz

06 752 2011

sbiesiek@energymotors.co.nz

06 759 8070 027 498 6324

gfbl.co.nz

0800 888 449 021 999 373

Gateway Finance Brokers Ltd GB Contracting

06 273 4264 / 027 452 6717

Rio Motor Body Works

027 259 3875

www.petrotec.co.nz

0800 477 134

www.primo.nz

0800 123 774

revital.co.nz

0800 367 967

www.riomotorbodyworks.co.nz

06 751 1456

taranaki@ruraldirect.net.nz

06 272 8187

sales@scarysharp.co.nz

0800 175 720 027 368 5959

www.skininstitute.co.nz

06 769 9280

Stratford ITM

www.itmstratford.co.nz

06 765 7800

snappermckenzie@gmail.com

027 484 4784

surfatex.co.nz

027 430 8209

www.canamtaranaki.co.nz

06 765 6942 021 478 558

Grandpas Feeders NZ – Windsong Enterprises

mark@grandpasfeeders.com

027 276 9794 07 552 5225

Taranaki Motorcycles – Can-Am

Heritage Preservation Field Support Solutions

HPFSSolutions@gmail.com

027 235 6504

The Olive Grove Supplies Company

Holdt Harvesting

holdtharvesting@gmail.com

027 786 7348

Tool Hire Taranaki

holesrus.co.nz

027 454 2966

Value Building Supplies

houghtonsplumbing.co.nz

06 278 8883

johnny@johnnyneilbuilding.co.nz

027 777 5625

info@lyndonengineering.co.nz

03 347 8516 0800 HARROWS

Surfatex 2019 Ltd

info@grovesupply.co.nz

09 945 0890

www.tht.co.nz

06 757 8665

www.valuebuilding.co.nz

0800 245 535 06 759 7435

www.witt.ac.nz

0800 948 869 06 757 3100

office@woodwardsfirewood.co.nz

06 755 2047

WITT – Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki Woodwards Firewood

BRANDERSON HOMES LTD Address: 145 Glover Road, Hawera Email: admin@evergreenplumbing.co.nz Phone: 06 278 4449

NEED A PLUMBER? • Roofing • Drainage • Plumbing • Gasfitting • Solid Fuel Fire Needs

Evergreen are a full Metro agency holder and recognised as Metro fire specialists. Woodfires are going out the door and quickly! Its a good idea to get them installed before the winter rush. Evergreen offer woodfire services, woodfire installs, replacement of any fire parts required and chimney sweeps.

Hope you enjoyed the holidays, we are ready to tackle 2022 with you!

TRANSPORTABLE HOMES FARMERS DO YOU HAVE YOUR HOUSING NEEDS FOR JUNE 2022 SORTED?

WE STILL HAVE A FEW STOCK HOMES FOR SALE Office, Show Room & Workshop located at: 47 Hautapu Road, Cambridge branderson.homes@xtra.co.nz | www.brandersonhomes.co.nz | 07 827 3901

CENTRAL DISTRICTS FIELD DAYS MAY BE CANCELLED...

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paeroacontracting@gmail.com

Skin Institute Limited

Supa Concrete Products Ltd

Lyndon Harrows & Engineering 2015 Limited

027 630 9922

Short Top & Sides

06 761 8757 027 445 7164

Johnny Neil Building Ltd

paulflems@gmail.com

Scary Sharp and SIS Ballcocks

gibson.plumbing@xtra.co.nz

Houghtons Plumbing, Heating & Gas Ltd

027 474 7775

Rural Direct Taranaki Branch

Gibson Plumbers Ltd

Holes ‘R’ Us Drilling

06 769 6465

www.nzcowshedgroovers.co.nz

Petrotec Services

cwcmokau@gmail.com

Egmont Industrial Supply Ltd

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265 Ihaia Road, Opunake 4681 Home: 06 761 8757 Workshop: 06 761 8159 Mobile: 027 445 7164 P L U M B E R S LT D

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12

February 2022

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

February 2022

Mushrooms have more beneath the surface

13

by Andy Bryenton

They have been with us for a billion years, and most of their mass is hidden under the ground, but fungi, and especially mushrooms, are a varied and often delicious glimpse into an alien world.

The earliest mushrooms all share a common ancestor, leading some on the fringes of science to suggest that they may have reached the earth on fragments of comets or space debris some billion years ago. Backing this up is the fact that two kinds of fungus known to science could survive in the radiation and utter cold of space and might come in handy to shield astronauts with a living layer of protection when we head to Mars.

