Coast & Country July 2017

Tayla Hansen (13) and her Speckle Park Bull M&M have a special bond which has seen them win trophies and ribbons at major shows.

Read their story on pages 4-5.

Photo Elaine Fisher.

Waikato PAGES 8-9

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Fieldays Followup PAGE 25-44

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Kiwifruit PAGES 53-55

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 2

Urban population delegates farmers to feed it If farmers are feeling under attack, it is with some justification.

Brian Rogers Director/ Editor

Elaine Fisher Editor 07 928 3046

www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

covered by tough laws aimed to ensure these animals are killed quickly and humanely.

At Fieldays 2017 there was, however, little evidence of doom and gloom. It must be refreshing for farmers and growers to spend time among positive, like-minded people who make their living from the land, or by supplying goods and services to those who do. See pages 24-40.

Necessity, the old saying goes, is the mother of invention, and nowhere is that more true than in the primary industry’s endeavours to address its environmental impacts.

The industry of which they are so proud is under constant criticism for its failings, and receives scant praise for its achievements.

Winter is the hardest time to endure such negativity. It’s dark, it’s cold, it’s wet, but staying indoors where it’s warm is not an option. Animals, pasture and farm infrastructure need attending to. (see page 19) It’s not just the negative stories in the media which are harsh – rules and regulations are getting tougher, including those around nutrientleaching and now about the housing and hanThere was a positive atmosphere at Fieldays 2017. dling of bobby calves.

Actions of a few

Most farmers acknowledge the industry must address its environmental impacts and don’t dispute that calves need to be better cared for. However, as always, it’s the extreme actions of a few which have resulted in much tougher rules, regulations and costs for all.

Farmers have until August 1 to meet new requirements for holding and loading facilities for bobby calves and those going to sales. In many cases these rules will involve the expenditure of thousands of dollars for what may be just a few calves sent away.

The unintended consequence may be that a lot more bobby calves won’t even make it to the pens, but will be killed on-farm. Such practices are also

Technology

Fieldays 2017 showcased hundreds of ways of farming smarter from more efficient machinery, including milking systems, to technology designed to ensure fertiliser is applied only when, where and in the quantities required.

New Zealand’s farmers, growers and the industries which support them are rising to the challenges of growing food to feed our own people and international consumers in environmentally sustainable ways.

While they acknowledge there is room for improvement in how this is done, they also deserve praise and encouragement for the things they do right. After all, the urban population has happily delegated farmers and growers the responsibility of ensuring they have food on their plates.

Elaine Fisher

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Page 3

Tipping point for right to farm “We have an urban population with genuine concerns about the environment and it is beholding on us all in the agriculture sector to address those concerns.”

Mike says he’s confident primary industries can find solutions to resolve issues, including those of declining water quality, but warns there is not a lot of time to do so.

New rules and regulations are already in place regarding nutrient leaching and the 2017 election is looming. “The urban vote outweighs the rural vote by a country mile.”

Agriculture and horticulture cannot ignore or deny their impacts on the environment, nor the

concerns of urban populations, but responding to challenges is what these industries have always done.

The fertiliser industry in New Zealand evolved from the challenge of increasing productivity on the country’s newly developed farms.

Pioneer farmers planted crops, but these began to fail because of a lack of phosphorus. The answer was found in guano, or rock phosphate with the first shipment of rock phosphate sent to New Zealand from Nauru Island in the Pacific in 1867.

Productivity benefits

From 1882, companies such as Kempthorne, Prosser in Dunedin were processing it into superphosphate, which proved a much better fertiliser for farms.

“In the early days the industry was about the sensible use of nutrients to increase fertility and productivity and the industry was successful in achieving that.

“In fact productivity in NZ’s primary sector is ahead of many

others. We have all benefited from that, but now the public is challenging us to look at the industry’s environmental impacts.”

Technology helps

The industry is responding to the demands for more environmentally and economically sustainable farming practices.

Technology enables the more accurate application of nutrients.

“We are now able to better understand soil fertility than ever before and apply fertiliser only where it is needed using computer con-trol, rather than well-intentioned human control.”

Farmers also have access to significant amounts of data but it’s vital to make the best use of that information.

Among the tools to help do that is Ravendown’s HawkeEye, which has a set of pasture bench-marking and forecasting tools that help farmers make smarter nutrient decisions by showing planned versus actual nutrient investments over time.

Haymaking a winner for Coast & Country News Coast & Country News has won best front page award in the associate category of this year’s Community Newspaper Awards.

“There is a strong local feel and a breadth of opinion across an array of the community. This give the different personas visiting the site something to identify with.”

In her first year as a jourThe winning cover was from nalist, Cayla-Fay Saunders the May 2016 issue which has gone from being a junior featured a photograph, taken journalist to associate editor

by Coast & Country News of another Sun Media publieditor Elaine Fisher, of Larry cation, Tauranga’s Weekend Williams forking hay into Sun. She can now add best the Booth & MacDonald junior/feature lifestyle jourstationery hay baler he helped nalist to her resume. restore.

“Cayla-Fay is a fluent writer The award is one of five with a lovely, easy conversagained by the newspaper’s tional style and light touch. parent company Sun Media, Always readable and engagincluding the best website in ing,” is what the judges said New Zealand, won by about Cayla-Fay’s writing.

SunLive for its broad conPhotographer Bruce Barnard tent generated during 2016. continued his winning streak The judges said the news by taking out the best feature/ website had impressive lifestyle photographer. readership and engage“A clean, tight, interesting ment figures which showed selection with a great variety,” how the focus on quality was the judges’ comment. content is engaging the “A skilled photographer that community.

The award winning front page. captures the action at the right “With different media types in moment but always has the ability to create those posts such as integrated social media feeds and galset-up shots.” The Weekend Sun received a highly leries, the reader has multiple ways to stay engaged,” commended in the Frank Vale Memorial Award. said the judges.

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These and other emerging technologies will find answers, Mike believes.

He cites Emirates Team New Zealand’s win of the America’s Cup in June as an inspirational example of this country’s can-do attitude in the face of adversity, and the smart use of expertise and technology. While those involved in the rural sector know the significant improvements to and investment in the

environment being made by individual farmers and industry groups, how to tell those stories to the urban population is a challenge, says Mike.

“People in cities are often not convinced by these good news stories and view them with a degree of cynicism.

Finding ways to tell those stories which doesn’t sound self-serving will be the trick.”

Elaine Fisher

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Natural ability with animals

Tayla Hansen’s 11 years’ experience of showing animals contributed to her winning the Royal Easter Show’s supreme Speckle Park bull trophy with a nine-month-old bull in April.

So too did her understanding of what constitutes a good example of the breed – something she can converse about at length and with authority. Pretty impressive for a 13-year-old.

“I took my first animal, a pet lamb, into a local show when I was two and have been showing animals at calf club and A&P Shows ever since,” says Tayla, a Year nine student at Hamilton Girls’ College.

Tayla lives with her mum Brenda, dad Andrew and siblings Cooper (11), Alexis (8) and Mitchell (6), on a small lifestyle block near Taupiri where her Speckle Park bull ‘Master of Mayhem’ (also known as M&M) has been raised.

Tayla bought M&M from Jan and John Bellamy of Below Sea Level Speckle Park stud at Ruawai in Northland when he was just a calf and hand-reared him.

“He cost quite a lot of money, but I was very lucky that I was offered the chance to buy him.” Tayla paid for the bull from money earned rearing calves.

Snuggle time – Tayla Hansen with M&M on a couch only just big enough for two.

Tayla Hansen needs a fenceline to display the show ribbons she has won.

“M&M had no leading experience but by the second day he was leading and shortly after that would follow me. He’s got a lovely nature and is very quiet.”

Handling skills

At nine months, M&M weighs around 500kg and will reach close to one tonne when fully grown. In contrast, Tayla weighs just 34kg. It’s not size, but technique and animal handling skills which make her so successful in the show ring.

“Tayla has a natural ability with animals. She and M&M have a special bond – he’d do just about anything for her,” says Brenda. “Even from an early age she has been able to work with almost any animal to get it to do what she wants. The calf called Glitter that Tayla raised nine years ago is part of the dairy herd belonging to David and Carmel McKie next door and she still comes for a pat when the cows are in a paddock close to our house.”

As well as M&M, Tayla has two Speckle Park cross heifers which she is breeding from – but producing pure-bred calves is going to take time. “What I really want is a pure-bred Speckle Park heifer so I can continue to complete in the pure-bred competitions.”

To this end she’s resigned to eventually selling M&M to raise the money needed for a heifer. “I hope the new owners might let me take my heifer to M&M for a service so I can get a pure-bred calf.”

The Speckle Park breed is relatively new to New Zealand but it has qualities which appeal to Tayla. “I like the way they look with their spotted coat, but I

...continued

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Tayla and M&M winning combination continued...

also like their muscle traits and the fact that they are such efficient converters of grass to meat and grow fast.

“I also like the way their meat tastes,” says Tayla – demonstrating that as much as she loves her animals, she has no illusions about why they are bred.

“The calves are not too big so bulls are suitable to put across dairy cows.” Tayla believes producing Speckle Park crosses which would be grown on for meat could help reduce the number of bobby calves going to slaughter – something she finds upsetting.

As they are not as big as some cattle, the breed is ideal for smaller farms or on country where heavier animals may be too hard on pasture or hillsides, she says. “Speckle Park also have a gentle nature and are easy to handle.”

Tayla may have begun her show career in calf club rings but now she mixes with adults at A&P Shows throughout the North Island, something she doesn’t find daunting. “Other breeders are generally very helpful, giving me advice and taking an interest in my animal and what I’m doing. They don’t talk down to me.”

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Tayla’s aspirations for the future are to breed more Speckle Park animals, and pursue a career in beef genetics. As far as the practical side goes, she’s already off to an excellent start.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Still room for improvement in waterways Bay of Plenty waterways are in reasonable condition compared to other parts of the country, but there is still room for improvement says Brent Mountford, Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty meat and fibre chairman “Water is high on the agenda. Our right to use it and how we as farmers affect waterways will be debated. It is timely that water quality is looked at.

Stock exclusion from waterways must happen. Limits on nutrient-leaching will be ongoing and ways in which we

can reduce this must be explored,” he says.

“However, the concept of ‘grandfathering’ is unacceptable. This system allows existing polluters to continue as they are, whereas those that have reduced their levels to acceptable standards are penalised without any room for sustainable growth in the future.

Many farmers have already excluded stock from waterways and environmentally sensitive areas.

Vulnerable eco-systems

“Many of us are a long way down the track of excluding stock from waterways and protecting vulnerable eco-systems. Our positive relationship with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has assisted this process. We

will all need to keep up-to-date with developments within our catchment area.”

Brent says water issues are among the many and varied challenges ahead for farmers. “Most, but not all, are outside the farm gate, but could potentially impact heavily on how we farm. Weather patterns (climate change), new pests, weeds, and exotic diseases that have been able to establish themselves in New Zealand are now a reality due to the changing climate. To me, this means that more resources should be allocated to our border control systems.

Importers should be funding this, not exporters.”

The beef market has remained strong. Lamb returns are now up at $6 per kilo, despite warnings at the start of the season for lower

expected returns than in previous years. Brent says some meat and fibre members were surveyed around NZ about what they saw as a sustainable return per kilo for lamb, beef and wool. The consensus was $6 across all three.

“Beef and lamb are getting there, but what do we do about trying to achieve this with wool? It would be nice to think that our industry could halt its slow decline in the near future. I believe wool, a natural sustainable resource, is the key. Surely $6 per kilo is a realistic target.

Ewe lambing percentage

“I have been looking at our livestock productivity for beef and lamb over the past 25 years. It makes for some interesting reading.

Breeding ewes have dropped by 51

per cent since 1990/91 but total lamb production has only dropped by 8.4 per cent. The reason for this is that the ewe lambing percentage has increased from 100 per cent up to 127 per cent. Hogget lambs as a percentile of all lambs has gone from 0 per cent to four per cent.

“Average lamb weights have gone from 14.35kg up to 18.08kg. Total lamb kilos/ewe have increased from 9.76kg up to 19.44kg – an increase of 99 per cent.

“Interestingly, steer weights in that time period have only increased by two per cent from 297kg up to 302kg.”

Overall, the sheep flock has reduced by 49 per cent and the beef herd by 22 per cent. Dairy has increased by 85 per cent says Brent.

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‘Unwelcome’ birthday present could save lives It may not be the birthday present seniors want to receive, but a bowel cancer screening kit could mean they get to enjoy many more birthdays, says Aileen McGowan, business manager endoscopy improvement and bowel screening at Waikato Hospital.

Aileen is pleased the government has announced a free National Bowel Screening Programme which will be rolled out progressively across all district health boards starting in July 2017.

The free programme will offer bowel screening every two years to eligible people aged 60-74 years.

“As the screening programme is rolled out, eventually everyone in this age group will receive, on their birthdays, a screening kit plus instruction on how to use it in the mail.

“It’s a very simple process which could save lives through early detection of bowel cancer,” says Aileen, who was one of many health professionals at the Rural Health Hub at Fieldays.

Included in the hub was a giant inflatable ‘bowel’ large enough for people to walk through.

The oversized exhibit, provided by Bowel Cancer New Zealand, was designed to be educational and fun, as well as providing important health information for the public.

“Farmers don’t always have the opportunity to get off the farm and have their health checks,” says Lee Picken, NZ National Fieldays Society’s head of events. “It’s really important to have this at Fieldays – it’s a great

That’s nasty – Aileen McGowan inside the huge inflatable bowel with its representation of advanced colon cancer at the Fieldays Rural Health Hub.

Specialising in Specialising in

platform for health professionals to start that conversation.”

Mobile Health and its mobile surgical bus was also a feature of the site.

Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand CEO Michelle Thompson says rural people are losing out when it comes to health. “Of the scant data that exists, we know that the health outcomes for rural people are poorer than for urban people. Agriculture, along with tourism, is the power base of the NZ economy. It makes good economic sense for the government to focus on the people supporting the rural economy.”

Michelle estimates there were approximately 600,000 people living rurally from Cape Reinga to Bluff. “If it were a city that would be New Zealand’s second largest city, and it doesn’t feel like the rural sector gets that level of attention when it comes to health.”

Poor access to healthcare or delay in seeking treatment can impact many medical conditions which become more serious than if they were treated earlier.

Michelle says the barriers to good health are varied.

They include lack of GPs and aged-care workers in some rural areas, limited access to healthcare screenings or treatment due to geographic isolation, embarrassment or difficulty talking about symptoms, and work pressures (it can be hard to ‘take time’ away from the farm, especially during busy seasons or if short-staffed).

“We want all rural people to be healthy and well, and the best way to do this is to make sure they have equitable access to health services.”

Psa court case in August Seven years after the Psa outbreak that affected the kiwifruit industry in New Zealand, 212 kiwifruit claimants will finally get their day in the High Court in August.

The Kiwifruit Claim seeks to hold the government and the Ministry of Primary Industries to account for ‘significant losses' suffered by growers as a result of the outbreak.

Kiwifruit Claim chairman John Cameron says growers' lives and liveli-

hoods were “ripped apart” by Psa, and for many the impact is ongoing.

“The claimants are adamant that MPI should never have allowed kiwifruit pollen into New Zealand.”He says claimants have DNA scientific evidence that the strain of Psa which led to the outbreak in New Zealand matches almost identically Psa from Shaanxi Province.

MPI has denied all of the claims made by the group.

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WAIKATO FOCUS

Matilda – a solitary tale Rosie cow, that enormously fat creature fed by her mum for 13 years, is no more.

Her arthritis eventually made walking so painful that I called my neighbour to put her out of her misery. She was fifteen and a half, and had definitely enjoyed a good life.

But with her gone my latest ‘wished on me’ South Devon, named Arabella, was terribly lonely and bellowed for hours. A friend was called for, but nobody offered one, so I enquired of the local stock agent in Morrinsville how I could buy one.

“We’re having a sale tomorrow,” he said. “Come early, perhaps pay

cash as it’s only one, and we’ll sort something out.”

I’ve always found sale yards a bit scary. All those trucks disgorging multiple cows, much rushing along races and opening and closing of gates, and everyone else seems to know what they’re doing. Not to mention that highlevel walking on narrow boards to check what’s there.

Temperament of import

I sought advice from two fellows about my age on what to do.

“How do I buy one cow?”

“Ask that fella over there in the blue jacket, he’ll buy it for you.”

I explained to said fella that it would be just one cow, and for cash. “That’s okay. Just pick one

out and be standing by me when it comes up,” he said.

I’d been told that a good temperament was so important, and quickly found one Jersey standing in a pen by herself, who gazed at me solemnly and seemed calm. My stipulations included a cow being brown, so she seemed doubly suitable. I then informed everyone, including my buyer that the cow in 73 was my choice, and spent some time sitting near her.

Making friends –Arabella cautiously greets Matilda shortly after she arrived on Sue Edmond’s property.

She was the last to be sold after four crowded rows had been dealt with.

During the morning I had been told by various people how much they guessed she would fetch and had my fingers firmly crossed, rememberin my bank balance.

Maybe everyone took pity on me, or nobody wanted just one cow, but she turned out to be a bargain. I dashed to the bank, collected the cash, returned and handed it over and then asked “How do I get her home?”

Wrong farm

“See that guy over there, he’ll take her for you.” So more clambering along the walkways, and arrangements made. “She’ll be there in an hour or an hour and a half,” said my rescuer.

So I went home and waited for an hour at my neighbour’s yards, and then another hour at my front gate. Finally a smaller blue truck appeared with one cow in it. She had been dropped off at

the wrong farm and had to be collected again.

We drove down the race to the yards, but then found the ground so boggy that the truck couldn’t back up to the loading race. Fortunately there was a big pile of grassy soil in the middle of the turning circle so we used that and she obligingly jumped out.

She was starving and grabbing green stuff with great fervour, but I eventually managed to get her trotting down the race. She stopped halfway and looked back to see if I was following, then ran past the open paddock gate, but stopped at my driveway and was willing to be ushered into the garden.

Night in the garden

By then it was nearly dark, so she stayed there overnight. In the morning she appeared on the back lawn near where the others animals were already lined up for their bins of hay. She solemnly ate her share and then bellowed to be let into the paddock where she nearly drank the trough dry.

Since then she and Arabella have become friends. The new cow produced an afterbirth over the next 24 hours and I managed to confirm, via several agents, that she had ‘slipped’ the Sunday before, with no obvious milk, and been sent to the sale yards on the Friday. When I told the final agent she had ended up at the ‘Eureka retirement home for cows, donkeys and goats’ he promised, amid gales of laughter, to tell the previous owner, Her name is now Matilda and she’s fully settled.

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WAIKATO FOCUS

Page 9

Clarity needed in water discussion says council CEO verted from forestry to pasture and this now makes a significant contribution to the contaminants in our waterways.

For this reason, the plan focuses on rural land and not just dairy or drystock. It also addresses the impacts of

horticulture and forestry on our waterways. The suggestion ‘Healthy Rivers/ Wai Ora: Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1’ protects the highest nitrogen dischargers or protects intensive farming long-term is not correct. ...continued

A couple of myths need correction over the proposed plan change for cleaning up the Waikato and Waipa rivers, namely that the proposal seeks to ‘protect’ intensive farming and that this idea is Waikato Regional Council’s fault.

The short response is that the proposal, if implemented, wouldn’t lock in ‘grandparented’ nitrogen discharge rights as suggested and the plan change was written by a multi-sector group, not the council.

If we are to get the final shape of the plan change right it’s important that all parties have a clear-sighted view of what’s proposed and stick to the facts during the necessary community debate on the issues.

So, for the record, the following detailed information is important to bear in mind.

Consensus reached

Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora: Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 was notified for public submissions by council in October last year. While council notified it, the policy was developed over two-and-a-half years using a Collaborative Stakeholder Group.

Effectively council handed the policywriting pen to our community and the sectors and industries most affected by the goal of improving water quality.

This process required a huge amount of deliberation, consultation, collaboration and finally consensus between all parties.

We took this approach to create ownership and foster behaviour change at a community, sector and industry level. Those most affected need to own both the problems and the solutions. It means we all take responsibility and we all own the solutions.

The resulting plan takes us on just the first decade of an 80-year journey to restore and protect the health of our rivers. We are collectively required to do so under the government’s national policy statement on freshwater, and ‘Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato, the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River’ introduced under Treaty settlement legislation.

payers across the region are currently spending in excess of $60 million dollars a year to achieve this.

There has also been much good work by rural communities and landowners over this time but the fact is there has still been major intensification within the catchments and, in the odd case, inappropriate land use. Over the past 10 years we have had an area six times the size of Hamilton city con-

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Not an option In short, to do nothing is not an option – other regions have already implemented plan changes for water quality and our plan change has balanced the environmental, economic and social implications.

The plan seeks to address the four contaminants causing problems for the rivers and lakes of the Waikato and Waipa catchments. Nitrogen is one of them. The others are sediment, bacteria, and phosphorus.

Urban communities and manufacturers have been working on solutions to address these contaminants and others from point sources like factories and sewage treatment facilities for at least the past four decades.

These are already regulated by the existing Waikato Regional Plan. They need resource consent and must be treated to a high standard. Urban rate-

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SHEEP & BEEF

Page 10

On-site chillers ideal for home-kill Raising animals for home consumption is a tradition among New Zealand farmers which is why the option of storing home-kill meat in an on-site Hi-Chill chiller or freezer has much appeal.

Warren Cook of Hi-Chill NZ Ltd says

the chillers, manufactured by the company, are in demand by farmers, lifestyle block owners and hunters as well as for butchers, bakeries and delicatessens.

“We make chillers and freezers in a range of sizes and the 1.8 by 2.4 and 1.8

by 1.8 models are the most popular with farmers,” says Warren who produces the chillers from the company’s workshop at Whakamarama, north of Tauranga.

The chillers are constructed to food safety standards, from polystyrene or polyurethane insulated panels and powered by quality refrigeration units supplied by NZ companies.

Units made to order are configured as either chillers or freezers to meet the client’s requirements.

However, Hi-Chill also has hire chillers which can be preset to freeze or chill the contents.

“All our chillers, with the exception of the very large ones, can be

transported on a trailer.

Each unit has a lockable handle but if required we can add extra locks to enhance security.”

While Hi-Chill makes chillers and freezers to order, it also has a range of hire chillers, including ones on permanently mounted trailers which can be delivered to anyone who needs a chiller or freezer in a hurry, or for a large event.

“We are refrigeration engineers and can service your existing cool room and freezers should they need attention.

On-site chillers or freezers are ideal for home-raised meat.

We are also available 24/7 for urgent work,” says Warren.

Highest emitters must make reductions now continued...

The proposed plan tackles the contaminants through two components. The development of Farm Environment Plans and the provision of a Nitrogen Reference Point. FEPs are property-specific and include timebound actions landowners will undertake to reduce the risks of contaminant loss, including nitrogen. Landowners more than anyone else know how to manage the contaminants within their particular farming system. Every farm will be different, but what the plan change requires is that those discharging the most, must

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do the most in terms of managing their contaminants.

We know the use of nitrogen reference points will be robustly debated at hearings next year but let’s understand the facts of the how the plan actually does propose to manage nitrogen.

It requires farmers to calculate their current nitrogen loss. The top 25 per cent of nitrogen-emitting farms are then required to reduce their losses. The remaining 75 per cent of farms are not required to reduce their losses, and can carry on at existing levels. In short, the highest emitters have to make reductions while everyone else can continue to farm as they are. The intention is also to address other discharges in future plan changes.

So the initial steps on nitrogen involve making the highest emitters act now while holding the line on others with the intention of further steps in the next plan change when we have more information. There is no intention to lock any of these arrangements in.

Contaminant discharge rights

In writing this plan the CSG was clear. The preference was always to allocate contaminant discharge rights at a property scale, matching land use to land capability. The reality is, however, that we as a community don’t currently have the data to implement that. This plan change allows us to collectively gather that knowledge so at the next plan change there are more options available to review allocation.

This plan, after all, is just the first step on an 80-year journey for our region to achieve the water quality we all aspire to, and through our processes we hope to make it workable for all our landowners.

In the meantime, we have to start taking steps to reduce contaminant losses if we want to improve our water quality. The longer we delay, the harder and more expensive the task will be.

Hard working Hard working engineering Hard working Hard workingengineering engineering engineering Raised on a

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CALF REARING

Page 11

Formula helps kick lameness headache Dairy farmer Mike Luke believes Vet LSD has a role to play in herd health.

When he managed a large herd in Canterbury, Mike Luke came to dread wet weather in autumn and the headaches it would inevitably bring.

Accompanying welcome autumn rains would be an outbreak of lameness through the 950-head herd that could strike as many as 200 cows over a period of time.

