Coast & Country News - August 2019

A new way of life Meet Rotorua couple Jenny Lux and Richard Gillies. With their family, they’ve turned a blank canvas of at land with a northerly aspect, metered town water, and good volcanic ash and pumice soils, in Ngongotaha, into an organic market garden. Learn about their journey to producing quality, organic vegetables for the local community on pages 6-7. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Finding a way forward Climate change and the way we respond to its threat in how we operate our rural businesses has never been more at the forefront of our primary industries. In the last few weeks much has happened in NZ on this topic.

www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

Mid-July the Government’s Interim Climate Change Commission released a report looking at ways to bring our agriculture sector into the Emissions Trading Scheme before a Climate Change Commission will be established once the Zero Carbon Bill – introduced to Parliament on May 8 – has been passed later this year.

A core recommendation stresses the need to see on-farm emissions accounted for and priced by 2025. ˜ e Government says it has gained a historic consensus with farming leaders to implement farm-level pricing of climate change emissions by 2025.

“We are now consulting on the options for what we do in the meantime while we build a fair system to price emissions from 2025.”

But while industry and government is working together, there’s still a long way to go. Eleven farming groups have joined together to o° er an alternative sector-led proposal, which they would manage, to get the agricultural sector into an emissions pricing system by 2025.

Apiculture NZ, Beef + LambNZ, DairyNZ, Dairy Companies Association of NZ, Deer Industry NZ, Federation of M˛ori Authorities, Foundation for Arable Research, Federated Farmers, Horticulture NZ, Irrigation NZ, and the Meat Industry Association

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have been developing a ÿ ve-year work plan to support and accelerate the actions necessary to reduce agricultural emissions. It’s called the Primary Sector Climate Change Commitment.

And so they bring this to the Government’s consultation table on its proposed ways forward. Public consultation closes 5pm August 13.

To submit, see: www.mfe.govt.nz/ consultation/action-agriculturalemissions For this edition, journalist Elaine Fisher covered the recent inaugural Primary Industries Summit in Wellington, where OECD director for trade and agriculture Ken Ash told delegates climate change mitigation must start now. See page 3.

At this summit, climate change was ranked as the most signiÿ cant future issue for NZ’s primary industries. See pages 4-5. And the NZ Greenhouse Gas Research Centre has launched a new website to ensure farmers have the information they need to weigh up options and take steps towards reducing farm-level greenhouse gas emissions. See page 11.

Back in the paddocks, calving is in full swing. See pages 46-47. Farmers are thinking about planting maize. See pages 13-17. A new avocado season is beginning. See pages 39-41. And we visit an organic market garden, see pages 6-7; a family farm celebrating 154 years of ownership, see pages 8-9; a Raglan dairy farm taking a new direction, see pages 24-25; and a nursery growing many seedlings destined for our much-talkedabout forestry industry, see page 48.

It’s a very interesting time to be part of the primary industries that’s for sure.

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Page 3

Climate change mitigation – ‘start now’ Nations must start now to address the impacts of climate change, Ken Ash, director for trade and agriculture for the OECD, told delegates at the inaugural Primary Industries Summit in Wellington in July.

“Start today. If it takes five years or 10 to 30 years to get done that is not so urgent, but it’s urgent to begin now. Any policy changes will impact real people and real lives so it is important to signal clearly to the people affected, what you are doing, how long you will be doing it, and then do it.”

The impacts of climate change may not be all negative, says Ken. “In confronting climate change, you may see a shift in production zones and see some opportunities.”

But he says exploring that future reality is vital. “All governments have relationships with their business communities and the governments that are better at it don’t just talk to big multinationals. “They talk to the wider set of businesses and they talk to labour and to other interest groups including in the agricultural space.

“Who we consult and when we consult matters a great deal so if you want to talk about supply, talk to young farmers, talk to new entrants who want the freedom to farm. Change the people you talk to and listen a bit more carefully.”

Ken also advised governments to keep in mind the positive and negative impacts international trade negotiations could have on their populations. “Talk about what you propose to negotiate and when you will negotiate.”

Punching above weight

The outcomes of trade agreements, especially for a small nation like New Zealand, may not be exactly what was wanted so there’s also a need to communicate to the affected sectors about what has been done and how they might take advantage of it.

Ken says New Zealand is a great example of a small country with powerful people punching well above its weight globally and one of its advantages is no one is scared of us.

“Like my country Canada, NZ is not a threat. You don’t scare anybody. No one is afraid of NZers or Canadians,” said Ken, acknowledging that the exception among ‘scary’ NZers might be the All Blacks.

While there are some advantages in not being a threat when it comes to trade negotiations, Ken says not being big enough, strong enough or financial enough meant NZ had to be better prepared.

“You need to be on the front foot, know exactly what you want and why you want it and be prepared to be flexible.”

Ken encouraged NZ to continue to engage internationally. “You should be unapologetically localists. “Your country, like mine, cannot afford to wait.

You have to anticipate and prepare for all contingencies and need to invest in rules-based multi-lateral trade systems.

Working together

“You also have to invest in ambitious, comprehensive economic partnership arrangements. I don’t think they are free trade agreements anymore but are partnership arrangements. Working together is the best way to address the market distortions, which underline

many of the current [world] tensions.”

Ken says one recent set of scenarios considered by the OECD is what would happen if tariffs among the G20 countries were brought down to around zero per cent. “That could see global household incomes increase by one per cent, which would be welcome.”

However, if there were reforms of import restrictions at borders as well as a streamlining of non-tariff measures, plus other factors, that could result in an increase of up to six per cent of global household income, says Ken. Elaine Fisher

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Ken Ash, director for trade and agriculture for the OECD, addressing delegates at the 2019 Primary Industries Summit in Wellington in July.

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“Public scepticism in many countries about trade has increased calls and pressure for more trade protectionism.

“When people have unequal income and wealth, it affects my kids and your kids so if you are concerned about the future of families, rising inequality of opportunity is a bell weather.”

Many people were right to be concerned about the future, but Ken says trade didn’t cause all their problems and trade would not fix them. Many of the solutions were to be found domestically.

“A much more integrated approach to trade and domestic policy is needed. We want the whole system to work and do better for more people. We need to get out of the ‘silos’. Trade ministers need to talk to economic ministers, to education ministers, to digital ministers and to those who pay for infrastructure.”

Domestic policies that encourage innovation and opportunities to bring everyone along are needed and should include well-designed income support and social spending, plus measures to revitalise regions and policies that are fit for purpose to meet future challenges.

Trade protectionism

Ken painted a slightly pessimistic outlook for world trade, saying a decline in growth internationally was leading to inequalities of opportunities, which has “continued to fuel people’s fear, and a legitimate fear of being left behind”.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Climate change ranked most

Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and co-chair Steve Maharey at the 2019 Primary Industries Summit. All Photo: Ivor Earp-Jones.

Climate change was ranked as the most significant futu e issue for New Zealand’s primary industries, ahead of consumer trends, biosecurity, gene editing and alternative proteins by delegates who attended the 2019 Primary Industries Summit in Wellington in July.

In an unofficial elect onic poll, climate change came out as of most concern for the 350 delegates at the

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summit. It was also a topic addressed repeatedly by speakers throughout the two-day event, hosted by Federated Farmers.

Other subjects to emerge as challenges for this country’s primary producers were the social licence to farm and grow, the Resource Management Act, water quality and access to water, and free trade agreements.

A message that came through strongly was the need for NZ farmers and growers to stand tall and take pride in what they have achieved, and for the industry sectors to co-operate in promoting

this country internationally and to work more closely together on common issues domestically, including at local and national government level.

Encouraging co-operation in the primary sector was the motivation for Federated Farmers to host the inaugural summit, says Federated Farmers chief executive officer Terry Copeland.

“Now more than ever it is vital for primary industries to communicate and work together. We talk about ‘Team Ag’ but we haven’t been unified and i ’s often hard to get everyone around the table, but that’s beginning to change.”

Networking opportunity Terry says Federated Farmers didn’t really know how the summit would go. “We think it worked pretty well. We had people there from right across ‘Team Ag’ – farmers, growers, fishers, beekeepers and a whole range of industry suppliers and stakeholders.

It was a massive networking opportunity, as well as a learning opportunity.”

Of those attending, 30 per cent were farmers, growers and other producers, 20 per cent were associations and industry bodies’ representatives, and 15 per cent were from government agencies. The rest were industry suppliers, scientists, researchers and the media.

Among those to address the summit where Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor; Ken Ash, who is director of trade and agriculture for the OEDC; Lisa Tumahai, kaiwhakahaere, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu; National Maori Authority of New Zealand executive chairman Matthew Tukaki; Nestle’s corporate head of agriculture Hans Johr; and John Deere Australia’s senior staff engineer Broughton Boydell. ...continued

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 5

significant future issue continued...

The summit also included six panel discussions, plus Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne and Steve Maharey, as MCs for the event, encouraged audience participation with questions from the floor and electronically via a ‘mobi-site’ link.

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The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association “The challenge is to rapidly evolve so that for grants to grow both native and exotic trees. we can deliver on both.” is at a crossroad for its future direction.

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Farm forestry group debates over its future Executive member Bryce Heard told the association’s annual conference in Rotorua that it currently is all about “ourselves”, looking back, being reactive and decision-takers.

Instead, he says the association needs to look forward, with regard to future generations and get in the driver’s seat, be proactive and become decision-makers. “We can’t be just doing business as usual.”

Iwi-based forestry representative Te Taru White agreed that young people need to be included in the NZFFA to “add value” to the organisation. Succession planning on his own iwi board includes membership of younger members.

Conference organiser Graham West suggested the NZFFA move to become an advocacy group with paid staff, rather than simply an advocacy group run by volunteers. This would also include greater use of social media and rebranding, removing the word ‘farm’ from the association title. “We don’t tell our story well enough,” says forest advisor Howard Moore.

Most NZFFA members have other main farming interests. “Forestry is secondary,” says Howard. “It’s a lifestyle choice.”

Howard says forestry is “incidental” to government and council policy, and questioned whether its interests are being ignored. Any adverse effect through national or regional policy is deemed to be “collateral damage”.

Howard says the association has “a little home on the moral high ground”.

In a panel discussion at the end of the conference, Howard says: “Business as usual [for the association] is over.” ‘Outside’ is pulling the association in two directions – radiata pines and native trees.

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Nestle’s corporate head of agriculture Hans Johr, from Switzerland, listed climate change as one of nine ‘planetary boundaries’ which have changed since 1950 in his address at the summit.

Terry says it’s been pleasing to get feedback about the event from those working with food and fibre producers – that they valued the way it focused on what everyone has in common, rather than highlighting the differences.

“We have a long way to go to figure out how to work together better. Our competitors are not across the road, they are across the other side of the world. All NZ producers have that in common, along with issues around biosecurity, climate change adaptation, technology uptake, and people capability.”

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August 2019 Coast & Country News

Sustainable organic practices

Rotorua couple Jenny Lux and her husband Richard Gillies have fully embraced the organic life. They have gained organic certification on their 1.1ha of land on the outskirts of Ngongotaha, and are producing quality, organic vegetables for the local community.

Viennese-born Jenny moved to New Zealand when she was two. They lived for many years on her grandfather’s farm, where her mother, Juliet, was an avid home vege gardener. Jenny has always established a garden wherever she’s lived.

Jenny spent six years at university studying a double degree, then following the BSc in Science with a Masters in Environmental Science. For her thesis in plant ecology, Jenny spent time in the Waipoua Forest in Northland.

She met her future husband, Richard, who was working for the Department of Conservation. They married and moved back to Rotorua to work as ecological consultants. “When we had children I realised that my job and children didn’t mix, and I started looking for something else,” says Jenny.

Both of them loved the outdoors, and are passionate about the environment and sustainable living.

“We are against chemical use and anti-pollution, and recognise that ecological, land and human health are all intertwined.

“Our decision to start an organic market garden was our response to the climate and environmental emergency this planet is in.”

Establishing the garden

They decided to use Jenny’s surname for the business Lux Organics. “It’s a little unusual so is easily remembered, and also means ‘light’, which is appropriate,” says Jenny.

Jenny Lux with the borage, and edible After an 18-month search, they flower plants. All Photos: Catherine Fry. found a blank canvas of flat land with a northerly aspect, metered areas of pasture we wanted to turn into town water, and good volcanic ash beds.” and pumice soils, in Ngongotaha.

The soil was built up with organic “Soil tests gave a favourable compost, and mineral deficits identified result. There was no contaminaduring soil testing were remedied using tion that would put a stop to the organically certified products. “Our aim is three-year organic certification always to maintain a nutrient dense, living process.” soil, with a good soil food web.”

Jenny started her management Their soil was acidic and required calJenny Lux watering the plan under OrganicFarmNZ. cium, potassium and phosphorus inputs. microgreens.

This not-for-profit organisation “Now established, we’re currently focusing supports members in gaining their organic certificaon feeding the soil with liquid seaweed and liquid fish tion, providing a peer group for farms selling organic inputs. produce on the domestic market. Jenny is now certifi“Crop rotation is also paramount, and having the cation manager for the Bay of Plenty regional group. knowledge about which plants take what from the soil, “Initially we introduced air by double digging the and which ones give back.” ...continued

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in Ngongotaha market garden continued...

Lux Organics gained organic certification in two years, which is achievable when the original soil is uncontaminated, and the farmer has an exemplary record of inputs and management.

Meeting demand

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Reducing their plastic use is a high priority.

“Using plastic is completely the opposite of what we’re about.”

As organic farming depends on barrier methods as pest control, the couple

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The family behind Lux Organics: Richard Gillies with ‘Ghana’ the cat, Simon Gillies, Jenny Lux, Ben Gillies, and Juliet Lux. Functional Fertiliser Functional meticulously reuse their netting and the way to a sustainable future.” Fertiliser supplies full nutrient tarpaulins many times, while always To learn more about low-cost organic certification, supplies full nutrient Functionalbased Fertiliser searching for alternatives. see: www.organicfarm.org.nz packages onCatherine packages based on Fry “I’ve been working with Convex in supplies full nutrient Functional ®Fertiliser ® Hamilton to develop fully home compackages basedfull onnutrient supplies postable bags for our produce,” says Jenny. packages®based on After 17 months, the resulting EcoClear ® bag, which has a renewable, GE-free corn starch base, ticks all the boxes.

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Lux Organics grow all their produce from seed, using either organic seed or GE-free, untreated seed. They’ve experimented with different varieties and suppliers to find out what suits their soil. Seeds are started in greenhouses, then are transferred to the large polytunnel or in the long, neat beds outside.

“Networking with other small organic market gardeners is important and we’re all very open to sharing our experiences and ideas to support and encourage best practices in the industry,” says Jenny.

They currently grow 28 commercial crops, with different varieties of each crop grown too. Meeting demand is important while

also keeping the selection “fun, delicious and interesting”.

Produce is sold at the Rotorua Farmers’ Market, Brown Owl Organics Co-op, and to several local food businesses. The family is mostly self-sufficient, and also invests income back into the business.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

August 2019 Coast & Country News

A farm 154 years in the making This year, the Hannon family of Hautapu, near Cambridge in the Waikato, travelled to the small South Island town of Lawrence to collect a 2019 New Zealand Century Farm Award. The awards aim to honour and preserve families’ histories that are tied to the same piece of land for 100-plus years. Coast & Country News writer Catherine Fry tells the Hannon’s 154-year story at Tinopai.

Richard Garland Hannon and his wife Carol are the current owners of the Tinopai farm.

Photo: Catherine Fry.

The Hannon family’s combined New Zealand century farm of Tinopai in Hautapu and a block in Te Miro is celebrating much longer than 100 years in their hands this year.

The Hannon family can trace their heritage on the Tinopai land back to 1865, and their ownership of the Te Miro block to 1912.

The Hannons have experienced numerous births and deaths, joys and tragedies, mysteries and scandals during their 154-year history on the land. Today the farms are run by fourth and fifth generation Hannons, and youngest member of the family is seventh generation. Richard Garland Hannon, the current custodian of Tinopai, shares memories of his family.

Irish beginnings

Their story began in 1865 when Patrick Hannon enlisted in the Waikato regiment, and came over from Limerick in Ireland to settle in Cambridge with

The late Richard ‘Richie’ Capewell Hannon at Tinopai. Photo: supplied. his wife Anne (née Stanley), and their four children.

Richard has early paperwork showing a 50 acre ‘soldier’s’ block allocated to Patrick Hannon in Hautapu.

An adjoining 100 acres was acquired around 1882.

The 150-acre farm was named Tinopai, meaning “very good” in Maori.

A family mystery is the disappearance of Patrick Hannon, possibly to Australia. Whatever happened

...continued

‘Wine, Women, Music are the cause of our decline. Not so much the Music, as the Women and the Wine’ is a quote that was painted on the historic shed wall by Richard Hannon’s father ‘Richie’ Hannon and his friend Tom Wells before they went to fight in World War II. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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Page 9

The early days at Tinopai continued...

to him, records clearly show that his wife Anne owned and ran the farm with her children, Margaret, John, Richard and Thomas, until her death in 1911.

The racing stables

Patrick and Anne’s son, Richard, known as ‘Dick’ Hannon, and his wife Isabelle (née Capewell), took over his parents’ farm and it became a racing stables.

His name became very well-known in the Cambridge area and the NZ racing industry, and was affiliated many other equine disciplines.

Richard says his grandfather very successfully bred and trained racehorses. The cream and crimson silks of Tinopai Racing Stables dominated for 16 seasons from 1914-1930. “Famous horses from the stables included the sires ‘Quin Abbey’ and ‘King Lupin’ and the mare ‘Tinopai’, with 23 jockeys serving their apprenticeships at the stud.”

Dick Hannon with his wife Isabelle Capewell. Photo: supplied.

Te Miro block

While the property was under Dick, a 900-acre bush block in the hills of Te Miro was bought. The land was harsh and undeveloped. A small homestead

Richard and Carol Hannon at Tinopai in 2019.

