Coast & Country News January 2016

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

LAND’S CUSTODIAN PAGE 4-5

DAIRY PAGE 9-13

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

BILL WEBB PAGE 20-21

KK CONCERTS PAGE 24

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

FEED MANAGEMENT PAGE 28-29

KIWIBERRY PAGE 33

NZ ADVENTURES PAGE 37

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January 2016 Issue No.185

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Happy cows, happy farmer Investing in shelters for 480 cows isn’t cheap but Rex Butterworth says it’s dramatically reduced the cost of production, impacts on the environment and improved animal welfare. In fact the cows love their homes so much it’s sometimes hard to convince them to go outside – especially if it’s raining – read their story on pages 8-9. Photo Elaine Fisher

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Page 2

COAST & COUNTRY

Avoiding tyranny of carbon market The Paris climate talks saw 196 countries agree to cut greenhouse gas emissions, but to keep our end of the bargain New Zealand has to buy carbon credits from countries which are doing better than us.

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Seems to me a bit like sinning during the week, and being forgiven in church on Sunday – and repeating the process next week.

Shouldn’t we be doing better?

After all New Zealand has a reputation as probably the world’s “cleanest and greenest” – even though we know that’s not entirely accurate.

Climate Change Minister Tim Groser says New Zealand can plant more forest and strive to reduce domestic emissions but meeting the targets set by the agreement would risk “driving our economy into a hole – because 70 per cent of our emissions

are from agriculture and transport” so buying carbon credits will be essential.

According to the inventory of NZ’s greenhouse gas emissions, calculated by the Ministry for the Environment, methane emissions from ruminants have increased by 10 per cent since 1990. During the same period, carbon dioxide emissions from road transport have grown by 62 per cent, and nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils by 25 per cent.

Livestock are blamed for one third of NZ’s methane emissions, apparently making livestock farming our biggest contributor to greenhouse gases. That’s according to research into the effects of sheep and cattle “belching and farting”.

AgResearch scientists and US researchers have identified microbial differences in the rumens of sheep with high or low methane emissions. So it appears that some animals – like humans – expel more gas than others.

Scientists

are now suggesting breeding from sheep and cows with lower greenhouse gas emissions, feeding them methane-reducing supplements and even using vaccinations.

There’s been some research into soils and pasture species and I have a feeling more answers can be found in what we are putting on our soils, and what we are feeding our animals. We all know some human (so often a male), who is best to avoid being in a confined space with, after they’ve eaten beans or seafoods.

Surely the same is true of animals – what they eat impacts on what they emit. In the wild sheep and cattle graze across a wide range of grasses, herbs, weeds, even scrubby plants, but farmed animals have a largely one-species diet with occasional supplements. Not only must that be boring, but it probably doesn’t enhance their digestion or rumen microbial content.

With a summer drought looming and increasing concerns about weather extremes, perhaps it’s time to re-think our mix of pasture species and fertiliser programmes to create pastures and soils not only more tolerant of drought but also producing food more palatable for livestock –maybe that will help reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, saving NZ from the tyrannies of the carbon markets.

Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Millions of cows would die if dairying stops “I found the video footage of the ill-treatment of calves, especially in a pet food factory, appalling and all farmers feel the same; but I’m not sure if those who released the video really understand where their own food comes from.”

Marc is referring to the video recorded by animal rights group Farmwatch and released as part of a Save Animals from Exploitation public campaign launched both here and overseas, against New Zealand dairy farming.

If it is SAFE’s aim to phase out dairy farming, then upwards of six million dairy cows would have to die, says Marc. “It is surely better that these cows have a quality life than not.”

SAFE has suggested New Zealand dairy farmers could grow crops instead of farm cows, but Selfie with Marc says that raises a whole lot of new issues, a wants anim cow – dairy farmer M and threatens other animal species too. al ri arc about the co ghts activists to thin Gascoigne k ca nsequences Food preferences of their ag refully enda.

“Our own farm, for instance, includes a lot of steep land which would be totally unsuitable for crop“Farmers of fruit, vegetable and ping. If we were to grow crops we’d have to kill rats, cereal crops have to control animal pests to protect rabbits, possums and mice which would threaten the their crops. For example, most of NZ’s milling wheat crops. is imported from Australia, where mice populations “I don’t want to force anyone to change their food can reach plague proportions and need to be poisoned preferences, but I do think vegetarians and vegans to protect the crop. should be better informed about where their food “How about sugar production? Not only are animals comes from, and take an honest look in the mirror poisoned during the growing stage but also millions before they criticise farmers. of small animals are killed during harvest of the sugar “On the other hand, cane. it’s not a bad thing if people do know where Rodent deaths their food comes “Why is the life of a mouse not worth from, and that cows the same as a calf? Of course I eat these have to have a calf foods as well as meat, so you could argue I every year in order contribute to even more animals dying. But to produce milk.” it’s not me trying to convince you to convert to Marc responded to veganism to save any animals dying. the SAFE and Farm“The only way to be truly vegan is to grow all of watch campaign with your food yourself. And live in a cave. I’m not sure blogs in which he says what you will wear for clothes – even cotton growing in part: “If you are considering becoming a vegan because of SAFE’s propaganda, I would also encourage and harvesting results in rodent deaths.

“I’m not out there to attack crop growers and you to think about how many animals die to produce demonize them. I just want people to be informed a vegan meal”.

and make their own minds up. I borrowed that line from SAFE.”

No response

Coast & Country asked SAFE a series of questions but the group failed to respond.

We wanted to know: If it is SAFE’s aim to get people to question their consumption of dairy products, and turn to alternatives – How does SAFE see the transition from dairy to other forms of agriculture taking place?

What would happen if people did this in sufficient numbers to force farmers out of dairying – ie would

millions of cows and calves have to be slaughtered?

Would the dairy cow then become virtually extinct as the breeds don’t exist in the wild?

What sources of milk substitute and dairy protein would SAFE prefer NZ farmers produce?

Do we have the right environment – ie flat land, climatic conditions etc – to do so?

Would growing crops have less environmental impacts that dairying?

What about farming sheep and beef animals for meat – does SAFE have views on this as well?

Elaine Fisher

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Cambridge dairy farmer Marc Gascoigne doesn’t for a moment condone cruelty to animals but wonders if animal right’s activists are out of touch with reality in their calls for people to reject dairy products.

Page 4

COAST & COUNTRY

The custodian of city’s hidden valley Te Hoori Rakirangi alternates plantings in his raised organic gardens, leaving some fallow, while others are in production.

On the fringes of Tauranga City there’s a secluded, fertile valley which time and progress has passed by.

The hum of traffic from the busy Bethlehem to Tauranga expressway is a constant background noise for the three households on the land just off Cambridge Road. In the past it hummed to a different tune – that of people working the soils to grow food.

Today its custodian is Te Hoori Rikirangi, who continues to grow food where his whanau has done for generations.

As we sit on the deck of Te Hoori’s cottage he recounts something of the story of the land which drew him back from a career as an engineer in Auckland, and keeps him busy today.

At 78, and with failing health, Te Hoori has eased up a little on gardening but still produces more than enough vegetables to share with family and sell each week at the Te Hoori Rikiran Tauranga Farmer’s member of the Ta gi has been a market at his popular Market since its uranga Farmers Ihi Organics stand. inception in 2003 .

In fact Te Hoori is a founding member of the market, and was one of a handful of stall holdwhen clearing over-grown land and ers who launched it 13 years ago at the constructing more than 20 raised beds.

Tauranga Historic Village.

Te Hoorie was instrumental in the Current market manager Trixie Allen formation of OrganicFarmNZ, estabsays Te Hoori has missed very few lished in 2002 with the aid of a grant weekly markets in all those years and is from the then Ministry for Agriculture a past chairman of the market. and Forestry and the Soil and Health Association.

Fruit juices He acted as secretary at the first “Te Hoori’s organic produce is always formal meeting of the organisation beautifully presented and his fruit attended by Minister of Agriculture juices are very much in demand. He Jim Sutton. OrganicFarmNZ has an has a strong following among cusorganic certification system designed to tomers.” Trixie says Te Hoori and the be a low cost for growers supplying the trailer he built years ago for his stand New Zealand market only. It is accessiare very much a fixture at the market. ble for everyone, including commercial The weekly markets are a highlight of growers, community groups, schools, his week too. “I enjoy the market not and individuals. so much for the money but more for the people I meet, both stall holders Queen’s Medal and the public.”

He was awarded the New Zealand Te Hoori’s garden is bordered by a 1990 Commemoration Medal, instihigh wooden fence, the other side of tuted by the Queen by Royal Warrant which is the expressway. The terraced on February 9, 1990 in recognition of bank created from topsoil removed by contributions made to some aspect of the road construction is a source of New Zealand life, especially the various organic soil for his raised beds.

1990 celebrations.

Not long after he returned to the The medal is known as the Sesquiland, Te Hoori realised its fertility was centennial Medal, because it was dwindling and decided the only way issued on the 150th anniversary of the to restore it to productivity was to use signing of the Treaty of Waitangi on organic practices, so he took courses to February 6, 1840. learn about organic gardening.

Te Hoori was born at Huria Marae He also created a meticulous, hand(Judea Marae) in nearby Brookfield, drawn plan of his proposed organic and remembers regular family trips garden. Each raised bed, every tree, to the extensive gardens off and garden building is recorded on Cambridge Road to care for, and the plan, which he followed faithfully harvest, vegetables.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Land was once hapu’s important food source “Later on my mother Hinemaua Ngatoko and father Tamehana moved our family to live here on part of the 12 hectares of land which had been returned to our people following conďŹ scation during the land wars,â€? says Te Hoori.

It was Hinemaua who planted many of the trees from which Te Hoori still harvests fruit.

Great gardener

“My mother was a great gardener. She didn’t have much time for owers, but loved hydrangeas, which are still here. My aunty Rangihoa Matthews on the other hand – well she had almost every kind of ower in her garden.â€?

The contour of the land, which runs down to a swamp, meant not all of it is suitable for gardening. Nonetheless, it served an important role in supplying food for the Ng ti Ranginui iwi hapu Ngai Tamaranwaho of Huria Marae. Early crops included kumara, corn, maize, cabbages, and cauliower.

When he left school Te Hoori went to Auckland to train as an engineer, returning after 25 years to build a home for his family at Bellevue.

However, Auckland offered better pay and job prospects so he went back to the city, ďŹ nally returning to his ancestral lands when he was 48. “This land was returned to my hapu in the 1800s after an American, who married an ancestor of the Matthews family, discovered this land had been taken. Thanks to his efforts it was returned to his wife’s family.â€?

Close to the city, and now surrounded by houses, the land was surveyed for subdivision – Te Hoori still has the plans. “It looks ďŹ ne on paper but the reality is different. Because of the contour and swamp, much of this land can’t be built on, and now with the expressway going through the middle of it, there’s no road access to the western side.â€?

The expressway between Bethlehem and Tauranga – originally referred to as Route J – cut the land in half, taking the most fertile and attest part of the property. It also cut off any hopes of development for housing. Te Hoori worries what will happen when he can no longer maintain it. He doesn’t want it to become over-grown and uncared for.

For as long as he’s able, he will continue to grow vegetables in the raised gardens, harvest fruit from the trees, and mow the extensive lawns with his ride-on mower. And, of course, attend the Tauranga Farmers Market each Saturday at the Tauranga Primary School in Cameron Road.

Elaine Fisher

Young kauri trees grow among the fruit trees and vegetable gardens in this secluded valley just off Cambridge Road in Tauranga.

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Page 6

Collaboration, innovation future path Mike Chapman is big on collaboration and innovation, two attributes he believes are vital to the success of New Zealand’s horticultural industries.

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He has some pretty compelling evidence to support his case, much of it compiled during his 10 years as chief executive of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc. Without collaboration across the industry, including from Zespri and the post-harvest sector, NZKGI, the government and its ministries, local bodies, and community groups, the kiwifruit industry would not have survived the devastating impacts of the vine disease Psa-V, says Mike.

Without the innovation of Plant & Food Research scientists (who had for decades been breeding new kiwifruit cultivars), the scientists and technicians in the public and private sector, and growers who worked to find ways of managing the disease, the industry and its vines would not be in the healthy position they are today, he adds.

However, neither collaboration nor innovation can be taken for granted. Both need to be worked at and fostered. When it comes to innovation, that fostering begins at school, encouraging young people to become innovators.

“Prominent educator and author Tony Wagner of Harvard’s Change Leaders Group has identified seven survival skills to develop innovators which he says is today’s most essential real-world skill.

“Research and development innovation are the answer to everything we need in the primary industries. We are a long way from markets and we are not a low cost producer. We need innovation and collaboration to survive.”

HortNZ appointment

Mike will be focusing on collaboration across all industry sectors when he takes up his new role as CEO of Horticulture New Zealand in January.

First he has to learn about the diverse products HortNZ members produce. “That will involve visiting growers because, as the old saying goes, ‘there is no better fertiliser than footsteps in the paddock’. I need to get up to speed with all product groups, and in par-

Mike Chapman is leaving his role as CEO of NZKGI to become the new CEO of Horticulture New Zealand.

ticular understand vegetable growing.”

The crops produced and growing techniques may be different from kiwifruit, which Mike knows well, but New Zealand’s horticulturalists have much in common.

“This is an exciting industry with vitality and energy. It is forward-looking and collectively horticulture is New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry.

“Growers all face similar opportunities and challenges, and it is HortNZ’s role to represent all fruit and vegetable growers.”

Mike’s involvement with the kiwifruit industry began when he was appointed chief executive of Kiwifruit New Zealand in 2002, a role he held until 2005.

KNZ was established in 2000 when the New Zealand kiwifruit industry was restructured and Zespri came into being as a single desk market. KNZ’s role is to monitor and enforce the regulations under which the market operates.

Navy lawyer

Kiwifruit and horticulture didn’t feature in Mike’s original career. Born in Invercargill, educated in Hamilton and Auckland, Mike studied political science and law at Otago University before joining the New Zealand Navy in 1980.

“I was a land-based lawyer in the Navy, though I did serve three and a half years in Singapore.”

Mike went on to become deputy director of legal service and a Defence Force solicitor, leaving the service in 1995 to take up the position of chief counsel and manager legal services for the Commerce Commission, then professional

standards director at the Auckland District Law Society, a position he held until his appointment to KNZ. Mike says his legal background has been invaluable in his roles with the kiwifruit industry, while NZKGI has encompassed far more than legal issues.

“It’s been an exciting job working with great people in a role with no real boundaries, so there is much you can make of it. It’s definitely a job I’d recommend to anyone looking for exciting challenges and a chance to make a difference.”

Making a difference has been among the high points of his time at NZKGI, but many of the opportunities arose out of adversity.

The vine disease Psa-V, first detected in New Zealand in 2010, put the future of the industry in doubt, and placed immense pressure on all sectors, growers in particular. Together with Ian Greaves, Mike was involved in developing strategies and initiatives to help growers get through. The model which evolved is now being adopted by others, including the dairy industries.

Day one

“We came up with a guide which begins with what to do on day one of a crisis, so instead of starting with a blank piece of paper and no idea what to do, there are now a series of steps to take.

“Psa taught us a lot, especially about how important it is to look after the human side of the industry, growers, families, and the wider community.

Without people, we don’t have an industry.”

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

The unknown a big risk to biosecurity Within seconds of entering the conference room, three-year-old Ayla found an apple in a delegate’s bag, demonstrating the acute sense of smell of detector dogs.

Ministry for Primary Industries detector dog handler Sarah Carley and Ayla were among the star attractions at the Zespri Innovations Symposium at Mount Maunganui in October.

As part of the border security system which aims to prevent unwanted pests and diseases entering New Zealand, the pair work 11 and a half hour shifts in airports and seaports.

Ayla loves to work, and it’s not just her highly sensitive nose which makes her so great. Her gentle nature and appealing appearance means people do not feel threatened when she comes sniffing around.

However, as important as the work of the dog teams are to the kiwifruit industry, they can’t detect every threat, says Zespri’s innovation leader, crop protection, and biosecurity expert Dr Elaine Gould.

they see on their orchards.

The pathways for pests and disease to enter New Zealand are many, and the risk is heightened by the growing trend for consumers to buy goods on-line. Air freight has increased, as have visitor numbers, including those arriving on cruise ships.

The incursion of the bacterial disease Psa-V in 2010 highlighted gaps in the industry’s knowledge, and while a lot of those gaps have been filled, there may be others which present potential threats.

To meet those challenges, Zespri and Kiwifruit Vine Health is part of a biosecurity strategy group made up of Scion, Minis-

The fungus ceratocystis fimbriata, which is not currently known to be in New Zealand orchards but is killing kiwifruit vines in Brazil, is of real concern.

“We can’t see it and you don’t know it’s there until the plant wilts and the xylem is discoloured. Currently we can’t detect it, but it is good to know it exists.”

The fungus is quite common around the world. A form of it exists in New Zealand, causing black spot in kumara, and has been here for many years.

That fungus, and other potential threats is why biosecurity is the responsibility of everyone in the industry, says Elaine. Growers must remain vigilant, and report anything unusual

try for Primary Industries, Plant & Food Research, NZ Avocado, and Better Border Biosecurity (B3), a multipartner, cooperative science collaboration researching ways to reduce the entry and establishment of new plant pests and diseases in New Zealand.