“I would find that if I did not get stuck in and deal with it quickly, things would snowball over the wet period, and before you knew it you would have more cows than you could manage struck with it.”

In sheer frustration he spent a full day researching the disease, its causes and possible solutions.

“From there I got in touch with Peter Anderson in Marlborough who created Vet LSD.”

Vitamin production

Discussing the herd’s diet with Peter, they determined the cows were probably only getting half the vitamins needed, given their diet comprised 50 per cent pasture and 50 per cent supplements, including barley and grass silage.

“And when the sun was gone thanks to rain, that was likely to have a link to vitamin production too.”

Vitamin D is one vitamin requiring the presence of sunshine to be produced in grass.

With a formulation that includes vitamin A, D, E, selenium, chromium and iodine, Vet LSD has a proven track

record in improving ewe health and lamb survivability.

Backed by his boss, Mike decided to try a course of treatment with Vet LSD on the dairy herd.

“I treated the herd through the water troughs over April, May, June and July the following season. When the herd returned from winter grazing they were incredibly quiet and settled – it was hard to believe they were the same herd.”

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Over calving Mike found the instances of down cows were fewer, and the occasional down cow when treated with a dose of Vet LSD would get up, in one case after being down for four days.

He also noticed significantly fewer cows affected with sore feet. “We used to get white line disease in spring too, and spring lameness after the Vet LSD dosing was negligible.”

Now Mike has moved to Northland to share-milk a 350-head herd, and he has continued to administer Vet LSD. “I have noticed the temperament change here too.”

When Mike arrived in June 2015 the Northland herd had also experienced lameness. Dosing the troughs with it last autumn resulted in fewer lameness problems.

“I have been dairying for almost 40 years, and to me this product is as big as when Gladys Reid discovered the benefits of zinc for facial eczema prevention.”

He is looking forward to an animal health bill that includes Vet LSD as a preventative, rather than incurring the

soul-destroying expenses and time in dealing with lameness.

“I used to dread having to deal with the lameness problem, but since using Vet LSD, it’s far more manageable, the cows are quieter and less stressed. I think on farms where supplement is used a lot and cows are not getting the vitamins they need, Vet LSD really does have a role to play.”

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“To me this product is as big as when Gladys Reid discovered the benefits of zinc for facial eczema prevention.”

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CALF REARING

Page 12

Company’s innovative, durable Calf Prebiotic Fibre – as nature intended plastic products Rotorua-based Tuff Plastic Moulders Limited has been supplying the farming community with quality Rotomoulded Polyethylene products for more than 20 years.

The product range includes dog kennels, water tanks, colostrum tanks, feed troughs, herringbone shed feeders, bike trays and toolboxes. All can be delivered countrywide, every day at very reasonable rates.

Manager/owner Hilton McLachlan says the company, which also produces a number of marine products, is well known for its composting toilets and the world-renowned horse manure collector called the ‘Paddock Groomer’.

Hilton has been manager/ owner for the past 20 years but is now retiring to hand over management to his son Scott and his partner Anneke.

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Boosting calf health saves calf rearers valuable time, money and stress.

The naturally-derived prebiotic fibre (lignocellulose), marketed as Opticell Plus Ultra Fine, is available in New Zealand from BEC Feed Solutions.

It is a unique prebiotic product which is set to boost calf health this season, saving calf rearers valuable time, money and stress.

As a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality animal nutrition products, Opticell provides premium support for healthy gut function of calves from day one. Prevention is definitely the key with calves, BEC NZ technical services officer Jen Ross says.

Minimise scours

The product offers distinct benefits to calves by supporting a healthy gut and aiding the transition onto new feeding regimes which, in turn, helps to minimise nutritional scours.

“Opticell is designed and widely used in Europe for inclusion in calf milk replacer or whole milk. It effectively nurtures a ‘good balance’ of microbes within the digestive tract.

Opticell also encourages natural water absorption in the colon, resulting in improved faecal quality.

“There is a trend in the field to feed mineral rock-type products to calves.

While the visual effect is promising, the digestive tract simply isn’t adapted to process this type of mined product, whereas natural plant fibre replicates nature,” says BEC country manager Trina Parker.

Opticell benefits:

Provides selective, beneficial microorganisms (prebiotic) in the hind gut, which produce volatile fatty acids.

Quickly absorbed, delivering energy to the calf, leading to increased growth and development.

Provides lactobacillus bacteria which produce lactic acid. These reduce the pH of the hind gut, discouraging growth of pathogenic bacteria.

Supports water absorption in the colon; Opticell does not act like a sponge and dehydrate the calf.

Regulates the passage of milk through the digestive tract, increasing satiety, meaning calves stay content for longer.

CALF REARING

Page 13

Jersey bulls at the top of game They are big, strong and handsome and they’re not only winning accolades, but fans across the country.

Triplestar is one of the top bulls for protein. His daughters are fertile, capacious and of good stature.

He offers great longevity, superb udder overall, positive conformation, and has a good body condition score. CRV Ambreed considers Triplestar one of the CRV Ambreed Jersey bulls Crescent Olm Lex and Braedene PAS Triplestar both feature in the top three most complete bulls available and he has been a top seller this season. of DairyNZ’s Ranking of Active Sires list following Angus says the team the May 2017 Animal at CRV is delighted TriEvaluation run. For plestar has been named Jersey bulls, Lex is the best in his field by ranked number one and JerseyNZ. Triplestar is at number “Triplestar is also one three according to their of our LowN Sires bulls overall Breeding Worth. and is part of an innovaCRV Ambreed MD tive genetics programme Angus Haslett says Lex undertaken by CRV and Triplestar’s success Ambreed,” he says. is indicitive of the great Triplestar is genetiwork going on behind cally superior for a new the scenes to advance trait that is related to the herd improvement urea nitrogen in milk. company’s breeding Braedene PAS Triplestar is the JT Thwaites Sire of His progeny will have programme. the Season by JerseyNZ. reduced concentration “At CRV Ambreed we of Milk Urea Nitrogen, which means that they are are committed to excellence and are very proud of our talented team of staff working together to get the expected to excrete less nitrogen in their urine. “This could have a major impact on the environment and best possible results for dairy farmers,” Angus says. potentially bulls such as our LowN Sires could save “We have some exceptional bulls on offer this year NZ 10 million kilograms in nitrogen leaching a year. which puts us in a fantastic position to support dairy Triplestar represents the smart future of dairying in farmers across the country to breed the best herds New Zealand and internationally.” possible.”

Triplestar has also been named the JT Thwaites Highest ranked Sire of the Season by JerseyNZ. The award goes to a On the RAS list, Triplestar is ranked number three registered, New Zealand-born, J16 breed bull which for Jersey bullls and ranked number 11 across all meets TOP (traits other than production) criteria breeds, and Angus says he’s heading towards becomincluding not less than +0.1 BV each of overall ing one of CRV Ambreed’s elite ‘hall of fame’ bulls. opinion, udder overall and dairy conformation, has Lex is the highest ranked Jersey bull on DairyNZ’s TOP daughters spread over at least 10 herds and has RAS list for breeding worth and is number nine a minimum of 20 TOP daughters in the evaluation. across all breeds.

He was bred by Mark Townshend, a former Exceptional Jerseys Fonterra director and one of NZ’s leading and bestTriplestar’s win is great news for his breeder, known dairy farmers. Lex is an excellent sire and has Ohaupo’s Brett Thompson, and the award adds to good breeding values for protein, somatic cell, fertilCRV’s long history in breeding exceptional Jerseys. ity and longevity.

In the past 10 years, five CRV Ambreed bulls have The high-ranking sires and awards are good news been awarded JT Thwaites Sire of the Season, includfor New Zealand dairy farmers who partner with ing top-ranked bulls Manhatten, Murmur, Pioneer, CRV Ambreed, and have access to top genetics.

Manzello and now Triplestar.

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REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

Page 14

TRAVEL

Exploring the South’s West Coast and high country The most popular of NZ Adventures’ five different multi-day tours and the only tours which run more than once over the summer season are the High Country Heritage sixday and the West Coast Explorer five-day.

The High Country Heritage is the company’s longest running tour and Robbie and Connie Crickett offer the tour monthly from December through April.

“All accommodation is in motels and meals are in restaurants with lunches on stations with the run-holders or a picnic to enjoy as we stop in a quiet spot amongst the scenery somewhere off the beaten track,” says Robbie.

“The social side of these trips is amazing. It is often said we start a trip as strangers and go away as friends.”

For any NZ Adventure 4x4 trip the only stipulation is that it’s mandatory for vehicles to have decent all-terraintype tyres in good condition and a low range transmission fitted. Every vehicle is supplied with a radio so a commentary is available and two-way communication is enabled.

Molesworth Station

Starting in Blenheim, this trip travels through iconic Molesworth Station on the first afternoon and into Hanmer Springs where the party will stay overnight. Subsequent nights are in Methven, Lake Tekapo or Fairlie, Omarama, and Cromwell with the last night at Cardrona.

“Highlights could be considered the upper Rakaia River valley, Orari Gorge and the huge stations of the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Benmore. Further south of the Oteake Conservation Park, quaint St Bathans and the Vulcan Hotel, along with the Dunstan and Pisa ranges will not disappoint. It’s a wonderful trip down the spine of the island.”

in Reefton before the tour reaches Greymouth.

“Along the way this trip is rich with a diversity of content. Scenery is to the fore but there is also plenty of human and natural history.”

Denniston Plateau

Driving though bu sh highlights of the of -clad river valleys is among the f-road sections of N Z Adventures’ South Island 4x4 guided tours.

Connie says the West Coast Explorer is as different from NZ Adventures’ other more easterly trips as it’s possible to get.

“The main difference is that trees are as plentiful in the west as they absent in the east. Nowhere is the east-west contrast more notable than on the first day of the West Coast trip when the tawny brown tussocks of North Canterbury, St James station and Western Molesworth are left behind as the trip suddenly plunges into the verdant beech forests that are a feature of the journey.”

Early highlights of the West Coast Explorer include the tracks on St James, Lake Tennyson and the highest road pass in New Zealand.

Overnight stays on the coast include two nights in Murchison, a night in Westport and another

Day two of the tour takes in a bush-clad river valley east of Murchison which is always an adventure. A highlight of day three is the visit to the Denniston Plateau and the history and presence of coal in this historic but often inhospitable place.

“Driving the magical beechlined tracks near Reefton is again

land’s e South Is g the th f o e m g so on Discoverin ificent scenery is am tour. s’ n e g r a tu m n e most Adv of an NZ s e r su a le p

the priority on day four, but for most the absolute highlight of the trip comes on the last day in the forests and farmland inland of Ohaura,” says Connie.

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DAIRY

Page 15

Farming smarter The future, we all hope, will be bright for the vehicle has stopped moving. This system has the to save lives, as in the past a driver who is our children and grandchildren and recently potential injured may not be missed until he or she fails to there’s been a lot of talk about just return to base at the end of the day.

This country is now a leader in IT, which is what New Zealand will be like in not surprising – that old No 8 wire attitude the next 20 to 30 years.

The government aims to make NZ pest free by 2050 which seems a big goal, but on the other hand, if we don’t do something, we will lose our unique wildlife and plants.

This was brought home to Vicki and I when we took a jet boat trip up the Dart River and walked through a conservation area. Our guides told us of the noticeable difference using re-setting traps to control stoats and possums has made to bird life.

These traps keep killing pests for as long as the small gas cylinders which operate them are full and they are also available for controlling rats.

Vermin are a not just a threat to native wildlife, but also to animal stock feed and we, like most farmers, spend time trying to control rats and mice which, in winter, are always looking for a warm place to hide and food to eat.

With technology like these smart traps, everyone, even in urban areas, can play their part in helping achieve the Pest Free NZ goal by 2050.

is still there, only now it’s much smarter.

Farming smart will be required to get through this winter.

I’m hearing reports that many farms are up to 200kg per hectare of dry matter down on feed to where farmers would like to be at this time of the year. We’ve had plenty of rain, but not enough sunshine. It was cold but then turned very mild so a real mixed bag.

Autumn growing conditions throughout the country have been tough and hay is in short supply. Some contractors haven’t been able to make any at all. Getting orders in now for supplementary feed is vital.

Farmers will be doing farm walks and making up feed budgets to access what they have ahead of them, especially for when the grazers come home in spring which is only days away.

We have hay, barley straw and some silage available, but it won’t last long.

And to end on a high note: Yes! We have just won the Americas Cup. Congratulations Team New Zealand.

What Next?

The shape of our future was also to the fore in the recent TV programme ‘What Next?’ hosted by Nigel Latta and John Campbell. The programme looked at many possibilities for the way our future might evolve and among those were changes to the types of ‘farming’ we might do, including farming insects.

Sounds great in theory but we’d be in real trouble should they escape and we had a plague of locusts. The programme didn’t suggest we move totally away from farming animals for meat, fibre and milk, but we could also produce new forms of protein to meet consumer demands.

If agriculture could provide foods for vegans, vegetarians and those people who are intolerant to foods which contain gluten or nuts, that would mean more ‘tools’ in its tool box.

Our primary production must focus more on what consumers want, rather than commodity production. We need to keep up with the trends too. A few years ago we were all told to avoid butter because the fats in it were bad for our heart, but now there’s a swing to more good fats in our diet, and butter prices are soaring. Other good sources of fats are to be found in avocados and salmon, both of which New Zealand also produces.

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Marbled meat

The meat industry is already taking up the challenge by breeding animals which produce lean, or marbled, or meat with a particular flavour consumers want.

Landcorp is moving away from feeding palm kernel to its dairy cows and a dairy factory in Auckland is buying milk from PKE-free herds to make its infant formula.

The big message for me from the programme was the role that technology plays in agriculture and how vital it is that we adopt what’s on offer. This year, in a first for me, I spent more time looking at the latest advances in technology at Fieldays than at new tractors.

We’ve purchased a system which will enable us to map the paddocks we grow supplements on, including highlighting any potential hazards from steep contour, to bull holes, to crossing, drains and powerline, and on an A4 sized pad, give all that information to drivers.

The system will also record where and how much fertiliser is spread, and indicate any areas which have been spread and any that may have been missed.

We can monitor the trucks in real time and should there be an accident, know something is wrong because

GRUNDFOS ®

DAIRY

Page 16

Farm financial literacy for dummies It never ceases to amaze me how many farmers have absolutely no idea of how their balance sheet works.

Often when I ask to see the ‘books’ they willingly hand them over with the comment “I have no idea how to understand these”.

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ST CHOICE

Now I am not trying to be condescending here – some farmers do have good financial literacy, but many don’t. The recent $10 million package announced by Bill English in the Budget inspired me to pen my thoughts around financial literacy in farming.

I have always taken the time to explain the basics, like gross income less farm running costs, debt servicing, taxation and personal drawing and explaining a profit or loss.

Saving for future

I was recently given a brief on a legal farming matter. The solicitor admitted she had absolutely no idea on how to read the balance sheet, let alone understand a set of farmer’s ‘books’. Given the case was around understanding them, I offered to delve and explain how they work to her.

Bill English’s $10 million was also to get young people to understand so they can become aware and be better savers for their future, rather than relying on NZ Super. I have a daughter with an economics degree teaching an all-boys’ class. I ask her if she teaches financial literacy to the boys. Her reply that “there was no time in my day for that Dad,” saddened me. She can barely get through her curriculum let alone talk about the ‘real stuff’ like understanding and managing money.

You can borrow to buy almost anything, but you have to repay the debt or look out. With regard to bad credit, if you take on debt with hire purchase and miss a couple of payments, it goes onto your credit check and you cannot borrow from a bank to buy a house.

Then you go into the second-tier finance and pay a higher interest rate and fees than a bank.

It is easy to talk about the problems and the issues, but here I will lay out some solutions: • Do not spend more than you earn • Provide savings for taxation and GST • Have less meals out and less smashed avocado

• • • • • •

• Be very careful using hire purchase • Put drawings aside into a separate account and do not dip into the farm account • Prepare a budget and monthly cashflow • Compare your monthly actual expenditure with what you budgeted • Avoid ‘snake oil’ and spruikers, i.e. avoid impulse purchases • Everybody wants your money • Buy second hand if you can and use TradeMe • Make your banker your best friend, keep him in the loop and keep your agreements Discuss all expenditure and acquisitions before you commit with your partner Get your accountant to explain your books and whether you are making a profit or loss Find a crusty financially successful person and use them as a mentor Educate yourself on finance matters and don’t forget what you learn Build a buffer into your business for a rainy day Don’t sit on your overdraft limit all the time.

In summary

There will be other points to consider, but these are the basics. Invariably the tough frugal people are the best in financial matters. Educate yourself and become one. Nothing will make you feel happier and more secure than being in a good financial position.

And finally, remember that your partner will feel better and happier too if your financial affairs are in order. Improve your financial literacy and the benefits are yours.

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.

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DAIRY

Page 17

Grandparenting is missing the point The link between 750,000 tonnes of urea a year being applied to New Zealand soils and excess nitrate-N in streams, lakes, and groundwater is difficult to refute.

quality is now both a national and international issue. It will determine where votes are cast in the coming general election, and one of the reasons for the interest in purchasing land and associated industries by overseas interests is our, as yet, relatively clean environment.

Those with the ability to take a long term view of our future know that continued fouling of the environment because it’s what we’ve always done is not the answer, and

In fact, of the many people that I’ve discussed the issue with, no one denies that it exists.

As more measures are revealed, the link between geographical areas where the greatest amount of nitrogen is applied, and high concentrations of nitrate-N in groundwater, becomes increasingly obvious. Yet there is little, if any, reduction in the amount of N being applied, despite heated verbal claims, and a science presentation recently claimed there had been a 700 per cent increase in the past 20 years.

It’s been apparent for at least a decade to those monitoring water quality that either a lot of our freshwater water will require considerable and expensive treating, or a reduction in the amount of N being applied will have to take place.

Common sense suggests that alternatives to current farming practices, whether it be limiting animal numbers or the amount of N applied, would have been sought before now by conventional science organisations supported by farmers.

Historic precedence

the argument that it’s a trade-off between short term economic production and long-term environmental viability is irrelevant.

environmental footprint.”

That has not happened and the animals from which some in the farming community will be able to receive many-times the value now provided by meat and milk will only come from a small number of properties.

Those properties are being selected on the basis of their ability to produce animals that are superior in all respects.

Animal quality is in large part determined by content of the pasture eaten, which in turn is reliant on the composition and overall quality of the soil.

There are already properties across the country not reliant on nitrogen fertiliser and recent work has shown them to be sequestering carbon and increasing total pasture production steadily over time.

As more pasture is grown, the conversion of sunlight to energy and full protein becomes more efficient and it is these properties that are capable of sustainably providing the quality required, and which are already well-positioned to enjoy significant financial gain. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

Insufficient returns

And yet what has occurred has been a steady increase in the mount of N applied, and one of the reasons for that behaviour is the belief that when the use of nitrogen fertiliser does become regulated, it will be based on a percentage of that used over preceding years.

This process is known as grandparenting and there’s historic precedence in agriculture for this with regard to water takes and nitrogen usage.

The logic behind it was sound when the effect was minor and related to small pockets of land only, but things have changed.

New Zealand’s water

Already new, overseas-financed industry is starting up here with the ability to pay animal farmers several times the money being currently received. It’s a welcome development and a necessary one as the financial returns from commodity trading are presently insufficient for the maintenance of our rural communities.

Two of the stated reasons for new industry starting here is the quality of the water and fertility of the soil. It’s a relative thing and should never be compromised, yet Graham Sparling, then of Landcare Research, wrote in his 2004 lecture notes ‘Broader shoulders and smaller feet’, “For a sustainable future we need to treat the land more gently, and reduce our

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Page 18

Income opportunities to be found in the wind A myriad of alternative income opportunities have unfolded in recent years for land owners seeking to diversify their property’s farm income, and reduce their reliance upon landbased, grass-generated earnings.

Traditional ‘non-farm’-type industries like tourism have provided a valuable option for many years to land owners and farmers seeking a more diverse income.

But the huge growth in tourism in the past two years has opened up even more options, from simple on-farm cafe businesses, to underground caving and rock-climbing on farms well off the beaten tourism track.

But for some seeking off-farm income within the farm gate, the answer sometimes lies in the wind.

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Having wind turbines on a farm property can prove a valuable asset on a number of levels for farmers located in areas suitable for wind generation.

Grenville Gaskill, chief executive for the New Zealand Wind Energy Association says as NZ is required to meet its commitments under the Paris Accord, moves to “de-carbon” our economy put wind energy in a positive light heading into the future.

“For landowners fortunate enough to be in an area where wind farms could be installed there are a number of benefits. They get significant investment made into roading and access on their property.

“They get to retain use of most of their land area, thanks to the turbines’ compact footprint, and of course there are regular lease payments made by the generator to the land owner for having the turbines there.”

Hamish and Julie Ormond farm at Te Uku near Raglan west of Hamilton. They have turbines on

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their property that are part of the 28-turbine Te Uku wind farm operated by Meridian.

The couple bought the 1300ha store property with the wind farm already in place, and receive an income stream based on having 2.5 turbines on their property.

“We are paid a retainer per turbine, plus a portion of what the company makes once they have covered the cost of their capital on the project. It is enough to make quite a significant difference to our farm’s bottom line profit.”

Mark Dawe, Bayleys rural manager in Hamilton, says wind farms are not a common opportunity, but one becoming more acceptable over time as people recognise the operations as a sustainable source of energy.

“During my 13 years as a real estate agent we have seen what I describe as ‘on-farm, but non-farm income streams’ become more and more desirable.

I am not sure if more people recognise the tourism opportunities and the alternative energy options more now than they used to, or if they want or require the additional income streams.

Poultry industry

“I have had the opportunity to meet a number of people who have these on-farm, non-farm income streams and I have found they open up really interesting conversations. They also offer possible added-value when selling the property.”

Another area that can lie under the radar for potential on-farm, off-farm income is in the poultry industry. New Zealanders are making poultry their favourite meat; consuming the equivalent of 21 chickens each a year from barn-raised or free range, hormone-free birds.

Poultry Industry Association NZ chief executive Michael Brooks says the association is often approached by farmers interested in participating in the industry.“The meat poultry industry is completely vertically integrated, so a farmer will provide the land and finance the sheds and then be provided with all the technology and expertise to run the operation by the company that they contract to.”

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DAIRY

Attacks on integrity frustrating Dairy farmers in the Edgecumbe region can be proud that their effluent ponds stood resilient above the April floods, says Steve Bailey from Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers.

“A flyover of the Edgecumbe floods showed that dairy farmers can be proud of how their effluent withstood the floodwaters, while the same could not be said for the municipal sewerage facilities.”

This is just another example of the steps farmers take to minimise environmental impacts, but their actions are all too often overlooked by mainstream media and the public, Steve says.

“Despite difficult weather and a tough wet spring, Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s pollution officers have reported that compliance this season has shown an improvement on the previous season. However, media are still reporting negative news about dairy farming despite a lot of good results being achieved.”

Steve says dairy farmers generally are frustrated with the mainstream media’s persistent attack on their integrity as farmers and their family businesses.

“The targeted journalism this season has been adding fuel to those seeking to condemn the dairy industry. How damaging is the push of a button, the snap of a photo, the one-dimensional view of posts on social media, and the heightened emotional culture?

“The news is being presented out of context, with the presenters giving their own opinion on the news items. There is a balance in taking a lead role and being proactive in mitigating the issues when the issue always has moving goalposts.

“Every bit of new technology that we install on our farm costs money and needs to be paid for out of the milk being produced. We need to ensure the information received from this new technology warrants the cost.

No apologies needed

for many, their farms have changed shape. “While a catastrophic situation, the rallying together of the rural community has been tremendous. There are many individuals that stood up and put others ahead of themselves. In the worst of times, we often see the best in people. Huge thanks to all involved in the recovery, but there is still some way to go.”

Adverse climatic conditions are not all farmers face and with spring just around the corner farmers need to review their calf handling and bobby calf facilities and systems.

New regulations

The new regulations capture transporting, loading, unloading, adequate shelter (especially for bobby calves awaiting transportation), age of stock, euthanising and timing of feed before slaughter. Federated Farmers do have a fact sheet on the requirements and DairyNZ also has a lot of resources.

“The responsibility for the welfare of the animals is with all those in the supply chain. There is a sense of frustration by many about having to do this but the fact of matter is that MPI has reviewed the regulations alongside a committee of stakeholders.

Federated Farmers have pushed hard to get to where we are now.

“Agriculture has evolved and will continue to evolve, and there will always be challenges along the way. I liken issues to a pothole in the road – we can either drive around it or fix it so we can continue the journey, navigating the road ahead. We need to keep the road behind in good shape for now and years to come and ensure that the pathway laid encourages succession.”

