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HUNT FISH EAT KIWIFRUIT MAIZE DAIRY RURAL DRIVER EDUCATION KING COUNTRY COUNTRY LIVING

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Issue No. 146

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle news

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

The joys of raising children and chickens The bantam was clucky but though we’d searched the small home orchard where the hens lived, we couldn’t find her nest.

By Elaine Fisher

One afternoon my then 10-yearold son raced into the garden, the front of his t-shirt bulging with eggshapes. “Mum I’ve found Banty’s nest,” he called, promptly falling flat on his face. “Oh no - the eggs,” I yelled, at which point Owen rolled onto his back, shrieking with laughter as a dozen egg-shaped kiwifruit spilled from his t-shirt.

When we did eventually find the nest he and his brother delighted in throwing the rotten eggs as far as they could – fortunately not at each other. Such are the joys of raising children and chickens.

The Dibley family’s story on page 26.

Keeping chickens is rewarding as Daphne Keller knows (see story page 65) but the same can’t be said for growing kiwifruit right now. The nasty little bacteria Psa-V has affected all growers, whether their vines have the disease or not but the industry is pulling together to not only find ways Charlie Karl ‘discovered’ the land of managing the disease but also near Rotorua which was to become helping each other cope with the home to his descendants for the stresses it brings – see story page 3. next 127 years. See the Dibley famTaking time out is a recomily’s story on page 26. mended way of dealing with stress The A&P show season begins this and for some horse riding is their month, preserving traditions begun release. It’s becoming increasingly

by New Zealand’s first European difficult to find places to ride settlers (pages 56). These events are which is why the group Green in a way a celebration of the endurTrails wants recreational routes ance and resourcefulness of the like the Hauraki Rail Trail open to people who chose to make a living horses as well - see story page 50. and a lifestyle on the land and a It was while riding in search of chance to bring town a little closer food for his pioneer family that to country.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Woolshed show at Manawahe

Other Psa toll

The MacIntosh woolshed at Manawahe will be filled with the sounds of music and laughter, not shearing and sheep when it hosts the Bitches’ Box and Mel Parsons Tour on Wednesday October 31.

Tim MacIntosh says the chance to host the evening of music, theatre and comedy for rural residents was too good to miss and he’s looking forward to the show which will include a fund raising barbecue dinner provided by the Manawahe District Society.

Described as a world-class show in a

The bacteria Psa-V is taking its toll on human emotional health as infection rates increase and stress levels rise for everyone across all sectors of the industry.

Among the initiatives to help are drop-in coffee sessions at packhouses, neighbourhood groups, church groups, gift baskets sent to growers, and the For many growers the emotional impact of finding recent Men’s Discussion Groups and coping with the disease in their vines is akin to grief and even stress seminars supported by Turning Point Recovery those currently unaffected face the fear that it will Services, the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Charitable eventually arrive in their orchard.

Trust, the Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust, Kiwifruit Eighteen months ago, while the industry was Vine Health and NZ Kiwifruit Growers. grappling with the practical issues of finding ways to In recognition of the wide spread impacts manage the disease and secure the industry’s of the disease, there have been targeted future, others were putting plans in place seminars for support staff involved in to help people deal with the emotional strong message post-harvest, orchard management, roller coaster ahead.

Zespri, NZKGI, KVH and Kiwifruit Among those was Ian Greaves, we are giving NZ. a grower with interest in an The seminars talk about the seven infected orchard, who works people is that stages of grief that people experience across a number of industry bodies what you when faced with a crisis such as the including New Zealand Kiwifruit outbreak of Psa on their orchard. By Growers Inc and Kiwifruit Vine are feeling is learning to recognise that extreme Health.

“I’m impressed at what the perfectly normal. emotions are perfectly normal and will resolve over time, people are better able kiwifruit industry has been able to to cope, says Ian. achieve in supporting growers and He’s already seen the positive impacts the others affected. It couldn’t have happened seminars and other initiatives have had. “One if this had not been such a cohesive, integrated woman who found it hard to walk through the door industry.” at her first meeting, by the third one, run by Nigel All of the initiatives are designed the make sure Latta, said she felt she had broken through ice and there is no-one who does not know where to go for could talk about it.” help and who does not get help when needed.

At sessions run by psychologists and counsellors, “The strong message we are giving people is that people are able to have a one-on-one discussion afterwhat you are feeling is perfectly normal. What’s wards and up to 100 have taken that opportunity. abnormal is the situation you find yourself in – that Ian has been impressed with the level of empathy is the impact of Psa on your business – but you will within the industry. “We often find the younger get through this,” says Ian. growers saying they feel sorry for the older ones “Anyone who has been in farming or horticulture because they have less chance to start over, while the for some time will probably have been through older ones are sorry for what the younger growers are something like this before, and they are still here.” going through. Older people who have been through Coping with the emotions and stress is hard and at hard times before are open to sharing their experitimes people can feel powerless but Ian says no one ences as a way of giving some comfort that you can is alone and if it all gets too much, they must ask for help. “Ring someone, at KVH, NZKGI, Zespri, your get through.”

Ian says adults will only respond to sessions when packhouse or other help lines, go to your doctor, they are ready to do so. “We’ll put in place support as knock on someone’s door, but don’t be alone. need demands.”

“We are promoting to growers that this is a To find out more visit marathon not a sprint and that they must look after http://nzkgi.org.nz/grower-support-applet.html themselves for the long haul.”

rural setting, the event features singer/ songwriter and two-time Tui Award finalist Mel Parsons and “an hilarious romp around the kennels as actresses Amelia Guild and Emma Newborn tell a dogs tail...all the way from The Bitches' Box”. (A bitch’s box is a kennel in which female dogs are kept when they are on heat but farmers don’t want them to breed).

The evening begins at 6.30pm with the barbecue at Chattan Farm, 1755 Manawahe Road, Manawahe, Kawerau.

For more information and to buy tickets go to: www.eventfinder.co.nz/ venue/chatham-farm-kawerau

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

Bosses support couple’s career aspirations Kylie Cox left vet nursing to go dairying and now with husband Michael, is well on the way to achieving their dream of farm ownership, thanks to the help and support of their employers Neil and Glenda Gray of Thames.

By Elaine Fisher

“Neil and Glenda are awesome employers. They have encouraged us to own our cows which they lease as part of the milking herd. By next season our herd will have grown to 150,” says Kylie.

Neil sees the move as a logical one for him and Glenda too. “It has helped us grow the herd and helped Kylie and Michael increase their equity in the industry.

It’s a win win,” says Neil.

The need to increase the herd was influenced partly by the Gray’s decision to up-grade the farm’s 30 aside herringbone dairy to a 44 aside, and install automatic cup removers.

Having a shed which is easy and pleasant to work in was an important consideration. “Just because we

Kylie and Michael Cox are building their own herd, thanks to the support of their bosses Neil and Glenda Gray. weren’t going to be working in it didn’t mean it shouldn’t have the extras which create a better working environment for Kylie and Michael,” says Glenda who with Neil believes that keeping good staff is important to a successful dairy operation.

That kind of consideration is a hallmark of the relationship between Neil and Glenda, Kylie and Michael and it’s also a factor in keeping the young couple on the farm for three seasons – and hopefully longer.

“Glenda and Neil look after us and we want to return that by looking after them, their farm and animals as if they were our own,” says Kylie who grew up on her parent’s dairy farm at Miranda.

After completing vet nursing training Kylie worked in Auckland but city life didn’t suit so she returned to help her parents, later working

at Kerepehi before joining Neil and Glenda.

Michael is a builder but this is the second season he and Kylie have been contract milkers and both enjoy the lifestyle despite the long hours. They see it as a step toward owning their own herd and eventually, their own farm. “I would recommend farming to any young person who likes animals and the outdoors and is prepared to work hard,” says Kylie.

She’s aware of the horror stories about bad employers in farming but says there are probably almost as many horror stories about bad staff too.

She and Mike count themselves lucky to be part of an industry which encourages them to learn as much as they can and grow their own business, and to have Neil and Glenda as bosses.

Farming opens doors for career advancement No other industry offers the opportunities and support to advance careers in the way that farming does, says Katie Milne, President of West Coast Federated Farmers and national spokesperson on employment.

“Door will open for people who are prepared to work hard and have the right skills in ways you don’t find in other industries,” says Katie who, with her partner, farms on the West Coast, milking 200 cows. The couple have an employee who has been with them for four years.

Farming is not for everyone and people are `born to it’ she believes but that doesn’t necessarily mean growing up on a farm. “Many people who come into farming from different backgrounds make fantastic farmers.”

However, for farm owners figuring out who will be a great employee and who won’t

isn’t always easy. “When they come for an interview they’ve `airbrushed’ themselves and their CV and it’s too easy to take them at face value.” Farmers should always follow up with referees and ask the right questions before making a decision.

“Farming can be an attractive proposition to someone who needs accommodation because most jobs come with a house.”

However, some of those people might not make the best employees and Katie says problems with alcohol and drugs are not uncommon in the industry. “Some large corporate operations now have drug testing of employees.”

Making the right choice of employee and valuing their input is essential. “Apart from maybe working in a zoo, there are no other jobs like farming. Every day there are animals dependent on you for their well-being and there is often no one else to take up the slack if you have an off day. It takes a special person to cope with the early mornings, cows that kick you or poo on you or sheep which

hit you in the knees but if you’ve got what it takes, the future can be promising.”

Katie says because farmers don’t compete against each other, the best bosses are prepared to encourage and support top workers to further their careers even though it might mean they eventually move on. “In some cases a farmer may consider buying another property to be managed as an equity partnership with an employee they have particular faith in. Over all farmers recognise that because we all share in the investment in the stainless steel which processes our milk, the more productive everyone becomes, the more the entire industry benefits.”

Federated Farmers has tried and tested contracts available for employment agreements and offers advice and assistance to members when things go wrong. The best advice is to follow the correct procedure every step of the way if an issue arises with an employee because unless that is done it can have a negative influence on any case which goes to the Employment Court, says Katie.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Farm workers are asset worth valuing Failing to treat staff well can prove costly for farmers, especially if disaffected employees turn to sabotage.

can’t run without them but some farmers under rate staff and only find out how good they were when they walk out.

“A poor performing worker can cost big time. One farmer I know found his pasture had not been properly managed by a previous employee and under the new one production is up 10 per cent.”

Farmers are unlikely to attend courses in recruitment and staff management but one thing which can improve their performance as employers is being on a school committee and learning how to do staff reviews and interviews, says Don. “Otherwise if you have a problem, get a consultant in to help.”

A lot of Kiwis don’t want to work on farms. “They don’t want to do the long hours with lack of time off and there is a perception that farm employees are mistreated. That’s why the industry is moving to employ more people from the Philippines and South America.”

Some employers do treat their staff badly, so much so that some very good people are lost to farming.

“Farmers must have good staff. They are working with a lot of expensive livestock and equipment. Cows are worth $2000, a tractor $100,000 and if not looked after they die. Effluent spills can cost tens of thousands in fines.”

Recognising that not all staff has the practical skills needed is important and time spend teaching them is worthwhile.

“When it comes to how you treat and house staff, think about if that’s how you would like your son or daughter treated.”

Both Don and Wendy agree there are some fantastic farmer bosses out there who are fostering the industry’s future farmers and leaders by helping young people achieve their career dreams.

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Employment law advocate Wendy Macphail, Director of Accord Services, Mount Maunganui, has worked on cases where upset employees have opened vats to drain away milk or left injured or sick cows unattended, costing the farmer thousands of dollars.

“Employees who feel they have been treated badly will use social media to tell others and poor employers soon get a reputation, so find it hard to get good staff.”

Wendy says it’s not all one-sided through and there are employees who aren’t up to standard either. “There are issues among some farm workers with drugs, alcohol and unreliability.”

Serious cases aside, most of the issues between employer and employee can be resolved by communications. “Eighty per cent of the cases I see could be resolved by effective communications. It’s not just about talking but clear instructions or a handbook setting out what is expected of an employee. Farmers should spend a few days working with a new employee setting out how they like things done. Regular meetings are also essential.

“Being a good employer is a bit like being a parent.

You need to lead by example, to encourage and assist employees to develop their own careers and give praise when it’s deserved. Staff can often feel socially isolated so help them integrate into the local community.”

Many farmers don’t recognise how important employees are to their business. “A fully engaged employee is probably worth three of a non-engaged employee.

The main issue for employees is not how much money they earn (although that is important), it is how their employer makes them feel – they want to be treated with respect, and feel engaged in the business.”

Many farmers treat staff the way their parents did.

“It’s learned behaviour. They fail to recognise things have changed and that their employees may be more educated and widely travelled than themselves. They should take advantage of that experience and delegate responsibility where appropriate.”

Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance agrees communication, or lack of it, is one of the biggest failings among farmers.

Don strongly advises farmers to have a meeting room and hold regular meetings. “It could be in an old container - somewhere to sit down and have a coffee, but not round a kitchen table. There should be an agenda and employees must have the right to voice their opinions and concerns without being beaten down.

“Employees are crucial to the farming business as it

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Page 6

COAST & COUNTRY

Speaking the language of farmers in court Bill Cox has been threatened with contempt of court on several occasions but the man who says he talks the language of farmers, has won a few cases too.

“There’s two kinds of language – the lawyers’ language and the farmers’ language and I’m a man’s man who tells it like it is, even if the judges and the courts don’t like some the words I use,” says Bill, who is now employing his extensive courtroom experience to help others.

Together with former Whakatane barrister Vinay Deobhakta, he has established William Cox Consulting in Whakatane to offer their combined skills as “McKenzie Friends” for farmers and others in trouble with the law.

Vinay says it is his pleasure to work with Bill. “My aim is to set up the McKenzie Friend’s arm and drive it to a professional standard just as good, if not actually

better than most law firms.” The two met when Bill was called as an expert witness for the case last September of Glen Crafar, (son of Alan Crafar of Crafar Farms) who faced charges brought by the Waikato Regional Council for allegedly breaching council’s effluent rules.

“Vinay agreed to help Glen as a ‘McKenzie Friend’, not as a lawyer. He sat beside him in a court and helped him with his defence and won the case,” says Bill.

Vinay credits that success largely to Bill’s ability to counter, in terms the jury could understand, the technical evidence presented by council’s legal team.

McKenzie Friend

The case was Bill’s first experience of the McKenzie Friend system and he was impressed. The movement arose from the 1970 UK divorce case McKenzie v McKenzie when a barrister, Ian Hanger, whose Australian law qualifications did not allow him to practice as a barrister in London, joined Levine McKenzie in court to assist as a `friend’. Since then the practice of permitting a McKenzie Friend, who may not be a lawyer, to help a defendant in court, has become accepted in many countries, including New Zealand.

“A McKenzie Friend doesn’t need to be a lawyer and can’t address the court unless invited to by a judge, but can advise and direct defendants representing Bill Cox wants to combine his own layman’s themselves,” says Bill. experience of the courts with the legal background It’s a principle which appeals to Bill, who took to of former Whakatane barrister Vinay Deobhakta to representing himself when his legal bills grew but his help others through the McKenzie Friends system. cases were being lost. hobby of restoring old cars and Farmall tractors.

Bill, who with wife Naiyana and infant daughHowever, never one to slow down completely, Bill ter Narisa lives on a lifestyle block near Waihi continues to run his contracting business and has previously farmed near Te Aroha and operated a expanded it to include the McKenzie Friend work contracting business irrigating effluent from dairy with Vinay. factories and an abattoir onto farmland and giving “We are happy to assist anyone with almost any farmers expert advice on effluent disposal as well as case in which we think we have some expertise to ploughing and contouring new pastureland. offer to make sure everyone has their day in court It was through his contracting work that Bill often found himself in conflict with Environment Waikato and a fair hearing. We can do this at a fraction of what it costs to employ a lawyer.” (now Waikato Regional Council) resulting in many As is to be expected, Bill makes no apology for court appearances and significant legal bills. competing with lawyers for work and under cutting their charges.

Council cases He and Vinay also have plans to run courses to Bill developed and patented a high pressure system train others to become McKenzie Friends. to irrigate dairy factory and abattoir waste water on to pasture but council was concerned about possible India leaching to waterways so he faced prosecution for Vinay is facing his own court case in Tauranga on many of those operations.

December 3 to answer a charge associated with trips When it came to court cases Bill had difficulty he made to India when bankrupt. Even though the finding lawyers who understood the practicalities of bankruptcy was not associated with his legal practice, farming and what was happening on the land so did his own research and finally represented himself. The the New Zealand Law Society has refused to renew Vinay’s practicing certificate until after the bankresult was that many judges came to appreciate Bill’s straight talking (if not all of his language) and gained ruptcy case has been through the courts.

Vinay, who had an extensive and high profile law a clear understanding of his arguments, often ruling career, left legal practice to embark on a career as in his favour. an entrepreneur which included helping Indians “In one case against council, the judge awarded me immigrate to New Zealand. However, he has had an $40,000 in costs.” on-going battle with Immigration New Zealand after Vinay admires Bill and what he has achieved. “He he claimed there was corruption in its New Delhi even took a law firm down after Bill went through office and it was to assist India police with their a tough matrimonial case. In fact Cox v Cox is now inquiries that he returned to India after being judged taught to law students.” bankrupt – something he should not have done withBill sold the farm and moved to the Bay of Plenty out permission. to a more relaxed lifestyle with time to pursue his

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

Agriculture group day turns 60 The Hamilton North Agricultural Group will celebrate its 60th jubilee on Tuesday October 23 when students from eight schools gather to show their animals in an event which has endured despite social change.

The first meeting was held on April 7, 1952 for the group known as the Ngaruawahia Agricultural Group. The idea was instigated by the late Ralph Birdsall, a delegate from the then South Auckland Education Board. Called a Field Day the first event and held at Ngaruawahia on November 3, 1952 and following year at Te Rapa School. Pupils could enter the yearling that they had exhibited the previous year as a calf. Classes were much larger due there being more farms in the area and larger families.

In 1958 the entries recorded were: 158 calves, 17 yearlings and 22 lambs. Several more schools joined the group in the 1950s.

In 1971 Ngaruawahia left the group as it became more of an urban school and in 1979 the name was changed to Hamilton North Agricultural Group as it now included lambs as well as calves.

1982 saw the inclusion of kid goats at the day held at Fairfield School, which left the group in 1986 followed in 1998 by Te Rapa School for the same reasons as Ngaruawahia. This left Gordonton, Horsham Downs, Puketaha, Horotiu, TeKowhai, and Rotokauri.

From the original five schools and with the closure and amalgamation of several schools Orini and Whitikahu schools joined the Hamilton North group in 1999, making a total of eight schools in the group as it still is today.

Today the Hamilton North Group is one of the largest Agriculture Group Days in New Zealand. Many

changes have taken place to include kid goats, ram lambs, and beef calves to accommodate lifestyle block pupils and keep up the number of exhibitors.

With parking problems and some schools becoming more urban the committee decided to hold the day at Gordonton and circulate its organization among the schools.

This has proved to be extremely successful with all the equipment stored on site and Gordonton School is central to most schools within the group.

Group Days are just one section of the organization which starts with the agriculture day at each school, followed by group day at Gordonton School culminating in A & P show Day at Claudelands in Hamilton.

There are many hours of work done by volunteers to run these successful days, such as organising judges, setting up and mowing exhibition rings, and arranging meals for officials.

Some families have been involved right through, first as an exhibitor, steward, then judges as well as serving on school calf club committees, group day committees and delegates to Waikato A & P Show Agriculture Group committees.

We must also be grateful to the parents who allow their children to participate and the many farmers who willingly supply them with animals.

To all these people we owe a huge debt of gratitude as their contribution has been invaluable in keeping our group going on to make this milestone of 60 years.

Hopefully we will still be going strong to celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2027.

Congratulations to the Hamilton North Group and may the Group Days at Gordonton School continue well into the future.

By Avril McBeth

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Farmer and lawyer launch McKenzie Friends “After my case is resolved, I will be entitled to apply for my certificate. However the only reason I want the certificate is to be able to appear in the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Courts in cases which involve complex and sometimes sensitive issues of law.

“For example I have been approached by a former client to argue some very interesting but complex issues of Maori Customary Title in the higher Courts but I can’t, which is very frustrating.

“Apart from cases like that one – quite frankly, I reckon 90 per cent of the court work in the country could work well with McKenzie Friends.”

Hopeful of regaining his practicing certificate, Vinay is nonetheless keen to continue to support and promote the McKenzie Friends concept as he believes it will have an important place in New Zealand law, especially given the changes being made to legal aid.

“I believe Bill and I complement each other well as Bill has the straight talking, common sense approach, while I bring professional experience and knowledge of the law,” says Vinay.

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HUNT FISH EAT

Page 8

Ropes help fish climb culverts

Mussel ropes to help fish ‘climb’ through culverts could boost fresh water fish stock, researchers from Waikato Regional Council and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic hope.

Hundreds of thousands of fish have to traverse New Zealand’s streams and rivers each year in order to reach their breeding grounds. This has become increasingly difficult with the advent of culverts (usually large pipes guiding water under roads and farm tracks). Current culvert designs are problematic for fish – many are often raised above the waterline (so fish are unable to reach the pipe), or the angle means the speed of the water flowing through the pipe impedes their path.

In searching for a solution, researchers came up with the idea of using mussel spat ropes to help fish both into and through the passage. The ‘stringy’ texture of the ropes means that fish can hide amongst the strands and fibres, allowing them to rest on their way upstream.

“The first study was to find out whether fish, which are good climbers, can get up and into the culverts. For this second study we focused on trying to get other fish with less ability to climb through the culverts,” explains Dr Jono Tonkin, Environmental Management academic staff member at the Polytechnic.

Scientists tested the swimming ability of trout, inanga (a common whitebait species) and Paratya (a freshwater shrimp). Jono oversaw the design of the project with involvement from students from both the marine studies and environmental management

programmes. Staging a culvert flow in a lab, the students used 350mm diameter pipes three metres and six metres long - similar to the standard size used under New Zealand roads. The pipes were angled at varying degrees from lying flat to three degrees (the average angle of a culvert in the real world is around one and a half degrees).

By running water through the pipes (some with and some without ropes) the researchers were able to compare the fish’s success rate at swimming against the current through the other side of the pipe.

“The fish always performed better with the ropes, and generally, they did okay on the low slopes and short lengths. On the higher slopes and longer pipes they struggled – sometimes none made it through.

“The results have been really positive for smaller species as well as larger fish such as trout, each showing a greater success rate in reaching the other side of pipes,” says Jono.

This is positive news for New Zealand fish populations as it’s proof that fish can have a greater success rate in swimming through culverts that contain the ropes, providing a relatively inexpensive solution to a worrying problem. Other solutions, such as building fish ladders and modifying culverts under roads can cost thousands in construction and labour, whereas the ropes can be installed by simply attaching them to warratahs.

The idea to use ropes initially came about when researchers Dr Bruno David and Dr Kevin Collier from Waikato Regional Council found native juvenile eels in pohutukawa roots growing close to a waterfall. They realised that the eels were using the roots as a climbing frame and made a link to using ropes as a cheaper solution to modifying culverts through construction.

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HUNT FISH EAT

Page 9

Horrid summer leads to great trout season Fish & Game’s expectations of a great new trout fishing season were put to their first test, as anglers flocked to the Rotorua lakes for the October 1 opening. regaining condition after spawning.

Eastern Region Fish & Game says “These fish were in top condition that in many ways, conditions in the 12 when they ran through the Te Wairoa months leading up to the opening have trap at Lake Tarawera during the made prospects for the central North Island, perhaps as good as they’ve spawning season, but some may still ever been. be feeding up on Last sumsmelt back in the mer’s atrocious main body of weather helped the lake.” fish to grow Armed even with much better just a spinning than normal, rod, spring is a say the fishgood time to be a rearing experts at little adventureFish & Game’s some and visit Eastern Region a few places off headquarters the beaten trout and hatchery at trails, away from Ngongotaha, the renowned which looks after ‘big fish’ lakes like the Rotorua lakes Tarawera.

Eastern Region fishery.

“The condiFish & Game tions that made officers say that it hard for most spring’s a good people to get time to visit some outdoors - in lesser-known or particular all smaller lakes like the rain we’ve Okaro, Ngapouri had - produced or Rerewhakaaitu. the right mix Insect activity is of climatic and on the increase Checking catches last opening day environmental and the first smelt at Boatshed Bay, Lake Tarawera are spawning, so factors to grow (Photo: Grant Dyson, Fish & Game). hungry trout can some very high be found patrolquality fish,” says ling off weed beds and drop-offs.

Manager Rob Pitkethley.

Spin or fly fishing from the shore, “In lakes across the region there have been great food supplies, and the cooler or casting back into the shore from a small boat are good methods, they say. summer and warmer autumn temperaAs the water temperatures are still cold tures have promoted good vigorous this time of year, expect to find trout trout growth. on or near the surface. Stream mouths “In the stocked lakes of Tarawera, are always a good place to find fish, Okataina, and Rotoiti in particular, the although at this time of year some will many thousands of fish we released last year will be the majority of what anglers be recovering “post spawners”.

Fish & Game has also taken steps catch this season, and will have had the to create more fishing opportunities benefit of these great conditions.” for anglers in the Rotorua lakes over Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne summer. says that “as usual, most of the fish Acting on feedback from angling caught will be two year old hatcheryclubs and individuals, changes have bred fish – and this is the first crack been made to the regulations for the that most anglers will get at them.” coming season.

Fish measured from Lake Tarawera “The changes are good news for both in June for example, at the end of last veteran anglers and newcomers to the season, indicate these rising two yearsport, providing more opportunities for olds will be about 2.5 cm longer than anglers – especially for spin fishing over the year before, with an average weight the summer months,” Rob says. of about 1.8kg.

The first of the changes kicked in “Three year olds which were released in the spring of 2010, which have spent from October 1, 2012, as the new two years in the lake, will also be longer fishing season got underway. Shoreline than the same age fish last opening, and fishing areas on Lake Tarawera that

were traditionally fly fishing only all season, will now be open to spin fishing until the main autumn fishing pressure builds, and they’ll become fly fishing only areas from April 1.

“This brings Tarawera into line with the rules for Rotoiti and Okataina and will promote opportunity

for kids and summer holidaymakers to spin fish.”

In addition, on Tarawera, the Waitangi and Otumutu Lagoon stream mouths will be open year-round to angling. Anglers are advised to check their regulation guide for other changes that will apply during the season or call Fish & Game for clarification.

