Cacjan 2

January 2014 Issue No.161

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Raptor rapture

A&P shows Page 36-37

Rural driver Page 22 -26

The Humes’ story Page 28-29

Raptor aviculturalist Andrew Thomas with female New Zealand falcon Atareta at Wingspan, the National Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua which is dedicated to saving this country’s raptors from extinction – read their story on pages 4-5. Photo by Elaine Fisher

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Right to farm under pressure It would once have been unthinkable to question a landowner’s right to farm on his or her property, yet the time is rapidly approaching, (it might already be here), when that right may no longer be absolute.

Already government and councils can and do dictate what can and can’t be done on private land –and as environmental pressures build around water and air quality, those conditions will become tougher still.

Farmers and growers and the organisations, such as HortNZ and Federated Farmers, which represent their interests have been fighting back – striving to protect their ability to continue to produce the products, which not only substantially support the nation’s economy but also help feed the world.

It’s not just issues around nutrient leaching to water ways or the drifting of sprays from their intended targets which are under scrutiny. An attempt by Transpower to control what happens on corridors of private land up and down the country caused serious consternation among landowners, both urban and rural.

The battle was hard fought, but in

the Bay of Plenty at least agreement was forged about how those corridors or buffer zones should be controlled under the council’s district plan.

One astute farmer, while acknowledging the need for the power company to protect the national grind, has questioned what would happen to that extensive network of ‘corridors’ over which the transmission lines currently pass, should this type of technology be superseded in the future.

Who’s to say, he asks, that smarter ways of delivering energy, rather than thousands of kilometres of overhead lines, won’t be found?

And then, if landowners have given up ownership of those strips of land, what might

they be used for? Sounds a bit farfetched that we won’t need power lines in future, but cellphones would have seemed a crazy idea to the 1950s party line users – so his question shouldn’t be dismissed.

Many party line users would have organised shearing gangs by phone, but it’s the sport of speed shearing which will be on display at Te Puna this month – see page 7.

A&P shows are something those from the last century certainly recognise – and we feature four upcoming shows on page 36.

There was no electricity and no phones when Hugh and Adela Stewart settled in Katikati – read how you can visit their homestead today on page 40.

Another historic home, this time near Whakatane, is featured on page 20.

Winners of the December Coast & Country book prizes, all published by Halcyon Press, are: Morry Lawton, Te Puke, wins ‘Injun Joe - The legend of Smoking Joe Collins’ by Marion Day; Barry Gibbon, of Waiuku, wins ‘Why Trout Usually Win – the Guides’ book of fishing excuses’ by Graeme Marshall; and June Stevens, of Whakatane, wins ‘It’s not all about the pigs’ by Andy Lyver.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

‘Dutch disease’ impediment to industry’s financial growth The forest industry must confront ‘Dutch disease’ if it is to reach its $12 billion export target, says Warren Parker, chief executive of Scion.

However, he’s not talking about the similarly-named disease in trees, but rather a ‘disease’ of supply and demand.

“Other countries, notably China, want New Zealand logs and other natural resources, either un-processed or minimally processed.

“When such demand is strong, as at present, this contributes to a phenomenon ‘The Economist’, in 1977, coined ‘Dutch disease’ or, as abstracted from Wikipedia, ‘…where an increased exploitation of natural resources is associated with a decline in the manufacturing sector because increased revenues from natural resources [logs] contributes to a strengthening of the nation’s currency and reduces the export competitiveness of domestic [wood] manufacturing’,” says Warren.

“The Dutch experienced this with the discovery of a large gas field in the late 1950s; Australia experienced it through the recent mining boom; New Zealand is seeing this with an apparent insatiable global demand for our milk and logs. Given the increasing world population, mostly in developing countries, and associated growing shortages of land and water [and thus food, fibre and Warren Parker, chief executive of Scion, says forests can energy] this seems highly likely to continue. help mitigate nutrient run-off and leakage.

“Economies are not this simple, and the present effects of large scale and sustained quantitative easing in the US and Japan on the New lectively branding and marketing better.

Zealand currency illustrates this. But it does high“However, these steps are not sufficient in themlight the need for New Zealand to be proactive and selves; help is needed to quickly update building deliberate if Dutch disease is not to be repeated here standards, for example, for engineered wood prodfor our wood manufacturing sector.” ucts; increase confidence to invest in new plant and Warren says the Government has set an ambitious equipment, such as through accelerated depreciagoal to lift New Zealand’s export earnings from the tion on these items across the manufacturing sector; current 30 per cent to 40 per cent of Gross Domestic ensure a level playing field in free trade agreements; Product by 2025. For primary sector industries, this and encourage the use of wood in construction [as means at least doubling export earnings to more than in Japan and British Columbia with their Woodfirst $60 billion, says Warren. procurement policies].”

“The forest industry has a plan to do its part – grow Warren says domestic development of the forest exports from the 2011 baseline of $4.7 billion to $12 industry is vital too, because export growth must billion by 2022. occur through increases in value as well as volume.

“The essential ingredients to achieve this are at hand “Simply increasing the volume of commodities is – an increasing log harvest and much of the required unlikely to enable sustainable land management or processing and transport infrastructure, and innovaimproved water quality. The Parliamentary Comtion capacity. However, the industry also needs help, missioner for the Environment’s latest report ‘Water particularly to improve the profitability and scale of quality in New Zealand: Land use and nutrient polluthe wood processing sector since reaching the $12 tion’ highlights this reality. billion goal is heavily centred on raising the propor“Farmers face two primary constraints: reduced tion of logs processed onshore from the current 45 availability of land that is suitable for conversion to per cent to at least 70 per cent.” more intensive production such as milk and crops; The forest industry recognises it has to do its part and a limit to the capacity of these ecosystems to by improving process efficiency, such as by applyabsorb associated higher fertiliser inputs. The PCE ing lean thinking; increasing product innovation, by has highlighted Canterbury and Southland as regions increasing returns from sawmill residues; and, colfacing an increased future water quality challenge

– the Commissioner could also have added the central North Island.

“You do not have to think too deeply about the Commissioner’s report to conclude that forests have a complementary role with lowland intensification to help mitigate nutrient run-off and leakage,” says Warren.

“In these situations we need to be thinking not only of traditional forests but also of special purpose, high biomass growth – three to four times that of pasture – forests harvested at 10-15 years of age. ‘Industrial forests’ with these characteristics are common in South America and, as best I can judge, there is no biophysical reason why we cannot do likewise.”

The achievement of the 40 per cent GDP target requires a more encompassing and diverse view of the economy than that presently offered by many commentators, says Warren.

“As some crudely put it – a future prosperous and resilient New Zealand is going to need to be much more than a big dairy farm and a large conservation estate. Our challenge in the forest industry is to tell our story better about our scale; environment friendly growth; low carbon technology; and hazard and fire resilient construction materials.”

# Scion is a New Zealand Crown Research Institute specialising in research, science and technology development for the forestry, wood product and wood-derived materials and other biomaterial sectors.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

Medieval sport captivates audiences Cover story

An ancient food gathering practice used by nomadic tribes is today helping sustain one of New Zealand’s rarest birds.

Falconry, believed to date back to 2000 BC, is practised by raptor aviculturalists at Wingspan, the National Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua to educate audiences and prepare New Zealand falcon karearea (Falco novaeseelandiae) – and other raptors bred at the centre – for release into the wild.

Although falconry probably had its beginnings in Mesopotamia (today roughly Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Iran and Kuwait), it is synonymous with the chivalry and knights of the

Middle Ages when it became not a means of food gathering, but a status symbol and a competitive sport.

The romance and magic of falconry is re-captured at Wingspan every day when falcons are flown free, exercised by chasing lures – just as their ancient ancestors did.

And what’s even more special, the public can experience the thrill of a raptor feeding from their gloved hand.

Its 21 years since Debbie Stewart founded Wingspan with the aim of protecting the threatened karearea. By 1992, the Wingspan Charitable Trust was formed and in 2004 the Wingspan Bird of Prey Centre

Graham Walker, of Katikati, with the female falcon Atareta at Wingspan.

in Paradise Valley Rd was opened to the public. Wingspan is now recognised as New Zealand’s leading conservation, education and research organisation for birds of prey.

The admiration and affection for and dedication to the raptors, by Debbie and the Wingspan team, is obvious as they talk about the birds and demonstrate their impressive flying skills.

But Debbie says the feelings aren’t mutual.

“We are under no illusion the birds may not feel affection for us. To them, we are a source of food and they have learned what they need to do to be rewarded with it.”

Ozzy

Debbie flies a small male New Zealand falcon called Ozzy (after Ozzy Osbourne), and watching them work together it’s hard to believe there’s no bond. Although, there’s certainly understanding. Debbie watches Ozzy’s every move and anticipates what he will do next. She “reads” his body language. “When he bobs his head like that, he’s detecting prey and judging the distance to it,” says Debbie.

His aerial prowess is reminiscent of a spitfire (or maybe that plane’s flight has copied his). His speed and precision is impressive as he flies from one favourite perch to another, low over the heads of the audience.

Debbie explains part of the falcon’s impressive flying and hunting ability is due to their exceptional vision and the ability to see clearly up to eight times as far as humans.

Compared with their size, falcon’s eyes are large – if our eyes were on a similar scale – they’d be as large as tennis balls.

Skilled though Ozzy is at flying, he’s also somewhat accident-prone, and has undergone more than one “imping” session.

Imping, another ancient falconry technique, is a quick fix for broken or damaged feathers. It involves cutting the damaged feather at its base and inserting new feathers in the hollow shaft, and gluing them into place.

“As the bird’s own new feathers grow, the feather extensions fall out but they enable the birds to continue flying in the meantime,” says Debbie.

Ozzy gives his audience a final thrill by landing on gloved hands to enjoy a meaty treat; then, almost before Debbie can say his segment of the show is over, flies back to his aviary.

Atareta

The modern term for those who work with birds of prey is raptor aviculturalist and another of Wingspan’s trainers is Andrew Thomas. He works with the female falcon Atareta, who wows audiences with her speed and agility, especially her ability to fly upside down to catch titbits thrown into the air by Andrew.

“In the wild, parent birds teach their young to do this by dropping prey for them to take in mid-air,” Andrew explains.

Continued...

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Raptors among this country’s most endangered Continued...

Atareta’s exercises include chasing a lure made of feathers swung on a long pole by Andrew. His aim is to be quick enough to outwit her a few times before allowing her to catch the lure as a reward for her skill.

The Wingspan team fly their birds every day, at about 2pm, for the enjoyment and education of the public – but also for the bird’s own health and exercise. The raptors in their large aviaries and the wild birds outside know exactly when it’s flying time. Those inside show their excitement by taking a few flights round their enclosures while those outside head for cover. Well-fed as they are, Wingspan raptors will take a wild bird or even rabbit if the opportunity presents itself.

While close encounters of the bird kind for the public are an important part of Wingspan – as they serve to not only entertain but also educate, research, breed and release endangered falcons, harriers and moreporks – its also a crucial part of the organisation’s work.

works with vineyards, farmers and forestry throughout New Zealand. “It’s about commercial interests that can complement conservation efforts,” says Debbie. Wingspan also works with other researchers, including Massey University PhD student Chifuyu Beckett-Hawkesby, who is researching the breeding and survival of New Zealand falcon in plantation forests.

Surprisingly, these forests provide excellent habitat for the falcon and logging companies are supportive and sensitive, working around their breeding areas during operations.

Of the permanently-injured raptors at Wingspan, these birds are paired together to

Extinction

Debbie says karearea are fewer in number than kiwi – there are thought to be about 70,000 kiwi in New Zealand but less than 10,000 karearea, meaning the species is now at risk of extinction.

Preventing the falcon from reaching that end is the aim of Wingspan, which is a non-profit organisation that receives no direct government funding, so is dependent on philanthropic donations, sponsorship, grants and visitors to the centre in order to fund its operations and meet future needs.

Its reach extends further than the Paradise Valley facility. Wingspan

breed, and every year young birds are released into the wild. Often staff receive photos and reports from the public of the birds, identified by the bands they carry, plus they keep a database of wild falcons.

Wingspan provides a unique and thrilling opportunity to see New Zealand’s least known birds in action up close. Flights happen daily at 2pm but visitors are encouraged to arrive about 1.30pm to visit the museum and the aviaries before the show.

Atareta the falcon is ever watchful for prey.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 6

Whangara Farms general manager Richard Scholefield has been experimenting with plantain since it was first released as a cropping option.

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Whangara Farms, 30 km north of Gisborne, is one of 10 Beef + Lamb NZ demonstration farms throughout the country which are testing and showcasing recent innovations.

In this case, the potential of plantain to enhance the finishing capability of steep hill country is being trialled. And with sheep farming being pushed further into hill country areas, the need to provide higher-quality feed in this environment is becoming more urgent.

Plus, Whangara Farms is also running a second trial – determining the role of plantain to grow in-lamb hoggets up to optimal tupping weight as two-tooths, without compromising lamb weaning weights.

The operation is a partnership between two Maori incorporations and covers 7100 ha. Its 70,000 stock units are made up of 32,500 Romney ewes, 8000 ewe hoggets, 1600 Angus cows and 3500 head of rising one-year-old and two-year-old cattle. It employs 15 staff and won the 2009 Ahuwhenua Maori Excellence in Farming award.

The trial on the uncultivable hill country started last year with 20 ha of the operation’s hill country, traditionally covered in brown top and native grasses, being sprayed out using a helicopter.

Last April, four different sowing mixes were applied: First: 3 kg/ha plantain, 3 kg/ha chicory, 2 kg medium white clover, 2 kg large white clover.

Second: 6 kg/ha plantain, 2 kg medium white clover, 2 kg large white clover.

Third: 10 kg/ha plantain.

Fourth: Spring sown leafy turnip at 10 kg/ha.

Ewes and cows were used to trample the seed in, and urea was applied after the first grazing. In the first season, ewes and lambs were grazed on the area, followed by weaned lambs.

Whangara Farms general manager Richard Scholefield says all of the stock that grazed the

plantain-based pastures outperformed the control paddock of native grasses, both in stocking rates and animal growth rates.

“Then we were hit with the drought, which knocked the plantain around a bit. We thought we may have grazed it out. But once we got some rain, it came back extremely well.”

In 2013, the area was stocked in early August – 250 triplet-bearing ewes of body condition score 3-4 were set stocked at 11 ewes per hectare on the plantain/ red/white clover steep hill area. Meanwhile, similar ewes were set-stocked at 5.5 ewes per hectare in a control paddock of the original, low-energy feed.

“Fertiliser and animal health regimes will be as normal, and the same across the two areas. Ewe numbers will be adjusted on the blocks, if the pasture covers move outside a range of 1200-1800 kg/ha,” says Richard.

The intention is to condition score the ewes at docking, four weeks post-lambing, and weigh a subset of the lambs at that time.

Richard has been dabbling in plantain for the last five-six years, with 42 ha of cultivatable country direct-drilled.

“Some of the performance we were seeing was really good, so we when we were talking about improving the quality of feed on the steep hill country, we thought ‘why not’. If anything is going to grow on that sort of country, it will be plantain and clover.”

And it did. So well that, this season, another 20 ha paddock has been sown with the plantain/red/white clover mix.

“The concept is a work in progress – given the first plantain clover pasture on the hill country has only been in a year – but it’s looking really good,” says Richard. “If it goes reasonably well, we will sow it across a lot more of our hills. It’s increasing the ME [metabolisable energy] forage available and giving us some drought resistance.”

(Source Beef + Lamb website: www.beeflambnz)

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

Te Puna speed shear to be fast, fun event It’s highly competitive, highly skilled and although it’s over in just a few seconds, speed shearing has been wowing audiences at Te Puna for years.

It will do so again on January 18, when experienced shearers from throughout the country compete for cash and prizes in the Farmlands Te Puna Speed Shear.

“The contest is for experienced shearers only, and we never know till the day who will turn up. But in the past some of New Zealand’s top shearers, like Digger Balme and David Fagan, have competed in the open – and there’s a family of very talented shearers from Northland, who might compete in the senior,” says John Dalziel, one of the organisers.

“The veterans are always popular. It is for shearers over

55, but some who compete are over 70 – and they can shear a sheep in under 40 seconds.”

This year’s event is the 14th held at Te Puna, which every year attracts competitors who’ve been shearing at the Tauranga A&P Show the same day.

The action begins from about 5pm, with shearers competing on an improvised stage – the deck of a curtain-side truck, outside the Top Shot Bar at Te Puna, where a marquee is set up for the audience. About 70 to 80 sheep are on hand to be shorn in speed races against the clock and other competitors.

The winner of the open event will

Open for holiday trailer repairs Problems with a boat trailer, or a car trailer filled with family camping gear, can mean a stressful start to summer holidays – which is why Prescott Trailers, of Te Puke, keeps its workshop open throughout the holiday period.

“If something goes wrong, finding a repair workshop open at this time of year can be almost impossible, but people need help if they are to get the problem fixed

A rusty boat trailer like this one, as well as being unfit for the road, can put a stop to holiday fun.

and go on to enjoy their holiday,” says John Grierson, of Prescott Trailers.

