Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, May 2022

May 2022 Edition

Diversification key for family farm Pages 4–5

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May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

CHOPPER

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

APPEAL MONTH

BY DENISE GUNN

Following a record-breaking year for the nation’s rescue helicopters completing missions, New Zealanders are urged to give generously this Chopper Appeal Month.

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�

9,487 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki�

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estpac New Zealand chief executive Catherine McGrath said the rescue helicopter crews are working harder than ever to save lives� “Accidents and illness can affect any of us at any time,” she said� “Knowing help could be only minutes away, even in some of our most remote locations, is so important in a country as diverse as ours� When we’ve learned over the last couple of years that we can live, work and explore from almost anywhere, knowing the chopper crews are there for you when you need them is so important� “We know that living is getting more expensive, so every dollar donated is incredibly appreciated� All money donated in your region goes straight to your local chopper service, so you know that your donation is supporting your community�” More than 9,500 missions were flown nationwide in 2021� This year marks the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust’s 30th anniversary� The trust operates as a charity, receiving only partial government funding� The $1�2 million shortfall needs to be raised through fundraising with businesses and the community� The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter completed 107 missions between January 1 to May 3 2022� As each flight costs an average of $12,000, this already equates to more than $1�2 million� Recent cost increases, including aviation fuel, have seen the trust’s operational costs soar to $4 million per annum� Central Hawke’s Bay farmer Ponty von Dadelszen is all too familiar with the vital

role helicopters play in rural New Zealand� He was recently lifted out of the Whanganui National Park following a mountain bike accident near the Bridge to Nowhere� The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter crew were alerted and informed to search for a mountain biker in distress after a fall� “Following the track from the Bridge to Nowhere, we scouted for a few miles until we came across a large overgrown clearing which conveniently had a giant H stomped into the grass near the bush line,” said crewman Ed Garvey� Ed said the simple task of marking that visible H (for helicopter) made finding Ponty and his mates a breeze� Ponty said the standard of care was absolutely superb� “The whole crew was fantastic, and even though my injuries were not lifethreatening, they took the right amount of care and attention�” Ponty had several broken ribs and was flown to Whanganui Hospital, where he spent two nights before returning to Waipukurau� Not long afterwards, Ponty made a donation to the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust� “As a farmer, I’ve got some idea of what helicopters cost to run� They’re not cheap toys, so it’s the least I can do� “They provide fabulous service and we’re lucky to have them� Our neighbours have needed the service in the past due to farm injuries�” Westpac funds the marketing and administration costs of the Chopper Appeal� People wishing to make a donation or find out more information can visit chopperappeal�co�nz�

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Free booklet identifies weeds

TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

May 2022

3

by Denise Gunn

A free guide published by the Taranaki Regional Council will help locals identify weeds specific to the region� Work on the Weedbusters Taranaki booklet began following a conversation in 2021 between TRC programme lead — biosecurity Leigh Honnor and former chair of the North Taranaki Forest and Bird, Janet Hunt� “We had worked together for five years on the Restoration Planting Guide series for Taranaki and are both passionate about getting rid of weeds� It has taken a while to reach fruition due to a number of factors, including Covid-19, but the end result was worth the wait,” said Leigh� “The booklet was a real joint effort between Janet and several pest plant experts at the Taranaki Regional Council� Local botanists Bruce and Bill Clarkson also provided advice on the suitability of native plants�” Leigh said the aim of producing the booklet is to help people identify serious environmental weeds in their backyards and encourage them to undertake control� “Of course, when the weeds are removed, a weed-shaped hole is created� The same weeds will quickly recolonise the area, or other weeds will see an opportunity and move in� Planting with native plants suppresses weed invasion and contributes to the restoration of natural habitat across Taranaki� “Native plants provide food and shelter for native birds, lizards, insects, help stabilise the land and improve water quality�” Janet’s interest in native plants began as she was growing up on a farm on the edge of Egmont National Park�

“We were surrounded by native plants,” she said� “When we were kids, the park itself was out of bounds, but it was a great treat to be taken there by my father�” Her knowledge grew as a Forest and Bird member� She enjoys showing people what can be achieved by using native plants rather than exotics� “I am sure that the booklet will become an invaluable learning and reference tool on the bookshelves of anyone with an interest in plants and gardens� It will also complement the wonderful revegetation guides, showing people what can be done with the plants, and by association, the birds and insect life that belong to this country,” said Janet� A great deal of research went into the book� “We reviewed historical information published by Weedbusters and collated information from the Taranaki Regional Pest Management Plan and the National Pest Plant Accord� We spoke with pest plant experts within regional councils and the Department of Conservation, as well as weed warriors from within our community,” said Leigh� Although there has been similar Plant Me Instead guides produced for other regions, Weedbusters Taranaki is the first specific to Taranaki� “Our region is unique, so our guide focusses on the weeds most commonly found here, as well as the native plants most likely to thrive in Taranaki conditions,” said Leigh�

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Taranaki Regional Council’s Weedbusters team at the Seaside Market in New Plymouth

Taranaki Regional Council environment officer Ian Broughton removing old man’s beard

Colt Gardiner joins a weeding working bee at PG Nops Reserve in Inglewood

The free Weedbusters Taranaki guide is now available

From left: Leigh Honnor and Janet Hunt with the completed Weedbusters Taranaki booklet

“We’re delighted with the end result� It’s perfect for everyone from the occasional weed-puller to more serious gardeners and conservation groups� We hope this booklet will empower ordinary people to take responsibility for their own patch of land�”

Weedbusters Taranaki can be downloaded free at the Taranaki Regional Council website� Hard copies are also available by emailing weedbusters@trc�govt�nz or phone 0800 736 222�

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May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

