In Season May 2018

In Season MAY 2018

What you need, when you need it

MECTIN POUR ON 25LT ONLY $749 SAVE $196.00 PAGE 6

FREE

CAMO TOP AGHAT 2

125

$

with Gallagher PAGE 8

SAVE $21.40 Page 16

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Ruralco Energy gives power to shareholders

Tracey Gordon, Energy Account Manager

The past year has presented an opportunity for rural electricity users throughout Canterbury to take a long hard look at their electricity costs, and push for a better deal from their provider.

Thanks to a fortunate combination of climate and competition, the time has never been better to drive down the electricity component in farm expenses. In the case of the average Canterbury dairy unit irrigation and electricity will average 31c/kg milk solids, almost 8% of total average farm working expenses.

Until this year capacity charges on farm pumps has proven to be an expensive headache for Mid Canterbury farmers, with an earlier lift in this cost adding on average $3300 to power bills last year.

But what goes up does come down. The capacity charge reflects the cost to the network provider to maintain its peak load capacity, regardless of whether that capacity is being fully extended or not at any particular time. Despite more deep well pumps essentially now on standby as more water is sourced from gravity fed schemes, local networks remain compelled to ensure their capacity to deliver peak loads

ASHBURTON 97 Burnett St Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6723 ashburton@ruralco.co.nz

METHVEN 88 Main St Tel: 03 303 2020 Fax: 03 302 8184 methven@ruralco.co.nz

Words by Richard Rennie

is maintained with those pumps still capable of being switched on.

The 21% drop experienced in capacity charges in the EA Network this year reflects a change in the calculation period, which has now included the wet spring period of 2016.

The fact little, if any, irrigation was used over that period means the price component to those users drops for the following period.

As a result large rural users in this network are enjoying capacity charges thousands of dollars lower for this year than the year before.

Meantime competition in the electricity retail market has intensified, with big retailers battling for farmers’ loyalty.

Irrigators have the opportunity to work with Ruralco Energy’s general manager Tracey Gordon and her team to completely review where they can make savings in light of the lower capacity charges and intense competition.

Ruralco Energy has also furthered its own alliances with energy suppliers, including solar energy panel and system supplier Kea Energy. Such partnerships are only undertaken after careful scrutiny of a company’s integrity and quality, giving shareholders peace of mind without having to undertake the due diligence themselves.

Meantime emerging opportunities for alternative energy have arisen. This includes the ability to source bottled LPG to dairy farms through Genesis, providing a highly efficient, cost effective option to traditional electrical heating systems.

Evolutions in electricity supply technology including solar systems, battery storage and mini-hydro options also present shareholders with some innovative options.

Ruralco Energy has the skills and understanding to sort through them all to determine what will ultimately add real value to their farm’s bottom line.

Those changes in technology are also being matched by the rapid advance on the Plains and Central Irrigation Schemes.

On the face of it these gravity fed schemes may make deep well supply seem redundant, and with it the need for the pumps in those wells.

RAKAIA 68 Elizabeth Ave Tel: 03 303 5440 Fax: 03 303 5430 rakaia@ruralco.co.nz

IN S EAS O N

Talking with Ruralco Energy will help users make more informed decisions about the future of those pumps, and whether there will be a need for some on-going expenditure to leave them on line for occasional use, or not.

The New Zealand electricity market has long been rightly viewed as a complicated one where billing and contracts can prove hard to understand.

Ruralco Energy has worked hard with all electricity companies its shareholders purchase power off to try and make accounts simpler and easy to follow.

Determining the type of contract for the sharply seasonal nature of irrigation electricity is also a complex one, with the wrong choice likely to add thousands to an operation’s cost centre. With margins tight across all irrigation operations including dairying and arable, having some expert, unbiased advice to call upon can literally save thousands once that contract is locked in.

To help educate shareholders on these complexities and pitfalls Ruralco Energy also invests in well crafted, informative communications about upcoming changes and developments within the electricity sector through the newsletter “Short Circuit”.

It proves an invaluable means of explaining issues and signalling upcoming changes to shareholders that may require some explanation of a sector often frustratingly difficult to understand.