Ministry for Primary Industries detector dog handler Sarah Carley and Ayla.

Career takes Mike from Navy lawyer into horticulture In 2006 Mike was involved in initiatives taken by NZKGI on behalf of growers to overcome significant fruit loss issues in that season.

“A real low point for me at NZKGI was the challenges to the industry’s single-desk structure from Turners and Growers.”

However, the flip side was the huge support for the industry structure shown by growers in the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project referendum, in which 97 per cent of those who took part voted to retain the single-desk.

Single desk

“The KISP project represented 18 months of hard work, but the results will put the industry in good stead for at least the next decade.”

Defending the single-desk has been something of a theme during Mike’s tenure at NZKGI. He twice went to the World Trade Organisation in Geneva with Minister of Trade Phil Goff, the MFAT negotiation team, and Zespri representatives for the Doha Round negotiations.

“On the second occasion NZKGI’s president at the time, Graham Wiggins, also attended the negotiations. We went to Geneva to ensure that the kiwifruit industry’s marketing system, the Single Point of Entry, was permitted to continue in the negotiated text and we were successful.”

Other highlights for Mike have been involvement with the Young Grower of the Year and the INSTEP steering group, (part of Priority One), a careers link between businesses and regional secondary schools.

Attracting new talent to the horticultural industry is also part of HortNZ’s strategic plan.

“It’s an excellent plan which will help the industry meet its vision of becoming a $10 billion industry by 2020.”

Meeting the targets set out in the strategic plan, collaborating with all product groups, and lifting the profile of the horticultural industry with the wider public and government are among Mike’s priorities when he takes up his new role next year.

NZKGI president Neil Trebilco is confident Mike will be as effective in his new HortNZ role as he was for NZKGI.

growers’ voices are heard and has made sure growers’ wishes are known to Zespri.”

Neil says the 10 years Mike has been with NZKGI were difficult. “It has not been an easy job particularly because of Psa. There is a lot of work behind the scenes, and growers probably don’t appreciate how much work is involved.

“Mike has an incredible appetite for work and gets a lot done in a short time. His legal background and legal skills have been incredibly valuable.”

Elaine Fisher

Work appetite

“Mike has done an excellent job on behalf of kiwifruit growers across a range of spheres, from arguing on growers’ behalf with local authorities about constraints, to growing, to talking to government when the industry has needed support, to working with stake holders such as post-harvest operators and Zespri.

“He has headed an organisation of 2500 members, many of whom have different points of view, but has ensured

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Page 8

Lowering cost and environmental impacts Cover story

They are among the most expensive investments the Butterworths have made in their farming business but the twin HerdHomes Shelter on their Walton property are returning significant benefits, including a cost of production well below the industry average.

“When we considered building the homes we based our figures on a 10-year payback. In fact we’re on track to achieve payback in 4.8 years,” says Rex.

That’s being achieved even in low payout years, thanks to a cost of production of $2.53 per kilograms of milk solids. For many farmers the current Fonterra forecast milk payment of $4.80 kg/ms is failing to cover their production costs.

Butterworth Enterprises’ operation came under thorough scrutiny when they entered the 2015 Dairy Business of the Year Awards, and so impressed were the judges, they went on to win the best Waikato farm performance and the national award for business resilience –lowest cost of production awards.

Rex says it’s not about cutting cost for the low payout years. It’s about always budgeting and spending where it will generate more income.

In 2014/2015, at the $4.40 payout, they spent nine per cent more per hectare but this generated 16 per cent higher milk production per hectare, allowing their already low cost of production of $3.13/ kgMS to drop to $2.53/kgMS.

The two HerdHomes Shelters on the Butterworth farm are on track to pay for themselves in 4.8 years.

Detailed analysis

It was to benchmark their operation against others that Rex and Sharon decided to enter the awards, which offered a discounted and detailed analysis of the farm’s operation as part of the entry package.

The couple found the process interesting and valuable, but didn’t expect to win any awards. However, doing so has helped reinforce that their decision to build shelters was the right one.

“There are so many factors we have no control over, like the weather, the strength of the dollar and the overseas markets. By building the HerdHomes Shelter we can now control more of what happens on farm,” says Rex. After thorough research Rex and Sharon decided to build the first HerdHome on their 113ha farm near Walton, three-and-a-half years ago. “It wasn’t long before we realised sheltering only half the herd didn’t

make sense, so we built the adjoining one and this is our third season with both HerdHomes Shelter in place.”

Rex’s research included comparing building new effluent holding facilities and feed pad for the herd of 480 with the $970,000 cost of the HerdHomes Shelter, and using the HerdHomes Shelter underground effluent pits for storage of cowshed effluent.

Effluent storage

“On this farm, with our relatively high water table, an above ground effluent pond would cost around $200,000 and a feed pad wouldn’t protect the cows from the weather.”

The HerdHomes Shelter answered those issues, including providing a covered effluent storage area which is not affected by rainfall. Concrete grates on the floor allow effluent to drop through to the pit below, while some of it forms a dry crust on the

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floor, creating a softer layer for the cows to walk and lie on.

Environmental Technologies Limited of Waharoa cleans out the effluent twice-yearly, transporting it to the farm’s runoff where it’s spread on maize paddocks providing valuable nutrients for the growing plants.

The Butterworth cows are inside whenever the weather is not ideal and most of what they eat is grown on-farm.

“I guess you could call this a hybrid system as it still relies on the cows going out and harvesting grass for themselves.”

Inside they are fed between three and 18kg of supplements per cow per day depending on pasture cover made up of home-grown maize and grass silage and imported palm kernel.

Thanks to the ability to take the animals off the pasture, the grazing rotation round is shorter than on many farms, and the residuals are kept to about 1600mm, encouraging good re-growth and increasing pasture persistence.

Shelter comfort The two herds of cows are well used to the daily routine of milking, grazing and time in the HerdHome, but Rex says they are often not keen to leave the comfort of the shelter.

The grazing rotation round on the Butterworth farm is shorter, and the residuals are kept to about 1600mm.

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ŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ĂŶ ŽŶ ĨĂƌŵ ǀŝƐŝƚ ŝŶ LJŽƵƌ ĂƌĞĂ ǁǁǁ͘ŚĞƌĚŚŽŵĞƐ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj ϬϴϬϬ , Z ,KD ^ ;ϬϴϬϬ ϰϯϳ ϯϰϲͿ E WĂƚĞŶƚ EƵŵďĞƌƐ͗ ϱϮϭϭϱϬ͕ ϱϰϰϭϵϬ͕ ϱϱϬϲϯϱ͕ ϱϰϱϬϰϮ͘ &ƵƌƚŚĞƌ ƉĂƚĞŶƚƐ ƉĞŶĚŝŶŐ͘ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů WĂƚĞŶƚ EƵŵďĞƌƐ͗ ϮϬϬϯϮϲϳϴϳϰ͕ ϬϯϳϰϴϴϬϳ͘ϵ. Further patents pending

DAIRY

Page 9

Animal welfare a high priority

Innovative Design Improves Efficiency

ween are fed bet The cows nd 18kg of a e thre per day ts per cow supplemen on pasture cover. g dependin

Ezi-flo pit gates completely clear exit ways and cannot be touched by cows leaving the milking area.

The fully galvanised gates are available in kitset for speedy installation

“The first time I went to move the dry cows out of the shelter, I did what I normally did in the paddocks – opened the gate and took off down the race to open up the new paddock – expecting the herd to be right behind me – but there was no-one there – they were still in the HerdHome staying out of the rain.”

Now the cows are allowed to amble between pasture and the shelter in their own time, but if the weather is very hot, cold, or wet, they are moved back inside once they’ve had enough pasture to eat and may stay off the paddocks for a maximum of 20 hours.

Animal welfare is a high priority for Rex and Sharon. They gain satisfaction from farming happy, healthy cows.

Quality of life

“They pay you back 10-fold – it’s really a no-brainer. If any of our cows had to be sold and go to a conventional farm, I’d feel sorry for them because I think their quality of life would go down. Here they are free from heat stress in summer and the cold in the winter.”

The Butterworths concentrate on prevention not cure; maintenance not repair, and housing the herds helps make that happen.

Mastitis at calving time has halved largely due to udder cleanliness as the cows can be taken off the paddocks in

wet and muddy conditions. The Somatic Cell Count is currently sitting in the 90-120 range. The clear roof over the buildings allows sunlight through, killing light-sensitive bacteria and drying the floor.

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PITGATES

Shade sails

Shade sales are employed in summer to help keep the shelter cool; and Rex says not only is it cooler inside, thanks to their design, but the air is also constantly circulating.

The system means lactation length is not as heavily influenced by cow condition, pasture cover or the weather.

The HerdHomes Shelter have brought significant animal welfare, environmental and financial benefits to the Butterworth Enterprises operations but careful and prudent financial management and keeping a close eye on costs are also vital.

So too is the roles of farm managers Vernon and Barbara. “Their contribution has been outstanding and we couldn’t be happier with their efforts.

“They should be, and have every right to be, proud of what they have helped us achieve.”

To find out more about Butterworth Enterprises and the Dairy Business of the Year Awards, go to http://dboycomp.com See page 10 for DairyNZ comments on herd barns.

Elaine Fisher

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DAIRY

Page 10

Indication fertiliser price rises imminent Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

On December 1 I received an email from Ballance AgriNutrients informing me they had raised their fertiliser prices five to six per cent due to the much lower New Zealand dollar compared to 12 months ago.

The dollar had dropped 15-20 per cent over this time, with nine per cent of this happening over the past five months. Ballance were able to absorb some of the exchange rate costs so that farmers and growers would not feel the full impact of where our dollar has fallen.

However the same day I received an email from Ravensdown, the other farmer owned fertiliser co-operative, informing farmers that they were only increasing the price of superphosphate by $10/tonne and that other products such as potassium, DAP and urea were not going up in price.

The following day a second announcement was made by Ballance that due to competition in the market place they were not going

to increase their prices except for a slight increase in superphosphate, and they were now keeping most of their product prices the same as what they had been.

Apply now

This is good news for farmers in the short term, but it is an indication of imminent price increases as the fertiliser co-operatives cannot absorb exchange rate costs indefinitely.

So for sheep and beef farmers in particular who traditionally apply their fertiliser over the summer and autumn, my advice is to look at applying fertiliser sooner rather than later while prices are still down.

The cruel irony of exchange rates and fertiliser prices, is that although they are not going up as much as they should be, what farmers are being paid for, particularly in the meat industry makes little sense.

Lambs which farmers were getting $120 for last year, are now only worth $90 in spite of the exchange rate dropping nearly 20 per cent, which amounts to an overall drop of nearly 40 per cent less for lambs compared to a year ago, and the price of beef is similarly in freefall at the moment.

For years the meat companies have been blaming the high NZ dollar for not paying farmers more, but this excuse currently doesn’t wash.

One product Ballance did drop the price of quite significantly in November is their RPR which went from $255/tonne down to $217/ tonne, and although this RPR is only 7.5 per cent total P, it is very

reactive being around 50 per cent citric soluble and works out good value for money.

Although over 90 per cent of fertilisers sold in New Zealand are sold through the two big co-operatives, they are not always the best value. For instance there have been other importers this spring who have been selling sulphate of ammonia for up to $100/tonne cheaper than Ballance and Ravensdown.

Last month I was asked to look at a quote from one of the fertiliser co-operatives for a 300ha Hawkes Bay dairy farm which was going to cost them $420/ha. By sourcing the same nutrients from several different companies, some of which were still coming from the co-operative, but others from elsewhere, I was able save them over $130/ha which amounted to a $40,000 saving.

Best value

It did mean the farmer had to apply two lots of fertiliser instead of just one application, but it was a small cost in comparison to just buying everything from the fertiliser co-operative.

Most of the time however I find it is the small operators who are more expensive for fertiliser nutrients than the two big co-operatives, sometimes markedly so. One client this spring had had a fertiliser recommendation given to him for a fodder beet crop by a small company which was almost twice the cost of getting the same nutrients from his fertiliser co-operative. There can be all sorts of spin given by the various reps from both the large and small fertiliser companies why their products are giving the best value for money, but it’s the cold hard facts of science and economics which should be the final arbiters used to make these big decisions.

Robin Boom CPAg, Member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists, Agronomic Advisory Services agronomics@xtra.co.nz

Barns ‘can be profitable’ DairyNZ’s cost benefit analysis of 14 New Zealand dairy farms with barns showed that the investment in a barn can be profitable, conditional on good management and intensifying the farming system (more cows/more feed), but dependent on the milk price, feed costs, and capital costs.

Matthew Newman DairyNZ senior economist says the Butterworths are very efficient farmers who have done a good job integrating the HerdHomes Shelters into their farm system. (See story pages 8-9) “They have not overcapitalised with their barn investment keeping expenditure on other barn related items (eg machinery) to a minimum. Also they have successfully integrated their support block into the system for the growing of maize and distribution of effluent.

“Our results for the environment

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

(using Overseer) match the field day handout for the property. According to the Overseer analysis the farm recorded a substantial decline in nitrogen leaching/ha once the barn was introduced.

The main reason for this is the collection of effluent under the shelter which is then spread back on the maize crop at the support block.

“The Butterworth experience is consequently consistent with findings of the cost benefit analysis. The only point we cannot comment on is the reduction in operating costs as we are uncertain what has and what has not been included.”

More information on dairy cow housing can be downloaded from the DairyNZ website www.dairynz.co.nz/farm/farm-systems/ off-paddock-facilities/ - it’s under the ‘Managing off-paddock systems’ heading at the bottom of the page.

DAIRY

Page 11

‘Tauranga disease’ still here Who knew the Bay had its own disease? Luckily it is a disease that we do not see too often anymore but the cause of it is still here and has the potential to affect livestock in our region.

What is ‘Tauranga Disease’? Well it is also known as ‘Bush Sickness’. Historically this was a wasting illness that affected sheep and cattle in the central North Island. Such was its severity that in the late 19th century, it was reported that it “stopped all progress and settlement” in our district.

It was one of the most mystifying agricultural problems of the first part of the 20th century. Originally thought to be a form of iron deficiency it took more than 20 years for the exact cause - a lack of cobalt in the soil - to be identified. This was the catalyst for the study of the links between soils and animal metabolism.

New Zealand scientists studied volcanic ash deposits (now called tephra)

and found that bush sickness only occurred where tephras had been deposited during the Taupo and Kaharoa eruptions (about 200 AD and 1314 AD).

Chemical analyses revealed that the sickness was caused by a deficiency in the trace element cobalt. Once identified it was readily cured by adding tiny amounts of cobalt to fertiliser. The success of the surveys and soil fertility experiments meant that abandoned farms could now become productive.

Cobalt (or Vitamin B12) deficiency is a disease that we still see in the Bay of Plenty today, we still have the same soils from those tephra, but due to our understanding of this link most of our farmland has been regularly fertilized with cobalt.

However, increasingly with more lifestyle and small blocks being grazed, and some forestry conversions, cases have been seen due to a lack of any cobalt being applied for many years.

Symptoms of bush sickness are anorexia, ill thrift, decreased milk production and anaemia which lead to death if not treated.

Luckily treatment and prevention is readily available, along with cobalt fertilization you can use oral or injectable doses of Vitamin B12, or treat with slow release bullets. Even quite severely affected animals will show a rapid response.

If you think that your stock might be deficient in cobalt, a simple blood test can be taken to confirm the mineral status, alternatively stock being sent for slaughter can have their liver levels checked.

Young Maori farmer competition Entries for the Ahuwhenua Young Maori Farmer Award 2016 for dairy farmers are now open, providing a great focus to Maori working in the agricultural sector. It is the longest running primary sector competition in New Zealand, having been inaugurated in 1932 by Maori leader Sir Apirana Ngata and Governor General Lord Bledisloe. Its purpose

is to showcase achievement in the Maori farming sector, particularly in relation to governance, financing, management, environmental sustainability and the incorporation of tikanga Maori into business activities.

Applications close on February 29, 2016. For further information and to enter, visit www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz

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DAIRY

Page 12

Making sense of the unseen costs of PK In every sector of society we see the emergence of growth industries. These new industries are usually triggered by a problem which needs addressing.

In 2008 a nationwide drought saw the need to bring in feed from offshore. Thus began the Palm Kernel Expeller market and it caught on like a match thrown

What bugs eat pond sludge?

I do!

into a haystack – with 330 per cent growth since 2008.

Yes, there was demand at that time and it neccessarily filled a feed deficit when nothing else could. Yet since that time, farmers have become addicted to using it. Ships have been assigned to bring it into New Zealand.

Massive storage sheds have been erected and a transport industry has grown to cope with the demand. Farmers have even built PKE bunkers to store it.

All this, in spite of the years of good weather since 2008. Why? Three reasons.

First, feeding animals with PKE is convenient. Second, it’s relatively cheap. And finally, due to a steady stream of sales pitches from so-called experts, we’ve come to believe that using PKE is all benefits with no down sides.

