SMALL FARM, BIG APPEAL
Lely outlines vision of future farm. PAGE 8 EGGS, PIES, CASH
Raw milk trader PAGE 20
A volunteer’s life PAGE 12
APRIL 24, 2018 ISSUE 399 // www.dairynews.co.nz
Ahuwhenua Trophy finalist, Onuku Maori Lands Trust general manager Angela Wharekura says better dairy genetics and sheep milking the way to go. PAGE 22-23
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 3
Judge slams Feds PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
AN ENVIRONMENT Court judge
Accounting tools carve success. PG.16
Smarter use of nutrients. PG.19
has slammed Federated Farmers for pursuing a case regarding limitation on the use of GE in Northland. In an unprecedented move, Judge Laurie Newhook said in his summary that costs are “reserved”, meaning the other parties -- Northland Regional Council and Whangarei District Council -- could claim costs against Federated Farmers. Normally in such cases costs are not awarded; this case looms as an exception. Judge Newhook says “despite losing a jurisdictional argument in this court on its own appeal and losing its appeal to the High Court and its substantive appeal to the Court of Appeal and its substantive appeal to this court, Federated Farmers has endeavoured to run somewhat similar arguments on the papers before me in the current stage of the Whangarei District Council (WDC) appeal. These things collectively seem quite remarkable.” Essentially, when Feds lost the
Feds president Katie Milne says she’s taken aback by the judgment.
Northland case it tried to re-litigate the arguments by joining an appeal by WDC for a minor wording change which the judge agreed to.
Judge Newhook describes the Feds submission in this latest case as “curious to say the least” and that he agrees with the counsel for the
Soil and Health that the Federation’s submissions were “rather difficult to follow in logic”. He says the Feds’ argument that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should only be controlled by central government is wrong because under the Resource Management Act regional councils have the power to control GMOs through their regional policy statements and plans. The tenor of the judgement suggests that the judge is perplexed or exasperated by the arguments run in this latest case by the federation. He concludes by saying that the submission by Feds is “largely a re-run of the arguments about jurisdiction previously heard in this court and in the High Court and ruled upon. It is not open to Federated Farmers to run these arguments again especially in view of the binding findings of the High Court and I will not consider that part of the submission further”. The decision by Judge Newhook to open up the issue of costs is almost unprecedented and suggests his frustration at the nature of their appeal.
Forage cruiser range. PG.28
FEDS QUESTION LOCAL GOVERNMENT’S ROLE NEWS ������������������������������������������������������ 3-17 OPINION ����������������������������������������������18-19 AGRIBUSINESS ����������������������������� 20-21 MANAGEMENT �������������������������������22-24 ANIMAL HEALTH ���������������������������25-27 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS �������������������������������������� 28-29 FARM BIKES & ATVS �����������������30-34
FEDS PREVIOUS president, William Rolleston, was very supportive of GE and there was a perception that Feds was leading the charge in support of the science. When Northland Regional Council declared itself GMO-free Feds went to law and challenged this, but it has lost badly and could face a hefty legal bill for enthusiastically supporting GE. Meanwhile the Feds president, Katie
Milne, says she’s taken aback by the fervour of the judge’s remarks and the issue of costs. The possible awarding of costs against a party in such an appeal is unusual, she says. “No one likes decisions that go against them, but we did have a lot of people who supported our stance,” she says. Katie Milne says Feds took the case because they believed it was wrong for lo-
cal government to have a role in controlling the use of GMOs and that this should be left to central government. She believes local government doesn’t have the expertise to deal with the GMO issue. She says the federation is looking to keep the door open to new technologies that could help farmers and she would like to hear a mature, unemotional conversation take place on such technologies.
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
4 // NEWS
Turning point in river health? NIGEL MALTHUS
FEDERATED FARMERS says all the hard
work being done to improve freshwater quality is starting to pay off. The National River Water Quality Trends released by Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) shows many more sites improving than deteriorating; it takes into account all the river water quality parameters monitored for ten years. “Lots of good things are going on -- urban and rural -- to help improve the quality of our waterways,” said Federated Farmers water and environment spokesperson Chris Allen. “It is good news to see that the effort being made is starting to show results. We’ve just got to let some of that stuff bed in and keep all the good work going, because what we are doing is starting to work.” He said the data confirmed what Federated Farmers had seen in other water quality reporting.
Hard work by farmers to improve freshwater quality is paying off.
LAWA’s report, National River Water Quality Trends (2007 – 2016), follows a similar 10-year analysis released in 2015 by National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA). The report said the change in nitrogen trends was particularly noteworthy, with significant progress in the number of improving sites versus the number deteriorating. “We acknowledge that freshwater management processes take time, but these results show that by identifying where action is needed and working together catchment by catchment we can see results. “We are not there yet
GOOD PAYBACK THE CHAIR of Local Government NZ’s regional sector and Bay of Plenty Council, Doug Leeder, also welcomed the report. “A great deal of resource has been dedicated to freshwater management. This is a sign that actions by central and local government, landowners, businesses, iwi and communities are making a difference. “Councils will continue to monitor and research their regions, to better understand their unique problems and work towards... improving the national trend.”
and there is more work to do, but it is good to know that the work our communities are doing is making a measurable difference which we are starting to see,” said Allen. LAWA is a partner-
ship of New Zealand’s 16 regional councils and unitary authorities, the Cawthron Institute, the Ministry for the Environment and Massey University. Its aim is to help local communities find a balance between using
M.BOVIS SOURCE PROBE ONGOING
natural resources and maintaining their quality and availability. LAWA collates water quality data for 1500 sites monitored by the councils and supplements this with NIWA data. Sites are monitored for bacteria, clarity, phosphorus, nitrogen loading, etc. The trends analysis was led by Cawthron Institute’s freshwater group manager and ecologist, Dr Roger Young. While the trends for some parameters at many sites remains indeterminate, Young describes the overall picture as encouraging. “Looking back from 2016 at a decade of data, for every monitored parameter more sites showed evidence of improving water quality than of degrading,” Young said. “My hope is this could represent a turning point in NZ’s river health story. “[Though] this analysis gives us cause for optimism, water quality is just one indicator of river health and there is still more work to be done.”
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ALL POSSIBLE pathways remain open in the hunt
for the source of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis, says MPI’s director of response, Geoff Gwyn. Gwyn said technical and compliance-related investigations are still ongoing following searches of three properties by warranted officers of the ministry on March 27. He declined to comment on reports that the searches were related to the possible illegal importation of non-certified veterinary preparations. MPI has consistently listed seven likely routes of entry: imported live cattle, other imported animals, imported frozen semen, imported embryos, imported veterinary medicines and biological products, imported feed and imported used farm equipment. However, just one of those -- imported veterinary medicines and biological products – was redacted from the publicly released Pathways Report. Gwyn said he could not comment on a redacted section of the report. “The reason it was redacted is we didn’t want it in the public domain for a number of reasons, which I am not going to comment on. “But I would exercise caution on which pathway is of greater or lesser risk because there are also a number of activities -- technical investigations for want of a better word, such as genotyping, for example -- which are still ongoing. “Our position at the moment is they are all of very low probability and there’s no conclusive evidence to rank any of those above any of the others. So we are still working on all the pathways as being possibilities.” The number of confirmed infected properties has risen to 30 (including two more farms in the Ashburton district), one of which was identified through the nationwide milk surveillance and testing. Every dairy farm has supplied one bulk milk sample and two rounds of mastitic milk samples. Gywn said the sampling is now complete and the testing is 93% complete. The Ashburton farm is so far the only one identified through the testing but Gwyn said even that farm has proved to be linked to other infected properties by animal movement. “That gives us a high level of confidence to say the disease is not endemic. It does have an animal movement to one of the previous infected properties so at this stage all 30 properties are connected by some form of animal movement,” he said. – Nigel Malthus
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 5
Butter prices are on the rise again.
Strong price run by butter, SMP RaboResearch’s dairy analyst “A lower US$ and higher oil prices over recent weeks have been dairy Emma Higgins says it was a positive pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz price supportive. Demand seems result for dairy farmers overnight at last week’s GDT event. firm. Price support remains for New “The 0.9% gain in wholemilk BUTTER PRICES look like making Zealand SMP, which is another strong run, says ASB senior powder (WMP) prices at a premium to most (average prices now rural economist Nathan Penny. European sourced If so “we are likely to see record $US3311/t) looked like SMP offered. highs again in the comings months a disappointment to “Wild weather has with butter prices and milk fat prices NZX futures pricing really impacted pasmore generally,” Penny told Dairy on the day, but this is ture growth this year still a reasonable result News. in Europe and the Butter prices have lifted 27% so given Fonterra again spring flush is slow far this year and are well ahead of the lifted volumes (5%) out of the starting where they were this time last year. above previous foreblocks this season,” Butter prices are only 5% below the casts for this auction. she says. record levels set in September 2017. WMP prices are track“Reports are that “Those prices are going to be ing above RBNZ fore- Nathan Penny spring grass growth healthy for the next few months, casts. “Skimmilk powder (SMP) prices is trailing about a month behind, at even better than healthy -- record highs. We will definitely be keeping rose 3.6%, but prices remain gen- least. “Beast from the East and Storm an eye on those butter prices in the erally weak at $US1913/t. The gain likely reflects recent poor weather Emma have left sodden pastures and next few (GDT) auctions.” BNZ senior economist Doug Steel in Europe, where milk production a feed crisis in Ireland, which is turnsays prices were higher for all prod- growth has slowed. We expect SMP ing to other European countries to to remain generally weak as EU buy in feed. ucts at last week’s GDT auction. “This is another contributor to “The 2.7% rise in the GDT Price production improves over coming Index was within our expectation months, stockpiles remain large and why we think there will be less milk range. This increase essentially off- changes to EU intervention (ten- production growth in Europe over sets the cumulative four small dering rather than minimum price) the course of 2018 than anticipated earlier in the year.” declines over the past four auctions. weigh.” PAM TIPA
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ECONOMISTS ARE optimistic of a small rise in this season’s farmgate milk price. And a healthy new season price could be on the cards, though BNZ’s Doug Steel sounds a note of caution on that. ASB’s Nathan Penny says the rise in milk fat prices sets the new season up fairly well. “We are expecting $6.50/ kgMS at this stage (2018-19) although it’s early in the season. But if these trends continue the new season will start on a strong footing.” With the upside in the recent GDT auction, $6.60/kgMS could be on the cards for this season but given the lateness in the season it will not change too much from here, he says. But it could
move 5c or even 10c (Fonterra’s current forecast is $6.55/kgMS). BNZ’s Steel says most of this season’s milk has been sold so last week’s result is unlikely to shift forecasts much. “But it does add to the idea that there may yet be a few cents to add to Fonterra’s (and our) $6.55 forecast. “A higher NZ$, up 1.9% against the US$ since the previous dairy auction, does temper the dairy price gains when expressed in NZ dollars.” Looking to the next dairy season (starting June 1), if current pricing and currency levels persisted over the coming 18 months it would generate a milk price in the mid-to-high $6 range, says Steel.
“Barring a major change over the next month, this might be where Fonterra places its first forecast for the new season (forecast due before the end of May).” However BNZ thinks dairy product prices will ease over the coming year with more EU supply, new EU intervention rules and potential for a world demand slowdown such that by the end of next season milk prices will be in the low $6s. “If dairy product prices don’t fall from present levels then the milk price will likely be higher than we currently think. “Given farmer payment structures, dairy cashflows look set to be healthy through at least calendar 2018.”
