Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, November 2013

Taranaki

FARMING Lifestyles November 2013 Edition

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

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November 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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

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

Editorial: Denise Gunn — 06 329 7701

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Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Helping farmers with mental health issues

by Denise Gunn

The recent launch of a publication encouraging Taranaki farmers to seek help for mental health issues has proved so popular there is already talk of a reprint.

Inspired by the 2010 edition of a similar publication produced in Southland, Urenui farmers John and Linda White initiated a Taranaki version.

The 16-page magazine, ‘Feeling Down on the Farm — Mental Health in Rural Taranaki’, features stories written by farmers for farmers. It also outlines many causes of mental health issues, anxiety and depression among the rural population, stress symptoms and concerns, and where to get help.

Several organisations including Like Minds Taranaki, Taranaki Rural Support Trust, Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand and Dairy NZ joined the Whites to produce the publication.

This magazine, aimed towards Like Minds Taranaki rural farmers, features stories about mental health and elderly co-ordinator Gordon Hudson said 12,000 copies internationally recognised mental illness have been printed and 11,000 of these at some time during their lives. will be delivered to all Taranaki rural Mr Hudson said two out of three post box holders. people will seek help for mental health.

The remaining copies will be placed “That leaves one out of three people in libraries, medical centres and other who don’t seek treatment and it’s mostly service providers. men who don’t seek help.”

Online copies are also available at The key message outlined throughout www.likemindstaranaki.org.nz.

‘Feeling Down on the Farm — Mental Mr Hudson said the number of Health in Rural Taranaki’ is that suicides in New Zealand is almost seeking professional help for mental double the figure of road deaths. distress should be seen as strength “One farmer in New Zealand not a weakness. attempts suicide every two weeks.”

Mr Hudson said the publication has The 2006 New Zealand Mental been very well received.

Health survey found that 46 percent “We are thrilled with it,” said of New Zealanders experienced an Mr Hudson.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

No big changes for rural mail delivery

3

by Denise Gunn

Country residents can breathe a sigh of relief with New Zealand Post’s decision to keep rural mail delivery to five days a week.

With the volume of mail declining over the past ten years, New Zealand Post had earlier considered reducing mail delivery from six to three days.

However, it was recently announced that mail delivery to rural areas will be maintained at five days a week while urban areas will drop to three days a week. These changes will apply from mid-2015. Federated Farmers are thrilled by the decision.

courier parcels.” Mrs Evans said the five-day service ensures people are able to run their farming enterprises and other rural businesses effectively, even from remote locations.

“In many rural areas there is limited or no cellphone coverage and we are still dealing with dial-up broadband connections in many cases.”

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“This is great news for rural people, as many businesses are still heavily reliant on a five-day service,” said Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills.

“New Zealand Post and the Government have clearly listened to our members concerns and we are pleased that they have recognised the uniqueness of the rural business model in their Deed of Understanding.”

As a legal arrangement between the Government and New Zealand Post, the Deed of Understanding sets out certain obligations for the stateowned enterprise.

“Whilst technology is changing the way we communicate and eventually we will see a decline in postal deliveries, we are not there yet,” said Mr Wills.

“There are still some 86,000 rural people off-line, where rural post is a daily fixture in the running of their business and household.

“We would like to thank all parties involved for highlighting the unique situation that rural New Zealand is in when it comes to postal delivery.”

Rural Women New Zealand are also delighted the rural delivery service will remain uncompromised.

“In our submission, which Minister Amy Adams has acknowledged, we

highlighted that the rural delivery is so much more than just a mail service and anything that threatened its sustainability would have widespread unintended consequences,” said Rural Women national president Liz Evans.

“It is a wraparound distribution service that is part of the fabric that holds rural communities together.

“Our rural delivery contractors provide a lifeline, delivering supplies, repairs and spare parts, animal health remedies, medicines and

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November 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FARMING BEEF IN

GREEN MEADOWS

by Denise Gunn

After 30 years in the dairy industry, Joe (Michael) Carey decided to convert his third-generation family dairy farm into a beef finishing unit.

F

ive years later, the 420 acre coastal Taranaki farm is producing premium, export quality 100 percent grass-fed beef under the label Green Meadows Beef.

Joe Carey finds cattle grow well on Taranaki’s lush pasture

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Together with his wife Margy, and sons Nick, Brent and Karl, Joe and his family work as a team with each member involved in different aspects of the business. While Joe handles the farming operation, Nick takes care of marketing and business with input from Brent and Karl. Margy spends a large part of her day packing beef together with Green Meadows Beef’s full-time butcher, Pat Hogan. A full-time farm worker is also employed.

With large amounts of New Zealand’s best beef exported, the Carey family founded Green Meadows Beef in 2012 to provide consumers all over the country with a premium product.

Located south of Opunake, at the foot of Mount Taranaki and close to the Green Meadows surf break, the farm

is made up of mostly flat with some rolling land around the banks of the Taungatara Stream. The former dairy farm’s infrastructure has been retained with central races, electric fencing, fenced and planted waterways. All water supplied to the farm comes from the Cold Creek Community Water Scheme.

“Following the conversion to beef finishing, we have added a weighing system, dedicated cattle loading and handling facilities, and strengthened fences,” said Nick.

Close to 500 stock units currently run on the property. Joe buys replacement steers from all over the North Island and finds they grow well on Taranaki’s pastures.

