Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, September 2013

u t a w a n a M / i k a n a Tar

Farming Lifestyles September 2013 Edition

22,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki and Manawatu

Woodchopping runs in the family

Spectacular sights at garden festival

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‘Fingers crossed’ for top fishing in Taranaki rivers

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See our advertisement and editorial

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Milking goats and making cheese an enjoyable challenge Page 4–5

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September 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

SEPTIC TANK OWNERS How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard.

When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur.These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.

There are only three remedies.

One: stop using the septic system until it recovers.

This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it.This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

Septi-Cure is Cost effective.

By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months.This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs.Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be

What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms.

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Entries for the 2014 Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) have just opened with the competition offered in Taranaki for the first time.

Taranaki farmers are now eligible to enter the 2014 Ballance Farm Environment Awards

The New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) has formed a partnership with the Taranaki Regional Council to offer the competition to the region’s farmers and horticulturalists. With the addition of Taranaki, the total number of regions involved in the competition is now ten.

NZFET chair Alistair Polson said the trust is delighted to deliver the Ballance Farm Environment Awards to the region.

“Taranaki is a well-established farming area with many top operators who take great pride in their farms.

“This competition will give the region the opportunity to showcase some magnificent examples of Taranaki farmers doing what they do best.”

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Mr Polson also welcomes the Taranaki Regional Council on board as a regional partner. “Taranaki Regional Council has always shown a strong ethic when it comes to promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

“I’m sure Taranaki Regional Council’s involvement with the Ballance Farm Environment Awards will be extremely

beneficial for the region’s farmers, orchardists and the wider community.”

Originally established in 1993 as a joint initiative between the Waikato Conservation Board and Environment Waikato, the competition aims to reward farming operations achieving a high standard in four specific areas.

These include sustainable profitability, environmental awareness, good business practices, and social and community responsibility. Successful farms are showcased during a field day.

After the Waikato Farm Environment Awards Trust was set up to manage the awards for that region in 1995, the NZFET was founded to administer the awards nationally in 2002. Ballance AgriNutrients became naming right sponsor.

There are now nine national sponsors.

The awards programme has been available in the Horizons Regional Council area since 2005.

Entry forms are available at www. bfea.org.nz. Entries for the Horizons regional competition close on September 13. The Taranaki competition closes on October 20.

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Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Drug study for arthritic farm dogs

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

by Denise Gunn

Massey University’s Centre for Service and Working Dog Health has begun a drug study testing working farm dogs with arthritis.

Twenty dogs in the lower North Island have been selected for the trial which is expected to run for three months. The dogs involved in the trial have varying degrees of arthritis and veterinarians will be looking for hidden aspects of musculoskeletal disorders.

Working dogs have been chosen for the drug study as they are athletic and arthritis tends to be common among them.

Their desire to work is also strong which makes it difficult to gauge the impact musculoskeletal disorders have on their work abilities.

“Working farm dogs are an important part of New Zealand in terms of the work they do on the farm,” said associate professor of companion animal clinical studies Jonathan Bray.

During the trial some dogs will receive the drug, Trocoxil, which has been on the market for less than one year, and others would get a placebo before this is swapped around. Farmers will not know which of their dogs have received the drug.

Professor Bray said a mobility collar, fitted on the dogs 24 hours a day and seven days a week, will enable the level of their activity to be monitored and assessed while they are working and resting.

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The trial is supported by the global animal health company, Zoetis, formerly the animal health business of Pfizer.

It is estimated that New Zealand has around 200,000 working farm dogs used for mustering and moving stock.

The Centre for Service and Working Dog Health is based at the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Palmerston North. The centre aims to improve the working life and health

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Milking goats and

MAKING CHEESE an enjoyable challenge

by Denise Gunn

Milking goats and a long-standing desire to make cheese has enabled a Wanganui farming couple to carve out a niche market for their Lonely Goat products.

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ae Doughty and her husband Brian run a herd of 67 predominantly Saanen, along with some Anglo-Nubian, goats on their 90ha Brunswick farm. The Anglo-Nubians have been introduced specifically to increase the milk solids total for the cheesemaking enterprise.

About 60 cows are also milked on the property, supplying to Open Country, and a few beef cows and sheep are also farmed.

The goats graze on around four hectares with young stock grazing an area of bush and scrub, returning to their shed each evening at dusk.

Rae said all goats need warm shelter when the weather is wet and cold.

“They hate getting wet.”

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Milking time takes around one hour in total which includes the washing of machines and cleaning up.Rae said grain and pellets are fed to the goats during milking.

“Goats will do anything for food.”

Brian keeping the goats fed during milking

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been adapted for milking goats while cows can be milked on the other side simultaneously. The milks go into separate vats with their own plate coolers and milk pumps.

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The herd is predominantly Saanen with some Anglo-Nubian

Grain, pellets, hay and silage are available to the herd during winter. Although worm control for goats on pasture can be a problem, Rae and Brian have found cross-grazing the herd with cattle and grazing on long pasture helps to prevent a build-up. A chemical drench is used when the goats are drying-off and an organic type, consisting of cider vinegar, garlic and nasturtium leaves, is used while milking.

Rae said unlike milking cows, there isn’t a drench available for milking goats that has a nil withholding period.

“Goats will do anything for food.”

Any goat found to have a worm burden and needing to be drenched must have its milk withheld for 35 days.

After first learning to make simple cheese through books, Rae attended the New Zealand Cheese School in Putaruru.

And the training paid off as the couple’s Fiery Feta and Pepato cheese won two silver medals in 2010.

A limited amount of raw milk is sold from the Doughty’s farm on Fridays and Saturdays — the only days the couple don’t make cheese. A limit of five litres is set per customer and the milk is sold in returnable glass bottles.

Although milking and cheesemaking entail long working days during the season, Rae enjoys the challenge.

“I really enjoy the challenge of the goats and not travelling to town each day to work. “Making cheese is an even bigger challenge.”

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Rae said all milk for cheesemaking must be pasteurised, heating to 70 degrees for 90 seconds then cooled immediately to 32 degrees before starting the cheese.

Several varieties are produced under the Lonely Goat label — feta, cream cheese, halloumi, blue, camembert and some hard cheese.

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Rae is currently working towards a Cheesemasters Certificate.

“Any cheese that is made from cow’s milk can also be made with goat milk.” Most of Lonely Goat cheeses are sold at the Whanganui River Traders Market, the Ambrosia Delicatessen in Whanganui and a couple of delicatessens out of town.

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G N I P P O H C D O WO ILY M A F E H T N I S N U R

by Denise Gunn

Turakina brothers Aiden (17) and Brodie Grant (15) have been selected for the second year running to represent New Zealand in the Under-21 Axemen’s team. The pair will travel to the Adelaide Royal Show in September for 10 days of competition.

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oodchopping tends to run in the Grant family. The boys’ greatgreat-great-grandfather, Alfred Falkner, ran a sawmill near Eketahuna and the family have photos of men at the mill, including many of Alfred’s sons holding crosscut saws and axes.

Aiden and Brodie’s father, Ian, was first introduced to the sport by another woodchopping family 25 years ago.