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
6 // NEWS
‘Precision rainfall’ a benefit of irrigation NIGEL MALTHUS
MODERN IRRIGATION is all about “pre-
cision rainfall,” says Federated Farmers water and environment spokes-
person Chris Allen. “A well-operated irrigation system on a farm is putting the right amount of water on, at the right place, at the right time.” Rather than starting to water in September
and leaving it on till May, modern irrigation waters the ground when it’s actually needed, which means fewer nutrients go into groundwater. “That is completely different from saying ‘irri-
gation equals dairy equals we’ve now got a water quality problem’. Irrigation is not necessarily bad for the environment; it is more likely to have a positive environmental [effect] if everything is
done appropriately,” said Allen. He was responding to a Fish & Game statement that he was being disingenuous and selective in blaming irrigation for the Selwyn DIstrict’s water
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quality issues. “That’s where Fish & Game is being selective with their media releases and I’ve got to be really critical about that,” said Allen. “The community in [Selwyn] has been going through a whole collaborative process over the last seven years... what is the problem? where are [we] trying to get to? and what are all the different mechanisms [we’ve] got?” Farmers must employ good management practices and formulate farm environment plans; and over time nutrient and sediment discharges will fall, said Allen. The district also has the Central Plains Water scheme coming online. “The more farmers switch from taking
groundwater to taking alpine river-run water [the less they will take of the groundwater] -- a big saving of the environment,” Allen said. The groundwater consents may not have been released yet but nor are they being used, and farmers are now removing unused pumps. “Over time, the nitrate level will come down because of onfarm practices; and they are [switching] to more precise uses of irrigation.” Allen said all farmers are tied up in the same set of rules. “The community’s been going through the process; it’s disingenuous to say nothing’s happened.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
‘JUST NONSENSE’ FISH & Game chief executive Martin Taylor had earlier dismissed as “ridiculous” a claim by Irrigation New Zealand chief executive Andrew Curtis that irrigation is good for the environment. “This is just nonsense,” said Taylor. “In fact big irrigation schemes have contributed significantly to the water quality crisis the country is now facing. “Irrigation has allowed intensive dairy farming to establish itself in unsuitable areas like Canterbury, where cow numbers have grown astronomically.” It had had a huge negative impact on the environment. “Canterbury’s Selwyn District is increasingly polluted to the extent that the region’s health officials warn against giving babies water from some local supplies because aquifers are contaminated by nitrates. “The scale of the problem is shown by the fact that Canterbury is now using two thirds of all NZ’s irrigation take. This means that over a year, a single big corporate farm can use the same amount of water as a town. “For the irrigation lobby to claim that such TO PAGE 7
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 7
Have your say on river plan change PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
SUBMISSIONS ARE
now open on a variation to the plan to improve the health of the Waikato and Waipa rivers. The closing date is Wednesday, May 23. The council received at least 1000 submissions to the plan change when it was notified in 2016; these remain valid and do not need to be re-lodged. However, if there are changes specific to the variation that individuals and groups don’t agree with then they’re encouraged make a submission. The variation to Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora:
Waikato River
Proposed Plan Change 1 reinstates the area in the northeast of the Waikato River catchment that was withdrawn in November 2016 to enable full consultation with Pare Hauraki as an affected iwi. The variation includes some amendments arising
from consultation with Pare Hauraki, and proposes extensions of 20 months to some dates to enable landowners more time due to the delay. Horticulture NZ applied for a judicial review when the northeast section of the catch-
ment was taken out to be considered separately. HortNZ and other sector groups said the plan should be considered as a whole. However HortNZ later withdrew the application. In February four independent hearings
commissioners were appointed to the Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora: Proposed Plan Change 1 hearings panel. The panel will hear and deliberate on submissions to the proposed plan change for the Waikato and Waipa rivers, and then make a recommendation to the council. The council claims the plan change is the first step in an 80-year project to make the rivers swimmable and safe for food gathering along their entire length, and achieve the requirements of Te Ture Waimana o Te Awa Waikato (The Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River).
‘JUST NONSENSE’ FROM PAGE 6
excessive extraction of water from our rivers, lakes and aquifers is good for the environment ignores reality.” Taylor questioned the irrigation lobby’s “newfound concern” for the environment, saying Fish & Game had been fighting to protect water quality for decades but were labelled ecoterrorists when it raised concerns about the impact of industrial dairying in 2001. “Now the irrigation lobby claism they’re helping the environment by recharging aquifers or some other such mitigation. They are obliged to portray themselves as trying to fix things because they broke them in the first place.” Meanwhile, Chris Allen (Federated Farmers) said he is disappointed about the Government’s decision to cut Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd (CIIL) loan funding for future irrigation schemes. He said Feds is looking into whether the new Regional Development Fund could be accessed instead. “We’ll be working as hard as we can to make sure the small irrigation schemes -- whatever the definition of ‘small’ is -- can tap into that resource. “Irrigation chiefly benefits small rural communities, giving them resilience against climate change and for economic development.” Allen said irrigation brings benefits to whole communities, including climate change mitigation, reliable water for production, environmental benefits by releasing stored water into rivers, recreational and drinking water.
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
8 // LELY FUTURE FARM DAYS
The future lies in robots SUDESH KISSUN
MANAGEMENT BY EXCEPTION
sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
AUTOMATION COMPANY Lely says fully
robotic farms are the future for the booming global dairy industry. The company is on the brink of introducing a fully automated decision-based farm management system that will run the farm on behalf of the farmer. Lely chief executive Alexander van der Lely gave his take on the future dairy farm at the company’s 70th year celebrations and Lely Future Farm Days in Maassluis, Netherlands this month. Lely says he envisages fully robotic dairy farms worldwide. “Adaption of automation is really gaining pace now; there seems no end to this trend and there’s a reason for it,” he says. “Robotisation is for most countries the only answer to labour shortage and to succession. It’s no secret that fewer people want to work in the agricultural industry and automation offers a real solution.” The company has launched a new, redesigned robotic milker
ALEXANDER LELY says the fully robotic farm will have milking at its heart . “Only in a fully robotised barn can we put the cow at the centre and manage closely on the input and output of the cow,” he says. Lely, which sold its forage business last year, plans to focus on robotisation to allow farmers “to manage cows by exception”. “When most processes are auto-
-- the Lely Astronaut 5 -- scheduled to make its NZ debut at the National Fieldays in Hamilton in June. Lely introduced its first Astronaut robotic milker (A1) in 1992; today 30,000 Lely robots milk cows around the world. Alexander Lely says farmers are part of his company’s DNA and its innovations are designed to help farmers enjoy profitable and sustainable dairying. Future farm integrated solutions from Lely will centre on the cow and automate repetitive tasks in the milking shed so that farmers can “focus on things that really matter”. Lely says the `decisionbased´ farm management
mated, the farmer can pay attention to individual cows that really need attention. He or she can focus on exceptions only and leave the rest of the herd in peace; this helps the herd and helps the farmer to develop improvements for the farm.” Lely says management by exception has many benefits: higher milk yields, healthier and happier cows and a better work/life balance for the farmer.
system supports increased profitability, sustainability and usability for both farmer and cow. “This software uses the
many data sources available on the farm and from the ecosystem surrounding it. Instead of only presenting information, the
Alexander van der Lely
system will propose or even make decisions with the farmer’s permission. “The system will be self-learning and, over
time, will adapt to the farmer’s preferences for running the farm.” He urged other dairy industry stakeholders, e.g.
vets, feed and insemination suppliers, to work with his company. “We cannot do this alone,” he said.
HUGE LEAP IN COW COMFORT DAIRY AUTOMATION
company Lely says its new Astronaut A5 robot is more comfortable for cows. The redesigned robotic milker was launched this month at Lely Future Farm Days in Maassluis, the Netherlands. An extensive worldwide test programme included at least 30 customers and 2 million milkings over a wide temperature range. Lely says with the A5,
cow comfort has been further improved with a new hybrid arm: silent, faster, energy efficient and more accurate, it results in consistent milking. Instantly following the cow’s every movement during milking, and remaining close to the udder, it quickly corrects itself in the case of any unexpected movement. This ensures a fast and thorough milking process, even with heifers.
With the new teat detection system (TDS), post-milking teat spraying has been improved by pre-scanning the udder before spraying, ensuring optimal udder hygiene and limiting the risk of contamination. The redesigned, intuitive user interface makes automatic milking easy to understand for everybody. From a cow’s first milking to
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SKIRT-LIFTING JUNO LELY ALSO launched a new version of the Lely Juno feed pusher. The new Juno follows walls and fences on both sides, while metal guide strips on the floor drive it towards the charging station and, if necessary, to other barns. When the Juno is driving without pushing a load it can lift its skirt, reducing wear and tear and enabling it to overcome small obstacles; this also provides sufficient ground clearance when driving on slopes and keeps the skirt free from mud and manure pollution.
everyday maintenance, all relevant information is available on one single page. Instant actions, such as feed allocation, cow-specific routing and daily maintenance tasks are just one click away. Lely chief executive Alexander van der Lely says the new Astronaut A5 milking robot, which is compatible with the A4, fits Lely’s vision like a glove. “Milking a cow has never been so easy and comfortable for the farmer and the cow. The Astronaut A5 contributes to our aim of
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 9
Better AB facilities raise mating results ONE OF the most unpredictable places to be in a dairy shed is arguably the back end of a cow. That’s a place artificial breeding (AB) technicians simply can’t avoid. It’s the business end, and their success in this area can depend much on the environment and facilities they have to work in. LIC’s national AB manager, Dave Hale, says both the farmer and the AB technician want the same thing -- to get cows incalf when first presented -- but the role facilities play in this is often overlooked. “It’s widely acknowledged that a number of factors can impact a cow’s ability to get in-calf -- from body condition score to accurate heat detection. “But maybe not so well recognised is that poor facilities, unnecessary distractions and uncomfortable work environments can prevent even the most skilled AB technician from doing the best job possible.” LIC bulls sire up to
80% of New Zealand’s dairy cows, with most inseminations done by 840 or more AB technicians. Before the peak AB season starts in spring, staff visit farms to check AB facilities and discuss how these could be improved to achieve a better result at mating time. Hale visited about 250 farms last year in his role, and says he saw a wide range of AB facilities. “While it’s clear some farms have spent a lot on facilities, some of them leave a bit to be desired. This will be impacting their results.” DairyNZ says poor AB facilities can reduce conception rate by up to 10%. Says Hale, “We want our farmers to have the best chance to get their cows in-calf when they’re first presented. “AB facilities with an organised infrastructure allow the technician easy access to the cows and reduce tech and cow stress.” The aim is to increase
SMALL CHANGES, BIG DIFFERENCE EVEN THE smallest change can make a big difference, as Murray Jagger learned when he reviewed his Northland farm’s AB facilities last year. He installed a backing bar in his herringbone shed so the cows could be held more safely and securely for insemination. “As soon as the backing bar was in you could see the cows were more secure, and that made the AB tech more comfortable so it must help with the mating result. “It was a small but important change, and if it helps them get my cows in-calf the first time, it’s well worth it.” As an LIC director he supports the co-op’s plans to check AB facilities and work with farmers to make improvements, particularly for safety.
Three-step check 1 The cows need to be walking in and rowing up
awareness about the importance of AB facilities and offer farmers simple ways to improve them. “By improving onfarm facilities we will ensure a safe working environment
for our staff and give our AB technicians the best opportunity to get cows in-calf,” he says. Farm visits are taking place now, starting with herringbone sheds and grazing locations.
LIC national AB manager Dave Hale.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
10 // NEWS
DAIRY DATE
Diary
Controversial co-op payment policy scrapped
Tell the dairy farming community about your event through the Dairy Diary. Email event info to editor@ruralnews.co.nz
EVENT
DETAILS
How do the public feel about dairy and what drives their perceptions? We hear a lot about the rural/urban divide. Smaller Milk and Is it true that the public hate dairy farmers and is there a Supply Herds (SMASH) media beat-up? Come and hear DairyNZ’s findings on public seminar, Cambridge. perceptions and how the media portray dairy. Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro. www.smash.co.nz
April 26
PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
DairyNZ Farmers Forum, Hamilton.
Get the latest insights and opinions on global trends from influential dairy leaders and commentators. DairyNZ’s Farmers Forum will be held at Mystery Creek. At least 700 farmers are expected to attend. Register online at www. dairynz.co.nz
May 12
Dairy Industry Awards national finals, Invercargill.
Eleven regional finalists have been named in the Dairy Industry Awards. The national winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the ILT Stadium, Invercargill. www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz
May 25
Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) Dinner, Coopers Function Venue, Hamilton.
May 8-9
June 13-16
National Fieldays at Mystery Creek Event Centre, Hamilton.
Join other small herd farmers for an evening of good food, great company and two outstanding speakers -- economist Cameron Bagrie and journalist Steve Wyn-Harris. Register online at www.smallerherds.co.nz Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for technology and innovation. Whether you are from town or country, are a Fieldays veteran or visiting for the first time, this event has something for everyone. www.fieldays.co.nz
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Fonterra CFO Marc Rivers
terms or shorter. “We are now taking this a step further and, following a significant upgrade to our financial systems, from August 1, 2018 will be introducing the new standard payment term for our smaller vendors. “As a co-op made up of farming businesses we recognise the enormous contribution that small businesses make to NZ and its economy. “Our new standard payment term demonstrates our commitment to small businesses and recognises that our success in taking NZ products to the world relies on the success of many businesses throughout the country.” Rural Contractors NZ has welcomed Fonterra’s
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FONTERRA IS introducing a new standard payment term for small businesses which will affect 83% of its suppliers, the cooperative says. It will see all the New Zealand suppliers with which it spends up to $300,000 (each) annually being paid on the 20th of the month following the month of invoice, the chief financial officer, Marc Rivers, told Dairy News. “I don’t think it is something that’s been talked about much, but our teams have been quietly working with our smaller vendors on a oneon-one basis to move them to shorter payment terms,” he says. “We process over a million invoices each year. By working with our vendors to find terms that work for them, clarifying the invoicing process and ensuring their invoices include the right details, the co-op has been able to progressively shift 79% of our vendors onto what we call ‘31 day’ payment
move to make payments the month after invoicing. RCNZ’s chief executive Roger Parton says his organisation was among those calling for this change and is pleased to see Fonterra responding positively. “This will have a good beneficial flow-on effect not just for rural contractors and those they employ but in rural communities around NZ. Minister for Small Business Stuart Nash has congratulated Fonterra for its change of policy on payment terms for small and medium suppliers. “I expressed concerns earlier this year about the tough payment terms faced by some small and medium businesses, after reports that some were waiting up to three months for payment. I also raised this directly with Fonterra.” Nash says it will affect at least 4000 suppliers. “I do not generally seek to single out individual businesses but this positive change by Fonterra deserves to be acknowledged. I hope it serves as an incentive for other large organisations.”