“As a result of social media, farmers are feeling less open to inviting visitors onto their farm and being open about their business. They are never quite sure what strangers’ agendas might be. We must not, as an industry, feel the need to apologise for working outside in the elements. We should not apologise for milking the cows to provide milk and cheese to our customers and providing meat for the dinner table. It does rain and it does get hot and animals do not stop being animals at 5pm, they do need food and water 24/7.”

Steve says the Bay of Plenty region’s quarterly dairy stakeholders’ meetings continue to be an important forum for frank discussions about dairying issues More than 1000ha was flooded. with council staff and also key dairy industry stakeholders. This includes Rotorua farmers who are in the BOPRC catchment.

“This year, discussions have included coping with the difficult weather and financial climate, land use and the continued Plan Change 9 (about water quantity) conversation. The Federated Farmers team on this committee has very clearly portrayed the dairy farmers’ view and the need for farmers to have adequate water for cowshed use.

Lot of emotion

“There is still a lack of real clarity for many farmers about what is actually required. There is a very lengthy process and the detail required can be somewhat over-complicated. There is a lot of emotion and sense of urgency in the water issue. While we understand information is lacking, Federated Farmers has taken the stance of holding the line until the information and research has been gathered.

Decisions shouldn’t be made before there is adequate data.”

Steve says the autumn of 2017 will long be remembered for the floods. With more than 1000 hectares flooded and many dairy farms under water,

Page 19

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Page 20

Animal health problems crippling - what to do?

The profit window – has four main components.

Yep!

Last year a farmer asked me if I would help his mate up the road.

His friend had started with 500 cows to calve and with peak milking soon to begin, he now had a little over 460 with which to complete the season.

Twenty-two cows had died from metabolic problems, 63 had clinical milk fever and some had aborted.

He was losing milking profit and spending more on medical bills.

Before I talk about cause of his problem, I’d like to talk about the farmer’s profit window.

September to December is the period where milk production is at its maximum. It’s when most of the money is made. Because of this, farmers should be gearing up to take maximum advantage of it.

Ideally, in that profit window, a farmer wants each of his cows to be producing 2.2kgms/day from September to December. But getting an animal to hit the magical 2.2kgms/day depends entirely on the condition they arrive in at the time of milking.

That means preparing cows to be in peak health at the start so that they can maintain good condition throughout the calving, milking and mating periods.

Pre-conditioning

Pre-conditioning is the transitioning period of four weeks prior to calving. The goal is to bring animals up to a 5.0 level of conditioning and this is achieved through a careful combination of diet, trace elements, and supplements.

Will a farmer need to spend money to get animals up to a 5.0 condition? Yes, but spending here will be rewarded in two ways – firstly with increased milk production and secondly with reduced health problems and naturally better mating results.

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Think of pre-conditioning as an investment: you spend money to make more money.

Poor pre-conditioning If a cow comes into calving with an average-low condition level she will calve in a tired state. This state will drop further as she expends energy and resources to cope with calving. In her tired state she may have difficulty pushing out her calf due to low muscle strength.

With her immunity levels compromised she is more susceptible to metabolic sicknesses. But even if the cow avoids illness, her reduced conditioning means she has less energy to give to milk production. The farmer may even have to milk her less to avoid making her weaker.

In the case of my farmer that scenario was true of all 500 cows.

None had a hope of reaching 2.2kgms/day.

Good pre-conditioning If a cow comes into calving with an elevated level of conditioning (5.0), she will be able to calve with relative ease. With strong muscles and high energy levels she can push out the calf without comprising her own health.

That means she can immediately produce 2.2kgms/day straight after calving. Being healthy, the cow also possesses a strong appetite. Her

desire to continually feed enables her to maintain good conditioning throughout the profit window and beyond. And she is far less susceptible to sickness.

The problem

When the Forward Farming team was called in to help the farmer with his problems, we went through the key areas, looking for causes for the herd’s poor health. The management plan was sound. The feed balance was good.

The problem was in the feed quality, or more precisely, the soil from where the feed came. Our soil test revealed several key problems that accounted for the poor animal health: N levels were far too high. One effect would have been the suppression of Ca in the soil which had left magnesium too high and out of balance with Ca. Sodium was also too high in relation to K. If I had seen these soil readings without first knowing the herd’s condition, I would have deduced that their health was compromised.

This soil-feed nutritional imbalance was only ever going to hurt these cows.

If you feel you are interested in unlocking more of your farms potential and maybe an answer to your frustrations and questions we can help with the big picture.

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 21

Citizen scientists wading into help with water research Around New Zealand, landowners, community groups, councils, iwi and businesses are investing large amounts of time and money to restore degraded streams, mostly through fencing and planting of stream banks.

But very little is known about whether these investments in riparian areas result in the expected benefits, says Amanda Valois, freshwater ecologist at NIWA in Hamilton.

“What we do know is that some riparian restoration projects lead to rapid ecological recovery and others seem less effective.”

To find out what’s going on, NIWA is undertaking a nationwide study with the ultimate

aim of providing better guidance to the people and groups undertaking stream restoration.

“We have launched an online survey and had a great response to our request for information,” says Amanda.

The aim is to find out about existing buffers that differ in width and length, planting density, types of plants used, the time since planting and location relative to healthy streams.

“For this we need to know about as many projects as possible – where they are located and a few other details about them, which is where the online survey comes in.”

After as many riparian projects as possible have been recorded, NIWA will select a few of them and train, equip and support volunteers

Amanda Valois, freshwater ecologist at NIWA. to monitor them.

Amanda says water monitoring by volunteers (and citizen science as a whole) is a powerful

force for scientific inquiry and ultimately will help make a positive difference to waterways.

Called the NZ Riparian Database Project, it is funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment through the Strategic Science Investment Fund to NIWA. Appropriately, Amanda’s main research interest is in community-based water quality monitoring and how it can inform freshwater policy.

She is also interested in parasites and pathogens in the aquatic environment.

Her PhD work focused on planktonic food-webs, researching the role of parasites in food-web ecology and how their dynamics were influenced by a variety of physical and biologiElaine Fisher cal variables.

System saves water and money

Sheep and beef farmer Hamish Mackenzie with one of his pivot irrigators.

Growsmart Precision VRI with FieldNET is the ultimate add-on for easy and cost efficient irrigation, Maniototo sheep and beef farmer Hamish Mackenzie says.

“It’s simple, easy to use and gives you heaps of flexibility. I can sort and upload a watering plan and set it going at the push of a button.”

At Kyeburn Station, an extensive 3300ha sheep and beef property, 260ha of flats are irrigated. Half the area is watered by a 570 meter Zimmatic centrepivot. It was installed with Growsmart Precision VRI in 2015 and in November 2016 was upgraded with FieldNET, a remote communication tool making it possible to control Growsmart Precision VRI from any internet-capable device.

The patchwork of different crops, each with different watering requirements, could have made irrigation management a headache. But the combination of Growsmart Precision VRI and FieldNET made it surprisingly straightforward.

“You can add in as many different fields as needed, and alter the watering rates on each or keep them out of the rotation as required. That’s the beauty of VRI and FieldNET, it’s so easy to alter things.”

Hamish has a 52l/s allocation but over the past year the combination of Growsmart Precision VRI and FieldNET has reduced pivot water use to about 43l/s.

“I’ve been able to cut back the percentage flow through the pivot in summer and we’ve been able to use the extra if needed for k-line irrigation. Also, we’ve saved money because we’re not having to pump as much water.”

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Pride in service drives family business Earthmoving, transport, engineering and drainage – Fotheringhame Contractors of Katikati has the staff, machinery and expertise to do it all.

Founded more than 15 years ago, the company has four main specialist divisions and all share the Fotheringhame focus on delivering the best possible service to clients, says Tom Fotheringhame.

“We are a large family business driven by pride.”

The company has a large fleet of excavators, dozers, graders, rollers, tip trucks and all the implements to complete a vast range of tasks, from house site and driveways to larger scale bulk earth works and subdivisions.

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Fotheringhame Contractors is also a specialist in transport engineering. “With a large workshop, a very talented team and growing customer base, we are making a mark in this field by producing quality equipment to our customers’ requirements. From modifications to specialised builds, we can deliver.

Fotheringhame Contractors is a family “The range of expertise includes, business, founded by John Fotheringhame, but is not limited to, chassis modiand now a third generation is taking an fications, transporter, tipping, flat interest – John’s granddaughter Haylee deck, bulk trailer builds and truck Howarth (7). fitments, automat bodies, machine experienced team can take on any ROPs, thumb fitting and attachments, challenge, working with a range of LV decks, toolboxes, and full trailer clients. construction.”

“We have a reliable, professional, clean and tidy transport sector. We pride ourselves on impressing our

Page 23

Rural contractors dig deep for St John St John in the Southland/Queenstown Lakes region is more than $35,000 better off – thanks to the generosity of Rural Contractors New Zealand members attending its annual conference held in Queenstown last month.

RCNZ president Steve Levet says as part of the organisation’s annual conference a charity auction of gifts provided by sponsors is held each year with the proceeds going to St John in the local area.

“We had a wonderful haul of products put up by sponsors including: spray, bale wrap, fuel, clothing as well as numerous model tractors and machinery with our members digging really deep to benefit St John.”

Steve says in total a record $35,000 was raised in the auction – topping the previous best of $28,000 raised at New Plymouth in 2014.

“This sum will be now donated to St John in the Southland/Queenstown Lakes region to help them continue with all the fantastic work they do for the community in the local region.”

Over the past five years, Rural Contractors NZ has raised nearly $130,000 – which has all been donated to St John in various parts of NZ. Steve Levet says rural contractors have a great affinity for the work of St John around the country and RCNZ is proud to help support such a worthy and valuable charity that plays a vital role in rural NZ.

Page 24

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Hypocalcaemia is common during calving Also known as milk fever, hypocalcaemia is the most common disease of both dairy and beef cows around calving.

It is characterised by reduced blood calcium levels and is seen most often in the first few days of lactation, when demand for calcium for milk production exceeds the body’s ability to mobilise calcium reserves.

‘Fever’ is an incorrect term to use, as body temperature is typically below normal. Low blood calcium levels interfere with muscle activity throughout the body, causing general weakness, loss of appetite, and eventually heart failure.

In lactating cows the calcium balance changes due to the demands of milk production and variations of feed intake.

This parathyroid control mechanism is consistently working to ensure the blood calcium levels stay at a significant level.

It is when the blood calcium levels drop that hypocalcaemia occurs.

An early sign of milk fever is being unsteady on their feet. Once the cow is down, the head is often turned to the side and there is a lack of muscle tone. Respiration is slow and often laboured. The cow will show no sign of urination or def-

ecation. Left untreated the cow will die.

If the cow still has a swallow reflex then an oral supplement can be given. However once the cow is down and is unable to lift her head then the infusion of a calciumbased solution is vital.

This must be given slowly as the condition of the heart is vulnerable at this stage. Ideally when treating, an attending vet can monitor the heartbeat to assess how well the treatment is being tolerated and

adjust accordingly.

Once the infusion of calcium is administered, recovery is almost instant. Initially the head will lift and if she has not been down for long, will attempt to get on her feet. Once she has the swallow reflex it is important to maintain the blood calcium level for at least 12 hours to guard against a relapse, done orally with an oral calcium supplement. If the combination of calcium infusions followed by a bottle of calcium is not enough to get the cow back on her feet then it is probably more than a case of simple milk fever. Contact your vet to assess why she is unable to recover.

Timely (not neighbourly) advice on subdivision When planning a subdivision – the world is moving too fast to rely on hearsay.

Thames-Coromandel District will soon go to court to settle the objections to its proposed plan change that has not been resolved by mediation.

This plan change process has been going on for several years now and the Environment Court will be under pressure from the government to get the issues resolved as quickly as possible. We believe that some radical changes proposed will be reversed by the court, if not resolved during mediation.

We believe that the move to a 20 hectare minimum rural lot size was not justified and may

well be withdrawn in due course. Also, we believe that there are very good grounds for reintroducing the subdivision bonus given for protecting ecological features in the previous District Plan. That rule served land custodians well. Council proposed that this should only relate to specific identified areas and it was challenged by many.

Waikato District Council is at the other end of

2 bale linkage feeder

the planning cycle where it is ready to announce its new subdivision rules later this year. Since it annexed part of the Franklin District in the Super City formation, it has been operating under two separate sets of subdivision rules. The two sets of rules are quite different in nature so, I predict, bringing them together will struggle to keep anyone happy.

The Franklin Plan allows lifestyle blocks to be established in lieu of established titles being amalgamated – normally involving different parties – whereas the old Waikato rules generally allow subdivision of a lifestyle block from an older property exceeding 20 hectares in area. In the end, I believe that we will see lifestyle blocks only able to be subdivided from farms exceeding 40

hectares, if at all.

The overarching theme here is that the subdivision planning rules do not stand still – they are always a moving target.

There is, therefore, good reason not to rely on your neighbour’s past experience.

The job of an experienced surveyor is to balance the allowable subdivision under council rules with the land topography and potential use to come up with a concept that makes the most of your biggest asset. We must listen to the owner, because you know the land much better than we do.

So, if you are contemplating any subdivision or changes to your boundaries and want to get the best value out of your land, rather than talk to a friend or neighbour, call an experienced surveying company for specialist advice.

Brent Trail, managing director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications and complete subdivisions across the Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.

Page 25

Fieldays Recap Lift Out

The President’s Choice Award in the 2017 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Awards went to Cambridge artist Terry Pluck with his artwork ‘Size No.8 Gumboots’ created using more than 50 metres of No 8 wire. See full story on page 28.

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Page 26

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Record crowds again at Fieldays

A giant panda and girls in traditional dress were among the attractions which tempted Fieldays’ visitors to the China site.

The popularity of the New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays continues to grow, with a record 133,588 people attending the fourday event at Mystery Creek in June.

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"The level of investment and professionalism by exhibitors, combined with reasonably good weather has resulted in record crowds,” says Fieldays chief executive Peter Nation.

“We've had early reports from exhibitors stating that sales were strong, in some cases exceeding show targets in their first day of trading."

Final visitor numbers were 26,140 on Wednesday,

33,528 on Thursday, 40,104 on Friday and 33,816 on Saturday, exceeding the six-yearly average for day four by 4800.

The event has something for everyone, from a taste of rural history in the Agriculture Heritage Museum, to the Kiwi’s Best Kitchen, to the Lifestyle and the Town and Country Marquees with their astounding array of diverse products, services, foods and beverages on offer.

The Mystery Creek Pavillion is the focus of a wide range of exhibits from innovative new products to universities, colleges and government departments.

Fieldays now has a number of ‘food hubs’ located in different parts of its huge site, most with seating, which ensure visitors have somewhere to refuel and rest before embarking on the next leg of their Fieldays exploration.

However, many exhibitors, including Fonterra and Zespri, were giving away samples of food and drink to visitors too.

Fieldays had an international flavour with exhibitors from China, Korea, Ireland and Brittan.

Big machinery is always a draw card for visitors of all ages and there was no shortage of tractors and trucks to view.

As always, the Innovation Centre was very popular as was the Careers and Education Hub. The Health Hub, with its free health checks, seminars and information, attracted a steady stream of people.

The Rural Bachelor contest, the tractor pull, the Festival of Logging and fencing competitions were also high on the must-see list for many.

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 27

Aztech builds big for first Fieldays’ appearance Aztech Buildings, the company which has constructed buildings on more than 400,000 square metres of New Zealand, also covered a very large site when it made its first appearance at the Mystery Creek Fieldays in June this year.

Matt Hoyle, Aztech’s general manager, says the company has always been heavily involved in the supply of agricultural buildings and decided it was well overdue to take part in Fieldays. The impressive building on the corner of D St and J Rd certainly made a statement.

“We supplied and constructed a pole shed with a roof area of 540 square metres to cover our site and to demonstrate some of the key features and Clearspan capability

of our building systems. Starting at a $1 reserve, the building with a recommended retail value of $77,050 sold for $65,100, so someone got a bargain.”

Aztech Buildings is a family-owned business which prides itself on taking a personal approach to each job. “That approach is reflected in the fact that 98 per cent of our clients say they are likely to refer us to others looking to build,” says Matt.

From implement sheds to large-scale dairy housing, Aztech is well-known for its extensive range of rural buildings. However, the company also constructs quality buildings for lifestyle and commercial applications beyond farming.

Sales consultant Hamish Prestidge says farmers who construct barns to shelter and stand their dairy cows off-pasture in winter also find they make a significant difference to cow health and milk

production in summer.

“The barns provide shade from the sun and a cooler environment for cows, with the result that milk production is maintained.

It’s a benefit many farmers are not initially aware of when they build a barn.”

Aztech offers a choice of standard or customised kitset or constructed buildings, backed by a service which is dedicated to making the building process as hassle- free as possible.

Matt Hoyle, Aztech’s genera l manager (left) and sales consultant Hamish Prestidge on the company’s site.

Aztech Buildings’ impressive building on the corner of D St and J Rd at Fieldays certainly made a statement.

“We capture our clients’ ideas by seamlessly uniting design with project management to ensure we deliver real, achievable and measurable results,” says Matt.

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 28

No 8 wire’s versatility is limited only by imagination There has never been any doubt about the versatility of No 8 wire, nor the imaginative uses people put it to – so it should come as no surprise that the material has been used to make a political statement.

"In New Zealand we don't need walls, only fences" is what the big letters, formed from No 8 wire and placed on a grassy background say.

They are the work of Auckland's Jill Godwin who called the piece ‘Fences vs Walls’.

It won her the top prize in the 2017 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art

Award and was among the artworks on display near the village green at Mystery Creek Fieldays in June.

“This work is relevant, globally, nationally and personally,” Jill’s explanation of her art says. It was inspired by discussion with her father about plans by other nations to build walls.

“Symbolically fences are transparent boundaries that keep us safe while remaining connected. Cows, sheep and humans alike can keep each other in sight without treading on cloven hooves or toes – not so with a wall.”

with her sculpture, ‘For Suzette’, and Warkworthbased John Mulholland placed third for his work ‘It's a bloody lifesaver’.

Themes run deep

"Some of the entrants in this year's Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award might feel they are a world apart from such icons of NZ art such as Colin McCahon Flexible Tank Engineering and Ralph Hotere, but Flexible Tank Engineering the themes that inform the work of major NZ Flexible Tank Flexible Engineering Tank Engineering artists run deep. They lexible Tank Engineering resurface again here in many of the works in the ‘Kiwi-ness’ praised exhibition,” says Robin.

Jill’s win earned her the "What we see here in Anna Gedson created this piece called T.G the finalists of the Fieldays major prize of $7000 in the in memory of her father Terry Gedson. annual competition, partnered 2017 No.8 Wire National

by Farmlands and managed Art Award is art that taps a deep well of creativity in New Zealanders."

by Waikato Museum. Judge Dr Robin Woodward The calibre of artworks also impressed New Zeapraised the "down-to-Earth Kiwi-ness" of Jill’s work.

Anton Meier A 251 Lee Martin Rd, RD1, Cambridge, NZ land National Fieldays Society president Peter Carr, It tells the world what New Zealanders are all about M 021 289 5999 P 07 829 5940 W www.flexitanksnz.com who was pleased to see artists from previous years as a society, he says.

E anton@flexitanksnz.com “Liquid Storage Solutions” Anton Meier A 251 Lee Martin Rd, RD1, Cambridge, NZ returning.

"We need No.8 wire for all sorts M 021 289 5999 P 07 829 5940 W www.flexitanksnz.com The 2017 President's Choice Award went of things, not least of all is a E anton@flexitanksnz.com “Liquid Storage Solutions” to Cambridge artist Terry Pluck with his fence. But in NZ we don't Anton Anton Meier Meier A 251 Lee Martin RD1,Rd, Cambridge, NZ A 251 LeeRd, Martin RD1,need Cambridge, artwork ‘Size No.8 Gumboots’ which he a wall."NZ NZwww.flexitanksnz.com Anton Meier W www.flexitanksnz.com M 021 289 M 021 5999289 P 5999 07 829P5940 07 829 5940A 251 Lee Martin Rd, RD1, Cambridge, W Gaye Jurisich from Hamcreated using more than 50 metres of No M 021 289 5999 P 07E 829 5940 W www.flexitanksnz.com “Liquid Storage Solutions” E anton@flexitanksnz.com anton@flexitanksnz.com “Liquid Storage 8 wire. ilton Solutions” was the runner-up anton@flexitanksnz.com “Liquid Storage Solutions” "Synonymous with farming and the society's founding objective, the piece brings town and country together," says Peter.

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Left: John Mulholland placed third for his work ‘It's a bloody lifesaver’.

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Jill Godwin’s work ‘Fences vs Walls’ won the 2017 Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award.

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Page 29

Innovative solution for removing dirty boots “That essential item you never knew you needed,” is how the Eliminar team describes its boot removers.

The Young Enterprise business team of year 13 students from Westmount School campuses in Timaru and Dunedin launched the hands-free, galvanised steel boot remover in the Innovation Centre at Fieldays, offering the public the chance to try out the device.

Company CEO and communications manager Bella Boakes says the idea for the boot remover came from the team’s search for a useful and practical device for farmers, gardeners and anyone who works outside.

The concept won the approval of investors taking part in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ event in May when Eliminar won the award for best investment potential.

“Out of all the 22 teams competing at our Otago Dragon's Den we were the one team that they would have picked to invest in.”

The team includes Bella as CEO, sales Arlen Williamson, production Zane Richards, production and marketing Cassidy Blampied, marketing Sabina Lewis and finance Amy Suckling.

We were also highly commended on our business presentation.”

The Young Enterprise Scheme is a New Zealand-wide competition run by the Lion Foundation to encourage students to be innovative and come up with solutions, to work as a team and to network with a range of people to grow their business.

“We presented our business to a group of judges and “Dragons”, who marked us on our overall business presentation and our potential. It was also really interesting seeing all the other groups we competing against for nationals,” says Bella.

ing over to take off your boots and getting a muddy hand or sock for your effort. Now with our Boot Remover, you can relax when your work is done.”

That’s because it’s designed to allow those with even the largest feet to step into the device, removing each boot

without bending, and walk inside with clean socks. The Boot Remover is NZ-made of steel and zinc, plated in a choice of either silver or gold, and comes with a two-year guarantee.

To find out more go to www.eliminar.co.nz Elaine Fisher

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The Eliminar team’s stand at Fieldays was professionally presented, with, in addition to chance to try the boot remover, a video of it in use, plus samples of the product and pamphlets.

Cassidy says Boot Remover is an innovative solution to make life easier. “When you take your gumboots off after a hard day there is nothing worse than bend-

Highly commended “The judges and Dragons loved our product and business. We had some really encouraging feedback from a range of people at the Dragon's Den.

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Page 30

Growing Growing25% 25%more moregrass grassusing using50% 50%less less Nitrogen?

Nitrogen?Now Nowthat thatwould wouldbebesomething. something.

G N

WARREN WARREN STOPPED STOPPED USING USING UREA UREA The results The results werewere so conclusive, so conclusive, Warren Warren decided decided to cuttoUrea cut Urea out of out hisofsystem his system completely, completely, replacing replacing it with it with SOA.SOA. He also He agreed also agreed to gotoongoaon fertiliser a fertiliser planplan that that would would bringbring the 16 thesoil 16nutrients soil nutrients to their to their proper proper levelslevels in relation in relation to each to each other.other.

THETHE UNKNOWN UNKNOWN UPSIDES UPSIDES According According to David, to David, manymany farmers farmers don’tdon’t realise realise that Nitrogen that Nitrogen grows grows bulkbulk feed,feed, but not butquality not quality feed.feed.

In November In November 2016, 2016, David David LawLaw of Forward of Forward Farming Farming waswas asked asked to visit to visit a farmer a farmer whowho “From “From my time my time in farming, in farming, I discovered I discovered incredible incredible waswas pulling pulling his hair his hair out.out.

TheThe farmer farmer (we’ll (we’ll call call himhim Warren) Warren) hadhad started started the season the season withwith upsides upsides to properly to properly feeding feeding the soil theand soil soil andmicro-bisoil micro-bi500 500 cowscows to calve to calve andand nownow hadhad a little a little overover 460 460 withwith which which to complete to complete the season. the season.

22 22 ology.ology. cowscows dieddied fromfrom metabolic metabolic problems, problems, 63 had 63 had clinical clinical milkmilk fever, fever, andand some some hadhad aborted. aborted.

“Yes,“Yes, I grew I grew moremore grass,grass, but itbut wasit better was better grass.grass.