Photo: Catherine Fry.

was built up there in the 1950s, and anyone going up there before that camped in the bush.

“The bush was systematically cleared but it remained an isolated spot hammered by the elements, and good half day’s ride on horseback from Cambridge on rough roads and tracks. Animals raised up there were hardy.”

When Dick died in 1943, his only child Richard Capewell Hannon, known as ‘Richie’, and Richie’s wife Norma (née Garland), took over the farm. “My father Richard ‘Richie’ Capewell Hannon also had a passion for horses and was involved with polo, but didn’t continue with the racing stables,” says Richard.

The two properties were used as one. Richard remembers a dairy shed at Tinopai, and feeding pigs.

Angus cattle were bred up in the hills and brought down to Tinopai for fattening. Romney sheep were brought down for shearing and lambing. “The sheep were rounded up on horseback and the last drove using horses was in 1955. The last cattle drove down the hill was in 1986.”

Richie had a passion for metal and engineering, and during 60 years accumulated a vast amount of vehi-

Richard Garland Hannon by the portrait of his great grandfather, Patrick Hannon, the first owner of Tinopai.

Photo: Catherine Fry.

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cles, machines and structures. “There was a fair turnover as engineers worked on them, and restored machinery was sold on.”

What remains of this daunting collection covers several acres and sits rusting its way through the decades, until one of the next generations finds the courage to tackle the massive task of clearing it.

Tinopai homestead

The original homestead was on Peake Rd. “Apparently a tornado blew enough of it across the paddocks in the early-1900s to Hannon Rd, that it was rebuilt there prior to Richie’s birth in 1916,” says Richard.

There was also a serious fire at the homestead in 1995, but it was rebuilt

and modernised to some extent. Various additions had been put on over the years.

Richie died in 2004, and ran the farm right up to his death, “quite literally from his death bed in the house he was born in”. His son Richard Garland Hannon, and his wife Carol, had worked for him previously but had their own businesses, and then a milk run over the years.

They returned to Tinopai and cared for him during his last months, and physically ran the farms. They are the current owners of the Tinopai farm, and one of their four children, Marcel, owns the Te Miro block with Richard.

Part Two of this story will be published in Coast & Country News’ next edition.

Catherine Fry

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Offering farmers more information on GHG

Within the next five-10 years, it’s likely New Zealand’s livestock farmers will be able to employ selective breeding, methane inhibitors and perhaps even methanogen vaccines to help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

dioxide, during the first 100 years after an emission occurs. “Researchers here and overseas are therefore investigating a number of technologies that might help to reduce methane emissions by livestock in future.�

Some animals emit less methane per unit of feed eaten than others, thanks to a smaller rumen with a distinctive population of microorganisms.

In the meantime, farmers wantBreeding for this trait could result ing to make a difference need to in a potential emissions reduction know what their emissions are of three-eight per cent during and where they come from, so 20 years. This research is well they can examine every facet advanced in sheep, while work of their business for effiin cattle is just starting, says ciency improvements that can Harry. maintain profitability while Methanogen vaccines and reducing emissions. inhibitors are also under develThat’s the message from Dr opment. Vaccines are being tested Harry Clark, who is director of in the laboratory, with the goal of the NZ Greenhouse Gas Research Dr Harry Clark. reducing methane emissions by 30 Centre and a member of the per cent.

Interim Climate Change Committee.

An inhibitor has already been developed in NZAGRC has launched a new website – the Netherlands that demonstrably reduces emiswww.farmingmatters.nz – aimed at equipping Kiwi sions by at least 30 per cent. However, in its current farmers and rural professionals with the knowledge formulation, it must be included in every mouththey need to assess and manage on-farm emissions, ful of feed – less than ideal for NZ’s pasture-based and adapt to a changing environment. livestock. New formulations and alternative products Harry Clark says the website-launch is timely are being investigated. in light of the Government’s recent signal it will But until such technologies are available, Harry implement farm-level accounting and pricing of encourages farmers wanting to further reduce their agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. emissions to keep looking for small improvements in The site initially focuses on methane, which makes every aspect of their operation. up 70 per cent of NZ’s agricultural emissions, but He says efficiency gains already achieved across the will soon expand to include information on nitrous sector mean that NZ’s total agricultural greenhouse oxide, another significant agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are no longer going up. gas, as well as strategies for adapting to climate “Not all farms have the same potential to further change. “Methane belched out by ruminant livestock such reduce emissions. Some farmers have already done as cows and sheep is a problem for NZ,� says Harry. what they can. Others are limited by their unique “While methane breaks down in the atmosphere a climate, topography, markets and infrastructure. lot faster than other greenhouse gases such as carbon “But there are a number of steps they might like dioxide, every tonne emitted is 28-34 times more to consider – and every small step is a step in the effective at trapping heat than a tonne of carbon right direction."

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MAIZE

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 13

Extra grazing is money in the bank Because 501 Chicory is an annual, it establishes faster and can be grazed sooner than slower-starting perennial types.

Picking the right chicory for summer crop can mean as much as $325/ha worth of extra milk for dairy farmers this season, according to Barenbrug Agriseeds pasture systems manager Blair Cotching.

It’s all to do with a fast start in spring, and high crop yield during summer.

“Not all chicory cultivars are equal,” says Blair.

“Some are perennial, but 501 Chicory is more of an annual type – and that has some really important benefits that ultimately mean more milk in the vat, or more liveweight gain for finishing stock.”

Because 501 Chicory is an annual, it establishes faster and can be grazed sooner than slower-starting perennial types, says Blair.

In some cases this early advantage adds up to one full grazing more than other chicory cultivars during summer and autumn.

“We’ve measured this dry matter yield difference in trials, and it’s significant.

For example, 501 Chicory grew 550kg DM/ha more than Choice. Imagine what you could do with that amount of feed over 10-15ha of chicory,” says Blair.

“At a milk price of $6.50 kgMS, this extra DM equates to increased milk

production worth $325/ha.”

Establishment costs are virtually the same no matter which cultivar is planted. But as these figures show, simply changing from one to another can add hundreds to the profit margin.

That’s on top of the crop’s nutritional, management and environmental benefits, says Blair.

“Few other home-grown or imported feeds can match it for summer quality; animals love eating it; it doesn’t need insecticide sprays and because it is tap-rooted, it is more resilient and water efficient than ryegrass in summer droughts.

“That means green, leafy, multi-graze feed when other paddocks are brown and dry, and less damage to existing pastures from over-grazing.”

Blair says 501 Chicory’s deep roots also improve soil structure, mine deep soil nitrogen and pull up other minerals from the soil profile.

It is ideally suited to planting on effluent blocks, because it soaks up both excess N and potassium (K), which are then re-distributed more evenly around the farm via the cows.

Nitrate leaching research has shown heifers grazing chicory urinated more frequently without increasing urinary output or urinary N, potentially reducing N loading and subsequent nitrate leaching from the soil, says Blair.

“Farmers in sensitive catchments like it because it establishes well via direct drill or minimum till, and can be renewed into grass in autumn the same way.

So they’re not getting the same soil N losses as they would with full cultivation.”

For best results, Blair says 501 Chicory should be sown early while moisture is available for good germination – as soon as soil temperatures are 12 degrees Celsius and rising – using treated seed at 10kg/ha, and no deeper than 1cm.

How to select a maize hybrid At this time of year growers are considering what maize hybrid to plant – and maize seed companies are marketing their offerings.

The Foundation for Arable Research encourages growers to select hybrids that are consistently high performers over several seasons.

According to FAR, the only independent maize hybrid trials in New Zealand are the Maize Hybrid Performance Trials administered by their organisation.

The MPT results are available at FAR website – select the Resources tab and search ‘MPT’.

“From these results the data from multiple seasons for a maize hybrid’s performance is more valuable than results from a single season as they show the hybrid’s ability to perform over different seasons with different weather patterns,” says FAR in its June 2019 ‘Maize Action’ newsletter.

“Ultimately, the most consistent performers will rise to the top of multiple year results. The more trials a cultivar has been in, the more confidence can be taken from its reported performance.”

For more information, see: www.far.org.nz

Make more green this summer.

Extra value $325/ha* 501 is very fast establishing and out-yields other chicory varieties. This could mean an extra 50 kg MS/ha worth $325/ha*. * Based on 550kg DM/ha extra yield and $6.50/kgMS milk price. Yield data based on yield from combined trial analysis of Cambridge 11-12, and Canterbury 12-13.

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Page 14

MAIZE

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Wetland farmer receives maize award When Te Kauwhata maize grower Peter Kelly was nominated by his farm advisor Malcolm Smith for a Federated Farmers Industry Group Arable award, he didn’t think he’d actually win the 2019 Maize Grower of the Year title.

The award recognises his excellent 2019 average maize grain yield rates of 13.2 tonnes per hectare, compared to the Foundation of Agricultural Research’s nationally recorded 2019 average of 10.9 tonnes per hectare.

Peter shrugs the whole thing off with “maize growing relies on a lot of good luck”. However, his 28 years of experience, and his understanding of the somewhat challenging conditions of the land he farms, are a critical part of the process.

Peter, one worker and a casual run a 570ha block for his cousin, Brian Lloyd. Some of the land is within a stopbank on the edge of the Whangamarino Wetland, in North Waikato.

“We grow maize on 230ha, and the rest is leased or in beef production,” says Peter.

The property consists of Te Kauwhata clay, and silt over clay, and is part of both the Swans Rd and Vrsaljkos Rd pumping schemes, to ensure that close proximity to the wetland and Lake Waikare doesn’t lead to flooding when water levels rise. “Our land management and inputs depend on the August soil testing.”

September fertilising usually includes potash, caserite, urea, and DAP, to feed to nitrogen-starved soils after a maize crop.

Mainly Pioneer seed is sown in October, with a preemergent spray. When the crop is knee-high, around the end of November, a post-emergent is applied, as a side dressing of urea is added.

“Combining the tasks reduces the number of passes through the young crop from four to two, minimising disturbance,” says Peter.

Summer work involves frequent walks through the crop looking for signs of cutworm or army worm, or diseases such as Northern Leaf Blight.

Harvesting is carried out by contractors from March

Federated Farmers’ Industry Group Arable Maize Grower of the Year for 2019 is Peter Kelly.

All photos: Catherine Fry.

to May, and the stubble is mulched back in with an application of lime around June.

“It doesn’t matter how technically right everything is, you are at the complete mercy of the weather,” says Peter.

“The wrong temperature, too much rain or too little rain, when the crop needs the opposite, will dramatically affect the growth and yield.”

As his award recognises, Peter has a deep understanding of maize growing, and managing arable wetland, giving each crop the best possible start before Mother Nature takes it the rest of the way.

Catherine Fry

Peter Kelly in one of his 230ha of mulched maize paddocks.

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August 2019 Coast & Country News

MAIZE

Page 15

MAIZE

Page 16

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Maize hybrids based on growers’ needs New Zealand’s newest maize company VPMaxx has gained rapid adoption by growers, offering them access to the world’s largest and most successful breeding programme, says account manager Barry Smallridge.

“NZ growers have become aware of the distinctive brand recognition of VPMaxx. After four years of continued growth, we reached a new high

by obtaining a massive 94 per cent sales increase last year.”

Barry says VPMaxx is now endeavoring to deploy its expertise in line with its parent company AgVenture in the USA, to identify the right genetic and trait combinations for maize growers.

“We need to sell hybrids based on the specific needs of growers. It’s important that we strive to help growers realise more profit.

“Geographic location, environment, fertility, plant population along with a myriad of requirements to

ensure crops achieve the best profi profit is essential.”

VPMaxx has focused on delivering an outstanding hybrid across all maturities. With the introduction of VP522 is a 102CRM option for planting this season.

VP522 is a mid-season hybrid offering growers in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty a dual grain/silage option.

VPMaxx hybrids now cover maturities from 87CRM to 114CRM. With plant breeding an art as it is a science, VPMaxx’s top annual response is relatively easy science as VPMaxx account managers Barry Smallridge and Joe Heng on-farm at Taupiri.

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VPMaxx account managers Joe Heng and Barry Smallridge view some of their company’s product. all hybrids have been selected from the latest pool of genetic traits. There’s a strong focus on an all-round agronomic package being the basis of hybrid selection.

“When you consider our most aged hybrids are only four seasons old, then growers can be assured of a splendid agronomic package,” says Barry.

VPMaxx has a re-plant agreement that requires growers to order seed prior to August 31. “This timing should allow growers more flexibility in being able to peruse comparative data and make careful decisions to gain the best economic return.

To view trait tales, testimonials and comparative data on VPMaxx’s latest range of silage and grain hybrids, see: www.vpmaxx.co.nz

y b d e v o l d n A h

. s r e m u s con

Should I plough?

When thinking about cultivating a maize crop, many farmers will ask: should I plough?

As a farmer, there’s no need for you to know everything about maize. That’s because the experts at VPMAXX® are here to advise you at every stage – from choosing a highperforming hybrid for your local conditions, right through to feeding your cows. So give us a call and find out why more and more farmers are choosing VPMAXX® brand seeds.

Joe Heng

Northland, Taranaki and Waikato jheng@nzsh.co.nz, 021 514 114

Barry Smallridge

Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Lower North Island bsmallridge@nzsh.co.nz, 027 801 9992

vpmaxx.nz

According to the DairyNZ website, ploughing is a quick and effective way to bury plant residues that might otherwise impede secondary cultivation or cause weed problems.

“A comment we often hear from dairy farmers is that maize is ‘hard on the soil’ and one of the main causes of this is associated with ploughing. Ploughing buries and makes fertile topsoil out of reach for new grass trying to establish after maize.

“Talk with your contractor about alternatives to ploughing such a discing. Be aware that you may need a longer fallow period – the time between spraying out pasture and first cultivation pass. You’ll need to balance this against the long-term damage to your soil fertility.

“There are other reduced tillage options for maize such as strip tillage and direct drilling, however these require more attention to detail and are best suited to specialist maize growers.”

For more information on maize growing, access the Foundation for Arable Research’s resource ‘Best Management Practices for Growing Maize on Dairy Farms’ via the DairyNZ website.

(Source: www.dairynz.co.nz)

MAIZE

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 17

The only constant out there is change The weather is very mild for July. We’ve had a few cold days but not many.

With dry weather earlier on and mild conditions with a bit of moisture now, nitrate levels have become a huge issue in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Normally it would be a worry in early-June, not July. But figures have been very high and are only now starting to recede.

When plants take off in dry-butmoist conditions their growth sucks nitrogen out of the soil, causing high nitrate levels. These can be toxic enough to kill cows or cause slips (aborted calves). It certainly presented a challenge around feeding out this year. We’ve had to give dry feed, hay or silage, and two breaks a day.

We’ve been holding stock on smaller breaks, giving them dry feed in the morning for a few hours, then letting them onto their main break around lunchtime. This is when nitrates levels traditionally drop, after plants have had a bit of sun. It means cows are not going to their main break hungry, so they’re not gorging themselves. It’s extra time, work and a bit more pasture damage in a tighter break but so far we’re managing it. Cows tend to get used to nitrates after a while, but it requires constant monitoring.

High nitrates aren’t limited to annual crops, they affect new pasture as well. Farmers have had to be very careful. By early-August we hope the problem will have gone.

At the time

Four main drivers to yield To maximise potential maize yield, you need to maximise radiation interception – and four main factors drive this, according to DairyNZ. First is location. With temperature and radiation different around NZ, often farmers’ growing locations are fixed but if leasing or buying land for maize, investigate the site’s climatic conditions.

Second is sowing time. This affects radiation interception as it changes during the year. Radiation peaks lateDecember, so aim to sow your crop to have full canopy cover by this stage.

In general, early sowing has higher yields than late sowing. But this should be balanced against factors such as frost risk, soil conditions and pasture harvested pre-crop.

Third is hybrid selection. According to

DairyNZ, the main difference between hybrids is the number and size of leaves, which effects green leaf area; crop maturity, the number of Growing Degree Days before the crop is ready to harvest; and ability to cope with stresses.

As a general guide, DairyNZ says short season hybrids tend to yield less because they have fewer smaller leaves than long season hybrids. They also tend to need fewer GDDs to reach maturity so are in the ground for fewer days.

Fourth is plant population. More plants mean more leaf area. Typical populations for maize silage is 100,000120,000 seeds per ha. Other factors to affect potential yield include weed pressure, drought, waterlogging, leaf diseases, nitrogen, pests, and soil structure.

(Source: www.dairynz.co.nz)

of writing this column, figures had been declining.

Calving

By August most farmers will be well into calving. Let’s hope most calving happens in fine weather, not wet – it’s no fun chasing calves around in mud!

Hopefully, the mild weather continues and we have a great calving season. Many dairy farmers around the Bay have gone into kiwifruit recently, so there’s a lot of development work going on. This is reducing the workload slightly on rural contractors. The challenge for them is they lose their regular work on dairy farms, which will be something they’ll

have to overcome.

I hope the kiwifruit market isn’t flooded once all these new orchards start harvesting in a few years’ time.

Current lamb prices are reasonably firm – that’s good for sheep and beef farmers.

The wool price is also steady.

Dairy is still looking positive for next season, although West Coast farmers have sold Westland Cooperative Dairy Company to the Yili conglomerate of China. It passed into Chinese ownership on August 1.

It sounds like a whole lot of bad decisions in the last few years led to the demise. Fonterra has to be bloody careful it doesn’t end up in

the same boat, it could so easily happen if they get things wrong.

Mixed bag

China has just realised it has about five million tonnes of logs on their wharves, so they’ve put the brakes on buying logs from NZ; therefore the price has dropped considerably in recent weeks. This will most likely be temporary.

So it’s a mixed bag for our primary producers at present, but as the old saying goes: ‘The only constant is change’. It’s time for farmers to start thinking about their maize and bulk grass silage requirements. We’re already taking orders for next season. We still have plenty of good quality hay, straw and silage available and are always happy to talk to farmers about their requirements.