Purebred Angus are raised solely for Green Meadows Beef while Anguscross, Charolais, Simmental, Shorthorn and Hereford cattle are sold through other channels.

Nick said the steers are sourced at a specific weight and then spend

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The former dairy farm’s infrastructure has been retained with central races

the remainder of their days on the Carey’s farm.

“The animals are only fed grass and grass supplements — no grain.”

Each year around 80 hectares of grass supplements, including grass silage and hay, are grown both on the farm and a nearby eight hectare runoff.

This allows Joe to know exactly what the animals are eating and provides flexibility to the feed system. Some cattle can be put on a maintenance diet while others may need further conditioning.

The Carey family believe rearing their cattle on a natural diet and supplying quality drinking water gives Green Meadows Beef’s meat a superior flavour, colour and texture.

“We are fortunate to have a pretty consistent climate in coastal Taranaki,” said Nick.

“We can be assured of a six-week dry period most summers.

“However, we do get excellent grass growth for the remainder of the year which allows for grass wintering and to shut away supplements.” Since converting the farm to a beef finishing

November 2013

5

unit, Joe has found less fertiliser is required. Lime is spread during spring, and phosphate and potash is applied in winter.

Cattle are weighed regularly with the heaviest sent for processing each week. Carcasses are aged for between five to seven days in Green Meadows Beef’s chiller before being expertly cut

by Pat, then vacuum-sealed. The meat is available to purchase online through www.greenmeadowsbeef.co.nz.

Nick said as well as providing New Zealanders with premium meat, the aim of establishing Green Meadows Beef is to see the farm remain in total family ownership.

“If it remained as a purely beef unit, that is a beef unit selling animals to the freezing works, there would be less of a chance that this would happen.

“For us, the key part of Green Meadows Beef is being able to interact with the people that are enjoying our product,” he said.

“Getting to meet our customers face-to-face when we do store tastings/ events is pretty rewarding.”

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

BY DENISE GUNN

World-champion tree climber, Nicky Ward-Allen’s introduction to the spor t came in a roundabout way.

World-champion tree climber Nicky Ward-Allen

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Nicky was playing rugby for Massey University and commuting between Stratford to Palmerston North for training and games.

“I wanted to get a part-time job in Palmerston North, so that I could work down there Thursdays and Fridays and not have to return between Wednesday trainings and Saturday games,” said Nicky.

“The company that interviewed me for the part-time job asked if I did climbing competitions, and I answered yes.

“Once having said that I did, I thought that I’d better carry through on this fib, and actually have a go.”

Nine years later she secured the world title in the 2013 International Tree Climbing Championships in Toronto.

Nicky also holds the current foot-lock

world record with a time of 13.26 seconds — a feat she accomplished in Chicago in 2010.

Nicky was raised on a property in the Kaimai Ranges area where her father owned a piggery. The family also had avocado and kiwifruit orchards on the property.

With three older brothers, Nicky always wanted to take part in whatever they were doing. This often involved climbing willow trees and building tree huts.

On completing her secondary education, Nicky began a Bachelor of Science degree at Waikato University.

However, part way through her degree, Nicky noticed an advertisement for an arboriculture course at the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec).

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Nicky busy at work

“It dawned on me that I didn’t want to work in a laboratory or an office.”

Nicky quit her studies, started the course at Wintec and loved it “I was the only woman on my course and the men all took care of me.”

She later returned to Waikato University to finish her degree.

On completing the arboriculture course, Nicky’s fiancé (now husband) secured a position at Thomson O’Neil and Co. and the couple moved from Hamilton to central Taranaki.

“There were no employers in my region, so I started my own company, Taranaki Tree Services Ltd,” said Nicky.

Taranaki Tree Services Ltd is based in Eltham.

“I also like working in the outdoors, and a lot of my clients have really beautiful gardens and trees that I get to enjoy working with.”

Nicky’s first regional competition was in 2004 at the Wellington Botanical Gardens. There were no other women in the competition and she finished 10th out of a field of close to 30 men. This placing qualified her to compete at the national championships in Queenstown the following month.

“There, I got an absolute hiding from Gisborne’s Chrissy Spence,” said Nicky.

Chrissy went onto dominate the world stage, winning three international titles.

“But I was lucky to have met her as she has helped me a lot with my climbing.”

Nicky enjoys being able to exercise both mind and body with her work as an arborist.

“You really need to think hard in a lot of situations to avoid damaging structures around you when doing tree work,” said Nicky.

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Aerobic exercise through running, cycling and rowing feature in Nicky’s training routine. Nicky also recreationally climbs and practises foot-locking most days.

Four regional competitions are held in New Zealand each year, as well as the nationals. Top-placing New Zealanders also qualify for the Asia-Pacific Tree Climbing Championships and the International Tree Climbing Championships.

Each climbing competition consists of five events in the preliminary round — the work climb, aerial rescue, foot-lock, speed climb and throw-line.

“From there, the top men and women advance to the Masters Climb and complete what is basically a big work climb.”

The first placegetter of the Masters Climb is the overall winner.

“Everyone has their own style but the techniques must be approved by the International Society of Arboriculture,” said Nicky.

Safety is paramount.

Nicky said she enjoys the camaraderie of the competitions and hanging out with like-minded people.

Learning from the world’s best, both in new techniques and equipment, is also a highlight for the international champion.

“I enjoy having something to strive towards, in trying to improve and become the best I can be.”