Tracey Gordon’s extensive network of contacts within the sector means she and the team have a “heads up” on looming issues like the impact of lower hydro lake levels on future power prices, or negotiations over Tiwai Smelter power pricing, that may impact upon the prices shareholders pay in coming weeks, months or years for electricity.

Operating under Ruralco’s co-operative structure and ethos means Ruralco Energy is 100% committed to helping shareholders make more money from their farm businesses by helping them with a vital but complex component of that business.

Contact Tracey Gordon on 0800 787 256 to find out more.

HEAD OFFICE PO Box 433, Ashburton Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6721 ruralco@ruralco.co.nz www.ruralco.co.nz

DISCLAIMER: All prices are Ruralco Cardholder prices, including GST, and are valid until 31 May 2018 unless otherwise stated or while stocks last. E&OE. All information contained within the In Season is to the best of the author’s knowledge true and accurate. Opinions expressed are those of the author and not of Ruralco.

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ONE CARD

FRONT COVER The Duckmanton Family showing off the new Swanndri & Norsewear ranges for 2018. See more in Ruralco’s Winter Clothing Catalogue “The Kit”.

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News from Ruralco Silo Heights Safety Training Ruralco in conjunction with Compliance Partners and NZ Safety Blackwoods will be holding another popular Working at Heights (Silo’s) course in July/August (date to be confirmed). If you would like to attend the course or would like more information, please contact Peter Jacob either on 03 307 5100 or Peter.Jacob@ruralco.co.nz

Mother’s Day 13 May Visit your local Ruralco Gift & Homeware Store for the perfect gift for Mum this Mother’s Day. From gardening gloves to wall clocks and everything in between, we’ve got something every Mum will love.

Personalised energy advice just for your farm

Last chance to enter for United Wheat Growers competition Time is running out to get you entries in for the ever-popular United Wheat Growers annual wheat competition. Ruralco Seed is proud to once again be supporting this long running event which showcases feed, milling-gristing, milling premium and biscuit wheat. Entries close 11 May 2018, so remember to get your entries in quick.

More information can be found on the Ruralco website at www. ruralco.co.nz, www.uwg.co.nz or by emailing George Walker at george.walker@ruralco.co.nz

When is the last time you took a close look at your electricity accounts? When did you last review your energy plans?

Are you getting the best pricing solution for your farm? Ruralco Energy is here to make managing your energy accounts easy by continuing to work with our partners – Meridian, Genesis Energy and Kea Energy - to ensure you get the best offers available to suit your individual needs.

Contact Ruralco Energy Account Manager, Tracey Gordon today to get an energy price comparison on your accounts.

Spark Retail Stores You can now use your Ruralco Card at all Spark Retail stores throughout New Zealand. This means you will be able to use you Ruralco Card to purchase Phones and Phone accessories. This fantastic national deal with Spark will go through Eftpos, meaning you will need to keep your receipt at the time of purchase, as an invoice will not be attached to your statement.

Call 0800 787 256 to place your order with the friendly Customer Service Centre team

Email us your order

Request a quote

Visit any of the Ruralco stores

to ruralco@ruralco.co.nz

on www.ruralco.co.nz

in Ashburton, Methven or Rakaia

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Farm Supplies

Keep them sweet.

Our newly formulated Active Teat Conditioner contains some of the best active skin care ingredients, such as Manuka Honey, Allantoin & Aloe Vera, to keep your herds teats supple.

Team it up with one of our Active teat sprays and you’ll really notice the difference.

Keep your herd clean, clear and under control. Contact your local GEA FIL Area Manager Nigel Wilson on 021 047 7443.

Contact Ruralco on 0800 787 256

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IN S EAS O N

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Farm Supplies

Getting the mineral balance right to improve your mating If you are serious about addressing metabolic issues, poor milk production and a reduction in the involuntary culling of cows, it’s time to give serious consideration to the use of Bell-Booth’s intensive course of minerals and trace elements, the IntenSE range.

IntenSE240 delivering big results on a big Canterbury dairy holding When you milk 6,200 cows and your goal is to produce three million milksolids in a season, getting your trace element program right the first time, is critical.

With a farm policy of: 1. no CIDRs; 2. five weeks AI; 3. five weeks of the bull; 4. operating costs at $3.39/cow; the animal health program of choice on this corporate needs to be formulated with the right ingredients, at the right levels, to get the right outcomes.

