Dairy News 258 8th Nov 2011

Ben Allomes elected to DairyNZ board. Page 5

knives out for furry faces Beard goes for Movember Page 16

Underground recyclers Bio farming conference Page 14

november 8, 2011 Issue 258 // www.dairynews.co.nz

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

news // 3

Gas still best energy option – Fonterra sudesh kissun

LIC shareholders on dairy database battle. PG.4

FONTERRA IS defending its energy strategy following last month’s crippling gas shortage. It says using gas at milk processing plants is more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The co-op is reviewing energy sources at its milk plants. It is also mulling whether to claim compensation for production losses at 15 North

“This 1-in-30 year event for Vector came during our record peak season – a big factor in the impact it has had on the industry.”

– Gary Romano Calf club art brings iPads. PG.25

High input, high output discussion group.

PG.30

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Island plants. The Maui gas pipeline leak closed plants forcing Fonterra farmers to dump 50m L of raw milk through effluent systems.

Trade and operations managing director Gary Romano says it’s too early to comment on the review outcome. Fonterra regularly assesses risks in all operations, including energy sources.

Though the co-op doesn’t have spare energy facilities at each site, it runs different energy sources at manufacturing plants. At any other time of year it could have moved milk for processing, says Romano.

“This 1-in-30 year event for Vector came during our record peak season – a big factor in the impact it has had on the industry,” he told Dairy News.

“Following any incident like this, we will hold a review but it’s too early to know the outcome.”

Romano defended the use of gas for energy. It’s efficient and readily available, he says.

“In the North Island, we deliberately focus on gas as the energy source for our sites because, not only is it efficient, it is also the most environmentally friendly fuel and readily available.

In addition, our supplier does have a smaller contingency line in place which allowed us to

Down the drain... milk flows past waiting cows at a Waikato farm during the gas crisis.

Flowing thick and fast MILK PRODUCTION this season remains strong. Fonterra’s general manager milk supply Steve Murphy says while the ‘flush peak’ may be over, production remains about 10% ahead of last season.

A near-perfect spring and strong pasture growth is boosting milk production. At the peak flush, milk production was 13% higher than last season. “It’s now near 10%,” Murphy told Dairy News.

process most of our milk.”

The gas leak was discovered on October 25 and Fonterra was forced to close 15 plants between Bay of Plenty and Northland. Within 24 hours 30m L of raw milk was lost. Gas supply remained intermittent and another 20m L was lost over the next five days. Fonterra general manager milk supply Steve Murphy praised Fonterra farmers for their response. He is aware of only five cases of raw milk inadvertently ending up in waterways.

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“If we take that into account and the significant amount of milk that needed to be disposed of, the farmers did a good job. It shows our farmers take care of the environment.”

On compensation, Murphy says Fonterra “will be looking into it but that may take time.” The impact on the 2011-12 payout will be negligible given the 50m L dumped is a tiny fraction of 16b L collected each season by Fonterra. Farmers who lost milk will be paid.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

4 // news

‘Consult, don’t legislate’ LIC SHAREHOLDERS

want DairyNZ to keep its hands off the dairy database.

The LIC Shareholders Council, representing 11,000 dairy farmers and sharemilkers, is concerned about DairyNZ’s intention to ask the Government to regulate the hand-over of LIC’s commercial IP. The co-op is negotiating with DairyNZ over access to 288 fields of data.

LIC Shareholders Council chairwoman Jenny Morrison says it is asking DairyNZ “to consult – not legislate – over what should happen to one of the largest bovine databases in the world”.

Leaders of the two organisations met last week.

More meetings are likely.

LIC has developed what is, effectively, the births, deaths, marriages and health records of the New Zealand dairy cow population, Morri-

son says. It’s a database with two distinctive elements – core data from herd testing herds known as the New Zealand Dairy Core Database, and the LIC commercial database of intellectual property developed and paid for by LIC shareholders.

An industry review of the Dairy Core Database in 2009, chaired by Professor Robert Anderson, recommended it be transferred from LIC custodianship to DairyNZ. LIC agrees with this, but DairyNZ also wants to acquire intellectual property at below fair value and ongoing access to 288 fields of data contained in LIC’s commercial database. Both organisations have been in discussions to resolve the issues, but to date no outcome has been achieved.

DairyNZ has asked Agriculture Minister David Carter to consider regulating the hand-over of LIC’s

“This isn’t even about DairyNZ and LIC. It is about developing a platform that can evolve to provide farmers with additional benefits from integrated data.” commercial database.

LIC says it will vigorously defend this. Morrison doesn’t believe regulation will give farmers the result they need.

“This is not about change for change sake.

This isn’t even about DairyNZ and LIC. It is about developing a platform that can evolve to provide farmers with additional benefits from integrated data.

“Any transfer of the Core Database to DairyNZ will cost farmers, no doubt about it, so we need to ensure a workable solution that can deliver benefits above those costs. Regulation isn’t the answer.”

DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says resolv-

ing the future of the core database is a key issue.

“We want farmers to be able to make comparisons across the national herd and also across the bulls available to farmers,” he told Dairy News.

“We had a constructive meeting with LIC directors and management on Tuesday and genuinely hope to make progress. It’s important to resolve this to keep an independent view of what’s happening in the animal genetics area and extract more value for farmers from the information they collect.”

Morrison believes wider farmer consultation is necessary and some tangible measure of farmer support is vital, before

even the core fields are transferred to DairyNZ. “In our opinion that hasn’t happened yet.

Just look at the current round of DairyNZ meetings regarding the national breeding objective; we haven’t seen anything like that regarding the database.

“At the heart of this matter is something fundamental to the philosophy which underpins cooperatives – it’s about shared commitment to what is right for all shareholders, and the council’s role is to ensure that happens.

“With the agreement of our shareholders we’re going to be working to ensure DairyNZ and LIC agree to the transfer of the core database, agreed data access, and deliver the best outcomes to the New Zealand dairy industry.”

Morrison has been a member of the LIC Share-

LIC shareholders council chairwoman Jenny Morrison.

holders Council since 2006, and became chairwoman in 2009.

She is a hands-on dairy farmer who, with her husband Craig, milks 230 cows in Hikuai on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. They were runners-up in the national

finals of the Sharemilker of the Year competition in 2004 after winning the regional award.

They also run a 210ha drystock farm adjoining the dairy farm. She is involved in community groups including Land Search & Rescue.

Organics day draws devotees PETER BURKE

ORGANIC DAIRY

farmers from Manawatu and Wairarapa last week attended a field day on improving soil fertility and growing pasture more effectively.

The day was run by the Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group and DairyNZ at the farm of Anne and Ian

Cumming, organic dairy farmers near Woodville.

About 25 people attended.

One organiser, Esther Dijkstra, says a big issue for organic farmers is not being allowed put urea on their pasture. Their challenge is to grow enough grass without the use of N. There are different ways of improving fertility, she says. One is to spread effluent, something Ian

Cumming does.

“There are alternative fertilisers such as a composite chicken manure that we’ve trialed and that seems to be giving the best response to grass growth.”

The field day included explaining the nature of the Grow Organic Dairy Project (GODP), a threeyear project funded by the Sustainable Farming Fund.

Dijkstra manages the proj-

ect, identifying success stories from organic dairy farms in the North Island and telling these to other farmers.

The GODP consists of organics farmers and researchers at Massey University combining knowledge and skills to enhance organic dairying, Dijkstra says.

They look at matters on soils, and have devel-

oped a project to rear heifers without using worm drenches.

“This information directly benefits organic farmers, and it is also valuable to conventional farmers because a lot of stock are now resistant to drenches.”

Field day participants saw firsthand how Ian and Anne Cumming manage their farm.

Esther Dijkstra

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

news // 5

Allomes wins DairyNZ directorship sudesh kissun

NEW DAIRYNZ direc-

tor Ben Allomes is ready to play his role in the industry’s success. The Woodville farmer polled the second highest votes, unseating Kevin Ferris, Te Awamutu.

DairyNZ chairman John Luxton polled highest and was re-elected.

Michael Spaans gets another three-year term.

Allomes, 33, aims to help the industry maintain its competitive advantage. Dairy is key to New Zealand’s success, he says.

“We have to remain a low cost producer of grass and milk,” he told Dairy News.

Maintaining dairy’s

Ben Allomes

reputation is also crucial, he says. “We have to get the general public on board and show them who we are and the benefits we bring to the country.”

Allomes took to the road during the campaign, doing a whirlwind tour of seven dairy regions in

seven days. “The road trip took a lot of work but it helped raise my profile.”

The Sharemilker of the Year winner in 2008, Allomes served three years as New Zealand Young Farmers national president. He and his wife Nicky are in a second season as equity partners on one farm while sharemilking on two others.

They milk 1450 cows on three farms.

Voter turnout was low: 19% of eligible votes were cast. Results were announced last week in Hamilton at DairyNZ’s annual meeting.

Luxton thanked Ferris for his contribution. “He’s a real enthusiast for the industry and has always

DairyNZ chairman John Luxton makes a point while Kevin Ferris and Barry Harris look on at the annual meeting in Hamilton last week.

been focussed on what more we need to achieve.”

DairyNZ’s annual report, tabled at the meeting, records a loss of $1.5 million for year ending May 31. Last year it made $2.4m profit. Though the loss is in line with DairyNZ’s non-profit objectives, the result includes an impairment of land of $2.6m reflecting the lower market value of DairyNZ’s research farms.

Two postal resolutions were also passed

NAIT delay disappointing DAIRYNZ IS disappointed at the Government decision to delay the introduction of the NAIT legislation. This has pushed back the go-live date for the mandatory NAIT system.

Luxton says DairyNZ is committed to the NAIT project. It is in farmers’ interests for New Zealand

at the meeting: one ratified an increase in directors’ remuneration (64% approval), the other rat-

Record earnings in Waikato RECORD DAIRY production last year meant the industry generated $3.4 billion dollars for the greater Waikato region.

DairyNZ chairman John Luxton told the annual meeting last week in Hamilton that New Zealand dairying’s record 2010-11 year was due partly to higher North Island production per cow, in particular in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Northland.

“The recovery from the Northland drought of the year before saw an

increase of more than 10% in milk production there, while Bay of Plenty and Waikato increased by 5% and 6.4% respectively, with a very favourable autumn as the main contributing factor there.

“That increase in production has meant an increase in revenue for the regions as well. As an example, in the Waikato with milk price at $6.37/kgMS for 2009-10, dairy farmers generated $2.5 billion dollars. This last year, with an increase in milk price and produc-

tion, $3.4 billion was generated. And that’s just revenue from farming alone; the contribution of the processing side of the industry is also substantial.”

Luxton says while dairying still has great potential in the North Island, the challenge ahead for the industry is how it manages its nutrient footprint while realising the benefits in dairying, particularly in sensitive catchments.

“We’re making some excellent progress in this

to enhance its capability in the animal traceability area, he says in DairyNZ’s 2010-11 annual report.

“We will continue to drive development of the system to ensure NAIT is a low cost, farmer-friendly comprehensive animal identification and traceability scheme that includes all at-risk species.”

ified the appointment of independent director Barry Harris (86% approval).

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

news // 7

LIC defends breeding clause ANDREW SWALLOW

WHAT SOME see as a controversial clause in breeding company semen contracts is not restrictive and in fact benefits the industry, says New Zealand’s largest supplier, LIC. “Clause 62 cannot be restrictive as there is no compulsion to use LIC semen,” says LIC’s general manager genetics, Peter Gatley. “The reason why Clause 62 is necessary is that genetic gain provides the bulk of on-farm productivity improvement.”

LIC doesn’t deny access to its genetic material to any farmer, breeder, or competitor, and farmers are free to rear service bulls for their own use, he adds.

“Breeders using prog-

eny tested sires are not restricted in selling bulls to LIC or CRV AmBreed.

LIC and CRV AmBreed have had a mutual blanket waiver on the use of each other’s progeny tested bulls ever since the introduction of Clause 62.”

Because genetic gains are cumulative, the yearon-year value of the improvements achieved are now worth $billions annually, he says. “It is too important to put at risk by allowing free-riding by individuals for their own benefit at the expense of the industry.”

Gatley’s comments follow concerns raised by Liberty Genetics’ chairman Kevin Buckley in Dairy News (October 25 issue) which in turn followed successful legal action taken by LIC to stop Liberty and a group of

breeders importing, using and selling the progeny of LIC semen from Australia.

Gatley says it’s the only time LIC has had to resort to legal action to enforce Clause 62.

“The dairy industry’s strength is its co-operative nature. The entire national herd improves at the rate of gain in the AI bull team.

Every herd benefits from this, and every farmer should contribute something to the system.”

That may be in dollars or data.

“Every LIC client does exactly this. The Premier Sires and Alpha nominated users contribute the margin which funds sire proving and genomic research and genotyping.

SPS (sire proving scheme) farmers contribute valuable data.”

Ambreed clients gen-

erally contribute one or the other but many Liberty Genetics clients contribute neither, maintains Gatley. “They do not fund progeny test programmes or genomic research, and they don’t even record or herd test their own animals.”

