Coast & Country News - October 2023

After being raised on a dairy farm, Matamata man Paul Knudsen is trying his hand at farming ducks.

Read his story on pages 26-27. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

The day farming fired me I have absolutely no qualms in declaring my huge and selfless contribution to the agricultural industry in New Zealand.

It’s the stuff of New Year Honours.

And I did it simply by staying away from anything that involved, dirt, animals, crops, gumboots, tractors, hay bales, farm fences and gates, irrigation ditches, offal pits and viyella shirts for much of my life.

No, farms and I were not meant to be. And for that, the industry should be grateful.

Early signs

The signs were there when, as a teenager on my first RE (rural experience), I did a tight u-turn on a Massey Ferguson while tedding a field of lucerne and got dreadfully tangled. I tore down a chain of new fencing.

Taut number 8 wire makes a distinctive, expensive and quite melodic “sproing” sound when it snaps.

It also makes farmers very unhappy.

I also learned on that first farm experience

not to be deceived by flash culinary names like sweetbreads. They’re glands, and it doesn’t matter if they’re disguised in panko breadcrumbs for lunch, they’re still just glands, offal. Thymus in the throat or pancreas near the stomach. The farmer called it fine dining. I left my ‘fine dining’ in a steaming, regurgitated pool on the driveway. Some things aren’t meant to be eaten.

Lessons learnt

I was given a brand new .22 rifle to scare off some magpies that were swooping on the chooks and scaring them off laying. I set an ambush by the chookhouse and winged a maggie. To administer the coup de grace I whacked it with the butt of the rifle, hit something hard in the ground and broke the weapon in two. Add it to the bill.

I was also there when ‘farmer’ collared a ropey old hogget for some home kill. I had never witnessed the messy process of putting meat on the table. With a ‘rollie’ in one corner of his mouth and talking weather out the other corner, he calmly dispatched the sheep by severing the carotid artery and jugular vein with one swift, masterful stroke. Then twisting it’s head to break the neck.

I can distinctly remember a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” type fountain of blood just before I hit the floor and passed out.

A couple of days later the farmer took me into Ashburton and put me on the train home. He obviously thought it was worth a morning’s work just to get me off his property and out of his life.

You did us both a favour Hamish.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 3

Dairy’s economic contribution in NZ

A new report is highlighting the dairy sector’s contribution to the New Zealand economy, and its role as ‘shock absorber’ for regional communities in times of volatility.

The report, commissioned by DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, also shows the importance of ongoing investment in trade liberalisation and resilient infrastructure.

DCANZ executive director Kimberly Crewther says the report shows the long-term picture for the dairy sector is solid and it will continue to contribute significantly to the New Zealand economy.

“Dairy generated nearly $26 billion in export revenue for the year to April 2023, which accounts for around one in every four export dollars earnt by New Zealand.

“The value of dairy exports grew by 45 per cent over the past five years, which helped support the national economy through the pandemic.”

Supporting economies

DairyNZ head of economics Mark Storey says the spread of farms across the country allows dairy to support regional economies, maintaining some local spending even when milk prices drop.

“Dairy’s export earnings translate into well-paying jobs in the sector and enable the purchase of goods and services from other sectors,” explains Mark.

“There will inevitably be an impact from the recent fall in milk price, with farmers limiting non-essential expenditure and limiting their purchases short-term where possible. However, this analysis shows that the sector itself absorbs some of the impacts in dairy farmers’ profits.

“Despite lower milk prices, dairy farmers will continue to hire staff and purchase essential supplies to run their farms.”

In the year to March 2023, dairy processors spent around $19.6 billion of goods and services from both farms (purchasing milk) and other industries. Dairy farmers in turn spent $7.9 billion on goods and services in the same period.

“Around 55,000 people are employed in dairy, both on and off farms, generating around $3.6 billion annually in wages,” says Mark.

“At a community level, dairy is a significant employer. For instance, in Waimate, one in three jobs

are in the dairy sector and wages make up 52 per cent of total wages paid there.

“Dairy also employs more than 20 per cent of workers in both South Taranaki and Westland districts, and pays more than 40 per cent of both districts’ total wages.”

Dairy accounts for more than one in 10 jobs in a further eight districts, while paying more than comparable sectors, which amplifies the value of dairy employment to communities.

exporters to continue growing the export value of New Zealand dairy products.

“Sense Partners estimate that New Zealand dairy exports continue to incur more than $1.5 billion of tariffs and $7.8 billion of non-tariff measures costs. 86.7 per cent of global dairy consumption continues to sit behind trade tariffs of 10 per cent or more.

“This underscores the importance of New Zealand continuing to invest in efforts to remove trade barriers, including those that remain for dairy in some free trade agreement partner markets. Fewer trade barriers would

mean a greater diversity of export opportunities for New Zealand dairy companies and greater ability to navigate market volatility.”

The report also found that dairy’s ability to provide a resilient contribution to New Zealand economy would be enhanced by infrastructure resilience. Exporting success requires efficient and reliable movement of milk and products from farms to factory, and to ports. Rail reliability is also a resilience priority, with rail access to the port of Tauranga, which handles 53 per cent of dairy exports, currently reliant on a single rail line.

Exports

Dairy processing and farming remain New Zealand’s most internationally connected industries.

Individual dairy products including whole milk powder, skim milk powder, butter and dairy spreads, protein products and cheese are all multi-billiondollar exports.

“The analysis highlights that New Zealand dairy exporters continue to change their market offerings in response to demand, with the proportion of whole milk powder reducing from 36.9 per cent in 2019 to 31.6 per cent in the year to April 2023, while dairy protein products having increased to 13.2 per cent of the product mix, up from 8.6 per cent in 2019,” says Kimberly.

She says the industry continues to face significant trade barriers and costs. Reducing them will support

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 4

Farewell to the ‘Happy Huntsman’ After a decade as Huntsman for the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt, Charlie Halley has retired and handed over to Jamie Bragg.

“The Happy Huntsman”, Charlie Halley, was with the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt for a decade.

Photo: Debbie Stevens.

Under the name of Rotorua Hunt Association, the hunt was formed in June 1928, recording a membership of 138.

The first Master was Dr Herbert Bertram, and his 100-acre estate Glenholme, was the home of hunting in Rotorua for more than 30 years.

In 1932, the hunt extended into the Bay of Plenty as hound numbers increased thanks to hound donations from the Pakuranga and Waikato hunts. It was renamed Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt and registered with the New Zealand Hunts Association.

Current hunt master, Craig Hurst, is a local farmer/land owner.

“I’ve hunted all my life and my father has been the club president.

I felt it was my turn to do my bit and became the master in 2022,” says Craig.

The kennels have been in Dalbeth Road, Rotorua since 1960. Geographically the hunt covers a large

area from Pikowai to Katikati in the East and Reporoa to the top of the Kaimai-Mamaku Range in the West.

This offers members a huge variety of hunt country.

“As a gesture of appreciation, the Hunt offers $9000 worth of scholarships for tertiary education or skill training to our landowners’ families or those managing Maori Trust or corporate farms we hunt on.”

Craig describes the 164 members as a “very dedicated group”, consisting of the stalwarts, an increasing number of urban members, and families.

He sums up the 10 years that Charlie Halley gave to the hunt as huntsman.

“For Charlie, hunting was all about whanau. Whether it be his own, other families or the hunt family in general, he made it fun and he

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Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt’s new Huntsman, Jamie Bragg and hunt Master Craig Hurst.

Photo: Catherine Fry.

was very approachable. He was known as the “Happy Huntsman” and that is what he will be remembered for.”

Charlie Halley

Charlie grew up in the Hawke’s Bay on sheep and beef farms with his 10 siblings.

“We were riding horses by age three or four and as soon as we were able, one of my brothers and I had our own dogs and were riding off into the hills shepherding. We didn’t do much school work!” says Charlie.

He began hunting as a child and remembers the best turnout they had was seven, his mum and dad and five of the children.

He married his wife, Dolly, and they have four daughters. They rode with the Mahia Hunt where Dolly’s father, Lionel Stone was Master and Charlie whipped for them when required.

“Our family got into rodeoing and it was hard to compete out of Gisborne, so we moved up to a Maori Trust Farm near Rotorua.”

Charlie and his daughter Kiwa won a team roping competition in 2008 she became the first female to win a roping title in New Zealand.

The family hunted with the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt and Charlie took the huntsman position in 2013. They relocated to the hunt property, and he drove for an agricultural contractor in the hunt off season.

“I’ve really encouraged hunt members to bring their families and the hunt has regular riders of all ages.”

Charlie has a love of hounds. In his last season in 2023, he was proud to see some of the hounds he bred coming into their own.

Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt’s hounds feature a mixture of traditional black and tan, plus some speckled colouring. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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Page 5 Incoming Huntsman, Jamie Bragg (centre left) and outgoing Huntsman, Charlie Halley (centre right) during the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt’s 2023 season.

Photo: Debbie Stevens.

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Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Hunt’s new Huntsman, Jamie Bragg. Photo: Catherine Fry.

“Hounds are so different to other dogs. They’re very loving towards humans, wanting to be around them, eager to please and are the gutsiest animals I know.”

He favours the black and tan hounds, with not too much white, but has added in some speckle, breeding with hounds from Waikato.

Charlie bred Ebay who did well at hound shows.

Jamie Bragg

Jamie Bragg was appointed to take over from Charlie at the end of the 2023 hunt season. Unfortunately Charlie had an accident which abruptly ended his season. Jamie stepped in early and saw the hunt through with help from Craig and Rotorua’s whips.

“I had whipped for Rotorua previously, but it was hard coming in mid-season when the hounds were bonded with another huntsman”, says Jamie.

Jamie has hunted since he was five.

His working life revolved around the racing industry, doing work such as racecourse clerking, trackwork and travelling foreman for Shaune Ritchie Racing.

He was the huntsman at Maramarua for three seasons, gaining a love and understanding of working hounds.

“My wife, Eilish and I, and our one-year-old and 12 horses have moved into Dalbeth Road, and I’ve officially taken up the position and care of the 23 hounds and 11 pups.”

Jamie plans to increase the bitch ratio of the hound pack. He’s bringing in new bloodlines, Gamble and Lancer from Mahia, Fletcher from Maramarua and Lamu from Pakuranga.

Jamie will have the spring and summer to bond with the hounds ready for his first season as huntsman.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Looking after farmers’ wellbeing For many farmers, it has been a challenging year and, for some, its feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

In February, Cyclone Gabrielle caused unprecedented flooding and damage across parts of the North Island, particularly in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. This event caused

significant disruption to farmers, growers, and rural communities.

Further north, Northland, Auckland, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty also endured record rainfall from January 26 to February 2, 2023.

MPI funding The Ministry for Primary Industries has provided funding

to coordinate clean-up efforts for the primary sector and rural communities in these regions.

“We need to acknowledge that this has been an extraordinary and stressful time for farmers in these regions,” says ACC injury prevention workplace manager Virginia Burton-Konia.

“We recognise that further support and help is required in

Farmers are being urged to look after themselves as much as they do their animals. these communities and the Ministry for Exhaustion, lack of sleep, the stresses Primary Industries is leading this work. of farming, being isolated from friends “We know it must feel like you have and family, and being unable to take a endless challenges and if you are in this break all add to the risks that a farmer space, we encourage you to get in touch or farm worker will have suffer an for the help and support you need.” injury, the research shows.

Agriculture is New Zealand’s biggest New research from Massey University export earner but it’s also one of our professor Jarrod Haar on TVNZ most high-risk industries.

Breakfast showed that farmers and farm managers have a 70 per cent Injury claims chance of burnout.

The report says that in comparison, In 2022, there were 22,631 farmchief executives have a 30 per cent risk related injury claims accepted which of burnout and hospitality workers are came at a cost of $96 million to help just under 20 per cent. people recover. This was the highest “We’re proud to partner with cost over the past five years.