It was It was nutrient-dense nutrient-dense feed that feed was that far wasmore far more palatable, palatable, the the that can thatbe canallowed be allowed to grow to grow longer longer and can andbe can be words, words, Nitrogen Nitrogen is theisgrass-grower the grass-grower and the and the type type DAVID’S DAVID’S FIRST FIRST QUESTION QUESTION TO WARREN TO WARRENotherother grazed grazed clean clean by cows by cows at 3300kg/ha. at 3300kg/ha. moremore you use youthe usebetter. the better.

“How“How muchmuch Nitrogen Nitrogen are you areusing?” you using?”

“The“The rootsroots of that of grass that grass measured measured 800mm.

800mm.

ThatThat in in “I use“I806kgUrea/ha” use 806kgUrea/ha” I CHALLENGE I CHALLENGE YOU YOU TO TO A TEST! A TEST! itselfitself mitigated mitigated leaching leaching and grew and grew betterbetter grass.grass. s when s when David David issued issued him him an unusual an unusual challenge: challenge: “That’ “That’ s your s your problem problem rightright there.there.

You’re You’re usingusing way way That’That’ by properly by properly feeding feeding the soil, the Isoil, wasI helping was helping goodgood “I can “I grow can grow you more you more grass grass with with far less far Nitrogen less Nitrogen and and“Also“Also too much too much Nitrogen.

Nitrogen.

HalveHalve it!” it!” soil organisms suppress suppress the activity the activity of soilofpathogens. soil pathogens.

I canIprove can prove it. So,it.let’ So, s do let’as do test.aYou test. carry You carry on with on with youryoursoil organisms As radical As radical as that as sounded, that sounded, David David had already had already That That caused caused a drop a drop in Mastitis in Mastitis , Facial , Facial eczema, eczema, FootFoot UreaUrea system system for half forthe halffarm, the farm, and I’ll andtreat I’ll treat the other the other proven proven his Nitrogen his Nitrogen ideasideas during during 35 years 35 years of of Rot and Rot Milk and Milk Fever.

Fever. half with half with my system, my system, usingusing less N. lessWe’ll N. We’ll see who see who growsgrows farming. farming.

His own His own testing testing started started in 2002, in 2002, whenwhen he he moremore grass.grass. ” ” “As farmers, “As farmers, we’vewe’ve beenbeen brainwashed brainwashed into thinking into thinking began began running running his farm his farm on biological on biological principles. principles. that Urea is theisgo-to the go-to product product for grass for grass growth. growth.

We’reWe’re The trial The took trial took placeplace fromfrom December December to February, to February, in in that Urea David David was told: was told: It won’t It won’t work.work. afraid afraid that using that using less Nitrogen less Nitrogen will result will result in less in grass. less grass. conditions conditions whenwhen UreaUrea is at its is at best. its best.

It’s airy-fairy.

It’s airy-fairy.

That’That’ s notshow not how we doweit.do it.

But as But Warren as Warren foundfound out, that’ out,sthat’ notstrue. not true.

To begin To begin the trial, the trial, David David insisted insisted on carrying on carrying out aout a David David recalls: recalls: “They “They werewere right.right.

Feeding Feeding the soil the soil now now that we’re that we’re properly properly balancing balancing the 16 thenutri16 nutrisoiland test that and his thatrecommendation his recommendation of fertiliser of fertiliser And And biology biology was not washow not how we were we were taught taught to grow to grow grass.grass. soil test ents hisofsoil, his his soil,animals his animals will come will come right.right.

TheyThey won’twon’t be applied. be applied.

But that But came that came withwith a warning: a warning: ents of We all Webelieved all believed that Superphosphate that Superphosphate and Urea and Urea werewere blendblend get sick getlike sickthey like they did before did before and his andmilk his milk production production the products the products we needed. we needed.

“You’ll “You’ll be tempted be tempted to change to change my recommendation my recommendation will go willup.go ” up.” to create to create your your own own brew. brew.

Don’t.

Don’t.

You’ve You’ve askedasked me me “I believed “I believed it as well. it as”well.” to solve to solve a problem, a problem, so dosoexactly do exactly whatwhat I sayIorsay you or you 36%36% MORE MORE GRASS GRASS USING USING 80%80% LESS LESS won’twon’t get the getresults the results you’reyou’re after.”after.

Warren ” Warren agreed. agreed.

JUST JUST WHAT WHAT THETHE SOUTH SOUTH NEEDS? NEEDS?

NITROGEN NITROGEN

Farmers Farmers in theinSouth the South Island Island havehave to contend to contend WHO WHO DIDDID WHAT? WHAT? EvenEven so, David so, David decided decided to test toother test other ideasideas and and Sulphate Sulphate of of colder colder weather. weather.

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Below Below 10 de10 derotation rotation = 28kg = 28kg N/haN/ha everyevery 20 days.

20 days. determined determined by a by high a high use of use nitrogen. of nitrogen. grees,grees, UreaUrea doesdoes not grow not grow grass.grass.

In fact, In fact, UreaUrea David David applied applied 150kg 150kg Sulphate Sulphate of Ammonia/ha/evof Ammonia/ha/ev- itselfitself has a has cooling a cooling affect affect on the on soil. the soil.

In the Inspace the space of two of years, two years, David David tooktook his farm his farm ery 2nd ery rotation 2nd rotation = 16kg = 16kg N/haN/ha everyevery 40 days, 40 days, withwith fromfrom growing growing But SOA But SOA actually actually warms warms the soil theand soil can andgrow can grow nothing nothing in between. in between.

• 14•tonne 14 tonne dm/ha/yr dm/ha/yr usingusing 150kg 150kg of N/ha/yr of N/ha/yr grassgrass eveneven at 6 degrees at 6 degrees soil temperature. soil temperature.

During the trial, the trial, a strict a strict regime regime of grass-measuring of grass-measuring • to •19totonne 19 tonne dm/ha/yr dm/ha/yr by only by only usingusing 30kg30kg of N/of N/ During also has alsoahas slower a slower release, release, which which means means it it included included measuring measuring pre-grazing pre-grazing levelslevels + post-graz+ post-graz- SOASOA ha/yr.ha/yr. longer longer in theinsoil. the soil. ing levels. ing levels.

ThisThis would would give give a truea true indication indication of each of each lasts lasts That’That’ s 36% s 36% moremore grassgrass usingusing 80%80% less nitrogen. less nitrogen. system’ system’ s effectiveness. s effectiveness.

To learn To learn moremore aboutabout issuesissues raised raised in this inarticle, this article, WARREN WARREN WAS WAS NOT NOT BUYING BUYING IT. IT. contact contact David David Law Law on 027 on490 0279896 490 9896 or visit or his visit his But to But Warren, to Warren, the idea the idea of halving of halving his Nhis was N awas a THETHE RESULT: RESULT: WHO WHO WON? WON? website: website: www.forwardfarming.co.nz www.forwardfarming.co.nz shock. shock.

“I don’t “I don’t wantwant to grow to grow less grass!” less grass!” was his was his AfterAfter four four rotations, rotations, David’ David’ s halfs of half theoffarm the farm response. response.

His reaction His reaction was understandable: was understandable: LikeLike had yielded 8kg/ha 8kg/ha moremore grassgrass usingusing 46kg46kg N/ N/ mostmost farmers, farmers, Warren Warren heldheld a belief a belief that using that using Su- Su- had yielded ha less ha in less total. in total. perphosphate perphosphate and Urea and Urea is theisway the way to grow to grow grass.grass.

In In

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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 31

Manuka productive use of marginal land Kauri Park Nurseries business development manager Andrew Wearmouth first floated the idea of planting Manuka on marginal land when he attended Fieldays in 2014.

“It was considered quite an unusual idea back then, but it always seemed to me that Manuka plantations would be a better use of marginal land than forestry as they would produce an income for landowners from honey and be a long-term solution for protecting the environment.”

enances that flower earlier and flower later than the local provenance – and planting a reasonable area to maximise the opportunities for a more pure Manuka honey.

Optimum planting density is considered to be at 2.5m by 2.5m centres, which equates to 1600 stems per hectare. Planting is carried out during the wetter months from May through to November.

Kauri Park’s Manuka genetic improvement programme is focused on selecting superior plants from the wild that are strong and vigorous and are more attractive to bees.

“Mother plants are then tested for high levels of Dihydroxyacetone in the nectar and recorded for higher volumes of nectar. All selections are recorded for timing of flowering also,” says Andrew.

Andrew says the GPS position of selected plants is recorded so seed can be collected from the same mother plants year-after-year. Samples of the progeny of the mother plants are being planted in trials throughout the country to compare the timing of flowering and performance in different climates

and soil conditions.

Kauri Park Nurseries offers on-site advice and planning at no charge; several million plants to order from; delivery of the plants directly to the planting site; planting services, and pre-plant and post-plant weed spraying services if required.

Manuka Provenances

Kaitaia

GPS recorded

Selections are made from all over New Zealand, from the Far North, Hokianga, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, East Coast, Wairarapa, Central North Island, King Country, Wanganui, Taranaki, Marlborough, Nelson, West Coast, Kaikoura, Otago and Southland – and everywhere in between.

Andrew Wearmouth, Kauri Park Nurseries business development manager, with Manuka seedling on the company’s Fieldays site.

Each year Kauri Park grows five million Manuka seedlings, mainly for plantation plantings. It is a Ministry for Primary Industries’ accredited Myrtle rust-free nursery.

“Every truck-load of plants that is dispatched from our nursery is inspected for Myrtle rust. If no Myrtle rust is observed, a declaration form is signed stating that the plants have been inspected and found free of the rust.”

This procedure has come into play since the fungal disease Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii), was identified in New Zealand in early May. Also known as guava rust and eucalyptus rust, Myrtle rust could affect iconic New Zealand plants including pohutukawa, manuka, rata, kanuka, swamp maire and ramarama, as well as commercially-grown species such as eucalyptus, feijoa and guava.

According to MPI, severe infestations can kill affected plants and have long-term impacts on the regeneration of young plants and seedlings.

Local provenance

Andrew says Kauri Park is taking the disease seriously, but takes some comfort from the fact that it has been in Australia since 2010 and is not considered a serious disease for leptospermum and eucalyptus species in that country. “It can be controlled with fungicides and as far as I’m aware has only been identified on a single Manuka plant to date.”

For planting a plantation, Kauri Park would generally recommend planting a predominance of the local provenance with a percentage of plants from prov-

Coromandel

Marlborough

East Cape

Wairarapa

Taranaki

Page 32

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Calf pen production geared to meet August deadline Production of bobby calf pens is in full swing at Corohawk as the team at the Ohaupo-based company works to meet orders from throughout the country.

Corohawk’s stand at Fieldays featured a range of the company’s products, including the calf pens which meet new MPI standards.

“Clients who visited our stand at Fieldays were impressed when they saw our calf pens, many saying they were strongest built ones they have seen,” says Chris Hawking of Corohawk.

New standards

“Time is running out for farmers to meet the new MPI requirements for pens by August 1 so we’ve had a flood of orders. I’ve taken on more staff to meet demand and we have the ability to produce 100 pens in a four-week period,” says Chris.

Corohawk’s pens and ramps meet the new requirements for calf holding and loading facilities, which apply to the handling of all calves, not just bobby calves but also heifer calves going to sales.

“MPI has made it clear they will be checking to see if farmers comply and issuing infringement notices to those who don’t.”

The pens weren’t the only prod-

uct on demand at the company’s Fieldays stand. “We received orders for three truckloads of our round calf shelters which is earlier than normal as usually these are in demand closer to spring.”

Corohawk also received orders for water tanks and effluent tanks.

Industry confidence

Attending Fieldays was again worthwhile for the company, with a lot more confidence back in the industry. “It’s not as social as it used to be, especially among exhibitors. In the past networking among exhibitors has been an important part of Fieldays. It is a good way to see what trends are in

the market place,” says Chris.

However, Chris and his team enjoyed the event and the chance to talk to clients and discuss the extensive range of products Corohawk designs and manufactures specially to meet the changing needs of New Zealand farmers.

On display at Corohawk’s Fieldays site were bobby calf pens, in-shed dairy feed systems, its range of kennels and animal shelters including for calves.

Corohawk also supplies Jamesway Hatchery equipment as well as Chore-Time Silos, feeder and drinker lines for the poultry industry.

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 33

The Bio-Circle.

TM

The key to making your farm profitable

Healthy Grass

Healthy Animals

Healthy Production

Healthy Bank Balance

What every farmer wants

The Microbial Good Guys

What things get transferred?

Every farmer is in business to make a decent return.

To have that healthy bank balance, you need to be producing enough milk, which is the by-product of your cows being healthy and productive.

For a farm to thrive, good bacteria need to be present and active. In the soil, these good guys do all kinds of crucial grass-growing things: Mineralise nutrients into plant-available forms Release nitrogen and nutrients for plants to use Increase nutrient retention Suppress disease-causing pathogens Detoxify the soil by degrading toxic materials Improve the accumulation of organic matter Produce plant-growth hormones Ensure root architecture is correct and extensive Enhance soil structure to improve water flow

• Nutrients get transferred: balanced or imbalanced

For your animals to be healthy, your grass needs to be plentiful and nutrition-rich

The science of growing grass Most farmers tend to grow grass by focusing on grass. Makes sense, right? But from a scientific point of view, the key to growing grass is paying close attention to what’s going on beneath the layer of green.

The biology of the soil is the key.

Your farm is a Bio-Circle

TM

That simply means that every key area flows into and out of other key areas. What’s in the soil goes into the grass. What’s in the grass goes into the cow.

What’s in the cow goes into the effluent pond.

Your Soil is a grass-growing factory Think of what a factory is: a place where goods are manufactured. But manufacturing requires more than just a location. To produce goods, a factory needs to be filled with workers – labourers who have specific jobs that enable products to be made.

Just like a typical factory, your soil is filled with workers. These are the organisms that are labouring to make tonnes of healthy grass for your herd. Without this underground workforce, nothing grows. They are literally that important.

To read more: fowardfarming.co.nz To contact David Law: 027 490 9896

• Organisms get transferred: both beneficial and disease-causing • pH levels get transferred: helpful or detrimental

3 crucial things to grasp 1. The transfer is unavoidable: everything moves from one area to another. From soil to grass to gut to milk to pond and back to soil.

2. The transfer works for you or against you: If good biology and the right nutrients are in your soil, the benefits will be experienced in your grass, animals, milk, and effluent pond.

But if harmful organisms and chemicals are in the soil, their negative impact will also bring down the grass, animals, milk and pond.

3. A farmer chooses the state of his Bio-Circle: Because you choose what goes into the soil, you have the power to help or hurt the biological entities within your soil.

Look after the good guys!

To give give the soil and soil biology what they need, do the following things: 1. Periodically test your soil to understand its composition – which nutrients are high, requiring no additions, and which nutrients are low and in need of a boost. Then choose a fertiliser blend that supplies only what’s needed.

2. Don’t harm the good guys with chemicals (chlorine) and acidic products (like NPK fertilisers high in Nitrogent).

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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Do we have to kill the good guys to get the bad guys?

PATHOGENS: Bacteria Bad Guys

Good microbes in your POND

Could it be Chlorine?

They’re called Pathogens, microscopic organisms that cause human disease by direct invasion of body tissue. These bad guys reproduce on their own and often produce toxins that poison the cells they invade.

One type of beneficial microbe is the Slurry Bug. When these aerobic bacteria are in an effluent pond, they help the farmer by: 1. Eating pond crust and sludge, giving the farmer liquified, spreadable effluent.

2. Converting volatile effluent nutrients into stable forms that are readily available to plants.

3. Reducing leaching and soil run-off.

4. Reducing pond odor by capturing the ammonia within the urine.

Upon asking the farmer about his activties, we learned he had recently washed Chlorine into the pond after cleaning down the yard.

They have to be killed.

The way farmers typically destroy these dangerous microorganisms is with chlorine. And it works – chlorine is an effective sanitizer.

CHLORINE: A bomb blast that kills everything The problem with standard chlorine is that it doesn’t differentiate between Bad Bacteria and Good Bacteria. It is a bomb blast that kills all microorganisms indiscrimiately.

Slurry Bugs are the good guys that can save farmers thousands of dollars (and time) in effluent management .

Green Death in the Pond In March this year, something strange happened at a Waikato pond we were treating with Slurry Bugs.

The Bacteria Good Guys Good bacteria are Nature’s allies. For a farm to thrive, good bacteria need to be present and active. In the soil, these good guys do the following: Mineralise nutrients into plant-available forms Release nitrogen and nutrients for plants to use Increase nutrient retention Suppress disease-causing pathogens Detoxify the soil by degrading toxic materials Improve the accumulation of organic matter Produce plant-growth hormones Ensure root architecture is correct and extensive Enhance soil structure to improve water flow and reduce erosion

After initially seeing the solids eaten away, the condition of pond began to go backwards.

We also noticed a green coloration in areas of the pond where Slurry Bug activity had been dynamic. On closer inspection, it was clear that the Slurry Bugs were no longer active. Something had killed the Good Guys.

To read more: fowardfarming.co.nz To contact David Law: 027 490 9896

To confirm the presence of chlorine, we took pond samples from the affected area to a laboratory. Tests conclusively showed that the green coloration was the killing reaction of Chlorine with the Slurry Bugs.

Further confirmation came in the form of phone calls from other farmers informing us that they had somehow “killed the bugs”.

All of them had recently washed chlorine into their effluent ponds.

But what’s the alternative to the Chlorine Bomb?

Chlorine is the accepted germ killer. So before farmers will consider using another sanitiser, the alternative must tick two big boxes: It must kill bad bacteria as effectively as chlorine.

It must be as easy to use and as cost-effective as chlorine.

So what’s the effective alternative to chlorine?

DX50: a powerful, new eco-friendly sanitiser DX50 is Chlorine Dioxide, an eco-friendly chemical engineered to be highly selective in its bacteria killing.

DX50 kills 2.46 times better than Chlorine and at kills a wider range of pathogens.

TM

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 35

The New Sanitiser

u Eco-friendly & approved v Kills better than chlorine w Costs less to use DX50 is Chlorine Dioxide, an eco-friendly chemical engineered to be highly selective in its bacteria killing.

TM

• A broad-spectrum sanitiser • Kills only pathogens - not good bacteria • Kills 2.46x better than toxic Chlorine • Kills a wider range of pathogens

DX50 is Eco-Friendly

• Effective with cold water

DX50 kills only pathogens

• Non-corrosive: no acidic residue

DX50 is extremely selective, killing only the bad microbes that cause disease.

• Effective at breaking down dairy plant bio-films

Here’s how it works: Pathogens are

small and carry a low energy charge – 200MV. DX50/Chlorine Dioxide carries a voltage of 942MV. This superior voltage gives it an electrical strength that overpowers the weaker bacteria.

• MPI approved for use in farm dairies Good bacteria are larger in size and carry a voltage of 1000+MV. This superior voltage gives the Good Guys enough strength to resist the electron exchange that DX50 seeks to enforce.

When DX50 contact with bacteria, it seeks to give one of its four electrons to the micro-organism. Bad bacteria don’t want to make the exchange but are forced to receive the extra electron because of DX50’s superior 942MV 200MV electrical strength.

Pathogens Chlorine Dioxide This give-and-take process is called oxidation, and it is lethal to bad bacteria.

Because no electron exchange is possible, good bacteria swim happily in the DX50 wash. No harm done.

To read more: fowardfarming.co.nz To contact David Law: 027 490 9896

Zero Harmful Residues During trials, testing showed that DX50 produced zero residue in discarded rinse water (safe for waterways and effluent ponds and soil).

That’s why Chlorine Dioxide has an EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) rating of 9.1D – the lowest rating available.

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 36

New Sanitiser

u Eco-friendly & approved v Kills better than chlorine w Costs less to use

No resistance possible

DX50 kills 2.46x better than chlorine DX50 Dairy Sanitiser is Chlorine Dioxide in aqueous solution and is 2.46 times more effectively at oxidising (killing) harmful bacteria than standard chlorine.

Why does DX50 kill pathogens more effectively?

When DX50 comes into contact with bacteria, it seeks to give one of its four electrons to the microorganism. Bad bacteria don’t want to make the exchange but are forced to receive the extra electron because of DX50’s superior electrical strength. This give-and-take process is called oxidation and it is lethal to bacteria.

Beneath the surface is the key When oxidation occurs, the cell wall of the bacteria is dissolved, exposing the enzymes that lie beneath the surface. These enzymes control

the biochemical reactions within that cell. When DX50contacts these enzymes, it immediately deactivates them by breaking their chemical chains. With the enzymes ruined, the pathogenic bacteria is instantly destroyed.

Chemical

Killing Power

DX50

High 2.46

Chlorine

Moderate 1.0

Chlorine Dioxide

The triggering action for DX50 Dairy Sanitiser is the sugar-like substances that are an integral part of the target pathogen cell walls. Due to this mode of action, disease bearing organisms cannot build up resistance to the product.

Very wide kill range DX50 Dairy Sanitiser is not pH dependent and works most effectively in cold water. DX50 can also break down the protective bio-film surrounding a wide range of pathogens.

Parts Per Million

Dose

Killing Speed

Broad Spectrum: effective against all bacteria, E coli, virus, mould, fungi algae and spore formers

50 ppm

Minutes

Negligible at use concentration

2-11 pH

Less effective against fungi & spore formers.

Ineffective against viruses.

12,000 ppm

Minutes to hours

High for most metals

6.8-7.3 pH

Microbial Range

Corrosivity

Optimal Kill conditions

DX50 cost 15-20% less DX50 has superior bacteria killing power: it kills 2.46 times more effectively than chlorine @50ppm vs 12,000ppm of chlorine.

That means far less product is required to achieve better sanitising results. That’s the first part of the cost saving.

These savings are magnified when you take account that Dx50 works best in COLD water.

That’s 7 afternoon washes every week with zero heating bills. That’s a 15-20% saving on sanitising costs.

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To read more: fowardfarming.co.nz To contact David Law: 027 490 9896

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Page 37

Pictured on Power Farming’s winning site are from back left; Duncan Inder, national product manager for Kioti, Brett Maber marketing director, Alistair Horrocks, national sales manager for SDF Tractors with promo girls Hannah Devlin and Maddy Ross.

Power Farming’s site winner Power Farming scooped the supreme site award at the 49th New Zealand Agricultural Fieldays at the Mystery Creek Events Centre in June.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation says he’s impressed with the talent and creativity that is displayed each year at Fieldays and honoured Power Farming with the Fieldays Supreme Site Award in recognition of exceptional customer service and creation of a successful agricultural environment.

“Companies invest many hours in planning and designing their sites and we wish to recognise the huge amount of time and money supporting our objectives in delivering a world-class event,” says Peter.

Power Farming marketing director Brett Maber says

the award is due to a real team effort. “It’s great to be recognised for all the work we put into our sites. All the staff have been working hard, from moving bark to handing out brochures, and it’s just good to see that hard work gets noticed.”

Fieldays is the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere and draws exhibitors and visitors from around New Zealand and the world.

With 133,588 people visiting the event this year, the Fieldays site awards highlighted the effort and dedication of the exhibitors with the months of planning and weeks of hard work that go towards creating an innovative site.

The event is run by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, a charitable organisation founded in 1968 for the purpose of advancing agriculture through innovation, technology, education and internationalisation.

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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Making an entrance yet again at Fieldays

Beams & Timber Direct Ltd provided its trade-marked Interlock fence system for the Agriculture Heritage Museum at Mystery Creek.

Beams & Timber Direct Ltd, which has been exhibiting its BTD Interlock Fencing and gates at Fieldays since 2004, really did make a statement at this year’s event – thanks to its impressive entranceway featuring large posts and attractive gate sets.

“The entranceway received a lot of attention and certainly drew people into our site,” says Julie Fox, who with husband Graeme, owns Beams & Timber Direct Ltd. “The site we shared with Matamata Post & Rail was so impressive that it won the Fieldays 2017 Best Outdoor Agri-business Site award. We were all thrilled with the award,” says Julie.

Beams & Timber Direct also had another chance to showcase its fencing in the form of stunning new timber fencing and gates installed around the Agriculture Heritage Museum at Mystery Creek.

“The contract to supply the museum site was a real bonus as we were able to direct people there

to see even more of our fencing, in particular our smaller standard fence post sizes.”

Mystery Creek Events Centre heritage coordinator Alan Reilly says the Agriculture Heritage Museum was a busy place during Fieldays. BTD’s Interlock fencing not only kept the museum’s Clydesdales where they should be, but also served to direct visitors around the site too.

Graeme, who created and designed the innovative trade-marked Interlock fence system back in the early 2000s, says Beams & Timber Direct Ltd is the first company in New Zealand to commercially manufacture the square mortise fence.

Over the years BTD has produced many kilometres of their quality fencing for farms, retirement villages – such as Te Awa in Cambridge – commercial entities, public places, subdivisions, urban homes and lifestyle blocks.