Y E K N O I T A C I F I S R E V DI

M R A F Y L I M A F FOR UNN

G

BY DENISE

eir touch to ach added th e ve a eration. h y il ery fam a diverse op k ic to V in e y th rt f e o p ons ikorangi pro Six generati loping the T ve e d , rm a F Highfields

S

ixth-generation farmer Kurt Vickery says his family bought the farm in 1862� “When we first took over, it was a small dairy operation� A small part was dairy, another part was growing trees, then there was sheep and beef at the back,” said Kurt� “My grandfather took out all the trees and pulled the hedgerows out, putting a central race through the front of the farm� When dad took over, he converted the back part of the farm to dairy to become one dairy unit�” Kurt’s parents own the farm� He and his partner Elly Pearson are 50:50

sharemilkers on the property� Their fivemonth-old son is the seventh generation family member on the farm� “Dad’s on the farm every day, and my grandfather still pops in most days to check�” Kurt worked as a diesel mechanic for several years before returning to the farm� He met Elly after she moved to Taranaki for an internship� Elly had spent five years studying chemical and process engineering and humanitarian engineering at the University of Canterbury� They both share a passion for animals and farming�

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Further improvements have continued, with the construction of a rotary shed in 2000 and a covered feed pad seven years ago� In 2016, Kurt and Elly bought a 332ha (163ha effective) drystock block up the road� All calves from the dairy unit are reared for the block�

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TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

Six generations of the Vickery family have developed the farm since 1862

“We rear all calves� There are no bobbies� All Angus-cross go to the block and are raised until about two and a half years old, then sold to slaughter�” The couple has worked to improve their drystock block, too� Originally, the property was rundown with only three paddocks, no reticulated water, fences or gates� “We refenced the whole lot, redid the gates, and subdivided paddocks to make it more workable�” Maize and silage is fed to the herd, with a fair proportion of silage grown on the support block� The couple has diversified the farming operation further, branching out into selling hay, baleage and supplementary feeds� “We started looking for good affordable, quality silage and straw for the farm but struggled to find quality� So we started buying some in from the

South Island and selling on� Then we started buying in mini compressed hay to feed Elly’s horses�” Kurt said they filled a truck to make it viable, and the excess was sold within two or three days� Now the couple organises more than 150 unit loads of feed supplies from Southland, Gisborne and Northland for their Taranaki and wider North Island customers each year� While farm-based clients are a large part of the Highfields Farm business, their large lifestyle and equine customer base are ever-growing� They grow, bale and source a range of specialised hay; purpose-grown for their clients� Rye, clover and endophyte-free hay and mini silage wraps have been a big hit with their equine customers, and lucerne hay and baleage, which is sent all over the North Island�

May 2022

Highfields Farm sources, stocks, sells and delivers top quality feed

Since starting a free delivery run around Taranaki, they have now added chaff and horse feed to their range� Kurt and Elly chose to stock the Hekeao Feed Co range of feeds because they are also a small, locally-owned and operated business� Based in Ashburton, every order is made fresh using locally grown ingredients from their own family farm and surrounding growers� While the feed is popular in the South Island, it is just making its debut in the North Island� “The quality is second to none, and the feedback has been amazing� Our aim is to be a one-stop-shop for all stock feed� Each year, it’s getting harder and harder to find quality hay and silage, so we want to make it easy� “We love that our customers can arrive home after work and find their hay and feed have been delivered directly to their door�”

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From 2nd May 2022 Taranaki By Products will no longer be involved in the management of deadstock collection.

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You will be asked to register your details. Once you have entered your information, you will be able to organise the collection of your Dead Stock online.

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May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

LEAP TO

DAIRY CLINCHES Logan Stevenson’s passion for the dairy industry was sparked in his teens, helping his brother on a dairy farm during school holidays.

A

lthough a relief milking position followed when he was 15, his career path took a different turn when he left school� “I left high school and took up a job at a local civil engineering company, driving heavy machinery� After seven years driving machinery, I needed a change in life, and at the age of 23, took the leap and applied for jobs�” Logan’s leap landed him in a farm assistant position, working the 2019/2020 season for Matt and Sophie

Thomas on their 85ha Oakura farm, milking 280 cows� “After a season there I moved to my current job, seven kilometres out of Opunake, and have signed on for the 2022/2023 season� I’m currently working for Shane and Jayne Stevenson, who are part owners of a 195ha farm� Co-owners are Graham Mourie and partner Deb, and Mark and Anne Bridges� At peak, we milk 520 crossbred cows�” The system four farm dries the herd off at the end of May and begins calving on

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July 25� Target production is 530kgMS a cow and 275,000kgMS for the season� Logan said the farm could be very wet in winter� “This is managed by wintering late cows off-farm and standing cows on the yards with palm kernel in bins� Pasture damage can occur in winter when soils are pugged and the average rainfall is around 1,300mm to 1,400mm a year� We get good growth in autumn and around October through to December� “Summers can be very harsh, and soil temperatures can get pretty high� The rocky soils heat the ground up and become very dry in the summer months� With the dry summers, the lack of grass is substituted by grass silage, maize silage, in shed feed and turnips�”

Logan aims to eventually work up the dairying ladder to become self-employed

In 2021 Logan signed up with Primary ITO, completing level three papers� He is continuing this year with level four�

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TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

At 23, Logan began his career in the dairy industry

Logan won Most Promising Dairy Trainee of the Year at the Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards in his first season

Logan’s partner Tamara is currently in her second year of full-time study to become a registered nurse� In dealing with the everyday issues that come with farming, Logan is challenging himself to become more confident� “I’m learning as much as I can and putting myself out there to be the best I can be� Dealing with the mental and emotional parts of the industry is a big one�” Logan finds taking time off the farm when possible to spend with his partner, family and friends is an important part of keeping a work-life balance� Playing golf,

fishing and taking his dog to the beach also makes a difference� So far, in his two and a half seasons of dairy farming, Logan’s commitment to the dairy industry has already been recognised� Logan won Most Promising Dairy Trainee of the Year at the Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards in his first season and was runner-up in that category the following year� He says one of the enjoyable aspects of farming is that no two days are the same, and every farm is different� “Most of all is looking after animals to produce a worldwide product and also the physically-intensive workload�“