Farmstrong and its focus on simple That’s more than 60 farmers getting tools like getting enough sleep, injured every day. That’s a big impact eating right and getting some on them, their families and the rural exercise,” says Virginia. community when they get taken out “Farmers can get better at putting of play. In all, ACC has spent $421 in systems to look after the most million on farming related injuries in important asset on the farm, themselves the past five years. and those who work in the business.”

“It’s important for farmers, to take a moment to think about what they Five ways to wellbeing are about to do and think about what could go wrong to prevent injury.”

• Connect - research shows that people ACC is a strategic partner of with strong social connections are Farmstrong, alongside FMG and the happier, healthier and live longer.

Mental Health Foundation.

• Give - When you give your time to Farmstrong is a rural wellbeing others, they benefit, but it makes you initiative for farmers and growers to feel happier too. help them ‘live well to farm well’.

• Take notice - paying attention to It encourages farmers to share smaller things can help you feel calm their stories and to look after and relaxed. themselves as well as they do their • Keep learning - learning new pasture and livestock. things keeps your thinking flexible An ACC-funded study for and open Farmstrong shows 58 per cent of • Be active - keeping active is a great recently injured farmers linked their way to feel good. accident to stress associated with farm For more on Farmstrong visit: work. A quarter of them said it was a www.farmstrong.co.nz major factor.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 7

It takes all of us to protect against pests In New Zealand, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research estimates that the cost of weeds to our primary industries is more than $1.2 billion each year.

It’s a stark reminder of the need to be vigilant in the war against pest plants.

Here at Bay of Plenty Regional Council we believe that the success to preventing the arrival and spread of pest plants requires working collaboratively with landowners.

Key tool

The Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan is the key tool used by us to help manage pests. It categorises pest weeds and animals into one of four categories depending on the risk

that it poses, how widespread it is, and the practicalities of managing it. Where possible we try to stop new pests from establishing in the region and eradicating those that haven’t yet established. For pests that are unfortunately already widespread we generally work with landowners to minimise spread across property boundaries.

Teamwork

Regardless of which category a pest sits within it’s about working collaboratively.

What can you do and how can we help?

- Machine hygiene. Preventing the spread of pests starts at the farm gate. Ensure that any machinery you have coming onto or leaving the property is free from organic matter.

- Keep an eye out for new

pests on your land or in your waterways, and if you see something, look at our online pest portal at: boprc.govt.nz/ pests or get in touch. You can ask our team about getting a copy of the Bay of Plenty RPMP user guide to help ID regional pests, highlight any rules that apply, and provide advice on control techniques.

- Control pest plants early before they establish. The longer you leave it, the harder and more expensive the job becomes.

Effective pest control requires a good understanding of the target species and the method being used both of which we can advise on.

- Be a good neighbour. If you have pest plants on your property, particularly ones that are spread by wind or birds, ensure you have the

Biosecurity in the field work.

right control strategy in place to prevent them jumping the fence.

Certain pests have rules that require you to control pest plants within a boundary.

For more information or advice on

identifying or controlling pests, go to the pest portal on our website or get in touch with the Bay of Plenty Biosecurity team today.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity manager Greg Corbett

Rural Women New Zealand National Conference given green light Rural Women New Zealand will be hosting a National Conference in November this year.

“After two postponements due to Covid-19 restrictions in recent years, RWNZ Members are looking forward to meeting together in person,” says national president Gill Naylor.

This year’s conference will be held in Christchurch from Thursday, November 23, until Saturday, November 25.

The National Conference programme

Specialising in

wraps around the organisation’s Annual General Meeting and the muchanticipated NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2023.

Highlights of the programme include guest speakers Alice Ritchie and Rosemary Banks, and a performance by The Bitches’ Box of its internationally acclaimed Life’s a Bitch show.

“We are delighted to have guest speakers of the calibre of Alice and Rosemary,” says Gill.

“The Conference theme this year is

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Strengthen, Support, Connect which underpins and describes the role that RWNZ plays in our rural communities.

“The Conference also provides an excellent opportunity for people

to come and experience a taster of what the organisation has to offer.”

Tickets for the Conference sessions, the Bitches’ Box performance on November 23 and the NZI Rural Women NZ

Business Awards on November 24 are available for sale to the general public.

To find out more about the conference & purchase tickets, visit the Rural Women NZ website.

Working with landowners in the Bay of Plenty for a better future It takes all of us to protect against the environmental and economic costs that pests cause. Our role is to work with you prevent pests from arriving or establishing and to actively manage pests that are already here. Together, we can ensure that you, your neighbours and community live and work in a healthy environment.

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Page 8

Stepping forward for sustainability A company working on a world first for sustainable chemical and coal replacement manufacturing is celebrating after opening its offices in Pāpāmoa this month.

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enable their customers to move from coal to woodbased energy.

According to the Ray, the effort is being undertaken to reduce the percentage of greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand made by coal consumption.

“Currently, 22 million tonnes of logs are exported from New Zealand, by processing these within New Zealand, we can secure more economic value and green energy.

“Consistent supply and control over the harvesting practices are all that stands between being coal free and a sustainably managed solid energy sector. A key to a zero carbon New Zealand is stopping the export of logs because this is the biggest contributor of carbon emissions of our pine forest due to the shipping involved.

The project, which has been in the works for 20 years, is in line with the Government’s commitment to transitioning the country’s economy to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Foresta is building the first integrated manufacturing facility in Rotorua to produce rosins and terpenes from pine which can replace petroleum sourced chemicals.

The factory also is working on producing torrefied black pellets – which can be used “seamlessly” as a replacement for coal.

Foresta managing director Ray Mountfort says the plant, once opened, will use “proprietary technology” to extract natural pine chemicals, which are used in everyday products such as cosmetics, car tyres and soft drinks.

“These can directly displace the need for fossil fuel based chemicals.

“Once the pine chemicals are removed the remaining g director resta managin Fo . wood is manufactured into Ray Mountfort ‘black and white’ wood pellets that can be used as a substitute for coal Foresta is in commercial and industrial uses, including working on a electricity generation.” sustainable The plant is forecast to generate approximately chemical 210,000 tonnes of torrefied wood pellets and 50,000 and coal tonnes of pine chemicals generating an estimated replacement.

NZ$290 million in total revenue per annum.

Photos: Taylor Rice.

The office, which is now open in Pāpāmoa, is a step closer to making this forecast a reality.

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Page 9

Plantain study may help NZ waterway health The Dairy NZ-led plantain potency and practice programme has just announced the research results which show using ecotain, an environmental plantain from Agricom, in pasture can significantly reduce nitrogen entering waterways.

The research has been done for the past four years at Massey University in Palmerston North and more recently at Lincoln University, putting dairy cows in pasture with varying levels of plantain and measuring the nitrogen levels going into the soil from the animals’ urine.

Method adoption

Ecotain reduces nitrogen leaching by increasing cows’ urine volume, diluting the nitrogen in urine and reducing the total amount of nitrogen excreted in urine.

It also retains nitrogen in the soil, preventing it entering waterways.

The results are compared to traditional perennial ryegrass and clover paddocks.

The programme has run on 21 farms across the country and it’s hoped the method is adopted widely.

Dairy NZ chief executive Tim Mackle says the results are exciting.

“We now have robust scientific evidence that Ecotain plantain is an effective solution to help dairy farmers further reduce farm footprint and continue playing their part in

improving water quality.”

He says a 20 per cent to 60 per cent reduction in nitrogen leaching was a material reduction and was worth fighting for.

“When you get that kind of technology come through it’s a real change.

“It’s up to us to make sure that farmers can use it and do use it at scale so we get the benefits for them, the communities and the water.”

Mackle says it will save farmers more than $1 billion per decade by spending less on nitrogen reduction.

He says dairy accounts for almost half of the country’s nitrogen in waterways, so farmers would want to reduce that because it was the right thing to do.

Massey University Professor Emeritus Peter Kemp says this research supports work to protect the environment and improve waterways.

They had seen a 20 per cent-60 per cent decrease in nitrogen leaching by using between 25 per cent-55 per cent plantain in pasture.

“Overall you’ve got a dramatic decrease in nitrogen leaching.

“From a farmer’s point of view there’s no change in the pasture dry matter production and no change in milk production.”

The study used a drainage system under the paddocks the cows graze.

Water from the soil in each paddock is piped into a container and sampled.

The cows’ urine, dung and plasma are tested, as well as the pasture and leachate.

Some farmers already use plantain as a forage crop so this would not be a big step for many.

Massey University plantain potency and practise programme officer Sole Navarrete shows off leaf from a plantain crop.

“Farmers have bought into the fact that they have got to decrease nitrogen leaching. Typical farmers have bought into it.

BRING DAMAGED PASTURE BACK TO LIFE.

Plantain use

“This offers a way to do it that I think is an easy adjustment to their farming system.”

Thomas Read farms more than 1000 dairy cows across three farms at Dannevirke in Tararua and has been using plantain in his pasture for about seven years.

“Plantain is a tool we reached for, for simplicity and low cost and then now to see the science behind it, there’s the added benefit of doing better in regards to nitrogen leaching and overall better water quality across New Zealand.”

Nitrogen levels had decreased on his farm and he believed it was only a matter of time before others adopted the method.

The $22 million seven-year programme is funded

by DairyNZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries, PGG Wrightson Seeds and Fonterra, working with six research and delivery partners.

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Massey University professor of pasture science Peter Kemp says the use of plantain can lead to a dramatic decrease in nitrogen leaching. Photos: David Unwin/Stuff.

Right: Dannevirke dairy farmer Thomas Read is a keen adopter of using plantain.

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MAIZE, CROPPING & SPRING PLANTING

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Page 11

Why have maize planting rates flatlined? a iN &

SEED DrESSi

ID G E CRSEEDS

Gr

NG

qua lity paSturE SEED

New Zealand’s recommended maize planting rates have flatlined, while in the United States these continue to increase on an annual basis.

So, why isn’t New Zealand following the US trend?

For the past 15 years, recommended planting rates for medium to long maturity maize silage hybrids in New Zealand have remained static at between 105,000 and 110,000 a hectare.

Maize grain planting rates have lifted marginally to just above 95,000/ha.

Trending data

In comparison, US Department of Agriculture data shows that maize planting rates have increased on average by 900 seeds/ha a year since the 1960s, doubling from 40,000 to 80,000/ha.

Over the same timeframe, maize grain yield has continued to increase on average at a rate of about 125 kg/ha/ year. Many in the US believe that this increasing trend in plant population will continue well into the future.

The US yield increase is attributed to genetic gain, agronomic improvements and increasing plant population. Maize grain is a massive crop in the US, with 32 to 36 million ha planted each year.

Foundation for Arable Research senior maize researcher David Densley told growers at a series of winter maize workshops that maize silage and grain

seeding rates have more or less remained static since the inception of maize production in New Zealand in the early 1990s.

“Some research and commercial observations suggest that under current management practices and climatic conditions seeding rates may be about right.”

Different theories

David asked those attending the workshops as to why they believed recommended seeding rates have more or less remained flat despite increases overseas.

Some suggested that in the US they were starting from much lower densities and are only catching up to New Zealand seeding rates while some thought farmers are possibly deterred by the cost of the additional seed required.

Higher planting rates mean a higher yield is required just to breakeven on costs.

Factors in New Zealand that support higher populations include a maritime climate, which results in lower overnight temperatures than those experienced in the US. New Zealand’s soils are also very different, containing much higher organic matter and spatial distribution of nutrients.

As 80 per cent of New Zealand’s maize production is for silage, which is harvested earlier than grain, this creates a very different production system that generally includes winter

crop production.

US maize expert Professor Fred Below, of the Crop Physiology Laboratory, University of Illinois, who visited New Zealand earlier this year as a guest of FAR, ranks plant population as fourth in importance in his “Seven Wonders” for maize yield. The main factors are weather, ranked first, fertility, second and hybrid, third.

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Page 12

KIWIFRUIT

Orchard protection that ‘pays for itself ’ Artificial shelters, overhead canopies and orchard netting are enabling orchards to reach their potential in record time.