As the national herd improves at the same rate

as Premier Sires – about 10 BW per year – so, by default, do the Liberty bull teams, he says.

“All Clause 62 does is put four years between the availability of the [top bulls] from LIC, and the reappearance of their genes in the Liberty teams.

Without Clause 62 the gap would be just two years

Peter Gatley

and the entire system would be at risk for the

benefit of a few Liberty shareholders.”

Different model – Liberty LIBERTY GENETICS

executive chairman Kevin Buckley says it has a completely different model from LIC on the use of young sires.

‘We dispatch five times more semen per

bull and we end up with a similar result to an expensive controlled sire-proving scheme similar to what LIC runs, thereby reducing costs to farmers.”

He says Liberty farm-

ers herd test their animals but it’s not compulsory On Liberty farmers contributing to progeny testing, Buckley says they do.

“They do when they purchase a straw of

semen and herd test; they contribute on an individual basis. Liberty does register all its bulls with the AEU so all have an official proof.” Liberty isn’t involved in genomic research.

in brief Tb control scheme’s success THE ANIMAL Health Board (AHB) annual report highlights achievements and benefits from controlling bovine tuberculosis (TB). And it reports progress in keeping infected herd numbers low under a revised plan for eradicating the disease.

The report, including research work, details new methods and processes to make the TBfree New Zealand scheme more cost-effective and innovative.

Especially in focus is the risks

and benefits AHB’s vector (chiefly possum) killing scheme poses to non-target species and the natural environment. This work includes developing and analysing killing methods.

“It has been an exceptional year for protecting the country from bovine TB,” says chief executive William McCook. The number of infected herds – about 80 in 201011 – is the lowest since the scheme began.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

news // 9

Oz carbon tax will raise power bills – Fonterra Government’s carbon tax will increase electricity costs by about $A3000 per farm, says Fonterra’s consumer business managing director John Doumani.

Fonterra has asked the Federal Government for more help for farmers making a transition to lowcarbon technologies.

“The reality is dairy farmers engage in energyintensive processing, so they should be eligible for funding to help them adapt,” Doumani last month told a meeting at the Rural Press Club of Victoria.

“We’ve been talking to the Government about the special needs of dairy farming and so far they’re receptive. The biggest likely impact of carbon pricing for dairy farmers will be electricity price increases.

“We expect the Government’s carbon pricing will have a direct impact of about $3000/dairy farm/ year in increased electricity costs.”

Fonterra will help its suppliers identify ways to reduce electricity use on-

farm in preparation for the carbon tax, Doumani says.

“We accept a low-carbon future is inevitable and a challenge we have to face. It’s also an opportunity to innovate, invest and drive for a more competitive future. We have [made plans] to reduce carbon emissions in our manufacturing operations, and now we’re turning our attention to how we can help our farmer suppliers.”

Fonterra has published a farmers’ guide to managing the electricity cost increases of carbon pricing. It covers key areas of farm electricity use and helps farmers assess their operations. It’s a start, Doumani says. The co-op has been talking to its Australian suppliers about sustainability.

“They tell us they want to operate a sustainable business and reduce carbon emissions, especially in light of the [extra costs] associated with the carbon pricing. But they don’t know how to do it or fund it.

“They want independent advice from someone

in brief Anchor unites families TEN FAMILIES will reunite during the next two months as part of Fonterra Brands’ Anchor 125th anniversary competition.

Anchor invited Kiwis to tell them why they deserved a family reunion. From 840 entries, 40 finalists were chosen. The public voted for two People’s Choice Awards and a panel including members of the original Anchor family from the 1990s ‘soap’ style ad campaign selected the other eight winners.

“It wasn’t easy,” says actor Hannah Gould, who played Sam in the 1990s advertising.

“There were some moving stories. Today family means so many different things to people, but we felt the winning eight families embraced the idea of togetherness, and gave heartwarming reasons why they wanted to see their families reunited.”

Each of the ten winners will be funded to a family reunion to a cost of $10,000. The winners include 41 mums who met in an online forum two years ago, a family of brothers and sisters who were adopted and have never met, and a family detective tracing a family tree to Dunedin.

Anchor launched November 3, 1886, when a Cornish famer, Henry Reynolds, produced a first batch of Anchor butter. He is said to have chosen the Anchor marque from a tattoo on the arm of a former sailor who worked on a farm supplying his factory.

Anchor products have included milk, butter, cream and spreads. It is familiar in many countries.

Says spokesman Craig Irwin,“We wanted to recognise the support of all New Zealanders.”

who understands dairying to tell them what technologies to employ.

“Farmers are wary of ‘snake-oil’ salesmen knocking on their doors offering dubious solutions. They’re concerned

about unproven technologies and capital costs.”

The guide includes a calculator to help farmers consider their likely electricity bill increases and a self-assessment tool to help them understand

how their operation rates against best practice electricity usage.

Fonterra will also run information sessions for farmers and provide expertise to help with onfarm assessments.

John Doumani

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

10 // news

Dairy features in Feds manifesto PETER BURKE

FEDERATED FARMERS last week officially

launched its election manifesto during the early morning rush hour at Wellington train station.

The commuters took little notice of the (mostly) dark-suited men gathered around a small podium, but in the capital the document itself will score brownie points for the Federation.

President Bruce Wills says though dairying gets only limited specific

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mention in the manifesto, in fact issues affecting the sector feature all through the document.

Feds decided not to single out specific sectors but to focus instead on generic issues affecting all pastoral farming.

Such issues as NAIT, ETS, water, science and many more apply to all sectors. But in the manifesto, Wills and the new Feds board signal a more conciliatory approach to dealing with complex and controversial environmental issues.

“Farmers have two options,” Wills says. “If we chose not to front foot some of these obligations on the environment and take greater responsibility for our actions than

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we have in the past, we’re going to end up an overly regulated industry. In the European Union and the US farming is very heavily regulated.... New Zealand hasn’t gone down that track yet.”

Wills is asking farmers to be more open and honest about their environmental footprint and to work pragmatically and positively with councils to satisfy community concerns. He hopes this will avert long term the burden of regulations under which farmers labour in most other countries.

“We need to listen to the concerns of our urban population and our markets and what they are telling us. They say, ‘hey, we love your food New Zealand, and we like what you’re doing, but take care of the environment.’ We must listen to that.”

The solutions to these problems will come from good science, Wills is certain. “We can produce more food off less land

with a smaller footprint but we’ve got to do it by being smarter and using sensible science.”

Bruce Wills shows off the Federation’s manifesto to early morning commuters last week at the Wellington train station.

Same issues, different approach FEDS 61-PAGE election manifesto covers a diverse range of issues affecting farming. Most are not new; what’s different is the tenor of the document – deliberately more conciliatory and extending an olive branch to urban New Zealand, says president Bruce Wills.

None of this is news to the political parties to which – in theory – it’s aimed. Feds are not strangers to the Beehive and the environs of Parliament.

But it sets out, in one simple publication, farmers’ policy agenda or ‘wish list.’ Here are the results of a survey of farmer concerns: ETS and climate change top the list, then input and compliance costs, the exchange rate, debt and interest rates. This section also contains useful information on

the state of farming.

Though Wills and his team single out water, rural broadband and science and innovation as the top three priorities, clearly NAIT, ETS and economic and monetary policy are not far behind; nor are biosecurity and animal welfare, both high on the Government’s priority list.

On biosecurity, the Federation wants a full-time independent review panel to act as watchdog on processes.

Then there’s the Feds hardy annual – local government, allegedly long overdue for reform, especially re rates. Let’s review this, Feds say, but with the caveat that “solutions are not imposed by Wellington.”

No Federation document would be complete without reference to the RMA, and

a not-unreasonable call for councils to engage better with farmers before ‘plans’ are notified. Many farmers are horrified at the costly process of reviewing regional and district plans, which often end up in court. In this case farmers pay twice: first as ratepayers, then as litigants.

An issue dear to the hearts of dairy farmers is the transport regulations, especially work time and overweight rules which can affect the planting and harvesting of crops such as maize.

The Federation calls on the Government to recognise the seasonal challenges (trucking and moving large machines) the industry faces. The Ministry of Transport has a review under way.

Meat and dairy to work closely PETER BURKE

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sections are planning more cooperation, says the Feds Meat and Fibre chair, and board member, Jeanette Maxwell.

She told Dairy News last week at a meat and fibre meeting in Wellington that members are talking a lot about issues common to sheep and beef and dairy, and the arable sector.

“One of the main

issues is NAIT; also pasture and forage management because that also runs across both sectors.

And we keep each other in mind because of the grazing relationships we share.”

Dairy and sheep-andbeef farmers have for some time called for a closer relationship. The expanding dairy industry has affected the beef sector and some farmers have said closer ties bring gains for both.

Maxwell sees more

Jeanette Maxwell

commonality between beef and dairy than is generally recognised. “Things like working together when dealing with regional

and district councils. We have a lot of opportunity to work together because we have so many synergies.... Both are pastoral farming systems and we need to work together.”

Maxwell points to change in the meat and fibre council and the Feds board bringing a good, open working relationship. They know they have to come forward together, she says. “Our image should be farming New Zealand, not just beef, or dairy or arable farm-

ing. We need each other to some degree.”

Feds truly desire to engage with the community, Maxwell says. There are good opportunities for all parties to get together and talk, rather than reacting to issues knee-jerk style.

And she’s pleased to see the levy-based industry organisations – Beef + Lamb and DairyNZ – working together on research such as meat products and animal breeding.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

news // 11

Payout drop no surprise andrew swallow

ANALYSTS SAY Fon-

terra’s 45c/kgMS payout revision late last month was no surprise and don’t see it as the start of a 2008-9-style slide.

That season an initial $7/kgMS forecast was followed by a $6.60/kgMS revision in late September and a final figure of $5.20/ kgMS. “I don’t think we’re going to see a repeat of 2008-9,” ANZ National Bank rural economist Con Williams told Dairy News.

This revision is later, so

ern Hemisphere’s season is coinciding with continued growth in northern hemisphere exports.

“The [northern and southern hemisphere] milk flows have overlapped more than usual this year. That’s boosted supply availability. There would need to be some exceptional buying to absorb all that.”

In the same period last year China was very active, as was Russia due to drought. This year that demand’s not there, though extra demand from China “may still come,” she notes.

this season playing out like 2008-9 when an initial forecast of $7/kgMS gave way to a final figure of $5.20/kgMS. “A lot of the sharp crash then was due to liquidity and credit availability. We can’t rule that out given the situation in Europe, but it seems unlikely.”

Fonterra chief financial

officer, Jonathan Mason, echoes that. Commodity and stock markets are not coming off such as spike as in 2008, and they’re not likely to fall nearly as far, he believes.

“Now we’ve got wholemilk powder at about $US3500/t compared to a peak of about $US4400/t six months ago.” In 2008

the peak was more like $US5200/t and the following trough hit $US1800/t.

“There’s some softness there but nothing like we had three years ago. Now, if tomorrow Italy and Greece default on their debt, then we’d all have to watch and see how it plays out but it doesn’t feel like GFC 1.”

Skim milk powder prices rose slightly last week.

IN THE BEGINNING

THERE WAS MILK

prices flat LAST WEEK’S GlobalDairyTrade result saw the trade weighted all contracts average down 1.2%. Milk protein concentrate and anhydrous milk fat were the big fallers, down 10.7% and 9.3% at $US5,608/t and $US3,309/t respectively, while wholemilk powder was back just 0.8% at $US3,487/t and skim powder up 0.2% at $US3,292/t. Rennet casein leapt 35.3% to $US9,182/t.

more product will already be sold at “pretty healthy” prices compared to longterm averages. There are also signs supply growth in the US and Europe is slowing.

Europe’s debt situation is a worry, as is the slowdown in the Chinese economy, though there’s “been a big emphasis in the dairy industry to diversify their markets in the last couple of years,” says Williams.

Nonetheless, China now accounts for 20% of dairy exports. “Our next market along from that is a lot smaller.”

Last season strong buying from India and Russia drove up prices towards the end of the year. This time that demand’s not there and China has only been back in the market for the past couple of GlobalDairyTrade events, he notes.

Rabobanks’ Hayley Moynihan says the gradual easing in markets is more or less as anticipated; a strong start to the South-

Talks of a slowdown in the Asian giant’s economy are not too great a concern for dairy markets, she believes.

“As it slows down that may impact consumption a bit but from a dairy point of view there’s likely to be minimal impact.

Domestic feed costs, and consequently the cost of domestic production, are still quite high.”

Globally, demand for dairy is “still quite robust, though perhaps a little more patchy particularly in the US and EU. Consumption has plateaued at best and in the US liquid milk consumption has declined. That’s putting more milk onto the world market, and it’s hard to see that changing.

“But the emerging markets are still performing well, particularly the Middle East and Latin America. South East Asia is more patchy. Some markets are going well. Others are feeling the pinch.”

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

12 // news

Miraka goes global PETER BURKE

FIRST SHIPMENTS of whole milk powder from the newly opened Miraka dairy factory near Taupo are on the way through the supply chain in key Asian markets.