“We’ve invested heavily in processing equipment and fine-tuned our product over the past 17 or so years to make it the best it can possibly be. Fieldays this year was another successful event for us with a long list of inquiries to follow-up,” says Julie.

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 39

Farmers focus of new system The sign which read; ‘It all revolves around you’ above the DeLaval display at Mystery Creek Fieldays was more than a play on words.

We’re not just bringing a global compromise to NZ in finished form,” he says.

Justin Thompson, the company’s Oceania sales director says; “It’s in the NZ psyche to take the best of what is done already and make it better. That’s exactly what we’re doing here.”

Jack Scheres, who owns the Tirau farm on which the E100 was tested, is impressed with the rotary and its technology.

Not only did the company unveil its latest DeLaval Rotary E100 milking system at Fieldays, but its statement also reflects DeLaval’s commitment to develop milking soluCow comfort tions for the unique “For us, cow comfort requirements of New comes first and I’ve Zealand farmers. never seen animals so The DeLaval calm in a cowshed.

Rotary E100 is the We’d never worked result of a multiwith DeLaval before. million dollar We’ve always thought development process they imported their and until Fieldays, it technology, so we’ve had been kept under been pleasantly surwraps on a test farm in prised to see this system Tirau where a 500-cow developed here for herd was the first to put NZ dairy conditions,” the system through its paces he says. over the 2016/2017 season. system, designed g “It identifies the cow in ilk m Jonas Hallman, execu00 E1 Fieldays. as she comes in, it tells al Rotary at av eL ed D ch he un T la as tive vice president for ers in mind, w me milk production with Kiwi farm DeLaval Milking Sysor milk loss, and it will automatically draft any tems, travelled from the cow based on parameters I set,” says sharemilker Chap company’s headquarters in Sweden to see the launch Zweirs. “Any cowshed will do the basic job, so the of the new system to a crowd of farmers and invited inbuilt technology was the deciding factor for us to guests at the DeLaval Fieldays site. purchase the E100.”

The DeLaval Rotary E100 is the first phase in a Unique challenges rotary development programme planned by DeLaval “We’ve applied everything we’ve learned over the over the next two years. past 130 years designing and installing dairy As well as the launch on day one of Fieldays, systems around the world, to create a rotary that DeLaval had a team of experts on site including Grant meets the unique challenges of the NZ pasture-based Vickers, DeLaval NZ robotics expert who talked about dairy system. voluntary milking and Luke Crabb, DeLaval NZ auto“For the past three years we’ve had key members of the global engineering team based in our hub in Ham- mation and technology expert who talked to farmers ilton. This is about meeting the needs of NZ farmers. about managing and using on-farm data.

If you’re thinking of upgrading your milking platform we’ve developed a system planning guide to help you get the most out of the process, regardless of which company’s milking system you choose to work with.

To get your copy just visit delaval.co.nz or text “rotary” to 244.

Standard text costs apply.

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Page 40

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Connecting young people to ag careers Finn Hawkings took just a few minutes to “wire” up a John Deere tractor and have its lights and horn operational at Fieldays 2017.

Finn, who lives on a farm at Matamata, enjoyed the challenge. Electronics, he says, are his thing.

But rather than work on tractors, he’d like to be a helicopter pilot.

He was among hundreds of students who visited the Fieldays Careers and Education Hub during the four days of the event, learning about the employment and training opportunities available to them in the agricultural sector.

The hub was the place where students could talk to career champions, take part in the e-learning trail and watch videos or try out the interactive exhibits.

AGrowQuip was among 15 major companies and education providers taking part in the hub this year.

If you are interested in a career with AGrowQuip visit www.agrowquip.co.nz or call 0800 TRACTOR to find out more information.

It did help that the tractor was just a picture, but the wiring challenge Finn completed was not easy.

“Finn did it a lot quicker than many adults,” says Boun Khamwanthong, chief officer of operations and finance, with AGrowQuip.

The challenge was part of the AGrowQuip, JohnDeere stand in the Fieldays Careers and Education Hub which aimed to introduce young people to the wide variety of careers primary industries have to offer.

“There is a shortage of young people with skills in maintaining and repairing tractors within the industry and it’s a career that has much to offer,” says Boun.

“By taking up an apprenticeship, young people can earn while they are learning and once they qualify, earn really good money, and not have a big student loan to pay off.”

The AGrowQuip challenge for students was to connect electrical wires to the right parts of the illustration of a John Deere tractor to make its lights and horn work.

Progress was tested Wired to go - Finn Hawkings of Matamata completed the circuits to get the lights by flipping switches going on this John Deere tractor image at the Fieldays Careers and Education Hub. on a board.

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Warm response to first time at Fieldays For more than 20 years WRS Refrigeration has provided on-farm refrigeration solutions.

farmers at Fieldays is that the WRS Refrigeration chilled water systems are the best priced pre-cooling option they have seen and with the addition of the Mahana hot water The company system farmers said has dairy vat even more savings refrigeration units, can be made. dairy water chiller “It was great to units, dairy duplex see so many of our (combination) and existing customers Mahana Blue water pop in and have heating units all a chat along with fully compatible many enquiries with all modern from others from refrigerants. the wider rural This year was the community. We first time WRS had visitors from Refrigeration the and Mike Barnett on as far afield as had exhibited at Craig Parker ys. lda Fie e at WRS Refrigeration sit Northland to Fieldays and had Invercargill. a very successful “We were so busy that we hardly had week with most of their units sold and a chance to see the other many exhibits many potential sales to come. at Fieldays but we thoroughly enjoyed Company owner Mike Barnett says the event,” says Mike. the overall feedback received from

Police horse patrols prove popular For the first time in 10 years police on horseback patrolled Fieldays, the national agricultural show held at Mystery Creek in June.

time and Fieldays provided stabling and other facilities.

The officer in charge of policing Fieldays, Sergeant Gordon Grantham of Cambridge, says 18 staff were involved.

“Given the crowds of 35-40,000 a day, the fact we only had one theft ex-car, one burglary and three shoplifting complaints reflects well on the efforts of all those involved.”

He says a police stand at the event attracted a lot of interest, particularly a display of two mobile methamphetamine labs and examples of methamphetamine ingredients commonly found on most farms.

Husband-and-wife duo, Senior Constable Bill Eivers and Constable Karen Eivers, rode mounts Ali and Piper and they proved a real crowd-pleaser while deterring opportunist thieves.

“Being up high we could monitor the far-off car parks more effectively in coordination with security staff on quad-bikes and foot patrols,” says Karen.

She says the public response was different to the one she gets in her usual role with Highway Senior Patrol.

Constable “People aren’t always that Bill Eivers pleased to see me – but with o n patrol at the horses the interactions Fieldays. were all positive, which gives you a real boost.”

The horses were supplied by local firm The Gallagher Group, Bill and Karen volunteered their

Page 41

FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 42

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Page 43

Lighting the way to reduce tractor fires Strobe lights and teenagers, it could be assumed, are associated with school balls, but St Paul’s College students have broken that stereotype by installing LED strobe lights in tractors.

Their invention, designed not to start a party but to stop a fire, had its first public showing in the Innovation Centre at Fieldays. k Yarndley of Year 13 agriculture student and Silvana Ground and Joc ion to stop ent inv farmer’s son Jock Yarndley came Flash Inc with their launched y the ich wh ng up with the idea when he became tractors burni Centre. n aware of how big a problem tractor at the Fieldays Innovatio fires are.

“Birds can build a nest under a conducting on-farm research using tractor bonnet in 17 minutes and if the the light to deter birds, checked out farmer doesn’t check for a nest, when the theory with some experts in bird the tractor is turned on and the engine behaviour heats up, the nesting material can catch alight, causing a tractor fire.”

Deterring birds Jock put the idea of a light to stop “We have spoken to the Department birds nesting in tractors to a Young of Conservation and they informed us Enterprise group at St Paul’s. that our predictions of a strobe light Together with Silvana Ground, Sean deterring birds is true,” says Jock.

Dykes, Luke Donaldson and Sophie The product the group came up with Carr Patterson, he formed a company is a strobe light which has its own to research, develop and market the power source and charging system concept. The group came up with which does not affect the tractor’s the name ‘Flash Inc’ and as well as power or battery. Placed under the

Footwear for paddock or pavement Mavis & Mick specialises in European leather shoes. The husband and wife team of Mikala and Seamus Walshe have been operating their Waihi Beach shop for the past two years and their Cambridge shop is very popular as well.

Mick – or Mikala – says they had a very successful Fieldays this year. She reckons after three years with a successful stall at the specialist rural event she has finally got the right formula – “it’s all about the boots!”

Mikala is passionate about footwear and about ensuring everyone is able to wear a style of shoe they desire, one that fits their need and, of course, shoes or boots which also deliver on comfort.

Size really does matter

when it comes to shoes at Mavis & Mick. With a shoe range for girls in the 35 to 43 size range and fine leather shoes for men in the 41 to 47 size range, Mavis & Mick has the right fit for all.

“We specialise in European shoes.” says Mikala, “We have collections from Fly London, Beau Coops and Josef Seibel to name a few.”

She believes the craftsmanship and the exquisite leather which goes into the making of these European shoes, along with the style and wide colour range means there is a shoe to match any wardrobe from the paddock to the city.

“If you love shoes, your feet will love Mavis & Mick.”

Visit the shop in Cambridge or at Waihi Beach to see the latest shoes in stock.

At Fieldays, it’s all about the boots says Mikala Walshe of Mavis & Mick, pictured on the stand at Fieldays 2017.

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bonnet, the light is designed to deter any birds that try to nest in and around the engine.

“I come off a farm and know how much of a problem tractor fires are,” says Jock.

“Having to check your engine for nests before starting your tractors takes time, especially if there is a nest to clear away.

“If the farmer happens not to check and birds have built a nest, it is likely that the tractor will catch alight due to the dry hay which has been brought into the engine by the birds.”

Flash Inc pitched the idea to rural insurance company FMG – suggesting that the light, which costs $300, could result in significant savings in insurance claims.

$2.6m in claims

FMG receives on average 37 claims per year for tractors that have caught fire due to birds’ nests, mostly during October and November when starlings are nesting.

Over the past five years the company has paid $2.6m for birds’ nest fires in tractors. FMG has also received claims for fires in big harvesters caused by nests over the years.

The students plan to go into production with the lights, saving insurance companies money and tractors from burning.

Elaine Fisher

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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP

Page 44

Fork is redesigned to suit home gardeners Broadforks are a handy tool for market gardening and now a Papamoa couple have designed and manufactured a smaller version for home gardeners.

Marco and Tess Partridge of ‘Crafty Gatherer’ set up a demonstration ‘plot’ in a raised wooden box in the Fieldays Innovation Centre to launch their ‘Forksta’ to the public.

T-shaped handle

Traditional broadforks can be a little big for the home gardener, so Marco (the crafty one) decided to design and produce a smaller version which he and Tess (the gatherer) tried out on their lifestyle property in the Papamoa Hills near Tauranga.

Marco says the Forksta weighs about 3.7 kg and has a t-shaped handle which enables the gardener to use their body weight to work the fork into the soil.

Easy to use

Tess and Marco invited the public to stand on the raised garden and try the Forksta for themselves. Those who did quickly found its design made it easy to use.

“As well as being great for gardening, it is also useful for aerating compost and even for lifting and transplanting trees,” says Marco who manufactures the forks from high strength steel.

Crafty Gatherer is described as an artisanal craft company which creates products for home and garden, all of which are 100 per cent New Zealand made.

Aerates soil

Tess says the tool is designed for aerating the soil and creating better drainage. Its use also supports essential soil ecology and helps avoid bringing weed seeds to the surface.

“We don’t turn the soil over as this disturbs the soil ecology which is so vital to healthy soils and plants,” she says.

Living off land

“Through our products and the way we live we hope to empower and motivate others to see that living off the land and with nature is an enjoyable choice. Our big focus is to respect nature, reduce the resources we use and re-use materials where possible.

“After seeing a lot of the waste in this world, we wanted to be part of the solution, not adding to the problem. We look for simple solutions that lead to a more self-sufficient way of being. We aim to work on the land to improve the soil, water, natural habitats and wildlife, while also gathering a yield and making a living,” the couple say.

Elaine Fisher

Marco Partridge w demonstrates ho a st rk Fo e th e to us d an he has designed d. re tu manufac

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AVOCADOS

Page 45

Accreditation aids bio-security

Video documents company’s avocado influence

A trial accreditation programme has boosted biosecurity for international cruise ships and will be expanded for future seasons, says the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The scheme involves collecting background information about vessel stores and pest management practices to determine biosecurity risk.

"It is about knowing where the stores came from, and making sure they are free of biosecurity risk should passengers bring them

ashore," says Steve Gilbert, MPI border clearance services director.

MPI checked information supplied by cruise lines at the beginning of the season. Further checks were carried out during the summer.

Vessels were also expected to provide additional biosecurity education to passengers before landing in New Zealand.

As part of the arrangement, accredited vessels received less biosecurity scrutiny on the gangway by MPI biosecurity officers when they arrived in New Zealand.

Avoco grower Chris Bailey features in a new video illustrating how the avocado industry has evolved under the commercial leadership of Avoco.

Avoco also honoured its long-term commitments in Asia where customers across Japan and South-East Asia continue to discover the premium quality of NZ avocados and the fruit’s versatility and health benefits.

Leading retailers

Over a period of six months, Peter visited orchards and packhouses in the Bay of Plenty and Northland to interview Avoco growers and hear from packhouse representatives their views on how the industry has improved and the role that Avoco has played in its dramatic transformation.

Filming also took place in Australia at supermarkets and dedicated ripening and distribution centres, as well as in Japan where Avoco sells fruit to consumers under the Avanza brand.

Avoco director John Carroll says the video has been warmly received by growers and packhouse staff, all of whom play an incredibly important role in an industry that’s going from strength to strength.

While Avoco will always be committed to market development, John says the “honey pot” of Australia played a part in last season’s solid orchard gate returns that were paid out to growers in April.

“Demand for avocados continues to be strong across the Tasman but it helps to be connected to Australia’s two leading retailers – this is a major advantage for our growers and a contributor to the returns we generate.

“Retailers there have confidence in Avoco to expertly manage the supply chain from the moment our premium avocados are picked to the time they arrive at retail distribution centres.

“Adding to this, we have incredibly good relationships with our off-shore handlers and ripeners who really work hard for us and our growers to ensure their fruit arrives at retail in top condition.”

With the industry forecasting a much lower national crop volume in 2017-18, growers are being encouraged to think carefully about who they supply next season.

Collaborative approach

Welcomes new growers

“Our industry has evolved through Avoco’s collaborative approach to doing business and our success over the past four seasons has been achieved through the efforts of everyone working together for a common goal.

“That unity is Avoco’s strength. Now, we’d love even more growers to join us through our network of five packhouses, including our three in the Bay of Plenty – Apata, Trevelyan’s and KauriPak.” The 2016-17 season was a record-breaker for the industry and Avoco. Of the 4.8 million trays exported in total, Avoco handled close to 2.9 million trays. A little more than 80 per cent of Avoco’s crop went to Australia, with close to two-thirds (63 per cent) of all shipments supplied directly to Australian retail.

Avoco director Alistair Young says Avoco welcomes new growers and the opportunity to demonstrate how supplying NZ’s leading export group can add value to their orchard businesses.

“Start by viewing the video on our Avoco website, then have a conversation with one of our packhouse reps who can talk you through our returns and the kind of technical support that we provide growers to improve your orchard health and productivity.”

The video can be viewed on the Avoco website: www.Avoco.co.nz/

Unity is our strength.

PEOPLE ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE. BY WORKING TOGETHER, AVOCO CREATES PROSPERIT Y FOR ALL .

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A new video on the Avoco website is helping to tell the story of Avoco’s amazing export success. Filmed by acclaimed New Zealand documentary maker Peter Young, the video illustrates the journey avocados take after they’re picked by an Avoco grower, right through to the plates of Australian and Asian consumers.

Page 46

AVOCADOS

Make key dates set for essential tasks Many growers who have been in the avocado industry for a number of years monitor the timing of events in their own orchards, be it weather patterns or any number of other factors significant to successful cropping.

These timing indicators are built up from years of experience. They set key dates for ensuring tasks are initiated or completed.

These are moderated or moved, based on the trends within the year or their experiences over prior seasons.

Monitoring results

One orchardist may want a first pick completed by October whereas others want 60 per cent of the crop gone by November. Others may only want spring pruning while others only inject for phytophthora in autumn. The point is their indicators for key timings are built from monitoring and ideally recording and recognising the results, be it good or otherwise.

At AAL we have learned from many years’ monitoring that three key factors– pruning, injecting and nutrition – play leading roles in the complex process of a successful flowering. To overlay this with timing is of the essence. Ideally timing should not be late.

Pruning types

Regular, timely pruning is what we chase and we have two types. Winter pruning is all about structure – having the right wood, the right density and right light access. Spring and autumn pruning is about controlling the growth. Getting the pruning right for the time contributes to better results long-term.

That’s also the case with Avo-jet injecting.

It is suggested that if a tree is sick, inject anytime and I support this argument. AAL injects a significant number of trees in the Bay of Plenty and has developed a very successful programme of aiding tree health and vitality.

Timing is important and so too is the quality of the injecting. This year we injected 20 per cent more trees. There was a focus on getting the correct timing, spacing and placement around the tree. Significantly

though, we started the injecting cycle late after growth and rain had occurred. We also condensed the injecting round quickly through April.

Our spring programme will be similar and timing will be a highly monitored factor.

We have learned the impact of nutrition timing. While avocado trees slow down their activities during winter, the higher their energy levels pre-winter the better they will be in spring.

I am already implementing our spring programme and will be starting to apply this by the time you read this article.

The objective of the AAL programme is to capture the full potential of the growth cycle pre-January. To do this we start early; we apply fertiliser mixes blended with a nutrient focus to match nutrient demanded at the various growth phases. This is another timing critical factor.

To operate our orchards in the upper productive cycle I am focused on quality of the activity, timing and consistency of the programme.

Getting the timing right for key factors –nutrition, pruning and injecting – has moved our orchards forward, with increased productivity.

Tony Bradley of AAL

Autumn is the time to apply fertiliser to all orchards Now is the time that orchards need fertilising to get a good start for optimum crop benefits for the coming season, says Michael Kerrigan, owner-operator of Orchard Services Bay of Plenty.

Check it out online today...

www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

Orchard Services Bay of Plenty offers both broadcast and bandspreading functions available for avocado and kiwifruit orchards, depending on the growers’ needs.

“Our staff have many years of hands-on orchardspreading experience in the Bay of Plenty and our mini-spreaders are capable of spreading everything from fertiliser, lime, gypsum, chicken manure, compost, or chicken manure and compost mix and sawdust, to

specific spread rates.”

Michael says the company can also help those planning a new orchard. “We can deliver compost into individual holes for new plants with our hole-placement delivery system.

“Our self-unloading truck-and-trailer unit carries bulk loads of fertiliser, supplying our mini-spreaders working in the orchards quickly and efficiently. This means no wet fertiliser, no wastage and no expensive bulk bags, saving time and money.”

Moving equipment from one location to another is another service the company can provide. Orchard Services Bay of Plenty has an eight-wheeler transporter to move all machinery.

Very aware of the need to reduce the spread of disease in kiwifruit orchards, Michael says Orchard Services has an approved Psa-V wash-down bay which ensures all vehicles are always kept clean.

“Orchard Services Bay of Orchard Services Bay of Plenty has the Plenty wishes all our valued vehicles, machinery and expertise to spread and new customers a bountifertiliser or organic material for orchardists. ful season ahead”.

AVOCADOS

Page 47

Site selection determines orchard performance Avocado trees performing exceptionally well under high density planting and optimal management regime.

When setting out to establish an orchard, the difference between a greatperforming orchard and a poor one can come down to the site selection. Growing avocados on a marginal site can be a costly battle. To ensure the best site, a number of points should be considered.

Soil: Avocados require welldrained soils with good organic matter content due to their susceptibility to Phytophthora cinnamomi, a root rot disease. In the Bay of Plenty, where there are rainfalls of 1000-1500mm per year, a minimum depth of 1.5m well-drained soil is required.

It is essential to take soil samples for testing and dig holes to assess the soil profile, drainage, and water table during times of high rainfall. Avocados have shallow, surface-feeder roots and therefore a good topsoil is vital.

If the land has previously been heavily contoured and the top soil removed, problems will be experienced.

Temperature: Avocados are cold-sensitive due to their origins

in a subtropical climate. Heavy frosts and consistent low winter temperatures can result in leaf and flower burn, poor fruit set as well as internal fruit damage.

Slope and aspect: The ideal site has a four to eight per cent slope. It may be difficult to operate machinery on slopes of more than 10 per cent and erosion can become a problem. North-facing slopes are warmer and have the best light conditions as opposed to the more shaded, colder south facing slopes.

Water availability: Consistent water availability is both important for establishing young trees as well as during fruit set and development of older productive trees. Without adequate rainfall during these critical periods, significant economic loss can occur and irrigation should be considered.

Wind: Exposed sites with strong winds can cause both structural damage to the trees as well as wind-rub scarring on the fruit. This, combined with excessive fruit drop in these windy conditions, result in reduced pack-outs and returns.

Spacing and planting density: An optimum orchard design should favour maximum yields without compromising the

management of the orchard, eg access for spraying and harvesting. If you space the trees so that no thinning is necessary in the orchard’s lifespan, you will utilise only slightly more than 50 per cent of the land. This is uneconomical use of space and takes many years before the orchard achieves a profit. On a cumulative yield basis and thus profitability of returns, more densely spaced orchards outperform widely spaced ones, especially for the first 10 years.

Rather, consider planting the trees closer together initially and then you have the option to thin them out systematically and selectively at a later stage, or alternatively manage them as hedgerows.

An orchard is expensive to establish and the decisions made from the outset will affect the performance of your orchard over its lifetime. Choose your site wisely, manage your young trees well and remember that money and time spent wisely now on establishing the site and the trees ensures quicker returns and is money saved later when trying to remedy poorly performing trees.

Erica Faber, Orchard Productivity Manager, Just Avocados Limited

Elevated work platform safety paramount Horticultural Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, or cherry pickers as we know them, have become a common sight in orchards with the steady growth of the avocado industry and the ever-increasing erection of kiwifruit shelters.

As handy as cherry pickers are, many owners and operators are unaware of the rules and regulations relating to horticultural mobile elevated work platforms.

Mike Fallows at Transport Maintenance Ltd points out that if you loan, hire or allow any person other than yourself to operate a cherry picker, then you must have the required H/MEWP up to specifications, as set out by WorkSafe NZ. They have a whole section of rules and recommendations pertaining to H/MEWPs which Mike believes everyone should be aware of when owning and operating a cherry picker.

Transport Maintenance Ltd staff are qualified and Cherrypickers must be safe to operate.

experienced to inspect, maintain and certify cherry pickers in the wider Bay of Plenty region. They can carry out an initial inspection and basic service at your property, or a full service at the workshop.

Mike thinks that now, more than ever, is the key time to get your cherry picker up to scratch for the safety of yourself, your employees, your family and friends. A safe machine is an efficient machine.

~Avocado~

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Page 48

FERTILISER

Services to arable industry recognised with honour Foundation for Arable Research CEO Nick Pyke has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to the arable industry.

Nick was appointed research director of FAR in 1995. Since then, his vision has enabled FAR to develop into a world-leading arable research and extension body with a reputation for research excellence and innovative extension programmes. The flow-on from this research and extension has contributed substantially to the economic and environmental sustainability of the New Zealand arable industry.

cultural research sectors.

Under Nick's leadership, FAR was one of the first organisations in the primary sector to recognise the importance of whole-farm systems over individual crop and management issues.

Biosecurity is another key issue for the industry and Nick was instrumental in facilitating industry responses to recent black grass, velvet leaf and pea weevil incursions.

Demonstration sites

Nick has also worked hard to ensure that levy payers have access to research and demonstration sites. Trials are carried out in all arable regions, with particular focus on two long-term research sites in Canterbury (Chertsey) and Waikato (Tamahere).

Since starting with FAR 22 years ago, Nick has developed a nationally and Farmer-based research internationally-recognised research Nick has developed and maintained and extension organisation that has strong links with farmer-based made substantial contributions to research organisations locally and improving on-farm performance and internationally, ensuring that FAR's environmental management, ensurresearch and extension is nationally ing that arable farming remains a and internationally informed and viable land-use in New Zealand. benchmarked.

