Waikato Farming Lifestyles, March 2017

Waikato

FARMING Lifestyles

March 2017 Edition

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

Teaching farm dogs stock skills P6

The world of goats

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Improving to take on the world P8

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March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Fighting kiwifruit pests

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

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Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) Inc and the Ministry for Primary Industries recently signed an agreement to help reduce the damaging impacts of the four most common biosecurity threats to the kiwifruit and kiwiberry sectors.

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Roger Smith (MPI), Adrian Gault (KVH chairman) and Barry O’Neil (KVH CEO) sign an agreement to work together to combat pests threatening the kiwifruit industry

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The operational agreement under the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA) sets out the contractual arrangements of how industry and government will work together to manage potential pests.

“This means the kiwifruit and kiwiberry sectors and MPI can work together to manage and help reduce the impact of a number of pest threats on our sector, which has exports of almost $2 billion per year,” said KVH CEO, Barry O’Neil.

“There are a number of biosecurity threats facing our industry. The Psa incursion, which impacted us from 2010, cost the kiwifruit industry $1 billion.

With the signing of this agreement we have committed to doing everything we can to stop another Psa-type event from occurring.”

The agreement establishes the operational details for readiness and response activities and costsharing arrangements, to deliver better biosecurity outcomes for the kiwifruit sector. It includes the roles and responsibilities of all the parties, including how joint activities will be cost shared. The GIA partnership currently has 14 partners from across government and the wider primary sector, who have agreed to work together to jointly

manage biosecurity threats. “The GIA partnership welcomes the signing of this agreement as a positive step forward for both government and the kiwifruit sector,” said GIA secretariat manager, Steve Rich.

“This agreement provides a prime example of how biosecurity will come to be managed in New Zealand under GIA — with industry and the Crown working together to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The agreement covers the four most common threats to the kiwifruit sector, and other pests and pathogens can be added to the agreement as they are identified.

Signatories to the agreement include Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc — on behalf of the kiwifruit and kiwiberry sectors — and the Ministry for Primary Industries, on behalf of the Crown.

The kiwifruit and kiwiberry sector operational agreement is the second of its kind. The first agreement was the multi-sector agreement for the management of fruit fly in New Zealand, and agreements for brown marmorated stink bug are currently in development.

Over time, further operational agreements for specific biosecurity threats, and sectors represented under GIA, will be executed between the partners to GIA.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

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The winners of the Waikato Dairy Industry Awards, Phillip van Heuven, Euan McLeod and Kobus Liebenberg have shown commitment to dairy farming and all plan to progress through the industry ranks.

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heifers have been getting AB done since the early 1980s. As a result, the herd is one of the top Jersey herds in the country for body weight, so not only do I have fantastic cows to milk, the farm also has an extra source of income from selling excess cows for which there is a strong demand,” said Euan.

“The farm owner allows staff to take responsibility for their jobs and to have the freedom to make decisions within those roles. That kind of environment is great for business.”

Kobus is 23 years old and is committed to the dairy industry and says he is determined to be a farm owner.

Kobus has been in the industry for three seasons with the first six months being free labour and relief milking to

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‘get a foot-in-the-door’. He is currently herd manager for Campbell and Susan Thomas on their 420-cow property at Ohaupo and says entering the awards is an opportunity to reflect on strong and weak points.

“Long term I would like to own a chain of farms and be a Fonterra board member. Short term I would like to obtain a farm manager position,” said Kobus.

“Areas that need work are highlighted by judges, allowing me to improve and strive for better.”

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Share Farmer of the Year, 30-yearold Phillip, is 50 per cent sharemilking 230 cows for Brett Coubrough at Tirau, and was recognised for striving to achieve and continually looking for ways to progress.

Euan became the Dairy Manager of the Year, and Kobus the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Phillip’s goal is to continue to progress by obtaining a larger 50 per cent sharemilking position. He believes the strengths of his operation are in pasture and animal management.

“I am always monitoring the pasture and achieving correct residuals and have an established regrassing programme,” he says.

“For me, happy cows equals a happy farming life. Cow condition is a priority and growth rates of young stock are closely monitored.”

Euan is 35 years old and currently the farm manager for one of Waikato’s most established AB dairy farming operations, Murray and Janet Gibb’s 122ha farm, milking 380 cows in Taupiri, where he has progressed from farm assistant to farm manager.

He is grateful for a farm owner with a wealth of experience and knowledge who is completely open to trying new things on farm.

“The herd on this farm have been bred to AB since the 1960s, and the

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March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

BY ANN MORGAN Duckingham Palace is the home to many white Indian Runner ducks including Lucky, Plucky, Jemima, Showduck, Gronway, Colin and Tony. It is also a haven for rescued endangered ducklings such as the Grey Teal, which get hand-reared and released back into the wild.

W

hen Stacey Austin and Larry Tessier (Sunny) moved to their property in the Waikato, there was a flock of Indian runners with 13 ducklings residing on the lake.

“They are a lovely duck with great personalities but they are notoriously terrible parents,” said Stacey.

“There were 13 ducklings and one was abandoned and all by itself on the lake, so I called it over and it amazingly came close enough for us to catch it in a net, and we called it Lucky. A couple of months later another lone duckling was peeping away by itself so we caught him and called him Plucky.”

The pair happened to be a male and a female and Stacey says nature then took over, and suddenly they had ducklings everywhere.

“We house the babies in their own private enclosure and hand-rear them, they don’t go on the lake. We have 16 ducks in total at present and the number is growing.

“The Indian runners are flightless and are amazing if you have an orchard or garden because their favourite foods are slugs, bugs and snails. As long as you don’t have brand new seedlings in your garden they will remove the bugs for you and fertilise the garden as they go.