The plant, which began producing on August 1, is a joint venture between Tuaropaki Trust and Wairarapa Moana Trust, and strategic partners including local Maori trusts, the Maori trustee, Global Dairy Network and a Vietnamese dairy company, Vinamilk.

Miraka, though off the beaten track north west of Taupo, past Kinloch – where mist often clings to the rolling hillsides of Mokai – is in fact located beside its power source,

the geothermal power station part-owned by Tuaropaki. Natural gas does not feature. The day I visited the factory, tankers from Tatua and Fonterra were pulling in, taking advantage of the plant’s spare capacity.

This $90m state-ofthe-art factory can process 1.1 bn L of milk per day, but is now handling about 900 m L per day. The plant includes a milk reception area, evaporator, spray drying facility and warehouse.

Chief executive Richard Wyeth (36), says a strategic decision was taken not to produce to full capacity initially to avoid unnecessary pressure on the plant during start-up. The plant is running well and has had no major glitches. It has the

advantage of geothermal steam. From day one product quality has been excellent, Wyeth says.

“Most of the product is going to Vietnam and China, [and] smaller parcels to Australia and the Pacific Islands, US and Mexico. We’re also looking at markets in the Middle East.

“We are trying in year one to keep the focus reasonably simple, looking at ten customers and four or five products, all essentially whole milk powder.

But we’ll produce some skim milk powder next year.”

The business is focused entirely on the commodity market, Wyeth says. “I want to ensure we make good quality commodity products before we go looking into any consumer

packs or moving up the value chain. At this stage we have a three-five year plan to move into other product streams.”

Having Vinamilk as a strategic partner has worked well for Miraka.

“They’re a good partner because they’re an end user of product. They’re not buying our product then trading it in their market. They’re actually using it for their own consumption, including UHT and condensed milk and yogurt.”

The developing Asian market targeted by Miraka offers long term growth, with their desire to eat more dairy products, Wyeth says. “Historically... a lot of sweetened condensed milk was consumed. Now... it’s more UHT milk and in time

a business with a focus THE NEW plant employs 30 people, and 30 more, indirectly by way of contracts.

Richard Wyeth, aged 36, married with two children, has an impressive CV. It includes selling beer and Coca Cola, giving him good grounding in sales and marketing Wyeth grew up on a Wairapapa sheep and beef farm, attended Rathkeale Collage, then completed BA/B Com at the University of Canterbury.

His first job was as graduate manager for Benchmark Building Supplies, then worked for a relative, Kevin Lochore, brother of Sir Brian Lochore, as transport manager for LCL Transport, carting offal in the northern North Island.

After selling beer and Coca Cola he helped set up Sheeplink, then in 2007 became commercial manager for Open Country Dairy. Promoted to global sales manager he oversaw the selling of 120,000 tonnes of product, turning over almost $500 million.

“I enjoyed that a lot. Then [Miraka] tracked me down and I got a phone call just before Christmas 2009, telling me about the opportunity; it seemed too good not to be involved in.

“One thing that attracted me to Miraka was the values of the people. Maori are family focused, long term focused, and I [was comfortable] about the values... in the business.”

The opportunity of a chief executive position in a start-up company had a certain excitement about it, he says. Here he could put his own stamp on the business. “My focus has been about building good foundations and not being in too much of a hurry to grow. We need to grow but we need to do this on a solid foundation.”

Wyeth has recruited topclass managers, many lured back from the Middle East and Europe, and some recruited locally. He is proud of achievements to date. Starting on time and within budget was a good omen. Feedback from Vinamilk is interesting: they expected the plant construction to take two years; it took just over one year.

there’ll be a drive for more liquid fresh milk on the shelves.”

Any move by Miraka into the consumer products market will be with a partner in the country of destination, where that partner will better understand local tastes.“When I was in China I had yogurt with cheese chunks in it and even a pea-flavoured ice block. Those are the sort of things we have to understand.”

As the bags of WMP roll out of the factory, Wyeth is turning his attention to attracting more suppliers, even launching a campaign to this end. There is now a 50/50 split – Maori/non-Maori,

Miraka contracts milk collection.

though in fact about 65% of Miraka’s milk comes from Maori trusts and Maori farmers. This results from Maori farms being larger (560 cows average) verses the 350 national average.

“In year one we were planning to run at 80% capacity.... We’re after another 40 m L of milk to reach our capacity....

We have the advantage of shareholders who are also farmers, so we have a solid basis of supply, which gives other farmers confidence to come in.”

The balance sheet is strong and debt-to-equity ratio low. Maori are in the venture for the long haul, good for the operation’s viability.

Miraka collects milk from 70km around – Rotorua, Tokoroa, Bennedale and south to Turangi.

Wyeth admits dairy farming on the central plateau is not easy, but says the geographic spread of their catchment area is helpful.

Miraka owns no tankers, instead contracting collection to a local company, Dairy Fresh.

Worms add value VERMICULTURE (WORMS) is crucial to Miraka’s low carbon footprint. It is one of many unique features of this venture, highlighting the value of the partnership between Tuaropaki, Wairarapa Moana and other partners.

Says Richard Wyeth, “The waste streams are captured in the vicinity of the factory. Our waste fat solids are treated at Tuaropaki’s worm farm across the road. We also irrigate our treated wastewa-

ter onto Tuaropaki farmland and we have geothermal power.”

Worm processing of waste fat solids links to Tuaropaki’s other venture next to Miraka – growing tomatoes in glasshouses heated by geothermal power. The worm farm was set up to dispose of the waste tomato vines; adding dairy waste has grown this business.

Wyeth knows of no other dairy factory worldwide using worms to process waste.

Chief executive Richard Wyeth (left) and operations manager Mike Payne in the drying tower at the plant.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

14 // news

Biofarming hots up AN INAUGURAL con-

ference on biological farming systems at Rotorua late last month has triggered positive response from farmers and businesses.

Farmers, including many Maori, have offered use of their lands for biological farming research.

Nutrient supply companies have offered ‘seed’

Michael Quintern, Scion, explains importance of earthworms at the bio farming field day at Edgecumbe.

money for the research.

The Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust (RLLT) – organisers of the conference under the trade name New Zealand Biological Farming Systems Research Centre – is happy with the conference’s success.

“Farmers and nutrient suppliers were enthused with the [news of the

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catering to the growing market for high value food products.”

Scientists from Massey University, Otago University, Scion, Plant and Food Research, AgResearch, and Industrial Research presented papers.

Speakers and their topics include: Alan Thatcher, Massey University, comparing nitrate leaching from organic and conventionally farmed dairy units; Brent Clothier, Plant and Food Research, ecosystem services and recent research on soil carbon; Alec Mackay, soil biology focussing on earthworm diversity and abundance; Doug Edmeades, the importance of clover; Marion Johnson, Otago University, how to incorporate the principles of Te Rongoa into farm management.

Participants visited Peter Berryman’s farm at Edgecumbe. DairyNZ chairman John Luxton opened the event.

RLLT is a joint venture between Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authorities and Rotorua/Taupo Province of Federated Farmers.

Conferences will be held under the banner of BFS Research Centre.

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research] and we could start soon in this area,” says RLLT chairman Malcolm Short.

He says the trust is overwhelmed by the response. At least 270 delegates attended the conference, surpassing the target of 200.

“The credit goes to local and national media, including farming magazines, that played a key role in promoting this conference. Measuring the response this year we will have to look for a larger venue for more delegates.

“We expect more farmers to attend and benefit, especially with the research centre playing a key role.”

Conference coordinator Guna Magesan says presentations by biological farmers and consultants aroused the greatest interest.

“They brought real life experiences of commercially managed biological farms to conventional farmers, consultants and scientists. This kind of experience provides a great impetus towards more research into biological farming systems as commercial yet environment friendly enterprises,

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benefits of being involved in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards since his win in May. “The competition proved to me I’m on the right track and the direction I’m heading is the right one,” Smith says.

“I now have a huge range of contacts in the industry to help me gain knowledge and grow as a dairy farmer, and since the awards got my name out there I have moved into a farm management position. It’s helped me progress in my career.”

Entries are now open for the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and Smith is hoping to encourage other young dairy trainees to enter. The contest is open to 18-30 year olds employed on a dairy farm for less than five years.

Entrants can be studying at any level but judging is based on the National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4).

Smith says the networking opportunities were one of the best things about the competition.

“I met a wide range of people – dairy farmers through to people who service the industry. The industry leaders I met will be valuable contacts as I progress. It’s a great opportunity to learn from people.”

He also spent five days in Southland on a study tour in the lead up to the national final with the other regional winners.

“It was awesome to meet the other regional [winners].

They were driven and passionate about the industry. Being able to mix and mingle and gain contacts with other likeminded individuals was amazing.”

Smith is completing his National Certificate in Agriculture, Dairy Farming, Level 4, through AgITO.

Dairy News november 8, 2011

news // 15 Not everyone has been as lucky as this Manawatu farmer. Recent rain has affected silage harvesting.

Contractors face issues with wet weather PETER BURKE

RURAL CONTRACTORS say the rain over the past few weeks is causing major problems and dairy farmers are the most vulnerable. Maize can’t be sown in the North Island and other feeds crops can’t be planted in the south.

Rural Contractors New Zealand president John Hughes says silage cannot be harvested and there is a fear the problem will compound if the rain keeps up.

will have to be discussed with Ministry of Transport officials.

Meanwhile in Manawatu, Chris Slattery, who runs a sizable contracting firm, says the situation is serious: rain has prevented maize planting. “We normally have a few hundred hectares planted now and we’ve done very little silage. We’ve got it all there to do but we just can’t get across the ground without making a mess.”

Slattery had a spray rig stuck in a paddock because of the soft soil. The peat area near Opiki, south of Palmerston North, is

“The trouble is the grass growth will come all at once. It’ll be a flush and if that happens everyone is going to be in the same boat. They’ll want everything done now.”

Hughes, who contracts in Southland, says his area has been wet, cold and is now getting warm, so with rain causing delays the problems will be compounded.

“The trouble is the grass growth will come all at once. It’ll be a flush and if that happens everyone is going to be in the same boat. They’ll want everything done now.”

Hughes believes Canterbury may be facing a similar situation. There is a problem planting barley oats and wheat for feed. “There’s a lot of ground that, even though it’s getting turned over, you can’t get the top work done at present because it’s too wet for tillage. You get the ground to the stage when you can work it and then it rains.”

He predicts that when the weather comes right there’ll be huge rush of people wanting everything done at the same time.

There’s no shortage of contractors but he expects everyone will have to go like crazy to get the work done. It has the potential to be “ another one of those classical stress situations.”

Hughes says issues about work hours

fine but it’s hard to get much done in the rest of the region.

The grass growth is fantastic, he says.

“We’ve got a lot of paddocks we can’t get on because of the wet and the grass is starting to get a bit too rank.”

Another problem for Slattery is closure of the Manawatu Gorge by slips at the northern end. He works in the Tararua district around Woodville, normally travelling through the gorge.

But the road closed more than a month ago and is unlikely to reopen soon. The alternative routes – Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track – are much longer and wind through the hills.

For Slattery and other contractors, not to mention farmers, the situation is frustrating. On the one hand the rain is great, but it just needs to stop for while so crops can be harvested and planted. As for Hughes in Southland, the pressure will come on as the weather improves.

The good news for Slattery is that his dairy farm is doing well. “The highest peak I’ve ever had,” he says.

in brief Food labelling priority MANDATORY COUNTRY of origin labelling of fresh food will be one of the priority issues the Green Party will seek to negotiate in any postelection policy agreement.

“There is overwhelming support for country of origin labelling, so consumers can work out where their food comes from,” Green Party food spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

“It’s time that other political parties listened to consumers and introduced mandatory country of origin labelling for fresh produce and single ingredient foods.”

“We have mandatory country of origin labelling for footwear and clothing, so people can work out

where their jandals and tee shirts come from. Why not for food?”

Kedgley points out we imported $4 billion worth of food last year, and consumers have a right to know which countries it comes from.

There is no requirement for retailers to advise consumers where their food comes from, and many don’t bother to inform them, she says.

“We need mandatory country of origin labelling of food to ensure consistency and compliance.

Voluntary country of origin labelling doesn’t work, and even where it has been introduced it has been patchy and inconsistent,” says Kedgley.

Dairy News november 8, 2011

16 // news

Losing beard for a good cause Peter Burke

ONE OF the county’s ‘real blokes’is urging farmers and other ‘staunch’ men to swallow their pride

and have their prostrates checked for cancer during November.

Davey Hughes founded and owns the Levin outdoor clothing firm Swazi.

He’s also known for his

amazing hunting and shooting exploits around the world. Hughes has hunted lions and bears, done the Coast-to-Coast and, of course, he’s trapped possums. There’s

not much Hughes has not done and his office has an array of trophy heads and other hunting memorabilia of the kind you’d not find anywhere but Levin.

And now Hughes has

Davey Hughes’ daughter Taygen takes the knife to his beard. Inset: Still with his hair but minus the 30-yearold beard.

just taken on another role – but it’s a kind of reversal of the usual.

Each November, for some years, men have been urged to support ‘Movember’ – grow a moustache to remind other blokes to get a prostate check.