27/03/18 5:13 PM
RISING GLOBAL demand for dairy and fruit beverages has prompted Fonterra to team up with a Hawke’s Bay company to make new products. Fonterra Brands New Zealand and Apollo Foods, a start-up company, will install plant at the Apollo premises in Whakatu, Hawke’s Bay, to make fruit and dairy beverages for the NZ market. Apollo’s beverage filling technology will enable it to make a range of containers and fill them with different products on the one production line. Good quality control will retain the products’ fresh taste, allowing a long shelf life, hence retailers will be able to stock an extensive range. Fonterra Brands NZ general manager Leon Clement says the rising global demand for dairy and fruit beverages is a great opportunity. “As high-quality drinks play a bigger
role in consumers’ diets, NZ companies have opportunities to add value [and create] future brands.” The Apollo Foods plant will have capacity for millions of litres of beverages each year and will enable the companies to lead in their respective categories. Ross Beaton, managing director at Apollo Foods managing director Ross Beaton applauds the deal. Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says the deal results from 18 months effort by Hastings District Council and Apollo Foods. “It cements our beautiful district as a leader in food production,” she says. The plant was commissioned last month and is now making Mammoth flavoured, low-sugar milk with a shelf life of six months. Other new beverages will follow.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
12 // NEWS
Eggs, pies and cash PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
THE NUMBERS are
mind-boggling: 1000 eggs, thousands of pies, tens of thousands in cash to count at home. These are Diane Sharpe’s memories of
40 years volunteering at National Fieldays. She now lives in a retirement village in Leamington, Cambridge, and still she volunteers. It began for her in 1970 when Fieldays moved to Mystery Creek and the women’s division of Federated Farmers offered to
do the catering. Living on a Rukuhia dairy farm with four young children, she joined a crowd making sandwiches in the local hall. There were 1000 eggs to boil and mountains of cheese to grate. “It’s funny how times have changed. We used to
just make the sandwiches – no gloves, no wrapping – and take them to Mystery Creek. You couldn’t do that these days.” As Fieldays grew, a big barn became the catering hub. In 1980 they sold 28,500 meat pies and 5360 fruit pies and still the numbers grew.
“Eventually we couldn’t feed everyone from that barn so they made four different kiosks, manned by various branches of Rural Women NZ. It had changed from Federated Farmers women’s division to RWNZ, but it was the same people.”
National Fieldays volunteer Diane Sharpe.
As the event grew they started sub-contracting then moved from handson to organising the catering -- still all volunteers. “We gave $60,000 $70,000 to the community every year.” RWNZ quit the catering 10 years ago but Sharpe carried on for several years selling food before and after the event from a kiosk. She still does volunteer tasks. National Fieldays Society president Peter Carr also lives in Diane’s village and residents still volunteer for various jobs when the call goes out. Sharpe was also a Waipa District Councillor for 27 years so helped out
from that perspective. “I remember when Fieldays wanted to put a tar-seal road in. So they asked us and we managed to squeeze it in, taking a bit of left over tar-seal from another road and giving it to Fieldays. “Everything’s far more accountable these days.” She thinks Fieldays has attracted more people by branching out from tractors and machinery. “It took a while to break that mould.” Diane was a townie who married a dairy farmer and moved to the farm in 1962. Her election to Waipa District Council “got me out of milking cows,” she jokes.
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BEFORE CREDIT cards and mobile banking the Fieldays women volunteers would haul thousands of dollars in coins in their car boots. “We’d collect it from all the kiosks, put it in the boot, take it home and count it out onto somebody’s floor. “It’s hard to visualise that now -- no banks (they were closed at weekends), no credit cards... just physically handling the money.” They never worried about security. “We never thought about those things. We had a discreet little hut behind one of the kiosks; they had a runner who took all the notes from the different kiosks; the treasurer would be counting out the money and putting it in the bags. “We were taking home $50,000 - $60,000 cash over the weekend.... If you have ever tried holding bags of coins -- they are heavy.”
Check out our websites www.ruralnews.co.nz www.dairynews.co.nz
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 13
Climate change committee just needs a farmer DAIRYNZ IS throwing its support behind the Interim Climate Change Committee announced last week. However, DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle is concerned that it has no member with actual farm knowledge. “This understanding and experience is vital in order to understand how different mitigations impact on the farm system,” Mackle says.
The six-member committee will he headed by Dr David Prentice, most recently chief executive of the infrastructure firm Opus International Consultants. The deputy chair is Lisa Tumahai, who is experienced in governance and is a director of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Other committee members are Dr Harry Clark, a New Zealand expert on
AN IMPORTANT STEP SETTING UP the Interim Climate Change Committee is an important step towards NZ becoming a net zero emissions economy,” says DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle. “DairyNZ supports the formation of this committee and the important work they will undertake for NZ,” he says. The appointment of the former parliamentary commissioner for the environment, Jan Wright, on the committee was noted by DairyNZ. Mackle says her work as the PCE formed the basis for much of the Government’s climate change policy. “The dairy sector supported her suggestions, in her previous role, on how best to achieve NZ’s climate change commitments. “There is need for a strong understanding of each of NZ’s major sectors, especially transport and agriculture which are the two largest emitters. Harry Clark and Suzi Kerr have important agricultural experience necessary to this role.”
Climate Change Min- itiveness, and energy production and agricultural greenhouse ister James Shaw referred supply. gas research; Dr Keith “We need work to start now on how to the members’ experTurner, former chief exectise in areas related to agriculture might enter into the New utive of Meridian and a climate change: agricul- Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme professional director; Dr ture, agribusiness, cli- (NZETS), and we need planning now Jan Wright, former parmate change science and for the transition to 100% renewable liamentary commissioner policy, resource econom- electricity generation by 2035,” says for the environment; and ics and impacts, Te Tiriti Shaw. Dr Suzi Kerr, known inter An independent climate change o Waitangi, te reo me nationally for her experona tikanga Māori and commission will be set up under the tise in the economics of Dr David Prentice climate change policy and emissions Māori interests, international compet- Zero Carbon Act in May next year. trading. Mackle says the members’ experGOOD MIX OF SKILLS tise will move NZ’s economy towards a low emission future. The interim committee will conFEDERATED FARMERS says the Feds believes the committee sider agriculture’s role in meeting make-up of the Interim Climate members have a good mix of Change Committee brings imporskills. NZ’s greenhouse reduction targets tant scientific thinking to bear on “They all know their stuff and and whether agricultural methane and the subject. a couple of them are very familiar nitrous oxide emissions should face a “This should mean we can with agribusiness and the chalprice in the NZ Emissions Trading figure out once and for all what lenges faced every day by farmScheme. obligations New Zealand has ers, especially given the limited “DairyNZ [will help] our levy to meet, not just for agriculture, range of tools available to reduce payers do their part to address on but for all of us,” says Federated emissions.” farm emissions,” says Mackle. “The Farmers climate change spokesFeds is also pleased the comdairy industry must do its part alongperson Andrew Hoggard. mittee has more time to report side the wider economy to reduce and “We are all emitters.” back – next April. offset NZ’s greenhouse gas emissions.”
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
14 // NEWS
LIC DIRECTOR TO QUIT LIC DIRECTOR Steve Poole will step
down at the end of next month. Poole has chosen not to seek re-election; the LIC board is made up of seven farmer-elected directors and three independent directors. Poole joined the LIC board in 2010 and has served two terms as one of two farmer-elected directors for the central (North Island) region. Both central region LIC directors will complete their current term on May 31, with Steve Poole replacements to be determined by shareholder election. Voting packs were distributed to shareholders last week. LIC board chair Murray King says Steve Poole brought grassroots empathy to the board. “Steve has always focused on what
is in the best interests of New Zealand dairy farmers. “He showed real commitment to the share simplification process and was able to conduct complex discussions in a simple farmerfriendly manner with his fellow shareholders.” Poole and his wife Maria are dairy farmers in Kapuni, Taranaki, milking 800 cows on 210ha. Prior to joining the LIC board in June 2010 he had a long association with LIC as a customer, shareholder, employee and shareholder representative. He was an AB technician for 20 years and a member of LIC’s shareholder council for two years (2008-2010). @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
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Forum to discuss dairy’s future A FORUM to discuss
the direction of dairying will be held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton, on May 8 and 9. The DairyNZ-led Farmers Forum will hear from keynote speakers Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Minister for Climate Change James Shaw. Other speakers will address politics, economics, sustainable farming, future food and farm practices. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the forum will also discuss how the new strategy ‘Dairy Tomorrow’ will be achieved. “Understanding our sector’s future from a
range of viewpoints is important, because the political, economic and environmental outlooks, and our markets, drive what we do daily on farms. “The dairy sector is dynamic and challenging, and as we plan for the future through the strategy it’s a great time to discuss and debate all the issues and opportunities.” DairyNZ expects at least 700 farmers at the event. O’Connor will discuss the future of dairy farming from the Government’s perspective and priorities for food production; Shaw will discuss the sector’s opportunities for
climate change and greenhouse gases. Farmers can also submit a question to both ministers for a Q&A session on day one (questions can be submitted when registering to attend the forum). Other speakers will include future-of-food specialist Julian Cribb; economist Cameron Bagrie; future thinking, strategy and innovation leader Roger Dennis; mental health campaigner Mike King and a range of dairy sector leaders. A panel discussion of dairy company leaders will look at what the ‘Dairy Tomorrow’ strategy will mean for farmers. Day one of the forum
looks at what is driving change in the global markets, the changing political environment, implications for NZ dairying and how the sector can adapt. On day two, the focus will shift to the farm, looking at new technologies and techniques, plus tips, tools and advice for boosting farm businesses. Farmers can choose from eight workshops. The forum is free to levy paying dairy farmers and their staff. Registrations are open and essential prior to the event. • To view the full programme or register, visit www.dairynz.co.nz/ farmersforum.
Calves yield cash for rural communities MEAT PROCESSOR Affco is urging farmers to sign up again for its Cash for Calves scheme that last year put $90,000 into rural communities. Each season the suppliers fill out a registration form on which they nominate their school or local fire service. For every calf supplied, Affco donates 40 cents to the nominated recipient -- a donation by the meat company that doesn’t come out of the schedule payment. Affco national livestock manager Tom Young says farmer suppliers often volunteer at rural fire stations and schools, and local people rely on them to bring their communities
together, look out for families and keep them safe. “Affco has been donating to rural primary schools since 2006 through our Bobby Calf Cash for Schools and in 2013 in response to supplier feedback we introduced the option to nominate their rural fire brigade. “Bobby calves are a fact of life on a dairy farm, and with this scheme everyone wins. We work hard to get the best value for our suppliers; bobby calves are picked up regularly and processed fast, and we return cash to our communities at the end of each season.” In December, schools receive a payment from AFFCO with a statement of who supplied the calves.