And this, according to Liam Kane of Max Coverage Orchard Services means “new developments pay for themselves with a decent canopy within three years”.

Liam Kane developed Max Coverage three years ago after working in the orchard protection industry for around a decade.

“Word of mouth about the quality

of our design, protection systems and back-up service has fuelled our growth so today I have an experienced team of highly skilled professionals based in the Bay of Plenty but servicing the North Island,” says Liam.

“Developing an orchard is a significant investment and growers are increasingly wanting peace of mind that their crops will be protected from extreme weather, wind rub, unwanted dusts and sprays, so they can reach their full potential. Our covers do that

providing an environment which is one to two degrees warmer than outside temperatures, creating an ideal environment for plants to flourish.

“We work closely with growers to understand their goals and budget, and then design and build orchard protection, which will hopefully exceed their expectations.

“We do everything from the ground up, and pride ourselves on the service we provide to our valued growers.”

Once an orchard system is installed, Max Coverage provide growers with ongoing service and support.

Check out the Max Coverage range of orchard protection systems by viewing their advert on this page.

Max Coverage Orchard Services at work on an orchard.

NZKGI talking about new water quality rules With talk of a significant El Niño bringing a hotter, drier summer to much of New Zealand, water will be an important topic for kiwifruit growers.

“In March this year I talked in

this blog about the requirement for regional councils across the country to update their rules and policies to align with national targets set out in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management,” says

NZKGI CEO Colin Bond.

“It’s a massive task, the timeframe is tight and there are potentially major ramifications for growers.

“The new rules are expected to address the decline in water

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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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.

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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.

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Page 13

Collaboration for shared success with now nearly 100 employment contracts having been signed.

“Cloud-based orchard management software is set to revolutionise the flower picking operations by efficiently managing flower yields, piece rates, and accuracy for employees, contractors and orchard owners.”

Kiwi Pollen and Hill Labs are

confident these new systems and preparations will yield significant benefits. The two local organisations enjoy exploring new avenues to support growth in the kiwifruit industry, and by thinking outside the box and working in collaboration, they are proud to be contributing to a thriving future for the industry.

The organisations’ commitment to seeing the kiwifruit sector thrive. Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services.

Kiwi Pollen and Hill Labs have united their expertise and resources through a novel way of working together, aimed at overcoming industry challenges and optimising operations.

Both organisations share a commitment to seeing the kiwifruit sector thrive, and their collaborative efforts are set to drive innovation and address industry challenges.

Three of Hill Labs’ most experienced Mount Maunganui-

based staff are currently on secondment at Kiwi Pollen, which is possible because the companies’ busy seasons are complementary – the harvest season for the Hill Labs team finished just as Kiwi Pollen was planning for its pollination season, says a spokesperson for the organisations.

The secondees are leveraging their experience gained in the high-volume environment of the Hill Labs Bay of Plenty operations to focus on

understanding the Kiwi Pollen business, evaluating solutions, and streamlining operations.

“The scope of their work encompasses optimisation, data accuracy, quality, productivity, and satisfaction for all stakeholders.

“Recruitment quickly emerged as a top priority. Hill Labs’ experience managing hundreds of seasonal applicants in their business was applied to Kiwi Pollen, with the implementation of new systems and processes,

quality that has occurred in some regions, and also to ensure that the amount of water taken from rivers and groundwater leaves sufficient water to support ecosystem health and other important values within the region’s water bodies.”

From a practical perspective, the new policy could affect growers in a number of ways depending on their individual activities, location, and the pressures on the waterways that they operate in.

Visit NZKGI’s website for more information.

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Fruit packing price dropped One of the world’s largest and most sophisticated postharvest operation, located in Tauranga, is dropping its green kiwifruit packing prices in a bid to boost the New Zealand industry once again.

The 21 per cent drop has been made possible thanks to Mount Pack & Cool’s (Mpac) significant foresight and investment programme spanning five years, which has seen its new Tauriko site become a world class model of automation, streamlining, and efficiency.

Mpac’s new site in Tauriko.

Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Service

s.

“We’ve been able to do this because we started with a blank canvas in 2017, buying the land in Tauriko and designing and building the ultimate post-harvest operation to optimise efficiencies,” says Mpac managing director Brendon Lee. “This investment and the resulting operation mean we can now make this significant move to support green kiwifruit growers – a move that we believe is needed to reinvigorate the struggling variety.”

The 21 per cent price drop, equating to a new price of $1.29 per tray, reflects the pricing of some Green kiwifruit years ago, and a 70-cent differentiation compared to The green kiwifruit industry has been the some other post-harvest operations. backbone of the New Zealand kiwifruit industry for “It’s this lever around pricing and service that we more than 30 years, now overtaken by gold. can pull at a time that it’s needed. It’s a significant But green’s recovery is critical not just because of drop, which will be material for green growers.” its direct impact on the livelihoods of green growers, Th e Mpac site has set the standard for post-harvest but those growing the more popular gold. kiwifruit facilities around the world. Visitors from “The packing of green offsets the price of packing the apple and citrus industry in the United States gold, it’s as simple as that. What’s good for green, is to the Tauriko site have taken note and hailed it as for theDH gold and the whole industry,” M7040 SUHD - WITH QVX26 good M9540 world leading.

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We believe that the 8-speed mechanical synchro shuttle vineyard kit 5-year extend warranty 100-135HP common transmission rail engine with Powerful a 95HP, 4-cylinder 68HP E-CDIS engine 24-speed powershift with auto shift Designed performance for heavy dutywith work and equipped with It gives Mpac the capacity to handle more than 35 green industry is under threat of becoming extinct 1500kg lift capacity on the M7040SU massive torque turbo charged engine hydraulic shuttle, Creep Speed and Autohitch for 5-year extend warranty 8-speed mechanical synchro shuttle Super-quiet deluxe cab million trays of Class 1 kiwifruit across its total site. a more productive and practical operation Kubota loaders offer ample lifting height and the leaders like us don’t step in and 24-speed powershift transmissionif with autoindustry shift Designed for heavy duty work and equipped with 1500kg capacity on the M7040SU Bi-speed turn that speeds up front wheels for capacity,liftideal for demanding livestock farming hydraulic shuttle, Creep Speed and Autohitch for Brendon says there was a sense of pride amongst 9540 DH Super-quiet deluxe cab make bold moves to support the industry to be tight turns a more productive and practical operation Kubota loaders offer ample lifting height and P.A. MGX SERIES WITH QVX26 M9540 DH growers that the development had enabled such Bi-speed turn that speeds up front for capacity, ideal for demanding livestock farming nancially feasible.

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RSE housing in BOP The launch of a new accommodation facility for Recognised Seasonal Employer workers is being celebrated in the Bay of Plenty.

The $6 million dollar facility, named Turanga Whetu, has been worked on for about four years so far, but is finally open to house 140 migrant workers in the peak kiwifruit season near Katikati.

According to Seeka RSE programme manager Tania George, the facility has been made to suit the cultural needs of migrant workers in New Zealand.

Homely feeling

“Including communal areas where people can be together was really important to us. This place gives them a nice solid warm home to come here after their working day.

“Whether they are working the night shift in the pack houses here, or whether they are working day shifts in the packhouse and orchards, this is a nice space to come back to.

“In the pacific islands, they are used to communal living, so it is nice for the RSE workers to have their friends in the rooms with them and living in the same spot, rather than wherever we can tuck them around the countryside.”

Chief executive officer Michael Franks says the completed facility is the country achieving their commitment of offering a quality living standard for the RSE workers.

“These people are leaving their communities over in the pacific islands to come and work for us. In doing so, they are committed

“But if you think about it, it is only a building, it’s just bits of wood and tin really, what is important to us is that it is symbolic of the relationships we want to have and the strong relationships we are building with local ManaTangata Whenua and our RSE employees.”

Chairman Fred Hutchings says the company is “founded on relationships, both with our growers, who by selecting Seeka, are choosing a partner that values The new Turanga Whetu a high-quality labour facility was officially force with the ability opened last month. to produce Photos: Taylor Rice. excellent results, and relationships to coming here and The inside of with our team of of the room one working hard. s a t inspirational people Turanga W “But on the other side, hetu. both from our home we’ve got a commitment here in New Zealand to pay them well, treat and those who come them well, and give them a nice, to us from abroad”. warm and caring place to stay.

Fred also spoke on the name of the facility stating that “Turanga Whetu” refers to Star Base and Grand opening living under one sky.

“This is us setting our commitment, “This location provides a brilliant view of the and achieving it.”

Southern Cross a constellation which connects Following the Kawanga Whare, a grand opening of the facility was held with Western Bay of Plenty Mayor, James Denyer, National Party MP, Sam Uffindell, and candidates Tom Rutherford of National and Pare Taikato of Labour in attendance.

The grand opening concluded with performances by Samoan RSE and local Iwi representatives.

LTD “We are very proud of the building Servicing Bay of Plenty and the construction teams have done a great job in delivering a great facility,” says Michael.

Page 15 Regional manager Alex Fields with chief executive Michael Franks and RSE programme manager Tania George.

RSE workers with their home abroad and their secondary new home here in New Zealand.”

Workers living at the new RSE facility will start Taylor Rice moving in from October.

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Page 16

Avo grower’s goal for a healthy harbour It may take 50 years to restore the health of the Tauranga Harbour but it’s achievable believes avocado grower Lawrie Donald of Katikati, who has worked hard towards that goal.

“There have been incremental improvements in the time I have been fishing in the Northern Tauranga harbour and any improvement is good,” says Lawrie who, while still actively involved in environmental

projects, has stepped down as chair of Project Parore.

The health of the harbour and its fish has been the end game for Lawrie through decades of working with landowners and councils to improve the quality of waterways entering the harbour.

“I’m optimistic about the future especially in the Bay of Plenty where the policies of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council have helped change attitudes and encouraged so much more native

re-vegetation. Now the rest of New Zealand is catching up.”

Lawrie, who as a child helped his father clear a swamp for grazing land and had a stint as a scrub cutter, possum hunter and deer meat shooter, went on to become an ardent and effective advocate for the environment, with the skill of getting landowners on side.

In his time as BOPRC senior environmental field officer, Lawrie oversaw around 180kms of re-fencing on farms to protect waterways.

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“We averaged about 10km per year, but I have no idea about how many trees were planted as part of retirement schemes as the number was increasing all the time. The BOPRC ordered about 180,000 indigenous trees a year prior to my move to Taupo in 2008. Of those about 80,000 went to farmers I or my staff were working with.

Motivation

“In the BOPRC Operational Plan, the ability to protect streams and bush has been a boon to the Western Bay of Plenty environment. This is a monetary incentive to protect parts of farms and people are the same regardless of their vocation. Money is always a great motivator.”

Lawrie was born and raised in Maramarua and attended Wesley College before taking a degree in Agricultural Science majoring in soils and geology at Massey University.

Lawrie joined the Rangitiki/ Wanganui Catchment Board working in the Taihape hill country before heading to Darwin in Australia for a year working in land conservation.

He returned to New Zealand, took a job scrub cutting and married social worker Heather. “Heather wanted me to get a proper job when she was expecting our first child, so in 1980 I joined the Hauraki Catchment Board working on the Waihou Valley Scheme.

“This was the first really formative job, the previous were interesting but without the structured catchment approach to river and flood management by looking at the total catchment.

“Fencing is a huge capital cost to farming and has little impact on profit. Grants from councils and large catchment schemes like the Waihou Valley scheme have been instrumental in the protection of waterways where I have worked.

“One of the things I used to discuss with landowners was to look at their farm as a series of assets. Land Use Capability mapping of NZ was done in the 1970s and is a great tool to use.

“I used to tell farmers to invest in the best land first. Too many were

Lawrie Donald. Photo: Elaine Fisher. breaking in some rough paddock out the back that soaked up money and gave little return. A little more fertiliser or a subdivision of better land with fencing was a better option.”