Ian and his wife Hayley also competed together for a season in the Jack and Jill sawing events. The couple took a lengthy break from competition to travel overseas and then returned to New Zealand to start their family.

The Grant family farm a 220ha property at Turakina running Romney ewes and replacements and 200 Friesian bulls with some cereal cropping.

Brodie said when he was 12 years old he found his Dad’s axe box in the shed collecting dust. “I asked him to take me along to an Axemen’s Club Day.” That was three years ago and the family once again

Brodie during a competition

became involved in the sport. They are members of the Marton Junction Axemen’s Club.

Aiden said he observed his father in that first season. “I was more tentative with my involvement at first.”

Aiden and Brodie’s siblings are also keen on the sport. Angus (11) has been woodchopping for two years, Isaac (8) had a start at the last club day,

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“It was one of his axes and she wanted it to go to a beginner axeman,” said Hayley.

“He bought it for a very reasonable $100 and had to borrow the last $10 from me.

“We still joke that I own a 10 per cent share and should be entitled to 10 per cent of any prize money won with it.

“Goldie’s memory lives on each time it is used.”

As well as getting in as much practice as possible during the week while boarding at Palmerston Aiden and Brodie Grant have been selected for the Under-21 Axemen’s team to compete in Australia North Boys’ High School, the pair travel to Otaki on a regular basis and the youngest, Abbey (6) is keen to Brodie said it’s just as exciting to to train with some of the top axemen in follow in her brothers’ footsteps. be selected again but this time he the country.

Both Aiden and Brodie had their first has less nerves. The camaraderie of The trip to Adelaide will cost each competition at Ohingaiti Sports Days — woodchopping is an aspect of the sport team member around $3,500. Aiden in 2009 for Brodie, followed by Aiden both boys enjoy. and Brodie have been busy fundraising in 2011. The pair now travel all over “Everybody encourages and helps the central and lower North Island to each other out and enjoys their sport,” towards this goal.

“We think woodchopping is a compete from October to April. said Aiden. fantastic sport with great combination Last year they were selected to “It’s a great environment to be in.” of skill and strength, and it honours our compete in the Australian States Hayley said the spor t of pioneering ancestors, who spent much Under-21 Championships in Melbourne. woodchopping has been great for the of their lives turning New Zealand into Aiden said it was a huge honour to boys and she is very proud they have the incredible agricultural success it is be selected to represent New Zealand. made the New Zealand Under-21 team. today,” said Aiden and Brodie.

“We didn’t do as well as we had “But my proudest moment was long hoped and we were beaten by a strong before that when I saw, and now see, Victorian side which was disappointing. one of the boys carrying a very heavy log “A couple of aspects of the for a fellow competitor nearly 50 years Portable Milking competition didn’t go our way. his senior, to their competing stand.”

Specialists “However it was a great experience She said Aiden and Brodie help set for us as first time competitors and the up, compete in their race, then shake Stainless Steel Milking Machines rest of the team as a young side with an hands and congratulate each competitor for cows, goats and sheep. Single average age of less than 17.” when the race is over. or double units. Kitsets, with petrol or electric motors.

Brodie said it was an awesome “In return there is always wise advice feeling to be part of the team.

Ideal for house cows, calfrearing, cheeseon how to cut a block that may be knotty making etc. Milking time 5-6 mins per “We did reasonably well for a young or look difficult, how to sharpen an axe, cow. Easy to use and clean. All parts and team but we were disappointed to have how to stand, where to make the most accessories available. 12 month warranty. only managed second place to Victoria.” efficient blows with the axe, and general Gaining selection again this year guidance and encouragement. has been another sporting highlight for the boys.

“Again it’s a great opportunity and hopefully we can improve on last year’s result/performance,” said Aiden.

“As they say — priceless.”

When Brodie first started competing, the widow of local woodchopping legend, Goldie McIntosh, offered him an axe to buy.

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Farming Lifestyles

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Minerals are essential Minerals are inorganic, naturally occurring compounds. There are over 70 compounds classified as minerals of which about 20 are identified as essential for our bodies to function.

If we have inadequate mineral intake, or our mineral intake is out of balance, this can have disastrous effects on our health.

While food from the sea has excellent mineral balance, many of our soils are deficient in minerals. NZ soils contain very low levels of the cancer protecting trace mineral selenium. This is especially important for those in the South Island as the bread produced from Canterbury grain has low selenium. The NZ Government agency MedSafe (2103) commented “South Island bread is made predominantly with wheat grown locally in lowselenium soils.”

Some minerals have multiple functions and low levels can cause many problems. For example zinc is known to participate in over 300 enzymes. Low zinc levels can cause diverse problems from poor immune function, eye problems, hair loss and skin problems.

Many people take mineral supplements to maintain health or as part of a treatment programme for specific conditions. These can be single minerals, such as iron, iodine or calcium, small groups such as magnesium, calcium and potassium or as multi-mineral complexes.

My view is the single or small groups of minerals should only be given under professional guidance. For example single iron supplements should only be taken after blood tests show low iron levels. The same applies to iodine and some other minerals.

For most people, most of the time the best way to get minerals from supplements is as modest dose multi-mineral preparation. This will ensure you are getting the minerals in the correct form and correct balance. My preference is for chelated minerals whereby the mineral is bonded to amino acids (the building blocks of protein) to provide optimum absorption with the minimum risk of tummy upsets. Give me a call if you need further 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. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz

A dog’s tail…

Orl ina family ona farm

We was parked up aginst that water tank ona ridge above tha farmhouse an tuckin’ inter the sanniches that Boss’s gerlfrend Sharlene had cut frum last nites roast, wen hoo shood show up but that cat.

Long-time readas of this kolumn no who I meen, eh?

Hermin the Jermin. Sharlene’s bluddy big ginja cat.

Dunno why its corled that, but probly cos it’s a nasty bugga. It wanded in frum a neighbors place which was a sharemilka that moved on in Jipsy Week an’ left it behind. No bluddy wonda too.

That Hermin swiped me across me nose wen I hada sniff, an’ I’ve kept me distanse ever sinse. We gotta sort of stand-off tho. He duzzint bother me if I duzzint bother him eh?

Well, it was a blimmin serprise to have Hermin out here ina paddicks, so I give him a careful eye, and kept shearin’ Boss’s sanniches.

Hermin juss sat ona top of a strainer post and started lickin’ his pores.

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Then Boss notissed. “Wot ya doin’ out here Cat,” he sed.

Hermin jus’ looked at him. Boss sort looked thortful for a minnit, then he got his sell fone off tha bag ona quad, and pressed the mumba for tha homested. It rang and rang, “C’mon Dog,” seda Boss. Sharlene’s sposed to be home bakin a cake and watchin’ afta Sophie. That’s Boss’s new dorter. We jumped ona quad, and Boss raced down that cattil race Well, we got ta tha house, an’ Boss rusht ina kitchen, An’ their wuz Sharlene an’ Mum, wot’s bin stayin’ lookin’ afta the house. Mum wuz lookin a bit seady, an’ Boss kneeled ona floor an’ grabb’d her hands.

“Mum’ hada bitava fall ina kitchen. Doc ame and sez she’s OK, nothing ta wurry about,” sed Sharlene.