Only half

But that isn’t true. Here’s a fact that might make us all think twice us about over-using PKE. Analysis has shown that the digestability of PKE is 52 per cent. That means if a farmer buys 100 tonne of PKE at $250 per tonne ($25,000), his cows will only utilise

52 tonne of that feed. Only half of that feed investment will go towards animal health. Only half will end up contributing to money in the vat.

Where does the remaining 48 tonne of unused PK go? It either ends up on the ground or in your effluent pond. After examining hundreds of ponds throughout the country, we have established that the crust and sludge is mostly undigested feed. High users of PKE have a distinguishably browner colour to their effluent arising from the increasing amounts of sludge build up.

Unseen costs

What are the unseen costs of PKE? Tangibly, there is the cost of pond excavation, which farmers are forced to carry out when sludge builds up to critical levels. Then there are the less obvious costs. Going back to our farmer who pays $250 per tonne for PKE, what he’s actually paying is $480 per tonne of usable feed since 48 per cent of PKE is undigestable.

When you also consider that any increase in production only effects the fat portion of your milksolids and do a full add-up of associated costs, it may be that other people are making the profit out of this PKE growth industry, not the farmer.

Better way

Is there a better way? Let’s contrast the PKE approach with a basic all-grass system. In an all-grass system, biological activity naturally produces the correct enzymes to help the cow digest the feed she eats.

Studies show cows are able to digest and utilise 80 per cent of grass feed. That means tonnes more food goes into animal health and vat profits, and tonnes less ends up in your pond.

If you diverted your PKE budget into a biologically friendly fertiliser programme, your DM production, profitability and efficiency will increase. Makes sense?

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The new facility will replace the hard cheese plant, which was destroyed by fire in December 2014, with a larger, modern facility that will produce cheeses for Australian consumer, foodservice and export markets.

Fonterra Oceania managing director Judith Swales says investing in the new plant will help Fonterra to deliver on its multi-hub strategy to get the maximum value out of every drop of milk and drive increased returns from the business.

“We are delivering on our strategic plan to transform our Australian business and return it to strong and sustainable profitability.

“We are focusing on areas where we can win in a highly competitive market, and that means optimis-

ing our product mix and investing in higher value add products that will deliver the best returns for our farmer shareholders.

“The new state-of-the-art facility will be able to produce 45,000MT of cheeses each year including parmesan, gouda and mozzarella, an increase of 15,000MT on the previous plant.

“As the branded market leader in the AUS$1.95 billion retail cheese category, with Bega, Mainland and Perfect Italiano commanding 23 per cent market share, the new plant will supply our Australian consumer and foodservice businesses, and export markets.

“It will leverage our footprint in 100 markets and also the recent free trade agreements with China,

Japan, and Korea.

“The new cheese plant is an important part of our multi-hub strategy, which sees our Australian business play to its ingredients strengths in cheese, whey and nutritionals complemented by our consumer and foodservice businesses.

“It will provide whey to our Darnum and Dennington plants, which are at the core of our growing Australian nutritionals business.

“Importantly, the new plant will require significant growth of the local milk pool by 2020, and demonstrates Fonterra’s commitment to growing the industry long term.”

Construction of the new plant begins this year and is expected to be completed in 2017.

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DAIRY

Page 13

Are there other ways to farm ownership?

The 50/50 sharemilking system that evolved in the 1960s, slowed in the 1980s and 1990s when successive governments taxed the increase in stock values.

This system was the early basis of farm ownership for the dairy industry. I well remember successive 50/50 sharemilkers selling half their herd (often 100 cows), which made up the deposit on the farm they wanted to buy. Sharemilkers would pay off their herd as fast as they could and those who were lucky enough to be on a farm which was increasing cow numbers annually were really in clover.

Two things have happened to this process: Increases in stock values are now taxed; and farm values have escalated as compared to the price of cows. This requires substantially more capital at purchase time.

Many farming advocates and academics still roll out the 50/50 process to ownership. It is fraught with difficulties in that they only get half the income, difficult farm owners, droughts, staffing issues, not to mention taxation on stock gains. For many this process does still work, more particularly where there is family support available.

Banks too will lend to 50/50 sharemilkers, but they are becoming increasingly cautious. A number of sharemilkers have come to me with that $300,000 to $500,000 equity wanting to go bigger. Staffing issues and large herd management immediately come to the fore in discussion with them.

A different way to land ownership could be to: 1. Cash up the cows and take the maximum cash, say $300,000 -$600,000.

2. Go and find a dairy support type block in a dairying area.

3. Borrow a further third from your friendly banker.

4. Hopefully buy 20ha-40 ha. It may or may not have a house on and an old cowshed.

5. Settle on June 1, and proceed to tidy the block up. Putting a central race, fertilise, subdivide and rotationally graze. Build or repair existing yards.

Silver Fern election results Tony O’Boyle, a Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer, has been elected to the Silver Fern Farms’ Board of Directors filling the position vacated by long-serving Hawke’s Bay director Angus Mabin, who retired in December.

Chairman Rob Hewett says he is looking forward to working with Tony.

“It is a particularly interesting time to be part of our co-operative as we work towards the completion of our 50:50 partnership with Shanghai Maling. Tony’s contribution as a director through this period will be valuable as we make a significant step-change for Silver Fern Farms.”

6. Set it up as a dairy support block on an all-grass system and if possible taking in grazers.

7. Find a farm manager’s job in the district with all care and no responsibility where you are paid a good wage and not contract or on a percentage of income where a lot of costs seemed to be passed on by the owner.

8. Start enjoying your own land with your family and getting regular time off from your salaried job.

9. Sell the block after two years, tidied with good rotationally grazed pastures and invest the increased equity into a larger or better block.

Let’s look at the numbers:

That is not a big income, but you could be pocketing another $50,000 per year in capital gain from farm tidying and suddenly it is $51,800 cash profit plus $50,000 tax-free gain.

Sounds too good to be true? Well it is not, and it works. Again, take good pragmatic advice, keep your expenditure down and do everything yourself and there is profit and gain to be made. It is a little outside the square, but safe and gives you and your family a better life.

Finally, if you make a few shifts and gained $100,000 increase in value each time your own dairy farm may be in your sights.

Sell stock, plant, etc,

Cash

$400,000

Borrow at 6 per cent

Interest only

$250,000

Total funds available

$650,000

Dependant on locality you will get 20ha-30ha Say 20ha and five yearlings/ha =

100 x $9/ha/week

Salary say

$46,800 $70,000 $116,800

Less cost of debt

$250,000 x 6%

$15,000

Less 20ha farm

Costs say

$30,000 $45,000

PROFIT

$71,800

From which you would need to deduct Vehicle running, phones etc say

$20,000

NET PROFIT before tax

$51,800

Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance.

Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought.

Don Fraser is the Principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the Farming Industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675.

A disclosure document is available on request.

Page 14

EFFLUENT

More funding for Waikato River clean-up work The Waikato River Authority will allocate $4.8 million to a further 33 projects to help clean up the Waikato and Waipa river catchment following its latest funding decisions.

Major projects include: Luxton and Tukoroirangi Morgan say • A funding contribution of $448,000 the level of collaboration between groups for the Rotokauri Reserve restoration and organisations involved in clean-up being managed by the Waikato District initiatives is again a feature of successful Council near Hamilton projects.

• A continuation of the “We are again encouraged Matahuru Wetland to see that more and restoration in the more we have groups “These wetland southern area of working together areas are crucial Lake Waikare and bringing much with funding of needed additional for the wellbeing of $310,000 resource and cothe river...”

• Funding of funding to these $830,000 towards projects,” says John. stage two and comThe latest funding pletion of the Waikato announcements are for the and Waipa River Restoration fifth funding round to be carried Strategy providing a five to 15 year out by the Waikato River Authority. To master plan for the restoration of the date 170 projects have received Authorcatchment. ity funding of more than $27 million and Waikato River Authority co-chairs John it is estimated that the total cost of these

projects including co-funding is approaching $60 million.

Tukoroirangi Morgan says one area of strategic focus for the authority has been to see wetlands and lakes feature strongly from clean-up initiatives. “These wetland areas are crucial for the wellbeing of the river in addition to having their own important ecological, environmental and cultural value. It is heartening to see lake and wetland projects being successful.”

Banks’ continuing support for farmers welcomed Banks are continuing to support farmers through current tough financial times, according to the Federated Farmers Banking Survey.

The study shows a virtually unchanged level of farmer support over the past three months of low dairy prices, with 80.5 per cent of farmers satisfied with banks regarding mortgages compared to 80.7 per cent in August.

The federation’s second banking survey was conducted in late November as a follow up to the inaugural survey in August.

The latest survey also found a slight drop in satisfaction with the communication from banks over their mortgages, from 81 per cent to 78.8 per cent, while the percentage of farmers feeling they had come under undue pressure from their bank increasing from 5.5 per cent to 6.4 per cent.

Those seeking support with their budget from an accountant was up from 38.7 per cent to 43.2 per cent, but banks remain the most common source of external advice and assistance on budgeting at 50.7 per cent, up from 49.5 per cent.

“This has been a difficult few months for our farmers, particularly in the dairy industry, so it is extremely pleasing to see the banks are

standing by them,” says Federated Farmers National President Dr William Rolleston.

“We’re staring down the barrel of an El Nino summer and it seems there are more difficult months ahead for the dairy industry, so we need these high levels of support to continue.”

New Zealand Bankers’ Association Chief Executive Kirk Hope says that the survey by Federated Farmers once again shows that banks continue to work closely with farmers through continuing difficulties.

“With the potential impact of El Nino, banks are working to ensure farmers are aware of the measures available across the sector, and will continue to provide assistance according to the particular circumstances involved.

“It’s important that two-way communication occurs and the survey overwhelmingly shows that’s still continuing to happen on the ground. This enables banks to help farmers facing challenges to act early and have a plan and a budget in place, which is what’s needed to get through,” says Kirk.

The Federated Farmers Banking Survey was completed by 1,100 farmers around New Zealand.

EFFLUENT

Page 15

Dry summer can lead to spring weed explosion Farmers are being encouraged to be extra vigilant this summer to prevent a pasture weed explosion next spring.

“Hot, dry conditions like those predicted for this year’s El Nino summer will make it harder than ever to keep stock well fed while maintaining good pasture cover,” says Bay of Plenty Regional Council senior biosecurity officer, Shane Grayling.

“It could also mean more stock, feed and associated machinery movement between farms which means more risk of weed seeds and fragments being transported to new properties.”

If farmers can maintain good pasture cover year round, it will help prevent weeds from getting a foothold in their paddocks.

“When the pasture becomes thin, weed seeds can be trampled into the ground, where they’ll lay dormant until they sprout up and take over the bare patches next spring. Using more drought-tolerant varieties like chicory or plantain, instead of rye grass can be good options for creating hardier summer pastures.

“It’s important to avoid overgrazing if you possibly can but most importantly be your own border control to avoid new weeds being brought to your property in the first place.”

The regional council has an ongoing surveillance programme in place to prevent new agricultural pests from becoming established in the Bay of Plenty.

Shane says that a number of really serious pest plants like

Noogoora bur and alligator weed are easily transported by farm machinery.

“They’ve been found in parts of New Zealand and we’re working to eradicate a small number of infestations in the Bay of Plenty. There might be new weeds or infestation sites that we haven’t discovered yet so if machinery or stock look dirty or have plant and seed material obviously attached, landowners shouldn’t let them in the gate.

“You never know what nasty species could be dislodged from the dirt and start growing on your land.”

To report unusual plants or for pest identification and control information the public should call 0800 STOP PESTS (0800 786 773) or visit www.boprc.govt.nz/pestpatrol

plant The pest bur a or go Noo mongst a growing a . Farmers op cr maize to report are asked they find if t n this pla r land. it on thei

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Page 16

GRASSLANDZ

Effluent new feature at Grasslandz 2016 Grasslandz 2016 will be bigger and smaller at the same time, concentrating more into a compact area at the request of exhibitors, says event manager Andrew Reymer.

“Many of our exhibitors found at the 2014 event that they don’t need several hectares to demonstrate their tractors and equipment so instead of spreading Grasslandz over 65 hectares, we’ve brought it back to about 35ha, and increased the variety of what’s on display.”

Planning for the biennial event, which is on January 28-29 at McFarlane Con-

GUESS WHO’S BACK?

exhibitors who will not only have product on display, tracting’s Eureka site, began early last year when but are bringing a number of significant Australian maize, fodder beet and pasture crops were sown and farmers over for Grasslandz as well. “We are aware of lined effluent ponds built. two Australian tour groups coming over, as GrassThe effluent hub, one of six at the 2016 Grasslands holds a unique point of difference that no landz, is a new innovation for the event which is other Australian event even serves yet.” aimed squarely at farmers keen to compare and While Grasslandz doesn’t attract huge crowds, purchase machinery, equipment Andrew says those who attend are “purist punters” and technology. there to check out and compare “The effluent hub has attracted farm machinery huge interest from regional and make buying councils, Federated Farmers, decisions.

Dairy NZ, Fonterra and a range “We are pretty of significant players in the strict about who we New Zealand dairy effluent let exhibit at Grassscene who will be using their landz – and in some extensive networks to bring ways its quality is as many farmers to this event. much about who is not “The effluent hub at Grassthere, as who is. landz is seen as a working “Our exhibitors love window into future farming the fact there are no systems with new technolschool children wanting ogy displays, new farm freebies, no people just machinery demonstrations, looking for the sake of nutrient management and looking.” compliance solutions, The focused atmosphere effluent management is ideal for networking options and displays,” too. “Exhibitors find that says Andrew.

Two-y often they are talking to The ponds full of Gordon ear-old Leyton one person on a topic when water, not effluent, will by, chec ton, with dad D Voogt of ked out bystanders join in, making be used to demonstrate a Class aniel close h Grassla useful contributions to the stirrers, pumps, and ndz 201 arvester at discussion.” irrigators.

4.

The licensed bar and The other hubs will lunch area is another focus on agronomy, fencing, great place for discussions, ATVs and 4x4 vehicles, stock feed and nutrition and where purchase and diggers and loaders. The ATV and 4x4 site will agreements are often finalised. have a track on which to try out different machines.

“As Grasslandz is a smaller, more focused event, Grasslandz has formed an alliance with ThinkWapeople feel comfortable conducting business in this ter of Cambridge which has been looking after the relaxed way.” event’s irrigation programme. Water is being applied While the exhibition area is smaller, the Waikato to the pasture as required to be sure of providing a Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club will bring out lush grass crop for harvesting demonstrations. their favourite restored machines to tow trailers and Andrew says Grasslandz is deliberately timed to provide free transport around the site. The Waikato enable farmers and contractors to see machinery Ploughing Association will also stage ploughing and vehicles in action, compare their performance demonstrations and there will be a tractor pull comand place orders in time for it to be imported from petition from 4pm each day. overseas.

To find out more, go to www.grasslandz.co.nz/ In fact the 2016 event has attracted two Australian

The Eureka Grasslandz site is big enough to allow ploughing to be demonstrated.

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GRASSLANDZ

Page 17

Innovative jet system stirring up effluent Kliptank, the Tauranga company which developed and produces the innovate Kliptank dairy effluent storage tanks, has invented and patented the KlipJet Oxy Aerator Stirring System designed to stir and aerate effluent prior to irrigating on to pasture.

Kliptank’s general manager Simone Gibson says the innovation came after the company saw a niche in the market for a cost-effective, safe, efficient way to stir and aerate effluent in tanks.

“The technology allows for aeration, entrainment and stirring from the one system.

“It’s a simple design built tough from stainless steel and is easily installed into the Kliptanks creating a healthy aerobic environment by stirring up the sludge blanket, breaking up the crust and introducing oxygen.”

The KlipJet Oxy’s action has been independently tested and proven to introduce oxygen at a higher level than traditional stirrers. One of the best outcomes of this is less odour from the effluent.

“The blasting action creates a homogenous slurry for irrigation which won’t block the irrigators. Although it requires a pump there are no moving parts inside the tank and Kliptank will work with you to use your existing equipment wherever possible.”

Papamoa farmer Ben Bragg, who is using the KlipJet system on his farm, is impressed at how efficient it is.

Spreads well

“I’m running it on average every second or third day for about one to two hours, then irrigating. There have been no blockages on the travelling irrigator at all. It spreads so well and runs smooth.”

The Bragg farm has also benefited from using the KlipJet treated effluent for irrigation by not having to use additional fertiliser; and Ben says the stock seem

to enjoy the taste of the pasture better.

Due to its simplistic design the KlipJet can be retrofitted in to most existing tanks; and Simone is excited by the development of the KlipJet Mega for use in traditional in ground effluent ponds.

As well as the KlipJet system, Kliptank provide storage options up to 3,000,000 litres and accessories for drainage from the base of the tank allowing gravity feed back to the sump prior to irrigation as well as many inlet/outlet fitting options and tank level indicators.

The innovative Kliptank was invented by Taurangabased Neil Peterken in 2007.

site preparation, and a simple sand base.

The unique design allows for a variance of diameters, heights and volumes and meets regional council requirements for an

Easily transported

His objective was to develop a tank for liquid storage that would pack onto a 1200 x 2400 pallet for easy transportation on a small truck or packed into a container; assembled in minimal time; is built tough for NZ conditions; and requires minimal

Brendan Bragg watching his KlipJets in action in his 1.2 million litre Kliptank.

environmentally-friendly dairy farm effluent storage system.