But Hughes, last Tuesday, got out his razor, instead of putting it away. For 30 years he’s had a beard to match his long, flowing, blond-butslightly-graying hair.

Persuaded by his daughter Taygen, Hughes decided to sacrifice his beard to help promote ‘Movember’, hoping his profile as a ‘staunch bloke’ will encourage others to take a prostrate cancer test.

“I get a blood test every six months . I had one last week and I’ve still got the bruises because they

couldn’t find the vein.

“Kiwi guys are so staunch. A lot of them think a test for prostate cancer involves some guy sticking his finger up their bum. But it’s changed. It’s a lot simpler now – in fact a lot of the fun has gone out of it because it’s just a blood test.”

Hughes sees farmers as terribly staunch. “Facing the old testing they were a bit… well, homophobic.

Thought some guy with a glove and a pot of Vaseline was going to scare the shit out of them.”

Now, the scary bit for Hughes is whether his beloved beard will grow back and what colour will it be.

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Farm-gate milk sales review A DISCUSSION paper on farm-gate sales of raw milk for drinking has been released by MAF. It recommends limited amendments to conditions of sale, an exemption from risk management plan requirements and setting of animal health and hygiene requirements.

Increasing the maximum sale volume/customer from 5 L to 6 L is proposed, with a total daily sales limit of 120 L. Releasing the paper, Food Safety Minister Kate Wilkinson said selling small quantities of raw milk at the farm gate “is a long standing tradition and there is support for that to continue.”

“At present, the law lets farmers sell a daily maximum of 5 L of raw milk from their farm to people to drink and give to their family.

“The discussion document focuses on how to provide for limited sales of raw milk for drinking, as the Government is not proposing to allow commercial-scale sale of this product at this time.”

Two other options are proposed: maintaining the current legal position, making limited amendments to conditions of sale and retaining the requirement for a risk management programme (RMP). However, the paper points out the risks of raw milk would make providing an adequate RMP almost impossible for a farmer.

Submissions close on December 5 2011. A copy of the paper can be found at: http://www.foodsafety.govt.nz/elibrary/industry/farm-gate-raw-milk-sales/index.htm

Dairy News november 8, 2011

world // 17

Clearing Oz carbon worries SOUTH-WEST VICTORIAN dairy farmers have been told to keep their focus on the main game of producing food as they come to grips with new carbon legislation.

The farmers were told at a Clearing the Carbon Confusion’ seminar in Warrnambool recently that they should become informed about carbon saving options but should not rush into any deals.

A panel of experts told the seminar that farmers should only pursue carbon offsets if they complement and enhance their core business of producing food and fibre.

The audience heard that a carbon policy had been brewing for several years and would become a reality, but farmers would not be forced to enter in the Carbon Farming Initiative.

They were also told that many of the savings needed to reduce a farm’s carbon footprint made good business sense and would improve production and result in cost savings.

About 100 farmers and service providers attended the seminar which was presented by the Department of Primary Industries, Glenelg Hopkins CMA,

Heytesbury District Landcare Network, Dairy Australia and the Australian Governments Climate Change Research Program.

It featured presentations by DPI Climate Extension Specialist Graeme Anderson, Glenelg Hopkins CMA Regional Landcare Facilitator Bruce Knee and DPI Policy Manager David Griffin.

Griffin says that the Federal Coalition is unlikely to repeal the Carbon Farming Initiative (CFI), but reserved the right to amend the legislation. “The focus for farmers will be on productivity gains mainly through input efficiencies. However, anything that detracts from the core business of producing food (and fibre) should not be part of your main game,” he said.

The seminar was told that agriculture is exempt from a direct carbon tax obligation but could experience indirect increases in input prices.

He says the CFI is ambitious but voluntary. “Farmers should hasten slowly and adopt a watch and wait attitude.

There will be costs and potential risks and if farmers go into it they should have their eyes open.”

Australian farmers have been told not to rush into any carbon deal.

The pathways to achieving offsets were explained, including the need for offsets to be underpinned by scientific research and the option for aggregators to develop the methodology for projects on behalf of individual farmers.

Knee explains about the high levels of emissions from farms in the form of methane and nitrous oxide and says that while it was important for farm-

ers to know about the CFI they should approach it with caution. “Trust no-one, there will be a lot of sharks out there trying to make money out if it,” he warned.

He says farmers could be a project proponent but would need to adopt a methodology and be responsible for its development. “The other option, which might be best for farmers, is to go with

an aggregator but be sure you know and trust them.”

Farmers were warned that to claim offsets for tree planting they would have to lock up land for a century.

Anderson says farmers were anxious about carbon legislation. “It has been brewing for a long time. There will be uncertainties along the way but it is not going away and we have to deal with it.”

He said farmers were already active in many of the areas that would lead to increased milk production per cow and emissions efficiency. These include energy efficiency, farm forests, soil carbon, nitrogen efficiency and improving livestock and methane performance.

“The least profitable farms have the highest emissions intensity. There are efficiency drivers that make good business sense for farmers and a lot of work is already being done in these areas,” he said.

“We are all on the same path of trying to find ways to reduce emissions.”

Anderson says farmers “can sleep easy tonight” because the CFI is voluntary. “But you should stay tuned and stay informed, and look closely before signing a contract for carbon storage”.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

18 // letters ‘NRC should get its act together’ I READ with new interest the article ‘Council blames arrogance for farm effluent breaches’ (Dairy News Oct 25) because I know my farm is one of the 30% ‘significantly non compliant’ over effluent disposal.

However, if my case is anything like those of other farmers who got a letter four weeks

after the Northland Regional Council staff visited, then it is chairman Craig Brown, not farmers, who needs to pull his head in.

A year ago we spent $35,000 on an effluent disposal pod system, which works well and applies about 6mm/ hr of effluent.

On the day of the council officer’s

visit I ran the disposal system for a total of two hours. I came from the back of the farm to find him on the farm. We chatted but he said nothing to indicate he had issues with what we were doing. So to be told the council is taking us to court was a surprise and very distressing.

None of us got any

sleep that night.

A photo was enclosed showing slight ponding in an old trough site. However the photo also shows the effluent sprinklers were still going.

Council documentation says any ponding must be gone three hours after the sprinklers finish. The council staff member

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did not come back to check. When phoned they said if they were in the wrong they would apologise.

The ponding in the old trough site was gone before two hours but how competent are the council staff when they either don’t know (unlikely) or ignore their own rules?

‘Significant non compliance’ of 30% is huge. Does Craig Brown really believe 1:3 dairy farmers is breaking the rules? 30%

is much higher than last year so what has changed? The Fonterra effluent management representative, who sees all these farms, says the figure is more like 10-12% so why the difference?

I have never had a problem with council staff turning up unannounced and walking over my farm but from now on I will be their shadow because I am racked off.

Mark Bygrave Mangawhai

Hands off my database IT HAS taken dairy farmers 50 years to establish the wealth of information stored within the LIC database. It’s a store of information particularly dedicated to each one of us, which is why we all have participant codes.

All the IP that hangs off that participant code has been developed in the interests of the cooperative and is one of the reasons our industry is as profitable as it is today. That information has been voluntarily put in by shareholders.

They knew LIC would use it to develop IP which comes back to us on-farm. No one has the right to come along and announce it is taking this away from LIC. DairyNZ, be content with what you’re supposed to be getting – raw data from herd testing, and leave the LIC database with the people who built it up – LIC shareholders Jack Mockford Te Awamutu

ONLINE POLL

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Dairy News november june 14, 20118, 2011

20 // opinion OPINION Ruminating

EDITORIAL

Feds manifesto for the future

milking it...

Fighting fire with cows

AS THE fire season rolls around again, cows will play a crucial role in protecting the Australian capital.

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has increased the area of land where grazing cattle are used for fire deterrence from 4500ha two years ago, to nearly 7500ha this year.

Senior fire management officer Scott Farquhar says cattle were an effective tool to combat fires. ‘’They reduce the amount of fuel on the ground, and they change its arrangement so it becomes less flammable.”

Canberra residents on the western and northern edges of the city are likely to see cows closer to their homes and businesses, as cattle are used to target specific locations at risk of fire. ‘’We’re effectively looking at areas where we can provide more strategic grazing – along the roadsides, as well as protecting assets,’’ says Farquhar.

Brazen cow thieves AS THE US economy spirals downwards, cow thefts are reaching record levels. An estimated 4500 cattle have been reported missing or stolen this year in Texas and Oklahoma alone.

A local sherriff says the thieves know exactly what they are doing.

“These guys are not your typical fly-by-night, let’s-steal-a-cow kinda people,” he told Time.

An Oklahoma farmer recently checked his livestock to find two gutted Black angus calves. The thieves left the entrails and took the meat, along with another 400-pound calf.

It cost the rancher $2234.

The thieves have developed sophisticated techniques, pulling up trailers in the middle of the night, knowing exactly how to coax the animals inside and even replacing fences they’ve cut for access.

One farmer stumbled across one of his branded cows on another man’s property. Officials later discovered 36 cows and 31 calves on the property, belonging to nine different people, all worth $84200.

Sitting on the fence HAMILTON CITY Council will spend $8500 on a fence along Waikato River to keep a herd of cows out of the water.

The council got three complaints in the past year about cows entering the east side of the river from the capped Horotiu landfill land it leases to a farmer. Rather than spending on

a fence along 852m of riverbank, the council decided to ask the farmer to better manage his stock.

But the farmer was unsuccessful and the council has now decided to fence the property.

The council says cows have been taking impromptu dips and soiling the river.

Head Office: Top Floor, 29 Northcroft St, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone 09-307 0399. Fax 09-307 0122 Postal Address: Published by: Printed by: Contacts: Advertising material: Rural News on-line: Subscriptions:

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Poo power

COW POO and grass are the main ingredients for cooking up new high efficiency power.

The first energy plant of its kind in 20 years demonstrates how natural processes can power a business and a village with renewable energy.

A farm near Ardstraw in Northern Ireland uses technology that allows the production of heat and power from animal waste and vegetation. Fuelled by organic matter produced on the farm, this pioneering power plant is also one of the most environmentally friendly of its kind.

The plant is efficient and wastes very little compared to other energy companies. Normally, central power plants pump 50% of the energy into the air while turbines waste 75% of the wind’s energy. Now, run on muck, the cow power plant has an energy efficiency of 86%, wasting only 14%, a huge step toward a sustainable Northern Ireland.

The Greenhill Dairy Farm Biogas plant is the first plant in Northern Ireland in 20 years to provide sustainable heat and power for homes and businesses. The power station mimics a cow stomach and cooks animal waste at 40oC to produce methane. The gas is then piped into two engines that drive generators while hot water is also produced for drying plant waste, called digestate, and to pasteurise milk.

FEDERATED FARMERS’ election manifesto released last week is a refreshing change from the past and reflects the more professional approach to lobbying by Bruce Wills and his new board members.

The manifesto is in effect the Feds policy agenda and it contains no great surprises. The top three issues they want traction on by the political parties are water management, rural broadband and science and innovation. All three are future focused and the benefits of winning political support on these three issues alone will be good for farmers and the country as a whole.

What is unusual about this manifesto is that the language used is conciliatory and inclusive and is a far cry from the tub thumping, demanding, whinging style of Federated Farmers in the past. The new board headed by Bruce Wills has not walked away from issues which deeply concern farmers such as NAIT, the ETS and biosecurity. Reform of the RMA and local government also feature. So does employment and high country issues and there’s even a call for recognition of bees.

The tenor of the document indicates a desire by the Feds to work with central and local government as well as the community to get solutions to issues, such as water, which are complex and difficult.

There isn’t a lot in the document specifically about dairying, but it is there under other headings such as water and biodiversity.

One item that strikes a chord is a move by the Feds to encourage more young people into agriculture. There are great jobs in the ag sector, but sadly huge numbers of young people prefer media studies to a qualification that will lead to a real job in the real world of agriculture.

The manifesto is a comprehensive document. All politicians should take the time to read it, as should members of the federation and even those who are not.

At long last the federation is beginning to look professional with a positive, solution- and future-focused document which must be taken seriously in Wellington. As wish lists go, this is pretty good.

– Peter Burke

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Send to: Letter to the Editor PO Box 3855, Auckland 1140.

Email: dairynews@ruralnews.co.nz

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

opinion // 21

Is BW worth it? don blumhardt

IT SHOULD be a matter of concern to us all to hear, increasingly frequently, comment that the New Zealand Animal Evaluation Unit (NZAEU) Breeding Worth (BW) index is meaningless, or irrelevant, to large sections of the dairy industry.

All criticism should be constructive, so let us start by deconstructing BW: identifying what we have and don’t have; what we like or consider inappropriate; then make genuine suggestions of what

Economic Values of each, but rather the ratio between them.

Fonterra has, over the years, paid 2.5 to 2.7 time as much for protein as fat yet the BW ratio over the past five years averaged 5P:1F. With fat now returning as much as protein in our overseas markets the BW is clearly sending the wrong signals. It favours Friesian. The Jersey fraternity should be screaming ‘Blue Murder’. We are entitled to an explanation.

Somatic Cell Count BV Originally Fonterra wanted the penalty level

The fertility BV is very important, and controversial.