While we are used to eating mushrooms, some species of fungus are carnivorous themselves, trapping microorganisms in the soil and devouring them with a burst of external digestive acids. Others make filament snares for earthworms. Meanwhile, a single huge fungus covering 9.6 square kilometres was discovered in 1998 in Oregon, in the US northwest. Called Armillaria ostoyae, this 8,000-yearold giant consists mainly of a web of underground fibres called mycelia, with the mushrooms themselves forming only a tiny part of its bulk.

More prosaically, Kiwis consume some 10,000 tonnes of mushrooms each year, mainly the favourite button mushroom and portobello varieties.

The cultivation industry here began with the Brightwell brothers of Avondale,

Auckland, who came up with the idea of growing white button mushrooms in a heated shed. Our love for fungi pales in comparison to that of the demand in China, which takes up 40% of the $16 billion global industry; many Chinese dishes utilise multiple types of edible mushrooms with delicate and varied flavours.

In Europe, mushroom cultivation took off in the 1600s, where the method of production was once a closely guarded secret. The wide-capped brown portobello was grown there in cave systems and manmade tunnels, with the farmers unwilling to reveal how they could guarantee a good supply all year long. The portobello name is rumoured to be part of a deception used to convince the curious that the mushrooms came from Spain.

Then again, some say that because this mushroom is really just a grown-up cremini button mushroom, the name is a marketing trick, and references London’s fashionable Portobello Road, still home to several well-regarded restaurants.

Other cultures value the mushroom for its medicinal properties. Japanese physicians have prescribed shiitake and enokitake mushrooms for the past 800 years to stimulate the immune system; a form of natural remedy now found to have some basis in medical science.

The humble mushroom has a hugely varied family tree and a history spanning one billion years

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14

February 2022

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS TRUST IN SEARCH ENGINE RESULTS DROPPED TO

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Insurance move costly

Federated Farmers is dismayed by the government’s recently unveiled hugely expansive and expensive unemployment insurance scheme.

“It seems strange to say the least to advance this costly scheme, especially at such a time,” said Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard.

“With the nation on the cusp of an expected Omicron surge, that will be a stressful period for many who will be impacted by this scheme. It is hardly the right time to be consulting on such a contentious piece of legislation.”

The federation strongly believes consultation on key issues should only be occurring when the country is in the orange setting.

“The pandemic has been massively disruptive and stressful for many employers, and the next three months are expected to be very intense.

“The government should recognise that people’s wellbeing, and good process, are more important than legislative timeframes to clear the books of anything contentious before election year.”

Under the proposed scheme, a person who loses their job will be given payments worth 80 per cent of their former income capped at salaries of

BIOBOOST® 6-2-0 THE FERTILISER

Andrew Hoggard, Federated Farmers president

$130,911 for up to seven months after they lose their job.

“The government thinks it will smooth the transition in and out of unemployment and help people survive periods of unemployment.

“The annual cost of $3.54 billion will be funded from a levy of 1.39 cents on every dollar earned by employees and matched by businesses. ACC will collect the levies and administer the scheme.

“Acute cost pressures are hammering businesses, and high inflation is eroding individuals’ real wages. Another tax to absorb will just add to this pressure.

“Unemployment is rock bottom and is forecast to stay low. People who do lose their jobs are unlikely to be out of work for long, but if they can take a seven-month break between jobs, that might change.

“There will also be administrative costs, including to make sure the scheme isn’t rorted.

“Federated Farmers would prefer to see further central government efforts to attract and upskill those looking for work to fill the wide range of vacancies in the primary and other key sectors.”

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

February 2022

AG R I C U LT U R A L C O N T R AC T O R S & S U P P L I E R S

15

New power source a renewable hit

by Andy Bryenton

One of the most contentious gases in agriculture is being harnessed for good as New Holland rolls out a methane-powered tractor, scooping the prestigious 2022 Sustainable Tractor of the Year Award.

The T6 Methane Power is the world’s first methane-powered tractor, using the gas in the same way some cars utilise LPG. Methane has come to the fore of climate change arguments, as farmers contend that methane produced by ruminant animals is locked in a cycle and does not contribute to greenhouse gas levels in the same way as its industrial equivalent. Using the gas, which can be sourced from biodigesters or even from animal waste on the farm, is a way to create a sustainable circular economy of energy.

Cue the research team at New Holland, which developed the large and capable T6 variant tractor that has been awarded Sustainable Tractor of the Year by an international panel. Engineered at the company’s plant in Basildon, England, the T6 Methane Power performs the best trick a new, alternative-energy vehicle can; it runs and feels just like the original.

“We are all very satisfied with this 25th edition of Tractor of the Year,” said Fabio Zammaretti, president of the awards committee.

“The level of tractors competing grows constantly, and it was a very tight race.