Well, readas, Boss made a cuppatee for everone, and then Sharlene sed “how didja no something wuz wrong?”

Boss looked at me, an’ then we both lookt at Hermin, He wuz sittin’ ona windersill, lickin’ his pores agin.

“Blowed if I no,” seda Boss. “Wen I saw that Cat ina paddock, I figgered sumpin’ was rong eh? It’s like tha Cat come ta get me an’ Billy.”

Well, nex’ thing Sharlene gotta creem froma frij, an ole’ Hermin was havin’ a good feed.

Then later, wen I wuz finishin’ offa a muttin bone, he came over ta me kennil, and blow me, he rubbed up agin me side lika ole mate and shared me tucker.

Boss was there an’ he rekined maybe it was a sighn of new samd secks marriages the guvmint’s lettin’ happened.

“Blowed if I no,” seda Boss.

Well, I reckin I rekin Boss an’ Sharlene havin’ Sophy has changed thing’s here ona farm.

Evin Hermin’s becomin’ part ofa famly. She’s a wunda eh?

See ya — Billy

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September 2013

9

The ‘W’ stands for ‘world class’ Korean auto manufacturers SsangYong are certainly proud of their latest offering — a sevenseater four-wheel drive vehicle which manages to package a whole lot of practicality for less than $40k.

It’s a marketing coup for SsangYong, who have been moving up in the auto world with a range of new machines such as this, the new Rexton, and the new Actyon ute, popularised by sporting legend Colin Meads.

The Rexton in question is called the W, and that letter really does stand for ‘world class’. It’s a bold claim, throwing down the gauntlet to 4x4 royalty from England, Germany and the States, but it’s one which SsangYong’s engineers and designers are positive they can back up. This third-generation SUV comes with a 121 kilowatt XDI diesel

engine for smooth power delivery, it also packs a proper low-range transmission, meaning that this is no faux 4x4 meant only for the pavements of prestigious suburbs. Though that under-the-hood oomph comes with the most impeccable credentials in motoring — both the engine and the Rexton’s five-speed transmission were designed by the legendary Mercedes works.

The fusion of German and Korean build quality is a formidable combination.

So is the 407 Newton-metres of torque delivered by the Rexton, when combined with the suite of luxury toys available

ARB is Australasia’s largest 4x4 Equipment Manufacturer. People rely on us because we’ve earned our stripes – ARB has been in business for more than 30 years, and our products have been tested and proven in the toughest conditions on earth.

To cater for the diverse needs of 4WDers everywhere we offer a massive range of equipment that will improve your vehicles capabilities in any environment. Business or Pleasure, on road or off, if you want more from your 4WD we will make it happen – ARB is your one stop 4x4 Accessory Shop.

Our Range Includes: • Bullbars • Winches • Side Protection Bars and Steps • Rear Protection Bars • Underbody Protection

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for both driver and passengers. By dialling up from the basic model to the top of the range, buyers can option in everything from front and rear A/C, Bluetooth, heated leather seats, split opening tailgate glass and diamond-cut alloys — that’s not even the full list.

Safety is always a big concern these days, and the full suite of airbags fitted to the Rexton make it a comfortable

Ranging from 115 hp to 170 hp these tractors give you powerful hyraulics, a wide choice of transmissions and a cabin with a view that puts others to shame. Best of all, the 6M tractors sport new engine technology with proven fuel efficiency. To make life easier, their 4.5 and 6.8 litre PowerTeck PVX engines only run on diesel.

and secure place to be. Add this to the fact that SsangYong’s flagship SUV is built with a proper ladder chassis (like a military vehicle), and you can be assured of its toughness. Even more peace of mind is offered by a comprehensive three-year warranty program, including full 24/7 roadside assistance. Now that really does warrant that ‘W’ on the badge — world class indeed.

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10

September 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

FA R M W H E E L S

Performance from the farm to the grid

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But the successful competitive driver is nothing if not a fighter — he grabbed the chance to race again with both hands, graduating to a souped-up Subaru rally car and then to pride of place with Polaris NZ’s racing team.

The machine he has recently driven to victory in the muddy, slippery and downright challenging Gwavas 200 Enduro is a Polaris RZR XP 900 — a side-by-side two seater similar, cosmetically at least, to the Ranger UTVs which are gaining popularity on local farms.

The same combo of grunt, clever chassis setup, long-travel independent suspension and serious grip makes the RZR he pilots through the rough stuff a real contender, beating every other vehicle both in its own class and across the board at the Gwavas. That’s no mean feat.

Ben took out not just first on the day and first in class, but also outright victory in the entire North Island series, monstering huge 700 horsepower trophy trucks and thundering V8s with his light, quick 900cc machine.

The Polaris RZR XP 900

“The muddy conditions at the Gwavas 200 were perfectly suited to the RZR,” says Ben. “The highlight for me was that not only is the RZR a very economical and enjoyable way of Racing, but the 900cc, 88 hp engine in the Polaris RZR provided plenty of power — to not only beat the expensive and high horsepower vehicles we race against, but we lapped them too!”

After 15 years of motocross racing, the need for speed is still very much a part of this talented racer’s life.

He may be on four wheels rather than two now, and sporting the catch phrase ‘with age, get a cage’, but with performance like this there’s no way you’ll catch Ben sitting on the sidelines any time soon.

And Polaris, now sitting at the top of the NZ offroad table, are garnering plenty of attention for their farming models with big wins on the racing circuit.

Read the paper online www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

September 2013

Dairying Post Botulinum — now the work begins

11

/ Manawatu i//M akkkiii/M na an ara TTar

Farming Lifestyles

Read the paper online

www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

by Alan Wheatley

While the potentially fatal clostridium botulinum scare that tore through the New Zealand dairy industry has eased in the light of a false alarm, the issue will not yet disappear.

That’s the view of Federated Farmers Food Safety spokesperson, Dr William Rolleston who says in reality, the real damage control is now just beginning.

“The issue won’t go away by itself and both Fonterra and the government have to act positively, because bad news travels fast and we must let regulators in our client countries know the good news.”

Dr Rolleston said despite the massive ripple effect, Fonterra did the right thing when they issued the product notification alert.

“The risk was only ever just that, but they had to weigh up between saying nothing and taking an extraordinary punt that could have literally cost them their industry or come out, own up and notify.”

Dr Rolleston said while Fonterra’s action was the right one, the message

perhaps did not come out as well as it could have.

“It’s not like CSI on TV — there are just no neat, definitive answers to problems like this and there will be — and should be — questions around the reasoning and the timing.”

Dr Rolleston said while it may not seem Federated Farmers Food like it right now, but Safety spokesperson, Dr William Rolleston given that there was no that New Zealand milk products, from danger to public safety, it could actually the farm gate and right throughout be an opportunity. processing, continue to rank amongst “This is a chance to enhance the the safest in the world and that reputation of New Zealand primary food consumers can be reassured that New exports industry by demonstrating how Zealand goes beyond many others in seriously we take quality.” Dr Rolleston ensuring it stays that way. said the key message must now be

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September 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

Spectacular sights at ga

by Denise Gunn

Forty-six gardens, including four new additions will feature during this year’s Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular in November Now into its 26th year, the ten-day event is one of New Zealand’s longest running garden festivals.