The New Zealand Fire Service is given a donation and they distribute payments to their volunteer services. In 2017 a total of $21,000 was donated to fire services and $70,000 to rural schools. Affco has donated at least $1 million to rural communities since the donation scheme started in 2006. Farmers should have received their registration forms by mail, or they can download them from http:// www.affco.co.nz/livestock/bobby-calfregistration/, phone 0800 722 422 or contact their AFFCO/SPM buyer. Registrations are due on May 1 in the North Island and June 1 in the South Island.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 15
Review to protect sharemilkers – Feds NIGEL MALTHUS
A REVIEW of the vari-
able-order share milking (VOSM) agreement could see it merged with the contract milkers agreement, says the Federated Farmers sharemilkers section Chair, Richard McIntyre. McIntyre is involved in a “broad review” aiming to improve several issues with the VOSM. Negotiating teams from both the sharemilkers’ and the sharemilking owners’ sections had been working on it a for a couple of months and hoped to put up a draft for consultation, perhaps as early as June, he said. “We are looking at combining the variable order agreement and the contract milking agreements. The roles are very similar; the only real difference is the method of payment.” That would allow for hybrid agreements to manage milk price volatility. For example, a milker might get 80 cents/ kgMS, plus 8% of the milk cheque. The milker could rely on the 80c/ kgMS to cover all the core costs of staffing and
shed expenses, while only the 8% of the milk cheque would be subject to milk price fluctuations -- positive and negative. McIntyre said the actual figures could be tailored to the milker’s ability to manage milk price risk. “If they happen to have plenty of money in the bank or a lot of equity and they know they can withstand a reasonable drop in milk prices, then they can have a percentage share that is higher and a contract rate that is lower.” Combining the VOSM and the contract milking agreements would encourage more hybrid agreements and make it easier for them to be put in place, he said. Variable, or lowerorder, sharemilking refers to milkers who do not provide their own herd. The milkers provide the labour and receive an agreed percentage of the income -- typically 18-29% (according to DairyNZ figures) -- and cover some of the costs. A 300-cow rule specifies that sharemilkers of herds of less than 300 must receive at least 21% plus costs. McIntyre said the rule is aimed at protecting sharemilkers, especially
those new to the industry and getting into business for the first time. He said they need to be protected in three respects: firstly from poorly set-up contracts where even in a normal
year they would struggle to make much money; secondly from milk price risk, where a contract may have been set up to give a certain income for a particular milk price but left them working for free or
at a loss if the price fell; and thirdly they need protection from climatic risk. Climatic extremes could hit production by 10 -15% even if the milker does everything right and manages the farm well.
Richard McIntyre, Federated Farmers sharemilkers section chair.
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300-COW RULE REDUNDANT RICHARD MCINTYRE says the 300-cow rule is no longer fit for purpose, now that even starting sharemilkers might be on farms with 1000 to 1500 cows. “Farms have got bigger, farming practices have changed and so have costs and income. Production per cow has increased significantly as well. Back then the average production might’ve been 280kgMS and now its 380kgMS and on some farms even 700. “So it’s protecting sharemilkers from not making much money, but it’s also putting farm owners off from engaging sharemilkers on a reasonable number of farms, so we’ve got an issue that we need to fix. “The farm owners who used to offer the poor variable order sharemilking agreements where the sharemilker wouldn’t make much money – all they’ve done is changed to engaging contract milkers where there are no minimums. “So it’s not really protecting sharemilkers; it’s putting farm owners off engaging sharemilkers.” McIntyre said the revised agreement will not be a case of one size fits all. “The farm sizes and production per cow etc are so varied through different farming systems that a one-size-fits-all approach would struggle to work.”
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
16 // NEWS
Accounting tools help couple to success PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
EEFECTIVE USE OF management
and accounting tools helps Auckland Hauraki Sharefarmers of the Year Chris and Sally Guy keep on top of their business and work towards their goal of farm ownership. Sally says she was complimented by the Dairy Industry Award judges on how she kept the farm office, but it is
actually all Chris’ work. He is organised and meticulous equally in the office and the milking shed, she says. “It is something he should be very proud of; he does that in all aspects of the business. He basically does all the bookwork himself as that is one of his strengths.” Chris is a one-man band on his parents Oak View Farm near Karaka, South Auckland, but he takes an afternoon once a week to catch up on the office side of the operation. Otherwise
Chris and Sally Guy.
the inside jobs get put to the side. Chris told a winners field day at Oak View that the DairyBase tool is new to him but it is “a wonderful tool to give a picture of where you sit and allows you to benchmark yourself against others”. One thing highlighted as they moved through the competition process was
A2 MILK IN THE PIPELINE OAK VIEWis a 95ha total farm area with an 80ha effective milking platform. They lease an adjoining 80ha of which 10ha is part of the milking platform. Chris milks 200 cows in a spring calving herd. Last season they were system four but this season they tried to run a system thee and utilised the runoff for supplement rather than buying it in, he says. They milk through a 16-side herringbone; their shed and yard are small and that is their biggest limitation on expansion. They use the adjoining lease block to raise young livestock, drawing down the loan as quickly as possible and planning to move on to a 500-plus sharemilking farm. The lease block is economic
using 10ha in the milking platform, wintering cows there, rearing 2-year-old beef or heifer calves for sale and growing 150t of silage. Chris says on the lease they started with 93 replacement Friesian heifers out of their herd from which they now have as R2s. Because of the low payout in the first season they reared 60 Friesian bull calves to weaners and steered the rest and carried them through. They generally carry through 115 stock each year to 2-yearold. They need about 55 heifer replacements for their herd. In the season just gone they tailed with Hereford bulls and kept a lot of red-and-white face calves to diversify into the beef market.
“It is quite hard to sell in-calf heifers whereas with the beef calf market, if you find yourself in a pinch you can exit at any stage,” he says. They now sell early Friesian bull calves at 4-10 days while the money is still good and white faces are also sold early. He knows he makes money from the lease block but for a one man operation it can be timeconsuming so he wants to keep its operation simple. They will bulk milk test their herd this year to see what percentage are A2 and if it is close, they might head down that track. “There’s definitely dividends to be made by being an A2 herd and if it’s achievable we can get there.”
that their operating expenses are quite high. “So it has given us ideas to move forward on -- areas to focus on.” Dairybase has given them an insight into what they should be doing so they can get a better picture. Chris said Xero is a good tool because you can backdate, look at where you’ve spent money, run budgets, run as many reports as you want and search history and it is simple to use. He says in their first season (2016) they didn’t budget correctly. “It is important to budget because it is so easy to overspend in different categories. Monitoring is key because if you overspend in an area you can attempt to flick that money out of another area or find the reasons why you overspent and try and reduce it.” Chris and Sally are 50/50 sharemilking 200 cows on Oak View which has been in Chris’s family for five generations. His father Allan retired in 1999 and brought sharemilkers on to run the farm. He helps Chris out “filling some gaps” on the farm at times. Chris and Sally met in Australia five years ago while Chris was doing a wheat harvest. Sally is from a sheep and beef cattle station. They decided to
move to New Zealand to pursue a dairy industry career, knowing an opportunity would arise on Chris’s parents farm. He wanted some experience before becoming a sharemilker on the family farm so they started in Matamata in 2014 and he progressed to a 2IC position in Waerenga. Sally worked off farm as an art teacher until they had their first child in 2016. She says the vision statement for the farm is fostering for the future: looking after it today so it can flourish tomorrow. “We believe in investing in our family and our livestock and environmentally sustainable practices on our farm. “We are doing all this work today so we can build a secure future for our family. Even though we are starting out small, if we keep working the way we are and investing in our family, livestock and on the farm we will have a bigger business in the future.” She says it is great to be on the family farm with proximity to Auckland CBD, however in the long term they cannot afford to remain in that region. The Guy family will sell Oak View and become equity partners in a larger farm.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
NEWS // 17
Keeping greenhouse gas emissions in check DAIRYNZ CHIEF exec-
utive Dr Tim Mackle says tackling dairy’s greenhouse gas emissions is a priority for the sector. The latest inventory of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions shows that gross emissions for 2016 totalled 78.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, a 19.6% increase on the 1990 levels, albeit 2.4% down on the 2015 figure. The dairy sector is responsible for nearly half of NZ’s agricultural emissions and nearly a quarter of total emissions. “The dairy sector is well aware of the challenge posed by its emissions profile, and that’s why we are focusing on what mitigation options our farmers can adopt to start making a difference,” said Mackle. “This is the whole premise of our Dairy Action for Climate Change plan. We are ensuring farmers and the agricultural sector understand the challenge of climate change, the scientific research underway and the environmental mitigations they can make on their farms right now. “Many farmers across the country are already thinking and working in this way. Much of the work they have underway to improve water quality also has the co-benefits of improving their greenhouse gas emissions. “Methane, the main
agricultural gas, is a large contributor to NZ’s emission profile yet it has increased by only 5% since 1990. This is in contrast to the transport sector whose carbon dioxide emissions have risen by 78% since 1990. The methane emissions increase would have been much higher but for the efficiency gains the sector has achieved. “We are already one of the lowest emissions producers of dairy nutrition in the world, but we know we need to keep improving to help NZ move toward a low emissions future. “NZ needs to reduce emissions across all gases and across all sectors. This isn’t just in the transport or agriculture sectors but all sectors. We are all in this together.” Among the key findings of the inventory were that the slight decrease in emissions from 2015 to 2016 was due mainly to reductions in the use of thermal fuels (coal and gas) and a decrease in the number of sheep. It found that methane from dairy cattle digestive systems and carbon dioxide from road transport had contributed the most to the gross increase since 1990. The agriculture and energy sectors were the two largest contributors to NZ’s gross emissions -49.2% and 39.8% respectively. The gross emissions
are partially offset by the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector, where greenhouse gases from land use are monitored separately from the livestock emissions reported in the agri-
culture sector. Covering soil, trees, plants, biomass and timber, including crops and pasture, it is the only sector where carbon dioxide is taken out of the atmosphere. LULUCF offsets
nearly one third of NZ’s gross emissions but net emissions nevertheless increased by 54.2% since 1990 because of more trees being cut down and an increase in gross emissions.
Tim Mackle
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BOLD NEW TARGET CLIMATE CHANGE Minister James Shaw said the inventory shows there is still much to be done to reduce emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. “Urgent action is needed at a level not previously contemplated. We all need to be focused on the transition to a net zero emissions economy,” he said. “That is why the Government is introducing the Zero Carbon Bill, which will set in law a bold, new 2050 emissions reduction target for NZ and establish an independent climate change commission.” Shaw said the commission will look at whether and how agriculture comes into the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme. “We’ll continue research and technology that can reduce agricultural emissions while increasing productivity and profitability for farmers.” He said the Government plans to plant one billion trees over the next 10 years.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
18 // OPINION RUMINATING
EDITORIAL
Why Feds went down the GE track
MILKING IT... Read the signs
Thanks Winnie
“WE ARE disappointed there has been no direct consultation with the industry and it is also a surprise given the Labour Party’s 2017 energy manifesto talked of continuing offshore exploration,” said Cameron Madgwick, chief executive of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand, in reacting to the Labour/Green/NZ First decision to wind the industry down. “We flagged our interest as a party and as a government towards moving away from fossil fuels,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, surprised that the industry considered itself blindsided by the announcement. Apparently, the oil and gas industry just didn’t read the signs. If that’s how this government rolls -‘consulting’ via signs and signals, not direct contact -- then the dairy industry should be deeply concerned. Labour and the Greens have put up plenty of ‘signs’ that show how anti-dairying they are. Will dairy be next?
NZ FIRST’S provincial base, and the rest of us, have good reason to feel betrayed by some of the policy positions Winston Peters has signed to since putting the Labour-Green government into power. Here’s the shortlist: Banning all future offshore oil and gas prospecting, signing the death warrant for one of Taranaki’s biggest industries. Thanks Winston! Cutting spending on state highways in provincial areas. Thanks Winston! Killing off crucial irrigation schemes that would have enabled economic growth (no, not just dairy) in the provinces. Thanks Winston! And hitting the regions with a 14 cent petrol tax to pay for urban (I’m looking at you Auckland) public transport. Thanks Winston... for nothing!
Sowing oats wildly ALMOND, SOY, rice, hemp, macadamia, hazelnut, pea, flax, coconut, cashew, peanut, walnut: there’s been a recent explosion in the varieties of plantbased milks. It’s a crowded market and the non-dairy cream-of-the-crop right now is oat milk. It’s vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and GMO-free. Oat milk’s success isn’t just because of all the things it’s not. Oatly, the Swedish oat nerds who launched the drink in the US market, first introduced it to third-wave coffee shops with a special ‘barista blend’ that foams like dairy and works in coffee. Over the past few months Oatly has also been phased into grocery stores and the company’s marketing and oat milk’s tastiness make it a strong bet as the eventual winner of this plant-milk melee.
PEOPLE ARE switching from plastic to glass milk bottles in the UK. Most dairy businesses have reported a rise in sales, including a return to the traditional delivery of milk in glass bottles to customers’ doorsteps. This trend has surged in the first part of 2018 as people limit their plastic use. Since the 1990s, milk delivery services have continuously declined. According to DairyUK, the latest delivery figures are one million milk pints per day – about 3% of all milk sales. That includes glass and plastic deliveries (the figure includes both). Of the 20 milkdistributing businesses that got in touch with the BBC, 85% have seen an increase in glass bottle sales.
GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? GOT SOMETHING on your mind about the latest issues affecting our dairy industry? Put your pen to paper or your fingers to your keyboard, and let our readers know what you think. Contact us by either post or email. Don’t forget to put your name and address. Note: Letters may be edited. POST TO: LETTER TO THE EDITOR PO BOX 331100, TAKAPUNA, AUCKLAND 0740 OR EMAIL: dairynews@ruralnews.co.nz
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:
Back to glass
THE LATEST Environment Court decision that brutally cut Federated Farmers’ bid to stop regional councils banning GMOs hopefully puts an end to farmers getting their knickers in a twist about this issue. Going down the GE path was not popular with all farmers and given public perceptions it was bad PR. Such a stance would scarcely have wooed the public to ‘love Feds’. Feds could more usefully have pursued other more pressing issues, for example, getting their members to comply with sustainability rules, persuading them to pay decent wages and look after their farm staff, or outing those breaching animal welfare or environmental rules. How much better to have spent the membership dollars sensibly and gained kudos and good PR? It has taken an Environment Court judge to tell the Feds where not to go, and once again the cost to the Feds will be something they have to wear, unless there is a white knight somewhere who’ll pick up these costs. The federation is about to appoint a new chief executive and that person, with the board, must work hard to restore the organisation’s credibility and reputation. Feds is not broke, but sometimes it goes down strange paths at the risk of damaging its public image. Members had better read Judge Laurie Newhook’s judgement and think strategically about what the federation should be doing. In Ireland, the Irish Farmers Association is a highly credible lobby group respected at home and abroad. Sadly this can’t be said for Feds in New Zealand. With Brexit and trade issues looming, a strong Feds is vital for NZ, and with the GE issue seemingly dead, buried and cremated they can all get on with it. Let’s hope wisdom prevails and any other pending legal proceedings on GE are dropped.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
OPINION // 19
Smarter farming needs nutrient efficiency GREG CAMPBELL
TOUGH QUESTIONS
are confronting everybody involved in food creation in New Zealand. How do we move from commodities like milk powder to niche products that consumers believe in and will pay more for? How do we provide proof to back up our food’s excellent ‘back story’?
will make some moments special. 3. More middle class people Globally about 140 million people join the ranks of the middle class every year – mostly in Asia -and protein is a bigger part of their family diet. Many will pay for food from a trusted source. But to command a premium, you need proof. And that’s where technol-
There’s no silver bullet but we are part of the solution. How do we manage the trade-off between environmental impacts and economic prosperity? The answer to all these questions is smarter farming: challenging all aspects of farming, knowing improvements are always possible and definitely needed. Three trends help set the context: 1 More elderly people In the time it takes you to read this, about 200 people arrived on Earth. NZ can only grow enough food to feed about 40 million out of seven billion people. So the question is, which 0.5% of the world’s population are we going to feed and how? If the over-65s in China represented a country, by 2050 its population would be bigger than the UK, France and Germany combined. This could mean more demand for smaller pack sizes and added benefits, like lamb with extra Omega 3 for healthy joints. 2 More city-dwellers More people will be living in cities, meaning there will be less space for storing and cooking food and more eating out. A lettuce from a vertical garden, insect protein shake or a 3D-printed lunch at your desk may provide daily nutrients, but perhaps NZ cheese on a pizza in a restaurant, milk in ta latte or ice cream in a hotel that
ogy helps: maps that show exactly how much fertiliser was placed where; robots that measure grass growth; laboratories that diagnose soil needs; algorithms that predict how much feed a farm will grow; coated fertilisers that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions; special aerial cameras that can assess soil nutrients remotely; and software that shows where best to tackle potential phosphate run-off and nitrate leaching. Ravensdown is working on these tools today so that future generations and all users of our precious natural resources can benefit. There’s no silver bullet but we are part of the solution. Leaving the land in better condition than we found it is no idle dream. But it is going to take a lot of work. Our environmental consultancy, which assists with mitigations and compliance issues, is the fastest growing part of our business. Our topdressing aircraft are being modified with computer-controlled doors so environmentally sensitive areas can be avoided. As a farmer-owned cooperative, our aim as nutrient efficiency specialists is to supply the necessary amount of nutrients that nourish the soils – no more, no less – and help minimise losses for the benefit of the farm and
the environment. Smarter farming is the answer because it allows us all to adapt to looming
disruption and ultimately benefits all NZers. • Greg Campbell is chief executive of Ravensdown.
Greg Campbell, Ravensdown
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
20 // AGRIBUSINESS
Compact dairy has big appeal MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
CRAIG ROUGHTON is the son of Waikato dairy farmers and has made a career in dairying. After years on the sharemilker route he and his wife Ruth bought their own property, Walnut Tree Farm, at Welcome Bay near Tauranga on 9.6ha of rolling to steep land.
Given the limitations of the farm size, the Roughtons’ realised they needed something different to make a living, so noting Tauranga’s population of 140,000 they set up a business selling raw milk to the public. They milk 15 - 20 cows year round and all production retails as liquid milk via the farm’s shop. Production is largely grass-based: no PKE or other supplements, and no herbicides or pesticides; they follow a
largely organic route. Three and a half years later, the business, a member of the Raw Drinking Milk Association of New Zealand, draws customers from a 10km radius, happy to travel to find a source of raw milk. The raw milk is favoured by people intolerant of pasteurised or homogenised milk; Roughton says the raw product has enzymes that would be
RAW MILK TRENDING UP THE RAW Drinking Milk Association of NZ represents about 28 producers and promotes their raw milk sales nationwide. Spokesman Mark Houston, of Village Milk Takaka, reports growing interest from potential members, mostly with herds up to 30 cows; common to most is the
aim to supply high quality milk. “In our corner of NZ we have about 4500 people who are largely health conscious and interested in the foods they eat,” Houston says. “Our members report a similar case around the country, where customers are following food
trends, particularly in nutrition and especially along the lines of no chemicals, no preservatives, no additives and available fresh from local outlets.” He says customers are learning that about 90% of the milk sold in normal grocery stores is pasteurised and homogenised.
Craig Roughton
destroyed if the milk were processed. Their milk also suits people who may be lactose intolerant, and possibly people suffering from eczema. Roughtons keenly show their customers how the milk is produced, helping bridge the urban-rural divide and encourage them to watch milking. A viewing area by the herringbone shed allows the visitors to get close to the action, seeing teats washed, sanitised with an approved product, dried and then milked, after which a teat dip is applied to maintain hygiene and minimise infections. Milk is sold in the adjacent shop where two Italian vending units dis-
pense product into customers’ containers. Customers’ attention is drawn to an MPI mandatory warning that the milk they are buying is untreated. MPI says the untreated milk will keep for about four days if refrigerated, but Roughton says customers reckon the milk is good for at least seven days. To supplement the milk sales, the shop also sells organic vegetables grown on the farm, locally produced honey and free-range eggs. Given their loyal customer base, Roughton’s now envisage making Walnut Tree Farm a “destination” – with perhaps a café, afternoon cream teas, plants and organic mulch.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
AGRIBUSINESS // 21
Fat is back ROGER ELLISON
IN FIVE years, wool will
be worth more to a sheep farmer than will a lamb. If someone said that to you today you would probably think they were mad. Today synthetic fibres from clothes are clogging the oceans with nondegradable microfibres. Wool will come back! We have already seen something akin to this happen with milk fat. In the 2009-10 season milk fat only earned one third of a dairy farmer’s milk income. Between 2010 and 2015, the five years prior to the current surge in fat value, milk fat earned 38% of the farmer’s milk income (refer figure 1). Then came the questioning the science of the 1950s and 60s which said animal fat was bad for us. Today, Fonterra is paying almost parity. Next season a kg of fat will be earning suppliers much more than a kg of protein. Fat is back; it has been 30-40 years since we last saw this. Couple this with the fact that dairy cows produce more kg of milk fat than milk protein in a season and the growing impact of fat on the milk income becomes obvious (see figure 1). It is projected that next season the proportion of income from milk fat will be close to double what it was five years ago, with a corresponding halving of the protein
component. The ramifications of this resurgence in milk fat value are great. The impact as outlined above is based on a crossbred herd producing milk at the company average protein: fat ratio of 0.77, and 8.75% milk solids. Such milk will earn the company average per kg milk solids. Every farmer will benefit from this resurgence in milk fat value, irrespective of cow breed or milk type because milk fat is such a large component of milk solids (1.2 - 1.5 times the quantity of milk protein). However, some farmers will benefit more than others depending on how far their herd’s milk
constituents vary from the company average in terms of P:F ratio and milk solids percent (Table 2, Figure 2). What this means is that this season, concentrated milk with a lower P:F ratio (more fat/kgMS) will be paying $0.10/kg MS more than dilute milk with a high P:F ratio (less fat/kgMS). Next season, at the same payout as this season and with the projected increase in fat value relative to protein, the difference between these two types of milk will be about $0.18/kgMS. For the average NZ herd of 414 cows, producing 380kgMS/cow, this difference equates to $28,000.
The concentrated, low P:F ratio milk is typical of that produced by predominantly Jersey herds whereas the lower milk solids and high P:F ratio milk is typical of milk produced by predominantly Holstein-Friesian herds. Indications from industry commentators are that this strong value for milk fat is likely to be long term. Fat is no longer considered bad for our health and Fonterra’s Food Service division is experiencing unprecedented demand for fat-based products like cream, cream cheese and ice cream. • Roger Ellison is a Waikato veterinarian and dairy farmer.
Fig 2: Actual (17/18 season) and predicted (18/19 season) value of J and F milk based on a Fonterra av of $6.55/kgMS $6.70
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$6.65 $6.60 $6.55 $6.50 $6.45
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$6.40
preventing risky bacterial infections after calving.
$6.35 17/18 18/19 T Jersey type milk T Friesian type milk
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Fig 1: Relative fat and protein income for a Fonterra supplier producing company average milk
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2010-15 5 y average
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2017-18
•
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20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
N N
U
MS%
P.F.
9.8%
0.71
7.4%
0.80
Season
Protein income/ kgMS
Fat income/ kgMS
Volume Adjustment/ kgMS
$ per kig milk solids
Diff from Fonterra average
17-18
$2.88
$3.66
+$0.07
$6.61
+$0.06
18-19*
$2.30
$4.28
+$0.07
$6.65
+$0.10
17-18
$3.09
$3.48
-$0.06
$6.51
+$0.04
18-19*
$2.48
$4.05
-$0.06
$6.47
-$0.08
*Projected as estimated from prices achieved for milk fat and skim milk powder at Global Dairy Trade auctions.
DE
R
Table 2: Effect of milk of different composition on payment at average payout of $6.55/kg MS
OL
•
•
geadairyfarming.co.nz/teat-care
AR
0%
T Fat as % milk income T Protein as % of milk income
C LE
book an appointment.
CLEA
2018-19 projected*
R CON
T
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
22 // MANAGEMENT
Small but higher p A leading Maori dairy farm is planning to reduce its cow numbers but believes that by using better genetics it will maintain its production. The Boundary Road Farm, near Rotorua, owned by the Onuku Maori Lands Trust, is a finalist in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy competition to determine the top Maori dairy farm. Peter Burke reports from a field day at the farm.
Farmer and iwi members attending the field day.