In 1990, Lawrie joined the BOPRC and the family moved to Katikati.

“At BOPRC I had a boss Tony Hall who was in my opinion miles ahead of the rest of the councils in NZ. “He allowed me to develop the Coast Care programme, the Estuary Care programme and to be part of the biodiversity development team for the BOP Land Management Team. These things gave the community a place in management of their environment and changed peoples’ mind set about looking after ‘your place’.”

Special gift

Those initiatives, and Lawrie’s special gift to get on side and relate to farmers and growers, are among the reasons for environmental improvements wherever he has worked.

“When I first started there had to be an erosion problem that was impacting farm infrastructure for me to get an invite onto farm.

“In the 1970s only mad greenies fenced off waterways.

“Historically water was always fenced into a paddock for stock water, not out. The fencing of waterways was slow to develop for the very reason that it was a complete change of practice.

“Now most farmers know it is the right thing to do.”

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Lawrie Donald on his avocado orchard. Photo: Merle Cave.

Lawrie has a knack for finding the ‘why’ to motivate landowners. “When I went to see landowners about tree planting, I made sure to sit down with both husband and wife because if the wife didn’t agree with fencing off waterways, ninety percent of the time it wouldn’t happen.

Protecting waterways

“If we got the OK, then we did the first plantings in the paddock you could see out of the windows of the house. Once people appreciated that nice vista we could continue to plant more.”

Lawrie also tapped into a love of fishing to convince Bay of Plenty landowners to retire waterways.

“I’d ask if they liked fishing and if they said yes, I’d say; “why are you stuffing up your closest fishing grounds?” and then talk about the impact of sediment on the harbour. If you can find a way for people to see cause and effect, it makes improving the environment personal.”

In 2008, Lawrie joined the Waikato Regional Council and moved to Taupo. His initial role

as land management changed to manging the Waikato River from the mountains to Lake Karapiro.

“Council had a policy of fencing off land along the big river but had not done the small streams and wetlands. I employed students to map all the wetlands in the Lake Taupo catchment and recommend they also be fenced off.”

When Lawrie retired, he and Heather returned to Katikati.

It isn’t just the opinions of landowners that Lawrie has influenced. He’s also been instrumental in directing the focus of community groups towards addressing cause and effect, including the Uretara Estuary Managers which now operates under the ‘brand name’ of Project Parore.

“Initially the group was concerned about the increase in mangroves in the estuary, which was caused by too much sediment flowing into the harbour. I saw that as an opportunity to give them a different focus and expand their concerns to look at what was happening to the streams

in the catchment area,” says Lawrie, who in 2018 became chairperson of UEM. “The name Project Parore came from discussions I had many years ago with landowner the late Derry Seddon. As usual I was simplifying things and said that perhaps the issue of sea lettuce in the Tauranga Harbour was because we had put too much sediment into it and that had ruined the spawning and habitat of the parore fish which are herbivores. When we were looking for the trade name UEM ‘Project Parore’ seemed to fit.”

Looking back to all that he has achieved, Lawrie says it’s been about; “lots of collaboration with people I consider friends”.

“I am just another cog in the machinery to make positive changes for our environment.

“Most people want to look after what they have. Farmers, over the years have had the message that more and more production is best. But often it’s not for their health or the health of the land.”

Lawrie is optimistic about NZers’ chances of improving the environment but acknowledges at the local level much of the work is done by “retired old farts and there is no pay”.

“New retired old farts are coming along behind us.” Now retired from Project Parore, Lawrie is working on a Predator Free Katikati project to create a pest-free peninsula at Sharp Rd. Doing good for the environment is not always easy, but the mantra by which he lives; “it’s only a bad day if you haven’t learnt something new” helps Lawrie get through.

“There is so much to know.

The more you know, the more you realise how little you do know.”

Elaine Fisher

Page 17

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Page 18

The temporary Bailey bridge opened in March. Photo: WBOPDC. If this were to be upgraded to a two way bridge A permanent solution to restored access the extra cost would need to be ratepayer funded to a rural community in Te Puke is at least or funded through the National Land Transport 18 months away, but there is still relief in Fund and require a business case to be sent to Waka the community as a temporary bridge is Kotahi, Calum’s report to council says.

Engineering consultant WSP carried out the currently in place. options assessment and recommended option 1 or Around 30 properties on No 4. Road were affected option 4. when their bridge over Raparapahoe Stream washed This is because the geology of the ground around away in severe weather on January 29. the current bridge is known, the alignment for the For six weeks, the community had limited access bridge would be flat, turning circles and bridge access through a private road but it wasn’t suitable for heavy for heavy vehicles would remain the same. vehicles. The Western Bay of Plenty District Council Also, iwi are keen to keep the bridge close to the worked quickly to install a portable, prefabricated original position to limit the disturbance to the truss Bailey bridge opening it in March, in time for stream and having a shorter bridge means no central the kiwifruit harvest. pier is needed, according to WSP’s report to council.

It’s estimated there is around 200 hectares of Calum told Local Democracy Reporting the kiwifruit across the affected properties. council is” committed” to rebuilding a permanent Now the council is working on a permanent bridge on No.4 Road in Te Puke. solution, with four proposed options presented “It’s important we take time to hear the to councillors by community’s feedback senior transportation and understand what engineer Calum they want before we McLean at a project commence design of the and monitoring new bridge. meeting in August.

“We are making Option 1 would see plans to meet with the a new 30m bridge community and hear placed just east of the their feedback on the former and temporary proposed designs and bridge at an estimated cost of $2.75 million.

A graphic showing PICK YOUR Option 2 is a new options 1, 2 and 3 for bridge placed 40m POWER the new bridge. upstream of the Image: WBOPDC. former bridge costing $3.5 million. It would be a similar length to option 1, but have a seven percent slope because Phone: 0279 100 500 | Email: info@diggersales.co.nz of the difference in ground height on the road either side of the river.

The third option is a 60m long bridge 70m upstream of the old bridge, being double the size 500 | Email: info@diggersales.co.nz it would need a centre pier in the river valley and cost of $6.75 million. It would have a 15 per cent The old bridge was washed out in January. Photo: John Borren. slope, which Calum says would be steeper than intend to do this by late October. any of the roads in the Western Bay of Plenty.

“Once we have heard their feedback on the Option 4 is to install the bridge in the same place as proposed designs, information will be brought back the former bridge, but would mean the Bailey bridge to council before Christmas to make a decision, after would have to be removed and road closed leaving having considered what our community tells us. the residents with only private access for more than “A timeline of works will follow these important six months.

Th is would cost $2.65m. steps in the process, and construction is expected Phone: 0279 100 500 | Email: info@diggersales.co.nz All four options are for a single lane bridge because to take place in the next 18 months.” that is what was there before. Waka Kotahi New Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air. Zealand Transport Agency will fund between 50 and 70 per cent of the replacement bridge.

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Motoring app proving a hit Motoring app Bonnet is proving to be a hit with road users who are now accessing essential information for more than 50,000 cars.

Offering a quick and simple way for drivers to keep up with vehicle needs, Bonnet has quickly grown a reputation as a reliable mobile app helping Kiwis to be safer on the roads.

Since launching in March, more than 25,000 users have joined the platform to keep on top of servicing requirements, creating peace of mind for motorists around New Zealand.

Free app

The free-to-download app is revolutionising the way drivers keep on top of ensuring their registration, WOFs, COFs and road user charges up to date while making booking in a car for a service easier than ever with more than 440 service centres on the app nationwide.

Users simply enter their number plates into the app and are presented with everything they need in one convenient place.

Reminders

Timely reminders have never been more accessible with data being pulled directly from Waka Kotahi, the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Founder Steph Kennard says the phenomenal response has proven the app is a vital tool to help Kiwis.

“Although many think it’s as easy as checking their windscreens, statistics show that’s just simply not the case,” she says.

Two out of three people fail to get their

Bonnet founder Steph Kennard.

registration done on time, with many simply forgetting about it or are unaware it needs to be renewed.

“Bonnet provides a foolproof way to check by just lifting a finger.”

The mum-of-one came up with the idea six years ago, and has poured everything into creating the innovative platform that its users can rely on.

There’s big plans ahead with new announcements ahead, including a web portal that is currently in development. Bonnet is on track to see more than 200,000 vehicles managed on the platform by the end of the year.

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 20

Restoring history to its former glory It’s always exciting to walk into the shed of a vintage machinery owner.

On this occasion it was pretty special to find a really old and rare piece of machinery that was

manufactured in New Zealand and used here.

Noel and Anne Blackwell own a lifestyle block up in the hills of Kaharoa, Rotorua. His private collection contains interesting pieces and their history. The original plan

Noel Blackwell with his restored 1886 Andrews and Beaven Canterbury No.4 chaff cutter.

Photos: Catherine Fry.

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of writing about one of the tractors went straight out of the window when a fully restored 1886 Andrews and Beaven Canterbury No 4 chaff cutter was spotted in a dark corner.

Chaff is finely cut straw from crops like wheat, oats and barley and is used to feed horses, cows and other animals as it contains fibre and minerals.

This model of chaff cutter was developed by Andrews and Beaven in their Christchurch factory from the 1885. They were world leaders in this genre and exported all over the world.

They originated and fully worked out a complete revolution in this class of machinery. The machines were portable and not only cut, but also cleaned and pressed the chaff into bags at the rate of two tonnes per hour.

Different sizes were available to suit farmers right up to mass producers of animal feed. They sped up chaff production to a level way above what manual labourers could achieve and

The chute was reconstructed using tongue and groove timber from the old Ngakuru scout hall.

were driven by steam engines.

This particular chaff cutter was part of the Tauranga museum for years but was outside and deteriorated. It was offered to the Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club but sat in a paddock for a few more years.

In 2018 it was suggested that it was scrapped but luckily Noel put his hand up and decided to take it home and restore it. It was finished in January 2021 after many hours of dedicated work.

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Page 21

them down and using proper joiners.

Black and white photos don’t show original colours but Andrews and Beaven records describe the colour and the wood is painted in a pale blue.

The photos show the calligraphy for the branding, and this was replicated by a local signage company. The cutter runs perfectly, and Noel powers it using the pulley system on the back of his 1958 Farmall Super Cub. Demonstrations are always a big hit when Noel takes the chaff cutter to a show.

This gem from days gone by is now fully restored to its former glory.

“It was a mess. All the timber had either rotted or was full of borer and all the iron parts were rusted solid and unmovable,” says Noel.

He was surprised that Andrews and Beaven machinery records was easily found on Google, and when he typed in the serial number, he was able to find out all about it and see photos of how they looked.

“This model (No.4) was the first to have

the patented automatic self-bagger.”

Noel knew that the machine was an important part of New Zealand’s agricultural history and wanted to restore it authentically.

“I have all sorts of wood lying around my property and workshop. Australian hardwood power poles were used to recreate the main chassis. Tongue and groove timber from the old Ngakuru scout hall was used to make the chute.”

The vertical supports needed to be worked into a curve, so some macrocarpa Noel had was used as it is easier to work with.

“I spent hours patiently using rust remover and cans of CRC until all the iron came apart and I was able to clean each piece and get it all working again.

“I was able to use everything.”

Noel fashioned new pulleys from a big belt out of a round baler by trimming

Seatbelts – a guide for workers Wearing a seatbelt reduces the chances of you being injured in a vehicle or mobile plant accident.

This is the advice from WorkSafe.

“We recommend workers wear seatbelts when using vehicles or mobile plant for work,” says a WorkSafe spokesperson.

“Not wearing a seatbelt has led to many workplace injuries and deaths involving vehicles and mobile plant, on and off the road, even at slow speeds.”

WorkSafe recommends businesses make sure their workers wear seatbelts at all times when using vehicles or mobile plant (including when you are a passenger).

“As a worker, you have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to follow all reasonable health and safety instructions of the business (your employer).

“This includes having to wear a seatbelt every time you use vehicles or mobile plant for work.”