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GARDENING

Page 10

A blooming delight Spring is coming on fast now and it will soon be time to view magnificent flowering shrubs and trees in full bloom during the Rotorua Rhododendron Festival in November.

By Jim Elley

The rhodies are on the move and all budded up for what should be an excellent flowering season in Rotorua.

Five rhododendron gardeners have again organised this biennial festival as the previous one in late October 2010 was particularly well received by the gardening public. They invite everyone and especially the people of the Bay of Plenty region to come and see the rhodies at peak viewing on Saturday and

Sunday November 3 and 4. The Asiatic rhododendrons (tree rose in Latin) are all descended from species originating in China, Nepal, and Himalayan Mountain regions. They thrive in Rotorua’s slightly acidic volcanic soil with ample rainfall throughout the year. Also with the city’s altitude of 300m the resulting cooler evenings enable them to recover from daytime warmer temperatures and humidity.

Vireya semi-tropical rhodos from the New Guinea and Java areas of the Pacific are also featured growing in baskets in one of the gardens.

There are four large well established country gardens and one city garden with noted art gallery presented for viewing.

These gardens also feature all the other shrubs and trees that will be in flower and showing their lovely spring foliage.

Mount Loma Prieta from the USA will be among the flowers in bloom during the Rotorua Rhododendron Festival in November.

Left: Peonies will be among the flowers in bloom during the Rotorua Rhododendron Festival in November.

The gardens are located around Lake Rotorua from Lynmore in the eastern suburbs to Tikitere, Hamurana, Kaharoa and Paradise Valley and are all readily accessible by a short drive from the city.

The gardens are the owners’ labours of love and rhodies are their passion.

The flowers are sensuous and enchanting- one garden even has endangered native species mistletoe growing on

   

their rhodies and plant lovers will need to see this, so come along and enjoy the spring ambience of the gardens.

A charge of $5pp is payable at each garden.

Gardens are open 9am to 5pm each day. For details of garden locations and contact phone numbers, see the advert in this paper or go to www.eventfinder. co.nz and search for Rotorua Rhododendron Festival.

KIWIFRUIT

Page 11

Fight Psa with immunity Since Psa-V first began destroying kiwifruit vines, most have seen it as a bacterial scourge which must be stamped out with pesticides.

multiplication. The failure of copper sprays to protect some vines support this contention, so it seems this approach is flawed.

Some, including Tim Oliver, Chair of COKA and elected member of

But some have the view that bacteria only attack and kill vines where depressed immunity and unbalanced nutrition enables them to do so and that some orchards have remained virtually unaffected, while others nearby are attacked and destroyed.

The overall industry view was that orchards were ‘healthy’ before Psa-V appeared but there was no immunity to it. Which raises the question whether ‘healthy’ is just in the eye of the beholder, and not quite what it is cracked up to be.

Industry efforts to contain the bacterium have focused on protecting vines with copper sprays. However, some see the destruction of Hort 16A vines as the result of the unbalancing effects of some chemicals on vine immunity and nutrition, leaving vines wide open to bacterial infection and

NZKGI have argued for a different focus based on vine nutrition. They reference research showing any spraying that inhibits vine protein synthesis (by increasing free nitrogen, amino acids and simple sugars) is likely to worsen Psa-V. This provides ideal bacterial conditions and upsets soil microbial balance, compromising both vine nutrition and resistance mechanisms.

So what else can be done to halt the spread

of Psa-V, given its ability to spread via wind and rain and to breach chemical barriers?

Environmental Fertilisers of Paeroa have developed a treatment based on bio-suppression. To date this has generally prevented Psa-V establishment providing vines are covered during susceptible periods. Their Psa Brew contains Pseudomonas fluorescens (a bio-suppressive bacterium) fortified with a blend of beneficial soil bacteria and fungi (Combo 11) which act together to suppress vine pathogens and insect pests.

However, they warn that effectiveness may hinge on soil/vine nutritional balance, which affects vine susceptibility to Psa-V, and that bio-suppression is an important adjunct to strengthening vine health by biological soil management. Unless soil and vines are truly healthy with strong immune systems they will be vulnerable to any new disease finding its way into kiwifruit orchards.

By Sue Edmonds

GE technology brings benefit Genetic engineering technology should not be completely ignored as it can help speed up traditional plant breeding, believes Nathan Balasingham of Indigo Ltd. “Genetic engineering involving plants or animals of the same species is an advance on what we have been doing through selective breeding for a long time and just helps speed things up,” says Nathan, who presented a paper at the recent Agricultural Biotechnology international Conference (ABIC) in Rotorua.

In his address Nathan outlined the journey of scientific knowledge surrounding the immune system of plants from the 1960s and ended by explaining how this had helped him develop three products to enhance the performance of pasture, crops and plants.

“The discovery of a plant’s internal processes to resist, protect and defend itself from harm confirmed that plants had an immune system.

The quest to produce healthier and more productive crops began in 1972. The next step was to find the molecular biology tool box.

One of the greatest scientific achievements the mid-1990s during the Global

Human Genome Project was the discovery of membrane-bound receptors, Nathan said.

“These receptors can recognise the molecular pattern of pest, disease, other organisms and environmental changes and signal to the cells within to produce a range of bioactive molecules that affected the plant’s immune system pathway.”

That knowledge enabled the invention of an agricultural compound that can elicit and sustain this system, he said.

“There are currently three commercial products derived from this technology platform.

Agrizest is formulated for use on woody crops - in orchards and vineyards. Biozest is designed for use in (soft tissue) annual crops and pasture. Natures Curator is formulated for use on both soft wood and woody plants and is therefore suitable for use in home gardens.”

Independent commercial scale, scientifically designed trials were carried out by orchardist on their export crops. “When orchardist apply Agrizest on their crop it reduces damage caused by pest and disease, physical tissue damage, stress damages due to excessive crop load and physiological damages like core disorder in kiwifruit.

It also increases growth and promotes

precocity and yield without compromising quality and the flavour of fruit and wine is enhanced, he said.

“The range of benefits delivers a substantial lift in net returns to the farmer. In kiwifruit orchards, independent commercial scale split block trials, repeated in different orchards and over several seasons have consistently delivered over $5000 increased returns per hectare.”

In the pastoral sector the application of Biozest improves pasture productivity and palatability. Cows consumed more than double the amount of pasture from the Biozest treated part of the paddock compared to control area.

The results showed that Biozest treatment enabled the pasture to tolerate environmental stresses such as the 2010 Northland drought and frosts in July – August.

Nathan provided trial and test evidence to show that when stock grazed Biozest treated pasture they were able to convert more of the pasture protein to milk and meat. As a consequence less pasture protein was excreted as urine urea.

“We have invented, proven and commercialised a safe agricultural compound that can increase yield, food quality and farmers’ wealth and reduce environmental liabilities.”

KIWIFRUIT

Page 12

Commerce Commission warning to Kiwi Pollen – What does this mean?

On September 11, 2012 the Commerce Commission announced that it had warned Kiwi Pollen NZ Ltd as follows: “In considering what action to take against Kiwi Pollen, the Commission looked at the possible harm caused to customers and competitors by Kiwi Pollen’s conduct. In particular, the

Commission looked into allegations that the imported pollen was a potential source of the Psa outbreak.

“We have examined information from numerous sources and have found there is no conclusive evidence to show that the imported pollen sold by Kiwi Pollen caused the Psa outbreak in New Zealand,” said Kate Morrison, Commerce Commission’s General Manager of Competition. The Commerce Commis-

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sion in reaching this conclusion relied on the work of other organisations, including the Ministry of Primary Industries. Last December this Ministry (which used to be called MAF) released a tracing report on Psa. As a result of submissions made by the kiwifruit industry, we understand that an update to that tracing report is being prepared following further investigation by the Ministry. The Commission investigated whether the Fair Trading Act was breached. This Act’s job is to stop false or misleading representations because these can distort competition and a competitive advantage can be gained by using unfair methods. My point is the Commerce Commission is not resourced or skilled in the science area. Its experts are economists, not scientists. Competition and economics are its areas of expertise.

Misled

So the question for the Commission was: were any of Kiwi Pollen’s customers misled? This is what the Commission said: “Those customers who were supplied imported pollen were not aware of the fact it was imported and were denied the opportunity or ability to make an informed decision about whether to purchase it in the first place.”

The Commission goes on to say that it was not satisfied that competitors or customers suffered any provable loss or harm. The Commission therefore warned Kiwi Pollen and closed its case. This ends the matter for the Commission, but not for the kiwifruit industry.

What does “provable loss or harm” mean? Here the Commission is saying that it cannot prove that Kiwi Pollen’s pollen applied to orchards spread Psa-V. If the Commission can’t prove loss or harm, in other words damage, then this means there can be no compensation paid to the owners of those orchards.

The Commission found that Kiwi Pollen’s “conduct

was short in duration and no longer continues, and it did not appear to be deliberate. For these reasons the Commission has decided to warn Kiwi Pollen rather than prosecute.” The Commission decided that Kiwi Pollen’s trading name and web site claims misled growers into thinking that all of its pollen came from New Zealand. The Commission couldn’t establish or prove that Kiwi Pollen’s pollen caused any damage to the orchards it was applied to. The Commission doesn’t know how Psa got here.

My assessment of the Commission’s case is that it is not strong and that’s why in my opinion the Commission has only warned Kiwi Pollen. The Commission can’t prove damage and would need to convince a court that a trading name with the word “kiwi” in it plus a failure to tell growers that there was some other country’s pollen in , breaches the Fair Trading Act. No easy task.

This leads us back to the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Tracing Report. This will be the Government’s authoritative report on how Psa-V got to New Zealand.

We do not know when the update report will be available, but what we do know from another Ministry report is, that as far as pollen is concerned, the border was not protected as well as it should have been

by MAF.

Protection

The Ministry of Primary Industries has said that it is taking action to ensure that this cannot happen again.

We are working with the Ministry to make sure we get the best possible border protection for our industry.

HortNZ is also very active here pushing the Government to tighten up border biosecurity controls.

So where does that leave us? My view is the Commerce Commission report does not help us understand how Psa-V got to New Zealand. Will we ever know for sure? As time passes I doubt it.

What we need to do is deal with Psa in New Zealand.

Growers have just voted overwhelmingly in support of implementing a National Pest Management Plan.

Through this plan the kiwifruit industry will manage, control and recover from Psa-V in New Zealand.

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 13

Organic kiwifruit have bright future Helping organic kiwifruit growers lift their yields and continue to help promote New Zealand’s 100 per cent pure image, are among the aims of Seeka’s new organics manager Andrew Wood.

While Andrew has seen the ups and downs of the industry over the last 30 years, he is passionate about the future of organics.

“Organic growers have always enjoyed a premium return from the market. Consumer demand for organic fruit is strong, and organic kiwifruit plays an important role in market development,” he says.

“Growing organic kiwifruit is not only better for the environment, it also makes sound economic sense.

The key is to put the right orcharding practices in place to achieve consistently-high yields. “While conventional growers focus on the canopy, the organic community focuses on the soil. We work to develop a deep layer of organic matter and a rich soil biology in which kiwifruit vines can thrive.

“I’ve just taken on a new role at Seeka that will allow me to spend more time in the field, and I really want to work with the organic kiwifruit community to make Seeka Huka Pak a centre for organic services, a place where they are always welcome, valued and respected.

“I have been really impressed by Huka Pak’s strong inventory management, and higher OGR performance.

I can now focus on working with organic growers to help lift yields.

Growers support Psa strategy Kiwifruit growers have supported a proposed National Psa-V Pest Management Plan (NPMP) designed to give the industry more power to manage the disease Psa-V.

By Elaine Fisher

If implemented, kiwifruit would be the first horticultural industry to have its own pest management strategy.

Similar strategies exist for tuberculosis in cattle and deer and America Foulbrood disease in bees.

Barry O’Neil, chief executive of Kiwifruit Vine Health says 77 per cent of those who voted in the poll supported the proposal to implement the plan.

“Fifty-percent of growers voted, which is higher than other votes in the industry and we are very pleased grow-

ers have given their support.”

The plan would give the industry greater powers, including over the management of abandoned orchards and wild kiwifruit in partnership with regional councils. Having a plan to manage Psa should their vines be affected would be mandatory for all orchardist, as would reporting of any suspected new cases. Mandatory restrictions would apply to the movement of budwood or rootstock from confirmed Psa-V positive orchards.

KVH says working with growers and other industry participants to achieve voluntary compliance will be the main focus. Strong research and development programmes to find solutions that minimise the impacts of Psa-V and support the re-establishment of infected orchards to full productive capacity, will continue to underpin effective Psa-V management.

“This includes running discussion groups so we can share the wealth of information that exists in the organic community.”

Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says Huka Pak is an ideal home for organic kiwifruit.

“Since owning Huka Pak we have installed a new, automated packline alongside modern coolstores. This has created a world-class post-harvest service in the heart of Tauranga. The combination of Huka Pak’s experienced post-harvest team, modern facilities and advanced inventory systems are helping organic growers achieve excellent tray returns,” says Michael. “”With Andrew Wood on board we are better able to support the organic community, and help lift yields and orchard returns. Andrew is one of the most respected operators in the indus-

Seeka’s new organics manager Andrew Wood. try. He has 20 years’ experience in growing organic kiwifruit and represents grower interests on the Organic Development Group and at the Certified Organic Kiwifruit Growers Association.

“Andrew will continue working with the wider industry to promote the contribution organics make to New Zealand’s export industry,” says Michael.

While Andrew is committed to the future of green organic kiwifruit, he is also looking forward to

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“Traditional gold organic kiwifruit has earned good returns and the introduction of new varieties will open new opportunities for organic growers.

“While most growers are wisely watching and waiting to see how the new varieties perform, once they have proven themselves, I anticipate strong interest and a new growth phase for organic kiwifruit,” he says.

PHONE: 0800 PACKING (722 5464) seeka.co.nz

Page 14

AVOCADOS

Lower fruit volumes may not mean better prices Volumes may be down but avocado growers are unlikely to receive returns much better than last year’s low payments, believes Hugh Moore of Kauri Pak.

“The exchange rate is hurting exporters and the prices gained in the markets are not high. In Japan there is strong competition from Mexican fruit and in the US the price has dropped from around $41 to $ 48 down to $20 to $25 per carton.

By Elaine Fisher

Growers need to ask the hard questions and require exporters to keep them informed of the true market situation.

By the time the costs of shipping and the impact of the exchange rate is taken into account there’s very little left for growers.”

Hugh says the industry can’t rely on the Australian market this season as supermarkets are pushing a “Buy Australian” campaign. Western Australian growers have indicated they have enough fruit to supply the domestic market even through the summer which is when New Zealand fruit usually takes over. “It remains to be seen if they can really do what they say because Western Australia has a smaller volume of fruit and smaller fruit size this season.”

The 2012 season in New Zealand was slow to start, particularly in the Bay of Plenty with picking not beginning until around the third week in September.

It’s an ‘off-year’ with trees producing smaller volumes but there will be enough fruit to keep markets supplied until January or February next year.

The first avocados of the season was harvested in the Far North but fruit destined for Japan is being sent in containers south by road to Auckland, then by train to the Port of Tauranga for shipment to Japan.

Last season some growers supplying smaller exporters who do not operate a pool system received little or no return for their fruit when the Australian market collapsed through over-supply.

Hugh says the industry has learned some lessons from that painful experience but he believes growers need to ask the hard questions and require exporters to keep them informed of the true market situation.

“Exporters are eternal optimists and they don’t like to deliver bad news, but growers need to know what’s going on.”

The local market started strongly as was expected in a year of short supply and some growers may decide not to export, selling all their fruit locally.

Kauri Pak near Katikati began packing fruit in the last week of September, for the Team Avocado brands. Four years ago the packhouse was one of the first in the industry to install a water blasting cleaning system for the fruit before packing and having fruit cleaned in this way has now become a requirement in many countries avocado are exported to.

Washed and dried, the fruit are delivered to a team of graders who remove any which are not up to standard, before they go to the packers. Brand stickers are applied and the boxed fruit are stacked onto pallets ready for strapping and delivery to the coolstore. Sample boxes are checked to ensure they meet all quality and grade standards.

AVOCADOS

Page 15

Crucial time for planning As winter pruning ends, pollination planning and Psa management are crucial to the all-important orchard gate return.

Pollination, as always, is essential to getting a good crop, and with the increase in Psa, the challenge is becoming greater.

The challenge of achieving a satisfactory pollen sanitisation treatment against Psa still remains. The introduction of pollen to your orchard is a potential infection pathway for Psa but in some cases there may be no other viable option. To get the best from artificial pollination the use of bees to transport pollen is recommended. Bees therefore are essential to the pollination process.

The industry advice is for eight hives per hectare but you may wish to increase it or decrease it depending on the circumstances. At Aongatete Coolstores, we recommend our growers to place 10 hives per hectare in some orchards to ensure there is the right number of foraging bees in the orchard.

Making sure your hives are placed in an area of the orchard that gets the sun early in the morning as it is very important to help the beehive warm up and encourages them to come out of the hive and start foraging. Put the beehives in an area where the bee keeper can easily place the hives and feed them.

General tips for pollination:

• Bees should go into the orchards when at least 20 per cent of the female flowers are open and should be removed at no more than 90 per cent of the pollinated flowers.

• Place the bees in large, easy to access sites in the orchard so beekeepers are not accessing tight rows next to shelters or around tight headlands.

• Audit your hives to determine if you are getting value for money out of your hives. Aongatete Coolstores are happy to carry this out.

• Think about using bee-friendly products such as bee pheromone to keep the bees in the orchard.

Kiwifruit flowers don’t attract the bees the same way clover in your neighbours dairy paddock or flowering willows in your shelter van. Once flowers are around 5 per cent open mow your sward. The fewer other flowers to deter the bees from the job at hand the better.

If any sprays need to be applied during the flowering period, apply later in the evening when the bees are not foraging. There will be challenges with scheduling Psa protectant sprays and bees so set out your Psa plan well in advance to avoid issues and discuss your intentions with your bee keeper.

Don’t forget to warn your beekeeper about those agreed sprays during pollination as they will not take kindly to a dosing of chemical when they are checking the hives. For any queries regarding your pollination requirements, call the Aongatete Coolstores team.

By Margaret Miller technical support manager Aongatete Coolstores

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HORTICULTURE

Page 16

Avocado harvest half of last season This season’s avocado harvest at a predicted 2.9 million trays, is half that of last season’s, graphically illustrating the major issue the industry faces because of the biennial cropping of its trees.

Last season was the biggest ever with 6.16 million trays, up from 3 million in 2010/2011.

Avocado Growers’ Association Inc chairman John Schnackenberg says the

record volumes earned $82million, $63 million from exports and $19 million from the domestic market and processing. “But growers will be struggling to see half of that through their front gate, and therein lies growers’ united frustration – poor performance in market and high off orchard costs.”

The industry had agreed on an upper supply limit of 2.8 m trays into Australia but actually exported more than 3 million trays which probably cost growers $3 a tray, he says.

NZAGA acknowledges there was lack of clarity over its accountability for

monitoring and reporting market performance and exporters acted independently when managing crop flows to the Australian market.

John says the solutions are not easy and developing new markets is challenging for exporters due to inconsistent supply from orchards and because of growers’ desire to chase the high returns previously available from Australia ahead of supporting potentially lower returns from new markets.

However chief executive officer Jen Scoular says if NZAGA is successful in its bid to gain $2.6million in funding through the Primary Growth Partnership scheme, answers to overcoming the problems of irregular supply and reliance on one market may be a little closer.

If the business case currently being prepared for presentation to the Ministry for Primary Industries is successful, the avocado industry will be the first horticultural industry to receive such funding support.

The five year funding, which the industry will match dollar for dollar, would speed up work on biennial bearing, improving industry capability , information sharing and collaboration, and would help open up opportunities in the South East Asian markets, she says.

“There is an excellent opportunity for New Zealand to supply highly nutritious, responsibility grown avocados to meet the demands of the increasingly wealthy and health conscious South East Asian market.”

Research into how to mitigate irregular bearing is underway and includes a pruning trial involving 12 orchards focused on balancing vegetative and reproductive growth and finding the optimum time to prune. Research into eleven new cultivars and root stocks has been going on since 2007 and is showing some promising early results.

NZAGA presented a five year plan to the industry during consultation around the renewal of the commodity levy. Growers strongly supported the fact that a five year plan had been developed and in September voted to renew the commodity levy for a further six years.

By Elaine Fisher

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HORTICULTURE

Page 17

$192 million spent on biosecurity Last month marked a major milestone as Parliament passed the most significant piece of biosecurity legislation in 15 years.

This overhaul of New Zealand’s biosecurity system was not before time because, while we have a world-leading system, the legislation hasn’t kept pace with meeting ever-growing challenges.

The Biosecurity Law Reform Bill makes a wide range of amendments to the act, along with related amendments to four other acts.

It’s a huge step forward and covers the areas of border biosecurity, David Carter, Minister for Primary Industries. joint decision-making with industry on newly detected harmful organisms and onWe must get the balance right between going management of established pests. facilitating tourism and trade to grow Significant biosecurity incursions in our economy, while protecting New this country are thankfully uncommon, Zealand from pests and diseases. The and how we protect New Zealand’s new bill will certainly help us in achievborders from pests and diseases deserves ing this goal. all the attention it can get.

Before I wrap up this column, I want A key plank of the reforms is the to report back on the primary sector development of government-industry boot camp I attended. agreements on preparing for, and I spent five days at Stanford Uniresponding to, newly detected pests and versity in California – it was a truly diseases, and for sharing the costs of inspirational event, with some truly jointly-agreed activities. inspirational New Zealanders.

The fact is, protecting New Zealand This industry-led boot camp brought from biosecurity risks can’t be the role of together chief executives of around 20 Government alone. We saw an example of our leading businesses to explore and of this with the outbreak of Psa. Indusdrive in-market collaboration within try expertise needs to be brought to the the primary industry. This was a first decision-making table to help improve for New Zealand, and it was a great prioritisation and our preparedness to initiative. respond to incursions.

We discussed ways to increase the It’s well known that biosecurity is the value of New Zealand’s brand and biggest risk to the New Zealand econtalked about the efforts that government omy. As Minister, it is – and will always and industry are making to try and be – my greatest priority. The Nationalboost productivity. led Government has put its money We looked at the opportunities for where its mouth is and, since 2001 total New Zealand’s primary industries and taxpayer expenditure on biosecurity has we discussed ways of achieving greater doubled to $192 million. alignment across the sectors, while A staggering 175,000 items come learning from some Stanford’s top across our border each day. Over the lecturers. past decade, the number of travellers The boot camp reinforced the fact that crossing New Zealand’s borders has the primary industries are well posiincreased by 82 per cent and goods tioned to unlock the global potential transactions have increased 50 per cent. Issue of the sector through collaboration and Coast to Country for February 2009 This will only increase. stronger strategic alignment.

Protecting New Zealand from biosecurity risks can’t be the role of Government alone.

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HORTICULTURE

Page 18

Coastal and Country gardens The biennial Garden & Artfest throughout the Western Bay of Plenty is on again this year, with coast and country gardens well represented.

The festival starts November 1, with the popular garden trail spanning the week of November 5 to 11. As usual the festival gardens will open area by area from Monday to Thursday; then all gardens will be open Friday, Saturday and till 3pm on Sunday. Some popular gardens

from past festivals are taking part again, though this year 25 of the 60 plus gardens are new to the festival.

Katikati

The Kauri Point garden of Judith and Guy St John Ives is a Mediterranean influenced country garden which overlooks Tauranga Harbour and Matakana Island – vines and lavender in the garden, pohutukawa on the esplanade below. By complete contrast is Ruve Stephen’s River Cottage garden which demonstrates the typical profusion of flowers you would expect around a character cottage. This garden featured in NZ House and Garden magazine last year and really ‘struck a chord’ with readers.

Homewood, the 1876 homestead and grounds owned by the Holwerda family, is a festival favourite which also made NZ House and Garden last year. Homewood’s grounds extend into the harbour estuary where a pontoon built over a lake has been the scene of many a wedding vow. Homewood is a mix of formal and informal elements with hedged ‘rooms’ and a massive kitchen garden. Those starved of the sight of genuine character homes in this region will adore the verandah surrounded weatherboard villa.

Matangirau (‘wind in the leaves’) is a 30 year old garden at the end of Matahui Road right on the harbourfront at the point where the waters from the entrances each end of Tauranga harbour meet.

Heather and Francis Young lived in the US and have planted many North American natives as part of a park like garden which

slopes gently to water level where a series of ponds fill and empty according to the water table. One real point of difference in this eclectic garden is the large potager full to overflowing with flowers and vegetables, dotted with sculptures.

Pahoia, Whakamarama

Margaret and Terry Parker’s five acre country garden in Pahoia comes with a warning! It is steep.

Margaret has heard former festival visitors huffing and puffing up her hills, despite the pleasure to be found on the banks and in the black walnut grove below, just not fit enough, or not wearing the right shoes to enjoy it to the full. But this is a wonderful garden for a wander so well worth a spot of perspiration in the process.

Mayward is a large country garden abutting the Kaimai Range bush line with a stream dropping pond by pond through grounds abundant with plants which thrive in the slightly cooler conditions.

Te Puna

Country gardens abound in Te Puna – from Colleen Thwaites’ Siesta Orchard garden with hundreds of roses and big shady trees, to Jo and Keith Dawkin’s mixture garden with some lovely maples.

Across on the coastal side, Alf and Shirley Mundt have been mentored by well-known local gardener, John Burton, in creating a mix of woodland garden, home orchard and 500 hardy Australian and South African varieties on a bank facing the harbour.

The Lochhead garden in James Road has been evolving for 35 years, and combines very well established areas with newer features like the landscaped pool area. The rare Australian blackboys are very impressive.

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Tauriko, Welcome Bay It’s worth heading out to Belk Road in Tauriko just for Paddockwood where a traditional garden full of old fashioned flowers surrounds a 1930s home.

On the Friday and Saturday of the festival you will be served teas from silver pots and muffins under the ancient trees.

Giraffes and arches are features of the Twisleton garden up Kaitemako Road behind Welcome Bay. Designed to enhance gorgeous views to the coast, it is a very peaceful country garden with shady trees and both formal and informal elements.