Interacting with different people on the farm who are involved in the dairy industry, along with learning the science behind growing pasture and feed on-farm, all add to Logan’s background knowledge� “Learning new things every day is a highlight of going to work every day,” he said� “I want to be able to grow my confidence to be able to put myself into a manager’s role in the next couple of years, complete my Primary ITO papers

May 2022

7

Looking after the herd and producing a worldwide product is a rewarding aspect of dairy farming

this season, and start taking more responsibility to build my confidence� “Eventually, I want to continue my climb through the roles in the dairy industry and become self-employed� I would like to employ a person to work alongside me, so I share my information and skills to better their knowledge in the industry� “I want to build my knowledge every day to ensure I prepare myself for every situation that is thrown at me when I am self-employed�”

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May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

IDEAL CAREER

FOR KEEN CADET

BY DENISE GUNN

A love for the land and livestock steered Shawn Rowe into a cadetship as a livestock agent.

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rowing up on his parents’ 25acre lifestyle block near Stratford generated Shaun’s enthusiasm for farming from an early age� The family raises dairy heifers, and Shaun always helped out with the stock� “When I was around six years old, I started my own small flock of half a dozen ewes and would take the lambs to the Stratford saleyards,” he said� School holidays on friends’ drystock farms gave Shaun a good grounding in sheep and beef farming� He also spent time on friends’

dairy farms and worked for his father, who is a self-employed fencing contractor� “I was very fortunate to be exposed to a range of agricultural practices from a young age�” Shaun said his interest in pursuing a career as a livestock agent stemmed from those early years selling his lambs� “Our neighbour was Murray Austin, who was an agent for PGG Wrightson for many years� He would always auction my lambs down the sale and drop a ram off to me each year�”

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Shaun’s dog herds some sheep in for a sale

As a Year 12 student at Stratford High School, Shaun completed a 12-month Gateway work experience course enabling him to spend one day each week on the job with Murray� “This was an extremely valuable experience, which gave me a greater understanding of the job, and a drive

to pursue the career in the future�” Shaun was too young to enter the industry when he finished high school, so he headed to Massey University to complete an agri-science degree� On his return to Taranaki, he worked as a shepherd in Huiroa� Twelve months later, a position came up within PGG Wrightson�

TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

Shaun’s interest in pursuing a career as a livestock agent began at a young age selling his lambs through the Stratford saleyards

Since taking up the position, Shaun has learnt about sheep and beef genetics� As he’s progressed through his cadetship, Shaun has been given more responsibility and the opportunity to develop a client base� He’s developing auctioneering skills too� “I had only been in the job a month, and I was down helping with a big lamb sale of 22,000 lambs at the Feilding saleyards� The Wrightson team down there gave me a chance to sell a couple of pens of lambs which was awesome�” This year Shaun sold cattle in the Stratford saleyards rostrum for the first time� “A massive part of training to be an auctioneer is listening and watching the experienced auctioneers in the team do their thing and trying to take away any pointers� It then comes down to working on my individual style and getting a good

pattern going� So I do a lot of practise in the car while driving and take bids off the power poles I’m driving past� “I get the chance to sell our sheep at the Stratford sale, and it is here where the senior auctioneers in our team will be able to provide feedback to me on what I need to improve on� There are a few finer details that auctioneers must know and understand about running an auction�” Shaun hopes to soon attend a PGG Wrightson junior auctioneer course� In his first couple of years of high school, Shaun joined the school’s Young Farmers club� He continued with Massey Young Farmers while at university and is now a member of Central Taranaki Young Farmers� “I enjoy how Young Farmers can bring together a range of people from all walks of life that have that common

May 2022

Farming and livestock have featured in Shaun’s life from a young age

interest of being involved in the agricultural community�” Recently, Shaun competed in the Young Farmer of the Year district and regional competitions� “It was a broad experience and a challenge to both the head and hands in a range of theory and practical tasks�” Top of Shaun’s list is building up a client base in eastern Taranaki and developing relationships with other stock agents� He also aims to improve his auctioneering skills� Shaun finds working with a range of livestock and knowledgeable people on a daily basis helps gain insights into many different farming systems� He said this is a great privilege which comes with the job� Eventually, Shaun plans to lease land, build up equity in livestock and work towards farm ownership�

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May 2022 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Who are you going to call?

QUICK INDEX

BUSINESS NAME ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� CONTACT NUMBER A&L Contracting NZ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������027 459 0020 Aaron Collins Builders Ltd ��������������������������������������������027 323 5715 / 022 317 7019 Abundant Health Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 423 559 Adlam Earthmoving Limited �����������������������������������������027 347 1144 / 027 347 0814 BDO Taranaki ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 06 759 9034 Bioboost Ltd �������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 754 8454 / 027 443 1809 Blackwell Motors 2020 Ltd �������������������������������������������� 06 759 5223 / 027 759 5223 Branderson Homes Ltd ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 07 827 3901 Brewers Upholstery ��������������������������������������������������������� 06 278 4337 / 027 449 1437 Cadwallader Industries Ltd (T/A PlasteringPlus Ltd) �������������������������������027 481 8132 Carefirst Medical Centre ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 753 9505 CBD Carpet Mill ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 255 855 Central Audiology Taranaki Ltd ������������������������������������������������������������������0800 751 000 Chem-Dry Wanganui & Taranaki ���������������������������������0800 22 78 22 / 027 299 9605 Chris Perrett Electrical Solutions Ltd ����������������������������� 06 272 8210 / 027 515 5442 Claas Harvest Centre Taranaki ������������������������������������������������������������������021 287 5335 CMS Auto & Marine Upholstery ���������������������������������������� 06 272 8115 / 021 353 742 Coast Sliding Roofs ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 262 788 Coastal Welders ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 752 8138 Crawford Agritech ������������������������������������������������������������ 06 762 8023 / 027 220 7701 Deadeye Dicks Shooting Supplies �������������������������������������������������������������� 06 367 8052 Egmont Industrial Supply Ltd ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 752 2011 Gateway Finance Brokers Ltd ��������������������������������������������������������������������0800 888 449 Gibson Plumbers Ltd ������������������������������������������������������ 06 761 8757 / 027 445 7164 GMC Chiropractor ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 111 354 Heritage Preservation & Field Support Solutions ������������������������������������027 235 6504 Holes ‘R’ Us Drilling �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 021 649 601 Honda Hub ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 757 3612 / 06 278 5972 HouseMe ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 468 7363 Ingrams Contracting Ltd ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 06 278 4786 Johnny Neil Building Ltd ������������������������������������������������� 06 272 6564 / 027 777 5625 Keith Baker Cartage 2020 Ltd ������������������������������������������������������������������027 439 7698