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Page 22

SIKA SHOW

Upcoming Sika Show The Sika Show is New Zealand’s & Australasia’s largest Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show plus annual Hunting Competition that has been running for some 29 years, with this year being the 30th Anniversary of the Event!

Originating in Taupo in 1993 at the Spa Hotel, it has since grown exponentially over the years and is now held at Mystery Creek in Hamilton to accommodate the large capacity it requires.

Last year saw more than 165 exhibitors and just under 10,000 attendee’s, with this coming years event set to be much bigger again with extended floor space and the extremely positive feedback from the last event spreading like wild fire, says a post on the Sika Show website.

The show is also big supporters of the Sika Foundation.

The foundation has more than 6000 hours of

volunteer time annually from passionate hunters with a conservation based mindset going towards various conservation projects, management hunting, hut and track maintenance throughout the Kaimanawa Forest Park and trap servicing in the Oamaru, Kaipo, Cascade and Hinemaiaia River catchments with 45km’s of trap line currently in place to protect Whio - Blue Duck and their breeding habitat.

More than 4500kgs of pure organic hunterdonated venison mince supplied to food banks in Turangi, Taupo, Te Kuiti and Te Awamutu to date.

People wanting to attend the show will be able to take advantage of the free parking within close proximity to the event, with a separate mobility parking area right next to the entry door.

The Sika Show is on October 28 and 29, and is open Saturday, October 28, from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, October 29, 9am to 4pm at the Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton.

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Since 2008, I’ve been a regular attendee at the Sika Show.

increased in New Zealand.

Shockingly, half of New Zealand’s yearly average of fatal shootings Initially, I attended as an occurred in just 17 days between exhibitor, but more recently, I’ve July 20 and August 6, 2023. attended as an ACT Party List MP. All this despite a splurge of $340 The Sika Show holds a unique million of taxpayer money on two place in our community as a rounds of firearms and ammunition gathering point for firearms and ‘buy-backs’, the establishment of hunting enthusiasts. In 2023, a Police controlled ‘independent’ ACT will once again be part of Firearms Safety Authority, and a new this event, where we will showcase firearms registry which is a potential our firearms policy consultation shopping list for the gangs. document launched in August.

I eagerly anticipate attending The need for this document stems ACT List MP Nicole McKee. this year’s Sika Show, where I from the knee-jerk response of look forward to discussing with Labour and New Zealand First following the the community about how ACT’s firearms policy tragic events in Christchurch on March 15, 2019. will enhance safety, prevent misuse, and reduce Their rushed legislative changes scapegoated bureaucracy and waste. If you plan to join us at the law-abiding licensed firearms while promising Sika Show, be sure to keep an eye out for the ACT increased safety for New Zealanders from bus and visit our team to share your thoughts on our firearms crimes. fresh firearms policy proposals.

Nicole McKee However, the harsh reality is that firearms crime has

Page 23

The NZ Adventures six day High Country Heritage Tour is a journey down the eastern alpine foothills from Blenheim to Cardrona.

The tour includes a wide range of high country stations and conservation estate tracks along a 1250 km route.

There are overnight stays in Hanmer Springs, Methven, Fairlie, Omarama and Cromwell before reaching the final night at the iconic Cardrona Hotel near Wanaka. Hotel Accommodation is provided and evening meals and breakfasts are in restaurants with lunches on station or picnic

Country Heritage Tour in 2024 to enjoy up in the hills.

The tracks are easily covered by competent drivers in suitable four wheel drive vehicles, which need to have low range transmission and all terrain tyres in good condition.

Highlights of the tour include Molesworth station on the afternoon of day one and the vast hill country of North Canterbury through most of day two.

Day three sees the tour head west towards the high alps and the massive vistas of the inland valleys. Day four takes the tour across high plains and the gravel river valleys of the Mackenzie country along with

some hill country tracks with views back to Mt. Cook. Day five and six see the tour drive over into Central Otago, with an opportunity to drive very high onto two of the mountain ranges that are so much part of the region – known for its history of gold and pastoralism and for being as far from the sea as it is possible to get in New Zealand.

The High Country Heritage is a great introduction to the South Island and to the NZ Adventures range of tours.

The sheer size of the island, along with the friendliness of the people along the way, are the most often voiced comments of tour participants.

Competent drivers in suitable four wheel drive vehicles navigate the tracks with ease.

Where has the Chondroitin gone?

A quick review of NZ made joint supplements found none with the recommended levels of Chondroitin Sulphate.

I did find two quality US made supplements for sale in NZ that do meet this standard, as does my joint supplement.

The International research and recommendation of CS for osteoarthritis (OA) is not in dispute.

It has been available on prescription in Europe at doses of 800mg+ (daily) for over a decade. There are numerous overseas companies that manufacture supplements that have therapeutic levels of CS.

The bottom line is usually less pain and more mobility. By way of example, I have been helping someone with osteoarthritis in his feet which restricted his ability to exercise. He noticed improvements after two months and now has significant improvements.

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 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz Join his newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

Supplements

This begs the question as to why not in NZ? What could be the reason NZ companies exclude therapeutic amounts of CS? A quick check on the most extensive online supplement store found that most NZ made joint supplements, including the biggest selling products, had on average of only 200mg of CS when research recommends 800mg.

Typically these are marketed as a ‘1 a day’ products that are mostly glucosamine with little or no chondroitin. The only reason I can conclude is the cost of chondroitin. I have just purchased a new batch of high grade avian-sourced CS and the cost is about nine times that of glucosamine.

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Page 24

Gateway Finance Brokers Limited The donkey derives from the African wild ass and is adapted for living in harsh, hot conditions with sparse dry vegetation.

Domesticated in Africa some 5000 to 7000 years ago it is still used today in underdeveloped countries as transport and a beast of burden.

In the developed world the donkey is regarded as a pet.

Lack of knowledge on caring for a donkey has unfortunately led to many being neglected or mistreated and abused. Luckily, in New Zealand, there is a network of people like Pauline Sainsbury, who runs a donkey rehoming centre in the Mamakus, near Rotorua.

“Donkeys come into our care for many reasons and not always because they have uncaring owners. A bereavement, marriage breakup or owners too elderly to look after them can lead to a donkey needing to be relinquished,” says Pauline.

A donkey can live until it is 40 years old, so if someone in their 40s or 50s gets one, their donkey could outlive them.

“However many need rehoming due to behavioural issues or ill-health caused by mistreatment or poor diet.”

Rescuing donkeys

Pauline grew up on a drystock farm in Tirohia and is a “horse person”. She bought 10 acres in the Mamakus and had horses there. Her daughter, Carly, worked as a trekking guide until the company closed down in the early 2000s, leaving some donkeys homeless.

“She said I’d take them as I had land! I quite liked donkeys, but I knew nothing about caring for them and I already had five horses on my land.”

Pauline contacted the Donkey and Mule Protection Trust whose rep managed to find a home for them.

“Once my horse numbers were down a bit, I said I wouldn’t mind taking a couple of donkeys in myself.”

Her first rescue was Milo, a neglected jack (male), who had been passed on with a property each time it was sold. Pauline describes him as “gelded but wild as hell, who’d been living in a back field alone with no company, care or stimulation.”

Left: Pauline with Chester and Nibby.

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Page 25 Right: Two of Pauline’s own young donkeys, Sparky and Trigger.

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His hooves were a mess, his halter had grown into his face, and it took several strong men to load him onto the float.

“I slowly gained his trust, fed him correctly and was able to harness break him with the help of my good friend Massey. He pulled a cart and loved competing doing obstacle courses.”

Milo passed in 2017, aged 24 after a happy 16 years with Pauline. She had also rescued many other donkeys by then and has a reputation for taking on the difficult ones with the help of Carly, who lives next door.

Donkey problems

“The donkey is a desert animal and needs plenty of roughage from dry food. If allowed to eat just rich green pasture, they become overweight and can develop laminitis.”

They can also suffer from overgrown teeth which cut into their mouth, and overgrown hooves which cause pain and discomfort. They need regular farrier visits and yearly dentals.

“Jacks can also be an issue as once they reach three years old, entire ones can become very unpredictable and aggressive. Jacks need to be gelded and handled.”

Donkeys fare to a certain level with other livestock, but they need to be kept with another donkey to be happy. Even in a herd situation, they pair up and form deep bonds with their partner.

“They are very curious, intelligent animals which also form deep bonds with their owners, seeking interaction and enjoying a groom or cuddle.”

They need to be busy and have a purpose. Once they are settled and quiet, they are playful and love human interaction such as walks, cart pulling and giving children rides.

Due to their desert origins, donkey coats aren’t waterproof and once wet, they can get cold and

develop respiratory ailments or pneumonia.

“They need a good shelter and at the first sign of rain you can see them all herding in there.”

Funding and support

Pauline has rehomed more than 300 donkeys since 2005, with only four “bounce backs”.

She has four donkeys of her own and 12 permanent sponsored donkeys.

“I couldn’t do what I have done without the financial backing and support of the Donkey and Mule Protection Trust NZ. My permanents are not suitable for rehoming due to health or behavioural issues, but I am able to give them a good life until they die.

“People sponsor them through the Trust to ensure they are fed well, and vet care is covered.”

The Trust also handles the adoptions. Properties are inspected and suitable matches have a trial period before formal adoption. There is a network of volunteers throughout the country supporting the Trust with its work.

Pauline welcomes visitors to come mingle with her resident donkeys. She can be contacted through the Donkey and Mule Protection Trust’s website - www.donkeymuletrust.org.nz

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Page 26

Raising

After being brought up on a dairy farm, dairy farming himself and negotiating dairy grazing contracts for many years, Paul Knudsen took on a new challenge in 2011 and turned his hand to Miscanthus, a sustainable source of bedding the niche business of duck farming near Matamata. for the ducks. Photos: Catherine Fry.

as meat birds

“The 34 hectare property had an existing duck business growing meat birds and 70 dairy cows, milked once a day through a 12ASHB shed.

“I stopped milking in 2018 and switched to grazing dairy heifers,” says Paul.

Duck farming cycle

The farm has three growing sheds set up to continually accommodate six age groups. There are 5500 birds in each group on a 42 day cycle.

“The industry code of practice is not to exceed 18 kilogrammes per square metre, which equals six fully grown ducks.

“I operate well under those numbers.”

There are a constant 33,000 Pekin ducks on the farm and Paul and farm manager Dave run things between them.

“Every week we take a delivery of one-day old ducklings, send the six week old ducks off for processing and are paid weekly on live weight gain.”

The new one-day old arrivals are unloaded into the smaller brood room heated to 32 degrees Celsius. The temperature is slowly reduced over

five days until being turned off, so at 10 days the ducklings can be moved to one of the larger sheds.

From one day old the new arrivals are fed high protein starter crumble and transitioned onto grower feed at 10 days old.

“We have three 15 tonne silos for the grower feed and two three tonne silos for the crumble.

“We use in-shed auto feeding systems to distribute 32 tonnes of feed a week.”

Hygiene and care

It’s a high priority to keep the ducks clean and safe and anyone entering the sheds uses a disinfectant footbath.

The ducks seem to favour the miscanthus bedding on the right of the shed.

Page 27

Paul remembered watching a rural TV program around some years ago that was discussing the merits of miscanthus use on turkey farms in the United States.

A member of the grass family, poaceae, miscanthus is grown from a sterile rhizome and will never seed or spread.

“I started Googling, found Miscanthus New Zealand and approached them. I was able to locate a supplier and brought in some bales.”

Paul hired a harvester and hand fed the bales through, ending up with a more manageable straw like product.

“I trialled it by using shavings down one side of the sheds and miscanthus on the other.

One day old new “It’s interesting because the ducks actually arrivals. prefer the miscanthus.”