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August 2019 Coast & Country News

Kiwifruit body part of industry success More than 250 people from every facet of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry – and Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor – celebrated 25 years of its grower body and the ‘Seeds of Success’ book launch on July 3 at Mills Reef, Bethlehem, near Tauranga.

NZKGI’s current chairman Doug Brown and founding chairman Hendrik Pieters with the 25th anniversary cake. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

The evening recognised NZKGI’s central role as an control – and change was imminent. advocate for growers – and both founding chairman More fruit was being produced than the market Hendrik Pieters and current chairman Doug Brown could accommodate – and reducing incomes, high spoke of the industry’s challenges and successes in the debt and increasing interest rates made for a difficult last 25 years including the Psa-V outbreak, grower situation. Plus growers were not united and vested solidarity around the single desk structure, and the interests were rife.

Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project.

In 1988 the Kiwifruit Marketing Board was formed Hendrik gave a detailed account of how NZKGI as a single seller for kiwifruit. But many growers were came about in 1994, saying the industry boom of the initially opposed to it and there were constant challate-1970s and early-1980s led to it growing out of lenges to the support of the new structure.

“The fact KMB was in debt to the tune of $80m in the early-1990s did not help the situation at all. This was further complicated by grower fractionality,” says Hendrik.

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A working party was set up to find a way to unite views of growers, funded by the Fruitgrowers Federation. “The working party had all factions represented and we conducted grower meetings throughout the country and thrashed out issues that confronted the The performance to push ahead. industry. The first 18 months was ery intense.”

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WESTERN BOP FOCUS

From tough beginnings to future challenges

continued...

Current chair Doug New Zealand’s Kiwifruit Brown says NZKGI is an Pioneers’, which was comorganisation that strives to missioned by NZKGI, be responsive and agile to written by Elaine Fisher adapt to the ever-changing and launched at the anniindustry environment versary celebration. while representing growers Zespri chairman Bruce with a strong voice.

Cameron commended “From the KISP review, NZKGI for the heavytoday’s forum make-up lifting it does on behalf of has been streamlined from growers “and the way they 38 members to 27 – and pull their weight”.

I can assure you Hendrik “The tension and debate nothing has changed. we have between Zespri We’re still a wide diversity and NZKGI, I think, of views.” brings out the best in the And with the face of industry. the industry changing, “We are blessed with Doug says it’s crucial the people, which through the NZKGI body is exactly last 25 years, have made that – “representative of themselves available to the grower groups that become members of the Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor at make up our industry forums that have gone on the launch of NZKGI-commissioned book today”. beforehand from Hendrik ‘Seeds of Success’, with author Elaine Fisher.

“To be a strong advocate to Doug’s team now.”

Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media. for growers and industry Bruce also applauded decision-making, we recognised within NZKGI a few the way NZKGI has evolved. “It’s participation in years ago the requirement to reshape our organisation the industry is everything from strong conversations to be fit-for-purpose in this regard.” around political edginess, subjects that are difficult to manage through to pastoral care for growers.

Addressing challenges “What comes to mind is the effort through the Today portfolios include communications, perPsa years, where KGI stepped up and came to the formance and supply, external relations, industry forefront and looked after our family. To come stability, labour and education, and organisational through such a stressful period like that is a fantastic management. attribute.”

These will help NZKGI to play important role in Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor acknowladdressing challenges of labour, water, and the right edged all those involved in setting up NZKGI. “This to grow. “Consumers are increasingly aware of social was the first attempt at unity in your industry.” and environmental issues and there’s a growing presDoug concluded the evening’s formalities by sure on us to show we’re addressing their concerns,” saying: “This is your industry – you own it, you’re says Doug. the grower. So at NZKGI, we are unashamedly He also thanked industry pioneers – with many grower-first”.

Merle Foster featured in the book ‘Seeds of Success. The Stories of

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WESTERN BOP FOCUS

Page 20

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Saving kauri in the Kaimai Ranges A structure of wooden planks, used in the 1900s to gather and unleash water to ‘drive’ kauri logs down Western Bay of Plenty hills to sawmills, is juxtaposed against the Kaimai Ranges in view at Western Bay Museum.

The salvaged section of the Wairoa Dam is a vivid reminder of how the region’s early settlers milled large amounts of the native species from the range that now needs our protection from a new threat. Kauri dieback disease.

Paula says the Department of Conservation believe the Kaimai Ranges is the

only kauri forest free of kauri dieback. And so her newest exhibition ‘The Kauri: The Past, The Present, and The Future’ is part of a joint effort with DOC to empower residents and visitors alike to prevent the kauri-killing disease reaching the last frontier. “We can’t change our past.

We did cut kauri down here right up until the 1950s. The Cashmore and Judd Mill on Wharawhara Rd was the southernmost kauri logging operation in NZ,” says Paula.

“So we talk about the past in the exhibition, because kauri logging was huge here.

“But we’re focused on the future – preventing kauri dieback from entering the Kaimai Ranges. To do this we must learn from our past.”

The exhibition details six areas of the district’s kauri logging past. First,

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The unique display of some gate planks of the Wairoa Dam is courtesy of foresight of DOC ranger Warren Geraghty, who organised to have the dam’s remains airlifted out of the Kaimai Ranges in the 1980s. “When this dam was in full swing, the top was as long as the museum building, 25m, and it was just under 8m high,” says Paula. “Kauri logs were put in front of the dam, in what they called a log chute. Winter rains gathered up water behind the dam, and they’d ‘trip’ the dam and ‘drive’ logs downstream to Museum manager Paula Gaelic in front of the Wairoa sawmills and then onto Diggelmann’s Dam display. Photo: Merle Foster. wharf to be loaded onto the scrows. It would have been terrifying – imagine a wall of water as big as this building pushing logs downhill.”

There’s focus on The Cashmore and Judd Mill, built in 1902 by the Bond Bros and a Mr. Judd.

Also highlighted is felling of the Lindemann King Kauri in 1939 – a tree with a butt girth of 45ft 7in (13.7m) and height of 75ft (22.9m) Tudor Collins took this photograph of him first branch and to the fi and his mates playing cards after dinner was bigger than today’s in 1921. Photo courtesy of The Kauri Musuem, Matakohe. national icon, Tane Mahuta. figures Key industry fi Tudor Collins, who took this shot of himself with a are presented, including tripod, was an assistant the Collins Brothers. But the exhibition focuses on bush cook. Photo courtesy of Tudor Collins, younger The Kauri Musuem, Matakohe. brother of Bert and Reg, who were running the Coromandel’s kauri logging industry before arriving in Katikati. Tudor had a Since 1976 Kodak Vest Pocket camera as a boy and later upgraded to an Autograph Kodak Special 3A.

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construction and use of wooden dams to ‘drive’ logs down to sawmills at lower elevations.

Tudor’s photographs

He’d enlisted in the army in 1918, but the war was declared over as he was en-route to Europe. Returning home he visited his brothers and became a bushman for five years. His camera went with him. “All of these clear, historical photographs we have on display were taken by him in 1921. Eventually he opened his own photography shop in Warkworth – and lived his dream,” says Paula.

The exhibition is open to the public – and to schoolaged children via the museum’s education programmes.

The newly-launched Lions Club of Katikati – Museum Learning Experience has been perfect timing, with already 240 local students visiting. “They are our best advocates and now have a very clear ...continued

WESTERN BOP FOCUS

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 21

Report wallabies to stop spread to WBOP It was the unmistakable silhouette of a wallaby that excited. A Facebook post of an about-to-be deceased wallaby as it leapt across the railway lines in front of several hundred tonnes of logging train between Murupara and Kawerau.

Rangitikei River bridge. And that’s of real concern.”

If the wallaby crosses the Rangitikei, the next stop is Te Urewera – a vast, heavily-forested, sparsely-populated and protected area and home to Ngai Tuhoe.

“We certainly don’t want them in there. We definitely don’t want wallabies established there. It would have a major negative impact and be very difficult to manage.”

Why all the angst? The dama wallaby, macropus “It was there going into the eugenii, looks so cute – just 530mm high, weighing yard,” said the trainer driver. up to 7kg, sleek grey-brown coat with pale belly, “And it was there coming greenish-yellow eyes and the irresistible ‘takeout.” He snapped the me-home and cuddle me’ appeal. “That’s wallaby on his phone as half the problem,” admits Dame. “Look evidence.

“That’s the problem at stoats and the impact is obvious, – it’s not deceased,” they kill kiwis. People see an immedisays rueful Bay of ate problem. But then they go: ‘Oh, Plenty Regional I didn’t know we had wallaby’. Or: ‘I Council biosecucan’t see the problem, they just chew rity officer Dale grasses and shrubs and things’.”

Williams. The But that can have a huge impact on wallaby was too our birdlife. The exotic trees they eat quick for the train. the seedlings of may also produce a So Dale dispatched lot of seed the birds eat. “So over time a contractor with there’s a slow and insidious change to indicating dogs to the forest,” says Dale. “The wallaby works flush out the Ozzie slowly and systematically nipping off every invader. But it had disappalatable seedling. And that completely peared into a blackberry removes the regeneration of some species.

Dama Wallaby, pictured here at thicket.

The impact is quite dramatic.”

Paradise Valley Springs, have recently The wallaby, classified as an unwanted That made Dale been spotted in Western BOP. slightly uneasy. “That organism under our biosecurity legislation, wallaby is a long way inhabits 200,000ha east of Rotorua. The spread is from the main breeding population around Kainnot alarming – but it’s a bit of the hare and tortoise garoa Forest. It’s also only 1km or so from the thing.

It’s slow but sure. And the Western Bay of Plenty is not immune – wallabies are knocking at our door, nibbling at our seedlings. They’ve reached Paengaroa.“Go to the end of Allport Rd, east of Paengaroa, and there’s a small DOC reserve called Roydon Downs. They’re established there,” says Dale. “They’ll be in the pine forest to the west, and across the state highway in Sun Valley right up to the Kaituna

River.” And there’s a natural barrier like the open pastureland in the area.

The new pest management plan is one of progressive containment, preventing the spread of wallabies. But they need people to advise regional council if they spot a wallaby dead or alive.

People can go to: www.stoppests.co.nz This will ask for contact details and where a wallaby was sited. Dale will be very glad to hear from you.

Hunter Wells

Learning from our past to protect their future continued...

understanding of what they’ve got to do when visiting our Kaimai Ranges to prevent the spread of kauri dieback,” says Paula. The experience takes in the exhibition, then moves to education of kauri and today’s biggest threat – kauri dieback disease.

And nearby at The Arts Junction a new kauri mural ‘Te Wao Tapanui a Tane (The sacred domain of Tane), launched last month by Katikati Open-Air Art group and DOC Tauranga, is another visual reminder to all about the precious state of the nearby forest.

Paula says kauri logging was wasteful without a doubt. “But at the time they really thought what they were doing was developing the district, as many other bushman around NZ thought too.

Paula says now the future of the kauri in our Kaimai Ranges really relies on us. “It’s up to human beings.

We all need to read the DOC signs, wash our boots on our way in and out, stay on the tracks and stay away from those closed.” The exhibition closes November 30. See: www.nzmuseum.nz Merle Foster

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Page 22

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Have your say to help shape NZ’s future We know how important a profitable primary sector is to our economy and prosperity.

I can’t emphasise enough just how important it is that you give us feedback on the Primary Sector Discussion Document National released at Mystery Creek Fieldays.

You can help determine National’s policy during coming years, and help shape our nation’s future by developing sound economic practices. Having your say is even more important than ever now we have a slowing, uncertain economy and declining job market.

Together with the previously-released Environment Document, these are

available at: www.national.org.nz We want primary producers to keep more of what they earn, rather than having it swallowed up in the Coalition Government’s escalating taxes by stealth. Writing taxpayer-funded cheques is not the answer to boosting rural confidence or the way to deliver a sound economic plan. Rural NZ is already one of the most emissions efficient in the world and lead with innovative practices and technological development. The sector needs certainty and to be able to look toward a positive future, not knee-capped with more taxes and broken promises.

New technologies

Despite immediate challenges we believe NZ’s future lies with the development of new technologies and biotechnological solutions to tackle climate change together with increased efficien-

cies of land use and I’ll continue to push this message to preserve healthy rural communities. Our nation was built on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of number 8 wire and I have no doubt we’ll continue to be global leaders in best practice.

Rural NZ isn’t just battling an inept Government and increasing bad legislation but biosecurity threats continue to be a big risk. Once again NZ is at the frontline with organisations like Bay of Plentybased Kiwifruit Vine Health working closely with primary growers, MPI, the science community and other industries to understand and respond to these threats. Psa, fruit fly detections in Auckland, stink bugs in the Bay of Plenty, and spreading kauri dieback disease

are just some invasive pests and organisms threatening our primary industries and environment.

Collaborative efforts

In another first The Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital formed as a partnership to tackle the threat of invasive pests and diseases promotes and coordinates biosecurity action across the country.

It includes KVH, Zespri and several other kiwifruit industry bodies, alongside local and national government, iwi, scientists and local organisations.

It is collaborative efforts like these which enable New Zealanders to continue to celebrate its iconic rural lifestyle and live the rural dream. National will continue to support the regions on the back of a sound commercial and environmental approach.

New co-operative chair for Silver Fern Farms Richard Young is Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Limited’s incoming chair, marking the first stage of a planned succession for the co-operative and Silver Fern Farms Limited.

Rob Hewett, who passed on the role to Richard, will stay on as co-chair of Silver Fern Farms Ltd and remains a director of the co-operative.

Rob thanks the co-operative board for their support of both Richard and himself during the development of this succession plan “and during the chair transition”.

“I’d also like to thank shareholders for their continued and valued support of our co-operative, and personally for the support and advice I’ve received while in this role during the last six years.”

Richard says he’s determined to continue to progress being made by the co-operative.

“The co-operative has been set up well to reward

Hard working engineering.

shareholders through their investment in Silver Fern Farms. We’ll continue to maintain a high level of oversight to make sure SFF performs to expectations, while delivering services to our shareholders, such as our governance and scholarship programmes.”

Also at the co-op’s recent annual meeting, MidCanterbury sheep and arable farmer Gabrielle Thompson was announced as Silver Fern Farms Co-operative’s first board-appointed farmer director.

A trained veterinarian and chartered member of the Institute of Directors, Gabrielle is also a director of Rural Co. Independent director Tony Balfour stepped down from the co-operative’s board, ending a 10-year association with Silver Fern Farms. “Tony was the board’s first independent director with consumer marketing experience and his experience added much-needed diversity of thought to Silver Fern Farms and has supported the evolution to Silver Fern Farms and the brand we are so proud of today,” says Rob.

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DAIRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 23

Three massive challenges Most farms are now halfway through calving, which is a good marker to take stock of the current situation on-farm as well as forecast how it will track during the next three months.

Calving doesn’t come without challenges, and there are a few things you may want to consider as you look back on the last month, Has calving and cow recovery been easy so far? What percentage of cows have had retained afterbirth? How many cows have presented with clinical milk fever?

How well fed are your cows? And what is their current Body Condition Score?

Metabolic issues, including milk fever and retained afterbirth, present clinically in only around 10 per cent of cases – so for every cow that presents with a clinical metabolic problem, there are 10 times as many cows that are affected sub-clinically. In broad terms, the largest driver behind metabolic problems is a calcium/magnesium imbalance.

Calcium

A lack of calcium translates to poor muscle energy, leaving cows with insufficient energy to clean herself quickly after calving.

Even sub-clinically affected cows will retain cleanings and fall victim to an infection that will need treating – creat-

ing a barrier for the cow to get in-calf easily. Calcium is also a carrier for all minerals, so a deficiency in calcium will affect the uptake of everything else the cow is being given.

The addition of lime flour to the cows’ diet and a calcium bullet down the throat is a great way to keep their calcium levels up.

Farmers should also look at whether their cows’ nutritional needs are being met through pasture and supplementary feed.

If you don’t have a rotation plan, you can expect a problem down the track.

The DairyNZ Spring Rotation Planner is a great resource to help you work out your rotation length. See: www.dairynz. co.nz/feed/pasture-management/ feed-wedges-and-rotation-planners/ spring-rotation-planner/spring-rotationplanner-tool/ The online calculator will help you work out the ideal round lengths during the period between the Planned Start of Calving (PSC) and balance date, when pasture supply equals demand.

grass that won’t sustain their nutritional requirements.

To support your cows’ nutritional needs, it is critical you have a trace element programme in place. Cows are expected to calve, milk and get in-calf all in the space of three months, and they need everything we can throw at them to survive these three massive challenges in such a short period.

And if cows are already low, a daily trace element programme may not be enough in the first instance. You may need to give them an additional boost of copper, cobalt and selenium via injection, preferably at least 30 days before the planned start of mating. Waiting any longer means you’ll have to use a copper bullet down their throats, a far more expensive option.

Trace element plan

If you don’t invest in a trace element plan you’ll end up giving that money to the vet to fix the resulting health problems or end up culling cows because they are empty.

Investing that money in getting cows nutritionally balanced is the better, more cost-effective way of ensuring calving and mating run as smoothly as possible.

And with monthly milk testing for M. bovis, there is enough evidence to show a cow in less-than-optimum health has lower immunity, resulting in a higher chance of testing positive for higher antibodies. Our team is focused on helping farmers in this area.

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Rotation length

It’s important to get rotation length correct. For example, if you’re grazing cows at 20 days when the correct rotation for that time of year is 35 days, they’re grazing nutritionally-deficient feed. They are filling up on immature

Fonterra backs away from coal use Fonterra’s announcement it will shave 11 years off its coal target as part of the co-op’s plan to put sustainability at the heart of everything it does, has been welcomed by the Government.

Fonterra’s sustainability targets include reducing emissions by 30 per cent across all its manufacturing operations by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050; reducing water use by 20 per cent across manufacturing sites by 2020; a tailored Farm Environment Plan for every Fonterra farmer by 2025; going to 100 per cent recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging by 2025; and powering its Stirling site in Otago with electricity rather than coal.