The couple also feed their ducks cracked corn and chook chow with lots of fresh water, and Stacey says ideally people should have three females to a male.

“They are amazing for people with lifestyle blocks and they get on with other birds, but if you want to keep the

line pure they need to be kept separate.

“They are a very healthy bird, like all ducks they can get worms, but I put apple cider vinegar in their drinking water to avoid this — maybe a quarter of a cup to ten litres of water.

“They aren’t really an eating bird but they are the most prolific egg layer, we get approximately 300 eggs per year per duck. “ Staceys says the eggs are approximately twice the size of hens, are slightly richer and great for eating.

“They make the best sponge and meringues. If your recipe asks for one egg just use a duck egg. I love them.

“The Indian runners make great companions and their lifespan can be 15 years. They are super friendly with children and they don’t have sharp

Stacey with flowers from around the property where the ducks clean around the plants, and fertilise as they go

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Indian Runner ducks are a domestic breed that are ideal for lifestyle blocks and keeping vineyards, orchards or gardens bug free

The duck eggs are approximately twice the size of hens

beaks like other ducks have. Their favourite treat is lettuce, they love it.

“Our line is pure white but you can get fawn or a variety of different colours.

They stand very tall and slim which is how you can tell they are a pure Indian runner. If it isn’t tall it could be crossed with a Pekin.

“Indian runners are tall and lean and the female has a loud quack that the male doesn’t.

“The male’s tail has a flick in it, the female’s doesn’t.

“They are real characters and all run in a pack and follow each other and stick together, if one runs they all run.

They often don’t know what they are running for.”

Stacey says if you get them young enough they imprint really well. If you feed them in the same spot daily they will always run to that spot to eat, making locking them away at night easy.

“They are happy to free range and do prefer to sleep outside under a tree in a huddle.

“They are a domestic breed and we highly recommend them for vineyards, orchards or gardens, as they keep everything bug free and they fertilise as they go.” Stacey and Larry also started the New Zealand Endangered Ducks

5

Society. “We run the NZEDS and we have dreams to re-establish endangered duck species. We sell Indian runners and these sales help fund the project.

“We hand-rear and release endangered ducks including the grey teal. If we come across abandoned eggs we incubate, raise and release them back into

the wild. We rescued around 45 grey teal in the past year. We want to help save the different species that have become vulnerable.”

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March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

TEACHING FARM DOGS STOCK SKILLS Anna Holland’s passion for breeding, training and working farm dogs spans 44 years and she holds clinics to give dog owners the opportunity to learn new skills and have a greater understanding of their canine team members.

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ow do you teach a dog a few basic commands to handle stock and where do you start? Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Attend

a clinic to learn this and much more.

“I was born and raised in the heart of Auckland and was very fortunate to be introduced to farm dogs as a small child when visiting my uncle’s farm in the Wairarapa during the school holidays,” said Anna.

“Although Uncle never taught me about dogs, I saw firsthand how a welltrained and obedient dog handled stock, and his dogs were comfortably housed and well fed. I cannot put a value on his influence.” Anna spent every August school holiday riding a lambing beat with

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

her uncle, saying she was going to be a land girl when she grew up, and at 17 years old she left home to start her career working on the land. “My love for horses was the main reason farm life was so attractive but after training my first dog Rod, a Heading pup, I was totally hooked on rearing and training working dogs.”

Anna mated Rod to her Heading bitch, Patricia, and that first litter was the beginning of a lifelong passion for breeding sheepdogs.

“Back in those days it was a definite handicap being a woman in the sheep farming industry, however I shepherded for 25 years before trying my hand at other things, but I kept my bitches, bred the odd litter, trained a few pups and helped friends on their farms from time to time.”

She also started writing columns for farming publications about the care and training of working farm dogs, and due to the popularity of the columns, Anna wondered if a more hands-on and personal approach would work, hence the Teaching People Dog Training clinics evolved.

In the eight years she has been holding the clinics, Anna has presented 43 to date, from as far north as Wellsford to the far south of Invercargill.

“I don’t travel as much as I used to and only go to the odd central location now,” she said. “I limit the numbers to 35 people because it is important that everyone is able to hear and see clearly.

“Attendees don’t bring their dogs to the clinics, there is a lot to cover and it is

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vital dog owners completely understand why and when they do things. Trainers and dogs need to work at their own pace.”

Everyone receives a copy of the booklet she wrote; it is a reminder outlining all the important points covered that day, freeing people to focus and not worry about taking notes.

“We go through everything that I do to train a dog to have an all-round ability for day-to-day stock work. I demonstrate the basic ‘must have, can’t live without’ commands that include a recall, stop, right and left mob sides — used when working close to stock. “I also cover other skills that I have found invaluable, like to calmly walk up to within an inch of a sheep’s nose — this gives dogs the confidence to get close and to not be afraid, as well as not rushing in and biting at every opportunity. Stock respect confident dogs.”

‘Careful’ is a command Anna uses to go from a gallop to a trot, from trot to walk, to a very slow walk — saving the stop command for stopping only.

She says most people overuse a dog’s stop. “I also explain how I teach a dog ‘casting sides’ and how to ‘run’ a fenceline, which is really handy in both small and large paddocks and invaluable for

Anna teaches skills for a dog to have an all-round ability for day-to-day stock work and other skills that she finds invaluable

teaching a dog ‘distance’. It is a great confidence booster for training a dog to run ‘blind’ when he can’t see any stock.”

“For those who attend my clinics I guarantee they will go away inspired and with a few new dog training tricks, as well as a greater understanding of their dogs.”