BUSINESS NAME ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� CONTACT NUMBER Laser Plumbing New Plymouth �������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 758 5424 Machinery Maintenance �����������������������������������������������027 223 4315 / 0800 667 867 Mufflers NZ Ltd ��������������������������������������������������������������� 027 754 4166 / 06 754 4166 Newton Gordge Joinery �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 751 5065 NumberWorks ‘n Words New Plymouth ������������������������� 0800 386 266 / 06 769 6465 P D Fleming Logging Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������������027 630 9922 Peter Sole Transport Ltd ������������������������������������������������� 06 754 8454 / 027 443 1809 Petrotec Services ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 477 134 Primo Wireless �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 123 774 Progressive Livestock Ltd �������������������������������������������������������������������������027 288 6845 Return 2 Earth ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������027 444 2186 Rio Motor Body Works ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 751 1456 Rose Concrete ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������022 084 4626 Rylock® Windows & Doors �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 758 8073 SBA Small Business Accounting ����������������������������������������������������������������� 06 281 4788 Scary Sharp and SIS Ballcocks �����������������������������������������������������������������0800 175 720 Spiffy Sanitising Ltd �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������021 207 3992 Spray It Ltd (2015) ��������������������������������������������������������027 273 6458 / 027 451 7001 Stonebrooke Landscaping �������������������������������������������������������������������������027 549 5530 Supa Concrete Products Ltd ����������������������������������������������������������������������027 484 4784 Surfatex 2019 Ltd ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0274 308 209 Symes Outdoors & Sports Ltd ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 761 8778 Taranaki Motorcycles – Can-Am ��������������������������������������� 06 765 6942 / 021 478 558 The Health Shop Centre City ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 759 4342 TMT Building Limited ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������027 308 3894 Tool Hire Taranaki ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 757 8665 TrackGrip Ltd ������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 764 8254 / 027 764 8253 Tracmap NZ Ltd �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������0800 87 22 62 Tuatara Machinery Limited ��������������������������������������������� 03 347 4956 / 027 477 0070 Value Building Supplies �������������������������������������������������� 06 759 7435 / 0800 245 535 Wagener Stoves ‘Lion’ Limited �������������������������������������������������������������������� 09 408 2469 Wallace Proteins ������������������������������������������������������� casualtycows.wallaceproteins.co.nz Woodward’s Firewood ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 06 755 2047

BUILDERS

New Homes and Renovation Construction servicing Central and North Taranaki Aaron and our team pride ourselves in creating your build to of a highest quality standard with commitment to detail.

With a genuine passion and commitment for fine quality workmanship along with fulfilling our customer’s vision, our team has a wide range of experience and knowledge in most areas of construction and building and have excellent testimonials from our past clients.

We are proud members of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association, our team consists of experienced Licensed Building Practitioners and an apprentice builder.

We will guide you through the building process from start to finish so get in touch to start your next project.

Aaron: 027 323 5715 | Office: 022 317 7019 aaron.collins@xtra.co.nz | www.acollinsbuilders.co.nz

TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

May 2022

11

ADVERTORIAL

Upgrade assures top service This year has seen impressive growth for Jeff and Susanne Rawson, based in New Plymouth under HPFS Solutions, where they are transitioning their fencing operations to a new business identity as Agri-Fencing Taranaki to better align with the farming community.

Keep an eye out for their new advertising in the next few months.

With this refreshed identity, they have also upgraded their line-up of equipment to include a Revolution telescopic 180 post driver, which will give Jeff more reach and capability. A new auger drive and rock spike on the post driver can tackle even tougher terrain.

A 1.7-tonne excavator adds to their capacity. It can be utilised for benching for riparian plantings, clearing fence lines, contouring ground for stockyards, move or install new underground electric fence cables, waterlines and clear gate areas. Adding an auger to the excavator has given them more versatility to do posts for concreting and other works.

These upgrades allow them to be more efficient and access more places than before, requiring less by hand, but don’t worry — they can still use a spade! If you have a project coming up, even in six or eight months’ time, book it in now. Large-scale farm maintenance or large projects would

also benefit from being booked in early.

Materials are fluctuating with availability, so make sure you order them far enough in advance to be ready to go in time for the fencing to begin.

OPERATING TARANAKI WIDE!

ADVERTORIAL

The immune system (Part two)

by John Arts

Let’s say a virus has penetrated your Non-Specific immune defences, see the last edition, and starts to infect cells.

Sitting, waiting for such an attack is your specific immune system that can create a devastating attack against the virus.

However, this part of your immune system has a significant shortcoming.

Initially, it does not recognise the attacker and needs to be ‘trained’ to identify and attack the virus.

Antibodies are proteins made by the immune B cells that bind to an invader marking it for destruction by T cells.