“Boat and car trailers often don’t get a lot of use or attention during the year; then come the summer holidays and they are on the roads, and that’s when things can go wrong. Ideally, people should of course service their trailers before summer but that doesn’t always happen.”

Prescott Trailers has been building, servicing and repairing trailers for 45 years on Station Rd, Te Puke, where an experienced team and a well-stocked spare parts department mean most trailer problems can be fixed with minimal delays.

“We repair and service all brands of trailers, and also carry out insurance work, repairing or replacing damaged or stolen trailers.”

Prescott trailers is well-known for its rugged construction, which includes fully galvanised rectangular hollow section steel chassis bearers and heavy duty axles.

“We estimate there are around 32,000 Prescott Trailers in New Zealand and many of them come back to us for repair or service. Recently, we traded in a 42-year-old Prescott Trailer, which is still in pretty good condition and the owner got more for it than he paid new. He is pretty pleased with that,” says John.

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receive $2000, with a $1000 prize for the senior and product prizes for the veterans.

The shearing events are interspaced with live entertainment from the band New Zealand Made, led by truck driver Russell Bennett. “The band, made up of mostly truck drivers, has a great sound and has been playing at these events for 12 years.”

Admission is by gold coin donation, which is used to cover the cost of the timing equipment. The bar will be open and food will also be available.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 8

Coining a career in agriculture Martin Hawke was just a young man when he decided his future on the toss of a coin – heads he’d stay in Scotland, tails he’d immigrate to New Zealand.

He’d attended agricultural college in the UK and was working on a farm on the Scottish borders when he learned of opportunities for farming graduates in New Zealand.

“I was undecided whether to stay farming in Scotland, or go to New Zealand, so flipped a coin to decide. It came up tails.”

That coin toss proved beneficial for not only Martin, but also New Zealand. Late last year, in recognition of his lifetime of service to agricultural research, Martin was presented with a special award at the Tauranga Grasslands Conference.

The judging panel, which decided to honour him, says: “Martin has been a long-time NZGA member and contributor of papers, and importantly acted as a technician for countless trials on whose shoulders many of the scientists have

rested. His long 30-plus year history with trace elements, N and P and K trials, have been invaluable to science agronomy and fertiliser knowledge in the region”.

Martin has never regretted following through on the coin’s fall, even though it meant heading off on his own on a long sea voyage; and that his first posting was to Invercargill, which seemed incredibly remote.

“I loved it there; loved the work, the people, played rugby and went mountaineering.”

Martin’s role with what was then the Department of Agriculture was to take soil tests and carry out trial work on new cropping species.

That took him to some of the South Island’s most spectacular places. “We’d often camp out overnight, sometimes by a stream where we could catch kura [freshwater crayfish] for breakfast at 5am, before heading off to the farms to take our samples.”

Martin’s love of and skills in mountaineering were honed during the four-and-a-half years in the South Island

Martin Hawke enjoys a slower pace of life, including raising donkeys, after 30 years in agricultural research.

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and opened up an opportunity to go to the Antarctic to assist geologists taking samples during a summer season.

Tikitere

Martin’s next posting was in 1971 to Rotorua. In 1973, the Tikitere Forest Farming Research trial near Rotorua commenced, which was jointly established and run by the Forestry Research Institute and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“I consider myself extremely lucky to have been part of this research in which New Zealand led the world,” says Martin, who managed the 93 ha research farm for 20 years.

The aim was to establish whether or not pastoral farming could be successfully combined with forestry – and almost every aspect of the operation was subject to intense scrutiny and data collection.

Trees were planted at wider spacings than in conventional plantation forests, and sheep and beef grazed beneath them.

“The work attracted international attention, And as a result, I had the opportunity to attend conferences and present papers around the world on the work we were doing,” says Martin.

Soil samples, climatic information, the performance of trees, pasture and livestock were all meticulously recorded for scientists from MAF, FRI and DSIR. And at the same time, the farm had to operate as a productive unit.

“As well as the scientists and permanent farm staff, we had some on work experience from the Labour Department

so were able to keep the farm pristine, right down to painting fence posts. It was a model farm which was frequently visited by politicians and overseas dignitaries.”

Ways of deterring livestock from eating the bark of trees were experimented with. “One of the most successful was a liquid made from dog poo and painted on the trees.” Not surprisingly, that formula didn’t make it into commercial production.

However, despite early optimism that forestry and farming could successfully co-exist and each turn a profit, in the end the trial proved it wasn’t to be.

Trees gown at wider spacings tended to develop bigger limbs, which reduced timber quality.

And as they developed more canopy, the quality of the pasture beneath the trees diminished. By 1999 the trial was discontinued and the property returned to the owners, Paehinahina Mourea Maori Trust.

“However, Tikitere contributed much to our understanding of both forestry and pastoral farming and still stands as world class research,” says Martin.

Martin’s technical skills and extensive knowledge of pasture meant he was in demand after Tikitere was closed.

After redundancy from AgResearch in 2004, he set up his own research business working for clients including AgResearch, Ravensdown, and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

Today, he continues to do this parttime, even though he’s now sold the business to his former business partner.

By Elaine Fisher

PASTURE RENOVATION

Dry soils trigger concerns

In farming there’s always something to do Now summer’s here, pasture management is all about maintaining feed quality and looking after crops, such as turnips.

Spraying for weeds and white butterfly is important; and it appears aphids are also a problem for brassica crops this season. Insects and weeds can affect the yield and quality of crops, reducing their value as high energy feed to supplement poorer summer pastures.

Research shows when spring pastures are at about 12 ME, high in metabolisable energy, cows need to consume about 19 kg a day to produce 1.75 kg of milk solids.

In summer, pasture quality drops to about 10.5 ME. This means cows have to eat at least 21.7 kg to produce the same amount of milk solids. However, the reality is cows cannot actually consume and digest that amount of pasture each day.

Weeds

Protein is not limiting production, but pasture quality (ME), which has dropped from the peak in September/October, is. Extending the grazing round in summer to 30 days helps and it may be necessary to supplement grass with extra feed.

Topping is one way of ensuring the next round of grazing provides good quality grass and cows are not pinched for production. This can also help control

Page 9

problematic weeds. This year, wire weed has been a problem. However, penny royal is also an issue and needs to be sprayed out now, as this herb can taint milk. Rain in November and December was certainly welcome, prompting growth and increasing soil moisture levels, but it won’t take much for things to dry out again – especially if we get wind and fine, sunny weather.

As I mentioned in December, farmers in the Canterbury Plains region are still hurting from the September storms, which did so much damage to their big travelling irrigators.

This means they will most likely harvest barley green, rather than grain and straw.

This will mean less grain and straw available for others this coming autumn.

Northland growers are already facing conditions which are as dry, or even drier, than they were this time last year, says Horticulture New Zealand’s Leigh Catley.

Speaking to the Ministry for Primary Industries National Adverse Events committee, Leigh says according to NIWA many parts of the country are already facing significant soil moisture deficit conditions. The east coast of the North Island and the west coast of the South

Island, along with Northland, are showing very similar patterns to last year’s weather conditions.

“MPI is reviewing the material it made available to farmers and growers during last summer’s drought; and the key points to note remain the same: talk to your bank manager, accountant or Rural Support Trust local contact as soon as you think you may need support and assistance – don’t wait,” says Leigh.

Supplements

As always with supplementary feed, be it grain, maize, grass or maize silage or hay, it pays to order early; and if possible, buy straight from the paddock before extra transport and storage costs have to be added. Winter crops, such as swedes and kale, need nitrogen and side dressing of about 150 kg per hectare at this time of year; the same as turnip crops.

This is best done about at the same time as spraying for weeds, about six weeks after sowing. In farming there’s always something to do – even if the rest of the country is on holiday.

The team at Bill Webb Feed Solutions is planning to take some time out to enjoy summer and would like to wish all farmers a Merry Christmas, a safe and enjoyable holiday season and a prosperous 2014.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Branding irons The back-to-front number two, which was part of last month’s Coast & Country mystery item didn’t confuse readers with several correctly identifying it as a branding iron.

MAIZE

Page 11

but in its day served a very important role on a family farm in the Bay of Plenty.

If you think you know what it is and how it worked, and perhaps have a story to share about using something similar, you could be in to win a visit for two to the Katikati Heritage Museum.

Send your entry to: elaine@thesun.co.nz or post to:

“We used to shave the hair on the cow’s hip; then put an acid-based black paste on the iron number, then brand it onto the cow’s hip. The acid would burn the number onto the cow or bull. We still have a set here, but haven't used them for some 45 to 50 years,” writes Murray Rowe, of Te Awamutu, who has won entry for two to the Katikati Heritage Museum for his letter.

Dawn Salmon, of Katikati, also recognised the device. “I believe the Mystery Item is a branding iron, but [I’m] not sure what it is used on, as animals used to have the initial of the farmer’s surname branded on This strange-looking device saw many years of them and this is a service on a Bay of Plenty farm. number.”

Mystery Item, Coast & Country, PO Lynda Curin says her husband Dave Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no has used one of these for the last 50 later than January 17. The winner will years, branding stock on their farm be announced in Coast & Country’s at Cambridge. “I hate to say it, but February issue. The museum, just sometimes it was dipped into paint to south of Katikati, is open seven days a brand with.” week 9.30am-4pm. To find out more, This month’s mystery item from visit: www.katikatiheritagemuseum. the Katikati Heritage Museum has a co.nz or call 07 549 0651.

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MAIZE

Page 12

Nutritional value, country of origin labelling vital Vegetables and grain are supposed to be good for us. These days, we can’t tell whether food is good or bad. The politicians keep pushing free-trade down our throats, and that will just lead to more corporate greed and profit, with the consumer being the loser.

thesis. For the same reason, treating seed with chemicals increases insect pest numbers.

Aquatic plants absorb and concentrate chemicals that accumulate in the water at rates between 16,000 to 20,000 times. Many different chemicals give the same results as above.

Researchers conclude: “It is clear The sooner we have more information on the nutritional that the contamination of the value and country of origin each food product, the soil, water, and plant with blast better. This article is about rice, but applies to any spores has no influence on crop, whether cereal, root, fruit, or vegetable. The the health of the plant when principles of growing them are the same, but the the plant’s nutrition is wellcountry of origin is not. balanced”.

Much of the world’s rice is Herbicides grown in tropical areas.

The principal enemies of rice include weeds, The soils in these areas are bacteria, fungi and insects. Some diseases or pests leached of nutrients by high can account for 30 per cent of crop losses. Herrainfall, but are high in bicides used for weed control, causes increases in aluminium and manganese. attacks by insects because the herbicides increase So the scientific community nitrogen in the plant material by 25 per cent. thinks it is a good idea to This increase is due to inhibition of protein synbreed food crops such as rice This Missouri rice is grown with the that can tolerate high Albrecht-Kinsey method of soil fertility.

Table 1. Different ratios in rice, according to their effect on resistance levels of these elements.

The rice paddy made 11,090 kg/ha to pyricularia fungus.

Some scientists are and a premium between $600 and not well-known for Ratios Healthy rice Diseased rice $1200 per tonne. their common sense, K/Ca 7.6 2.0 but they do like to take the most nutritious part; the removal of it is shortcuts. However, carried out because bran deteriorates faster Ca/Mg 1.5 4.0 there is no true shortcut Compare the first photograph with the than the grain. That in itself is a sure sign the Ca/Na 2.1 2.2 possible where healthy unhealthy rice above. When any plant lacks cereal lacks integrity and has not been grown food is involved. The nutrition, it is subject to disease attack. properly in the first place.

K/Na 19.1 6.4 consumer ends up with An owner of a biological extract was proP/S 6.4 2.2 rice high in non-nutrients, or with nutrients at toxic moting their product in Guyana. levels, and low in ‘balanced’ nutrients.

He was interviewed on the radio by a journalist, who menN/Cu 35 54.7 tioned his brother-in-law grew rice.

P/Mn 35.6 118.4 Malnourished He had a problem with weevils in his crop. The chemical repThere is actually no point in eating it – unless you resentative advised the grower to spray the crop with a particular Base/Acid 3.6 2.3 want a short, malnourished life. In addition, the insecticide, which was duly done. The interviewer continued, Macro elements/Mn 231 656 bran is removed, as it is from wheat. The bran is “that spray was so strong, it killed the alligators”.

BASE SATURATION PERCENT Calcium (60 to 70%) Magnesium (10 to 20%) Potassium (2 to 5%) Sodium (.5 to 3%) Other Bases (Variable)

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MAIZE

Page 13

Maize footprint trial Reducing the environmental footprint of maize is the aim of a trial being conducted by the Foundation for Arable Research.

The first trial in this programme is investigating how much nitrogen is released from growing; then soil, incorporating winter active legumes prior to maize planting, says Mike Parker of FAR.

New Fieldays president Experienced dairy farmer and local resident, Warwick Roberts, is the new President of the NZ National Fieldays Society.

Warwick, who has held the position of vice president of the society since 2012, takes over from Lloyd Downing, who has held the job from 20102013, and says he’s very proud to be leading such a prestigious organisation.

“This society has been built around the voluntary contributions of many, and I am very aware of the huge value they add to the success of the events held here.”

Warwick has been a member of the NZ National Fieldays Society for 13 years and is a former chair of the Agricultural Fieldays Committee, from 20092012.

With a long-standing involvement in dairy farming, having grown up on a dairy farm, Warwick bought his first cows when he was just 18 years old.

A member of the Cam-

bridge Young Farmers, he helped with fencing at the very first Fieldays, held then at Te Rapa, and later at Mystery Creek.

Peter Nation will take over the role of vice president of the society. He was elected to the board in 2004 and gave more than 15 years of active service to the society.

Currently, the national sales manager for Gallagher Group, Peter has extensive experience in the rural industry through a long banking background, plus current employment and direct involvement in various aspects of farming.

Is enough N produced to grow a crop of maize is the question being asked. The work is being done in the Waikato, using blue lupins and winter active Persian clovers. Maize samples will be taken and analysed for N levels at four, eight and 12 weeks after sowing. Yields and N levels will be measured when silage is harvested in early March.

The second trial is located at FAR’s Waikato Arable Research site and is evaluating volatilisation losses of N in

dairy shed effluent linked to incorporation timings. Subsequent maize yields will also be evaluated.

Effluent was applied in early October and incorporated at either one, two, four, eight or 14 days following application.

All plots had a further single pass with a spring tyne crumble roller just prior to maize planting on October 25.

The finding of the research will be published by FAR.

Warwick Roberts, new President of the NZ National Fieldays Society.

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Milk equipment sales turn into school assets Three Waikato schools are moving ahead with special projects after winning prizes in a joint competition run by Qubik TMC and Waikato Milking Systems.

The schools have won cash prizes in the companies’ Win Cash for your School rubberware competition, by encouraging all of the dairy farmers they knew to buy Waikato Milking Systems rubberware from Qubik. Every purchase of a certain value gave the farmer the opportunity to nominate a school of their choice.

The winners

The big winner in the competition is Aria School, near Piopio, which has won the top prize of $2000.

Principal Pam Voyce says the school is now able to offer swimming lessons to students and the community. “It is just absolutely amazing. It is a lot of money for a small school. Swimming lessons are so important for children’s safety in the water,” says Pam. A professional swimming coach came to Aria from Auckland for about 10 days near the end of 2013 to teach swimming lessons. The school also offered the coach’s services to pre-schoolers, college students and adults in the community who couldn’t swim or who wanted to perfect their strokes.

“It’s absolutely imperative for us to have support from agribusinesses for the extra things we want to do.”

Aria School won first place in the rubberware competition. Pictured are: back (left to right): Paul McGill from Waikato Milking Systems, Kyle Osborne from Qubik TMC and Aria School principal Pam Voyce. Front (left to right), students Molly Nelson, Tyler Wiseman, Chloe Brown, Anika Robinson, Clay Harris.

Runners up

Second place winner is Kio Kio School, of Otorohanga, which has won a cash prize of $1000.

Principal Chris Patel says the prize will most likely go towards a playground the school is currently fundraising for. The goal is to provide a playground that is accessible to everyone, including pre-schoolers and students with physical challenges.

“The school is the hub of our community. We want to involve the community and a group of our students in the concept plan for the playground. We want it to have longevity and usefulness across the community,” says Chris.

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Third place winner is Te Waotu School, of Putaruru, which has won $500. Principal Bruce Darroch says the students will have a say in what the money is spent on. Ideas from the students so far include iPads, school equipment and sports gear such as footballs, netballs and balance boards.

“We’ve been buying unique pieces of equipment to challenge the children’s development, such as unicycles. They are fantastic for teamwork – the children have to have their mates around them to learn how to ride a unicycle.”

Qubik Otorohanga branch manager Kyle Osborne says: “This competition is a great way for us to support both primary schools and the local communities in which our customers live. We truly value the support of our loyal customers and community.”

Waikato Milking Systems sales manager Paul McGill says the competition is a great opportunity for the company to put something back into the community. “We are very proud to be involved, as children are the future farmers.”