No calf, no milk, now cow. we would make BW more commercially acceptable.

Firstly, in breeding plants or animals the more traits we try to select for, the less overall progress we make. BW is a composite of seven indices bound together by separate economic weightings eg fat BV x economic value. Simarly protein, etc. Are there too many traits? Individual trait Breeding Values are computer generated in a statistical methodology that has been peer – endorsed, and outside the expertise of most.

Economic values are a little more nebulous, and I believe DairyNZ’s Sire Summary explanation (May 2011 edition) is misleading. We should be consulted as to what is financially relevant to us.

Milk BV, expressed in litres, has a negative economic value recognising volume is expensive in terms of feed cost, especially in producing lactose, and in storing, transporting, and removing water.

The present AEU weighting on volume is –$0.09.

It “costs” top Friesian bull ‘Mint Condition’ 98 BW points. Meanwhile an average Jersey bull gains + 57 BW points through lower volume (-637 litres).

Is this reasonable, or should we opt for the Fonterra multiple of 4c?

Fat & Protein BV’s Measured in Kilogrammes, the concern here is not so much the

at BSC200. It would have penalised 75% of suppliers, so they settled at 400. Nevertheless, a high BV and highly negative Economic Value can make SCC BV’s influence on BW negative. A change to the EV weighting, made in 2007, from -25 to -30, correctly sends the market signals.

Liveweight BV, in kilogrammes, ostensibly recognises bigger cows use more feed on maintenance. It ignores the fact three big cows may well produce as much as four small cows, saving a maintenance ration with potential for big ‘per-cow’ related cost cuts. The negative economomic weighting has risen from -1.06 in 2007 to -1.398 this year.

Consequently liveweight can distort BW considerably, yet may be totally irrelevant to farmers.

The fertility BV is very important, and controversial. No calf, no milk, no cow!

I’ve left the best ‘til last: Residual Survival BV Another composite index produced from the Longevity index with or without portions of all of the other six BW component indices. While allegations it represents “Double Dipping” have been denied, how else can you describe it when the BW contains seven parts, one of which includes the other six parts, held together by two different

sets of Economic Values?

Why not simply use the Longevity BV, though personally I would scrap it entirely: the Longevity BV has its own idiosyncrasies, not all of which are obvious from its definition.

In conclusion, I believe BW should be based on the four production traits.

I am ambivalent about

Liveweight: its Economic Value needs moderation. Fertility BV should be kept as a separate standalone index and scrap Residual Survival BV. Type Index is also ‘out’ and I would be loathe to include a “Management” Index in the BW because there is too much variation in the subjective

farmer assessments.

• Don Blumhardt is a member for five dairy breed societies, and was until two years ago an LIC Shareholders Councillor in Northland. He invited feedback on this issue either to him on telephone/fax 09 433 0468, or by way of letters to the editor: dairynews@ ruralnews.co.nz

Don Blumhardt

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

24 // agribusiness

Asian FTA puzzle heading for completion?

A FREE trade agreement with Chinese Taipei would boost returns for New Zealand dairy farmers, says Dairy Companies of New Zealand (DCANZ) executive director Simon Tucker.

Chinese Taipei’s dairy import tariffs range from 5% to 15%. A reduction would lift returns to New Zealand dairy exporters and lead to new growth opportunities, Tucker says.

The news last month that New Zealand and Chinese Taipei are considering economic cooperation could add to New Zealand’s trade agreements in the Asia Pacific region.

“[Given] New Zealand’s existing FTAs with China and Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei has been a missing piece of the puzzle until now,” Tucker says.

“A similar agreement with Chinese Taipei would deepen our partnership with the broader China economy and lead to new opportunities for New Zealand dairy exporters.”

Chinese Taipei buys New Zealand milk powders, butter and cheese.

Exports there were worth at least $330 million in 2010.

“It is good news to see the Government looking to negotiate new trade

agreements with important export markets for our dairy exports,” says Tucker.

Trade Minister Tim Groser says Chinese Taipei is an important trading partner but even after its WTO accession it retains high barriers to our exports.

“New Zealand follows a ‘one China’ policy. [We] signed a FTA with China in 2008 and a Closer Economic Partnership with Hong Kong in 2010. The FTA with China has been spectacularly successful.

“I hope economic cooperation with Chinese Taipei will substantially grow exports to this important economy.”

Last year Chinese Taipei was New Zealand’s 8th largest goods export market, totalling $897m.

A joint statement from the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office, Simon Tucker Taipei, and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Wellington, says an agreement will ment would be expected to expand the be studied. New Zealand and Chinese economic relationship and deliver new Taipei are complementary economies, business opportunities for both economies. [Both countries belong to] the the statement says.

“They have a substantial trade and WTO. If a negotiation is launched it economic relationship. Any agree- will [conform to] WTO norms.”

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innovators in agriculture

More prize bikes in contest ENTRIES HAVE opened for the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. The awards are made up of the Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Entries are accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz, says national convenor Chris Keeping. About 500 people entered the awards in 2011.

“We were overwhelmed with the number of online entries received in our first week last year, with 86 people completing their entry. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t anticipate similar results this year. We’re offering three farm bikes as incentive to enter early.”

Keeping says one Honda XR125 Duster Farm bike worth $4000 will be given to one entrant in each competition whose entry is in by December 1.

“Last year we gave away just one bike, so early entrants have a much better chance of winning this year.” Terms and conditions (see the website) apply to entrants in the early-bird draw.

Award sponsors are Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO. Keeping says entrants first enter one of 12 regional competitions. Three winners from each then progress to the national final next May in Auckland. Entries close on December 20.

in brief Top marks for AgITO THE NEW Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has rated AgITO a top ‘school’ in a recent review.

It rated ‘excellent’ in all six areas reviewed and is the first industry training organisation so reviewed in every category.

“This confirms we lead the field,” AgITO chief executive Kevin Bryant says. “Our trainees and stakeholders can have confidence their industry training organisation is doing a good job.

“It confirms we know what quality looks like, we understand the outcomes our industry needs and we add value to industry and trainees. Quality is embedded in our organisation and we continually improve.”

The review holds the ITO accountable to trainees, employers, industry stakeholders and the Government.

Dairy News november 8, 2011

agribusiness // 25

New scientist for South Island DAIRYNZ HAS appointed a new senior scientist at its South Island base in Lincoln. Ina Pinxterhuis will work on maintaining dairy farms’ productivity while lowering their footprint.

Pinxterhuis, from the Netherlands, was a senior researcher and project manager, animal sciences group, at Wageningen University and Research Centre, renowned for its work in dairy science. She gained a PhD in pasture ecology at AgResearch Grasslands, Palmerston North 16 years ago.

At Wageningen, Pinxterhuis led projects in large farming systems research and development, mostly dairy, and managing environmental impacts while sustaining economic viability.

Most of the projects involved collaborating farmers, rural professionals, environmental and community groups, researchers and extension staff.

DairyNZ principal scienIna Pinxterhuis tist feed and farm systems, David Chapman, is pleased about Pinxterhuis’s appointment.

“Her arrival at DairyNZ greatly increases our ability to lead systems research projects addressing the productivity/footprint challenge in the South Island. That involves key regional stakeholders and most importantly dairy farmers.”

For Pinxterhuis the attraction of DairyNZ is consulting officers, developers and researchers all in one company.

Calf club art wins iPads LIC’S CALF club art

competition for rural schools attracted 2000 entries LIC communications manager Clare Bayly says it wasn’t easy to identify the winners. The winning school received Apple iPads.

“We had many fantastic entries and LIC staff enjoyed choosing the winners. A number of schools had 100% participation. It was great to see so many children’s calves in their own work of art, showing the tradition of Calf Club is alive in many communities.

“When we presented the iPads to Otamarakau School (near Te Puke), they were over the moon.

They deserved it; their

innovative artwork wowed everyone.”

Otamarakau’s 46 pupils each transformed an old shoe or boot into a cow head with paper mache, paint, glitter, lace, etc.

Each class chose a theme: rugby, crazy and Friesian cows.

LIC chose iPads as prizes because of its support of the government rural broadband initiative. The prize was awarded by Rob Ford, farm systems general manager

Jubilant Otamarakau School students with LIC’s Clare Bayly (standing fifth from right).

and a member of the government advisory board.

Calf club winners Best school: Otamarakau School.

Winner age 5-7: Hannah King, Christchurch.

Winner age 8-10: Kevin Stark, Whitikahu.

Winner age 11-13: Eliza Gilling, Ngaruawahia.

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Voting has begun (www.calfclub.co.nz) for public choice of an overall winner.

The prize is a Stallion mobile calf feeder (value $3900).

Voting closes Friday November 4. In contest is artwork by schools at Ngaruawahia, Whitikahu and Christchurch.

Each year LIC invites rural schools to register their calf club event at www.calfclub.co.nz, and use information on the website about the selection, training and showing calves.

This year, LIC also relaunched its www.calfclub. co.nz art competition for rural children.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

26 // management

Shed feeding lessens stress TONY HOPKINSON

IN-SHED FEEDING

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stock health on John and Colleen Campbell’s farm at Awakeri, Bay of Plenty.

They have owned the farm since 1985.

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The milking platform is flat and free draining, centrally raced with a 46 bail rotary built in 1995. They milk 840 Friesian and Friesian X cows, supply Fonterra and begin calving 10 July. Rainfall is 1400mm and the area can become dry in the summer.

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cow condition before winter. The maize is fed in the paddock using a feed wagon.

“Last winter was wet – 1m of rain in one month – and some of our paddocks suffered damage,” says Campbell.

On the damaged paddocks they are planting 24ha of turnips and chicory. The chicory will handle the dry weather, continuing to grow and at five-six weeks can be grazed again. The ground will be returned to new grass before next winter.

Campbell says they are feeling their way but if this is successful they intend to continue.

The farm is managed by lower order sharemilker Gregg Young with staff Harry Brown, Justin Engle and Jordan McDonald and casual staff for calf rearing. “I am still involved on the farm in an executive floater/go-fer position,” says Campbell, with a smile.

In 2006 they started feeding PKE to their stock from portable troughs.

The PKE was supplied by

A team effort... from left, Gregg Young, Harry Brown, Jordan McDonald, Justin Engle and John Campbell.

J Swap Stockfoods. It was fed through spring until November, to fill feed gaps in summer and mixed also with the maize in autumn.

This feeding was labour intensive so in June 2011 they installed a Corohawk in-bail dispensing system. There are three silos holding 48 t adjacent to the shed. The feed is augured to the milking platform feeding trough where a measured amount is dropped in front of each cow as it enters the platform.

“Chris Hawkins designed the dispensing system for PKE minerals and meals and he got it right,” says Young.

The set-up can also dispense molasses at the same time to the rotating feeding trough. Rumensin, magnesium, zinc and other minerals can be mixed with the PKE before dispensing into the

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troughs.. The mixing is through an in-line mineral dispenser which is part of the total installation.

“This removes another labour intensive job as we no longer have to dust the paddocks in the spring and summer,” says Young.

He believes he is using less as the animals are all getting their quota and bossy cows do not upset feeding patterns as they did with trough feeding.

A major side effect is that all stock including first calvers are quieter

and keen to enter the bail area. Little use is made of the backing gate, reducing stress.

“We have always got our PKE from Swaps. We have an excellent working relationship and they give us top service,” says Campbell.

This season they have added other meal/tapioca mixes to the PKE; these mixes are also supplied by Swaps. With three separate silos storage has not been a problem.

Ex-mechanic just knew what to do SHAREMILKER GREGG Young’s enlightened approach to staff management makes for happy workers who enjoy working for him and the Campbell farm.

“I was a mechanic by trade, used to working to different time frames.

I believed a lot of this could be applied to running a dairy farm.”

The farm has a split herd system and with a three day rotation the employers and he have a plan that varies jobs and times so they Gregg Young all finish the day’s work earlier.

The first staff member begins milking the first herd by 4.30am. The in-shed feeding and cup removers enable the herd to be milked by one person. One hour later the second staff member arrives with the second herd. As the first milker locks away his herd he sets the gate for the second herd and helps clean the yard and shed. The third staff member begins work at 8am. Young fits in for days off.

Afternoon milking begins at 2pm and the day is done by 5pm.

In the busy early spring and mating time another innovation is to provide breakfast at the shed. “We supply the food and the benefit is not having all three away at breakfast, so we are set to go to get calves as a team.”

Farm owner John Campbell is pleased with the Corohawk in-shed feeding system, the cow flow helped by the PKE and cup removers, and the relaxed working. “We work as a team here and we are all getting payback from these investments.”

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

28 // management

Tool kit to tackle weed seed bank GETTING RID of weeds

can be a tough business: it may take years to clean up a single site. How long should a landholder keep checking for seeds that may be in the soil waiting

From left, Dr Michael Renton (collaborating researcher/ modeller), Dr Rowena Long (lead researcher), Marta Gorecki (research assistant), all from The University of Western Australia.

for the right conditions to sprout?

It differs for every weed and site, so new research in Australia is seeking to develop simple tests to let land managers find

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answers for their circumstances.