Kliptank was the first company in New Zealand to provide above ground storage for dairy effluent and prides itself on a

light footprint design that’s especially suitable for peat, soft and wet soil types or farms with a high water table where an in ground pond with liner can’t be used.

Customer driven designs 4AG will be showcasing its range of European-built cultivation equipment, which has become well-established among contractors and farmers across New Zealand, at Grasslandz 2016.

The success of the 4AG offering is due in large part to the company’s ‘customer driven design’ philosophy.

This means the equipment’s DNA has evolved as the result of day in, day out use in some of NZ’s more rugged conditions.

Add to this the design expertise and steel quality of the European manufacturers and it is clear why the distinctive 4AG branded machines are now a common sight on farms from the Cape to Bluff, says 4AG product development manager Brent Raikes.

“Nothing is more pleasing to a contractor than knowing that their ideas

are being listened to by the factory on the other side of the world. This feedback from the field is a huge part of the success of the 4AG brand.”

The drive at 4AG for 2016 will be products that make a difference to productivity and cost efficiencies for NZ farmers and contractors.

Another drawcard on the 4AG stand will be the popular Titan range of Cambridge rollers and roller drills.

Brent says the heavy design of Titan implements is another example of 4AG and its partners listening to Kiwi contractors and farmers and addressing their needs through clever design, innovation and engineering.

The impressive range of machines from Czech company Bednar will also be on the 4AG stand.

“Come and speak 4AG’s knowledgeable product specialists on site at Grasslandz and take advantage of special Grasslandz pricing to meet your autumn groundwork and drilling needs.”

Dairy cow numbers down The number of dairy cattle has dropped for the first time since 2005. The latest Statistics New Zealand figures show a total of 6.4 million dairy cattle at the end of June 2015.

"We have 300,000 fewer dairy cattle than in 2014, which is a reversal of the trend of increases in the last 10 years," business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly says.

"Both the national dairy milking herd and the replacement herd have declined. This comes at a time of falling international prices and lower milk solid pay outs."

In the same one-year

period, sheep, beef, and deer numbers also fell. The number of sheep declined by 300,000, to a total of 29.5 million as at June 2015.

These provisional figures are from the 2015 Agricultural Production Survey, which Statistics NZ conducted in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

This release covers key livestock numbers, and forestry harvesting and planting information. Results for other variables will be released as they become available.

Final results, including more detailed commentary and regional statistics, will be available in May 2016.

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Page 18

GRASSLANDZ

For Cherryle answers really do lie in the soil It takes vision to enter Cherryle Prew’s world – microscopic vision in fact, as it’s the world beneath our feet she studies.

Bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes “swimming” across her microscope’s slides fascinate and delight Cherryle because, in the right ratios and levels of activity, they tell that the soil she’s sampling is supporting healthy livestock and plants.

“Above ground growth is dependent upon what is growing underground. If you don’t know what organisms are present in your soil then much of your management is being left to chance,” says Cherryle, owner and manager of Soil Foodweb New Zealand.

In her Waihi lab, Cherryle analyses soil samples for clients, using what she observes to formulate recommendations on management to improve the health and productivity of the soils. Those recommendations are specific to what the soil grows. Pasture has different needs to that required by orchard trees and vines or vegetable crops.

Cherryle’s aim is to help farmers and growers under-

stand their soils better and to make the transition from ‘mineral-only’ fertiliser to profitable biological systems.

Changing the way soils are treated is vital, she believes, because increasingly the foods commercial agriculture and horticulture produce are becoming less nutritious, putting at risk human health.

Subterranean world

“Many of our fruit and vegetables are less nutrient dense now than they were in the 1940s which is of concern for many reasons, including that we’re being encouraged to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables; but in fact may not be getting the nutrients we need from them.”

How nutritious fruit, vegetables, meat and milk are depends on a complex subterranean world. That’s where worms are the “whales” and along with millions of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes are involved in a constant cycle of eating, excreting, reproducing and dying, all the while converting nutrients into forms which can be utilised by plants.

It’s not a one-way system either. Plants in turn

provide food for their underground supply chain, particularly through the conversion of the sun’s energy by photosynthesis.

This underground world has fascinated Cherryle for decades. In 1991 she bought and began operating a certified organic kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke.

Later she worked as consultant for an organic packhouse and spent three years as an organic systems auditor for SGG and Bio-Gro NZ. “As an auditor I visited a wide range of organic producers from kiwifruit to ostrich farmers and even travelled to the Pacific Islands and South Africa to do audits. I learnt such a lot from those experiences, including that to help farmers and growers find the answers to their problems, you had to ask them the right questions.”

Many questions

Cherryle had many of her own questions; and the more she learnt about the soil, the more sense focusing on its health made.

It was American soil scientist Elaine Ingham who inspired her to take the next step, setting up her own laboratory to help farmers and growers improve their soil health.

Elaine established the first Soil Foodweb Inc Labo-

The subterranean world revealed beneath her microscope fascinates Cherryle Prew.

ratory in Oregon in the 1980s. Soil Foodweb Institute NZ, an affiliate of Soil Foodweb Inc, was opened in Cambridge in 2003 and today is independently operated by Cherryle.

Since its inception, Soil Foodweb Institute has been working with thousands of agriculture and horticultural growers throughout both islands of New Zealand to help them improve the health and productivity of their soils.

Restore balance

Changing from a conventional fertiliser programme to a biological one can be scary for many farmers. “It’s their livelihood at stake and they fear that making changes may put their income at risk.”

To transition to biological farming Cherryle’s way doesn’t involve following strict rules and regulations, regular auditing or certification. It’s about identifying what is happening with soils, what’s good and what’s not, and finding ways to restore the balance, using both conventional fertiliser where appropriate and inputs such as compost, humus, and inoculants as required.

Elaine Fisher

GRASSLANDZ

Page 19

Does latest report hold soil management answers?

During the last few months I’ve been writing pieces about various aspects of soil, and what goes on in the brown stuff under our feet. I’ve emphasised that our soil resource is finite, fragile and we may be killing off what makes it work to grow our food.

I don’t suppose that ‘somebody up there’ was taking note, but somebody in Government was putting together a series of reports which were released as one on World Soil Day, which was December 5, as a culmination to the Year of Soils 2015.

The organisations involved were MPI, Landcare Research, AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, Scion and the National Land Resource Centre.

The first thing the report, called ‘Future requirements for soil management in NZ’, points out there are seemingly dozens of organisations, councils, CRIs, universities, large commercial organisations and professional consultants all handing out advice on how to grow things and how to prop up the economy.

They all profess to have soil in mind, yet their focus is almost always on one single aspect – what to do to it to get the results they want, or to prevent things like erosion.

Soil scientists

We have very few actual soil scientists in New Zealand these days, and those that do exist are spread thinly across government agencies and universities, and therefore have differing priorities in their soil work.

And although one part of the report claims there have been increases in the government science population in the last few years, there is an admission that soil scientists are like hen’s teeth, and very difficult to find and recruit.

Add to this the original aim of the Resource

Management Act was to look after the land itself – including soils – the Amendment Act of 2013 changed the emphasis to measuring ‘outcomes’, and short-term economics became the focus.

Although much money and time has been spent on measuring land-related aspects, including soils, there has been no centralised collection point for the data.

We thus have bits of data all over the place, very little of which covers a national perspective. And there is no nationally-agreed prioritisation of needs or research strategy for soils, as is finally happening for water.

Problems listed

The latest reports have managed to collate and list what the problems are, and put forward some ideas for solving them. They have also carefully itemised the very numerous viewpoints which will be raised in protest along the way.

The problems: Irrigation – while it makes things grow immediately, we have no idea what long-term effects it has on soil, particularly dryland soils. And the area irrigated increases every year.

Addition of chemicals – lots of regulations over what they do to water quality, but little notice currently taken over what impacts or threats they pose for soil functional capacity.

Inadequate vegetation cover – erosion is still a risk, and a new potential threat with the increase in soil disturbance for winter grazed forages and short rotation pastures, particularly with unknown storminess from climate change.

Fragmentation of land and spill over from urban expansion – only so much prime land around and much of it near cities, a double whammy of loss of best land and increasing need to produce food.

Poor matching of land use to inherent capability –we’ve focused on erosion, but we could be growing more on other land than we are.

Pests and diseases – pest control can cause its own

1.9m glasses of Fonterra milk consumed More and more Malaysians are looking to Fonterra dairy to meet their daily nutrition needs with local consumers enjoying the equivalent of 1.9 million glasses of Fonterra branded dairy products every day.

This includes Fonterra consumer branded and foodservice products, sold in Malaysia under the Anchor, Fernleaf, Anlene, Anmum, Mainland and CalciYum brands.

Fonterra also sells dairy ingredients to food and beverage manufacturers in the country.

Fonterra Brands Malaysia

Managing Director Jose Miguel Porraz-Lando says Malaysians are consuming more dairy than ever before and Fonterra is well placed to meet this growing demand.

“Fonterra has been supplying high-quality dairy nutrition to Malaysians for generations and today we’ve got market leading brands across the dairy category.

Anlene is the number one high calcium milk product in Malaysia, Anmum Materna is the leading maternal milk brand and we’re market leaders across the foodservice category.”

Fonterra’s two Malaysia-based manufacturing facilities have the capacity to process 10,000 metric tonnes of New Zealand dairy products each year.

“We make these New Zealand dairy ingredients into a range of consumer-branded products that are consumed locally in Malaysia and exported to markets across South East Asia and the Middle East.

“The region’s fast-growing population is becoming increasingly wealthy driving dairy demand growth across the region.”

contamination, and most focus is on getting rid of productivity and profit limiting problems.

There’s a lot going on, but it’s literally all over the place. The key idea is to set up a National Soil Management Group and Strategy to provide leadership, inform and advise policy and practice, provide a national perspective on research, promote and monitor a capability growth strategy, and ultimately act as an advocate for soils. The answer? Or just another cog in the wheel?

Read it for yourself on the MPI website at www. mpi.govt.nz under News and Reviews.

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BILL WEBB

Page 20

Still making hay forty years on Bill Webb has been making hay, silage, and growing crops for 40 years – and he’s not that old – he just started young.

In fact, Bill was contracting before he left school, acquiring his first tractor when just 13. At that tender age the boy from Oropi set himself on a path which would eventually see him heading the largest rural contracting company in the Western Bay of Plenty, driving it from behind a desk, instead of a tractor.

“Now I’ve come full circle – I’m back to doing what I love best, driving tractors and making great quality feed for clients,” says Bill of Bill Webb Feed Solutions.

It’s taken 35 years to get back to – almost – where he started. In 2010 he and wife Vicki transformed Bill Webb Contracting into Bill Webb Feed Solutions, downsizing to offer a service focused on growing and supplying the best quality maize silage, grass silage, rye clover hay, pea-vine hay, lucerne, barley straw, threshed rye grass and wheat straw in either round or square bales to farmers throughout the country, and they are loving the change.

“We now have more time to do the things we enjoy, like tramping, fishing, taking holidays overseas and spending time with family,” says Vicki.

countr

First tractor

But building a large, and successful rural contracting business was almost inevitable given Bill’s work ethic, his skills with machinery and commitment to top quality service.

And it all started with the David Brown Cropmaster

tractor Bill discovered in a neighbour’s shed at Opori.

“It wasn’t going but I suggested to the owner that I make him a farm trailer in return for the tractor.”

The deal was done, Bill, aged 13, built the trailer from a recycled truck chassis and timber, and set about repairing the tractor.

Bill got the David Brown going, restored an old International B45 Bill and Vicki Webb – the couple behind the PTO-driven bailer and began award-winning Bill Webb company. making hay on his parent’s from those farmers and went back to 50 acre block.

“Most contractors weren’t interested work for Bunny and help him out sevin making hay on small blocks, so it eral times over the years. The Jensens wasn’t long before neighbours began are loyal clients we have worked for asking me to make their hay too.” for a long time; and now we work for Bill attended Oropi School and then his son David, who I recall was still went on to Tauranga Boys’ College, going to school when I was working where he excelled at engineering. “All for them.”

I really wanted to do was drive tractors Bunny sold Bill his old tractors, and I couldn’t wait to leave school. which helped build up his contract“Until I did, all my summer holidays ing business. Then the chance came were planned around haymaking on to lease the farm next to Bill’s family contract. I did it all myself; first cutproperty at Oropi so Bill went dairy ting the hay then using a converted farming for a time but operating trachorse-drawn rake to turn and windrow tors and machinery remained his real it, and then baling it. I would only cut interest. as much grass as I could handle at one “I could see opportunities opening time.” up, including in trimming barberry hedges, so found an old hedge trimDollar a bale mer and got it going again.”

He was paid less than $1 a bale – but $1 went quite a long way back Hedge cutting then. Bill left school at 16 and helped Bill bought and repaired more tracout on a dairy farm, filling in for a tors and machinery as his work load worker who had fractured his leg. “It grew. By 1985-1986, he employed was a real culture shock for me – not another driver and took on more work only was I living away from home for hedge cutting, silage making and tree the first time – but I also had to get up felling to ensure there was enough at 3.45am to milk.” work to cover costs.

“Much of the equipment and Bill joined the farm cadet scheme machinery was old, and repairs and and among the farmers he worked for maintenance were costing time and were Bunny Williams, Peter Jensen money. and the Conways. “I learned a lot

BILL WEBB

Page 21

Change of direction takes Bill back to beginning “There was a risk of me getting a reputation for being unreliable; so in 1992 I bit the bullet and decided to go for broke, trading in five tractors and buying four new ones and a new round bailer. Even at interest rates of 20 to 21 per cent the efficiencies I gained were worth it.”

His contracting business grew as many farmers saw the efficiencies to be gained from using contractors, rather than having capital tied up in expensive machinery which didn’t get a lot of use.

Bill was among the first contractors to promote and carry out pasture renovation and cropping with maize, providing the equipment and expertise to do the work.

Bill moved the depot to accommodate other machinery and equipment to Maleme St in Tauranga in 1986. However, land use was changing around Oropi and Tauranga. Larger farms had been subdivided into lifestyle blocks and these were in turn subdivided for housing. “The bigger dairy farms were now all out Te Puke way, so we started looking for a depot there.”

In 1987 a contracting business and yard at Paengaroa was bought and Bill Webb Contracting operated from two sites for a while. In the 1990s he bought what was a market garden and glasshouse property on the corner of Wilson Rd North at Paengaroa.

“We used the half-round ‘Gumboot’ isn’t barn, which had been the Bill’s first tractor, but produce shop, as an office at first; it’s virtually identical to the one he but in 2005 built a new office block, bought as a 13-year-old. Today, he workshop and covered depot.” Having his valuable tractors and machinery under drives a 300hp John Deere. cover made a huge difference to their performance maintenance, and trade-in value hence reducing depreciation costs, says Bill.

Computer age

When Vicki joined the business as office manager in 1993, she told Bill he needed to install computers.

“I said: ‘What? Computers don’t make money – how can I justify that?’”

Vicki’s response was to point out that the details Bill needed for costings to accurately charge out his work could take days to compile from the company’s handwritten ledgers – but just a matter of minutes from a computer database.

“So I ended up learning how to drive a computer too – and a cellphone – things which were unheard of 40 years ago,” says Bill.

As Bill Webb Contracting grew so did its staff, with numbers peaking at 23 staff, 16 tractors, two forage harvesters and a wide range of implements, plus trucks for transporting feed and equipment.

“Bill was working incredibly long hours and there was so much to juggle all at once. It didn’t take much to upset the carefully drawn-up plans for the day’s work, but Bill never blows his stack – he just gets it sorted,” says Vicki.

Bill and Vicki’s business skills have been recognised with awards on the regional and national stage. In 2004 the couple and their business won the New Zealand Rural Contractor of the Year Award, taking the supreme award ahead of other very large national companies.

Bill Webb began contracting while still a teenager.

time to give up contracting.

“Now I’m back driving a tractor again, only this time it’s a 300hp John Deere, not a 30hp David Brown.”

The business restructure has provided a more sustainable future business model which will enable the company to provide outstanding service and products for the foreseeable future to their valued clients.

Elaine Fisher

“It was an unexpected thrill to win. We had been delighted to win the Top half of the North Island Regional award, but never expected to win the national award too,” says Bill.

Europe trip

Part of the prize was a trip to Europe which gave the couple the chance to see the very latest in farm equipment, machinery and practices.

In 2010 judges unanimously voted Bill Webb Agricultural Contractors winner of the Supreme Award at the Te Puke Business Awards.

However, in 2010 the increasing pressures of complicated and ever changing compliance requirements imposed by government departments on the use of tractors on roads and health and safety conditions finally tipped the balance for Bill – deciding him it was

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 22

The hidden potential in land holdings I have often talked about the value in obtaining and holding additional titles. Whether you have created them intentionally or they have simply come about from the way the farm has grown over the years, there is often hidden value there.

The value has never been more relevant than now, when many councils are tightening up the rules in relation to subdividing rural land.

This has been highlighted to me by a recent project where a client needed to reduce his gearing and approached me about selling half of a title.

