Waikato Farming Lifestyles, February 2012

Wa i k a to

Farming Lifestyles

February 2012 Edition

Page 4

Page 8

Dairy Goats

Ancient trade

Lifestyle and world leading business

takes pride of place in Pirongia See page 5.

Llama trekking — a popular adventure Page 6

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February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned NZ company.

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz • Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville General Manager: Deb Wright Editorial: Paul Campbell Annette Lambly-Robinson Advertising: Glyn Parker Kylie Baucke Betty Willetts

Graphic Design: Greer Mackay Gavin Bainbridge David Stevens Emily Stevens

Waikato Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

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Managing Editor: Allan Mortensen (am@thelifestyler.co.nz) Accounts: Lesley Robinson (accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz)

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Lisa Hicks and partner Graeme Sorensen ‘grabbed the bull by the horns’ six years ago and made a dramatic career change that now sees them 50/50 sharemilking a 170-cow herd at Rongotea, near Palmerston North.

At 45 years of age Lisa has found her dream job and lifestyle and is looking forward to a future in the dairy industry.

“We’ve worked in a few different industries, I’ve had jobs like merchandising with Anchor and Graeme, who is a mechanic by trade, has worked as a carparts sales person,” says Lisa.

“We had some land in Hastings and ran some bulls on it. But I’d always had a passion for calves and cows. We leased out the bull farm, set out to get ourselves trained up and went for it.”

The couple secured junior positions on a Dargaville dairy farm and, keen to learn and ‘do it properly’, dived into AgITO workshops, on-line training and ‘any conferences that we could get to’.

With a focus on up-skilling and making industry connections, Graeme and Lisa were in a strong position to enter the regional 2010 Farm Manager of the Year Competition.

“We weren’t successful in the competition, but every opportunity is an opportunity to learn and the experience showed me, while I had gathered a lot of great knowledge and skills I really lacked confidence in public speaking,” says Lisa.

“One of the components of the competition was preparing and giving a two-hour long presentation — it was really a gap that I needed to fill.”

A recent student and industry survey gave a clear message — attitude, character, personal principles and people skills are still extremely valuable to those already established in their careers.

In 2010, through the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre Lisa began a ‘Generate' course — a professional and personal self-development and growth programme.

The programme, aimed at up-skilling those in the rural sector, taught her presentation, preparation and delivery skills.

Lisa Hicks has achieved her dream job — dairy farming

Their hard work and unwavering focus on learning proved a recipe for success when the couple won the 2011 Federated Farmers Leadership Award.

“We aim to own our own dairy farm in three to five years,” says Lisa.

Alongside the share-milking work Lisa has begun a side-line import business.

She is also now in demand as a speaker, having already presented to Young Farmers her next presentation at SMASH, the small herd conference in Palmerston North in March.

She has recently joined the Lower North Island SMASH committee, an achievement she is particularly proud of. “I feel like I have come along way in a short time — I’m loving it!” she says.

Lisa is now recruiting Generate students for Taratahi in 2012.

The Generate programme is offered free of charge with graduates gaining a nationally recognised Certificate of Rural Leadership.

Generate courses are starting in Wellington, Masterton, Feilding Dannevirke, Taradale, Hamilton, Whangarei, Invercargill and Fairlie as well as at Massey and Lincoln Universities in February/March 2012. Enrolments are open now.

Please contact Clarissa Notley at generate@taratahi.ac.nz or 0800 827 2824 for further information.

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

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Digesting the Food Bill — fact vs fiction

By Kate Wilkinson, Minister for Food Safety

There has been a lot of talk and a lot of misinformation spread over the holiday period around the proposed Food Bill. In my role as Minister for Food Safety, I am responsible for the Bill, and I’d like to take this opportunity to set the record straight. sausage sizzles and bake sales — would simply receive free ‘food handler guidance’ information.

They will not need to register anywhere, and will incur no extra costs.

Currently New Zealand food manufacturers and sellers operate under regulations that are 30 years old. These regulations need to be updated to ensure that the food people buy is safe and that those selling food take responsibility for the food they sell. It’s a fact that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of food poisoning in the developed world.

Before Christmas, an anonymous internet campaign began spreading misinformation about the Food Bill and making claims that scared a lot of people unnecessarily.

They claimed that the Bill was being rushed through Parliament before anyone could be made aware of it, that the Bill would make growing your own veges a privilege, not a right, and that food safety officers with guns would soon be storming into private homes.

The facts are very different.

The Food Bill has gone through extensive public consultation over the past four years. In 2010, it was passed

by Parliament’s Primary Production Select Committee with cross-party support, and is due to go before Parliament sometime this year.

No one will come under the scope of the Food Bill unless they are selling or trading food for commercial purposes.

Food grown at home for personal or family consumption, or given or exchanged for other food with friends is not within the scope of the Bill.

If it becomes law, the Bill will require those involved in the commercial trade of food to operate under one of three regulatory systems, depending on the level of food safety risk involved.

Those in the lowest risk category — including small traders running roadside stalls or selling their own horticultural produce at farmers markets, charity

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The Government recognises that charitable and community events such as sausage sizzles, home bake sales, and other fundraising events are an important part of our Kiwi lifestyle. These will continue Kate Wilkinson, to occur as they always have. The Minister for Food Safety Bill is designed to protect, not harm, as the Bill’s critics would have us believe.

Finally, it is simply nonsense that armed Food Safety Officers would enter premises without a warrant. Food Safety Officers will not be armed and will retain the same powers that they have had for the past 30 years under the current Food Act 1981. It is extremely disappointing that the current misinformation campaign has caused so many people to worry unnecessarily.

There is nothing to fear from the Food Bill. It is all about improving food safety, updating out-dated regulations, and helping grow our economy.

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February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Dairy Goats

— lifestyle and world leading business

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

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A commercial dairy goat farm on the outskirts of Cambridge has been the home, passion and business of the Osment family for the past 15 years.

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hen the Osments purchased the 80-acre farm on Pukemoremore Rd in 1997 it was being operated as very small commercial dairy goat unit, but the decision was made early in the piece to expand the herd to make the farm more viable.

Initially milk was supplied to a dairy factory in Waiatoa until The Dairy Goat Co-operative purpose-built goat dairy factory was opened in Hamilton in 2003, where it is spray dried and turned into infant formula.

The DCG is a world leader of goat milk powder products. It developed the world’s first commercialised infant formula from goat milk, the world’s first long-life goat milk, and continues to develop and manufacture a range of premium speciality formulations based on goat milk.

Breeding quality dairy goats has been a focus of the Osments since the beginning.

Colin and Emma showing two anglo-nubian does at Royal Show Waikato 2011 Currently they have around 400 Saanen does and bucks from Australia. Nubian’s produce slightly less milk and 60 Anglo Nubians in the milking herd.

It is the Anglo Nubians which hold a special interest for (volume wise) but the milk has a higher butterfat content and therefore higher milk solids. Because farmers are paid Emma and Colin. on a milk solid basis the Anglo Nubian is a good commercial Early in 2007 they imported a number of selected does prospect.

“Our eighth highest earning doe is a purebred Nubian,” SEED DRESSI NG A IN & GR says Emma.

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012 5 Emma says goat milk is naturally A few cattle, two thoroughbred homogenised so is an ideal horses, a Welsh pony and two alternative to cows’ milk because miniature horses share family life at it is more easily digested. It is also Osment Dairy Goats Farm — along suitable for those who have an with four dogs and five cats, a white intolerance to the protein content turkey Araucana and Polish hens and Pekin and Silkie bantams. of cow’s milk.

“There is no goaty taste if the goats are milked out correctly and the milk kept at the right temperature.” says Colin.

Kidding starts in late June running through to September.

Well fed, clean and comfortable — does rest peacefully in their barn

The goats are housed full-time in a large barn. “They have access to fresh air and sunshine, but are not allowed to eat from the ground. The fresh grass is cut and fed along with other supplements to the goats via conveyor belts.