His vision has contributed The strength of FAR's interto NZ’s relatively small arable national reputation and Nick's industry being recognised as vision combined in 2012 the world’s best in areas such with the formation of FAR as cereal, ryegrass, vegetaAustralia, a FAR subsidiary ble seed and clover yields, providing project manageresource use and environment, research, extension FAR CEO Nick mental management. His and training services to the Australian grains industry and Pyke has been made dedication, leadership and a Member of the vision has ensured that FAR fostering better research and New Zealand operates as a true industry extension linkages between Order of Merit. good organisation. the Australian and NZ agri-

FERTILISER

Page 49

Decrease carbon in the atmosphere by increasing carbon in the soil “Almost half our emissions (49 per cent) come from agriculture and most of our electricity is already from renewable sources.

This means we have few cost-effective options for cutting emissions.

New Zealand plans to meet its 2030 target by purchasing emission reductions overseas, forestry, and domestic emissions reductions,” reports the Ministry for Climate Change.

What? I have no confidence that the ministry has the foggiest idea of what to do other than fiddle with symptoms and buy their way out of an easily-solved problem with our hard-earned money. Get to the root cause of the problem and don’t waste our $14 billion on carbon credits.

The knockers make false assumptions that smaller fertiliser companies are in it for the money. That’s not intelligent comment – 130 companies competing for less than five per cent of the market while the two co-ops have more than 95 per cent of the market?

Speaking for ourselves, we are in the market to make a positive difference to NZ agriculture. The opportunities for competing companies exist because the co-ops concentrate on what fertilisers they manufacture and sell regardless of what each farm requires.

The end result are environment, impacts, leading in part to climate change. To make matters worse, government funding agencies allocate funds to find solutions to those that cause the problems in the first place.

Therefore finding solutions will not happen on a government or corporate level. Just pay the $14 billion; it’s easier.

Can cut emissions

Agriculture can cut its emissions and more by adopting simple strategies. Pasture can sequester more than enough carbon to reverse the situation we live with now, which is leaking carbon from our pastoral land into the atmosphere. Costs may or may not rise a fraction, but in the medium and longer terms, profitability will increase.

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Protection of soil life, and the microbe’s humus home, becomes an essential strategy. There is little point in reintroducing beneficial microbes with one hand then promptly destroying the new population with the other. The use of un-buffered salt fertilisers dehydrates and kills many beneficial organisms.

Over-tillage slices and dices fungi and oxidises humus.

However, the single most destructive component of modern agriculture in terms of soil life is chemicals. Fungicides kill the good with the bad, herbicides can be worse than fungicides, and nematicides are the most destructive of all.

A carbon source must be included with all fertiliser and nitrogen applications. If we investigate how we are losing soil carbon it becomes apparent that mismanagement of nitrogen is a major cause. This is not just an issue relevant to carbon loss.

Agriculture currently contributes 80 per cent of nitrous oxide, which is 310 times more potent than CO2 in terms of its global warming side-effects.

Stimulate bacteria

Nitrogen stimulates bacteria. Bacteria have more need for nitrogen than any other organism. They seek carbon after being fed nitrogen to balance out their 5:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio. In the absence of applied carbon, they have to target humus. The destruction of humus via the mismanagement of applied nitrogen is a major factor that can be easily addressed.

Research demonstrates that we lose 100kg of carbon for every 1kg of nitrogen applied over and above what is required by the plant at the time.

Think of large applications of starter N, where a young seedling cannot possibly utilise that much nitrogen.

We need to regulate N applications and to adopt foliar application of N (which can be dramatically more efficient) and to include a carbon source with every nitrogen application.

Mycorrhizal fungi

The carbon source offers bacteria an alternative to eating humus. This might include molasses, or compost or soluble humates, a carbon-dense source of humic acid that stabilises and magnifies the nitrogen.

Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are the

soils. AMF or VAM fungi can increase a plants access to phosphate and other minerals by up to 1000 per cent.

However, most soils are bacterially

most important creatures on the planet. These endangered organisms, of which we have lost 90 per cent, produce a sticky, carbon-based substance called glomalin. Glomalin triggers the formation of 30 per cent of the stable carbon in our soils.

One soil organism could single-handedly turn things around. It is a very inexpensive strategy to reintroduce these missing creatures to

dominated but can be easily modified to accommodate fungi. Diverse populations of fungi can also keep parasitic nematodes and facial eczema in check.

FERTILISER

Page 50

Farmers should ‘embrace opportunities of future’ A new survey by accounting software provider MYOB reveals rural businesses are showing strong signs of economic improvement despite a constrained environment.

The MYOB Business Monitor survey shows that the prospect of improvements in international commodity markets and increases in schedule prices have injected a measure of confidence into the farming and rural sector.

MYOB general manager Carolyn Luey says that the growth and development of heartland New Zealand is vital to NZ’s economy.

“Our country’s success is built on our rural industries. The past few years have proven to be testing with a challenging international environment depressing farm-gate incomes. However, we’re pleased to see our rural operators reporting solid economic improvements,” she says.

Prospectus positive

“Revenues are up from 12 months ago, and business operators are confident that this growth will extend into next year.

“While managing increased debt levels, the sector also continued to invest in machinery, equipment and technology, which will undoubtedly be good news to the wider rural business community.”

Returns to rural businesses are improving, with 32 per cent confirming an increase in revenue from the previous

year, and only one fifth saying their revenue has decreased, while 40 per cent expect to make more sales than average in the coming quarter.

Looking ahead, the sector’s predictions for 2018 show promise, with one third expecting revenue to grow over the next year, while only 14 per cent expect their revenue to decrease.

Attitudes to technology

This year MYOB also asked rural businesses how significantly they expected their industry to be changed by technology over the coming decade.

Concerningly almost one-in-five operators expect no change from technology, with 45 per cent expecting only slight change and 35 per cent expecting significant change.

Carolyn says it is time for some in NZ’s rural sector to reconsider their approach to technological developments and embrace the opportunities of the future in the same way as they, historically, employed innovation to establish the country’s international farming reputation.

“For more than 150 years, NZ farmers have been innovators. NZ’s reputation for ‘No. 8 wire’ ingenuity came from our farming communities who had to make do with what was available to build an internationally successful industry.

“According to our latest business monitor data, far fewer rural-based businesses are preparing for significant change due to technology and most are embracing new technologies far more slowly than their city counterparts.”

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FERTILISER

Page 51

Up to 90% percent of applied urea is not used by plants There seems to be a tacit agreement among many New Zealand scientists that the nitrate pollution of our waterways has nothing to do with the urea being poured on.

Somehow they have convinced themselves, and many farmers, that it’s all to do with cow urine.

Poor old cows, suddenly seen as nitrogen factories, when all they are doing is trying to get rid of the overdoses being fed to them through the urea-heavy pasture they are expected to eat these days.

So it was a delight to attend one of Dr Christine Jones’ recent seminars, and be handed a summary document which spells out the real story. According to Statistics NZ, our farmers spent $281 million on urea in 2015-16, of which only between 10 per cent and 40 per cent was taken up by plants. The other 60-90 per cent simply sank downwards, through our carbon-light soils into our waterways, representing a wastage of between $168 and $252 million. We then spent more attempting to remove those toxic nitrates from our drinking water sources.

Not the worst

Apparently our urea usage increased by 41 per cent between 2000 and 2010, while over in Europe they maintained high yields using 40-50 cent less fertiliser than used in the 1980s. Pretty sad stuff really, particularly when the milk payout was less than most farmers’ working expenses during those years.

But that’s not the worst of it. Because all that urea doesn’t allow our soils to make humus or increase soil carbon, many farmers are growing less dry matter per hectare than they were in the 1980s.

I am told by both scientists and consultants that these days, growth is only between 10 and 15 tonnes DM/ha. Trying to be profitable on 10 tonnes/ha is difficult to say the least.

In the late 70s and early 80s work done by MAF Ruakura measured pasture averages on different soil types around the Waikato.

Monthly cage cuts over four years on what were considered ‘ideal dairy cow grazing systems’ ranged from 15 tonnes on silt loam to well over 18 tonnes on sandy loam or ash soils.

Work being done now, using the same cage system, on farms using only clover to make the N, is being measured at 21 tonnes.

Ignoring reality

The claim is that measurements are done differently now. So either plate meters are measuring short, or somebody is ignoring the new reality. And when I put that to a scientist and some

consultants recently, their dirty looks accused me of lying, and I was later assured that I was probably wrong.

And this was at a session where figures were produced to show that many farmers weren’t accurately costing their bought-in supplements, use of which have increased hugely in recent years.

Yes, everyone has more cows, and

supplements (particularly PKE) are easily come by, but if the truth is that they are actually growing less pasture, then all the ‘grass first’ hectoring seems a bit of a waste of time. Perhaps a bit of trusting Nature, and even giving her a helping hand with more of what she uses (mycorrhizae and bacteria), might just solve more than one problem.

Sue Edmonds

Page 52

RURAL DRIVER

Dangers of legal drugs and driving examined in survey Kiwi drivers are more aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of illegal drugs rather than legal prescription medications such as anti-depressants, a new study from the University of Waikato finds.

The researchers interviewed more than 400 licensed drivers about their perceptions of how legal and illegal drugs affected driving, whether they had driven under the influence themselves and how drivers make decisions around whether or not they should drive.

While three-quarters of participants said they would make a decision not to drive after drinking alcohol, only 57 per cent of cannabis users would choose not to drive, dropping to 43 per cent for those using strong painkillers and 10 per cent for those using antidepressants.

This study explored the patterns of drug driving in New Zealand by investigating drivers’ perceptions about impairment caused by legal and illegal drugs; countermeasures employed by drivers when under the influence of drugs (e.g. decisions not to drive); drivers’ attitudes about police enforcement of drug driving and the factors that predict the likelihood of engaging in drug driving.

Hallucinogens

Participants were licensed drivers who completed an online questionnaire. Results of the questionnaire indicated that drivers rated hallucinogens and opiates

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as being the illegal drugs producing the highest level of driving impairment and cannabis the lowest. For legal drugs, sedatives were rated as having the highest driving impairment and anti-nausea and anti-depressants the lowest.

Respondents’ drug use history had an effect on their ratings of impairment for anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depressants, kava, sedatives, cannabis and hallucinogens such that drug users reported higher impairment ratings than non-user.

Greater acceptance

Making a decision not to drive after taking drugs was reported by users of alcohol (73.6 per cent), cannabis (57 per cent), strong painkillers (42.5 per cent), and anti-depressants (10 per cent).

Respondents who reported drink driving were 3.26 times more likely to report drug driving than those reporting no drink driving.

Respondents also showed greater acceptance towards driving under the influence of legal drugs (43.5 per cent compared to illegal drugs 10.3 per cent).

Safety issue

Those who did not have favourable attitudes about drug driving were less likely to report having driven under the influence of drugs.

Drivers in this sample were less aware of the potential negative effects of legal drugs on driving compared to illegal drugs.

More than half the respondents from this study acknowledged drug driving as a road safety issue which needs more resources dedicated to it.

KIWIFRUIT

Page 53

Lain wins communicator of year Lain Jager, who helped lead the New Zealand kiwifruit industry through some of its darkest days when the vine disease Psa-V was discovered in 2010, is the winner of the 2017 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.

The Zespri CEO, who has also overseen the industry’s remarkable comeback from the destructive disease, says it is a credit to the entire industry that it has emerged even stronger.

However, Lain acknowledges that for many, the impacts of Psa were dire, but overall it was the united response to the threats which brought the industry through.

Lain has served as Zespri CEO since 2008, having joined the company in 1999. In his time with Zespri, global sales have increased from just over $500 million to $1.9 billion in 2016/17, with $1.1 billion of that returned to communities around New Zealand.

Mike Manning, Ravendown’s general manager innovation and strategy, presented Lain with his award at the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators’ dinner in Hamilton in June.

in Review’. Lain’s understanding of complicated information and the way he can make this accessible to a wide range of audiences makes him an outstanding communicator.

He is very generous with his time, addressing forums such as the Kelloggs Rural Leadership programme each year, Bay of Plenty Export Awards, monthly CEO video updates to all Zespri staff and even jumping out of a plane for the Drop Your Boss charity drive.

The award is administered by the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators, and recognises excellence in communicating agricultural issues, events or information.

Long-standing award

Guild president Ali Spencer says the guild is delighted to partner with Ravensdown in offering this long-standing award.

“There was a range of high standard nominations from our members this year, but for our judges, Lain stood out as most excellent primary sector communicator in 2017.

“We salute his skills and knowledge and congratulate him on this award,” she says.

Ali also congratulated Lain on his decision to donate his prize Direct style money to the Child Lain, who will step Cancer Foundation. down as Zespri CEO This is the 31st year this year, is respected Mike Manning of Ravensdown with Lain Jager the Agricultural Comwithin the industry and of Zespri, the 2017 Ravensdown Agricultural municator of the Year the wider agricultural Communicator of the Year. title has been awarded community for his open, and is the first year of involvement by the new sponaccessible and direct style of communication.

He was nominated for the Business Herald Business sor, Ravensdown, after 30 years of sponsorship by Landcorp. This year there were seven people nomiLeader of the Year in 2015, and the Rural News editorial team also acknowledged him earlier this year as nated and the decision was reached by a panel of 10 the top leader in the agribusiness sector in its ‘2016 judges from around the country.

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 54

Debunking a family myth leads to new legend James and Barbara Just didn’t expect a casual kiwifruit picking job would lead to debunking a long-held family myth or uncover the even more intriguing story of an ancestor’s legacy to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry.

Just was a nurseryman who played a significant role in the breeding of kiwifruit vines.

“The family story was that Bruno Just and Hayward Wright went to China and brought back kiwifruit plants which they bred to become the Hayward and Bruno varieties,” says James.

The retired couple from Wellsford arrived at Graham and Mavis Dyers’ Lower Kaimai, Baypark orchard in April to join a team of workers picking kiwifruit.

“We’d never picked kiwifruit before and while we love eating it, had little idea of how it was grown, managed or harvested,” says Barbara.

James did however, know that his great uncle Bruno

However, Graham Dyer was able to set the record straight, telling James that it was NZ teacher Isobel Fraser who, in 1904, brought the first kiwifruit seeds (then known as Ichang gooseberries) to New Zealand.

She gave them to Wanganui solicitor and orchardist Thomas Allison who passed them on to his brother Alexander. Alexander shared graft wood and seedlings

Ichang gooseberries

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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

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

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

My Name is Neil Woodward.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

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

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

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

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

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

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

James Just with a copy of the New Zealand Kiwifruit Centennial Journal, published in 2004, which includes an article about his ancestor Bruno Just.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

216 Pongakawa Bush Road

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

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

Te Puke

To contact us:

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect Phone: 021 907 621 your cropfellow with excellence. with nurserymen, including in early May. E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz Frank Mason and it was from Frank Bruno are fruit no longer grown that Bruno Just obtained his first kiwicommercially but the rootstock bred fruit seedlings.

by Bruno Just has, in Graham Dyer’s From these Bruno began selecting opinion, helped save the NZ plants for what he considered were the kiwifruit industry. best traits, eventually leading to the development216 of the Bruno variety.

HayPongakawa Bush Road ward Wright went onTetoPuke breed the green Bruno rootstock “Bruno is the most widely planted fruit which today carries his name and is rootstock in NZ orchards and it has the most widely grown kiwifruit in NZ proved tolerant of the vine disease and around the world.

To contact us: Psa-V. Without it growers would not Bruno vines are prolifi c producers of Phone: 021 907 621 have been able to re-graft to new varielarge elongated fruit, with a dark brown E-mail: skin with zcl@zanadu.co.nz dense, short, bristly hairs. The ties, which would have been disastrous for the industry,” says Graham. flesh is light-green and the fruit ripens

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 55

Introducing Kiwis to their own world-famous fruit brand Zespri is among the world’s most recognised fruit brands but many n people in its home country are not The Were child,re iti Ku Te of familiar with the name.

Annabella (8)

KIWIFRUIT KIWIFRUIT

PAGE PAGE

QUANTUM TRACTOR MODIFIED TO MEET GRowER NEEDS QUANTUM TRACTOR MODIFIED TO MEET GRowER NEEDS

and Sam (4) That’s because the Zespri brand was featurES FOR THEMSELVes. morE THAN ENOUGH HORSEPOwER TO with a Zespri created to market New Zealand kiwifruit featurES FOR THEMSELVes. morE THAN ENOUGH HORSEPOwER TO #ASE )( HAS A PROUD HISTORY OF OPERATE IN THE ORcharD WHATEVER THE #ASE )( HAS A PROUD HISTORY OF OPERATE IN THE ORcharD WHATEVER THE MAKING RUGGED LONG LASTING TRACTORS internationally, not to the domestic market. SunGold kiwifruit TERRAIN 4HEIR FUEL CONSUMPTION IS MAKING RUGGED LONG LASTING TRACTORS TERRAIN 4HEIR FUEL CONSUMPTION IS character at However, as part of the 20th birthday AND CELEBRATE YEARS IN #ASE verY ECONOMICAL AND THE TRACTORS ARE verY ECONOMICAL AND THE TRACTORS ARE )( DEALERSHIP 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE IS AND CELEBRATE YEARS IN #ASE Fieldays. celebrations of the brand, Zespri increased competitivELY PRICED v )( DEALERSHIP 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE IS competitivELY PRICED v prOUD TO ReprESENT #ASE )( ACROSS THE 4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR its public presence at the 2017 Fieldays prOUD TO ReprESENT #ASE )( ACROSS THE 4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR CENTRAL .orTH )SLAND AND SELL A RANGE OF WILL BE ON THE #ASE )( STAND AT &ielPh 07 847 5333 with a large and very colourful stand in the CENTRAL .orTH )SLAND AND SELL A RANGE OF WILL BE ON THE #ASE )( STAND AT &ielPh 07 847 5333 TRACTORS FROM HP HP. DAYS WHERE GRowERS CAN CHECK OUT ITS main pavilion.

TRACTORS FROM HP HP. DAYS WHERE GRowERS CAN CHECK OUT ITS Zespri chief operating ofďŹ cer Simon Limmer says New Zealanders know without a doubt what a kiwifruit is, but many did not know the Zespri brand.

The 20th anniversary and Fieldays was an ideal ™ opportunity to address that by giving Kiwis ™ not only a taste of Zespri green and gold fruit, but also the kind of experience international Splash Direct fruit consumers enjoy when Zespri exhibits at 2113 Main Road Phone 07 573 6138 Craig Bell Splash Direct shows overseas.

2113 Main Road Phone 07 573 6138 Te Puke Email info@splashdirect.co.nz Mobile 0272 931 268 The corner site at Fieldays was unmissable for its Te Puke Email info@splashdirect.co.nz bright kiwifruit-themed seats and quirky stands offerPAGE Proudly supporting the NZ Steel industry.

KIWIFRUIT ing kiwifruit and information, and most of all for the supporting the NZ Steel industry.

Ph100% 07Proudly 847 5333 4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM - TRACTOR HAS THE over-sized Zespri kiwifruit characters who delighted NZ supplied, owned and manufactured.

4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM - TRACTOR HAS THE 100% NZ supplied, owned and manufactured.

PAGE powER AND VERSATILITY TO CARRY OUT ALL ORcharD WORk. KIWIFRUIT people of all ages by posing for countless ‘selďŹ es’. powER AND VERSATILITY TO CARRY OUT ALL ORcharD WORk. The fact that Zespri staff were handing out ready-to• Simple joining method using 400mm • Purpose made lightweight, hollow featurES FOR THEMSELVes. • Simple joining method using 400mm • Purpose mademorE THAN ENOUGH HORSEPOwER TO lightweight, hollow “4HE MODEL NOW AVAILABLE IS THE #ASE 1UANTUM 4HE NEW #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR section Galvanised OPERATE IN THE ORcharD WHATEVER THE Steel beam to slip on Galvanised sleeve available eat pieces of fruit and spoons to enjoy them with was a “4HE MODEL NOW AVAILABLE IS THE #ASE 1UANTUM #ASE )( HAS A PROUD HISTORY OF 4HE NEW #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR section Galvanised Steel beam to slip on Galvanised sleeve available .

WITH THE #ASE 1UANTUM . COMING IN support Kiwifruit, Persimmon and in Standard (1.55mm) and Heavy TERRAIN 4HEIR FUEL CONSUMPTION IS MAKING RUGGED LONG LASTING TRACTORS .

WITH THE #ASE 1UANTUM . COMING IN HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY MODIl ED BY THE TEAM AT deďŹ nite hit too. support Kiwifruit, Persimmon and in Standard (1.55mm) and Heavy HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY MODIl ED BY THE TEAM AT August.â€?

Agbeam Agbeam

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QUANTUM TRACTOR MODIFIED TO MEET GRowER NEEDS FOUR WHEEL DRIVe FOUR WHEEL DRIVe Bruno Just’s lasting legacy most impressive Agbeam

verY ECONOMICAL AND THE TRACTORS ARE AND CELEBRATE YEARS IN #ASE other horticultural crops.

(1.85mm) gauges.

Can be cut to featurES FOR THEMSELVes. other horticultural crops.

(1.85mm) gauges. Can be cut to competitivELY PRICED v )( DEALERSHIP 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE IS required length.

OPERATE IN THE ORcharD WHATEVER THE #ASE )( HAS A PROUD HISTORY OF • 100% New Zealand owned and requiredprOUD TO ReprESENT #ASE )( ACROSS THE length.

4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR • 100% New Zealand owned and MAKING RUGGED LONG LASTING TRACTORS TERRAIN 4HEIR FUEL CONSUMPTION IS ™ manufactured (no imported steel). • Market leaders in providing CENTRAL .orTH )SLAND AND SELL A RANGE OF Ph 07 847 5333 manufacturedWILL BE ON THE #ASE )( STAND AT &iel(no imported steel). • Market leaders in providing AND CELEBRATE YEARS IN #ASE verY ECONOMICAL AND THE TRACTORS ARE 4HE MINIMUM OvERALL WIDTH OF THE 1UANTUM .

DAYS WHERE GRowERS CAN CHECK OUT ITS TRACTORS FROM HP HP. experienced, personal assistance from 4HE MINIMUM OvERALL WIDTH OF THE 1UANTUM . • Long-lasting support for heavy crops. )( DEALERSHIP 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE IS competitivELY PRICED v experienced, personal assistance from “We’vE LISTENED TO WHAT ORcharDISTS WANTED AND • Long-lasting support for heavy crops. placing your order, manufacture and “We’vE LISTENED TO WHAT ORcharDISTS WANTED AND TRACTORS IS MM 4HE @. MODELS n OR NARRoW TRACTORS IS MM 4HE @. MODELS n OR NARRoW prOUD TO ReprESENT #ASE )( ACROSS THE 4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR • Lengths manufactured between 5.0 placing your order, manufacture and havE l TTED THE TRACTORS WITH STEEL GUARDS AND INSTALLED MODELS n Re ECT THE SMOOTH LINES OF THE NEW 1uan• Lengths manufactured between 5.0 delivery to site. havE l TTED THE TRACTORS WITH STEEL GUARDS AND INSTALLED MODELS n Re CENTRAL .orTH )SLAND AND SELL A RANGE OF WILL BE ON THE #ASE )( STAND AT &iel ECT THE SMOOTH LINES OF THE NEW 1uanPh 07 847 5333 and 10.0 Metre lengths to suit delivery to site.

A PAN UNDERNEATH TO PROTECT THE RUNNING GEAR FROM TUM SERIES DESIGNED TO HELP MINIMISE THE RISK OF and 10.0 Metre lengths to suit TRACTORS FROM HP HP. DAYS WHERE GRowERS CAN CHECK OUT ITS The disease Psa-V was found in Te Puke gold during the sea voyage to NZ. The family eventually A PAN UNDERNEATH TO PROTECT THE RUNNING GEAR FROM • Solutions to help with heavy crop TUM SERIES DESIGNED TO HELP MINIMISE THE RISK OF customer requirements. • Solutions to help with heavy crop DAMAGE v SAYS 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE SALESMAN OF 2otorUA

EITHER TREES OR BODYWORK BECOMING DAMAGED DURING customer requirements.

DAMAGE v SAYS 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE SALESMAN OF 2otorUA

kiwifruit orchards in 2010 and in order to combat it, settled in FitzherbertEITHER TREES OR BODYWORK BECOMING DAMAGED DURING Rd, Palmerston North. loading including Diagonal Braces to loading including Diagonal Braces to ™ GRAEME Wilson.

GRAEME Wilson. strengthen existing structures. infected vines were removed and new stringent disease “All the familyworK AND ENABLE THE WHEELS TO TUCK IN CLOSELY TO THE hadworK AND ENABLE THE WHEELS TO TUCK IN CLOSELY TO THE green ďŹ ngers. My father, also strengthen existing structures.