Natural immunity is based on the immune system’s ability (activated B cells) to produce antibodies that will both fight a current infection and a return of the same pathogen. Artificial immunity is from vaccines that trigger B cells to make antibodies to provoke a rapid T cell response against a first infection against a virus. It means your immune system is already primed, waiting for exposure and can launch a much faster, more aggressive response against the virus.

In the last edition, we saw that our Non-Specific immunity is greatly

influenced by nutrients. The same is true for our Specific immunity. Vitamin D acts like a master commander of your immune defences.

Dr Anthony Fauci, who leads the US health Covid response recommends supplementing with 4,000IU of vitamin D daily to help immune responses.

It is also important to make sure you have optimal levels of antioxidants, vitamins and trace minerals, especially selenium and zinc. These help prevent damage from both the infection and the immune responses.

Many of these are antioxidants that protect the immune system and help prevent unwanted inflammation.

Minerals such as selenium and zinc are very important.

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.

John Arts recommends

Cell eXtra

“Cell eXtra has all the essential minerals needed for the thousands of enzymes that make our body function. If we have insufficient minerals and vitamins this can cause disease and prevent healing of established problems.

Enhanced Formula

BEST BUY! 3 x 120 capsule bottles for $198.75 (freight free).

Single bottle $69.95 (plus $5.99 postage) 3 Bottles is 3 months supply for 2 people

Damage from free radicals causes many health problems. Cell eXtra contains some of nature’s most potent antioxidants to help build your antioxidant defences against free radical damage to body tissues. Try Cell eXtra for 3 months and see what you have been missing. Call me to see if Cell eXtra is right for you.”

John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health

What is in Cell eXtra?

Cell eXtra contains nature’s most potent antioxidants to protect from free radical damage including grapeseed OPC, Green tea, Goji, Hesperidin, Lutein, Lycopene, Beta carotene and vitamins C and E. Cell eXtra is a full multi-vitamin with vitamins C,D,E and a full B complex.

Cell eXtra is a full multi-mineral including calcium, magnesium, potassium with trace minerals selenium, zinc, copper, boron, manganese, iron, molybdenum, chromium, silicon, iodine, vanadium and a 50+ trace mineral complex.

How can Cell-X help you?

Abundant Health

Federated Farmers of New Zealand and Fencing Contractors New Zealand.

We provide Agricultural Fencing including:

Conventional, Electrical, Stockyards, Boundaries, Repairs and Maintenance.

P: 027 235 6504 E: HPFSSolutions@gmail.com www.HPFSSolutions.com

Supports immune function and optimum energy levels.

Includes a specific eye health formula

Always read the label and use as instructed. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

Or order online at www.abundant.co.nz Abundant Health Ltd, PO Box 8348, Cherrywood 3145 T, WORK, P EA , L Y

AY

CONTACT JEFF RAWSON TODAY!

Supports heart health and circulation

TO ORDER PHONE: 0800 423 559

BU

Proud members of

Protects joints against free radical damage

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

12

May 2022 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

houseme.co.nz

HouseMe | NZ’s Most Affordable Tiny Home Solution.

Show Homes in 3 North Island locations: Taupo, Tauranga, and Auckland All units issued with a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)

0800 HOUSE ME

www.houseme.co.nz

TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

May 2022

The upcycle of it all

13

by Liz Clark

Have you ever had a situation where you’ve got an accumulation of empty glass jars and lids sitting in a box?

Before sending them off to the recyclers, keep a few jars back to make a garden in miniature or grow your kitchen herbs in� It’s also a fun way to keep children, grandchildren and yourself occupied during weekends, school holidays and wet winter days� Here are a few ideas for those surplus jars and other items you may have lying around the house� Herbs in the kitchen If you’re one of those cooks that love fresh flavour in a meal or salad, this is one way to have a year-round supply of ready-to-pick or cut herbs right at your fingertips� First, find a few matching jam jars and fill them with a base layer of gravel or decorative stones� It will provide drainage for the plants that will be put in� Fill with a good amount of potting mix and place the plant in� Add more potting mix, firm, then water carefully� Tie natural twine with a label around the neck of each jar with the name of the herb� Suitable herbs include chives, parsley, basil, cilantro, lavender, thyme, sage and rosemary�

Jungle in a jar These can be fun to do, especially for the younger ones interested in the natural world� Choose small baby house plants from your local nursery, such as ferns, to provide the ‘jungle’ setting� A wide-bodied clear jar with a sealing lid is an ideal container� Fill the container with a suitable drainage medium such as gravel or fine decorative stones� Top up with potting mix, then place the plants according to how you’d like them to appear� Place in stones, pieces of bark and even the odd jungle animal or two if children are involved� Ensure the soil is moist but not soaking wet, or the plants will rot� Seal on the lid, and you will have a self-supporting ecosystem in miniature� Avoid placing your creation in full sun� Choose low-light plants where possible� Other items in the house Another option other than jars are random household items such as old kettles and pots� Even an old high-heel shoe or birdcage destined for the landfill can be turned into a botanical work of art� Succulents are ideal for these� Have fun and get creative�

PETER SOLE TRANSPORT

SERVICES New Dairy Sheds | Farm Buildings | Roofing Concreting Repairs & Maintenance | Joinery | Painting House Renovations & Extensions | Landscaping

027 777 5625 449 Normanby Rd, RD11, Hawera 4671

• General Farm Cartage • Lime Supply • Fertiliser, Lime Spreading & Cartage • Pit & Crushed Metal Supply • Digger • Hiab • 4x4 Tipper • Truck & Low Loader Hire • Rock & Demolition Cartage • Round Hay baling & Wrapping • Maize & Grass Silage Cartage • Automat trucks for low shed deliveries • Palm Kernal deliveries • Auger Truck Silo deliveries • Water Cartage

DISTRIBUTORS OF BIOBOOST Slow release granular fert has 67% organic matter for feeding crops, pasture, lawns, gardens and trees. Is weed free, environmentally safe & doesn’t burn.