The next clinics will be in Feilding on March 26, Wellsford on April 2, Morrinsville on April 5 and Taupo on April 9. Cost is $100 per person and booking

is essential as places are limited. For more information go to annaholland. co.nz or phone 06 212 4848.

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March 2017 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

The goats are kept in housing barns out of the wind and rain

Sam Juby spent her teenage years learning the ropes of dairy goat farming on her parents property, and now she works for Ag Research as a research technician discovering ways to enhance the dairy goat industry.

“M

y parents have 1,350 goats which are mainly Saanen with a few of Toggenburg and Nubian. They have been dairy goat farming for 10 years now,” said Sam. “I love working with the goats. They have great personalities and there is always something happening.” The herd is kept in housing barns, out of the wind

and rain. They also have an outdoor area where they run and play.

Before converting to dairy goats, the family ran a sheep and beef farm. Sam says the goats are a delight and very different to other stock.

“They have tons of energy and are cheeky and naughty. Each has their own character. They have two teats instead of four and are milked twice a day. Kidding

for goats is in July and it is a very busy time for us; about 80 per cent of the does kid in the first 10 days. It is very different than cattle and sheep as the goats have a lot more multiple births.”

She says most of the does have multiples and some need assistance with birth.

Milking takes longer during kidding time due to having multiple mobs.

Before the goats go into the main herd their milk is checked to ensure it is up to standard to send to the factory for processing.

“Goat milk is good for you as it has a certain protein make-up and is the closest to human breast milk. This means some lactose intolerant children

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and those with allergies can drink it.”

Sam has been researching different goat farms around the region for Ag Research for two years.

“Prior to this job I travelled around Europe for nine months and worked on different goat farms,” said Sam. “I am researching the longevity of the goats, which is looking at factors such as why goats leave the herd, early stage growth, milk production and genetics.

“We gave our reports of our findings to farmers before kidding time and this has really helped the industry.

“We have found growth rates of kids between birth and two weeks old were improved on some farms from last season because farmers were

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Sam has been researching goats for two years including their growth, milk production and genetics

given the knowledge of what to change instead of just scientific literature.

They can see the improvements have been accomplished.”

Sam says farmers like the fact that the information gathered is from actual farms and what they do well or different and has actually been proven.

As part of her research Sam is growing a new forage crop for goats as an alternative food for the future.

“So far my trial is successful. There are really good crops out there but

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they may not suit all goats systems, or the farm may be in an area that is not suitable for crops such as lucerne or clover.”

Sam is also the chair of North Waikato Young Farmers and says it is a great organisation.

“We encourage young people to come and socialise and get to know others.

It is really healthy to have time off the farm. We have events like pot luck dinners and guest speakers and we help each other on and off farm with things

like hay and silage making and we have a great time together.

“It is also good to be able to chat about industry things and bounce ideas off each other and hear other peoples views or experiences.

“I am excited about my research findings and eventually want to manage my own goat farm permanently. I love the goat farming life.”

For more information on Young Farmers go to the North Waikato Young Farmers Facebook page.

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10

March 2017 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

ADVERTORIAL

Natural vs chemical After years of chemical abuse our planet’s soils are ready for restoration and increased production. Agrissentials best on earth fertilisers are pioneers of groundbreaking, multi-mineral, microbial rich, energised fertilisers, which are bringing vitality and life back to the soil, increasing soil humus, soil carbon and topsoil depth.

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is only just beginning to understand. It is essential that farming recognises and understands the importance of microorganisms and their ability to transfer natural minerals into a plant available form; locking those minerals into the humus they produce to stop the minerals from leaching. This humus also stores water, increasing water retention quality in the soil and on your farm.

Among all the different soil organisms, bacteria and fungi are especially important for soil health and in particular mycorrhizal fungi, which interact with 80% of plant species. Mycorrhizal fungi have many roles, such as decomposing organic matter, facilitating nutrient cycles, storage of carbon, building soil structure and protecting plants.

The network of mycorrhizal strands extends the capacity of the plants roots and connects plants to one another.

Understanding the benefits of these fungi will greatly improve the productivity and the health of soil.

Today’s soil tests only identify the ‘soluble nutrients’ that are readily available to the plants in the short term.

Beyond these soluble nutrients there is a huge natural resource of nutrients in the soil and these are made available to the plants through mycorrhizal fungi and other microorganisms. This is the natural system that has operated on the planet for 460 million years. One hundred years of chemical production is not only causing damage to farming soils and the environment, but is also causing health problems within plants, animals and people; sickness is rife.

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when pesticides are used the plants are coated in toxic sprays whereby they cannot develop their own natural immunity; in a live, living, multi-mineral, microbial-rich soil the plant has all the necessary equipment to protect itself.

In a chemical programme the plants are weak and continually need more chemical inputs, which is what the ‘chemical-treadmill’ is all about — these chemical sprays are going into the food chain. What!

According to Patrick Holden, CEO of Sustainable Food Trust: “We are locked into a cycle of ever-increasing industrial farming based on a chemical mindset and a reductionist approach and we need to break free of it.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017 ADVERTORIAL

Waikato Aviation partners with Momento City With our cafe Momento City, in the heart of Hamilton CBD, continually growing, we are excited to be opening another cafe in conjunction with Waikato Aviation.

This site is the perfect location to sit back and relax while enjoying a bit of plane spotting on the expansive deck.

It is also just off Ohaupo Road as you head south out of Hamilton, with plenty of parking available.

Rocket coffee supplies our beans with an exclusive Momento blend created especially for us. Rocket Coffee is a locally owned company with more than 20 years’ experience. Our baristas have years of experience and will be the heart and soul of Momento Aero Cafe.

