Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, June 2020

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June 2020 Edition

Government backing horticulture project

0800 466 793

Antenatal classes help farmers

Honoured in rural games

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Mechanical background secured dairy career Page 4–5

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

June 2020

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Government alters freshwater measures The government’s revised stance on freshwater regulation validates the serious concerns raised in Taranaki, and elsewhere, about its original proposals.

Taranaki Regional Council chair David MacLeod said we all want our waterways to be healthier and that goal is shared with the government.

“However, we had major concerns about the ability of the original proposals to deliver. We told Wellington their initial plan would have brought unpredictable and likely only marginal environmental benefits but would have taken a very heavy toll on the social wellbeing of this region and many others.”

Mr MacLeod said the recent announcement indicates the government is moderating its approach and seeking to build a more worthwhile, rational, science-based freshwater regulation regime.

“We are still working through the details. However, in general, this change of stance is to be welcomed.

The council’s strong and evidence-based submissions were substantially agreed with and key changes made.”

Any decision on key nutrient limits has also been delayed by the government, pending further analysis of their worth.

One study estimated the strict limits imposed would cost $100,000 each for up to a third of the region’s farms, threatening their viability. It has also not proceeded with proposals to universally use OverseerFM in water regulations.

The council strongly advised the OverseerFM model is not fit for that purpose.

The initial proposal to impose a blanket five-metre setback for all riparian fencing has now been altered to a threemetre minimum. In Taranaki, all existing council riparian plan fencing can remain and will be accepted as compliant. The government has also backed off what would have been harsh constraints on dairying in the Waingongoro catchment, instead progressively targeting freshwater farm plans by which dairy farmers can implement farm-specific management to improve efficiency and reduce off-site effects. Overall, Mr MacLeod noted it’s clear the government

Taranaki Regional Council chair, David MacLeod is pleased the government has taken account of many of the points made in the council’s submission

has taken account of many of the points made in the council’s submission.

He said that the government was firmly reminded the Taranaki region has, over time, collectively demonstrated strong commitment to improving freshwater health, taking carefully considered long-term action and spending millions of dollars on interventions of proven effectiveness.

“If anything, the original proposals threatened to undo a lot of good work and goodwill, and bring hardship and deprivation to communities engaged in productive and sustainable enterprise.

We are still working through the amended proposals, but we’re encouraged that the voice of reason appears to have been heard, at least in part.

“We all know we have more to do in both our rural and urban areas, but Taranaki people know how to roll up our sleeves and keep moving forward.

“We’ve consistently led and shown New Zealand that it is not about endlessly changing plans, policies, meetings and paper.

“It’s on-the-ground actions that change and improve our environment.”

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Government backing horticulture project

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The government is backing a new $27 million project aimed at boosting sustainable horticulture production and New Zealand’s Covid-19 recovery efforts.

Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor said the horticulture sector has long been one of New Zealand’s export star performers, contributing around $6 billion a year to our economy.

“Our growers and producers will play a critical role in our economic recovery.”

A new plant protection research programme, A Lighter Touch, is a collaboration between government and industry. The programme aims to create new growing methods and crop protection measures that reduce chemical use and spur greater production.

“Our high-value overseas consumers want to know the story behind their food.

They want greater assurances that the food and fibre they buy is produced in a sustainable way — and they’re willing to pay a premium for it.”

Mr O’Connor said New Zealand growers are among the most efficient and sustainable in the world.

“There is an opportunity for New Zealand to become the world’s preferred supplier of plant-based food products.

This project will help us seize that opportunity, create more demand, generate higher export returns and grow rural communities with new jobs.”

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman said the importance of biological methods and increasing production was reflected in the investment from the different sectors.

“Our growers want to take greater care of the environment, but there are only a

June 2020

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“That is why this project is so critical.

“It will speed up development of agroecological crop protection techniques that are both environmentally sound and effective. We are excited by what this project will be able to deliver for the different sectors involved and New Zealand’s economy.”

Foundation for Arable Research chief executive Alison Stewart said finding new effective, efficient and sustainable weed, pest and disease management options was a priority for the arable industry.

“We will be focussing on the development of new agroecological crop protection systems for key arable crops, with development of a fully integrated crop protection programme for wheat being the first cab off the rank.”

The research programme Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman said the new research programme is critical is also in line with the wine industry’s focus on operating more shorter time, than if each worked alone. sustainably. Mr O’Connor said the It is exactly the sort of collaboration I project would see the horticulture, hope other sectors will embrace.” arable and wine industries work together in a way they never have before.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

MECHANICAL BACKGROUND

SECURED DAIRY CAREER

BY DENISE GUNN

TARANAKI DAIRY MANAGER OF THE YEAR, BRANDEN DARLOW, BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY FIVE YEARS AGO.

T

he former motorbike mechanic from South Africa was helping a farmer fix his bike when he was offered a position as a casual milker.

Since then, he has steadily progressed up the ladder. “When I first came to New Zealand from South Africa, I was 18 years old, and my family was renting a house on a dairy farm. One day I saw the farmer pushing his motorbike, and because of my motorbike mechanic background, I helped him to fix it. That’s when he asked me if I wanted to help him milk cows and this amazing journey started. “I believe I didn’t choose farming — farming definitely chose me,� he said.

Branden and his partner Carina were both raised in cities in South Africa, and neither of them had an agricultural background. Carina was studying to finish an agronomy degree and moved to New Zealand to finish her internship.

The pair met in Taranaki.

Branden said he loves the outdoors and nature, and is passionate about animals.