The ‘zero graze’ practise is used mainly because it eliminates worms — a major problem for large grazing herds.

Colin says goats do not develop a natural resistance to worms as other grazing species do and this necessitates the need for regular drenching.

Once an animal is drenched its milk has a withholding period and cannot be put into the vat — meaning loss of production.

Retaining the goats indoors also lessens incidence of scald and foot rot, allows diet control and eliminates problems and loss of production from exposure to the elements.

It can be bucketing down with rain or boiling hot sun — our goats don’t have a care in the world,” says Colin.

From mid-July to mid-April the goats are milked twice a day in a 20-aside herringbone shed and fed grain in the head bails as an incentive to coming into the milking shed.

The farm is run by the couple and their five sons, Jacob (14), Dan, (13) Jack (7), Leo (6) and Lucas (3) as well as ‘good staff who milk and help rear the kids’.

“It’s a good life with the whole menagerie getting along pretty well,” says Colin.

Osment farm is now able to supply semen, embryos and livestock national and internationally and welcomes this opportunity to benefit other dairy herds and breeders.

Visits and farm stays can also be arranged by appointment.

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February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Llama trekking – a popular adventure

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

T

rekking mountain ranges is something most people associate with the Andes in South America, but for those with a hankering — llama trekking can be done much closer to home — at Greenmount Llamas in the King Country.

The trekking business came about almost by accident after a TV programme featured the llamas — but more about that later — let’s go back to the beginning.

Sandy Dawson first saw llama during a visit to the National Agricultural Fieldays in Hamilton about 15 or more years ago.

It was a matter of love at first site and while Sandy and her husband Bob were already busy enough farming 1500 acres at Pio Pio, where they farm sheep and beef, Sandy was smitten and wanted a couple of llama as pets.

“The llama (at the fieldays ) were so friendly — real people animals and I liked what I saw,’’ she laughs.

What started out as a hobby, soon turned into a breeding venture and now Greenmount Farms has around 50 llama of various ages. “We bought our first two llamas as pets, in July 2001. Within the first couple of months we knew we wanted to go further — breeding,’’ she said.

The llama side of Greenmount is now run as a registered stud with a focus on good conformation, good nature and fine fibre.

The better quality yarn is used for a number of purposes, felting, knitting, spinning and weaving. Sandy also makes and sells a number of products with the fibre including a range of baby clothing, made from cria (baby llama) fibre.

About three years ago Country Calendar did a show about the couple.

As part of the filming that went to air was the Dawson’s trekking over the steep hills using the llama to carry equipment.

“Once it went to air the enquiries started pouring in,’’ said Sandy. “We had always talked about trekking as a business venture, but had never got around to it.’’

Now with the popularity of trekking growing so much the couple have decided next year to slow down the farming side and concentrate more on the llama trekking.

Sandy says the llama make the venture extra special. ‘’They all have their own personalities, are neat to work

Enjoy a totally unique New Zealand experience with true kiwi hospitality.

Wander the spectacular hills of the King Country with your friendly guide and gentle llama.

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Bookings Essential. Accomodation available 2012. For more information contact us or visit our website .

Hosts: Bob & Sandy Dawson Piopio, Waitomo. PH: 0064 7 877 8297 www.greenmountllamas.co.nz The sound of pipes over the hills.

Bob Dawson says goodbye to the day

“Principles of Building Soil Fertility”

Neal Kinsey, by popular demand is retur ning to NZ in 2012 for the third time to present his three day courses.

Peter Norwood, well known animal nutrition expert from Australia will be joining Neal at these events

N

Course Venues & Dates: TAUPO Huka Falls Lodge Taupo March 5th - 7th 2012 INVERCARGILL Ascot Hotel Invercargill March 12th - 14th 2012

eal of Kinsey Agricultural Services, Charleston, Missouri is a soil fertility specialist who lectures and consults to farmers and horticulturists world-wide serving 66 countries.

Golden Bay Dolomite Limited and the Neal Kinsey NZ group is pleased to inform that again in 2012 we are to sponsor this “dean” of soil fertility to visit Taupo, Bay of Plenty and Invercargill, Southland to present his three day “Principles of Building Soil Fertility” workshop.

Neal is one of the foremost practitioners of the Albrecht – style soil fertility balancing and is the author of his book “Hands on Agronomy.”

Many of the attendees of the previous years’ courses followed up on Neal’s teaching and advice. As a result they have proved to themselves and others that biological farming is the

new way forward. Many have reported positive changes to pasture, animal health and profit! This is especially pleasing considering the challenging seasonal weather conditions and recessionary times.

Neal conveys the message of soil fertility in a simple to understand manner that just makes sense to his audience.

Often farmers become bogged down in the detail of a sophisticated soil audit and are confused as to whom to believe.

Neal conveys the message of soil fertility in a simple to understand manner that just makes sense to his audience.

Neal offers world-wide examples

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What we learn from the successful Albrecht system of soil balancing is that when calcium and magnesium and all other nutrients including the micro-nutrients are in proper balance in the soil, crops thrive, animal health improves, weed and insect pressures lessen and yields and soils improve season after season.

This year’s sponsors Golden Bay Dolomite Limited and the Neal Kinsey NZ group would like to extend an invitation to you to attend this course.

We believe that the investment of $560.00 (plus G.S.T.) and the time in attending these three days will enhance your knowledge and perhaps the knowledge of your colleagues into the future – we look forward to you participating in a three day course.

We are passionate about the services

and products we provide as healthy soils are a prerequisite for healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy people. It is the informed farmer who is at the forefront of this chain.The goal of all farming operations must be to produce top quality nutrient dense food for our generation, our children and our grandchildren.

To check out Neal Kinsey’s credentials: • www.kinseyag.com To check out our website containing further information and to register: • www.nealkinseynz.co.nz • seminar@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz • www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nz Or Contact: Anna Mayne 0800 546 739 anna@nealkinseynz.co.nz Ron McLean 0800 549 433 ronmac@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

Llamas

Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

with — normally gentle animals to farm — they are just cool.’’

If you’re reading this – then so are your customers

Males over two years of age are used for trekking, each able to carry about one third of its body weight up to 40 kilograms.

Handled from an early age they are all halter trained and taught to lead, tether and carry panniers (saddlebags).

The couple don’t bother with gelding as there has been no need to — such is the nature of the animal.

Advertise today Phone 0800 466 793

Trekking usually takes advantage of the better weather over summer with treks arranged to suit the ages, abilities and requirements of each group. Meals and beverages can be arranged.

Sandy and Bob have farmed Greenmount for 30 years and purchased the farm from Bob’s parents in 1987.

The gardens are a feature of Greenmount — a tribute to Sandy’s green fingers and a wonderful backdrop for Bob to wander as he plays the bagpipes on a summer evening.

“Our driveway is 4.5 kilometres long so no chance of complaints from the neighbours,’’ laughs Sandy.

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beast of burden The Incas were the original domesticators of llamas, high in the Andes Mountains around 4000 BC. They were used for meat, wool, skins, fertiliser, and their dung was used for fuel for fires.

But their most valued asset was as a beast of burden – contributing to local farm maintenance and providing long distance transport to carry

Bob and Sandy are both competitive members of the Te Kuiti and Districts Highland Pipe Band.

the Inca’s wares.

Their two children Michelle and Peter played the drums and so as a “matter of if you can’t beat them join them’’, Sandy learned to play the side drum and more recently the tenor drum with the band.

building materials to remote and isolated locations throughout the South

Having the opportunity to work in such a paradise is not overlooked by the Dawsons.

two toed feet don’t damage the ground and their natural agility gives them

“It’s a great way to earn a living. I think the best part of the job is being able to do something we really enjoy. We own really beautiful countryside that we tend to take for granted. Now we see our land through other people’s eyes — it makes us more appreciative of what we have got,’’ said Sandy.