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‘Pete’s Retreat’ at Matapihi is having its first opening as a festival garden. This rambling country garden is down a long drive fronting the harbour almost right opposite the airport. A keen retired businessman gardener has thrown himself with enthusiasm into planting banks of natives, rhododendrons, camellias and establishing a wet area of spring fed ponds at water level.

The Steens’ property in the Papamoa Hills is a perennial favourite, and not just for the “best chicken sandwiches in the world”. With wonderful views you wander a garden through pergola covered walkway, large hedged rose garden and the old St Mary’s school looking delightfully retro.

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HORTICULTURE

Page 19

Beautiful gardens abound in Garden & Artfest A burre, arch and sculpture, all linking seamlessly for an absorbing walk.

Te Matai Road’s Dianne and Brian Leach have a more open country garden up a liquid amber avenue, surrounded by avocado orchard and with rural views to the coast.

Fun to visit and Dianne has arranged for Te Puke High school students to perform dance and drama on the Thursday of the festival.

Garden Trail Tickets

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Ticketdirect.co.nz 08004ticket or at local outlets: Palmers Gardenworld in Bethlehem and Welcome Bay, Pacific Garden Centre in Papamoa, Tauranga Vets, Te Puna Vets and Katikati vets, and Te Puke Florist. www.gardenandartfest.co.nz

Nitrogen applied now may cause land to devalue in the future I was approached recently by a dairy farming family passionate about their farm and dedicated to the dairy industry.

Their concern was the steadily escalating cost of producing milk solids and the rapidly declining amount paid for them.

Specifically they were concerned about the cost of their fertiliser programme which included the cost of urea. Although they said those costs were not rising rapidly they had drawn a link between fertiliser and what seemed to be declining pasture production.

Having already voiced their concern about total pasture production to the representative of their local fertiliser company, a soil test had been taken and the recommendation was to increase the level of all inputs, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen.

That didn’t sit well with them, and they didn’t see it as an answer to the increasing damage by flea and weevil each year resulting in greater areas of pasture requiring renovation or renewal in autumn.

My recommendation was to apply more calcium in the form of lime in conjunction with DoloZest the biologically active product based on dolomite.

Maintenance amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur was also recommended, along with a steady phasing out of fertiliser nitrogen.

They were given information collected over the last eight years showing DoloZest based programmes to have increased total pasture production, improved animal performance, reduced damage by pests, as well as increasing the sense of pleasure and well-being of farming families.

Still a little sceptical they asked if they could speak to farmers using the programmes. Several clients that have been using DoloZest for more than five years were spoken with, along with customers that started within the last 12 months.

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Increasingly local body authorities have been drawing lines on maps and stipulating the conditions under which farmers particularly intensive dairy operations may continue to operate.

One regulation that is being put in place throughout the country right now stipulates the quantity of nitrate nitrogen permitted to leak from farms and in some instances the time by which the standard must be met.

Farmers no longer have a privileged position when it comes to their environmental footprint and should they decide not to comply with regulations on nitrate nitrogen losses they are likely to have to relocate, and eventually the net will spread.

The effect that will have on current land values could be catastrophic. There are however soil nutrient programmes that include strategic use of nitrogen fertiliser which may well allow intensive pastoral farming to continue in even the most sensitive water catchment areas.

These programmes are supported by long term grass growth figures, total farm production records, and most recently nitrate nitrogen leaching figures. Not proof as that will take at least 10 years of work by research institutes, but enough data to show there is a sound long term alternative.

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MAIZE

Page 20

Maize is a prehistoric grain Maize has been cultivated for human consumption since prehistoric times when the wild plants were domesticated by the people living in Mesoamerica (Central America).

Maize played a vital role in their lives, far beyond its food value. Learning to grow the plants, along with beans, squash and chilly and the domestication of dogs and turkeys enabled them to settle in one place, develop-

ing villages and eventually giving rise to a sophisticated civilisation.

The grains of maize were cooked or ground and used in a number of ways, including making tortillas and it was so valuable maize became a form of trade.

However, maize was unknown to the rest of the world until the 15th and 16th centuries when the Spanish, British and French arrived in the Americas, taking grains back to Europe with them.

It was the plant’s remarkable ability to grow in diverse climates as well as its

nutritional value which resulted in its wide spread cultivation throughout the world.

Modern maize is very different from the plants grown by the first gardeners as the species has been the subject of extensive breeding, including in the US, genetic modification, to increase yields and other characteristics including drought resistance.

In New Zealand, most maize is grown for stock food but the sweet corn harvest is keenly awaited by people who associate a golden cob dripping with melted butter with all that’s great about the Kiwi summer.

Shorter contracts - more money JORDAAN A move away from long term supply contracts has driven up Fonterra’s profits, chief executive Theo Spierings says.

The average contract period is now three months, meaning Fonterra is no longer locked into supplying at a low fixed price for a longer term when milk prices increase.

For the past 12 months the contract price has been consistently above the Global Dairy Trade price.

As a result the division called NZ Milk Products had a strong year, with a 23 per cent increase in normalised earnings to $515 million. Revenue increased by one per cent to $15.72

billion for the year, thanks Theo says, to effective product mix management, a seven per cent rise in sales volumes to 2.8 million MT and the ability to attain prices above GDT through continued efforts to add value to products. Year-end inventory levels were $373 million lower at $2.13 billion, with a 14 per cent increase in volume on hand offset by lower prices.

Metabolisable energy best descriptor of feed Metabolisable energy (ME) is still the best feed quality descriptor for New Zealand dairy farmers, says DairyNZ’s principal scientist, Dr John Roche.

“When I hear people telling farmers that ‘all energy is not equal’ and they should ‘focus on nonfibre carbohydrate instead of ME’ when feeding their cows, I get quite frustrated,” he says.

“It shows me that a little knowledge out of context can be a dangerous thing.”

John says that the main reason the recommendation to focus on non-fibre carbohydrate is wrong for New Zealand farmers is that pasture-based cows are rarely short of protein.

“Management to produce more microbial protein, without providing additional energy when cows are not deficient in protein, will not increase milksolids production,” he says.

“Fibre can produce the same amount of microbial protein as non-fibre carbohydrate, provided it is digestible in the rumen. For example, a cow eating the same amount of energy from pasture or

pasture plus a high (60 per cent DM) or low (30 per cent DM) non-fibre carbohydrate supplement, produces the same amount of microbial protein.

“That cow also has the same amount of metabolisable protein reaching the small intestine and as a result of the similar metabolisable energy intake and metabolisable protein, produces the same amount of milksolids.

“With the current milk price and relative value of milk fat and milk protein, I would advise farmers to focus on the ME content of the feed and the price/MJ of ME.”

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MAIZE

Page 21

Maize biofuel production is increasing internationally While in New Zealand maize is grown for animal and human consumption, elsewhere in the world the grain is being processed into fuels.

Increases in biofuel production from maize and oilseeds will continue to be the single greatest influence on global grain consumption in the medium term, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries It makes that prediction in its publication Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry June 2011 which says mandated production in the US has increased corn used for ethanol from 20 million tonnes in 1999/2000 to 125 million tonnes in 2010/11.

Other countries have developed biodiesel targets which are expected to increase oilseed consumption in the future. China is adding to demand for oilseeds for cooking oil, use of which has doubled in the last 10 years.

Nearly 10 per cent of global coarse grain production is now used for ethanol production, and a similar proportion of vegetable oil production is used for biodiesel production.

By contrast the dairy industry accounts for almost all of the maize and maize silage grown in New Zealand, with a small proportion going into pig and poultry feed and the balance used in the manufacture of foods for humans.

Maize growers are part of New Zealand’s arable sector which produces grains (mainly wheat, barley, oats and maize) for the domestic market. The farms generally grow a range of these crops in any one year, as well as vegetable crops, forage crops and most also graze livestock. The range of crops and livestock, grown in rotation around farms, is a key

to the sustainability of this intensive system and is a point of difference for New Zealand.

There are about 2000 farms growing grains and seeds on 175,000 to 200,000 ha. About 500, mainly in the Canterbury region, grow the majority of the crops - apart from maize grain which is almost entirely grown in the North Island due to the longer and warmer growing season.

Beyond the farm gate, the sector has a critical role in other primary production sectors through the development,

multiplication and marketing of new varieties of pasture and forage seeds for the pastoral sector and for export.

There is also a significant industry producing stockfeed (mainly for the dairy, pig and poultry sectors), and flour and starch based products for human consumption from NZ grown and imported grains.

Approximately 1 million tonnes of grain is produced in New Zealand from about 100-120,000 ha, which reduces the need to import as much for animal feed and human consumption.

MAIZE

Page 22

Survival is a case of blending with Mother Nature’s dictates If we look at the ‘system’ Mother Nature has set up, all facets of that systems blend.

If it were not so, one aspect would increase to the detriment of all others.

Take rainfall as an example; if the amount of evaporation did not equal the amount of condensation and precipitation then all growth would cease. On the other hand, if the amount of evaporation exceeded

the amount of precipitation all life would suffocate, as the amount of moisture would exceed the amount of air available to the lungs; we would in fact, drown.

Mother Nature has established a system whereby all things are equally and impeccably tuned and in harmony one with each other.

Then enter man and his vested interest. Out goes logic and in comes greed - never a good mix.

Let take modern agriculture as the scenario.

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A farmer plants a crop and applies fertilisers to blend with Mother Nature’s dictates and achieves a profitable crop, a sustainable income and a continuing sustainable farm. Then a salesman convinces him that he can increase the crop return by applying more artificial nitrogen and perhaps more phosphate. All goes well for a period and the farmer feels that he has made the right decision. Unfortunately our sojourn on this planet is too short for one to assess the error of our ways; we have no benchmark to measure our mistakes by and are thus lulled into a sense of false security, blindly charging on into a certain final abyss.

A fine example of this is now evident in the ever growing problem we have with drinkable water, polluted soils, contaminated lakes and the massive areas of oceans no longer able to support life.

What can you do as farmers? First, re-establish the natural nitrogen cycle.

Actually, that’s not as hard or as costly as it may seem and the results will astound you. For nitrogen to become available certain soil conditions must be present. Those same conditions suit bacteria and all other plant systems including the elements essential to growth and metabolism. When N is applied outside its ‘normal’ cycle, the plant will respond but the compounds necessary for plant and stock health will be curtailed. The net result will be the accumulation of toxic substances both to the plant and the animals consuming them.

Bacteria are required to convert soil

ammonia to plant available nitrate nitrogen. The application of nitrification inhibitors; substances that limit the function of bacteria required for this conversion, is a very foolish and poorly conceived science. Nature never tolerates limits being placed on her.

If we take this approach we will reap the rewards of our actions and Mother Nature will kick back with a vengeance, mark my word.

Work on nitrogen conducted by the Soil Science Society of American, of which I am a member, reported the results of grain yields in corn grown in the State of Illinois; the trial showed no visible difference between 0 and 235 kg N ha-1. Grain yields were slightly lower for the check plot, but there was no significant difference between 34 and 235 kg N ha-1. This study offers a soil based alternative to yield-based nitrogen fertiliser recommendations developed in the 1970s. The authors believe this new approach will benefit crop yields, the environment, and the bottom line for farmers.

The danger of the use of N to stimulate plant growth is more sinister than this would suggest. If we accelerate any system we do so at our peril, nature abhors an imbalance, in fact she will do her best to nullify it at all cost, even getting rid of man if needs be. The use of more energy requires the use of more fuel to produce that energy.

Newton’s third law of motion, “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Nitrates accumulate in poorly balanced soils and nitrates kill.

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MAIZE

Preparation, planning key to cropping The dairy payout is down and farmers will be targeting expenditure carefully. While there are ways to make savings, when it comes to planting crops or buying in supplementary feed, cheaper is not always better.

If farmers are going to the trouble of growing a crop such as maize or turnips, it’s worth doing it right. Preparation and planning are key to successful cropping.

We are finding a lot of soils have low pH due to the use of potash and super over the years and the soil needs to be brought back into balance.

Soil testing the paddocks selected for growing crops is worth the time and expenditure because it may well be that all they need is a minimum of inputs and a dressing of lime, which will save money. If however, they have been heavily mined of nutrients by successive crops, then applying the right fertiliser mix will help ensure a successful crop this time round. This too is more cost effective than blanket dressing every paddock as those which have had a lot of effluent applied won’t need as many nutrients as the back paddocks which have been used for maize or silage over the years.

Fertiliser reps are generally happy to do soil tests, or farmers can do them themselves. The samples we’ve taken lately have been quite heavy because soil moisture is still high so getting crops in as soon as possible will be of benefit

should we have the hot dry summer some are predicting.

Spraying and cultivating the paddocks begins the process but equally important is deciding which maize hybrid to plant. The choice is extensive and takes a bit of thought, depending on when the crop should mature and when the paddock needs to be returned to pasture; what the end use of the crop will be and the climatic and soil conditions of the farm.

Those who want high energy feeds should look for good grain yield, not necessarily large bulk.

Once the crop is in the ground, weed control, follow up spraying and applications of urea will be required.

Whether farmers grow it themselves or buy it in, the quality of supplementary feed is vital as not all silage is created equal. The best silage is made from short leaf, early crops which are harvested before 10 to 15 per cent emergence of seed heads.

To be sure of the quality of feed on which cows are being fed to keep them milking, it’s important to ask for a feed analysis, and if the supplier can’t or won’t give that information, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

We weigh our bales and analyse their ME content so our clients know they are getting the best bang for their bucks. We are taking orders for high quality feed now including silage with an average ME of 11.4 and maize silage with energy levels of around 12 ME and over. We also have hay and straw on hand.

By Bill Webb of Bill Webb Feed Solutions

Feed budgeting by computer A course designed to introduce farmers to a computer programme to help manage their feed supply will be held in Hamilton on Friday November 9.

The Farmax Introductory Training Course is a chance to find out more about Farmax the industry leading feed budgeting and whole farm decision support software. The course will cover how to use Farmax to update the

farm plan and investigate the impact this has on pasture covers and profit.

The course is free and there is no obligation to subscribe. To find out more or to secure a space contact Julia Hoddinott at support@farmax.co.nz, or 0800 327 629.

a lot of soils have low pH due to the use of potash and super over the years and the soil needs to be brought back into balance.

Page 23

MAIZE

Page 24

Maize crops need more calcium The Paeroa company, Environmental Fertilisers considers New Zealand’s maize crops could be doubled if given enough plant-available calcium.

They’ve been monitoring biologically grown grain crops which on average out-yielded conventional by four tonnes of grain/ha/year, increasing profitability by $1600 /ha.

They use a Reams soil test to measure plant-available nutrients and a Lismore Soil Test for nutrient reserves, base saturations, etc. Reams Total Daily Nutrients (TDN), a measure of mineral energy for crop growth, includes calcium, phosphate, potassium, nitrogen, iron

and copper. The sum of these provides 98 per cent of soil reserve potential and should reach 3300 kg/ha, with calcium providing 80 per cent of this. Unfortunately, most soils test at only 300-1200 kg/ha.

Plants get 80 per cent of their mineral energy from the atmosphere via photosynthesis and 20 per cent from the soil. Of this soil percentage 80 per cent needs to be calcium.

For a 30 tonne green crop, 24 t (80 per cent) is water and 6 t (20 per cent) dry matter. To achieve this, 960 kg/ha of plant-available calcium is required. This is not only more than the average TDN being measured, but only 50 per cent of available calcium can be removed in one season. So to achieve 30 t of green yield at harvest the soil needs 1920 kg/ha of

A maize cob should contain about 720 kernels

plant-available calcium at planting.

Not only are many crops way below the potential yield for maize silage, but also for grain crops. A maize cob should contain about 720 kernels, each weighing 0.55 g. At a planting survival rate of 90,000 plants/ha that should yield 35 tonnes of grain/ha. But our kernels only weigh around 0.2 g, or 50 per cent of what they should due to a lack of available calcium to fill the kernels, halving the yield.

At a common calcium reading of 1000 kg/ha with only 500 kg available in that season a yield of only 6.2 t of grain/ ha is possible, instead of a possible 30 t if plant-available calcium was raised to 6400 kg/ha.

So it’s firstly calcium that’s required for high yields, and it must be plant-available. The sweet corn plant grown by these principles shows what is possible with high calcium-availability.

By Sue Edmonds Food for thought!

Is New Zealand maize capable of producing more?

Agriculture leads economic growth economists and follows a 1.0 per cent increase in the Agriculture was the largest contributor to economic growth in the latest quarter, rising March quarter.

However, the current account deficit was $2.9 bil4.7 per cent according to Statistics NZ. lion in the June 2012 quarter, according to Statistics The increase reflects a good season for pasture growth that resulted in record production of milk, the basis of New Zealand’s exports of dairy products.

Gross Domestic Product grew 0.6 per cent in the June 2012 quarter, double the rate expected by

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This is equivalent to 4.9 per cent of GDP. The deficit is $300 million higher compared to the March quarter, when it was 4.5 per cent of GDP. Statistics NZ said that the larger annual deficit was mainly due to increased imports of goods over the year, as prices for petroleum and petroleum products rose.

Foreign-owned banks also made higher profits over the year. The current account deficit was funded by a net inflow of foreign investment in the financial account. Foreign investors continued to purchase NZ Government bonds, and banks received deposits from overseas.

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Exchange rate costs farmers $1 billion The strength of the New Zealand dollar has cost dairy farmers $1 billion in lost revenue but Fonterra says it won’t be putting pressure on the government to influence the exchange rate.

Chairman Sir Henry van der Hayden says Fonterra has learned to live with the market conditions and the board has not discussed asking the government to intervene.

Chief executive Theo Spierings says the problem is not so much the strength of the New Zealand dollar, as the weakness of the US dollar. “and we don’t have any influence with Obama”.

Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy Chairperson says the high Kiwi dollar resulted in a one billion dollar opportunity-cost for Fonterra’s farmershareholders.

“That might have some calling for the new Reserve Bank Governor’s head but we cannot blame him. The dollar is being kept high by what our government is spending. It is something like $8 million every single hour so why don’t we start there?”

Willy says that given the tough trading conditions, Fonterra had done well in the 2012 year.

“The farmgate milk price of $6.08 per kilogram of milksolids (kg/MS), while

down on last year, is up three cents on what was forecast in May. With the dividend it means a final payout of $6.40 kg/MS and that makes it the sixth best payout in the past 20 seasons.

“The three extra cents for last season is a small but welcome bonus but the 32 cent dividend will be a little on the disappointing side for some farmershareholders.

“Because the payout trajectory was well telegraphed, the eyes of most farmers are on the tough season we’re now in. We are staring down the barrel of $5.25.

“There is cause for some optimism as GlobalDairyTrade has strongly rebounded since the new season’s start.

Until Fonterra’s prospectus is released due to Trading Among Farmers, there will be no further payout revision announcements. We are watching this space.

“Against this backdrop is an ugly international trading climate. We were all reminded of it this week by job losses outside of the primary industries.

“Every Kiwi ought to be grateful last summer’s dismal holiday weather became a farming bonanza. Sadly, this goldilocks weather was also shared by our major competitors.

“This helps to explain why production surged 11 per cent to 620,000 metric tonnes, yet only translated into a modest two per cent increase in sales.”

By Elaine Fisher

Page 25

Maize important part of many cuisines Maize is one of the world’s most versatile food plants and its relatives, rice, pearl millet and sorghum are also important sources of nutrition.

Much of the maize grown in New Zealand and internationally is used to feed livestock but the ancient grain, which is essentially a flowering grass, is also used extensively to make human food.

A thick porridge made from maize flour or meal is an important part of the diet for many cultures such as polenta in Italy, or mealie pap in Africa. Maize meal often replaces wheat flour to make baked products such as corn bread.

Maize was first cultivated in Central America so it features signif-

icantly in Mexican foods, including tortillas made from masa which is cornmeal treated with lime water.

Maize kernels are high in starch which is why they are also made into cornstarch, used as a thickening agent in cooking. The plant’s high sugar content is the reason corn syrup is a sweetener used in soft drinks, sweets, baking and bread.

However, some maize is even processed into ‘kitty litter’, sold as an environmentally friendly product.

Most maize is not harvested until the cobs are mature, but sweetcorn, eaten as a fresh vegetable, are picked while immature. Baby corn is popular in Asian cooking and

is a type of maize which produces lots of small cobs.

Then there’s popcorn – created by heading maize kernels until the starchy interior expands and builds up enough pressure to ‘pop’ the hard exterior. When it cools, the starch forms the ‘airy foam’ loved as a snack food.

It was Native Americans who first discovered this characteristic of corn and today a trip to the cinema is almost always synonymous with the smell and taste of popcorn.

Popcorn is high in fibre, has no sugar or sodium and is low in calories and fat, until topping such as butter, syrup, salt or sugar are added.

Page 26

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Dibley family on the land for 127 years When Charlie Karl road his horse into the Mamaku Ranges, hunting for pigs to feed his family, he discovered the land which was to become home to his descendants for the next 127 years.

By Elaine Fisher

“The Karl family had come out from Austria to farm in Ohaupo, Waikato but conditions were tough with drought and they were short of food, so Charlie went hunting and when he saw the land overlooking Lake Rotorua, he decided this was where they should be,” says Charlie’s great grandson, Mark Dibley, who with wife Sophie farm the land which so impressed Charlie.

What Charlie saw was not the rolling pastures of today.

Instead the land he bought from the government in 1887 was covered in bush and fern, which he cleared, pit sawing timber to build the family’s first small home, which still stands today.

“They lived in a tent for the first few years, then built the house, and as the family grew, built a bigger home,” says Mark.

It was one of Charles’ daughters, Susanna, who married returned serviceman Douglas Dibley, Mark’s grandfather.

“I understand she was the only one of Charles’ children who was interested in the farm and the deal was she and Douglas could take it over so long as they looked after a brother who was a bit simple.”

Douglas won a reputation for growing exceptional crops on the farm.

children  Eleven Eddie Dibley, Mark’s father, was one of 11 children and   

they, together with their parents and uncle lived in the three bedroom home, still on the farm, built about 110 years ago.

Douglas Dibley was New Zealand’s last surviving ANZAC and when he died aged 101 in 1997, received a full military funeral, which Sophie says was a great source of pride for the family.

The fact the land has been in continuous ownership and farmed by the family through the generations is also a source of pride, she says.

“Even though I married into the family and didn’t grow up here, I feel a strong connection to the original land Charlie bought and hope it may stay in the family for generations to come,” says Sophie.

Special links

Mark feels the same, saying there’s something special about knowing his great grandparents, grandparents and parents have lived, played and worked on the land, each making their own improvements and putting their mark on it.

“I used to wonder what would happen to the land once we wanted to retire, as initially none of our three children seemed interested in farming, but now our daughter Tina has come home to work for our sharemilker

for the last four seasons, it looks like it will stay in the family.”

Tina, now 27, initially trained as a hairdresser.

“Tina was the one we could never get into the cowshed to help with milking and we were amazed when she said she wanted to come back to the farm,” says Sophie.

Tina is a little reserved about the reasons for the decision to make such a dramatic career change.

“Someone had to come home to take over the farm,” she laughs, admitting even she didn’t think she would enjoy getting up before dawn to milk cows. Tina is employed by David and Jenny Ingram, who milk 600 cows on the 190 hectare farm.

Her sister Amy is a physiotherapist and brother Doug works as a sustainable dairy advisor for Fonterra in the Waikato.

The original block Charlie bought was 300 acres, but this was split between family until Sophie and Mark purchased 120 acres of it in 1987 (named Awaglen by Eddie) and then purchased some more neighbouring land over the years to increase its size.

Sophie grew up in the area and is a member of the Fleming family which came to the nearby Kaharoa district to farm in the 1920s.

Both she and Mark have seen significant changes in land use in the Mamaku/ Rotorua district.

“When Great Grandad started farming here, there was just one house between here and Rotorua. Today we have 36 immediate neighbours,” says Mark.

Above: Feeding out hay to cows the old fashioned way on the Dibley Farm.

Right: Pit sawing timber for the original Karl family home.

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Mark’s father Eddie, now 84, and his late mother Shirley farmed the land for 45 years. Eddie was well known as an innovator and among the first to use artificial breeding to improve his herd. However, Eddie happily gave up milking when Mark and Sophie became sharemilkers in 1981.

Eddie still lives on the farm and for many years enjoyed growing and tending a small kiwifruit orchard but when Shirley died he thought it was time to retire and the vines were removed with just a small number of green vines remaining to provide fruit for the family and the farm stay guests who come to visit.

Mark says there was never any doubt in his mind that he would farm his family’s land.

“It was always what I wanted to do but for a while after leaving school I went possum trapping full-time.”

He could skin a possum in 17 seconds and held North Island and New Zealand titles for his speed at producing clean skins.

Lucrative hunting

Possuming proved a very lucrative decision. Mark estimates he trapped more than 30,000 possums and in the 1970s when skin prices were high, earned $50,000/year.

“That gave us a good start to go farming. The herd we bought off my parents cost $27,000.”

Sophie and Mark milked 120 cows on the original land, in a shed which began as an eight-a-side walkthrough.

“It was increased to a 10-a-side then an 18 then 25 and now it’s been recently upgraded to a 42-a-side herringbone with a yard which can hold the whole 600 cow herd.”

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Page 27

Award winners Over the years Sophie and Mark won a number of awards.

In 1987 they were Central Plateau Sharemilkers of the Year, Fieldays Dairy Farmer of the Year in 1994 and in 2002 Westpac Regional Dairy Award winners. Their previous sharemilkers, Chris and Teresa Moore, won the National Sharemilker of the Year award in 2010.

The beauty of the farm, with its stands of original native trees, the exotic trees earlier generations have planted, plus its views of Lake Rotorua, are among attributes which have kept the Dibley family on the land.

However, that location could put its long-term future in question, says Mark.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s rule 11 has capped both production and fertiliser inputs on the Dibley and other dairy farms in the Lake Rotorua catchment and Mark says conditions are only likely to get tougher, which will impact on the economics of dairying in the area.

“No farmer wants to add to the pollution of the lake. I wake up every morning and look at the lake and I really care about

Family ties – Mark and Sophie Dibley with their daughter Tina outside the 110-year-old Dibley homestead on the family farm. what happens to it. We spread our own fertiliser so we can control when it is applied to reduce the risk of run-off.”

Fertiliser application is based on soil tests and the couple has just invested heavily in a large effluent pond. The 2900 cubic metre, plastic-lined pond is bigger than the farm required and effluent can be irrigated over around 40ha.