We offer boutique teas, house made smoothies and iced drinks, freshly baked daily sweet treats, and delicious cabinet food. Our cabinet food includes gourmet sausage rolls, paninis, rustic sandwiches, salads, baps, slices and more.

A fridge full of cold drinks, including all the classics as well as the most organic juice selection, is also available.

Another change on site is that Waikato Aero Club has rebranded and is now trading as Waikato Aviation. The Waikato Aero Club has been training

pilots for all types of piloting since 1933 and with the continued number of students focussing on flying as a career and gaining employment in international airline flying, “We felt like the need to reflect the changing face of aviation and student outcomes in our branding and name,” said Peter Wilson, Waikato Aviation General Manager.

“We see ourselves as the Waikato communities access point to aviation, and opening a cafe facility on the airfield was an ideal opportunity to showcase what we offer along with top quality coffee and food.”

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11

ADVERTORIAL

Tips for joint health Part three: These diseases need a more systemic treatment targeting immune function rather than targeting joint tissue as we would of OA. For autoimmune disease the first place to start is testing vitamin D levels. There is a groundswell of excellent research linking low levels of vitamin D to immune system disorders in addition to other serious problems including mental health and cancer.

Often overlooked is the importance of staying well hydrated. Even slight dehydration can negatively affect cartilage function. Another helpful tip for joint problems can be having a bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate). The magnesium helps to relax tense and stressed tissue in and around joints while sulphate helps with joint tissue structure.

Turmeric is excellent for joints. In supplements, I use a 95% curcumin extract, which helps reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis. I also recommend adding extra turmeric either as grated whole root or powder.

Another tip is to add black pepper to your diet. Pepper contains piperine, which has the ability to transport curcumin from turmeric to our joints.

Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar is an old naturopathic treatment for arthritis. Have two teaspoons in water before a meal. Gelatine contains collagen, which is a building block for cartilage and can help relieve the pain of arthritis. Dissolve a teaspoon in warm water and drink.

Freshly ground flax seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory plant-based alpha-linolenic acid Omega 3. This will help your joints and will also help cholesterol balance and digestive health. Feel free to contact me for more information.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For personalised advice, contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www. abundant.co.nz.

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QUAD BIKE SAFETY Wear a helmet.

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12

March 2017 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

FORESTRY

New forestry safety moves planned The safe performance of the forestry industry has improved considerably since it was recorded as being New Zealand’s most dangerous industry just three years ago, and more safety initiatives are planned this year, according to the just-released annual report of the Forestry Industry Safety Council.

The council’s independent chair, Dame Alison Paterson, says in her report for the year to December 2016, released on March 21, “that after falling sharply in 2014, injury rates have been creeping up again.

“Expectations about safety standards also rose in 2016, and it is important that the sector continues to strive to meet these higher expectations,” Dame Alison said.

“Legal requirements increased when the Health and Safety at Work Act came into force in April 2016 — embedding into law many good practices already being used by many forestry companies.

“These requirements include the need for good oversight of safety by directors and CEOs, for workers to be genuinely involved in improving safety, and for forest owners, managers and contractors to work together to ensure the safety of everyone on site. “Also relevant to forestry is a recent district

court ruling on whether the Ministry of Social Development did enough to prevent the shooting of three of its workers.

The court was clear that organisations need to understand their health and safety risks, and how to manage them.

Importantly, it also concluded that ‘costs’ can’t be used as an excuse to not manage risks effectively — particularly risks that can kill or seriously injure someone.

Dame Alison added that “clearly the bar has lifted on what’s expected around health and safety performance. Work practices and injury rates that might have been considered acceptable five years ago are now no longer tolerated.

“This lift in expectations is supporting the forestry sector’s drive to reduce harm to workers. It also reinforces the importance of the harm reduction initiatives FISC is undertaking on behalf of the sector.

FOREST & WOODLOT OWNERS

“In 2016 these initiatives included launching the worker certification scheme, developing the contractor certification scheme, creating a forestry industry safety charter and working to improve management of critical risks.”

More initiatives will roll out in 2017, including launching the contractor certification scheme and revised Safety Culture Tree engagement tool, and

developing new training models better suited to the sector’s needs.

“It is essential that the industry continues to support these projects by implementing them in their businesses.

So while forestry’s efforts to date to improve safety standards should be acknowledged and recognised, there is no room for complacency. There is still much work to be done.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

13

FORESTRY

Forestry Market Report Allan Laurie MNZIF, Laurie Forestry Ltd

Wood commodities markets have continued the pattern established in 2016 with prices largely stable and at extremely good levels with demand strong and supply just keeping up.

International shipping has been impacted by a major breakdown in equipment in the iron ore industry in western Australia. Ten handy size vessels that would normally carry logs from NZ have been diverted to take up the slack in Australia. As a consequence, we have experienced a short-term blip in shipping rates.

This, combined with a mediumterm strengthening in the US$/NZ$ cross rate, has seen wharf gate prices weaken slightly in February impacting both log and bulk lumber cargos to a modest degree. Most commentators are suggesting these elements will be short-lived.

In terms of CIF settlements in Korean, India and China, it is largely business as usual. For China it is still too early days after the New Year Holiday break to determine where this key market is headed. I have heard of one large Kiwi exporter in China trying to push prices higher. Based on the cyclical uncertainties surrounding this market, I think this strategy is unwise. India is continuing a recovery after the last

round of mayhem caused by prime minister Modi continuing his strategy of dragging India’s economy screaming and kicking toward compliance and non-avoidance. The latest is a tariff on imported logs which appears to equate to about US$1.50 a cubic metre.