Fonterra chief operating officer for global operations Robert Spurway says the co-op has stopped installing new coal boilers or increasing capacity to burn coal – but admits getting out of coal is not as easy as flicking a switch. “Transitioning Fonterra’s sites away from coal requires a staged approach.

“We’re determined to go as fast as we can but there are a number of practical challenges we have to overcome.

“For example, right now NZ’s energy infrastructure in some parts of the country simply isn’t set up to handle our requirements. Either there aren’t alternatives to coal available or, if there are, they are not at the scale needed.

“There are also cost challenges. Transitioning to cleaner fuels will require additional investment and we need to balance this with remaining competitive.

It’s right to take a staged approach.”

Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods says Fonterra’s commitment shows real leadership “and acknowledges industry has a major role to play in helping NZ reap the rewards from becoming a clean, green carbon-neutral economy”.

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Page 24

DAIRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Living the dream at Raglan While studying Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, then21-year-old Jess Hill had an idea for a new direction for her family’s Raglan farm. Her inspiration was her job with the Happy Cow Dairy Co, an ethical dairy company in Christchurch.

“I’d been selling their milk at a Saturday market and I could see how people really cared about where their milk came from, and how the cows were treated,” says Jess.

Her parents, Bronwyn and David Hill, had bought the family’s farm in Raglan in 1999. While Bronwyn had grown up on a dairy farm in Te Uku, David’s farming experience was through his aunt and grandfather’s farms.

When the couple met, David was a builder and Bronwyn was a lab technician for Fonterra.

They bought a lifestyle block and reared calves on the side.

David quit his job and the couple worked up the dairy farming ladder to be in a position to buy their first farm. They had three children, Jess, and twins Matthew and Katherine, 21. David also studied for a Certificate in Farm Business Management.

“This farm had potential, and as soon as I saw the view, I was completely sold,” says David.

The 120ha effective farm is situated on steep contour hill country along the coast south of Raglan. It boasts stunning panoramic views of the surf beach and Raglan town and harbour. Hence, the name Dreamview Farm.

The Hills spent the first 10 years improving the infrastructure and water systems on the farm.

They bought the neighbouring 30ha run-off and at peak times were milking 270 cows, but winters on the steep contour land were getting harder

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Jess Hill prepares for the afternoon milk delivery. and harder.“Managing calving was difficult and the land was getting wrecked every winter,” says David.

Time for a change

At the same time as Jess had her idea, her parents were seriously considering their options for the future. “We were very interested in her ideas for ethical farming and raw milk production. We both struggled with sending our bobby calves off at four days old,” says Bronwyn.

Jess was “allowed” to cut short her four-year degree at the end of the third year, but “only because she still came out with a BA Ag to show for it”.

The family investigated the Ministry for Primary Industries regulations they would need and embarked on a two-year journey of form filling.

“We wanted to process raw milk and pasteurised

ents her par n d n a , Jess Hill and Bronwy g David the stunnin d .

Hill, an to their farm p o r d back

DAIRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 25

Brought up in the cowshed

Dairy cows from the Dreamview herd.

The fully-compliant ‘mini’ dairy factory at Dreamview Farm.

milk ourselves,” says Jess.

This required a rigorous Regulatory Control Scheme for the raw milk side, and a Risk Management Plan for the pasteurising side. The raw milk has a separate vat and milk needs to be tested every 10 days.

David’s skills as a builder were invaluable as the family pulled together to kit out a new 20 foot shipping container as a fully compliant, mini dairy factory. Everything had to be food grade material for the production of raw milk, and pasteurised cream, full and skimmed milk.

tles are glass, and sterilised before use. We charge for them unless an empty bottle is returned at the time of sale,” says Jess.

Her and her parents undertake deliveries for around 300 customers a week throughout the Raglan area.

“We can only sell raw milk through farm pick up or door-to-door delivery as there has to be complete traceability with this product.”

Their pasteurised milk has been well received by the community and is sold through the local Four Square.

“We keep all our bobby calves and raise them for beef on the farm,” says Bronwyn.“Although they still end up on the table one day, customers are a lot happier with that arrangement,” says David.

Both Jess and her parents are now involved full-time in all aspects of the farm and creamery – from milking, processing and calving, to land maintenance and management, and their farm stay accommodation.

Breeding for A2

After downsizing the herd they DNA tested the 170 remaining cows for the A2 gene. “It’s believed that A2 milk is easier for humans to digest, and feedback certainly supports this,” says Jess.

“Using AI with semen from A2 bulls, we’ve started a strict breeding programme to eradicate the A1 gene from our herd,” says David.

Thirty A2 cows are milked for fresh milk, and milk from the others still goes to Fonterra. “It takes an hour to complete the raw milking as we clean each teat by hand, spray with iodine and then dry it off,” says Bronwyn.

The family has happily embraced the ethical and environmental side to their new venture. “All our bot-

Expand

This year the family is looking to expand into Hamilton while still keeping the operation small and under control. Bronwyn is doing a cheese making course and Jess is already working with Raglan Chocolate to add a chocolate milk to their range.

For more on the Hill’s journey, see: www.dreamview.co.nz

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Joe Kehely, was “practically born in a cowshed” on his parents 1200-cow, Tauranga farm.

And with a passion for the outdoors and farming from a young age, the 21-year-old knew he’d always make it his career.

Last season he was manager on Tomalin Farms 106ha Tirau farm, overseen

by Chris and Lydia Tomalin, while wife Danielle was farm assistant. This season they’ve moved to Kaitaia to contractmilk a System 2 farm with 700 cows for two-three seasons, and have a sharemilking position lined up after that.

“We want to work hard while we’re young,” says Joe. Although they do make time to be actively involved with Young Farmers.

Joe’s also 2019’s Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year. Him and Danielle have entered the Dairy Industry Awards twice

before, and find it a useful way to get to know people and helpful for benchmarking their finances This year Joe also won fi e merit awards for leadership, feed management, dairy management, livestock management, and personal planning and financial management.

He and Danielle are studying towards Level 5 Agri-business, and have a detailed and attainable plan for both career and equity growth.

They couple plan to have a debtfree farm by age 40, with a run-off to rear young stock, beef and bees. “I really look up to my parents and older brother, and everyone needs people to help them on their way,” says Joe. “We hope one day to give back to the community and industry by progressing young people, just like the people who are helping us now.”

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DAIRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Joey finds his passion is farming in NZ Janamjot Ghuman – or ‘Joey’ for short – has found his niche here in New Zealand.

Originally born in India, Joey moved to New Zealand in late-2011, after thinking about what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. “I was looking for a career when I was 18 and I just wanted to get out and do something different.”

With a family background rich in farming, Joey

decided he would try it for himself.

“I used to go with my dad and we used to drive around on the tractor and those sorts of things. It was never work for me; it was just fun and it’s the same now.

“I decided to come to NZ and I came on two years’ study visa where I studied farming at Rotorua Polytech,” says Joey, who won 2019’s Bay of Plenty Manager of the Year title in the Dairy Industry Awards.

To get to where he is today, Joey worked hard while studying – he spent weekdays studying in Rotorua and weekends getting practical, hands-on experience on a farm in Benneydale, about one-hour-and-40-minutes away.

“After one year, I had to do five days a week on campus and two days a week I could work on dairy farms to support myself so I didn’t have to ask my mum and dad for money,” says Joey.

“I kept traveling back and forth from Rotorua, I would finish Sunday work and drive back to Rotorua again to start attending classes again, and that’s what I did for a year.”

When that farm had taught him all it could, Joey traded the 1600-cow farm in Benneydale for a 360-cow farm in Te Puke.

Joey now works as a farm manager for another small Te Puke farm and, once his NZ residency is sorted – will change to a contract milking position for the same farm.

He has sole responsibility for the herd, pasture and dairy shed and manages the 65ha farm and its 280 cows.

Joey says he’s particularly passionate about production, using System 5 farming and mixing and matching the components of his cows’ diets.

Once his residency is processed, Joey hopes to continue studying and eventually own a farm and a herd of 500 cows. Beyond that, Joey wants to be in a position where he can reach out and help others make a difference to the world.

Janamjot Ghuman aims to use his farm to make a difference.

Virtual calves or real calves – IHC needs them now

IHC is calling on farmers to once again support its annual calf scheme, which is now in its 35th year.

While the risk of spreading Mycoplasma bovis forced some changes to the way the scheme operates in 2018, the IHC rural calf scheme is very much alive and kicking, says IHC national manager of fundraising Greg Millar.

“Farmers now get calves to the sale themselves, rather than us collecting them. Special tags identify IHC calves and farmers simply transport them to the sale along with their other stock, and declare on their Animal Status Declaration form which animals are for IHC.” IHC also has arrangements with a range of local transporters and can organise calf collection if needed, says Greg.

“Unfortunately, the cessation of IHC sale days has given some the impression that the scheme is no longer operational, but that’s not the case. We need calves

this year more than ever,” says Greg.

“While income from the scheme was understandably down in 2018 – around $750,000, compared to $1.4m for the previous year – we were amazed that farmers got behind the programme and gave so generously in what was a difficult season.

“The changes to the way we manage transport and sales have really strengthened the programme, and set the IHC rural calf scheme up for the future.”

According to Greg, farmers are responding positively to the changes.

“Many are telling us that they find it easier this way.

“Some are also taking part in our virtual calf scheme, where they make a donation of $300 in lieu of a calf.”

The funds raised through the scheme are distributed among IHC’s 35 regional associations, with a focus on those living in rural communities.

Funds go toward supporting a range of local activities and services like family support officers who work alongside those with young families to provide

DAIRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 27

Farmers see value in Miraka approach Central North Island dairy company Miraka’s focus on sustainable farming practices is showing results, after a record number of farms received honours in the recent Te Ara Miraka farming excellence awards.

teria. Optional criteria are allocated points, and results are financially incentivised ver and above a market competitive base milk price. “When Miraka first bought the standards out, I thought they looked pretty challenging,” says top award winner Tracey Simpson of Te Raparahi Lands Trust.

“I was worried it was too much pressure for farmers, and that we would never be able to meet all of them.

But there has been a real change in the farming community recently. We know that strong environmental practices are good for the land, and they also make financial sense,” says Tracey.

Te Raparahi Lands Trust has been working on a holistic farming

Miraka’s general manager of milk supply Grant Jackson says since establishing the awards more than four years ago, they’ve started to see significant change in on-farm practices by their suppliers.

“It’s not just about meeting the regulations – that’s a mandatory for us. It’s all about how to go over and above, to achieve absolute excellence in areas like animal welfare, sustainable land management, looking after employees, and premium quality milk.”

In this year’s awards 17 of the 104 participating farms achieved a score of 90 per cent or more, and Te Raparahi Lands Trust took the top prize with a score of 100 per cent.

Grant says only 10 farms achieved a score above 90 per cent when the awards began four years ago.

Farms are assessed annually and scores contribute to the final milk price.

The excellence standards include a mix of mandatory Te Raparahi Trust’s Phillip Samuels, Murray and Tracey Simpson, Craig Walker and Dave Bajoyo. and optional cri-

approach for more than 10 years. “For us, it’s about having shared goals and pushing ourselves to do more,” says Te Raparahi Lands Trust chairperson Phillip Samuels. “Last year we used our incentive payment to purchase a new Halo monitoring system for our farms, which has been a great investment.

The ability to donate a ‘virtual calf ’ is part of the new-look IHC rural calf scheme. extra assistance, advice and support. “This service is hugely appreciated,” says Greg.

IHC also does a lot of work with families to help them understand and access their entitlements to government support, he says.

IHC’s volunteer friendship programme is another local service supported by the rural calf scheme. The service matches volunteers with a person who has an intellectual disability, and together they build a friendship and go on outings together.

“Donations through the rural calf scheme give those with intellectual disabilities more meaningful and engaged lives in their communities,” says Greg.

IHC is the largest provider of residential care for people with intellectual disability, with calf scheme funding also supporting local outings and events for Josephine Reader those in services.

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Miraka’s approach is helping create a paradigm shift within NZ farming, to encourage farmers to start making positive changes,” says Phillip.

Each year Miraka is seeing more of its farmers grow and accelerate change within the programme. Read this story in full at: www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

Page 28

SENIOR LIVING

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Cruise the South Island by water Captain Brian Appleby has been cruising the South Island waters of the Marlborough Sounds, Stewart Island and Fiordland aboard his family’s cruise vessel Affinity for the last 23 years.

During September he’ll be in the North Island to tell people about these remarkable cruising locations and what people can expect to see and do on extended cruises, and will offer some great deals, says Affinity Cruises general manager Vicky Maitland.

Affinity Cruises range from two to 10 nights and itineraries are interesting and flexible to allow for weather and enjoying places of special interest to passengers.

“Most days passengers go ashore and either wander along the beach or take a scenic walk on a range of tracks. There is also the opportunity for a bit of social fishing – catching just enough for a meal,” says Vicky.

“And as well as the marine life, flora and fauna and the remarkable sea birds, there is always something to behold and photograph.”

Affinity offers eight separate share-twin or double cabins and a comfortable lounge/saloon. “There is a large deck that goes right around the vessel, which is great for fishing and the back platforms

ES M R HO NDE N W U NE DY CTIO 1 1 REA TRU AL ONS C

at the rear make it easy to get on and off.

“All cruises are fully catered and the most common comment we get at the end of a cruise is: ‘The food was so wonderful and I’ve eaten so much while onboard I’ll have to exercise or go on a diet when I get home’.”

To find out if your area is on Brian’s upcoming roadshow itinerary, or if you can’t make it, Affinity Cruises offi office. contact the Affi

Right: Captain Brian Appleby will be in the North Island next month to talk cruising the South Island.

The Appleby family’s cruise vessel Affinity has been offering guests South Island water cruises for the last 23 years.

August 2019 Coast & Country News

SENIOR LIVING

Page 29

A friendly retirement community with heart With the final stage of Copper Crest’s Independent Living Village now complete, your chance to join the friendly community is ready and waiting, says village manager Nick Page.

“With no more land available, these spacious new two and three-bedroom villas are your last chance to experience our wonderful village and way of life.”

Situated in the friendly Tauranga suburb of Pyes Pa, Copper Crest enjoys lovely views to the north and east, capturing all day sun and spectacular sunsets. Tauranga’s new The Crossing shopping centre at Tauriko provides all your shopping needs in one handy location; and with Greerton Village, Tauranga Golf Club, and library so close, Copper Crest residents have options aplenty, says Nick.

“Our 10-seater van offers regular outings to The Crossing and Bayfair shopping centres. And our Meridian community centre, which overlooks our six-lane bowling green, continues to impress residents new and old, with an indoor heated pool, spa, gym, snooker tables, library, dance floor, function room, hair salon and bar. It provides a welcoming environment for residents to gather and be social.”

Copper Crest homes are designed to capture all day sun, and with double glazing and heat pumps are warm and inviting. The 2.7m internal stud height and wide hallways ensure a spacious feel. A dedicated sunroom is perfect for settling in with a cuppa and good book. “If you’re considering a move to a friendly, welcoming retirement community where you can do more of what you enjoy, call us today or come and visit anytime.”

Right: Copper Crest homes are designed to capture all day sun, and with double glazing and heat pumps are warm and inviting.

Experience a wonderful village and way of life at Copper Crest.

Find your new home at Copper Crest, a retirement community with heart, quality homes and a range of activities and facilities on your doorstep.

Our brand new two and three bedroom homes at Copper Crest offer open plan living with a high stud, creating a truly spacious feel. There’s a choice of single or double garage with a heat pump, drapes and dishdrawer included and you’ll have your own raised vegie garden. Be a part of an active

community of like minded people who look out for each other and have fun together. You can take advantage of all the great facilities our community has on offer including indoor pool, spa and gym, library, residents’ bar and bowling green.

Please call Nick and his friendly team to arrange a personal tour and talk about your retirement needs.

Ph 027 201 0217 or email info@coppercrest.co.nz www.coppercrest.co.nz

52 Condor Drive, Pyes Pa, Tauranga.

FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 30

August 2019 Coast & Country News

A baler with many a story to tell Neville Rawlings with his International 55-T motorised baler at its temporary home in a friend’s shed. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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Rural contractor Neville Rawlings grew up on a 120-cow dairy farm on Mangawhero Rd at Otorohanga.

His family were also rural contractors, and used a 1952 International 55-T motorised baler, which Neville still has today.

The petrol International A cub engine runs a beltdriven pulley, and according to Neville “it sounds real good”.

There’s a certain mischievous satisfaction in Neville’s voice as he remembers a bit of grumbling from those who had to collect the hay bales.

“It’s got a bigger chamber than most balers, and a huge capacity so the bales it produces are very dense and heavy.”

The baler was towed behind mainly behind International or Nuffield tractors well into the 1970s.

It’s had a few mishaps and adventures along the

The natural twine storage bin and feeder. way. During the 1958 Otorohanga flood, it spent some time immersed in water but it survived. Neville recalls another incident where it ended up on its side after it was used on a steep slope, which would have been a real mission to rectify as it weighs around 1.5-2 tonnes. “After that it always had dual wheels on the engine side to stabilise it.”

...continued

August 2019 Coast & Country News

FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 31

Neville keeps his father’s heirloom When he passed away in 2010, Harcourt had amassed 18 restored tractors plus other machines, and he still had the family’s old baler. “I didn’t want to see it leave the family, so I kept it back from the auction we organised for the rest,” says Neville.

And he seems to have caught the bug for collecting vintage machinery too, as he also kept a 1948 International McCormickDeering W-6 tractor that his father had restored. One gets the impression he would have liked to save them all. “I couldn’t keep all 18 as I’d be divorced by now!”

Neville now has two tractors, the baler, and has his eye on another tractor. Neville lives on a quarter-acre block and is in the progress of building a 6m by 12m Versatile shed to house his growing collection.

Each vehicle is “boarding” in the sheds of other Otorohanga Vintage Machinery Club members, until their new home is ready.

The baler is still brought out yearly for the club’s haymaking day, and is running well. It uses natural twine for the baling, and still churns out heavy bales as if it was back in its prime.