The Taranaki Open Tree Climbing Championships will be held at King Edward Park in Stratford on January 25-26, 2014.

“Anyone is welcome to come and watch,” said Nicky.

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November 2013 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Fertiliser

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES November 2013

9 10 40 things I’ve learned 11 Whakatane supervisor of two dairy farms of 500ha, also running horses emus goats poultry and drystock, has learned 40 things about fertiliser, soil and organic principles and he runs his land on these. He says he thinks this is the only answer for a sustainable future.

1 2

SOIL is the stomach of the plant: please don’t feed it chemicals. We are a reflection of the soil’s health.

EIGHTY to ninety-five percent of plant yield comes from the atmosphere, while only 2–5% comes from the soil (sources vary).

3

FERTILISER programmes must be based around the calcium content of your soil. If base saturation calcium is below 60%, you will virtually have to purchase fertiliser ad infinitum. Urea and other soluble fertiliser products are deadly to soil fungi.

4

SOIL fungi are responsible for retaining 100% of available calcium in the soil.

It is a fallacy that one tonne of lime, or another product, is required to move soil pH by one point. The soil microbes have the ability to move the pH of your soil without the physical input of calcium.

5

NOT all N, P, K, Mg, S etc is the same.

Organic forms are far superior to chemical forms, and some chemicals are worse than others. The bio-available forms of nutrients are the only healthy options.

6

THE correct base saturation figures for pasture are: Calcium 68%, magnesium 12–15%, potassium 3.5–5% and Sodium 0.5–1.5%. Many New Zealand soils are well below these figures. For tree crops, vines and berries, including strawberries, increase potassium to 5–7.5%. Once these conditions have been met fertiliser requirements will drop substantially, and soil pH will auto-correct to about 6.4 when the above conditions are fulfilled.

7

SOLUBLE phosphorus products kill vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (VAM). Mycorrhizal fungi can increase the roots’ effectiveness by up to 1,000 times, and plants grown with VAM have superior nutrition.

8

IT IS extremely important to get functional calcium levels up. Calcium is responsible for carrying other minerals into the plant, however too much calcium can tie up other nutrients and cause deficiencies.

Limit applications of agricultural lime to 500–1000kg/ha for one application. Limit fine lime to less than 400kg/ha.

IF LUCERNE, oats and similar crops have hollow stems, calcium is lacking and yield will not meet potential.

ADEQUATE calcium also translates into better stock growth rates and weight gain.

AN organic fertiliser programme must feed the microbes first, which will then feed the plants. Microbes include bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa, nematodes, algae, ciliates, arthropods and earthworms.

12

BACTERIA have a carbon — nitrogen ratio of 5:1 which means for every six bacteria eaten, five parts of N are released. Nematodes are 100:1, so for every 20 bacteria eaten, 19 parts of N are released into the soil. This is why it’s so important that the soil is in balance.

13 14

MOST chemical fertilisers kill or reduce microbes, causing imbalances.

THE number of earthworms in the soil is an excellent visual sign of a healthy soil, and they can produce 30–300 tonnes/ha of casts per year. Worm casts from 20 worms per spade square contain 5xN (1.2t/ha), 7xP, 3xMg, 11xK and 1.5xCa, far more than ordinary soil (62 earthworms per square metres). Sulphur, iron, zinc and trace elements also increase. Pasture fibre increases by over 100%.

15 16

THERE are about 2,240,000kg of soil in a 1ha paddock, down to 150– 175mm deep.

SIXTY percent of the sugars manufactured in leaves are dumped into the roots at night. Because sugar content in leaves is highest then, endeavour to cut hay or silage in late afternoon or evening.

17

9

FIFTY percent of that sugar is exuded into the soil to feed the microbes.

Microbes in turn make minerals available to the plant. The nutrient responsible for that happening is boron. Boron, along with selenium and cobalt, is commonly deficient in New Zealand soils.

18 19

CALCIUM and boron are synergists so lime is more effective with boron added.

FERTILISER and lime are more effective with carbon added. Carbon is food for the microbes, and carbon sources are aged sawdust, aged bark, rock dust, humates, charcoal, compost etc.

20

BRIX levels are a measurement of soluble solids (superior nutrition). Urea-fed pasture tends to have low Brix readings. The minimum reading for pasture to be able to resist pests and diseases is 12, while an excellent pasture will measure 24. A bee will not work flowers/nectar with a Brix level below seven, otherwise it will expend more energy in collection than it will get back.

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PART ONE OF TWO

10

November 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

The dog’s tail …

Yep, Nah, I meen ……??

“Blimmin banks, Dog, dunno wear it’s all gonna end.”

Wen tha Boss came out with this, me an’ Sharlene, his gerlfren’ lookt at each other an’ reckind Boss wuz on about that polltishin, John, wots gotta crook memry.

“You mean that Mr Banks deah,” she sed. No, nah, no, no,” seda Boss.

“I meen yes, yep, yes yes.”

Well, I kin tell ya readas, me an’ Sharlene wuz gittin’ reel confused.

“Nah, it’s like this,” seda Boss.

“Seems tha bluddy proper banks, wear ya keep ya munny and wot keep ya business operatin’ bin watchin that

Vikker of Digbly TV show, wear the old codger keeps sayin’ Yes yes yes, An then No no no!