For the last five seasons the contract milker and farm managers on this large, family-owned corporate have implemented an IntenSE240 program. The easily-dissolved, IntenSE-powder product is dosed-daily via waterlines during the lactation period. The staff on this farming group love simple & easy systems; they find no bother adding IntenSE240 to the waterline, it’s just part of the daily routine. The farm’s owner has a straightforward policy when it comes to expected outcomes: “If you expect cows to perform close to 500kg milksolids, you need the support of a good trace element and mineral program and IntenSE is formulated to support these goals. The results speak for themselves”:

Farm 1

Farm 2

Farm 3

Farm manager Barry recognises the value of a cow in good condition and is confident that the IntenSE program has contributed towards this objective.

Barry says “The staff and I strive to do the best and the IntenSE program is part of the strategy. Our blood test results come back great and we know going into mating the cows are primed and ready. We only have the odd case of metabolic issues and somatic cell counts sit below 200,000 all season”.

Farm manager Mark is pleased with the outcomes from his IntenSE240 program.

“Large herds have some additional challenges when it comes to getting cows in-calf and with Canterbury average empty rate for spring 2016 mating around 18-20%, for us to secure a 72% 6-week in-calf rate and a 12% empty-rate we’re really pleased with the results”.

Contract milker Chris says “Blood test levels are never low and thanks to excellent mineral levels from IntenSE240 I don’t need to boost animals with injections which saves so much time, energy and money. I don’t use many metabolic recovery treatments and I didn’t even need to call the vet in. I have even had the opportunity to do some voluntary culling so I can sell any late-calvers.

I believe if I do the little things right, the big things look after themselves”.

1,850 cows 6 week in-calf rate: 77% Empty rate: 9.5%

Start the programme before drying off to get the results.

2,600 cows 6-week in-calf rate: 72% Empty rate: 12%

1,750 cows 6-week in-calf rate: 80% Empty rate: 6%

Phone 0800 80 90 92 www.bell-booth.co.nz

I N S E AS O N

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SEED

Do you need to rebalance your FEI?

pioneer.nz

Add Maize Silage to your feeding mix today. Order before 30 June and we’ve got you covered with our Maize Early Order benefits: 100% Seed Replant Benefit + $100 per bag

Receive a Stoney Creek Micro Fleece*

Replant Contribution

LumiGENTM System seed treatment*

Harvest Protection Benefit*

5 New hybrids

*

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information go to pioneer.nz/early-order.

Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase, which are part of the labelling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM, Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners.

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IN S EAS O N

FERTILISER

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Lime

Elemental Sulphur

MAXIMISE YOUR MILK PRODUCTION WITH PHASEDN. The elements of success are all combined to make PhaSedN

See the results for yourself. Call Ballance on 0800 222 090 or talk to your Nutrient Specialist.

Get the full story at www.sustaingain.co.nz

BAL24011 PhasedN Dairy Exporter 297x210_FA2.indd 1

WAVE24011DAIRY_297X210

PhaSedN is uniquely formulated to boost pasture in autumn to extend your milking. It also supports spring growth to help you reach peak milk faster. It’s the ideal way to provide your herd with the quality pasture they need to successfully maximise milk production.