The jury this year, once again, did an extraordinary job in evaluating all the tractors competing for the four awards.

“Our mission is to make the most of the technologies offered by tractors, without forgetting that sustainability plays a fundamental role in our industry.”

In this case, that sustainability comes with cost savings as well. The New Holland T6 Methane Power boasts the same power output and utility as a similar-sized diesel tractor but costs 30% less to run. It’s a serendipitous case of ecological and fiscal interests aligning for better farming.

The first prototypes of New Holland’s methane technology rolled out in 2013, and now the system has come to fruition with both awards recognition and practical deployment to working farms. In the future, New Holland sees this technology as forming part of a selfcontained cycle and even for biomethane fuels to contribute to road transport energy loading.

The New Holland methane-powered T6 may be the future of sustainable farming

FOR ALL YOUR CROP SPRAYING NEEDS! 30 Plus Years Experience • All Farm Work • Tracks And Drains Fencelines • Tree Removal • Hole Boring • Building Sites • Section Work 184 Mokau Road, RD 44, Urenui Ph: 06 752 3570 | Mob: 027 449 7400 | E: therats.us@gmail.com A IN &

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Ryegrass Mixes Candy Seed Mix $375 per bag (GST & freight incl) Postcode Mix $290 per bag (GST & freight incl) Harvey Riley or Enticer Perennial Mix $225 per bag (GST & freight incl) Rye Clover Mix $4.50 per kg (GST & freight incl) Extra freight cost under 120 kg Cridge Seeds Ltd - “outstanding in the field” Seed delivered nationwide 5-6 days from ordering.

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16

February 2022

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

AG R I C U LT U R A L C O N T R AC T O R S & S U P P L I E R S BUSINESS PROFILE

Local farmers working for farmers. Looking after your Baling, Pit silage, Cropping, Transport, Stock Cartage and general farm maintenance from Inglewood to Okato.

Surfatex has surfaces covered The skilled team at Surfatex 2019 Ltd offer top-quality protective and anti-slip floor solutions, dairy coatings, concrete and painting services, earning a top reputation in the process.

Contact Daniel 027 786 7348 | holdtharvesting@gmail.com

OPERATING TARANAKI WIDE!

Proud members of

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Some of the team at Surfatex 2019 Ltd

Covering Taranaki, Manawatu and Wairarapa regions, the team is on hand to offer expert advice and workmanship.

Surfatex 2019 is the lower North Island franchised applicator for the Acraflex HiBuild Dairy Wall Coating system.

Since last year’s Central Districts Field Days, Surfatex 2019 has been extremely busy, working on various projects.

“We must apologise for not getting to everyone, especially during the months of the dry-off period for most farmers,” said Surfatex 2019 director Glen Sinclair.

“Many have started contacting us to book in to get their work completed this year. We have had several new builds, including the new shed at Massey University and a large double-rotary shed in Koputaroa, just out of Levin.”

Glen said the new-build shed at Koputaroa was one of the largest sheds the team has coated.

“The Acraflex Dairy Wall Coating System is ideal as it seals the walls, providing a hard, durable, attractive, easy-to-clean surface, which is acid and alkali resistant.

“During the milking season, when the cowshed is too busy for us to apply the Acraflex Dairy Wall Coating System (as this takes a few days), we

have been doing a lot of yard and milk room floor repairs where we fit it in between milkings.

“We normally request the farmers push their milkings apart a bit more to allow us plenty of time to prepare and lay down two to three coats of resin.”

Surfatex 2019 also uses premium German-brand Degadur, which is based on liquid plexiglass or methyl methacrylate (MMA) resins.

“These are fast becoming a go-to solution for commercial and industrial flooring projects. MMA floors are highly valued since they achieve full cure within two hours of installation.

“This rapid curing makes Degadur a perfect choice for projects with short timelines such as repairing cracks and exposed aggregate around the vat, or in the milk room and yard between the daily milkings.”

Surfatex 2019 has also applied antislip coating to patios, resurfaced floors in meatworks and coated a couple of toilet blocks.

The Surfatex team is always happy to visit and discuss options for cowsheds or other buildings which require painting or remedial work on the floor or yard. Phone 027 430 8209 for further information.

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TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

February 2022

AG R I C U LT U R A L C O N T R AC T O R S & S U P P L I E R S

17

ADVERTORIAL

Dry weather need not delay pasture For new pasture, you can be proud of, even if it feels too dry to think about it right now, consider sowing seed before it rains, instead of waiting for the autumn weather to smile on you.

