Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, September 2014

Taranaki

FARMING Lifestyles

September 2014 Edition

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

Young shepherd off to World Challenge

Win the battle for greener pastures P6

Demand and currency influence wool price

P11

See our advertisement and editorial

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Girls share the country life Page 4–5

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

September 2014

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

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Five nominations for DairyNZ director position Five North Island farmers are seeking a new farmerelected director position on DairyNZ’s board following the resignation of current board member and Taranaki farmer, Barbara Kuriger.

Mrs Kuriger is standing down from the board to dedicate herself to her new role as the National Party candidate for the Taranaki-King Countr y electorate in September’s general election.

DairyNZ board chairman John Luxton said Mrs Kuriger has served on dairy industry boards for 11 years and has made a significant contribution through her links with the Dairy Women’s Network.

“She was the first person to win the Dairy Woman of the Year title in 2012 and was a founding member of DairyNZ’s board when it formed in 2007.

“She has been a passionate advocate for driving improvements in our industry’s training systems,” said Mr Luxton.

“She has also worked hard to increase understanding between urban and Barbara Kuriger is standing down from DairyNZ’s board rural communities.

“I’d like to sincerely thank Barbara for the DairyNZ AGM in Timaru on October all that she has done for the industry 16. Returning officer Warwick Lampp and we wish her the very best in her of electionnz is encouraging farmers to new challenge.” have their say.

The five farmers seeking a four-year “You can vote via the internet, post or term as a DairyNZ director are: Donna by fax — or in person at the AGM. Smit (Whakatane, Bay of Plenty); Murray “It would be great to see a strong Jamieson (Okaihau, Northland); Greg voter turnout this time.”

Maughan (Marton, Manawatu); Jim van Mr Lampp said anyone with queries der Poel (Ohaupo, Waikato) and Dirk or who hasn’t received their voter pack Sieling (Whitianga, Waikato). by the end of September can contact All farmers paying a levy on milk solids elections@electionz.com or phone 0508 to DairyNZ are eligible to vote in the 666 337. election. Voter packs will be posted out Mrs Kuriger will officially step down in September and results announced at from the board at the AGM.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

September 2014

Environment awards are a rewarding experience

3

Tariki farmers Robin and Jacqueline Blackwell found the inaugural Taranaki Ballance Farm Environment Awards such a rewarding and positive event, they want to encourage other farmers to enter.

The Blackwells, who own Mangaotea Farm — a sheep, beef and dairy grazing operation covering 600ha northeast of Stratford, had followed the farming competition with interest in previous years.

“We were very pleased when we heard the Awards were coming here,” said Robin.

“It was a great pleasure to enter the inaugural Taranaki competition, and we found it to be a very rewarding experience.”

The top honours in four category awards, which included the Beef+Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award, Hill Laboratories Harvest Award, Taranaki Regional Council Sustainability Award, and the Donaghys Farm Stewardship Award, went to the Blackwells.

Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges praised their positive approach to farming, their infectious enthusiasm and their wide awareness of all areas affecting their farming operation.

The Donaghys Farm Stewardship Award recognises farmers who have created special places on the farm by protecting or enhancing areas such as

wetlands, landscape features or historic places. Farmers must also demonstrate management systems that improve productivity and sustainability.

Robin took over the original 80ha Mangaotea block from his father in 1980. Between 1991 and 2009, Robin and Jacqueline steadily increased the farm size through purchasing neighbouring blocks and leasing an adjacent property.

In the mid 1990s, Robin and Jacqueline began fencing and planting riparian areas and erosion-prone slopes.

They have also protected two peat swamp areas over the past five years.

These areas have been covenanted to QEII National Trust.

BFEA judges were impressed with the couple’s commitment to the environment and their efforts to encourage biodiversity.

The Blackwells enjoyed the judging process and were impressed with the calibre of the judges.

“We really valued their postcompetition feedback.

“They looked at our strengths and weaknesses and gave us advice on how we could improve.”

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“It’s easy to become tunnel-visioned when you are so heavily focussed on the day-to-day running of the farm. But this competition makes you take an in-depth look at your business and think about

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September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Girls share the country life

BY DENISE GUNN

A

A conversation over a couple of glasses of wine sparked an entirely new farming adventure for friends Tarn Chisholm and Jewels Davey.

fter 12 months in the planning, the pair launched their Girls Go Country farmstay and adventure centre on Tarn’s 730ha farm earlier this year.

Tarn has owned Taukoro farm for over five years. Located in the Paraparas — 30km from Wanganui, the farm is currently running 2000 stock units.

The steepest slopes on the farm, a total of 180ha, have been planted in pines as part of Horizons Regional Council’s Whole Farm Plan agreement.

Both women come from South Taranaki rural backgrounds and have plenty of

While in New Plymouth...

farming experience and skills to share with others. Jewels also previously worked as a professional shearer, while Tarn learned to shear during a course at Flock House near Bulls.

As the pair often had friends who enjoyed visiting the farm to help out with some of the bigger chores, Tarn and Jewels decided to open the place up to the public, giving others similar opportunities.