He also appreciates the rural community culture where everyone is willing to help, support and encourage each other as a big team. “I have found people working in the dairy farm industry to be always hospitable, friendly and hard-working.�

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Working in the dairy industry also provides Branden with challenges and opportunities to grow. In 2015 Branden began working as a farm assistant for Tony and Loie Penwarden on the Faull’s farm in Tikorangi.

“They have been good mentors, good advisers and actually became our own family. After they decided to retire and new sharemilkers, James and Melissa Babour, came into the Faull’s farm in 2017, I took the role as herd manager.�

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At the beginning of last season, Branden began a new opportunity as a farm manager on a 152.7ha (effective), 400-cow Inglewood property. One of the strengths of the business he works for is animal welfare.

“We are 100% orientated in the health of the animals and take the very best care of them,” said Branden.

“We also focus 100% on being environmentally conscious and not only follow all the regulations but also give a little more. It’s very important for us to take care of the environment and help put the industry in a better light.”

“It has been such an awesome experience, and we have learned so much. We’ve definitely improved our skills and knowledge, and enjoyed every moment.”

The 24-year-old has continued studying throughout his career, completing PrimaryITO level three New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture, Pastoral Livestock Production and is currently completing level four.

Branden plans to begin studying level five Production Management in October, using one of the prize vouchers he won in the Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards.

He is also considering studying towards an agribusiness diploma.

Coping with weather conditions on the Inglewood farm has been a big challenge, but Branden has learned from his mentors, how to handle this and the decisions to make.

The average annual rainfall is between 1.8–2.6 metres and temperatures range from -5C to mid 30s.

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BRANDEN AND HIS PARTNER CARINA

Branden said with pasture growth completely dictated by weather conditions, cold frosts that can change the farm overnight, and hot summers can cause dwindling feed supplies.

“The trick is to grow feed all-yearround minimising deficits. Crops like fodder beet can handle the winters and crops like chicory can handle the hot and dry summers. Seasonal challenges such as facial eczema spore counts rise around mid to late February and

can remain high through until April.

Sometimes feeding our animals zinc helps animals to process the spores.”

Time management and finding a worklife balance among the long working hours have been important challenges for Branden to achieve. He’s found staying positive, making good decisions around mental and physical health to be beneficial.

The couple plan to do contract milking next season and continuing studying,

Carina is considering working towards her Master’s degree in 2021. They also have 150 dairy/beef animals in lease blocks ready for sale with more to rear for the following year.

Within five years, they would like to be sharemilking.

“We take the industry very seriously, and we want to grow to become an example for others, and be able to help others the same way we have been helped.”

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Antenatal classes help farmers

by Ann van Engelen

Carmen Lett has practised as a midwife for 12 years and is offering online antenatal classes to help people in rural communities and beyond obtain childbirth education.

“I

was born in Townsville, Australia and moved to New Zealand in the 1990s with my family for my parents’ work,” says Carmen.

“From a really young age, I had a fascination with babies and the birth process. My mum had Michael Odent’s picture book on birth that I loved reading.

I went to Epsom Girls’ Grammar, where I had to start thinking about a career.

The careers adviser recommended midwifery as it was a perfect mix of babies and birth.

“I trained straight after finishing my schooling. I was one of the youngest in my year, and although I didn’t have a lot of life experience, I was certain

it was a perfect choice. I married and had been a midwife for four years when Aidan and I had our daughter Rosie.

My clinical skills remained the same, but I gained empathy. I am not a better midwife but a different midwife. When a client says it hurts, I know it does. Rosie was breach and got stuck so needed an emergency cesarean.

“I returned to working part-time at Middlemore after four months. Once Rosie was sleeping through, I did night shifts and have done them for the past seven years. We now also have three sons, including twins. Asher and Jude were induced, one needed the suction cup, and one was born normal, and our

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“We moved to Tauranga and people couldn’t attend antenatal classes for various reasons, including living on farms, shift workers and truck drivers. In

hospital ladies would ask about feeding and changing diapers. I thought if they don’t know now, they will struggle at home, so I launched Hatchedantenatal. co.nz to provide online classes.

“The programme costs $89 for unlimited access for six months. I

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recommend starting in the second trimester so you can revisit the content if there are issues after birth, like sleeping or feeding.

“I give researched non-biased advice.

I don’t want anyone to walk away, thinking there is only one way to do things. I interview a car seat technician, a sleep consultant, touch on mental health, how to bath, swaddle and put a nappy on to name a few topics.

“Pregnancy and childbirth should be a good experience, but that’s not always the way. Being informed if you encounter things that don’t feel right is a good start because midwives don’t always have the time to discuss every concern. I now work independently and have about 40 patients. It is very important to have care throughout a pregnancy. There is very little that I have not seen from normal lovely births to very high risk and sad situations. I want to reach the farming communities as they often can’t be away from the farm or don’t want to go to classes for personal reasons.

“I recommend things like feeding on demand within reason and how to increase milk supply by eating wellbalanced diets with foods like oats and taking herbal supplements such as fenugreek or blessed thistle and drinking lots of water.

“We are not anti-formula, but the more formula used the less breast milk is made. Some people go by the book and still have a terrible milk supply.

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06 278 8883 A midwife for 12 years, Carmen says there is not much she hasn’t seen when it comes to birth ™

good, researched information with the aim of presenting a non-biased view.

“I also recommend visiting a GP if things don’t feel right within yourself, whether physically, mentally or emotionally.