“But the coolest thing is seeing the interaction between people and llama — from grown men kissing them to children hugging them — it’s beautiful — heart warming.’’

Bookings are essential. To organise a trek contact Bob or Sandy Dawson 07 877 8297.

7

The Incan empire depended on llamas to transport goods, root crops, and American Highlands.

The llamas have minimal impact on the environment. Their leather padded, a sure footedness akin to mountain goats and other animals that live in

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February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Ancient trade takes pride of place in Pirongia

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

Learning the trade of stone masonry was not Paul (Taffy) Williams choice of career, but forty plus years ago, back home in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, being offered an apprenticeship was not something one turned down without careful consideration

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“I was 15 years old and really wanted to be a sign writer. But jobs, let alone apprenticeships were few and far between so I accepted the offer to learn from two master stone masons and found to my own surprise — I was made for it,” says Taffy.

In fact Taffy grew to love the specialised, craft. “It allowed me to be creative, and while it is heavy work which requires strength — I really love it.”

He is very proud of the fact he is a certified, qualified stone mason, taught in the traditional methods.

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After two years in the quarries cutting stone he was then taught the process’ of installing the stone.

Not only did Taffy create new stonework, but he worked on restorations of numerous churches and castles and stone cottages scattered around the Welsh countryside, specialising in arch work.

The history of the old buildings fascinated him — sometimes he imagined the tales the walls might tell.

They certainly told a lot about the social conditions of the time.

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Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

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

skills with special techniques known to only a few — he even made his own work chisels.

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Em

stone is an “Every individual, you

can split, cut and shape it to the desired finish

”

Placing and motaring – stone by stone

no light — this was due to the fact the owners were taxed on the amount of light that was let into the cottage,” he said.

“Then there is the ‘pandy clock’ set atop a stone pillar — its fourth face facing the foundry never installed so workers could never know the time and where wage payment was made in tokens, never in cash. There are plenty of similar stories,” he says.

Almost 12 years ago Taffy and his family followed other family members and emigrated to New Zealand looking for a better lifestyle. “Wales was struggling economically at the time and I didn’t see it improving in the near future.”

in the Waikato town of Pirongia and began working with the various schists he freights up from the South Island.

They arrive bagged in one tonne lots at Hamilton where Taffy collects them in his truck to transport back to Pirongia.

It’s a softer stone than the blue pennant used back in Wales, but still stands the test of time well enough says Taffy. Its various colours lend themselves to different styles — from

Originally he had no intention of continuing masonry, but was drawn back in after seeing a need for certified tradesmen. He set up his own business

NORTHLAND

FieLD DAys 1-3 March 2012

State HigHway 14 – Dargaville

“the Friendly Field Days” Visit www.northlandfielddays.co.nz for updates Two major gate prizes to be won combined value at over $35,000 Rural and lifestyle prizes up for grabs Special conditions apply — See website for details This Polaris Hawkeye 300 from Rouse Motorcycles and a range of other products could be yours just by attending the Field Days

Gates open 9am–4:30pm $10 Adult | $3 child 5-16yrs incl available from the website PO Box 103 • Dargaville • Phone 09 439 8998 • Fax 09 439 4170 Email: info@northlandfielddays.co.nz • www.northlandfielddays.co.nz

Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012 9 rustic to contemporary depending upon son, Llyr, he works alone, preferring to trust only himself. “I’m passionate about how it is laid.

“Every stone is an individual, you can my work — I’ve pride in what I achieve. split, cut and shape it to the desired But occasionally Llyr helps me out — finish. For example some people like a he sort of had no option but to learn it heavy mortar — others want a dry-stone really — he’s helped out since he was wall look where the stone is shaped and a child — you know how it happens,” fitted more carefully and minimal mortar he laughs.

Currently in between jobs he’s is used.” busy building his own place — a large He has no personal favourites saying garage with open plan apartment above he enjoys whatever he is working with. reached by an internal twisted staircase.

“I’ve been fortunate, a lot of my clients “I’m using a brown stone and huge have allowed me to do mostly what I macrocarpa to give it a rustic look,” want,” he said. he says.

Fake schist (stone veneer) is abhorrent to Taffy who shuns the practise as a cheap option that will not last. “There is no substitute for the real thing,” he says. “Stone outlasts anything — even the timber frames.”

With the exception of his youngest

Check out the CELTIC STONEWORK Advert on page 16

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10

February 2012 Waikato

Farming Lifestyles BUSINESS PROFILE

Old-school values still count at the Old Villa Dental Centre

Experienced family dental team, Dr Henk and daughter-in-law, Nettie Eksteen, still believe in old-school values at the Old Villa Dental Centre. Values like honesty, integrity, quality care, respect, courtesy and consideration are actively practiced, valued by the whole team and extended to patients welcomed through the front door.

Patients are made to feel at home by friendly team members, who see themselves as part of the family, so do some of the longstanding patients at the practice.

Words like “Thank you, you’ve made my day” are often heard as people walk out.

Home-baked goodies and gifts with thank-you notes hold pride of place in their memoirs.

Henk and Nettie Eksteen have a lot to offer their patients. Being one of the first dental practices in the Waikato to introduce pain-free dentistry to their patients, the team has now added a Velscope cancer test (on request) to their detailed annual examination, which includes digital, low radiation xrays as well as treatment prioritising as a consideration to their patients.

“We’re a friendly bunch of people who believe in prevention. Our dentists and hygienists are lovely and practice up-to-date dentistry,” says daughter Luanne Eksteen, who is a qualified dental therapist.

Henk, who grew up on the family farm, loves a good yarn. His patients describe him as gentle, confident, enthusiastic and efficient, while daughter-in-law Nettie, always the perfectionist, is as calm as the ocean on a very good day! Both dentists are very gentle, with patients often commenting “I didn’t feel a thing!”

Both Henk and Nettie believe that in the current economy, maintaining optimal oral health is the cheapest form of dentistry. A core value is that in most cases, with the right home care and dental plan for your family, you are able to keep your teeth healthy and in your mouth until you don’t need them any more!

Add to that your expectation of painless and high-tech dentistry in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and call us on 07 856 4116.

look and feel

younger At the Old Villa Dental Centre you will be warmly welcomed and made to feel at home by our friendly team. Drs Henk and Nettie Eksteen will look after you and your dental health, keeping you fully informed. Prioritising your choice of treatment is all part of a good days’ work while getting to know what is important to you.

• Painless techniques using the latest technology • Value for money and warranted work (conditions apply) offers you peace of mind • Plenty of parking • New patients welcome • Brides and their parties welcome

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Easy Warranty & payment plans available if you see our Dentists & Dental Hygienists annually. *Conditions Apply

Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

Battle against facial eczema Prevention is the only way to minimise the “ impacts of this terrible disease which costs NZ farmers millions of dollars each year”

Recently developed products are now available which can help farmers in the battle against facial eczema.

The fungicide carbendazim, the active ingredient in products like Sporeguard has been developed as a more effective option to zinc supplements.

The product controls the production of toxic spores and therefore removes the need to use toxic doses of zinc.

Trials involving animals on treated pastures have reported significant increases in production and live-weight gains when compared to zinc treated animals.

One application has been proven to control the spore-producing fungus for up to 40 days, but to be effective it is critical the first application goes on before pasture spore counts rise above 10,000 spores/gram, which can be as early as January. A good even coverage is also required.

Ravensdown vet, Gavin Goble, says not all animals display obvious

Tank Teller Water Tank Level Indicator

• Tank Teller enables you to manage your valuable water supply.

• Can be installed on plastic or concrete tanks.

• Tank Teller measures only the usable water.

To purchase Tank Teller: Phone: 09 537 4148 / 027 471 7198 info@tankteller.co.nz For more details visit: www.tankteller.co.nz

• All parts are UV protected non-toxic, insuring a long lasting maintenance free life.