Activities are tailored to suit the requirements of visiting groups or individuals, and can include watching Tarn and Jewels working with horses, shearing, dog training, fencing, farm maintenance, and sheep care.

“We just go about our jobs with the ladies watching, then they are doing a task such as hitting a nail and haven’t

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Jewels Davey

even realised they are giving it a whirl,” said Jewels.

Tarn and Jewels enjoy involving people but there is no pressure for guests to take part in the activities. And although the venture caters mostly towards women, men aren’t excluded.

“Because we are a group of women, women seem more relaxed and confident to have a go, whereas often they won’t if their man is there, said Jewels.

“Then there’s the delight when they’ve done it.”

A bunkhouse, bushman’s hut out the back of the farm, and campsites provide a range of accommodation. Tarn has set up the bunkhouse with grass pens for horses to stay directly outside.

“Guests enjoy the fact that they can just lean over and touch them while

having a coffee, or a wine,” she said.

Much of the food is produced on the farm, and cooking together over an outdoor fire is a chance for Tarn, Jewels, and their guests to share stories, swap recipes, and develop friendships. Tarn and Jewels agree that Taukoro Farm is an ideal spot for ladies to let their hair down.

“There are no fun police out here, and the tables are built for dancing on.”

A games afternoon for guests is currently one of many ideas in the pipeline.

“A Kiwi girl challenge — a bit like Young Farmer of the Year or the old Top Town, but humorous,” said Tarn.

An orienteering course on horseback is also planned. “Guests book the cottage for a night or two, bring their

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“There are no fun police out here, and the tables are built for dancing on.” friends and their horses to ride the marked trails and look for treasure,” said Tarn.

“People really enjoy the stunning scenery, and there is an abundance of wildlife at every turn.”

After receiving a number of guest requests to ride a Clydesdale, Tarn is currently busy training some of the heavy

horses on the farm to work in harness and under saddle. Eventually guests will be able to learn basic skills in heavy horse care, harness and driving.

Tarn also intends to put her previous experience working in a summer camp in the United States to good use when school groups visit.

“We think it’s important that children learn where food comes from and how to gather and cook food off the land,” said Tarn.

“Kids love it, and it’s a great bonding time for families.”

The pair aim to ensure their guests leave Taukoro Farm feeling relaxed, accepted and with a sense of achievement.

“It’s extremely rewarding when you get to see somebody realise that they have just done something they have never done before, or thought they couldn’t.”

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September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Young shepherd

by Denise Gunn

OFF TO

GE N E L L A H C W O R LD

BY DENISE GUNN

FOR MOST OF KATEY CRAIG’S LIFE, SHE WAS CONVINCED THAT WORKING AS A VETERINARIAN WOULD BE HER IDEAL CAREER CHOICE

H

owever a change of plans has seen Katey take up training as a shepherd at Otiwhiti Station.

And after much encouragement from her employer, Charlie Duncan, she recently took part in the preliminary round of the World Young Shepherds Challenge,

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earning herself a trip to France to represent New Zealand in the final.

Katey grew up on her family’s sheep and beef farm in the backblocks of Taranaki. Her family own and lease a few blocks around Taranaki, running an overall total of close to 14,400 stock units.

Through her secondary education at Stratford High School, Katey geared her subject choices towards pre-requisites for veterinary studies. Work experience at the Eltham Vet Clinic during her school holidays also gave her experience in this field.

“It wasn’t until Year 13 that I started second-guessing this choice,” said

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Katey. “I couldn’t bear the thought of completing five years of high school only to sit in a classroom for another five years.”

A large student debt was another disincentive.

“I love working with animals and being outdoors so shepherding was the next best thing for me, and I’m really happy I changed my mind,” said Katey. “I do not regret not going to uni at all, plus I’m still studying towards my Diploma in Agriculture now, currently working through level four.”

Katey was working as a wool handler in Western Australia when she found out she had an interview, and had been shortlisted as a cadet at Otiwhiti Station.

She took up a cadetship at the station in 2013, and this year is continuing her studies whilst also employed as a junior shepherd on Otiwhiti. As a recent

“I love working with animals and being outdoors” recipient of the JD Bashford and Royce Nicholls Agricultural scholarships, Katey has used these to fund her training.

Prior to going to Otiwhiti, Katey had no experience around horses and was considered a rookie rider in her first year. Now, after clocking up many miles in the saddle, she has become more confident.

“I’m not very graceful and have no style whatsoever but I manage to stay on most of the time,” she said.

“I don’t have my own horse but I always ride a young mare called Sassy, one of the station hacks. In my opinion Sassy’s easily the best horse at Otiwhiti

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because she gets you places quickly and is very powerful on the hills, even though she sometimes gives you a bit of attitude.” Katey currently has a team of six working dogs of her own, along with another that she is looking after for a friend. She has found South Island dog trainer/trialist Lloyd Smith’s training days at Otiwhiti invaluable.