Ryegrass seed sown early in dry autumns conditions germinates well after weeks with no rain, research confirms

If seed is still in the bag, when the weather breaks, it can’t grow. By then, everyone else wants to do the same thing, so contractors are flat out, and delays are inevitable, especially the way things are now.

However — there’s more.

Moreover, because it starts growing as soon as it has enough moisture, seed sown early becomes new pasture that is ready for its first grazing sooner than if you wait and sow after the rain.

Why does this matter? “That first grazing has a massive impact on your pasture establishment,” Blair says. “It helps the young ryegrass plants grow denser and stronger before winter when wet soils

Blair Cotching, Barenbrug

in April, and the endophyte was fine, Blair says.

Ready to grow Ryegrass seed sown after March 1 and before the rain is poised for growth as soon as conditions are right.

and heavy cows can damage pasture.

And it gets the clover off to a good start.”

As an added bonus, clover seed likes early sowing, too, because the soil is warmer.

First up, best dressed The benefits of sowing early don’t stop in the paddock. If this technique suits your farm and your soils, it will also help you get organised ahead of time.

That means no rushing around at the last minute trying to get hold of seed and a lot more peace of mind knowing you’re as ready as you can be for one of the most important jobs of autumn.

What next? Talk to your local seed rep today.

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Research shows ryegrass seed sown early in dry autumn conditions germinates well after weeks with no rain, says Barenbrug pasture systems manager Blair Cotching.

“It can also grow more feed per hectare than seed sown later, and will probably persist longer too, giving you a better result all round.”

Plus, you’ll beat the rush for contractors when the rain does come, he says.

Yes, you can!

“We’ve been asked so many times if it’s OK to sow seed in the dry. We did a trial to confirm the answer.”

In hot Waikato peat during an autumn drought, Barenbrug agronomists sowed perennial ryegrass seed with NEA2 endophyte in late February, March and April.

The earliest sowing had it the hardest; the soil reached more than 49 degrees Celsius at seed depth (two centimetres), with no rain for 43 days.

Even so, this February-sown seed went on to grow two tonnes of dry matter a hectare more than seed sown post-rain

GB

ONTRACTING Call Damon

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THANK YOU

Proudly servicing the South Taranaki region for more than 25 years

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18

February 2022

TARANAKI FarMING LIFeSTyLeS

DAIRY AND LIVESTOCK

Special forestry test branded unfair

by Andy Bryenton

Short term incentives for foreign investors to buy Kiwi farmland and turn it into unmanaged, potentially unlogged pine forest may be hurting future prospects for agriculture.

The forestation of productive farmland has raised concerns in both the dairy and red sector agricultural industries, as multiple government policies promote the growth of Pinus radiata for carbon credit trading.

“The recent spike in the afforestation of sheep and beef farms is not the result of consumer-driven demand,” says Federated Farmers meat and wool chair William Beetham.

“Rather, it is the result of heavy-handed and short-term government policies designed to incentivise more trees, regardless of whether or not they are the right tree in the right place.”

Of particular note is the so-called special forestry test. The Overseas Investment Office requires most investments by foreign concerns to display a ‘benefit to New Zealand’ in their business model.

However, this clause is waived entirely when offshore interests buy farmland for forestry activities.

Technically, there is no mechanism to ensure that these new forests are logged

Federated Farmers warns that the current system governing foreign investment in forestry may be detrimental in the long term, though it supports the idea of carbon sequestration

and harvested when mature or pruned, maintained for fire prevention or swept for biohazardous pests.

“That’s not fair even to our responsible New Zealand foresters,” says Mr Beetham.

The price of New Zealand carbon credits has hit a record high of $68 a

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unit. Polluting industries offshore can buy the credits to offset their carbon emissions, so investors are incentivised to buy farmland, plant trees, reap the credits, sell them offshore at a profit, and thus take that money out of the local economy.

Farming, by comparison, generates export dollars to benefit the country’s bottom line, as well as putting food on Kiwi tables.

A report commissioned by Beef + Lamb New Zealand from Wairarapabased BakerAg last year found between 2017 and 2020, some 24,956 hectares

of land were approved for sale to overseas buyers under the special forestry test. More recent data shows another 40 consents were granted under the special forestry test to a foreign applicant between July 2020 and August 2021.

While Federated Farmers is not against the concept of sequestering carbon in forestry, it says New Zealand should be more strategic and look to the long term. The alternative may be a landscape of unharvested pine, doing nothing for us but filling the bank accounts of foreign businesses.

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© 2020 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved.®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates. Make sure that all laws and regulations are respected. Ride responsibly. *Terms and conditions apply. Full details can be found at nz.brp.com/off-road/promotions. Offer available at participating BRP approved Can-Am dealerships only.