• $170.00 including P&P.

symptoms of facial eczema yet may still have sufficient liver damage to affect production, reproductive performance and long term survivability.

Prevention is the only way to minimise the impacts of this terrible disease which costs NZ farmers millions of dollars each year.

During the warm moist weather at this time of the year, toxic spores of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum are produced at the base of the pasture and these cause liver damage when eaten.

For many years, zinc has successfully been the mainstay in preventing facial eczema either by oral drenching, water treatment or adding to feed.

The disadvantage is that to be effective, doses of zinc need to be high which reduces water intake and appetite leading to weight and production losses.

Love your chooks?

But hate being tied to daily feeding?

Rodents and birds eating their food?

GRANDPA’S CHOOK FEEDERS …are made to save you time and money by eliminating the need for daily feeding and stopping the significant amount of food lost to rats, mice and wild birds. This is the ideal feeder for 1-50 chooks, allowing you to enjoy the goodness of your own farm fresh eggs without attracting pests and their associated diseases.

GRANDPA’S FEEDERS developed and sold in New Zealand for over 12 years have become hugely popular and are now considered standard equipment for keeping poultry.

Automatic chook feeder

 Feeder lid opens when chook stands on platform  Strongly constructed with galvanised steel  Waterproof  Two sizes Large holds 18kg $250 + pp

Medium holds 9kg $195 + pp

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED OR MONEY BACK! For happier, healthier more productive chooks contact us.

Phone: 027 276 9794 • 027 497 6021• 07 552 5225 Email: mark@grandpasfeeders.com • Web: www.grandpasfeeders.co.nz Postal: Windsong Enterprises, 364 Whakamarama Rd, RD6 Tauranga 3176

11

Wa i k a to

FARM Arrive Alive

Mud – No Problem!

The Cameron family, Ben, Justine, and their children James, Izaac, Grace and Abbie, milk 360 cows on their 110ha farm on Taukoro Rd, Morrinsville Aside the milking, the family also run a successful contracting business and have been doing so from the mid 1990’s. Ben started contracting with a new effluent tanker, but due to farmers switching to irrigators, demand grew less and less for this service.

on Duals for more traction, stability, flotation, towing power, versatility.

Clic Wheel Systems Ltd, Rotorua Ph/Fax 07 347 2292

www.clicdualwheels.co.nz

February 2012

Amazing how things in life come full circle

.....

Don't Drink and Drive

Wheels

“But it’s amazing how things in life come around full circle, as due to pending requirements for regional council requirements for the farmer to store the effluent during the winter months, especially in herd homes as they can produce a higher dry matter effluent, which can be very difficult for

the irrigation systems to manage. This is why I decided to buy a new Joskin effluent tanker with a trailing shoe. This can handle all consistencies of effluent, with no smell and better, next to no loss of nitrogen, so keeps farmers fertiliser costs to an all time low. The smell issue means that you can work around populated areas with no complaints regarding the odour. Another benefit of the tanker system is that I can go to paddocks that the irrigators cannot reach, which means an even distribution, an even growth and even fertilisation.

If you feel you would like to try this system and see how you could also benefit from it, please give Ben a call on 0274 944 752.

“I was asked, ‘Why a Joskin tanker?’ — With the options and specification, I felt it was the correct machine for me and my clients to do the best job.”

Value your effluent Joskin Tanker-injector demonstrator Machine available.

Enquire now

Pond StirrerS AvAilAble

5.95% FINANCE* only 25% deposit required, spread balance over up to 3yrs. *conditions apply.

in stock available noW! For your all year round Agricultural Solutions

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FAr FA rMCH MCHie ieF F MACHiner MACHinerY Y ltd F FreePHone 0800 327 624 Mobile 021 732 983

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Farm Wheels – Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

13

FA R M W H E E L S

Ford fills the trophy cabinet with 2011 accolades As is traditional for the end of a busy year in the automotive sector, groups of experts have been putting their heads together recently to decide just which cars, vans, utes, SUVs and motorcycles were the cream of the crop for the last 12 months — the stand out performers in a very competitive field.

As these groups are empanelled (and we’re talking top motoring journalists and pundits from famous websites, TV shows and newspapers under the heading of the Motoring Writers Guild) the manufacturers are left in the same nervous state as school kids waiting for exam results.

Well, the people have spoken, and the results for 2011 are in. And leading the charge to the trophy cabinet this year is Ford, whose ‘world car’ programme has turned out some stunning new vehicles

of late, including award winners like the Focus and Ranger.

What can we say about the new Focus? It’s been minutely dissected by the same press who have now declared it overall New Zealand Car of the Year, taking in features such as it’s responsive yet economical power plant, its sleek styling, and its almost uncanny ability to park itself. The old Ford Focus was no slouch — a rally-winning little battler that was well mannered on the road as well. But the new Focus is ahead of its time when compared with many of its competitors. A deserving winner of the top spot for 2011, and well worth a test drive just to see why.

A similar paradigm shift is apparent in the Ranger — a ute which blends the unstoppable power (and some of the styling) of the legendary F150 (at one point they were selling one of these a minute in the USA) with the practicality and toughness we demand in the Kiwi back country. Idle talk? No — AMI Insurance and NZ Autocar magazine agree, awarding the new Ranger their overall Car of the Year award, and following that up by crowning the big Ford Best Ute as well. It’s the first time ever that a ute has won the ‘best overall car’ badge, and a drive in the Ranger will

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show you why — for all that solid metal grunt you’d swear you were riding in a luxury sedan when you get the Ranger onto suburban tarmac.

“With the Focus winning the Guild award, 2011 has been a fantastic year for Ford,” said Neale Hill, Managing

Director of Ford New Zealand.

“It’s certainly a sign that our One Ford plan is working. Perceptions about Ford continue to strengthen, thanks to our ongoing introduction of new vehicles that are leading in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”

WANTED: TRACTORS

We will take your used tractors off your hands, going or not.

These models we will take right now:

Ford - ALL MODELS Belarus - ALL MODELS Massey Ferguson - 165 AND UP John Deere - 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400 Zetor - 5340, 6340, 7340, 7211, 7245, 7745 Iseki - 2510, 2810, 3510, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000, 10000

• Long and wide loads • Machinery movers • On site work • Water tank shifts • Container and shed lifts • Semi, flatdecks, trailers • Pallet Deliveries

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Fiat - 780, 850, 900, 1000, 1180, 1300, 1580, 7066, 8066

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14

February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

to build or renovate

To build anew, or renovate

Kitchens | Bathrooms | Laundry At Sandra Grummitt Design you get over 25 years of living space know-how that puts breathing space and simple solutions into the most challenging of spaces. Sandra and her team work with you and your team to ensure the whole family enjoy the experience of home renovation.

www.sandragrummitt.co.nz 021 707 601 Renovating or Building New?

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From conception to completion

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• Wardrobes • Storage • Residential and Commercial • Onsite Qualified Interior Designer

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But as you are wading through debri from stripping out the old — asbestos board maybe, scrim, old wallpaper, a wall here and there to open up a colonial delight to something more modern, you might stop and think: ‘why am I doing this?’

It’s all in the reward at the end.

How well insulated are the walls of your home?

Let us help you…

Kitchen Design and Interior Fitouts

• Specialised Kitchen Design

Home renovation is no easy task but it can be a rewarding undertaking as you bring back something a little old and tired into a new lease of life

If your home was built before 1991, chances are you are living in a home with no wall insulation. Research has shown that just insulating your ceiling and under floor does not significantly reduce the heat lost from your home. It is important to complete the thermal envelope of your home by also insulating your walls.

Airfoam is the only system designed specifically for insulating existing walls without having to remove cladding or linings. And one of the best times to insulate is during the warmer months.

Reduce mould, dampness and draughts, creating a healthy, comfortable and energy efficient home by completing the insulation of your home.