The Dibley family were inaugural New Zealand Century Farm families, taking part in the first awards in 2006. Today they are

Above: Three generations of the Dibley family: Mark (left), his father Eddie and son Owen. The photo was taken several years ago outside the family’s original small home built by Mark’s great grandfather, Charlie Karl.

among 149 families from throughout New Zealand who have joined the exclusive circle of centenarians and sesquicentenarians with continuous farming links to their land.

Coast & Country wants to hear from other families with long associations with their land so we can feature their stories. Please email elaine@thesun.co.nz

New Zealand’s last surviving ANZAC Alfred Douglas Dibley was just 19 when he went to war, and when he died at 101 in 1997, he was New Zealand’s last surviving ANZAC. Known as Douglas, he farmed land between Rotorua and Mamaku which today is farmed by his grandson Mark.

In 1915 Douglas was working for an oil company in Wellington when he and a friend spotted a newspaper advertisement seeking helpers at Trentham Military Camp hospital, where spinal meningitis was raging.

“A cobber and myself, we were just under age, we said, how about going and helping. We went in there, we got into uniform, we got everything... but we never went near that blooming hospital,” he recalled.

“And the next thing we knew they

packed us off to Gallipoli. We were stretcher bearers going out and picking men up.”

As a member of the Mounted Corps, Douglas became part of a 24-man squad which travelled to Cairo and Heliopolis in Egypt and finally Gallipoli, a battleground he could not forget.

“Good Lord, if you're in a place with shells going round and seeing your cobbers killed, do you think you'd forget that?”

Five thousand New Zealanders were wounded during the campaign; 2700 died.

“The big battles were over when I arrived but I was on Walker’s Ridge and the bullets were still flying around. My short time there was quite long enough for me.”

Douglas was evacuated on the last day of the big evacuation, ending up in Palestine with Australian and New

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Zealand mounted troops. He transferred to a field ambulance unit and was sent to France, but never saw any action there because he contracted spinal meningitis.

He was sent to hospital in England and when he recovered was returned to New Zealand and was discharged - on April 3, 1918.

Douglas married Susanna Karl and spent all his working life after the war on the property which is

still in family hands. He served in the Home Guard in the Second World War. Like many other returned servicemen, Douglas was opposed to wars.

“No one wins in the end. The Great War took the best of our young men, and look how many came back maimed and broken.

Many suffered dreadfully for the rest of their lives.”

Douglas was given a full military funeral in Rotorua when he died on December 19, 1997.

By Elaine Fisher

Mark & Sophie Dibley Valued Customers Of Pilch and the Piako Tractors Team

Page 28

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Effluent lacks essential elements Dairy effluent is a viable source of fertiliser and a good way to help control farm costs, however, because it lacks elements essential for pasture growth it is not perfect.

Dexcel Farm Facts show that the ‘typical’ effluent from 100 cows contains plenty of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium but lacks sulphur which pasture requires to maintain good growth.

Spread on the recommended area of pasture, dairy effluent can lead to a deficiency of about 16 to 20 kgs of E1 sulphur per hectare, depending on the pasture and soil analysis, says Ken Green, director of Sulfur Solutions of Mount Maunganui.

“The addition of sulphur could be achieved by using a range of solid fertilisers. This would however require spreading, which adds complication and costs to the farm. A better system therefore, is the application of sulphur with the dairy shed effluent.”

Sulfur Solutions Ltd, which for 10 years has

manufactured and supplied lime sulphur to the New Zealand Horticultural industry, has turned its expertise to solving the sulphur deficiency problem in effluent blocks on dairy farms. The answer is a specially formulated product called “Liqui-Sul” which contains sulphur and calcium designed to be added to farm dairy effluent to provide a valuable source of sulphur.

Liqui-Sul is a liquid suspension of soluble elemental sulphur and micronized calcium sulphate. It releases sulphur both immediately and over an extended period as the elemental sulphur is oxidised.

Organically certified natural elements are also added as 10 per cent of the volume to create a more balanced foliar feeder.

It is produced in New Zealand from locally sourced raw materials and the production facility is purpose built for the task and produces only lime sulphur products. “As a result, quality and continuity is assured,” says Ken.

Fonterra goes ‘lean and mean’ Much of the $60 million in savings Fonterra hopes to make in the next 12 months will come from joint ventures such as that with Netherlands-based A-ware Food Group, says chief executive Theo Speirings.

Fonterra is also looking at other similar value-added opportunities in Europe and the USA to eventually make total savings of $90 million.

In the current economic environment, the company needed to be `lean and mean’ he says.

Under the Netherlands deal, A-ware will operate a

new cheese plant and Fonterra will operate a dairy ingredients factory alongside.

Whey and lactose produced on site will be processed into premium natural ingredients to supply Fonterra customers throughout Europe and Asia.

Theo says the investment fits with the strategic priorities of both companies.

In Fonterra's case, that includes a focus on nutrition for the vulnerable, (including the elderly and very young) and to promote mobility among ageing populations globally.

"We have substantial intellectual property in the manufacture of functional whey protein ingredients and have been looking for some time for a source of high quality whey to enable us to commercialise these innovations for our customers around the world."

Fonterra’s chief financial officer Jonathan Mason says the savings are important given the predicted drop in farmer pay-out.

“We have got to be careful of costs and this year it is especially important we do that.”

The company is also examining its travelling costs and will make more use of video conferencing to secure further savings.

DAIRY

Get calves off to a good start The calf doesn’t get antibodies from its mother’s blood supply in the uterus; it gets these from the first colostrum - and preferably before it is six hours old, after which the permeability of the intestine declines rapidly.

It’s becoming an increasing concern for large calf rearers that the calves they are collecting, especially from large herds, have not had enough colostrum.

This shows up in what they call ‘the 10-day blues’ when calves start to look dull, are prone to both bacterial and viral scours, and they stop growing. In many cases mortality rates can rise to above five per cent, which kills their profits.

What is not fully appreciated is that it’s a failure of the calf ’s immune system, which starts to develop naturally after the colostrum period has finished. The calf ’s immune system has to respond to the challenge of the bugs and stressors in the environment – but not by being overwhelmed by them. A good immune system will achieve this. Calves are not adult cows,

and in fact are very delicate animals that are especially prone to digestive upsets, dehydration, draughts, and the bad effects of damp bedding and draughty housing. Add to this rough transport and long standing while hungry at sale yards. It’s all a recipe for disaster.

Farmers rearing calves on the Mastade Nutritional Supplement Plan, by drenching them with Oral Mineral Supplement (OMS) on day one, comment on a trouble-free rearing season with some of the best-weaned calves they have ever reared. This is because the calves’ immune systems have been nurtured and not overwhelmed, and have been allowed to develop fully by nine months of age. Then are protected from the major disease threats in the environment.

Farmers comment on how they have achieved the full benefit of the OMS programme by avoiding conventional drenching of calves with oral and pour-on anthelmintics which can act as ‘immunosuppressants’.

Farmers have also reviewed the need for multi-vaccines for their calves, and only vaccinated for diseases such as Leptospirosis. Source: Wormade Ltd

Fonterra pay-out down 83 cents

Darryl Isaac Ltd

Page 29

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Fonterra farmers are feeling the pain of decreasing milk prices, with the forecast for 2013 at 83 cents less than this season.

Chairman Henry van der Hayden says the pay-out has dropped from $7.60 in 2011 to $6.08 for 2012 and the forecast for next season is $5.25.

Farmers won’t receive any further forecasts on just what the 2013 figure might be until after the introduction of the new shares scheme Trading Among Farmers (TAF). Sir Henry says as TAF will be registered with the stock exchange, there is a `black out’ of financial information until the TAF prospectus is released.

Fonterra is on track to launch TAF by December, he says.

The impact of the lower milk price was off-set somewhat this season by an 11 per cent increase in milk production thanks to an exceptional grass growth. Sir Henry says the weather will determine the volume outcome of the current milking season. “We have had a solid start to this season with good grass growth so far.”

The global situation will impact returns and while there has been a combined increase of 9 per cent over the last two Global Dairy Trade events, the recovery had been expected and was partly offset by further appreciation of the NZ dollar versus the US dollar.

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Page 30

Farmers welcome council’s new approach to dairy effluent A new regional council effluent monitoring system for dairy farmers is being welcomed

by Waikato Federated Farmers president James Houghton.

The trial system to monitor compliance with effluent management rules is a way for the Waikato Regional Council to work with farmers to see that they are compliant and is a positive step forward, James says.

The regional council says the trial will involve more ground-based work with farmers to identify and fix

problems, and less random helicopter monitoring of dairy farms.

Previously, the council has largely relied on complaints from the public, and helicopter monitoring of farms chosen at random, to detect breaches of effluent management rules which can result in the pollution of waterways.

The plan for the 2012-13 season is to target up to 500 farms in areas with soils that are seen as having a greater risk of allowing effluent to get into waterways.

Those farms will be flown over by a helicopter to identify any potential serious non-compliance.

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Most Waikato farmers have invested in modern efflent ponds. a problem have found staff willing to Once any serious non-compliance is work to help them through that. dealt with, the rest of the properties in “The change to a more ground-based the group will also be inspected.

The exact boundaries of the high risk strategy sees us moving from a random system of compliance monitoring, to areas aren’t being disclosed in advance. a targeted monitoring regime under But farmers who will be visited at which we are now able to direct some stage during the season are being farmers to farm specific advice about informed of this in writing and will compliance from a code of practicereceive a phone call shortly before a accredited designer,” said compliance council officer arrives for a groundand education manager Rob Dragten. based inspection.

“In the past, farmers haven’t always When the officer does eventually had access to guidance on what convisit for the ground-based inspection stitutes a good effluent management they will identify any problems with system. Now the dairy industry has the farmer’s effluent system and, if developed the new code and formally necessary, make a formal direction for accredits those designers qualiimprovements to be made. fied to apply its standards After recent work with properly. the dairy industry, the “The new arrangecouncil will now The aim of ments mean we can be in a position to trial our differtell the farmer to everyone is ent approach to work with effluent to reduce or compliance monisystem companies toring, involving accredited under prevent effluent us working with DairyNZ’s farm getting into farmers more to dairy effluent code sort things out. of practice and waterwayss Naturally we’ll still design standards. take formal enforcement James says the trial is action where necessary the result of regular meetagainst farmers, as we have ings between Federated Farmers, in the past.

DairyNZ and Fonterra which had “Another advantage of our new identified potential issues and ways of system is that there will be targeting of addressing them. farms in areas where soils are seen as The aim of everyone is to reduce or having a higher risk of allowing effluprevent effluent getting into water ent to get into waterways. These higher ways James says. risk soils include, for example, those While most farmers have invested in with impeded drainage or infiltration modern effluent ponds and systems to rates, soils with a very coarse structure irrigate waste onto pasture, James says and land with a slope of over seven around 10 per cent of the Waikato’s degrees. dairy farms still operated two pond The council has a strong focus on eluent systems. “Time is limited for preventing untreated dairy farm effluthose two pond systems.”

The Waikato has received six months’ ent from entering waterways.

Many farmers have put a considerable of rain in the past two and a half effort into getting their systems up to months and the extremely wet conditions has resulted in the failure of some speed and we want to ensure the inaction of others doesn’t dilute all their pond systems but James says those farmers who let council know they had good work.”

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Page 31

Te Puke farmer heads award’s trust Te Puke dairy farmer and former sharemilker of the year Teresa Moore is the new chair of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Trust.

Teresa and husband Chris, won the sharemilker competition in 2009 and the couple is now farming a 71ha 200-cow property at Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty.

“I’m looking forward to working with some great people on the trust and in overseeing our role to ensure the trust’s goals are implemented and that there is good communication between the trust and the NZDIA Executive running the awards programme.”

The trust governs the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and represents the awards owners and dairy industry. The awards operate the New Zealand Sharemilker/ Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions.

The Executive is chaired by Southland dairy farmer Matthew Richards and convened

by Chris Keeping.

The trust comprises Teresa, who is a Federated Farmers’ representative on the trust along with Willy Leferink and

Andrew Hoggard, Fonterra Director Jim van der Poel, and DairyNZ Directors Alister Body and Ben Allomes, also a former New Zealand Sharemilker of the Year winner.

Teresa has been on the trust since 2009, after winning the sharemilker competition. She also convened the 2011 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards regional competition.

She takes over from 2012 Dairy Woman of the Year, Barbara Kuriger, who started a year-long $25,000 Global Women in Leadership scholarship earlier this month.

“I’m very excited about the leadership programme and I am going to be a sponge and make the most of it,” Barbara says.

“The dairy industry awards have been a big part of my life so I will stay involved in some way, but it was the right time to break the formal connections as we have kids starting to enter the awards and it will be nice to be Mum for a while!”

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Teresa Moore, who with husband Chris won the Sharemilker of the year award in 2009 – is now chair of the trust which runs the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

Fonterra’s TAF ready by year’s end Fonterra is on track to launch Trading Amongst Farmers (TAF) by the end of this year, chairman Sir Henry van der Hayden says.

The scheme will allow farmers to trade Fonterra shares among themselves, reducing the `redemption risk’ the company faced when it had to pay back farmers whose milk production had dropped or left the company.

Outside investors will be able to take part in the scheme through a special fund which will see them benefit from any dividends shares earn, but have no voting rights in Fonterra.

Sir Henry says there has already been a level of interest in the fund from institutional investors both on and off-shore and Fonterra has held meetings to help inform them about the company. “Fonterra may not be that well known off-shore, except as a brand name. At a time of concerns about food security and food quality, a company like Fonterra has a good deal of appeal.”

When the scheme went to the vote earlier this year, it was passed by a majority but around a third of farmers voted against it. Sir Henry says he believes most farmers now support the scheme.

“Most of the farmers I talk to are saying ‘just get on with it’. Obviously not all are happy but generally in this industry, once a decision is made, farmers get behind it.”

are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1, along with industry partner AgITO.

Entries for the 2013 awards open in November. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information or follow the awards on twitter @ nzdairyawards.

Page 32

DAIRY

Water constraints on Waikato dairy farms For Waikato dairy farmers Variation 6, which limits the amount of water they can use, became operative on April 10 this year.

lucky and not have to get a consent, but you’ll need to reassure council on that. And if you aren’t milking, what you don’t use doesn’t accrue. Given the size of some yards these days, they take a lot of washing and use a lot of water.

As yard wash doesn’t require pristine water, think about reusing the plant

By Sue Edmonds wash and cooling water, probably via a new holding tank.

As, under the old rules, so few farmCouncil has allowed for a ‘grandparers had gone through the resource enting scheme’ based on your water consent process for water, there may take at October 15, 2008. As most well be around 3,000 who will now farmers would likely not have much need to start applying. With such a of an idea how much they were using swag to process, and the likely horthen, they will need to base their applirendous costs if they were handled cation on number of cows milked at individually, the Regional Council has decided to set closing dates on a catch- that date times 70 litres/cow. This may be less than they actually used back ment by catchment basis, and hope to then, but the council says some be able to process the paperwork literature indicates it’s actuin batches, where farms are ally a conservative ’upper similar in their hydrology Every limit’ favouring farmers. (surface and groundwaAlthough the Variater systems). This way farmer in tion talks about some the costs to individuals very small water take will be reduced. the region farmers not needing While some, such as has been one, you are really going Piako and Waitakaruru to need a water meter to have until July 31 2014, sent a letter be sure, and no doubt the those in Waihou need to suppliers are rubbing their leap into gear to get their hands in glee about this. But applications in by November 30 think before you buy. The cheap ones this year. tend to jam up when grit gets in, and Every farmer in the region has been if you are getting into technology, sent a letter advising in general terms what is involved and when to apply by, then buy one which tells you on your smart phone or computer how much but for those who haven’t tried to read you are using. That way you don’t the Variation itself (a very complex document), or haven’t wanted to know have to tramp down to check it, when you are required to report on usage to up to now, here are some of the things WRC. Remember, if you get a leak in you need to be thinking about and the system, the smart ones will let you measuring. know before you’ve flooded the area, so The rules cover both surface and they do pay for themselves. ground water. While they’ve got the DairyNZ are currently doing more amounts of surface water available work on their Smart Water Use materisussed, WRC are doing some very als, and farmers who have taken up the detailed measuring on aquifers and ideas already, are crowing about their wells all over the region, so they will reduced power bills. As with effluhave a clear idea of when a catchment ent management, you need to take is ‘overcommitted’. To give you some the rules seriously and do something. idea, current estimates are that up to 90 per cent of Waikato’s freshwater use There is lots of help available these days, and keep in mind that the less is groundwater, there are over 14,000 water you use, the less there is to get wells in our region and 400 more get rid of as effluent. Don’t build a lake if added each year. you can get away with a pond.

The much-mentioned 15 cu.m/day WRC have now put a substantial file figure for milk cooling and shed wash on their website which answers all the means you get 7.5 cu.m per milking other questions you probably have. on twice a day, based on a calculation It’s at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/ of 70 litres/cow/day. So if you have watertakes. fewer than 215 cows, you may be

Managing without fences Here are a few simple things you can do to protect waterways in paddocks still to be fenced: • Provide shade and shelter away from the water.

• Monitor grazing and move stock if they start to damage banks.

• Avoid grazing near waterways during wet periods (use temporary fenc ing).

• Put in culverts or bridges where stock naturally cross water ways.

• Provide reticulated water.

If you graze fenced

waterway margins occasionally for weed control, it’s crucial to use temporary fencing to keep stock out of the water.

To minimise impact on the waterway, the best approach is short, sharp, intense grazing, done infrequently, and preferably using young stock.

DAIRY

Page 33

The benefits of fencing water ways Fencing farm waterways has many benefits. It helps stabilise banks by preventing treading and erosion and reduces the risk of stock bogging or drowning.

Fencing to keep animals out of waterways leads to better water quality by reducing the amount of faecal matter and sediment deposited directly into it. This will contribute to a better habitat for fish and other freshwater life, improve the appearance of the waterway and reduce drain maintenance costs.

Many regional councils provide free guidance on fencing and other aspects of waterway management. Most provide free locally-focused and helpful publications. Be sure to contact them in the early planning stages. Along with professional guidance, council staff can alert you to any possible regulations as well as funding opportunities.

In the meantime, here are some key things to consider.

Fence set-backs

on a one-metre set-back, increase the margin a little to allow for the grazing that will occur under the fence.

Access

Be sure to allow for access when needed. For margins retired permanently, removable wooden rails in a convenient spot will make it easy to

free stock that might get in.

For areas that require drain clearing, an electric fence that can be removed or dropped will allow easy access. Where fencing is more permanent, adequate spacing should be left between the waterway and fence for digger access.

Floods

Simple one-wire or two-wire electric fences are good choices in flood prone areas. They are less likely to collect debris or be swept away in floods. They are also easier to stand back up after a flood event.

Here are some more ways to reduce damage and repair costs in areas prone to flooding: • Place fencing a greater distance from the waterway (especially on the outside of bends) and locate posts further apart than normal.

• Put fence wires on the paddock and/or downstream side of posts so they pop their staples and drop rather than breaking.

• Use un-barbed staples so wires can pop more easily.

• Construct separate ‘blow-out’ sections across flood channels.

Consider the overall layout of your farm when planning for waterway fences. Along with protecting waterways, new fencing could improve subdivision for grazing management and stock control.

For fence placement: • Go for a minimum set-back of one-metre where the paddock slope toward the waterway is less than 10 degrees. (The set-back should be greater if you are going to be planting.)

• Go for a three-metre set-back of un-grazed vegetation where the slope is greater than 10 degrees.

• Set it further back where banks are unstable.

• Weigh up straight lines versus following the waterway course (possibly less Fencing grazing land lost). should be Choose fencing that suits secure to keep your budget and your curstock out of rent set-up. Just be sure it’s waterways, stock-proof. but allow • Seven to nine wires access for with battens is best for maintenance permanent fences. as needed.

• A two- or three-wire electric fence with permanent posts is satisfactory to prevent cattle entering the waterway.

• For a single wire fence

You should also think about the height of the bottom wire relative to expected flood levels. Recording flood heights will be helpful with placement of fences in the future.

Finally, temporary electric fences can be helpful to protect sensitive areas at critical times.

You can run a hot tape around wet areas and seeps in winter, for example, to keep stock out and avoid pugging.

This article is adapted from the third in a series of nine DairyNZ Farmfacts on managing waterways on farms. They can be viewed at www.dairynz.co.nz in the Farmfacts – Environment section.

PRE-CAST CONCRETE & STEEL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

DAIRY

Page 34

Modern twist to old fashioned farm gate milk There was a time when people bought fresh milk in a billy from neighbouring farms and for decades milk was delivered in glass bottles to homes up and down the country.

That all changed with the introduction of plastic bottles and a market dominated by supermarket sales. Today few communities have milk deliveries and milk in glass bottles is almost unheard of – except, that is, in Takaka, Golden Bay. There the Houston family have taken fresh milk full circle, albeit

with a thoroughly modern twist, and it’s a concept they believe will take off throughout the country.

Mark and Phillippa Houston and their family now sell fresh, raw milk from their Golden Bay farm through an Italian dispensing machine which customers can access 24 hours a day. They’ve called the business Village Milk and son Rich-

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ard says franchises are now being offered so other farmers can do the same.

Every day locals and visitors arrive at Village Milk to fill two litre glass bottles with fresh milk from the chilled vat and it’s all self-service.

Those who don’t have bottles can buy one for $4 from a vending machine and then pay $2 a litre to fill it. ”We weren’t sure how it would go but thought if we could get five per cent of the local population buying our milk that would be good. We started in December and now have 12 to 13 per cent of locals buying a total of up to 270 litres of milk a day.”

That milk comes from a mixed Friesian-cross herd of 60 cows, 30 of which are milked at any one time.

“We rotate the herds so we can give a year-round supply, and milk once a day at 8am.”

Hygiene is of paramount importance, as is attention to animal health, says Richard. The teats of each cow are washed and dried before milking and the cows are content and well fed on lush pasture.

It took six months to gain all the food safety approvals required to sell untreated milk and every Monday the milk is tested by the Cawthron Institute in Nelson to ensure it meets the stringent standards required.

Richard says Village Milk is not pasteurised or processed in any way, other than being chilled and stored below 4°C in a 300-litre silo.

It’s important customers are aware of the Food Safety Authority’s regulations, and the risks involved with raw milk, so he has posted health warnings in the milk sales room.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority states that: “Unpasteurised milk, also known as raw milk, is considered a ‘high-risk food’ as it can carry diseasecausing bacteria. For this reason, milk in New Zealand is pasteurised - heated to a high enough temperature for a long enough

time to kill disease-causing bacteria before sale.

“Children, pregnant women, older people and those who are immune-compromised are especially at risk from any pathogenic bacteria present in unpasteurised milk. Farmers may legally sell unpasteurised or raw milk provided: no more than five litres are sold per person at one time; milk is sold for the purpose of consumption only by the person buying it or that person’s family; milk is sold and collected from the farm... it cannot be transported to and sold from a second location.”

However, Richard says pasteurisation was introduced at a time when the disease tuberculosis was being spread through milk and meat. All of the Houstons’ cows are TB free and have been for a long time and for most people, the milk is safe to drink.

The Houston family enjoys fresh raw milk and started out milking a cow for their own consumption.

“We got so many requests for fresh milk we decided to look into how we could supply the public,” says Richard.

His parents had been dairy farming in South Canterbury but moved north to down-size and enjoy a kinder climate.

The dry stock farm they bought had a disused cowshed which opened up the possibly of a novel form of milk supply.

After a trip to Italy to visit manufacturers of milk dispensing machines and see how the system operated there, the decision was made to import a machine and set up a fresh milk business.

Now the Village Milk brand has been secured and opened up to other farmers through a franchise.

“We wanted to set up a franchise system because that’s a way of ensuring quality controls are in place. We also see a time when the public can buy the fresh raw milk they have come to enjoy from almost anywhere in the country.”

Richard says there has been a lot of interest in day at Village the franchise idea ed just once a ilk m e ar ws Co ka. and it makes good Milk in Taka business sense.

“Farmers supplying a milk company receive on average 20 per cent of the end price. With Village Milk they will get around 80 per cent, which could mean for many milking fewer cows, once a day.”

People arrive throughout the day to use the self-service, fresh raw milk facilities at Village Milk.

There’s cream in the system for consumers too.

The cream rises to the top of the bottle and around one quarter of every two litre bottle of milk from Village Milk is cream. In Takaka many locals are using it not just in their coffee, but to make cheese and yoghurt too.

By Elaine Fisher

RURAL DRIVER

Page 35

X-Trail: townie car in drag We hadn’t set out to buy an X-Trail the day we cruised through the yard at Farmer Auto Village.

It was time to replace the Jeep Cherokee which had been a great wagon, but never really lived up to the legend of our previous Wrangler.

As publishers of the Sun, Coast & Country rural newspaper and the boating mag, Waterline, we needed an all-rounder.

The little voice inside my head was saying “get another Wrangler.”

It’s the same dangerous little voice that in younger years, suggested I should: Seek rock stardom in a punk band.

Kayak over some ridiculously high waterfalls.

Join the French Foreign Legion.

Try to have a sensible interview with Donna Awatere.

Put my fingers in the bean slicer.

Date women my mother would not have approved of.

Take up kick boxing.

Buy a steam iron from a TV infomercial.

Communicate telepathically with a horse.

Start a newspaper.

Only one of those ideas turned out to be a really good one, I’ll leave you to figure out which. So it has been sometime since The Voice has been allowed to have much sway in the pivotal life decisions of Rogers.

Fortunately the voice of logic and reason has generally prevailed.

Another voice, also one of good sense, is sitting next to me and holding the cheque book, shaking her head at the Jeep and saying “No.” That voice also holds a pretty awesome track record of good decision making, so carries a fair degree of veto.

That’s when we found the Nissan line-up, were quite struck with the new X-Trail and decided to take it on a test drive.

It turns out there was no faulting it for our purposes.

First up, was the very sensible price. The Nissan X-Trail is incredibly good value. And if you don’t need 4WD, and opt for the 2WD, the price is almost silly.

We do, however, use 4WD frequently, but not seriously. We don’t traverse tall mountains or deep braided rivers or find the need for dislocating transversal self-righting wing mirrors. We just need enough 4WD and ground clearance to negotiate moderate farm tracks, slippery boat ramps and be able to slither out of the odd riverside bog hole.