Formerly known as the Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival, the

event showcases a wide range of private and public gardens located around the Taranaki region.

“The festival has evolved from a regional celebration of gardens to

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“In 2012 we had approximately 6,000 garden visitors make 53,700 garden visits.”

Garden entry is by ticket only and can be pre-purchased at official ticket outlets or any of the festival gardens.

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a premier garden event attracting thousands of visitors from right around New Zealand and also the globe,” said festival manager Lisa Ekdahl.

205 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth • Ph: 06 758 3086 • Fax: 06 758 9737 Email: ted2006@xtra.co.nz

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The Hydrangea Specialists

Two special guest speakers, documentary maker Te Radar and New Zealand’s first Master Chef Brett McGregor, are scheduled to appear during the festival.

Te Radar will discuss the practicalities of sustainable living, farming and hunting, and chat about a variety of other topics. He will appear

at The Auditorium at The New Plymouth Club on November 2 from 7.30–8.45pm.

An informal afternoon of food and stories are lined up with Brett McGregor at the Gravetye in Hawera on 9 November from 1–2pm. Brett will also judge a best chocolate cake competition.

Bookings to attend these events are essential through contacting the festival office on 06 759 8412.

The Newstalk ZB garden speaker series will feature several workshops and practical sessions covering creating hanging baskets, alternative gardening systems, caring for roses, tree selection and the perfect lawn.

A trio of life-sized Indian elephants, made out of wandering willow, are set to make an appearance during the garden spectacular as part of the great Landscape Design Project. The elephants will be unveiled during a special launch celebration at Puke Ariki Landing, New Plymouth on October 31

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Welcome to Palmers New Plymouth!

at Tell us th ad is th you saw a free y jo n e and Café Palmers New Plymouth welcomes visitors to the Taranaki coffee at * n n Bota ix Fringe Garden Festival 2013. Include Palmers in your *valid till 30 November 2013. itinerary - look out for our large stock of Taranaki grown plants!

Enjoy great coffee, morning or afternoon tea or lunch at Café Botannix.

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

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

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

arden festival

September 2013

13

November 1–10 2013

Taranaki Frocks on Bikes will join the festival celebrations

at 5.30pm. The elephants, which have been transported from Suffolk in the United Kingdom to New Plymouth, will travel to different locations throughout Taranaki during the festival. For location details of the wandering willow elephants listen to Classic Hits or visit the festival website at www.gardenfestnz.co.nz.

Other new additions to the festival include Tai Chi in the garden, and high tea with a twist.

The festival programme also includes food, fashion and art.

A spring fashion in the garden event, set at Ratanui, will give visitors a chance to view this summer’s latest styles.

Following a theme of roses and pearls,

Taranaki Frocks on Bikes have joined the festival to create a special event.

Women are encouraged to dress up in their best frock, wear a string of pearls, decorate their bike with fresh roses then cycle from Pukekura Park to a welcome party at La Rosaleda.

Several art exhibitions and a number of community events will also be held in conjunction with the festival. The New Plymouth Floral Art Club and the New Zealand National Orchid Expo will hold exhibitions in New Plymouth.

Elizabethan Dancers will perform in Oakura on November 3 at 1.30pm.

Private and museum collections of vintage and farm machinery will be open

to view on the Taranaki Vintage Trail. Information on the 10 locations and viewing times will be available at local i-SITES. An opportunity to learn about early settlers and view New Plymouth’s historic buildings will take place during guided walks on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–3pm.

Bookings are essential through contacting i-SITE Visitor Information Centre on 06 759 6060.

The Powerco Taranaki Garden Spectacular will run from November 1–10. For a free programme email enquiries@gardenfestnz.co.nz FAMILY

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14

September 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

PASTURE management ADVERTORIAL

Maize hybrids you can rely on

Pacific Seeds’ commitment to New Zealand growers includes close monitoring of crop performance.

“Getting grower feedback on hybrid performance during the 2012 season has been really beneficial,” said Pacific Seeds Territory Manager Al Park.

“As well as helping us finalise our hybrid range for the next season it has also provided us with excellent comparative data.”

The 2013 range will include a number of proven performers and 5 brand new hybrids, all selected based on the regional performance data collated during recent seasons.

“This year’s selection of maize hybrids also includes a $50 Cash Back bonus for every bag sold between now and the end of the year,” said Al. One of the new 2013 hybrids is PAC 065, an 89 CRM, dual purpose option that produces large cobs and soft grain.

Developed within Pacific Seeds Next

Generation hybrid programme, it has performed really well for growers in the lower North Island.

Last season, despite the severe drought conditions, it yielded 22.5 tonnes/ha and ME levels of 12.5% for a large Hunterville dairy operation milking over 2,000 dairy cows on 600 hectares.

Highly reliant on an intensive supplementary feed programme they planted 49 hectares of PAC 065 for silage within an overall staggered planting of 120 hectares.

When interviewed the farm manager said that he was really impressed with Pac 065’s comparative performance and indicated that they would certainly be growing it again this season.

“Two other hybrids that have performed really well for our growers in the central and lower North Island are PAC 504 and DKC43-72,” said Al PAC 504 was developed especially for New Zealand conditions and during the past 4 seasons it has become the silage hybrid of choice for Martinborough grower Richard Kershaw.

“Good year, bad year, regardless of what the weather throws at us, PAC 504 always performs,” he said.

“It’s an ideal hybrid for this region, with reliable performance, great standability, big heavy cobs and the staygreen always gives us a good harvest window.”

Pac 504 is recommended for silageonly in the lower North Island and is a tall robust plant with outstanding root strength. Richard’s yields in recent years have averaged 22 tonnes/ha.

“We were drought affected, but DKC43-72 really performed, with heaps of grain, big full 25cm long cobs and ME levels of 11%.

DKC43-72 is a mid-season, 93 CRM, silage hybrid with very large girth cobs and soft easily digestible grain.

“With these modern PAC Seeds’ hybrids we always get great cob fill and rich yellow silage.”

Carterton dairy farmer and contractor Shane Gray decided to add DKC43-72 to his hybrid mix as a green feed crop last season. The performance was so good however that they ended up taking it for silage.

For further details contact Al Park, mobile 0272 878 776.

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This ongoing process helps ensure that customers are provided with the hybrid options best suited to meet their specific performance requirements – either as a single hybrid planting, or as part of a more extensive programme.

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

Potassium –

The Cellular Sparkplug

Therefore if potassium is deficient the plant will not receive adequate CO2, moisture and nutrients from the environment or foliar sprays. That will also affect the plants ability to cool itself. K is quite mobile in the plant and moves to the young leaves, therefore symptoms show in the old leaves first.

Potassium deficient maize plant

Potassium deficient maize grain

The visual signs of K deficiency are similar to nitrogen deficiency; yellowing of the pasture, browning off of the tips of grass blades, and prominent urine patches. If clover growth in urine patches is much stronger than in the rest of the pasture, K deficiency is likely.

Potassium is an alkalising mineral, so when potassium is low the fruit can be acidic and therefore taste sour. It is also due to the fact that potassium is not sufficient enough to transport good levels of sugars and nutrients into the fruit, causing the plants resistance to pathogens to be reduced.. The plants resistance to pathogens is reduced. Fungi tend to attack crops at low pH. Low pH simply means too much hydrogen and not enough nutrients.

