Waikato Farming Lifestyles, July 2017

Waikato

FARMING Lifestyles

July 2017 Edition

29,458 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country

Fagan wins French title

The mighty heavyweights

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An underestimated breed Page 6–7

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Gift of farm for youth

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

Phone: 0800 466 793

NZ Young Farmers have been donated a 74-hectare farm in Auckland and it will be used as a vehicle to showcase agriculture to New Zealand youth.

Email: info@nsmm.co.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | debw@nsmm.co.nz | 021 639 696 Production Manager: Jessica Wright Editorial: Denise Gunn Paul Campbell Andy Bryenton Ann Morgan Production: Viv Webb Teela Korau

Graphic Design: Gavin Bainbridge Dylan Hansen Callum McDonald Advertising: Sophie Bowley Betty Willetts Peter Mansfield

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Accounts: accounts@nsmm.co.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Located between Manurewa and Whitford, the dairy farm was generously donated by the late Donald Pearson.

NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland said the farm would be a vehicle into the future and will offer exponential opportunities in displaying a wide range of industries including, horticulture, dairy and sheep and beef operations.

“This is not a money making exercise for NZ Young Farmers but rather an amazing opportunity to further our emphasis on engaging with students in Auckland schools to showcase the vast array of careers available in the Agri-sector.”

Although details are yet to be finalised, Mr Copeland said he expected the farm to be a doorway to innovative technology and a masterclass in the future of farming.

“There is enormous possibilities and we are excited about the partnerships this will bring across the industry to communicate the opportunities the sector can offer New Zealand’s youth.

To have this facility in the heart of Auckland will play a significant part in the Ministry of Primary Industries target of attracting an extra 50,000 employees to the sector by 2025.

NZ Young Farmers is constantly working with urban schools to sell a positive message around Agri careers and the farm will add stronger foundations to that message.

“We will be able to let as many students as possible visit, explore and view the incredible opportunities this sector offers.”

The gift itself was extraordinary, because Mr Pearson (who has no children of his own) had no formal relationship with NZ Young Farmers.

“He knew he didn’t want his land carved up and sold off to residential housing.

“His passion for agriculture and belief in the organisation to use it to bring people into the sector has left a legacy that all of the Agri-sector will

Terry Copeland, NZ Young Farmers CEO

celebrate for decades to come,” said Mr Copeland. Donald’s friend Bryan, and his father-in-law Graham, are keen to help set up the farm because they want to realise his dream.

“Donald initially didn’t know what he wanted to do with the farm if he died, but he knew what he didn’t want to happen, which was to have it end up all subdivided.”

NZ Young Farmers chairperson Jason Te Brake is excited about the opportunities the farm now afforded the organisation.

“The gifting of the farm was an extremely generous donation by Donald, and one which will play a significant role in allowing NZ Young Farmers to continue to connect and develop the future people of the primary industries.

The farm aligns perfectly with NZ Young Farmers’ strategic direction and complements the rewarding results we are already achieving through our school-based programmes.”

The farm will begin trading under NZ Young Farmers from September.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

Fagan wins French title

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New Zealand shearer Jack Fagan has won the French championships All-Nations Open final.

The event was held at Martel in southwest France, and about 190km south of central France town Le Dorat, where the next World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships will be staged in 2019.

Shearing the 20 sheep in 12min 7sec, Jack, from Te Kuiti, finished more than a sheep ahead of the rest in the four-man final.

Overall he claimed the title by a margin of 4.55 points from defending champion and France World championship representative, Loic Leygonie of Martel, who has also shorn regularly in New Zealand summers since 2011.

Third was Christophe Riffaud, the France World championship’s committee chairman.

Christophe recently was one of a pair who established a French two-stand shearing record of 1328 in nine hours.

Fourth place went to Pierre Grancher of Sisteron.

Pierre was runner-up in the New Zealand Crossbred Lamb Shearing Championships Intermediate final at the Winton A&P Show in 2015.

Son of former shearing great Sir David Fagan and a former top lower grades competitor, Jack had his biggest win in the Royal Welsh Open two years ago, and in February he won the Open Speed shear during the World Championships and Southland All

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It was a triumph in big terms after they were beaten by fellow Six Nations teams Ireland and England when the three countries were fourth, fifth and sixth in the World Championships teams blade shearing final five months ago.

Results: French Shearing Championships Open final (20 sheep): Jack Fagan

(New Zealand) 12min 7sec, 46.2pts; Loic Leygonie (France) 13min 17sec, 50.75pts; Christophe Riffaud (France) 12min 41sec, 53.6pts, Pierre Grancher (France) 13min 23sec, 59.1pts.

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

The mighty HEAVYWEIGHTS

BY ANN MORGAN

THE WAIKATO HEAVY HORSE ASSOCIATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1979 TO PROMOTE AND CONSERVE THE USE OF HEAVY HORSES IN NEW ZEALAND, INCLUDING CLYDESDALES, SHIRES AND PERCHERONS.

“C

lydesdales are the main breed in New Zealand, and the Shires are said to be the biggest horse of all,” says association president Fred Pilling.

“They are English horse breeds and we have the Suffolk Punch and Percherons here too.

“New Zealand adopted the Clydesdale for working horses, and tried to establish the Shire but he was too slow, although they are similar now as the two breeds have been crossed. I got into horses in the 1950s in England when we had

a pony and cart. I purchased a set of harness off the local borough when they pensioned off their last horse. He was a Shire and I still have the harness today and it is in great condition and very special.

Fred is an engineer and moved to New Zealand in 1964 and owns 56 acres which he works his 12 horses on.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

four to six weeks. “My involvement with the Waikato Heavy Horse Association began one day when my children came home and said there was a big horse on the way to school, so we went to see it,” says Fred.

“I bought one for $1,300 at auction and so it began. She was supposed to be empty but she got bigger and eventually popped out a foal, and that was my introduction to breeding. I called that foal ‘Mystery’.

“There are differences in the size of Clydesdales. Mine have a small gene running through them — they are only little but I also have the biggest one in the country and I have three Shires in my herd.

“I use horses for feeding out, harrowing, making hay and silage and preparing one of my paddocks for plowing competitions.

“Josh is my gelding and is about 18 hands and is a big softie. People who have the horses enjoy them — if you like them it is easy to get hooked on them.”

Fred often loads his horses and plow onto his truck to attend competitions and shows around the country.

“Plowing competitions are getting tougher because we are getting better at it. I have won twice, in 2014 and 2015, but that was after many years of trying.

“I have been driving horses since I was 12 years old.

“You need to have a good eye and be able to set your plow correctly. When you are plowing your horses need to go right, your plow has to go well and you need to handle the plow.

“There are a couple of people that use horses entirely on their land. A guy near

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HEAVY HORSES ARE USED FOR A VARIETY OF JOBS INCLUDING PLOWING AND PULLING WAGONS Timaru farms organically and only uses horses on his 200 hectare property and the guys at Erewhon Station have two teams of six horses.

“More people are trying to bring them back as work horses and keep the breeds going.

“Those considering getting a heavy horse, I suggest don’t get a stallion, get an older one as they generally know what they are doing. You need to spend time with them and learn to drive them, not just have them in a paddock as a pet.

“If you want to go in the show ring you need something you can go handle because if it plays up, you are in trouble.

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time is yoking them up but it makes things interesting, and it is healthy for the horses. “I can go across a paddock that has good grass in it, the next morning you will not see where I have been with the horse and sledge, but if I use the bike the marks are visible for a couple of weeks.

“I make my own chains, plow hooks and different things myself and also do wheelwrighting for carts and restore old horse drawn farm machinery at my business.

“Heavy horses are hard workers, great fun, and a good hobby as well. It is good to see people joining together and using them again.”

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

An underestimated

BREED

BY ANN MORGAN

AOTEAROA AND ATLANTIC AYRSHIRES ARE LOCATED IN TIRAU AND FARMED BY GRAEME LEECH AND HIS DAUGHTER SARAH. THE BREED WAS INTRODUCED TO THE FAMILY BY STRUAN LEECH, GRAEME’S FATHER IN 1965.

G

raeme was 15 years old when he established his own stud with Sarah following in his footsteps acquiring her first pedigree calf when she was also 15 years old.