Catherine Fry

continued...

The machine was worked every season on the family farm until 1989, when Neville’s father, Harcourt Rawlings, retired and the family farm was sold.

Neville had moved into contracting himself.

“Dad was a keen member of the Otorohanga Vintage Machinery Club, and during his retirement, he collected and restored International tractors and equipment.”

Neville Rawlings at work haymaking with his International 55.T motorised baler. Photo: Amanda Roobottom.

The robot that picks ripe tomatoes A Massachusetts-based company has developed a robot capable of picking tomatoes by ripeness and quality.

Root AI’s co-Founder and CEO Josh Lessing says while utilisation of robotics isn’t new, the industry is now fine-tuning the technology, providing exciting opportunities for the produce industry.

“There’s been a clear need for a robotic harvester for decades and tightening labour supply has only increased the necessity in recent years.

“What makes today different, is the technology has finally caught up and we can now develop compelling solutions for growers. We’ve been working

on Virgo, our first harvesting product, for more than a year now and it will be commercially deployed next year.”

Virgo is described as an autonomous mobile robot designed to pick fruit and vegetables. It has ability to “see” fruit and determine whether it is ready to be picked – and its specially designed gripper is able to handle produce delicately, thus avoiding damage to the product.

Josh says Virgo uses 3D cameras, artificial-intelligence enabled reasoning and a dexterous gripper. “Virgo’s first application is picking tomatoes but we plan to expand the systems capabilities so it can help growers with other specialty crops like strawberries, cucumbers, and peppers.”

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FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 32

August 2019 Coast & Country News

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August 2019 Coast & Country News

FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Working hard to offer more to customers

Page 33

Product approvals need to be faster Horticulture New Zealand says the Environmental Protection Agency needs to speed up its approval of crop protection products, particularly those that are the most environmentally friendly.

Horticulture NZ chief executive Mike Chapman says The NZ Institute of Economic Research’s report released last month by Agcarm estimates our horticulture industry would lose 75 per cent of its value – about $4.875 billion a year – without crop protection products.

“Our industry cannot currently operate effectively without pesticides.

However, where they can, our growers are progressively lessening their use and want to move to products that are as

environmentally friendly as possible.”

Mike says HortNZ and the industry want to work with the EPA to speed up approval of organic and synthetic products that fight pests and diseases in the most sustainable, environmentally friendly way possible.

“As the report also estimates, a one-year delay in approval costs between $7m to $70m in lost GDP during a decade.

“This cost estimate can only increase given consumers are demanding their food is grown with minimal environmental impact, using as few and as friendly crop protection products as possible.” The report can be found at: agcarm.co.nz

The Capital Tractors team, of Peter Haystead, owner Reg Hedges, Bruce Lasenby, Dave Horgan and Ed Perrett, is proud to be the sole Power Farming distributor for the entire Bay of Plenty.

Local tractor dealership Capital Tractors has just announced it’s been appointed the sole Power Farming distributor covering the Western and now Eastern Bay of Plenty from June 30.

Managing director Reg Hedges is extremely positive about the announcement, saying “the Capital Tractors team has been working hard during the last few years to obtain this goal”.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team and excited about what we can add to the Power Farming brand in the Bay of Plenty.”

Power Farming’s origin can be traced back to 1948 from a small one-man operation established by Laurie Maber and growing to three branches. “Many Tauranga locals will remember Maber Motors at the end of Cameron Rd,” says Reg, as he recalls the deep history of the current site of Capital Tractors.

Over the years Power farming grew across New Zealand and in 1981, the company was appointed Iseki distributor for Australia. During the next two decades, gradually it built a stable of high-quality tractor and machinery franchises from around the world.

“Today Power Farming has grown to become a major enterprise, with a considerable investment in people, facilities, and technology – all aimed at serving a customer base spread throughout the length and breadth of Australia, NZ and the USA,” says Power Farming’s national Deutz-Fahr sales manager Alistair Horrocks.

Capital Tractors was purchased in 2015 by Reg and Michelle Hedges, who were looking for a business in Tauranga after successful careers in the building industry and farming. “We saw the opportunity to purchase Capital Tractors and and

FROM

we liked the fact Power Farming is a family-owned enterprise,” says Michelle Hedges.

Power farming has exclusive rights to sell the DeutzFahr tractors in NZ; and in 2017 they acquired the exclusive rights to sell them in the USA. Capital Tractors’ sales team member Bruce Lasenby says Deutz-Fahr is a rapidly growing tractor brand around the world. “Whilst it is not a commonlyknown brand in NZ, we’re seeing demand grow steadily as buyers are experiencing what a Deutz-Fahr tractor can offer. Customers have said the Deutz was an easy choice with high specifications, up-to-date technology, and a price that offered exceptional value for money.”

Along with Deutz-Fahr, Capital Tractors also stocks the versatile range of Kioti tractors – a Korean brand offering a range of tractors, from those suitable for small lifestyle blocks to those ideal for larger beef and dairy farmers. “We have many happy Kioti Tractor customers including a number in the Pacific Islands where the tractors multiple attachments make it perfect for a variety of applications,” says Bruce.

As the sole Power Farmer distributor in the Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, Capital Tractors will now do all warranty work for Power Farming.

Capital tractors has a strong workshop with field mechanics and a well-equipped workshop and parts department located on the Barkes Corner roundabout at the end of Cameron Rd. Tauranga business coach, Phil Holland from Love Your Business, has been working with Capital tractors for the last 18 months. “To see a company go from strength-to-strength, in such a short period of time, is a testament to the Capital Tractors team.

“Reg and Michelle Hedges continue to lead a great group of people, and this announcement is a credit to the hard work the whole team has put in to grow Capital Tractors”.

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Page 34

LIFESTYLE FARMING

August 2019 Coast & Country News

How to make more informed decisions How can you weigh up information to get a better outcome? Have you assembled and considered the information you have available about the subject, and made further enquiries before making a much more informed decision?

I see many people who are given a set of circumstances who’ll quickly make an illogical decision based on emotion, with complete lack of thought, resulting in a very poor outcome. I’ve recently witnessed a member of a family make

you know on the subject. Make enquiries from informed people whose opinion you can trust. Do not ask people who are unsuccessful. Do not ask people who’ll just agree with you without other thought. You need to consider the downside effects. Think about how the decision may affect other facets of your business. Always discuss and seek out your spouse’s opinion. Because arriving home with a shiny, new unconsidered acquisition without discussing it with your partner could have some major implications on your relationship.

You need to realise that your solicitor and accountant, while trained in their fields, often are unable to offer sound advice either. I’ve seen many people who sought and used only their professional’s advice falter and fail. They can be a great help, but you need to weigh the advice and make your own decision.

an ill-considered decision and is now paying heavily for it.

At university we were trained in good decision-making, the process and the outcome; and I now realise this ability and process is not-top of-mind for everyone.

So how can you do it better? In farming, as you well know, you’re making decisions all day. Each decision is dependent on the other and reflected in the outcome. The difference between good and poor farming on a profit or loss will depend on your interlocking decision making process.

To make an informed decision you need to do a few things. Seek out all

Then consider what will happen if you get it wrong as well. And think! Put time aside to think and consider all the factors involved, related and sometimes unrelated.

Sometimes it helps to make notes, try to link things together, make mind maps and use this process on paper.

Some people make lists of ‘for’ and ‘against’, but I’m not sure if that drives the logic, but it sure drives you to consider it.

Money is often the bases of the decision-making process. So use a calculator, write it down, and do the numbers. Do a budget and do it all again.

If a lender says ‘no’, take it as a massive hint that he thinks it will not fly. Bankers are trained in this

stuff and do it all day.

So please research your subject, consider all the options, seek good advice, talk to various people including your partner and then, and only then, think about it all and make a considered opinion.

Failure to do so could see you failing in business, relationships and life.

Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the farming industry. Contact him on 021 777 675.

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She says many farmers choose to break-feed stock on crops during winter months. “It’s a great way to provide food for animals and protect pastures but does require careful planning and good stockmanship to avoid welfare risks that wet weather can bring.

“New Zealand’s codes of animal welfare require livestock to have access to areas free of surface water and mud, and appropriate shelter from adverse weather.

“Animals will refuse to lie down on wet ground and can then become stressed, stop eating, and are more susceptible to lameness.”

There are a number of ways farmers can mitigate risks to animal welfare during winter, says Kate.

“If there is a spell of extreme weather or prolonged wet conditions, you may need to move your stock off the crop to drier land, and you should plan for this possibility – having a ‘plan B’ is the key.

“Clean drinking water must be available for animals at all times. Owners are still responsible for the welfare of their stock while they are off-farm for winter grazing and should check on the conditions, including their access to shelter and water.

“When transitioning from pasture to crop and back again, stock can be negatively affected. Ensuring you follow a gradual transition plan when moving your animals will prevent issues.”

MPI recommends talking to your vet for help with planning and any animal health concerns. Resources to help farmers with their winter grazing management are available online from DairyNZ and Beef+LambNZ.

KIWIFRUIT ULTRA-PRO

August 2019 Coast & Country News

New vessels to carry growing volumes Showing their loyalty and commitment to New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry, Fresh Carriers Co Ltd has commissioned the build of three new reefer vessels to meet forecasted increasing volumes of export fruit in coming years.

years.” Bruce says the ships will be used primarily for the NZ-Japan and Korea trade, and can be used for China. “The ships capacity is for 4880 pallets under-deck plus 100 40ft containers on-deck, holding about 2000 pallets. So 6880 High Cube pallets into total. That’s about 1.8 million trays [of fruit] if a ship is fully loaded.”

Deck heights Oceanic Navigation NZ’s Deck heights have been Bruce Nisbet, a representative for increased from 2.2m to 2.5m to Tokyo-based Fresh Carriers, told allow shipment of the HC pallets the audience at NZKGI’s 25th both underdeck and on-deck. anniversary event last month AGE inand FROST PROTECTION The ships will beDAMS self-sustained Tauranga that Fresh Carriers your farm water supply an ongoing problem? began shipping inbest and so they don’t need to enter conild a new pond or line an existingNZ earthkiwifruit dam with the ngest lasting1987 membrane available NZ. tainer terminals and can access – and now incarries all of the ture proof your farms water supply for many years to come. smaller ports in order to receive industry’s reefer vessel shipments th a proven life expectancy of over 50 years* FIRESTONE PDM is the ideal choice for harsh NZ help store and and deliver cargo quickly from to Japan, Korea andconditions China tousing nserve your water supply well into the future. and to the origin/destination. mainly reefer vessels.

RESTONE EPDM hasyear the longest material “This Freshstandard Carriers willwarranty The vessels will be constructed ailable in NZ. This is a 20 year FIRESTONE manufacturers and equipped in Japan by Kitanisupply 30 ships, carrying about arranty - a global company and a name you can trust. hon Shipbuilding Co. “I can tell is lining is laid on site topallets any sizeof or shaped dam.– 140,000 kiwifruit you the first ship is scheduled to that’s close to email 40 million trays of ustries Ltd ph (09) 820 0272, : sales@cosio.co.nz.

021 280 7266 for more and information.

EPDM liner 8, 2020; kiwifruit about 25 per cent of be delivered on October all NZ kiwifruit shipped is carried the second on December 23, 2020; the third ship will arrive by us.”

April 16, 2021,” says Bruce.

Bruce says the industry is one of He says the ship’s engines are the significant users of the reefer the latest design for fuel effi effivessels worldwide “and in order ciency, minimising greenhouse for Fresh Carriers to continue to service of their main customers IRRIGATION AND WATER STORAGE N they need to ensure they have TRA-PRO Shade cloth fabric the vessels to meet theirFIRESTONE forward EPDM pond liners.

TRA-PRO Windbreak fabric obligations”.

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TRA-PRO Woven weed mat announce they’ve signed 20 buildyear Firestone Warranty TRA-PRO Frost protection fabric on approved ing contacts for three new reefer installations. See us at the TRA-PRO Canopy Netting Agricultural Fieldays vessels to service the Contact us for nationwide NZ OLYGRO 200 EVA greenhouse covers Mystery Creek A graphic of what the new Pavilion site PB30 EOCIL non woven weed industry control fabric installers kiwifruit reefer vessels will look like. for15014, the next 20-25 s Ltd, P.O.Box New Lynn, 0640, Auckland

Page 35

PLANT AND CROP PROTECTIO

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EPDM liner cabling in each compartment Cosio Industries Ltd are official Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors to enable remote monitoring of fruit conditioning in each hold.

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Page 36

KIWIFRUIT

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Green orchards’ organic growth In the last two years since setting up his Western Bay of Plenty orchard management business, Ryan McDonnell has seen half of his green grower clients begin transitioning to growing fruit organically.

Today all except one of 15 orchards he manages have turned away from growing fruit conventionally, beginning

a three-year journey to achieve organic kiwifruit certification.

Ryan, who started working in kiwifruit 28 years ago, says the main push for green growers to go organic is the price it yields compared to conventional growing. “We’re getting a higher differential between conventional and organics now.”

And so going organic is a viable option for green orchardists to grow returns – especially if they’re at a stage in life

Ryan McDonnell on the McGovern family’s Hayward orchard at Whakamarama, which is one year into transitioning to organic. enhancer, hicane. or business where they wouldn’t consider a long-term “Our weed control was through chemical means, investment to change to the G3 variety, says Ryan. however we had changed to under-vine mowing. Also “The cost of everything to run an orchard and grow our Psa-V was minimal, so our copper inputs were kiwifruit is going up, and the price of conventional fairly minimal to begin with.” green fruit is not rising to support these costs,” says Ryan says going organic requires looking at all eleRyan. ments of an orchard operation. “It is soil condition, And worldwide, more people want to know where pest control, vine management etc.” their food comes from and how it is grown. So He creates a BioGro-certified organic spray proRyan doesn’t see demand for organic fruit slowing gramme, organic fertiliser programme and employs down. “Not at all – there seems to be a big increase growing techniques to bring the health of an orchard in demand for organic fruit in North America and back to the fore of its management.

Europe. And there’ll be a big increase in China as the “By increasing bacterial activity in the soil we can middle class grows.” try to prevent diseases, but this also helps break down One grower converting his family’s Whakamarama 8.28ha Hayward green orchard, under Ryan’s manage- things in the soil we don’t want.”

Organic certification is monitored by BioGro, plus ment, to organic is Dan McGovern.

Dan says going down this road first requires a change growers follow GlobalGAP and NZ law requirements.

In transition the first two harvests are classed convenof mindset. “When we first came onto the orchard tional; year three fruit is classed organic. we were thinking of going organic and we had five Ryan says organic fruit tends to be smaller in size years of conventional growing while we got our heads “but I swear black and blue that – and some people around requirements. will disagree with me on – it tastes better”.

“Then you become fully aware of the fact that the To counteract smaller sizing and fruit numbers, Ryan only asset you have is the soil,” says Dan. “With all puts huge emphasis on male pollen and pollination. the sprays we’re chucking on soil we’re killing all the “Spraying hicane on conventional orchards helps budbeneficial flora and fauna – the microbiology. break happen simultaneously and flowering occurs “Going organic ensures soil is healthy and compatduring about seven days. ible as it is, says Dan. “Then the rest of the whole “In organics we could have four weeks of pollination. organism will work well.”

Owned since the late-1970s, Dan’s family orchard So we put on a lot more male pollen to pollinate flowers because taste and dry matter and size is all about is one year into the journey. “We were fairly close how many seeds are in a Hayward fruit.” to organic when we began. The only thing we Merle Foster did that wasn’t really organic was use spray bud

KIWIFRUIT

August 2019 Coast & Country News

New rules to stop stink bug arrival Biosecurity New Zealand has provisionally released new rules intended to keep brown marmorated stink bugs out of the country.

The new regulations will apply to this year’s stink bug season, which starts September 1 and will run until April 30, 2020.

Biosecurity New Zealand spokesperson Paul Hallett says following consultation with industry, the list of countries that have requirements to treat imported vehicles, machinery, and parts before they arrive in NZ will rise from 17 to 33. These countries have all been identified as having stink bug populations.

The other big change is that imported cargo relating to vehicles will need to be treated offshore, including sea containers.

Only non-containerised vehicle cargo has required offshore treatment in the past, says Paul. Plus, offshore treatment requirements will also apply to all sea

containers from Italy. “The new rules are intended to reduce the biosecurity risk to NZ, by ensuring potentially contaminated cargo arrives as clean as possible,” says Paul.

He says Biosecurity NZ is planning to have officers based in Europe this season to educate manufacturers, treatment providers, and exporters about the new requirements and to audit facilities.

“If our checks find any issues, NZ will not accept any cargo from that facility until the problem has been fixed.”

Paul says NZ’s treatment requirements are now closer to Australia’s, which will make compliance easier for importers bringing cargo to both countries.

“A key difference is that the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will continue to allow treatment on-arrival for containerised goods.

“In addition, the stink bug season in Australia will run a month longer than ours. This is because warmer climatic and daylight conditions could allow stink bug to establish later in Australia.”

Interested parties could contest the new rules until mid-July.

Page 37

Pollinating kiwifruit made easy If you’re looking for a better way to pollinate your kiwifruit next season, Pollensmart is the answer.

Pollensmart is a tow-behind trailer-like machine that pollinates your kiwifruit when it works best with you.

Pollensmart user Michael Shanley says his first season using Pollensmart made a difference to his kiwifruit.

“I was very happy with the job that it did this year and it was probably one of my best years of producing kiwifruit.

“I’ve used it for just the one season, but I definitely plan on using it in the coming seasons.”

Michael says the flexibility Pollensmart offers him is a huge drawcard. “I could apply it myself

when I wanted to do it; and the benefit of having it is I put a little bit on often myself, so instead of a contractor applying 300g a hectare I can put on six applications of 50g per hectare,” says Michael.

“The benefit is being able to do it at the time of the day that you want to do it – you are in control of putting it on when you want to put it on and it’s very easy to use.”

Michael says that not only is the Pollensmart machine itself fantastic, but the team at Wrangler have been a huge help.