As usual, such a move is imposed overnight causing a modicum of mayhem and wailing and gnashing of teeth.

However a tariff impacts all players similarly and the market appears to have shrugged this off very quickly. India is very much following the China trends in terms of log price and is otherwise impacted by the number of arrivals (shipments) in a month. For the moment inventory is quite low and the market is hungry for volume.

Throughout the last month, China’s eastern seaboard inventory has climbed to 4.33 million cubic metres, of which radiata pine comprises 2.49 million.

This is a little concerning with the NZ and Australia radiata inventory climbing by 560,000 cubic metres throughout the last month. Whilst not totally unexpected, everyone is eager for the

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their perspective, it is enabling a much more robust debate around the log price negotiating table.

The North Island appears to be more impacted than the south with a couple of northern log traders suggesting they are getting more than $20 a tonne premiums if they can supply extra volume or logs that are larger and higher quality than the norm. Pruned log prices have continued a stable pattern now after dropping away badly in mid-2016. Both domestic and export markets are back to paying very good premiums for good quality logs, and both segments are prepared to hammer suppliers if the quality is not right. In this case quality very much relates to the timing of pruning and the ability of the sawmillers to recover good percentages of clearwood grades. So we have another month of very positive and solid trade and it looks like more of the same over the medium term. This proves once again, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

daily uplift to start very soon to avoid a loss in overall confidence. Although NZ logging contractors are now very much back to work, the daily deliveries to NZ ports continues to be behind the same time last year. Whilst continuing the preChristmas run of about 20,000 cubic metres a week less, this equates to a total annual production drop of around 900,000 cubic metres if it continues.

On the positive side this could be enough to diffuse oversupply concerns, thus maintaining a level of confidence at the demand end of the business. On the domestic front, I think the colloquial term is called ‘going gangbusters’. Across most regions, sawmills are screaming for logs, prices are generally firming and the demand cycle does not appear to be letting up. In talking to a couple of colleagues in the manufacturing end of the business, for example Truss and Frame factories, lumber supply is also very constrained and some may face delays as they await the next load of lumber to arrive. Whilst not ideal from

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14

March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Better grass, better animals New pasture is more attractive to grazing animals and easier to manage during late spring and early summer, and getting the right mix in autumn sowing simply means smoother farm life ahead.

Because new pastures are grazed more uniformly, it’s easier for farmers to control the quantity of residual dry matter when animals are moved.

The optimum post-grazing residual means optimum ME regrowth and increased animal performance at the next productive grazing. New pastures consistently produce an average of 0.5

more megajoules of ME/kg DM — on top of the extra dry matter produced by a new pasture.

This is due to a higher proportion of desirable species that are later and more uniform flowering with a leafier sward and fewer seed heads produced Most new perennial ryegrass cultivars are available with new

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endophytes developed to solve particular problems in different regions.

The endophyte occurring naturally in New Zealand r yegrass pastures — ‘standard’ or ‘wild’ endophyte — makes its host ryegrass plants resistant to some insect pests.

New endophytes are continuing to be developed to maintain good animal health while enhancing pest resistance.

As well as Argentine stem weevil, new endophytes provide resistance to pasture mealy bug, black beetle and root aphid, with more pests likely to be added to this list.

DairyNZ carried out a three-year study comparing pastures with the novel AR1 and standard endophyte — the former produced 9% more milk solids than the latter. The Pasture Improvement Leadership Group led by DairyNZ includes researchers, the seed industry, farmers and agricultural contractors.

The group was originally formed to help tackle issues affecting pasture persistence and performance head-on by ensuring farmers receive consistent,

timely messages. To highlight a broadening of scope, the group name has recently been updated as it aims to tackle a wider range of pasture persistence issues.

There are a number of research projects and initiatives underway across different industry organisations.

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15

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE Winning the war on black mould

by Andy Bryenton

It’s scientific name is Stachybotrys chartarum, but the black mould which affects many Northland homes is often referred to by other, less printable epithets. Tenacious and damaging to human health, this blight does not only affect old and rundown houses — it’s been seen blooming in relatively freshly built homes as well. The answer to getting rid of it forever — and preventing it forming — is to create a controlled environment.

Linked to diseases from asthma and respiratory illness through to depression, black mould thrives in damp — both humid damp and the cold and condensation of winter.

In fact, excessive condensation on internal window panes is a sure sign that the indoor environment is ripe for an infestation.

While cleaning with bleaches and other chemicals can remove the visible stain, the hardy mould is hard to kill and keeps coming back so long as the conditions give it a toe hold. Thankfully, it can be banished by utilising simple means, all of which are well advised to be deployed when renovating or building.

First and foremost, use the right materials for the right areas. Specialised wall coverings and building materials for wet areas have been designed to repel mould and shrug off the condensation from steam. Speaking of steam and vapour, it’s imperative that kitchens and

bathrooms are fitted with powerful extractors in areas of the country where black mould flourishes. Expelling the water vapour creates a drier environment, inimical to mould growth. In cases where the entire home is prone to condensation and damp, it may be prudent to install a ceilingcavity positive pressure ventilation system.

While these systems do not heat in the strictest sense, they do source drier air from the ceiling cavity to expel moist air from the home. A top tip — if your ceiling cavity has either no spiders or just one or two ‘daddy long legs’, it’s drier than the downstairs. Spiders hate a dry environment, just like mould. Finally, it’s important to ensure

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weathertightness. Nothing encourages mould like leaks and drips, so plug those gaps as soon as possible and ensure that soft surfaces don’t get saturated. With good ventilation and a

weathertight home, your heating systems will also function more effectively, saving money and making your home even less friendly to that troublesome Stachybotrys.