“We moved from Katikati in 1999, when granddad bought this farm to expand,” says Sarah.

“To start Glenvale Ayrshires, granddad purchased his first Ayrshires from Hamish Wilson at Ascog Ayrshires.”

Struan has since passed away and Graeme continues to run the family property and sharemilks the herd of 140 pedigree cows. The breed developed into a passion that has passed through the generations and Sarah owns Atlantic Stud.

“In the last five to six years I have had more input, particularly with breeding.

We have a number of show champions and great production records.

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“My dad bought my first calf for me in 2001, that is how I started my stud.

She is rising 16, in-calf and I have kept her heifers and a couple of bulls.

They are registered through the NZ Ayrshire Association.

“Ayrshires are really nice to look at and I believe they are one of the most underestimated breeds in the dairy industry. They are a low maintenance, hardy breed — not as big as a Friesian but bigger than a Jersey.

“Dalemere Noble Harvest VHC was our first cow to produce more than 10,000 litres in one lactation at nine years of age. Glenmarie Wise Crocus EXC2 did 10,558 litres, 800kg of solids (446 fat and 364 protein) in 305 days at 11 years old.”

“We are a system one farm, grass only, and we grow lucerne for silage and hay for when feed is short. Those two cows didn’t have any special treatment, they had exactly what everyone else had.”

Sarah says lucerne is high in protein and has very deep roots so grows quite fast and can handle hot temperatures.

They get at least five to six cuts from it a year making the crop economical, especially with the droughts over the past eight to nine years.

“Bulls that have been a big influence in our herd include Tararua Wise Knight and Goldwyn Vice Regal — many of their daughters classify as excellent.

“One of our best brood cows has been Glenvale Vanessa EXC. She was my calf club calf when I was 10 years old, I won my first champion with her for Champion Dairy Type.

AYRSHIRE CATTLE ARE A HARDY BREED THAT SARAH BELIEVES ARE UNDERESTIMATED IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY “She is the dam of Aotearoa Viceroy and Aotearoa Knights Victory and we have many generations in our herd from her. She is now buried on top of the hill, overlooking the farm with the first champion ribbon she won with me.”

“Dad is a very traditional farmer and he has found changes we have made to be more beneficial than he thought.

“I have pushed production and had good results with treating non-cycling cows and most have got in-calf. I have invested heavily in embryo work including importing embryos from Australia and getting the calves on the ground.

“Aotearoa TSB Bella ET is the result of embryo work and was Junior Champion Ayrshire at this years NZ Dairy Event. I

think she was the first calf to win that ribbon. It was an amazing achievement.

Dad didn’t want to flush her mother to Palymra Tr Star Burdette but I did it, and now we have a competition as to whose ‘champion’ she actually is.

“Being involved in the Ayrshire club means you meet like-minded people.

It would be great to see more young people becoming interested in pedigree stock of any breed.

“We attend A&P shows throughout the Waikato and I have won the Arran trophy for the Ayrshire Junior Judging competition, the North Island Ayrshire young handlers twice and I was given the Bell Booth Achiever award by our Association in 2013 in recognition of my

many achievements. In 2016, Dad won the Distinguished Member award. This is for members who promote Ayrshires by always portraying a positive attitude for the breed, the NZ Ayrshire Association and its aims, directions and objectives.

“Showing and breeding is my passion.

When we won the Junior Champion Ayrshire ribbon at the Dairy Event, it broke my heart that I was not able to share the accomplishment with my granddad and show him how well we have done — thanks to his passion for Ayrshires. “He was very proud of our accomplishments and passionate about the cows, and it is an honour to carry on his passion as we create winners ourselves.”

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Years of service

BY ANN MORGAN

Wendy McGowan boasts a curriculum vitae of astonishing detail, a record of accomplishment which is probably unrivalled among rural women in New Zealand, and has been acknowledged for her efforts by receiving the New Zealand Order of Merit.

W

endy has been a member of Rural Women New Zealand since 1975 and says RWNZ was instrumental in the continuation of her education.

“I strive for knowledge and RWNZ kept my mind going. As a child I always joined things and kept busy. I was a St John ambulance cadet, a girl guide, I played tennis and belonged to the swimming club. Perhaps it is something in me — I was always busy,” says Wendy.

“I came from a small rural community in Fairlie, South Canterbury. My father was in the service industry and would take us children to open the gates for him to the farms. I never thought I would end up farming myself.”

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at Kaharoa, so I transferred to Queen Elizabeth hospital in Rotorua and did my enrolled nursing and here Rusty and I are, 45 years later, on the home farm.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

women in the district — they were all incredible. As a national organisation they were looking after our health and education, getting school buses for the areas, and keeping schools open and organising things like getting breast screening done.

“It was amazing to be with the older generation. Last year, RWNZ turned 96 years old and I was reading back on the history. In one year they had 139 submissions presented to government. They were all things I take for granted today.

“When you look back you realise how wonderful they were, why did they hide it, why didn’t they celebrate everything they did?

“I encourage other wives to join an organisation and get together. There are times in your life where you need to be together. In our case, in one year our income dropped down to a quarter.

Things happen and if you are on your own, it is insurmountable — all you can see is how high up others are, but if you meet up with others, you eat cake, have a cup of tea, bitch about how bad life is, but you go home feeling better — that’s women — we need that.

“RWNZ put on a day for the ladies affected by PSA in kiwifruit and 180 women turned up. One day they had an income, the next day they didn’t — in times like that, is where RWNZ steps up. “We get ladies together and then we

step away and let them get on with their lives. When an adverse event or disease happens, you need to be mindful that people need each other.

“RWNZ isn’t joining an old girls club that are in their 60s like me, it is about helping get people started and us being mentors and encouraging others.

“I have nine grandchildren and during my time with Federated Farmers, I was flying backwards and forwards to Wellington for 18 years. As each grandchild was expected I started a project for them and now I am finishing those projects. The eldest is 20 years old and the youngest is seven months.

“I am giving myself a little break this year and will finish my projects so they can have them for their children. I am still the treasurer for Region 5, Gisborne to Colville, and trustee for New Zealand Institute of Rural Health.

“I would like to thank RWNZ for nominating me for this honour, to the office staff and the National president Fiona Gower, Margaret Pittaway, Marie Appleton QSM and Sue Vowell, and anyone else involved for the wonderful words they must have put together for me to become an Officer of the Order of Merit.

I could not have achieved this without the love and support of my husband Rusty, and my family. Without their support I would not have been able to do so much.”

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22 NIGHTS - SMALL GROUP TOUR WITH KIWI VETERAN ESCORT

7,995*

$

pp

TWIN SHARE

Includes:- Flights, Deluxe 4-5 Star Hotels Varanasi, Taj Mahal, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Elephant 7 Camel riding All Meals* AND MUCH MORE! Tour Departs: 2nd March 2018 All 2018/2019 season’s tour dates now released www.marigoldtours.co.nz www.marigoldtours.co.nz tel: 021 193 0091 email: india@xtra.co.nz

Send us an email requesting our FREE APP to view our comprehensive itinerary on any smart device.

Or ask any questions Tel - day or night, 7 days

*Terms and Conditions Apply see our website for full details: Prices are per person, twin share, flying economy class. credit card payment +4%. Single supplement of $1500pp applies. Upon conformation a non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of $2000pp is required. We reserve the right to cancel/amend/change or substitute any part of the tour including but not limited to local yours, hotels, the itinerary and other inclusion due ti unforeseen circumstances and issues beyond our control. Prices are correct as at time of printing & may be subject to change without notice. Meals include breakfast, lunch and dinner on (20) travel days but not on arrival or departure day. Full itinerary, inclusions and conditions visit www.marigoldtours.co.nz

10

July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST RANGE OF BEEKEEPING SUPPLIES

• Beekeeping supplies • Buyers & processors of beeswax • Honey pumps & processing equipment • Advice on all things bees • Easy to use website • Nationwide shipping service 0800 CERACELL (0800 237 223) info@ceracell.co.nz Visit our new e-commerce website www.ceracell.co.nz Ceracell Beekeeping Supplies (NZ) Ltd 09 274 7236 (Auckland) | Fax 09 274 0368 24 Andromeda Crescent, East Tamaki, Auckland PO Box 204184, Highbrook, Auckland 2161

ATTENTION SEPTIC TANK OWNERS Save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy

Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur, such as nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface or gurgling toilets taking time to empty. Good practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

septi-cure is: › Cost Effective › Easy To use › Improves Soakage

› Reduces Solids and Scums › Eliminates Nasty Odours › Reduces Costly Pump-outs

Breakthrough Product Developed for your Septic Tank

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure for over five years.