The Wrangler was the ultimate 4WD machine, unashamedly butch and basic. That’s what I liked about it. Raw American grunt. Rip, ship and bust attitude. You could throw a filthy dog in the back and hose it out. You could throw a filthy woman in the front, and hose it out. The front, that is. It would fourwheel-drive itself out of places my mother certainly wouldn’t approve of.

But for the average outdoor, boat-towing, kayak paddling guy, the Wrangler was probably overkill. That was a hard fact to accept.

What the family needed was a bit of a crossover. A townie car in drag. A car that could look good, run cheap and be easy to drive around town; but hitch up its skirt and throw on some redbands when it was time to go bush. Or river, or beach, or bach.

The X-Trail is exactly that. A simple twist of the dial and it slides effortlessly into a couple of 4WD modes.

Good handling, very car-like, on the road. It’s high enough for good visibility but low enough to not roll like Sue Bradford on a unicycle.

My wife says it’s good looking. But then, she married me.

There’s excellent fuel economy from the miserly two-litre diesel. We are averaging 7.4 litres/100km across the driving range. That includes some towing, a bit of around town com-

muting, regular long distance trips up the Coromandel and around the Bay, plus a fair bit of kayak roof-topping.

The long cabin space is a major plus. A full kayak paddle long, and seats that fold flat. Copious nifty compartments mean all the gadgets, tie downs, tools and tire pumps can be tidily and safely stowed.

The hatch opens in one piece for maximum loading width and height. The spare wheel is stowed under, so it’s not hanging on the tailgate adding weight and complication.

For the money, the X-Trail offers a heap of bells and whistles.

Cruise control, steering wheel operated doofers, more airbags than a Green party conference, sun roof and options for nudge bars. That’s pretty handy for tying down long kayaks or building materials.

There are only three things I don’t like about the X Trail.

It’s not a Wrangler. But then, every other vehicle shares that fault. The roof rack options are a bit limited and we had to get custom rails fitted to accommodate real kayaks. (The Nissan accessory guys were a huge help solving that.)

It’s not a rocket ship.

On that third point, it only takes a few fill-ups at the diesel pump to realise that the upside of a moderately grunty engine, instead of a beast, is great fuel economy. As most of our driving is around town, or around the twisty Coromandel and rural Bay of Plenty, the power has been ample.

Overall, the X Trail has been the perfect wagon for us. Sure it’s not a Jeep. But the upsides far outweigh the perceived downsides. It’s a great size, with a long cabin and good interior space.

It also has very adaptable seating and compartments. It handles like a car but feels like a 4WD without being like a truck. The dog likes it.

The real test: Unless the evil little voice lures me to the Chrysler end of the village, we’ll probably get another one when it comes time to update.

By Brian Rogers

Page 36

RURAL DRIVER

Fighting rural licensing reforms Rural drink driving focus maximum speed of 40km/h on open roads.

Owners of agricultural vehicles will have to drive tractors at “ridiculously slow speeds” to keep within legal guidelines if changes to the country's vehicle licencing system go ahead, says Te Puke rural contractor Neville Marsh.

The new regulations would mean drivers would be able to drive at a maximum speed of 40km/h on open roads.

Neville says the Vehicle Licensing Reform’s proposed changes would have a significant impact on the agricultural industry, forcing contractors to drive tractors that can easily reach up to 80km/h at 40km/h to keep within legal limits.

“Everything I run goes over 40km/h an hour. I want the tractors to be able to go the speed

that they can go. Don't just limit it to tractors driving over 40km/h.

“We have got everything legal to do what tractors can do and now they are trying to change it.”

On September 20 the Motor Testing Association released a discussion document as part of its Vehicle Licensing Reform proposing changes to the current system that would result in work time restrictions and vehicle inspection requirements for on-road agricultural vehicles based on the 40km/h speed limitation.

Main options considered suggest agricultural vehicles not exceeding 40km/h will be exempt from warrant of fitness requirements, but require regular maintenance to ensure roadworthy conditions.

Agricultural vehicles exceeding 40km/h would need to obtain annual warrant of fitness inspections and be driven only by the holder of an agricultural endorse-

ment, or Class 2 licence. Neville owns JCB Fastrac tractors that can achieve speeds up to 80km/h.

He says the maintenance of his high-quality agricultural equipment comes at a huge expense.

“I am probably the biggest owner of JCB in New Zealand.

It is costing a huge amount of money for no reward to me.”

Neville says the proposed changes are discriminating between a farmer’s tractor and a contractor’s tractor, and says every on-road tractor should be WOF approved.

“I don't mind doing it.

You get a warrant of fitness just like your car.”

He says another important issue the proposed changes have brought forward is the monitoring of the work time restrictions.

“Just have time on the road written on a piece of paper, don't try and make us claim miles offroad and on-road.”By Zoe Hunter

Rural drivers will come under close scrutiny in the upcoming Bay of Plenty Police threemonth summer campaign which kicks off in mid-October.

Western Bay of Plenty Police traffic senior sergeant Ian Campion, says ‘Operation Profile’ will be focusing on both urban and rural areas in its campaign against drink and drug driving.

“We will be targeting both urban and rural, and reminding drivers that if they drink and drive – no matter where they are – they have a chance of being caught.”

Ian says drink driving continued to be more of a problem on rural roads largely because drivers do not expect to be caught.

He says the greater problem in rural areas was confirmed by a recent drink driving blitz in rural roads around Katikati where 12 drivers were found to be over the breath alcohol limit – “a higher rate for the small township than in urban areas”.

Ian says while it is generally socially unacceptable to drink and drive, there was still a culture of drink driving in some rural areas which they wanted to tackle.

“My hope is that will send a clear message to rural drink drivers, that they can expect to

be breath tested anytime, anywhere.”

He says drink driving on rural roads – with the higher speed limits – led to more accidents and “greater road trauma”.

“We are not going to say that we are going to be in Katikati on Wednesdays and Te Puke on Thursdays, - but we will be out in rural areas.”

Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers Vice President Rick Powdrell agreed there was still a problem with rural drink driving.

“There have been some rural people who think because they are way out the back on rural roads that they can drink and sneak home. But I would like to think when it comes to drink driving the whole culture is improving.”

However he believes the culture is chancing, particularly among the younger generation.

“They are exposed to far more rigid anti drink driving campaigns.

Then there is more law enforcement out there. It's definitely moving in the

By Hamish Carter right direction.”

Lean. Mean. And clean.

Lean. Mean. And clean.

RURAL DRIVER

Vehicle testers: WOF changes ‘may increase road deaths’ Plans to change the frequency of warrant of fitness checks could result in an increase in the number of road accidents, according to the independent company VTNZ which carries out warrant of fitness checks.

The Ministry of Transport and NZ Transport Agency has suggested several options for reducing cost to motorists through less frequent vehicle inspections and changes to registration payment.

“We support any initiative to make the licensing more efficient and use advances in technology to reduce costs for motorists, but the options need to be well-informed and we’ll be making comprehensive submissions on these options,” says VTNZ Chief Executive Mike Walsh.

“Efficiency gains and short-term cost reductions need to be weighed up against the potential impact on safety. the face of it, the potential risks are too high and could lead to a significant increase in road accidents.”

Mike says international research into links between vehicle defects and crashes varies greatly, but it’s ironic that while New Zealand is looking to relax its

inspection system, Europe and the US are looking to tighten theirs. “Modern cars are built to better standards, but even newer cars wear out tyres and brakes and our roads are some of the toughest in the world.

The average age of the New Zealand vehicle fleet is 13 years and one thing we can be sure of is that age and mileage increase the number of defects.

“At the moment half of all cars going for warrants will not pass without some repairs – if the period between inspections doubles, then the number of defects will also increase, quite likely at a faster rate if you think of the compounding or snowballing effect.” Most drivers use their WoF as their regular safety and maintenance check. People are used to paying a little, regularly, to keep their car safe – moving to annual checks is also likely to see the average repair bill increase and outweigh any savings.

“Changing behaviour takes time, and there could be significant costs in police enforcement and education that will add to taxpayer costs somewhere else. At the same time, there’s a greater risk of accidents and road deaths.

“No matter how new your car is, or how well you look after it, there’s usually only a white line separating you from the vehicle coming the other way.”

FACTORY WARRANTY

Page 37

A vintage treasure hunt

Long summer excursions to out of the way places are one of the highlights of being a vintage car enthusiast. The settled weather and long days offer the perfect excuse for a drive.

It is also great motivation to get those restoration jobs finished to hit the road.

Long-time vintage car enthusiast Colin Anderson knows how hard it can be to get parts for the old classic cars, often seeing vintage restorers fashion parts in their garage workshops because they cannot find the parts anywhere. It is part of the vintage restorer’s way.

Colin, who owns a 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe – “which is still in good nick and goes well”, is hoping car-lovers of all persuasions will be able to find some of the

parts they have been searching for at the Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club’s annual swap-meet and market.

“It’s definitely the place to go if you are looking for a part. We also have the parts shed at the clubrooms with all sorts of parts members don’t need from engines to body parts.”

Colin says the parts on offer at the swap-meet will car lovers finish their projects and get their cars on the road for the summer.

The swap meet is being held in conjunction with a display of 20 vintage cars at Tauranga’s Cliff Rd clubrooms on October 14 (market starts 8am).

By Hamish Carter

RURAL DRIVER

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 39

Movie industry interest in all terrain picking platform Don Rust, director of Mural Town Engineering and the inventor of the ATP with an almost complete Super Series model in the Katikati workship.

An all-terrain elevated platform designed and manufactured by a Katikati company to improve safety and efficiency for avocado harvesting is attracting the attention of the Californian movie and avocado industries.

The ATP (All Terrain Platform) from Mural Town Engineering can negotiate slopes of up to 22 degrees and its axles tilt in opposite angles keeping the platform and operator level at all times.

It is this ability to work on terrain where other similar machines can’t that has resulted in inquiries from a Californian avocado grower with an interest in the movie industry who has indicated orders for up to 100 ATP could follow.

Don Rust, director of Mural Town Engineering and the inventor of the ATP began the design project two and a half years ago with funding from TechNZ. He’s pleased with the interest from overseas.

“We put a short video on You Tube and it’s attracted a lot of attention with orders coming from Western Australia and we are currently completing a Super Series for Kauri Pak in Katikati.”

Film director Peter Jackson, who is currently making “The Hobbit” in New Zealand, hires a large number of platforms to elevate his camera crew to achieve the angles he wants but Don says most conventional machines are limited to working on relatively flat land.

Thanks to its dual oscillating suspension, the ATP can easily move across uneven terrain and climb up or down metre high banks – a feature designed to enable it to be used to harvest avocados in terraced orchards.

Developing a vehicle which complies with current safety specifications was one of the conditions of the TechNZ support and Don says he had no problem building in safety features. “Standards have changed in recent years and we wanted to be sure our machine was safe because obviously we don’t want anyone killed or injured operating our ATP, not only would that be bad for the operator but also for our business.”

Meeting new safety standards is not difficult, and

Series with 5 m or 6m boom and a 180 kg carrying capacity.

The machine is powered by a diesel engine which drives a proportional pump for all functions. “The motor only delivers the correct power needed when it is needed so when there are no ATP functions operating, it immediately goes back to idle. That makes it very economical and it uses about one litre of diesel an hour.”

Each ATP takes many hours to produce, with engineering work, fitting of motors and custom made hydraulic and electronics, assembly and painting completed in the Katikati factory. Don says if

orders for large numbers of the machine are received, he would contract out some of the manufacturing.

“We hadn’t expected the level of interest the ATP has received quite this soon.”

Another of Don’s inventions has been manufactured under licence by Volvo.

Called LevelMax, it is a self-levelling attachment which fits between the cab and the tracks of excavators, keeping the cab level.

To view the video of the All Terrain Platform in operation go to:http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=ei-Ge5lWQSA

By Elaine Fisher

now it’s even easier with advances in technology. “A few years back maybe there was less recognition of available technologies as a solution. Pretty much everything is possible; especially when it comes to incorporating safety features.”

Chris Turner of AvoWorks has been test driving the ATP prototype since 2011 and says he feels completely safe despite having a dislike of heights.

“It’s amazing where it can go Test driver and the reach it has. I can position Chris the ATP by a tree and pick from Turner says side to side and up and down just by moving the boom without he feels completely having to re-locate the machine.

I wouldn’t want to pick from safe in anything else.” the ATP The machine can also slew seen here operating on continuously through 360 degrees meaning fruit from neighbourflat ground, but able to ing trees can be picked without moving the machine. negotiate Unlike the widely used slopes of 20 Hydralada picking platform, degrees. the ATP is not operated by foot controls, a feature test driver Chris really likes.

“It can be tiring working the machine with your feet and it means you can’t move around in the cage to pick from all sides.”

Don says another problem with foot controls without a ‘deadman switch’ is that if the operator collapses the machine can go out of control because weight remains on the foot controls. “The ATP has hand controls and the operator must keep pressure on the `deadman button’ on the joystick to operate the machine.”

The ATP has other built in features which prevent it exceeding its safety limits and the operator is kept informed of the slope the vehicle is traversing by a computer screen on the control panel.

Each of the four driving wheels has independent braking, and drive of the ATP is prevented when the load position may compromise the stability if the vehicle is moved. There are three proportional speeds including a creep speed for when the boom is extended.

The ATP Super Series has a 7m or 9 m boom with a carrying capacity of 220 kg (including operator and fruit). Next to be manufactured will be the ATP Light

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Page 40

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Top-dressing pioneer recognised More than 70 years on since first taking to the skies for his country, Katikati pilot Guy Robertson is being recognised for his contribution to New Zealand aviation.

Growing up in the Waikato he had been fascinated by the pilots in the Great War, so was quick to sign up when he had his chance. Guy, now 96, was a gifted pilot and had his flying talent recognised early in his career when he was asked to stay on after his three months training at Tairei Air Base to be an instructor.

Despite his acclaimed air force service record, which saw him rise to the rank of squadron leader, Guy is

best known in rural Waikato and Bay of Plenty for his role in aerial topdressing as one of the industry's pioneer with Robertson Air Services.

With Guy now deaf, Coast and County spoke to his wife Elaine Robertson to learn more of his story behind the Jean Batten Memorial Trophy he has been awarded from the British-based Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators. The award was given in recognition for his war record and as one of the key players to develop the aerial top dressing industry, “He’s quite overwhelmed by having been awarded this now. A few people have said it’s well overdue but Guy just feels so honoured that he is determined to do the award justice. He thinks he should acknowledge

Orchard tractOrs

Katikati’s aerial top-dressing pioneer Guy Robertson with a model of the first Fletcher plane he brought into New Zealand.

Photo by Elaine Fisher

sMaLL tractOrs & MOWErs

aG tractOrs

the honour of the award by making the effort to go.”

After completing his own training as a pilot, Guy initially trained new recruits at the Tairei base for two years, before heading into conflict in 1943 for the first of three tours of duty with 18 Squadron RNZAF in the Solomon Islands.

Looking back to the war he has many memories– including shooting down a Japanese zero that attacked him.

After returning from service Guy spent two years at Wigram base as an adjutant before taking up the role as chief flying officer at Waikato Aero Club which he held for four years. In 1950 he set up Robertson Air Services, to become one of the pioneers in the aerial topdressing business.

“He saw aerial topdressing as an exciting and challenging move that would realise his dream of having his own company.”

Guy started the company in 1950 with

one Tiger Moth, before being the first to bring a Fletcher topdressing plane into New Zealand in 1953 – eventually growing his fleet to 15 Fletchers. At one point the company held the record for spreading 150 tons of super in one day using two tiger moths.

Looking back he remembers lots of early morning starts, happy hill country farmers who could now topdress their pasture, and plenty of fun times amongst the hard work. Guy gave up flying more than 40 years ago, replacing his love for the air with a passion for boating. After selling the torpdressing business in 1987 he shifted from the Waikato to Great Barrier Island to develop a property. He and Elaine now run a bed and breakfast homestay near Katikati.

Elaine says Guy felt “very humbled and honoured” with the great compliment of the award and is determined to make the London presentation on October 23.

By Hamish Carter

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 41

Transport and equipment expo in March The third Transport and Heavy Equipment Expo (THE Expo) trade show will be held at Mystery Creek Events in March next year.

The event is primarily a trade expo held over three days every four years and, in the previous events in 2005 and 2009, has attracted approximately 15,000 visitors.

It has become an industry platform for promoting advances in technology and new product releases as well as showcasing the diverse nature of the industry and includes a training and recruitment village, machinery demonstrations and seminars.

Among the highlights is the Show ‘n Shine competition for truck owners who polish their truck units and put them on display to compete for awards.

The competition aims to recognise the

Starlings and tractor = fire It is bird nesting season and FMG's Rural New Zealand Fire Authority endorsed ‘Stop and Pop' campaign is back.

As the ‘Starling Gang' can build a nest in less time than it takes to eat lunch, before starting a tractor farmers are encouraged to ‘stop' and check for nests. When the tractor is stopped, no matter how briefly, ‘popping' the hood to deter birds from nesting is also

hard work and pride truck drivers have in their vehicles and the award categories are: curtain sider, flat deck and tractor units, tankers, tippers, livestock and loggers, classic trucks and a supreme award winner.

The expo is the only New Zealand event of its type jointly endorsed by the Motor Industry Association, NZ Truck-Trailer Manufacturers Federation and NZ Equipment Suppliers Association.

It aims to set the benchmark for the industry and like the industry, is fast-paced and continually developing. In 2009 the focus was extended

to include the forestry, quarry, contracting and hire industries, making it a truly comprehensive event.

The Mystery Creek venue is located right in the hub of New Zealand’s transport and manufacturing networks near Hamilton with indoor and outdoor exhibition space and opportunities for

demonstrations. THE Expo runs from March 7 to 9, 2013. For more visit http://theexpo.co.nz/exhibit/

recommended because nests are the number one cause of tractor fires.

This year's campaign features an animated video as well as a limited number of discount vouchers to purchase a fire extinguisher from CRT, ATS or Farmlands. The popular ‘Stop and Pop' prevention stickers are also back. To view the video and to request a tractor fire pack: www.youtube.com/fmginsurance

Meaty boost for chopper funds the charitable rescue helicopter sector.

“After several years of steady growth, the Greenlea Team saw a need to put something sound back into the rural community,” explains Greenlea Managing Director Tony Egan. “We are committed to making a difference and have contributed $600,000 to kick-start this initiative.”

“With a client base covering the North Island, we are confident that Greenlea will make a valuable contribution and facilitate others to do so too.”

The fundraising initiative will extend North Island wide.

Funds collected will be directed back to the rescue helicopter trust where the livestock was supplied “Just under 40 per cent of all our air ambulance missions are rural related,” explains Kylie Harcourt, Marketing & Fundraising Manager for Philips Search & Rescue Trust, “we wanted to create a fundraising campaign that resonated with the rural community and made donating easy through Greenlea.”

Philips Search & Rescue Trust operates the North Island’s largest pool of rescue helicopters with bases in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Rotorua, Taupo and Tauranga.

Taupo’s Rescue Helicopter is now called the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter.

 

Supporting rescue helicopters by donating an animal is a scheme which may appeal to a number of farmers, says Tim MacIntosh, Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairman.

Processing company Greenlea Premier Meats has set up Greenlea Flight for Life through which farmers sending cattle for processing at one of its plants can donate a beast to their local rescue helicopter fund.

Any number of cattle or a set dollar value can be donated at the time of kill, with 100 per cent of the donation going to the rescue helicopter.

Tim says it’s a positive move by Greenlea. “The helicopter rescue service is particularly relevant to those in often isolated rural areas and it’s certainly a comfort to think a helicopter can come to you if you need it.”

However, he’s unsure how many farmers may take part in the scheme, given the low returns they experienced last season and the uncertain outlook ahead.

“However, it’s good that Greenlea is giving them the opportunity.”

Developed by Philips Search & Rescue Trust, operator of five rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island, and underwritten by Greenlea Premier Meats, Greenlea Flight for Life aims to generate a new fundraising stream for

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 42

Regular maintenance gets the best out of irrigators Irrigation can be vital to farming and cropping operations so ensuring equipment is well maintained is important, says Irrigation New Zealand, the national body which represents the interests of the irrigation industry.

Daily Checks:

1. Wire around wheels 2. Fences down 3. Nozzles off 4. Lines hooked up 5. Leaking hydrants, joins, hoses, flanges 6. Flat tyres 7. Watering road 8. Pressure – irrigator, tyres, pump 9. Pump shed door closed 10. Rotarainer spinning and rotation time – examples e.g. Rotarainer 250 = one full revolutions should take no more than 40 seconds

11. Noise and vibration from pumps or variable speed drive (VSD) 12. Keep the hose in close to the irrigator (1.5 -2 m away)

Weekly maintenance:

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1. Grease all points (24 nipples on a 250 rotarainer) Do not over grease – 3 pumps is sufficient for 2 times weekly greasing 2. Make sure tyres are at pressure and condition (pivots 18psi or 124kpa) 3. Check turntable on rotarainer – centre seals 4. Remove bird nests from pump sheds, panel boxes, gear and control boxes 5. Make sure fences are stock proof around tower centres 6. Remove effluent off nozzles 7. Make sure fence fenders not bent 8. Ensure splash guards are on 9. Monitor wire rope placement 10. Clean sand traps 11. Ball joints – wear and tear?

12. Do not forget about your hose trailer

Monthly maintenance 1.

2.

3.

4.

Tighten wheel nuts Ensure all safety signs still on irrigators Spray around pump sheds and bore heads Condition of concrete pad – bolts fastened, cracks in concrete 5. Barricades still standing 6. Check on Rotarainer: a. Front wheel bushes b. Rope Roller c. Springs d. Winch Drum bush e. Backstop bushes’ f. Rope bushes g. Plastic bush in the front h. Brake pad i. Cam rolling smoothly/gently j. Boom clips k. Top and side rods l. Centre seal bolts

Storage:

When high winds are predicted consider storing the irrigators in the following manner:

Rotarainers:

1. Up tightly behind shelter belts 2. Place blocks in front of wheels to prevent movement 3. Cover hose connection to stop birds/rodents entering machine 4. Hose trailers under cover 5. Lay hose out along fence lines and cover end securely with sack to stop birds and rodents nesting in them

During the season:

1. Take out of gear 2. Turn off – this way it can spin freely during high winds 3. Do not disconnect the wire rope or hose as this will hold it steady

Pivots:

1. Park in direction to wind flow 2. Start irrigation system to fill with water during summer, if you are not irrigating to hold it down during high winds.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 43

Time to check irrigators is now Winter and spring have been very wet but there’s no guarantee that this summer won’t be very dry so now is the time to check irrigation equipment, advises Irrigation New Zealand.

Pivot and Linear Pre-Season Checklist System off checks (system not running) Component Check Pivot point Lubrication, grease Condition of other connections Drag hose (linear) Hose condition and fittings secure Towers U joints for wear, replace if necessary Bolts, tyre condition and pressure Gearboxes, drive shafts - Lubricate as required Riser and spans Boots - tighten bands if necessary Flanges End gun, corners Connections Wiring and hydraulic lines Sprinklers , every sprinkler against nozzle chart, for damage and correct size Droppers for wear or damage, replace as necessary Control unit Electronic controls and battery charge

Centre Pivot & Linear Move Irrigators The following is a basic checklist for pivot and linear system monitoring and is a minimum list of checks that should be made before the irrigation season starts.

Checks include structural and mechanical checks of the structure, and performance checks of water flow, nozzle delivery and pressure.

• Begin the checks with the machine turned off.

• Observe the state of the machine, looking for damage or wear and tear.

• Tighten, adjust, maintain or replace components as required.

• Make checks with the system running.

• Ensure the irrigator travel path is clear before starting the machine.

• Check the operation of the machine, drive system and nozzles.

• Check system calibration • Ensure the depth and uniformity of application are as expected.

Many items can be fixed on-farm.

Others require specialist skills or equipment.

Tick each item that is found OK. Make notes of items requiring follow-up attention.

System Operation Manual Every system should be supplied with a System Operation Manual. Read it and follow instructions.

The manual may include extra checks not listed here.

It will give more detail than this checklist including information specific to your system.

Other Checklists This checklist is only for the centre pivot or linear move machine itself. Irrigation New Zealand has additional checklists for the water supply system (intakes, pumps and mainlines) and for other irrigation types.

See www.irrigationnz.co.nz.

Calibration Guidelines IRRIG8Quick System Calibration Guidelines and Worksheets for Centre Pivot and Linear Move systems can be downloaded from www.pagebloomer.co.nz/ resources. IRRIGATION NEW ZEALAND | www. irrigationnz.co.nz Prepare to start Before Starting: Ensure nothing is parked in front of the irrigator For more information go to Irrigation New Zealand www.irrigationnz.co.nz

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Page 44

COAST & COUNTRY

Farmers increase security to combat thefts Be Elaine Fisher

Farmers are moving valuable stock from roadside paddocks, chaining quad bikes to railings, installing cameras and patrolling their land in an effort to stop thieves who are killing livestock and stealing vehicles and fuel.

Tim MacIntosh, Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairman says some farmers in the Eastern Bay of Plenty have been hard hit with one having eight four wheel motor bikes stolen from his farm.

“In the most recent cases, the bikes were wire roped to the cowshed but thieves cut the wire and took the bikes anyway. The impact is not just from the loss of the vehicle, but also the time and expense involved in replacing it, and claiming insurance.”

Poaching and rustling of animals is also of concern. “It’s affecting how farmers graze their stock as a number are concerned that if they put stock into road side paddocks, someone will come along and help themselves.”

The anger and frustration among farmers at the actions of people stealing from them is understandable but Tim says taking the law into their own hands is not the answer.

“The police can’t be everywhere and can’t always come when called. Neighbourhood support groups are a great idea and I encourage people to take down number plates of any suspicious vehicles they see as that information may be invaluable if it turns out there has been some thefts in the area.”

A farmer from the Kaimai Ranges near Tauranga says

the number of animals going missing in that area is significant.

“It’s more than just food for the family. It’s got to be almost on a commercial scale,” says the farmer who has lost animals, but doesn’t want to be named.

Another farmer whose property is close to the bush has lost dozens of animals which have disappeared without a trace. There are no vehicle wheel marks and no offal left behind and he is unsure how the thieves got the animals out.

In other cases deer have been shot in paddocks and the fence cut to drag the carcasses out and sheep have been found with bullet injuries.