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16

March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

T O B U I L D O R R E N O VAT E

Taming the flames

There are few pleasures the equal of enjoying a roaring fire in the grate while the temperature plummets outside. Since the beginning of civilisation the fireplace has been the heart of the home, but modern fires provide far more options than our ancestors had at their disposal.

Professional fireplace installers know that the cold weather is the best spur to action for their customers — but also that waiting for the first frost of winter can be a critical error. The process of modern resource consent coupled with the intricacies of installation can mean that it takes several weeks from selecting a fireplace to lighting the first stack of kindling.

This is only made more of a process by the choices available.

While once a fireplace was the heart of the kitchen, providing piping hot meals as well as heat, these days a fireplace is more often the centrepiece of the living room.

This doesn’t mean it can’t serve double duty to heat your household water, though — if a wetback installation is your desire, costs can be reduced by having the entire install completed by a certified plumber who is also a roofer and fireplace specialist.

That way the cylinder connection and flue can be emplaced by the same

tradesperson. Another popular option is to upgrade to an alternative fuel source.

Efficient pellet fires will obviate the need to either buy in or cut, stack and season firewood, and can generate all the heat of a conventional fire.

In fact, many people restoring older homes with a classic look can find wood pellet or gas fires which look the part, combining rustic charm with modern efficiency.

If a gas fire is your call, make sure it’s installed by a fully qualified gasfitter — and if a big renovation is on the cards, this same tradesperson may be able to install califonts and kitchen appliances at the same time.

For those with existing fires, the end of summer heralds the right time to call in the chimney sweep.

Many insurance companies dictate yearly maintenance to ensure safety and keep your policy within bounds. A quick inspection will also reveal the need for new bricks, baffles or flue repairs, making for a safer and warmer winter.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

17

T O B U I L D O R R E N O VAT E

Controlling the indoor environment

As the hot days of summer draw to a close and autumn rolls around again, it’s a good time to think ahead and make plans to weather the cold days which are coming. If the good weather right now has been the catalyst for some renovations or the opportunity to build afresh, this is a great time to consider insulation for the future.

The prime advantage of considering insulation in tandem with a summer build project is to tackle three tasks at once up top.

Roofing before the rains is a hot topic, and there’s no better time to remove those slates or panels of iron than when the sky remains blue and cloud-free.

When the roof is off there’s easy access to the ceiling cavity, which is great for two reasons.

In homes with no pitched roof it’s the one and only time that insulation can be sandwiched in between the inner and outer roof layers.

In homes with a ceiling cavity it’s much easier to drop new insulation in than lug it all up through the ‘manhole’ and shift it into place in the dark.

While the roof is off it’s also a good time to consider pipes of all kinds. Chimney flues can be inspected and replaced if necessary, keeping the seals with the new roof weathertight.

Extractor fans are a snap to install if you’re not crawling out to the eaves in the dark. This is the right time to install a positive pressure ventilation system for a drier home — you can DIY with a kit from your hardware store, or if you are buying from an established installer, having the roof off may mean you can negotiate a sharp deal on installation.

Insulation options are wide and varied these days, with everything from traditional batts through to products utilising a blend of possum fur, natural plant fibres and space-age polymers.

No matter which you choose, lay it on thick, leave no gaps — except around recessed downlights, for example — and get right to the edge.

Team up ceiling insulation with underfloor for the best results, and finish the job with double glazing to create a warm, dry and controllable inner space environment ready for the winter.

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18

March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

Hoof Print

with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Last month we talked about preventative trimming. This month I want to go a step further and talk about lame cows.

Remember how we said that the outer claw is often higher than the inner claw?

That means that the outer claw will carry a greater part of the weight. When it carries more weight the live tissue inside that outer claw is under more stress than the inner claw.

When a cow gets laminitis (a disease in the foot that damages the blood vessels of the claw and weakens the live tissue), the outer claw will suffer more because of this extra stress. So

when we trim this claw preventatively, we spread the weight evenly over the two claws and the effects of the disease will be minimised.

If a cow got to the point where the outer claw became too badly affected and ended up lame, then we need to go further. If this claw suffered more because of the extra pressure, then the logical thing to do for this cow is to minimise the pressure as much as we can.

We lower that claw even further so that the outer claw ends up being lower than the smaller claw. In this case the inner claw will end up taking a bigger part of the weight. You may ask now how that can help a cow because the inner claw is going to be overstressed and will end up going lame.

That would be true if the outer claw had to deal with this extra pressure for a long time, like two or three months. But because the outer claw will grow back in time it is not an issue. Having trimmed the outer claw thinner the live tissue inside this claw is getting rest and can heal up again. Taking the pressure off the wound is the key to overcoming lameness and most people know this.

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We often see lame cows that have been trimmed by a staff member, where the wound has been dug out. The philosophy is that you take the weight away from the wound and spread it out over the rest of that claw. That is wrong.

The weight has to go to the other claw. The whole lame claw needs to be released from weight. In this case we are still not finished with this lame cow.

We need to take all the loose horn away.

If you can put your fingernail underneath the horn, then bacteria and dirt can go there. That is just a recipe for infection.

So when you see an underrun sole, all that horn needs to come off.

That may mean that the whole sole has to come off in some cases. Don’t

be afraid to do so just try to not make the claw bleed. If the lame claw ends up with the live tissue exposed, and you can’t create enough height difference between the two claws, then you should glue a claw block to the healthy claw.

This way the sore claw is artificially raised off the ground. The theory here goes, if in doubt use a claw block.