Contractors in breach The majority of labour hire contractors are breaching their obligations as employers according to a Labour Inspectorate operation targeting the kiwifruit industry.

Inspectors carried out audits on 62 labour contracting companies and interviewed 687 employees during the operation, which occurred over three months last year, and uncovered 94 breaches of minimum employment standards “There are no acceptable excuses for employers failing to meet all minimum standards or provide people with all their minimum entitlements,” says Labour Inspectorate regional manager Kevin Finnegan.

“Almost all of the employers found in breach were using migrant labour, which is concerning because these are vulnerable people who may not fully know their rights and entitlements.”

The investigation showed 53 per cent of employers were failing to meet all minimum employment standards.

This includes providing employment agreements and paying at least the minimum wage.

Whilst some employers were able to immediately address the breaches, 20 improvement notices and six enforceable undertakings were issued to compel employers to meet their obligations.

Two employers were issued with an infringement notice in addition to their improvement notice for $1,000 each.

“Significant arrears were uncovered with one employer owing more than $25,000 to their employees, and it’s

likely the lack of records is disguising more widespread non-compliance with minimum wage,” said Mr Finnegan.

“While finding these breaches has been really disappointing it comes as little surprise, as it’s an issue we’ve raised with the industry for a number of years. Without demanding greater assurance from labour hire companies about their employment practices, growers won’t know if people working on their vines are receiving their entitlements.

“We understand that since this operation the kiwifruit industry has taken steps to lift compliance with employment legislation — and we strongly encourage them to continue to do so. As an industry with high growth and an increasing demand for migrant labour, it’s important these issues are tackled now, as little or no action will only allow the problem to grow. “These kinds of cases have the potential to damage New Zealand’s reputation as fair and equitable, which is important with consumers increasingly demanding products are ethically sourced.”

MBIE encourages anyone concerned about their employment situation, or the situation of someone they know, to call the contact centre on 0800 20 90 20 where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.

URBAN PLUS WEEDSPRAYERS Inquire now!

Now with Satellite Guidance

Registered Chemical Applicator Mobile 027 497 8598 Phone (07) 884 8780 upw@xtra.co.nz www.upw.co.nz

He says this allows them to have an odour free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure works, keeping their tank in very good condition. * Results May Vary Before*

0800 109 202

www.ecoworld.co.nz

After*

Also Available from:

Registered Chemical Applicators Mobile 027 497 8598 | Phone (07) 884 8780 upw@xtra.co.nz | www.upw.co.nz

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

CARBON LOCKUP

1 tree

=

1 sheep

Planting forests is a simple and effective way to offset greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, while at the same time creating a financial investment for the future.

Trees take surplus carbon out of the atmosphere and turn it in to wood.

Just one 20 year old Pinus radiata tree will lock up all the carbon a single sheep will have emitted in its entire lifetime.

One tree would also lock up all the carbon emitted by one beef animal in one year and 1.5 trees will capture a dairy cow’s emissions in one year.

New Zealand foresters plant more than 50 million trees a year.

www.nzwood.co.nz

LOVE OUR FORESTS OUR ENVIRONMENT DOES

11

12

July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Holiday Guide ADVERTORIAL

Whanganui – a little city with a lot of soul!

When’s the last time you went to Whanganui? If it’s been a while you ought to stop and catch up, enjoy the peaceful natural environment, the pretty city by the river, the numerous heritage buildings, art galleries and studios and have a go at some of the more exciting things on offer as well.

Want to relax at a café with a coffee before strolling along a boulevard of boutique shopping and a river cruise?

The mighty Whanganui River entices and charms with a relaxing flow. Love the coast and sound of the waves and sand beneath your feet? Visit South Beach, for a wild west coast beach experience, walking, driftwood and a 4x4 Canam tour over the dunes.

Want cycling, fishing, forest walks and a return to nature? Cycle ways and boardwalks line the river for friendly family cycling and Whanganui is spoilt for parks and reserves. Paloma Gardens and the Bason Botanic Gardens are

Pay attention!

wonderful wide open spaces for picnics and exploring the different features and quirky artworks.

Visitors come for many reasons but whatever these might be it’s a brilliant place to visit.

With one of the most temperate and settled climates in the North Island the average summer temperature is 26°C and perfect for meandering the markets and cafes while you decide what to do next.

Whanganui is so close to central North Island locations — it’s under three hours from Wellington, Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and New Plymouth. What more could you want for a weekend away?

around road works

Enjoy arts, music, the landscape and our rich heritage.

Whanganui is big enough to entertain and small enough to keep it real.

Spend a weekend.

See much more at:

www.visitwhanganui.nz

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

13

H O L I DAY G U I D E ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

Giving back to nature Dunnys — and what we do during our ‘daily visit’ are a bit like that other subject our mother never talked about — we were given our potty training, the nappies were removed and from then on we did our own learning!

And since having our nappys taken off us we have all learned that ‘go and flush’ is what we do. Every day — or at least most days for most of us. That’s a lot of flushing.

Imagine for a moment the immense infrastructure that our local councils have provided for this simple convenience — pun intended — where water is either captured in purpose-made dams or taken from existing rivers, piped for miles, chemically treated to drinking standard, and piped for more miles to our place so we can simply push the appropriate flush button — 1 or 2 — to send it for more miles to another treatment plant where it is again reconstituted chemically and piped yet again out to sea — or to a river — or somewhere on the planet!

It is estimated that every one of us has flushed away 6,500 litres of treated water a year since our nappies were taken off us.

Imagine the proportion of the council rates that we pay that goes to pay for our flush button convenience.

But like so many other aspects of daily living the economic and ecological cost of the ‘daily visit’ has been re-visited.

In 2001 a composting toilet was produced in the USA specifically for

boats. They called it AirHead. Boats call their toilets ‘heads’ in recognition of the historic use of a simple plank at the head of the ship back in the sailing ship era.

‘Going to the head’ was sometimes a hazardous necessity.

And the USA development used air instead of water. Air head.

This was certainly a different way to go. The toilet employed a compost medium to process the human waste and it worked. The toilet is effectively its own treatment plant. No water, no pipes, no smell.

It is not surprising that the concept has been accepted world wide and has spread from boats to caravans and motor homes. Off-grid living is gaining a huge following world wide and the Airhead toilet offers this community an economic alternative that is totally in tune with nature without involving the permitting requirements of conventional dunnys.

These toilets give back to Mother Earth. They retain our body’s natural separation of liquid and solid waste and each is treated separately.

Both elements benefit the environment when applied correctly as many tiny home and off-grid cabin dwellers are learning. Naturally.

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

▪ · · · ·

Polar Regions The Americas Africa Asia Worldwide

Travelsmart New Plymouth recently won the 2017 Top Shop award at the annual conference in Nelson.

Aranui 5 welcomes many solo travellers and they offer a matching service, in an Ocean View Stateroom, where you can be paired with another person of the same gender to avoid paying the single occupancy surcharge.

New in 2018, we would like to invite you to an exclusive cocktail function on your first full night in Tahiti so you can meet other likeminded passengers before you join the ship. This offer is only available on five special departures – 08 March, 03 May, 28 June, 23 August and 18 October.

These seventeen night holidays include luxury car transfers to/from your relevant regional airport, four nights pre/post accommodation including continental breakfast in Tahiti, an exclusive cocktail function, a 13 night cruise on Aranui 5 from Tahiti to the Marquesas and all airport to ship/hotel transfers.

The shared cabin package price is only $11,119 ex Auckland and for just 30% more you can enjoy sole use of the cabin. Discover more at

A seens

FIEL

ultimatecruising.co.nz or call 0800 4 ULTIMATE (0800 485 846) to make a booking.

WAITOMO

LODGE MOTEL

We are not just the newest motel in the Waitomo District but possibly the best! Waitomo Lodge has 14 studio units and 6 one-bedroom units. Daily housekeeping is included in the room rate.