“There are awesome support networks to utilise, and I have Facebook support groups that I link people to. One is a public forum, and one is a private

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“I am here to help, ultimately it is Representing Excellence Representing Excellence about people knowing there is support no matter what they need. You don’t have to do it completely on your own. Babies Representing Excellence Representing Excellence are my favourite thing in the world,Representing and Excellence I want parents to feel supported and www.houghtonsplumbing.co.nz not judged with any decisions they make 164 Princes Street, Hawera regarding childbirth.” ™

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

HONOURED IN RURAL GAMES

by Denise Gunn This year’s New Zealand Rural Games sheep dog trials were renamed in honour of former All Black, farmer and rural games trust board member, the late Sam Strahan.

S

am was born in Feilding on Christmas Day, 1944. His sheep and beef farming parents, Sam Senior and Marian were the first to introduce aerial topdressing to the Apiti area. Raised on the family’s Apiti farm, Sam attended Apiti School, and then later boarded at Huntley School and Whanganui Collegiate. When Sam was around 12 years old, his father expanded the farming operation, buying 300 acres near Feilding and a further 200 acres at Kiwitea.

Rugby and farming played a huge part throughout Sam’s life, starting from an early age. His rugby career kicked off playing for the local Oroua club. In 1965, his skills and talent were noticed, earning him selection for the Manawatu team against Hawke’s Bay in Hastings.

Two years later he made his debut as an All Blacks team member, playing in Wellington for the 1967 Jubilee Test, beating Australia 29–9. An All Black tour to Great Britain and France followed.

Although the tour originally included Ireland, a foot and mouth outbreak put a halt to those plans and the team was denied a grand slam. In 1970, the All Black team picked to tour South Africa also saw Sam in the line-up, playing in the first three tests.

In 1967, Sam married Rosemary Johnston, and the couple moved to the family’s Kiwitea farm, where they raised their three children.

Throughout Sam’s rugby career he racked up 70 games for Manawatu and was the 14th All Black from the region. As a lock, alongside rugby legend Sir Brian Lochore, Sam Strahan and Steve Hansen at the 2018 Norwood New Zealand Sports Awards

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The New Zealand Rural Games sheep dog trials have been renamed The Sam Strahan Memorial Sheep Dog Challenge

Colin Meads, Sam played a total of 45 matches for the All Blacks, including 17 tests. Following retirement from playing rugby, Sam began coaching his Oroua club team and also took on some of the club’s administration. In 2002 he was made a life member of the club and the following year was voted Manawatu Rugby Union president. Sam’s son Ian said his father ultimately had to give up his All Black career to help out on the family farm.

“He kept playing for Manawatu for some time, including a brief comeback to help out during the [Ranfurly] shield era — 1976–78. He played for Oroua in many grades for years.” Ian said Sam was passionate about the Oroua Club at Kimbolton as a hub of the northern

Manawatu community. He coached and served on the club committee well into the 2000s, had a stint on the Manawatu board and as Manawatu Rugby Football Club president too.”

By the early 1990s, Sam had further enlarged the Kiwitea farm to around 500 acres. He employed a manager for the 800-acre Apiti farm, and both properties then ran as sheep and beef operations, breeding and finishing stock. In 1994, the family bought Ranui Romney Stud from Kiwitea farmer Gordon Craine.

When Ian came on board to work on the Kiwitea property full-time in 1999, the farm’s conversion to operate as a sheep and beef finishing unit was continuing.

“Sam was working on this change for a while,” said Ian.

“While conservative in nature, like his father, he was always looking ahead and was not afraid to change things.”

Currently, the family farms three blocks; 440ha at Kiwitea, 53ha at Halcombe and a 110ha dairy farm at Opiki.

“We have three full-time staff at Kiwitea, including me, and a sharemilker plus worker at the dairy farm,” he said.

Sam passed away a few months before this year’s New Zealand Rural Games were held. In remembrance, the sheep dog trials section was renamed The Sam Strahan Memorial Sheep Dog Challenge. Ian said his father always

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had working dogs, but his companion for the past several years was his Jack Russell Terrier, Reggie.

“Most people knew Sam as an All Black, but that was only a small part of his life. He was an All Black for five years, but a farmer for life. He worked with sheep dogs and in agriculture for 60 years. While he wouldn’t tell you, I think he would be quietly pleased to know the event has been named in his honour,” said Ian. Sam’s wife, Rose, passed away in 2013. They leave behind two sons, Ian and Richard, daughter Anna and three grandchildren.

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EDUCATION Training and apprenticeships The government has made it easier for New Zealanders who want to train in industries where demand is expected to grow as the country recovers from Covid-19.

The Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund will pay costs of learners of all ages to undertake vocational education and training. The fund will target support for areas of study and training that will give learners better employment prospects as New Zealand recovers from Covid-19.

“The fund, announced as part of Budget 2020, will encourage and support New Zealanders to undertake vocational education and training in these high-demand industries,” said Education Minister Chris Hipkins.

“We know as a result of Covid-19, many New Zealanders will be looking to retrain, and employers in key sectors will need more skilled people. We are working hard to connect the two sides of the equation by making this process as simple and practical as possible.

“It is designed not just for school leavers but for people in a range of circumstances and stages of their lives.

That means we have removed costs for learners, apprentices or employers — for the next two and a half years, are

targeting courses and programmes that are more likely to lead to jobs.

We will also be deliberate in promoting vocational education for all ages.

“Every course is different and the cost for learners at tertiary providers, industry trainees and apprentices vary, but in many cases, they will save between $2,500 and $6,500 a year.