The Seed Persistence Tool Kit is funded by the National Weeds and Productivity Research Program and managed by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) for the Australian Government.

A recent workshop for researchers from across Australia and overseas discussed factors affecting seed longevity and dormancy, and what is needed in the new tool kit.

Lead researcher Rowena Long, University of Western Australia, says many things have to be considered.

“Research may suggest ‘weed X’ can last for so many years in the soil and still have the ability to germinate. While it’s a starting point, it doesn’t take into account climatic conditions, soil type or other factors that influence a particular site.

“Even simple things can have an impact, such as microbes decaying the seeds, or rain rejuvenating seeds that are almost dead. This is vital information if you’re a government agency wanting to know how long funding is needed to control a weed of national significance.

You don’t want to spend

time and money searching sites long after it’s necessary or leave before the job is done.”

Project participant Michael Renton, University of Western Australia, says computer modelling can help synthesise current knowledge about seed persistence. “Modelling can also help identify gaps in our knowledge and help prioritise further research.”

Researchers see the study allowing land managers to collect seed and soil samples, send them to a laboratory with climatic and other data, and run tests to determine how long those weed seeds are likely to persist.

The RIRDC weeds program also supports other research on seed persistence, such as continued development of the Harrington seed destructor (HSD).

Originally tested in Western Australia, the HSD destroys weed seeds such as annual ryegrass and wild oats present in chaff during harvest. It will be used in the eastern states soon.

In total, the RIRDC weeds program is paying about $A12.4 m to 50 research projects, due to report back next May. www.rirdc.gov.au/weeds.

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DAIRY expert Danny Donaghy has been appointed to the chair in dairy production systems at Massey University. He replaces Colin Holmes.

Donaghy, the dairy centre leader at Danny Donaghy the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Agriculture, starts work in February.

Dairy NZ chief executive Tim Mackle applauds Donaghy’s appointment, given his systems research capability at Massey.

“He has big shoes to fill, taking the position previously held by Colin Holmes.

“This appointment will enable us to build on links at DairyNZ to the industry and with other universities for the benefit of dairying throughout the country.

“He will be able to work closely with our research teams and other research groups that partner with us.”

Massey College of Sciences pro-vice chancellor Professor Robert Anderson says Donaghy has the knowledge, experience and leadership to advance dairy production systems research and education.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

30 // management

Quality feed and DairyNZ is running a discussion group in Canterbury specifically for high input, high output ‘System 5’ type producers.

Andrew Swallow reports:

HIGH QUALITY feed,

every feed, eaten by the best cows you can breed, to produce a top profit.

Those are key principles on Alvin and Judith Reid’s

Alvin Reid explains pasture management on the farm.

home farm near Winchester, South Canterbury, as members of a new DairyNZ discussion group in the region learnt last week.

The 336-cow farm is small by Canterbury standards – Alvin jokes it’s a toy farm – but what it lacks in size, it makes up in output and returns. Last season it produced 3048kgMS/ha and this year’s budget is 3100kgMS/ha.

That’s no pipe dream either: 2009/10 output was 3149kgMS/ha. In both years operating profit topped $8000/ha.

While cost effective, bought-in feed – mostly vegetable processing waste – is a key part of the system, grass is the foundation, as it should be on all such System 5 farms, says local consulting officer Leighton Parker, facilitating the group.

“The big component for this group is that there’s a bigger focus on feeds, feeding strategies and the technology of that,” he told Dairy News.

“It’s a slightly different focus from other discussion groups where lots of people are doing similar things.”

Jessie Dorman, a herdowning sharemilker from Dorie and convener of the discussion group, echoes that.

“When we talk with our peers there are a lot of system three-type farms, typically system three, but

we wanted to talk about specifics which apply to us. Most of us have inshed grain feeding systems but still the focus must be on maximising pasture.”

Dorman hosted the group’s first field day.

‘Feeding to yield’ was the focus. In the case of the Holstein Friesian herd they milk, that’s a yield target of 600kgMS/cow.

The Reid’s herd isn’t achieving that, but is at least as efficient, arguably more so, last season pumping out 454kgMS/ cow, or 104% of liveweight. In 2009/10 they did 109%.

“I’ve yet to be persuaded you need big cows to run an efficient high feed system,” Reid told the focus day. “These cows are doing over a kilogramme of milksolids per kilogramme of liveweight every year.”

Sires for breeding replacements are selected for maximum BW, and culls, other than for management reasons, are selected on PW. “And we’ve gone DNA selected because I think there’s a fair jump there.”

The result is the herd is now in the top 50 in the country for BW. With heifers mated to top ranked Jerseys, it’s also increasingly Jersey.

Super spring: growth of upto 140kgDM/ ha/day has seen a couple of paddocks topped ahead of the herd - the first time the mower has been out on the high output farm in years.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

management // 31

top breed cows deliver results With such a high BW, “culls” on PW are generally sold as budget cows, rather than sent to the works. Culls on udder issues are noted now.

“There’s no point looking at udders in the autumn to decide which cows, if any, you’re going to cull on udder. You’ve got to look in the spring. We’re not after a show-cow udder but we want a practical udder.”

Replacements are reared in-house, on a different farm. An electronics enthusiast, Reid has built his own computerised, automated calf feeders for about $7000 each, compared to $20,000 or so for commercial models.

With four other farms, all much bigger than the home farm, there are plenty of calves coming in to use them. All get a feed of colostrum by tube, then

go onto the automated feeders. Within a day most are onto it, and within a week all. “We have 450 calves on 12 teats.”

The length of time different calves take to drink their ration from the feeders has highlighted the uneven feed allocation of calfeterias. “Some [slow drinkers] may be getting 0.5 L while some get 6 L.” For the cows, the key feed other than grass is vegetable processing waste, mostly potatoes, potato peel and reject chips. Once a relatively cheap feed, it is becoming less so as other farms, notably those housing cows, begin to use it. Reid forsees the day when he has to find an alternative.

When he started using it, 30 years ago, the deal was he took it all, no matter what. It was affordable but sometimes a

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big pile would build up, despite feeding as much as possible – at times up to 8kgDM/head/day.

If they weren’t careful, that would cause metabolic problems, and these days “there has to be a really good reason to go over 4kg/head of potatoes.”

The veg waste is always fed with a fibre at 2:1, plus minerals. Currently they’re using maize silage, though wholecrop triticale silage used in the past was arguably a better ration balancer, he told the field day.

Total target feed intake for the average 435kg lwt cow in the herd is 17.5kgDM/cow. Pasture is allocated at 40m2/cow in early spring rising to around 70m2/cow by mid spring.

Residuals are closely monitored, but rather

Canterbury 2000+ Farm Systems Group ■■ ■■ It’s a mash: potato processing waste, maize silage and minerals served on the feedpad.

■■

than stick dogmatically to a platemeter reading, Reid has his own ready reckoner of whether the cows are doing a good

enough job to ensure quality on their return. “They need to halve the height of the grass on the dung patches.”

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

32 // management

Coating helps nutrient intake TRIALS ON Vitapow-

er’s new Max Plus Lactation are reported to have shown “substantial lifts” in dairy production, says the Wanganui company’s

principal, John Palamountain.

Max Plus Lactation contains vitamins and other ingredients suspended in a patented oil

solution. This allows a ruminant animal to absorb up to 99.5% of the nutrients.

Central to the product’s effectiveness, says Palamountain, is multivitamins encapsulated in a vegetable coating. This coating allows the vitamins to bypass the rumen and travel directly into the second and third stomach compartments of a ruminant, avoiding wastage and allowing for maximum absorption of nutrients.

The product was developed in cooperation with a Massey University food scientist, Brian Wilkinson. He says bypassing the digestion process in the rumen allows all essential vitamins and nutrients to go directly to an animal’s omasum and abomasum where the “real action” occurs, then on to the liver for processing.

“It is a highly effective method for animals to absorb the ingredients and our trials revealed substantial lifts in production during this part of the

season,” Wilkinson says.

The coated product was sourced overseas.

Its grittiness resulted in some automated feeding systems not being able to handle the solution.

Molasses solved this problem, Palamountain says.

“By incorporating it into a pre-blended molasses solution, in-shed automated feeding systems can handle it. Then, almost by chance, I came across another efficient feeding method. I discovered feed wagons designed to deliver specific dosages to herds [in paddocks].”

Brian Wilkinson oversaw the trial there and confirmed the product performed well.

Palamountain says the new product, used with other VitaPower products at set times during the season, could substantially lift production. The average New Zealand dairy cow produces 333kg of milksolids each year. “Ultimately our aim is to get production up to 400 or 500kgMS/cow annually.”

Plus points MAX Plus Lactation is a highly effective promoter of milk production in lactating dairy cows.

Not only does it contain the already scientifically proven omega 3, 6 and 9, biotin, antioxidants, electrolytes and now choline suspended in VitaPower’s patented oil solution that provides up to 99.5% absorption, but it also contains encapsulated multi vitamin ingredients sourced from overseas.

These are protected vitamins designed specifically to support the production of milk protein in lactating dairy cows. The small beadlets are protected in a fatty acid matrix that allows it and other ingredients to bypass the rumen and head straight to the second and third stomach compartments of ruminants.

John Palamountain

Dairy News november 8, 2011

animal health // 33

‘CRANKY COW’ syndrome is a growing problem often overlooked by Australian dairy farmers, said a speaker at a field day in south-west Victoria.

Cows get temperamental, give less milk and development ailments including heat stress and staggers. It is caused by toxins produced by rye grass endophyte.

Ruminant nutritionist Damian Moore says ‘cranky cow’ syndrome is more of a problem than farmers realise.

up, but the problem is caused by these toxins produced by the endophytes in their pasture,” Moore said.

“Most farmers don’t realise the cause because the toxins have been in the pastures for so long and so have the effects.”

The toxins cause staggers, heat stress, lower feed intake, reduced milk production and general irritability.

“Affected cows will be tempera­mental and tend to strike out, kick the cups off and be frightened easily,” Moore said.

Endophytes are particularly prevalent in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue and most frequently are found in older pastures.

Moore said Australia’s meat industry lost about $60 million a year in stock and production loss due to endophyte toxins.

Extreme cases in hot summers could result in multiple animal deaths, he added.

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The topic arose at a `More Milk, Less Stress’ field day on October 25 at Ecklin, near Terang. The organiser, Farmgate Stockfeeds, aims to help dairy farmers lift milk output and cope better in tough times.

Farmers also heard about how to deal with stress.

Ruminant nutritionist Damian Moore, director of feed safety with Meriden Animal Health, told the field day ‘cranky cow’ syndrome is more of a problem than most farmers realise.

“They often blame the weather, dogs and all sorts of things for cows are playing

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Also at the field day, Performance Probiotics area manager Tom Newton outlined natural ways to improve herd health and performance, dairy farmer Jack Kenna told his story of running a dairy farm and business while coping with mental illness, and local health workers organised by Aspire, A Pathway to Mental Health told how to recognise and handle stressful times.

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Lameness a major issue WITH LAMENESS in the Australian dairy industry causing an 18% drop in production, south-west Victorian vets have been learning ways to treat the problem and help farmers avoid it.

The Future Ready Dairy Systems project last month hosted a workshop at Terang’s DemoDairy where methods of dealing with lameness were explained to 20 vets. David Colson, from The Vet Group, also outlined Dairy Australia resources to help farmers deal with the problem.

The workshop addressed vets’

capacity to run on-farm sessions for farmers. It followed a ‘train the trainer’ theory session held earlier this year.

Dairy Australia ran the events to instruct on managing lameness in wet conditions, equipment for treating lameness, selecting a crush for treating lameness and building blocks for good laneways.

Colson says lameness is a big issue and is prioritized as high risk by Dairy Australia. “A lame cow loses 18% of production but it is also an animal welfare issue.”

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

34 // animal health

Soil nutrition does the trick ANIMAL HEALTH and productivity problems are being addressed on an Ashburton dairy farm by the use of fertiliser made by Abron, a company based at Waharoa, Waikato.

Andrew and Nicky Watt have for six years managed the large Cloverdale Holdings farm at Ashburton. They farm 3000 cows with two 80 bail dairies and 14-15 full time staff.

Several years ago they saw animal health costs rising to “unsustainable

Nicky and Andrew Watt

levels and having a significant impact on their profitability.”

They were using almost 300kgN (650kg urea)/ha annually. Cows were suffering serious grass staggers and other metabolic problems. The staggers, at their worst, affected the whole herd, Watt says.

Sometimes 10-15 cows went down in the yard, needing to be hip lifted out once milking was over.

“We estimated the loss of production and cows, not including extra animal

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health costs, to be about $500,000 or $180/cow.”

Band-aid solutions helped short term but the expense and lower productivity were affecting profitability. The cows’ magnesium levels were low despite satisfactory levels in the soil and use of magnesium supplements in the water troughs.

Nicky Watt attended an Abron seminar on soil and plant nutrition, aiming to fix the staggers issue at its source, the company says. In October 2008 they began applying a basic Abron soil corrective blend including applications of calcium, salt, trace elements and humic and fulvic acids, plus a spring fertiliser application.