CHASSIS FOR IMPRovED TURNING AND MANOEUVRABILITY.

GILTRAP !GRI:ONE IN 2otorUA TO MEET THE GILTRAP !GRI:ONE IN 2otorUA TO MEET THE speciďŹ C NEEDS OF KIWIFRUIT ORchardists. speciďŹ C NEEDS OF KIWIFRUIT ORchardists.

August.�morE THAN ENOUGH HORSEPOwER TO

Agbeam

CHASSIS FOR IMPRovED TURNING AND MANOEUVRABILITY. control measures introduced.

Plant & Food and Zespri called Carl, was aGRAEME SAYS THE TRACTORS ARE CAPABLE OF CARRYING greengrocer in Remuera. We lived TRACTOR LOwered TRACTOR LOwered GRAEME SAYS THE TRACTORS ARE CAPABLE OF CARRYING had new gold varieties 4HE @underbelly PROTECTION IS RequirED BECAUSE THE under development and one, above the shop OUT ALL THE TASKS ON AN ORcharD FROM MULCHING AND and dad had a wonderful ower garden 278 Kahikatea Drive, PO Box 9506, Hamilton Proudly supporting the NZ Steel 278 Kahikatea Drive, POindustry.

Box 9506, Hamilton 4HE @underbelly PROTECTION IS RequirED BECAUSE THE OUT ALL THE TASKS ON AN ORcharD FROM MULCHING AND G3, proved tolerant toTRACTOR HAS BEEN LOwerED TO ENABLE EASE OF OPERATION the disease, enabling it to be which customersmoWING TO SPRAYING SPREADING FERTILISER AND TOWING always commented on. I remember it Phone 07 847 5333 | Fax 07 847 8502 Phone 07 847 5333 | Fax 07 847 8502 TRACTOR HAS BEEN LOwerED TO ENABLE EASE OF OPERATION moWING TO SPRAYING SPREADING FERTILISER AND TOWING grafted onto rootstock, the majority of which were the winning a best garden award,� says James.

MikeMike PosaPosa 021 441 723 | manufactured.

Email mike.p@industrialtube.co.nz 100% NZ supplied, owned UNDER PERGOLA STRucturES EVEN WHEN THEY ARE HEAVY 021and 441 723 | Email mike.p@industrialtube.co.nz UNDER PERGOLA STRucturES EVEN WHEN THEY ARE HEAVY BIN TRAILERS h4HE TRACTORS HAVE A 04/ AND THReeBIN TRAILERS h4HE TRACTORS HAVE A 04/ AND THReeProudly supporting the NZ Steel industry.

Bruno variety.

James didn’t follow the family’s horticultural tradiWITH FRuit.

POINT LINKAGE THEY ARE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND WITH WITH FRuit.

POINT LINKAGE THEY ARE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND WITH 4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM - TRACTOR HAS THE 100% NZ supplied, owned and manufactured.

While some growers were so hard hit they had to give tions but took up several occupations, including a powER AND VERSATILITY TO CARRY OUT ALL ORcharD WORk. • Simple joining method using 400mm • Purpose made lightweight, hollow up orcharding, the success of the new gold and the clerical position at Air New Zealand for 38 years. “I • Simple joining method using 400mm • Purpose made lightweight, hollow section Galvanised Steel beam to slip on Galvanised sleeve available “4HE MODEL NOW AVAILABLE IS THE #ASE 1UANTUM 4HE NEW #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR strength of Bruno rootstock enabled the industry to do, however, love vegetable gardening growing section Galvanised Steel beam to slip on Galvanised sleeve available Proudlyand supporting the NZ Steelsupport industry.

Kiwifruit, Persimmon and in Standard (1.55mm) and Heavy .

WITH THE #ASE 1UANTUM . COMING IN support Kiwifruit, Persimmon and in Standard (1.55mm) and Heavy HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY MODIl make a remarkable recovery.

That’s in between ED BY THE TEAM AT the “gypsy� lifestyle he 4HE #ASE )( 1UANTUM - TRACTOR HAS THE fruit trees.�

August.� other horticultural crops.

(1.85mm) gauges.

100% NZ supplied, owned and manufactured. other horticultural crops.

(1.85mm) gauges.

Can be cutCan to be cut to GILTRAP !GRI:ONE IN 2otorUA TO MEET THE James says while the myth about Bruno and Hayward and Barbara have adopted now they are retired. powER AND VERSATILITY TO CARRY OUT ALL ORcharD WORk. required length. • 100% New Zealand owned and required length.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVe • 100% New Zealand owned and speciďŹ C NEEDS OF KIWIFRUIT ORchardists. manufactured (no imported steel). • Market leaders in providing going to China to collect seeds had a certain romance, • Simple joining method using 400mm • Purpose made lightweight, 4HE MINIMUM OvERALL WIDTH OF THE 1UANTUM . hollow personal assistance from “4HE MODEL NOW AVAILABLE IS THE #ASE 1UANTUM • Long-lasting support for heavy crops.

4HE NEW #ASE )( 1UANTUM . TRACTOR (no imported steel). • Market leaders inexperienced, providing section Galvanised Steel beam to slip on manufactured Galvanised sleeve available “We’vE LISTENED TO WHAT ORcharDISTS WANTED AND the real story of his great uncle’s lasting legacy to the TRACTORS IS MM 4HE @. MODELS n OR NARRoW placing your order, manufacture and .

WITH THE #ASE 1UANTUM . COMING IN • Lengths manufactured between 5.0 support Kiwifruit, Persimmon and in Standard (1.55mm) and Heavy havE l TTED THE TRACTORS WITH STEEL GUARDS AND INSTALLED MODELS n Re ECT THE SMOOTH LINES OF THE NEW 1uanexperienced, personal assistance from HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY MODIl ED BY THE TEAM AT August.� delivery to site. industry is even more impressive. • Long-lasting support for heavyand crops.

10.0 Metre lengths to suit other horticultural crops.

(1.85mm) gauges. Can be cut to A PAN UNDERNEATH TO PROTECT THE RUNNING GEAR FROM

Agbeam

™

™

™

QUANTUM QUANTUMORCHARD ORCHARDTRACTOR TRACTOR

TUM SERIES DESIGNED TO HELP MINIMISE THE RISK OF • Solutions to help with heavy placing your order, manufacture andcrop customer requirements. required length. manufactured between DAMAGE v SAYS 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE SALESMAN OF 2otorUA

EITHER TREES OR BODYWORK BECOMING DAMAGED DURING • 100% New Zealand owned and • Lengths 5.0 including Diagonal Braces to GRAEME Wilson. delivery to site. loading worK AND ENABLE THE WHEELS TO TUCK IN CLOSELY TO THE manufactured (no imported steel). • Marketand leaders in providing strengthen existing structures.

10.0 Metre lengths to suit 4HE MINIMUM OvERALL WIDTH OF THE 1UANTUM .

CHASSIS FOR IMPRovED TURNING AND MANOEUVRABILITY. experienced, personal assistance from • Long-lasting support for heavy crops. • Solutions to help with heavy crop “I’m delighted to ďŹ nd out the truth about Bruno “We’vE LISTENED TO WHAT ORcharDISTS WANTED AND TRACTORS IS MM 4HE @. MODELS n OR NARRoW requirements.

TRACTOR LOwered GRAEME SAYS THE TRACTORS ARE CAPABLE OF CARRYING placingcustomer your order, manufacture and • Lengths manufactured between 5.0 havE l 278 Kahikatea Drive, PO Box 9506, Hamilton MODELS n Re 4HE @underbelly PROTECTION IS RequirED BECAUSE THE OUT ALL THE TASKS ON AN ORcharD FROM MULCHING AND loading including Diagonal Braces to and TTED THE TRACTORS WITH STEEL GUARDS AND INSTALLED what he has done for the industry. I think if he ECT THE SMOOTH LINES OF THE NEW 1uandelivery to site. and 10.0 Metre lengths to moWING TO SPRAYING SPREADING FERTILISER AND TOWING suit A PAN UNDERNEATH TO PROTECT THE RUNNING GEAR FROM Phone 07 847 5333 | Fax 07 847 8502 TRACTOR HAS BEEN LOwerED TO ENABLE EASE OF OPERATION TUM SERIES DESIGNED TO HELP MINIMISE THE RISK OF strengthen existing structures. • Solutions to help with heavy crop were alive today Bruno would be amazed at how the customer requirements. BIN TRAILERS h4HE TRACTORS HAVE A 04/ AND THReeMike Posa 021 441 723 | Email mike.p@industrialtube.co.nz DAMAGE v SAYS 'ILTRAP !GRI:ONE SALESMAN OF 2otorUA EITHER TREES OR BODYWORK BECOMING DAMAGED DURING UNDER PERGOLA STRucturES EVEN WHEN THEY ARE HEAVY loading including Diagonal Braces to industry has developed, and be awestruck that his WITH FRuit.

POINT LINKAGE THEY ARE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND WITH GRAEME Wilson. worK AND ENABLE THE WHEELS TO TUCK IN CLOSELY TO THE

GILTRAP !GRI:ONE IN 2otorUA TO MEET THE speciďŹ C NEEDS OF KIWIFRUIT ORchardists.

German immigrants

FOUR WHEEL DRIVe

™

horticultural skills helped to save it.�

strengthen existing structures.

CHASSIS FOR IMPRovED TURNING AND MANOEUVRABILITY.

TRACTOR LOwered GRAEME SAYS THE TRACTORS ARE CAPABLE OF CARRYING Bruno was the brother of James’ great-grandfather

278 Kahikatea Drive, PO Box 9506, Hamilton

4HE @underbelly PROTECTION IS RequirED BECAUSE THE OUT ALL THE TASKS ON AN ORcharD FROM MULCHING AND Carl Julius, the son of assisted immigrantsmoWING TO SPRAYING SPREADING FERTILISER AND TOWING Fredrick TRACTOR HAS BEEN LOwerED TO ENABLE EASE OF OPERATION Wilhelm and Pauline Just who arrived from Germany UNDER PERGOLA STRucturES EVEN WHEN THEY ARE HEAVY BIN TRAILERS h4HE TRACTORS HAVE A 04/ AND THReeWITH FRuit.

POINT LINKAGE THEY ARE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AND WITH on January 24, 1876. Carl, their oldest child, was born

278 Kahikatea Drive, PO Box 9506, Hamilton Phone 07 847 5333 | Fax 07 847 8502 Phone 07 847 5333 | Fax 07 847 8502 ™ Mike Posa 021 441 723 | Email mike.p@industrialtube.co.nz Mike Posa 021 441 723 | Email mike.p@industrialtube.co.nz

QUANTUM ORCHARD TRACTOR ™

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HORTICULTURE

Page 56

Can horticulture’s growth continue? Answer is yes In June this year the Ministry for Primary Industries released its ‘Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries’ report which has horticulture’s exports (including wine) growing by 5.3 per cent.

growth will be led by existing apple production and increased plantings of gold kiwifruit and new apple varieties.

In 2015, the combined domestic supply and horticultural exports (excluding wine) was worth $5 billion. The 2016 figures were recently released, with horticulture worth $5.6 billion. There were increases in both the value of domestic supply, by $0.2 billion, and exports, by $0.4 billion.

This data comes from Plant & Food Research’s ‘Fresh Facts’ annual accumulated statistics.

The report predicts that horticulture’s exports will reach $5.3 billion for the year ending June 2017, before increasing steadily to exceed $6.3 billion by 2021. MPI believes that the continued

Outstanding performance

Fresh fruit exports in 2016 increased by an impressive 35 per cent over 2015. Outstanding performances were seen by: • Kiwifruit at $1.7 billion, up nearly $500 million or 42 per cent on 2015 – kiwifruit exports are now worth more than New Zealand’s wine exports ($1.55 billion); • Apples at close to $700 million, up $130 million or 23 per cent on 2015; • Blueberries rose 50 per cent on 2015 to $36.5 million; and • Cherries rose by 30 per cent to $68 million.

Onions dominated the fresh vegetable export sector with a sizable increase of 38 per cent, from $81 million to $112 million. Overall the vegetable export sector rose four per cent. In the vegetable export sector 60 per cent of the value is a mixture of fresh, frozen, dried, or a

promises? Also, following the disastrous June election result for Theresa May in the UK, how will that affect trade between the UK and European Union (EU)? Will there be opportunities for NZ to increase its trade with either, or both the UK and EU? The government is working on free trade deals with both the UK and EU. It also seems that the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) may now proceed without the US. The key advantage for horticulture there will be reduced tariffs worth over $20 million a year.

MPI’s view is that even though more uncertainty exists in global trade, compared to a year ago, a lower New Zealand dollar and rising import demand from China are positive signs in the short term.

So the answer from all accounts appears to be that horticulture’s exports will continue to grow as demand is strong in our export markets and the government’s free trade negotiations will continue to make access to these markets easier and more cost effective.

vegetable preparation (this area is dominated by peas, potatoes and sweet corn). Much of our vegetable sector supplies New Zealand’s domestic market with both fresh and processed product and is valued at approximately $2 billion.

Both sets of data show impressive growth.

There is no indication that this growth will slow down. But this growth is dependent on exports.

More than two-thirds of what we grow is exported. Therefore, any downturn in our export markets will affect future growth. It is pleasing to note that the economies of our major trading partners are also growing, which leads to increasing purchasing power for imported primary sector products.

There are risks

The risks are well-known. What will happen with United States trade when President Trump follows through with his election

With new Health and Safety requirements changing, there is a real demand on farm & orchard owners to keep compliant.

Kyle from Nexus Signs has been assisting owners by creating a very effective interchangeable H&S Site Sign tailored to each farm or orchard.

The sign consists of separate modules that can be updated as and when details or maps change.

It also features areas in which staff can fill in and wipe off temporary or new hazards.

Signs are made of Composite Panel Board, 1220 X 800 with high performance vinyl and Laminate.

Also available is a kitset with posts and fixings to keep things simple.

This H&S Solution has been so popular that he is rolling them out across farms and orchards all over the Country.

Contact Kyle @ Nexus Signs today to order yours.

Nexus Farms Ltd: 62 College Road Site Emergency Information

Nexus Signs Orchard: 62 College Rd Site Emergency Information

GPS Location: 176.944558, -37.978164

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

This Site Address: Te Rahu Farm Ltd

220 Te Rahu Road Whakatane

Name:

Cam Bierre

Ph:

027 2999 239

Position:

3193

Phone:

Police: Ambulance: Power:

07 307 0586

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

- All people entering the property MUST sign in and out.

- This is a drug and alcohol free property. Zero Tolerance.

- Live electric fences – Do Not Touch.

- Open waterways (fenced off) and hidden

- Dairy Shed – slippery surfaces, pinch points,

Treat all fences as live.

rotating platform, hazardous substance

- Effluent pipes may be hidden by grass

- Slips, trips and falls

in effluent area.

1. Remain calm

- Dust

and feed wagons

3. Move quickly to the evacuation point located opposite the vat stand at the dairy shed 4. First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard.

- Accident Register is located in the yellow letterbox.

-Stock

PHONE: 027 2999 239

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111 EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

Police:

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

- Covered footwear must be worn at all times

- First Aider – Cam Bierre 027 2999 239

VISITORS REPORT TO: CAM BIERRE

Fire:

have been trained - If you open a gate, shut it. All road gates MUST be shut.

- First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

Notes

Remember the emergency telephone Number for:

- Abide by the speed limit of 20Km/Hr, 15Km/Hr for tractors.

- Report all accidents, including all near misses that could have resulted in an injury,

-Vehicle movement – Motor bikes, tractors

2. Contact the Farm Manager Cam Bierre as soon as possible – 027 2999 239

5. Farm Manager is a qualified First Aider

the yellow letterbox.

immediately.

In case of any emergency, it is important you.....

Name:

Bas Overdevest

Ph:

021 224 0732

Position:

Manager

- Always be aware of hazards on the property you are working on. Full register is located in - It is your responsibility to report all hazards / accidents / near miss to the Farm Manager

ACCIDENTS

PERSONAL HYGIENE This is a smoke free workplace - Always wash your hands before eating and drinking - Toilet facilities are located at the dairy shed

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY! THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Ambulance: Power:

ASSEMBLY POINT

Nearest Medical Facilities:

DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

Phone:

07 304 9106

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

National Poison Centre 0800 76 47 66

In case of any emergency, it is important you.....

1. Remain calm 2. Listen to your supervisor 3. Move quickly to the Evacuation or Muster point identified below 4. Ensure you stay together with your group and take others with as you go 5. Remember to take your Orchard Health and Safety Folder 6. First Aid Kit with Supervisor (This Contains the names of everyone in your group. When you get to the muster point Check this list to make sure everyone is accounted for)

HAZARD

CONTROL

While on site, All workers shall take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety

and other workers or visitors safe.

GENERAL - Never undertake a task if you feel it is unsafe.

- Always be aware of all hazards on the property you are working on.

- It is your responsibility to report all and health and safety related issues to your Supervisor.

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery or deal with any substance, unless you have been trained.

- SPS’s must be available at all times.

ACCIDENTS

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

Medical Centre: Riverslea Medical Cen

ORCHARD HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves

DATE

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery, or deal with any substances, unless you - Slippery / uneven surfaces and tracks

drains in some paddocks

National Poisons Hotline: 0800 764 766

Edgecumbe

GENERAL

DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

62 College RD

farm safe.

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

Medical Centre: The Doctors Phoenix

Fire:

While on Farm, all persons shall take all take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves and all others on

THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Manager

Nearest Medical Facilities:

Remember the emergency telephone Number for:

This Site Address: Nexus Signs Orchard

Farm Health & Safety Rules: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY!

- Report all accidents, including near misses that could have resulted in injury, immediately.

- Make sure you know who your first aider is.

- MOVING VEHICLES - TRUCKS, TRAILERS

- Keep your first aid kit in your work area at all times.

- BEES AND HIVES

QUAD BIKES, SPRAYERS OR MOWERS - RABBIT HOLES, UNEVEN OR STEEP

- OPEN WATERWAYS / DRAINS / PONDS

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

GROUND

PERSONAL HYGIENE

- DUST

- SPRAY DRIFT / CHEMICAL SPILLS,

- Do not eat or smoke under the canopy.

CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION

- Always wash your hands after eating, smoking and toilet breaks.

- KIWIFRUIT CANES AND DEBRIS

- NOISE

- PERGOLA WIRES AND PROTRUDING

- ELECTRICITY

- Always cover cuts or grazes.

- Cover mouth and nose if you sneeze.

- Only use designated toilet facilities provided.

- No rubbish is to be left on the orchard or placed in harvest bins/bags.

LIMBS FROM VINES

- Appropriate clean clothing and enclosed sturdy footwear shall be worn.

- SECATEURD, LOPPERS, POWER AND

- Any jewelery likely to be a hazard must be removed.

- SLIP, TRIPS AND FALLS

- Where required clean footwear and sanitise your hands prior to leaving and entering Orchard.

HAND TOOLS

VISITORS REPORT TO:............................................PHONE........................

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

OPERATIONAL HYGIENE - Grazing of livestock under the canopy is prohibited during harvest or at spraying times.

- Animals must be kept away from harvest bins, including load out pads.

- Any risk of contamination to product must be reported immediately.

SICKNESS REPORTING

PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111

- If you are feeling unwell, report it to your supervisor before it becomes an issue.

EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE DATE

Full Hazard Register located in H & S folder in dairy shed.

HAZARD CONTROL

EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY POINT

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY OR SPILLAGE MANAGER: BAS OVERDEVST PH: IF ANY ONE IS HURT PHONE AMBULANCE: 111 Advise - Location, Number involved, Chemicals

FIRE INVOLVED PHONE FIRE SERVICE: 111 Advise - Location, Nature of incident, Type and quantity of chemical involved

SPILLAGE INVOLVED

Contain spillage, warn others, advise H&S Manager if waterways Land contaminated National Poison Centre (03) 477 7000

Ph: 07 323 6608 M: 022 674 9339 41 Liverpool St, Kawerau kyle@nexussigns.co.nz

HORTICULTURE

Page 57

Kiwi culture holds back tech progress A leading Kiwi tech expert has slammed New Zealand’s slow progress to embrace technology.

Rachel Kelly, deputy chair of NZTech and director of Waikato business growth company SparkTank, says NZ is lagging behind other countries in technology adoption.

“Yes, we are slowly ramping up. Yes, we are hearing about more success in the news, but it's our everyday businesses that aren't staying with the times, let alone ahead of the curve.

“I know we have so much potential, but we are our own worst enemy. As a Kiwi living and working in California for nine years, you get this sense that companies are in a constant battle – working almost tirelessly to stay five steps ahead of the competitor.

“Only in the last 16 months have I been hearing NZ companies talk about business intelligence, open data sharing and analytics. Our biggest problem is our culture. We have a culture of apathy and risk aversion. The apathy and risk aversion is not serving us.

“For example, what if secondary and tertiary school students were guided by their teachers to design their own

online learning programmes based on key knowledge requirements for a technology subject?

“This would shift the students into active learning which has shown to increase knowledge gain to 50 per cent compared to 12 per cent by students in traditional, lecture-based classes.

The teachers can, in turn, learn from the very digital natives they are trying to teach.

“As the tech industry needs change, the key knowledge requirements change and are again submitted to the open NZ market. The previouslydesigned online programmes are cross-examined against the new requirements and adapted by the students again, if needed.

“Regarding the government: there are arms of the government where they are trying to innovate. However, government wasn’t built for speed. It was built for scale.

“If we, NZ, became early adopters as well as empowered our young people to work at crafting technology to solve every-day problems, we could see our tech sector grow from being our third biggest export to our number one export.”

Steens Honey wins export award Tauranga based Steens Honey has won the Page Macrae Engineering Innovation in Export Award in the 2017 Bay of Plenty ExportNZ Awards, sponsored by Zespri International.

Judges for the award, announced in June, says “from thorough market research Steens Honey has translated innovations into digital stories that capture the minds of their consumers”. The judges were also impressed with the company’s track and trace capability which enables every consumer to identify where in NZ their pack of honey has come from.

Raw unprocessed honey is a point of difference for the company.

Steens Honey began with a desire to bring a better-quality Manuka honey to market; one that is raw, unpasteurised and minimally processed. The company does not subject Manuka

honey to high temperatures or cream its honey because studies have shown that the flavonoids and enzymes which give Manuka its unique qualities are damaged through these heating processes.

The company’s honey is raw and unpasteurised which means all the natural goodness and natural crystals are retained.

Other winners in the export awards are: Sharp Tudhope Lawyers Exporter of the Year – Dominion Salt; YOU Travel Emerging Exporter of the Year – George & Willy and the Beca Export Achievement award – Felipe Aguilera, technical sales engineer at Oasis Engineering.

Andy Cameron, respected local businessman and managing director at Oasis Engineering, was the recipient of the ‘New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Service to Export’ award.

Rachel Kelly, deputy chair of NZTech and director of Waikato business growth company SparkTank.

CAPITAL TRACTORS

Page 58

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Global Series MF perfect utility tractor for Northland dairy farm Northland dairy farmer Brian Mason describes his new Massey Ferguson 4708 as a great utility tractor and ideally suited for his dairy operation.

Brian and his staff milk 1000 cows on his farm, Waikauri View Farms, which is at Tomarata, east of Wellsford. Brian has run Massey Fergusons for about 10 years and bought the new MF 4708 in

October, with a second identical machine due to arrive in August.

Brian says he likes Massey Fergusons because they are “common-sense tractors” that are perfect for use on a dairy farm.

He looked at several models before buying the first MF 4708 last year. It was an upgrade to his previous MF 4245 tractor.

General purpose

“I like it better than the 4245. We picked this one because they are right up there with technology in this category of tractor, and we get good service,” Brian says. “We will use them both for general-purpose dairy farm jobs, such as hay and silage feeding, spraying and loader work.”

Brian’s MF 4708 is a roll-over protection (ROPs) tractor, which he says is better for staff getting in and out throughout the day.

It is part of Massey Ferguson’s Global Series, which offers high performance and strength within a straightforward range of tractors that provide exceptional efficiency.

The MF 4708 is known for reliability, ruggedness and fuel economy. It has a 4.4-litre

AGCO Power, four-cylinder engine that delivers 85hp.

It has been designed with simplicity of operation at its heart. It is easy to use and provides plenty of comfort.

Well built

Every component of the tractor’s chassis has been well built, which is a major factor in the tractor’s overall performance.

The MF 4708 features an all-new synchronised transmission that provides 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds, courtesy of two ranges.

Its 65 litres/minute pump is a simple, open-centre hydraulic system, powered by two gear pumps, providing all the internal services.

The rear linkage boasts an impressive lift capacity of 3000kg, allowing heavy mounted equipment to be lifted with ease.