“The problem with sheep is you often don’t know you’ve lost a few. It’s more obvious with cattle and deer,” says the Kaimai farmer Farmers are disappointed at the penalties handed out to some poachers feeling they are not tough enough to act as a deterrent. “Some of the fines are so small they’d only have to sell half a deer to pay for them.”

The other worry for farmers is the knowledge that people could be on their property carrying firearms, often at night.

The Kaimai farmer says he is concerned is that farmers might be tempted to take matters into their own hands. “That can back fire big time on the farmers, especially if weapons are involved. He could be the one to end up in court.”

It’s much better to form neighbourhood support groups to be alert for any suspicious vehicles or activity and notify police.

He also urges the public to report anything unusual they see when driving through rural areas.

Accused poachers arrested Two men have been arrested after a Te Puke farmer saw them on his property where a ewe had been tied to a fence near their car.

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One of the men ran off when he saw the farmer who released the sheep and went home to call the police. Shortly afterwards a patrol car in the area stopped the vehicle with two men in it. The farmer says he was relieved he didn’t have to confront the men and that they didn’t get away with the ewe. He believes they may have also been trying to catch her lamb. The incident happened on Saturday September 22.

Another man was arrested in the same area earlier in the month after a dairy heifer was shot

and its legs removed.

The alleged offence was carried out at around 10.30pm and police made the arrest after following up details of a suspicious vehicle seen in the area.

COAST & COUNTRY

Slowing resistance drenching lambs

Last month I discussed the basics of worms in lambs, and the need for drenching.

With many worms surviving many of the drench chemicals (drench resistance), it is critical that we understand the different types available. There are five different ‘broad-spectrum’ drench types available for sheep: 1) Levamisole; mainly used in combina tion with BZ’s and/or mectins.

2) Benzimidazoles (White or BZ); mainly used in combination with levamisole and/or mectins.

3) ML (Mectin); moxidectin (especially for Barber’s Pole) and abamectin are useful, either on their own or in com bination with other types.

4) Monepantel (Zolvix); new chemical launched around five years ago.

5) Derquantel; available in combination with abamectin as Startect There are also narrow-spectrum chemicals that are sold in combination with the above, the most common being praziquantel for tapeworm control in lambs .

The incidence of drench resistance is increased when worms survive a drench and, because it is a genetic trait, these

Page 45

with Ravensdown Vet Gavin Goble BVSc MRCVS

Quarantine drenching (eg a triple combination containing abamectin) is also important so you don’t bring in resistant worm. Remember drench resistance is an individual farm issue – all farms will have different worm populations.

For routine drenching, best-practice recommendations state that combination products should be used (eg Levamisole + BZ), because the chances of a worm surviving two different chemicals is significantly lower than one of them. However there is still a place for using a single-active product (eg straight mectin) where it is known to be 100 per cent effective.

survivors pass the genes onto the next generation. To slow the spread of resistance, there are two main prongs of attack: 1) Don’t let any worms survive the drench; only use products that are 100 per cent effective (and don’t under-dose them); FEC testing used in a DrenchCheck will tell you if the drench you used 7-10 days ago was fully effective (so you know for future if it works on your farm).

2) If they do survive, dilute the impact of those genes being passed on; this is where the concept of refugia is criti cal (a subject on its own).

Thousands raised Daffodil Day 2012 raised an impressive $630,000 for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society.

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to people in the who gave so generously to support our appeal this year, we are truly grateful. Money raised will be spent in this region, to support people you will know, and we believe this was a fantastic incentive to donate this Daffodil Day,” said Waikato / Bay of Plenty Cancer Society spokesperson Rachael Mounsey.

The fund were raised from the sale of daffodils and other activities in August held in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Thames Coromandel, King Country, Rotorua and Taupo areas. The funds raised will go towards supportive care for cancer patients, their carers, whanau and friends, funding cancer research, and providing the public with information on the ways to reduce the risk of cancer through a smoke free, sun smart, healthy lifestyle. If you would like more information on the many cancer support services that the Waikato Bay of Plenty Division of the Cancer Society provides then please visit www.cancernz.org.nz or phone 0800 CANCER (0800 226 237)

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FINANCE

Page 46

Reading between the lines There is sure a lot happening out there.

Things have and remain incredibly tough, but if you read between the lines maybe better times are imminent.

Firstly, I was interested to read where Brian Gaynor, financial commentator and an executive director of Milford Asset Management has said that New Zealand fortunes could improve and over-run Australia in a few years’ time.

How you might say? Well, as he rightly

NE

points out, nobody wants hard commodities, such as iron ore, coal and so on right now. They want soft commodities – food – and that is what New Zealand does best.

Also on the same day Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings talked about the sheer scale of Fonterra being a $20 billion dollar business in a country of just 4.5 million people.

He also talked about the movement into China and how Fonterra must keep expanding to remain competitive with enough critical mass. We should not be fooled either. The offshore business appears to be as large as the

onshore. Maybe the dairy industry is so important to

our future we should give the tankers right of way?

Then, if you have read any of Jared Diamond’s W “Guns Germs and Steel” and N Nthen NE NE books Nparticularly EW “Collapse” you will realise that all the great EW EW W W societies were based on the ability to be stable politically with good leadership, but most importantly, they were able to feed their people and this New Zealand can do. Diamond was not particularly kind to the Australian economy. Australia has over 30 million people and can really only feed about half that number and is subject to the vagaries of the weather.

Another most important point he made in the book “Collapse” was that Australian has no active volcanoes – but New Zealand does. Volcanic activity spits out vital nutrients that are then absorbed by plants as food.

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stable on a relative basis.

Although debt remains the elephant in the room, there are signs of things improving. House prices in our major cities are recovering. There is a shortage of homes. How? Well many got wiped out with the earthquakes in Christchurch and a lot more are leady

homes which nobody wants. This has put pressure on good non-leaky housing stock.

The States are about to print more currency. The real effect is that it will drive the value of their currency down and may not be the safe currency haven that it has been. Will their move to print more dollars set off world inflation?

On top of all that put the fact that the world is on a knife-edge with regard to food supply and I know where I would rather live. My column in September Coast & Country talks of this exact issue.

Food in transit

Apparently if you take the available food in the world and divide it by the total population it may last only three days. Food supply is carefully integrated with no stored food as that is expensive. It is all in transit somewhere and not stored.

Finally, if you read between the lines, and have a good old think about all this, it appears things should get better for New Zealand.

How and when remains to be seen, but all the signs are there. For those who are really battling, if you can stay as a battler by reducing input costs then you should. Why? Because things may recover quickly and may leave us all wondering what the fuss was about. However, one thing for certain is that things will remain uncertain.

These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the Principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the Farming Industry.

Primary products prices down A drop in the prices of lamb, fresh milk, cheese and beef contributed to a drop in food prices of 0.5 per cent in the year to August 2012, according to Statistics NZ's Food Price Index (FPI).

www.fertme.co.nz www.fertme.co.nz www.fertme.co.nz www.fertme.co.nz www.fertme.co.nz (337 863) (337 863) (337 863) (337 863) (337 863) 0800 FERTME 0800 FERTME 800 0800 FERTME FERTME 0800 FERTME

The price of lamb was down 19.2 per cent, fresh milk was down 9.2 per cent, cheese was down 8.3 per cent, beef was down 4.3 per cent, and bread was down 2.0 per cent, in August 2011.

On the other hand, the price of poultry was up 7.1 per cent, eggs were up 3.0 per cent and pork was up 1.1 per cent.

Two of the five subgroups contributed to the annual decrease in the FPI. Lower prices were recorded for grocery food, down 2.1 per cent, and meat, poultry, and fish were down 0.7 per cent.

More expensive restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food was up 1.3 per cent partly offsetting the decreases.

EDUCATION

Page 47

Head start in farming for Hayley Hayley Parker was a city girl living in Auckland, with dreams of farming and – one day – taking part in a sheep muster on horse back.

says the Future Farmer programme is a catalyst to step up, take on a challenge and get into learning.

“Our reputation as a high quality training programme means we interview a wide range of students from all over New Zealand, but what we are looking for is the desire to succeed in farming.”

At the end of the year, the students who meet Lancorp’s criteria are given the opportunity to apply for farm trainee positions with Landcorp. Given Landcorp’s scale and geographical spread, the opportunities for successful graduates of the Future Farmer programme are endless.

By Sheryl Brown

Hayley Parker didn’t want to be stuck in a classroom.

When she told her parents she wanted to do the Future Farming training programme through Agricultural New Zealand, they were a bit taken aback.

“I had no farming background. It was one of those dreams you have when you’re a kid, but it never seemed possible.

“But I got more interested in it and found out what sort of courses there were out there.”

Hayley did a Gateway programme in Year 13 – and then found out about the Future Farming training programme.

“When I left school, I didn’t want to be stuck in a classroom all day – I wanted to do the practical work.”

Hayley spent the next year working four out of five days on Aratiatia Station in Taupo, which is jointly run by Agriculture New Zealand and Landcorp Farming Ltd. The programme is a one year introduction to drystock farm skills, designed for school leavers and for those looking for a career in agriculture.

Students from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages are trained in a wide range of on-farm skills. Up to 14 students are selected each year and they will spend one day a week in class and

four days a week on farm engaged in practical, hands-on learning. Students gain skills such as how to use equipment safely, feed budgeting, pasture analysis and stock health.

“We got all sorts of experience from tractor work, chainsaw skills, stock work; vaccinating, crutching, drenching and fencing – everything really.”

Hayley, now 20 years old, is working on Landcorp’s Goudies Station – a sheep, beef and deer genetics farm which borders the Kaiangaroa forest on Goudies Road accessed from Reporoa.

“I am really happy. What I’m doing is what I love.

“A dream of mine is to do a big muster on horse back with a good team of dogs.”

Agriculture New Zealand’s qualified tutors provide theory and practical tuition while Landcorp’s staff provide on-going supervision and guidance as students develop their farming skills.

“You get thrown in the deep end,” says Hayley.

“You’re not eased into it – in a good way. It’s good experience and there are always plenty of people you can ask for help.”

Programme coordinator Mark Goss

6 top performing schools to choose from . . .

The Gisborne High Schools’ Hostel offers the unique opportunity for students to choose between six schools in the Gisborne region. Whether you are looking for academic, sporting or cultural achievement Gisborne has it all!

The Gisborne High Schools’ Hostel offers a co-educational boarding option with a strong focus on academic achievement and provides a supportive, culturally diverse living environment.

Located on the stunning East Coast of New Zealand The Gisborne High Schools’ Hostel has been providing boarding to students for over 90 years.

Call or email today for an application pack.

Telephone: (06) 867 9359 | Email: gis.hostel@xtra.co.nz

EDUCATION

Page 48

Agri scholarships open now Applications are now open for Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s next undergraduate scholarship round, to help bright sparks into agricultural careers, on-farm and off.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand encourages applications from talented and motivated young Kiwis who are passionate about the sheep and beef industry.

It’s a long-standing part of Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s People programme, and a key part of the organisation’s push to drive the sustainable development of New Zealand’s red meat industry.

“Our aim is to develop well qualified people who will carry our sector to new levels of performance built on innovation, productivity and top-class management skills,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chief Executive Dr Scott Champion.

"Over the years, we've supported many young people through university, as well as through Taratahi and Telford with our diploma-level scholarships.

"We are constantly delighted to see these individuals pursue their dream of working in agriculture the sheep and beef sector, and feel a pride as they progress through both their education, then career paths."

Successful applicants could have their tuition fees paid for the duration of their bachelor’s or honours degree – up to $5,000 a year for four years. Beef + Lamb New Zealand also provides annual opportunities for scholars to meet industry leaders and agricultural experts, exposing them to fresh ideas and allowing them to explore a wide range of career pathways.

Peter Klaassen recently completed a Master’s in AgriCommerce at Lincoln University. He says Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s support throughout his studies has given him a great head start.

“The Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholarship has not only been a financial blessing, it has exposed me to the complexity of the sheep and beef industry beyond the farm gate.

“I have enjoyed and valued the opportunity to

meet some of the key individuals and decision-makers of the New Zealand sheep and beef industry. I know that I will make the most of this opportunity and I am confident that I can contribute to the future development of the agriculture industry in New Zealand.”

Laura Lobb is a current Beef + Lamb New Zealand scholar. She is studying Food Technology at Massey University in Palmerston North.

“This four-year course is a mixture of science and engineering that encourages students into areas of new product development, production technology and much more. I feel extremely privileged to have been granted this scholarship, and grateful to Beef + Lamb New Zealand for recognising this course as an integral part of the agriculture system.

“I would encourage everyone out there with a passion for agriculture to find out more about this scholarship and enjoy the opportunities that are on offer.”

Applications close on February 8 2013. www.beeflambnz.com/scholarships

Personal development programme Reaching goals and fulfilling ambition will become easier for Taupo’s rural professionals this month.

Enrolments are now open for Generate, a free, professional development programme that aims to up-skill agricultural professionals and leads to a nationally recognised Certificate in Rural Leadership.

“If you don’t give it a go, you will never know,” says Generate Taupo Facilitator Sharon Fleet. A qualified adult teacher and experienced life-coach, she enjoys helping others fulfil personal and professional ambitions. “I love teaching, I enjoy seeing how much people are able to excel and grow. It is really rewarding. Teaching adults is a real pleasure for me, they come with their own knowledge and experience and supporting them to identify and fill knowledge and skills gaps is exciting.”

Sharon has worked in the agricultural industry for many years in a range of roles. She is an experienced business woman and has established and managed businesses as varied as a mystery shopping agency and a security management company. Currently Sharon runs her own business management consultancy and a specialist off-road accessories company.

Underlying her success is Sharon’s can do attitude.

“The important and decisive factor in life is not what happens to us but the attitude we take towards what happens. I believe strongly in a positive mental attitude. Without this, forward thinking is very limited.

Success comes to those who go after it.”

Sharon is an advocate for life-long learning. “I have been in management positions for more than 20 years and have continued to up-skill myself with formal and informal training in human resources, information technology, leadership and law. No learning is wasted learning.

Generate Taupo Facilitator Sharon Fleet.

“Generate Graduates tell us they value the opportunity to add skills to their ‘tool-kit’ and the networking opportunities that the programme creates,” says Sharon. “We expect that anyone within the region’s rural sector looking to develop their professional skills, will benefit from this opportunity.”

Taupo Generate begins on Saturday October 6.

Participants will complete nine modules over three months. Generate is a national programme delivered

by Taratahi at centres around New Zealand. Contact Clarissa Wallace at generate@taratahi.ac.nz or 0800 8272824 for information about the Taupo Generate or to talk about establishing a new course at a centre near you.

A W O R L D O F O P P O RT U N I T I E S F O R B O Y S A N D G I R L S , Y E A R S 7 – 1 3 Situated in the heart of rural Waikato on a secure, picturesque 40 hectare campus, St Peter’s is a leading independent day and boarding school that delivers a dynamic and progressive education for students from Years 7 to 13.

Our Prep School, or intermediate school (Years 7 and 8) forms an integral part of St Peter’s and provides an excellent foundation for students to transition seamlessly to the secondary school. Whilst the Prep students have their own space within the School, they take part in all the main School events and are offered the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects taught by specialist teachers, in addition to their core home room subjects.

St Peter’s offers students an extensive range of opportunities in a unique environment, in which each

student is encouraged to develop in body, mind and spirit – striving not only for academic excellence, but also to pursue their individual talents and interests, be they creative, intellectual or athletic.

We encourage you to come and experience all that St Peter’s has to offer – contact: Jo Stephenson P: 07 827 9733 E: jos@stpeters.school.nz Or visit us at our

OPEN DAY FOR YEARS 7 & 8 12.30–3.00pm Friday 26 October 2012

www.stpeters.school.nz

EDUCATION

Page 49

Independent school extends enrolments to Year 11 Rangitaiki Independent School is to enrol Year 11 students in 2013 and by 2015 will cater for students from years 1 to 13.

The only private school in the Bay of Plenty, currently provides all round education for Years 1 to 10 students and the move to extend enrolments has come after many parental and student requests.

Gay West of the school says it is a unique dynamic place of high quality learning. “This is partly because of the spacious and peaceful classrooms and very small classes. At present, the largest class in the school is 16 students, and they have a learning environment three times the size of that provided by state or integrated schools.

“However, the true secret of the school’s success is the relationships

between staff and students. As you walk through this unique school you will see that there is a disciplined and academic focus, but everyone is on first name terms. The students see their teachers as mentors and guides, not some distant person at the front of the room.”

The Education Review Office recognised these attributes in the school’s last two reviews.

“Small class sizes and high-quality assessment and planning practices, enable teachers to personalise student learning to cater for their diverse needs and abilities. Classrooms are spacious and comfortable. Learning interactions are based on mutually respectful relationships among teachers, students and families.”

Another special feature of the school is the way it uses current research to improve learning. When students

White space internet solution A report on the use of new ‘white space’ technology, which has the potential to provide inexpensive, high-speed broadband for remote areas, has been welcomed

by Rural Women New Zealand as a possible solution for consumers unable to benefit from the Rural Broadband Initiative.

The TV White Space Technology for Rural Communications report was written by independent Wellington-based telecommunications consultant, Jon Brewer, funded by InternetNZ through its Community Projects Fund.

“Rural Women New Zealand has strongly advocated for more to be done to level the playing field for people who live in areas where the terrain or remote location mean that the only option is satellite

broadband, which comes at a significant cost and is affected by weather conditions,” says Liz Evans, Rural Women NZ’s national president.

“This report suggests that using available television spectrum could offer a low cost, effective broadband alternative for rural areas, and one that, we understand, would not be affected by weather conditions and trees. “We would encourage our policy makers and telecos to investigate how television white space might be incorporated into our wireless technology to help bridge the digital divide for those who are going to be left out in the cold by the RBI.” The TV White Space Technology for Rural Communications report can be found on the website www.ruralwomen.org.nz.

learn a sophisticated musical instrument it will greatly improve their learning in all subjects. “Learning music stimulates your cognitive abilities. In 2009 the school employed Alison Derbyshire as its music director. Now every student from Year 5 to 13, can learn an instrument (no previous experience is necessary).”

The Performance Music programme takes place in school time and the school provides the tuition as

part of the school fees. ERO also praised this aspect of the school. “An emphasis on music and the arts, contributes to positive learning outcomes for students.

The orchestra, jazz and rock bands, music tuition are a feature of the school”.

The staff at Rangitaiki Independent School treat every and child as a customer not just a consumer of education, says Gay.

Rangitaiki Independent School band won gold at the Waikato Music Festival.

EQUINE

Page 50

Recreational trails ‘should be for horses too’ Horse riders are being excluded from recreational trials such as the Hauraki Rail Trail and that needs to change says equestrienne Jan Mossman of Tuakau Northern Waikato.

their planning and facilitation process, and that The Royal Agricultural Society of New Zealand be included in all discussions regarding walking, cycling and combined access recreational trails.”

Those who sign don’t only have to be horse riders but believe in the philosophy of the petition, if not for themselves, then for “our children’s children” says Jan. While she can understand concerns about horses, cyclists and walkers using the same trails, Jan says it’s a system which works well in other parts of the world.

“In the USA some suitable trails are also open to quad and dirt bikes.

Everyone respects the rules regarding speed and consideration for others. Off the main track there are places leading

“The Hauraki Rail Trail is a great asset but I am disappointed horses are excluded,” says Jan who is part of a movement called Green Trails which has started a petition calling for official recognition of horses as an alternative mode of travel.

Jan says the petition calls on the House of Representatives to: “Recognise horses as an alternate mode of travel in New Zealand, compel the New Zealand Transport Agency to include ridden and driven horses in

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horse riders and others travel through their land. off the trails where bike riders, if they wish, can race “OHS rules might mean a farmer is liable if someone around and go over jumps in their own loop.” has wandered off the public owned paper road and It is not just on recreational trails that horses are gets hurt. Farmers worry gates may be left open and being over looked. Jan is advocating for safer condistock let loose. However, if paper roads were fenced tions and a change in road rules regarding horses in then the issue is largely resolved.

New Zealand, as well.

“On the other hand let’s consider for decades now “The overall attitude many regional parks throughout New Zealand are of the government grazed by farmers and are accessed by the public and council with including horse riders. We don’t hear of any road- planning is trouble.” unacceptable.

The Green Trails petition was launched at No consida public meeting in Papakura in September eration is where Astrid Lambert, a member of the given to the Auckland Council's Rural Advisory Panel, berm user Chairwoman of the with structure Puhinui Trust placement, and a board contour weed member of control and excess New Zeagravel ruining berm land Sport riding because horses horse get stone bruises.

Horses can be Incorpo"New Zealand is vulnerable even on rated said behind the rest of the country roads. there were world in protecting 45,000 sport riders. In Australia and the UK for example, the horses in ridden horse is regarded as a vehicle and someAuckland times horses are also allowed on footpaths.” and $372 Green Trails is currently working with councils Horse riders and cyclists happily share million of in the Waikato to open up access along existing the same recreational trails. direct income was paper roads and Jan says a route from Tuakau to generated by 23,000 New Zealand riders annually.

Mercer has lots of potential, once issues with one Jan says she was surprised at the economic value land owner is resolved. of the equestrian sector, especially the contribution “These paper roads legally are unformed public made by these who owned horses largely as a hobby. owned roads, although some landowners seem to “It turns out owning a horse costs on the average think they own them. Many of these paper roads are around $13,000 a year.” historic routes purposely built for horse drawn vehiCopies of the petition can be found at all Saddlery cles and the ridden horse. They were used as stock routes and often follow the trails used by early Maori Warehouse outlets throughout New Zealand or you can download petition and get more info on www. war parties. Many offer beautiful views.” nzsporthorse.org The Petition is also on https:// Jan says, as a descendant of many generations of www.facebook.com/NzPetitionToIncludeHorseRfarmers and a landowner herself, she can understand idingOnRecreationalTrails how many farmers are concerned about allowing

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Horses and riders on show at Equidays Cowboys, heavy horses, dressage, show jumping, carriage driving and circus style acts are among the attractions at Equidays, Mystery Creeks on November 2 to 4.

The daily programme is full of events showcasing horse handling, horses and horsemanship and on Friday and Saturday nights there are two shows featuring circus-style vaulting, trick riding and lively entertainment, plus on Friday night, a barrel race and on Saturday night, a showcase of Australasian's finest equestrian talent in a show jumping grand prix.

Liberty Circle Ranch and NZ Horse Help will be at this year's event with top New Zealand entertainer

Jools Topp and trainers Teresa Trull and Michaela Evans. Jools and Michaela will be working as a team with Teresa Trull improving the relationship between horse and rider and Jools and Teresa will perform musically in both night shows.

Teresa will also join Vicki Wilson and Tina Fagan for a daily showcase demonstrating their highly personal and specialised methods of connecting with an unbroken horse. The demonstration, in a dedicated three round pen arena, represents an excellent viewing and learning experience for those interested in handling and starting young horses.

The event, compared by international clinician Julie Goodnight, will take place daily at 10.30am and is certainly one not to be missed.

KING COUNTRY & TE AWAMUTU

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Clop down memory lane with Pirongia’s famous Clydesdales Riding in a wagon drawn by two gentle Clydesdales is a novel way to go sightseeing and its proving a hit with visitors to Pironga.

Horses Mark and Glen provide visitors with a relaxing ride through Pirongia Village while driver, Nick van der Sande, points out areas of historical interest. It’s a fantastic way to indulge in a quieter pace of life while taking in some of the Waikato’s most picturesque scenery and is just one of the attractions at Pirongia Clydesdales.

All dressed up - Clydesdales Mark and Glen dressed in Owned by Nick and Jill van der Sande, their finest harness transport a wedding party. the fluffy-legged Clydesdales have forged their fame as Pirongia’s well-loved gentle giants and one of the most popular visitor attractions of the historical town.

Based on a picturesque lifestyle farm on the south edge of the village, Pirongia Clydesdales is open by appointment and offers a thoroughly unique and enjoyable experience to those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Back at the stables and carriage house function room, visitors can enjoy anything from a delicious light morning tea through to a full lunch or dinner. The charming barnstyle facilities include antique horse drawn and farming of NZ Concrete memorabilia, along with seating for up to 80 people and bar facilities Technology – the perfect country location for Award corporate or family outings, or the ideal country retreat for the smaller wedding. There is also a

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Mark and Glen are the two `gentle giants’ much loved by visitors of Pirongia Clydesdales.

collection of old and new working horse drawn vehicles and an impressive display of gleaming tack and harnesses.

For group visits, Jill and Nick will enlighten guests with stories of their many years working with heavy horses, including their experiences managing the famous DB Clydesdale team while they were together. Their experiences never fail to amuse and evoke a sense of awe and great admiration for this noble breed of draught horse.

Described by many as ‘the quintessential kiwi experience’, a visit to The Pirongia Clydesdales is an experience to be enjoyed by the whole family. The website hosts a range of information about group visits and details of how you can hire the carriage house for weddings and functions.

Now taking bookings for Christmas functions and summer weddings – www.clydesdales.co.nz.

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KING COUNTRY & TE AWAMUTU

Page 52

Robust mowers ideal for tough conditions A new generation of robust, high performance Taarup mower conditioners is set to make its debut in New Zealand after proving itself in tough Australian conditions.

Power Farming is releasing two models of the Taarup 4300 range – the 4332 LT with left-hand draw bar and the 4332 CT with centre pivot draw bar. Both models boast outstanding Taarup technology including rounded discs, SemiSwing conditioners, SuperFloat suspension, and FlipOver wide spreading vanes.

The new Taarup 4332 mowers were released in Australia early this year. Power Farming Group’s grass machinery sales manager for Australia Tim Lawrence

Power Farming says Taarup 4332 mowers have the robust build and high performance features that will appeal to Kiwi farmers.

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Taarup has also redesigned the drive line of the 4332 mower conditioners, with the most significant changes in the centre pull 4332 CT model.

“The new PTO driveline is stronger and more durable than previous models,” Tim says. “The biggest change is the location of gearbox on the centre pull model. It is now located underneath the mainframe rather than on the mower itself. This means it moves less when it is working so it is more efficient.”

Taarup’s SuperFloat suspension system carries the cutterbar and conditioner independently of the main chassis with two adjustable springs.

“SuperFloat gives you the ability to closely follow ground contours. It reduces shock loads on the rest of the machine, by absorbing much of the weight of the cutterbar.”