THE 72HA Boundary Road dairy unit is one of four run by the Onuku Trust. It’s the smallest of the farms and is a suc-
cessful operation. The 220 cows produce 90,000kgMS on a system three. The farm is set like the other dairy farms, plus
the dry stock and forestry block near Lakes Rotomahana, in the shadow of Mt Tarawera, the mountain whose violent eruption on June 10, 1886 wiped out the famous Pink and White Terraces, a major tourist attraction. The local tribe, Ngati Rangitihi, suffered badly as a result of the Tarawera eruption: lives were lost and a pa on the shores of Lake Tarawera was destroyed. The eruption covered the land – now the Onuku farm -- with mud and ash; the soil is jokingly referred to as ‘mush’. Today this land grows quality pasture year round. The trust acquired the land in 1982 and has since transformed the former drystock unit into today’s high producers. The farm’s field day was well attended by farmers and agribusiness people from throughout the central North Island. There were presentations at the local hall, and visitors were bussed around the farm to see stock and hear from trustees and others about their farming philosophy and the farm’s key attributes. While the Boundary Road farm is smaller than the other dairy farms, it plays a special role in the wider Onuku strategy. The general manager of the trust, Angela Wharekura, says they
aim to employ people who whakapapa back to Onuku; the Boundary Road property is seen as a “progression farm”. “We are looking for those people who are interested in farming to come to us as farm workers and we will train them so that eventually they will become managers and contract milkers on our farms,” she says. “We want to support them so they go through that journey of farming and learn in a supportive way; the scheme is working really well.” Alan Rondon, the farm manager at Boundary Road, typifies the success of this scheme. Angela Wharekura says Rondon has worked his way through the system and is now a great asset to the trust; he is up for the challenge and is performing well in his role. He is in his first season as manager and has excellent farming skills. Rondon says he loves his job and the progression system which has seen him rise from working for a sharemilker on one of the other farms to being a manager. He’s also done courses to improve his skills and this has helped him on his career path. Peter Livingston, of AgFirst, Rotorua, is the farm supervisor. He is experienced and works
SHEEP MILK AN OPTION AS PART of the Onuku Maori Lands Trust’s plan to lower its environmental footprint it is looking at alternative land uses and businesses. It has a manuka honey operation underway and is planning for sheep milking. Angela Wharekura says the trust is planning a 2000 ewe operation; it so far has about 1000 ewes implanted with East Fresian embyros. “We are doing due diligence on that but we definitely see a future for sheep milking. We have been fortunate to have access to a joint venture partner who is bringing in the genetics and that will enable us to have purebred East Friesian sheep on the ground next year and the following year.” Wharekura says sheep milking will reduce the environmental footprint of Onuku and give a good financial return. The trust sees a market for sheep milk and envisages a nice synergy with other Onoku businesses including tourism.
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
MANAGEMENT // 23
r performing unit for several Maori enterprises in the central North Island. He says the trust aims to reduce its environmental footprint, partly by reducing the stocking rate which is now about 3.1/ ha. Fewer stock will mean
lower N loss. “It’s common sense really. We can make huge gains genetically in our herds and probably we can feed our stock better and live within our means in terms of pasture. We want to be more strate-
gic in our use of supplements such as PKE, rather than force feed cows for the sake of it. We rely on having good pasture growth for twelve months of the year because we calve in late July and don’t dry off until the end
of May.” Livingston says the winters may be cold but they have good spring and summer growth and reliable autumn growth. The cold means fewer bugs and problems with facial eczema.
Barnett Vercoe
Environment is the key BARNETT VERCOE is a trustee of
Onuku and chairs the farm committee. They aim to further improve the farm environment. The key to this will be reducing cow numbers on all their farms but maintaining per-cow production. “We want to be leaders on environmental issues. The difference for
us is we are here forever. We have a 10, 20, 50 year – even a 100 year – plan. Our objective is to leave this whenua (land) in a better state because it’ll be our mokopuna (grandchildren) who will take it over.” The trust’s work in the environment includes Project Rerewhakaaitu, says Vercoe. All the farmers around
Lake Rerewhakaaitu, near the trust farms’ locations, are working to ensure they do not degrade the lake. This successful project has had Onuku’s support since 2010. Vercoe says by next month all 31 dairy farms and 22 drystock farms in the area will have environmental plans in place.
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MOYRA’S LEGACY ONUKU’S SUCCESS as a farming enterprise must surely lie with its chairperson, 85-year-old Moyra Bramley, a trust member since its inception in 1982. She’s overseen many changes, including recently farming’s move to a more corporate model and growing market volatility. But through all this the trust has prospered. “We have been diligent in how we manage things. We do our due diligence on all aspects of what we are doing, making sure we have the money and that anything we invest in has a return that is worthwhile. If the numbers don’t stack up we don’t invest.” Bramley says the trustees carefully manage their business, always with an eye to the future.
honey, to provide extra conditioning, it’s the Their land is not for sale and must produce forever while being handed on to the next generation. “For me being in this trust for 30 years I have fulfilled my obligation to the owners. I have turned it from a trust that was worth $2 million in 1982 to now being worth over $30 million. If Onuku wins the Ahuwhenua trophy it will be a culmination of all my time on this trust and I will die happy.” Bramley doesn’t think of the Ahuwhenua Trophy as a competition, but rather as an acknowledgement of what they
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Moyra Bramley
have done. She says whether you win or not doesn’t matter, because the whole process of the competition gives you the incentive to excel.
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
24 // MANAGEMENT
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during winter to graze stock intensively on winter forage crops supplying large quantities of feed in a relatively small area. But wet soils, heavy grazing and the resulting compaction/pugging can reduce future pasture growth and impact negatively on farm productivity. So now is the right time for farmers to consider the impact of stock wintering practices on soil health and water quality. These practices can impact surface and ground water quality, as well as soil quality due to heavy concentrations of dung and urine, the creation of bare ground and the risk of run-off in wet weather. Many studies have shown that water quality guidelines and standards have been exceeded as a result of intensive agricultural activities. Livestock density is not the only factor affecting water quality; site selection and management of wintering systems are also important considerations. Here are some stock wintering options that achieve good environmental results, are animal-friendly and make economic sense. Feed and stand-off pads protect soil physical structure over wet periods. The feed pad is a dedicated concrete platform where supplementary feeds are brought to the stock. It has higher feed efficiency as the wastage is reduced to about 5% compared with 20% or more when silage is fed in paddocks. Stand-off pads are a dedicated loafing area for stock. These pads are constructed using a softer, free-draining surface utilising materials like wood chips. As stock can
be withheld from pasture for longer periods of time, the area required per cow has to be bigger, say about 8m2. Capture of effluent is an important aspect of stand-off pads. It requires the humped and hollowed base to be sealed underneath, either with compact clay or artificial liner or concrete, and the captured effluent directed to a treatment system. Animal shelters are gaining popularity. Herd homes are a combination of a feeding platform, stand-off facility and animal shelter. Sheltered feeding for stock takes place over slatted concrete floors. As the cows stand on the reinforced slatted floors, their effluent drops through and into a concrete-lined bunker below. Composting barns are another type of stock wintering option, with the composting occurring insitu. The cows roam freely in the barn and lie on a mix of wood chips and straw. The beds must be kept dry by providing adequate ventilation and aeration. As a last resort, sacrifice paddocks can be used when other options are not available to stand animals off when it is very wet, or as an area to feed animals hay and silage. However, there is a risk of soil structure damage and animal health problems, such as lameness and mastitis. If soil potassium levels become too great (potassium is excreted in urine) it may predispose the calving cow to metabolic problems. These come with a very high risk of discharges of contaminants to water so must be sited well away from waterways, with an area of rank growth to trap any sediment or dung that washes off. By planning now and implementing proper stock wintering management practices, you can play an important part in improving water quality and soil health. • Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture advisor at Waikato Regional Council. Contact him on 0800 800 401.
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
ANIMAL HEALTH // 25
Cows need better nutrition at dry-off.
Where to go after DCT TRINA PARKER
THE FUTURE of blanket antibiotic treat-
ment at dry-off (dry cow treatment or DCT) is still uncertain as the wider international discussion on antibiotic use in food producing animals continues. Pressure, globally, to implement ‘responsible’ use of antibiotics -- meaning “using as little as possible and as much as needed, to not compromise animal health” (Dairy NZ) -- is encouraging farmers and health professionals to explore non-antibiotic strategies at dry-off. Providing the bestpossible complement to the cow’s natural defence Trina Parker system should be a focus at dry-off, especially if DCT is not being used, and this, in part, can be achieved by optimal trace mineral supplementation. Selenium is an essential biological trace mineral that serves many purposes including being required to activate or ‘turn on’ antioxidant enzymes such as the important Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as being a critical constituent of the immune response. The effect of selenium on the immune response and disease resistance has been studied extensively, especially with regard to bovine mastitis. Optimising the immune function and supporting the general health of the cow is an integral part of disease prevention, and a good selenium status is necessary to support this. Selenium sources fall into two categories; inorganic (selenite and selenate) and organic forms (selenium yeasts or hydroxy-selenomethionine) and in order to be effective the selenium needs to be supplied in a form that is bioavailable (a form that the animal will utilise). Inorganic selenium is poorly absorbed, especially in ruminants, as rumen micro-
organisms reduce inorganic selenium to insoluble elemental selenium which is poorly absorbed by the animal and excreted in the faeces. Organic selenium in the form of hydroxy-selenomethionine is 100% bioavailable and the selenium can be stored in protein tissue, boosting cow selenium status. With dry-off fast approaching for spring calving herds, maintaining a low SCC can be difficult. In late lactation, as production decreases, there is less milk volume to dilute the somatic cells. Selenium is an essential component of the powerful antioxidant Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which is required to maintain the antioxidant capacity of the body (including the mammary gland) and to help fight infection (mastitis). Pre dry-off is the ideal time to ensure, firstly, that the form of selenium being fed is bioavailable and, secondly, that enough selenium is supplemented. Whilst optimal nutrition can influence the cow’s resistance to mastitis, it should be noted that if mastitis practices are poor, then any potential influence of the diet will be negated. Late lactation mastitis is difficult to manage, and whilst nutrition is only one piece of the puzzle, many farmers struggle to keep on top of it, despite best efforts otherwise. With the uncertain future use of DCT, some farmers have already acknowledged they are feeling pressure to begin reducing DCT interventions and are evaluating alternative prevention strategies. Bolstering the cow’s natural immune defences with the right form of selenium is a good place to start, and it can be done easily by supplementing liquid organic selenium (Selisseo 2% Liquid) via the drinking water. • Trina Parker is the country manager for BEC Feed Solutions (NZ) Ltd.
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
26 // ANIMAL HEALTH / FEED
New season’s maize silage LAST MONTH I wrote about the likely impact of this growing season on maize silage quality, i.e. that relatively short plants will produce big cobs and therefore produce more starch. It appears this is exactly what has happened on many farms. As
silage samples with energy figures in the mid 11 MJME/kgDM range. This is about 0.5 - 1.0 mjme/kgDM higher than we would see in an average season. With this in mind, farmers need to consider making the following changes to their feed plans:
happens every season, the results beginning to come out of the feed testing labs are variable, however the vast majority of samples appear to have high starch, high drymatter and high digestibility figures. As a result, we are seeing a lot of maize
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1. Measure how much maize silage you are feeding. The high drymatter (DM) and grain content means there is likely to be more maize silage in a tractor bucket or feed-out wagon than usual. An easy way to estimate weight is to put a few bucket-loads on the back of a ute and take it across a weighbridge. Send a sample for a DM analysis to work out the dry weight per bucketload. 2. Begin feeding your maize silage gradually. Our recommendation, for farmers introducing maize silage to pasture fed cows is to start feeding 1-2 kgDM/cow/day initially and then increase feeding by 1 kgDM/cow daily or every second day. In the past many farmers thought we were being too conservative as they were quickly feeding lots of maize with very little negative impact. However, that was with maize with 30% starch and 10.8 mjme/kgDM. This season’s maize is generally of much higher quality and so it is important that farmers introduce maize silage along the guidelines I mentioned above.