“Apprentices and learners whose courses started earlier in the year but continue beyond July 1 will be eligible for a partial refund. Circumstances dictate the need to move fast. Starting on July 1, and for the rest of 2020, we have initially targeted vocational programmes in the following areas: Primar y industries, including agriculture, horticulture and viticulture, fisheries including aquaculture and forestry.

Construction, including building, plumbing, and civil engineering.

Community support, including youth work, care for elderly, counselling and community health, including

Chris Hipkins, Education Minister

mental health and addiction support.

Manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology. Electrical engineering and road transport such

as heavy vehicle operator. “The list of targeted areas of training covered by the fund will be available, with more detail, on the TEC website.”

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12

June 2020

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FIELD DAYS IN YOUR MAILBOX

WS NE

ADVERTORIAL

Monitoring cow health and status Having the ability to monitor individual cow health and heat status is fast becoming a game-changer for New Zealand dairy farmers.

James and Rosie Pelham are equity partners of Acer Properties in Putaruru.

They are using Allflex collars to increase submission and conception rates, along with a move to full artificial breeding (AB).

The couple purchased an Allflex monitoring system in August 2018, and they have never looked back. “We chose Allflex over competitors because it was proven technology and we preferred the software,” said James.

The goal was to take the time commitment off James and Rosie and use the reliability of the collars to identify cows that are on heat. It’s also given them the confidence to use short gestation semen and tighten up their calving pattern. The collars have also

been a valuable investment for Airport Farm owners Ed and Melissa Whiting in Stratford. They started with just the collars and have now installed an Allflex ‘Intelligate’ drafting gate to complete the system. “We have significantly improved our cow health and calving is a breeze,” Ed says.

They have climbed from 420kg/MS a cow to 545kg/MS by focussing on the cows that ruminate well and the ones that are healthy. However, the biggest change has been regarding people.

“Mating is probably the easiest time of the year now.

“Anyone can be milking, and the cows on heat are ready and waiting, all drafted out automatically by the Allflex gate.” Both farms no longer tail paint

To make the BEST of your produce, you need the BEST equipment!

James and Rosie Pelham are equity partners of Acer Properties in Putaruru

and would recommend the system to other farmers. They believe the savings around mating and improvements in milk production alone give the system a strong return on investment. “Allflex is a great company to deal with. We

like working with them, they are always available with great support, and we feel like a customer.”

For more information about Allflex monitoring systems, visit thegamechanger.farm.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2020

Airport Farm feedback: Cow health - Significantly improved the health of the herd Heat detection - Picks up silent heats. No tail paint or scratches People - Mating is probably the easiest time of the year now Calving - A breeze. We know if a cow is in trouble 24/7 Allflex - Great support #goodpeople

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14

June 2020

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FIELD DAYS IN YOUR MAILBOX

WS NE

ADVERTORIAL

High-quality and high performance Allen Custom Drills is a proudly family-owned and operated company operating for more than 16 years and since day one has been based in Ashburton, though now in a much larger workshop than when it started.

Priding itself in manufacturing highquality, high-performing Air Seeder Drills, the firm’s machine incorporates an innovative and unique design. These drills are in high demand being distributed around New Zealand and Australia and are commonly known to be practical, accurate and reliable machines.

Driven by continuous growth and development in its design, Allen Custom Drills continuously works towards the science of today, while learning from the ‘old’ and creating new solutions for the future of Air Seeder Drills.

Through years of variations, five base model drills have been introduced, all easily modifiable and affordable to customise for each individual requirement.

“All models are designed to be simple and accurate, easy to maintain and, of course, cost-effective.

Craig and Deb Allen explain: “Our passion each day is to learn, collaborate and create the best drills there are. We are proud of our history, our relationships and are always looking forward to the future. Our team at Allen Custom Drills,

and our customers give us purpose and focus. The belief we have in our staff, and in the work our customers

do, we feel then feeds through into the successful result of our products and into the paddock.”

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES WS NE

June 2020

15

FIELD DAYS IN YOUR MAILBOX

Innovations need breathing space

by Andy Bryenton

With the nation’s largest collective agricultural event on hold, thanks to coronavirus precautions, a whole year of farming and agricultural innovation have not just disappeared. As in other nations, where the shows are even bigger and the crowds even larger, those stories and advancements need a place to shine.

We’ve put together this ‘Field Day in your mailbox’ for the same reason patrons of the two biggest similar events in the world (Germany’s Agritechnica and the USA’s Minnesota State Fair) have also turned to other media to get their point across. With a widespread customer base hungry for any innovation that can pare dollars off the cost of farming, or add bulk to the bottom line, both of these shows are postponed until 2021.

However, in a two-edged proposition, tech, which was first floated at November 2019’s Agritechnica is now coming on-stream in New Zealand. The usually jam-packed Minnesota show’s sellers of giant ag machinery have taken to the internet and print media to tout their latest offerings. New Zealand knows how to put on a field day, but the prestige of winning an engineering award at Agritechnica is the ‘holy grail’ of machinery and tractor designers, similar to the Tokyo or Geneva auto show for carmakers. Standout machines

STOP FEED GOING TO WASTE

that have won innovation awards at the 2019 event were set to land in the Waikato this month. They are still there, at dealerships, and often just require a phone call to arrange a test drive.

Similarly, the Minnesota State Fair is regarded as the biggest on Earth.

Numbers exceeding the population of the South Island will pass through its gates each year, and it’s the USA’s showcase of the biggest in harvesters, tractors and implements. This year, a sense of personal safety has seen it closed, amid mixed messages on Covid from the US government.