“Myself and other cadets all got oneon-one advice which is really helpful to make sure you’re on the right track with your dogs and discuss/solve any issues.”

Katey recently competed in the shorthead trial at the Otairi dog trails with a dog she is breaking in.

The combination of being out on a horse with her dogs, on a ridgetop watching the sun rising, is one of the special moments Katey treasures in

her work as a shepherd. “Completing a muster of a paddock I’ve never done by myself before is cool too,” she said.

In the lead-up to the World Young Shepherds Challenge held in Christchurch, Katey took on extra study and was able to put her skills and experience to good use.

She said meeting young like-minded people from all over the country was a big highlight of the event.

“We all got along really well and no one was openly over competitive.

“For example, we would discuss our answers with each other after each section. There was a light, fun mood throughout the day.” Katey was looking forward to the shearing module and felt confident until she found out contestants were shearing crossbred hoggets with Merino in them, and using

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a cover comb which she had never used before.

“This threw me off as it was very unfamiliar and knocked my confidence right back,” said Katey.

“My hands were shaking with nerves as I dragged the first one out, but I just slowed myself down to make sure I didn’t cut and did a quality job.

“I think I did pretty well in the end, just had to sacrifice speed a bit.”

She attributes her skills and success to her family, friends, employers, and tutors for their day-to-day teachings and help in preparations for the competition.

When the World Young Shepherds Challenge finals kick off in France this month, Katey will be competing against other young shepherds from England, Australia, Argentina, France, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and Uruguay.

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September 2014 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

Discrim nation Discrim nation NZ: A bicultural nation?

There was a time when New Zealand was predominantly made of just two cultures – Maori and European. We were bicultural and we took faltering first steps to make it work.

But bicultural is not who we are any more.

Who we are is a nation of peoples from all over the globe. Maori. Europe. Asia. Africa. The Pacific Islands. Australia. The Americas.

We all call New Zealand home – the place where we raise our families, where we watch our kids play sport, where we work and vote and try our best to do right by each other.

New Zealand is our country. We are a multicultural nation of equals.

Stuck in the past?

How do we honour New Zealand’s historical past without being continually defined by it?

How do we shape a better future?

There are no easy answers. But fundamentally, we must live by the principle of equality that underpins all human rights and underlies the Treaty of Waitangi: “he iwi tahi tatou – we are now one people.”

The Maori seats

New Zealand’s Parliament contains a number of seats reserved especially for people of Maori descent. These seats guaranteed Maori a direct voice in Parliament.

The Maori seats were first introduced in 1867 and for good reasons. Despite the Treaty promising full equality in terms of the rights, privileges and duties of citizenship, the land ownership requirements of the day denied many men – both Maori and European – the right to vote.

To address this, protected Maori seats were created as a temporary measure to give parliamentary representation to Maori men until they were able to vote on the common roll.

Although full voting rights for men were

granted in 1879 and for women in 1893 – giving all New Zealanders of age equal rights to vote – the reserved Maori seats were retained.

Parliament, a law change is needed to abolish the Maori seats and establish a common electoral roll.

This continues even though Maori representation in Parliament now disproportionately exceeds their relative national population.

The process must involve every voter – not just those who enjoy the present constitutional privilege.

Unintended discrimination

Only if enough New Zealanders help persuade politicians that doing so is in the best interests of the country, and that our future must be ‘One people. One nation. Together.’

As a result, the seats that once preserved equality are now a form of discrimination based on race. By reserving this privilege for Maori alone, it suggests that one race is worthy of more consideration than all the others.

As New Zealanders, do we truly believe this is right?

The Royal Commission

To ensure that our Parliamentary system provides fair and effective representation for all New Zealanders, the 1986 Royal Commission on the Electoral System made a series of recommendations.

In their report “Towards a Better Democracy” the Commission recommended our First Past the Post voting system be replaced with MixedMember Proportional representation, or MMP. They also proposed that the Maori seats and the Maori electoral roll be abolished on the basis that separatism is not the answer to Maori advancement. Equality is.

Their recommendation was ignored.

One people

The time has come to reshape things to reflect the many races-one people-all equal nature of our nation. If we want that change, one common electoral roll for all is an essential starting point.

Where to from here?

To move forward, we must convince our politicians that during the next term of

Will the new government do it?

What you can do today!

R Contact MPs and candidates and ask

if they will support the change to a common roll. Ask them for their party’s commitment to abolishing the Maori seats, with all New Zealanders involved in the process.

R Share this call to action with your

friends and ask them for their support for our campaign for change.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

September 2014

RURAL WHEELS

9

Green machine dominates the dirt

by Andy Bryenton

When it comes to big air and high speed off-road action, few combinations of names stand out like Kawasaki and Monster Energy.

Then again, this bike is not supposed handle more surfaces in a wider range The combo come together in the form of an internationally dominant motocross team, and it’s not just their matching bright green livery which has lit up tracks since the inception of this alliance.