3. Calculate how much maize the cows are getting in one feed and split-feed earlier if needed. To avoid feeding too much starch in one feed and therefore reduce the risk of cows getting acidosis, we have historically recommended that once cows are getting more than 5-6 kgDM in one feed, maize silage needs to be offered in two feeds/ day. With this season’s high starch maize silage, consider making the split at 4-5 kgDM/cow/day. 4. Revise how much feed per cow you need to put on one body condition score (BCS). It is widely accepted that maize silage is a great feed for putting weight on cows and many farmers use maize silage to achieve their BCS targets. A study done by DairyNZ1. in 2010 showed that, depending on size, cows require 130 - 180kgDM maize silage/cow to put on one body condition score. This number was based on maize silage at 10.5 mjme/kgDM. If your maize silage is 11.5 MJME/ kgDM, then you will need about 10% less maize to put on the same amount
of body condition. 5. Keep some maize silage for spring At 11.5 MJME/kgDM, maize will be a perfect feed for spring. Not only will the high-energy feed fully complement pasture, but it will be perfect for filling the feed deficit that usually seems to occur on many farms in late August/early September. Because maize silage is a forage, farmers can use it to manipulate pasture supply. This means that when cows are leaving behind less than 1500kgDM/ha of pasture, maize can be used to fill the feed deficit and yet still supply energy to keep cows milking well. For farmers in the lower North Island or the South Island who have wintered cows on fodder beet, maize silage is a great feed to transition cows off beet back onto pasture. It is also a great carrier for calcium and magnesium. 1. Facts and Figures for New Zealand Dairy Farmers, 2017. P52 . DairyNZ
• Ian Williams is a Pioneer forage specialist. Contact him at iwilliams@genetics. co.nz
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
28 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Raptor will make you a stand-out MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
THE FORD Ranger ute has been remarkably successful since its launch, but for wanabee Ranger owners who wanted to stand out from the crowd the choice was largely limited to the Wildtrak models or some localised customisation. That will change with the spring arrival of the recently announced Ford Ranger Raptor, which the company says will reflect the use of utes as going far beyond the workhorse to a multi-use lifestyle vehicle. Destined to be the hero model of the Ranger offering in New Zealand, the Raptor builds on the qualities of the American F Series Raptor, but with local development
Ford Ranger Raptor
in the You Yangs Proving Grounds in Australia. First impressions of the truck point to its offroad aspirations -- aggressive stance, bold FORD lettering up front, HID headlights, daytime running lights and beefy, composite bumpers front and rear. Each corner is set on a 33-inch diameter BF Goodrich All-Terrain tyre, and each flank has
extra heavy-duty Ranger Raptor specific running boards. Power is provided by a new generation, 2.0L, bi-turbo diesel pushing out 157kW and 500Nm torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The powertrain also has Ford’s Terrain Man-
agement System (TMS) that offers six modes to deal with a variety of terrain, including low and high rear wheel drive and a locking rear differential. The TMS also introduces the Baja Mode for ultimate off-road performance. That off-road ability is what the Raptor is about, given its long suspension travel with Fox Shox
dampers, aluminium control arms, HD skid plates and underbody protection. The overall layout sees wider front and rear track widths, a greater ride height, increased approach and departure angles and the ability to ford up to 850mm of water. At the business end, a 1560 x 1745mm rear tray has plenty of space for work and play, and 2500kg towing capacity should be useful for both. Two recovery hooks at the rear rated to 3.8 tonnes and a pair at the front rated to 4.5 tonnes should take care of getting extracted or extracting others from unplanned adventures. In the cabin, car-like luxury is seen in technical suede seat coverings accentuated with leather
Indian giant buys Serbian minnow THE WORLD’S third-largest tractor maker TAFE (Tractors and Farm Equipment) has bought the Serbian tractor and machinery brand IMT (Industrija Masina i Traktora). IMT, effectively bankrupt since 2015 was reportedly bought for the bargain price of Euro 600,000
-- not much for a company that in its heyday made 40,000 tractors and 30,000 implements. The tractor range covers models from 35 to 220hp that were popular in Eastern Europe, North Africa and the Balkans. By contrast, TAFE is said to be the world’s third largest manufac-
turer by volume after Mahindra and John Deere, with factories in India, China and Turkey producing 150,000 tractors and turning over at least Euro 1 billion. TAFE production is chiefly in the sub-100hp sector (oil and air-cooled engines) sold under the Massey Ferguson, Eicher and
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and dramatised with blue stitching. Notable safety features include Ford Stability Control incorporating a roll mitigation function, electronic stability control for difficult cornering or braking, trailer sway
control, hill start assist, hill descent control, load adaptive control and a rear-view camera. Expect to see the Raptor hit New Zealand shores in the thirdter 2018, with a starting price of $84,990+ orc.
Forage cruiser range extends NEW HOLLAND Agriculture’s Forage Cruiser range
has gained a new flagship model, the FR920, said to offer higher capacity and productivity as a result of a powerful new engine, improved feeding and a choice of three different crop processors depending on the final use of the crop. The FR920 has a new FPT Industrial V20 engine developed for forage harvesting applications, delivering 670kW maximum power at 1600 - 1800 rpm, and 4095 Nm maximum torque. The V20 engine is said to have its most fuel-efficient performance in the 1600 - 1900 rpm working range, combining with a 12.5% larger intake channel for consistently higher daily outputs. The entire driveline and components on the FR920 are reinforced to manage the greatly increased engine output and use an in-line, direct drive unit to channel the engine power to the harvesting element and the ground drives. A new heavy-duty four-wheel drive system increases the maximum torque transferred to the wheels by 60% compared to the standard four-wheel drive system; it has axles that are guidance-ready and a reinforced steering axle support, and can take larger footprint tyres. The standard Terralock feature automatically activates and deactivates the 4WD axle depending on the steering angle setting, helping to minimise ground damage during headland turns. Three crop processors make up the range, including the new DuraCracker and DuraShredder heavyduty crop processing systems that are now available in addition to the standard crop processing rolls. The DuraCracker system has reinforced frames and drives for uniform kernel cracking, and the DuraShredder has rolls with additional spiral cuts that shred the crop and more intensively process both kernel and stover, while harvesting at longer cutting lengths. These processing systems combine with patented HydroLoc technology to ensure consistent chop length independently of throughput and crop type; and the ActiveLoc system automatically adapts chop lengths to moisture content for premium forage and biomass quality. www.newholland.co.nz
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DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 29
Scottish beef meets Kiwi bash MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
THE ARRIVAL of Bryce Suma post
hitters in New Zealand is interesting when you understand the background of the company based on the Scottish border with the UK. Founder Jock Bryce has 35 years experience of fencing and should know how to build machines that can handle the task. He started with hand tools, progressed to petrol driven augers and eventually a David Brown 990 Implematic at £270, then a Canadian hitter that cost £1160, followed by sleepless nights wondering how he would repay the debt. Then he bought a New Zealandmade Kinghitter that was eventually mounted on a trailer with a driven axle from a redundant lime spreader to produce a unit pulled by a Fiat 90-90 fourwheel drive tractor.
Jock began manufacturing in 2008 in Kelso, and now offers a wide range of post drivers whose reputation caught the ear of Darrell Russell, whose company Machinery Imports, a division of the Piako Group, now has two seasons of the Bryce Suma machines under their belt. Says Russell, “I was visiting the Grassland Event in the UK and loitering on the Bryce Suma site, where an endless stream of users came to tell Jock Bryce how good the machines are. This led to us striking a deal and becoming distributors for the range in NZ.” Models include Profi Supreme, Profi Max Magnum XL, Vulcan and the HD 180 SP -- machines for all sorts of situations, with prices tags $30,000 up to $105,000 for a rubber tracked, self-propelled machine. Features, depending on model, include rolled masts for greater torsional strength, operating heights from
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3.5 - 4.2m, automated masts and mast lubrication. And for operators who use this type of machine daily the company developed a heavy-duty rock spike system that is carried on the mast even when not in use, and is quickly and easily swung into and out of work. Individually adjusted outriggers ensure that the machine can be levelled safely on uneven ground for stability, and it can be used to increase the driving height by up to 33cm if required. Side-shift, back-shift and quad-shift allow the machine to get into tight spots, and all mechanisms are protected by easily adjustable static and rotary wear pads. Highlighting the practical nature of the manufacturer, the Adapt-a-Cap is a simple bolt-on adapter piece that allows easier driving of square-section posts; the original post-cap is retained for round sections. Manufacturing quality is high and
Brian Matchett, Piako Group, with the Bryce Suma machine.
a host of features make the job easier, including the use of 400 or 500kg hammers that can increase output by up to 30% by delivering an impact force of at least 80 tonnes. Running costs are kept in mind with the use of a heavy-duty hemp
rope to move the hammer, said to offer good shock absorption, easy repair or replacement, and no injuries from fraying wire-hauled systems. And for dyed-in-the-wool Kiwis, the choice of an optional All Blacks paint job.
Make every mouthful count
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
30 // FARM BIKES & ATVs
Driver safety technologies rule POLARIS HAS long been the worldwide leader in all-terrain utility vehicles, the company says. Its hard-working New Zealand range now extends to 18 models with certified roll-over protection structures (ROPS) to satisfy WorkSafe concerns. The machines draw on the maker’s experience gained as the world’s largest supplier of side-by-side utility vehicles. Quads have dominated the NZ farming landscape for years, but many farmers are making a transition to sideby-side vehicles. Seating configurations start with the unique single-seat ACE, rated to carry 261kg and tow 680kg, with a compact, narrow footprint for extraordinary access and manoeuvrability.
The ROPS protection frame and carlike controls, combined with the compact dimensions of a large quad, are the starting point for the Polaris safety technologies that underpin the entire Polaris side-by-side range. The Polaris Ranger comes in a vast selection of models -- two to six seats; a choice of petrol, diesel or electric powerplants, 2WD and AWD plus unlocking rear diffs on all models for turf friendly performance. In the innovation of all-wheel descent control (ADC), Polaris brooks none of the criticisms voiced by owners running some other-brand side-by-side units in hill country, the company says. All Polaris ROPS-equipped models have seatbelts that combine with an
Polaris Ranger
interlock device to limit speed when the seat belt is unsecured. The Polaris Ranger 500 has features often only found on full size models, e.g. VersaTrac turf mode, selectable AWD and a gas-assisted dump box at the rear. Said to be the most powerful utility side-by-side in today’s market, the new Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Hunter Edition in camo livery has 80hp powering its workhorse chassis. Power delivery can be tweaked to suit the job in hand with a flick of switch. You can select work mode for moderate and easily managed power, for slow work following stock or backing
up to a trailer; alternatively, select normal mode for everyday use getting from A to B; and the third option, sport mode, delivers maximum output. To keep over-enthusiastic staff in check, the XP 1000 is also speed key ready: when fitted this allows the owner to limit speed. For the ‘one-farm, one-fuel’ versatility of diesel, the Ranger Diesel 1000 HD EPS is a logical choice. It has a massive 37.6L fuel tank,
class-leading 907kg towing capacity, 680kg payload and a rear dump box with gas-assisted dumping that can carry up to 454kg and a full-sized pallet. Power is from a new 1028cc Kohler 3-cylinder diesel with overhead cam and liquid-cooling. A class-leading alternator puts out 110A that turns night into day. Standard specification includes electronic power steering for easy control everywhere. www.polaris.co.nz
CARRYING PEOPLE, LOAD WITH EASE MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
HONDA IS using the field days cir-
cuit to show the latest version of its class-leading compact side-by-side Pioneer 500. Its known to be nimble: 127cm wide and able to carry two people and a load with ease. The 475cc fuel-injected engine achieves an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. Several enhancements to the transmission, suspension and rider safety should make the package even more attractive. To drive the machine, operators can now choose manual gear-shift
or automated mode via a dashboard mounted toggle switch. When the latter is chosen, the Pioneer behaves like a modern automobile and shifts each of the five forward speeds without driver intervention. But at any time the driver can use steering column-mounted paddle-shifters to change speed manually, useful in changing or difficult terrain. The machines also have dual-rate suspension springs that give a more comfortable ride better resist bottoming out in difficult terrain. Safety improvements include a new interlock system which limits maximum sped to 24km/h if the seatbelt is not engaged by the driver, and driver and passenger torso bars for protection in the event of lateral
impacts. The Pioneer 500 retains the same dimensions as its predecessor: 260cm long on a 185cm wheelbase. And it uses the same single-function door system which opens the door and the safety nets in one movement. Towing capacity is 453kg. Honda’s extensive two-year warranty applies. www.honda.co.nz
Honda’s Pioneer 500
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
FARM BIKES & ATVs // 31
Wolverine a safe bet in the boonies MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
QUEENSTOWN WASN’T turning on
the charm weather-wise, giving us a wet and windy day in late March for the launch of the latest side by side from Yamaha, the all-new Wolverine X4. Championed by the Japanese manufacturer as a dual-purpose machine equally at home in recreation or work, the X4 should interest farmers, hunters and commer-
line twin motor uses the fly-by-wire throttle for extremely precise control. Also, part of the package is a management key, useful for vehicles being used by employees, that allows a restricted top speed of 40km/h or unlimited speed if conditions permit. With the tried and tested Yamaha Ultramatic CVT transmission the operator benefits from constant tension on the over-dimensioned belt, said to give a longer service life, and a sprag
The rear seats can be tipped forward or removed to provide more load carrying space at the rear. cial operators wanting to move two or four people safely. Built for capability, comfort and confidence, the X4 is said to perform well in tight terrain, with precise, predictable handling and smooth, quiet power. Add to that rider friendliness, with the ability to carry four adults, and versatility of 33 accessories and you can see where they’re coming from. During a day-long test in the hills behind Queenstown the machine proved to be capable on steep gravel tracks with deep ruts and washouts. Add to that tight technical turns with adverse cambers, slippery rock pavements, and rutted, muddy waterlogged sections. The machine proved easy to steer with its electric power steering set-up giving the right amount of feedback, and a flyby-wire throttle to apply caution or power when needed, which came almost instantaneously. The X4 was also forgiving if you happened to pick the wrong line, using a mix of the power and the excellent downhill retardation to bring things back under control. Suspension travel is about 220mm, with 270mm ground clearance. Looking at the technical detail of the machine, an all-new 850cc, in-
clutch that engages as the throttle is released, giving positive downhill braking. Additionally, tweaks to the set-up see transmission take-up occuring at lower throttle settings, while the drive options include 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with diff-lock, all able to be selected on the fly. In the operator area, easy access is achieved via a tilt steering wheel and up to 100mm of travel of the driver’s seat. A comprehensive dash display gives details of gear selection, transmission mode, speed, temperatures etc, and there are areas for storage that combine well with the central stowage bin. The seating arrangement has four full-size bucket seats for four adults, with plenty of padding and good lateral support. The rear seats can be tipped forward or removed to provide more load carrying space at the rear. The rear seats easily allow six-footers to be carried and there’s a smooth ride in the rear. This is helped by a selflevelling rear suspension set-up that keeps thing on an even keel with up to 60mm of auto-levelling. Looking at carrying capacity, with two passengers the rating is 272kg, four-up sees it drop to 72kg, and the towing capacity is a useful 907kg.