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Kio Kio School won second place in the rubberware competition. Picture are (left to right): Kio Kio School principal Chris Patel, head boy Jacob Dykshoorn, head girl Mallory Fraser, Paul McGill (rear) from Waikato Milking Systems and Kyle Osborne from Qubik TMC.

Te Waotu School won third place in the rubberware competition. Pictured are: Waikato Milking Systems marketing manager Jane Burton, Te Waotu School principal Bruce Darroch and Qubik representative Nigel Hannay, with members of the school’s Student Council. technology. Qubik provides a range of services to farmers, including milking systems, effluent management and refrigeration, with branches in Te Awamutu and Putaruru.

The benefits of gypsum in soil treatment are well known, but its value goes well beyond this: • Helps mitigate the flow of nitrates and phosphorus in New Zealand waterways • Can be used to address the issue of sodium from applied effluent • Reduces surface run-off and drainage loss, reduces preferential flow of water run-off in soil • Can be applied by a number of different means to target risk zones • Assists with addressing high soil potassium levels Rates vary per farm and soil type. Applications can last for up to three years and can be used as a base layer in stand-off (loafing) pads.

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Protecting peat performance hectare in any one application), helps reduce environmental risks.

• Avoid application if heavy rain is likely, or when there are puddles on pasture.

• Allow a good buffer or margin between the fertilised area and waterways.

• Also, because peat soils have a high water table, care should be taken when applying dairy effluent to pasture.

Applying fertiliser correctly to peat soils will maintain good pasture for longer periods, reducing the need for frequent cultivation and pasture renewal.

Lime is also required to increase the soil pH to an optimum level for pasture and crop species. Soil and herbage tests will determine what nutrients peat soils need.

Time fertiliser application to ensure plant uptake is maximised, and any potential effects on the environment are minimised.

Ecosystems

Bala Tikkisetty, sustainable agriculture coordinator at Waikato Regional Council.

Protecting the productivity of low nutrient peat soils is essential if they are to be farmed successfully.

In the Waikato, there is about 90,000 hectares of these soils around the region, particularly near Gordonton, south of Hamilton and on the Hauraki Plains. In their natural state, they have high organic matter content, low natural nutrient levels and water table fluctuations – so they behave differently from mineral soils, in terms of nutrient transformations and cycling.

This means, putting the right type of fertiliser on, at the right time and in the right amounts, is critical.

To help achieve this goal, farmers should know the capacity of their peat soils to assimilate nutrients, including from farm dairy effluent.

It is also important to understand the risks associated with the application of nitrogen fertilisers and effluent to peat soils, while optimising nutrient use efficiency for plant production.

Leaching

Peat soils typically have a low anion storage capacity.

This means the leaching of nutrients to ground water will be significant in peat soils. Increased leaching of nutrients can occur when water tables are near the ground surface.

Besides soil and herbage tests to match nutrient inputs to soil needs, a number of other strategies help minimise nutrient leaching from peat soils used for farming.

• Nutrient budgeting helps ensure nutrient inputs match production and environmental goals.

• Applying nitrogenous fertilisers in split applications (not more than 30 kg of nitrogen per

Fertiliser should be uniformly and evenly applied with none outside the target area. The precise placement of fertiliser depends on a number of factors. It requires careful integration of operator skills, sound equipment and appropriate formulation of fertiliser.

It is recommended farmers follow the Spreadmark Code of Practice for fertiliser application, a programme governed by the Fertiliser Quality Council.

Another factor to bear in mind is that while drainage and cultivation of peat are necessary to establish productive pasture, they lead to irreversible shrinkage of the peat, resulting in continued subsidence of the land surface.

Shrinkage is a result of consolidation following water removal and particle breakdown during cultivation, and also as a result of exposure to air. Shrinkage is estimated at about 200 mm per year after the initial cultivation, reducing to about 20 mm per year as the peat becomes more consolidated.

These factors mean farming of peat soils can lead to damage to nearby wetlands and peat lakes – and extra care is needed. The Waikato peat lakes, with unique ecosystems, are the largest remaining collection of such unique habitats in the country and have attracted international attention.

In summary, by having the right nutrient management programme, farmers can reduce both cultivation and renewal costs, prolong the life of peat soils and help protect water quality. #Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture coordinator at Waikato Regional Council, phone 0800 800 401 or email: bala.tikkisetty@ waikatoregion.govt.nz

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DAIRY

Percentage leasing can benefit both parties Percentage leasing, a new system of leasing introduced by yours truly has caught the dairy industry’s imagination and is being frequently used.

It was initially established about 25 per cent based on a $4 payout and a $1 for rent. Oh how times have changed. The market is indicating 22 per cent-plus – to be a more realistic –figure. It allows the landowner to share in the increase in payout.

Under the fixed price lease, all the benefits of an increased payout goes to the lessee or the tenant.

This model has been in existence for many years; and of course the landlord is unable to get an increase in rent until the rent review date. More than that,

it may not give an equitable return to the landowner on a rising payout. Let’s review some of the examples and how they work: a) Fixed Price Lease 100,000 kg milk solids 110 hectares say, including shares @ $1200/ha $120,000 Rent reviewed every two years, lessee to pay all outgoings So the net rent to the owner is: $120,000 In this case the rent is fixed for the remaining period of the lease, which is two years under normal lease agreements. b) Variable Rate Leasing fixed to the payout.

With the rapid rise in payout, those on fixed price leases are unfortunately stuck to the rental waiting for the review. Given that farm leasing is an emerging tenure, the rental needs to reflect a fair return to the owner, and a realistic cost to the tenant. If you take 20-22 per cent of gross dairy cheque as a fair rental then the figures are as follows:

100,000 kg milk solids x $8/milk price $800,000 X 22 per cent = $176,000 rental

The solution

So, how did I get to the 22 per cent rental??

Twenty-two per cent seems to be a realistic cost to capital allowed by banks and financiers. That is the amount of income you could reasonably expect to go toward debt servicing, interest and lease costs.

This percentage could vary slightly up and down, depending on circumstances. For example, if it is a high cost operation with expensive irrigation and wintering off, then the

percentage could come back a little.

If it is an all-grass easy operation with outstanding facilities, then the percentage could rise.

Ratchet Clause

A ratchet clause sets out the minimum rental that the lessee will pay no matter what the circumstances. It is very important to have this in the lease so that if things go wrong, then you know exactly what your minimum income is.

Point of sale

A big issue around getting money for anything is to get it at point of sale. Rather than the lessee receiving all the dairy cheque and then paying the lessor as per an agreement, it could be set up with Fonterra or the point of source, where 22 per cent of

the dairy cheque goes to the landlord and the balance goes to the tenant. In this model the tenant is not actually handling the landlord’s money; it is being paid direct to the landlord by the dairy factory, thereby avoiding any arguments later.

Getting your money at point of source under any circumstances is vital for good relations. Under this model there can be no missed payments or misunderstandings. The owner’s rental is pegged and paid at point of source.

It also means the rental is paid in line with the Fonterra payments. That means if there is a low income month then both parties share the reduced payment. The same applies in reverse on a high payout month, like during bonus time, then both parties benefit from that.

A “dairy only” clause could also be inserted into the lease, specifying the farm is exclusively for dairying. This clause could set out the number of replacements (female cattle), that can be retained and maximum/minimum of cows.

It could be argued this may be a disincentive for the lessee, but existing fixed price leases have been at 20-78 per cent of dairy cheque on a gross basis for some time now. This is not a 22/78 per cent agreement where the owner pays 22 per cent of feed costs either. That is a tenant cost.

For the landlord, it may sound too good to be true and there may be some hooks in it. Lessees are relatively happy to have a variable rental in line with their income too. It is along the lines of a 50/50 agreement, but it avoids all of the unhappiness, bitterness and interference that comes with a 50/50 sharemilking agreement.

In summary, moving from a fixed price lease to a variable lease, which is tied to the milk payout, has really caught on. The benefits are to both parties and would encourage the parties to work together to increase production on the farm. It also ensures the landlord is paid at point of source rather than the money going through the tenant and then him choosing whether he is going to pay the landlord or not.

DAIRY

Page 17

Containment feeding – an option in New Zealand?

An Australian practice called containment feeding could have potential in New Zealand during times of drought, suggests Beef + Lamb New Zealand extension manager Aaron Meikle.

Containment feeding differs from feedlotting in that it involves holding animals at maintenance, rather than growing them for finishing. Stock are hard fed to spell pastures after a drought or to get through a feed shortage.

Observing the practice during a trip to South Australia earlier this year, Aaron says containment feeding is as much about protecting the pasture and soil as maintaining the animals.

“While keeping adult stock off pastures during droughts simplifies feeding, it also means that, when drought breaks, the grass and clover has a chance to

recover because you’re delaying grazing until plants re-establish.

“Equally, at times of flooding, or when pasture is waterlogged, containment feeding can be used to keep stock off paddocks.”

The system can be set up simply. The basic principles are: • Identify a suitable slope, well drained and protected from prevailing winds. Ideally the slope is minimal – enough to encourage run off, but not enough to erode.

• Build pens vertically, so each pen runs from the bottom to the top of the hill.

• Place the water troughs at bottom, with a ditch below, on the outside of the fence, to catch runoff.

• Feed stock at the top of the pen. Cheap feed troughs can be made using shade cloth.

• Shade and/or shelter may be needed.

IMAGINE...

HAVING YOUR HERD AND FARM DAIRY ANTIBIOTIC FREE, USING AN EFFECTIVE BIOLOGICAL OPTION!

Interpreting conductivity needs care More farmers are relying on cow-side conductivity meters to warn of rising somatic cell counts and potential mastitis.

Now that these meters are built into modern dairy units, farmers don’t need to do a herd test for SCC, which is measured along with milk volume, fat and protein.

The important question is, if an individual cow’s SCC starts to rise and an alert is triggered, what should you do about it and when should you act?

The old advice was to ‘treat’ the cow, which meant immediate antibiotic therapy. This has changed with the latest Dairy NZ advice being to ‘treat clots and watch for Tube up snots’ to reduce antibithe teat otic overuse and slow treatment the advance of resistance for in both animals and mastitis. humans.

This change is long overdue, as antibiotics had little effect on rising SCC in any case and only work when the cow goes clinical.

So now frustration for a farmer is even greater, knowing that a cow is heading for clinical mastitis but not being able to do anything effective until the trouble clearly arrives, along with the costs of vets and drugs, as well as the extra work and lost milk income when the cow is out of the main herd.

Having a prevention plan to put in place as soon as a cow’s SCC starts to rise, to prevent further rise and avoid clinicals, should be the target – and has been met by many farmers who have been using the Wormade OMS Nutritional Supplement Plan during the last six years.

As soon as a cow triggers a SCC alert, she is drenched with OMS and kept in the main herd with her milk going into the vat. Then any cow that develops clinical mastitis is removed from the herd and put in a ‘red mob’, to be milked last and prevent cross infection. She is then drenched again with OMS on the programme; and cows that don’t respond to the three OMS drenches are culled at the end of the season.

It’s important to realise that after cows with rising SCC are drenched with OMS, they will need time to respond, as the damaged udder tissue has to heal before SCC levels drop. But during this time milk income continues, as there is no risk of an inhibitory grade.

Farmers remark on the simplicity of the programme, saving lost income from animal health charges and from milk withheld from supply, for anything from seven-20 days. (Source- Wormade).

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Page 18

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DAIRY

Claim excise duty refund Farmers are able to claim refunds for petrol excise duty, the ACC motor levy and road user charges for off-road use, says Federated Farmers policy advisor Kara Lok. The current rate farmers can claim as a refund on excise duty on petrol used commercially on farm is 63.42 cents per litre, but historical claims for the last two years can be made although the rate reduces slightly.

Under part 17 of the Land Transport Act 1998, farm vehicles are

entitled to a petrol excise duty and GST refund. Refund claims need to be lodged within three months of the close of a quarter, and these are: March 31; June 30; September 30 and December 31.

“It is a relatively simple process and New Zealand Transport Agency staff are happy to help new applicants set up the process.

Alternatively, call your local Federated Farmers president for help. We encourage you to claim the refund; it is your money and is substantial in some cases,” says Kara.

There is no excise duty on diesel, so there is no provision for a refund for off-road use of diesel. However,

diesel vehicles are generally subject to road user charges (RUC) and there is a refund system to claim RUC for off-road use of these vehicles. Refunds for RUC charges may be granted by NZTA in certain circumstances. These include: when a vehicle is destroyed, exported, permanently taken off the road and its registration is cancelled; when the licence details are incorrect; if the vehicle will be used wholly or partly for off-road travel, or if you have an unused distance licence.

Claims should be submitted when each RUC licence expires and must be submitted within two years of the RUC licence issue date.

Don’t make gun theft easy “Lock ‘em or lose ‘em” – that’s the warning Thames Police is giving to all gun owners – regardless of the region they live in.

This comes as Waikato Police is investigating a series of unrelated burglaries across the district involving stolen firearms.

An incident in Thames late last year clearly demonstrates the risks to the public associated with illegal weapons – and why gun owners should keep their items properly secured, says Police.

Thames Police public safety team supervisor Sergeant Jared Thompson says a 16-year-old male appeared in the Hamilton Youth Court after a round from a .303 rifle was negligently discharged through the wall of his home, through a neighbour’s window and up through the roof.

“The neighbours were home at the time and heard a bang but didn’t know where it came from, it was only when they noticed the holes the next day that they realised something was amiss,” says Jared.

“As it happened, the Currie St incident was close to where a burglary had happened over the weekend in which four unsecured firearms, including a .303 rifle were taken.”

“As a result of this information, members of the Waikato Armed Offenders Squad assisted our staff in securing and searching a Currie St address.”

Jared says the youth was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, reckless discharge of a firearm and receiving stolen property.

“While we were very fortunate no-one was hurt in this incident, the event highlights the other issue around firearms – that owners are often to lax when it comes to security.

“In this case the stolen firearms and ammunition were not secured and unfortunately, this is not an isolated case.”

Jared says colleagues across the Waikato are aware of firearms being taken in burglaries – not just in Thames but in Hamilton, Ngahinapouri, Paterangi and Te Awamutu.

“In several, but not all cases, the manner in which the firearms had been secured left a lot to be desired – and firearms owners need to realise that when firearms are taken Police do look into the circumstances of how offenders gained access to them, and if an owner is deemed to have been negligent, firearms licence revocation is a consideration.

“Firearms are the most popular commodity for thieves, often we come across burglaries where a large screen television has been removed from the wall but the offenders have discovered firearms, taken those and left the television behind.”

• Unlike restricted weapons, which are recorded against a firearms licence holder’s B,C and E endorsements, A category firearms such as shotguns, bolt action rifles and .22 calibre rifles are unrestricted and their serial numbers are not recorded.

One of the most effective ways to record serial numbers and images of your firearms is for owners to record them on databases, such as available on the Operation SNAP website: www.snap.org.nz • Get a good quality safe. Often gun owners think nothing of spending$1000-$3000 on a firearm, but are reluctant to spend $500 on a quality safe of thick steel construction with a door with multiple sliding bolts.

• If you have an alarm, install a reed switch on the safe door to ensure the alarm is triggered. Get a dialer linked to your alarm so it phones you when triggered.

• Install your safe in a concealed location. A burglar can’t break into your firearms safe if they can’t find it or think it’s something else.

• Avoid leaving or hiding your safe keys in the house.

If you can think of the hiding place, so can a burglar.

• Don’t store the bolts and ammunition with the firearms.

• Don’t store shooting paraphernalia such as gunbelts, bush-clothes or decoys near your firearms safe.

This draws attention to the location.

Jared says gun ownership is a privilege that carries a heavy burden of responsibility. “What we’re asking owners to do is seek help from Police, or your local gun club, to meet that responsibility.”

Page 19

Year two of growing maize in a beaten up maize paddock

In 2012, I was given a challenge…to restore, and get a good crop from, a Hauraki Plains marine clay that had been experiencing diminishing maize yields and returns during the last five years.

minerals (comprising of BAS-50, Soil Force, Soil Conditioner, trace minerals, microbial food and microbial inoculations of Bio-Vam, 10/25 Soil Microbes and Combo 12). At the end of the season we harvested 18 tonne of green feed maize with only 50 mm of rainfall.

Other crops in the district grown with conventional fertiliser and soil management produced 9-11 tonnes and a Local truck drivers were saying couple of crops failed. “the soil is buggered”. My Nitrate is important for response was: “It’s not the soil’s plants to synthesize amino fault; you guys have been runacids and proteins and is ning this place for years. You a very strong leaf growing can’t blame the soil”. energy.

When I took over the lease, ERGS (energy rating per the soil structure was very gram of soil) are a sign of poor, and after rain there was how much energy is available a lot of ponding of water not in the soil for the plant to draining away, even after two utilise and grow – which is days of sunshine. The Reams very important for maize.