The successes of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team comes down in no small part to the skill of riders like Blake Baggett, Dean Wilson and Justin Hill. But there’s a huge investment in engineering and power at their command each time they race — and now the next generation of Kawasaki’s track-proven tech is being offered to the Kiwi market.

First out of the blocks is an evolution of a model which first saw the light of day in 2008, come roaring out of Kawasaki’s back-room development labs to critical and rider acclaim.

The KLX450 boasted a lightweight 449cc single cylinder four stroke engine mounted in a well-balanced frame, and its overall performance capabilities made its ‘F’ designated variant a favourite on the track. At the same time, Kawasaki developed an ‘R’ model, an enduro-spec alternative which blends the hard-core moto elements of the KLX450F with a little practicality. For 2015 they have re-imagined this popular

to be just a frugal way to commute. The KLX is a true enduro machine, retaining the narrow, easy to handle frame, high ground clearance and torquey gearing of a pure off-roader. Effectively the ‘R’ designation means the ability to

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The new member of the KLX family has electric start, a powerful headlight and taillight, and digital instruments — indicators and a VIN are the only difference between this and the kind of bike you’d take to the shops. Its gravel, sand, mud and trail manners make it a nice stepping stone for hardcore motocross riders who are perhaps considering a road bike to add to their stable.

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September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Old strategies to lift farm profits

by John K Morris, CEO of Agrissentials

With tighter payouts farmers will need to look for opportunities to save money and keep the farm moving forward.

A big percentage of farming operates on natural capital such as topsoil, rain, sunshine, carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen. These gaseous elements make up 97.5 percent of the pasture’s mineral requirement, so a shift to accessing all the farm’s nitrogen directly out of the atmosphere for free, would be a good move to reduce one of the major spends on farms, today.

Agrissentials’ customers have been doing this for years. This atmospheric nitrogen has always been there for plants.

Once you install this natural system on your farm, clover will become abundant and you can’t beat clover for production of milk and meat. Ruminant animals thrive on it and it doesn’t damage our environment. So you save money, your production increases, your animals are more content and healthier, soil and animal fertility increases, so you won’t be concerned about next year’s ban on inductions and the Regional Council will love you. What a fantastic deal!

Another cost saver is not to grow maize. Grain is for birds. Ruminant animals are grass converters. The top price for beef in the USA is all grass

fed beef and the top money for milk in Europe is all grass fed milk. Ruminants are good at it. Agrissentials’ system encourages you to increase the mineral content and microbial mass in your soil.

This is paramount for production. The less you interfere with your soil, the better the soil operates. You will get far more nutrition from your grass on our system than growing grains, which is a cost that doesn’t make sense when you’re farming ruminants.

Another money saver is not to regrass. The trials on ten irrigated dairy farms in Canterbury and North Otago were carried out to determine the value of regrassing on long-term production and persistence of new pastures. After three years, the average production over all farms, surprisingly, showed the ‘new’, ‘control’ and ‘good’ paddocks all reproduced the same amount of grass.

(Trial work was led by Lincoln based Anna Taylor and funded by Dairy NZ).

From Agrissentials’ point of view, the grasses that grow well and have adapted to their particular environment are the ones to go for, as we believe that the most important part of the plant is its

Team Agrissentials gearing farmers up for spring

mineral make-up. When you are working with a multi-mineral fertiliser which is full of micro-organisms which naturally build a symbiotic relationship with the plants, the uptake of minerals all happens at the cellular level, the ultimate level for mineral uptake.

As a college student back in the late 50’s I helped my next door neighbour who was a relief worker on a dairy farm.

Back then the only questionable product in the shed was maybe the lubricating oil for the cream separator. Today, through our advancement of science, there is a plethora of toxic products locked up in cages in dairy sheds.

Agrissentials has been one of the early leaders in a move away from the chemical age.

Everything recycles and we are part of that recycling movement back to working with nature rather than against her.

For more information on Agrissentials atmospheric nitrogen fixing program incorporating rhizobium bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi contact your friendly representative Adrian Rowe on 021 873 304.

There is a better, eco friendly, more economical way to be farming - to find out how, phone 0800 THE KEY that’s 0800 843 539 today for a FREE INFO PACK. Plus this month you have the opportunity to earn either double Smart Trade points or 5000 points for new customers (some conditions apply) there’s never been a better time to spring into action.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

September 2014

PASTURE management

11

Win the battle for greener pastures

With spring well and truly here, farmers are turning their attention to raising a bountiful crop of grass to fuel milk production.

It’s all about maximising that all important DM or dry mass (pasture minus water) — the crucial tonnage of feed which keeps the herd healthy and productive.

But green pastures have many enemies, and this time of year it’s time to take the offensive to these pests, guaranteeing good pasture growth.

Pests take two major forms — insects and weeds. Weeds can be insidious — many were in fact introduced species, and still flourish in country gardens, spreading their seeds via wind and birds to ruin paddocks.