Initially it looked relatively easy, however there were complications and recent changes to the rules meant that it couldn't readily be achieved. The saving grace was that he owned two adjoining titles as well.

This immediately gave him the ability to realign those boundaries, creating the ideal block to sell. This block was remote and not without its operational challenges - not a great loss to the property. The better part of this block could then be retained with the farming operation by means of amalgamation with another title.

A closer look at the opportunities for this property revealed that all the existing titles had historical 'subdivision rights'.

Although these 'rights' couldn't be used on site, they could be sold to landowners in the lifestyle zone.

The end result was that they could sell all these subdivision rights for close to $100,000 without disposing of any land what so ever. This gave them breathing space and pro-

vided plenty of time to market and sell the land that they ultimately needed to dispose of.

Having now disposed of these subdivision rights, which could not be used on site anyway, and boundary adjusting to sell the unneeded land, they had even further potential revealed.

The land they had retained had a significant ecological feature located on it.

This feature, through protection, qualifies the owner for three new 'on site' rural lots. These lots can be developed at any time in the future, unless the subdivision rules are changed to disallow this.

This example is located in the Western Bay District, however some of these opportunities plus others exist in other areas – perhaps in different forms.

Boundary adjustments can be done in

most regions to some extent and some other local authorities have rules allowing title benefits to be moved around.

Outside the Western Bay these opportunities often relate to protecting ecological features or amalgamating titles to produce more sustainable farming properties, however some councils still allow subdivision without this.

Waipa District has a rule which forces the subdivision rights of high quality land or that with sensitive landscape and ecological values to transfer to less sensitive areas.

If you wish to clarify the potential of your land or any subdivision strategies please don't hesitate to give me a call.

I am happy to discuss your situation with you to see if it is worth pursuing.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel. For further information call 0800 268 632 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

Sea lettuce for bio-fuel or fertiliser

PLA SY

TIC T E M S LIMITED

New research should assist ongoing work to reduce the sea lettuce nuisance for Tauranga visitors and residents.

Tauranga Harbour projects manager, Bruce Gardner says The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is investing $210,000 a year to support research led by the University of Waikato and local PhD students.

Sea lettuce is a naturally occurring algae that’s native to New Zealand.

Its growth is mainly influenced by coastal currents, nutrient levels, water temperature and water clarity. Western Bay of Plenty residents are warned to expect increased levels of sea lettuce this summer due to trends which show the largest blooms coincide with the El Nino weather patterns which are forecast this year.

The research is just one component of regional council’s three pronged approach to sea lettuce management.

“In partnership with Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, we regularly monitor busy beaches and arrange sea lettuce clean ups as practical and necessary. So far this season we’ve removed about 430

tonnes of sea lettuce from Tauranga City beaches, Ongare Point, Kauri Point and Pahoia.

“We’re also reducing all the landderived nutrient inputs to the harbour that we can, through our work with land and business owners to improve run-off and storm water management.”

Bay of Plenty regional coastal science chair Chris Battershill says his Waikato University research team is building on a solid platform of monitoring data to better understand of sea lettuce dynamics and management options.

“We’re also collaborating with other New Zealand and international researchers including a group from Tauranga’s sister city Yantai, who happen to be experts in marine nuisance algae. The Yantai group was directed by the Chinese government to work on the sea lettuce problem that caused issues in the 2008 Olympic Games sailing event in Qingdao.

“They’ve found uses for sea lettuce so that they’re now harvesting it. A key use in addition to biofuel is fertiliser. They’ll be helping us with research starting next year to see what else can be done with Tauranga Harbour sea lettuce.”

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 23

USA magazine rates Grasshopper number one Living up to its reputation as manufacturers of the best zero-turn mower in the outdoor power equipment industry, the Grasshopper Company received the highest marks and the best overall quality rating during a field test conducted by the editors of USA magazine ‘Mother Earth News’.

Of the 27 zero-turn mowers provided by 14 manufacturers, two Grasshopper mowers – a Model 329B MidMount and a Model 725DT FrontMount – received average scores of 4.75 out of five, the highest scores given. The average score of the remaining 25 mowers was 3.8.

Many of the brands tested are available and well-known to New Zealanders including John Deer, Kubota and Hustler, says Andrew Peacock of ZTR Mowers, the New Zealand distributor of Grasshopper Mowers.

The following excerpt sums up the results of the field test, as described by one of the testers, Bill Uhler who says he will never again base his purchases on price alone.

“The variance in quality and comfort between each machine was much greater than the price. What appeared to be a great deal from a pricing aspect would’ve been a poor choice in value had the decision

been made on pricing and features alone.

“Of course, without the comparison, most consumers would never be aware of this. So my major takeaway from this testing is to always test-drive multiple machines before making purchasing decisions – unless you Grasshopper zero-turn mowers scored truly want to adhere to the highest ranking in an independent the adage ‘ignorance is lifestyle magazine field test. bliss’.”

Andrew says there is a Grasshopper ride on mower for every application where a robust machine is required including orchards, commercial mowing, lifestyle blocks, farm lawns, schools and campgrounds.

This article was provided to ZTR Mowers by the Grasshopper manufacturer. The field test was carried out by the independent US lifestyle magazine ‘Mother Earth News’. To read the complete review search ‘mother earth news best zero turn’ on Google.

Thoroughly modern – and traditional – Katikati show The 94-year tradition of town meets country will happen again, when the gates at the Uretara Domain open for the Katikati A&P Show on Sunday, February 7.

“The Katikati show is in very good heart and is well supported by our local community. Without ongoing sponsorship our show would not be such a success, as our survival depends on it,” says Katikati A&P Show president Louellen Davies.

Equestrian competitions are among the show’s most popular and this year children as young as four-and-a-half

will compete in the lead rein section.

“The sheep event racing is a must to watch. Among the other entertain we have Bumper Balls, Frozen Theatre, side shows, merry-go-rounds, and trade spaces just to mention a few.”

Cattle competitions include dairy as well as beef and children with their calf club calves.

“Come and enter the cow milking contest; there’s no machine, just you and your hands. It’s a great event.

“Our home industries has such a long tradition which is enjoying a revival. Children

are not forgotten with classes for them to enter as well.

“We have a photographic competition with entries displayed in the home industries hall,” says Louellen.

“And this year, with sponsorship from Avanza, we have the wood chopping back in the form of match race demonstrations throughout the day, organised by Val Baker from The Katikati Axemen’s Association.

“Our show will be a wonderful day to be enjoyed by all – young and old alike – and last but not least there’s always the bar underneath the old oak tree.”

ENTRANCE FEE ADULTS- $5 CHILDREN- $2 UNDER 5 FREE Cattle competitions are part of Katikati A&P Show’s 94-year tradition. (Photo: Jo Bryant).

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 24

Top entertainers at twilight concerts Katikati’s Twilight Concerts are back with three great evenings of music and entertainment down by the riverside in the heart of town.

Acclaimed Kiwi actor and singer Shane Cortese and The 8 Track Band open the season on Saturday, January 9, with a concert for all ages which promises to be a two-hour party.

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With Shane out front on vocals, the band features Chris Joneson lead guitar; Robert Scott (from the Two Robbies Breakfast Show on The Breeze) on rhythm guitar; sax and keyboard virtuoso Pete France; former Push Push rhythm section bassist Steve Abplanalp and drummer Scott Cortese, Shane’s cousin, providing that solid beat all these classic songs call for.

New Zealand’s favourite blues ‘n’ roots band Kokomo, is the headline act for the second Katikati Twilight Concert on Saturday, January 30.

In 1997 Sarah returned to New Kokomo concert Zealand from San Francisco where New Zealand’s favourite blues ‘n’ she’d been working in the music roots band Kokomo, which celShane Cortese and The 8 Track ebrate its 25th anniversary in 2016, industry honing her skills as a Band open the Katikati Twilight singer, songwriter, and live peris the headline act for the second Concerts season on January 9. former and recording artist in the concert on Saturday, January 30.

Kokomo is renowned for dynamic rock and blues scene.

Katikati Twilight Concerts are live shows, distinctive song writing family-oriented events and an and unique harmonica/trumpet/ Anna Hawkins opportunity to hear some great horn section. All fired up for an The final concert of the season music and catch up with friends in awesome evening of entertainment, is Anna Hawkins and Friends on a pleasant riverside setting at the Kokomo comprises Derek Jacombs Saturday, February 13.

Haiku Reserve, Main St, Katikati. on vocals and acoustic guitar, Grant This will be an inspirational Gates open 5pm, concert begins Bullot on harmonica, Sonia Bullot evening with music spanning the 6pm. No seating provided, so bring on trumpet, Nigel Masters on bass, genres of classical, theatre, pop beach chairs, picnic rugs, pack a Mike Kirk on electric guitar and and folk. As well as stacking up hamper and enjoy the evening.

Ian ‘Beano’ Gilpin on drums. performances all over the country Single-entry admission is $20 Anna now has three albums to her and is available at the gate (cash credit as she emerges as one of New only). Under 15-year olds are free Sarah Spicer Zealand’s most exciting voices.

Both halves of the show will be if accompanied by an adult. Season Joined by her soulful singer-song- passes for the three concerts cost opened by New Zealand-born artist writer sister Lisa Hawkins, they will $45 from the Katikati Information Sarah Spicer with songs ranging team up for a spine-tingling duet over country, blues and soul – all Centre. For more information, see fit for an elegant evening. wrapped up in one neat package. www.katikaticoncerts.co.nz

Tauranga show celebrates 121 birthday Shearing, an axemen’s display, BOP Strongest Man Contest, Medieval Faire – all the traditional favourites along with a few new ones to add interest will be on display at the 121st annual Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show on January 23.

With a wider range of equestrian events than in previous years, and an equine information kiosk in the Lifestyle Centre, this year’s show has everything to offer those with an interest in horses. Two new attractions at the 2016 show will be miniature horse events and a “mounted games” demonstration – sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The annual Medieval Faire, usually held in Taupo, will be incorporated as part of the A&P

Since 1895, Lifestyle Show the Tauranga in 2016.

Agricultural Showcasing and Pastoral medieval crafts Association and re-enacting has been medieval running the combat skills, annual A&P the faire promShow and the ises to be very 2016 show entertaining. will be the The dog jump 121st show contest is always to be held in popular so The popular BOP Strongest Man bring along the Contest is among the features of the Tauranga.

The show family pooch to Tauranga A&P Show this year. attracts about have a go. The 7000 people and offers a variety of Tauranga Young Farmers will be equestrian, sporting and traditional staging the tug-o-war competition A&P events, along with trade sites and kids should bring their togs to and entertainments for visitors to cool off on the water slides. the show.

The Lifestyle Centre will There is something to please showcase suppliers for small land everyone. Check out the holdings and there will be plenty Tauranga A&P FaceBook page of tips on how to manage your for more information. lifestyle block effectively.

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 25

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 26

When it comes to fire – the buck stops with you Rural property owners face a higher risk from fire than their urban counterparts, and that includes liability risk, says Pumicelands Principal Rural Fire Officer Paul Wright.

The consequences are greater because fires are detected later and the emergency response takes longer.

“Any fire you light, be it campfires, cooking fires, braziers, rubbish fires, controlled burns or prescribed burns, are your responsibility.

“You could be liable for costs associated with an escaped fire in the rural

area if proven to have caused it.

“Insurance gives landowners and forest owners some security so that a fire doesn’t mean needing to sell other assets, such as your home, to pay for fire suppression cost or other losses caused by a fire starting on your property. Individuals found responsible for causing rural fires have faced costs in excess of $500,000.”

What insurance is needed to cover any potential fire related costs, losses and liabilities?

1. Insurance of property for loss and replacement from fire: For your house, household effects, other buildings, vehicles, plant and machinery, forests and crops.

2. Public Liability Insurance: To cover the cost of damage and loss to a third party from anything, including fire, that escapes from your property and damages other parties’ property.

3. Forest and Rural Fire Act fire suppression insur-

ance: To cover the cost of fire suppression from fire caused by you or started on your property.

Cover is required under Section 43, 46 and 46A of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

There are also some simple steps you can take to help reduce emergency response time: • Clearly display your RAPID (Rural Addressing Property Identification) number at the beginning of your driveway.

• Ensure unhindered access to your property for fire trucks and large vehicles by clearing roads and drives to a width and height of four metres.

• Maintain tracks, roads and bridges • Maintain water supplies with good access and adequate sign posting “Check your insurance policy today. Talk to your insurer to confirm cover and appropriate limits. The buck stops with you!” says Paul.

Fire suppression insurance cover is required under the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

EMILIO’S TIMBERS EST1981

Holiday season often lonely for elderly The founder of New Zealand’s longest running private homecare providers is urging people to spare a thought for our seniors this summer holiday season.

At a time when people traditionally come together, Miranda Smith says: “Families are struggling to manage their own busy lives leading to the wellbeing of older people being forgotten”.

Miranda believes if we all take time to include the older people in our community, we can change this.

“The most important gift we can give one another is our time; by opening your door to an elderly neighbour, or taking time to put plans in place to ensure a loved one or friend won’t be left alone can make all the difference.

“There are also several community programmes that can help prevent social isolation, which is especially important for older people who are involved with community activities which may stop over the Christmas period, or who have families away, cutting off social interaction.”

Age Concern runs an incredible volunteer-based accredited visiting service and St John operates the Caring Caller programme.

In addition, Homecare companies like Miranda Smith Homecare can provide kind and mature carers to assist older people maintain their independence and social interaction.

HOMECARE

Independence is vital to maintaining a quality of life.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 27

Page 28

FEED MANAGEMENT

The calcium – magnesium connection in the soil Magnesium is an extremely important but almost forgotten mineral in New Zealand agriculture. It is inextricably linked to calcium, a mineral that is also neglected, or used for the wrong reasons.

They both should form the basis of fertility programmes. Other minerals can be more effective when calcium and magnesium are at optimum levels. They are vital for soils, plants and animals alike. Deficiencies of either or both result in serious economic consequences.

The percentages of Ca and Mg on a soil’s base saturation are critical to the success of any growing operation. Don’t let anyone try to tell you it is a ratio.

It is absolutely not. An ideal soil is 45 per cent mineral, 5per cent organic matter and 50 per cent pore spaces occupied equally by air and water.

Calcium and magnesium are the minerals that determine this configuration in the soil. In turn that determines the physical drainage characteristics and water holding properties of that soil. Optimum pore space then translates to an ideal environment for soil biology to thrive in.

Plant yields are not only determined by soil nutrients, but also by root depth. Without the correct soil structure, top yields will not happen. The soil needs to be in top condition. It is mandatory that calcium and magnesium be correct.

In most soils, calcium needs to be at 68 per cent, and magnesium at 12 per cent (on a PAL test). In lighter soils, the amount of magnesium increases, while calcium decreases.

per cent sweet spot, maize yields will reflect that by tapering away from the optimum.

Seed production

On the other hand legumes will not respond in yield until that 10-12 per cent range is achieved. This is particularly important in seed production where the dollar Atom size stakes are very Magnesium holds water high. better than calcium owing We have some high magnesium soils in to the smaller size of the atom, giving a larger surface NZ, although the majorarea. Soils with inadequate ity of NZ soils are low in Mg will dry out faster. The magnesium and calcium. total per cent of Ca and Mg The relationship between should not exceed 80. It is calcium and magnesium is the per cent that determines direct.

A soil with 80 per cent mineral adequacy, not the actual kilogrammes.

Fodder Beet does exceptionally Ca and 5 per cent Mg still Crops respond in differwell when the soil calcium- has the magnesium there. ent ways when the ideal Excess calcium has supmagnesium is correct. per cent is not achieved. If pressed it. Lower calcium magnesium, a determinant of nitrogen and to 73 per cent and end up with 12 per cent phosphorus efficiency, is outside the 10-12 magnesium. When soil calcium is below

60 per cent however, the soil will be too tight to allow magnesium to move out.

Deficiencies are far easier to deal with than excesses. It is a matter of adding the correct material that will raise the nutrients in the soil. Some fertilisers will not raise soil magnesium levels. Dolomite will raise both Ca and Mg in the soil. Coupled with calcium carbonate, correct amounts can be calculated to reach the selected soil percentages over one or several years, to suit economic circumstances.

For further information on calcium and magnesium, see our website www.kiwifertiliser.co.nz Calcium : Magnesium Percent When adding calcium to soil, remember that calcium inputs on their own will displace magnesium on the colloid.

With every 1per cent calcium base saturation added, 1per cent base saturation of magnesium will be lost.

Good transitioning between crops is vital for stock health With the forecasted long dry summer now upon us, many of you will hopefully be benefiting from the crops planted in early spring.

The extra feed these crops provide will be invaluable when compensating for the loss of feed that occurs in pastures during dry summer months.

Traditionally, turnips have been the mainstay of a dairy cow’s diet during a North Island summer. How-

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ever, many farmers are now turning to crops like chicory to boost the quality of the summer diets.

There are pros and cons to any crop that farmers need to consider – but during the summer pinch, when you’re looking for a bulk of feed to fill the gap, turnips are still in the lead.

Don’t forget stock don’t take well to sudden changes in diet, so a good transition from one feed type to another is a must. This will ensure stock health and production is not compromised.

Here are some tips to avoid animal health issues when changing feed types: • Introduce stock gradually to a crop to give the rumen microbes time to adjust.