Soil Test is important for tellThis year, I have experiing farmers what nutrients are mented with not spraying out available for plants. It was developed by the paddock prior to cultivation, and Dr Carey Reams, using milder reagents not using a pre-emergent spray. The culthat are the same strength as acids from tivation was very successful. However, plant roots. It is very accurate at telling after the maize germinated, the field us what the has been taken over by a lot of plant actually weeds, such as fat hen and red needs – for root. This has resulted in the more informaneed of using post-emergent tion about the sprays. Next year, I plan to trial Reams Soil a legume cover crop, like crimTest, see: www. son clover, of which the maize ef.net.nz and crop will then be planted into, look under soil Seed bed, prior to planting flame weeding and inter-row testing. cultivation. Public field days maize December 2012.

After conwill be held on ducting the initial Reams Soil specific days Test, we found the nitrate and next year during ammonium nitrogen levels to the growing be very low; and the soil had season. very low energy levels – only Remember, 100 µs/cm, where a maize plant the general requires 400 µs/cm to fill a cob. rule of thumb Seed bed for the maize in is fence height The plant-available calcium was 2013 was much finer. also very low at 400 kg/ha, with at Christmas 2000-3000 kg/ha being the minimum time for maize. One of Environmentarget figure, and was restricting plant/ tal Fertilisers’ farmers near Matamata grain weight and plant health. already had hedge height maize in midDuring the first year, the field received December.

14 tonne per hectare of a fertiliser mix, We look forward to seeing how everycomprising of 10 tonne/ha of comone’s maize grows during summer and post and four tonne/ha of composted what sort of harvest we can all expect.

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Page 20

DAIRY

A homestead

Angle Park homestead at Awakeri has played a significant role in the lives of two influential Whakatane families.

The elegant and distinctive two-storey house was built by farmer, builder and entrepreneur Len Luke, during a 10-year period from 1929 to 1939. The home was the second Len constructed on the farm, on what is now known as Luke Rd. The first had living accommodation on the upper level and a cowshed and honey extraction facilities on the lower, but was destroyed by fire in 1928 or 1929. The family lived in tents, albeit with wooden floors, until the new home was sufficiently progressed for the family to gradually move in.

The homestead became a meeting place for the Awakeri community, within its grounds a community hall for meetings, a sports paddock and athletic track, a tennis court and pavilion. The property is also famous for its past annual Guy Fawkes celebrations when hundreds of locals and visitors enjoyed a bonfire and Len’s honey mead.

Len went on to become part of the then well-known Whakatane building company of Boon, Sullivan and Luke.

Today, the homestead, (largely original inside and out with the exception of a modern kitchen), is home to Peter and Hailey Macdonald, who milk 400 cows on the farm which was bought by Peter’s father Ken in 1968.

Ken is now retired and lives in Tauranga. He first came to the Bay of Plenty from Timaru as an 18-year-old, keen to see what North Island farming had to offer.

Holiday

“It was supposed to be a holiday but when I got to Tauranga I just fell in love with the place. Back then, Tauranga had a population of about 10,000 and the surrounding countryside was virtually all farmland with none of the orchards and shelterbelts of today. There were wide open vistas across the Bay of Plenty and the ocean.”

Ken arrived on Saturday, July 14, 1951, and by the following Tuesday had a job on a farm at Omokoroa. He later became a herd tester, working in the area from Ohauiti to Te Puke; then went sharemilking at Bethlehem, moving to Western Drain Rd, Awakeri, in 1955. In 1962 he moved into first farm ownership, buying 100 acres on Luke Rd, Awakeri.

“It wasn’t easy to find the money to

Peter Macdonald in the rotary cowshed at Angle Park, which is among the first built in the Awakeri District in 1973. buy a farm back then, and financially we struggled. The average herd size was around 80 and the biggest herd I tested was 175 cows at Ohauiti.”

In 1968, and again in 1971, Ken purchased more land around his original farm, including the former Luke property and historic homestead, which became the Macdonald family home.

Ken was also involved in Federated Farmers and local government when an offer came, which Ken says changed his life.

Nuffield scholar

“A local farmer Platt Gow suggested I apply to become a Nuffield Scholar, and I said I didn’t know what that was, and [asked] did I have to own a Nuffield tractor to qualify? Turns out the scholarship was for ‘boots on’ practical farmers, not an academic, and it was a six-month study trip to Britain.

“By this time I was married with five children, with cows to milk and with debt up to my eyeballs, and so I said I couldn’t afford to go. Platt told me I couldn’t afford not to.”

In 1971 Ken became the first Bay of Plenty Nuffield scholar, and set off for London with little idea of what was in store.

“The Milk Marketing Board of England and Wales provided a car for each scholar and the Nuffield Foundation provided a small allowance, and a briefing, as well as the names and addresses

DAIRY

Page 21

and owners influential in district Ken Macdonald, with a picture presented to him by the staff of Landcorp when he stepped down after three years as chairman in 1993.

Country Council and borough, Opotiki Country Council and borough, Kawerau Borough, the harbour board and the catchment commission.

Politics and commerce took Ken away from hands-on farming and it is his sons who gradually took over, but not at Ken’s insistence.

“I was keen for them to go their separate ways and not stay in the family farming company together because I had seen the problems that can arise, especially as generations progress.

Indeed, over the years I have mediated for a number of families with such problems.”

Family

Alastair is now farming in Tasmania, while Ross and Peter are farming in the Awakeri area. One of Ken’s grandsons Andre Smith and his wife Tessa are also farming in Awakeri; and a stepson Michael Rolfe and wife Anne are farming in Reporoa.

By Elaine Fisher

The 1930s homestead at Angle Park is now home to Peter and Hailey Macdonald. cumbe Choir in 1957, held national positions with Federated Farmers – including president of the Dairy Farmers Employers Union – and worked alongside fellow Nuffield Scholar, the late Sir Peter Elworthy, when he was national president.

Ken became national treasurer for Federated Farmers just days before Rob Muldoon called the snap election in 1984 – won by David Langey’s Labour Government, which faced a country in financial crisis.

“Federated Farmers had prepared a manifesto which called for many overdue corrections to the economy and acknowledged, among other things, that farming subsidies internationally should be gradually removed – which is ultimately what finance minister Roger Douglas did in New Zealand, but suddenly rather than gradually,” says Ken. “It was strange for a Labour Government to be attentive to Federated Farmers and unusual for Federated Farmers be in agreement with much of that government’s fiscal and economic restructuring. The sudden removal of subsidies caused extreme hardship for many farmers, but it laid the groundwork for many subsequent developments, including the free trade agreements the current National Government is signing.”

Ken also served on the Whakatane Country Council and was part of a long-standing steering committee, under Whakatane Mayor Rex Morpeth, Contributions which proposed amalga“I think the selection process in New Zealand, finding mation of the Whakatane people who are already involved in farming, community and local body leadership roles, is the reason our Nuffield scholars have made such significant contributions of service to this country,” says Ken. What he’s learned overseas also prompted Ken to innovate on his own farm. By the 1970s, 350 cows in two herds – one Friesian and one pedigree Jerseys – were being milked on the 118 ha family farm on Luke Rd. In 1973, Ken installed one of the first rotary platforms in the district, which is still in use today.

Among other achievements, Ken founded the Edgeof all the agricultural Nuffield scholars in the UK,” says Ken. “The challenge was to plan our own itinerary and meet and learn from as many of these farm leaders as possible.”

Ken travelled the country, staying on the farms of many of the agricultural leaders, learning from them about the latest developments in farming, and in international trade, politics and much more.

“It was like 10 years of education packed into six months and the beauty is that I also made connections and friendships which continue today.” When he returned to Awakeri, Ken and his family hosted many Nuffield Scholars from the UK visiting this country.

That stimulating experience continues, even though Ken is now retired.

The experiences and confidence he gained propelled Ken further into public life, which is exactly what the scholarship programme aims to do.

Lord Nuffield, born William Morris, was one of the first British industrialists to introduce mass production methods in his company, Morris Motors Ltd. He was made a baron in 1934, and a viscount in 1938, and took the name of Nuffield for the Oxfordshire village where he’d settled. The Nuffield Foundation was founded in 1943 with a gift of £10 million-worth of shares in his company. Lord Nuffield was a regular visitor to New Zealand and on one of his last trips announced an annual Travelling Agricultural Scholarship for some commonwealth countries, including New Zealand. The first two New Zealand scholars travelled to the UK in 1951. Lord Nuffield died in 1963 but the Nuffield Scholarships continue to this day.

He was known as a visionary, who believed in improving social wellbeing through education, research and innovation. Ken says Lord Nuffield’s vision has certainly proved sound in New Zealand where today many farming, local body, business and political leaders are former Nuffield Scholars.

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RURAL DRIVER

Page 22

age.co.nz

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RURAL DRIVER

Page 23

The perfect family wagon Rated by many as one of the better compact SUVs on the market, the updated Hyundai ix35 offers even more for the discerning driver.

The popular compact model has been ramped up with a few tweaks and a minor facelift, while the fundamental appeal of a versatile family wagon remains unchanged.

Word is already out – even before the first stock arrives at New Zealand’s Hyundai dealerships – with almost all 2014 models due to arrive at Farmer Motor Group next month already sold.

Dealership Hyundai manager Heath Kendall says the facelift upgrade includes modernisations to styling, the audio system along with the introduction of day-time LED running lights.

“It’s got the appeal of your Santa Fe looks, with a few adjustments that build on its popularity.”

Whether you like heading off-road to go bushwhacking, or are attracted by their combination of space and practicality, the SUV has become dominant category in the new car market. Generous luggage space, high ground clearance and ease of entry, along with their suitability for an outdoorsy lifestyle – there is little wonder they’ve been a hit with Kiwi

drivers. But the relatively new compact variety of SUV now offers a more suitable option for the smaller household.

The Hyundai ix35 has quickly established itself as a good option in the sector in both New Zealand and Australia since its original release in 2010, and Heath is picking the adjustments will attract more supporters.

Like all the good SUVs, it combines great looks with sleek, flowing curves and metallook roof rails adding to its sporty, youthful image. The interior is just what you’d expect – with the leather seats and steering wheel in the elite, adding a sense of refinement.

Its five-seat capacity will suit the average family, while the generous boot space should be more than enough for Santa to stow all his presents (591 litres, 1436 litres with back seats down), or can comfortably take three large golf bags.

The 60:40 split rear-seats give you the handy ability to accommodate those awkward loads, while the roof rails can be adjusted to accommodate roof-holders or a box for your bike, kayak, skis or other outdoor essentials.

Beyond the cosmetic changes, the biggest and

2.04 CRDi Elite ctronic Specs: Hyundai ix35engi ne with E-VGT (Ele

Engine: 2.0 litre R-series Variable Geometry Turbo). power 135 kW / 4000 Power and torque: Maximum / 1,800~2,500 rpm.

Nm 392 ue torq m imu max rpm, matic with sequential Transmission: Six-speed auto . shift ts spor km (combined).

Fuel economy: 7.5 litres/100 rating, six air bags, ABS, ty Safety: Five star ANCAP safe sensor and camera. g EBD and brake assist, reversin (range start from Price: 2.0R Diesel Auto $54,990 ).

Auto $39,990 for 2.0 2WD Petrol er Autovillage, Contact: Heath Kendall at Farm Phone: (07) 578 6017.

best changes are underneath with improvements to the suspension, which had been criticised for being too stiff. Hyundai has taken the issue very seriously, playing with the set-up to ultimately test 12 different versions of the front suspension and 24 of the rear before settling on the best. The result is a smoother, more comfortable ride with happier driver and passengers.

Out on the road it packs reasonable power and avoids the heavy body roll you get with some SUVs. Driving is made easier with cruise control at your fingertips on the steering wheel, while the automatic six-speed transmission can be slipped into sequential sport-shift if you want to take more active driving control. Heading off the tarmac? The All-Wheel Drive function improves traction and directional stability on gravel and other slippery surfaces.

Driver comfort can be easily adjusted to your exact

needs with the electric slide and recline function that will help you find the perfect position. Audio controls on the steering wheel allow you to move between functions and settings, while the Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input for your iPod gives you the chance to set your driving soundtrack.

Safety is a top priority in the ix35 which has earned ANCAP’s top five star safety rating – incorporating reverse sensors, a rear-view camera, six airbags (front, side and curtain), active head restraints (front), and enhanced brake control systems.

Efficiency improvements have cut fuel consumption, giving the compact SUV good fuel economy compared with others in the class, covering 100 km on 7.5 litres.

Whether you choose your car for rational reasons or are guided by emotions, you’ll find plenty to impress with the Hyundai ix35. It’s a versatile and practical family car packed with features at a good price which performs well and looks sharp. It’s definitely worth a closer look.

Page 24

116 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

RURAL DRIVER

RURAL DRIVER

Kicking tyres for country folk Dry matter, stocking ratios, milking machines and calf club – when it comes to talking country Chrissie Donaldson can match the best of them.

Born in Katikati, Chrissie spent her early years in Lockington Rd, where her parents were share milkers; then shifted to the family’s own farm, a jersey stud, in Waihi, when she was 12. A country girl at heart, Chrissie still loves pulling on her gumboots

and heading out into the paddocks.

When Chrissie isn’t on her Whakamarama block, fattening beef stock and rearing calves, she is kicking tyres at Ultimate Motor Group’s Hewlett’s Rd yard, where she looks after townies and country folk alike.

“Having a rural background helps to understand the demands of farming,” says Chrissie, the dealership’s Mazda new car manager.

From the country girl, who earned many A&P show ribbons and cups for her calves and got the cows in to help milk them after-school in the eight-bail shed, Chrissie went to work at Ruakura Research Centre on optimal feeding; then later sold milking equipment before joining the Ultimate team.

“Being involved in the farming industry

From the farmyard to the car yard, Chrissie Donaldson is a country girl at heart.

helps to match the customer with the right vehicle for what they require,” says Chrissie, who is now often selling to rural people she’s worked with during the years, including Alan Williams, who used to judge her calf club calves at shows.

These days she can help point him and all of her rural customers to the long list of features Mazda utes offer – from the 2WD BT50 Single Cab Chassis through to the top-end 4WD BT50 Double Cab Limited. Power (147kw at 3000 rpm), large towing capacity (3500 kg with braked trailer), top safety rating (five star ANCAP) and fixed price servicing – and she’s just got started. Best you come down and kick the tyres with Chrissie for the full low-down.

By Hamish Carter

Page 25

Motorsport success

Ben Thomasen, in his Subaru WRX. Photo from www.alittlebitsideways.co.nz The future of motorsport in the Western Bay looks strong, says Motorsport Bay of Plenty president Geoff Andrews, with many talented drivers coming through the Dave Loughlin. club and near record membership.

Geoff says club talent was clear in the hotly-contested annual awards in December, with members Phil Campbell, Ben Thomasen and Dave Holder competing at the top level of motorsport.

To build on growing interest in motorsport, the club has begun work on developing a dedicated autocross track at TECT All Terrain Park in conjunction with Rotorua Car Club, which Geoff hopes will be completed by next Christmas. Ultimately, the club aims to build a rally cross track in the park.

Top awards at the annual awards went to the multi-talented Ben Thomasen for earning top points at club events, while the President’s Trophy went to Dave Loughlin for his outstanding contribution to the club.

Along with taking the club’s Hillclimb Challenge Trophy, Ben – who also holds the National Hillclimb Championship – also claimed the gravel sprint and gravel hillclimb cups.

Talented young driver Mitch James claimed the club’s 2WD hillclimb championship, while Emile Thomson’s exploits in his Nissan Skyline earned him two track titles. The sealed sprint title was taken by Phil Jones.

Off the track, awards went to Dee Byrne as the most enthusiastic member, Shane Wright for outstanding marshalling, Megan Walker for help timekeeping and Shane Tofts as the most industrious member for help organising the national clubsports championships at Baypark. John Bouzaid was given the hard luck award for his crash on the MacDougall Quarry Rd Hillclimb.

By Hamish Carter

RURAL DRIVER

Page 26

age.co.nz

Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Open: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.

Tel: 07 578 1166017 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.

www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Tel: 07 578 6017

Follow us www.farmerautovillage.co.nz on Facebook

CAMPING & MOTORHOMES

Page 27

Something for all at new-look motorhome show Mystery Creek, famous as the venue for the national agricultural Fieldays, will next month host the 2014 Hamilton Camper Care NZ Motorhome and Caravan Show.

Event organiser Michele Connell says the show’s move to Mystery Creek will have something for everyone with better facilities, including one large hall to accommodate all indoor exhibitors, making it easy to experience everything on offer.

“For those wishing to make a weekend of it – for the first time, the on-site TOP 10 Rally will be free of charge with plenty of room to park up for the duration of the show, and will include shower and toilet facilities.

“There’ll also be a ‘corner shop’ where you’ll be able to purchase all the staple items needed for a weekend away, without having to leave the venue,” says Michele.

Some fantastic entertainment options will be on offer, including a barbecue and jazz night on Friday, as well as a ‘dine and dance’ function on Saturday evening.

Celebrity chef Chelsea Winter will be demonstrating how to make the most of eating on the road, or cooking in a confined space.

A range of other demonstrations including an opportunity to see how electronic stability control works, while towing a caravan, and in other dangerous situations are sure to give show visitors plenty of great ideas to take away with them.