“Cos tha’s wot they doing now, Yep an’ then Nah.” Boss then give Sharlene tha papa I brung up frum tha kattil stop. “See deah, this bloke gotta loan fruma bank ta buy one of them bluddy expinsive houses in Orkland. Then wen he an his missus were about ta sign ona bottim line, tha bank pulled the munny plug on ‘em.

“Yes, Nah, ya can’t have ya munny fer tha mortgige.

“Bloke wuz pretty ropable too, and

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rekind he was gonna change banks.”

Sharlene then hada tork wiva Boss about her cussin’, that gotta dairy farm over to Te Kopru.

She sed tha bank give them a big loan, an’ then another one ina drout.

But ina end it was too much fer her cussin ta pay, cos of a poor seesin.

“So tha blimmin’ bank kicked them off tha proppity. They shoodint have thrown so much munny at them ina first place, eh,” she sed.

“Yep,” sed a Boss, an’ I rekind he ment Yep, not Nah. “Banks just please there bluddy selves an’ make upa rools as they goes along.

An’ they kin just blame that reserve bank. Sez hear ina papa that its tole the other banks they not gonna give munny unless people got 20 per cint to put down ona house.

“But wot about the folks like this bloke in Orkland, wear they alreddy sed Yes. No trubble for a bank eh. Just say Nah.”

Well, dunno about youse readas, but I can’t see a diffrince between a munny bank an’ tha polltishin Banks.

They both seem ta say yes, about munny, and then tern round an’ say Nah! Munny banks gotta bad memry too, eh?

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Be my Guest

November 2013

11

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand Membership Services: 09 439 5219 09 430 3758 Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz

Independent contract milkers Dairy farmers employing contract milkers and having proceeds paid directly to the contract milker through their dairy companies, could find that their contract milkers are employed and bound under the 1937 Sharemilking Agreements Act which was introduced by statute of Parliament.

This lower order Sharemilking Agreements Act allows men and women to be independent contractors without having to own dairy cows to enter into the New Zealand dairy industry. Many over the years have purchased their own farms.

A dairy farmer employing a contract milker as an independent contractor, who receives his remuneration by so much a kilogram of milk solids (this is called a Walsh agreement), could if a dispute arises over the terms of the engagement, come under the jurisdiction of the 1937 Sharemilking Agreements Act and its terms.

There is also the risk of the IRD not accepting that the employees are deemed as independent contractors and have sought PAYE reimbursement payments from farmer employers who have entered such agreements.

There is a big difference between the status of an independent contractor and that of an employee.

The independent contractor must meet the control tests, the independence test, the organisation or integration test, the intention of the parties and the business test or the economic reality test.

This involves whether the independent contractor works for other people or clients, supplies his or her own tools or equipment, has direct responsibility for the profits and risk of the business, hires or fires whoever he or she wishes to help do the job, pays accounts for taxes and government and

professional fees and most importantly, advertises and produces a GST invoice directly to the farmer for the work that has been done.

Any dairy farmer engaging an independent contractor to milk the cows or to do work on the farm, should ensure that payments are made directly to the contractor on the presentation of a GST invoice and the contractor provides a payment receipt.

The intention of the parties is important. This test looks at the intention of each party to the agreement regarding the nature of the relationship.

The fact that a written contract states that a person is an employee or an independent contractor, may indicate the intention of the parties but is not determinative. If the actual circumstances point to an employment relationship, then simply labelling it an independent contract will not alter the actuality.

The fundamental test looks at factors such as whether the type of business or the nature of the job justifies or requires using an independent contractor. Is there a time limit for completing a specific project.

Can the worker be dismissed. Who is legally liable if the job goes wrong.

Usually, an independent contractor agrees to be responsible for his or her work. He or she cannot usually be ‘dismissed’, although the contract can be terminated if it is broken.

Dairy farmers using contract milkers under the Walsh agreement, do so in

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an endeavour to circumvent the 1937 Sharemilking Agreements Act, because they feel that under the variable order the cost of labour is too high, particularly under 300 cows or less where a minimum of 22% milk price only, must be payable to the sharemilker. Walsh agreement payments have ranged from as low as $1 per kilogram of milk solids upwards, and in many cases this is not sustainable remuneration.

Farmers of New Zealand encourages dairy farmers looking for managerial

employees to use the Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011.

It is still the best way to encourage the next generation into farm ownership with the support of the banks and the farmer retains management control and it specifies the relationship and the obligations that must be carried out by the dairy farmer employer and the sharemilker.

Farmers of New Zealand provide free contracts and professional advice to our members.

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November 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Dairying

by Dr Tim Jenkins

Foliar uptake of nutrients

The foliar application of plant nutrients goes back as long as 1844 with the first recorded application of iron to address yellowing of leaves in an iron deficient potato crop.

It was not until the late 20th century however, that the science of foliar nutrient uptake really advanced.

The realisation that foliar uptake of nutrients is largely through the cuticle

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rather than through stomata led to advanced information on ways in which to maximise uptake. United States research found that foliar uptake can actually be greater at night time than during the day further confirming that stomata (closed during the night) are not a significant route for uptake of nitrogen and mineral nutrients.

A reason for the greater uptake at night time is the generally higher relative humidity at that time. For a similar reason, uptake can be improved in overcast conditions as well as in the early morning.

Many elements are taken up rapidly through micropores in the cuticle. This is faster and more efficient when the plants have not been going through a period of water stress. The stress tends to result in a thicker cuticle and reduced uptake through micropores.