“The sheds are rodent proof and there are bait His initial feedback is that miscanthus is much stations around all the external perimeters. Wild drier, absorbs ammonia really well, but is harder to birds pose a health risk as they can carry diseases spread in the sheds. such as salmonella, and netting mesh on the The farm is one of five contracted to Quackaduck openings prevents them coming in. in Cambridge, who also manage their own egg “The shed’s awning sides remain open daily production farm and hatching facility that supplies for ventilation as the growing sheds are not the growers. temperature or humidity controlled due to their Quackaduck business manager, Matthew low stocking rate compared to chickens.”

Houston, explains that the there is an established Paul provides fresh water pumped to the sheds local market for duck products, along with an from an underground spring system on the farm. export business into the Pacific, Middle East, The ducklings drink from autofill bell feeders, but Philippines, and Japan. the older ducks have autofill water troughs.

“The business model is simple, with good “Ducks drink a lot of water and use it to cash flow as ducks leave the farms weekly and is clean themselves. We test our water supply for relatively easy for someone with contaminants regularly.” livestock experience.”

Specialises in RURAL& LIFESTYLE The ducks are not medicated or given hormones. real estate throughout Matamata and Shed hygiene is paramount to duck health and growth. The ducks are raised on wood shavings the surrounding areas. and all sheds get a top up daily.

The brood rooms are cleaned out before the next batch of day old ducklings arrive and sprayed with sanitiser.

Specialises in RURAL& LIFESTYLE “At nine week intervals, we clean out that shed Specialises in RURAL& LIFESTYLE realSpecialises estate throughout Matamata and completely, spray it with sanitiser and sprinkle in RURAL& LIFESTYLE real estate throughout Matamata and hydrated lime around the edges which acts as a thereal surrounding areas. estate throughout Matamata and the surrounding areas. steriliser before laying new shavings.” the surrounding areas.

The used shavings (duck litter) are picked up by two neighbours for use as fertilizer on their farms.

Paul Knudsen Paul Knudsen Paul Knudsen Paul Knudsen

Shaving issues

Duck and poultry farms use large amounts of wood shavings from wood processing. With the building industry slowing down and the mills directing their shavings to make wood pellets or burn it themselves to meet their sustainability goals, the farming industry is finding it harder to source shavings.

“We expect shortages around calving and lambing times, but this season has been particularly difficult as we require 100 cubic metres each week.”

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Rural & Lifestyle Sales Consultant 027 476 5523 | paul.knudsen@pggwrightson.co.nz PAUL KNUDSEN Paul hired a harvester to cut bales of miscanthus into more manageable size for the duck bedding.

027 476 5523 | paul.knudsen@pggwrightson.co.nz Rural & Lifestyle Sales Consultant 027 476 5523 | paul.knudsen@pggwrightson.co.nz PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008. www.pggwre.co.nz www.pggwre.co.nz PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

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Duck farmer, dairy grazer and real estate salesperson, Paul Knudsen.

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Page 28

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Helping to improve water quality New scientific data highlights the success of dairy farmer and wider sector efforts to improve surface water quality across five New Zealand catchments.

As part of an Our Land and Water study to analyse historical data, DairyNZ’s water quality science team, in collaboration with AgResearch and Lincoln University,

has revisited dairy farms in the Waiokura (South Taranaki), Toenepi (Waikato), Waikakahi (Canterbury), Bog Burn (Southland) and Inchbonnie (West Coast) catchments to assess whether on-farm actions have helped improve water quality over time.

The five catchments are dairy farming areas that were part of the 2001-2010 Best Practice Dairy Catchments project, which Dr David Burger.

monitored water quality and environmental work on-farm.

Monitoring of water quality and changes to farm practices continued from 2011-2020, as part of national long-term data collection.

Study results

NATION WIDE

Researchers found that, over the 20-year monitoring period, including post-extension, 70 per cent of in-stream water quality trend directions were improving or showed no change.

The median levels of most contaminants in water have also decreased, due to farmers implementing good management practices such as improved effluent management and stock exclusion.

The study found in-stream concentrations of phosphorus and suspended sediment decreased the most in response to on-farm work.

Overall, the research shows the implementation of GMPs on-farm does improve water quality.

DairyNZ general manager sustainable dairy Dr David Burger says the analysis shows the good outcomes achieved by improving management practices on dairy farms.

“The mitigation options dairy

farmers can take to reduce footprint are widely known, but analysis of the positive impacts of these over time is less available. So it’s good to see this dataset showing extension efforts to help farmers improve their management practices have led to water quality improvement.”

Research lead and Our Land and Water National Science Challenge chief scientist Professor Rich McDowell says the findings are positive but also show continued action is needed in key catchments to maintain the momentum.

Improving trends

“The data shows that, over the 20-year period, many trends were improving or showed no change. However, we know nitrogen levels increased in many catchments due to development on other dairy farms over the same period.

“This means there is still more to do in some areas to lower nitrogen and E.coli concentrations. In some catchments, more than good management practice may be required, such as land-use change, to meet water quality expectations.”

DairyNZ continues to work with farmers to develop on-farm

practices, provide a scientific evidence base to help inform practical and fair regulations and demonstrate the positive results of the actions farmers are taking to improve the health of waterways.

Environment plans

Farm environment plans identify actions to improve water quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase biodiversity, and are tailored to individual farms. Currently, more than 70 per cent of New Zealand dairy farms have farm environment plans and 45 per cent have greenhouse gas farm plans. By 2025 all farms will have both plans.

“The dairy sector is committed to sustainable dairying and farming within environmental limits.

“Through the Dairy Tomorrow Strategy and other work, DairyNZ, dairy companies, sector partners and research organisations are reinforcing the value of GMPs and supporting farmers as they continue to improve their systems to achieve environmental outcomes.”

The full research findings have been published in the Science of the Total Environment journal.

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 29

Simple solution for utilising Prosecution over piggery discharges dairy effluent Waikato Regional Council has initiated a prosecution against a piggery farm near Te Aroha following an investigation into the discharge of effluent into a stream.

The prosecution has been taken under the Resource Management Act and comes as a result of an active investigation by the council into alleged ongoing, uncontrolled and unauthorised discharges to both land and water over the past six months.

It’s alleged the effluent entered the Patuwhao Stream which flows to the

Clean Green Effluent Systems’ patented weeping wall.

The Clean Green Effluent Systems’ patented weeping wall separates out the liquids and stores the solids.

The filtered liquid can now be used to automatically green wash external yards, reducing the fresh water consumption to around 25 litres per cow.

The Clean Green Effluent System has a unique distribution system that was designed for all soil types, says a company spokesperson.

“As it is a super low rate, low depth application system (0.25mm or 1\4 mm) it can be applied to any soil type without the risk of leaching or run off. This totally automatic system removes the risk of over application when soil conditions are not suitable for standard systems.

“Farm dairy effluent can be applied in its aerobic form virtually all year round and therefore storage

requirements are minimal. The Clean Green Effluent System utilises as few as two 33,000 litre water tanks for total storage. This exceeds the requirement of the Dairy NZ pond calculator.”

Ag research testing has indicated that the low rate low depth application system will cause no environmental ill effects, even in winter.

Pond water is normally anaerobic and not plant acceptable until aerated and converted back to aerobic.

“The Clean Green System distributes effluent generated on a daily basis and therefore the effluent is applied in an aerobic form and can be utilised by the plant immediately.

“The patented distribution and green wash system is fully automated and only requires about three hours work per month to maintain this problem free, low running cost system.”

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Waihou River, resulting in the council urging downstream landowners with surface water takes to exercise caution until the risk passed.

An interim Enforcement Order from the Environment Court, issued

by Judge Melinda Dickey on Friday, August 4, remains in place.

It requires the piggery company to cease discharging a contaminant onto land in circumstances which may result in it entering water.

Regional compliance manager Patrick Lynch says staff had been carrying out regular inspections of the site.

DAIRY

Page 30

In 2008, Indonesian born Mohammad (Jay) Arifin saw a job advert for dairy workers in New Zealand, which was to change the course of his life.

He describes himself as “one of the lucky ones”, when he and four others were selected from 120 applicants and granted New Zealand work visas and a job with Wairarapa Moana Farms in Mangakino.

Fifteen years on, still working for Wairarapa Moana Farms, Jay won the

The

Central Plateau New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards 2023 Dairy Manager of the Year and couldn’t be happier.

A big change

Jay had been farming in East Java, Indonesia, and worked on a traditional dairy farm. The 20 cows were housed in a barn and hand milked. There were five staff, and it was very labour and input intensive.

“I was a bit apprehensive at first. I would be milking 300 cows in New Zealand and there was only the manager and me on the

perfect blend

The Wairarapa Moana Farms are surrounded by stunning New Zealand scenery. Photos: Catherine Fry.

Preparing for calving.

farm. I didn’t know how it would be possible.”

The cow shed was old by New Zealand standards and has since been de-commissioned, but Jay was very impressed with the machine driven milking system.

“I learned so much in that first year and completed a Primary ITO Milk Quality qualification.”

For the first four years, Jay’s wife and son remained in East Java with Jay sending money home and going to visit. His second son was born there in 2011, and in 2012 he was able to bring his family over to New Zealand.

Opportunities to progress

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This multi farm set up allows internal career progression for their farm workers. Jay has worked on several of the farms, taking on more responsibility each time. He completed his Level 5 Production Management qualification in 2015.

The 42-year-old is proud of his achievements in the Wairarapa Moana Awards during his career, which include Dairy Unit of the Year, Nga Tangata (Developing People), Financial, Values and Farm

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The calving sheds are ready to go.

DAIRY

Page 31 Jay Arifin, NZDIA Central Plateau Dairy Manager of the Year, 2023.

Dairy Manager Jay Arifin runs a 54-bale, rotary milking shed.

Pride, and winner of Whakamaru biggest bull calf competition for three consecutive years.

Jay has been manager on his current 289 hectare farm since 2016, with four staff working for him.

It’s the same farm that he started on, except it now has a modern 54-bale rotary milking shed.

The shed has auto cup removers, auto drafting, a snap chiller and in shed feeding. Jay uses drafting collars on his herd and finds the information that he gathers a great help to his farming operation.

“We have 1055 cows separated into two milking mobs. They are a mixture of Kiwi Cross and Friesian and they are an A2 herd.”

All the calves are DNA tested for the A2 gene and the A2s are kept as replacements.

A good experience

Jay’s family love New Zealand life with one son at university and the younger one at secondary school. They were all set to get their permanent residency just before Covid-19 brought everything to a halt, but it is nearly completed.

His current operations manager at Wairarapa Moana, Diego Gomez, won the Taranaki Dairy Manager award at the 2021 NZ Dairy Industry Awards.

“Diego gave me the confidence to enter, although I had no idea what to expect.

“The whole awards process, having to pull apart why I do everything and questioning it was a very helpful process and helped me grow.”

Jay is looking forward to the next stage of his career.

We’re here to support your business through the development of your staff Contact your Training Adviser on 0800 20 80 20, email info@primaryito.ac.nz or visit primaryito.ac.nz/support

DAIRY

Page 32

Why sunshine is everything, almost In an ever-changing world it’s comforting to know that some things remain the same.

September nervousness has been a constant for as long as I’ve been involved in pastoral farming.

Animal demand increases with lambs and calves hitting the ground and the steadily lifting requirements

of their mothers.

Available feed supplies dwindle by the day. Here in the South, soil temperatures at the time of writing are still well below 10 degrees Celsius, the temperature at which large amounts of nutrient, including nitrogen, flood the soil driving spring growth.

This will have taken place by the time this article is published, however, there are still some important issues between now

Sunshine plays an important role for plants during this time of the year.

and Christmas to think about.

The application of synthetic nitrogen in July and August does increase September growth, however, at the expense of growth in November and December.

You can’t have something for nothing, and increased nitrogen stimulated early season growth always comes at the expense of later season growth.

This has in large

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part driven the ‘grab what you can before Christmas’ mentality, resulting in shortened intervals between grazings and a sense of chasing one’s own tail.

Nitrogen driven feed in September and October is high in crude protein, more correctly nitrates.