15

“No, no, not veggies grown with potassium chloride again. Won’t they ever learn?”

About 90% of the potassium found in soils is insoluble. This source is released by microbial activity and weathering over time. K+ is attracted to, and hence stored on, the negatively charged clay colloid. The humus colloid has less attraction, but is also capable of storing potassium.

Potassium deficient Lucerne

Plants access potassium via the soil water. In sandy soils, there are very few storage surfaces for potassium, so some is carried away in the soil water. In light soils, (i.e. soils with a CEC<10) humus can make a significant difference in increasing the potential for potassium retention and storage. Leaching is particularly prevalent in light sandy soils where spoon-feeding potassium may be the better strategy. Animal urine contains 80-90% of the potassium excreted by animals.

Excessive magnesium leads to tight soils which in turn traps potassium in the clay layers. Improving the Ca% in the soil alleviates this problem. In high Mg soils, more K is required to reach that soils higher production potential. The problem of tight soils is alleviated by opening up the soil structure, leaving more space on the external colloid for K to attach to. When pH exceeds 6.5 there is no space for increasing K levels on the colloid. All spaces are filled up with existing cations rather than hydrogen, which can be readily bumped off. The same problem essentially occurs in dry soils where the soil solution and diffusion needed does not occur. K levels cannot be built when pH is 6.5 or higher; unless you use compost or manure.

If you have a high pH, just use maintenance levels of K until the pH comes below 6.5.

When the base saturation of potassium gets greater than 7.5%, weed pressure increases, boron is tied up and often pastures become less palatable. Soil structure tends to decline because the K ion is dispersive (much like sodium), which contributes to poor soil structure and eventual collapse of the soil particles. Crops will struggle (particularly wheat) when the K% is greater than Mg. Adding K to the soil is easily achieved for crops, but can be problematic where livestock are concerned. It needs to be done with caution and after magnesium and calcium levels have been addressed. It may be safer to apply up to 60 units after mating, but this does depend on individual farms’ soil balance, particularly having correct Mg & Ca levels.

With PAL test results, sodium should never be higher than K. If K + Na exceed 10% of base saturation, manganese uptake

will be blocked. That may show up as excess bull calves born over heifer calves. When the soil is properly balanced, the ratio can be 60:40 in favour of heifers.

Potassium Sulphate is superior to Potassium Chloride! Potassium chloride raises the brix of many weed species, lowers the brix of many crop species and acts as a biocide.

More Energy. Potassium Sulphate costs more per unit, but delivers better value. Money spent on potassium sulphate (K2SO4) will purchase less fertilizer by weight than will one dollar spent on potassium chloride (KCl) but the dollars spent on potassium sulphate will buy significantly more crop growth energy. 47% of KCl is choride and of little use for crop growth. In contrast almost 100% of potassium sulphate is useable by the plant.

Lower Salt Index. K2SO4 has a salt index of 46. KCl is 116. The higher the index, the greater the chance of damaging germinating seeds, seedlings and soil biology.

Better Uptake of Potassium. Uptake of potassium requires it to be in the phosphate of potassium form. When there is an excess of chlorides the bonding of potassium with phosphate is blocked. The end result is less potassium uptake into the plant in the preferred form. The sulphate form does not overwhelm the soil solution with chloride ions and consequently more potassium is taken up by the plant.

Microbial Stimulation vs. Microbial Suppression. Sulphates have a stimulating effect on the microbial system in the soil whereas chlorides at high levels are very hard on soil biology and are never recommended by creditable sources. A small amount of chloride is actually beneficial for soil microbes. This modest requirement is easily met by the 1-2% in potassium sulphate. High rates of chlorides destroy soil carbons. Humus destruction leads to greater N leaching as soil N levels are dependent on humus levels. The better the humus percent, the more anions (particularly nitrate, sulphur and boron), held in the soil.

Plants and soils need Sulphur. Most soils are sulphur deficient.

In order for plants to make oils and sulphur bearing amino acids such as cysteine and methionine the plants need an adequate supply of sulphur in the sulphate form. This is exactly what potassium sulphate supplies.

Better palatability. Pastures, crops, vegetables and fruit taste poorly when the potassium comes from potassium chloride (that’s right, cows prefer K2SO4). This happens because chlorides are also taken up by the plants. Fruit and vegetables grown with calcium chloride taste bitter; this is the main reason why children reject vegetables.

Less is more. The application of 100 kg of potassium sulphate will give a greater plant response than 200 kg of potassium chloride.

This relates to a soil where the cations are balanced and soil potassium is adequate.

Sodium. Sodium (Na) should measure between 0.5 and 3% on the base saturation. It is rarely deficient (there being 60ppm in rain), and should not (but sometimes does), exceed potassium in base saturation as sodium will be taken up by the plant instead.

On hot days, this will lead to cell walls bursting and the plant will dehydrate. If Na is in excess, correct the calcium first, then use sulphur to reduce Na. Sodium is involved in osmotic (water movement) and ionic balance in plants. Na may be important in some plants such as sugar beet, but is less so in fodder beet.

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Potassium - the cellular spark plug.

Soil samples taken by Kiwi Fertiliser consultants are sent to Perry Agricultural Lab (PAL) in Missouri. After analysis, Kinsey Agricultural Services (KAS) (who receive samples from 70 countries world-wide,) make the appropriate recommendations. Regarding the order of deficiencies found Potassium and Sulphur are invariably at the top of the list.

Potassium (K) is involved in nearly every aspect of plant growth.

It does not become an integral part of the plant, unlike silicon and calcium that become the main components of the cell wall; and magnesium and nitrogen that are the main components of the chlorophyll molecule. This is the reason why cut hay is so vulnerable to potassium loss due to rainfall.

Potassium is second only to nitrogen in terms of quantity taken up by a plant. K is involved in the regulation of around 50 enzymes in a plant. It is needed to convert nitrogen into protein thereby reducing the amount of non-protein nitrogen (nitrate) in the system. It facilitates the movements of sugar and starches and is important in sizing up fruit and grain and preventing build-up of sugars in chloroplasts. K influences stomata regulation. Stomata can open to seven times their original size, therefore influencing gas exchange for photosynthesis and drought resistance and/or water.

The positive benefits of adequate K fertility are: Deeper rooting. K helps plant roots penetrate to access deeper soil water.

Faster closing of the crop canopy. When the crop canopy closes, the ratio of transpiration to evaporation increases, which means more of the available water is used by the crop.

Greater osmotic gradient. The more K inside the plant cell, the better it can attract water from the soil, and control water loss.

Earlier maturity. Adequate K ensures plants get through to the critical pollination period before possible drought.

Stomata can open approximately seven times their original size.

September 2013

16

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

September 2013

PASTURE management Soil Matters with Peter Burton

The role of fertiliser in growing A phone call was received recently from a regular reader of our column and he had a number of questions that we will answer as best we can.

And although the caller is a successful vege grower the answers to the queries, because the principles of all soil grown crops are the essentially the same, is equally applicable to pastoral farming as to vegetable growing.

are calcium rich, plants and trees grow readily without the addition of ‘fertiliser’.