• Super King size beds in all units • Free Wifi • Sky TV Guest Select 50+ Channels • Spa bath units available • Air-con units available • Corporate and Long Term Rates

Ph: 07 878 0003 E: info@waitomo-lodge.co.nz 64 Te Kumi Road, Te Kuiti

Avoid Drink Driving BE THE SOBER D FOR A NIGHT

Composting Toilets No consents required Waste is turned into compost

Are you looking for your next amazing adventure?

World Expeditions has over 40 years experience, providing great value, high quality trips with all inclusive pricing and added comforts.

Travelling solo to paradise has never been better!

IDEAL FOR SLEEP-OUTS, TINY HOMES & OFF-GRID HOMES

Uses no chemicals Uses no water

No plumbing No smell

BOATS

at

DAYS

CARAVANS & MOTOR HOMES

“your waste need not be wasted”

Complies with NZ Self-Containment Standards

www.enviromarine.org www.worldexpeditions.co.nz enquiries@worldexpeditions.co.nz or call us on 0800 350 354

TAHITI + THE MARQUESAS ABOARD ARANUI 5

SAVE 10% ON USUAL CABIN PRICE* VOYAGE 5 - DEPART 27 MAR 2018 19 nights from $9,299pp ex AUCKLAND VOYAGE 9 - DEPART 10 JUN 2018 VOYAGE 15 - DEPART 30 SEPT 2018 18 nights from $9,199pp ex AUCKLAND Fly/cruise packages ranging from 17 - 19 nights sailing aboard the “Aranui 5”, to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful regions. Includes 13 night cruise to the spectacular Marquesas Islands with all meals and shore excursions, plus return economy class airfares, transfers, and pre/post cruise accommodation. Call for full 2017 and 2018 schedule.

BONUS: Chauffeur driven transfers to/from airport*

Contact John m: 021 175 6686 e: info@enviromarine.org

Enviromarine (NZ) Ltd Sole agent for Air Head Composting Toilets in New Zealand

FIORDLAND AND THE SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS AN EPIC SOUTHERN WILDERNESS EXPEDITION from $14,599 pp* twin share for a Prestige Stateroom Deck 5 (with balcony) Voyage departs Dunedin 5 January 2018 Discover the wild isolation of Macquarie Island and the Subantarctic Islands on a 16 night luxury voyage with Ponant Expeditions. Teeming with wildlife, including fur seals, elephant seals, king and yellow-eyed penguins, Gibson’s albatross and more, these remote islands will hold you spell-bound not just for their unique flora and fauna, but also for their primitive beauty. Cruise includes all meals and beverages aboard & zodiac expeditions with professional guides.

BONUS: One night pre-cruise accommodation at Dunedin Hotel

DISCOVER MORE AT ULTIMATECRUISING.CO.NZ OR CALL 0800 485 846 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING! *Conditions Apply. Subject to availability at time of booking. Aranui price based on Ocean View Stateroom per person Twin Share. Luxury car transfers limited to 35 kilometres from AKL/WLG/CHC Airports. We are open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

14

July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

Therapy for osteoarthritis Part 2 Nutritional therapy can be effective in helping osteoarthritis. For example I have been helping someone with osteoarthritis (OA) in one knee which affected her mobility. She also had hypertension and swollen ankles from poor lower leg circulation.

We used a combination of therapies to target all the problems.

We added my joint supplement at a double dose delivering 1500mg of high grade chondroitin sulphate with the same of glucosamine sulphate and 200mg of a proprietary 95% curcumin extract (from turmeric).

To this we added 6000mg of Omega 3 fish oil and a bullet blender recipe I have developed to assist circulation to help her swollen ankles.

This included raw beetroot to dilate blood vessels. The result is that after three months the pain has reduced by about 50% and her ankles are less swollen. I expect these improvements to continue.

High levels of chondroitin sulphate (CS) are important as it is a major constituent of cartilage.

At therapeutic levels this can help with cartilage function and has antiinflammatory activity.

Studies, including J P Pelletier (Arthritis Research and Therapy, 2016) demonstrate that chondroitin sulphate at high levels has the ability to modify joints affected by osteoarthritis. In particular there was a marked reduction in further cartilage loss with overall joint improvement.

There are several ways CS can improve arthritic joints. Firstly it seems to inhibit a number of inflammatory compounds that are associated with OA. The second is previously mentioned reductions in cartilage loss.

The third is even more promising.

According to research by Y Herotin (2010) CS appears to stimulate the chondrocyte cells that produce cartilage. High levels of CS seem to increase the collagen needed to make the cartilage matrix.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz.

Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

Abundant Health Bettaflex Super Joint Formula What is Bettaflex?

• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function.

• Bettaflex combines high grade chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate and a potent 95% curcumin (turmeric) extract.

• Each capsule of Bettaflex contains 382mg of high grade chondroitin, 425mg of glucosamine and 50mg of curcumin extract.

How can Bettaflex help?

BEST BUY! $79.95 for 3 bottles free freight or 1 bottle for $28.95 plus $4.99 postage.

• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.

• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.

• Curcumin from turmeric helps to balance joint immune function to support joint health.

• Research suggests chondroitin is effective only at levels of over 700mg daily.

John Arts comments: “I formulated Bettaflex based on the latest research into natural compounds that can help with joint support and function. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend a double dose for the first 1-2 bottles to saturate joint tissue.”

(John Arts, Founder Abundant Health Ltd)

Abundant Health

Managing urinary nitrogen on your farm How much can we learn from a handful of grass? The answer is both remarkably simple and incredibly complex — but thankfully, modern scientific techniques can assess the biology and chemistry of just such a sample to provide some clear-cut advice for adjusting farming practices. And it’s all thanks to a Kiwi company who are leading the world.

Raymond Burr from QLabs is a farmer first and a man of science in equal measure. From his early days share farming sheep and beef to converting a large spread to dairy in the King Country in ‘89, he knows the challenges farmers face in a constant race to improve their profitability. Raymond studied at Massey University, and his investigations into soil and pasture health with QLabs today would have amazed his professors back then. Then again, the foundation of what QLabs offer the farming sector is based on sound common sense.

QLabs have been granted a patent on their latest form of herbage analysis, which can very accurately look at the nutritional content of even a small representative 500gram sample of grass and drill down into its composition. One major advantage is detecting levels of nitrogen, which cannot be stored by ruminant animals like cattle. This means a very accurate forecast of urinary nitrogen content can be built up — a valuable tool for evaluating efficient farm management.

Qlabs patented method means that with

a single test of a sample of pasture a farmer can fine tune and plan ahead for a number of factors. Environmental responsibility is one, but maximising the nutrition of every square foot of pasture is another — and that means better yields whether for dairy and drystock.

Potential health issues can be nipped in the bud long before they become a vet’s problem.

“The science may be high tech, but the principle is simple,” says Raymond.

“Arm yourself with knowledge and get the optimum out of your farm.”

In the 1980s the rising plate meter was invented by a farmer, and accurate pasture budgeting soon followed. From the early 1990s we became proficient at growing more protein by applying more Nitrogen.

It is time to move on with the latest patented method invented by an exfarmer. Now for a relatively low cost, you can monitor what your ruminating animals are about to eat. Increasing efficiency will increase profitability and decrease your environmental impact — a win-win solution.

Shane Davis Bulk Spreading Ltd SERVICING CENTRAL WAIKATO SINCE 1990

• Fertiliser spreading specialist • Cartage & spreading with loader available • Prompt, efficient service

Contact Shane on: 027 487 8984 | A/Hrs 07 827 3726 or email: sdavisbsl@gmail.com

Pay attention!

around road works

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY

• Proactively manage your animals’ urinary Nitrogen • Now YOU can control your Ruminant Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency (RNUE) • Qlabs new patented method is now available

Cautions: Always read the label and use only as directed. See your health care practitioner if symptoms persist.

TO ORDER PHONE: 0800 423 559

Or order online at www.abundant.co.nz or post a cheque to Abundant Health Ltd, PO Box 4347, Mt Maunganui South, 3149

Oi!