The Taarup 4332 models Power Farming has specified for the New Zealand and Australian markets come standard with SemiSwing steel tine conditioning and the FlipOver wide spreading unit.

The SemiSwing flail tines deliver the same aggressive conditioning as fixed tines but also give a high degree of protection should it hit a foreign object.

The conditioner plate is adjustable with three different positions meaning a less aggressive action when you harvesting lucerne.

The spreading vanes distribute the crop evenly across the full working width which means the operator can speed up drying times and eliminate tedding.

says they have the features that appeal to Australian farmers and will also be well received here.

Tim says with their strong build, sophisticated features, and 3.2m working width the 4332 CT and LT will appeal to dairy and sheep and beef farmers. They can easily be operated with a 100hp tractor.

“The new models maintain some of the robust properties that have made Taarup mower conditioners so popular in Australia, including the fully welded cutterbar with round discs. The round discs are particularly attractive because they suffer less damage from stones getting trapped between discs.”

The unique circular design of the discs means that a constant distance is kept between their outer edges. Stones are expelled immediately before they can cause a blockage, reducing shock loads on the transmission to a minimum. This in turn improves durability and cuts down on maintenance.

Tim Lawrence says for the new 4332 models Taarup has improved the engineering of the cutterbar and added quick fit blades.

“One change to the cutterbar is that each spindle is now supported by two bearings, rather than one. This will increase reliability.

“The new Taarup ProFit quick change system makes it much easier to change knives. The ProFit package comes with a special lever for changing blades. You just place the lever around the bolt, push down the spring by turning the lever, and the knife is ready to be replaced by a new one.”

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King Country farmer heads council King Country sheep and beef farmer Martin Coup has been elected Chairman of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Council and Mike Williams, a sheep and beef farmer from Banks Peninsula, has been elected the deputy chairman.

The council acts as the bridge between farmers and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, advising on research investment and extension activities.

"We understand that farmers in different parts of the country have different extension needs. In each of our six electoral regions the local Farmer Council – voted for by farmers – works with extension managers and the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Director to develop an annual regional delivery plan,” says Martin.

"Each Farmer Council can choose from a range of programmes and allocate funds based on local needs and priorities. This strengthened regional focus puts the decision-making with those who best understand

DAIRY TECH DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

local farmer needs. As a result, you get the tools and services that have the most value for your community."

The Farmer Council is funded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand to provide leadership at local, regional and national levels. Its mission is to improve the profitability and sustainability of the sheep and beef farming industry.

"Farmers have had good production gains over the past few years and but there is still huge potential to increase production and profitability through the use of best practice. The Farmer Council through its programmes help deliver the latest research and also play a vital role in determining through consultation with farmers what that research dollar is spent on.

"All sheep and beef farmers on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Electoral Roll are able to participate in our decision-making process through the Farmer Council. Regional councillors are elected to the regional councils by farmer members. Regional chairs and deputy chairs are national councillors on the National Executive Council."

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & AUTOMATION ....making your job easier!

A well designed, well constructed milking facility is crucial for a profitable dairy farm business. Dairy Tech is a company providing dairy design solutions and construction integrity that withstands the increasing demands of dairy farm management.

New building asset to rural community Doubling the size of its premises by building a modern showroom has brought benefits for clients and staff at the | Te d Farm M owe r sNorwood d er s Machinery Centre in Te Awamutu.

Demolition of the old building started in June 2011 after a few weeks on planning. Haydn says staff members coped well with the disruption. “This was an time for all the staff members |interesting Rakes who were working in cramped conditions for eight months whilst the old Branch manager Haydn Megaffin says building was demolished and the new it is fantastic to have all departments one was being erected. under the one roof.

“We worked out off portacoms and “The service department is now an containers. Everyone combined their integral part of the new building which daily work load at the beginning and has led to efficiencies with time saved the end of this building project with the when ordering parts.” double move to the temporary buildings The new building covers 1290 square and then back into the new showroom.” meters with 1050 square meters on the However, that disruption was more ground floor and 241 on the first floor than compensated by the quality of including a conference room. It is twice the new building which was officially the size of the old building and includes opened in February.

SM, showroom, TL and Trans high performance systems a huge roomyseries parts depart“The end mowing result was well worth it and ment with additional storage upstairs, this new purpose-built building will be administration, sales and service offices. a great asset to our rural community for The first drawings were started in many years to come,” says Haydn. | Tedders | Ra Mowers kes October 2009 but it wasn’t until January Among those to attend the opening 2011 that the contract for construcwere Norwood New Zealand chairman tion was signed. The build consent was Kim Campbell, Norwood New Zealand approved in April 2011.

General Manager Tim Meyers and New Zealand Retail manager Tony Rule and

Page 53

local Mayor Alan Livingston and his wife Janet who were full of praise for Norwood’s investment in the local community.

TheTe Awamutu branch currently employees 20 staff and has been in the Te Awamutu area for more than 40 years.

“Norwood clients also took the opportunity to attend the opening and enjoyed light refreshments and lunch to celebrate the occasion.”

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POOLS & SURROUNDS

Make a splash in your own pool A Barrier Reef Pool can provide hours of enjoyment for children, fun for the whole family and a place for family and friends to relax and entertain.

Barrier Reef Pools are sold and installed in the Bay of Plenty, Matamata and South Waikato areas by Andrew and Jocelyn McGillivray. They offer fabulous fibreglass pools in varying shapes, colours, lengths and depths.

“We also give a guaranteed price with no hidden costs”, says Jocelyn.

“Reasons for installing a pool vary greatly,” says Andrew.

“Some customers have used their pool for rehabilitation A glistening example of a therapy. Walking in the water Barrier Reef Pool. provides a stress-free environment to get the muscles working again.

Pool is easy care, giving you more time to enjoy Taking the weight off your body in water is a great your pool. No repainting and no resurfacing.” way to exercise.”

A Barrier Reef Pool can be installed in as little as a Jocelyn adds: “Some customers have wanted to week and is salt compatible from day of installation. create a fun environment for their teenage children Barrier Reef Pools have Five Tick Certification, to be with their friends. Others have simply wanted a relaxing place at home to cool off after work and in which means each pool has been manufactured to the highest Australian standard, giving customers confiweekends.”

“With its smooth non-porous surface, a Barrier Reef dence in the workmanship and quality of the pool.

Dream swimming ahead Now is the perfect time to plan your new pool or revamp your old with summer fast approaching.

Tauranga concrete pool specialists Del Tutto has been helping turn backyards into the oasis families dream of for five years –helping home owners with

Del Tutto owner Isaac Giacon has been building great pools for more than 15 years. Photo by Tracy Hardy everything from planning and designing their pool, through to building the pool, surrounding decking and landscaping, and re-plastering and reviving tired old pools.

Owner Isaac Giacon and his team, which has more than 20 years’ experience designing and building concrete swimming pools, offer the complete pool construction and restoration service to make the process simple for clients.

“We take care of all the details including council permitting, and have our own designers who help clients visualise, with sketches, what the pool and landscaping will look like before any work is done.

“But to get the most out of your pool you don’t just want it dropped in your backyard – you need to think about the surrounding landscaping and hardscaping so it’s an inviting area. This is one of our strengths.”

The company specialises in customised pool design to fit the shape and size of your property, and in reviving aging concrete pools.

“By re-plastering an older concrete pool it not only freshens, it will save the owner on maintenance – they won’t need to repaint it every few years.”

Del Tutto owner Isaac says now is the perfect time to be organising your pool ahead of summer – saying re-plastered pools only take a week to complete, while new pools can be built in as little as three weeks following permitting and consent.

“So now is definitely the time to be organising your pool for summer.”

POOLS & SURROUNDS

Page 55

Make installing a pool a summer project Installing a swimming pool this summer is a DIY project most home handy people can successfully complete, thanks to a Christchurch company.

Pool-Land is the New Zealand agent for quality Australian made Sterns brand vinyl lined pools. These quality pools can be supplied in a variety of models and sizes and are easily installed by the home handyman. Some models offer a deep end option ranging from 1.2m – 1.8m deep. All models are suitable for in-ground and above ground installations. Pool package comes complete with quality pump, sand filter, large skimmer box, eyeball return and vacuum cleaning equipment. The company has been marketing these quality pools for more than 18 years and can supply pool packages at very

competitive prices. Pool packages range from approximately $5000$10,000 (Larger size pools are available also by special request). All can be delivered nationwide.

A range of pools, spa pools, pool accessories including covers, rollers, heat pumps, and auto cleaners, ladders and maintenance kits are available for nationwide supply.

Pool-Land directly imports pool accessories including cover rollers, polybubble solar heating covers, pool heat pumps, and automatic pool cleaners. These products are sold direct to customers at wholesale pricing. Pool polybubble covers increase pool temperatures up to 5C more than uncovered pools. Pool heat pumps allow for total control of water temperature and typically customers will select a temperature of 27-28C. Pool cover rollers mean tidy space efficient storage of the cover when it’s removed from the pool surface and warmer pool water means an extended swimming season for family and friends.

Pool-Land, a one-stop for swimming pools, spa pools and all pool accessories has successfully marketed their pool products nationwide from their retail outlet and wholesale distribution warehouse at Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch.

Keeping pools and their users healthy Pool maintenance and repairs are all in a day’s work for Matt Digby of Tauranga based MD Pools & Spa Services who has been looking after pools for 18 years, the past nine, working for his own company.

“The business has been built on word of mouth and trust. We service pools at many high-end properties with rigorous security systems in place.

Our clients are often out of town

and need to know they can put their trust in us.”

Testing the water and adding chemicals to keep it and those who use it healthy is part of the valet service Matt offers to clients from throughout the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.

“If the water chemistry isn’t right people can get rashes, sore eyes or allergies and the pool equipment and motors don’t like it either. If the pH is wrong filters, rubbers and motors wear out quicker.” He recommends spas and pools receive half an hour of attention once a week, with water testing, cleaning the filters and removing any debris like leaves, worms and even the occasion hedgehog from uncovered pools. Matt visits the

pools of many of his clients on a regular basis to take care of those details.

“It’s surprising the number of people who have spas and backyard pools. In fact, there a lot of new ones going in too.

Because of the recession people aren’t going out so much and many are making the most of their spa pools to entertain with family and friends, watching the rugby on big screen TVs with a brazier going to keep warm. Others use them to help ease arthritis or sporting injuries.”

As well as maintaining pools, Matt can help with repairs and has a supply of hard to come by parts for older spa pools and can overcome most problems pool owners have – in keeping with his motto “I can fix that”.

Page 56

A&P SHOWS

Plenty to see and do at Cambridge show Horses, alpaca, performing dogs, cattle and fencing are among the attractions at the 109th Cambridge A&P Show on November 24 when, remarkably, admission will be free.

Derrick Thorton, of Maungatautari near Cambridge and his horses will be competing again at this year’s Cambridge A&P Show in November.

Bruce Clow of the organising committee says the event is one of the largest one-day shows in the North Island and has a proud history of celebrating rural life and bringing town and country together.

“The Young Farmers will again be holding their regional fencing competition, which has been drawing good crowds since its inception three years ago.

Tricks and talent

“This year we have Chelsea Marriner and her Dogstars performing tricks at various times during the day. Chelsea and her dogs came to prominence in the TV show New Zealand’s Got Talent and have delighted audiences ever since. We also have Santa coming to visit.

“There will be farm animals including cows and calves, horses – from miniature to the large Clydesdales – and goats, donkeys and alpacas. Add to this trade displays, food stands and children’s rides.”

This year the horse section has

included a Gypsy Cob section to add to the traditional pony events for children, the hack and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) for the adults.

Other horse sections are Welsh pony, sport horse, side saddle and golden horse. In all there will be approximately 20 different horse sections.

Competitive breeds

The cattle section will see all the main dairy breeds: Ayrshire, Jersey, Holstein Friesian, milking Shorthorn and Brown Swiss, competing in both breed and All Breeds.

The beef breeds will be competing in an All Breeds section. The popular calf club section for school children will also be held.

“Back again this year is an alpaca display where the public can interact with the alpacas.”

Cambridge Show is held at the Cambridge Raceway on Taylor Street which is just off State Highway 1B and it’s not too late to register as a participant, either as a competitor or with a trade exhibit.

Win a ride at Hauraki show

The chance to win a $2000 child’s motor bike, ride in a hot air balloon, marvel at over-size tractors or buy delicate jewellery are among what’s on offer at the fifth Hauraki Plains Rural Show on November 3.

“The show is growing in popularity every year and there’s something for people of all ages and interests to enjoy, and even better, admission is free,” says Sonia Paton of the organising committee.

“There will be a major draw for a Honda CRF50F bike suitable for children aged five to seven years and valued at $2195 and this is thanks to the support of Hauraki Plains Motors in Ngatea. To have a chance to win you have to fill an entry then be present at the draw at 2pm.”

There’s plenty to keep the crowds entertained from the time the gates open at 9am, including the calf club section for primary school aged children.

“This is growing every year and there are ribbons, cash prizes, spot prizes and trophies to win.”

The Floral Art Competition was so

popular last year it’s being held again with a great range of classes and prizes and there are primary and college sections too.

The popular sheep racing will be back and weather permitting; there will be hot air balloon rides.

In keeping with the aim to make the show an affordable, family fun day out there will be a teddy bear’s picnic too.

Several local schools and organisations make the most of the opportunity to raise funds by having stalls at the show and there will be lots to see and do, and eat, among the community and trade stalls.

“We are always looking for new stall holders and also welcome people who want to exhibit special breeds or types of farm animals like alpaca to take part so if you are interested please contact us,” says Sonia.

The Hauraki Plains Rural Show will be held on November 3 at the Hugh Hayward Domain Ngatea. Admission is free but no dogs are permitted onto the grounds. For more information and entry details for the calf club and floral art competitions go to www. haurakiplainsruralshow.co.nz/

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 57

Top guitarist to appear at country’s Star Awards Talented Christchurch guitarist Phil Doublet will perform at the premier finals of the New Zealand Country Music Star Awards in Tauranga at Labour Weekend.

members of the Star Awards committee who were so impressed by his brilliant guitar playing that he was instantly booked to appear as lead guitarist at the Tauranga Star Awards in 2011,” says Merv.

Phil returns this year for the premier finals concert at Convener Merv McEnteer says Bethlehem College PerformPhil’s performance at last year’s ing Arts Centre from October Tauranga Star Awards was so 20 to 21. impressive he’s been invited back Another guest star is Hayley Guitarist Phil Doublet will perform at ‘by public demand’. the country music Tauranga Star Awards Smith, 2011 Star Awards Born in Christchurch, Phil Over-all Winner and winner at Labour Weekend. started learning guitar at the tender of the 2012 Trans-Tasman age of 7. His progress as a musician was so impressive Entertainment of the Year Award at the Norfolk Island that by his fifth form year at age 15, Phil was on the Country Music Festival. teacher’s payroll teaching guitar to his fellow students.

The Labour Weekend event offers significant prizes He went to Australia in 2003 and joined the band and opportunities for winners. The over-all winner “Luke O’Shea and the Medicine Wheel” which won receives $750 in cash and entry to the 2013 NZCMA first place in the “Tiaras” awards and were finalists in Entertainer Of The Year plus an invitation to appear the Tamworth Golden Guitar Awards and also the as a guest at the Opotiki Charity Concerts in March 2013.

MusicOz Awards held in Sydney.

The highest scoring soloist Over 17 Years receives “Luke and Phil took their music to Nashville Tenan invitation to the Norfolk Island Country Music nessee and blew the Americans away as part of the Festival plus entry to the Trans-Tasman Entertainer of Australian contingent at the annual Country Music the Year.

Fan Fair Festival.”

The NZCM Star Awards Premier Concert is Sunday Phil now resides back in Christchurch where he October 21 at 1pm Bethlehem College Performing works as a professional musician. “While performing Arts Centre and the public is welcome to attend. at the Gold Guitar Awards in Gore, he was spotted by

Country meets town at Waihi show Country has been meeting town at the Waihi Agricultural & Pastoral Association show for 74 years now and it’s a proud tradition which will be repeated again next month.

The Waihi A&P Show features all the traditional dairy cattle, pedigree dairy goats, calf club, pet lambs and kid goats, horse and pony events, flat and around the ring jumping as well as Arabian and Standard bred horses, says show secretary Marilyn Parker.

“This year we have added two new sections for improver hacks and miniature horses. It’s never too late to enter these A&P competitions as we take entries on the day.”

Sunday is show jumping and show hunters and is well supported she said.

Horse competitions are non-grading for show jumping and training for show hunters, which appeals to many. “It’s a fun day, an opportunity to school less experienced horses and inexperienced riders to have a go at something new.

“The competitors are more than welcome to compete

on the Saturday and stay overnight for the Sunday making it a great weekend without all the cost of travelling.”

There will also be a wide range of stalls, lots of entertainment and side shows, plenty of different sorts of food and refreshments available too.

Alpacas were on show again last year and Marilyn says they will be back again this year as they created a lot of interest, especially when the owners took them out of their enclosure and walked then out amongst the crowd.

Some fortunate person will win the lucky gate draw of a travel voucher worth $250 and there are other cash prizes for children and adults. “You must be on the grounds at the time of the draw to win the prizes,” says Marilyn.

Waihi Agricultural & Pastoral Association 74th show will be held on November 10 and 11 at the Waihi A&P showgrounds on SH 2 just north of Waihi.

Schedules are available from secretary Marilyn Parker 5 Kimberley Road Waihi, Phone 07 863 8243 or send an email Marilyn@ktd.co.nz and get one posted out, please advise what section you are looking for.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 58

Animals and history inspire author Trekking on foot and horse back over Arthur’s Pass and meeting wolves in Yellowstone Park are among the enjoyable lengths author Susan Brocker goes to in researching her books.

Beams & Timber Direct Ltd (BTD)

lications, a company which specialised in producing educational books for New Zealand and America.

Her role was to research and write books on a wide range of topics including the natural world, social history and animals to books which illustrated a particular attribute such as compassion.

“Some books had to be set in a particular However, it’s more than an excuse to part of the world like Asia or Brazil and visit wild and beautiful places. Susan had to tell something of the culture too is driven by a desire to be honest and but other than that I was free to write authentic in her writing, using her whatever story I liked. It was a lot of skills as a teller of stories to subtly fun.” educate her readers too.

She also wrote historical books “I love bringing history alive and about American pioneering life for making it exciting for readers,” the USA market. says Susan, who with husband Susan’s books are well known Lionel, lives in a beautiful to New Zealand primary and restored villa on four hectares near intermediate school children and Tauranga. their parents. The books she wrote Not all her books are historical to encourage reluctant readers are but the latest one, The Drover’s distinctive for their lively, informaQuest, is. It tells the story of 13-yeartive text and bold illustrations. old Charlotte who, in the 1860s, “I learnt a tremendous amount about disguises herself as a boy to join a cattle reading and vocabulary for different drove across the Southern Alps to find age groups, which has helped in writher missing father who has been gold Susan Brocker’s cat Lili and ing novels.” prospecting.

Twelve years ago Susan and Lionel dog Yogi not only keep her “We walked and rode Arthur’s Pass company while she writes – moved to the Bay of Plenty and Susan when I was researching the book and they are also the inspiration realised her dream of having enough the weather was beautiful – fine and land to graze horses and create a home for some of her novels. sunny – so I had to imagine what it for other pets. was like cold and wet when I wrote the story.”

“The house was moved here around 20 years ago Susan’s drive for accuracy stems from her academic but the land was covered in gorse, so we spent the background and early writing experience. She has a first few years clearing it.”

BA in History from the University of Waikato and A growing family of angora goats, all named for after graduating she and Lionel travelled to Europe, sweet treats – such as Cheesecake, Pavlova and Jelwhere he was posted as part of his work with New lybean – have helped keep the gorse under control.

Zealand Trade and Industry.

Horses Barney, Robbie and Al Capone graze the land “I visited many historical sites, including New too.

Zealand war graves, and also spent time in the Soviet Long-haired German Shepherd Yogi and the cats Union. I did a lot of travel writing, often with an Lili and Luci are more fortunate. They spend much historical theme.” of their day in Susan’s study where she works. The Back in New Zealand Susan joined Shortland Pubanimals in Susan’s life are more than just company.

COUNTRY LIVING

Plains farmers losing subdivision fight Hauraki District Council recently announced the long awaited decisions on the Proposed District Plan.

It is no surprise to me that there has been little changed in the subdivision rules as a result of public submissions.

Unfortunately we have been dealt some very unworkable rules, particularly in the 'plains locality'. In this area you won't be able to subdivide any longer unless you have in excess of 80ha or you are amalgamating two farms and cutting off one of the houses onto a maximum half hectare site. Council also appear to have killed any rule allowing practical boundary adjustments by dictating that any lot cannot be made smaller if it is already under 40 hectares in size.

Lost control

Unless there is a successful appeal against the rules, this is the end of the road for the plains farmers having control of their land for varied development and retiring on their block. Unless they have an existing title of a manageable size they will have to move to town.

Some have used the existing rules to set themselves up for this proposed change, but all are not wellinformed on the changes or have been in a financial position to create themselves opportunities in this economic environment.

If the new rules are appealed, you still have a last chance to subdivide while that process is under way, however both sets of rules have to be considered in each application. Most councils allow applications to

GO KARTS DIRECT

go through under the old rules during this period.

Under the old rules many landowners are allowed to subdivide off a small lifestyle block from their farm and most, with the better land, can even subdivide the farm into six hectare blocks if they wish.

This opportunity is fast disappearing in favour of the 40 hectare minimum. Council is also proposing to increase the minimum size for town sections to 525 square metres from the current 350 square metre minimum.

The six hectare rule will remain in the Waihi Basin on high class land and more lifestyle blocks will be allowed in other areas.

This is generally all the land to the west of State Highway 27 and to the east of State Highway 25, and includes other hilly areas of the district. A variety of sizes from 5000 square metres will be available here depending on the size and age of the existing title.

Thames-Coromandel is next on the list for an overhaul of the rules so keep a look out for their draft in the next month or so. If you are interested in finding out how any of these changes may affect you, please feel free to give me a call.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 07 862 8963 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

Win signed copy of ‘The Drover’s Quest’ They are often the inspiration for her stories too.

Saving Sam, about a troubled young boy and the dog he grows to love, is an example.

“The book was inspired by my old dog, Layla, who passed away several years ago. Just like the Layla in the book, she was nervy and frightened at times. But she was also a gentle and kindly soul who loved kids and understood they’d never hurt her. She seemed to know if they were hurting too.”

Layla formed special relationships with the foster daughters Susan and Lionel cared for, as did the horses.

“If the girls showed an interest in horses, we asked them to take responsibility for feeding, grooming and exercising them and they learnt about discipline and responsibility and the horses became very special to them.”

Although Susan had written scores of books by the time she began writing novels, sending the first manuscript off was stressful.

“Up until then I had been commissioned to write but that was the first time I had written a novel and there was no guarantee it would be accepted.”

Restless Spirit, about Kaimanawa horses, was accepted by Harper Collins, which has now pub-

Page 59

lished six of Susan’s books.

At a time when many authors are self-publishing, Susan prefers to work with a publisher because she likes the fact her books have to meet their scrutiny and quality criteria before being accepted.

Writing is now Susan’s full-time occupation, split between commissioned work, novel writing, and teaching creative writing.

She appreciates feedback from readers.

“I love talking to children and encouraging them to read and write. I also love getting emails and letters from readers of all ages. The best are ones when children, or their parents, tell me my books have turned a reluctant reader on to books.”

Coast & Country has an autographed copy of Susan’s latest book, The Drover’s Quest, to give away.

To be in to win, answer the following question: What is the age of the heroine in The Drover’s Quest?

Email your answer to The Drover’s Quest Prize, along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to Elaine Fisher, Coast & Country PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than October 17, 2012. The winner will be announced in the November Coast & Country.

www.driftgokarts.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 60

Dem dry bones Remember the children’s song Dry Bones? The chorus starts with “the toe bone connected to the heel bone”.

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Of course this was written as a spiritual rather than anatomical song but it makes a great point. Everything in the human body is interconnected either directly or indirectly.

Every body system is dependent on the function of particular tissues which are formed by specific cells. Even further than that, each cell type has its unique compliment of structures and operational chemistry. These connections are obvious in skeletal anatomy but less obvious at a cellular level.

Isolation

Unfortunately we tend to see our body parts in isolation.

My discipline of nutritional medicine looks at these interconnections and especially the role of nutrients in preventing disease and to help the body’s repair systems when things go wrong. This means correcting all the processes that contribute to the problem. For example with Polymyalgia Rheumatica we want to reduce inflammation in muscle fibres. To do this we need to lower inflammation through the whole body and to ensure the blood supply to muscle fibres can deliver oxygen and other nutrients needed for muscle function.

I have just received an email from someone who has bursitis in a hip. The bursar is a fluid-filled sac that helps tendons or muscles pass

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freely over bones. The bursa membrane is susceptible to inflammation and the result is a swollen, stiff and sore joint.

If the bursitis is not caused by infection, the normal medical treatment is anti-inflammatory medications and sometimes a direct injection of corticosteroids into the joint. The point of the steroid is to effectively numb immune cells so they can no longer produce inflammatory chemicals especially prostaglandins and cytokines.

Bonus help

Nutritional therapy would take a wider view and try to reduce unwanted inflammation throughout the body by restricting inflammatory immune system compounds and increase our own anti-inflammatory compounds.

I have no doubt that over time she will see a reduction of inflammation of the bursa and a restoration of normal hip function. Of course the real bonus is that it will help every joint, every tissue and every cell, not just the sore hip. This approach is very complementary with prescribed medicines as the medication can reduce symptoms and make us more comfortable while the nutrients get to work on damaged body systems. Give me a call if you need help. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John phone 0800 423 559.

COUNTRY LIVING

All things aquatic at Tauranga boat show Tauranga’s Strand Waterfront will come alive with all things aquatic when the second annual Tauranga Boat Expo and Water Festival is held in November.

“We received great feedback from our exhibitors from the last expo and are looking forward to returning to the perfect venue on the waterfront to highlight the many water based activities and businesses in our region,” says Brian Kent, chairman of the Tauranga Marine Industry Association which is the driving force behind the event.

“The expo is an ideal chance to bring a cross section of the industry together in one place and visitors to the expo can expect to see a wide variety of watercraft including power boats, jet skis, paddleboards and kayaks along with marine electronic and fishing gear.