Ensuring that money spent on heating or cooling is spent wisely. Like you see in the EECA adverts on TV. In summer, heat invades through uninsulated walls, and makes the home hot and stuffy. By insulating the walls of your home the heat entering the home is reduced, resulting in a more comfortable inside environment in summer, as well as winter.

Airfoam can be installed from the inside or outside, is cost effective and there is no need to move out during the installation, which only takes 1 – 2 days. Airfoam is safe, no fuss, sound absorbing and inhibits rodents and insects.

Airfoam is an ideal solution for landlords or farmers wishing to improve living conditions for tenants or workers. If you would like further information or an obligation free measure and quotation, give Leigh a call on 07 853 8663 or 0800 HEATSAVERS (0800 432 872)

For your chance to WIN with Airfoam and the Living Channel - go to www.airfoam.co.nz

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Aluminium. TIMBER. Kitchens.

For your free quote call Nick Bryant 027 452 5017 or 0508 PROVISTA

Bathrooms. Windows and doors.

Stairs. Balustrading. Furniture.

FLYSCREENS. Replacements.

Phone 0508 776 847 • Mob 027 452 5017 provista.co.nz • nick@provista.co.nz

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

15

to build or renovate Many homeowners underestimate the cost of “ remodelling. The costs of materials or availability of labour can fluctuate widely”

You may also run into problems with building codes that must be brought up to date. You may encounter lead paint or pipes and in fact older homes may even contain asbestos.

New building codes will usually involve wiring and plumbing or heating.

Renovation is pretty much the key to the real estate maxim that you should buy low and sell high.

But the first big question is simple: is remodelling less expensive than buying or building a new home? Depending on the building condition it can actually be more costly to remodel than to build new.

It takes more time to demolish and clear and then begin building than it does to just build from the beginning.

Many homeowners underestimate the cost of remodelling. The costs of materials or availability of labour can fluctuate widely.

Regulations here in the Waikato cover the installation of wood-burner heating and are fairly strictly applied by local councils.

So renovating a home can be a good financial decision, if you do your homework.

Talk to others who have undertaken similar projects. Forewarned is forearmed.

Start small. If you have never installed ceramic tiles then don’t tackle that big job first. Instead, begin with a bathroom and if that goes well then try the kitchen.

Keep it realistic. The most common error when renovating a home is complacency.

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SUMMER SALE up to

The rule of thumb is that it will always take more time and much more money than you expect.

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Continued on page 16 …

everything in store

20th Feb -10th March

Timber Frames & Trusses Rooms Blocks

20’ Containers Roof Tiles

Plasterboard

Bricks

Pavers

Portable Concrete

Concrete Water Tanks & more.

NEW CRANE ARRIVING - 19 METRE REACH For a professional, safety conscious service Phone Aaron Redman 0274 857 047 Email redmanhiabs@xtra.co.nz www.redmanhiabs.co.nz - Cambridge

kitchen bathroom bedroom

Did you know we had all this?

• Shelving • Tiles • Hardboard - std & oil tempered • Plywood - Treated & Untreated • Melamine white & coloured • DecorPly - woodgrain liner • Particle board flooring • Slate & tile underlay • Seratone - white & colours • Micore 300 - notice board • Doors - exterior & interior • Timber & PVC mouldings • Polycarbonate roofing twinwall • Paint & fence stain • Criterion flat pack kitchens • Fibre Cement board • Palings & Rails

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office Space living Room dining Room ENTERTAINING SPACES

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Clanfield Interiors are here to make your yo home interior design dreams come c true. With over 18 years of eexperience, Wayne Good of Clanfield Interiors offers a full design service, se taking any room and transforming tran it into a living space yo you will feel at home in.

Clanfield Interior’s offers: Colour Schemes, S Window Treatme Treatments, Furniture Sourcing, Fabric Samples, S Flooring Samples, Sourcing items for your home both weird wei and wonderful Exciting and comprehensive 4-week interior i design course Defining Your Style An experienced expe team of qualified and trusted trust suppliers and d tradespeople Whatever your style or taste in decor, Clanfield Interiors will work with you to create an environment that’s right for you be it a full home renovation, new home interior design, or a single room makeover.

Whole tree Chipping & stump grinding • 400hp Tracked Chipper • Self Feeding • Chips trees up to 70cm diameter • 6x6 trucks • 750hp Horizontal Grinder • 400hp Tracked Stump Grinder/Mulcher • Land clearing • Grinds stumps any size

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0800 022 044

16

February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

to build or renovate …Continued from page 15

Find out about building codes and permits in advance.

Failure to file proper permits can result in hefty fines — or worse — difficulty selling your home in the future. Make sure you understand requirements.

Have a back-up plan. Things go wrong. An injury takes place, an unexpected emergency cuts into your budget, all types of things can and will happen. Have a crisis plan of action that you can implement.

And think on this. Renovation might be a good time to

adopt some climate-change or green options. Legislation for greater energy efficiency is already in the works for appliances, central heating and air, and even light fixtures.

Insulation grants take the sting out of preparing for wintry weather.

Follow these quick tips when remodelling your home to make sure your investment looks as good today as it will tomorrow: Whether you are renovating or building a new place, there are several things that you can do to make your home more energy efficient.

Spend a little more for energy efficient appliances, LED lighting and water saving devices. In almost all instances, the savings obtained in the form of lower utility bills more than off-set the small additional price during purchase of the item.

Check out insulation schemes for you new home — there may be grants available.

Contact: Drew Ridley Mob: 027 555 8455 Email: drew@kth.co.nz

Building green starts in the early stages of your plans with the location of the home. Spend a little time, to see where the

-Round Posts -Battens -Half Rounds

-Battens -Retaining timber -Strainers - Fencing timber -Wire -Fencing accessories Delivery Service “If we don’t have it we can get it” 0800 454 944 www.kiwitimbersupplies.co.nz 20 Wickham Street, Frankton

• Concrete & Rubbish Removal • Shed Cleanouts • Site Excavation • Sand, Topsoil, Metal • Driveways • Section Clearing • Farm Maintenance • Calf Shed Cleanouts

New! ADR 500 Effluent Screening Plant

sun travels in a day. A new build and the chance to do it completely ‘your way’ to design everything to suit you, is the big attraction but it can also bring its own share of problems. Choose a good real estate agent in your search for your land.

The right site is half the battle. Make sure the money is ‘in the bank’, that all the financial aspects of the adventure are covered including insurances.

And finally, as we are often reminded on television — choose a NZ registered master builder.

Owner/Operator Dave Phillips COVERED BY N.Z. PATENT APPLICATION No. 591985

MOVABLE DESIGNER HOMES Go-Homes are attractive, modern houses designed for those that want it all! Designer baches at prices that won’t stop you doing all the other things you want to do.

� All plant and pumps very low kW � Self cleaning screen � Self cleaning ponds � Effluent is clean enough to be pumped into a pivot system if required � Screens out everything bigger than 1 mm

Pluck’s can adapt our ADR 500 and twin pond effluent system to work with your current effluent set ups, keeping your upgrade costs down.

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

The Science behind the Neal Kinsey NZ group The Neal Kinsey NZ group has been recently formed to bring superior fertility to as many farms as possible. It is responding to a trend of declining results, particularly with pastures, but it is very relevant to all crops. It strongly recommends using the expertise of Kinsey Agricultural Services to assess the soils’ needs

able to improve the situation for the client.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You can only prove what is being said here by doing it in the field. In some cases, the complete response may take up to three years to achieve. In most cases, results are evident within a month or two, but almost certainly within the first year. If you still have doubts about the effectiveness of the programme; try it on a small scale. You will not regret it. The results you get will prove; this is true science.

Kinsey Agricultural Services specialises in building and and production. Some, from our institutions maintaining soil fertility for optimum quality and yields. As in New Zealand even claim that overseas a consultant, Neal Kinsey’s job is to advise those who want soil tests do not work for NZ soils. If that guidance on how to improve their soils, crops, pastures and were true, then how can they explain the animals, so the clients’ production targets are better achieved. superior results we obtain?