Knowing how weeds such as gorse, thistle and ragwort spread is key to eliminating these plant pests from your pastures. As well as being windblown or carried by water, the seeds of noxious plants can also sometimes be found amongst benign grass seed — check the certification of any seed you’re planting to make sure it’s weed free. Another vector pertinent this time of year is the very machinery used to destroy weeds.

The tractors, harrows and rollers visiting

your land may be carrying weed seeds in like the old ‘trojan horse’.

To stop weeds, take care of the land from the ground up. Cultivate with deep tines and harrows to aerate the soil, then seed a certified weed-free, hardy form of grass appropriate to the moisture content and drainage of your pasture. Pugged paddocks won’t grow the best crop, so the roller may come into play as well, before nitrogen is spread for maximum soil fertility.

Regular grazing throughout the season and the year helps too — your herd can do their part by nipping some of those shoots literally in the bud, and by preventing overgrowth.

Insect pests, such as weevils (these attack clover, and as such are high on the hit-list), grass grubs, army worms and the like are also best managed by taking care of the pasture from a ‘grass roots’ level. Chemicals can be effectively used to quash infestations, but even better is the more natural approach as practised since the middle ages. Consider planting a ‘break crop’,

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especially in summer. Valuable dry mass for feed can be gained from, for example, a turnip crop in summer, breaking the pest’s life cycle by depriving it of

its favourite food — and as a bonus, alternative cropping and rotation of the paddock has been proven to help reduce pugging damage and fix soil nutrients.

12

September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

PASTURE management

ADVERTORIAL

Tried, tested, proven

Before a single Pacific Seeds hybrid makes it through to commercial New Zealand release the company really put them to the test.

Starting with an international selection process that spans the globe, this qualityfocussed procedure is followed by at least three years of closely monitored trials within the New Zealand environment.

“So if they are on our commercial hybrid list — you know they’ll deliver” said Pacific Seeds’ Territory Manager Al Park. Pacific Seeds maize hybrids are bred to deliver strong performance across the following categories:

“If you’re looking for maize hybrids that consistently deliver - whatever the conditions Pacific Seeds has got you covered.”

Geoff Webb

Levin

We really like the way Pacific Seeds’ hybrids such as PAC 249 stand up to the local conditions.

As well as great standability and yield, we’re also impressed with size and uniformity of the cobs.

TRIED, TESTED, PROVEN: Pacific Seeds maize hybrids are bred to deliver strong performance across the following:

Dry matter yields and grain yield/quality.

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All Pacific Seeds hybrids undergo extensive trialing before commercial release to NZ growers.

Dry matter yields and grain yield/quality Yield stability (across environments and seasons) Agronomic traits (standability, drought and disease resistance) The 2014 range includes two new generation hybrids, both incorporating the very latest genetic developments.

PAC 343 and PAC 230 are both dual-purpose hybrids with strong agronomic packages that deliver consistently large ears and excellent grain quality.

“Both have performed highly during field trials and they compliment the hybrid options that we have available this season”, said Al Other well-performed hybrids in the Pacific Seeds range include PAC 301, PAC 504 and DKC43-72.

“These hybrids have proved that they do well within the Rangitikei and Manawatu regions.

“They really hang on to their quality.”

Geoff Webb has grown Pacific Seeds hybrids on his Levin property for a number of years and has been impressed with the consistent performance.

“Last year, in addition to our commercial crop, we also grew PAC 249 in a strip trial which involved four hybrids in the 95 — 100 CRM category.”

“PAC 249 was a clear leader with yields of 23.2 tonnes/ ha”, Geoff said.

Geoff also commented on the way Pacific Seeds hybrids have stood up to the prevailing weather conditions.

“Regardless of what mother nature has thrown at us hybrids like PAC 504, DKC47-53 and PAC 249 have never let us down with massive cobs and consistent high yields.”

Pacific Seeds’ commitment to NZ growers ensures that they are provided with hybrids well suited to meet their specific performance requirements and this season’s range is no exception with proven maize hybrids across all maturities.

“So regardless of where you’re located, if your looking for hybrids that consistently deliver, Pacific Seeds has got you covered”, said Al. For the full Pacific Seeds range of hybrids visit www.pacific seeds.co.nz or contact Al Park 027 286 8776.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES September 2014

If you want extra weight on your livestock, you’ll need to protect the clover in your pasture with Pulsar®.

Pulsar is the selective, post-emergent herbicide that controls a wide range of broadleaf weeds and phenoxy-resistant thistles but, unlike some other herbicides, Pulsar is really soft on clover. It’s also easy to use, with no pre-grazing required.

With the combined power of two active ingredients, MCPB and bentazone, Pulsar is now the only herbicide you’ll need on new pasture this season.

That’s very cost effective!

Pulsar is available from selected rural supply distributors.

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14

September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Demand and currency influence wool price While the Kiwi dollar began to ease in reaction to global economic data, international activities and a softening dairy price outlook The wool market improved as keen buyers, representing wide-spread demand, fronted to bid strongly for the limited volumes of new season’s wool on offer during July and August.