DON’T TXT & DRIVE

Call or email us with your enquiries 0800 85 77 33

www.qlabs.co.nz | E: info@qlabs.co.nz

R

A LL ET I U N P R C R N L IC A UD E IR E S FA R ES

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

0800 400 450 www.letscruise.co.nz

AMAZING CUNARD EUROPE FLY & CRUISE DEALS 2018

QUEEN VICTORIA “VENICE & ADRIATIC” SOUTHAMPTON ROUND TRIP

QUEEN ELIZABETH “BRITISH ISLES” SOUTHAMPTON ROUND TRIP

Departs: 15th April 2018 (17 Nights)

Departs: 13th July 2018 (14 Nights)

Itinerary: Southampton – Valencia (Spain) – Taormina (Italy) Venice (Italy) – Zadar (Croatia) – Dubrovnik (Croatia) - Cagliari (Sardinia) - Gibraltar (United Kingdom) – Southampton

Itinerary: Southampton - Rotterdam (Holland) - South Queensferry (Scotland) - Invergordon (Scotland)- Killybegs (Ireland) - Greenock (Scotland) - Belfast (Northern Ireland) Liverpool (England) - St Peters Port (Guernsey) - Southampton

$4499pp Ocean View Cabin from $4959pp Balcony Cabin from $5399pp Club Class Balcony from $6679pp Princess Grill Suite from $7689pp Queens Grill Suite from $9189pp Interior Cabin from

Interior Cabin from $4699pp Ocean View Cabin from $5059pp Balcony Cabin from $5509pp Club Class Balcony from $6839pp Princess Grill Suite from $7929pp Queens Grill Suite from $9149pp

QUEEN ELIZABETH “BALTIC HIGHLIGHTS” SOUTHAMPTON ROUND TRIP

QUEEN ELIZABETH “ICELAND & NORWEGIAN FJORDS” SOUTHAMPTON ROUND TRIP

Departs: 27th July 2018 (14 Nights)

Departs: 10th August 2018 (14 Nights)

Itinerary: Southampton - Rotterdam (Holland) - Copenhagen (Denmark) - Stockholm (Sweden) - Tallinn (Estonia) St Petersburg 2 Full Days (Russia) - Travemunde (Germany) Southampton

Itinerary: Southampton - Rotterdam (Holland) - Bergen (Norway) - Olden (Norway) - Akureyri (Iceland) - Isafjordur (Iceland) - Reykjavik (Iceland) - Stornaway (Scotland) Belfast (Northern Ireland) - Southampton

Interior Cabin from $4399pp Ocean View Cabin from $4769pp Balcony Cabin from $5339pp Club Class Balcony from $6629pp Princess Grill Suite from $7649pp Queens Grill Suite from $8799pp

Interior Cabin from $4599pp Ocean View Cabin from $5129pp Balcony Cabin from $5599pp Club Class Balcony from $6979pp Princess Grill Suite from $8049pp Queens Grill Suite from $9619pp

QUEEN ELIZABETH “BRITISH ISLES & BALTIC HIGHLIGHTS” SOUTHAMPTON ROUND TRIP

QUEEN ELIZABETH “BALTIC HIGHLIGHTS & ICELAND/ NORWEGIAN FJORDS” SOUTHAMPTON ROUND TRIP

Departs: 13th July 2018 (28 Nights)

Departs: 27th July 2018 (28 Nights)

Interior Cabin from $6899pp Ocean View Cabin from $7629pp Balcony Cabin from $8649pp Club Class Balcony from $11,249pp Princess Grill Suite from $13,349pp Queens Grill Suite from $15,379pp

Interior Cabin from $6799pp Ocean View Cabin from $7689pp Balcony Cabin from $8729pp Club Class Balcony from $11,399pp Princess Grill Suite from $13,499pp Queens Grill Suite from $16,199pp

DEPOSITS ONLY 10% PER PERSON FOR THE CRUISE. AIRFARES TO BE TICKETED NO LATER THAN 30TH NOVEMBER 2017!

DO NOT DELAY – BOOK TODAY!

CALL US TODAY ON 0800 400 450 OR VISIT WWW.LETSCRUISE.CO.NZ

*Pricings shown is per person, twin share including taxes and fees. Subject to availability. Conditions apply. Mark Smith t/a Lets Cruise Limited, a division of NZ Travel Brokers Limited.

15

16

July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

17

Rural Building Bobby calf loading facilities It is time to review loading facilities and take a look at the new regulations coming into force from August 1, 2017.

Calves being transported for sale or slaughter must be able to walk safely onto and off the truck. This will require many farmers to make alterations to existing loading facilities. DairyNZ suggest farmers talk to their transporter before making changes to help ensure facilities are fit-for-purpose.

Road Transport Association New Zealand upper North Island area executive Keith McGuire says building a new structure is a long-term investment so it’s important to get it right from the beginning.

“Whenever calves leave the farm on a truck, working with your transporter to make their job as easy as possible creates a better outcome for both animals and people.

“Transporters can provide a different perspective about what works well and what’s practical for the truck and for loading. Some farmers have built ramps or structures and realised there were things they could have done differently to make it more practical. Talk to your transporter and make a plan before you start,” says Keith.

When calves can walk on easily the driver can see if they are in good condition or if they have any abnormalities.

Two years ago sharemilkers Blake and Sara Korteweg built a new loading ramp and took the opportunity to make it calf friendly.

Blake says at the time they didn’t know the new regulations were coming

100 IT’S NOT A TARGET

in but the set-up has made life easier for everyone.

“The transporters are grateful because it’s under cover. We have four pens and the bobby pen is raised. The truck driver walks through a footbath, climbs the ladder and opens the doors to let the calves walk into the truck.

“We trialled the new DairyNZ bobby calf collection sign. We used it every day to tick off the checklist and display how many calves were out for collection. If any calves are not picked up, the driver could write the reason on the whiteboard. It’s been very useful.”

Guidelines include ensuring the pen is accessible for the truck and trailer to reverse up to, and it should be free draining and constructed with a level hard-standing surface.

The track should be no less than 4m wide with a height clearance of

4.3m for any overhead obstructions such as trees, water lines and electric fence wires, and 6m for power lines.

Loading calves directly under power lines should be avoided. Ensure that all bridges/culverts are safe, fit for

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purpose and that truck weight loadings are within the structure’s design loading specifications. Guidelines for calf holding and loading facilities meeting the new regulations are available at dairynz.co.nz/loading-facilities.

O’NEILL ENGINEERING LTD

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18

July 2017 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

BUILD

Wise housing choices If you have decided to build housing facilities for cows, or other animals, it is important to ensure the design is suitable to their needs.

To enquire visit us in store or contact us: e: cambridgeitm@xtra.co.nz t: 07 827 0953

DRIVE SAFE On Rural Roads

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

Badly designed, overstocked or poorly managed systems can lead to a decline in the comfort, health and welfare of stock and this can affect production.

Cows need to be healthy, active and comfortable to achieve optimum production so it is important to only build if you can afford to do it properly, rather than have sub standard facilities that are detrimental to what you are trying to achieve.

Cows are social animals and enjoy grooming themselves. Fitting cow brushes in the area being built is beneficial as grooming is an important factor for cows. Grooming provides benefits for their health and wellbeing, and is also a social activity and part of their hierarchical behaviour.

They need to be able to lie down and rest comfortably for sufficient periods each day. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 places the onus on owners, and people in charge of animals, to ensure that they meet their physical, health and behavioural needs.

These needs include proper and sufficient food and water, adequate shelter, opportunity to display normal patterns of behaviour, physical handling that avoids unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress, avoidance

or treatment of injury and disease. All fittings and internal surfaces, including entry races and adjoining yards that may be used by the housed animals, must be constructed and maintained ensuring there are no hazards likely to cause injury to the animals.

It is important that all sharp objects, protrusions and edges, including damaged flooring which can cause injury to animals must be covered, removed, or repaired.

Cows need to move freely from area to area, turn around, and back in and out of stalls without injury or hindrance.

They must be given the correct space and the environment must enable them

to pass each other, socialise and groom.

The feed and trough space must be at the right height and the animals need to be able to walk confidently on non-slip reasonably clean flooring. It is also important to have good quality air supplied through an effective ventilation system. They also need uniform distribution of light to make best use of lying areas and cow traffic. Good lighting also makes it easier for staff to observe heat detection or health problems and they require shade to reduce the impact of heat stress.