Certain fertiliser materials are recommended; they may not We are committed to encouraging be the cheapest materials to buy, but they are the best, when farmers to understand the “true science” considering the superior results achieved. Recommendations behind soil testing and fertiliser application. are solely focussed on improving each client’s specific soils and So what is that real science? crops. The soils’ needs are determined by a specific set of tests Dr, Albrecht emphasised that to be true that may differ from other labs, but are based on mimicking the science, it must be highly repeatable. What plants ability to extract nutrients from the soil.

Neal Kinsey studied soil science under Dr. William Albrecht, science does the growers or farmers need Emeritus Professor of Soils and former Chairman of the Department to know to produce the best possible result?

To begin with, the soil test must be accurate. of Soils at the University of Missouri; College of Agriculture.

Dr. Albrecht was born on a farm in Illinois. He grew up with If you can’t measure it; you can’t control an intense interest in the soil and all things agricultural. These he it. It controls you. In these circumstances, approached, however, through the avenues of the basic sciences you are subject to the whims of nature and and liberal arts. As he and his associates unlocked the secrets of fluctuating yields, diseases and results. nature, they recorded their findings over the decades between A worthy soil consultant, working with the 1930’s and 1970’s. Dr. Albrecht held four degrees — B.A, a truly scientific soil test must be able to B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He travelled differentiate between soils that produce top and studied soils in Great Britain, Europe and in Australia. During quality crops and those that don’t; and be his long teaching and learning lifetime, Dr. Albrecht wrote no able to tell why. Furthermore, he must be less than 445 papers on sound agriculture, and almost all have been reprinted in the world’s major languages.

Each agricultural practice is now being rightly questioned as to sustainability.

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Rural Women

F or

18

The summer garden

by Annette Lambly-Robinson..

I’ve found the summer veggie garden this year a little difficult to keep going productively. In my neck of the woods I’ve found this December’s odd mix of warmth and ample rain has ‘bolted’ many of the plants.

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This happens when the weather starts to get hot, causing the plant to rapidly go to flower and seed. If plants think they won’t survive, they will put all their energy into producing seed for their species’ survival and future crops.

Vegetables such as spinach, silverbeet and lettuce are some which commonly bolt but my broccoli heads seeded within a few days of forming, while the garlic and spring onions have flowered and will need to be pulled out. Peas and beans need to be picked daily or they are stringy, as do the courgettes or they become marrow overnight. In fact the only veggie that seems to have survived well are the beetroot and potatoes — very yummy straight from the garden.

The experts say to slow plants from bolting try planting such crops in an area of the garden which gets partial shade, and keep them well watered. This seems to have worked for the lettuce, especially the various loose leafed — nonhearting varieties which are practically ready within a few weeks of planting out the seedlings. I am tending to pick the whole plant rather than just the leaves and replanting fresh seeding grown in recycled washing powder boxes, paper cups or egg cartons snipped off when ready to form little cell plants. You can plant the whole box, carton or cup without the need to disturb the plant meaning the seedling suffers less stress when transplanted.

I’ve also been told of a good trick which keeps lettuce better in the fridge — I used to wrap the root end in damp newspaper or put the whole lettuce in a plastic bag — but storing them in a sealed airtight plastic storage container works best of all and they last a lot longer. It’s also a good way to keep strawberries a little longer as well.

The other problem I’ve been having is insects — the cauli

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Summer beans need to be picked as soon as they are large enough to prevent them from getting too stringy

and cabbages have been attacked and mostly ruined. I guess the pigs, chickens and rabbits have had a plentiful supply of greens, but it seems a waste not to mention disappointing to have them almost ready to harvest and then ruined.

I am trying covering them with a net (its seems many of them are airborne pests) and this seems to be working along with a bit of slug bait for those on the ground.

While the net is working it can blow off in the strong winds we have also been experiencing so I’m thinking of resorting to using some chicken wire frames.

It will keep the birds away and a double layer of the finer mesh should keep the pesky white butterfly at bay.

Derris dust works well for these winged invaders, but the rain or watering washes it off so I reckon it is worth a go and cheap enough to make using re-cyled timber. A couple of bent nails should hold them in place or even a couple of hinges on one end so they can be opened and shut easily.

Now all I have to do is work out how to stop the tomatoes from splitting in the heavy rain.

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

19

Fishing, Hunting Outdoors Book Review: Go Fish Author: Al Brown Hardback Publishers: Random House

Vern Wilson

Gunsmith

Celebrity chef’s Al Browns book Go Fish combines the author’s two great passions — cooking and fishing — and brings readers more than 100 exceptional fish and shellfish recipes.

Covering crustaceans, shellfish and fin fish of many varieties, Go Fish is a great guide to sourcing and cooking fish.

His sense of humour shines through with his recipes almost inviting the reader to go fishing (or at the very least to pop off to the nearest fish shop).

Mr Brown’s recipes are all about simplicity, yet sophistication, character and sometimes an element of surprise.

Stunningly photographed by Kieran Scott, Go Fish is the musthave cookbook for every New Zealand household.

It takes us back to the simple days when a great meal could be had by simply casting your line from the dinghy. It’s about getting back to the fundamentals of life — of enjoying the environment around us and making the most of what we have.

The owner of restaurants, Logan Brown in Wellington and Depot in Auckland, Al Brown is also known as co-presenter of the award-winning television food series, ‘Hunger for the Wild’, which introduced great Kiwi characters and tracked New Zealand’s finest wild food to produce dishes of game and seasonal delicacies. ‘Coasters’ and the upcoming ‘Get Fresh’ follow on in the same vein.

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20

February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Beyond pH Feeding Soil Microbes for Fertility, Productivity

by Neal Kinsey (reprinted from Acres, USA) Far too many farms, and it is not just those with pastures and hay meadows, suffer from a failure to consider and feed all of their livestock properly. You would think any successful beef or dairy operation would never entertain the idea of starving their livestock to reduce the feed bill — at least not knowingly. Surely most would think this could never apply to those farms and ranches that are interested in building and maintaining biological activity in the soil, but in many cases, it actually does!

BEST SEAT AT THE TABLE

Soil microbiologists tell us that measuring all the life in an acre of soil is equivalent to the same weight as that of an average-sized cow.

What’s more, this life in the soil always eats at “the first table” and the crops or stock get what is leftover. If there is not enough for the life within the soil and whatever is to be produced there, guess who gets the first choice. The soil microbes take what they need first and the plants eat at “the second table.”

How many farmers and growers consider the need to feed an average-sized cow per acre even before the crops they are trying to grow there or the animals feeding there are able to acquire what is needed to properly grow and produce? This is why Dr. William Albrecht always advocated, “Feed the soil and let the soil feed the plants.”

Even so, the soil does not just operate on the biological laws of science. It is also subject to the physical laws of science that determine the pore space for water and air in each soil which provides the proper environment for biological activity. The amount and type of lime you use or fail to use generally determines this air and water relationship. And this same land is subject to the laws of chemistry that determine whether each element will remain adequately available in the soil for use by the plants that grow there. All of these laws are important and do not change in any part of the world where plants are to be grown. The combined effects that each of these laws will have on the others must be considered in order to have the most productive soil and grow the best crops and livestock.

There are very influential people in agricultural thinking who strongly disagree with what is being written here next. Some seriously believe the points being advocated here are just another ruse to try and be different enough that farmers and growers will think they should send soil tests to our company instead of some other consultant. However, our business is not about seeing how many people we can get to send us soil samples. We are a consulting company, not a soil laboratory or fertilizer company. We want to locate and educate clients so that they know the value of doing what needs to be done for building and maintaining the fertility of each different soil.