Local wool exporters representing mills based in mainly Europe, Asia and Australia competed fiercely at wool auction sales held in Christchurch and Napier and a similar market trend to last season began to emerge (albeit earlier this season than last) with prices being pushed close to the highs experienced during October and November 2013.

Crossbred wool offered drew good interest and buyers’ comments were positive towards the very good wools presented for sale. The majority of prelamb shorn fleece types were extremely well grown and tensile strength was superb.

However, a number of lines, although visually of good scouring colour,

did reflect some degree of slight yellowness in the colour test result, probably due in the main, to a wetter than usual autumn experienced in some regions and with lesser than usual wind to dry the obviously heavy fleeces on the sheep’s backs prior to shearing.

Having said that, a few lines of fleece which tested slightly poorer for colour, had not been prepared well enough in the wool shed and too many first pieces were evident within the grab samples, not only affecting base colour but also contributing to a more mixed length of fibres than desirable by many in the trade.

A handful of fleece lines also contained some vegetable contamination which, while unavoidable in most cases due to the nature of foraging and pasture availability, may have contributed to a slightly lower price than that received for some of the better vegetable

A small quantity of long lamb’s wool (probably more correctly referred to as ‘wooly hoggets’) also met with enthusiasm from the export trade with prices for these types often reaching extreme levels.

Finer wool types were also well represented at the July and early August auctions in Christchurch with a few very nice lines of Halfbred and Corriedale wools on offer as well as a small number of very attractive Merino types. Halfbred/Corriedale wools measuring finer than approximately 28 microns, well grown and well prepared, drew good interest from the exporting trade.

That’s my view.

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matter contaminant-free fleece lines.

While buyers obviously ‘average’ their purchases to achieve their forward sold orders, they definitely, however, prefer the better wools ahead of those carrying any degree of fault, and discounts apply accordingly.

A good quantity of second-shorn crossbred types was also on offer at recent wool auctions also commanding widespread interest. Prices remained solid for the longer second-shear/ early-shorn types, however, demand seemed rather limited for shorter genuine second-shear (five to six months’ growth) types and an unusually larger than expected price gap between the two types emerged.

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

Be my Guest

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

A farming view of policies The Green Party election plank that all farmers must fence off rivers, lakes, waterways and wetlands from stock with a buffer zone for vegetation by mid2017, and the way their policy is worded, would seem to suggest farmers are the biggest polluters in the country.

In actual fact, the overwhelming majority of farmers are hugely conscious of the health of waterways and the land.

It is good to see Fonterra’s defence that their dairy farmer members now have 95% total stock exclusion from waterways, with more than 23,000 kilometres of fencing and planting complete.

The Labour Party and the Greens believe all New Zealand rivers should be clean enough to swim in, not just clean enough to dip your toe in. Well, Northland’s tidal Northern Wairoa River could be very challenging for them if they try and change its reputation of being “the upside down river” due to its muddy silt nature.

Still on water issues, their proposed policy of charging irrigation users for the water they use is a matter for some debate. In the majority of cases, freshwater flows from its catchments into the open sea and the general public benefits from the fact that irrigation users contribute to New Zealand’s economic sustainability by way of paying taxes and compliance fees, which would surely decline if the viability of irrigating productive farm land was made uneconomic. Dairying in the South Island has made a huge contribution to the New Zealand dairy industry and from farmers reinvesting in their communities. We should all remember the story of the goose that

laid the golden egg and what happened to the goose after someone had the bright idea of killing the goose with the idea of grabbing more golden eggs.

The Labour Party’s Capital Gains Tax and the fumbling of David Cunliffe in explaining this policy has not helped Labour’s cause.

New Zealand already has income tax legislation which has detailed and complex provisions bringing many gains into the tax net. This was introduced progressively to counter the situation whereby land developers and builders became, in effect, untaxed occupations.

In broad terms, we tax gains on the sale of land acquired with an intention of resale, gains made by land dealers, developers and builders and gains arising from the rezoning, subdivision or development of land.

There are exceptions for private residences, business premises and farmland. In short profit or gains from the sale of property where the taxpayer is a dealer in such property is already taxable.

As a farmer, after listening to some politicians in this election, I get the clear impression that these politicians believe that tax revenue should be increased and the net be spread more widely into

September 2014

15

New Zealand’s farming industry which is the backbone of the economy.

Farmers live with great uncertainty. On one hand we are encouraged to produce more. We are told that China has the capacity to take all of our dairy produce and that our incomes will continue on the up and up. We are well aware that our fortunes can change dramatically as they are currently doing, with Fonterra’s huge reduction in payout performance this current season and the Westland Dairy Company revealing its payout forecast well below Fonterra’s forecast.

Histor y has provided some very valuable lessons.

Some of us can remember the then Dairy Board chairman Jim Graham telling dairy farmers that they would receive a record payout, only to have he and his Board later encouraging dairy farmers to take up a subsidy to reduce cow numbers because of a dairy surplus world-wide.

We New Zealanders sometimes bemoan our lot, but when we look at the rest of the world currently in the turmoil of revolutions, wars and anarchy, we have got a lot to be thankful for.