All aspects of cow comfort should be achieved to provide an environment for optimum welfare, health and production.

FARM BUILDINGS THAT ADAPT TO SUIT YOU Choose your new farm building from our extensive range. Whether you’re looking for a kitset, a custom build or a livestock shelter, the Adaptable Building Solutions range has something for every farm.

There are plenty to choose from with a great range of popular building styles and sizes. Kitset buildings come pre-cut in Zincalume® or Colorsteel®, and can be fabricated to size for easy installation.

The Clear-Span Buildings are perfect for workshops, stables or factories. You can get them in Zincalume®, Colorsteel® or H3.2 Utility Ply that come with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) framing. They start at 12m wide x 18m long, and can be extended up to 15m wide x 30m long. Livestock Shelters are available in 7m or 10.5m spans. They’re made from tanalised timber and corrosion-resistant galvanised roof framing with high strength Ultraflex cladding.

You can also tailor and configure the internal cubicles to suit your farm’s requirements. If you’re after kitset, or even custom designed, Bunnings has the solution. To learn more about the Adaptable Building Solutions range, talk to your Trade Team. Find your nearest store at bunnings.co.nz/stores, call 0508 BUNNINGS.

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

19

BUILD

Shelter on your farm People, plants and animals need shelter from the different weather patterns across New Zealand.

Various sheds, buildings and shelter belts protect stock, pasture, crops, orchards and gardens from wind, heat, cold and rain. Forms of shelter also include native bush, dairy or drystock sheds, artificial windbreaks and feed pads.

Farm animals in New Zealand can be grazed outside all year-round but they still need shelter.

New-born calves and lambs as well as recently shorn sheep are the most vulnerable to hypothermia. Providing protection for flocks reduces abortions and lamb losses from hypothermia and helps reduce stress on heavily pregnant animals. Ewes prefer to lamb in isolation from the flock and will seek out shelter.

Cattle appreciate being able to escape from the sun, wind and rain and this can improve milk production and conception rates in dairy cows, and the growth rate in fattening cattle.

Dairy shelters house and feed stock and are used in winter and spring to keep cows off the pasture for all day or part of the day. In summer these buildings are ideal to stop the animals getting too hot. The benefits of sheltering animals include needing less feed to maintain physical condition and their winter growth rates improve.

Implementing the correct type of structure on your farm is essential for helping your stock to not only survive, but thrive. Shelter from warmer weather can increase milk production and improve conception rates in dairy cows, as well as the fattening growth rate in beef cattle.

Feed pads enable stock to be housed and fed under cover, removing animals from pasture for a few hours each day.

This helps to reduce overgrazing and trampling of soil and pasture which can slow down grass growth.

In summer, feed pads help to reduce heat stress as mentioned above. Feed pads allow a more accurate allocation of feed to stock, resulting in faster growth of yearlings.

For farm equipment, it is advisable to have lockable sheds to protect machinery and equipment from weather damage and those would be thieves that enter a property to steal farm machinery, motorbikes, petrol and other goods stored on farms.

Having such items out of sight can help deter thieves.

Buildings are a valuable investment on any property, regardless of whether it is a lifestyle block, large livestock or horticultural operation.

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Going to market

BY JOANNA MANSON

The Waikato Farmers Markets incorporates the Cambridge and Hamilton Farmers Markets creating a powerhouse of activity and platform for boutique businesses to succeed.

T

he Cambridge market prides itself on it’s unique location in Victoria Square where it’s been running for the last seven years and although twothirds of the size of its sister market in Hamilton, it is still a hive of activity each Saturday morning.

Cambridge site manager Cate McDonald says although it’s smaller in size the market has around 30 stalls during the summer months with less in the winter.

“Victoria Square is really cool — it’s outside in a really awesome location and in summer it is the most beautiful place — lots of families, and has a really nice atmosphere.”

Cate says even with the expressway in place a lot of visitors from Auckland still call in.

“We’re a traditional farmers’ market and the trust is keen to go for authenticity so all of our produce stallholders have to grow the stuff they sell. We audit them on that and we are really strict about it.”

The Cambridge market grows by two to three stalls a year and Cate is hoping to attract more niche businesses to the market.

“We are always looking for people that have something a bit different to offer like micro greens or fermented foods, and we’re really looking for people that are spray-free and heading towards an organic ethos.

“You don’t need a heap of land to have that business.”

Cate and Hamilton site manager Sarah Schwarz share a real focus on

Hamilton East’s Urban Farm are a new movement of stall holders present at the market

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

Site managers Cate and Sarah are always on the lookout for free range and organic stall holders like these eggs at the Cambridge Farmers Market

Waikato ingredients and are both keen to promote free range as well as ethical and sustainable farming.

Over in Hamilton the market has been operating for 11 years and many of the Cambridge stall holders spend their weekend covering the two venues.

Sarah started her role last year and was around for the significant move from Te Rapa Racecourse to the covered location of Claudelands.

“We moved in August so experienced the winter outside which was really hard.

We were rained on and it can be very cold and windy so moving to the indoor location was a great relief and made it so much easier on the stallholders and customers. “We have over 50 stallholders coming on a Sunday in the summer and around 35 in the winter.

The market starts to grow again after August as it warms up.”

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stay at the market to maintain that customer connection.

“They get better prices for their produce and they like the interaction between the customers. For those that farm it can be quite isolating when all that produce is shipped away and they don’t get any personal gratification for it — they don’t realise how much their food is appreciated.”

Sarah said it was interesting to see the rise of ‘urban farmers’ as these producers aren’t taking over their family farm. Instead they have started their own businesses and they all seem to be into organic and sustainable farming practices.

“We have a few young producers now who are in Hamilton city and have urban farms and you can’t get any more local than that. They are spray-free and trying to get their organic certification.”

Sarah’s favourite part about the job is liaising with the stallholders and customers and bringing the market together each Sunday morning.

“I really enjoy being between the stall holders and the customers and bringing it together — the market only works when we all work together.”

Sarah says she hopes to watch the market grow and keep succeeding under her direction while being able to educate people about making healthy choices.

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The Hamilton Farmers Market is a hive of activity after moving their new covered premises at Claudelands

Like the Cambridge market they try to keep the stallholder ratio at 70 per cent primary producers and 30 per cent value added.

Sarah says this ratio becomes skewed in the winter months when there isn’t much fresh produce around.

However there is no waiting list as such but added value stallholders must meet a criteria.

“We do look at what they offer and whether they are a good fit for the market. We want them to use as much local produce as possible and we’ll decide if we can give them a place. It’s not a space issue we just don’t want to become a mainly value added market,” says Sarah.

Volare Bakery is a success story at the Hamilton market. Starting small they now have several shops in Hamilton and Sarah says often businesses

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

Fonterra board elections underway Nominations for the Fonterra board of directors’ opened on Monday, July 17 for three farmer-elected positions.

Fonterra shareholders are eligible to stand for the Fonterra Elections.

Candidates must satisfy eligibility requirements in order to be elected and further procedural requirements are specified in the Election rules.

The Independent Nomination process

will be run first with nominations needing to have been received by the Returning Officer, Warwick Lampp of electionz.com by 12 noon on Monday, August 7, 2017.

The Returning Officer will announce the Independent Nomination process candidates on Monday, September 11

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and self-nominations, where farmers can put themselves forward as a candidate for the Board outside the Independent Nomination process, will follow with the nomination period running from Monday, September 11 through until Thursday, September 21.

The Returning Officer will confirm all Farmer Directors’ Election candidates on Monday, September 25, 2017.

COLOURCRETE DAIRY FLOOR RESURFACER has been specially formulated for the repair of worn or damaged concrete in the dairy industry. Dairy Floor Resurfacer is a two pack system combining a Portland cement, fine aggregate based micro concrete and sophisticated binders that provide superior, compressive, tensile and flexural strength as well as a very high level of abrasion resistance and adhesion. This product is suitable for repairing worn or pitted areas or to provide a non-slip surface where necessary.

The Directors’ Election will be held using the ‘first past the post majority’ system via postal and online voting by Fonterra shareholders.

Elections for the Directors’ Remuneration Committee and the Shareholders’ Council will also be held this year. Nominations for both elections will be called for in August.