Standard equipment includes a full-underbody plate, LED lights, centre console and a re-wiring system for later add-ons such as winches or heaters. Electrical output is 600W as standard, and
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* Total cost for CFMoto U800 Farm Spec is $18,004.11 paid via three equal instalments of $6,001.37. Total cost for CFMoto X500 Farm Spec is $9,954.09 paid via three equal instalments of $3,318.03. The initial instalment is in the form of a deposit at time of purchase. The second instalment is payable after 12 months where the third (final) instalment is payable after 24 months. These totals equate to the cash price including GST plus a $180.60 application/documentation fee and $10.00 PPSR Lodgement (Total charges of $190.60). Total cost is subject to 0% interest rate and applies specifically to these models only. Normal lending criteria apply. Offers end 30th June 2018.
CFMOTO NORTH ISLAND
Ag Torque, Feilding (06) 323 4858 Agtraction Taranaki, New Plymouth (06) 759 8432 Brown Brothers Bikes, Whanganui (027) 572 7696 Country Engineering, Tauranga (07) 552 0071 Gatmans Mowers, Silverdale (09) 426 5612
Maungaturoto Motorcycles, Maungaturoto (09) 431 8555 Motorcycle HQ, Pahiatua (06) 376 7163 Northland Powersports, Whangarei (09) 437 5451 Rob Titter Farm Services, Kaikohe (09) 401 1774 Tahuna Motorcycles & Atvs, Tahuna (07) 887 5790
CFMOTO SOUTH ISLAND
Ag & Auto Direct, Balclutha (03) 418 0555 Amuri Motorcycles, Culverden (03) 315 8667 Mclaren Machinery, Ranfurly (03) 4449 747 T&E Motorcycles, Gore (03) 208 8114 Amuri Motorcycles, Christchurch (03) 315 8667
NEW DEALERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Offers available until 30th June 2018 or until stocks last.
www.cfmoto.co.nz
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
32 // FARM BIKES & ATVs
Best to check before you go BEFORE STARTING the bike, see to the following: A. Check the cables for kinks or broken strands, and lubricate them. B. Make sure the tyres are in good condition. Check them for: ■■ Air pressure: the bike won’t handle properly if the air pressure is too low or too high. This affects braking and steering. Check the owner’s manual for the correct tyre pressure; incorrect tyre pressure contributes to bike crashes. ■■ Worn or uneven tread, which affects the bike’s handling and makes it harder to control on slippery or uneven surfaces. ■■ Cuts, nails stuck in the tread and cracks in the sidewalls; a tyre blowout is extremely dangerous. C. Check all light bulbs are working and the lenses are clean. D. Check the drive chain or belt for lubrication, wear and adjustment. The owner’s manual will explain how to correctly adjust these. E. If the bike has mirrors: ■■ Clean and adjust them before you start. It’s dangerous to ride with one hand while adjusting a mirror.
Dairy News 500FM1 - Testimonial Ad_April.indd 1
sure each one flashes the brake light. M. Check that the horn works. N. Running out of petrol can be dangerous, especially if you can’t get off the road quickly. Know the fuel tap’s position and operation. Don’t ride long distances with the fuel tap on
Adjust them outward to see around your body. When riding on the road, you should see about half of the lane behind and as much as possible of the lane next to you. F. Check the owner’s manual for the right types of fuel and oil. Make sure they are at the correct levels before you start riding; your engine will seize without oil andt his could lock up the rear wheel and make you lose control. After you’ve started the bike: ■■
G. Try the front and rear brakes one at a time. Make sure each brake, when applied, holds the bike. H. Make sure clutch and throttle controls work smoothly. I. Make sure you can operate hand and foot controls when you sit comfortably on the bike. J. Try your dip switch to make sure both high and low beams work. K. If the bike has a hazard light switch, check that it works. L. Try each brake control and make
‘reserve’. Only use the reserve tank to go back to refuel. Riders must know about the best routes to take, no-go zones, when to use the bike for farm tasks and when to use other vehicles. • Article sourced from WorkSafe good practice guidelines.
The bike won’t handle properly if tyre air pressure is too low or too high.
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
FARM BIKES & ATVs // 33
Risky two-wheelers TWO-WHEEL MOTORBIKES are
risky on difficult terrain unless wellformed tracks are easily accessible. Steep, rough, slippery or loose ground can easily cause a rider to lose control and crash. Race tape, wire, irrigation pipes and other objects are also hazardous: a rider hitting one of these may come off and hit the ground, another object or get tangled in the bike itself. Smooth de-clutching, gear changing and braking are the keys to skilful riding; avoid sudden braking or swerving. Place feet firmly on the footrests when moving. Only put them down when you stop; keep your feet horizontal on the footrests with toes pointed straight to avoid hitting the ground. Keep elbows away from the body for strength, and keep arms bent to act as shock absorbers. To help balance the bike, press your knees against the petrol tank. Active riding uses balance and body
position to influence stability and performance when cornering and riding on a slope. Keep your feet horizontal on the footrests to keep the bike stable.
Taking one foot off the footrest will unbalance the bike and can make it slide or fall. Balancing on the footrests improves all aspects of riding and is an essential part of good technique. When riding on steep or rough ground you must move and use your body’s weight to stabilise the bike. Do this while standing with your knees bent and your weight on the footrests. When riding uphill pick the best line on the terrain. Select the gear before beginning
the climb: a low gear is probably better; stand on the footrests, bend your legs and put some weight on the handlebars with your arms. This helps with better tyre grip and balance. The steeper the slope, the more you have to lean forward onto the handlebars. Control the throttle to minimise wheel spin. Avoid sudden acceleration; it can make the bike rear up or flip over. If you have to stop when going uphill, put down your left foot, pull in the clutch and apply the rear brake. When riding downhill, choose second or third gear – never first. This stops the rear wheel from locking up and sliding. Stand on the footrests and move your body backwards so your weight helps keep the bike stable and allows for better braking. Apply enough front brake to hold the bike at a constant safe speed. • Article sourced from WorksafeNZ website.
BUILT FOR NZ CF MOTO’S U800
Farm Spec side-by-side is purpose-built for Kiwi farmers and has an all-weather range of accessories. These include a full-length toughened glass windscreen with wiper kit, a heavy duty rear PVC windscreen with support bar and a durable steel mounted mudflap kit. “CFMoto’s U800 has been a successful side-by-side in the Australian and New Zealand markets,” says CFMoto NZ director Michael Poynton. “With a strong focus on the growing sideby-side market we saw the opportunity to adapt the U800 to the local market and equip it with quality farmready features that Kiwi famers want. “The U800 Farm
CF Moto’s U800 side-byside.
Spec is ready straight out of the box; unlike competing brands you will not have to spend more on high dollar accessories to make the vehicle farm ready.” The machine is powered by CFMoto’s proven 800cc, 62hp, electronically controlled, V-twin engine mated to a Canadian CVTech transmission with high/low range and
all-important engine braking; users can select 2WD or 4WD at the touch of a button, and similarly to select a front diff-lock. Other standard features include independent front and rear suspension, a ROPS certified roll cage for added protection and large rear gas assisted rear tip tray. www.cfmoto.co.nz
19/04/18 10:26 AM
DAIRY NEWS APRIL 24, 2018
34 // FARM BIKES & ATVs
Bends but doesn’t break ARRIVING JUST in
time for recent regional field days, the new Kawasaki Mule range bears the title Mule PRO-FXR. This premium side-byside offers performance, work capacity and comfort; it differs from other models in the range in having a wide-body chassis and a wheelbase 320mm shorter than its nearest relatives. This is said to increase manoeuvrability, noticeable in its tight turning radius of only 4.3m. The chassis embodies the classic Japanese
theme of shinari (think ‘elasticity’) in that its frame can bend without braking then return to its original shape -- much like a hunting bow or a fishing rod. This feature improves performance on difficult terrain, keeping wheels in contact with the ground and giving passengers a comfortable ride. Power comes from a liquid cooled, 3-cylinder in-line petrol engine (30L fuel tank) delivering 48hp and 65Nm torque, mated to a CVT transmission for stepless
speed control and engine braking downhill. Suspension takes the form of doublewishbones front and rear, with
twin-tube shock absorbers dealing with difficult
terrain. Tyres are 27-inch mounted on cast-aluminium wheels, in a set-up with 275mm ground clearance and a 34-degree break-over angle to lessen bottomingout on ridges or to help in climbing over logs; rider comfort is enhanced Kawasaki Mule
and grip is great. Electrically actuated 2WD/4WD and a rear diff lock are complemented by electric power steering that is speed sensitive, as well as acting as a damper to eliminate bump-steering and backlash, particularly in rough terrain. A wide, comfortable cabin area has a threeperson, contoured bench seat with seatbelts, a tilt/ adjustable steering wheel, and many storage options -- glovebox, dashboard pockets and under-seat storage bins, plus the obligatory cup holders.
Also standard are a high output (60A) generator for running lots of accessories, fed via four pre-wired outlets, and two DC power sockets. Digital instrumentation keeps the driver informed of all key machine functions, quadruple headlamps point the way to go, and the driver is protected by standard doors and a roof overhead. A robust gas assisted tilt-bed offers 453kg carrying capacity, and a 2-inch receiver for the tow coupling is rated to 907kg.
OFF-ROADER FROM ELSEWHERE MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
FOR PEOPLE looking for an off-road vehicle for their agriculture or a lifestyle property, the Kymco range of quads and sideby-side vehicles is an alternative to the mainstream products. The range includes three quads, all with a durable and easyto-use CVT drive system. The MXU300 is an economically priced two-wheel drive quad powered by a quiet and efficient liquid cooled engine. It’s said to be tailor-made for following cows on a dairy unit or for general farm transportation; its hi/lo ratio gearbox enables it to perform well in hard going.
Tony Woodcock
The larger MXU400 and MXU500 models offer a more powerful four-wheel drive option, coupled with hi/lo ratio and equipped with downhill braking. All models have independent rear suspension for a comfortable ride and to help inspire confidence in safe operation in tough terrain. To cater for the rapidly growing side-by-side sector, Kymco offers three new models to serve all the major market sectors. The UXV700i LE EPS tops the range, boasting a powerful EFI liquid cooled engine. Add to this power steering, a smooth CVT transmission and downhill braking capability, making this model an accomplished farm vehicle.
Standard equipment includes alloy wheels and a factory fitted winch. The UXV450i and UXV450i Turf models offer a more compact machine said to be surprisingly nimble given the smaller engine size. The bench seat, digital dash and good towing capacity should be a good fit when power is not an important requirement. Turf models have turf tyres and an unlocking rear differential to allow tighter turns and more gentle operation, a must in turf management, tourism, construction and local body work. All Kymco side-by-side models are available with a New Zealandmade roof, glass screen and wiper options.
DEPENDABLE. TOUGH. HARDWORKING.
SZM0352
This bike has earned a reputation for strength, reliability and performance. It’s been through more tests than you’ve had hot dinners, and always gives 100%. If you want a Japanese-built farm bike that has been tried and tested for New Zealand farm conditions you can’t go past Suzuki’s DR200SE Trojan.
SUZUKI.CO.NZ
$15,648
EX GST
EN RE SC S AS GL Y AD RE ER IP W & OF RO TS OR SP + FREE AWD Mode Turf Mode
44 HP
ON DEMAND TRUE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD)
UNLOCKING REAR DIFF
ENGINE BRAKING SYSTEM & 4 WHEEL DESCENT CONTROL (4WDC)
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING
HEAVY DUTY FEATURES
SEAT BELT INTERLOCK
SPEED KEY READY
IRS WITH 25.4CM OF TRAVEL
DUMP BOX CAPACITY - 227KG
*Offer ends 30/4/18 or while stocks last. Roof and Screen are to the value of $2,100 inc GST. Offer only available at participating Polaris Dealers. Not valid with any other Offer. Excludes fleet clients
0800 440 290 | www.polarisnewzealand.com |
/PolarisNZ