Most micropores are very thin at around one nanometer. This means that many complex molecules are not able to enter through these pores. These micropores are water filled with negatively charged sides making them suitable for the uptake of positively charged ions like ammonium nitrogen but not so suitable for negatively charged ions such as nitrate nitrogen. Urea is suitable for uptake since it is so soluble in the water of the micropores.

More complex organic molecules may have more problems entering the foliage perhaps relying on larger pores or the assistance of penetrants. One interesting finding is that EDTA as a chelation for trace element metals (eg copper, iron, zinc) can actually reduce the speed of uptake compared to simple sulphate forms of the metals.

Most leaves will still take up these larger complex molecules perhaps through larger pores in the cuticle

sometimes close to stomata. Penetrants and surfactants may assist with those larger compounds.

White clover only herbage test.

Now is the best time of year to take a white clover only herbage sample (while the clover is growing but before there is too much flowering). Don’t select the lush clover from urine patches but rather samples that are representative of the more usual condition of the clover in a paddock.

The results can give a good indication of the nutrients that are holding back clover growth and nitrogen

fixation (and therefore holding back the whole pasture).

This could be due to a shortage of trace elements (eg boron, cobalt, copper, iron, molybdenum) or major elements such as phosphorus, sulphur and, at this time of the year, perhaps magnesium.

In the case of magnesium and trace elements, foliar application offers an opportunity to rapidly, efficiently and cost effectively (due to smaller fertiliser requirements than for soil application) address requirements while avoiding soil lock up, pH and other issues.

Element

Soluble Chemical Forms

A Typical Recommended Rate

Boron

Solubor or boric acid

~ 300 grams/ha

Cobalt

Cobalt sulphate

~ 40 grams/ha

Copper

Copper sulphate pentahydrate

~ 1000 grams/ha

Iron

Iron sulphate mono or pentahydrate

~ 1000 grams/ha

Magnesium

Magnesium sulphate (Epsom Salts)

~ 10 kg/ha

Manganese

Manganese sulphate

~ 1000 grams/ha

Molybdenum

Sodium molybdate

Due to toxicity and copper issues, molybdenum application should be supplied and calibrated by skilled operators.

Zinc

Zinc sulphate mono or heptahydrate

~ 1000 grams/ha

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

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14

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

Taranaki

FARM ADVERTORIAL

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Phil Pulley and Robert Foster envisioned a new kind of mower, and set out to build it using a mixture of optimism and engineering know-how.

Now the Bad Boy mower company is the single largest manufacturer of zero-turn mowers on the planet, proving wrong those many early naysayers who called their product ‘overbuilt’ and predicted a swift demise for the company.

Far from being over-engineered, the aim of the Bad Boy’s rugged construction is to make it durable as well as functional,

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a design feature lauded by users, who find the Arkansas company’s machines to be more reliable than those of many competitors.

By 2002 the Bad Boy operation had upshifted to a 36,000 square foot factory, and today the firm needs a whopping 850,000 square feet of research facilities, factories and warehousing just to keep up with demand.

The range has expanded along with the machinery and real estate needed to produce it too — now there are Bad Boy machines for all kinds of outdoor tasks, from practical diesel units to the full-featured, bright orange ‘Outlaw Extreme’, perhaps the only zero-turn mower in the world with a race-car style spoiler. As with all of their models, operator comfort has been given just as high priority as mechanical accuracy — in fact, the Bad Boy mowers designers have worked hard to make sure that they themselves would be happy to put in a full eight-hour day behind the controls, day in and day out.

Bad Boy have satisfied the demands of the famously lawn-proud American market, and are now available here in New Zealand too. Whether for commercial applications, or to tackle the sward on your lifestyle block or large property, these mowers epitomise the same kind of attitude as Mr Harley and Mr Davidson’s two-wheeled creations — the product of US engineering and enterprise at its best.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

15

FA R M W H E E L S

Work hard, play harder this summer

It’s a well known fact that Polaris ATV quads work hard — both those and their ‘big brothers’ in the side-by-side configured Ranger series are now a common sight on Kiwi farms, putting in a hard day’s yakka.

But there’s another side to off road power which has been the focus of intense design and development by the Polaris engineering team — the mudslinging world of pure recreation.

There’s a sense, with the new Polaris Scrambler 850 that those folks in the design department have been given free rein, eschewing some of the practicalities needed for farm labour in lieu of more aggressive, race-tuned styling and handling.

Nothing else could explain the fierce looks and the high-output growl of this terrain-dominating machine, which is already garnering great reviews from

competition riders and weekend trailriders alike.

It all begins with a seriously reworked power plant — a parallel twin fuel-injected overhead cam mill tuned to churn out a full 77 horsepower, and mated to a CVT box which prioritises sheer corner-to-corner acceleration.

Knowing that airflow is key to performance, the Scrambler’s creators have also made sure to fit a sportstuned exhaust system — with the added benefit of amplifying that visceral fourstroke sound.

Power is delivered to the ground in smooth chunks, via a suspension

setup created in partnership with racing heavyweights Fox, and incorporating their podium series shocks.

With a full twelve inches of ride height, and over ten inches of travel in its custom-designed rolled rear suspension, the Scrambler is made to glide over the most gnarly terrain, gripping hard with specially commissioned sports tyres. Of course, as a Polaris, you can

expect plenty of electronic wizardry to smooth the ride as well. Not only is the Scrambler 850 available with EPS power steering, it also packs a true all wheel drive system which delivers maximum power to all wheels as soon as the rear wheels begin to slip.