“If there’s no fair this year, it’s because they love us and want to see Everyone next year,” said an associate of fair manager Jerry Hammer. “He’s right.

“That’s the heart of the matter. We want to see you all for many years to come, when we can celebrate in true state fair style.”

How we can celebrate in style is to celebrate the spirit of a proper field day.

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work. This way, 2021 will be a field day for us all, as our rural sector shows the rest of the economy the way forward.

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16

June 2020 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

BACK or NECK PAIN? Then try a Teeter WHY INVERSION?

Because in most cases it works! Inversion Therapy is the oldest recorded medical cure for back issues, first recorded by Hippocrates in 400 BC, otherwise known as spinal traction. Traction was used by modern hospitals for many years however because it is a slow process and ties up hospital beds for many weeks, they recently stopped using the treatment.

Inversion Therapy is gentle and relaxing if done properly and has many other benefits apart from relieving back pain, it helps realign the spine and pelvic area, loosens up tight muscles, increases oxygen to the brain, stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system and has many other benefits.

Inversion helps to: • Relieve Back Pain • Relieve Neck Pain • Relieve Muscle Tension • Stimulate Blood And Lymph Flow • Improve Posture • Increase Flexability

Inversion NZ have been teaching people how to use this treatment for over twelve years, it is an amazing process with most people getting off the Teeter pain free for the first time in years or with their pain substantially reduced. The relief usually lasts around 30 minutes to three hours and as the pain returns you use the machine again, after using this method of treatment, in a few weeks the relief increases, which is the discs starting to retain more fluid, muscles starting to loosen up and the body coming back into alignment. In our experience most people are pain free in around three months, then the Teeter is used daily to maintain the health of the body.

WHY TEETER?

The biggest issue with inversion tables is there is no safety standards that need to be met. Because of this, other brands use mild steel for 100% of the metal involved. Mild steel is great for static loads, in other words things that don’t move such as chairs, tables etc, however with Inversion Therapy there is considerable movement and this movement causes mild steel to flex. Because it always flexes in the same place it eventually causes metal fatigue and can result in failure.

Frank Harwood (84 at time of picture) using his Teeter, Frank’s been Inverting for over eleven years and has found it keeps him young

All Teeters are manufactured for extreme safety. Heat treated high tensile steel has been used in all areas subjected to stress. High tensile steel is far stronger and most importantly does not flex. This means Teeters are the strongest and safest tables on the market today.

IT IS PURE LOGIC AS TO HOW THE TEETER TABLE WORKS

Discs:

It uses gravity to apply traction, the traction gently opens the discs and as they open up they create a suction, this suction draws fluid from the surrounding tissue back into the discs, rehydrating them. This is the key! Discs do not have their own blood supply, they rely on trans fer of fluid from the surrounding tissue to keep them healthy and hydrated and over the years as discs get thinner with age, they lose the ability to take on fluid (just like squeezing a sponge) and they start to de-hydrate.

Posture: Poor

posture is one of the major cases of pain and is a major contributor to the deterioration of the body with age. A difference in leg length causes most of the hip and knee issues, as they continue to place uneven loads on the joints; similar to the wheels out of alignment on your car.

Trying to correct posture is extremely difficult due to muscle memory, as it constantly pulls the muscles back to where they were. At a level of 40 degrees or more on the Teeter, the muscle groups open up and eventually come back into alignment, using the table daily, does not allow the muscle memory to pull them back out of alignment and slowly the muscles start to lose their memory and go with the flow, allowing the body to come back into correct posture. Then using the table once a day will ensure it is kept there.

De-Hydrated discs are less flexible, they are harder, more prone to injury, they interfere with nerve roots creating pain and ultimately the de-hydration causes degen eration. The Teeter Inversion table slowly and gently brings the hydration back into the discs, plumping them up. It separates the nerve roots far more effectively and This is pure logic, if a machine is out of returns quality of life

Muscles: A lot of pain is muscular, when

muscles are stressed they become tight which restricts the flow of blood and lymph through the muscles so toxins build up, Co2 and Lactic Acid. Traction opens up the muscles, Rhythmic Traction, is a gentle rocking motion that stimulates circulation and encourages blood flow through the muscles, which clears the lactic acid into your lymph system where it stimulates lymph flow and deals with it. Most people with serious neck issues see a large improvement after only one treatment.

alignment it does not last long, the only difference between the body and a machine is that the body is constantly repairing itself, however if the wear and tear on the body is greater than the body’s ability to repair itself, it is a slow decline.

The Teeter slowly brings the body out of its decline and allows the body to repair itself, resulting in a far healthier life.

If you are serious about investing in your health and really sorting your issues out, come see us at one of our local roadshows, you have nothing to lose and chances are, a lot to gain.

Inversion NZ Ltd

0800 62 62 83

www.inversionnz.co.nz

Taranaki Back Pain Expos We host a number of back pain expos throughout the country almost every weekend, these expos are a way for people to try out a Teeter Inversion Table and feel the benefits for themselves in a way that is instructive and informative.

It is also a great way for people who already own a Teeter to come along and get a refreshment course on the use and operation of their Table and clear any questions they have about it.

Sessions run continuously from 10am to 4pm and there are no bookings required, just come along at a time that suits you.

There may be a wait during certain times and in these instances chairs are set out for anyone waiting for a turn, or anyone who just wants to ask us a few questions.