“I spoke to them and told them I was trying to figure a few things out and they were very helpful – and if I was having a problem with my machine they organised The Pollensmart someone to come out and show in action. me where I was going wrong,” says Michael.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

The brown marmorated stink bug continues to be a serious threat to NZ’s horticulture industry.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

Our Atom combined three nozz accuracy.

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We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

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Page 38

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Effluent: a problem or an opportunity?

Effluent was a problem for our forebears, especially in winter and the spring flush. It mixed with the mud and made a dirty, dangerous mess on the races and in the yards. It was a question of getting rid of it as best they could.

Recent times have seen us on a quest for cleaner waterways, and effluent is shifting from a problem to a new opportunity, says Taranaki Precast Concrete Ltd’s key account manager Wayne Brown.

“New rules and procedures have given farmers the tools to control their environment and while it can be tough keeping

up-to-date with all the changes, it is better to make the effort now rather than in the future when it is too late.”

Wayne says with greater knowledge of the environmental effects, and armed with better technology and equipment to harvest, store, process and distribute effluent, dairy farmers can now capitalise on the benefits.

“At Taranaki Precast Concrete, we’re seeing more farmers investing in higher capacity storage, greater than the minimums set by the Dairy Effluent Storage Calculator, or DESC. flexibility to use their effl effluent in “This is giving farmers more fl different ways and to use it when it gives them the maximum benefit.”

“Green water floodwash on feed pads is not new and green

Effluent is shifting from a problem to a new opportunity, according to Taranaki Precast Concrete.

water emulsifying herd home solids is a growing trend.

“Irrigating and fertilising our pasture is common and getting better every day. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?”

Wayne puts it simply. “Out of control effluent is a problem.

Collected and controlled effluent is a great opportunity.”

To talk with Taranaki Precast Concrete’s specialist team or book a free on-site consultation, see their advert on this page for contact details.

Taranaki Precast Concrete is seeing more farmers investing in higher capacity effluent storage.

August 2019 Coast & Country News

AVOCADO

Page 39

A new season to think strategically

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Harvesting for the 2019-2020 avocado season begins this month.

With the 2019-2020 export season just weeks away, New Zealand’s largest avocado marketing company is backing itself to reward growers with favourable returns for a seventh consecutive season.

INE NEMESH MESH MESH NE

The execution of smart promotional plans in Asia, combined with strong relationships with Australia’s most influential etail chains, will be central to Super - Super UV UV stabilised. stabilised. uper UV stabilised.

Avoco’s success as soon as harvesting for export begins and d 3quarantine quarantine purposes. purposes.

33 quarantine purposes. later this month. lls or or cut to to your your required required length. length. handle about 2.2 This season Avoco is expecting cut tocut your required length. ne mesh mesh is is required. required. trays – a volume that enables the company mesh is million required. to think strategically about its marketing decisions rper square square metre. metre. quare metre. for the benefit of its enti e pool, says marketing and 09 09 820 820 0272 0272 Fax 09 09 820 820 0274 0274 nd. . Phone Phone manager Steve Trickett.

09communications 820 0272 FaxFax 09 820 0274 Phone “Australia remains NZ’s largest and most valuable export market for avocados and, as such, will receive 00 800 109 109 093 093 109 093 about 80 per cent of the expected volume.

“Market conditions and post-harvest fruit quality will be carefully monitored throughout the sixmonth season in Australia where it’s reported people consume an average of 5kg of avocados per head of population each year.”

SE ECOVERS COVERS COVERS E Australian consumption

Steveprofits says consumption has been steadily growing in or higher higher profits profits higher Australia and, despite fears that NZ exporters would dorget forget recovering recovering for up toyears to 5 years 5 years get recovering upfor toceiling 5 one dayfor reach aup for sales across the Tasman, EVA EVA for longer longer lifeto defy expectations. the market continued VA forfor longer lifelife “Once again we’re delighted to have secured supply agreements with Australia’s biggest retail chains, who continue to demonstrate their faith in Avoco’s ability to supply premium quality fruit. hone Phone 09 820 820 0272 0272 Fax Fax 09 09 820 820 0274 0274 ne 09 09 820 0272 Fax 09 820 “We’ll be keeping a0274 close eye on how our fruit performs right through the supply chain and especially 109 093 093 post-harvest to ensure its quality lives up to expecta9109 093 tions. But we’re confident that p ocesses we’ve put in place will mitigate against a repeat of the quality challenges that the entire NZ industry faced in Australia last year.”

This season Avoco’s early harvest fruit will mostly be directed to Asian markets where its Avanza premium brand is highly sought-after by consumers, many of whom value the special nutritional qualities and torage storage liner liner used used by many many age liner used byby many unique taste profile of NZ a ocados. decorative r decorative water water storage storage ponds. season and smaller corative water An earlystorage finish toponds. theponds.

California an Plan now now for for next next summer, summer, build build a a NZ fruit is likely from Mexico early now forvolumes next summer, build a mean to be in high demand in Korea during the next few better uter better security security and and confidence. confidence. security and confidence. osm8m towide.

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volume outside of Australia and that will continue in 2019. Our in-market agency is highly tuned into the behaviours of consumers and we’ve tailored a promotional strategy for Korea designed to resonate with them strongly.”

Social media and influencer campaigns will featu e heavily across all Asian markets, along with in-store tasting events and marketing activity that creates

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awareness about where to buy Avanza avocados and the best way to use them in meals.

Last year was the first time NZ expo ters gained market access to China. Avoco made modest shipments as it sought to test distribution channels and better understand the purchasing habits of targeted Chinese consumers.

Steve says lessons learned in their first season would serve them well as they looked to grow the market, especially among the generation of young mothers and health-conscious, experimental ‘foodies’.

“To be visible in a market the size of China’s, we must be hyper-local and digitally-connected to cut through the noise and reach our desired demographic.”

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Page 40

August 2019 Coast & Country News

How we live and grow food needs a rethink By the time you read this, debate in New Zealand about climate change will have heated up again.

In mid-July, the Interim Climate Change Commission released its reports and the Government announced it was consulting on proposed options to reduce agricultural emissions.

At the same time, the primary sector released its climate change commitment, ‘He Waka Eke Noa – Our Future in Our Hands’.

Practical solutions

®

If we are to change and reach the Government’s targets, we need to have practical and easy-to-use solutions. It is not enough to predicate change by setting targets and not provide funding for research and development.

New tools and investment in tech transfer are vital so urban NZ, farmers and growers can adapt. We need to turn to technology for the solutions but that costs money.

How we live as a country and how our rural sector grows our food needs a substantial rethink.

This transition will not be an easy but the biggest disruptive force is going to be the consumer.

Consumers’ tastes are moving to a strong focus on healthy food for wellness, which includes a move away from animal to plant proteins. As commentators have observed, this move is

being funded by some of the wealthiest individuals and corporates in the world.

Impact on NZ

The impact on what we grow here in NZ will be profound. This is a triple impact: actual climate change, the Government’s response to it, and what our premium consumers will demand.

There is an enormous consumer tsunami of change sweeping the world – and NZ is well placed to capitalise on it. The crunch point is we will not capitalise on it by doing what we are doing today.

My fear is we’ll be locked in the past, like a possum in the headlights.

In the excellent KPMG Agri-business Agenda 2019, the authors say that surviving and indeed capitalising on this consumer wave will require ‘playing an infinite game…and thriving through wellness’.

They accurately state that ‘in an environment of dramatic and continuous disruption, the biggest risk facing organisations is maintaining relevance’.

My interpretation of this is we must embrace change and capitalise on it by developing, as the report says ‘new capability to enable (growers) to retain a sustainable position in the markets they choose to play in’. My only point of difference is it is not a ‘game’ or ‘play’ – we are fighting for our very survival in this ‘infinite game’.

So, are we ready to ‘play the infinite game’? I don’t think so. We are still timewarped in the paradigms of the past.

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AVOCADO

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 41

Focus on getting jobs done early It’s on its way – spring that is. And, all those busy activities we’ve been building for during autumn and winter months.

So it’s time to get going with implementing your nutrition programme, to start getting ready for the flowering months. It’s also time to inspect trees for any phytophthora issues and consider an injection round.

Also check for drainage and re-sow those worn grass cover areas. And make sure you enjoy spring – the early mornings maybe still refreshingly cold but the later sunsets and warmth of the days are magic.

For avocado growers this time is all about looking forward to the next 12 months. It’s when we start getting busy for the growing season. While we aren’t in maximum growth, trees are still growing and are starting to build the head of stem for spring/ summer months.

You need to focus on getting jobs done early. Get fertiliser on, crops sprayed, pests under control, pruning completed, and weeds under control. A good plan will set things up well and help get jobs done on time.

Injecting

Increasing potassium levels prior to flowering will help flower strength.

We bring more labour on at this time of the year and it appears the industry is going to move their harvesting programme earlier.

Injecting plays an important role at this time. Injecting in August will help push a nice spring growth. It’s this growth we want just after flowering and before mid-January. We don’t want growth to be too strong, but to be more than 300mm long.

Increasing potassium levels prior to flowering will help flower strength. And it’s important to

Fruit fly response continues in Auckland There has been no let-up in Biosecurity New Zealand’s response to fruit fly finds in the Northcote area, with restrictions remaining in place to contain the pest.

Since 26 April, an area of Northcote has been under a Controlled Area Notice. This restricts the movement of certain fruits and vegetables out of controlled areas to help prevent the spread of any fruit flies still in the area.

Along with the continued restrictions, a network of fruit fly surveillance traps, which attract male fruit flies, have remained in the area during winter and are regularly checked.

Biosecurity New Zealand spokesperson Dr Catherine Duthie says it is this continued vigilance that led to the discovery of another single male fruit fly on July 15 in a trap in the current controlled area, 350 metres from where the last was found on May 31.

“We cannot afford to take our foot off the pedal.

“We have found 10 of these flies in the Northcote area since February, and while we still haven’t found any evidence of larvae, pupae, eggs or female flies, the continued finds indicate that Queensland fruit flies remain in the area, albeit at very low levels.”

An established population of the flies could be devastating to NZ’s multi-billion dollar horticulture industry.

The Queensland fruit fly is a native of Australia, where it is the most serious insect pest of fruit and vegetable crops.

Queensland fruit flies belong to the fly family Tephritidae, which includes more than 4500 species.

Most species aren’t pests but the Queensland fruit fly is very damaging, infesting more than 100 different fruits and vegetables such as pipfruit, kiwifruit, avocado, citrus, feijoa, grape, and summerfruit.

“Once we start heading out of winter, we’ll be

looking at stepping up again, with the focus on maintaining controls and continuing with baiting and more intensive trapping,” says Catherine.

Find out more at: www.biosecurity. govt.nz/fruitfly Left: The Queensland fruit fly is a serious threat to many NZ horticulture crops, including kiwifruit and avocado.

have good boron levels. As an industry we have tended to move away from boron spraying in spring, relying more on ground and soil levels.

However, boron is easily leached and if you feel you’ve had a wet winter and

already have low boron levels, consider foliar spraying. Talk to your technical rep at your horticulture goods supplier to check compatibility as this mineral can be sensitive to it.

Tony Bradley of Aongatete Avocados

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 42

August 2019 Coast & Country News

The plight of moon bears in China Coast & Country News writer Helen Wilson has supported the plight of moon bears, which are threatened by the cruel practice of bear bile farming in parts of China, for a few years now.

Recently, she visited the Chengdu Bear Rescue centre, created in 2000

by Jill Robinson.

I’ve been supporting the moon bears, by making donations to Animals Asia, since seeing a documentary about the cruel practice of bear bile farming in parts of China.

The farming system is designed to extract bile

from the gallbladders of living bears, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Moon bears can be recognised by a crescentshaped moon on their chests.

The Chengdu Bear Rescue centre was started in 2000 by Jill Robinson, an English woman who moved to Hong Kong in the 1980s to work for the International Fund for Animal Rescue, concentrating on China and South Korea.

In 1993 Jill visited a bear bile farm in China and while others in the group were told of the benefits of bear bile, she left the group and discovered that the bears were kept in dark basements in tiny cages and their bile was cruelly extracted by catheter on a daily basis.

Jill reached out to one of these bears, which

extended its paw, and there was a connection between her and the caged bear.

This was the start of her journey to end bear fi file farming by rescuing the bears and providing a sanctuary for them to live out their days in relative freedom.

Wild animals

These wild animals, which were used to living in the forest roaming free and foraging for their food, were often kept in cages where they could not stand up and fed a diet of gruel that was not good for their health. Many have serious dental problems.

Bear bile farming began in China in the 1980s and is still legal in some parts of the country,

A moon bear enjoys grass in the enclosure. but gradually through education it is becoming less popular. There is no need for the extraction process as the equivalent can now be made

Amazing scenery on offer in the deep south

The Eastern Explorer 4x4 tour takes travelers through South Island regions rich in history, outdoor experiences and amazing scenery, say owner-operators of NZ Adventures 4x4 Tours, Robbie and Connie Crickett, who operate back country tours throughout the South Island.

“This Eastern Explorer tour starts in Geraldine and we are privileged to begin it by traveling through Four Peaks Station, a high country station which offers a walking, tramping, hiking and/or mountain biking experience as part of its business,” says Connie.

It takes in the very diverse and possibly little known area of the eastern foothills of South Canterbury and inland Otago – and includes the Hunter Hills, Hawkdun and St. Mary’s Ranges along with the

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Strath Taieri region and the Lammermoor and Lammerlaw and the Rough Ridge.

Connie says it covers regions rich in New Zealand’s early European history with gold mining’s past at Lawrence and the vast pastoral runs. “The modern industrial mining features at Macraes Flat, which runs alongside more than 100 years of mining history.”

“And the trip, for a time on the fifth day, follows a gorge of the mighty Clutha River.”

You can view the Eastern Explorer tour on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Xlfz-ba2bLo But essentially, Connie reckons it’s five days of amazing scenery “with the bonus of great and likeminded company in the deep south”.

For more information on this tour, or to contact NZ Adventures 4x4 Tours, see their advert on this page.

COUNTRY LIVING

August 2019 Coast & Country News

The large enclosure, offering plenty of room to roam.

Page 43

Books garner plenty of interest

All Photos: Helen Wilson.

Coast & Country News was inundated with entries for two recent book giveaway competitions run in our June and July editions.

As a result, we are pleased to announce Gillian Higgins has won a copy of book book ‘Our Land Our People – In search of farming excellence’ by Waikato farm consult-

ant-turned-author Ross Hyland.

And Gwen Syme of Tirau has won a copy of newly-launched book ‘Seeds of Success – the stories of New Zealand’s Kiwifruit Pioneers’ commissioned by New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc and written

by Elaine Fisher. Congratulations to both winners.

Right: A reminder of the cages the bears were kept in. synthetically. There are two moon bear sanctuaries, one in Chengdu, China; the other is in the northern part of Vietnam, where bear bile farming is also practised.

The sanctuaries have one open day a month and anyone can apply to go on a tour of the sanctuary, and if you make regular donations the chances of being accepted are more likely.

I was delighted when my husband and I were accepted to visit the Chengdu sanctuary in May.

Small cages

We were picked up from our hotel in a taxi and travelled to Longqiao town on the outskirts of Chengdu city, where the moon bear sanctuary is set within a tranquil and forest landscape beside the Pi River. It is 130,000m2 and has the capacity to accommodate 500 rescued bears.

There were eight of us in the group and we were shown around

by Emily Zhu, who is the education officer for the sanctuary.

First of all we were taken into a room and shown pictures of bears being kept in small cages and

the catheters used to extract the bile from their gall bladders often causing peritonitis. There was also a metal jacket on display, which is put around the bear’s abdomen to restrict its movement and to make it easier for the farmer to collect the bile.

After an informative talk about the cruelty of bear bile farming from Emily, we stepped out into the sunshine in silence, all a little emotional at the cruelty to bears we had witnessed in the photos.

The next part of the visit was walking around the bear enclosures where the rescued bears have space to roam free with tyre swings to play on, trees to climb, cool pools to swim in and a bear friend to play with.

They are fed a vegetarian diet of watermelon, cabbages, pumpkin, fruit, honey and jam. The food is hidden around their enclosure so they can use their hunting skills and seek out the food. The bears are looked after by a dedicated team of veterinarians, often volunteers, and helpers, who hide their

medications in marshmallows as just like humans, medicine always tastes awful.

It often takes a long time for the bears to trust humans again and some are traumatised forever.

Some have paws missing from trapping and others have mobility issues from being kept in small cages, unable to stand up or turn around for years at a time.

A privilege

Some of the bears brought to the sanctuary are so ill they do not make it and the last part of the tour was the garden of remembrance, where each bear has a wooden plaque with its name on, there was even one named ‘Kiwi’.

It was a real privilege to visit the moon bear sanctuary I support so far from where I live, and to know this is a well-organised charity that receives no government funding and relies on donations from the public.

To find out more about Animals Asia, and the work they do, see: www.animalsasia.org

N

EW

ZEALAND MA D

E

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY KEEP YOUR SPOUTING CLEAR

0800 333 101 info@guttersolutionz.co.nz

www. guttersolutionz.co.nz

Page 44

COUNTRY LIVING

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Future-proof gutters against birds With spring approaching, it won’t be long until birds are moving in to gutters and eaves, says New Zealand Gutter Protection owner Martin Smith.

So now is the time to prevent birds from getting in and building their nests in your house. “The problem with birds nesting in houses, apart from noise, is they make a mess on walls

and windows, and contaminate tank water,” says Martin. “They also bring seeds into gutters, which can rapidly germinate into an elevated garden.

“Installing gutter protection is a permanent way to prevent bird nesting woes. It ensures leaves, hail and other debris don’t get into gutters and pose a flooding risk. It will keep out rats and other pests, and keep tank water clean,” says Martin.

Fallen leaves clogging gutters is also a significant maintenance issue, says

Martin. “If leaf build-up is left for long periods of time, it can cause the gutters to rust and disintegrate.”