That mean less time slamming levers and buttons, and more time slamming through the turns and through the mud!

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November 2013

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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FARMING Lifestyles

Read the paper online farminglifestyles.co.nz

Livestock

What causes facial eczema Facial Eczema is a disease caused by fungal spores from the fungus Pithomyces chartarum that produce a toxin which when ingested by cattle can lead to the damage of liver and bile ducts.

This fungus (FE) can cause lower milk production and occasionally death from liver damage. The damaged liver is unable to rid the body of wastes and the breakdown product of chlorophyll build up in the body causing sensitivity to sunlight, which can then lead to inflammation of the skin.

The first signs of FE usually show up as a drop in milk production soon after the intake of toxic spores (sub clinical FE). Other signs may include cows being restless at milking time, seeking shade and licking their udder. As facial eczema becomes more obvious, another drop in milk production may be seen and exposed un-pigmented skin may thicken and peel.

Especially prone are the white areas on cattle, teats and udder and inside the hind legs may also be affected. It is important to remember that not all animals may show physical signs of

clinical facial eczema, but some may have had liver damage occur (sub clinical FE).

and is ideally suited for drenching or adding through an inline water medication system.

Facial eczema spores are produced when minimum grass temperatures are above 12° for two or three nights and humidity is usually high — this can occur in the months (January to May).

The fungus grows on soft matter in the base of the pasture, so hard grazing during this period of increased spore activity may also increase the risk of spore uptake by cattle.

Zinc 50 is suitable for long-term daily dosing until the pasture to be grazed is safe from fungal spores. Zinc 50 has a nil milk withhold period and is suitable for dairy cows. Zinc 50 is available from your local veterinarian.

Prevention should start early with zinc treatment, ideally two to three weeks before the spore growth danger period, for the most beneficial protection.

One product that is suitable is Zinc 50 from Vetpak, it is a free flowing Zinc Oxide 50% liquid suspension to aid in the treatment and prevention of facial eczema in cattle and sheep,

Another product in the Vetpak stable is Green Apple Flavouring, which is a ready to use liquid flavour additive designed to mask unpleasant tastes such as zinc oxide.

Green Apple can be added to drinking water, dry feed or mineral drenches such as zinc oxide or magnesium sulphate/chlorides and this makes it an ideal partner when using zinc products to treat facial eczema.

Green Apple Flavouring and Zinc 50 are both available from your local veterinarian.

Livestock Soil Matters with Peter Burton

Bugs can’t handle big clover An article on the development of clover by AgResearch published in November 2003 starts with following.

‘If there is one thing New Zealand couldn’t do without, it would have to be white clover’.

While it doesn’t seem like an obvious one for the top 20 list of ‘essential survival items,’ white clover-based pastures underpin most of New Zealand’s milk, meat and wool production in a quiet unassuming way.

While clover contributes around $3 billion annually to the New Zealand economy and each one per cent improvement in yield has been estimated to be worth more than $20 million.

White clover is integrated into pastures to improve nutritive value and

animal intake rates, as well as provide low-cost nitrogen for pasture growth. It has also been a key in the development of New Zealand’s low cost livestock farming systems.

Without white clover, livestock production in New Zealand would depend solely on fertiliser nitrogen. This has obvious environmental consequences.”

Ten years on the question has to be asked. Why have the fertiliser policies pushed by the two major fertiliser companies and endorsed by the major advisory groups been based on the dependence on fertiliser nitrogen when it is well known that clovers suffer as a result?

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

One reason that has been forwarded so far is that clover flea and weevil have done such damage that the clover in pasture is incapable of fixing sufficient nitrogen for high performance farming.

Eco-Logic soil Improvement has an increasing number of properties nationwide that use DoloZest/CalciZest total nutrient programmes, and produce based on Overseer, permanent pastures growing up to 19.3 tonne of dry matter annually.

A recent farm walk on one of these properties was to examine the damage on some of the small clover plants in the sward. Under a magnifying glass eggs laid by insects could be seen, however the long strong-stemmed large leafed clover, some as tall as our redbands, were unaffected.

After an hour or so spent walking the property the farmer summed up the situation with the following statement: ‘The bugs can’t handle the big stuff,’ and on the evidence of what we were seeing he was correct.

Bugs and disease perform the function of ensuring that weak plants do not breed making sure that the plants that do are capable of withstanding the pressure of high performance pastoral farming.

November 2013

17

An article published within the last twelve months recommended farmers in the Canterbury region to apply nitrogen fertiliser as the clover flea and weevil had followed dairy farming to the district. It is highly unlikely that fleas and weevils know, or care, what animals are grazing the pastures they currently share.

Their ability to flourish is due to an increase in the amount of clover weakened by current mainstream farming practices of which the regular application of fertiliser nitrogen plays a central role. It doesn’t have to be the case and the change to a CalciZest-based clover friendly nutrient programme that grows more total pasture with a more even spread of pasture throughout the year can be made seamlessly with a noticeable improvement in quality and animal performance within a month after implementation.

The most recent independent report, done for the 2011–12 season, showed the property monitored grew 30% more pasture and produced 38% more milk solids than district average. The cows on that property also ate 15.3kgDM to produce a kilogram of milk solids compared to 19.5kgDM for the district average, with an increase in profit of 38%.