I N S E AS O N

22/12/17 10:08 AM

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100% owned by ats

Farm Supplies

O FREE CAM TOP WITH ND $150 SPE GHER ON GALLA PRODUCT

Fencing Deals Portable Solar Energizers

Pre-wound Geared Reel

500m Poly Wire

$103.90 SAVE $15.00

S100

$679.00 SAVE $69.70

S40

$499.90 SAVE $39.70

Multi Wire Tread-ins 875mm Steel - each

$4.50

SAVE $0.45 S20

$325.00 SAVE $32.90

High Strain Insulator 25 Pack

$45.00 SAVE $5.00

www.gallagher.com 0800 731 500 8

IN S EAS O N

S10

$199.90 SAVE $17.70

Electric Bungy Gate 3.5m - 7m

$24.00 SAVE $3.20

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NO BULL FENCING DEALS FROM RURALCO FARM SUPPLIES

STRAINRITE TANGLE FREE HOTPOST PIGTAIL TREADIN 5 PACK

STRAINRITE GOLDFOOT HEAVY DUTY PIGTAIL TREADIN 10 PACK

NOW ONLY $ .50

NOW ONLY $ .50

35

39

NR STRAI ITE ON DRAW TO E E O R TH M IN O

WIN 1 OF 3

STIHL MS1 CHAINSAW80 S WORTH $3 95 EACH

NEW

SAVE $ .40

6

TO RURALCO FARM SUPPLIES STRAINRITE DURA-TOP MULTIWIRE HOTPOST TREADIN 5 PACK

STRAINRITE HOTPOST PIGTAIL TREADIN 5 PACK

100% OWNED BY ATS 0800 787 256 RURALCO.CO.NZ

SAVE

10.00

SPEN D PIGT $50 AIL O S& R G

FARM SUPPLIES

$

Farm Supplies

SAVE $ .40

NOW ONLY $ .50

34

ONLY $ .90

36

ASHBURTON / METHVEN / RAKAIA

Ruralco NO BULL_Hpg_IS May_0418.indd 1

20/04/18 4:08 PM

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Farm Supplies 10

IN S EAS O N

Farm Supplies

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I N S E AS O N

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Farm Supplies 12

THE KIT 2018 WINTER CLOTHING CATALOGUE OUT NOW

IN S EAS O N

KAIWAKA STORMFORCE BLUE MEN’S PARKA

KAIWAKA STORMFORCE BLUE MEN’S BIB OVERTROUSERS

KAIWAKA STORMFORCE BLUE MEN’S OVERTROUSERS

BETACRAFT TECHNIFLEECE MEN’S FLEECE 5-PIECE PACK

$352.20

$231.10

$203.60

$80.00

LINE7 MICRO FLEECE ¼ ZIP MEN’S AND WOMEN’S

SWANNDRI MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BARN SHIRT

BETACRAFT KID’S TUFFBACK FLEX PARKA

BETACRAFT KID’S TUFFBACK FLEX BIB OVERTROUSERS

$139.00

$37.00

$36.60

$25.30

SKELLERUP 4X4 POWER GUMBOOTS

SKELLERUP 4X4 MARATHON GUMBOOTS

NORSEWEAR GUMBOOT SOCKS 3-PACK

LYNN RIVER ULTRA WARMTH GLOVES

$97.10

$114.60

$51.30

$11.90

4

0800 787 256 RURALCO.CO.NZ

WAYS TO ORDER

ONE CARD

Farm Supplies

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ASHBURTON / METHVEN / RAKAIA

I N S E AS O N

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Farm Supplies 14

IN S EAS O N

Farm Supplies

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$147.90

$169.00

I N S E AS O N

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Farm Supplies

Membe Dea ve sa $2.35

$19.00 $32.50 sa$3.ve 95

ve sa $0.65

$11.90

sa$1.ve 80

$14.90 $42.00 ve sa $5.40

AGHAT2 $125.00 (Only while stocks last)

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IN S EAS O N

ve sa $21.45

100% owned by ats

Aqua Flex Jacket

Aqua Dairy Jacket

SKU: 7704 SIZES: XS-5XL

SKU: 7728 SIZES: XS-5XL

WAS $15640

WAS $15640

RED TAG DEAL

RED TAG DEAL

ONLY

40 $15650 $146

$14650

Aqua Flex Over Trouser

Aqua Dairy Over Trouser

SKU: 7705 SIZES: XS-6XL

SKU: 7729 SIZES: XS-4XL

WAS $9650

WAS $9650

RED TAG DEAL

RED TAG DEAL

ONLY

50 $9650 $86

$8650

Aqua Flex Bib Trouser

Aqua Dairy Bib Trouser

SKU: 7706 SIZES: XS-6XL

SKU: 7730 SIZES: XS-5XL

WAS $10560

WAS $10560

RED TAG DEAL

RED TAG DEAL

ONLY

60 $105 60 $95

Farm Supplies

SA LE

$9560

*Some conditions may apply. All products subject to availability.

terrain.line7.co.nz

I N S E AS O N

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100% owned by ats

CARD SUPPLIERS

Great Ford deals for Ruralco Cardholders Ruralco Cardholders are eligible for special discounts at participating Ford Dealerships when presenting their Ruralco Card. Like the number one selling vehicle, the Ford Ranger, or our latest mid-size SUV, the Ford Escape, we have a vehicle to suit all your requirements.