We strive to cover the entire country and always try to book the most accessible venues we can. All our upcoming shows in the region are listed in the blue bar below, otherwise check out our website for more

www.inversionnz.co.nz/agenda

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

June 2020

17

WINTER FOCUS Winter can’t beat the prepared

by Andy Bryenton

Winter’s wild weather is anything but predictable. After centuries of mild Decembers, during which a white Christmas in the south of England was seen as cheerful rather than chilling, the winter of 1962 came down like a hammer, setting records in cold not seen since the days of Isaac Newton. They were driving cars on the Thames at Oxford.

Similar scenes have not been seen since, but if the incredulous English had asked a Kiwi, we’d have some even more hair-raising stories to tell about sudden changes in the weather. We live in an island nation surrounded by some of the most savage seas in the world, and when a storm decides to hit, it hits with full force. Sometimes, this means winter gales and floods, which the stoical rural community has learned to cope with, in a typically New Zealand fashion.

Despite the community efforts and shared adversity, it’s still best to be individually prepared for the worst each year.

Civil Defence is still amazed by the number of people who don’t have basic plans in action to deal with natural disasters, even after a decade of everything from earthquakes to volcanic

eruptions and floods. Admittedly, rural people score much more highly when it comes to stashing away essentials such as canned goods, clean water and the means to create light and warmth.

However, there are other things, which those who have lived through the worst of winter’s assaults will say you don’t think of until the problem arises.

For those in areas far from so-called civilisation, these include generators and fuel, chainsaws for cutting firewood to heat water, larger than usual stocks of necessary medicines, CB radios to communicate with civil authorities when phone coverage may be down, and, importantly, plans on how to evacuate to a central township if necessary.

At this time of year, when many people are reassessing their insurance, it’s a good time, too, to make a plan for

With winter on the way, it’s a good time to consider how your home would fare in a storm or flood. Make a plan, set aside supplies and consult Civil Defence

the safety and survival of you and your family, should this winter prove to be worse than anticipated. As any general will tell you, even a well-equipped army is nothing but a bunch of problems waiting

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18

June 2020

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

WINTER FOCUS Undercover operations for winter

by Andy Bryenton

Since we left the caves behind in the early days of real estate, humankind has fought a constant battle against the elements in order to thrive and survive. There are some who say that the grand architecture of history’s greatest empires is just an extension of the need to get in, out of the rain.

As winter begins to bite on the farm, a quick check of all of the vital storage and covered areas is definitely a must, as are precautions for dealing with the mud. Here are five key areas, which professionals suggest need a look before the mercury plummets.

1. Machinery sheds and barns. The covers for your rolling stock don’t have to be glamorous, but they do have to keep out the arch-enemy of all metal, dampness. Rust, as Neil Young noted, never sleeps, so a blow over with rust-killing substances (like those containing phosphoric acid or concentrated tannins) and some strategic work with sealants, silicon or (worst case scenario) the welder could save big in the long term.

2. Stored machinery itself. Some implements are the hero of the hour when they’re needed, but then must sit idle for months at

a time. Well, tied-down tarps and moisture-repelling sprays containing odourless fish oil or lanolin can help for a better restart when spring rolls around.

3. Tyres for utes and off roaders. Kiwi mud is unlike any other, and our rural conditions are not easy on the vehicles we demand so much from.

A change of tyres to specialised, lower pressure, heavily treaded ‘mud boots’ is not just a guarantee of less work wrestling the wheel or the handlebars, it’s also safer.

4. Winter fuel. Especially for the fireplace at home. Last chance to cut, split and saw a load just in case the winter lasts longer than expected.

5. Protect your health. Not just with pills and potions; old-timers will tell you that a good winter relies on good feet. Soldiers will, too. A pair of gumboots that fit right is a

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Of course, the list of chores for winter is a mile long, but these five will put the brakes on some of the biggest problems before they even start, leaving you more time to enjoy the best part of winter; hot roast dinners and good sports on the television.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

June 2020

19

WINTER FOCUS What is your home telling you?

by Andy Bryenton

A healthy and weathertight home is the aim, and wind, rain and damp are the enemy. Here are five tell tale signs that a little upgrade could vastly improve your winter experience.

1. ‘X-ray ceilings’. Can you see a pattern of timbers ‘through’ the dirt and dust on your ceiling? That could be due to the beams themselves forming a layer of thermal insulation that’s missing over the rest of the (usually quite thin) ceiling boards. In extreme cases, the ‘X-ray’ effect can be caused by black mould, which loves chilly and damp conditions.

What it’s telling you: There’s not enough insulation in the roof cavity, and there may be damp getting in up there too. Clean the ceiling and check the insulation over those cold spots.

2. Spiders in the attic. Spiders drink in moisture through their skin, so they hate dry places. There’s also less chance of their prey living where it’s too dry. That’s why a ceiling space full of live spiders might mean there’s a leak in your roof or a break in your tiles, rust holes in the corrugated iron, or ripped building paper. Spiders under the house could mean there’s a leak or water running through beneath the floor, though they are more likely to be there than in a weathertight roof space. Pop up in the hatch and check.

3. Weeping windows. If your ceiling cavity has no spiderwebs, but your windows are habitually ‘weepy’ with condensation, you might have a good home for a ventilation system

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install. Alternatively, look at steam extraction at the source. Bathroom and kitchen extractors might stop those drips, which can degrade timber and add to an unhealthy damp atmosphere.

4. Cold feet. Chilly toes on a winter’s morning might indicate the need for underfloor insulation, or the replacement of old carpets with modern, more thermally-efficient weaves. Wool is still king when it comes to warmth, but for a soft and cosy result pay attention to both underlay materials and a good professional install.