For many, climbing on to the roof every few months to clear gutters is neither appealing nor safe.

“Gutter protection means no more scrambling up a ladder to get to the gutters, risking a fall,” says Martin.

NZ Gutter Protection mesh is made from heavy-duty polyethylene; it comes in a range of colours, can be installed on any roof type, and has a 15-year guarantee on materials and workmanship.

“Our mesh is made from very durable material and is designed to withstand NZ’s intense sun.”

Martin does most gutter protection fitting himself, so clients liaise with the same person from quote to completion NZ Gutter Protection owner-operator Martin Smith on the job. of work.

He’s been installing gutter protection on homes, He offers a free, personal quote tailored to suit farm buildings and commercial properties since 2005, each property’s requirements. The service includes a servicing the entire Waikato and Bay of Plenty. gutter clean prior to installation of gutter protection.

Should I take co-enzyme Q10?

We generally make all the co-enzyme Q10 we need.

Abundant Health

Some people, however, should take extra as a supplement. CoQ10 is made in your liver from the same enzymes that make cholesterol.

This is why drugs that reduce cholesterol can significantly reduce circulating CoQ10.

I recently spoke to a client who’d experienced a lot of muscle pain and stiffness while on statins. After just a month on high grade CoQ10, the pain had completely gone and is now able to tolerate the medication without side effects. I generally find it takes one-two months to restore muscle function and energy.

Muscle issues from statin use is one of the most common reasons for muscle and tendon pain and weakness. It’s a shame many suffer needlessly because in most cases this can be quickly resolved with a high quality CoQ10, without having to stop the medication.

What makes CoQ10 unique is its ability to accept and donate electrons. This enables CoQ10 to move

hydrogen electrons within your cell mitochondria to make the energy your body requires. Inadequate CoQ10 levels reduce energy output and this is felt as tiredness and often as muscle weakness.

I regularly prescribe CoQ10 for those with health issues known to reduce energy, especially those with autoimmune or neurodegenerative problems.

While CoQ10 is not a cure it can help to lift general energy and wellbeing.

In most cases I will add CoQ10 as the patented CoQsol, or my specialised MTQ10 formula for those needing extra CoQ10 plus a lift in energy. MTQ10 combines CoQ10 with a B complex plus other energy co-factors. Most people feel a real difference within one-two months.

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

COUNTRY LIVING

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 45

Find your loved one’s true connections O U NT R

A new book, authored by the founder of Exisle Publishing, can help.

‘Finding True Connections’, by Gareth St John Thomas, clearly and simply sets out how you can undertake this process yourself, without an external interviewer.

Designed as a series of double-page spreads, on the left-hand page is a prompt question, while opposite are notes on how to gain the most meaningful answers, to do yourself or to discover more about a family member.

Gareth is the founder of Exisle Pub-

N NIE

S

FU

lishing, an independent publishing house that’s published books on history, better living, psychology, family, ageing and health for more than 25 years.

Thanks to Exisle Publishing, Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘Finding True Connections’ to give away. To be in to win, email captions for the photo to the left with your name and address to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz Or put these details on an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive

by August 15. Winner of June’s Country Funnies is Dawn Wagner of Gisborne. She wins a copy of ‘Truthteller’ by Stephen Davis.

Y

C

Have you ever thought of recording a family member’s history but just don’t know how to go about it?

Maybe you’re not sure how to extract that precious, historical or obscure information from them.

‘Finding True Connections’ is the book prize for August.

Possum fur belt tackles back pain Wanganui farmer Colin Cox is becoming something of a celebrity with his highly acclaimed possum fur pain relief products – and in particular his ‘Possum Fur Belt’ aimed at relieving lower back pain.

It was around 15 years ago that Colin learned from his friend and fellow farmer, the late Sir Peter Elworthy, that possum fur was hollow.

Colin reasoned that the fur, when worn directly against the skin, would trap heat and keep the wearer warm.

The rest is history.

In 2010, aspiring Olympic rower, Mahe Drysdale was laid low with osteoarthritis. There were days when his back pain was so intense that he could not train, says Henry Newrick, managing director of Painaway.

“In 2011 he learned about the possum fur belt and agreed to trial it. To his amazement much of his

pain went away.

“He resumed training and just 12 months later, astonished the world by winning Olympic Gold and then repeated the win in 2016.

“He was wearing the belt during both events and has worn it 24/7 for the last eight years – for without it the pain is too great.”

Taihape farmer Fraser Gordon wrecked his back more than 35 years ago throwing stray sheep back into his neghbour’s property. Five years ago he acquired a Painaway belt and his life changed, says Henry.

“He is now pain-free and freely admits that when he stops wearing the belt his pain returns.”

To find out more about this life-changing product, including case studies, clinical trial and a free brochure, see Painaway’s advert with contact details on this page.

What the inside and outside of the Possum Fur Belt looks like. Fur is worn against the skin.

Pain Relief Without Drugs Pain Relief Without Drugs The Farmer’s Friend - All Natural Possum Fur Belt Relieves Lower The Farmer’s Friend - All Natural Possum FurAddictive Belt Relieves Lower Back & Arthritis Pain Without the Need for Painkillers Back & Arthritis Pain Without the Need for Addictive Painkillers

Colin Cox is not your usual farmer. He’s had an adventurous, been He’s featured in Colin Cox is amazing not yourlife usualandfarmer. had an numerous radioamazing and press life interviews.

Along featured with the late adventurous, and been in Sir Peter radio Elworthy he was an early pioneer numerous and press interviews.

Along with in thedeer late farming helped set up the fur industry in Sir Peterand Elworthy he was an possum early pioneer in deer New Zealand. farming and helped set up the possum fur industry in It was not until around 2002 at the age of 60 that he New Zealand. became of the unique feature possum in It was aware not until around 2002 at theofage of 60 fur that– he that it isaware hollowofand ablefeature to trapofheat.

Withfur this– in became the thus unique possum in mind began a series of experiments that itColin is hollow and thus able to trap heat. and Withover thisthe in next few years discovered that specially treated possum mind Colin began a series of experiments and over the fur worn discovered directly against the skintreated of a person’s nextwhen few years that specially possum lower back, hasdirectly the effect of taking awayof a person’s fur when worn against the skin pain these lower to back,varying has the degrees. effect of From taking away experiments came the now wellFrom knownthese and pain to varying degrees. ever popularcame Painaway fur pain experiments the nowpossum well known and relief belt. ever popular Painaway possum fur pain The belt. real breakthrough came in 2011 relief when, struckbreakthrough down withcame osteoarthritis, The real in 2011 Olympic Rower down Mahe Drysdale was really when, struck with osteoarthritis, struggling to train through the pain.

Olympic Rower Mahe Drysdale was really He’d tried virtually everything to end his struggling to train through the pain. back pain, nothingeverything worked. Desperate, He’d triedbutvirtually to end his he agreed the belt and, toDesperate, his great back pain, tobuttrial nothing worked. delight, relief. Mahe was he agreedhetoachieved trial the significant belt and, topain his great then ablehe to achieved resume training on thepain water again.Mahe was delight, significant relief.

Just 12tomonths in on 2012 won gold and then able resume later training the Mahe water again. repeated win in later 2016inwhile the belt.

Just 12hismonths 2012wearing Mahe won goldSince and first trying belt in 2011, the he has it repeated hisout wintheinpossum 2016 while wearing belt.worn Since virtually every since and admits that he it has first trying out day the possum belt in 2011, haschanged worn it his life. every day since and admits that it has changed virtually lady in Rotorua was on 2000 mg of pain-killers a hisAlife. day to undergo back surgery. acquired aa A and ladyabout in Rotorua was on 2000 mg ofShe pain-killers belt and about two days later was painkillers.

She thena day and to undergo backoff surgery.

She acquired belt and two days later was off painkillers. She then

cancelled her impending back surgery and threw away the medication. cancelled her impending back surgery and threw away there’s Fraser Gordon, a 67 year old working theThen medication. farmer from Taihape.

More than ago he Then there’s Fraser Gordon, a 67 30 yearyears old working wrecked his back returning a neighbour’s farmer from Taihape.

More than 30 sheep years over ago the he fence (when, as he put it a“Ineighbour’s should have opened wrecked his back returning sheep over the the gate”).

He was in agony.

Over the ensuing years he tried fence (when, as he put it “I should have opened the many nothing seemedyears to work. gate”).different He was remedies in agony. but Over the ensuing he tried Some years ago he came Possum belt and many different remedies butacross nothingthe seemed to work. decided to give try. The result life changing.

Some years ago ithea came across thewas Possum belt and Fraser that when he wears the belt haschanging. virtually decidedsays to give it a try.

The result washelife no pain at all but if he doesn’t the pain returns.

Fraser says that when he wears the belt he has virtually no pain at allWe but if he doesn’t pain returns. have manythe stories like these ..

We have stories thesepain ..

If you aremany suffering from like low back that just are won’t go away thenlow youback will pain find If you suffering from detailed on our that just information won’t go away thenweb yousite willalong find with clinical studies,on more plus the detailed information our stories web site along science behind the belt and why it works. with clinical studies, more stories plus the If youbehind don’t the have then science beltinternet and whyaccess it works. request information by calling us on: If youfree don’t have internet access then request 115 free information calling us on: 0800 241 or 027by471 2242

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CALVING

Page 46

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Homeopathic products to assist recovery post-birth Calving comes and goes each season – but the main focus of any farming year is a smooth transition from a dry cow to a milking cow, and getting her back in-calf within an acceptable timeframe.

TALK TO THE EXPERTS FOR FARMING SUPPORT

Comfortable mats means happy calves

HOMEOPATHIC FARM SERVICES

ARNICA/BELLIS

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For the post calving effects of deep internal bruising

For unsettled animals due to separation and weaning

HERBAL DIGESTIVE DRENCH Herbal Digestive Drench is a natural health tonic and nutritive, to support a healthy faecal egg count and to maintain a healthy animal.

Suitable for calves, cows, lambs, sheep, goats, alpacas and horses.

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time in the shed.” Tracey says it is important to deal with this stressful time effectively, to support the animal’s emotional wellbeing, enabling them to respond in a calmer manner. “Caulophyllum and Pyrogen are two products used to support the reproductive system as they both have specific actions in this area.

“Focusing on getting cows back in-calf while supportWith that in mind, Homeopathic ing their immunity with no hassles going forward is Farm Services has a range of the primary objective.” homeopathic products that Useful homeopathic products to can assist animals’ recovery support the immune system are from the birthing process Tuberculinum for the cows, to best prepare them for mating time.

Tub aviare for calves, and “Homeopathic Arnica/Bellis Herbal AB for all stock and can help with bruising of people. the internal organs sustained “To assist cycling and fertilduring the gestation period,” ity we have homeopathic says Homeopathic Farm SerSepia, which balances the vices’ homeopath hormones making it benTracey Simpson. eficial for anoestrus cows.

“Ignatia helps any stresses This product is used prior on the mental/emotional level to mating. when dealing with separation of “We also have a free help cows and calves, or for heifers in the springer mob for restHomeopathic Farm Services has a range desk available if you’d like any further information or adminislessness, agitation, those of products that can assist animals’ tration guidelines.” upset or experiencing their first recovery from the birthing process.

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Every farmer knows that taking care of your animals and their comfort is one of the best ways to ensure happy cows and calves.

Burgess Matting can provide non-slip, anti-fatigue matting to help keep your cows and calves comfortable and will fi fit the solution to your specifications.

With plenty of matting options available, Russell Burgess from Burgess Matting says they can do it all.

“We do the ATV carrier mat, calf-trailer matting, horse trucks and ute deck matting as well,” says Russell.

“We have installed our product in feed lot pads, entry and exit areas, bail mats for rotary sheds, Hoofbond foot baths, and flooring for herringbone sheds as well.

“We can also make to measure – so we make to suit the trailer or to

A calf trailer kitted out with Burgess Matting. specification.” the forefront. They make all of Burgess Matting has been manu- their matting from reclaimed and facturing solutions in conjunction recycled rubber. “So not only are with owners and farmers for more you helping your cows, you’re than 60 years with the need to helping the environment as well,” look after stock and animals at says Russell.

CALVING

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 47

Let humates boost your animals’ health One of the most natural ways to combat diarrhoea in calves is StockMate, says Andrew Roy, sales manager of Southern Humates.

StockMate is a certified organic input sold as a bi-product from Southern Humates, which is supplied from a privatelyowned humate seam in Waituna, Southland that has been found to produce a consistently superior humate product.

“Humates are part of a group of humic substances that make up the soil humus, which plays an important role for not only soil organisms but also for animals feeding from the soil,” says Andrew.

“Being high in carbon, it works as a detox within the gut, keeping the animal healthy and happy.”

Andrew says humates and humic acid have been found to aid the recovery of sick animals and prevent disease, as well as increasing animal production.

And it has many more benefits. “It forms a protective film on the mucous lining of the gastro-intestinal tract, and is a powerful detoxifying agent available for sick animals.

“It also supports immune system receptors in the gut lining, shown through increased white blood cell activity.”

Reduction in Somatic Cell Counts in dairy herds can be experienced when StockMate is fed as a 50:50 lick with salt.

“It also is an important factor for colostrum quality when fed to dry cows, supplies building blocks for a calf ’s immune system; and when added to feed ratios can help to stabilise an animal’s intestinal flora and increase gut microbial growth.”

A revolution in potent probiotics for calves In the last two years Probiotic Revolution has introduced a potent probiotic for calves – and it’s been very effective in reducing scours, according to company founder Chris Collier.

possible so they effectively exclude other bugs and boost calves’ immune systems, says Chris.

“We’ve had numerous examples where it’s sorted out Rotavirus outbreaks after a few days and we have protocols to incorporate Calf Xtreme if there is a disease challenge.”

Nick Parlairet of Te Awamutu says his calves were diagnosed with Rotavirus in late-September last year.

“We then started them on Calf Xtreme Plus, at double dose rates, and after four days we noticed their coats started to improve and they never looked back. We’d started calving mid-July and by November 29 they were 139kg.”

Many farmers avoid nutritional scours by feeding low rates of milk – but if more milk is fed in the first three weeks of a calf ’s life, there is a big payback in subsequent heifer milk production, says Chris.

“We encourage farmers to feed high rates of milk – 6L once-a-day after a week, or 8L or more if they stay with twice-a-day feeding,” says Chris.

“At these high rates of milk, it ends up in the rumen but our live yeast in Calf Xtreme stabilises the rumen and stimulates grass and meal consumption and early weaning is not a problem.”

Calf Xtreme also has live bacteria that are micro-encapsulated to preserve them from acid digestion in a calf ’s abomasum.

Nick Parlairet’s July/August-born calves, which These bugs come got Rotavirus but were 139kg by November 29. from the best sources

Being high in carbon, StockMate works as a detox within the gut, keeping animals healthy and happy.

Page 48

FORESTRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Future forests nurtured from seed Peter Harington with operations manager Mandy Spence.

All Photos: Catherine Fry

When Peter Harington bought Rotorua Forest Nursery last year he hit the ground running, doubling previous production to an estimated nine million trees this season.

This sudden increase in demand for radiata pine seedlings was partly due to the Government’s One Billion Tree programme.

Peter brought 40 years of experience in forestry to his new venture, including 30 years spent managing forest nurseries.

Most recently he was involved in leading edge forest nursery research while manager of the Scion research nursery. This research looked into nursery practices and how they impact on early growth and survival in the forest, the importance of a healthy soil biota and requirements of radiata pine with mycorrhiza, beneficial bacteria and Trichoderma.

But he’s completely pragmatic about his reasons for business purchase. A deteriorating visual impairment was stopping him from gaining employment.

“It was either buy a business myself or continue working, or resign myself to listening to national radio and daytime TV for the rest of my life,” says Peter.

The business came with two much-valued full-time staff. Operations manager Mandy Spence has been there 12 years and Caine Easthope is completing his apprenticeship in horticulture while working. Mandy has fond memories of her seasonal work at the nursery as a teenager.

In September around 20ha are prepared and fertilised for 15 days of using a vacuum drum, precision sower to sow the rows of 400m to 500m-long beds.

“The radiata pine seed used is fourth generation New Zealand-bred, and genetically superior through selective breeding since 1950,” says Peter.

Fast-growing, disease-resistant, straight trees with stable and strong wood is the desired combination.

Rotorua Forest Nursery’s managing director Peter Harington amongst the rows of radiata pine seedlings.

During summer, Peter, Mandy and Caine run the nursery, monitoring things carefully. The seedlings are fertilised and sprayed as required. The trees are mainly grown to order for farmers, and forestry companies “plus some for later orders”.

“During autumn we condition the plants for dispatch, toughening them up ready for forest planting with just a ball of roots.”

Roots are undercut 10cm-12cm below the surface, then laterally between rows, and finally topped to 32cm. From June, the staff roll swells to 20, and the nursery is very busy as each seedling is hand-lifted, graded and boxed.“We never have a problem getting the seasonal staff,” says Peter.

“Our workers are usually Kiwis, and many spend the rest of the year working in tourism or the kiwifruit industry; this is their way of life.”

There is good money to be earned with workers paid by each box of 100 they lift – and, as Peter says: “The most important ingredient to growing good trees is people”.

Catherine Fry

FORESTRY

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Page 49

NZ needs a global wooden showcase Reconstructing Wellington with wooden buildings following a massive earthquake would provide a global showcase for what can be done with timber, said New Zealand Forest Owners Association president Peter Weir at the 2019 Primary Industries Summit in Wellington in July.

“It would be a global showcase for how to rebuild a city in engineered wood and would drive a whole new era of manufacturing and innovation. Globally, there are a lot of seismically active places and rebuilding a city in wood would be a huge driver for our value chain.”

Peter made the comments when he took part in a panel discussion on the topic ‘How the primary industries are unlocking New Zealand’s premium potential’.

Other panel members were HortNZ CEO Mike Chapman, Wools of NZ director Lucy Griffiths, Beef+Lamb NZ chief executive officer Sam McIvor, and Fonterra’s director of group research and development Mark Piper.