“A great opportunity exists to talk one on one with the guys who run these business and to get advice from the experts. Many ‘show specials’ will be on offer.”

Last year Tauranga’s harbourmaster was popular with visitors and will again be in attendance as will the innovative SeaLegs craft and Tauranga Coastguard.

To ensure that the family stays safe while on the water there will also be the opportunity to have lifejackets checked free of charge.

The water festival will again run on both Saturday and Sunday when the ‘Bath Tub Boys’ will make some waves with their racing and antics. Free jet ski

rides will be available and exhibitors showcase some of their craft on the water. Kayaks, paddleboards and the Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club will provide a display on water.

“The selection of on-water activities will truly showcase the beautiful Tauranga Harbour and show people the many different ways there are to enjoy it.”

The expo will be open from 10am to 6pm on Friday November 2 and 10am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday November 3 and 4. Entry costs $5 for adults and kids are free. Families are encouraged to make a day of it, bring a picnic or enjoy the variety of hospitality that is available in Downtown Tauranga.

A full list of exhibitors and the water festival schedule is available in on www.boatexpo.co.nz

Page 61

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 62

Base saturation explained Under our current system of soil fertility, we are being encouraged to under-fertilise. This state has existed for many years, but the degree of under fertilizing is getting worse. Applying so called maintenance levels of nutrients is not even ensuring soil fertility is static; it is declining.

Base saturation is simply the percentage of exchangeable cations.

Cations are the positively charged soil fertility elements. Base saturation is used to identify and measure the percentage of each cation to determine the soil’s available relative mineral makeup.

Total Exchange Capacity is the sum of the total exchangeable cations. A light soil (eg volcanic) having a smaller sum than heavy, alluvial silt loam. The balance of cations determines soil structure, nutrient holding capacity, and fertiliser requirement for optimum production. Economic decisions can then easily be made to prioritise fertiliser applications.

Some cations are: calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc, hydrogen, and ammonium.

What we try to achieve (according to a Perry Agricultural Lab test), is calcium to be about 68 per cent, magnesium 10-12 per cent, potassium 2-5 per cent, sodium 0.5-3 per cent, hydrogen 10-15 per cent, and other bases to be about 5 per cent. Don’t try to fit these numbers around another test; it won’t work.

If the cation balance is close to this ideal, we will get good soil structure, moisture movement and retention, drainage, and maximum crop and pasture production and quality. All elements work together without antagonism, with pH being ideally constructed.

Pasture and crop palatability and consequently, animal performance will all excel.

Calcium

When calcium is present in the correct amount with other cations, the soil is at its most productive and efficient state. If calcium is deficient, other cations, eg. potassium will dominate the herbage to the detriment of animal health. If Ca is in excess, soil will drain and dry out faster. Phosphorus, trace element and, magnesium availability will be low. Crops and pastures may show clinical symptoms of magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc deficiency. An application of ferrous sulphate will help.

Magnesium

Magnesium excess is not common in New Zealand. However, too much or too little in the soil results in too little Mg in the plant. Nitrogen efficiency is also affected, taking more N to achieve the same result. Soils stick to machinery when wet and set hard when dry. They take more HP to work. It is far more common to find Mg deficiency in the soil, particularly as a result of over liming.

Potassium

If potassium dominates, pasture palatability will be poor.

Stock will require salt to compensate or metabolic problems will develop. Leaf carbohydrate can also break down, leading to lower yields. High K suppresses manganese, cobalt and magnesium. Potassium causes the most angst among farmers who are reluctant to apply it. The dilemma they have is high K in the herbage, while at the same time it is low in the soil. Most farmers are used to potassium chloride, not potassium sulphate.

Potassium sulphate should be used instead. Low soil K leads to lower pasture production. Keep calcium, magnesium and potassium soil levels up, and high plant K will not be an issue.

Some areas of NSW have very high K, but growers following this system manage to grow high yielding crops by getting Ca, Mg and Na to the correct levels. The soil under those crops is as hard as concrete.

Sodium

Sodium must always be lower than potassium. We find in a surprising number of cases, it is the other way around. That situation leads to excess sodium uptake. Plant cell walls can then burst on hot days, leading to dehydration. Perhaps that situation arises if farmers neglect the potassium, but apply sodium to raise pasture palatability. That is attacking the problem from the wrong end and will never solve it. Always try to solve a problem by removing the cause, not by removing symptoms.

pH

The above four cations influence pH. The closer they are to balance, the closer the pH will be to the optimum, being what it should be. Say that is 6.4; however, a 6.4 pH may be obtained

BASE SATURATION PERCENT Calcium (60 to 70%) Magnesium (10 to 20%) Potassium (2 to 5%) Sodium (.5 to 3%) Other Bases (Variable)

}80%

EXCHANGEABLE HYDROGEN (10 to 15%)

by cations out of balance. For this reason, never use fertiliser to change pH. Only add it to change the proportion of the cations. pH should be the result of your fertiliser programme, not the cause of it.

Why use the Base Saturation percentages?

They give a logical explanation of your soil.

They give a total blue print of your soil.

They allow you to solve problems.

Farmers can relate data results to both good and problem areas.

No prior knowledge of nutrient levels in the soil is required. The principles apply to all soils, plants and animals.

They give outstanding yields and quality of both plants and animals.

Practical considerations

In the short term, balancing the BS can be an expensive exercise. The alternative is to put on fertiliser to get your crop or pasture through the season. Remember, chemical agriculture is a self-serving, input-driven system. You are advised to apply an unbalanced fertiliser to an unbalanced soil to sustain a state of imbalance, which will then require constant chemical intervention. After 20 years of doing that, the chances are you will be no better off in year 20, than you were in year one. Many farmers are complaining they are worse off.

Balancing will require extra fertiliser. For some, the way to approach that is do a portion of your farm at a time. Hill farmers need to look at their flats, flat farmers, their silage paddocks, or parts of the property not doing so well. Over time your farm performance will increase, while eventually, your fertiliser applications will decrease. The point at which the fertiliser spend will decrease, depends on how long it takes to reach that balanced plateau. Once there, it is plain sailing down the other side.

The system we use at Kiwi Fertiliser is proven all over the world. This system has produced a world record yield of wheat in Germany; best quantity and quality wheat in New Zealand; 37-42t+/ha maize silage in USA; best quality and quantity raspberries; best quality and quantity bananas in Guatemala and South Africa; 20t+/ha of lucerne all over the world, and growers being paid US$19/kg for their high yielding grapes by wineries in California, to name just a few successes.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 63

Instant kill, re-setting traps new weapon against pests A trap which kills possums and rats instantly and re-sets itself is making life easier for volunteers who carry out pest control in a 120 ha bush reserve on the shores of Lake Taupo.

Invented and manufactured in New Zealand by a company called Goodnature, the traps have impressed Kevin Loe, of the Pukawa Wildlife Management Group.

“We have recently begun using 54 of the Goodnature selfsetting rat traps which are also killing mice and 10 possum traps and they are working well,” says Kevin.

In the past 10 years, using conventional traps, the group has caught 6,500 possum,

stoats and rats and bird life is flourishing but pests are still an issue.

“The advantage of the Goodnature traps is that they don’t have to be checked and re-set so often and are a great alternative to using poisons,” says Kevin.

The traps have undergone extensive testing to ensure they not only kill pests, and do so humanely, says Stu Barr, who with Craig Bond and Robert Greig is part of the Goodnature team.

Goodnature Automatic Humane traps are powered by compressed C02 gas.

The gas source is a small, recyclable canister that will power and reset the trap multiple times before needing to be replaced.

They work by striking the skull of the animal with a steel–cored, glass reinforced polymer piston, killing it instantly. This piston is driven by a measured volume

the Class A standard for humaneness as set out in the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee’s guidelines, becoming the only possum trap ever to have met that standard.

“The traps have been designed to be easy to install and maintain. Goodnature’s resetting traps can be set by

anybody from novice to expert in the field allowing the whole community to get involved in pest control. The traps weigh less than 700 grams and are affixed to a tree with two stainless steel screws.

The traps can be re-baited and recharged easily while on the tree.

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Goodnature re-setting traps weigh less than 700 grams and are affixed to a tree with two stainless steel screws. of compressed CO2 when the animal triggers the trap. Once the animal has been struck, the piston returns, dropping the animal to the ground. The trap resets immediately.

Goodnature traps employ two distinct trigger systems, the Classic and the Leaf360 depending on the target species. In the Automatic Humane Possum Trap the Classic Trigger is activated when a possum bites it and pulls. This triggers the firing sequence that drives the piston into the possum’s skull.

The Automatic Humane Rat and Stoat trap employs the very sensitive Leaf360 Trigger. As the animal brushes a leaf aside to investigate a bait, the trap is set into action.

The traps and lures are toxin-free to avoid any secondary harm to native animals and domestic pets. They are also more humane than traditional single-action traps as they kill possums, stoats and rats instantly meaning the animals don’t suffer. Following rigorous ethics trials, the trap has achieved

PLACEMAKERS STORES EXHIBITING AT THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAYS: HAMILTON 07 846 6700 ROTORUA 07 345 6892 HUNTLY 07 828 2000 TAUPO 07 376 0220 PLACEMAKERS STORES EXHIBITINGTEATKUITI THIS YEAR’S FIELD DAYS: MORRINSVILLE 07 889 8057 07 878 8149 MT MAUNGANUI 07 575 4009 THAMES 07 868 0130 HAMILTON 07 ROTORUA 07 PUKEKOHE 09 846 237 6700 0020 WHATAKTANE 07 345 306 6892 0320 HUNTLY 07 828 2000 TAUPO 07 WHITIANGA 07 376 867 0220 2000

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HAMILTON 07 846 6700 ROTORUA TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING ZEALAND HUNTLY 07 828NEW 2000 TAUPO MORRINSVILLE 07 889 8057 TE KUITI MT MAUNGANUI 07 575 4009 THAMES PUKEKOHE 09 237 0020 WHATAKTANE WHITIANGA

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CHICKENS

Page 64

Hens make great pets even if they don’t lay eggs Daphne’s chickens.

Daphne Keller’s garden is probably as close to ‘hen heaven’ as it’s possible to get.

The five hens which live in her Te Puna backyard enjoy molasses-covered `muesli’, have their own house and special dust bath area and there’s no pressure to lay every day.

“It would be nice if they did but I’m not too worried if I don’t get five eggs a day. I just like having them around and fresh eggs are a bonus,” says Daphne.

The flock consists of two black Orpingtons , two bantams and a Belgium Campine, all bought from a person who had too many hens on her property. In the Western Bay of Plenty the rules state that: “Except with the written consent of the council, not more than 12 head of poultry maybe kept in any poultry house or poultry run on any land in areas other than those zoned rural”.

Five hens are about the right number for her half acre section, Daphne reckons. “The section is fully fenced so they can’t get out and bother the neighbours. There are trees for them to sit under and we’ve left bare ground around a couple so they can have dust baths. They have a proper hen house

with nesting boxes but seem to end up all sitting in just one or two.”

One of the Orpingtons has started laying in a terracotta pot on the deck. “It’s great. I know exactly where her eggs are.”

One bantam has, as bantams do, gone broody and is keeping the other hens out of her nesting box. Another is probably laying in a secret nest somewhere.

“Last time this happened there were about 20 eggs in the nest. I wasn’t game to try to find out which were fresh and which were rotten.”

Chickens as backyard pets are relatively easy and undemanding to keep. They don’t need walking, or brushing but they do have some basic requirements to ensure they stay healthy and happy. These include a weatherproof hen house with a concrete floor in which they can nest, roost and get out of the rain and sun. Some people choose a hen house and run which can be moved around, giving the hens access to fresh grass on a regular basis. Access to clean fresh water and food is of course essential.

“We have three troughs for water as well as one inside their run,” says Daphne.

As well as their regular muesli, (actually a stock food bought from a local rural supply store) the Keller hens enjoy kitchen scraps,

fish and fresh fruit, including that which falls from the guava tree.

“Since we started feeding the muesli, their combs have become very red and their feathers shiny – they look very healthy.

“They know when they should be fed and if we’re a bit late, will come and tap on the ranch slider until they get attention – needless to say the deck needs hosing down a bit more often now.”

Keeping hens is a great way to introduce young children to caring for animals as most hens are pretty hardy and will tolerate a certain amount of handling and will reward gentle care with eggs for breakfast.

So far Daphne’s hens haven’t ruined her garden but for those worried about hens scratching too much, cages which can be moved around are an option.

Keeping hens, especially of the more unusual and colourful varieties, or buying hens which have been caged and giving them the freedom of life outdoors is becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand in urban as well a rural areas.

There are excellent websites with lots of information for people new to keeping hens including: www.chickensbydesign.co.nz/ www.greenurbanliving.co.nz www.lifestyleblock.co.nz

House essential for healthy hens

All animals need shelter but hens actually need a ‘house’ in which to roost, lay eggs and keep out of the rain, wind and sun.

The SPCA recommends anyone planning to keep hen should have a chicken-house set up before bringing any chickens home.

The house should be set up on well-drained land that will not flood and needs to provide a minimum space of two square metres for 10 birds; depending on the size of the chickens. The house will need a lockable door or a pop-hole which is essential to keep out any predators. Good ventilation is very important to provide fresh air, but draughts should be prevented.

Nesting boxes should ideally be provided for each chicken to lay their eggs, however you can provide at least one nesting box for up to five hens as long as there are enough nesting boxes for them to use without competition.

The nesting boxes should be filled with either wood shavings (non-treated) or straw. The floor of the chicken house should drain freely and be kept clean and dry and there must always be dry areas for roosting. The floor should also be covered with wood-shavings for ease of cleaning and for the birds to scratch and forage in. Ideally the house should be cleaned daily but a thorough clean should be done once a week.

The house will also need to have roosting perches.

These should be raised off the ground enough to protect them from predators or rodents but low enough so they are readily accessible without the risk of injury to the birds.

All chickens should be able to go outside and forage.

A run can be provided for this, for protection from predators including birds such as hawks. If the outdoor area becomes very muddy or dusty and has little vegetation, then the chicken-house and run should be moved to provide fresh vegetation. For more information about keeping hens so to www.spca.org.nz/ AnimalCare/ChickenCare.aspx

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 65

Top three veg star in new promotion Producers of the vegetables which account for half of all those used in New Zealand have joined forces in a promotional initiative to highlight the nutritional benefits of tomatoes, potatoes and mushrooms.

It’s the first time three producer groups have worked together in this way, says Yvonne Clyne, national sales manager for Meadow Mushrooms.

However, as tomatoes, potatoes and mushrooms collectively account for almost 50 per cent of all vegetable sales in New Zealand it made sense for producers to work together, and with retailers, to jointly promote their produce.

Todd Hughes, chair of Potatoes NZ’s Education and Marketing Committee, says the campaign is a great opportunity to

inspire consumers to put the three vegetable ‘super stars’ together in a new tasty way.

Lex Dillion, a director of TomatoesNZ says combing forces is one way to drive consumption of the vegetables. In the past 10 years potatoes and tomatoes have jostled for top spot as New Zealand’s favourite vegetable, with mushrooms in third place, he says.

For the purposes of the promotion, the trio have been dubbed “ The Super Stars” which also reflects that these vegetables supply a diverse range of nutrients, which when combined in a meal are nutritionally awesome.

The trio are versatile in terms of meals that can be made – from breakfasts and accompaniments, to soups and salads. They lend themselves to a multitude of flavours and ethnic dishes from chilli to pesto, to nachos and curries.

Variety and versatility make them big winners in the kitchen. Being so different in taste, texture and look they have unlimited uses from salads and soups, mashes and roasts to breakfasts, snacks, lunch and dinner; light or heavy and in any season.

For health and nutrition, when combined, a meal of 1 potato + 1 tomato + 3 mushrooms delivers an amazing cocktail containing high levels of Vitamin C, B group vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, protein and loads of fibre –all virtually fat-free and very low in sodium. *A tomato is technically a fruit, and a mushroom

Super Star Brekkie Serves 4 Ingredients 4 eggs 4 general use potatoes 4 large Meadow Mushrooms portabellos 2 large round tomatoes (sliced thickly) 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil salt ground black pepper Hollandaise sauce (ready made) 4 spring onion (sliced) Method: Gently poach the eggs to your liking and set aside.

Microwave whole unpeeled potatoes on high for 8 minutes.

Gently crush the par cooked potatoes with a fork. Place on a baking tray.

Arrange mushroom on a baking tray and top with a thick slice of tomato.

Add the potatoes to the baking tray. Drizzle olive oil over each. Season with

salt and pepper.

Bake at 2000C for 15 minutes.

To serve place ¼ of the potato mixture in the centre of a plate. Place a roasted

• •

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mushroom with tomato on top, making sure to drizzle over any juices. Top this with a poached egg and drizzle over hollandaise sauce.

Garnish with spring onion.

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FARM SAFETY

Page 66

Increase in farm bike thefts A spate of farm bike thefts has Bay of Plenty Police asking people with information about suspicious activity in rural areas to come forward The Eastern Bay of Plenty has had an increase in quad bikes, motorbikes and trail bikes stolen in the past few months, with many of the thefts taking place in rural areas.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Sandra Venables says it’s a good time for farmers and the general public to increase their security and to use the website www.snap.org.nz to register valuable items.

She says noting unique engine/chassis numbers, taking photographs and engraving the property with a personal code and lodging this information on the SNAP website for their own records is a great way for police to be able to locate an owner for any stolen property they may find whilst completing search warrants.

“We want to prevent the thefts occurring and can only do this with the communities help, so please note down vehicle registrations, be aware of anyone who is unusual or out of place in your area and call your local Police station or if it is urgent, dial 111.”

Farmers are also being encouraged to put some security in place to help prevent such items

being stolen.

“If anything does get stolen then having a list of their property and unique numbers which they can supply to Police is the best way of ensuring that the property is identified and returned to them.”

Anyone with information about recent thefts or any other suspicious activity is encouraged to contact their local police station.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.

Technology helps improve farm security Rural properties are fast becoming the main target for criminals – especially when the majority of farms have their own fuel tank to service their on-farm vehicles.

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“With the higher prices of fuel these days there are a growing number of rural properties experiencing thefts from tanks. Luckily there are also a growing number of technology applications that can help prevent it,’’ says Roger Bull, Managing Director of Smartway.

Smartway Security has been operating for more than 12 years and their clients and services range from large International corporations to business and home alarms that are also monitored, along with CCTV and other security products.

A major growth area has been identified for on-farm security and Smartway have developed various methods of protecting farms • Fuel tank alert systems that will notify the farm house when someone is obtaining fuel. In addition they can add a module that sends a txt message to the farmer as an additional alert.

• Wireless gate beams that are solar powered so no local power is necessary. These report back to a base station in the farm house which can be up to 800m away.

• CCTV cameras that can read a number plate regardless of headlights or spot lights on a vehicle and cameras that “see in the dark”and can revolve around the yard to cover implement sheds etc.

• GPS Tracking devices that can be installed on tractors, quad bikes and other vehicles.

• On farm wireless communication networks.

“We have had a lot of success with these systems, which give the rural owners peace of mind that they will be alerted when there is a problem,” says Roger.

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FORESTRY

Page 67

Paying deforestation liability may be an option The Emissions Trading Scheme has an influence on most aspects of forest management. Harvest and deforestation are both influenced and in some cases its influence is a legal obligation.

The impact depends on if the forest is pre-1990 or post-1989 forest.

If a pre-1990 forest owner deforests the land, the owner becomes a mandatory participant in the ETS. They must notify MAF within 20 working days of clearing the first hectare of forest. They must surrender carbon credits in relation to the loss of carbon stocks or deforestation emission in the following emissions return period.

The government has recently announced changes in the ETS as a result of a review and consultation.

For pre-1990 forest land owners the government has said it will allow offsetting from 2013. This means forest land owners will be able to convert forest land to other land uses without deforestation liabilities, but they must establish carbon equivalent forest elsewhere. This new rules is increasingly looking to be unused as the carbon price continues to drop. Offsetting may have higher Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) administration costs, new roading and other first rotation forest costs that could make paying the deforestation liability the better option. The exact rules of this pre-1990 forest option are not finalized yet. If a pre-1990 forest owner is looking at deforesting in the future they may consider buying credits at their current low price as they are the lowest they have ever been.

For post 1989 forest owners, harvesting timing is an important determinate in the number if credits that need to be surrendered. Harvesting at the start of a

Kyoto Protocol commitment period will reduce the number of units to surrender if the mandatory return period is chosen. In effect, harvest timing can provide more ‘safe units’ that could be sold and never be surrendered.

Harvesting and deforestation is an

important step under New Zealand Kyoto commitments. If land and forest owners are under any doubt they need to seek further information or advice.

If you would like specific advice on harvesting or deforesting your forest and the ETS contact Woodmetrics.

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Be prepared — call 0800 96 63 63 now to talk about your trees with Peter Harington, your Regional Manager.

Forest owners must be aware of their ETS obligations when planning future land use.

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Page 68

COAST & COUNTRY

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JACK RUSSELL PUPPIES Born on the 1st October, ready to go to your new home first week of December. Just in time for Christmas! Mum and Dad are both pure breed (no papers) Mum is smooth and Dad is short hair, Tri colours. We own both parents, beautiful nature dogs prefect for the farm. Only $600 each includes vet check and first Vac. Ph Sarah 027 307 4686 PULLETS Brown Shaver. Point of lay, good layers. Ph 07 824 1762

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Own water scheme. Fantastic community to belong to - be in quick! Price of house has been slashed! to $550,000 - urgent sale. Ph 027 281 7427 today.

trades & services

BUILDERS - Murray Pedersen licensed builder with his experienced team will undertake additions renovations also reclads. We can arrange plans & consents. Ph 07 575 7870 BOSTOCK SHELTER TRIMMERS LTD we have a keen eye and work hard to achieve a satisfactory finish. Ph Rob on 027 222 4157 GORSE SPRAYING do you have a gorse problem? Ph today for a FREE quote for all gorse control. Ph Scott 0274 624 769 TREES TREES TREES Felling, Pruning, Maintenance, Chipping, & Removal. Ph Scott Today on 027 462 4769 ADVERTISE YOUR TRADE or services in the Coast & Country RunOn listings for only $20+gst conditions apply. Phone Tasha on 07 928 3042 or email classi@thesun.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Tuesday 9 October

Thursday 11 October

Wednesday 31 October

Join Farmlands and Rural Women NZ for an evening of quips, tips & humour with ‘cuddly cook’ Annabelle White. Bring your questions and be prepared for whole new way of looking at food, live and social interaction. Not to be missed.

Tickets cost $35 from your local Farmlands store or ph 0800 327 636. October 9 at Don Rowlands Centre, Lake Karapiro. October 30 at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga.

October 31 at Rotorua Hotel Distinction.

Rules for water takes used for milk cooling & dairy shed wash down. Information included is: A background to Variation 6; who is going to need consent; How to get a consent; When applications need to be lodged by; Regional Council implementation process; Why measuring peak water use is important. Held at Putaruru District Services Memorial Club, 35 Buckland St, Putaruru. Two information sessions: 11am – 12.30pm (morning tea supplied) or 6.30-8pm (light supper supplied). Ph Brigid Buckley 021 246 2185 or email: brigid.buckley@dairynz.co.nz

At Turua Hall, Hauraki Rd, Turua 7.30pm.

This discussion group is open to any women involved in dairying or dairy related agri-business. Topic: Accountancy – eg terminology, tax implications, income protection.

Farmlands Ladies Night

Variation 6 – Putaruru

Page 69

Hauraki Ladies Group

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

Ken Tustin’s chopper stories “I was hover-drifting close alongside a slope with a fine poppy crop on it, when I noticed a character halfhidden in some bushes only 10 metres away with a rifle aimed directly at my chest..” writes Ken Tustin in his latest book, Chopper Chatter.

The event he recounts occurred when Ken was part of what he believes was a ‘survey’ of opium poppy production, flying American embassy staff in north-east of Laos. The marksman didn’t shoot and when Ken landed the chopper in a nearby village, turned up with his rifle to tell Ken he would have shot him, but he wasn’t army and he wasn’t afraid. The way Ken tells it, he may not have been the first but he was certainly the second.

Ken’s career as a helicopter pilot Chopper Chatter by Ken Tustin is the book prize began in 1979 when for the October issue of Tim Wallis offered Coast & Country. him a live deer recovery flying job and ended in 2000 when an inner ear virus affected his balance, meaning he was no longer medically fit to fly.

In between Ken flew in some of the world’s most challenging and remote places, including New Zealand’s South Island, five season in Antarctica for the Italian Antarctic Research Programme, the jungles of Burma, two years in Lao People’s Democratic Republic and then a stint in Oman.

He’s flown on search and rescue missions, fought fires from the air and lifted loads at the very limit of a chopper’s ability and Ken writes of it all in an engaging and entertaining way. The book is richly illustrated with colour photographs, most showing helicopters and several of that most modern of machine alongside ancient forms of transport such as wooden boats and

bullock wagons.

Ken’s parents despaired when he gave up a safe career as a scientist researching deer and moose in Fiordland, but it’s a sure bet his life would never have been as exciting as it was in the 30 years of flying helicopters.

Thanks to The Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of Chopper Chatter to give away.

To be in to win, answer the following question: What year did Ken start flying helicopters? Email your answer to Chopper Chatter Prize, along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@ thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to Elaine Fisher, Coast & Country PO Box 240 feature Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than OctoADVANTAGE REALTY LTD ber 17, 2012. The winner will be announced in the November Coast & Country.

MREINZ

The winners of last month’s Coast & Country book prizes were “Outdoors with Geoff ” by Geoff Thomas, published

by Penguin: Leith Thomas of Taupo and Bo Campbell of Katikati. “Good Times” cook book by Amanda Laird published by Penguin: Judy Albrey of Te Kauwhata and Maida Kopa of Otorohanga.

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Page 70

feature properties & auctions feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

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Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

COAST & COUNTRY

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Page 71

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Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

Page 72

COAST & COUNTRY ds, Zammora’s two happy loving loyal frien Sam the Lab and Bella the Foxie.

From Zammora Williams, Te Aroha.

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE PACK UP FOR GRABS! Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera” or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

the Noah Warman with his best mate Ella e fluffy dog. From Malissa Geary, Patutahi, Gisborn

ng

in Carey havi ew and Benjam Tristan, Matth fun on the farm.

Tristan Carey en the school ho joying lidays