GENERAL DIRECTION One of the biggest mistakes made when building up fertility for cropland and pastures is to rely on the use of a pH test to tell whether the soil should be limed or not. Most conventional wisdom for agricultural production places great emphasis on soil pH. But ask those who insist on using pH and they will tell you that such a soil test is only meant to provide a general direction for the fertility of each field. And pH does provide a general direction. Just about everyone acknowledges that a pH of 6 is better than 4.5. But just using pH to determine when and how much to lime can cause the grower relying on achieving the utmost productivity from that land a serious shortfall in terms of both yield and/or quality.

You won’t likely hear or read this from an agricultural university — more likely the exact opposite would be true. But you can learn by experience that what is given here is actually the case. And as Will Rogers once pointed out, some people learn the facts by reading, some learn from seeing the experience of others, and some just have to touch the electric fence for themselves. Such experience can be especially meaningful for those who have been led to believe that when growing crops on a field with a pH of 5.5 liming does not pay.

To prove to yourself what actually is required, just take one field that is not producing well and split it. Test both sides separately to be most accurate. Then treat according to what the pH would indicate as needed on one side and treat based on actual nutrients shown to be required by liming on the other. On field after field where the testing has been done correctly and a proper analysis has been performed to establish the presence of the nutrients that most affect soil pH, providing the correct type of limestone, but only in the proper amount, will always pay.

This is true on soils that test both below a pH of 6.0 and above a pH of 8.0 based on the soil analysis advocated and used for testing soils by Dr. William Albrecht. And more often than not, the pH does not provide a complete picture of what type of fertility a soil actually contains.

FARMING FACT

When the soil pH is in the 5.5 to 8.0 range its principle make up is determined by four elements — calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The problem is a combination of too much of one or more of these elements and too little of one or more of the others can cause the pH to look good when in fact the soil is lacking what it needs to provide good nutrition for the plants growing there and those that consume them. On some tests from near the coast and in parts of the western U.S. the sodium will have an undue influence on the soil pH. On other soils farmers may cause problems by using only one particular limestone to maintain the pH, not considering the need of providing an adequate supply, but not an excess or too little of either calcium or magnesium contained in that limestone.

When liming is being considered, care should be taken, especially in lighter, sandier soils, to assure that sufficient magnesium is present. Studies have shown that magnesium in the soil actually helps to attract and hold more water there. Soils that are too low in magnesium will tend to dry out more quickly. It is not just the kilograms of magnesium shown to be available in the soil that determines how the plants will take up and utilize it. Uptake also has to do with the amounts and concentrations of other elements like calcium and sodium in that same soil. If the soil is lacking magnesium it will cause specific problems and if the soil contains too much it will cause another set of problems.

This is where sampling and the use of the soil’s cation exchange capacity to measure both the actual and the needed saturation of magnesium will most accurately identify and determine how to correct the situation.

When a soil has too much of one element, it will not have enough of something else. A good soil test should tell farmers what is causing the pH to be where it is. Such tests should enable farmers and their consultant or fertilizer dealer to identify any excesses and deficiencies in each field.

To control any nutrient that is excessive in the soil, begin to make any corrections first by supplying any required nutrients that are shown to be absent in the correct amounts.

Supply any deficient nutrients to control any excessive nutrients. This is the true beginning for building balanced soils. The soil is the plant’s stomach. This balancing is not just for supplying the needs of livestock, but to supply the needs of all that will benefit from what is being produced there. When a fertility program is employed that only considers the needs of the crop, and not the needs of the soil, that neglected soil, the crop and whoever or whatever consumes it will all pay a steep price.

Far too many farmers assume that the soil they have can never be changed for the better.

However, once the nutrient make-up of the soil is considered and not just the pH, even problem soils can be changed for the better.

A good example in pastureland is pugging, or soils that are easily tromped down by livestock especially when wet. Note that some fields, or in some cases, even areas of the same field, tend

to have the problem more-so than other areas.

Check the areas that have the worst problem with pugging as compared to those that do best under the same conditions.

Use any good soil test that shows the percentage of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Compare the numbers and see what they show. The closer each one of these specified elements are to the needed percentage the less pugging should be evident there. The correct amount of each nutrient in the soil, in particular that of calcium and magnesium, actually form a stronger support system to better withstand the foot traffic of cattle or any other livestock grazing there. The same principles apply to help fields better withstand wheel traffic needed for planting and harvesting. Such needs are not solved just by knowing the pH, but by measuring the percent saturation of the elements that most affect how the soil holds up and performs under wet conditions.

For example, many of the soils in parts of Eastern Europe, Ireland and New Zealand have quite good levels of calcium, but are very low in magnesium which shows more trampling or pugging damage. Yet on the other hand, many heavy clay soils have extreme levels of magnesium and insufficient calcium to allow proper drainage and they too suffer inordinately from pugging problems. Though both situations are related to two major elements (calcium and magnesium) contained in limestone, the needed solutions are quite different.

There are several factors to consider when determining the need for liming each soil (principally supplying needed calcium and magnesium) and how much is enough. These include the nutrient holding capacity of the soil, the calcium and magnesium content of liming material to be used, the fineness of grind of the lime to be applied and how much is needed to supply what each soil is lacking, and yet at the same time assuring the lime used will not cause an excess of either one. All of these factors should be considered for each different type of soil. Furthermore, the amount of lime to be used there must be properly measured and its use managed accordingly. The soil test and a good limestone analysis should be considered as absolutely necessary to assure both accurate and sufficient information is available to make any needed corrections or changes. More growth, better moisture utilization and higher nutritional values are all possible when the correct amount of calcium and magnesium are maintained in the soil.

For more information on soil testing and other aspects of soil fertility contact our office directly (Neal Kinsey NZ Group – 0800 546 739) for your specific needs. And for those who consider the points made above of utmost importance, we encourage the establishment of a test area to help determine whether a fertility program such as the one mentioned here can provide the needs for building better soil, building more life in that soil, and increasing the yield and value of crops to be grown there to benefit all the “livestock” in the soil and all those depending on the results.

INCREASED PROFITABILITY STARTS WITH HEALTHY SOIL

By simply correcting your soils calcium and magnesium base saturation levels with a calculated application of fine ground dolomite you will significantly reduce your farms liming/animal health & fertiliser outgoings.

For a no obligation consultation of your farms soil contact:

RON MCLEAN | 0800 549 433

ronmac@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

21

Kiwi kids gearing up for AgriKidsNZ Friends, the outdoors, prizes, farming and fun — what more could a kid want? This year's AgriKidsNZ Competition will be held in Taranaki/ Manawatu on March 12 One of seven regional finals (the first held in Otago/Southland on February 12 ) being held around New Zealand the competition is one of the highlights of the primary school year.

More than 600 primary school children took part in last year's competitions and organisers are looking forward to more of the same action this year.

New Zealand Young Farmers organise the competition to takes place alongside The National Bank Young Farmer Contest.

Teams of three are tested on what they know about New Zealand as well as their farming knowledge.

NZYF business development manager Roz Lever says the energy, enthusiasm and teamwork seen at the competition

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was a testament to Kiwi kids and their love of the outdoors and being active.

“The competitors are always so keen to get stuck into things. Sometimes they’re off farms and know exactly what they’re doing and sometimes they’re just there to learn and try something different. The competition really does cater for everyone. For some of these children the competition is their one chance a year to have a rural experience.”

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A full list of dates is available on the AgriKidsNZ website.

22

February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Notes from the shed with Mark With the payout McKewen high and interest low, it’s a really good time to

fix the things that are causing some grief around the Dairy.

Before you upgrade to new Milfos cup removers or a Milfos Variable Drive Vacuum System it would be sensible to evaluate things that could impact on your proposed upgrade.

Sparkies generally do a great job, however, we regularly come across wiring of all sorts that has been installed incorrectly.