Peter says NZ is lagging behind the UK and Australia in constructing multi-storied wooden buildings.

Cheap steel

Part of the problem is cheap steel coming out of China and the price of carbon under the Emissions Trading Scheme, which was too low, says Peter. “Look at the Christchurch rebuild. It was a lost opportunity with few new wooden buildings constructed.”

New Zealand Forest Owners Association president Peter Weir on the panel at the Primary Industries Summit.

Photo: Ivor Earp-Jones.

Peter told summit delegates the forestry industry’s innovation gains would come through smart tree breeding and doubling production on the existing land base while maintaining a low environmental footprint.

Deployment of elite tree breeds would be part of that future, and Peter says the country’s big forestry companies, shareholders in a radiata pine breeding company are “on the cusp of delivering some amazing stuff ”.

CRISPR technology

“Technology will take us to the next step beyond business as usual, and we’re expecting to see significant gains from gene editing of clonal tree stocks, including sterile Doug-

Reassessment of methyl bromide The Environmental Protection Authority is seeking submissions on an application for the reassessment of methyl bromide. The product is used in NZ as a fumigant in the quarantine and pre-shipment treatment of logs, produce, flowers and other goods.

The EPA’s chemical reassessment programme reviews hazardous substances already approved in NZ. Under NZ law, a chemical’s approval does not expire – reassessment is the only formal legal process to review approval of a chemical classed as a hazardous substance.

In April 2018, the EPA decided grounds existed for a reassessment of methyl bromide, following an application by Stakeholders in Methyl Bromide Reduction Inc, known as STIMBR. According to the EPA, grounds to

reassess were granted based on data showing NZ’s use of the fumigant had increased from more than 400 tonnes a year in 2010, to more than 600 tonnes in 2016.

Earlier this year, STIMBR applied for a reassessment of the approval for methyl bromide. The EPA is processing this application as a modified reassessment. This means the reassessment will only consider specific aspects of the approval, such as required controls.

The approval to import or manufacture methyl bromide cannot be revoked in this type of reassessment.

Submissions on this reassessment close 5pm on August 29. The consultation page is at: www.epa.govt.nz/publicconsultations/open-consultations/ reassessment-of-methyl-bromide/

las fir and radiata with a 20 per cent gain in fibre production per hectare because trees are not putting photosynthetic energy into cones and pollen.

“This will be done through [for editing genomes] that has Non-Government Organisation support as sterile trees mean no more wilding conifers and we’re seriously talking to Forest & Bird right now.”

There would be some intensification of plantings and one to two applications of nitrogenous fertiliser at a rate of 150kg of N per ha twice during a 25-year rotation.

“I don’t expect any leaching but there will be a product gain. It is important to stress that this gain will happen on flat to rolling forests, because those are our most profitable ones by far. I don’t think we will see gains on steeper forest, and it will not happen on steep marginal land or hill country.

“I think we’ll see the handbrake go on seven per cent of forest because the gains happen on flat to rolling forest.”

Good money

Acknowledging timber is largely a commodity product, Peter says there is nothing wrong with selling a sustainably-grown commodity product. “There is good money in commodities with a good supply chain and good logistics, especially if your brand is better than tropical logging.”

China is the biggest market with a whole sawmilling industry dependent on NZ soft wood production. There are ports on the eastern seaboard targeting NZ radiata.

India offers potential but is a complex market, says Peter.

Another challenge may be the newly-formed lobby group 50 Shades of Green, which is calling on the Government to rethink its One Billion Trees policy.

Peter says the group has “come out of nowhere” and could impact on the industry’s social licence to operate.

However, NZ had signed up to the Paris agreement and committed to reduce greenhouse gases by 30 per cent in a decade, and much of that would have to come from offsetting by planting trees.

Elaine Fisher

Page 50

FERTILISER

Top dressing pilot joins NZYF board A 27-year-old top dressing pilot has been elected to the NZ Young Farmers Board for a three-year term.

Kent Weir, who is based in the King Country and has been an agricultural pilot for five years, joined NZYF in 2013 as a way to meet people and make new friends.

In March, he stepped down as chair of NZYF’s Waikato/Bay of Plenty region, a position he’d held for 18 months, then served as the region’s National Committee delegate before his recent board appointment.

“NZYF has fantastic opportunities for personal development that don’t exist elsewhere for young people,” says Kent.

“I’m pleased, humbled and honoured to be given this privilege. I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It’s pretty amazing that I have this opportunity to sit at a board table at 27 and start my governance journey at such a young age.”

The King Country Young Farmers’ member flies a top dressing plane in the area between Otorohanga and Whanganui. “It’s a profession which has its risks, but I take a risk-based approach to every decision I make,” says Kent.

“Making sure both the loader driver and I get home safely at the end of the day is at the forefront of everything we do. The majority of our clients are sheep and beef farmers. We can put on up to 400 tonnes of fertiliser in a day.”

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Albrecht’s take on soil fertility

When last in USA, in July-August 2018, at the University of Missouri, Professor Tim Reinbott put a list of MU websites on the board in the lecture room.

They referred to Dr Albrecht.

When still in USA, I entered them into Google.

The first thing that happened was Albrecht changed to Albert. The fine print asked if I wanted to continue searching for Albrecht. Dozens of Albrecht websites appeared, but when I chose ‘William’ the screen went bright red. A notice declared: “This is a dangerous website----.” The reaction to the same information in NZ was not as severe, but is nonetheless censored.

One of Dr Albrecht’s catch-cries was: ‘Insoluble, yet available’. Nitrogen immediately springs to mind, and how we’re losing our water supplies to nitrate toxicity. Kiwi Fertiliser’s preferred method to supply nitrogen is to ensure there is correct phosphate, iron, calcium, magnesium, cobalt and molybdenum. This allows plants themselves to access atmospheric nitrogen.

Commercial perspective

Dr Albrecht lamented the fact that universities taught from a commercial perspective. If there was money in a subject, they were all over it. If there was no commercial gain, then that subject was barely mentioned. His paper titled ‘Insoluble, Yet Available’ was published in British papers, but has never made traction in USA and other countries where most fertilisers are soluble. In NZ, lime is not even considered to be fertiliser. This is illogical.

Fighting acidity was another subject that wound Dr Albrecht up. In their quest for nutrition, plants’ roots secrete carbonic acid to treat insoluble soil minerals, such as rock, to supply some of that nutrition.

We can drink carbonic acid, and it is not harmful. We do not drink nitric or sulphuric acid. Albrecht’s conclusion was it is not the acidity of the soil that is the problem, but the lack of nutrients

that affected plant growth for the worse. So pH must be the result of your fertiliser programme, not the cause of it.

As a microbiologist, Albrecht was required to create inoculum for legumes, but he found if plants were not healthy, they would not fix nitrogen. He produced a report titled ‘Some Soil Factors in Nitrogen Fixation by Legumes’. In this study, clay was spun in a centrifuge until all the cations were taken off. The clay that was left was acidic. They then reconstructed the soil by adding cations back in the correct amounts and order. This is how the Perry Agricultural Laboratory, whixch is used by Kiwi Fertiliser, knows exactly what any soil requires to achieve optimum production.

Acidic clay

The acidic clay colloid is one with no or few cations being, hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and trace elements. Plants thrive at a pH of about 6.3, but some plants, such as rhododendrons and blueberries have a mistaken reputation for ‘preferring’ a lower pH. The problem at a lower pH is the lack of cations (fertility). Addition of lime may only be part of the solution.

Calcium will depress magnesium if magnesium is not also corrected. Proper reconstruction of the cations in the soil is the only way to improve plant’s health and performance. Let us show you how.

A healthy blueberry plant grown in soil where cations are balanced.

August 2019 Coast & Country News

FERTILISER

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FERTILISER

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August 2019 Coast & Country News

Environmental compliance submissions I’ve just spent the previous week working on And I intend to support them when their my oral presentation to Waikato Regional opportunities come to go before the commissioners in the next few months.

Council PC1 commissioners.

The commissioners were very aware Once complete, I worked on written submissions to the Government’s proposed Zero Carbon bill relating to greenhouse gases and climate change. I was impressed with the commissioners of WRC’s PC1, as they seemed to be engaged and expressed interest in some of the things I had to say. I was given one hour to explain my solutions for solving the nitrogen and phosphorus problems in our waterways. I realise I’m just one voice, but I did have three support people with me who’ve also made their own submissions.

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

farmers are generally not at all happy about nitrogen reference point grand-parenting and were also very aware of the inadequacy of the current Overseer model to be used for regulatory compliance.

With the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton’s 140-page report in December, criticising the use of Overseer for environmental compliance, the Government announced in June it will spend $45 million in the next four years improving Overseer so it can be more accurate and fit for regulatory compliance. One of my complaints about Overseer I made is its inadequacy in relation to phosphorus and the fact it currently only accepts Olsen P figures in the model.

Mehlich III extraction

Because I prefer the more modern Mehlich III extraction, I’ve come under a lot of criticism over the years from fertiliser reps, consultants and scientists who don’t understand these figures, and who like to keep themselves in ignorance rather than learn how to interpret them. My question is why are we still using 1950s technology in the 21st Century when there are much better tests available for an element that is a major driver of both production and environmental degradation?

The current Overseer model uses the Olsen P figures and Anion Storage Capacity logarithms to ascertain P losses and the categorising of low, medium and high risk properties, which I think is too broad a brush.

For a little extra cost per soil test, the multi-element Mehlich III extraction can be done from which specific Phosphate Saturation Index figures can be determined.

Phosphate Saturation Indexes are used overseas and are a much better indicator of phosphate overload than the categories Overseer spits out, in my opinion. Overseer currently doesn’t accept Mehlich III figures, and there is resistance in certain quarters to use this more modern and accurate soil testing technique and stick with the same old same old, and its raft of shortcomings, resulting in many properties with phosphorus levels well above biological optimum levels.

With more 1300 submissions, it’s a long and lengthy process for the commissioners, and with so many voices saying different things I don’t envy their task of having to come up with a final plan. They are certainly not going to be able to please everybody.

Zero Carbon bill

In contrast to this, my submission before the commissioners for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council hearings on PC10 related to Lake Rotorua a couple of years ago, where there seemed to be little interest in what I had to say and my solutions for solving the lake problems. As it so happens, Lake Rotorua’s algae problems have been solved temporarily by alum dosing, which takes out dissolved reactive phosphorus in the water, sinking to the bottom in an insoluble form. How long alum dosing can continue before it creates its own problems

will be interesting to see. As for the Zero Carbon bill, if PC1 is going to restrict some farm enterprises and how they currently operate, the Zero Carbon bill has the potential to completely destroy some rural communities if fully implemented, taking out vast swathes of farmland, planting them in trees for permanent or temporary carbon sequestration. As someone who has worked in agricultural science for 40-odd years, I wrote a 7700-word submission on what I disagree with in the proposed bill, and some alternative solutions to consider. Hopefully, the select committee wade through my reasons and see the logic in it all. But again, like PC1, there’ll be opposing voices wanting to see an end to pastoral livestock farming and hail in a new era of afforestation. These combined with the political will of some MPs with an anti-farming agenda could be disastrous for rural NZ if it goes ahead, resulting in social and economic Armageddon, so it must be challenged.

Robin Boom, CPAg, member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists. Ph: 0274448764.

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The most valued soils are the deepest blackest soils because they are the most productive. In any farming district land close to river mouths, or deep volcanic soils, are the most sought-after.

Carbon exists in various forms in the soil. Carbon from recently-deposited dung, old leaf and root, is easily lost.

However, as digestion proceeds it becomes increasingly tightly held in the soil. Humus, by definition, is what remains after the digestion process is complete and carbon in this form is resistant to loss.

High carbon content soils are sought due to their ability to produce food.

They hold more moisture and nutrient, Home-grown solution releasing it steadily over time as required It is now argued that to preserve the by plants, ensuring increased production existing carbon reserves, animals should info@slidingroofs.co.nz of higher quality. be removed, and trees planted. The conDeep black soils are more friable and sequences to communities and national www.slidingroofs.co.nz less prone to compaction, allowing plant income would be catastrophic. roots to penetrate further accessing the However, there is a home-grown solumoisture and nutrient necessary for tion that when embraced will position strong growth even during periods of this country once again at the leading dry weather. edge of sustainable pastoral farming.

It’s been practised by farmers throughSequester carbon out the country for more than 15 years, The quickest way to sequester carbon and the data supporting its effectiveness is under permanent grazed pasture. is not disputed. More importantly, these Actively growing plants suck in carbon farmers are enjoying steadily increasing dioxide, release oxygen to the atmosproduction and lower overall costs. phere with the carbon portion stored in The soil fertility part of Functional the soil.

Farming Systems is, to some, surDuring the last 30 years Central prisingly conventional. Phosphorus, Plateau sand soils with little topsoil have sulphur, and potassium where required developed into highly productive pastoare non-negotiable with inputs calcural land producing more than 14 tonne lated on historic MAF removal data. of dry matter per hectare annually.

The difference is nitrogen fertiliser is Animals are an essential component not a requirement. Pasture yield is often in the cycling of carbon, the building of 30 per cent higher with plants more pest topsoil, and the development of humus. and disease resistant.

Without grazing the speed of nutrient To maximise the benefits, changes to cycling slows dramatically, with little grazing management are required. Calvcarbon sequestered. ing and lambing dates are a little later It is as the result of decades of intenwith high-quality supplement, made sive grazing that topsoil has been built, from genuine summer surplus, used to food produced, and communities devel- plug the early-season feed deficit. oped – yet many pastoral farmers are Per animal production lifts due to the increased energy content of the feed, now feeling isolated from and rejected

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by the wider community.

Why, if pastoral farming is the best means of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, with nitrous oxide and methane becoming environmentally insignificant, could this have happened?

Could there be another influence? Our view is the consequences of 400,000 tonnes of urea applied annually to our most productive land ought to be examined.

Pasture production in the Waikato has steadily declined from 18 tonneDM/ha prior to the use of nitrogen to 14 tonne today, and in our view excess nitrogen is the likely culprit.

Research by Louis Schipper and his team at Waikato University shows in intensive lowland livestock systems – for example, dairying – soils have lost organic matter by an average of 1t carbon/ha/yr in the last 20-30 years.

More recent research by Landcare Research shows all irrigated land throughout the country is losing carbon.

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Backyard Supermarket, 9-11.30am, Katikati

Bunnings, Te Rapa, Hamilton, free.

Coffee Festival, 10am4pm, Our Place, Tauranga, $10. See: tinyurl. com/ y3jrxbvu Daffodil Show, Hamilton Gardens. Ph Robin 021 760 545.

September 5-8 Craft & Quilt Fair,

Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton.

Plant a Garden Workshop,

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Field Trip, Aongatete Forest (between Tauranga & Katikati).

September 14 & 17 Propagation of Spring

Seeds, 9.30am-2.30pm, Whakamarama (near Tauranga), $68. See: tinyurl. com/y2p76cfe

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9.30am-3.30pm, Papamoa Hills, $90 (includes lunch). See craftygatherer.co.nz

Morrinsville Daffodil Show, 11.30am-3.30pm,

Presbyterian Church Hall, Canada St. Gold coin.

Don’t put our rivers into straightjackets New Zealanders are in danger of creating “zombie” rivers, not because of nutrient overloading, but because we’re locking our waterways into position between stopbanks and impounding their headwaters.

to erode their corridors, flood naturally in areas that are of less value, which will in turn reduce risks in more sensitive areas.

“We must work with natural processes to reduce the flood risk and support healthy river ecosystems.”

Novel datasets

University of Canterbury in NZ, and the universities of Hull, Cambridge and Wales prior.

His lecture ‘Tales from the Riverbank: shining new light on riverscapes’ is on August 6 at 5.45pm in the Academy of Performing Arts at the University of Waikato.

h e l p i n g yo u g r o w

Professor James Brasington, inaugural holder of the Waikato Regional Council Chair of River Science at the University of Waikato, says we risk the creation of zombie rivers because too often we prevent them from finding their own course and treat them as a means to simply to get excess water out to sea as fast as possible.

He’ll be talking about his research as part of the University of Waikato Hamilton Public Lecture Series on August 6.

Geomorphologist

James is a geomorphologist who researches the processes that control the form, structure and function of rivers and their catchments.

“If we put our rivers into straightjackets, they lose the diversity of form and process that are fundamental to the creation of thriving ecosystems.

“Instead we should make space for rivers

The river scientist is a pioneer of new technologies that are enabling him and his colleagues to collect novel datasets to better understand how rivers are formed and change over time.

“We now can use remote sensing to capture the complex 3D structure of rivers.

“We use aerial surveys and satellites to create detailed models of rivers that capture the sand and gravel particles that shift and form them through time. This information helps us understand what drives the evolution of rivers through floods and how they create the complex mosaic of habitats within their floodplains.”

James’ research seeks to synthesise these technological advances with numerical models to shed light on how rivers might behave in a future shaped by a changing climate and shifting patterns of land use.

He joined the University of Waikato in late-2017 from Queen Mary University of London and has previously worked at the

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

August 2019 Coast & Country News

Above: ‘Rocket’ the goat, Lewis, 5, Jacob, 7, Cooper, 9, and ‘Homer’ the goat in Hinuera.

Above: Alannah, Claire, Maddie, and Ashleigh leading ‘Punch’. They are having fun at Gram’s farm in Galatea during the school holidays.

Above: Isla Richards, 4, is giving dad the thumbs up for doing a great job in Raglan.

BS! PRIZandEdetUailsPcan beFemOaileRd (highGresRolutioAn jpgy,s)POto Box 240,

Pictures to Coast & Countr untry Camera” or posted every entry. kathy@thesun.co.nz “Co e a name, address and phone number with lud inc ase Ple ga. ran Tau

er a hard relaxing aft insville. , ld o s th n o ,7m Morr Blake Beker vising mum & dad in er p su g in morn

Cooper, 9 ,

with ‘Roc ket’ Hinuera. the goat in