Test drive today.

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IN S EAS O N

100% owned by ats

GREY FORD

GUTHRIE BOWRON

INTO JEANS

5% DISCOUNT

UP TO 30 % DISCOUNT

7% DISCOUNT

ITM GREYMOUTH

MITRE 10

SMITHS CITY

2–17.5% DISCOUNT

UP TO 10% DISCOUNT

QUOTED PRICING

CARD SUPPLIERS

BIG SAVINGS WITH YOUR RURALCO CARD THROUGHOUT THE WEST COAST EVERYDAY

THIS IS JUST A SNAPSHOT OF THE MANY GREAT SUPPLIERS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO USE YOUR RURALCO CARD AT AND SAVE

DON’T HAVE A RURALCO CARD? Order one today and start saving 100% OWNED BY ATS 0800 787 256 RURALCO.CO.NZ

RCO Card_194x281mm_0318.indd 1

I N S E AS O N

19/03/18 11:36 AM

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fuel

GET PREPARED FOR THE SEASON AHEAD WITH BULK FUEL DELIVERIES & STORAGE TANKS

SAVE UP TO

31¢ PER LITRE CALL US TODAY

Don Joseph FUEL SALES MANAGER

0800 RURALNZ (787 256) RURALCO.CO.NZ

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IN S EAS O N

Rco Fuel_A4_0418.indd 1

18/04/18 10:58 AM

FUEL

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I N S E AS O N

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ENERGY

Moving is easy with Meridian Energy and Ruralco How does a trip off the farm sound?

Sign up your dairy shed to Meridian and get:

$400 Account Credit*

PPD

Prompt Payment Discount*

Be in to WIN one of two

$5000 travel vouchers*

Don’t have a dairy shed?

We’ve got a great offer for you too.

*Terms and condiditons apply. Visit meridian.co.nz/movefarm

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IN S EAS O N

DG 0415-1 Moving Ruralco.indd 1

DG0415-1

Signing up your new dairy farm is easy, call 0800 496 444 or visit meridian.co.nz/movefarm

8/03/18 4:47 PM

GIFT & HOMEWARE

100% owned by ats

I N S E AS O N

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100% owned by ats

Red Tag Deals at Ruralco Farm Supplies

SAVE .41

13

$

SAVE .50

21

$

PEDIGREE WORKING DOG 20KG NOW ONLY $ .99 EA

59

SAVE .70

17

$

GALLAGHER S10 SOLAR ENERGIZER

STAFIX TRIPLE GEARED REEL PREWOUND POLIWIRE 500M WHITE

NOW ONLY $ .90 EA

199

NOW ONLY $ .00 EA

269

LINE7 AQUA DAIRY JACKET NOW ONLY $ .40 EA

SAVE $ .00

10 EA

SAVE $ .01

4

146

SAVE $ .10

359

NOW ONLY $ .60 EA

BONUS

FREE

NOW ONLY $ .99 EA

95

19

LINE7 AQUA DAIRY OVERTROUSER

NOW ONLY $ .90 EA

1,639

HOMESTEAD SUPACHOOK CHICKEN FEED 20KG

LINE7 AQUA DAIRY BIB OVERTROUSER

CYDECTIN POUR ON 15LT

SWANN D VEST RI W ORTH

NOW ONLY $ .50 EA

$149.9

86

SAVE $ .60

SAVE $ .00

6

HI-VIS VEST SIZES XS–5XL

NOW ONLY $ .00 EA

12

SAVE $ .40

4

10

KIDS

NOW ONLY $ .40 EA

FIL QUANTUM POWDER 20KG

9

NOW ONLY $ .00 EA

1,499

NOW ONLY $ .00 EA

0800 787 256 RURALCO.CO.NZ ASHBURTON / METHVEN / RAKAIA

IN S EAS O N

127

TRU-TEST SRS2 EID READER

119

100% OWNED BY ATS 24

SAVE $ .70

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FARM SUPPLIES