Claw blocks are always cheaper than lame cows.

On our website veehof.co.nz you can find the five step schedule on hoof trimming. I recommend to print it out, laminate it and leave it in the cowshed.

You can always call us if you have some other questions or would like to find out more about our training options.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

19

Improving to take on the world

NATURAL SPREADERS

by Andy Bryenton

New Zealand’s primary sector is the undisputed powerhouse of our economy, set to generate close to $48 billion of export revenue in 2017. Our produce feeds close to 40 million people, making our output of dairy, beef, lamb and arable crops vital, not just to our own economic survival, but to the day-to-day survival of whole nations.

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The dairy industry especially is poised to surge this year as the global economic environment begins to look more favourable. But playing on the world stage means staying ahead of the game in terms of best practices, and this vital part of the primary sector is working through a raft of farm by farm infrastructure changes to boost the quality of our finished product, and hence its desirability on the open market.

Dairy farmers already face strict environmental restrictions, imposed by local council bodies, with regard to the treatment, storage and usage of effluent. Part of the force driving change toward better practices in this regard is the perception of, and interaction with, the wider public — a public relations and image push which prioritises cleaner waterways and an understanding that the industry is working hard to decrease its environmental footprint.

Great success in this overhaul of effluent containment and reuse as

fertiliser is often under-reported, but with the application of science and an investment in new tech, farms are becoming cleaner and greener than ever.

To keep up with the expectations of the global market, the dairy industry has been extremely pro-active in self regulation. Measures such as ensuring better, healthier water supplies have come not from without but from within, with initiatives for water purity spearheaded by industry giant Fonterra seeing new standards propagated and enforced, making diary sheds more hygienic places. To further ensure the quality of milk at collection, the next phase of the compliance programme to come into effect looks to centre around milk chiller plant and equipment. New rules set to come into play in 2018 will require a faster cooldown for milk, direct from the cow to the pre-chiller to the vat.

This may require an overhaul of some of the nation’s ‘fleet’ of chillers, and the appropriation of new tech such as ice

banks, improved heat exchangers and pre-cooling add-ons.

The upshot of all this investment, however, will be a more robust brand image for New Zealand’s dairy products — something which will bring tangible gains and more leverage at the trading table.

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20

March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS

Return of the top contender

by Andy Bryenton

It’s all too easy to slip into a boxing metaphor when talk of the tussle for top light commercial comes around.

Utes are big business and right now the Ford Ranger rules the roost, with even the mighty Toyota Hilux relegated to second place.

We’ve even got an ‘undercard’ of lower-priced utes out of Asia and India battling for supremacy, but there’s been a notable gap in the top tier lately that has had certain badge-loyalists fuming.

Back in the day, the Holden 1-tonne ute was king. Before the idea of a utility truck was redefined by the modern demand for car-like handling and leather

interiors, the bench-seated, chromegrilled HQ was the working man’s first choice. Up against the Valiant and Falcon, the big Holden literally helped build most of our towns and cities.

Now Holden are back, with a ute of a different mould. After their previous Colorado failed to topple the blue oval, GM bosses went back to the drawing board, and they’ve delivered an ampedup contender for 2017 — a new Colorado that embraces both modern aesthetics and safety while still staying true to the spirit — and lugging power — of the legendary one tonner.

Under the hood a big 2.8L Duramax diesel pumps out 147 kilowatts and a maximum 500 newton-metres of torque — the key to the immense towing capacity of the Colorado, rated at 3.5 tonnes.

Add in that classic one tonne of deck load and you have a machine which can handle the caravan, the boat or anything for the farm.

That sense of comfort is more than apparent inside, with options for all the modern conveniences of a luxury sedan and standard features which older utes could only dream about. The suite of electronics, both visible and invisible, are state of the art as well.

Headed for the top — the new Colorado is set to take on Hilux and Ranger as NZ’s best ute

It’s hard to miss the big touch screen centre console which serves as a hub for both Android and Apple’s in-car mobile platforms, as well as a reversing camera and entertainment centre.

A battery of safety features — including hill descent control, trailer sway control, stability and traction control, a lane

departure warning and even a tyre pressure monitor — offer another level of protection.

The top utes had better watch out — one of the big names is back, cinching up its gloves to take a shot at the title.

And for a heavyweight contender, it’s not bad looking, either!

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

21

RURAL WHEELS

A leap forward in efficiency

by Andy Bryenton

When it comes to power and economy, there’s little question that electronic fuel injection beats traditional carburetted aspiration hands down. It may not have always been the case, but the modern computerised fuel delivery system is the key to better compression and more horsepower.

The old style of carburettor went out of automobiles in the early 1980s, with the final examples being cars like the Triumph 2500 S and the first-edition Mazda RX7. It hung on in motorcycles until recently, and persists in even smaller engines such as those in lawnmowers. Or does it? It seems that times are changing in the world of ride-on zero turn mowers at least, with the coming of computer controlled electronic fuel injection to the Ferris mowers range.

A good example of why this brand is being picked up enthusiastically by both lifestyle block owners and grounds maintenance professionals, the Ferris IS 3200 Z is more than just an engine upgrade. But once the comfortable seating position, responsive turning circle and wide, durable cutting deck are taken in, it’s the big twin-cylinder 28-horsepower mill mounted behind the driver’s seat which inevitably draws the attention. Similar in size to many other V-twin motors in the Ferris garage, this unit boasts 25 per cent greater fuel efficiency and a super-smooth purr from

the get-go. Ferris claims that piloting the IS 3200 Z across the turf is like taking a relaxing drive — with the coincidence that you also cut the lawn. That matters, because more fuel economy matched to a bigger fuel tank means more time in the field between breaks to fill up.