That includes electoral choice and it behoves the rural voter to look closely at policies which affect their livelihoods, as well as the nation’s bank balance.

I get the clear “impression that

these politicians believe that tax revenue should be increased…

”

16

September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

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TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

September 2014

DAIRY

Hoof Print with Fred Hoekstra

17

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Resting time versus standing time There seems to be less lame cows so far this season compared to the two previous seasons. Why is that? cows standing up in crop paddocks. Fair enough. I wouldn’t like to lay down in the mud either.

So if you look at this winter where the weather was a lot warmer and dryer, cows would have had more resting time.

Remember that resting time is laying down time. Standing time is not resting time. So if cows had more resting time over the winter they will be less likely to come in lame after calving.

And I believe that this is what we are seeing.

So what can we learn from this?

I believe we need to farm in a much more cow friendly manner. It is my belief that most farms are not set up or managed in a particularly cow friendly way.

I don’t have a problem with feeding cows winter crops. They are probably good food for them and cheaper for the farmer but we do need to keep the basic needs of the cows in mind. One of the basic needs for a cow is to have sufficient laying down time. If we have

WATER STORAGE PROBLEMS?

cows on winter crops then we need to be prepared for the times when we do get rain. This may mean that we could harvest some of the winter crops and feed it out in a paddock of grass that is dry enough for the cows to lie down in.

I know it costs more money to dig up the fodder beet but if that means less lame cows in the milking season then that money will come back. Even if it didn’t, is it not our respon-sibility to look after our cows? If we want to keep our cows then let’s be proactive in ensuring their basic needs are provided for.

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Some people may be thinking that the money they spent on their tracks over the winter is already paying off.

Maybe it is, but I would like to direct your attention to another possibility.

Last month I talked to you about the effects of the track and how it can put a lot of stress on cows by reducing their resting time. Let’s go with that train of thought for a bit.

Did your cows get the rest over the winter that they needed? Many of you may think this to be a ridiculous question as all the cows did was spend time in the paddock, so of course they got all the resting that they needed. Is that true? When cows are in the paddock for a whole day, does that mean they can automatically get the rest they need?

I would argue that they don’t. This is especially true when cows are on winter crops. Have you noticed that cows do a lot more standing in crop paddocks than on dry grass paddocks? If you drive through the country-side in the winter after a shower of rain, you will see most

18

September 2014 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

Soil Matters with Peter Burton Is science missing the point?

Our experience of late is that if data is not from a science fraternity initiated project, collected by trained technicians, and evaluated by scientists with the same belief systems then the information is invalid.

Our focus has been on measuring pasture growth rates and Nitrate N under grazed pasture on intensive dairy properties applying total nutrient programmes where fertiliser N for the last 10 years has been almost entirely replaced by increased beneficial fungi and bacteria activity.

The measures show that the two monitored properties grow around 30% more total pasture than conventional properties relying on regular applications of fertiliser nitrogen.

The measures from the property monitored for Nitrate N indicate that losses are around 30% (70% less) of those from a neighbouring property regularly applying urea. The concentrations from the biological property are close to the acceptable Ministry for the Environment standard.

An independent performance analysis of these properties stated: “Based on the 2011–12 season it appears the Biological farm had an advantage

over the Conventional farm in all areas analysed. The Biological farm had a lower stocking rate and grew more pasture per hectare therefore had a reduced reliance on grazing off and applying nitrogen … It also had a significantly smaller environmental footprint in terms of nitrogen leached from the farm and nitrate concentration in groundwater.

Nitrogen conversion efficiency wa s also elevated’.

Both proper ties produced in excess of 1300kg milksolids per hectare. The Biological property grew 19,300kg DM/ha based on Overseer, while the Conventional property grew 14,800kg DM/ha based on the same model.

We’ve been told that the Overseer figures for pasture grown are not accurate, however, with regular upgrades

we’re confident they will be become increasingly precise.

Overseer was never developed as a regulatory tool, but with standards rapidly becoming tighter a useful model is required. A single analysis of one season isn’t proof but its only one part of the jigsaw. It’s easy to dismiss the validity of any single piece of data that has been shared however when viewed collectively the independent report makes sense.

The science approach to date has been to ask for the analysis of the inputs so judgement may be passed on the likely outcome.

The resultant finding has been that any improvement can be attributed to better management.

The refusal of the scientists we’ve approached recently to become involved

The demand “ that New Zealand

lessens its reliance on fertiliser nitrogen is gaining momentum.

”

in any part of the monitoring process is based on analysis of the inputs.

Because current models don’t explain the performance it is deemed there is nothing worth investigating.

Science is about measuring, and in order to measure firstly there has to be observation. With the refusal to be involved in that part of the exercise the decision to dismiss is sound, but what if there is something of value.

Our work over the last thirty years has been based on observation first and foremost and reworking our understanding to incorporate fresh information before measuring to see if the effect is real.

The demand that New Zealand lessens its reliance on fertiliser nitrogen is gaining momentum.