Nomination Papers and Candidate Handbooks will be available by phoning the Election Helpline on free phone 0800 666 034 or emailing iro@electionz.com.

A two pot clear epoxy sealer can be supplied to reduce the wearing effects of milk and acid.

COLOURCRETE DAIRY FLOOR RESURFACER can be supplied as a ‘do it yourself kit’ and delivered anywhere in New Zealand or applied, in most areas, by contractors.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

23

LIVESTOCK

Hunt best bull calves New Zealand’s very best bull calves that will produce the next generation of high performing dairy cows are being sought.

With calving now underway, CRV Ambreed Breeding manager Aaron Parker says it’s time for farmers to get in touch with the herd improvement company if they have a top-notch bull calf hit the paddock.

“Year-on-year we are carefully building a portfolio of genetics to suit a broad range of environments, conditions and farming systems to ensure New Zealand’s dairy industry is successful well into the future,” says Aaron.

“If a bull is nominated for our breeding programme, and is successful, it is a lucrative source of income. The farmer becomes part of an influential group of breeders contributing to genetic diversity and the overall advancement of New Zealand’s national herd.”

If a bull calf is selected for CRV Ambreed’s sire-providing programme, farmers have two options to sell their bull. A bonus is awarded if the bull is ranked in the top one per cent in New Zealand for New Zealand Merit Index (NZMI).

Parker says elite bull calves are usually sourced through CRV Ambreed’s contract mating programme, but it is through the yearly contract-free bull calf nomination process where more

unique bulls are discovered. “We look for bulls whose daughters will be efficient producers and easy to manage for farmers. ‘Outcross’ or uncommon bloodlines are also preferred.”

Southland farmer owners Lyall and Jan Hopcroft and contract milkers Nick Templer and Anieka Venekamp, decided to try their luck in 2015 with a son of one of their favourite cows, Jassie.

Anieka said Jassie was only three years old when she had son Jasper, but she remembered Jassie as a heifer and she had an outstanding udder and temperament.

“She would catch my eye every time I was in the paddock, then when her herd test results came in we knew we were definitely onto a winner.

“We breed for udder, protein, temperament and capacity and she ticked all the boxes. She was the cow I was really hoping to get a heifer out of, so when Jasper was born I thought I would try him with CRV.” They have five cows lined up this calving season and will nominate their calves if they are bulls.

Aaron says CRV Ambreed is always keen to chat with farmers who haven’t nominated a bull calf before.

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Jassie produced son Jasper who was nominated for CRV’s breeding programme

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genotype a bull calf, even if we know we don’t have first option.”

Nominate your bull calf by phoning 0800 262 733 or completing the online form at www.crv4all.co.nz/bullcalves.

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Talk to your animal health professional, your local veterinarian

24

July 2017 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Natural immunity, key to health

by John K Morris CEO of Agrissentials

Here at Agrissentials, the game plan is increasing as more producers look seriously at moving towards Organx™ production and BioGro certification.

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After 33 years down the natural track I see a move back to “traditional farming” with Mother Nature and all the “free-capital” she brings to the table, which will release the farms production into a certified system of safe, certified, nutritiously dense food, all eco-friendly and fully sustainable enhancing both farm and environment. Each farm will have its own independent auditor to help them through to full certification, within a 3 year period, with an estimated annual audit cost of around $1,800.00 (eighteen hundred dollars).

Making the move away from “agrochemical” production and back to “traditional farming” will encourage you and your family to feel strong about operating a “certified” farming system.

It’s not complicated, it’s all about getting your soil right and Agrissentials can take you there.

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The challenge is to bring the soil back to life. To manage the soil by attaching the farmers personal meaning of soil to a higher purpose, for the farmer to become a steward of this ”soil-culture”, to lift the game, to make him the best farmer in the world!

Top soil is sacred, the more we care and look after it, the more wealth it will return to us.

For the past 60 odd years we have been bombarding our soils with synthetic nitrates, phosphates and a plethora of synthetic toxic chemicals. The chemical age has been detrimental to all life upon the planet and also in the sea, rivers, lakes and streams.

The situation is reversible, but we need to work on it now!

In late 2015, the Australian Grain Board, a government department made a statement that they were leaving the “chemical age” in an endeavour to increase falling production and to increase the quality of the grain.

From my perspective, having worked on both sides of the fence I learnt early that chemicals don’t work and in reality

create their own market — A major chemical producer has admitted that they have run out of chemicals to fight pest and disease. This shows just how strong Mother Nature is, with pest and disease becoming immune to toxic chemical sprays.

Agrissentials are producing a BioGro certified natural sea based product ET250, to repel pests, disease and other bugs. There is no point in trying to eradicate pest and disease, as they are part of Mother Nature’s system. ET250 is designed to chase those problems out of the orchard and it’s working. Better than that, if you are using a multi-mineral fertiliser like RokSolid or Oceans 100, packed with minerals, the plant will fix its own immunity to pests, disease and bugs.

The “chemical-cowboys” have made a fortune from their toxic chemicals, without any thought about the ramifications of their products on plants, animals, birds, bees, rivers, soils, food and ultimately humans. This is the real problem!

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

25

RURAL WHEELS ADVERTORIAL

Joy in a journey SupaScoota folding mobility scooters and chairs ‘put the joy back into your journey’.

Portable, lightweight, electric mobility scooters and powerchairs conveniently fold away for easy transportation giving convenience and flexibility for users.

The Australian-designed range includes standard, heavy duty and heavy duty sport model scooters. All the SupaScootas are easily transported in the boot of a car and have a weight carrying capacity ranging from 90kg to 200kg.

“Clients are loving the versatility and compactness of the SupaScoota and how simple they are to drive. They enjoy being able to get out and about easily and safely,” said Alan.

“It’s the convenience of putting the scooter in a small car and being able to go into town and do your shopping or to a cafe, and go places that you wouldn’t normally go. Supa Scoota gives you back your freedom.

“They are affordably priced and give owners the freedom to go on planes, in cars or even on a cruise. It is putting the joy back into your journey.”

The standard model has a super tight turning circle for indoor and outdoor use with a comfortable seat and armrests with heaps of legroom, electronic stability control for extra safety, and it

automatically slows down when you are turning.

The heavy duty scooter has a dual motor system that makes light work of pavement and steep hills so users can go anywhere with total security, and the heavy duty sport model comes with all the features of the heavy-duty version but has a larger frame and wheels and is suitable for more demanding users.

The fold-up power chair is also available and is a two-in-one item. The chair can be used as a normal wheelchair or can be battery powered and travels at approximately nine kilometres per hour.

The power controller is connected to the arm rest and can be fitted to the left or right, or it can be fitted to the rear attendant handles and can be driven from the rear. No more huffing and puffing up those hills.

Each battery lasts approximately 10km and a second battery can be purchased for convenience.

The total weight of each scooter is around 36kg, and when folded up the heaviest part is 9.6kg. As seen at the Northland Field Days in March this year.

For more information contact Alan on 0800 188877, email citymobility.nz@ gmail.com or visit supascoota.co.nz.

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July 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS

Ready for anything

by Andy Bryenton

The venerable Yamaha AG 125 has been a common sight on Kiwi farms for so long now that it’s almost part of the scenery. Simple, easy to maintain and able to take a lot of good-natured punishment, the little blue machine is easy to compare to other hard-wearing rural classics like the swanndri and the gumboot.

As an upshot, there’s a whole generation out there who know how to ride an AG 125. Many kids from farming families would have mastered the diminutive single-cylinder bike with its distinctive knobbly tyres well before it was time to learn to drive the family car. And that means there’s a huge crossover market for Yamaha’s street-ready version of the Ag 125 — the YTZ125.

Really, it’s just common sense.

Adding the necessary bits and pieces to allow a number plate and road legal status was a snap for Yamaha, who after all have a stable of road bikes ranging from the commuter practical to the blisteringly fast.

And there are numerous times when zipping down from the homestead to the local shops, around to the neighbours, or indeed down the highway to another block of grazing land is on the cards.

The YTZ125 allows, if nothing else, the ability to do this without changing vehicles.

But there’s more to this machine than just convenience. With the same 125cc of power from an air cooled four stroke single cylinder motor, the same terrain-busting ride height and suspension, and a similar feel to the AG 125, the YTZ125 inspires on road confidence and still allows dirt-trail and paddock work.