The Constant Angle Knife Sharpening System

Keith Baker Cartage 2020 Ltd

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RIES EXPORT SE

The indexed rotating clamping system 3 Angle adjustments • High Grade Stainless Steel • Hygienic • Easy Care • x2 clamps included, 1x Wide Clamp & 1x Narrow Clamp

Phone or text Jess JESS: 027 439 7698

keithbakercartage2020@gmail.com

Enquiries to: 06 754 8454 or 027 443 1809 Office/Fax: 06 272 6564 Email: johnny@johnnyneilbuilding.co.nz

Local Company Manufacturing Onsite

See our website for the full range www.scarysharp.co.nz Talk to the manufacturer toll free 0800 175 720

BIOBOOST® 6-2-0 All p Earthmoving Equipment rod Agricultural Machinery uc l Commercial Transport ma ocally ts nuf Industrial Plant & Equipment actu Oil & Gas Industry red Specialty One Off Custom Mufflers Braziers 06 754 4166 027 754 4166 sales@mufflersnz.co.nz 23 MAYNE STREET BUSINESS PARK | WAITARA | TARANAKI

THE FERTILISER

FOR ALL SITUATIONS • Organic granular slow release fertiliser • Weed free - 67% organic matter • Will not burn plant roots or foliage • Can be incorporated when planting or used as a top feed • Fantastic for ALL lawns, flowers, vegetables, roses, trees, shrubs, & container plants • Bioboost is available from: Selected Garden Centres, Commercial Horticultural, Agricultural & Turf Service Centres Contact Bioboost Ltd for further information by E mail bioboost@xtra.co.nz or Phone 06 7548454/ 0274431809 www.bioboost.co.nz

14

May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

Growing great workplaces

Farmer Hamish Murray knows first-hand what it feels like to be short of the resources needed to create a great workplace� In 2014/2015, he and his family’s highcountry sheep and beef farm suffered from one of the toughest droughts� “My cup was empty, and I had nothing left to give� When I reached emotional breaking point, it was obvious that to be successful at leading others, I needed to look at myself first,” says Hamish� “Soft skills aren’t a typical priority onfarm, but they matter the most if you want to attract, train and retain the best team�” Hamish embarked on a series of coaching courses, mentoring and a Nuffield scholarship� Empowered by his new-found skills and knowledge, he then shared what he had learnt with his team� “I worked out what I can control or change and what I can’t� I learnt how to ask better and more open questions� We created a team, not a hierarchy� “Accessing some very practical and powerful resources, improved my wellbeing, grew our staff’s self-awareness, and made our family business a better place to work�” Hamish’s inspiring story is part of a new initiative sponsored by the Ministry for Primary Industries and delivered by the GrowingNZ/Primary Industry Capability

Hamish Murray, empowered by his new-found skills and knowledge after suffering one of the country’s toughest droughts

Alliance to grow more great workplaces in the food and fibre sector� The initiative was developed in collaboration with food and fibre sector organisations and the government, off the back of the Food and Fibre Skills Action Plan 2019–2022, which sets out actions to build the sector’s workforce�

“The Great Workplaces project promotes the many people and initiatives already leading the way,” says PICA’s chief executive Dr Michelle Glogau� “It is a way to share their ideas and knowledge and inspire other employers, managers and business owners working in food and fibre�

“Personal stories and insights, leadership and coaching courses, staff training, and personality profiling, are just some of the resources that business owners and managers can access to strengthen and grow their workplace� “There are also case studies and stories about the many great workplaces in food and fibre to inspire and motivate employers, managers and business owners to implement changes in their workplace� “We’ve also pulled together trusted and relevant tools to improve employment and management practices� The tools are targeted at employers, business owners, managers, employees, industry organisations and industrygood organisations�” The project collates and promotes a searchable database of programmes and initiatives to improve employment and workplace practices� It includes current and planned initiatives in the food and fibre sector� Each initiative aims to improve workplace standards, management practices and employer training� To explore the programmes, initiatives, case studies and tools, visit growingnz� org�nz/great-workplaces�

ELECTRIC OR COMBUSTION?

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INTERNAL COMBUSTION Powerful 1,000cc, 3cyl. Engine, 69HP; All steel construction; Manual 5 x speed transmission; Electophoresis anti-corrosion treatment; Equipped with 2WD/4WD, diff locks; Huge towing & carrying capacity; Equipped with a catalytic converter for low emission operation;

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BREWER’S UPHOLSTERY

SPECIALISING IN DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL UPHOLSTERY, WE HAVE YOU COVERED! • FURNITURE UPHOLSTERERS • FRAME REPAIRS • PVC WELDING REPAIRS • INSURANCE WORK

STEPHEN 105 MANAWAPOU RD, HAWERA

PH 06 278 4337 OR 027 449 1437 BREWERSUPHOLSTERY@OUTLOOK.COM

SPRAY IT

Agricultural ground sprayers covering the Taranaki.

We provide boom, gun & hose spraying

NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR SMALL.