“We’re excited at the move to Mystery Creek, which will give show visitors the opportunity to experience a full weekend of activities, showcasing the latest and greatest in motorhomes

and caravans as well as the best in outdoor and adventure accessories, along with plenty of chances to win some great prizes,” says Michele.

The North Island Camper Care NZ Motorhome and Caravan Show will be held at Mystery Creek, Hamilton from Friday, February 28 to Sunday, March 2.

Check out all of the details at the show’s website: www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz To keep up with all the latest news, visit their blog or sign up to the visitor newsletter; and go in the draw to win free tickets to the show.

Mystery Creek is the venue for the 2014 Hamilton Camper Care NZ Motorhome and Caravan Show.

Self-containment protects the environment The New Zealand Standard for Self Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans has been spearheaded by the NZ Motor Caravan Association to provide a solution to the increasing problems associated with the use of motor caravans and the disposal of waste.

The NZMCA encourages all motor home and caravan owners to make their vehicles self-contained, and help protect the environment and public health from indiscriminate waste disposal.

A self-containment vehicle is designed to completely meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants (including water for drinking and cooking), for a minimum of three days without requiring any external services or discharging any waste.

Waste water is collected in holding tanks then disposed of via a dump station. Dump stations are connected to reticulated sewerage, or septic tank systems,

therefore the treatments used in the waste water must be approved toilet chemicals; or treatments that do not affect the operation of these systems.

The standard requires sanitary and safe installation of the following: 1. Fresh water supply: four litres per person per day (for example, a minimum 12 litres per person).

2. A sink.

3. Toilet: one litre per person per day (for example, a minimum three litres net holding tank capacity per person).

4. Holding tank: four litres per person per day (for example, minimum 12 litres per person), and monitored if capacity is less than the fresh water tank.

5. An evacuation hose.

6. A sealable refuse container (with lid).

(Source: www.nzmca.org.nz)

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Hume’s 30 years of success

With the 2014 kiwifruit season approaching, one Katikati family is reflecting on its 30 years in the industry, celebrating Hume Pack N Cool’s three decades cooling and packing the fruit.

In 1983, with expansion of orchards happening around him, the late Dave Hume had a vision of a coolstorage – so began organising his four sons to do something about it.

Sons Jim, 32 at the time, Mark, 30, Owen, 28, and Gavin, 22, all had jobs – but a family discussion saw them build a 100,000 tray coolstore on Beach Rd, each taking on different parts of the business.

Early days

Back then, growing kiwifruit was a social, family affair with little packhouses on orchards, dotted around the Western Bay – but the dairy industry was struggling and the Government offered low interest Rural Bank loans to encourage orchard growth.

“There was probably three or four packhouses down this road alone,” says Jim. “They’d service their own orchards and a couple of neighbours. Housewives and

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children would come and pack the fruit – but security of coolstorage space was the problem.”

“It was like a dairy farm without a cowshed,” says Owen.

Given $5000 investment each by their father, the boys purchased a second-hand forklift, office caravan and began a 36-hour work day. Hume Pack N Cool’s site was underway and set up just before fruit arrived for 1984’s kiwifruit season.

The boys worked extremely hard, doing most jobs themselves, “because nobody had any money”.

“We were incorporated in March 1984 and until then were unable to borrow any funds.”

The early intention was a 100,000 tray coolstore. “The next stage was do we build a packhouse or more coolstorage – so we drew up a site plan.” The second coolstore, a 150,000 tray facility, was built one year later.

Government

Owen says the Government’s putting money into the industry meant massive kiwifruit planting, “but they had to put a damper on as demand came on – so it was hard to find

money to keep up with coolstorage”.

“With enough orchards in the system, the interest rates jumped from three per cent to seven,” says Owen. “There were a lot of vines planted, so growth projection was fairly steep, but there was a lack of money in the whole industry.”

Jim says Hume Pack N Cool’s huge first year through-put saw demand for coolstorage still wasn’t satisfied. “We had just started producing our crops; suddenly because we had a coolstore everyone wanted to store fruit with us.” The move away from smaller packhouses began.

“The economics had gone out if it. Hence, in 1987, we put a packhouse here.”

Hume Pack N Cool’s first office.

Changes

Owen says a major industry change was the NZ Kiwifruit Marketing Board going to single desk entry for kiwifruit exports, under marketer Zespri. “Plus, I think the shift from all of the smaller packhouses to larger, centralised sheds was big too.”

For Jim, huge increases in compliance measures contrasts the 1980s. Occupational health and safety requirements, employment laws and human resources all grew.

“That’s what’s pushed smaller packhouse out – overheads just became too much.” “[back then] So long as you weren’t in the packhouse you could have smoke, or a cup of coffee while you were packing the fruit,” says Owen. “Now, well it’s a food product – so all of the standards have lifted right up – and it’s just a matter of moving with the flow.”

Technology

Technology changes have been mammoth, and possibly most crucial to success. The first grader had a start and a stop button and speed control – now the Humes liken the machine to an aircraft.

The first project, to build the coolstore, was completed just before the 1984 kiwifruit season in March.

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Page 29

From pushing buttons to flying aircraft-like machines “You have a dashboard of speed controllers – it’s like driving a 747.”

“Every fruit has 14 photographs taken, it’s analysed, weighed and by the time it gets to the end you know if it’s good, bad, it’s weight, and the computer says where to put it.” This starkly contrasts when people graded every piece of fruit.

Owen says the packhouse’s third year operating had its record through-put.

“That grader was just hanging out, we were putting fruit in the cups to achieve 100 per cent cup full – that’s maximum and all staff were trained and working absolutely well – we were on the edge at 2000 trays an hour.

“Now we cruise at 7500 trays an hour, and we’ve hit the nines and tens [of thousands].”

Today, Jim says half of the fruit’s quality is decided by computer and doesn’t reach workers thanks to accurate data analysis, saying the machine can spot a blemish half the size of his fingernail and hence direct the fruit.

“I liken it to a toy train track, where the computer can easily redirect the fruit on a path to class it, size it, check it for weight – and if it can’t decide, puts in front of a grader.”

NZ company Compaq Sorting equipment has worked with Hume Pack N Cool to test new ideas and help shape equipment from their feedback.

“You never stop – you’re always learning, getting ideas,giving them a go.”

Family

Today, mother Irene still keeps an eye on her boys. Owen says Hume Pack N Cool couldn’t have started without the family. “You wouldn’t have the investment and input from individuals.

We were able to have the faith of our family trusting us to use the money as wisely as we can – and we worked hard for our investment.”

“Communication, trust and support for each other has been a big thing,” says Jim. “We all know how each other works – if there’s a problem, we sit down, talk it through, have a think about it and come back the next day with a solution.”

One particular advantage of a family-

growers and leased orchards of those who were really struggling to try to keep them going. Done with money meant for something else, and although not happy, the banks worked with us to make it happen.”

run business is much more cooperation.

“You’re all in the same business, you can talk more freely about direction. But you have got a disadvantage The Hume brothers today - Gavin, Owen, Mark, Jim. of not having so much outside input.”

Jim says the four brothers found they People Jim says Hume Pack N Cool’s were thinking the same way – somegrowth and achievement is due thing Owen says means you need new to hard work and dedication of blood “to give the outside perspective wives, staff, growers and commuand constructive criticism”. nity. “You can see dedication to In 1991, Hume Pack N Cool was innovation and technology is what one of the first packhouses to form a has arguably resulted in Hume grower pool. In 1998 it went to supplier shareholders, and a board of three Pack N Cool becoming one of the industry’s best set-up and most Humes and four others. versatile sheds. “Each step, each

Cooperation

Jim and Owen says there’s always competition between packhouses but also a strong sense of cooperation – to achieve greater good for the industry.

A deal was once struck between Hume Pack N Cool and Seeka to trade shares for use of coolstorage. “In fact, we were the third largest shareholder in Seeka at one point.”

“The shares were tucked away with no real consideration to do anything with them, but we were looking to find funding for a pre-sizer.”

Seeka called, looking to free up shares. “There was the solution…the shares were sold to fund the project, so Seeka was happy and we had our pre-sizer.”

In 1992, when the industry almost collapsed, almost 20 per cent of all growers quit their land.

“We knew we had to think of something, so we pulled together with our

addition, each challenge came back to the people – everyone pitching in doing what needed to be done; and doing their part.”

Father

Owen says his father, who died 10 years ago, would be “as surprised as everyone else” at how the industry has gone. “He’d have had the same vision, of building a 100,000 tray coolstore, to

look after our and some other’s fruit.”

Hume Pack N Cool’s first packing season total is now packed daily. “We did about 80,000 trays in our first season – now we pack over that in a day. We pack 3.5 million trays per season, with capability of 4.5 million. And remember, that’s 33 to 36 fruit in a tray,” says Jim. Owen says the secret to success is constant re-evaluation of every component – including future challenges of Psa-V; then the world economy. He believes his father enjoyed his sons’ achievements. “In his own way, he was very proud”. What started as one coolstore is now 17 coolstores, three drystores, one packhouse with five graders and presizers, 30 permanent and up to 250 seasonal staff; and four supportive and successful sons.

“If dad saw it now – well, its mind boggling,” says Jim.

By Merle Foster

A picture of the new packhouse.

A recent celebration of Hume Pack N Cool on-site.

Page 30

HORTICULTURE

Fruit fly risk grows as Australian rules relax Changes to fruit fly controls in Australia potentially put New Zealand’s horticultural industries at greater risk from an incursion of the pest, says Kiwifruit Vine Health CEO Barry O’Neil.

“Australia has relaxed movement controls between states, designed to reduce the risk of spreading fruit fly because moves to create fruit fly free areas have not succeeded,” says Barry, who believes this increases the risk of

produce with fruit fly being imported to New Zealand.

Those concerns were heightened when, on December 3, the Ministry for Primary Industries intercepted live cucumber fruit fly larvae (Bactrocera cucumis) on rock melons imported from Australia.

As result, MPI has acted to suspend the import pathway of rock melon and honeydew melon from Australia until an investigative audit of the treatment pathway is complete.

Barry says KVH is comfortable with the approach MPI is taking to managing the risk in this situation.

However, Barry says the fact the larvae has arrived here is a clear illustration of the risks to our horticultural industry. “When fruit fly was discovered in Auckland in 1996, China shut its doors to our exports for two years. We can’t risk that happening again.”

The fruit fly risk is among the reasons KVH has agreed to sign up to the Biosecurity Government Industry Agreement on behalf of the kiwifruit industry, making it among the first industries to formally do so.

Barry says being part of the agreement means the industry will have

a role in deciding how a biosecurity incursion is responded to. “If we are not at the table with MPI, the ministry may decide not to respond; and if it does, could send us a bill. If we are part of the process we expect MPI will cover 80 per cent of the costs with industry sharing the balance, which could be in kind as well as in cash. Barry says early signatories benefit financially from signing, as MPI will agree to pay 100 per cent of any response costs for the first three years along with most of the readiness costs. Certainly, within the kiwifruit industry, we have resources and

expertise which would be invaluable in helping manage a response to a disease or pest incursion.”

KVH also wants to finalise a Fruit Fly Operational Agreement with MPI and other horticultural sectors, which will include means of mitigating the survival of any possible pests on New Zealand export produce, including the use of coolstorage, so importing countries would hopefully not close their borders to New Zealand should fruit fly be found here.

By Elaine Fisher

Building something better requires real effort It’s easy to criticise people, organisations and systems – but it takes time and real effort to build something better.

The superphosphate industry has been heavily criticised for producing crude, out-dated product, the performance of which has required the short term prop of regularly applied nitrogen.

Its continued survival is justified not by performance but by the claim of lowest cost per unit of nutrient with the argument being the soil doesn’t know or care in what form nutrient is delivered – as long as it’s delivered.

The same philosophy has been used in human nutrition and its taken time for the consequences to become fully apparent.

High quality fruit, vegetables, and meat may be analysed and the essential elements provided in manufactured products. However, the long-term health and performance of people fed in this way is always inferior.

The difference between butter made from top quality milk and competing manufactured products, containing a range of similar elements, may appear subtle. But, the differences are real, which is why there is a growing demand for high quality, fresh unprocessed food.

Quality nearly always costs more initially. However, those that have made the change to buying true, high quality food have found less is required to satisfy their needs. Their performance is better in all respects; and

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with less illness, and fewer visits to the doctor, the purchase cost is relatively unimportant.

Truly high quality food can only be grown on wellstructured, biologically active soil. In the 56th edition of the ‘Yates Garden Guide’, it says: “Soils which lack humus are unproductive because they contain no helpful bacteria, which aid in the releasing of all plant foods to the roots.

“Where humus is present in generous quantities, the land has a loamy fibrous texture and will conserve moisture over a longer period.”

The principles of successful pastoral farming, whether extensive or intensive, are the same as those of home gardening. The dependence on regular applications of nitrogen fertiliser throughout the growing season at worst destroys humus, and at best limits the speed at which it develops.

Performance measures of CalciZest and DoloZest, based total nutrient programmes during 10 years, have shown they increase the speed at which humus is built, resulting in higher and steadily increasing annual pasture production.

The quality of the feed grown is also better, with a recent independent report showing 21 per cent less feed is consumed to produce one kilogram of milk solids.

Due to the higher energy, and actual protein content of the pasture, the overall quality of the milk and meat produced is superior resulting in higher farm income; and with improved animal health, the money left after paying all costs steadily increases.

One of the keys to the superior performance is the inclusion of a selected range of beneficial fungi and bacteria. Just as the making of cheese and bread are dependent on the addition of the necessary microbes, so too is the building of humus.

Humus development takes place of its own accord, provided the amount of air and moisture is adequate.

However, the addition of the right mix of microbes along with the nutrients that support their activity enhances the process.

Humus is the ‘glue’ in soil; and soil rich in humus has the ability to hold more moisture and nutrient, and release them to the plant as required. A humus-based system is both more effective and efficient.

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Page 31

Branding – the only way to earn a premium Branding is everywhere. Christmas has been turned into a commercial and marketing brand by retail stores.

Starbucks used coffee as the vehicle to create its brand.

Brands are how we know people, shops, goods and services. Everything we come into contact with has some sort of brand associated with it. But not all brands have the same impact; and not all brands result in a positive response from shoppers and the public. For example, the brand of one of the failed finance companies does not result in a positive response.

Recognition

In recent years, an increasing number of fresh produce brands have been developed. Fresh produce brands tell shoppers about the fruit or vegetable; for example, it’s quality and taste. A recognised brand helps fruit stand out from the competition and differentiates it from other products in the supermarket. Building brand recognition takes many years and large amounts of promotional spending. The aim is to make the shopper brand-conscious enough to only to buy your brand of fruit. Examples of well-known produce brands are Dole pineapples, Chiquita bananas and Zespri kiwifruit.

A relationship of trust must be developed between the brand and shoppers. To achieve this, the fruit being promoted must consistently perform. One bad experience and the shopper’s confidence can be lost and can take many years to restore.

Last year’s food scares in China indicate

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just how fragile a brand’s hold on a market can be, particularly when it comes to food safety. If shoppers consider a brand of fruit safe to eat, or a milk formula safe to give their baby, the brand must consistently live up to that reputation. If shoppers’ faith in a safe brand is shaken, then a wholesale boycott of the brand and investigation by the local authorities will inevitably follow.

Food safety

The markets in Asia and South America, where more and more New Zealand produce is being exported and sold (for example, Brazil, India and China), are very

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The 2014 HortNZ conference will be like no other, with about 800 delegates and top speakers from New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific and Asia expected to attend, says HortNZ communications manager Leigh Catley.

“The conference will be known as PMA Fresh Connections 2014, and is a trans-Tasman joint effort between four organisations; PMA Australia-New Zealand, the Australian Chamber [of wholesale markets], United Fresh and HortNZ. “The theme is ‘Innovate, Collaborate, Thrive’ which is designed to give us the opportunity to invite speakers, sponsors and exhibitors who have great stories to tell about working smarter, together, across a wide range of industry – not just horticulture,” says Leigh.

Registrations open in March for the conference, which is being held on June 24-26, 2014.

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brand-conscious. Food safety is a paramount concern. Buying branded fruit they trust guarantees they are eating a safe product that will also give them a rewarding eating experience. If it does, the shopper will continue buying more of the same product.

Shoppers in these markets will pay a premium price for branded fruit with a reputation for consistent quality and safety. In China, India and Brazil there is an increasing number of people who are able to pay this premium. As producers of this fruit, we must ensure our fruit meets all aspects of what the shopper requires. To do anything less will see sales drop and the brand’s value rapidly depreciate.

A perverse sign of the success of a brand is how many counterfeit operations are carried out where poor-quality fruit is falsely branded with well-recognised labels. The issue here is the shoppers’ confidence in a brand can be lost through counterfeit operations. Very active enforcement programmes are therefore run to identify and stop counterfeit operations.

The New Zealand kiwifruit industry has invested millions of dollars developing the Zespri brand. Shoppers recognise the Zespri brand as safe with a rewarding eating experience. Backing up that brand are comprehensive orchard, packhouse and supply chain systems to consistently deliver what the Zespri brand stands for.

These are no easy tasks but ones that must be performed to ensure Zespri-branded kiwifruit earns a premium in the markets overseas.