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18

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

Improving mobility through good nutrition Over the past 12 months I have been helping someone with limited mobility. She had a combination of sore and stiff muscles combined with painful knee joints. Subsequent MRI and other diagnostics were inconclusive. As a consequence she could barely walk and stairs were almost impossible.

In cases where there is no clear medical diagnosis I step back and use a process of elimination to find a starting place for nutritional therapy. The main source of her pain and stiffness seemed to be muscular though again MRI showed no structural muscle or joint damage.

Additionally she was not on statin cholesterol lowering medication which is probably the most common cause of muscle problems that I assist with.

My goal then was to reduce inflammation throughout her body while adding nutrients that can improve muscle energy and therefore muscle function. Our body repair systems including our immune response and antioxidant systems are all nutrient dependent. We made alteration to her diet and put her on a 3 month intensive supplement programme.

I started her on therapeutic doses of my multi antioxidant/mineral/vitamin formula. We then added high doses of I think the best CoQ10 available starting with higher doses. With this we added solid Omega 3 Fish oil doses and a combined anti-inflammatory and a specific anti-inflammatory joint formula again at higher initial doses.

Within a few months she started to notice some progress. The improvements have continued to where she can now walk, bend down, bend her knees and use stairs with relative freedom. Most of the pain has now gone. Of course she is delighted and is now starting to get her old life back again. Give me a call if you need more information.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. Join his weekly newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz.

ADVERTORIAL

Spring is here and it’s time to get back into the garden

To make your lawn look lovely this summer, you need to put in a bit of work now.

Top dress with a good quality lawn fertiliser and make sure you water it in well, or better still wait till there’s some rain due. If your lawn needs repair in patches, use lawn seed and lawn mix.

Spray with Turf Clean to get rid of weeds and Lawn Prickleweed Control if this is a problem. It’s also a good time to sow new lawn.

Protect new rose growth from pests and diseases with Spectrum and apply rose fertiliser to promote strong healthy growth and vigorous flowering.

It’s also a good time to plant strawberries, blueberries and rhubarb for delicious desserts this summer and remember to feed berry fruit, citrus and fruit trees with fruit or citrus fertiliser. Remember that citrus are hungry plants so be generous with the fertiliser! If you grow apples now is the time to hang codling moth traps in the trees to prevent caterpillars entering the fruit.

Grow your own vegetables for Christmas dinner.

Sow beetroot, broccoli, broad beans, carrots and peas directly into your garden bed now. It’s also time to plant courgettes, cucumbers, capsicum, tomatoes and eggplant now.

Use acid fertiliser to feed your Rhodos, Azaleas and Camellias after flowering to re-energise them and keep them healthy. Plant up hanging baskets, pots and containers with your favourite summer flowers. Impatiens, Lobelia, Alyssum and Petunias will all do well.

If you want to help the bees out as well as adding a splash of summer colour too now is the time to plant out Lavender. There are some lovely free flowering varieties now such as ‘The Princess’ with neon pink flowers or try the Leigh Lavenders such as Pat Leigh or Lemon Leigh which both have a citrus scent.

AcAi Plus

Abundant Health Abundant Health

AcAi – ResveRAtRol – oPc Also with Goji, Gingko, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, Trace Minerals.

Advanced Rejuvenation Formula

SPECIAL OFFER

2 bottles for

99

$

.98

with free postage Normal price $54.95 per bottle plus $5.10 post per order.

2 bottles is up to 4 months supply.

Daily dosage is 1 or 2 capsules daily.

60 capsules per bottle

Use as directed. If symptoms persist please see your health care professional.

How is Acai Plus different?

• Acai Plus combines some of the most potent energy and rejuvenation ingredients including Acai, Resveratrol and OPC. • Acai Plus introduces a potent 5:1 Acai extract with a high potency Resveratrol extract and ActiVinTM OPC extract plus 5 other powerful ingredients.

• The unique combination of ingredients means you will notice the difference!

• Acai Plus is designed to support the defence systems responsible for controlling premature aging, excessive tiredness and a number of other important processes.

• Acai Plus is the ultimate Cell Rejuvenation Formula!

Welcome to Palmers New Plymouth!

It’s time to talk to Palmers about planting your garden!

And if you’re inexperienced then you’ll need some green thumbed advice. Luckily Palmers are on hand to help.

Our friendly team can suggest plants and plant care to suit your individual section, and Taranaki’s unique growing conditions.

And while you’re there Enjoy a great brunch, lunch or afternoon tea and a tasty Sierra coffee at Café Botannix!

How can Acai Plus help you?

• Promotes normal blood flow and blood vessel health • Helps to support key immune system functions • Supports positive blood sugar metabolism • Helps to support healthy brain and memory function • Encourages optimum cell energy production.

• Provides cells with nutrients for maximum cell rejuvenation

You can join my weekly email and read past issues at www.johnarts.co.nz or phone 0800 423 559 John Arts Abundant Health • Managing Director

CALL ME FOR A FREE HEALTH PLAN

ToTO order phone 0800PHONE 423 559 0800 423 559 ORDER

or visit www.abundant.co.nz

Cnr Katere and Devon Roads, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth.

Ph: 06 758 7455. Open 7 days from 8.30am.

Café open daily from 9am, serving breakfast through to afternoon tea.

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

November 2013

19

SHARROCK’s are proud to introduce...