JEREMY 027 451 7001 | GARY 027 289 9414 | MARK 027 273 6458

Cob loaf dip

TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

May 2022

15

T, WORK, P EA , L Y

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BU

This is always a favourite no matter where you take it and can be made in rolls or bread cases� You can substitute spinach for mushrooms or corn� The world is your oyster�

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

INGREDIENTS 1 cob loaf or any large unsliced loaf of bread Fresh or frozen spinach as much as you want� I would normally use 1 to 2 cups of chopped frozen spinach and let it defrost and squeeze the excess water out� 6 rashers bacon chopped 1 red or brown onion diced 250g cream cheese 250g sour cream 1 cup tasty cheese grated (you can add more cheese if you prefer a richer cheese flavour) Salt and pepper

METHOD Slice the top off the cob loaf and scoop out the inside leaving a 2cm edge and break the bread into bite sized pieces� Arrange the hollowed out loaf and pieces of bread on a large baking tray and drizzle with olive oil� Bake for 10 minutes at 180C until it’s starting to get crisp� While the bread is in the oven, make the dip� Melt a small piece of butter in a medium sized pot, add the bacon and onion and cook until the onionis soft� Add cream cheese, sour cream, grated cheese and the spinach and mix

together� Cook for 5 minutes or so until smooth and creamy� Add salt & pepper to taste� You can thin the mixture out with a little milk or cream if you think the dip is too thick� Remove the bread from the oven, pour the filling into the loaf and serve immediately� You can make the filling the day before� Reheat and add to the loaf when you are ready to serve� You don’t have to just have bread to dip� This also works very well with crackers and vegetables�

LTD

BEFORE

WATER BLASTING CLEAN YOUR • Troughs • Cowsheds • Yards • Feed pads • Water & colostrum tanks Give your farm the Spiffy treatment today!

Call or text 021 207 3992 AFTER

Fully insured * Health & Safety certified.

LTD

Renovation & Alterations New house builds Decks & fences

TM

∙ Effluent Systems ∙ Milking Machinery ∙ Water Pumps ∙ Shearing Machinery ∙ Spraying Equipment ∙ Pool Pumps ∙ Water Filters & UV Sterilisation Systems

IAN MACKAY Cell Phone 027 223 4315 0800 667 867 machinerymain@xtra.co.nz SALES & SERVICE: P.O. Box 268, 99 Ridgway St, Wanganui www.machinerymaintenance.co.nz

06 348 9239

Timo Tutavaha ttutavaha@gmail.com

027 308 3894

16

May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

BDO TARANAKI AUDIT | TAX | ADVISORY

Proud to continue backing our rural community.

Do you need help with your tax preparation and planning?

Contact our Agribusiness team today for a no obligation consultation.

Our Agribusiness Team Donna Greenlees donna.greenlees@bdo.co.nz Chris Harvey chris.harvey@bdo.co.nz Ryan Stockman ryan.stockman@bdo.co.nz

10 Young Street New Plymouth P 06 759 9034 E newplymouth@bdo.co.nz www.bdo.co.nz

Surfatex specialise in ‘Acraflex’ Dairy Wall Coatings, Pit, Milk room and Yard repairs. Industrial coatings including anti-slip solutions and protective flooring.

“Surfatex can’t help you with all the crap, but they can help you with the Dairy Inspector crap.”

Our skilled team is based in the Manawatu and mobile across the lower North Island.

Before

After

Phone: 027 430 8209 email: office@surfatex.co.nz | www.surfatex.co.nz

POND SERVICES & FDE (Farm Dairy Effluent)

SPREADING

YOUR CURRENT DECOYS NOT CUTTING IT? TIME FOR AN UPGRADE??

Based in Inglewood but servicing Taranaki wide.

WE CAN GET YOUR DAIRY EFFLUENT OVER YOUR FARM WITH EASE WITH OUR 20,000 LITRE TR AXLE TANKER WITH ITS EASY MANEUVERABILITY. RAINWAVE TECHNOLOGY SPREADS NUTRIENTS FURTHER AND EVENLY INCREASING FERTILITY AND PASTURE GROWTH. • Council Approved Resource consent to Spread Effluent & Muck Spreading • Tracmap GPS for proof of placement • Subsoil Aeration • Chisel Ploughing • We also supply a Pond Stirrer for the job BENEFITS OF FDE SPREADING INCLUDE, SUSTAINABLE USE OF YOUR OWN WASTE THAT IS FULL OF NUTRIENTS TO IMPROVE SOIL CONDITION AND ALSO TO PREVENT EXTRA COSTS ON FERTILISER WHICH IS RAPIDLY INCREASING IN COSTS. IT IS EXCELLENT FOR DRY PERIODS TO GIVE YOUR FARM THE NUTRIENTS THEY ARE LACKING.

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The wartime tractor ‘invasion’

TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

by Andy Bryenton

When wartime machinery shortages struck and foreign trade was cut by the war at sea, a lend-lease deal with the United States delivered fresh ideas and equipment to New Zealand farms� One important change made by the lend-lease programme was the supply of considerable quantities of mechanical equipment for farms� For example, more than 7,000 farm tractors were supplied in the years 1943 to 1945

by US factories� Some idea of the significance of the lend-lease deal can be gathered from the fact that, in 1940, there were only about 11,000 tractors on New Zealand farms� By the second world war’s end, there were close to double that number, with US models predominating� Tractors proliferated so quickly that the Transport (Farmer’s Tractor) Emergency Order of 1942 had to be rushed through parliament, making it unnecessary to pay registration for driving a tractor on the road� In fuelrationed times, farmers often used their new tractors for everything from ploughing fields to mowing hay to driving goods to market� Some children of that era remember the tractor replacing the family car altogether� A classic tractor from the lend-lease era was the John Deere model A, which debuted in the US as a row crop tractor, but was also available in orchard and fixed-tread forms� Farmers in New Zealand were keen that this was the first Deere with rubber tyres as standard, perfect for taking advantage of that emergency order� Typical of its type, it ran a five-litre all-fuel engine developing

May 2022

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farms� The Farmall is still the classic tractor shape drawn by small children in primary school� Its 1�9-litre engine delivered more torque than people thought possible at the time from such a compact unit� Machines like these finally ushered out the steam and horse-drawn machinery era on New Zealand farms� It was an age that had lingered longer here than in the more industrialised northern hemisphere due to our relative isolation� The trade-off for our allies in wartime was increased food production, which went to feed the sailors, marines, soldiers and pilots of the Pacific theatre� After the end of hostilities, the extra efficiency tractors delivered was part of the farming boom that enriched rural New Zealand�

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Tough and simple to maintain, many of the classic tractors sent during the second world war are still functional around New Zealand

a maximum of 24-horsepower at the PTO� Its relatively light weight of 1,720kg made it excellent for traversing muddy fields�

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Its opposite number was the Farmall model A, another small, by modern standards, tractor from Louisville, Kentucky, that punched above its weight on Kiwi

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May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

All that jazz

by Andy Bryenton

Honda’s latest electric hybrid vehicle comes with some new energy-saving tricks up its sleeve and a new tongue-twisting acronym to remember; e:HEV�

Honda’s latest Jazz combines hybrid efficiency with a new way of handling electrical power and petrol economy

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hummingbird sips nectar� Figures of 2�4 litres for every 100 kilometres are talked about in the promotional materials, as the little Jazz also applies everything Honda has learned about regenerative braking and kinetic energy recovery� At current prices, this could take you from Northland to Auckland for approximately $8, and that’s a bargain worth considering� Another bargain is the price in comparison to battery-only vehicles� The government will pay you just over $4,000 for choosing the Jazz e:HEV, and it’s only $35,000 brand new to begin with� That puts it on the radar of real Kiwis, who don’t have the budget of a Formula One team or a portfolio of mansions� Everything else Honda could think of is included, and that, from a firm that makes jet planes and robots, is a lot of safety features, connectivity and toys� It even looks quite endearing, with an interesting two-tone interior� Although it’s a city hatchback and not a slick coupe, you can at least say it’s a hybrid from the stable of the NSX� If you’re in the market for a family car and really, honestly don’t need an SUV, then this could be the new front runner�

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It might just be worth remembering this collection of letters, as the designation stands for a fresh look at the hybrid concept, as tried, tested and proven by Hondas that have gone before and as the ubiquitous Toyota Prius� Honda’s Jazz e:HEV luxe performs a similar juggling act to their CR-Z, perhaps the most fun to drive hybrid of the first generation� With a 1�5-litre petrol engine and a brace of electric motors; it can deliver a massive range without fear of battery drain, and the kick of instant torque� However, it goes about making that power and laying it down in a very different fashion to the CR-Z or the Insight, Honda’s other early hybrid effort� In the new Jazz, the petrol engine is most often employed to charge the batteries, with smooth electric power delivery predominating� It extends the range vastly over battery-only machines� Moreover, because the petrol motor is only driving a generator and not trying to accelerate an entire car along the tarmac — it’s superbly efficient� The upshot is that the Jazz e:HEV uses petrol, but only in the same way as a

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169 GILL STREET, NEW PLYMOUTH, 4312 | 06 757 3612 250 WAIHI ROAD, HAWERA, 4673 | 06 278 5972 YOU KNOW US FOR MOST THINGS MOTORBIKE ON-FARM, ROAD OR OFF-ROAD, BUT THE HONDA ENGINE OFFERS A MUCH WIDER RANGE KNOWN FOR ITS UNBEATABLE POWER AND RELIABILITY, GENEROUS WARRANTY TIME AND THE QUIET ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY 4-STROKE LOW EMISSIONS ENGINE MAKES IT AN EASY CHOICE.

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TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

The ‘grandfather’ of Kiwi tractors

by Andy Bryenton

Politician, historian, author and farmer Robert McNab has many claims to fame; however, his purchase of New Zealand’s first tractor is a milestone in rural life� Robert McNab was an extraordinary figure in early New Zealand� Born near Knapdale, close to modern-day Invercargill, he was the only surviving child of a large family� He confirmed his powerful intellect when he became Dux of Invercargill District High School in 1879� Robert trained in the law but remained interested in farming, and his progressive outlook and insight into history gave him a desire for modernisation� Fast forward to 1902, 120 years ago, when news of a novel new device caught Mr McNab’s attention� He had previously looked at traction engines and steam tractors as a way to improve farming efficiency� During the Boer War in South Africa, the British Army had experimented for the first time with internal combustion� Now that technology had come through into farming, with the invention of the Ivel three-wheeler, a kerosene-powered tractor that promised to revolutionise farm work in the United Kingdom� It wasn’t just the farming power of the Ivel or its use of a side-mounted PTO wheel for running threshers, stationary mills and crushers� It was its durability, which Robert McNab knew any machine tackling the New Zealand pastureland would require� It was all fine and good,

May 2022

19

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Daniel Albone invented the first internal combustion tractor in 1902, and just two years later one of his three-wheelers became the first in New Zealand

he reasoned, to buy a new kind of tractor if you lived near to the works in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, but what if it broke down in Gore or Gisborne?

The commissioning of an Ivel as an armoured ambulance in 1904, and its successful testing in Canada, convinced McNab of its toughness� He purchased an Ivel in 1904, and soon he was the owner of the first internal combustion tractor in New Zealand� The Ivel was a world first in other ways� One of the first boxer-style horizontally-

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opposed engines with two spark plugs and the first tractor with inflatable tyres� In fact, a single tyre, the front steering wheel boasted a thin, motorcycle-sized tube to help keep it rolling straight when the two steel, cleated rear wheels deployed their eight horsepower� Robert McNab’s Ivel weighed just under one and a half tonnes, making it much lighter than the monster traction engines of the day and more fit to work on small farms�

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3–4 indicates ideal stools which are easier to pass

Separate hard lumps, like nuts (hard to pass) Sausage-shaped but lumpy

Type 3

Like a sausage but with cracks on its surface

Type 4

Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft

5–7 shows loose stools, indicative of an Type 5 irritated gastro intestinal tract.

We recommend Type 6 digestive enzymes, an increase Type 7 in fibre and avoiding wheat

Soft blobs with clear-cut edges (passed easily) Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool Watery, no solid pieces. Entirely Liquid

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May 2022 TARANAKI FaRMING LIFESTyLES

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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.