This can take up to seven to 10 days. For example, a milking cow being fed 15kg dry matter per day should start on 1kgDM of crop per day, slowly increasing to a daily intake of 3kgDM over a period of seven-10 days.

If you’re planning on feeding more than 30 per cent of the cow’s daily ration as crop there will be additional considerations.

• Provide stock with an additional fibre source. For example, mature pasture, hay, straw when feeding low fibre crops like brassicas.

• Don’t allow stock, especially during the transition period, to gorge on crops. It may be safer to give animals a new break of crop in the afternoon to avoid issues with bloat, nitrate poisoning, SMCO poisoning.

• Additional mineral supplementation – such as magnesium, calcium, salt, copper, iodine – may be required for some crops, especially if they are making up a significant portion of the diet for an extended period.

• Immediately remove stock showing signs of ill thrift from grazing a crop. Reintroduce animals slowly when causes of ill thrift have been identified and either minimised or eliminated.

If you’re unsure on how to utilise your crops this summer, talk to your local Ravensdown agri-manager or animal health technical manager.

FEED MANAGEMENT

Page 29

Beef breed adds value to bobby calves More than 20,000 New Zealand dairy cows were bred with Firstlight Wagyu bulls last season, earning farmers a premium over normal bobby calf prices, and ensuring the majority of calves go on to be reared for beef.

Production of the cross-bred calves is arranged with Hawke’s Bay company Firstlight Foods –and managing director Gerard Hickey says it is the company’s aim to increase cow’s bred with Wagyu three-fold to 70,000 within three years.

The fate of other bobby calves hit the headlines late last year when bobby calf mistreatment was revealed in video footage recorded by animal rights group Farmwatch and released as part of a Save Animals from Exploitation public campaign against dairy farming in New Zealand.

SAFE also paid for advertisements in overseas media, criticising New Zealand’s dairy industry and the treatment of calves.

Gerard says Firstlight offers dairy farmers an alternative by breeding Wagyu-cross calves from both Friesian and cross-bred heifers and cows.

These calves can be collected at four days or reared by the dairy farmers. “Around three-quarters of our calves are reared on the dairy farms, bringing in extra money, which in the recent low dairy payout, has been welcomed by farmers.”

Health claim

Firstlight works with dairy farmers of both spring and autumn calving herds and typically payment premiums will be up to three times that paid for other bobby calves.

Gerard says New Zealand Wagyu beef has points of difference appreciated by the international market, because it is grass-fed, not grain fed, is hormone-free

and antibiotic-free and is of premium quality.

Now the company is hoping research, carried out in collaboration with Agresearch, and Auckland University may enable it to make a health claim that grass-fed red meat could help reduce heart disease.

The High Value Nutrition National Science Challenge is aiming to build the science behind innovative food products and a funding grant covers the spectrum of NZ food production, including red meat, mussels, kiwifruit and A2 milk.

Gerard says a share of the grant is a significant boost for the company as it works to target the high value premium beef market with its grassfed Wagyu meat.

“Research has already proven that complex lipids such as phospholipids, when extracted from milk and eggs are effective at reducing cholesterol absorption.

“However, more work needs to be done to determine if these same lipids extracted from grass-fed beef, particularly Wagyu beef, will have the same effect. This funding will help us achieve that.

“WE HAVE MORE TH AN 30 YEARS EXPERIEN CE BEHIND US”

Asian market

“We have identified the possible benefits of the phospholipids in grass-fed Wagyu beef as a significant opportunity to position our meat in Asian markets and globally.”

Firstlight Foods has the possibility of being able to add “improved cardiovascular health” to its existing “100 per cent grass-fed, antibiotic-free, hormone-free and GMO-free Wagyu beef ” claims.

Existing scientific evidence on the effect of red meat consumption on conditions such as cardio-vascular disease and elevated cholesterol is conflicted.

“This may in part be due to the differences in the lipids in beef animals, influenced by what their feed regimes are.

“While NZ beef animals are grass-fed, in much of the world where the research has taken place, the beef animals are corn or grain-fed.”

Elaine Fisher

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Page 30

COAST & COUNTRY

The World Trade Organisation and the Doha Round During December 2015, members of the World Trade Organisation continued discussions to finally agree on the remaining Doha Round issues to produce some outcomes for the Ministerial Conference held in Nairobi during December 2015.

The Doha round negotiators represent each of the WTO's 155 members, of which most, but not all are countries (the EU and Hong Kong have their own delegations). Developing nations represent about two-thirds of the members.

However, the talks are dominated by the large

economies: the EU, the US, China and India.

The Doha round was started in November 2001 and although there is agreement on the majority of issues, the negotiators have not been able to reach final agreement despite many attempts. The overall aim of the Doha round is to assist developing countries and increase their economic prosperity.

The way this will be achieved is: by reducing tariffs on imported goods; by reducing subsidies for farmers and fishermen; by reducing taxes and regulatory barriers that affect the cross-border trade in services, such as banking and consulting; and by negotiating new intellectual property rules on things such as drugs and copyrighted works.

and the US. The problem for developing countries is if they sign a deal that severely limits the tariffs they're allowed to place on (say, imports of maize) it could make it harder for them

Lower tariffs

Those opposed to the Doha negotiations believe that big corporations will be allowed to exploit developing countries’ economies, resulting in these countries becoming poorer – the opposite of what the Doha negotiations seeks to achieve.

New Zealand’s primary producers will benefit from lower tariffs and reduced farm subsidies in the EU

to protect their domestic maize farmers in the event of a drought or other disaster.

The slow progress with the Doha negotiations encouraged the NZ Government to seek other trade deals such as those with China, Taiwan, South Korea and most recently, the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement. The advantage with the Doha round is that it will apply to all countries.

Part of the Doha negotiations was focused on the kiwifruit industries marketing structure, called the Single Point of Entry. During the Doha negotiations in Geneva in 2006 and 2008, which I attended as an industry representative, the negotiators agreed that the SPE could continue under the

WTO Doha agreement because it is not a barrier to trade and because NZ kiwifruit growers do not get subsidies from the NZ Government.

SPE permitted

This part of the Doha agreement is finalised. It will come into force when the rest of the Doha agreement is finalised.

(Under the current WTO Rules, the kiwifruit industry’s SPE is recognised and permitted.)

From time to time the NZ kiwifruit industry’s competitors and detractors question whether NZ kiwifruit growers should have the SPE. It benefits the consumer with consistent, high quality and high tasting fruit and in return, ensures NZ growers receive appropriate payments for the fruit they export.

It does not remove competition, but allows through the economies of scale, as Zespri is the main exporter of NZ kiwifruit, for NZ’s kiwifruit to compete against other countries’ kiwifruit and all the other fruit for sale.

The SPE in itself is not anti-competitive, but a tool sanctioned by the WTO that allows NZ kiwifruit to compete effectively in our markets around the world. Long may it remain in place as it underpins the NZ kiwifruit industry’s prosperity and financial contribution to NZ. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors.

Can kiwifruit help blood glucose?

Plant & Food Research has been awarded $1 million from the Ministry of Business & Innovation’s High Value Nutrition fund to work with Zespri on research into whether kiwifruit can help better manage blood glucose levels.

Zespri general manager marketing and innovation Carol Ward says the funding will help further develop Zespri’s health strategy, providing scientific evidence of kiwifruit’s health benefits to underpin consumer communications around the world.

“This funding is great news; the results of this work could well give our

consumers another reason to buy Zespri Kiwifruit, as kiwifruit volumes increase strongly.

“This will help grow our industry’s export revenue and returns to the NZ grower.”

Zespri’s innovation leader for health and nutrition Dr Juliet Ansell says Zespri Kiwifruit has powerful health benefits and this is the basis of the company’s consumer communications in the 54 countries around the world in which Zespri Kiwifruit is sold.

The funding will be made available over three years.

AVOCADO

Page 31

Industry leader’s service recognised Katikati avocado orchardist John Schnackenberg has been made a life member of the New Zealand Avocado Growers Association and Avocado Industry Council in recognition of his decades of service to the industry.

bay when they pushed hard for a compulsory promotions levy on all New Zealand avocados crossing the Tasman.

He also represented the New Zealand industry at the World Avocado Congress in Chile, helped launch major new season promotions in Japan with AIC chief executive Jen Scoular and led efforts to ensure the Ministry for Primary Industries removed its record of avocado sun blotch viroid ASBVD being present in New Zealand.

John, who before buying his orchard, spent 20 years in corporate accounting and IT, always had a passion for primary industries. He left school to study agricultural commerce at Lincoln University before switching degrees and moving to Auckland.

John, who is AVOCO’s grower relations committee vice-chairman, has been involved in the avocado industry since buying an orchard north of Katikati 16 years ago. He says the award Accounting career came completely “out of the He enjoyed a successful career as an blue”. accountant but admits always wanting to “When it came, perhaps I was own a farm or orchard. “By the time the a little unaware of the contribuopportunity arrived I felt I was too old to be tion I made. But when you reflect kicked and shoved by cattle or sheep. After on things, I can look back and feel having a good look at the options around extremely proud of the role I played NZAGA and AIC chairman Ashby Whitehead in things. I’m certainly honoured by (right) presents John Schnackenberg with his life Katikati, I ultimately bought the first orchard I had seen.” the award but I know there’s a lot member award. (Photo supplied) more that we, in the industry, need Over the years, he’s divided his time between to achieve.” orchard and industry duties. Last year, he kept a diary recording how John served on the board of the NZAGA and AIC for nine years much time he worked in his orchard and discovered he put in 784 and was chairman between August 2007 and May 2013. labour hours. “It shows that 100 hours per hectare is a pretty good rule of thumb as an experienced grower mate had already told me.”

He’d like the avocado industry to adopt more benchmarking practices Strengthened ties in order for growers to get a better understanding of how their orchard During his tenure, John delivered to the board the first five-year strategic plan for the industry, strengthened ties between New Zeacompares to the best in the industry and in their growing area. land and the Californian Avocado Society and Californian Avocado “There are people in our industry, especially in the Bay of Plenty, Committee and expertly helped keep Australia’s industry leaders at for whom production is a side-line. There will be opportunities for

improvement on their orchard but for that to happen, they need to capture all the relevant information first.

“This is an exercise around activity cost modelling and looking at labour hours and the physical costs involved in all the core activities performed on your orchard. It’s all part of the process of improvement and I believe AVOCO is well-placed to take a leadership role in that.”

Overall, John says the industry is in “great” shape.

“I’m encouraged by the medium to long term future of the industry. There are sustainable returns for growers whose orchard has reached good production levels.

“I thank growers for the opportunity they’ve given me and I’d especially like to thank my wife Catherine for the support she gave me to make the most of those opportunities.”

Australian avocado market strengthens “With 80 per cent of exports going to Australia and good results from Asia for the balance, Just Avocados is reminding growers of the incremental ‘time premium’ payments on offer for fruit submitted across January and February,” says marketing director, Steve Trickett.

The payments will reward growers for harvesting fruit during these months to meet peak demand, especially in Australia and Steve is encouraging orchardists to talk to Just Avocados about scheduling their harvest.

“Just Avocados has enjoyed another good share of the industry crop and is already preparing for a projected bumper crop in the 2016/17 season,” says Steve.

“Australia is our single largest premium market for avocados with typically 70 to 80 per cent of our volume destined there. We have a well-established nationwide network of customers located in each State.

“Our sister company Global Fresh Australia Pty Ltd is responsible for all customer and sales management within the Australian marketplace.”

In markets outside Australia Just Avocados are a partner in the collaborative export joint venture marketing group AVANZA Ltd, making sales into Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, India and various other parts of the world as seasonal vol-

umes dictate.

Just Avocados is a privately owned, integrated business offering a full range of avocado service solutions designed to seamlessly link growers with buyers and to deliver premium quality avocados to consumers in most parts of the world.

“At JAL we pride ourselves on industry leadership and providing our grower suppliers transparency and integrity in our dealings. Our supplier loyalty and support is underpinned by competitive sustainable returns achieved through our experienced team managing well established relationships with a truly global customer network.”

Just Avocados is unique in the avo-

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Page 32

KIWIFRUIT

Soil is the ultimate water filter The environmental debate around intensive pastoral farming and fresh water quality is gaining momentum, and people are rapidly taking positions, with the “don’t blame me” lobby seemingly gathering popularity.

Two things worth bearing in mind are, firstly, that a supply of clean fresh drinking water for both humans and animals now and into the future is non-negotiable in this country. Nothing less is acceptable and rightly so.

Secondly, everyone wins when we finally reach that situation. No-one is ultimately disadvantaged by a sustainable environment, although in the short term some may have to change their practices, which may involve extra initial cost.

Septic tanks

And it’s not just farming that’s coming under the microscope. In our area ageing septic tanks, some of which were probably no more than an old steel container sunk in the ground, are no longer fully effective or acceptable, and the cost of alternatives is considerable.

A 30km direct pipeline to the urban treatment plant was found to be both expensive and culturally insensitive. After consultation, the communities here have agreed to take responsibility for their own waste via local treatment plants using bacterial processes; essentially sophisticated versions of the old septic tank.

When it comes to water, nearly every drop of water in our lakes, rivers, and aquifers has travelled through or over the land surface. Soil is the ultimate filter, and when water is able to permeate it and steadily percolate downwards, a cleansing process takes place.

And it’s carbon that has the lead role in this.

As a country we’re a net carbon emitter, which no amount of cheap carbon credits will change. The solution, however, is simple as it’s under permanent grazed pasture that carbon is most rapidly sequestered.

Intensive pastoral farming, seen by most as the greatest emitter, is actually potentially the carbon saviour,

with one proviso. The use of nitrogen fertiliser must be limited, as excess nitrogen limits the speed at which carbon stocks can be built.

At present 600,000 tonnes of urea per year are applied to our pastures, with conservatively 500,000 tonnes applied to intensive dairy land, which equates on average to 135kgN/ha. With an increasing number of farmers using less, there are obviously a significant number using more than that amount.

Dry out

Farms where pasture growth has become reliant on regular applications of chemical nitrogen are also those properties that dry out more quickly with the onset of summer, have an increasing requirement for pasture renewal, and suffer from severe infestations of insect pests.

Conversely, those who use minimal amounts, and have replaced most of the energy provided by such nitrogen with alternative inputs that stimulate the speed of nutrient cycling, are finding less feed is required by their cows to produce each kilogram of milksolids; lambs fatten more rapidly; and there is a greatly reduced requirement for animal ill-health intervention.

The transition to a long-term plentiful permanent pasture discipline, based on actively N-fixing clover and grasses by using alternative non-urea fertiliser, can be achieved amazingly rapidly, with no interim loss in production.

However a commitment to doing regular observations of both pasture and animals – not just a quick whiz by on the motorbike – is a requirement for complete success.

Some new ‘converts’ to such a system often express real trepidation during their first season, when a known fixed farm management formula is replaced by a flexible, principle based one.

However, trepidation is rapidly followed by pleasure from a growing awareness of improved pasture quality. The knowledge that it is possible to enhance and influence natural systems – rather than just replace them – to achieve this, is genuinely satisfying.

For more information, call Peter on 0800 843 809.

Insects as effective as bees for pollination Research has found that “non-bee” insects are as important as honey bees in pollinating flowers, a service vital for crop production.

In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a global research team, including scientists from Plant & Food Research, analysed honey bee, other bee and non-bee insect visits to 480 fields of 17 different crop types on five continents.

The research found that total pollination services provided – based on visitation frequency and pollen deposition per visit – was

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the same for honey bees and nonbee insects (38 per cent), with around a quarter of services (23 per cent) provided by other bees.

In addition, fruit and seed set of crops was enhanced by increased visitation by non-bees and other bees, but not honey bees.

“Honey bees are well-documented as effective pollinators of many crops, but this research shows that other insects, such as flies, wasps, beetles, butterflies and moths, are just as important,” says Brad Howlett of Plant & Food Research.

“While these non-bee insects carry less pollen than honey bees, they tend to visit flowers more

frequently, which balances out the equation. The non-bee insects are also seen to be more adaptable to changes in environment and landscape than bees, so are even more important as pollinators in some situations where land use is changing. It’s vital that when we consider pollination services for our commercial crops we don’t forget about these other insects as effective pollinators.”

The research project included scientists from more than 35 organisations in 18 countries, including three scientists from Plant & Food Research in New Zealand. The study was led by the University of New England, Australia.

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Seeka Kiwifruit Industries is confident of a great future for kiwifruit’s smooth-skinned, smaller cousin, the kiwiberry, and is seeing major productivity gains for growers from its commitment to developing the category.

NZX-listed Seeka is New Zealand’s biggest kiwifruit grower and a leading post-harvest operator. The Te Puke-headquartered company’s strategy of becoming a premium produce company is based on extending its strengths in kiwifruit into other complementary produce sectors.

Chief executive Michael Franks says the biggest problem with kiwiberries is keeping up with demand.

“The market loves the product and is prepared to pay for it.”

However, it’s a challenging fruit to grow and get to market in peak condition. Seeka category manager Cameron Jefferies says the company has made a significant research and development investment on orchards since it began committing resources to kiwiberries three years ago.