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CARTAGE & TRANSPORT

Page 32

The Fotheringhame team are from left: John Schuster, Dwayne Norman, Jeff Cook, Justin McLuskey, Mark Clothier, Brendan Connelly, Wayne Bowman, Matt Fisher, Bevan Mendeth, Martin Stewart, Adam Western, Pete Hotten, Amy Fotheringhame, Tom Fotheringhame, John Fotheringhame, Pete Fotheringhame.

Absent from the photo are Kevin Berquist, Lloyd Wolfenden, Peter Graham and Catherine Park.

Company growing through tough times Renewed confidence in the kiwifruit industry and the wider economy, and increasing demand for its services, is reinforcing the decision of Fotheringhame Contractors of Katikati to continue to grow through recent tough times The company has expanded, increasing and upgrading its vehicle and machinery fleet, winning earthmoving contracts throughout the North Island and taking on another transport engineer to diversify its income streams, says Tom Fotheringhame.

All this at a time when many other businesses would have retrenched, but taking the easy road is not part

of the Fotheringhame psyche – even though the recent illness of company founder John Fotheringhame and tough economic times would have been more than reason to ease back.

Eighteen months ago John was diagnosed with cancer and underwent a gruelling period of chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Throughout this time, his concern was for his 23 employees and his family business. Tom returned from a mining career in Western Australia to be with the family; and the decision was made to grow instead of downsize the business.

“Dad’s health is improving and that’s a huge morale boost for us all. He’s back at work, so we can call on his extensive knowledge of the contracting business.”

John began Fotheringhame Contractors more than

15 years ago following the share market crash, which saw he and wife Joanne lose their kiwifruit orchard. From day one it was a family business with children Chrissina (now a lawyer), Amy and Thomas working there after-school.

Today, Tom and Amy are full-time with the company, along with John’s brother Pete, his cousin Mark and nephew Matt Fisher.

Fotheringhame has the expertise and modern equipment to handle a wide range of contracting and earthmoving jobs. “We offer down to earth, old fashioned service and attention to detail at prices which won’t blow the budget.

“We will consider jobs anywhere in the North Island and currently have daily

haulage contracts as far away as Hastings and Napier – we’ll go wherever the work takes us,” says Tom. The company operates excavators from 4.5 tonne to 16 tonne in size, graders, rollers, loaders and numerous truck and trailer units. All aspects of earthmoving are done, including contouring, sealing, right of ways, tree removal, cartage of metal and other materials.

“We have the equipment, staff and knowledge to carry out virtually all the site work clients’ need, no matter how big or small,” says Tom. Amy says Fotheringhame staff offer free quotes and are able to take care of permits and consent issues where required.

Store shows women want it all A store that sells new husbands has opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates: You may visit this store ONLY ONCE. There are six floors and the value of the products increases as the shopper ascends

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the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building.

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor, the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs.

She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor, where the sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs and love kids.

“That’s nice,” she thinks, “but I want more”.

So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love kids, and are extremely good looking.

“Wow”, she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads: Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love kids, are dropdead good looking and help with housework.

“Oh, mercy me!” she exclaims, “I can hardly stand it!”

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads: Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor, where the sign reads: Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor.

There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please.

Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

To avoid gender bias charges, the store’s owner opened a New Wives store just across the street.

The First floor has wives that love sex.

The Second floor has wives that love sex and have money and like beer. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have never been visited.

Average performance A biologist, a chemist, and a statistician are out hunting. The biologist shoots at a deer and misses five feet to the left. The chemist takes a shot and misses five feet to the right. The statistician yells: “We got ‘em!”

FORESTRY

Page 33

Scion sells forestry software brand The sale of Scion’s commercial software brand, ATLAS Technology, to local company Integral Limited will allow its software engineering team to refocus on what they do best – finding innovative ways to deliver science to industry through software.

As Scion chief executive Dr Warren Parker explains, the time was right for a new owner to lead the vision and direction of the ATLAS brand.

“We looked for the right company to expand and grow functionality and usability of the ATLAS products, while being committed to the New Zealand forest industry.

The sale will increase our capacity, through Integral, to provide high quality innovative decision support tools to increase forest productivity, health and profit.”

The software engineering arm of Scion goes back nearly 30 years. It stemmed from an industry need for comprehensive forest management and analysis tools at a time when no such technology existed. A group of dedicated people at Scion (what was then, the Forest Research Institute), pooled their expertise to build a suite of products to meet

that need. One such tool was GeoMaster, which was released in 1992 and still remains a leading industry standard forest estate management and land information system.

Today, GeoMaster is utilised by about 60 per cent of the country’s commercial forest companies.

Since its release, the team has continued to produce and maintain a suite of forest management, harvesting, quality assurance, inventory information and yield analysis software.

ATLAS Technology was formally established by Scion in 2002, to accelerate further development and to make the expanding suite of forest management software commercially available to industry. GeoMaster, along with the majority of ATLAS products, will now be taken care of by Integral.

However, Scion will retain ownership of its cable harvest planning software and FFR Forecaster, which was produced in partnership with Future Forests Research.

The sale of ATLAS means Scion’s software engineering division, part of the Forest Industry Informatics team, is now able to re-focus on its roots – building solutions to support internal research projects, as well as the technology transfer of science through software to industry.

“Commercial software requires considerable

support and ongoing reinvestment to maintain its operational acuity,” says research leader Bryan Graham. “Integral is the right company to move GeoMaster, and the other systems, forward and to take good care of our clients. They are committed to New Zealand forestry.

“Our team can now focus on developing software to support internal research projects; for example, decision-making software, stand metrics and performance platforms, and mobile platforms for devices such as smartphones and tablets.

“We are looking at innovative ways to put the latest science at the fingertips of our users.

“The sale of ATLAS frees the team up to be more creative and positions us as a neutral entity to work with commercial companies to get the software out to a wider audience.”

Integral is a long-serving provider of software and solutions to the forest industry.

Established in 1991 specifically to service the timber and forest industries, Integral provides services for major forestry companies including Carter Holt Harvey, PF Olsen, Timberlands Limited and many other large and small organisations.

Integral Ltd is New Zealand-owned and is located in the Te Tipu Innovation Park, adjacent to Scion.

Scion’s software engineering team can now refocus on developing software to support internal research projects.

Understory crops might increase profitability

Growing secondary crops beneath pines might provide a secondary income stream, and employment.

“We are looking at plant species that have the potential to grow as understorey crops in radiata pine plantations and provide earlier financial returns; and diversified yields as well as employment opportunities for the region.”

Marie and Resource Economist Dr Richard Yao have analysed crops for site suitability, potential market and economic return. Of those found suitable for the Tarawera area, three were

analysed in more depth – goldenseal and two native species, kawakawa and pate, all of which show promise.

Kawakawa is an indigenous species used for culinary, medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

The market for kawakawa products is growing locally and overseas; and international demand for quality goldenseal root, used for herbal preparations, continues to exceed supply.

The research institute Scion is working with Tarawera Land Company to improve the economic sustainability of their forested lands.

The project centres on 21,000 hectares of radiata pine in the Kawerau region – and is also exploring concepts for secondary crops within the wider Bay of Plenty.

“At present, most plantation forests in New Zealand are under-utilised,” says project leader Marie Heaphy.

Forestry conference The ForestWood pan-industry conference is to be held in Wellington from March 19, 2014.

The conference provides an opportunity for organisations and individuals with a keen interest in forestry to engage with decision makers and professional specialists from the forestry industry.

Jointly hosted by Forest Owners Association, Wood Processors Association, Pine Manufacturers Association, Forest Industry Contractors Association, and supported by Woodco, NZ Farm Forestry Association and Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association, the conference is co-sponsored by Scion.

For programme information, and to register, visit: www.forestwood.org.nz

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Matakana Island sale A large swathe of the eastern end of Matakana Island is for sale, with the price by negotiation.

The 149ha forestry block faces the Pacific Ocean overlooking two kilometres of white sand beach, and according to a real estate advertisement is one of the best surfing beaches in New Zealand.

“This unique property will probably be the only opportunity for the market to purchase such a large parcel of prime oceanfront land in this private and secluded spot,” states the Trademe advertisement.

The owner doesn’t want to comment on the sale.

Matakana Island’s statutory and legal framework changed this year with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council adopting the Whole Of Island Plan, an attempt to give legal status to a balancing act between forestry block land owners, local Maori, the council, and various government departments, like DOC. The plan is on the district council’s website.

Page 34

CONTRACTORS

Recycling service boom for contractors, farmers, growers Safely disposing of agrichemical containers can be a headache for farmers, growers and contractors – but many are finding services offered by Agrecovery a solution to their problems.

After seven years’ growth, Agrecovery members have recycled a total of more than 650 tonnes of plastic containers. Its current target is to collect more than

Soils

200 tonnes in the 12 months ending June 2014.

By 2017, the aim is for 330 tonnes, or about 50 per cent of all the packaging sold by participating brands.

Those targets won’t be achieved with a ‘business as usual approach’, so Agrecovery is issuing a challenge to industry, growers and farmers to make burning and burying plastic a thing of the past – and get recycling.

Recycling containers through Agrecovery is easy and free for more than 3000 agrichemical, animal health and dairy hygiene products. To find out more, go to: www.agrecovery.co.nz or phone 0800 247 326.

One company making good use of the service is LeaderBrand, which is recognised as one of New Recycling containers through Agrecovery is easy and free.

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JASON HILL 0274 585 295 Email: hay_man@xtra.co.nz

In fact, LeaderBrand haa recycled more than 10,000 containers since the container programme began in 2007 – data easily accessible to the company via Agrecovery’s Smart Member Services reporting function on the website.

SMS allows members to download reports, which can be used as proof of recycling activity for quality assurance audits, such as for NZ GAP. The Agrecovery Container programme allows growers and farmers to recycle one to 60 litre plastic agrichemical and animal health containers at more than 70 collection sites nationwide. Recycling is free for products belonging to the 53-plus brand owners, who support the Agrecovery Container programme.

Containers must be triple-rinsed, free from residue and still have the label on to allow the brand to be identified for free recycling. Recycling containers

purchased from Agrecovery-supporting brand owners is compulsory for NZ GAP requirements.

A complementary programme for the recovery of steel or plastic drums between 61 and 1000 litres has recently been launched by Agrecovery. Drums belonging to the initial seven participating drum brand owners are eligible for free on-property collection, with more brand owners expected to join the programme in coming months.

Recycling

Richard is adamant using Agrecovery should be ‘business as usual’. “I don’t buy it when other people say recycling is difficult, or they’re too busy. We deal with hundreds of containers per month; it’s just part of the routine now.

“In fact, the only hassle is disposing of containers that aren’t part of Agrecovery, so we try to steer clear of those products.

“The highly discerning Japanese market is a large scale export customer and the protocols they require are applied to all LeaderBrand produce.

We’re certified with NZGAP and have a certified HACCP-based food safety programme. We also conduct regular random residue tests and only use certified non-GMO seed stocks.”

Customers can trace the origin of a delivery directly to the paddock it was grown in, and view online documentation relating to the planting, crop management and harvesting of the produce in that paddock, plus subsequent storage, packing and shipping to the customer.

“We grow over 3000 ha of fresh produce every year, so we’re probably the largest single user of agrichemicals in the country,” says Richard.

COAST & COUNTRY

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Facial eczema – look at spore count trends The severity of a facial eczema season is dependent on the weather, and can vary from virtually nothing to a bad season that lasts for months – or even two peaks of challenge within a season.

What doesn’t change is the need to prevent the disease at all costs, because treatment of affected animals is not rewarding.

Facial eczema is primarily a liver disease, and while the secondary skin symptoms (sunburn) can heal, liver damage can cause long-

standing problems.

One of the biggest issues is the underlying liver damage can be moderately severe and widespread in a herd/flock/mob before sunburn becomes obvious (‘tip-of-the-iceberg’ syndrome).

To predict the danger, spore counting has traditionally been done on pasture, but this needs to be interpreted carefully, as pasture samples need to be truly representative of what the animals are eating.

Faecal spore counting removes this sampling bias but is retrospective, because the counted

spores have already been consumed.

Hence, it is best to look at trends in spore counts rather than absolute numbers. Remember that there is no safe number of spores because toxic damage is cumulative.

Prevention has traditionally been based on feeding high doses of zinc (which ‘neutralises’ the sporidesmin toxin). But the required dose of zinc is very high so can suppress appetite and production. Administering the correct dose can be difficult practically (especially in sheep); too high and toxicity can occur; too low and disease can result.

Direct oral dosing is the most reliable method, and a recent survey by a veterinary clinic in the Waikato shows most cows receiving zinc (sulphate) through the drinking water have blood zinc levels that are not protective.

This is why a fungicide called carbendazim sprayed onto the pasture is the preferred option.

Spraying is usually required every six weeks. And if started early enough, spore counts can remain virtually undetectable. The huge advantage is that animals ingest minimal sporidesmin and do not require a potentially toxic substance (zinc) to neutralise it. But you must start early (by monitoring spore counts), do a good quality spray job, and repeat as required.

Combating facial eczema by breeding resistant rams New Zealand’s largest red meat genetics company is raising the bar in an effort to reduce the impact of facial eczema heading south and becoming more prevalent throughout New Zealand.

The disease impacts on fertility, meat production, wool production and growth rates as well as animal welfare. In a bad year a farmer could lose a significant number of their ewe flock as animals die.

Focus Genetics senior animal breeding scientist Geoff Nicoll says the company has tested its Romney rams extensively during the last 23 years, and its Highlander rams during the last six years.

Focus Genetics chief executive “We test mainly young rams as Gavin Foulsham says they are King Country farmer ram hoggets in autumn, and we “upping the game” by testing Roger Beck. use the selected rams to sire the more sheep than ever before next generation. This ensures we are getting to breed rams which are resistant to facial better genetic resistance.” eczema.

“We test more rams than any breeder in the “We have been testing for facial eczema country, which gives us high selection presresistance for over 20 years and we are now sure.” seeing the benefit of continued selection. But And the intensive programme is paying off, we need to keep improving our genetics and keep on top of facial eczema, which is becom- with SIL ranking Focus Genetics rams being named the top five highest facial eczema ing more prevalent in many areas throughout resistant rams in the country recently. the North Island.

Facial eczema is most prevalent in late “Facial eczema resistance is a highly heritable summer and early autumn when the weather trait, so farmers can significantly manage the conditions are more humid. It’s a real concern disease in their ewe flocks by selecting for in areas like Northland, the central and upper facial eczema tolerant rams.”

Facial eczema is a disease which animals pick North Island and the East Coast.

King Country farmer Roger Beck has been up by ingesting fungal spores in the pasture. It using facial eczema resistant rams over his attacks the liver and affects their metabolism.

Romney ewe flock for 20 years, and says he’s never had a problem with the diseases even though it’s highly prevalent in the Taumarunui area where he farms.

“Facial eczema tolerant rams have always been a priority for us and now we have a flock which is resistant to facial eczema. It’s a disease which limits production significantly, so if you can do something about it, you should.”

Roger runs 3300 Romney ewes and uses both Romney and Primera rams, with both breeds sourced from Focus Genetics.

“This combination works really well because we can get the high fertility and facial eczema resistance through the Romney and then we get the high yield and high growth rates from the Primera too.”

“It’s all very well to have facial eczema resistant sheep, but you never want to do anything at the expense of production. We are getting great results in all areas and maintaining strong production, so we couldn’t be happier with our Focus Genetics rams.”

Focus Genetics Romney breeder Ken Burt says facial eczema has always been a prime driver in his Romney stud.

“We need to be so much more conscious these days because there are facial eczema hot spots all over the country. If sheep are susceptible to facial eczema they won’t perform, so we have a very advanced programme which works well.”

Ken sells more than 1000 eczema-resistant rams each year and they are becoming increasingly popular as farmers try to combat the disease.

“We have made a significant difference. Our Romney rams are now six times more resistant to facial eczema than they were 20 years ago.

“The more farmers can be educated about this, the better. Facial eczema is a terrible disease that will keep raising its ugly head if we don’t keep raising the bar.”

To order, call 0800 100 123.

Page 36

AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL SHOWS

Show contests mean holiday projects for children Keeping youngsters amused all summer long can be a challenge – but help is at hand from an unexpected source.

The organisers of the Tauranga A&P Show’s home industries competition have a range of events

especially for children, with prizes sponsored by McDonalds.

This year’s show is on Saturday, January 18, so there’s plenty of time for children to prepare entries for the cooking, art or handcraft events.

There are sections for children up to 10 years and those aged 11 to 16. For young children, there’s a

gingerbread man contest, sections for a collage picture, a painted pet rock, article made with shells, three cupcakes, a vegetable critter, a fruit critter, a sculpture made from recycled materials, handmade greeting card, a beaded friend and a coloured photograph.

For older children, the sections are pencil sketch, collage of a beach

scene, beaded sun catcher, knitted scarf, vase of flowers and a beach bag.