5. Uneven heat. Is your living room a sauna with the fireplace on and your

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20

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

June 2020

WINTER FOCUS How Taranaki winters stack up

by Andy Bryenton

Taranaki can produce some stunning scenes of frost and ice when the temperature plummets, with the all time record going to the town of Stratford, where the winter of 2010 brought an all-time low of -7.5 degrees Celsius.

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That’s chillingly cold, especially when you have to get up and about to attend to farming chores on a sub-zero morning. However, there are people working in agriculture all over the world who wake up to much worse, including temperatures so icy that a cup of boiling water thrown into the air turns to snow before it hits the ground.

In New Zealand, the southern town of Ophir takes the prize for the coldest settlement, with a microclimate dominated by clear skies, high altitude and a natural ‘air dam’ of hills that traps in the cold. They’ve recorded -21 degrees Celsius there in winter, making for a situation nearly three times colder than any found locally.

It pales in comparison to the coldest continually inhabited farming settlement in America. First set up as a fuel station for aircraft after the first world war, and adjacent to a Native North American village, Snag in the Yukon Territory recorded a temperature of -63 Celsius back in 1947. The record has stood ever

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Taranaki winters can dip to minus seven degrees Celsius; the Siberian farming settlement Oymyakon can top that with -96 degrees Celsius on the mercury

since, and was put down to a particularly fierce blizzard out of the north getting trapped by the valley in which the settlement lies.

Even these extreme conditions must be considered a day at the beach for the ultimate cold-weather farmers, however.

If you like reindeer milk and ice fishing, the town of Oymyakon might be the place to visit. Don’t turn off your car’s engine though; even snowmobiles have to be heated with a blowtorch to start in the winters here. Vodka freezes in the bottle, plumbing is an impossibility, and the record winter low is -96 degrees

Celsius. It’s little surprise that this town was built around a hot spring, the only place where old-time reindeer herders could find running water for their livestock in pre-industrial times.

Right now, as we approach the middle of winter, the days in Oymyakon are 21 hours long. In December, they will experience only three hours of daylight each day. It puts the chills of a winter’s morning in our part of the world in perspective. However, there are certainly winter mornings here where a set of thick, deer hide clothes from the Siberian tundra sound like a cosy idea.

HOLES ‘R’ US DRILLING

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Farming lifestyles in a digital age

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

by Andy Bryenton

We have had so many stories to share with our rural readership during the years. We’re glad that so many of you consider the delivery of another edition of your local Farming Lifestyles newspaper a highlight of the month.

Now, to reach an even wider audience, we’re launching a new website, which draws together stories and articles of interest from all of our farming publications.

Designed as an easy to navigate hub our new website delivers all the factual news, in-depth reviews, interesting opinion pieces and up to date information of our paper editions, with the ability to access content from Northland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and Taranaki from any web-capable device. As the tablet and smartphone become as ubiquitous on the land as the quad bike and tractor, we’ve decided to offer all this content to our readership free of charge — no paywall, no subscription.

For even further ease of access, you’ll find that every advertisement features ‘click-through’ live link capability, meaning that you can dig deeper into interesting products and services you see in your local Farming Lifestyles publication.

With content changing regularly, there will always be something new to read, keeping pace with the rapid changes in our strong rural sector.

Want to find out more? Come and take a look at farminglifestyles.co.nz and

June 2020

B.J. Bishop Transport

For Metal, Fert and Palm Kernel Contact:

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1914 Mountain Road, Inglewood P. 06 756 7354 | M. 027 447 9232

100 As broadband becomes commonplace in the countryside, it’s time for us to offer up a new source of relevant, timely web content

enjoy a great read wherever you are, with engaging agricultural, rural and lifestyle

IT’S NOT A TARGET

journalism that’s 100% New Zealand made, for a uniquely Kiwi audience.

RURAL LIFESTYLE NEWS NOW ALL IN ONE PLACE OUR WEBSITE AND PUBLICATIONS OFFER GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY.

Advertise in any of our publications and go online for FREE with your advert linking readers directly to your website or email

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Access to all the latest content FREE OF CHARGE. Immerse yourself in what’s happening rurally!

farminglifestyles.co.nz

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June 2020

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Can I improve my Joints?

(Part two)

by John Arts

Last edition, I mentioned a client who went from having very sore knees to know being able to move with much greater freedom. We looked at the first lesson we can learn from this.

All healing comes from specific healing systems in our body. We also saw that these healing systems could be restricted or even dormant if our diets tip the scales in the wrong direction.

The second lesson is very important.

The gap between healing and continued disease is often much less than you think. What surprised my client is how little he actually had to do to activate the healing capacity in his knees.

The first step is to slow or stop unwanted inflammation. That does mean you need to think about foods, but in most cases, it is simply substituting one food for another. It can be swapping the inflammatory high omega-6 cooking oils for olive oil and adding fish oil supplements.

The rest of his programme was not difficult. I started him on an initially high dose of my joint formula. That meant that initially, he was getting 1,600mg of high grade (small molecular size) chondroitin sulphate with 1,600 mg

of glucosamine sulphate and 400mg of a 95% bioactive curcumin (from turmeric) extract.

Chondroitin is the most important as it directly improves the health of cells that repair and maintain cartilage.

Curcumin targeted inflammation while glucosamine helped with joint function.

It sounds complex, but all this meant was after breakfast, taking two of the joint capsules and three fish oil then repeating this in the evening.

Yes, there is the discipline of having to take the supplements and, of course, fitting these into his budget. The results meant he has much less pain and more mobility.