Brian says the MF 4708 is extremely safe and suitable for all his staff to use.

“It has got a low centre of gravity and is very stable on hill country. The wheels are

set wide so it is very safe and well-balanced,” he says.

“It’s very user-friendly and has a good loader on it and good hydraulics. I have various staff driving it and there’s no trouble.

It is well-appointed and easy for anyone to operate.

“They are pretty affordable and are good value for money. It’s just a basic tractor but it’s very good.”

Waikauri View Farms manager Tony Marshall with the latest MF 4708 Global Series tractor.

Primary exports are predicted to reach highest level ever Things are looking up for our primary sector with the Ministry for Primary Industries forecasting that primary sector exports will grow to $41.6 billion in the year to June 2018 – this is an increase of 9.1 per cent and brings primary exports to our highest level ever.

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This growth is being driven by strong forestry and dairy prices, combined with increasing production of apples, wine, and kiwifruit.

Our farmers, growers and exporters are among the best in the world and the government needs to be backing them to deliver their produce globally. We can do this is by negotiating favourable trade agreements that bring new and improved market access on an unprecedented global scale.

We are firmly committed to that objective and will be investing $134 million to support our new strategy, Trade Agenda 2030. This provides more support to primary sector exporters to diversify, greater resource to government to tackling non-tariff barriers, and aims to have 90 per cent of our goods

exports covered by free trade agreements by 2030. Things are progressing rapidly with the 11 remaining Trans- Pacific Partnership countries agreeing in May to revive the deal without United States and the June signing of the PACER Plus agreement ushering in a new era of closer economic relations with many of our Pacific neighbours. This is welcome news to farmers facing turbulent global prices, extreme weather and a huge degree of uncertainty from season to season.

It’s important that our government supports rural communities through the ups and the downs. By its very nature farming can be an isolating. To ensure we are supporting farmers mentally, as well as economically, the government has committed $500,000 for Rural Mental Wellness.

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 59

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 60

rural dog owners

Have your registered your dog yet?

It’s time to register your dog for 2017/18 and make sure they’re wearing a red tag by July.

On June 30 all dog registrations for the 2016/17 year expired. Western Bay of Plenty District Council animal team leader Alison Curtis says dog owners should have received their reminder in the post or by email, with everything they need to know about the registration process. Make sure you get your dog, or dogs registered in time to avoid paying a late fee, she says.

The Dog Control Act requires all dogs three months and older to be registered with their local council. Council keeps a record of all registered dogs and so is able to play a significant part in helping lost or stolen animals be reunited

with their owners.

Council’s animal services team has a big job keeping the community safe around dogs and ensuring dogs are well looked after.

Their work includes responding to complaints about dogs and stock, monitoring the behaviour of dogs in the community, educating dog owners and the wider public, and much more.

“We also run a very successful and growing adoption programme which helps us to foster and re-home unwanted dogs who deserve a second chance at life,” says Alison.

“The feedback from this has been amazing.”

Council also works to provide engaging events for dogs and their owners – such as the recent Summer Dog Walk Series and Dogs in Togs event – led by their ‘spokesdog’ Alfie the Jack Russell.

Follow council or join the ‘Wander Dogs Club’ on Facebook to keep up with dog news and events.

Looking down reveals tiny wonders An autumn walk is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature, but as Glenice McDonald of Katikati knows, some of the ning red This stun called most amazing sights are fungi is firma. to be found by looking be Hygrocy McDonald. ic n le e down, not up.

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Attention Farmers

with fungi. Fungi fanciers can be found world-wide and in New Zealand many belong to The Fungal Network of New Zealand, an independent, nonprofit incorporated mycological society open to anybody.

It’s on mossy banks, rotten logs or FUNNZ organises under trees that the amateur photogan annual national rapher finds visual “treasures” often fungal foray and Shirley overlooked by others.

Kerr is among its coun“Autumn is the best time to cillor members. The main go fungi foraging, but you objects of the society are: have to walk slowly and keep • To share knowledge your eyes on the ground and about, and to publicise the also on rotting logs,” says fungi of NZ and their roles Glenice who has a passion in all ecosystems for photographing fungi.

• To stimulate research “I am still learning the on fungi names of the many different • To educate about fungi at varieties of fungi and have primary to tertiary levels one of the Bay’s experts, Shirley These crea • To provide a cohesive group Kerr, who I go out and about of the Crep m fungi are idotus.sp fa of amateur and professional with to help identify them. Being mily.

Photo: Gleni people who share common interce McDonal retired makes it possible to go out d. ests in fungi whenever the weather permits.”

• To assist in cataloguing NZ’s On recent walks Glenice photographed cream fungi of the Crepidotus.sp family and a stunning red fungi and to promote their conservation • To organise at minimum an annual national one called Hygrocybe firma.

“The cream ones were found on a dead and rotting fungal foray tree in the Puketoki Reserve in Whakamarama and • To attract funding for mycological research the red one was found growing on a mossy bank on • To promote such other activities that may advance the Pack Track, Lindemann Rd, Katikati.” the aims of this society Glenice and Shirley aren’t the only ones fascinated To find our more visit www.funnz.org.nz/

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 61

Easy to use humane kill traps Trapinator is not only a brand name of a company with more than 200,000 traps in the bush, but also a major pest control mechanism protecting kiwi and other native birds.

The traps are designed and approved to National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee standard. This is a New Zealand humane kill standard. The traps consist of three traps specifically designed to kill rats, stoats, hedgehogs and ferrets.

These are the DOC Series Traps.

These traps where design by Phil Waddington in association with the Department of Conservation. These traps have also been approved for use in England and are currently under use in Hawaii to kill mongoose.

Trapinator sales and marketing manager, Ross Mitchell, says NZ is overrun with pests so these traps are in place to protect kiwi and other native birds.

ask for instructions over the counter, we can email them to you, or you can go to: www.trapinator.com to learn how simple they are to use.”

So if you would like a safe, easy-to-use trap, then think Trapinator Possum Traps.

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Trapinator traps are durable and structurally sound.

“The latest addition is the Trapinator Possum Trap. This was initially designed by Phil Waddington with assistance from Darren Peters representing DOC, and myself representing the manufacturer,” says Ross.

Trapinator Possum Trap is lightweight and easy to use. One important element that was considered was construction.

“We wanted the traps to be durable and structurally-sound. Also important is ease-of-use. The trap was designed so that once in posi-

tion, all you have to do is push a lever forward and the trap is set.

“I believe a lot of traps are scary for the first-time operator and the uninitiated.

“So with that in mind we tried to make this possum trap simple to use and not intimidating.

An additional important feature is that the traps are all safe-bait designed. So you won’t be handling any nasty chemical compounds.

“If you would like to learn more, you can call into our office and

Should I take Co Enzyme Q10? (Part 2) Co enzyme Q10 is one of the most important things made by your body. The crucial function of CoQ10 is to shuttle electrons in the final stage of making our energy. The main symptom of low CoQ10 is low energy and muscle issues.

Some illnesses also increase demands for CoQ10 especially MS, Parkinson’s, polymyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and heart muscle problems.

As an example, research shows that people with CFS make less energy than healthy people. In most cases, excess free radicals damage mitochondria so they do not work efficiently.

This is a little like disconnecting one of the spark plug leads in your car engine then wondering why it has less power.

In the previous column we looked at the problems caused by cholesterol lowering medications. I have spoken with hundreds of people with common statin side effects, especially muscle and joint pain, low energy and reduced motivation. Adding a good CoQ10 often completely resolves these problems.

Recently I spoke with a client reporting a significant lift in his energy after adding a quality CoQ10.

Adding a well-formulated, rapid absorption form

of CoQ10 lifts circulating CoQ10 and is quickly directed to its main role of making energy. This is why people often notice improvements in energy and muscle function within a few months of taking CoQ10. Be aware that the market is now flooded with low-cost semisynthetic CoQ10 made from tobacco waste rather than the genuine superior naturally fermented CoQ10.

In most cases I use the patented rapid absorption CoQsol but also my MTQ10 which is a complex of energy nutrients including B vitamins, CoQ10 and other compounds. Give me a call if you are unsure what to do. For more information call me or email john@abundant.co.nz.

You can read back issues at www.abundant.co.nz

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EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

Page 62

COUNTRY LIVING

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 63

Positive forecast – productive fishing On Saturday, June 3 we had an overnight trip booked to get out for some deep sea fishing. The MetService weather report showed unfavourable conditions so I checked out a few other weather sites which gave a slightly different and more positive interpretation.

After discussion with the clients, everyone was keen to give it a go which gave me the excuse to get on out there.

Saturday avo on the way to Mayor Island we arrived at a reef for some bottom bashing. We soon loaded up a hefty-sized chilly bin full of snapper ranging in size up to 53cm and some golden snapper as well.

We were then off to the Island to catch some bait and a quick nap. The weather was SSW which would have forced us around the marine reserve side of the island but we wanted to keep fishing so decided to stay where we were, sitting out in a bit of chop, while the crew loaded up on mackerel and squid.

At 4.30am I started up the boat and by this time the sea was becoming calm. We headed out to the deep drop-offs to try our luck for bass, hapuka, bluenose and gemfish. We did countless drops over the course of the next several hours, starting ahead of

the fish sign to dropping directly on top of them, as the weather completely glassed out.

Our efforts brought up a mixed bag, consisting mostly of gemfish which smoke beautifully, bluenose, bass, hoki, and frost fish. A few of the crew were very successful jigging and catching more fish with this method than anyone else.

It was time to head back in so on the way home we hit up a few 150m pinnacles catching tarakihi, Japanese gurnard, large golden snapper and a few more reef species.

Being a public holiday, we had a crew booked on a public reef fishing trip from 8am-4pm. Everyone was there early so we threw off the ropes and headed out in perfect weather conditions. We started fishing just past Pudney Rocks in around 70 metres.

I intended to go for a spot I had found previously, but came across a rock loaded with fish sign. We picked up many snapper and golden snapper. Several tarakihi came aboard which is a good sign that they are coming back in to the shallower depths.

I spent much of the time using micro jigs, bagging out on snapper and a few other species while a lot of the crew were using fresh mackerel, squid and bonito. We stopped in a spot 45 metres deep on the way back in and caught many This gurard was landed by species, but most notably we Joseph Macdonald. caught several more tarakihi.

g Reef Fishin

Celebrating 70 years of family operation this year, the Mossops have taken stock of their business operations and are setting the pathway for future business. It is a pathway that includes a strong sense of social responsibility to help make the world a better place for those who don’t have all they need

to get by.

The 70th celebrations are particularly special for Neil and Wendy Mossop who are working towards passing over some of the business operations to two of their sons, Duane and Ryan.

The boys say getting on well definitely helps. But they also have their own areas of responsibility within the company, with Ryan overseeing hive management across the North Island, while back in Tauriko, Duane manages all factory operations, ensuring equipment is ready for the beekeepers and overseeing all honey processing and packing.

The Mossop family business includes (from left) Duane, Neil, Wendy and Ryan Mossop.

With 70 years’ of inter-generational experience and commitment behind them the Mossops are confident this year’s tough season will turn around and they will ride it out.

For Neil, the business goes even further than providing opportunities for the next generation. His and Wendy’s deep Christian faith mean they spend much time investing in helping people in countries including Nepal, Bhutan and other Asian countries.

The family’s work in Nepal includes contact with the director of a mission organisation that operates a bible school for men and women, radio ministry, TV ministry and helps support a school up to to 600.

For Wendy and Neil, the charity work is among the most rewarding aspects of the family business today and the couple looks forward to doing more, knowing the business is in good hands as the next generation of Mossops take it further again.

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Page 64

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

FORESTRY

Page 65

Forestry is ‘sunrise industry’ with vibrant future Forestry is a sunrise industry with the potential to be the vibrant heart of New Zealand’s bio-economy, says Scion’s new CEO Julian Elder.

more trees in the ground now because demand is growing and will outstrip supply. We need also to realise the large potential for productivity improvements, such as designing trees specific to the requirements of end products.

“Recognising forestry as a sunrise “In a transformed NZ I envisindustry is not new thinking here or age trees and other bio sources as a internationally. Increasingly the thinkresource replacing fossil fuels. Renewing is being voiced more loudly and able resources will be powering our more broadly,” he says. economy by providing biomaterials For example, the World Business and bio-products, chemicals, biofuels Council for Sustainable Development and bioenergy. has a Forest Solutions Group tasked “In this NZ of the future, engineered to “emphasise the importance of the lumber products will feature in our forest-based industry as a key part of Scion’s new CEO homes and work places, and tall a low-carbon bio-based economy”.

Julian Elder. timber buildings will no longer be “The initiatives stemming from this group reach across many countries in a quest to move show pieces – they will be standard features of our city-scapes providing safe, comfortable and from an economic reliance on petrochemicals to a attractive environments.” renewable, forest-based bio-economy.

“Valuing forestry as a sunrise industry is what drives Rural renewal the Scion team. We know what’s possible from our Beyond the urban reach, Julian says forestry will research results and from our innovative technologies be at the heart of regional and rural renewal and that are part of our day-to-day work.” wellbeing. Forestry will also bring environmental improvements through water quality and erosion Climate change control; it will feature in optimal and mixed land use; Julian says climate change is a global phenomenon and it will be relevant to realising iwi aspirations now that is changing behaviour and desire for re-newable and for generations to come. and sustainable outcomes.

“Increased forest cover and increased use of forest He questions why forestry is still perceived by some products as carbon sinks is the way ahead. We need to be in its sunset phase. “Why is an industry with so

much potential to help solve local and global problems struggling to sustain itself? It is tough when log supply and market forces affect those at the “wood-face” of our industry.

“Closures of sawmills are still happening. Rotation periods are reducing as market forces are not demanding quality; reduction in pruning is occurring for similar reasons. Cumulative reduction in quality will be followed by reduced value and potentially a declining industry.”

Unique position

The current business environment is challenging. “Yet the facts and trends point to a new context for the forestry and forest products industries within

Roadmap points to forestry’s future The size and importance of the forest sector for New Zealand, as at least the third most significant export category, is often ignored, says Forest Owners Association president, Peter Clark.

“But on the other hand I’m pleased to see the roadmap addresses the need for the use of modern genetic technology.

It makes it clear that other countries are recognising the advantages of a range of methods to achieve precise and valuable results in plant and animal breeding. We need to keep up with them.”

New Zealand’s primary sector is not just a food sector and the recently released Primary Sector Science Roadmap appears to acknowledge that by featuring a pine tree nursery on its front cover.

Peter says even though the cover illustration is symbolic, the content of the roadmap for the forest industry backs up what forest owners know.

“We have case studies from forestry and related industries in it. It’s much more comprehensive than earlier drafts. It will be very useful in attracting funding and gives our sector a greater confidence to invest.

“Forestry science covers a lot of different fields, from the obvious value in breeding programmes for growing better trees and selecting them for specific environments, through to the engineering of safe and efficient harvesting, and along to the exciting technology of building earthquake resistant high-rise wooden buildings.

“The roadmap may be a little deficient in detailing the role of science to protect from introduced pests and diseases,” says Peter.

 RADIATA  POPLAR  EUCALYPTUS

 M/species PINE  CYPRESS

 CEDARS  REDWOODS  ALL OTHERS

the world’s carbon cycle, says Julian.

“It is up to us in the forestry sector to make sure we take up the opportunities before us. To do this we need to debate what the future looks like and what NZ’s position (and particularly our opportunity to have a unique position) can be in the global forestry scene.

“I see that Scion needs to help shape that thinking to ensure government funding is directed to forestry and to the desired future that will come from discovery and stretchy science. I see a key part for industry too in funding the nearer-term research and working with Scion to make sure that research gets applied in order to attain our desired future.”

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 66

trades & services July 10

TO LIST YOUR RURAL EVENT

Creating an urban sanctuary, talk by Dr

please email: elaine@thesun.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line.

Colin Miskelly of Te Papa Museum, 7pm, Moon Hair Salon, Coromandel town, gold coin.

July 8

July 12

Matamata, free.

10, Te Puke, free. Rose giveaway and other prizes.

Ph Judy, 07 573 6525.

Rose Pruning Demonstration, 10am-noon, Mitre

Rose Pruning Demonstration, 1pm, 268c Peria Rd,

July 9

Bay of Plenty Orchid Society Auction, 1.30pm, Masonic Hall, Jocelyn St, Te Puke. All welcome.

Orchids, bromeliads and other plants. Cash only.

Ph Faye 021 118 1260.

July 15

Pruning & Maintaining a Home Orchard, 10am4pm, Tirau, $120. See www.lals.nz.

Rose Pruning Demonstration, 11am–1pm,

Four Seasons Home & Garden Centre, Tainui St, Matamata.

Pruning Demonstrations,

1-3pm, Wairere Nurseries, 826 Gordonton Rd (near Hamilton), free.

July 14-16

July 16

Opotiki, ‘Alice Down the Rabbit Hole’. See www. fibreandfleece.co.nz

10am-12.30pm, A&P Showgrounds, Katikati (north of the shops). Ph Elizabeth, 07 549 2795.

Fibre & Fleece Festival,

Fruit & Nut Tree Sale,

Rose Pruning Demonstrations, 11am-1pm, Wairere

Nurseries, 826 Gordonton Rd (near Hamilton), free.

July 22

Open Day, 10am-

noon, Kings Seeds, 189 Wharawhara Rd, south of Katikati. Launch of the new catalogue and new varieties, prizes and giveaways. Ph 07 549 3409.

July 26

BPW Franklin dinner at

the Franklin Club, Station Rd, with guest speaker.

Women of all ages are invited to attend. Bookings to ph/txt Marilyn 0274 799 121 or email

runon listings accommodation

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Romantic, separate, selfcontained accommodation with a touch of luxury. Rural location 5 minutes from Hobbiton. Sleeps up to four. Continental breakfast included. Phone 021 0595 185

curriculum vitae

NEED A C.V.? A C.V. For You can provide you with the professional touch. From scratch or alterations.

“Get the interview….Land the job” Contact via www.facebook.com/ acvforyou or 0204 037 6034

for sale

PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com

advertise

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT or service in the listing every month.

Phone Julie on 07 578 0030 or email julie@thesun.co.nz

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download your free App today

trades & services

for sale

catering@bpwfranklin. org.nz

Park (between Tauranga and Rotorua). Ph Graeme/ Gael 07 570 3123.

July 27

Waikato Horticultural Society, Hamilton

Organic Centre, 7.30pm, Hamilton Gardens (Gate 2). Visitors $5. Ph Carmel 07 859 0158.

August 5

Organic Market Gardening, 9am-5pm,

Thames, $140.

See tinyurl.com/ycl5rhtg.

August 10

Free Home Composting Workshop, noon-1pm, Gisborne, includes a free compost bin (1 per household).

To register ph 06 867 4708.

Repeated September 19.

August 11-13

August 6 Rotorua Botanical Society field trip, TECT

NZ Camellia Show & Conference, Rotorua. See www.nzcamelliasociety. co.nz

Don’t bug me son A boy asks his father, “Dad, are bugs good to eat?”

“That’s disgusting. Don’t talk about things like that over dinner,” the dad replies.

After dinner the father asks, “Now, son, what did you want to ask me?”

“Oh, nothing,” the boy says. “There was a bug in your soup, but now it’s gone.”

Wolf spiders have ‘odometer’ eyes We don’t often think of spiders having a homing instinct, but wolf spiders have in inbuilt odometer to help them return home by the most direct route – not just by retracing their eightlegged steps.

But which of their four sets of eyes do they use to do this? Fitting blinds to different sets of eyes, scientists found the tiny pair of front-facing eyes determines the orientation of the spider, but judging the distance travelled relied on the other three pairs of eyes.

Hapless victim

Lurking at the top of a burrow concealed in a cunningly constructed turret of twigs, leaves and stones, hungry wolf spiders (Lycosa tarantula) keep all eight eyes peeled, ready to ambush the next passing meal. However, after pursuing and subduing the hapless victim, the ravenous arachnid has to drag its quarry home before feasting.

Joaquín OrtegaEscobar, from the University Autónoma of Madrid,

Spain, says the spiders keep track of the direction and distance travelled on the outbound leg of the hunt, so they can return home along the most direct route instead of retracing their steps directly.

Polarised light

The animals rely on a polarised light compass associated with the minute pair of anterior median eyes at the front of the head to determine their orientation, and an odometer that measures the movement of images across the retina to determine the distance covered.

However, it wasn’t clear which of the four pairs of eyes the wily arachnids use to keep track of how far they have travelled. After training the spiders to run 30cm along a channel lined with stripy wallpaper to their burrow, Joaquín fitted water-soluble blinds to the spider’s posterior lateral eyes and posterior median eyes, and then encouraged the spiders to scamper home.

Impressively, the spiders were able to accurately gauge the return distance when the large posterior median eyes were covered. However, when the posterior lateral eyes were obscured, the spiders

pulled up 3cm short of their home site. And the spiders’ ability to estimate the distance travelled was most compromised when the stripy wallpaper was replaced with a stripy carpet.

Coating the tiny anterior lateral eyes and the posterior median eyes in black paint, the spiders stopped 7cm short of the full 30cm home run when the anterior lateral eyes were covered, but only stopped 3cm before the burrow when the large posterior median eyes were covered.

Key to ability

So the two outermost pairs of eyes and the posterior median eyes in the front of the spider’s head hold the key to the arachnid’s ability to keep track of how far it has travelled, and Joaquín says.

The spider probably integrates the information gathered through the anterior lateral eyes “and the posterior median eyes to get an image of the changes observed in the substratum that can be used for orientation when returning to their burrow after looking for prey”.

(Source: Journal of Experimental Biology).

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Quirky country images inspire winning captions FU

N NIE

S

C

O U NT R

Y

Strange the sights you see in the country – including an oversized corrugated pukeko letter box and a fully-dressed man in an open-air bathtub on wheels.

Both were photographed by Coast & Country’s roving reporter and featured as the Country Funnies photos in the May and June publications.

For the pukeko photo, Jan Salmon of Hamilton suggested the caption “Pecko thinks there are too many corrugations in this neck of the woods!” while Brianne Emm wrote “Pregnant! Who, me?” and Elaine Garnett of Tauranga submitted “Bird’s eye tinnie”.

Josie Rohde of Whakatane thought the pukeko has a disturbed look on its face as though some-thing internal is wrong, maybe indigestion, which inspired her captions "Oh, my tinny tummy!” and "Oh, my pukeko puku!", winning her a copy of ‘The Adriatic Kitchen’ by New Zealand author Barbara Unkovic, published by Exisle Publishing.

The man in the bath photo which appeared in June inspired Paul Nu'u of Rotorua to write “Come on....., come on rain, I have a date at 7!

First she said run the bath, then she took the car, five more minutes and the evening paper will be here.” Rob Graham’s caption is; “What you think of my entry for bath-hurst this year?”

The photo obviously evoked childhood memories for L Edwards of Rotorua who wrote “After all these years, I still can’t forgive This photo of a pukeko mail box was my older brother for always making me sit the Country Funnies photo for May. at this end with my bung hole to the plug hole,” so winning a copy of the children’s book ‘Through the Gate’ by Sally Fawcett, published

by Exisle Publishing.

This month’s book prize is ‘New Zealand Rugby Country – How the game shaped our nation’ by Desmond Wood, published by Bateman. The author Des Wood takes an academic, thoughtful and well-researched look at rugby over the past 150 years and what it means to New Zealand and New Zealanders.

He examines how this small nation has Man in an open-air bath was the achieved and maintained its status at the top of Country Funnies photo for June.

Caption this photo and be in to win a copy of the book “New Zealand Rugby Country”

by Desmond Wood, published by Bateman. international rugby and why the sport permeates and reflects our society.

However, it’s no dry text. The author’s love of the game is evident in his engaging writing style.

Thanks to Bateman, Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘New Zealand Rugby Country’ to give away.

To be in to win, email captions (as many as you like) for the photo above and send with your name and address with Country Funnies as the subject line to: elaine@thesun. co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive no later than July 19.

Page 67

Page 68

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

BS! PRIZandEdetUailsPcan beFemOaileRd (highGresRolutioAn jpgs)POto Box 240,

Pictures to Coast & Country, untry Camera” or posted ry entry. kathy@thesun.co.nz “Co e a name, address and phone number with eve lud inc ase Ple ga.

Tauran

Ruben Swart (8) and his cow Brave Boy on the farm, Oropi.

Torah (aged 1) tries out her gumboots at Fieldays with mum Rebekah Vlacnderen.

Layla Griffin (2) cooling off in the Waiari River Te Puke.

Tim Dobroumova (le and Austin Lauder ft) from Papamoa en age 6 joyi countryside and vi ng the ews Papamoa Looking that Gla Gardens has to offer ss .