On half the property urea was used with humic acid granules; the other half followed a foliar nitrogen regime. Within this, Watts kept six control paddocks where they took pasture cuts and leaf analysis, comparing the straight urea application to the treatment of urea and humic acid granules as well as the foliar application of nitrogen and min-

erals.

Now the whole farm is switching to foliar nitrogen. The change in programme has resulted in increased fertiliser efficiency, and improvements in clover content in pastures, soil structural properties and animal health, Abron says.

The key has been making more minerals in the soil available to the plant, Nicky Watt says.

“If the minerals are not in the correct proportions and the microbial population isn’t strong, those minerals will not be readily available to the plant.

By promoting soil microbe health and balancing minerals properly, it improves availability and plant’s mineral utilisation leading to better pasture production.”

Adding humic acid granules provided an energy source for the soil micro-organisms and improved the soil’s ability to retain applied nutrients and make them available to plants for increased dry matter production.

Tel. 0800 722 766 www.abron.co.nz

costs go down SINCE ABRON use began in October 2008, “just a handful of cows” are said to have suffered staggers or magnesium deficiencies.

Animal health costs have dropped 20%, nitrogen use has been cut from 300kg/ha to 140kg/ha, pasture harvested has lifted 10%, supplement use has fallen 13% and milk production/ha has risen 8%.

Before the use of Abron, clover was 15% of the pasture cover but now makes up 30-50% of the sward, is big leafed and grows as tall as the ryegrass, the company says.

Most important is higher energy in the pasture – up from 11.8-12.0 MJME/kgDM to 12.5-12.7 MJME/kgDM. Breeding costs have dropped from $169/ha to $105/ha while water holding capacity of the stony soils has increased 18-24%.

On the Abron-managed half of one monitored paddock, pasture growth response was 180kgDM/unit N whereas the conventionally managed area response was 65kgDM/unit N. Another paddock showed 125kg DM/unit N under Abron management compared with 45kg under conventional management.

The pasture roots at Cloverdale are said to be growing deeper and denser, and soil tests indicate an increase in soil carbon resulting in improved water holding capacity on the lighter soils. Nitrogen losses are “considerably lower” than the 30-50kg cited as average for New Zealand.

Operating profit is said to have jumped 25%, says Abron.

Dairy News november 8, 2011

36 // animal health

Rearing heifers minus drenching ALAN THATCHER

IT’S POSSIBLE to

rear good quality, young stock without resorting to drenching. Success depends heavily on avoiding early exposure to the autumn larval peak, and grazing strategies must revolve around that. This requires an understanding of the biology of the para-

sites involved (especially Ostertagia) and tailoring that to an individual farm situation.

Creating a bank of clean, good quality feed for autumn is essential.

Once calves have a significant worm burden, it is difficult to correct without the use of ivermectin. Organic remedies may help prevent this but they appear to perform poorly

once the burden is sufficient to stop or reverse weight gains.

Worm eggs passed in the dung hatch into larvae and go through three development phases on pasture until they become infectious. When eaten, they go through one more stage to become egg-producing adults: that’s when they start doing damage.

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this whole cycle can take as little as four weeks.

The survival of larvae and their speed of development on pasture depend much on moisture and temperature. Summer dry and winter cold slow them right down. Larval survival is reduced too, but eggs are much more resistant and can hang around until conditions are more suitable. What tends to happen is a minor rise in the numbers of larvae in spring, then a drop-off in summer, followed by a rapid build-up in early autumn once the rains arrive and the weather cools off. This is the major danger period for springborn calves.

There are several species of worms that can affect calves but the two most important ones are Ostertagia, which lives in the stomach (abomasum) and Cooperia which

lives in the small intestine.

Ostertagia in particular can make calves quite sick and substantially inhibits appetite.

A serious infestation of a combination of these two species results in a scouring animal losing weight with a suppressed immune system. It is now wide open to any other infections that happen to be around such as pneumonia, BVD or Yersinia

and in a weakened calf these infections can be lethal.

It is virtually impossible – and indeed not desirable – to rear calves in a larvae-free environment.

The objective is to keep larval intake low enough so weight gain is not affected while allowing just sufficient exposure for resistance to develop.

The key to achieving this is to minimise expo-

sure to the autumn larval peak.

If significant larval intake happens early in the autumn, the consequent cycle of suppressed appetite and poor immune response is difficult to break without resorting to a conventional drench.

• Alan Thatcher is senior veterinarian, Massey University. Article sourced from www.organicpastoral. co.nz

Creating clean pasture The regrowth will be safe from larvae but watch out for facial eczema if cutting for hay in the summer.

The dead material left behind may result in high spore counts when it rains.

■■ Regrass. High tannin species such as chicory and plantain may

help, as may flax.

Note these species seem to work best as a preventative.

Once calves have worms, their usefulness appears limited.

■■

Spelling. If there’s been no young stock in a paddock since

the winter before, it’s likely to be relatively safe.

■■

Using older animals.

Adults are generally resistant or only carry a small number of worms.

Cleaning up behind the calves at the run-off using dries

or beefies keeps larval numbers to a minimum.

The safest place for calves is the milking platform rotating 10 days in front of the cows, but this is not usually the most practical option in autumn.

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

animal health // 37

New weapon against mastitis A NEW farm management tool for veterinarians will better enable them to monitor and improve udder health in dairy cattle.

Expertis Udder Health, from Merck Animal Health, was unveiled last week in Holland at an international conference on udder health. This is a computer-assisted, structured approach to such disease, allowing vets and farmers to more easily find the causes of mastitis.

Four steps are involved.

A farm intake questionnaire sets goals, puts the farmer in a central position and allows for his/her objectives.

The data are analyzed, identifying areas for improvement. These result in fact sheets, i.e. a check list of risk factors for mastitis; and the information is synthesised into an automatic summary of the actual situation and the udder health objectives. The form contains space for tailored advice to the particular farmer.

“The structured approach offered by Expertis Udder Health takes into account that mastitis is a multifactorial disease and covers all aspects that influ-

ence udder health. To save time, the analysis ensures that the focus is on the most important issues, which can differ greatly from farm to farm.

The existing services provided within this tool can be used to optimize udder health on the farm,” the company says.

Merck Animal Health global director dairy cattle Rinse Jan Boersma says Expertis has been developed to support veterinarians and farmers by improving its service level as well as to contribute to good veterinary practices by implementing preventive measures and prudent use of antibiotics.”

Mastitis is an inflammatory reaction of udder tissue mainly due to bacterial infection. Symptoms of clinical mastitis include the typical signs of udder inflammation (redness, swelling, heat and pain), changes in milk composition and appearance (flakes, clots, watery composition) and a lower milk yield. In more severe cases, the cow can be sick as well. Mastitis can also be subclinical and then the diagnosis is made if more than 200.000 somatic cells per mL of milk are counted.

As a consequence of

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dairy operations. Recent data from Sweden indicate an average economic loss of $480 per case of clinical mastitis and of $103 per case of sub-clinical mastitis.

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in brief New Release JERSEY NEW Zealand and CRV AmBreed have announced the latest release from the genomic joint venture.

Pukeroa TGM manzello featured in both the 2010 and 2011 InSire Jersey Performance and efficiency teams, promising good all-round cows with the ability to fit into a huge range of systems.

With a current NZMI of 200 and BW of 195/67, Manzello’s daughter proof is showing good production, farmer and health traits with udders that have improved on their genomic promise, Jersey New Zealand says.

Manzello is the latest graduate from the highly successful Jersey Genes programme. The latest figures on Manzello along with his 3GP are available on request, along with his semen which is also available now for immediate dispatch.

We have had many years of high SSC. In fact, since putting in a new milking plant 10 years ago and no one being able to fix the problem and having culled heavily because of this we didn’t know where to turn next.

We saw the article on Varivac and decided to give it a go. Well, we are delighted with the results. Proof is in the graph taken off Fence-post.

Our SSC compared with the company average. Coupled with the added power savings we couldn’t be more pleased. Thanks Varivac

(Last pick-up dried off.)

Varivac installed here!

Gil and Jill Hall, Dannevirke, Hawkes Bay, NZ

Use our finance option for a Cash Flow Positive Result!

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Dairy News november 8, 2011

38 // machinery & products

When thinking turns to topping EARLY SPRING and summer the thinking turns to topping to keep pastures growing but not developing seed heads.

For this job the grass mower – as used by many farmers – does not do well, says Agrimaster distributor Paul Wilkins Tractors, Timaru.

“A grass mower produces windrows under which the grass growth will be retarded,” Wilkins says.

“Better to use a mulcher that cuts the grass fine and distributes it without effect on pasture.”

Also, a mulcher, as well as topping seedheads, cuts

and knocks back Californian thistles, and deals with sparse and clumpy grass.

The action is fast, clean and even.

Agrimaster, Italy, has made mulchers and shredders for 25 years. Wilkins has distributed them throughout New Zealand for 12 years.

“Our two standard and most popular topper/ mowers are the KA3200 and the KA2800,” Wilkins says.

The company also sells a specialised topper (RMU250) ideal around Auckland and in Northland for topping kikuyu. A series

of knives cuts the kikuyu runners and de-thatches as part of the topping process.

Two 6m working-width RMU models are used at Christchurch airport to cut and tidy all grassed areas around runways and buildings.

Tel. 03 688 2031 www.pwtractors.co.nz

These machines can cover a large area quickly, leaving a clean, even sward and easily cutting clumpy grass, thistles and weeds.

Your cows will benefit from using a

Hoofbond Footbath • • • •

Limit Lameness Help prevent hoof rot Protect against heel erosion Promote resistance to bacterial infection • Exit/Entry Areas • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks

Antibiotics spotted in a flash

• Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas

It’s simple & it works

• Utility Deck Matting

Phone: 0800 80 8570 www.burgessmatting.co.nz

OUR APOLOGIES

for the incorrect email address last issue for Food Tech Solutions (see foot for correct address).

The company markets a simple test for antibiotic residues in milk, farm vats and silos, groups of

cows or individual cows.

The test, Cowside 2, is made by Charm Sciences USA. A sample of milk is put in a vial containing a purple agar, which is then transferred into a supplied incubator and held

for three hours. The vial shows yellow or yellow/ green signifying negative, blue/green signifying ‘suspect’ positive and blue/purple signifying positive.

The Cowside 2 test detects a range of antibi-

otics at or near New Zealand regulatory levels, and is approved by the NZFSA for on farm testing.

A start-up kit costs $495+GST, including incubator, timer, 20 test vials, pipettes and instructions. Extra test kits cost

$95+GST for 20 vials.

“This is a small investment for a season’s peace of mind,” says Food Tech Solutions principal Peter Bailey. sales@foodtechsolutions.co.nz Tel. 09 576 7326

INCREASE PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE Hundreds of users of HerdHomes® Shelters agree, an investment in HerdHomes® Shelters is an investment in the ongoing productivity of your farm.

The future of productive farming www.herdhomes.co.nz

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NZ Patent No 521150 & 544190, 550635, 545042 International Patents 2003267874, 03748807.9 Further patents pending

Dairy News november 8, 2011

machinery & products // 39

Soft hands can help NO SELF-RESPECTING rural contractors

would want to be thought of as soft-handed now, would they?

That depends, say Ian and Elly Brown, t/a Agri-

knives, though most clients prefer a 4-5 inch finish in the material length.

Tim says pretty much any customer’s request will be met in chop length.

“Solid construction, good visibility, a slim arm design and easy greasing.” cultural Contracting Otago Ltd, Mosgiel.

They enthuse about them – that is, the steel variety: Hustler Mega Softhands. The Browns use them to handle 12,00015,000 bales per year.

Working with them is their son Tim. They work on an 80km radius from Mosgiel, as far out as the Otago Peninsula, Hindon, Middlemarch and south to Waihola.

Their services include ploughing, hedge cutting, hay and baleage plus cultivation.

Their gear includes a McHale Fusion II baler/ wrapper combo and a Welger baler. Bales are averaging 800kg. Both balers can run up to 23

Tim Brown, Mosgiel, doesn’t care who knows he has soft hands.

Don’t just seize the day.

But he says research shows that if material is too short, the animals can’t always pick it up and it’s wasted.

Mostly the Softhands are fitted to their JD6420 and occasionally JD6920s.

The Hustler ‘hands’ have ousted other hands that were too cupped, the pivots wore, and the construction seemed too light.

“So we went looking for strength,” Tim says.

We looked at a few different hands including some of the imported type. Hustler offered solid construction, good visibility, a slim arm design and easy greasing.”

Tel. 0800 487 853 www.hustlerequipment. co.nz

Transform your workday with the 6R Series.

Change the way you work with the new John Deere 6R Series – our most versatile tractors yet. Models up to 154 kW of engine power (210 hp*), with a full 114 L/min hydraulic flow and up to 9,550 kg of rear hitch capacity, give you the muscle to handle big planters and deep tillage equipment. Need to move some materials? The all-new H360 and H380 Loaders were built specifically with these tractors in mind, giving you greater lift height and available single-point electrical and hydraulic connection. And when the day’s done, you can get home faster with transport speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Don’t just seize the day, transform it.

The all-new 6R Series Tractors with 125-154 kW of engine power (170-210 hp*).