However to optimise the growth of higher fertility species such as nutritious vegetables and clover based pastures fertiliser is required.

The first question was, ‘what is the role of fertiliser applied to soil?’

All plants grow best with regular applications of natural material such as blood and bone, fish and/or seaweed, and quality compost. Quality growth follows provided the soil is dark, deep and friable.

Due to New Zealand’s relatively benign climate, the fact that most nutrients come direct from the atmosphere, and our soils

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The application of sufficient of these materials to grazing properties is usually neither practicable nor cost effective, so the essential major elements of N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), and S (sulphur) are applied in a more concentrated and easily spread form.

How much of each is required can be formulated from a basic soil test carried out by a reputable testing laboratory.

Because the cost is relatively low a soil test is recommended even for the home vegetable grower.

All good garden outlets sell general purpose garden fertiliser and a little mixed in when digging in the compost will help ensure optimum growth of the next crop.

How long does fertiliser last in the soil?

Water soluble NPK nutrients only remain water soluble for a very short period after application, possibly only a day or two. For nutrients to enter a plant they must be worked on by beneficial soil biology, so the requirement to feed the soil with natural materials is essential.

How quickly does nutrient leach from the soil?

There are a number of factors however the most important is the amount of humus in the soil. Humus is the result of the biological breakdown of organic matter and is the ‘glue’ in the soil that provides good structure as well as storing both moisture and nutrient.

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The amount of moisture either in rainfall or applied, affects the rate of nutrient lost with more moisture increasing the likelihood of nutrient leaching.

However even in high rainfall and irrigated areas the amount of nutrient lost by leaching is minimal when soil is well-structured, biologically active, and humus rich.

Should bare soil be covered?

Ideally, always! Bare areas of soil are steadily losing moisture and carbon.

In gardens a covering of weed free straw or clippings will help build humus.

On farm when the nutrient status, biology, and physical soil structures are ideal vigorous grass and clover plants cover the entire surface.

For further information, please call Peter on 0800 843 809.

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September 2013

17

Nitrogen fixing for free

by John K Morris, Agrissentials

If you want the best producing soil on your farm, then read on and discover how easy it is to achieve. All it takes is a change in how you think about the soil and then the change in your soil can begin to happen.

The first and foremost thing to realise is that the soil on your farm is the stomach of the plant. All life on the planet has some type of stomach. However, the most abundant form of life on our planet is plants and although they don’t appear to have a stomach, their roots are well entrenched in the stomach which we know as the soil. The gut of the fish contains the same micro-organisms as the gut of humans, animals and the soil.

All life is intrinsically connected through these microbes — how magical is that?

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction and this is evident in the move to agro-chemical production, particularly over the past 30 years with the inherent toxicity of phosphate rock used in the production of superphosphate and its petrochemical partner, urea.

The action of these two products is not only having a negative effect on our environment, but also on our food production, especially with issues over the heavy metal cadmium coming from super phosphate and the excess loading of nitrate in food, resulting from heavy applications of urea. Super phosphate and urea are decimating the microbial mass of the soil. These microbes are

essential in achieving top quality food production.

They are the farmer’s soil management team; converting mineral to a plant available form, building humus (carbon) in the soil, increasing soil water retention quality, water drainage capacity, mineral quality, topsoil depth and fixing all the natural nitrogen your pasture requires, via the atmosphere, for free! That will beat any chemical fertiliser shareholder rebate to smithereens and you’ll be looking after the environment too.

Agro-chemical production has reached the point whereby it is now damaging New Zealand’s clean green image. Our 100% pure declaration has been blown out the door, courtesy of the chemical consultants advising farmers to use toxic products on their farm, resulting in export market questioning the value of the food we are producing. For example, the current problems and scrutiny some New Zealand dairy exporters are facing with China.

For the past 460 million years plants have been fixing nitrogen directly from the atmosphere with the help from mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium bacteria.

The addictive use of synthetic nitrogen (urea) suppresses this natural system of free nitrogen supply, in particular clovers (which can fix nitrogen naturally) which instead start resonating at a frequency that attracts the clover flea and root weevil.

If however you refrain from using urea, the clover seeds in the soil will germinate and are further enhanced by the applications of Agrissentials best on earth fertilisers.

Clover for cows is the ultimate food.

Clover for cows is the ultimate food

Farming is meant to be a natural process and the more natural you make it the better it operates — that is how nature designed it.

Farmers are tricked into chemical production with the lure of more stock, more money, only to find themselves on the chemical treadmill and little profit to show for it. The chemical cowboys

are taking it all! We need to get back to wholesome farming, producing wholesome food for a wholesome profit and Agrissentials are at the coal-face bringing health and vitality back to your farm with our multi-mineral, microbial rich fertilisers.

The mind is like a parachute — it has to be open to work, so close your wallet and look into Agrissentials’ atmospheric nitrogen fixing programme and save yourself some serious money and look after the environment at the same time — that’s got to be the best deal ever.

Farmers already on our programme, just take it for granted.

Call your Agrissentials’ rep now: Adrian Rowe (North Taranaki) on 021 873 304, John Winter (South Taranaki) on 021 738 513, Ben Tippins (North Manawatu) 021 738 601 or Lyn Woodcock (South Manawatu/ Wairarapa) 021 0204 3028 or call Agrissentials on 0800 THE KEY (0800 843 539). There’s never been a better time to call us with our spring sale on now, that’s got massive nationwide FREIGHT FREE DEALS (some conditions apply) on bulk units of Rok Solid, Roketlime and Oceans 100 until the end of September.

18

September 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

PASTURE management Copper in soil, animals and plants

by Dr Tim Jenkins

Molybdenum is a vital trace element for enzymes in nitrogen fixation in micro-organisms (including the rhizobia bacteria in legume nodules), and nitrogen metabolism and a range of other functions in many micro-organisms and all plants and animals.

Certain crops are more commonly limited by low molybdenum levels — these include cauliflower, brassicas generally, lettuce, onion, beets,

carrots, parsnips and citrus. Deficiency symptoms can include low nitrogen levels and nitrogen deficiency yellowing as well as cupping of leaves.

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Total molybdenum contents in soil can vary widely between soil types with a range of 0.2 to around 2.5 ppm being typically seen in New Zealand soils.

Availability of the molybdenum is greatly affected by soil pH with acid soils having greater ‘lock-up’ of the element by adsorption onto soil minerals. With a higher soil pH eg through liming, availability of molybdenum can improve.

Plants need hardly any molybdenum and can generally tolerate very high molybdenum before showing toxicity.

The problem with molybdenum toxicity in livestock however, is well known (and humans need to take care in handling the element — the dust is hazardous too). High molybdenum uptake can easily antagonise copper uptake inducing acute copper deficiency in livestock.

In most pastures therefore, it is probably safer to try to address molybdenum with bulk liming to bring the pH up to a good level say around 6.0 to 6.2. Fortunately the lime also

Yellowed clover leaves can be an indicator of molybdenum deficiency

contains some steadily released molybdenum too.

In some cases, liming is not sufficient and there can be marvellous responses in clover growth to 10 grams per hectare (one off annually for five years) of sodium molybdate being sprayed on.