For instance we see the right cable used on say, a milk pump controller, but still bundled with everything else so it creates interference with the controller and bingo, slightly crazyit’s controller. know what look your for it can a painful It’s afair to say not a Unless cheapyou once they to know herdbesize, any process to find as it looks like a faulty controller. exercise, but one that can save you increases you are planning, and This is important for all sorts of systems from pulsation controllers to cup removers money, not only on grades etc., but size and type of parlour. Easy! and the more sophisticated the system the more careful you have to be. We also in ongoing costs. recommend keeping data cables as far away from poweryou as possible.

When contact your Milfos dairies with big are WeLarge have all heard about strayherds voltage, yes it does exist and can cause all sorts Service Partner ask about the Special no problem; twin found filtersawith isolating of issues, we have major source is the cable and terminations between Variable(use drivesone and at Motors. valves the start of the Milk Filter Upgrade Deal!

There is a and lot of documentation the of season, in the flush supplied change with variable While drives we’rewith onregard the to subject cable to be used and metalorglands for terminations etc, these are minimums and a filters between herds) maybe a upgrades, we’ve had a tremendous good Sparky will follow manufacturer’s recommendations or better. If in doubt large top load option. response to our iCR cup remover get it checked.

Butforget the bulk of dairies are smaller promotion.

Thanktheyou!

Don’t the effluent or water pump, same deal, and move electric fence and a good few years older.

Most unit to the implement shed, they can be an interference nasty in the dairy.

Because of the huge response will have one or two small filters For sensible advice on Upgrades, findthat your local Milfos dealer or Area Sales Manager we’ve decided to offer the iCR deal have been okay until now. at www.milfos.com.

We have had a lot of enquiries lately about milk filters, compliance with the regulations and the filter size that is suitable for your dairy

With two small filters you use two filter sleeves per milking. While upgrading your shed we can install a larger single filter, which would halve the number of filter sleeves used, saving you money and of course meeting regulations.

Your local Milfos Service Partner can advise on the filter size required

again. Register your interest now as it’s for a strictly limited time.

Find your local Milfos Service Partner details or Milfos Area Sales Manager at www.milfos.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon, Mark

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These include crop maturity at harvest, harvesting conditions, stack configuration, feeding out, previous experience plus the type and actions of the bacteria in the inoculants.

Conventional silage inoculants have been formulated to supply high levels of homofermentative lactic acid producing bacteria. These speed up the rate of fermentation and reduce ensiling losses, resulting in more silage with improved palatability that is used utilised more efficiently leading to higher production. Enzyme only products tend not to be favoured as they merely provide an energy source to the resident population of bacteria, which produce a number of acids one of which is butyric, which is unpalatable.

These homofermentative inoculants have also been demonstrated to improve silage stability after the pit or stacks have been opened. However, in some cases aerobic spoilage, due to growth of yeasts and moulds, have still been an issue. This has often been associated with drier mature crop silages, where compaction may have proved difficult, or with large stacks where it takes several days to clear the face.

Inoculants containing high levels of Lactobacillus buchneri, which is a heterofermentative bacteria that produces both lactic and acetic acids, have been used, where silage instability has been an issue. Acetic acid inhibits growth and multiplication of specific species of yeasts that contribute to silage heating. High levels of L. buchneri are required to produce sufficient acetic acid to be effective.

The FDA stipulated a minimum level of 400,000 cfu/g wet material for claims of improved aerobic stability.

The question then, is how to decide on which inoculant to use to produce the best silage.

Reviewing the factors listed in the first paragraph will help answer this question. Consideration needs to be given to both ensiling and feeding

out, as conditions during either may be conducive to aerobic spoilage of silage.

The basic principle is that one should use homofermatative lactic acid producing bacteria, if all the conditions are favourable, as they tend to be more palatable. However, mature crops tend to be more difficult to compact, providing easier access of air after opening, so are inherently less stable after opening. Inadequate compaction may also arise when the time required for adequate compaction through rolling is exceeded by the rate of harvesting, or if layering of the crop is too thick to be adequately compacted. In both these cases an inoculant containing L. buchneri might be the better option.

Once silage stacks have been opened then some other factors need to be considered. First is the rate of silage removal from the face of the stack, relative to its size. Air penetrates the silage from the open face, facilitating growth of yeasts and moulds, so sufficient silage needs to be removed from across the face of the stack to limit their growth.

The extent to which air penetrates depends on the method used to extract the silage. Machinery that cuts the silage from stacks result in a clean, tidy faces, whereas loaders may create air channels into stacks and leave untidy faces, which may heat up more quickly. In cases where it takes several days to remove silage from the entire silage face, or when it is difficult to achieve a tidy face, then use of an inoculant containing L. buchneri could be considered.

In summary, an inoculant containing homofermentative lactic acid producing bacteria is generally the preferred option under good ensiling and feeding out conditions, whereas one containing L. buchneri would suit challenging ensiling or feeding out conditions, or on farms where heating silages have been an issue previously.

ForageSolutions

Silver Edition now available William Harold Marsh, farmer, father, early Albertlander and adventurous photographer captured a time of enchantment, when life was lived at a slower pace and governed by a different set of values, priorities and ambitions.

This landmark commemorative book

by Paul Campbell tells the story of the Albertlanders’ arrival and settling of the Kaipara area, and features many of Harold Marsh’s photographs that have been painstakingly restored.

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Higher aerobic stability in wholecrop...

BioSil® Maize dominates the natural fermentation process by optimising a combination of 7 beneficial strains of bacteria. Formulated to contain high levels of Lactobacillus buchneri. BioSil® Maize may minimise heating at the pit face and at feed out for both maize and wholecrop silages.

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Better fermentation, better silage, better production.

Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012

Employment 90-day trial period not an unqualified licence to dismiss employees

by Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

The Employment Court recently ruled that a farm employee had the right to issue a personal grievance claim against his employer in regards to the 90-day trial period. This case raised a number of issues His new employer sent the employee confirmation by way of a letter that he would be offered employment.

An employment agreement was not enclosed with the letter of offer. The employee, in the initial negotiations with his new employer, stated that he would not take up any job offer that involved a 90-day trial period. The new employer verbally agreed to this.

The employee moved on to the new employer’s farm and after commencing work, his new employer presented him with an employment agreement, in which it maintained that a 90-day trial

period was stipulated. The employer did not advise the employee that he was entitled to obtain independent advice, nor did he give me him a reasonable opportunity to seek that advice. The employee felt trapped and pressured by the employer. The employee feared that he had no choice but to sign the agreement and did so in the belief that he thought he may be dismissed after he had started work. The employer consequently dismissed the employee and claimed that the 90-day trial period disqualified the employee from claiming he was dismissed unjustifiably.

23

This Court decision reaffirms that all employers are required to present and negotiate an employment agreement with an employee before the commencement of the employment. Negotiating retrospectively can be costly.

such as discrimination or harassment or unjustified action by the employer.

90-day trial period

While an employer is not required to provide written reasons for an employee’s dismissal, during the trial period there is an expectation that an employer, acting in good faith, would inform the employee as to why he or she has been dismissed.

Any provisions about giving notice in the employment agreement will need to be adhered to.

If any employment relationship problem arises, access to mediation is available at any point.

Employers can make an offer of employment to a prospective employee that includes a trial period of up to 90 days. Trial periods are voluntary and must be agreed in writing and negotiated in good faith as part of the employment agreement. A trial period can’t be offered to a new employee who was previously employed in the same workplace.

Employees on trial periods are entitled to all other minimum employment rights, for example in relation to health and safety, employment agreements, minimum pay, annual holidays, public holidays, leave and equal pay.

An employee who is dismissed before the end of a trial period can’t raise a personal grievance on the grounds of unjustified dismissal. They can raise a personal grievance on other grounds,

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COME AND see us at MIDAS DIAMOND JEWELLERS and take advantage of our FREE instore cleaning and checking by jeweller PAUL. We think you will love the new merchandise we now have instore.

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2

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We supply cars and vans, small runabouts through to 8, 10 or 12 seater vehicles.

24

February 2012

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Makita EA3200S Chainsaw

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