Get to know the all-new 6R Series Tractors at our website or see your local John Deere dealer today.

Check out our new websites

Nothing Runs Like A Deere.™

www.ruralnews.co.nz www.dairynews.co.nz * Rated engine hp (ISO) per 97/68/EC.

JohnDeere.co.nz/new

Dairy News november 8, 2011

40 // machinery & products

Stick reader ‘way ahead’ TRU-TEST THIS month launches a new stick reader – the XRS, “the result of extensive R&D and the purchase of electronic identification specialist EDiT ID.” Sales and marketing manager Verne Atmore says farmers will see an immediate difference using the XRS. in accuracy, speed, battery life, user comfort and reliability.

“EID recording and measuring of livestock is becoming commonplace, and with the introduction next year of NAIT for cattle, [the technology] will become even more prominent.

“This means the stick reader [will go from] a novelty to a necessity – a piece of kit that will be used more often than, for example, a drench gun or a shearing hand-piece.”

Tru-Test has taken a leaf out of the book of mobile phone manufacturers,

Atmore says.

As with mobile phones, the key is intuitiveness, applications, ergonomics, and gains in reliability and battery life.

Tru-Test technical specialist Craig Foote describes the XRS as “way ahead of the rest”.

“It’s a huge difference. It’s quicker reading tags than anything else on the market – its virtually instant and this saves lots of time in a day, as well as helping maximise reliability on both types of tag.

“Its intuitive, simple easy-to-follow menu coupled with lightness and ergonomic design means you can use it all day without any stress or strain.

“Then there is an array of new functions like an alert that allows you to find a pre-selected group of animals from within a flock or herd that is being scanned.”

The XRS Stick Reader is available from all rural retailers throughout New Zealand.

4WD mower won’t scuff, slide FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE

and ‘glide steer’ elelvates Kubota’s GR2120R 21hp ride-on mower far above other such machines, says the New Zealand company.

“Superior turning and exceptional traction” also distinguish the mower, the company says.

With a 1.2m (48in) rear-discharge deck, the machine handles confined spaces but has the power to efficiently mow larger areas.

The rear-discharge catcher has an assist ram and is over centre for easy emptying even full.

A rear discharge deflector is handy when catching is not required.

Kubota says 4WD greatly reduces the turning radius without scuff-

Auto Inline Liquid Dispenser

Tel. 0800 Kubota www.kubota.co.nz

Water Flow Indicator

Dispenses chemicals and minerals into a water supply Check Valve

Outlet

i s ib

i l it y F l o w I n d

No Flow

Fed up with costly over-ordering?

At PTNZ we calculate our customers total fertiliser needs to within 20kg per paddock.

Then our live mapping feature prevents accidental overspreading. Together, these two PTNZ services are saving our customers thousands of dollars every year.

Control Valves

ica

ti

Particle Filter

E as y A d ju

Mast available in various lengths

Three models available st m

Flow (Flourescence Visible)

Benefits Inlet

e nt

for further information go to: www.precisiontracking.co.nz or call 0800 gPS 001

hV

Quick Release Couplings

Pressure Release

We also automatically create a permanent online record of all fertiliser usage and proof of accurate placement.

Farmers can also keep paperwork to a minimum by creating their own online map and filing system.

ig

on

H

track ‘n’ Save

sion means ‘push to go,’ with pressure controlling ground speed. Cruise control allows you to cruise.

Power comes from a liquid-cooled 3-cyl Kubota diesel engine. Other details: fuel gauge and hour meter.

the machine does not have to ‘fight’ against the forward drive of the inner rear wheel, so enabling tight turning.”

Mowing height can be adjusted from the seat.

Hydrostatic power steering eases long hours of work.

Hydrostatic transmis-

ing. “This is achieved by disengaging the drive to the inner rear wheel when making a turn. A wet mechanical clutch on each rear wheels’ drive axle disengages drive to the appropriate rear wheel when the front wheels are turned to a preset angle.

Says Kubota, “This means

• • • • • • •

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Reduces labour costs Easy to install Operates using water flow Any pressure from 10 – 210 PSI Competitively priced Made from high quality materials Designed and manufactured in NZ

Features: • Water driven – no power required • Non-contact indication – no seals to wear • Designed for minimal maintenance • Available in packs of 2, 3 & 5 units Several sizes and mast lengths available

Singh’s Engineering Services 66-68 Mahana Rd, Hamilton, Ph/Fax 07-849 3108 www.setech.co.nz or your local dairy equipment dealer

Dairy News november 8, 2011

machinery & products // 41

‘One hour less baling each day’ SAVE ONE hour per

day baling, promises John Deere as it launches its JD 900 Series variable chamber round balers – for the 2012-13 season.

The company says its ‘fast release system’ (FRS) speeds up bale ejection by enabling the operator to unload the completed bale in no more than five seconds – 10 seconds faster than a conventional

ates over the full width of the rotor.

Bale density is helped by an offset density arm that transmits optimal tension to two endless belts, each 573 mm wide.

Three powered rollers in the chamber make starting the bale easier, especially in wet conditions.

Net wrapping is done at the front of the baler so the operator can keep

Fast release cuts to five seconds the time it takes John Deere’s new baler to eject a bale.

TIA manages everything via fingertip controls.

Tel. 0800 303 100 www.johndeere.com.au

MULTICUT R

TA RY

Reduced Maintenance Costs!

No expensive drum to rebalance and considerably less flails & bolts mean substantial savings on parts & servicing.

MULCHER

2

Fast Ground Speed!

Compared to a flail drum mulcher that demands a slow groundspeed for effective results, your GMM Rotary mulcher has a faster ground speed that will ‘slash’ your mowing time in half!

3

4 ... gobbles gorse

Cheaper to Run!

machine. It uses a ‘curtain’ instead of a traditional heavy rear door.

The JD 900 (960 and 990 models) is intended for contractors and largescale livestock farmers.

Bale output and density, and operator comfort, are addressed in the design.

A full-frame design relieves the entire bale chamber from external stress.

Flexible side panels replace the usual bale chamber side walls.

During bale forming, the panels ensure the baler fills right up, and they open slightly as the bale is ejected, to prevent it from jamming in the chamber.

Both models can be ordered with either 2.2 m wide RotoFlow or MaxiCut 13, or 25-knife precutter pick-ups. They make bales of diameter 0.8-1.6 m and 0.8-1.85 m, respectively.

Five rows of tynes help pick-up. A new drop-floor unplugging system oper-

watch. The net is pulled directly into the bale chamber, so plugging is avoided, whatever type of net (CoverEdge or XtraNet) or net length are used.

The machines are ISOBUS certified and can be equipped with the maker’s GreenStar 1800 display. This controls most key machine settings and functions, including bale density and size, soft core pressure and diameter, knife selection and operation of the drop-floor unplugging system.

Optionally available from 2012 will be JD’s ‘tractor implementation automation’ system which won a Sima 2011 gold medal. When operated with a tractor featuring ISOBUS, a continuously variable transmission and electronic SCVs, this automation cuts the harvest workload, JD says. Instead of the driver having to stop the tractor to open and close the rear of the baler,

LATEST STORIES EVERY DAY Get upto date news at www.ruralnews.co.nz

Rotary system requires less power than flail drum mulchers. Users have consistently reported fuel savings of up to 20%

5

1

itely using less “The GMM is defin so running a 3.0m diesel and I’m al to my previous GMM compared er” - Farmer 2.3m drum mulch

“It is great to see such a well built, heavy duty machine, that will do a variety of tasks. We’re tired of light weight gear, that doesn’t stand up to our conditions. I wanted a machine to tackle rushes, maize stubble, and callies, as well as top my pasture; now I have got one” - North Island Farmer

...mulches maize

...pulverises prunings

“It’s a great machine without a doubt.

I would never go back to a flail drum for mulching – ever!” - Contractor

“Most impressive the way it tack les our Kikuyu; I started out with a good old Flailmaster slasher years ago … since then I have had a hay mow er, and then a traditional mulcher. -Now I’ve got a Flailmaster again!!

It is interesting to see how things come in a FULL circle” - Northland Farmer

...rids rushes

... K.O’s Kikuyu

...prepares premium pasture

Dairy News november 8, 2011

42 // motoring

Geraldine champ burns Spanish tar KIWI RALLY driver Hayden Paddon recently set more fastest-stage times in the production class at the Rally of Spain, though he had to be content with eighth in the class.

Paddon, from Geraldine (his dad is the farm machinery maker) was driving his Subaru WRX STI. He is the productionclass world champion; codriver is John Kennard, Blenheim.

Of the 12 stages he contested on the second and third days of the event, Paddon was fastest on nine of them.

“The whole experience of tarmac driving and learning has been hugely successful,” said Paddon.

Following six final

stages near Salou, between Barcelona and Valencia, Paddon said: “Today we picked up where we left off yesterday, winning all four of the longer stages by good margins.... My tarmac driving has gone a long way.

“After incurring a 30 minute time penalty for retiring on day one, we ended up eighth in the Production World Rally Championship category, an improvement on the 13th place we started in Saturday morning.”

Despite being unable to compete at the front of the PWRC pack where he normally runs, Paddon achieved one of his core goals for the Spanish event.

As the third-placed Subaru driver in Spain, he

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has won this year’s Subaru Challenge award, the prize money going to his Hayden Paddon Rallysport Global Ltd, for his 2012 season.

The four championship points Paddon earned for eighth place extend

his unbeatable lead in the championship to 104 points.

Swedish driver Patrik Flodin moves into second place with 59 points, one point in front of Polish driver Michal Kociuszko.

PHOTO Honza Fronek

Ute wins 5 stars for safety IN AN historic ‘first’ for a utility, the new Ford Ranger has gained a maximum 5 Star rating under the Euro NCAP crash test protocol.

It scored 89% for overall safety, one of the highest scores recorded

by Euro NCAP for any type of vehicle. And it was best by Euro NCAP for pedestrian protection (81%).

Says Stephen Odell, chairman and chief executive, Ford of Europe, “If the worst were to happen, the new Ranger would protect passengers of all ages and pedestrians.”

Euro NCAP (set up 1997) is the largest and most respected independent authority on crash testing in Europe, Ford says.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP secretary general, said: “With such good pedestrian protection, the Ford Ranger is raising the bar of safety in the category of pickup trucks, which had until now not proven to be the safest.”

The Ranger’s passenger cell uses high-strength steel throughout. Load paths in the front, side, and rear direct crash forces away from passengers. This, and a new ladder frame, manage the crash energy in a variety of impacts.

Computer modelling enabled

Pedestrian-friendly vehicle designs include a ‘hexageneous’ under-bonnet structure to reduce the potential for pedestrian head injuries, and a front bumper made of energy-absorbing materials.

Active safety and driver assistance help avoid accidents. Electronic stability uses sensors to monitor the vehicle’s behaviour and assist stability and control.

engineers to do 9000 virtual crash tests before any of the 110 actual vehicle crash tests or 410 system sled tests were done.

Ford beat its own record for the number of crash tests, says Adam Frost, chief engineer, Digital Innovation, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

Side curtain airbags, standard on all Ranger cab styles in Europe for the first time, pop out of the headliner to protect passengers during side impact. The curtain protects both rows of occupants in double cab and super cab models by covering the upper side structure and glass from the A-pillar to the rear of the passenger compartment.

New side airbags also deploy

Tow and Fert Multi 800 The Multi Role Applicator

from the side bolster of the front seats to protect the thorax from side-impact forces, working in tandem with the front airbags for the driver and front passenger. A driver’s knee airbag is also standard across all models.

Three-point safety belts are fitted to all seats, with pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front seats.

Ford BeltMinder technology reminds front-seat occupants to wear their belts.

And trailer sway control monitors the behaviour of the vehicle and trailer so if trailer sway begins, braking countermeasures reduce its effects. Adaptive load control helps stabilise heavy payloads.

Downhill, hill descent control ensures the brakes will be applied to control the vehicle at a set speed. Or when stopping on a steep grade, hill launch assist helps the driver pull away without creeping backwards, even when fully laden.

Mix and Apply, When you Want - Animal Health Products (eg. Zinc Oxide, Lime Flour)

- Dissolved Fertiliser (eg. Urea)

- Fine Particle Fertiliser (eg. Lime, RPR)

- Soil Conditioners (eg. Humates)

The Tow and Fert means that you are no longer dependant on contractors with ground spread trucks and aerial applications, who may not want to do a small job of up to 8 hectares. This enables the optimisation of your fertiliser programme with timely, cost effective and regular applications!

call now for your free DVD today!

0508 747 040

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The Tow and Fert’s guaranteed even spread over an 18 metre swath gives you confidence that every plant is evenly covered and each cow is receiving the required mineral dose to keep metabolic issues under control.

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Tordon Brushkiller XT is the proven herbicide, with more punch to knock out gorse and brushweed so you can maximise your pasture’s output. For more information give us a call on 0800 803 939 or check www.dowagrosciences.co.nz

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pROUDLY OwNED BY fONTERRA fARMERs Dairy News_3 day deal _Full Page_ OS 8Nov11.indd 1

31/10/2011 12:15:56 p.m.