“It is quite a difficult crop to grow and harvest. But the research we’ve done is now beginning to pay off with improved productivity, and our new plantings are now beginning to reach maturity.”

The total kiwiberry crop is still tiny compared to kiwifruit. Seeka growers produced 18,201 trays out of a total kiwiberry industry harvest of 103,942 trays in 2014.

The Seeka total doubled in 2015 to 38,738 trays out of a total industry production of 120,077 trays.

In 2016, Seeka estimates its share of production will double again to reach 70,000 trays.

“We’ve also improved the handling of the fruit.”

Innovations have included developing a new packing box and punnet specifically for kiwiberries, resulting in improved quality and less fruit loss. The new packaging is also more efficient for air freight.

The major overseas markets for kiwiberries are Australia and China, which this year took about half of total production.

“This is an exciting, different fruit and we’re investing to boost the category and improve returns for growers.”

Seeka understands and is committed to the kiwiberry. Cameron is one of Seeka’s biggest kiwiberry growers – and Seeka general manager grower services Simon Wells is also a grower and is on the executive of New Zealand Kiwiberry Growers Inc. “Seeka is passionate about doing a great job in expanding the market for growers,” says Simon.

Seeka has improved handling of the tiny and popular kiwiberry.

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FORESTRY

The obstacles, opportunities for Maori land We often see articles in the media about the enormous amount of land held by the myriad descendants of Maori whanau who managed to retain rights to ancestral land - and the question is regularly asked “Is this land being used to best effect?”

An interesting session at the recent NZ Association of Resource Management Conference focused on two ways in which this is being addressed.

Probably the largest single area of Maori farmland in the country is managed by Wairarapa Moana Incorporation, on 10,695ha at Mangakino, being used as 2870ha in multiple dairy farms, 1325ha in sheep and beef and 6500ha in forestry.

There are now 3000 shareholders in all this land, and a key driver of the incorporation is the need to protect and enhance the land asset with no adverse impact on the environment or succeeding generations enjoying benefits from their assets.

Nick Hume described some of the efforts being made to create sustainable growth under policy limits. For instance some of the dairy land has been run under System

5, which involves wide use of supplements. They are now changing to System 3, and are considering some at System 2, using more pasture and tighter control of working expenses.

Charitable trust

Benefits derived from the commercial work of the incorporation are distributed to the shareholders, beneficiaries and their descendants by the Wairarapa Moana Trust, a charitable trust set up in 1987.

While much focus has been on employment, training and job creation, more has been aimed at the provision of education grants and marae development.

The history of this organization represents clearly some of the difficulties faced

by Maori over management of land. The ancestral lands included Lake Wairarapa and a large adjoining area of fertile farmland, but were acquired by the Crown in the 1880s under pressure from colonial farmers.

It took the original owners 45 years to achieve the promised compensation, which turned out to be in a different part of the country, and covered with scrub and bush. This was then poorly managed by the Government until control was formally handed back in 1983. The current

able management of so large an area is testament to the work of many in the last 32 years.

The second presentation by Blair Waipara was on the work currently being done by The Maori Trustee (Te Tumu Paeroa) on assisting a plethora of Maori trusts and other entities to make the best use of their land, largely using a system based on land use capability measures.

Land use

With around 90 staff, spread over six offices, they are managing land valued at around $900,000,000 spread over 97,611ha throughout the country, on behalf of 215,000 ownership interests.

With a policy of not using mortgage moneys to change land use, and dealing with many elderly owners, their task is not easy. However, using collaboration and innovation, they are making steady progress in bringing land into profitable use, using farming and horticultural systems which are affordable and appropriate.

Multiple land ownership, and other systems introduced by governments over the last century haven’t given Maori people, and those who want to assist them, an easy road to take. But they are obviously trying hard.

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Forestry companies form strategic alliance Forest investment company, Forest Enterprises, has formed a strategic alliance with Gisborne-based Logic Forest Solutions, a forest services company.

The move has been prompted by the harvest of Forest Enterprises’ investor forests in Gisborne which begins this summer.

Harvest volumes are expected to reach one million tonnes a year for several years.

As part of the alliance, Forest Enterprises will take a shareholding in Logic and have a director on the company’s board.

“Our two companies have worked closely together for four years. This is a logical extension of our excellent working relationship and is an efficient way for us to manage our Gisborne harvest,” says Forest Enterprises Managing Director Steve Wilton.

Until now, Logic has been contracted to undertake harvest planning work in Forest Enterprises’ Wairarapa and Gisborne forests.

More recently it has been engaged to prepare resource consent applications and related pre-harvest work for the company’s 10,500 hectare Gisborne forest estate.

“We had considered setting up our own Gisborne office to oversee our harvest operations in the region.

Then we realised that partnering with Logic was a better solution.

“They are an existing business partner with complementary skills and a similar business culture, with a skilled team of five forestry people already in Gisborne.

Wairarapa harvest “Harvesting contracts will still be directly with Forest Enterprises. We will also manage all Gisborne log sales as an extension of our existing Wairarapa harvest programme which now stands at 300,000 tonnes a year and growing.”

Logic Forest Solutions Managing Director Richard Smith says the alliance is a great opportunity for both companies.

“We will continue to grow our existing customer base, while providing key services for Forest Enterprises.”

Logic offers a range of services to forest growers including, harvest planning, forest inventories and the supervision of silviculture and harvesting activities.

Forest Enterprises, which was established in 1973, is one of the country’s largest forest investment companies. It manages 73 production forests in Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne – a total of 21,500 hectares owned by 6400 investors.

Its role as an investment manager includes managing forest planting, harvesting and log marketing.

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 35

Search for most energy-friendly transport company Transport is among the 10 categories in 2016 EECA Awards, with entries due to close on February 5.

The EECA Awards, held every two years, celebrate businesses and organisations that demonstrate excellence in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The transport award recognises an initiative that is successful in improving transport energy efficiency or increasing the amount of renewable energy used in transport, where benefits are likely to be sustained (rather than a one-off project).

Entries in the transport category will include projects or initiatives that focus on behaviour change, or on specific practices or technologies.

Other categories for the 14th EECA Awards include Business Service Excellence, Community, Energy Leadership, Energy Management, Innovation, Large Energy User, Public Sector, Renewable Energy and Small to Medium Energy User.

The Business Excellence Award is a new category recognising an

energy management service provider’s approach to supporting their clients and implementing successful projects.

An overall Supreme Award winner will be named from among the category winners and announced at an award ceremony in May. EECA Chief Executive Mike Underhill says being finalist or winner of an EECA Award is a rewarding way to enhance your organisation’s profile, reputation and brand.

“Winners of EECA Awards are recognised as leaders in their field, and set the standard for energy management. They inspire other businesses and community groups to step up their commitment to energy efficiency, helping to make New Zealand a better place to live - economically, environmentally and socially.

“Each year we receive a high calibre of entries from some of the country’s most high profile businesses that are more successful thanks to investment and innovation in energy efficiency.

In 2016, we will continue to showcase New Zealand’s smartest energy efficiency success stories.”

Dairy award entry numbers pleasing A total of 452 entries have been received in the 2016 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards – a result described as “pleasing” given the economic climate within the industry.

The awards have also undergone significant change for the 2016 awards programme, with entry criteria changing for all three competitions, resulting in two of the competitions sporting new names.

“We are really happy with the result and we are pleased with the balance of entries across the three competitions,” says general manager Chris Keeping.

There are 119 entered in the Share Farmer of the Year competition, 164 entered in the Dairy Manager of the Year competition and 169 entered in the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition.

Entrants will first com-

pete in one of 11 regional competitions being held throughout the country in February and March.

The 33 winners of those competitions will progress to the national finals in May. Chris says the entry numbers are down on the 539 received last year, and are the lowest received since 2010.

“The regions have worked very hard to attract the entries and are rapt with the quality of entrants and that all three competitions will be run in all 11 regions,” says Chris.

“A really positive factor is that there is a good balance between the three competitions in that the

entry numbers in each competition are much more even than they have been in the past.

“This means that some of our changes have produced one of the results we were after.

“There will still need to be some tinkering as the awards programme continues to evolve, but overall we are very happy with the result given the changes and economic climate.”

The Waikato region received the most entries with 58 in total, Central Plateau and Bay of Plenty received 46, 44 and 42 entries respectively.

More information at: www.dairyindustryawards. co.nz

The EECA Awards mark the pinnacle of success for energy efficiency and renewable energy excellence, recognising a broad range of businesses and community organisations. Previous Supreme Award winners include K&L Nurseries, a family-run flower growing operation in Christchurch, Air New Zealand and Downer NZ. In 2014, the award entries collectively saved or generated energy worth around $100 million to entrants over the life of the projects, and reduced CO2 emissions by 200,000 tonnes. On top of this, the combined health benefits were estimated at around $24 million a year.

To enter the awards, download the entry form and submit to awards@eeca.govt.nz by February 5, 2016.

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Page 36

Riding high to raise money A world class line-up is being promised for the 2016 Wheels for Cure Kids charity event at Fraser Cove on Saturday, January 16.

The likes of Levi Sherwood, Nick Franklin, Mitch McHardy, Jed Mildon, Paul Langland, Jayden Leeming, Billy Clerk and Luke Price will tear it up on a large scale as they raise money for the Cure Kids organisation.

“The athlete line up for the gig is awesome,” says Luke.

He says there will be a BMX best trick competition, moto best whip, followed by a BMX versus moto train.

“Ride times are 3pm-5pm and 7pm. It’s a free event but bring your wallets people. There will be kids’ rides, Harley rides, and raffles all day and a charity auction plus RC

demos from Traxxas.”

The 2015 event raised $9000 for Cure Kids, which went to finding cures for children with life threatening illnesses.

About 2000 people gathered in the carpark of Fraser Cove to watch athletes perform tricks such as the cliff-hanger, double grab and kiss of death.

Luke, a freestyle motocross rider from Tauranga, came up with the idea of the fundraising event after doing something similar a few years ago.

“We did an event down at Fraser Cove for Yellow Ribbon in 2007,” says Luke.

“One of my major sponsors came up with the idea that he wanted to run an event and I opened my mouth and said I’d done it before, so we jumped at it.” By Letitia Atkinson

Some high-flying big names will be taking to the skies to raise money for Cure Kids.

5-star safety scores for latest SUVs The new 3.0 litre diesel Audi Q7, the compact Honda HR-V and soon to be released Mitsubishi Pajero Sport have all achieved 5-Star ANCAP top safety ratings.

All three SUVs performed well in the crash-tests and have a number of safety assist technologies as standard which help prevent crashes including electronic brake distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA). They also have curtain airbags as standard.

NZ Transport Agency group manager access and use Celia Patrick welcomed the latest five star results.

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RURAL DRIVER

Seeing the Mainland the 4x4 way Of the six different tours NZ Adventures offers, the most popular are the High Country Heritage six-day trip and the West Coast Explorer five-day trip.

“These are also the only tours that we offer multiple times during the summer season,” says Robbie Crickett, who wife Connie, owns NZ Adventures.

“The High Country Heritage is our longest running tour and is offered monthly from December through to April.

Starting in Blenheim this trip takes participants through large sheep and cattle stations of the Waihopai and Awatere valleys before a drive down through Molesworth Station to the first overnight in Hanmer Springs.”

Subsequent overnights are in Methven, Lake Tekapo, Omarama and Cromwell before the journey is completed in historic Cardrona.

“At a distance of 1250km through some of the most iconic of New Zealand scenes it inclues visits to 20 high country stations and several Conservation Department parks along the way, With lunches on several of the properties this is a journey like no other.”

Highlights could be considered the upper Rakaia

River valley, Orari Gorge and the huge stations of the Mckenzie Basin and Lake Benmore.

Further south the Oteake Conservation Park, quaint St Bathans and the Vulcan Hotel along with the Dunstan and Pisa ranges will not disappoint.

For any NZ Adventure 4x4 trip the only mandatory stipulation for vehicles is that decent all terrain-type tyres in good condition and a low range transThe West Coast Explorer is among NZ Adventures’ most popular 4x4 tours. mission are fitted.

Every vehicle Day two of the tour takes in Molesworth are left behind as is supplied with a radio so a a bush clad river valley east the trip suddenly plunges into commentary is available and of Murchison, which is always the verdant beech forests that two-way communication is an adventure. A highlight of are a feature of the journey.” enabled. day three is the visit to the Early highlights of the West Connie says the West Coast Denniston Plateau and the Coast Explorer include the Explorer is as different from NZ tracks on St James, Lake Tenhistory and presence of coal in Adventures’ other more easterly nyson and the highest road pass this historic but often inhospitrips as it’s possible to get. in New Zealand. Overnights on table place.

“The main difference is Driving the magical beech the coast include two nights in that trees are as plentiful in Murchison, a night in Westport lined tracks near Reefton is the west as they absent in the again the priority on day four and another in Reefton before east. Nowhere is the east/west but for most the absolute highthe tour reaches Greymouth. contrast more notable than on light of the trip comes on the “Along the way this trip is the first day of the West Coast last day in the forests and farmrich with a diversity of content. trip when the tawny brown land inland of Ahaura. “Our Scenery is to the fore but tussocks of North Canterbury, West Coast Explorer, is truly there is also plenty of human St James Station and western an NZ adventure.” and natural history.”

Paeroa’s world-famous petrol head events February is a big month for petrolheads in Paeroa – with the popular V8 Swap Meet and Show and the 25th Anniversary of the Paeroa Battle of the Streets both on the weekend of February 20-21.

The swap meet stalls are set up early in the morning at the Paeroa Racecourse, ready for a day’s ‘trading’ and stalls selling other things join them for a marketplace atmosphere. Coffee carts and sausage sizzles fill the air with rich aromas and live music keeps the tempo of the day.

The racecourse also opens its bar to cater for those who want to “wet their whistle” with something a little stronger. The V8 cars and motorcycles

all gather at Puke Bridge by 10.30am before the parade through the main street of Paeroa.

The next day is the Paeroa Battle of the Streets and the 2016 event will be a very special occasion indeed, with organisers looking forward to it being a huge day.

Held annually on the third weekend of February, riders from throughout the country and overseas converge on this otherwise quiet town to compete in the race.

With all the precision and planning of a military operation, the circuit is set up under the cover of darkness with SH2 finally being shut around 6am.

Diversions are put in place to accommodate the traffic passing through while plenty of free parking and camping is available for spectators.

To find out more, see: battleofthestreets.co.nz

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Page 38

RURAL BUILDING & FENCING

RMA on the road to reform If you’re building a home or growing a business, chances are you’ve had to deal with getting a host of consents from the council. While we can usually appreciate that protecting our environment and communities is a good thing, negotiating the Resource Management Act can feel like walking blind through a maze of red tape.

Most MPs agree. In fact a Bill to overhaul the RMA passed its first reading in Parliament by 92 votes to 14 in November.

The key changes focus on system-wide improvements to resource management law.

There’ll be a strong national direction with a clearer focus on managing risks from natural hazards.

Simpler consenting is another, including quicker consenting options for simple proposals.

The proposed changes

will reduce the number of consents by thousands each year. The Bill will simplify the consenting process to reduce costs and unnecessary delays so consents fit the scale of the proposed activity.

Some minor activities will no longer require resource consents and a new 10-day fast-track consent will be available for simple projects. The costs of consents will also be made more transparent.

We’ll also improve alignments with other Acts to reduce duplication and costs. The bill phases out the double charging regime between development contributions under the Local Government Act and financial contributions under the RMA. With these changes will come savings in time and money for people and businesses. The RMA will now go before the Local Government and Environment Select Committee, which I am the deputy chair of, and we’ll be receiving public submissions as we go through the process of fine tuning this exciting overhaul of current legislation.

Agribusiness needs brightest and best students The new agribusiness subject being championed by Hamilton’s St Paul’s Collegiate School is critical to ensure New Zealand’s primary industries maintain their edge on a world stage, especially in a TPP environment.

versity entrance status and the intention is to have a fully resourced agribusiness teaching and learning programme available to all New Zealand secondary schools by 2018.

Waikato Milking Systems is one of a number of business partners of this St Paul’s initiative and CEO, Dean Bell, is concerned New Zealand will not be able to fully utilise the increased opportunities for trade, productivity and competitiveness which will come from TPP, if the country doesn’t have highly skilled future leaders for its biggest export earner.

“We need to provide our best and brightest students with an academically focused agribusiness curriculum which will enable them to be those future leaders.

“The economy is shifting from commodity, low value items to innovative, specialised high value technologies which will be in demand around the world and which will fuel the country’s export earnings.

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“If we’re to maintain or grow our place in the global market-place we need to think differently about the way we view careers in primary industries, and reflect this at an early stage in the education of our young people.

“For too long agricultural subjects and courses have tended to be vocational and haven’t been pitched to attract young people across a wide spectrum of skills – commerce, science, engineering, technology, IT to name a few, denying young people a wide choice of careers in an industry which has limitless potential.

“We want NZ’s brightest and best involved in the primary export sector and to get that talent we need a rigorous and engaging curriculum, which is why Waikato Milking Systems is investing and actively supporting the St Paul’s Agribusiness initiative,” says Dean.

Peter Hampton, St Paul’s Collegiate school’s deputy headmaster and director of agribusiness says a new achievement standards based agribusiness subject at NCEA levels 2 and 3 is currently being developed at St Paul’s Collegiate School.