SHARROCK’s

Europe’s Award Winning Van is Back

World class safety features • Class leading cargo features • Car-like handling • Diesel 2.5l VM Motori Engine Larry 027 323 1979 Brian 0274 947 241 Trademe #44 742 1454 Service (06) 759 5228 588 DEVON STREET EAST, www.sharrock.co.nz Sales (06) 759 5222 FITZROY, NEW PLYMOUTH

SHARROCK’s

Taranaki Rural Marketplace ■ FERTILISER SPREADING ■ SEED & FARM MERCHANDISE ■ FARM TRACK CONSTRUCTION

06 324 8859 RONGOTEA

Dream Doors Kitchens Ltd “Your dream kitchen but not a nightmare price”

KITCHENS – SAVE $1000’s

From a single door facing to a complete kitchen. we also do replacement benchtops

CRAMP–STOP For Muscle Function – A Natural Approach

• Fast acting • Easy to use • Good safety profile Use fast acting CRAMP-STOP at any time – during the night, during or after sport.

Spray once under the tongue and repeat in 30–60 seconds if necessary.

Available from Selected Health Stores, Sports Shops and Pharmacies.

Web: www.ddkitchens.co.nz Email: mike@ddkitchens.co.nz

33 MIKE DD 0800 6453

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING®

GRAEME NORTHCOTT Distributor for TARANAKI gmnorthcott@xtra.co.nz 06 752 3370

Available from CRT, PGG Wrightson, Farmlands UV Protected Polycarbonate. Fits on any container with a flat surface.

Instructions supplied with the fitting.

$20 plus p&p

Dog FooD ProDucts

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING 21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM

Email: elaine.gordon@xtra.co.nz www.gordys-flytrap-fitting.com Patented in New Zealand/Australia

2nd Hand Overalls from

CALL

$10 each

WWW.MIGHTYMIX.CO.NZ

Nuway Drycleaners 250 Victoria Ave Wanganui

0800 808 820 Ph: 06 345 6186

DELIVERY SERVICE TO FARMS AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF TARANAKI. BETTER FOOD GIVING BEST HEALTH AND FITNESS Call Graeme Northcott for information and supply

Stratford Auto Electrical  Computer Diagnostics  Alternators & Starters  Competitive Prices  Air Conditioning & Battery Specialists 144 Broadway North Ph: 06 765 5824 Mob: 027 270 7368

TRUCK & 4WD DISMANTLERS

END OF MAYNE STREET, WAITARA

Phone Joe, Dave or Bruce

Ph 06 754 9006 or 0800 878 251 Email t_t_d@xtra.co.nz Fax 06 754 8966 www.taranakitruckdismantlers.co.nz

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

TARANAKI FARMING

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

Energy Efficient DO YOU LIVE IN A WINDY SPOT? 3 phase wind turbines starting at $2,200 includes 450 watt turbine, 6m pole, charge controller and inverter, Batteries not included. Ring Colin at Windpower Waikato Phone 0274 831 041 A/H 07 843 7983 Email colin@windpowerwaikato.co.nz

FARM BRIDGES

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

BRIDGE IT NZ LTD Rural Services

TARANAKI TRUCK

DISMANTLERS LTD

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

• Septic Tanks & Filters.

• Quality Products & Service.

• Wastewater Treatment Plants.

• We Design, Manufacture, Install and Service our own • Water Tanks, Pumps & Filters NZ Made Products.

• Farm Tanks / Killing Sheds.

• Residential & Commercial.

T 06 353 6157 F 06 353 3020 FP 0800 253 273 E andrew@wrighttanks.co.nz W www.wrighttanks.co.nz

DOG TRAINING Products — SportDOG remote trainers, Anti-Bark Collars and Containment systems. Trainers with up to 1.6 kms range and can work up to 6 collars.

Completely waterproof and rechargeable. Call 0800 872 546.

Website www.innotek.co.nz.

Arrive Alive... Don’t Drink and Drive

20

November 2013 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $1500

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

NOVEMBER 2013

MAXI culvert Twinwall Culvert Pipe

SIZE NOMINAL ID

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

6M PRICE

3M PRICE

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

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

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

NEW SIZE

499.00

$

Incorporating the strength of corrugated outer shell with the smooth inner wall to optimise hydraulics.

Contractors Ring for a Quote

Smaller coils also available

450mm x 6m

MAXI drain

Punched & Unpunched Drain Coil

299.00 $299.00

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

$

MEGA ROLLS AVAILABLE

110mm x 425m & 160mm x 190m Drainage Contractors call for a quote Manufactured from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

MDPE pressure pipe 9 Bar Rural Pressure Pipe

Outside diameter

25mm 32mm 40mm 50mm 63mm

$ per 100m

$ per 200m

$127.00 $159.00 $216.00 $325.00 $495.00

$248.00 $310.00 $421.00 $634.00 $965.00

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

DRAG hose

LDPE water pipe ID nominal bore

Pressure rating (PSI)

$ per 100m

15mm

130

$ 76.00

20mm

116

$141.00

25mm

94

$182.00

32mm

72

$223.00

40mm

65

$264.00

50mm

50

$346.00

$141.00

Anka & Hansen fittings available

LDPE IRRIGATOR DRAG HOSE

EFFLUENT pipe 8 BAR RATED - SUITS CAMLOCKS

Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks

75mm

63mm x 50m

90mm

199

$

20mm x 100m 116PSI

.00

63mm x 100m

389.00

$

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

110mm

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

Suitable for above ground use.

90mm

$8.55 per metre

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

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