The home industries section is also open to adults, with events for fruit, vegetables, flowers, baking and preserves. To obtain a schedule of events and entry form, email: Tauranga_aandp@vodafone.co.nz The contests are organised by the local branches of the Federation of Women’s Institutes and Rural Women New Zealand; and are very much in keeping with the show’s long-standing traditions.

Show secretary Sue McDonald says last year’s show attracted more than 7000

Reuben de Jong, winner of the 2012 Tauranga A&P Show’s strongest man contest.

people and hopes are high the 2014 event will surpass that number.

Back by popular demand are the Northern Horde, with their displays of medieval combat and culture, and the Bay of Plenty Strongest Man contest.

The Rotorua Axemen’s Club will demonstrate wood chopping and sawing, including Jack and Jill sawing, single saw, underhand and standing chops.

“A new event, which is bound to be popular with the crowds, is dog jumping,” says Sue. A canine twist on horse jumping, the event will seek to find the dogs which can jump the highest over a course of obstacles.

The first ‘test’ in the New Zealand versus Wales shearing contest will be held at the show too, when local shearers compete against a visiting Welsh team.

Children will have the chance to get up close to farm animals in the petting zoo and through pony rides. There will be demonstrations of alpaca, with the opportunity to lead one of the stately animals around a ring.

The horse and pony events are always popular, as are displays of Western riding.

For those keen on getting into the action, there is a four-way bungy, climbing wall and super water slides. As always, there will be plenty of food stalls and live entertainment.

The 2014 Tauranga A&P Show will be “an action-packed, not-to-be-missed, fun day out for all”, says Sue. For more information, check out the Facebook page: www.facebook. com/TaurangaAgriculturaland PastoralAssociation

Show time fun at Katikati In the fine traditions of its founders, the organisers of the 92nd Katikati A&P Show will stage a community event of fun and entertainment not to be missed on Sunday, February 2, 2014.

“There will be a great variety of events, some of which have been around for years and some new ones,” say Maree Moron of the organising committee.

“Among the highlights of this year’s show will be cattle, dairy and horse events, Highland dancing and the photography competition.

“The Wrestling club will be putting on another great competition this year, and the Home Industries are back by

popular demand; and we have some special events, with Chelsea and the Wonder Dogs. There will be music again this year, so why not you sit under the big tree and have a cold beer?

“We will also have stilt walkers, Smiley Amusements’ obstacle course and rides for the kids. The popular milking competition will be held, so come along and try your luck. Also, there’s the market under the trees, where you can buy your fresh produce and food – plus, there’s a great range of trade stalls.”

There will be a petting zoo, belly dancers, Clydesdales, carnival rides, horse and calf club events on offer too.

Gates open for the 92nd Katikati A&P Show, at the Uretara Domain, from 9am.

Adults cost $5, school children $2, children under five enter free.

Te Puke show’s fine tradition Endurocross motorcycle racing, a digger competition, and Chelsea and her Wonder Dogs are among the attractions of the 108th Te Puke A&P Show on Saturday, February 8, 2014.

Held at the A&P Show grounds at Paengaroa, the show features all of the fun and entertainment expected of a community country show, including food and trade stalls. “It’s a great family fun day with a miniature horse and dog

show, and the ladies’ gumboot throwing competition is back,” says show secretary Kim Cawte. “There’s a $1000 prize for people who enter a special competition. Bar facilities are on-site and attractions include chainsaws, tractors, ride on mowers, trucks and vintage machinery, home industries, shearing, competitive horse classes, harness and miniature horses, beef, Dexter and dairy cattle, sheep classes, highland dancing, a pet corner, alpacas, donkey rides, Miss and Master competitions and much more.”

AGRICULTURAL & PASTORAL SHOWS

Page 37

It’s bigger, it’s better – and it’s going to be a blast For a weekend packed full of excitement for all ages, head on down to Rotorua’s 105th Annual A&P Show at Riverdale Park, Western Rd, Ngongotaha on Saturday, January 25 and Sunday, January 26.

“The show has had a major overhaul and the changes are huge. Visitors will be able to enjoy all of the traditional features of a New Zealand agricultural show with all the added attractions of a modern event,” says event coordinator Gemma Antoniadis.

“If you love ‘MasterChef ’, then come a see

Livestock judging is a traditional part of the Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo. machinery and vintage cars on show and a myriad of other interesting trade stores.

There has been a new focus on trade sites and many new enthusiastic exhibitors have come aboard, says Gemma. Stihl Shop Rotorua will have a great site and are also one of the show’s major sponsors, providing a huge array of gate prize giveaways including LawnMaster Eco Suburban Mower, Sthil FS38 Line Trimmer, Masport President 1500AL Series Mower, Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw, Masport Super Grande BBQ, and a very cool Masport Portable BBQ – which is perfect to take to the beach.

At 3.30pm both days, on the entertainment stage, Classic Hits will be running a draw for prizes, with three lucky winners each day. You need to be present to claim your prize.

Those seeking a little more action will surely find it. Check out the International Axemen event, where the competition is always fierce,

and the Agrodome Shears and Wool Handling event, of New Zealand versus Wales. For those interested in the things of yesteryear, come and visit Robbie Rogers’ Museum, with its great variety of tools and items on display – as always, its very interesting and educational.

“If all the excitement and action becomes too much, you can seek some shade and enjoy a picnic lunch, or perhaps treat yourself with a cool refreshing drink or tasty snack from one of the many food stalls on-site,” says Gemma, who says this is the relaunch of the annual A&P show, now called Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo.

It swings into action on Saturday, January 25, 2014, at 8am. Admission is $10 for adults, with free entry for children 15 years and under. Parking is free.

“Don’t miss it, come, win and have a great day. The A&P Association Committee look forward to seeing you there,” says Gemma.

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The skill of axemen will be on display at Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo.

Brett McGregor and Jax Hamilton cooking on the outdoor barbecue kitchen. There’s the free fun ‘kids calf ’ playground, with bouncy castles, a bucking bull, giant slides, and a mega bouncy obstacle course.

“Also children of all ages, not to mention adults, always enjoy Carole Dean’s revamped hilarious programme of Seriously Silly Activities, which include a range of novelty races, games and activities,” says Gemma.

“There will be lots of food stands and places to sit with your family; and spot prizes galore.

The emphasis this year is to provide all the animal attractions and events, while giving people something different to enjoy with a horse-shoe throwing competition, where you could win a Toyota Hilux ute [conditions apply].”

Among the many highlights of this year’s show is Chelsea and the Dog Stars’ trick and agility displays being held daily at 11.30am; and also at 1.30pm on the Sunday, while the ride-on mower racing starts at 10am daily.

The amazing Papa Crete [concrete statue act experiencing life] will be ‘roving’ the show grounds on both days and the Police dog demonstrations are not to be missed.

Animal lovers will delight in the array of traditional events, including the horse and pony events, Western riding and dairy cattle competitions. The charismatic alpacas, dairy goats, miniature horses, and donkeys are also firm favourites. Plus there are the harness horses and ponies, heavy horse events, small animal display for children and a purebred poultry display.

Cattle enthusiasts can view the dairy cattle events, and all breeds beef, including Highland and Dexter cattle.

For the mechanically-minded, there is the pleasure of enjoying a wide range of tractors,

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Page 38

COAST & COUNTRY

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 39

Fire safety paramount as summer heats up There’s a very real risk of another summer drought this year, which is why fire safety is even more crucial, says Whakatane District Council deputy principal rural fire officer Tony Gillard.

Rural fire authorities throughout the country are warning landowners and the public to take extra care when lighting fires, or to call 111 if they see suspicious fires, says Tony.

Last summer was so dry the Whakatane District Council imposed an 84-day total fire ban – the longest on record.

Individual councils and the Department of Conservation have different conditions of governing when fires are permitted; and it is important to check what they are before lighting a fire, Tony says.

“You will need a permit to light a fire in the open air during a restricted fire season, failure to obtain a permit is an offence against the Forest and Rural Fires Act. In most cases, fire permits are free, and can be ordered over the phone,” says Tony.

“Fire Permits provide an effective way of regulating where and when fires are lit during the drier months, so that we can provide a measure of protection for our native and plantation forests and coastal and grassland areas.”

However, having a permit does not exempt people from facing prosecution and the costs associated with fighting an out of control fire. “Recently, a fine of $1 million was imposed on the people responsible for a large out of control fire in the South Island.

“The costs of fighting rural fires can very quickly

run into the tens of thousands of dollars, especially if helicopters have to be used – so make sure you carry the appropriate insurance, including Forest and Rural Fire Act fire suppression cover.”

Tony says fire permits provide information about fire safety, including taking full account of the weather and the wind at the time the fire is planned to be lit.

“It also pays to ensure fire appliances can reach the site of the fire by having an access way, which is at least four metres wide, remember the four by four rule.”

The driest time of the year is of course ideal for farmers to burn vegetation and other permitted rubbish on their farms, but when there hasn’t been much rain, rubbish fires also pose a risk of getting out of control.

There are some tips when lighting fires in the open air.

• Always obey permit conditions: • Clear at least three metres around the area to be burnt larger fires require a wider fire breaks.

• Notify neighbours.

• Check the weather forecast.

• Ensure smoke from your fire does not create a nuisance.

• Always supervise your burn.

• Be prepared, have a shovel and a good water supply handy.

“If your fire does get out of control and you can’t safely extinguish it, don’t hesitate to call 111,” says Tony, who also warns against using accelerant to start fires.

“That’s just too dangerous. People can become very

Research finds onion bulb gene Onions, the third largest vegetable crop in the world, form a bulb in response to lengthening days. But, the molecular mechanisms controlling this response were not previously known.

Now, research, undertaken by Plant and Food Research and the University of Otago, has identified the gene controlling bulb development – and it’s a first step in discovering genetic markers that can be used as tools to screen conventional breeding programmes for new onion varieties, with the right genetic profile.

The research is published in the prestigious online journal ‘Nature Communications’ with related research published in ‘Theoretical and Applied Genetics’.

“This research is an excellent example of how new genome technologies can enable major discoveries that, in the past, have been difficult,” says associate professor Richard Macknight. “By understanding how these plants control development of the bulb, we can

support the breeding of new cultivars that have the right genetic profile to respond to specific growing conditions, ensuring each plant produces a bulb for sale on the market.”

Commercial production of onions relies on cultivars tailored to the environment they are grown in, responding to the right combination of day length and temperature to form a bulb, says John McCallum, of Plant and Food Research.

“Around 90 million tonnes of onions are produced globally each year, but genetic studies of onions have been limited. Our research is now beginning to link genetics and physiology of onions, allowing industry to tap into more diverse genetic resources and breed products adapted to different and changing environments.”

The onion is the second largest vegetable crop in New Zealand, with 586,000 tonnes produced each year and generating $62 million in export revenues.

The research was funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and supported

by FruitFed Supplies, Allium Solutions and Enza Zaden Ltd.

badly burned.” The holiday period is a popular time for lighting bonfires on beaches or camp fires; and while these are permitted, except when a total fire ban is in force, every care must be taken to ensure the fires are supervised at all times and completely extinguished.

“We didn’t get a lot of rain before

Christmas and it wouldn’t take much for conditions to become as dry as last summer. Uncontrolled fires are a huge risk to land, forest, bush, property and even lives.

“In the event of a fire emergency, or to report any unattended fire, residents are asked to ring 111 and ask for the Fire Service.”

Equestrian store popular Beaches, fishing and the bush are among Whakatane’s wellknown attractions – but there’s a unique business in the town which many visitors also rate highly on their to-do list.

It’s Hoofcamp Saddlery, one of the largest and most comprehensive saddlery premises in New Zealand.

“At this time of year, we get a lot of visitors from all over the country who come in to see our extensive range of gear for horses and riders,” says coowner Kathryn Dick.

“Many riders are getting ready for the trekking season with events like the Great New Zealand Trail Ride coming up, so our saddle bags and saddle pockets for carrying snaps, drink bottle and extra clothing are popular.”

Kathryn says having the right saddle to ensure the comfort of both horse and rider is vital on long rides and

Hoofcamp has a range of new and second-hand saddles for sale.

“There’s lot of rodeos during summer and that means our range of Western hats are in demand too.”

In fact, Hoofcamp is now one of the few saddleries in the country which stocks Western gear and this includes saddles and clothing.

The range of clothing for all riders, from pony club to Western riders to hacks and hunters, is extensive and includes jodhpurs, boots, and safety helmets.

“We also have an awesome range of giftware from America, which includes hip flasks with horses on them, photo frames with 3D horse images, a horsethemed brandy decanter and glasses, and thermal travel mugs featuring horses. There are horse-themed key rings too,” says Kathryn.

With so much in store, it’s no wonder Hoofcamp is a popular destination for locals and visitors.

COUNTRY LIVING

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Homestead full of rich interesting history The pioneer history of the Katikati district – which was nearly lost when Athenree Homestead was once used as a hay barn – is alive and on offer to visitors this summer.

Today, Athenree Homestead volunteers, some dressed in traditional Victorian costume, are looking forward to bringing to life the historic building for guests via

open days every Sunday during January and February.

Walking into the homestead is a near virtual step back into the lives of pioneer settlers – with open days enabling volunteers to educate people about its rich past while fundraising for future restoration.

Christine Donahue, one of the homestead’s tireless volunteers, says people should visit the historic site with it being one of few remaining pioneer homesteads “being restored [to] the way it was before”.

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“In the whole of New Zealand, there aren’t many; because its kauri, that’s why it survived and most of them didn’t survive.”

Christine says the open days provide a snapshot back into the past of Katikati and how people lived, worked and played.

“They learn about the history of Katikati, what it was like to be a settler coming to a new land, like Adela and her husband Captain Hugh Stewart.”

Also to learn is the how the original house was built as a stable, then moved on rollers to become a central part of the present homestead. “[We] Tour guides tell you what happened to the house when Adela and Hugh finally left, how it became a hay barn and how it was saved from demolition by a few far sighted and passionate people.”

Originally built by Hugh and Adela following their arrival on the Lady Jocelyn in 1878, the homestead was an early day social meeting place.

A focal point for well-known travellers, like Richard Seddon, to stop off on journeys from Tauranga to Auckland or Hamilton, it also became famous for social events like the dances, concerts and soirees Adela hosted. “Friends and relatives would arrive early evening by horse and gig and stay, sometimes sleeping on the floor for a few hours before making their way home early the next morning for another long day on their farms.”

Unfortunately, the building fell into disrepair in the 1940s – and at one stage was used as hay barn before being re-purchased in 1986 by Rapley family, who had held ownership earlier.

In 1994, the Rapleys divided the land, putting the historic building in a 2.5 ha lot and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council purchased it as a Local Purpose Reserve.

Athenree Homestead Trust formed in 1995 and has been vigorously fundraising to restore the building ever since. Slowly the transformation is being completed in both

the house and garden areas to return the historic venue its former glory as a beautiful colonial home.

Volunteer Maureen McAllister, of Waihi Beach, says the homestead is full of rich, interesting history ready to be soaked up by visitors, including challenging toils of women pioneers.

“I think it would have been a very tough life for ladies; they were pioneers, they had to break the land – they farmed all of this land and it was just scrub and bush [to begin with].

“And they made it into this oasis that it is today, so a very hard life.”

But Maureen says there was also fun to be had at social occasions – as detailed in Adela Stewart’s book ‘My simple Life In New Zealand’. “Ladies would be in their finery and beautiful dresses and hats and tugged into corsets – it was absolutely a different way of living than that we live today,” says Maureen.

“The history is amazing – one day Te Kooti arrived with his ladies and some warriors and she [Adela] made them welcome.

“They’d ask for beer and she’d give them tea in China cups – it’s a fascinating place, I just hope more people get involved.”

Athenree Homestead, at 360 Athenree Rd, hosts open days 10am-4pm every Sunday in January and February; and 10am-4pm the first Sunday every month thereafter.

Entry is $5.

For details, visit: www.athenreehomestead.org.nz

By Merle Foster

Volunteers Christine Donahue and Maureen McAllister cannot wait for Athenree Homestead’s open days every Sunday during January and February.

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 41

Hunting books lead to career in the great outdoors Hunter Philip Holden and the late Barry Crump probably never saw themselves as career advisors, but indirectly that’s what they became for a teenager disillusioned with school, having no idea what he wanted to do with his life.

John Royle was hanging out in a library when he chanced on Phil Holden’s book ‘Pack and Rifle’.

Having read this, he went back to take out Barry Crump’s ‘A Good Keen Man’.

“By then I knew what I wanted to do with my life. From those first few books I got not only some form of direction

Finding a good multi supplement Those who oppose supplements rightly state that most New Zealanders do not have outright nutrient deficiencies.

What many experts miss is the human body performs best with optimal levels of key micro-nutrients. We may only need 30 mg of vitamin C to prevent scurvy, but the body works best with at least 500 mg each day; and it needs more if you are unwell, and even more if you smoke.

Our levels of selenium are well below international guidelines. While this may increase the risk of many cancers and other diseases we generally seem to survive on lower levels.

Only by using well formulated supplements can you guarantee that your body is getting the right amounts of all 20-plus essential minerals, all the vitamins and then the wide range of biologically-active antioxidants that have significant protective benefits.