Note the small amount — that’s all the nitrogen fixing rhizobium bacteria need to get a boost in their activities. (Note if applying in solid fertiliser form, the recommended rate would be around 50 grams per hectare).

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

September 2013

19

PASTURE management ADVERTORIAL

Pasture Renovation and Protection

by Aidan Lett, Nitrosol

To renovate and protect your pasture it is absolutely essential that you think about the soil biology.

The easiest way to begin that thought process is to dig a few holes and count the numbers of earthworms.

At the same time break open each sod and examine the root depth of the pasture, 2 simple measurements which tell you a lot about what is happening in your soil.

If the average root depth is less than 75mm and you have less than 5–8 worms per spadeful then you can be sure that you will lose your pasture very quickly in a dry spell or drought.

And during wet periods the soil won’t drain either!

Address the soil biology with the right programme and you can look forward to your pasture hanging on far longer in tough conditions and you will have a more nutritious pasture that will produce noticeably better results from your stock.

So how do you achieve better soil biology? It would take many more words

than we have available in this article to give a detailed description, however we can offer a few clues.

Briefly, you need to be sure your soil calcium levels are optimised for the biology to function effectively and efficiently, and that is where lime comes in.

PhloLime sprayable rapid action lime is many times more efficient and effective than Ag-Lime, due to its tiny particle size.

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Use this process over two to three years and you can expect to see root depths of up to 300mm and earthworm numbers around 25–30 per spadeful.

Now stand back and see how your pasture looks in a dry spell!

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September 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

Livestock

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

Wool market remains healthy The first few weeks of the new wool selling season showed that the market is currently in good health, reflecting limited wool supply and a relatively empty pipeline from farm to end market.

With reasonably favourable weather conditions experienced during July, shearers were up with the play by early August after being in ‘catch-up’ mode in late June, wool flows into stores were steady and wool quality was very good.

Traditional pre-lamb shorn clips, especially from Otago and Southland but also a number from the Canterbury region did not appear to have been too adversely affected by the June snow falls, many looked to have clipped good ‘per-head’ weights and, generally, yield tests were higher than normal.

The majority of wool on offer was very well grown and displayed good washing colour, allowing the exporting fraternity complete confidence when making their purchasing decisions.

All South Island auctions held during July and into mid-August drew wide spread support from manufacturers across the globe with prices remaining firm, when compared to those ruling at the close of the 2012/13 season at the end of June, despite an also firm Kiwi dollar, and high percentage clearances of the vast range of types on offer was achieved.

PGG Wrightson auctioneers were extremely pleased with the results of the early season auctions considering the range of types offered within their catalogues which included a few Merino lots at each sale, a good range of Halfbred and Corriedale types, plus a very good line up of top quality pre-lamb shorn Crossbred and Perendale types, both full-length fleece and second-shear.

All wool types met with enthusiasm from the full bench of buyers present at each auction with a new buyer, introduced through PGG Wrightson, showing interest in some of the early season Merino wools.

Oddment types, across the board, continued to sell at levels almost right up to fleece price in many cases and were often quoted as ‘extreme’ by market observers.

As we look towards the main part of the wool season, it is difficult to imagine that prices will slump to any major degree due in the main to wool quantities being limited as the national sheep flock continues to diminish.

Demand is currently definitely outweighing supply, which augers well for wool growers, with the main influencing factors likely to be currency fluctuation and wool quality, however, and as earlier mentioned, the strong

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Kiwi dollar has not had any major effect on pricing this season to date, and it’s interesting to note, that when comparing the Kiwi dollar and the New Zealand wool price over a period of years, there has been little to suggest any significant correlation.

Most wool price market movements appear simply dependent on the demand vs supply equation and, whilst some pundits may not enjoy such comment, that is an unfortunate but true reflection of the nature of the commodity called wool.

I have often remarked about wool quality and preparation standards and while both are extremely important to ensure full value is obtained, the current situation with many wool types testing significantly higher for yield (yield = clean wool once impurities are removed) than perhaps is normal, is worthy of note, particularly for those growers who may consider selling their wool at the farm gate with no test data.

Based on the strength of current market pricing, PGG Wrightson has a range of fixed price forward contracts available, backed up by mainly European manufacturers, at attractive clean prices providing income assurance (subject to meeting contract specification) for a portion of your future wool clip. That’s my view.

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ADVERTORIAL

Livestock

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

September 2013

21

Building on history for a bright future

The rugged hill country glimpsed from Taranaki’s Forgotten World Highway is very different from the flat pasturelands coveted by New Zealand’s dairy industry.

But this picturesque countryside is perfect for sheep — a fact which didn’t escape early Irish immigrant Herbert Johnson when he brought his family to Tokirima in 1915 to establish the core of what is now known as Paparata Station.

Today, Herbert’s grandson Trevor runs the station, incorporating the land which his grandfather farmed all those years ago.

The steep, hilly terrain has provided its own unique challenges, but it’s also proven to be the ideal place to breed an ‘elite’ strain of Romney sheep, prized for their hardy constitution.

Modern DNA science has been backed up with old-fashioned farming know-how to selectively breed a distinctive, resilient and highly productive flock at Paparata Station, starting back in the 1980s and proceeding through to the present day as technology has changed.

In 1983 Trevor instigated a programme in which ewes were selected from the high-performance hill country flock to create a recorded flock. That flock now numbers 1,500, monitored by The rugged landscape of Paparata Station a database system which uses genetic evaluation to identify noon on November 22 — the culmination of a quarter century of scientific farming positive traits for breeding. and stewardship. Buyers from across Key traits identified by genetic tags the country are expected to attend, include a tolerance to facial eczema keen to add the genetic advantages of (a condition which is highly dangerous Paparata’s ‘elite Romney’ bloodline to in sheep), maximum muscle weight, their own flocks. resistance to parasites and, of course, One can only assume that the superior wool production. pioneering Herbert Johnson would With a flock like this, it’s no wholeheartedly approve of the success surprise that Paparata’s rams are in his grandson has achieved in the rugged great demand. hill country of Taranaki.

With modern genetic science to This year marks the station’s 25th annual ram sale, which will be held at support the hard work the Johnson family has put in over the years, this 25th anniversary ram sale is a waypoint on the road to a healthy future.

Meet Your Local Wool Representative at PGG Wrightson Wool

Want to find the best way to market your wool?

Expertise is only a phone call away PGG Wrightson Wool Ltd handles in excess of 350,000 bales annually through its wool store network strategically positioned around New Zealand and its export company Bloch and Behrens.

Andrew Anderson Feilding/Taihape

027 7029 496

Tony Cox

Wanganui

027 5965 144

Eric Constable

Wanganui/Taranaki 027 4409 784

22

September 2013 Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles

‘Fingers crossed’ for top fishing in Taranaki rivers Taranaki Fish & Game is tipping a ‘reversal’ of the normal hard going — and some very favourable conditions when the new fishing season opens on October 1, 2013.

Field officer Allen Stancliff says that early season trout fishing can often be tough with rivers high from spring rainfall and difficult to cross, leaving anglers forced to target the short lulls between freshes, or retreat to the lakes.

“But this year, a drought followed by a relatively dry winter has ensured river flows are already tracking towards their summer levels.”