“The school is working with the Ministry of Education and NZQA towards having agribusiness approved with uni-

“Students taking part in the course enter with strong sciences and/or commerce backgrounds and will learn from four key strands, agri-science, agri-innovation, agri-marketing and agri-finance and management. A key focus will be on educating students about possible career pathways and opportunities within the agribusiness sectors.

“Our agribusiness pilot was trialled in 2014 with 48 of our top academic students, 15 of who have gone on to study agribusiness at a tertiary level.

This year 88 students are participating and seriously considering a career in the agribusiness industries.”

Eight lead schools have signed up for a national trial in 2017 - Southland Boys High School, Southland Girls High School, John McGlashan College (Otago), Christchurch Boys High School, Feilding High School (Manawatu), Lindisfarne College (Hawkes Bay), Mt Albert Grammar, (Auckland) and St Paul’s Collegiate School (Waikato).

“Each lead school is in a major province and will work with local business and their community to raise the profile and potential of the primary industry sector for their young people,” Peter says.

“The concept has attracted interest from a further 40 schools around New Zealand and we are confident that this will grow to over 100 schools which would mean the number of students going on to graduate with tertiary qualifications designed for the primary industry sector would multiply quickly.”

Peter reiterates Dean Bell’s concerns.

“The primary sector is New Zealand’s biggest exporter and its relevance will only continue. We need to be thinking 20 years ahead to ensure the people leading the industry are the brightest and best – and that starts today by providing young people with an agribusiness programme which will challenge and appeal.”

CARTAGE & TRANSPORT

Page 39

Buying tractors online can prove‘risky’ Kiwi farmers need to be cautious when purchasing farm machinery directly from overseas vendors, warns the Tractor and Machinery Association of New Zealand.

TAMA president Mark Hamilton-Manns says the organisation is aware of a number of incidents, including a South Island farmer who paid a deposit and transport costs for a tractor advertised online, only to find the listing was a scam.

Some who received their purchases also encountered problems, including one facing a $20,000 bill for cleaning a second-hand mower, imported from Europe. The vendor claimed to have cleaned it but biosecurity inspectors found foreign matter in the machines.

“There have been numerous reports of online scams regarding tractors and farm machinery internationally and there has been at least one case of a New Zealand farmer being defrauded in this way,” says Mark.

“He saw a second-hand tractor he liked online, checked out the website of the company listed as selling it and rang the phone number provided in the advert.

“Everything seemed all right, so he paid a 30 per cent deposit plus transport costs. Then the ‘vendor’ asked for additional transport costs.

“The buyer contacted the company named in the advert and found a fraudster had created a fake advert using the details of the genuine company and the machine they had previously sold. Only the phone number listed was that of the fraudster.

“It’s not just scams which are the problem. One farmer dealt directly with an overseas dealer to buy a new baler wrapper which then broke down.

“The buyer’s local farm machinery dealer had replacement parts but the warranty wasn’t validated in New Zealand. The parts had to be shipped from the original dealer – leaving the machine out of

action for quite some time.”

TAMA board member John Tulloch says other problems farmers have encountered included machinery with different specifications to those normally used in New Zealand – such as different numbers of knives on a forage harvester or mowers running at incompatible speeds. Parts for those models may not be immediately available here.

“When you buy a tractor or farm machinery through an accredited dealer in New Zealand, they are trained to fully set up the machine and walk the customer through every step of the process,” says John.

“There are so many factors involved with putting a machine on a tractor. For instance, arm heights – if you don’t get that right it will not allow a mower to ‘float’.

“Or setting the PTO shaft so you don’t get vibration down the drive line. When you buy second-hand from offshore the vendor isn’t there to demonstrate how to use it – often you don’t even get the manual.

“You need to check very carefully that you’re dealing with a genuine and reputable dealer.

John says find out if the warranty will be validated in New Zealand and what back-up it provides, look into the compatibility of machinery and availability of parts and make sure you are getting the operating book.

“You also need to be absolutely confident a secondhand purchase has been cleaned properly.

Bulk cartage among company’s services Johnstone Drainage and Contracting Ltd is wellknown in the Waikato and surrounding areas for its earthmoving works and cartage of bulk farm supplies.

“We have bulk truck and trailers, operated by experienced drivers well used to on and off-road driving,” says Paul McAlpine.

“We assure clients of reliable,

personal and cost-effective services, and can transport fertiliser, palm kernel, ag-lime and aggregate and more throughout the greater Waikato, Bay of Plenty and; in fact, just about anywhere in the North Island clients want us to go.”

“The company also has available a transporter for the cartage of farm machinery, silage bales along with all earthmoving equipment.

“We are well known for our drainage and contracting work, but now want to expand aware-

ness of our bulk cartage business.

“With our experience in the rural sector we are able to offer the quality of services that farmers deserve. We are happy to talk to anyone about their current requirements and their future needs.”

Farmers can contract the company directly to cart material, or Johnstone Drainage and Contracting will work with other contractors, including fertiliser spreaders, to deliver materials where and when they are required.

“If it gets stopped in biosecurity and needs to be water blasted there is a risk of water getting into the sensor.

“All those costs of cleaning and repairs go to the purchaser importing it. Rather than saving money, you could end up tens of thousands out of pocket.”

The Tractor and Machinery Association of New Zealand, known as TAMA, is the industry organisation for tractor and farm-related machinery.

Almost all major importers/retailers of tractors and/or farm machinery in New Zealand are TAMA members.

CARTAGE & TRANSPORT

Page 40

Meeting the market’s changing demands Demands by international customers for new and different meat products, | religious requirements for how animals are slaughtered, and assurances about animal welfare and environmental sustainability means the New Zealand meat industry must continually innovate.

Phone: 07 362 8433

countries, animal welfare concerns about this practice have led to the development of a process known as reversible stunning, says Tony.

Prior to slaughter the animal is rendered unconscious by use of an electrical current. Unconsciousness lasts for approximately 40 seconds, during which time the animal cannot feel pain.

Greenlea Premier Foods Muslim markets Managing Director Tony Meeting these requireEgan says the Waikato ments is important to based company prides Greenlea, which has itself on meeting these major halal markets in changing market Indonesia and Malaysia. demands.

“Today 1.6 billion This includes the Muslims make up 23 per requirements of cent of the world’s populaMuslim countries tion and this is predicted for animals to be to grow to 2.2 billion slaughtered accordby 2030, meaning the ing to Islamic law Greenlea is supplying high quality prime demand for halal methods (Sharia), commonly of slaughter will continue to beef to Farro Fresh and Moore Wilson referred to as halal. grow,” says Tony. stores in New Zealand.

Specifically, the The company must also meet domestic slaughter must be performed by a practicing Muslim and government standards in countries like the throat of the animal China, the European Union, USA, and must be cut using a sharp Japan, and the commercial standards knife while the head of the set by companies such as McDonalds, animal is facing Qibla (the Walmart, Tesco, Metro, and Carrefour. direction of Mecca).

There are markets for more than meat, In New Zealand, as with by-products previously discarded well as other non-Muslim now used in pharmaceutical production.

“Almost every part of an animal from its hide to its feet is used.”

Following product innovation,Greenlea now has a specification manual of more than 450 products, which including manufacturing meat (trimmings), primal cuts, secondary cuts, offals and fancy meats, pharmaceuticals, plasma, and serum.

Privately owned and operated by the Egan family, the 22 year-old company has an annual target of processing 215,000 cattle and 125,000 calves supplied by 4000 individual suppliers. It employs 425 staff across the Hamilton and Morrinsville facilities, with two processing shifts at each site operating six days a week.

Food service

“Our 40 largest customers purchase 80 per cent of our products, and our customers cover all sectors from manufacturing, to food service to retail.”

Investing in new technology means a Greenlea boner processes 50 cattle a day, compared to 28 in the older style plants.

In 2009 the company introduced Marel Streamline warm boning to its Hamilton facility, and in 2010 the Marel Streamline Morrinsville hot boning system was installed.

Tony Egan was among the speakers at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ Congress in Hamilton in October.

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CARTAGE & TRANSPORT

Outlook promising for exports Meat and wool, horticulture and forestry export revenues will support New Zealand’s primary sector export growth to 2017, and help offset the recent year’s fall in the dairy sector, according to a Ministry for Primary Industries’ report.

The signs across the primary sector are encouraging with New Zealand’s primary sector export revenue expected to increase to $37.6 billion in the year ending June 2016, up $1.9 billion from the year ended June 2015, according to the updated Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report.

The update released last month incorporates changes to export volumes and currency movements from MPI’s previous June 2015 SOPI publication.

The meat and wool sector is expected to continue its strong growth, with a forecast revenue increase of $910 million to June 2016 (or 10 per cent from June 2015 actual figures) due to strong demand for beef exports from the United States. New Zealand will meet its allowable beef export quota to the USA this season for the first time since 2004. Chinese demand for wool also remains strong.

Milk rebound

Milk production is expected to be down seven per cent this season compared to last, due to current dairy prices. However, prices are expected to rebound by late 2016, early 2017, as current dairy stocks are worked through and demand

levels increase.

The forestry sector is forecast to grow $613 million, even though Chinese demand for logs is reduced due to a continuing slowdown in the Chinese construction sector. MPI expects an increase in exported timber volumes to help offset this reduction in log exports.

The seafood sector will be supported by favourable climatic conditions and the opening of two new salmon farms which will contribute to an expected $200 million export revenue increase in this area.

Kiwifruit yields Pipfruit and wine revenues continue to grow as kiwifruit yields reach record levels and wine suppliers utilise past season vintages to support increasing consumer demand for New Zealand products.

The horticulture sector outlook is strong, with an expected $700 million export revenue increase forecast in the June 2016 year for this sector.

Over the publication outlook period (2016 and 2017) the New Zealand to United States Dollar exchange rate is forecast to track lower than was projected in MPI’s June 2015 SOPI publication increasing New Zealand’s expected export revenue figures.

The conclusion of key trade deals, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, will continue to support New Zealand’s primary sectors towards meeting the Government’s export and business growth targets with the export outlook for New Zealand continuing to be positive.

The full report can be viewed here: www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/10571

This family could be considered a breed apart Barry Farmer got into his 4WD, drove to the neighbouring farm and knocked at the door. A young boy, Neil, aged about nine, opened the door.

“Is yer dad home?” Barry demanded.

“No, sir, he ain't,” Neil replied.

“He went into town.”

“Well, then,” inquired Barry, “is yer mum here?”

“No, sir, she ain't here neither.

She went into town with dad.”

“How about your brother? Is he here?”

“He went with mom and dad,” explained Neil patiently.

Barry Farmer stood there for a few seconds, shifting from one foot to the other and muttering to himself.

“Is there anything I can do fer ya?” Neil asked politely. “I know where all the tools are, if you want to borrow one. Or maybe I could take a message fer dad.”

“Well, it's difficult,” answered Barry uncom-

fortably, “I really wanted to talk to yer dad. It's about your brother getting my daughter pregnant.”

Neil considered for a moment, “You would have to talk to Pa about that,” he finally conceded. “If it helps you any, I know that Pa charges $600 for the bull and $60 for the hog, but I really don't know how much he gets fer Howard.”

Page 41

Waikato Expressway another step closer The opening of the Cambridge Section of the Waikato Expressway just before Christmas is an important milestone for transport infrastructure in the region.

The 16-km stretch of highway is the third of the seven sections of the Waikato Expressway to be completed, and its opening came six months ahead of schedule.

AA President Trevor Follows said the new, four-star road presents important

benefits, locally and across the region.

“This is a world-class road that will save lives, improve travel times and ease congestion,” he said. “It brings us another step closer to completion of the Waikato Expressway, which is the region’s number-one transport priority.”

Work has started on the Huntly section and the entire 102-km Waikato Expressway is due to be complete in 2020.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 42

trades & services

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

Friday 8 January 2016 Mercury Bay Seaside Carnival

Come along and enjoy stalls, rides, games, food and more.

Event from 9am-3pm.

Saturday 9 January 2016 Run Waihi

5km every week.

Meet opposite Waihi iSite at 8am every Saturday morning, for a 8.15am start - rain or shine.

We are a local initiative that

provides a regular run/walk group in Waihi. It can be as competitive or as social as you want, and when you’ve finished you can catch up with friends (new and old) over coffee, or if you are keen you can keep running. We run/walk around the Pit Rim walkway and it’s free. Join us on Facebook, Run Waihi for results and updates. See www. waihimultisport.webs.com

Saturday 9 January 2016 Tairua Wine and Food Festival

The 2016 festival boasts an array of exciting new aspects along with the usual favourites, with a big focus on celebrating all things local to the Coromandel: delicious offering of food and beverages including several NZ craft selections. Tickets $15 for 18 years up. Kids are free. Adult ticket draw for travel raffle prize worth $5000. From 9am-4pm.

For more information, see www.tairuawineandfood. co.nz or Facebook page.

Friday 15 January 2016

Public talk of the Tibetan Buddhist Art.

Saturday 16 January 2016

12pm - Kauaeranga Valley Summer Concert for Kiwi Relax on the expansive lawn of the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre and listen to live music in the beautiful NZ outdoors. We’re raising funds for Coromandel Kiwi by gold coin donation. Music starts midday and continues late into afternoon. Bring a picnic or sample the delectable offerings at the centre’s cafe.

Bring your camping gear and stay overnight at one of the nine campgrounds and don't forget your togs for cooling off in one of the local waterholes along the Kauaeranga River. For more information, call the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre 07 867 9080.

Saturday 23 January

Tauranga A&P Lifestyle Show At Tauranga Racecourse, Cameron Rd, Greerton 10am – 4pm. Fun for kids – pony rides, Clydesdale wagon, petting zoo, food stalls, dog jumping contest, equestrian & more. Adults $10, children 12 & under free. Gate sales only.

Saturday 31 January 2016

Huey Lewis and the News REO Speedwagon & Melissa Etheridge Summer Concert Tour January 2016 at the Whitianga Waterways Arena.

From 11am-6.30pm. To book, see http:// www.ticketek. co.nz

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Drop in to Mahamudra Centre for a public talk on Tibetan Buddhist art, the ancient tradition of creating images of Buddhas and symbols of enlightenment.

Learn about the symbolism of the different Buddhas and images, and how this art is

used to benefit us on our spiritual path. Presented by Ella Brewer 7pm-8.30pm.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 43

15-year-old frozen embryos a boost for milking sheep Rising interest in dairy sheep is about to be matched by the availability of milking ewes as a result of an initiative based on pure East Friesian embryos that have been frozen in time since the late 1990s.

A new genetic improvement programme has been established using the unique gene pool that had been retained by Dr Jock Allison, the original importer of the breed.

Impetus for the initiative has come from the creation of Maui Milk, a joint venture partnership between New Zealand farming and Chinese marketing interests, says Peter Gatley, general manager of both Maui Milk and Southern Cross.

“Demand for the milk is strong but until now, industry growth prospects have been limited by the scarcity of specialised milking ewes.

“The lid has now been lifted by the breeding of pure East Friesian rams of known dairy pedigree from Europe.”

Mated over maternal breeds such as Poll Dorset, Coopworth or Highlander, the result is known as an ‘F1’, or first cross, a hybrid with milking ability, constitution and hybrid vigour. Similar ewes have formed the basis of the flock of 3000 milked by the Waituhi Kuratau Trust, the Maui Milk joint venture partner farming west of Lake Taupo.

Interest boom

Milk is delivered and processed at Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton, the powder plant that has provided a leg up to several producers including the Dairy Goat Co-operative.

“Interest in ‘small ruminant’ sheep and goat) dairying has boomed in recent years as farmers look for diversification, higher value product, stable payout and a livestock farming option More East Friesian sheep like these may become that can exist under part of a growing national herd of sheep environmental producing milk for human consumption in New regulations such as Zealand. (image www.teara.govt.nz/) those in the Taupo

and Rotorua regions.

“The closed shareholding at the DGC has encouraged entrepreneurs to start up similar ventures with goats but Maui Milk, as a buyer of sheep milk, now offers Kiwi farmers a chance to capitalise on their knowledge of sheep farming and their preference for a pastoral system where stock spend most or all of their time outdoors grazing.”

Peter Gatley and Jake Chardon attended a dairy sheep conference at Massey last February and through a conversation with Dr Jock Allison, were surprised to discover 1700 East Friesian embryos still existed in their pure form, untouched in liquid nitrogen for more than 15 years. A deal was done on the spot, and within weeks, the entire stock was surgically implanted in recipient ewes at Awapai in Hawke’s Bay, owned by Simon Beamish, one of the Rissington Breedline founding partners.

Valuable data

The females resulting from the embryo programme will be milked in 2016, providing valuable data on the comparative performance of the pure strain under local conditions, and the top performers will be selected as embryo donors.

Rams from various bloodlines will be retained for progeny testing, and the remainder will generate up to 10,000 crossbred milking ewes in their first year.

Jock Allison is delighted. “I didn’t want to see those embryos go out

50 or 100 at a time because this would dissipate the value. There’s a critical mass of genetic material there that

these guys can work with. I’ve no doubt they’ll create something special.”

For information contact Maui Milk.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 44

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