A full B complex is important but 200-400 IU of natural vitamin E and 1000 IU of vitamin D are even more important. Beta carotene is the safer option for vitamin A, as your

body only converts this as needed.

A good multi should also be a comprehensive multi-antioxidant. My favourite general purpose antioxidant is a patented grape seed extract (OPC) ActiVin. You can read about this at: www.activin.com. To this, I like to include lutein for eyes, lycopene for prostate, hesperidin, bilberry and goji for circulation and immune support plus other synergistic compounds.

When selecting a product your first check should be the formula. Secondly, ask about the quality of the actual ingredients; and thirdly, question whether the company is really interested in your health or just selling you products.

See whether the company is able and willing to give you personalised advice and cares enough to track your progress to ensure you are reaching your goals. Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to: www.johnarts.co.nz and visit: www.abundant.co.nz John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip. Nut.Med), is a nutritional therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@johnarts.co.nz Join his weekly newsletter at: www.johnarts.co.nz For product information visit: www.abundant.co.nz

in my choice of career but also a love of reading and writing,” writes John in his book ‘Tracks of a Hunter’. The book tells of his career, which began in the Forest Service on the Heaphy Track. He then moved to wild animal control around the time the Department of Conservation was formed. John tells of his experiences, chasing possum and rabbit, hunting pigs, deer and tahr; and the book is illustrated with photos of game animals, remote huts and

Productivity increases with mental wellbeing When our mental wellbeing increases – so does our productivity, creativity, empathy, physical health and resilience. Further, risks of mental and physical health are reduced.

Latest research in positive psychology shows us optimal mental health correlates strongly with positive emotions, meaning and purpose in life, and being engaged in satisfying activities and relationships.

Improving mental health is not just about reducing problems and costs related to poor mental health; it is also about taking advantage of productivity and competitive benefits an organisation can find in increasing optimal mental wellbeing among employees.

Can we improve our mental wellbeing and happiness; and if so, how do we do it? Research shows while we are born with a base level of wellbeing and happiness this level can be increased by undertaking certain actions. In fact, we can increase our sense of wellbeing and happiness by up to 40 per cent by engaging in certain behaviours. However, research also shows while we are able to boost our wellbeing beyond our natural base line, there is a tendency to slip back during time. Like our physical health, maintaining mental wellbeing is a life-long commitment.

Emotions are very contagious and healthy behaviours spread through social networks. We know increased wellbeing and happiness increase productivity; thus, if you are a business owner, and wish to increase your productivity, ensure your behaviour reflects mental

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helicopters. Thanks to publishers Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘Tracks of a Hunter’ to give away. To be in to win, email your name and address, with Book Prize as the subject, to: elaine@ thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Coast & Country Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than January 17. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s February issue.

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wellbeing and happiness. Research shows some simple, practical ways to increase your wellbeing and happiness include: exercising gratitude on a regular basis, performing acts of kindness, exercising mindfulness, developing self-compassion and partaking in physical exercise.

If you have any employment or HR queries you would like assistance with, please email Wendy directly at: wendy@accordservices.co.nz

This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

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Page 42

COUNTRY LIVING

Private piece of paradise at Bethlehem

Last year’s winner Nik House and Pongakawa School principal Craig Haggo will race for the trophy in next year’s race.

Principals race for title and trophy It’s the news we’ve been chomping at the bit to announce – and here it is: The SunLive Principals’ Challenge is back for round two, even bigger and better than before.

Following 2012’s inaugural race – which saw thousands of spectators fill ASB Baypark on December 1 – SunLive and Baypark are collaborating to bring a second event to Tauranga in early 2014.

ASB Baypark business manager Kylea Grayling says 29 principals have confirmed their place in the March 1 race, with more still to come.

“We have nine new entries this year, and seven women – so there will be a much stronger female presence on the track.

“We are still taking entries, obviously we want to push it as far as we can, but we have to be careful with how many cars we have on the night.”

Race two follows an incredible response

from both the public and schools after last year’s event, says Kylea.

Thousands of people watched 34 principals whiz around the 450 metre clay track, with Welcome Bay Primary School principal Nik House taking out the top spot.

Nik will return to defend his title next year, says Kylea.

Each principal will require sponsorship from a local business, which involves covering base costs, such as licence registration, safety gear and their car’s signage.

Sponsorship opportunities will open once all entries are confirmed.

“We’re also looking for other sponsors, for uniforms, T-shirts, etc. So if community businesses want to get involved from that perspective, that’s great.

“We’re so excited to do it all again,” says Kylea. “It was such a well-run, successful event last year, and we just want to make it bigger and better each year.”

Keep following www.SunLive.co.nz for coverage leading up to the second SunLive Principals’ Challenge in March 2014.

By Corrie Taylor

Secure your own piece of paradise on a private lane bordered with cherry blossoms.

Situated in the heart of Bethlehem, this impressive 5410 m2 executive property radiates quality and provides its owners with an enviable lifestyle – tranquil, sunny and secluded.

With a sound system and open plan flow, the main living and outdoor areas allow for fantastic entertaining. Glide open the large stacker doors to enjoy the view over hardwood decks and across the expansive lawn (sufficient for a tennis court), to the impressive Mark Cashmore moated pool. And tucked out of sight is the spa for those romantic twilights. There is room for all in this lavish property, yet it’s easy-care when life can be so busy.

Versatile living areas have been designed as a cool sanctuary on hot summer days, or in winter get the fire roaring and nestle down with the family. The second, smaller living space is close by; and is a great retreat for children while you watch from the kitchen. Storage space is provided by a walk-in chef ’s pantry, and the dining area works as the home’s central hub. Outside, an oasis of palms, flaxes and natives make the section

completely private. Indeed, the landscaped garden encourages a menagerie of birds, including tui, fantail and the graceful kotuku – so it’s easy to see how this property inspired Lee Murray’s award-winning novel ‘Battle of the Birds’.

No expense has been spared in creating this 469 m2 Brendon Gordon design home, with its protected rural outlook over recreational-grade council land. With six queen-size bedrooms, including two luxurious masters with walk-in wardrobes and ensuites, the owners are spoiled for choice. The second master suite is set apart and is ideal for guests, with panoramic views and its own secluded deck. One of the queen bedrooms incorporates two custom-built Murphy beds. Perfect for unexpected visitors, these fold away neatly for versatile use of the space. The office is a quiet place to work, while enjoying views over the Wairoa River.

Downstairs, the ‘man cave’ is a real find: pour a beer or a bourbon, play pool or watch your favourite sport on the projector screen. This generous space, teamed with the current gym, could easily be converted for home business purposes.

Location is everything; only a few minutes to the Bethlehem Town Centre, one minute to Mills Reef and Bethlehem College, next to Décor Garden World, or five minutes to the city centre – this sensational property is not to be missed.

New Year challenges for subdivision So, you’re planning a subdivision or boundary adjustment on the farm this year – then check the rules soon. Many district councils have announced changes to their district plans recently.

Thames-Coromandel’s changes, being the most recent, were notified just last month and are open for submissions until March 14, 2014.

I always advise residents to check these proposals and either submit in favour or against. This enables you to be part of the process and sometimes even rescues your plans. If you are not involved you can’t complain later.

Waipa district is due to announce its decisions soon, having deliberated

for much of last year over public submissions. With this, we suspect lifestyle blocks created by virtue of occupying the block for more than 15 years will disappear, along with the 25 ha minimum rural size, in favour of the much larger 40 ha size.

Waikato District Council is due to resolve its Environment Court challenge and a decision is imminent. If the regional council is successful in their appeal, it will mean only the ‘older’ tiles of more than 40 ha will be able to subdivide rural lifestyle blocks. Any compromise would perhaps lower the qualifying size.

Matamata-Piako has resolved its challenges to the Environment Court by agreeing to allow subdivision of certain rural blocks of more than 28 ha in size.

Lifestyle blocks are still allowed on some ‘older’ titles of more than 40 ha in size, as well as on the lower quality land.

Hauraki District Council is still fighting challenges in the Environment Court in an effort to uphold its proposal for a 40 ha minimum rural lot size on the plains. An attempt to mediate this issue will be undertaken in the New Year by the Environment Court. Lifestyle lots are encouraged on the foothill adjacent to the plains, in an effort to ‘protect’ the higher quality flat land.

In the Western Bay the focus is on transferring titles from the rural areas to rural residential areas closer to town, with rural subdivision generally being allowed only when protecting environmental features such as streams, wetlands and bush. These rules also exist in some form elsewhere; however, in this district you can still subdivide six ha horticultural blocks, which is uncommon elsewhere.

If you have considered subdivision and are keen to get moving, I would suggest you check the local rules first. I am happy to discuss the opportunities for now and the future, so don’t hesitate to give me a call.

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

COUNTRY LIVING

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COUNTRY LIVING

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Horotiu section of Te Awa cycleway open Construction of the region’s newest cycleway, linking Hamilton with Horotiu, is now complete.

The path is a combination of concrete and timber boardwalk and follows the Waikato River between Fonterra’s Te Rapa site and the Horotiu Bridge. It is an extension of Hamilton’s northern cycleway network and is the third section of Te Awa to open since 2010. Two further sections of Te Awa are currently being developed.

“This section has taken more than two years of planning and construction and we are thrilled to be opening it to the public. There’s been great support the community, in particular

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from WEL Energy Trust, Fonterra, the Waikato River Authority and the two local Councils – Waikato District and Hamilton City. We’re finally about to realise our collective vision of offering better access to the River,” says Te Awa river ride project director Jennifer Palmer.

Two local schools, Horotiu Primary and Pukete School, have also been involved in planting days along the track which is an important part of delivering the environmental benefits of the project and have been repeated on other sections of Te Awa. When complete, Te Awa will be a 70 km shared cycle/walkway, running alongside the Waikato River, between Ngaruawahia and Horahora. This section of Te Awa will also form part of Te Araroa: The Long Pathway.

The latest section of the Te Awa cycleway is now open.

Author recounts hunting escapades on public land New Zealand’s public land offers some of the world’s most spectacular scenery but also some of its best game hunting.

Author and hunter Steuart Laing is one who knows this country’s wilderness areas and the animals which live there incredibly well – and he’s sharing his knowledge and experiences in the book ‘New Zealand Hunting Adventures’.

Based on recent hunting escapades, the book is well illustrated with a series of photos of rugged scenery and as well as deer, chamois and tahr in forests and mountains of the North, South and Stewarts islands.

Thanks to publish-

ers Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘New Zealand Hunting Adventures’ to give away. To be in to win, email your name and address, with ‘New Zealand Hunting Adventures’ as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Coast & Country Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than January 17. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s February issue.

MAKE YOUR MARK ON THE LAND - COURSES STARTING SOON! Introductory

Our full-time one year Introductory Rural Skills programme specialises in training 16 - 19 year olds who are interested in agriculture. This course offers great opportunities to gain industry skills, knowledge, experience, and nationally recognised qualifications. We provide a mix of classroom and outdoor tutorials, as well as on-farm training with a workplace trainer. Make your mark and successfully progress in a career in agriculture now! *Free training (eligibility criteria applies).

Developed by Agriculture New Zealand and Landcorp, this full-time one year programme will fast track your agriculture career pathway to farm management. From shearing technique to genetics Kiwi’s lead the way in farming.

As a Future Farmer you will be trained by the best to become the best – on Aratiatia Station, a fully commercial 2800ha farm in Taupo. You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to ‘make your mark’ in New Zealand’s real growth industry – agriculture! *Course fee applies.

This new full-time, 23 week programme is designed to help you get started in the dairy industry. Go Dairying is a positive step towards your career in dairy farming; you will gain a comprehensive skill set in milk harvesting which combined with the right attitude, will see you ‘make your mark’ as a highly sought after employee – plus there are many opportunities within the dairy industry. *Course fee applies.

CALL NOW… Applications for our 2014 Courses close soon!

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If you want quality training you want Agriculture New Zealand! * Minimum numbers for course to commence.

POOLS & SURROUNDS

A 9.3 metre South Seas in-ground pool from Pool Land would grace any home.

DIY-installed pools for summer family fun Pool Land, a one-stop shop for swimming pools, spa pools and all pool accessories, has successfully marketed its pool products nationwide for more than 18 years from its retail outlet and wholesale distribution warehouse at Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch.

A range of pools, spa pools, pool accessories including covers, rollers, heat pumps, and auto cleaners, ladders and maintenance kits are available for nationwide supply.

Pool Land is the New Zealand agent for quality Australian-made Sterns brand vinyl-lined pools. These quality pools can be supplied in a variety of models and sizes and are easily installed by the home handyman.

Salt water capable pools are also available. Some models offer a deep end option ranging from 1.2m-1.8m or 1.37m-1.9m deep. All models are suitable for in-ground and above ground installations. A pool package comes complete with quality pump, sand filter, large skimmer

box, eyeball return and vacuum cleaning equipment.

Pool Land has been marketing these quality pools for more than 18 years and can supply pool packages at very competitive prices. Packages range from about $5000-$10,000 (larger size pools are available also by special request). All can be delivered throughout the country. Pool Land directly imports pool accessories including cover rollers, bubble solar heating covers, pool heat pumps, and automatic pool cleaners. These products are sold direct to customers at wholesale pricing.

Pool polybubble covers increase pool temperatures up to 5 degrees Celsius more than uncovered pools. Pool heat pumps allow for total control of water temperature and typically customers will select a temperature of 27-28 degrees Celsius.

Pool cover rollers mean tidy space and efficient storage of the cover when it’s removed from the pool surface.

Warmer pool water means an extended swimming season for your family and friends.

Pool Land offers an online shop: www.pool-land.co.nz and purchases of many products can be made online, although often customers prefer to make purchases by phone. Email enquiries for products are also welcome.

Page 45

COAST & COUNTRY

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trades & services Saturday, January 18:

FRE QUOTEE S!

Te Puna Hunting & Fishing Club annual Farmlands Speed Shear action begins from

about 5pm, with shearers competing on an improvised stage – the deck of a curtain-side truck, outside the Top Shot Bar at Te Puna, Tauranga where a marquee is set up for the audience. About 70 to 80 sheep are on hand to be shorn, Enter and be into win. Check out www. tepunahuntingfishingclub.co.nz or www.facebook.com/tepunahuntfishclub for more details.

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Tauranga Racecourse, Cameron Rd, Greerton, Tauranga, Adults: $10.00 Children 12 & under free. Family fun day out. All the usual A & P events - equestrian, western riding, cattle, shearing competitions, home industries ( pick up an entry form, even the kids can enter). Plus wood chopping demonstrations, BOP Strongest Man contest, Medieval combat & culture by the Northern Horde, pig racing, informal dog show - enter the family pooch, dog jumping contest and more.

Monday, January 20: Tokoroa Employers Group

At Tokoroa Club, Tokoroa 10.30am-1pm.

Come and join a like-minded group to talk about people management on your farm.

If you have staff and want to learn some different tips and techniques, and also hear about what other people have done, then this is for you. Note RSVP is required before the event.

Call Amy Johnson on 0274 832 205 or email: amy.johnson@dairynz.co.nz

Tuesday, January 21: Otorohanga Employers Group

At St John Station, Kakamutu Rd, Otorohanga 10.30am-1pm. Come and join a like-minded group to talk about people management on your farm.

If you have staff and want to learn some different tips and techniques, and also hear about what other people have done, then this is for you.

Note RSVP is required before the event.

Call Amy Johnson on 0274 832 205 or email: amy.johnson@dairynz.co.nz

Saturday, January 25:

trades & services

Book early—Call us on 07 549 1075

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Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo

At Rotorua A&P Showgrounds, 141 Western Rd, Ngongotaha, Rotorua.

Saturday 8.30am-5pm, Sunday 8.30am- 4pm. Adults (16 year and over) $10, children (15 and under) free.

Gate sales only. Welcome to a new and exciting Rotorua Agricultural and Pastoral Association Show.

Big prizes to be won daily.

Packed goodie bags will be given away to the first 100 paying adults through the ticket booth daily. Attractions include: horse, cattle and alpaca events, sheep dog trials, axemen events, craft stalls, children’s entertainment and more. Call 07 357 2979 or email: rotoruashow@gmail. com

Thursday, January 30:

Elstow – Springdale Discussion Group

fishing charters

This discussion group is open to anyone involved in dairying or dairy related agri-business. For more information call Joan Barendsen-Heald on 027 293 4401 or email: joan. barendsenheald@dairynz. co.nz

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

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Page 47

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Page 48

COAST & COUNTRY

Flynn Watts, age six, feeding Grandad’s and Nana’s beefies.

COAST & COUNTRY PRIZE PACK UP FOR GRABS!

Sent in by Debi Watts.

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to: sarah@thesun.co.nz ‘Country Camera’ or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga.

Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

Manaia, age three, introducing monkey to the herd.

Niamh Robinson, age five, with pet goat ‘Puddle’ at her first agricultural day at Tahuna School – and so proud. Sent by Louise Robinson.

Grass good enough to eat in Edgecumbe.

Aaliyah, six, cousin Manaia, three, and brother Gabriel, five.

Shae Robinson, 20 months, enjoyed her first horse ride. Sent by Louise Robinson.