2013/14 SportS FiShing SeaSon Starts on 1 oct 2013 ends on 30 Sep 2014 Everyone who fishes for sports fish must have a licence. Licences are now available across the region and online at www.fishhandgame.org.nz.

Be sure to pick up your free North Island Sports Fishing Regulation Guide to ensure you comply with the season rules. For more information on sports fishing and licence options contact Fish and Game NZ Taranaki Region on 06 345 4908.

Mr Stancliff says the warmer than normal conditions have also meant plenty of aquatic insect activity, including prolific hatches of midge and caddis in the lower reaches, and some good mayfly hatches in the headwaters. Instead of battling flood conditions, trout have been able to spend plenty of time feeding to regain the condition lost spawning.

Mr Stancliff says that “the lack of major floods so far, fingers crossed, bodes well for the survival of this year’s juvenile trout, and for the fishing in three years’ time when they reach maturity.”

He adds that the only downside from these benign conditions is that middle and lower reaches of streams have a build-up of algae that can make for slippery wading conditions. “Hopefully we’ll see a good fresh before October 1 to flush out the river beds.”

Taranaki lakes and the river reaches open to winter fishing have produced some great fish in recent months, which shows that the fishery is in good heart coming into the new season.

Taranaki anglers rate their fishing highly — in a recent survey 70% of anglers rated their 20122013 season in Taranaki waters as either ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

Tarn Mack-McEwen with a chunky river brown from last season Mr Stancliff says that if the current weather Taranaki Region 2013–2014 kids trout fishing events patterns continue, river Number conditions should be “very Release Site Town Date Released favourable” for the coming months, and another Saturday 19th Lake Rotomanu New Plymouth 250 October 2013 productive season is a good bet.

Saturday 19th Opunake Lake Opunake 200 October 2013 Taranaki Fish & Game Saturday 19th says that locals who want Lake Wiritoa Wanganui 250 October 2013 to introduce their kids to Patea River Scout Saturday 15th trout fishing, are urged to Stratford 550 Den Pool February 2014 attend one of the ‘fish out’ days planned for October.

Fish & Game released rainbows into only $7. At the end of each event, the a netted-off area of a lake or river, and nets are removed and the remaining trout issues an authority that allows children are available for any angler who holds a to fish for free (covers trout and perch). fishing licence to target.

Whole season licences are free to More information: Allen Stancliff, Fish kids who are under 12 on October 1, and & Game officer, Taranaki Region Tel 06 cost $24 for 12-17 year-olds. Day (24hr) 757 9676, 027 263 9152, astancliff@ fishing licences for this age group are fishandgame.org.nz.

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

September 2013

23

Taranaki/Manawatu Rural Marketplace DRIER. CLEANER. HEALTHIER

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

SOUTH TARANAKI & WANGANUI

KITCHENS – SAVE $1000’s

Chem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet cleaning company 24 HOUR FLOOD & URGENT STAIN REMOVAL 3 Carpet and upholstery cleaning and 3 We specialise in stains, odours & hard protection to clean carpets and fabrics 3 We move the furniture 3 P.U.R.T. Pet urine removal treatment 3 Free quotes, residential and commercial

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

mobile: 0272 999 605

www.chemdry.co.nz

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

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

Farm Venture is a farm property investment and supervision company based in Taranaki with investments in Taranaki & King Country.

FRESH IS BEST! www.feedmemilling.co.nz Gourmet Stockfeed Specialist Email: feedmemilling@gmail.com PH: 06 364 7242 MOB: 027 522 4754

Substantial returns are achieved through increasing the productive capability which in turn creates large wealth gains and allows higher returns through a lower cost of capital.

The only persons who may subscribe for securities are persons excepted or exempted from being members of the public in terms of section 5(2CBA) of the Securities Act 1978 (NZ) (the Act).

To look at the opportunity go to

www.farmventure.co.nz or call 06

758 3688

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.

33 MIKE DD 0800 6453

ME MILLIN D E G FE

DAIRY PROPERTY INVESTMENTS

WEALTH CREATION SECURE PERFORMANCE SYNDICATED INVESTMENT

Concrete resurfacing Concrete grinding & Sealing Decorative tile effect overlays Epoxy paint coatings Re-colour stamped concrete Anti-slip tile treatments Coating removal Waterproofing

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

Geoff 027 516 1113 A/H 06 323 3774 geoff@manawatuconcretecoatings.co.nz

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

On the Quad and with the chainsaw

www.pacifichelmets.com

aV Fin a a il n a ce b le

F O

We can do it all!

58 Vogel Street, Shannon Ph 06 362 7233 parts@snmc.co.nz FARMERS we are here!!

Offering WOFs on Motorcycles & Trailers A Fantastic range of Parts & Accessories “Servicing all major brands” NZS 8600:2002

DISMANTLERS LTD

TRUCK & 4WD DISMANTLERS

END OF MAYNE STREET, WAITARA

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

• Come home to a full batch of eggs • Quality NZ made

Ph Sandra 06 856 6059 ● www.ezynest.co.nz

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING®

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

GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING 21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM

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

TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Phone 0800 466 793 STOLEN QUAD-BIKES? You won’t find any listed here, but you can pre-empt this kind of thing happening and protect your fuel too. Visit www.parabeam.co.nz or call 0508 727 223 for more information.

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

Rural Services

TARANAKI TRUCK Phone Joe, Dave or Bruce

• Suitable for up to 10 hens • Protect eggs from dirt & damage

Animal Health Products Ph 06 344 8685

W

Stall MP2

Safe

Eggs “roll away” into a collection tray

For Sale

Available from Selected Health Stores, Sports Shops and Pharmacies.

Quad

collect eggs

EzynEst nEst boxEs:

0800 22 78 22

email: wanganui@chemdry.co.nz

The BEST way to

• 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.

FARM BRIDGES

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

BRIDGE IT NZ LTD

24

September 2013 Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $1500

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

MAXIculvert SIZE NOMINAL ID

6M PRICE

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

Twin-wall Culvert Pipe

275.00

– _ $ 95.00 $165.00 $209.00 $449.00

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

MDPEpressure pipe

LDPEwater 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

300mm x 6m Socketed

$

3M PRICE

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

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

ID nominal bore

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

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

20mm x 100m 116PSI

$141.00

Anka & Hansen fittings available

Smaller coils also available

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

Punched & Unpunched Drain Coil $ .00

299 $299.00

MEGA ROLLS AVAILABLE

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

DRAGhose

LDPE IRRIGATOR DRAG HOSE

EFFLUENTpipe 8 BAR RATED - SUITS CAMLOCKS

Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks

75mm

63mm x 50m

90mm

199

$

.00

110mm

63mm x 100m

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

Suitable for above ground use.

389.00

$

90mm

$8.55 per metre

ENVIROculvert

Extruded from ultra tough HDPE plastic Diameter OD

Wall

200mm 6.6mm 250mm 7.7mm 315mm 9.7mm 375mm 10.3mm 450mm 14.6mm Joiners and custom

Length

Price

6m $105.00 6m $137.00 6m $245.00 6m $315.00 6m $440.00 fittings available

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

Made with 100% recycled materials 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.