Local body authorities would like this issue sorted and because so much groundwork has already been done cooperation with the science fraternity could quite quickly ascertain whether a biological approach to this problem has genuine merit.

For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

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Concentrate on the riding.

Look where you’re going, not where the stock are going.

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

September 2014

RURAL WOMEN

Drovers’ lives retold in unique book

The Ultimate Compression Socks for air travel & exercise

by Denise Gunn

Meeting and interviewing old-time drovers gave author Ruth Entwistle Low a direct link to the stories that went hand-in-hand with droving cattle around New Zealand.

In her book, ‘On the Hoof: The untold story of drovers in New Zealand’, Ruth has gathered and retold a unique aspect of this country’s history.

With a Masters in History and part of her thesis involving oral histories, Ruth began interviewing drovers in 2003 while she was living in Feilding.

“This opened my eyes and ears to a whole other world — to those who had worked moving stock ‘on the hoof’,” said Ruth.

“It simply captured my imagination — the life on the road, the hard-case characters, the down-to-earth humour.”

Through further research around New Zealand’s agricultural history, Ruth realised the drover had been overlooked.

“Considering the significance of their role, particularly before trucking, it seemed to me that their part in the grand scheme of things needed to be recognised.”

Following a move to Timaru, Ruth and her family travelled to carry out further interviews with drovers in different regions of New Zealand “I’m still in contact with a few of them now,” she said. “I even have one old guy, Ray Stevens from the Waikato, who calls in each year for a coffee after he’s been down for the Glen Lyons Station

19

companionship and communication drovers had with the tools of their trade — their horses and dogs. “I hope that everyone enjoys reading the book,” said Ruth.“But I especially hope that all those who moved stock ‘on the hoof’ that read this will sense that they are included in this story, and take pride in the part they played in our agricultural history.”

‘On the Hoof: The untold story of drovers in New Zealand’ is published

by Penguin Group (NZ) — $45.00

Suitable for short

and long haul flights to minimise Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Beneficial for activities such as walking, golfing cycling, hiking, physical work and everyday wear.

Special range for those with health conditions.

Available in a range of compression levels, sizes, styles and colours.

To learn more: www.txgsocks.co.nz info@txgsocks.co.nz Tel: 0800 TXG-SOX (0800 894-769)

Get yourself an outdoor education Located in the spectacular Fiordland National Park the Hollyford Track is one of the greatest guided walks in New Zealand.

Ruth Entwistle Low with her book ‘On the Hoof: The untold story of drovers in New Zealand’

muster — he’s 83.” Ruth said she always wanted the book to be something that old timers would want to read and could relate to.

Through original research, colourful storytelling and the voices of the drovers themselves, Ruth describes the story of their life on the road — where and how they travelled, the problems they faced, and the ups and downs of the lifestyle. The book also conveys the

In three days you will transect the Hollyford Valley by foot, jetboat and finally helicopter. Your expert and passionate guide will bring to life the diversity of landscape, wildlife and stories of early Māori and Pioneering families. You’ll also enjoy first rate cuisine, personal service and comfortable private lodges in New Zealand’s most beautiful valley.

Call to book your place on 0800 832 226 or visit www.hollyfordtrack.com

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0800

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Phone 0800 466 793 For Sale 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.

Animal Health Products

• Fast acting • Easy to use • Good safety profile

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L $49.95, 200L - $450 or 1000L - $2000 + GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. www.blacktypeminerals.co.nz

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.

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DISMANTLERS LTD TRUCK DISMANTLERS 35 MAYNE STREET, WAITARA

Phone Sean, Richard, Dave or Bruce

Ph 06 754 9006 or 0800 88 88 48 Email ann.ttd@xtra.co.nz Fax 06 754 8966 www.taranakitruckdismantlers.co.nz

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 –

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Read the paper online farminglifestyles.co.nz

20

September 2014

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

TROUGHS & TANKS • CULVERT PIPE • WATER RETICULATION • STOCK CONTROL & MORE

RURAL SPECIALISTS All prices include GST. Valid to 30 September 2014

Clearance

Effluent Spreading

Calf Milk Pump PUMPCALF

Range of pressure ratings and sizes available 15–63 mm. Prices below are per meter and only apply to 100m coils.

MDPE EFFLUENT PIPE 8 BAR Ø 90 mm $8.60 Ø 75 mm $6.90 Ø 63 mm $3.95

98.

$

MDPE IRRIGATOR DRAG HOSE 6 BAR Ø 63 mm OD $3.20

74

INCL GST

Wide range of camlocks and joiners available.

New

Effluent & Stormwater diverter DBE150

Easy to manage diverter where ever the need for water and liquid waste diversion is needed. Call in store for a demo.

Factory Pipe Clearance

569.80

$

INCL GST

Effluent Managment System

Large range of concrete pipe seconds available. 225 diameter to 3000.

1. Hypond/Megapond 2. StoneTrap 3. Bunker 40 – 4000 cubic meters

3 1

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2

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