Excess intake by grazing animals results in rapid weight loss, calcium/magnesium and trace element deficiencies as animals excrete feed prior to full digestion.

This ratchets up the pressure on operators who often feel they are at best limiting damage.

Then there’s rising milk urea levels with excess urea in urine leached through wet soils resulting in higher than desirable nitrate-N losses to groundwater.

These issues are often regarded as the price paid for high production, yet there are farmers whose spring production is significantly higher overall than mainstream.

By using Functional Fertiliser products and implementing longer interval grazing management, costs are reduced and profitability is such that the decision is how the surplus is best spent.

The amount of energy supplied by sunshine is almost everything in spring. Still, bright sunny days result in the rapid lifting of soluble sugars in plants with more nitrate converted

to full protein.

Protein to fat ratio in milk lifts, lactating animals lose less weight, animals graze rather than browse and there’s genuine pleasure in spending time in the paddock with animals.

Even without synthetic nitrogen applications there’s an excess of nitrogen available which requires managing. The best option is longer covers allowing the natural process of photosynthesis to fully take place.

To achieve this, grazing intervals are best maintained so that 3500kgDM/ ha is available for lactating cows, which may mean an optimum interval of around twenty-five days.

As a rule of thumb, a genuine 30 days between grazings by Christmas results in one grazing in January, one in February, and a portion of the property grazed prior to autumn rain arriving, a normally easily manged situation.

Clover growth has and will always remain the key to pasture growth from mid-November until midMarch, a 120-day period during which time 50 per cent of the annual total pasture is often grown.

Understanding the soil fertility inputs and management techniques necessary to maximise growth over that time can make the difference between profit and loss.

For more information talk to Peter on: 0800 843 809.

DAIRY

Page 33

Bill Webb – the end of a 48 year era The weather picture has changed with drier conditions which has been good for farmers during calving and is the first signs of the El Nino weather system which will affect New Zealand.

Country News readers. As we have sold our farm and business of 48 years, we wish Andre Lietze and Rick Henderson, the new owners, all the best in their new adventures.

It’s been great dealing with my past and present clients and wish you all the best for the coming season. Good luck with the weather and your banks!

Got to go, the boat motor is running, but not the tractor’s.

Some farmers have reported more frosts than previous years with Ruapehu’s heavy covering of snow which is effectively a freezer, in the middle of the North Island, affecting the temperature when winds blow from the south.

Feed and banks

Feed is a topic foremost in farmers’ minds right now with many struggling to feed stock and hoping for more sunshine hours to promote growth.

Everyone is tight.

Some cows appear to be light and struggling to achieve optimum body condition score for mating imposing a real predicament for many farmers – borrow to buy in supplements or try to ride it out.

It’s a predicament which is exacerbated by banks. Too often, we hear of banks raising interest rates and telling farmers to cut back on feed costs. It is an approach which beggars belief on the back of banks recently announcing record profits and causes one to ask who they are there to serve – their shareholders or their customers.

It used to be that banks worked with you as a business partner, but now it seems they work with little or no appreciation for the fundamentals which underpin the agricultural industry, the economy and, for that matter, their profits. They just don’t seem to give a S#!T anymore!

They talk about price gouging when it comes to businesses

Farming costs have continued to rise throughout the year.

charging excessively and trying to take advantage of a situation but the banks are interest gouging which is not helping this economy to recover from a recession at all.

Advice to farmers

My advice to any farmers who find themselves faced with the predicament of taking on more debt but needing to buy in feed, listen to your hearts and past experience.

Now is one of the most crucial times on farm – midway between calving and mating – and stock health has to come first so you need to talk to your bank in the hope that they will recognise that they are a business partner and will agree to negotiate interest rates which allow you to operate to the farm’s potential.

The potential for El Nino to deliver an extremely dry summer, potentially drought conditions on the east coast, adds another level of urgency to factor into your feed budget – and is a consideration banks should take into account.

Crops

Cultivation and planting of crops should be well underway by the end of September. On the farm we took advantage of early planting to get better yields with spraying-out in the third week of September and planting at the end of the month.

If you are planning to buy in feed, my advice is to get those orders in early so you have the reassurance of good quality feed when you need it.

Wool industry

The New Zealand wool industry is recognised around the world for producing a product without equal and one would expect the biggest supporters of the industry would be our own Government Ministries, but not so. The Ministry of Education recently announced that it would import petrol-based floor coverings for schools in preference to investing in a natural, NZ home grown fibre which has the qualities needed for our environmental and health standards.

That’s it from me

I have enjoyed doing these editorials and sharing my opinions with the Coast &

Rainfall statistics for September at the yard at Paengaroa are as follows: Rain Sept 1 2023 to date = 73mls Rain Sept 2022 = 217.5 mls Rain Jan 1 2023 to date = 1188 mls Rain Jan to Sept 2022 = 1410mls Avg Soil Temp for 2nd week of Sept 2023 = 12.75C Avg Soil Temp for 2nd week of Sept 2022 = 10.12C

DAIRY

Page 34

Election set to influence subdivision rules

Every three years, we go through this period of uncertainty.

Given the length of time that it takes to draft and introduce new legislation, it seems a no-brainer that the opportunity for change should perhaps happen less often than the current three years.

In the subdivision and resource management space there is guaranteed to be change with a new government. National say that

they will repeal the three new acts set to replace the existing Resource Management Act.

zoning and development, rather than local councils - as is the case at present.

Regardless of what the powers New acts say, I believe that the act of The alternative is that the three new subdividing land to create new sections for families to build acts will gradually be implemented on will never get any easier. We in coming years as central and have been through legislation regional government rewrite the rules. This layered approach enables change many times in recent decades and have always seen central government to write the overarching rules that affect all areas, the process become more and the Regional Councils to control complex and expensive.

So, we are sticking by our advice to our clients. If you have any plans to subdivide, there is no better time to start, to avoid disappointment.

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This autumn I dosed 25 spring calving cows that had ha a cell count over 900,000 and followed up with RUMiCELL in the herd.

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The subdivision process takes time, as there are many aspects to be designed and reported on to your local council. However, when wellmanaged, all of the issues can be worked through without stress with an experienced subdivision project manager at your side.

Depending on the issues and availability of experts, contractors and local council staff, the subdivision process can take a year or two to navigate

Surveying Services says now is the time to subdivide.

through. This time requirement is well worth considering when preparing to meet the market demand. There will always be some demand for sections, but history shows us that the easiest sales and best prices are obtained in a period of falling or stable interest rates.

Interest rates have stabilised in recent months and we are already seeing section prices firming.

This forms the base for a rising market over the next year or two,

and that is what experienced developers are eyeing up as they work through the process of obtaining consents for future subdivisions right now.

Another advantage that they see here is the availability of the team to undertake the work without pressure and at a good price. What a contrast to the Covid years of 2020 and 2021.

If you have any plans to subdivide in the future, it would be a good time to contact your local subdivision specialist to advise you on the best way of managing the process.

Producing outstanding mastitis results A potent dose of probiotics is resulting in apparent cure rates for mastitis that are as good as or better than what is expected from antibiotics.

Chris Collier of Probiotic Revolution sites one 350 cow farm that four years ago treated 25 mastitis cows with the just a probiotic treatment – Bovine Boost.

He says 24 of them came right and only one was culled.

Exactly the same numbers were treated the following year with the same results. That’s a 96 per cent apparent cure rate, says Chris.

They have now gone four seasons without using antibiotics during the season or at drying-off.

Chris is blown away with the high cure rate and has never heard of such good results with any other type of treatment, including antibiotics, unless all of the mastitis were S. Uberis at calving.

Chris Collier contemplates outstanding Mastitis cure rates.

“Results have varied,” says Chris. “But there are two main things we emphasize to get the best results – make sure the herd’s immune system is ticking over with the product we use to maximize feed conversion, and ensure vital minerals are at optimal levels.

“There are a number of minerals needed for this but Selenium and Zinc are known to be particularly important for immune function, and if these levels are poor our cure rates fall off.

“Prevention is better than cure.”

Chris is pleased with the results from using SuperStart Lead Feed to springers, most often as a trough treatment, to significantly reduce calving mastitis, and then use Rumicell during lactation to improve feed efficiency and hold cell counts down.

“Even in late lactation we have taken steps to pull cell counts down by 100,000.”

FERTILISER

Page 35

Advantages of having a correctly balanced soil Balancing the soil fertility correctly can only be achieved if your consultant has the correct information to work with.

We, at Kiwi Fertiliser, must go off-shore to get this specific information by way of soil audits, and then convert the calculations of kgs/ha of fertilisers to be applied as correct products, not just elements. Once that has been done, the benefits for soil, microbes, plants, animals, profits, and humans start to flow thick and fast. I may refer to dairying, but the principles are the same for orchards and other enterprises.

Soil needs

The soil needs calcium and magnesium to ensure correct structure. Most soil that has 50 per cent of the volume as pore spaces, half for water and half for air, ensures water infiltration and drainage characteristics are optimal, and that they are also optimal for drought conditions.

What suits clay or loam, will not suit sand. Each one is different, and sand will need more water retention than clay. When correct, the physical structure enhances the environment for the microbes. On a dairy farm, the pond is a great indicator of the health

of the farm and the animals. A clear pond that does not require cleaning indicates the soil, microbes, plants, and animals are all healthy. A pond that crusts with undigested feed that builds on the surface indicates the opposite. Diseases are far more prevalent. This is because disease organisms are largely acid-loving and anaerobic in nature. Those organisms in the soil will be replicated in the animal.

Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases have followed the increased use of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, nitrogen, and chemical fertilisers. This does not mean you cannot use chemicals. Where a supply of say, nitrogen is even,

balance is maintained, but when too much is applied in one dose, there will be surplus nitrate and amino acids in the plants that will attract pests, and diseases.

This is not the best feed for the animals either, ending up as undigested feed in the pond.

Getting the health of the plants right will eliminate animal health and breeding problems and extend animals’ productive longevity. This includes worm and facial eczema problems, as the pastures will become self-medicating. Vet bills and therapeutics will plummet.

The right balance

A healthy balance can be achieved by feeding the soil microbes (mostly animals), as the biology will solubilise the minerals

for uptake by the plants. Just feeding plants short-circuits the system, preventing the biology from flourishing. Plants in turn exude soluble solids into the soil to feed those microbes. A greater proportion of the fertilisers applied are then utilised by the plants. If essential animal nutrients are added such as selenium and cobalt, they will be processed by the microbes, taken up by the plants, and then ingested by stock.

If the microbes are missing, as they so often are, the minerals will not be reflected in subsequent blood tests.

Animal ill-health, conception rates and other problems all diminish.

Nitrogen application

At Kiwi Fertiliser, we operate Total Replacement Therapy. It requires the soil to be balanced correctly to work. There are no shortcuts, we must start by balancing the major elements in the soil, the minor ones follow when the microbial populations have begun to recover. Then nitrogen applications are decreased. Each farm is different. Certain minerals and biology need to be present and in proportion for nitrogen to be synthesised naturally.

The result is a better physical and financial environment at all levels of farming or orcharding.

High cost and low profitability A tax benefit takes the co-operative’s 2023 net profit after tax from continuing operations to $2.9 million.

Reported revenue of $977 million includes insurance proceeds for flood damage and a fire at the co-operative’s Napier plant and is on par with last year’s reported revenue of $922 million.

Ravensdown CEO Garry Diack observed the high price environment for product has meant that although customers’ annual spend remained constant, they bought substantially less volume, with tonnage sold contracting by 27 per cent from 1.2 million tonnes last year to 895,000 tonnes this year.

“It is a challenging period for traditional farming practice and our policy has been to deliver competitive

pricing throughout the year, effectively absorbing fertiliser prices in recent times through reduced margin.

“Having distributed value in this way, we finished the year below forecast income and are not in a position to pay a year-end rebate.

“We have also undertaken specific initiatives to reduce operating expenditure through a review of the organisation’s capital expenditure and overhead costs.”