Having made its new machine more efficient, Ferris has also gone out of its way to make it more comfortable, due to the inevitability of more hours ‘in the saddle’. Its engineers have taken another cue for modern autos — adjustable rear coil-over-shocks and front independent adjustable shocks combine with a cushioned seat to make the IS 3200 Z one of the smoothest in the business. Even maintenance is easier, with plug-in diagnostics like a top-end Euro sedan.

As more and more people realise that the old push mower is not going to tackle the sward on their lifestyle block or rural property, the zero-turn mower is growing in popularity. This move to a new fuel delivery technology means a big leap ahead for Ferris — from 1980s tech to the 21st century in one go!

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22

March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

H E A LT H ADVERTORIAL

Proposed medical school for the Waikato The new Waikato Medical School will be a community-engaged graduate entry medical school and is being proposed through a strategic alliance between the Waikato District Health Board and the University of Waikato.

This medical school is being proposed in response to health workforce shortages in provincial and rural areas.

We have an aging medical workforce, a preference for part-time work among GPs and a reliance on overseastrained doctors.

The medical school will address the region’s workforce shortages and community health needs by producing doctors who will be able to use the latest advances in technology, will be more representative of the communities they serve and will focus on the healthcare of high-needs communities.

The new medical school will be an alternative to Auckland’s and Otago’s medical schools but will complement what they offer. Being a graduate entry programme, and offering four years of training rather than five, it opens the doors wider for more people to train as doctors and helps address those critical medical workforce shortages.

It’s been 50 years since the last medical school was created in NZ, so

How's your

H EALT

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Waikato DHB Chief Executive Dr Nigel Murray is proposing a plan to establish the country’s third medical school based in the Waikato, as it will go a long way towards addressing the needs of provincial communities

this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create an education programme that turns out a new breed of doctor — one who will be equipped for new ways of working to help address the health needs of all our communities.

For more information on the proposed medical school, see the website: waikato.ac.nz/about/medical-school.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES March 2017

Hunters be safe

Detecting those doggone weeds

The approaching ‘roar’ and the opening of the game bird season will encourage thousands of hunters into the hills and swamps of New Zealand. National hunting associations and key government departments think it is timely to remind hunters to ‘be safe’.

“Safe use of hunting firearms is pretty basic,” said New Zealand Deer Association president Bill O’Leary.

In the past decade the number of firearm licence applicants has more than doubled and this has increased hunter numbers.

The Hunter Safety Inter-agency committee chaired by Mr O’Leary is reminding hunters to follow some basic rules.

“Get a firearms licence, get permission to access and hunt on land, communicate your presence to other hunters and understand and observe the basic rules of firearm safety.”

Mr O’Leary said that the media and the public tend to focus on the ‘failure to identify’ incidents but he emphasises that most incidents are the result of ‘failure to observe basic rules’ such as always pointing the firearm in a safe direction.

“The Hunter Safety Committee’s analysis of incidents has identified potential causal factors. Unlicensed shooters and illegal hunting are ‘red flags’ and along with spotlighting have featured too frequently in shooting incidents.

“Experienced shooters are not exempt from making mistakes. Bad habits, complacency and deteriorated eyesight have been linked to past incidents.

23

It’s definitely low-tech but Rusty the dog’s nose for trouble is proving a potentially valuable tool in Waikato’s hunt for the dreaded invasive weed velvetleaf.

Rusty, a seven-year-old border collie specifically trained to detect velvetleaf, flew up from Invercargill recently with his handler John Taylor.

They worked with Waikato Regional Council’s biosecurity team on a range of properties to help sniff out the pesky plants which have gained a potentially dangerous foothold in the region.

One of the council’s pest plant biosecurity officers Richard Gribble says Waikato landowners have been great at keeping an eye out for velvetleaf and at taking eradication measures when they find the pest plant on their properties.

“The weed can be very hard to spot, especially on large fields with crops like maize and fodder beet, so in those cases we need some special tracker skills like Rusty’s.”

Mr Gribble says it’s the first time such a sniffer dog has been used in the region for this purpose so the recent work was a chance to test out how effective this detection method can be here.

“Rusty showed some real skill and we believe he may be our secret weapon in the future to find velvetleaf plants in areas where it’s usually hard

Bill O’Leary, New Zealand Deer Association president

“Each and every hunter needs to look hard at their own and their mates’ attitudes and conduct and ensure that safety is the most basic of considerations when hunting.”

The Hunter Safety Inter-agency committee promotes safe firearm usage and draws its members from NZ Police, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association, Fish and Game NZ, New Zealand Pig Hunters’ Association and Firearm Safety Specialists NZ. The New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Association is a national organisation of hunters with 48 branches running training in safe firearm usage and hunting.

to spot, a bit like a needle in a haystack.

“During the course of a week, he was able to find almost 100 plants and we estimate that without his help, we would have found roughly 30 per cent of those plants.”

He says the council will now assess how Rusty can be used again in future.

Grazing paddocks are best checked in the warmer summer months, which provide an ideal temperature for the seeds to germinate.

“During February and March, we really see a surge in little velvetleaf seedlings popping up, and it’s best to eradicate them before the seed can spread further.”

John Taylor says Rusty had quickly picked up velvetleaf training down south. “He pretty much got it after a day, and after three weeks of intensive training he became very good at detecting velvetleaf.

“Rusty’s at his best in relatively cool conditions, so the warm weather up here has been a bit of challenge, as well as being in a new environment with new smells.

“All things considered, I think he adapted really well and has been showing promise over the last couple of days.”

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24

March 2017

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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