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 www.abundant. co.nz.

Abundant Health Bettaflex Super Joint Formula New What is Bettaflex?

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How can Bettaflex help?

∙ Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage. $89.95 for 3 bottles ∙ Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes. free freight or ∙ Curcumin from turmeric helps to balance immune 1 bottle for $32.95 function to support joint health. plus $4.99 postage ∙ Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.

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John Arts comments: “My latest Bettaflex formula with more chondroitin and over double the Curcumin is based on the latest research into joint-support compounds. The normal dose is 2 daily but I recommend a double dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate joint tissue.”

John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health Ltd

Abundant Health

Forestry scholarships available Applications have opened for 2021 Nga Karahipi Uru Rakau — Forestry Scholarships, which will support more Maori and women to pursue careers in forestry science.

“I am delighted Te Uru Rakau is offering Nga Karahipi Uru Rakau — Forestry Scholarships for the thirdyear running. These scholarships are increasing diversity in the forestry sector,” said Forestry Minister Shane Jones.

According to the recently released Forestry and Wood Processing Workforce Action Plan, Maori make up only 22 per cent of the forestry workforce, while only 17 per cent of this workforce is female.

The Forestry Scholarships help address this imbalance.

Whether these graduates become forestry scientists, forest engineers or pursue the range of other careers in forestry, the scholarships are making the sector more diverse.

Eight scholarship recipients will receive $8,000 a year for four years to help with tuition and living costs while studying forestry science degrees at the University of Canterbury — either a Bachelor of Forestry Science or Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, majoring in Forestry Engineering.

Scholars will also gain experience through paid annual summer internships in the forestry sector. “Aotearoa’s forestry industry is world-leading when

Shane Jones, Forestry Minister

it comes to research and technology.

Nga Karahipi Uru Rakau — Forestry Scholarships are helping grow the next generation of forestry professionals and scientists,” said Mr Jones.

“Forestry science will play a key role during the next few years as New Zealand recovers from the impacts of Covid-19.

We need forestry professionals and scientists so we can keep our forestry industry at the cutting-edge, producing wood products that are highly sought around the world.

“That will translate to more employment opportunities and economic benefits for forestry communities around New Zealand.”

More information can be found on Te Uru Rakau’s website.

Heavy Duty Stump Chipping and Mulching • Stump chipping any size to 600mm depth • Land clearing, cutover pines to grass • Mulching, slash, scrub/ gorse, heavy tops & limbs, fire breaks and out of ground stumps • Orchards & shelter belts, chipped & mulched • Stumps chipped for centre pivots Helps retain moisture and adds nutrients back into soil

Cautions: Do not take with anti-coagulant/platelet medication. If in doubt please consult your healthcare professional. Not suitable during pregnancy or lactation.

TO ORDER PHONE: 0800 423 559

Or order online at www.abundant.co.nz or post a cheque to Abundant Health Ltd, PO Box 4347, Mt Maunganui South, 3149

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

WHEELS

June 2020

23

Alternative to brand X

by Andy Bryenton

It would seem like a slivered razor of a market niche, small enough to cram in a credit card sideways and twist. However, the luxury ute is big business, as people come to demand more from their average workhorse. Today, simply lugging a big load and handling like a car will only get you to the velvet rope, not past the bouncer.

It shows in the bowing out of one of my personal favourites, the X-Class Mercedes ute. Sure, it was a Navara with added panache and style, but is that such a bad thing? Customers thought it wasn’t worth S-Class money, and it’s gone from the lineup sooner than anticipated, leaving those who want a ‘statement’ ute spoiled for choice.

There is a way, though, to have a huge, Obelix the Gaul sized slice of cake and eat it too. We’re talking about the Ram, the all-American, aircraft carrier sized truck, which eschews the title of ‘ute’ at all. The marketing says it eats them for breakfast, and with gigantic air intakes like those on its slab-faced front, this could actually be a literal warning.

It’s truly a feast of superlatives.

Longer, wider and able to carry a chopped-up ute of most other brands in the back, the Ram packs a 5.7 litre Hemi V8, like a true muscle car.

It’s the stablemate of insane, snarling beasts like the Dodge Viper and Demon, and the frankly unhinged Tomahawk, which looks like something Batman would order, then be too afraid to ride.

Inside, however, it’s all space and leather and wide vistas, with proper right-hand drive delivered by none other than Aussie car wizards Walkinshaw. That’s right. The ones who did the business on all those classic Bathurst smashing super V8s.

Now, it must be said that the Ram, even in its smallest Laramie form, is not subtle. It’s a big, bone-crushing

Ram Laramie — acres of muscle, acres of steel and a whole lot of truck for those who want more than a normal ute

handshake from a good ‘ol blue-collar bruiser. It wears that extra size and power with deceptive ease. Sure, it won’t win any parallel parking competitions against a Micra, but it will do what a big pickup should, which is take thing A to point B, no matter how heavy or

far. Original Rams were used to pioneer oilfields in the UAE; the king there loves them so much he commissioned a working model of one, four storeys tall. Then there’s the thrill of that big Hemi, an engine with a pedigree that spans the Dukes’ General Lee and the

Challenger from Vanishing Point. Classic stuff. The best part? Exclusivity.

It is not the truck for everyone, which means you’ll have the ultimate hard to find luxury in the modern ute market — the ability to stand far, far out in the crowd.

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mobile: 0272 999 605

Independently owned and operated under a Chem-Dry License Servicing “THE SOUTH TARANAKI AND WANGANUI REGIONS”

24

June 2020

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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