Despite the difficult operating environment, the fertiliser company has maintained a strong focus on working capital, with tighter inventory management and reduced supply chain volatility resulting in a positive $119m cash turnaround from the previous financial year. Stock impairment at year end is $4.2m. Chair Bruce Wills says their ongoing focus on balance sheet strength within this high cost and low profitability environment.

Our mission is to Our mission is to respect biological life respect biological life in all areas of the farm in all areas of the farm

Effluent Management Effluent Management Remedial Advice & Action Remedial Advice & Action Slurry BugsBugs & Product Slurry & Product

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Ron McLean: Managing Director | Kiwi Fertiliser M: +64 27 289 4258 T: 0800 549 433 ronmac@kiwifertiliser.co.nz RonE:McLean: Managing Director | Kiwi Fertiliser www.kiwifertiliser.co.nz M: +64 27 289 4258 T: 0800 549 433

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Following a challenging 12-month period, Ravensdown has announced a net profit before tax of $429,000 to May 31, 2023.

Page 36

FERTILISER

Reducing maize costs with soil nitrogen Agronomic tools and practices are available for maize growers facing the headwinds of increasing costs of production, extreme weather events and environmental considerations, Foundation for Arable Research senior maize researcher David Densley says.

While nitrogen fertiliser prices have eased from the peaks of the past two years, these are still a significant contributor to the cost of maize production, says David, who led a series of FAR winter maize workshops throughout the North Island and in Canterbury.

Costs

For the 2023/24 maize production season, the projected total fertiliser cost is forecast to reduce by almost $390/ha compared to last season.

Fertiliser costs are projected to fall to 43 per cent of the total

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cost of production, compared with 51 per cent in 2022/23, using information from the Pioneer Maize for Silage catalogue. Nitrogen is expected to make up 40 per cent of the total fertiliser budget in the 2023-24 season down from 47 per cent the previous year.

While production costs for maize silage have increased on average by $51/ha a year over the last 26 years, since the 2019-2020 season this rise has jumped to $270/ha/annum.

Total maize silage growing costs are predicted to be about $3438/ha, slightly down on last year.

Farmers can save money in nitrogen (N) costs as well as make environmental gains by making better use of plant available N naturally present in the soil, David says.

Application

Rather than applying a standard amount of nitrogen Foundation for Arable Research fertiliser, growers are encouraged senior maize researcher to measure how much N is in David Densley. the soil (using a MinN test), as well as what might become available during the growing season (Potentially Available N) and take this into account when determining crop N fertiliser requirements. As well as reducing the risk of N leaching, N fertiliser is the main source of greenhouse gas emissions from a maize crop which government plans to tax.

“A lot of people are soil testing, but most people aren’t using this information to determine their N fertiliser application rates.

“Our research suggests that even after longterm maize production there can be a significant amount of mineral N in the soil available to the maize plant.

“Measuring mineral N ahead of side dressing provides the opportunity to reduce input costs without compromising yield.” As soil mineral N levels are variable across a field, consideration should be given to where samples are collected, he says.

The amount of N which becomes available during the growing season can be significant, so it is also worth measuring for Potentially Mineralisable N. In terms of agricultural emissions, benchmarking of 20 maize systems showed average annual GHG were 2 tonne CO2e/ha for grain. Silage is higher at 3.5t CO2e because of the influence livestock Corn on the cob is a favourite in New Zealand. have on emissions within the production system.

FERTILISER

Page 37

Healthy horses require healthy food the soil but also promotes healthier plant growth, reducing the risk of pastures becoming overly “wired”.

In conclusion, as spring approaches, horse owners should consider the delicate interplay between healthy pastures and soil nutrition. Striking the right balance is key to ensuring

your horses have access to the best possible grazing environment.

With Equi-lise and proper pasture management, you can put the spring back in your horse’s step without worrying about the “zing.”

Your horses will thank you for it, and your pastures will thrive.

Healthier soil makes healthier horses Obvious, isn’t it? Equilise helps take care of horses by looking after the soil.

Spring is a time of renewal, but for horse owners, it often brings concerns about pasture management.

The lush spring growth can be a double-edged sword, potentially impacting the health of both your horses and the pastures they graze on.

In this article, we’ll explore how to navigate these challenges and ensure a thriving environment for your equine companions.

The ‘hot’ pasture issue

As the temperatures rise and the seasons change, pastures come to life. Soil biology awakens, and manure deposits become active. However, this newfound vigour can be a cause for concern.

It’s not uncommon for pastures to become too “hot” due to an excess of free nitrogen, which can lead to health issues in both horses and their human caretakers.

Excess nitrogen can cause horses to develop undesirable attitudes. To address this, it’s crucial to strike a balance in pasture.

Health

The health of your pastures starts with the soil.

Just as variety is the spice of life above ground, it’s equally vital for life below ground. Many pastures accumulate manure deposits during the winter months, potentially leading to soil imbalances.

A winter diet primarily composed of horse urine and manure can significantly impact soil biology if

Balancing pasture health and soil nutrition can be tricky.

the appropriate mineral balance is not maintained.

When soil temperatures reach 7-8 degrees Celsius, the nutrient cycling process begins.

This natural phenomenon mineralises organic deposits from the previous season, making them available for the upcoming spring growth.

However, a lack of green cover for photosynthesis can hinder this process, limiting the availability of nutrients. When sunlight energy isn’t efficiently converted into soil microbe food, only a small fraction of organic manure is utilised by plants as organic nitrogen. The rest must be mineralised by soil bacteria, and any excess may be lost.

Striking the equilibrium

To achieve a harmonious balance between soil biology and plant growth, some horse owners turn to products like Equi-lise.

Equi-lise offers a natural source of finely ground minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur, and selenium.

These minerals support soil health and enhance the utilisation of natural farming by-products.

What sets Equi-lise apart is its ability to release nutrients at a pace that aligns with soil life, preventing nutrient leaching. This not only supports

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 38

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Oct 7

Crop Swap, 9.30-

10.30am, 45 Beach Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 2337

Oct 7

Plant Sale, 10am-3pm, Hamilton Gardens.

Oct 7-8

Coromandel Open

Studios, self-drive tour.

Repeated next weekend.

See coromandelartstour. co.nz

Oct 8

E-waste Collection,

8.30am-1pm, Cambridge Lions Market. See urbanminers.nz Plant Sale, 10am-1pm, Te Puna Quarry Park (near Tauranga), cash only.

Steam Day, 10am4pm, Settlers & Steam Museum, 43 Robinson Ave, Rotorua, $10, under 16 free. Ph 07 345 9525

Oct 14-15

Villaleigh Nursery &

Garden Open Day, 10am3pm, near Huntly, free.

See tinyurl.com/bdek4ed7 Coromandel Open Studios, self-drive tour.

See coromandelartstour. co.nz

Oct 15

Okareka Mistletoe

Restoration Project Work Day, meet 8.45am on the corner of Summit and Loop roads, Okareka (lake end). Activities suitable for all ages and abilities provided. Ph/txt Paul 027 650 7264 E-waste Collection, 9-11am, Cambridge High School. See urbanminers.nz Gregoli Olive Grove Tour, 10am-noon, near Ohope, $29. See tinyurl. com/yckhjj3c

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Blending farm and garden MaryAnne and Rod Calver moved from their kiwifruit orchard to their farm on Lindemann Road 31 years ago so that they would have more room for their horses, and to also farm livestock.

Both MaryAnne and Rod have had a lifelong association with horses and they had met a few years previously Maungatautari, Waikato, on the hunt field. $45 (includes morning Sadly, their horses are now buried tea). Monthly to Dec. See on a special place down the farm and takapoto.co.nz now their riding is all done on an electric tandem on which they have Oct 19-29 ridden most of New Zealand’s Tauranga Arts Festival. cycle trails including the Timber See taurangafestival.co.nz Trail and the Kopiko (East Cape to Cape Egmont).

Oct 21-23 When MaryAnne first came to Raglan Arts Open Aberfeldy, the property had no Studio Weekend, garden and so she was able create an 10am-5pm, selfever expanding park incorporating drive Raglan area. See many trees and shrubs. raglanartsweekend.nz

Rod is pleased that the garden expansion has ceased but six years ago, another 2.5 hectares of riparian planting all along their section of the Tahawai stream had been done in mainly natives but it does incorporate some large English trees that were planted 30 years ago, and also some redwoods at the seaward end. The farm has very high fertility, which has meant the tree growth alongside the stream has been amazing.

MaryAnne with some of her magnolias.

Oct 22

Tauranga Zinefest,

10am-3pm, The Cargo Shed, Dice Cresc.

Tauranga, free. See tinyurl.com/zammj99u Spring Migration Day, 10am speaker, Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre, free.

High tide 1.30pm. See shorebirds.org.nz

MaryAnne with her daffodils.

Oct 26

Waikato Horticultural

Society, 7.30pm talk, Wintec classroom, Hamilton Gardens (Gate 2), visitors $5. Ph Carmel 07 855 3404

Oct 27

Geologic History of

the Waikato Region, talk by Dr Andrew La Croix, 10am-noon, Te Awa Lifecare, Cambridge, $10. See tinyurl. com/4dbxdn58 Introduction to Worm Farming, 3.30-5pm, Waimarie Community Garden, Hamilton, $5.

See tinyurl.com/y44xbhz7

Some of the flowers out now.

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Oct 27-Nov 5 Rotorua Arts Festival.

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MaryAnne will admit that initially she planted too many trees and, for at least 15 years, the garden is visited annually by Brett Soutar of “Short Back and Sides” to remove trees and use their arbor skills to control the growth of the trees and shrubs.

The farm was run as a small sheep and cattle property and, at one stage, ran 250 ewes.

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Now, there are no sheep on the property and they are two years into a Speckle Park breeding programme and all the cattle on the property are either Speckle Park or Angus.

Aberfeldy History

Aberfeldy has connections going back to the founding of the Katikati Settlement by George Vessey Stewart in the 1870s.

One of the seven big houses built in the Katikati area by Major General Stoddard was sold to Mrs Mary Gledstanes in 1879. She was the sister of George Vessey Stewart.

Rod has several newspaper clippings about this house which was called Larkspur.

In 1881, Mrs Gledstanes held a ball at her house and chronicled is a description of all the ladies dresses. Sadly, the house burnt down in 1905.

Fruitful legacy

However, it has left its legacy of wonderful 150 year old trees including a Norfolk Pine, a Morton Bay fig, an olive tree and a very fruitful fig.

Also, the area has many wonderful old gum trees which would have been planted for shelter from the winds coming from over the Kaimai Range.

These old gums are the Calver’s main source of firewood.

MaryAnne’s garden can best be described as a rambling rural garden of many rooms which feature roses, magnolias, camellias vireyas, hydranges and clivias.

In spring, daffodils cascade under silver birch trees. Part of the garden’s beauty is in the vistas out over the farm, its cattle, the riparian plantings and of the old Larkspur homestead site with its 150 year old trees.

Aberfeldy is one of many gardens to feature in the Katikati Rotary Garden Ramble this year.

Held every two years, the ramble on the first weekend in November from 9am to 5pm each day and features both rural and urban gardens from Athenree to Aongatete.

This year Kings, Seeds will be open to the public on the Saturday and ramblers will be able to purchase seeds and learn about this important Katikati business. Many of the gardens will also have other attractions such as artists, music and sculptures.

Tickets are $30 for the weekend are available at the Katikati Arts Junction or can be purchased on line at: www.katikati.org.nz/katikati-garden-ramble Katikati Rotary welcomes people from out of the area to come for the weekend.

Self-contained caravans and campervans can be parked at the Katikati Primary School or at Council designated caravan parks around the area.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 39

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS Alexandra, helping feed the lambs in Hawke’s Bay.

It’s spring time on the farm!

Chicken and Lambs hanging out together, Te Ranga.

Catherine and Ben, six, helping with the lambs also.

Sophia Child, four, at her Nana’s farm in Thames.