Perhaps like nothing else, this machine bridges the gap between two worlds of motorcycling — that of the serious workhorse and that of riding for the sheer pleasure of it.

Coming out of a heritage of real farm endurance — the YTZ has been extensively put through its paces in the South Island back blocks — there’s nimble balance and lightweight handling here which fosters confidence. Those

Cross purposes — the Yamaha YTZ125 can handle the farm, the highway or the trail with equal ease

who have experienced the open road as well as the trail may very well be tempted to look at Yamaha’s other offerings — a selection which will have true petrol heads salivating.

In the meantime, the learner approved, farm tested YTZ125 offers practicality as well as a taste of the ‘other side’ of motorcycling — and all for a very neat price.

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• 4 Wheel Alignment • Onsite Repairs • WINZ Quotes

Farmers Card & Q Card Accepted

Conditions Apply

PH 07 849 5788

718 Te Rapa Rd

Stihl Shop

HAMILTON www.terapatyres.co.nz

GC1705 Tractor 22.5 hp Compact Tractor, Big Performance

Anything… Anywhere… Anytime!

3-Cylinder Diesel Engine Hydrostatic 2 Range Transmission Picture includes optional loader Options Include: Mower Deck , Backhoe and Loader

$

12,900

+GST

John Metcalfe 07 843 7953 Ben Peters 027 243 1750

Neil Lawrence 027 654 0913 Keith Stewart 07 854 4048

www.waikatotractors.co.nz Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton Phone 07 843 7237 Prices available while stocks last. 3.99% Finance available on specific models, to approved AGCO Finance customers with 30% minimum deposit. GST paid in 3rd month, and balance paid over 36 months. Subject to normal lending criteria. Conditions Apply. OFFER ENDS 31 JULY 2017

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

For a FREE QUOTE phone us on 07 847 2074

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES July 2017

Care for beaches

27

To reduce the risk of coastal erosion and to support local biodiversity at Kiritehere beach, a group of volunteers planted nearly 3,000 native plants earlier this month.

The event was attended by more than 30 people with the support of the Tahi Hohaia Hikoia whanau and Waikato Regional Council.

“Dunes play an important role in protecting beaches from coastal erosion and sand inundation caused by a combination of massive storms and high tides,” said Waikato Regional Council’s Site Restoration advisor, Moniqua Nelson-Tunley.

“Native dune plants trap windblown sand, building a natural buffer in the coastal margin and allowing the dunes to self-repair following big storm events.”

Dunes also have impor tant biodiversity benefits, providing a home for endangered insects, lizards and birds, which in turn help pollinate and fertilise the dune plants and spread native plant seeds across the landscape.

“The dunes are fragile. More than 75 per cent of our region’s beaches have been modified or destroyed by removal, grazing or trampling of native plants.

That’s why the work of Beachcare volunteers is so important,” she said.

Volunteers spend up to 1,500 hours

planting over winter months across the region and they are also involved in a range of other work aimed at protecting coastlines, including building access ways, fences and boarded pathways so people can get to and from beaches more easily without trampling dunes.

They control pest plants and animals, install signs, speak to community groups and run educational seminars.

Volunteers also monitor beaches for changes or problems that may need attention.

WRC funds more than 50,000 native plants for planting by volunteers involved in 20 Beachcare groups across the region every year and Beachcare groups are supported by the WRC iwi and district councils.

Upcoming planting bees for people of all ages to get involved in will be held at Kiritehere on Saturday August 5 from 10am, Ruapuke North on Sunday August 6 from 10am, and Marokopa on Sunday August 27 — meeting at 10am at 4 Marokopa Road.

For more information go to www. waikatoregion.govt.nz/beachcare

Moniqua Nelson-Tunley, Waikato Regional Council’s Site Restoration advisor

Waikato CLASSIFIEDS Reach 30,000 Rural Homes • Phone 0800 466 793 For Sale

Animal Health Products

CONCRETE POST specialist, Posts, Angles, Strainers, Stays, Foot, Buy Direct. Phone 0800 876 844 (0800 TROUGH).

HIGH CELL Count? Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L $49.95, 200L $450 or 1000L $2,000 +GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. blacktypeminerals.co.nz.

CONCRETE TANK Specialist. Water, effluent, septic tanks. Price quoted, delivered to site. Buy Direct.

Phone 0800 876 844 (0800 TROUGH).

SMOKE ALARMS Save Lives

Financial BANK SAID NO? We specialise in Farm Finance, working capital and debt consolidation. Also welcome applications from property developers, builder’s and first home buyers. Call 0800 888 449 or email bill@gfbl.co.nz.

BE FIRE SAFE THIS WINTER

PREVENT AND MANAGE CALF SCOURS TuffRock Calf Plus natural digestive aid paste delivers quick results using a blend of molecular reinforced volcanic minerals. NO WITH-HOLDING PERIOD. Improves well-being and digestion, firms faecal matter, restores appetite. Inquire at Farmsource RD1, Farmlands, or www.tuffrock.nz – 0800TUFFROCK.

Waikato Rural Marketplace Body Ease Andrea Shaw-Thorpe Dip.Nat & Comp. Med 2004 Ph/Txt: 021 033 5564 Putaruru: (07) 883 3302

2 Glenshea Street, Putaruru Ph: (07) 883 8062 | ajtyres@hotmail.com

Mobiles Taupiri Street. PO Box 217 Te Kuiti.

5656 Taupiri Street Brodie 8343027 459 0000 PO Box 217 Phone Te Kuiti 07 878 Mobile Brodie 027Keat 459027 0000 291 6692 Phone 07 878 8343

Body Ease Waikato

Massaging Neck & Shoulders • Back • Arms & Legs • OOS & RSI •

Pre & Post Surgery • Women’s Issues •

Neuro-Muscular Massage Therapist

Waikato’s Gas Guys

Central Motors 8272

 07 883 8

HOT-NET ELECTRIC NETTING

• GENERAL REPAIRS • WOF SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • EFI REPAIRS • LUBES SCAN TOOL DIAGNOSIS • AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIRS Manager Peter Cranch: 027 442 0219 Phone: (07) 883 8272 Fax: (07) 883 8165 Email: putarurutowing@xtra.co.nz

7-9 Neal St, Putaruru

WHY US? WOOD LOTS, FORESTRY, Specialised Equipment SMALL HECTARE LOTS, WANTED NOW! Pride in Workmanship CLEARING LAND TO MAKE IT MORE PRODUCTIVE?

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Call Karl Schwitzer (07) 823 5074 or 029 823 5074 | www.schwitzercontracting.co.nz

Versatile electric fencing for farms and lifestyle properties.

Available in a range of sizes, comes with posts and is ready to use*.

Available For: Poultry, Sheep, Goats, Calves, Rabbits and more.

PH: 07 867 3091 | M: 021 102 3306 E: contact@fencewright.co.nz

*Energiser unit not included

Fill and Test Welding Bottles Oxygen • Argon • Argonmix • CO2

Fill and Test LPG Cylinders 134 Grey St, Hamilton East • 07 856 7022

WAIHOU EXCAVATION LTD EXPERIENCED OWNER/OPERATOR - FRANK TEAGUE

6, 13, 16 Tonne Excavators with tilt bucket & thumb • General Excavation • Site Work and Demolition • Race Preparation • Tractor Hire • Truck Hire • Suppliers of Race Rock

• Trenching • Drain Cleaning • Silage Stacking • Transporter Hire • Roller Hire • Tractor and Scoop Hire

A/H Ph 884 8986 Frank & Shelley • Frank Mobile 027 530 7279

WAIKATO TRACTORS LTD After Hours Phone: • John Metcalfe 07 843 7953 • Ted Murphy 07 889 1505 John Metcalfe 07 843 7953 Ted Murphy 07 889 1505 • Keith Stewart 07 854 4048 • Glenn Greay Keith Stewart 07 854 4048 027 Glenn243 Greay1750 027 243 1750 • Neil Lawrence 027 654 0913027 654 0913 Neil Lawrence www.waikatotractors.co.nz Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton

www.waikatotractors.co.nz Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton All prices exclude GST and are subject to stock availability.

Finance available to approved customers, terms and conditions apply

28

July 2017 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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