BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014
POLARIS BIG FOUR PAGE 7
STRAWBERRIES PAGE 14-15
YOUNG GROWER PAGE 19
AVOCADOS PAGE 23-25
FIELDAYS PAGE 31-39
DAIRY PAGE 44- 49
RURAL DRIVER PAGE 57-61
July 2014 Issue No.167
Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle
The hunt is on
Waikato Hunt huntsman Lauryn Robertson and 17 couple of harrier hounds ready to led a hunt across farmland on a frosty winter’s morning – read about how riders, horses and hounds are keeping an ancient tradition alive on pages 4-5. Photo by Elaine Fisher.
COAST & COUNTRY
Page 2
Coast & Country a winner Coast & Country has won the Best All Round Newspaper title in the annual New Zealand Community Newspaper Awards. Judges for the associate newspaper award category say County & County does an excellent job for its readers. It knows its readers and its journalists know the subjects they write about. Coast & Country is, say the judges: “interesting and well written and demonstrates leadership”. Coast & Country shared the award jointly with Southern Rural Life. “This award is a credit to all of the Coast & Country team,” says editor Elaine Fisher. “Coast & Country was founded and continues to be closely guided by SunMedia directors Claire and Brian Rogers and its success is also tribute to the talents of designer Sarah Adamson, the writing and subbing skills of Merle Foster, and the advertising expertise of Rose Hodges, Lois Nutta, Suzy King and Lucy Pattison,” says Elaine. Elaine was also runner-up in the best senior journalist associate member award. Judges commended her on good story telling of important local issues and knowing her area well. SunMedia excelled in the awards
with The Weekend Sun photographers Tracy Hardy winning the best photographer award and Bruce Barnard taking the runner-up title at the Community Newspaper Association Awards in Wellington in late June. The Weekend Sun reporter Luke Balvert was runner-up in the best junior sports journalist category and The Weekend Sun also won the award for the best advertising feature.
Dairy’s profile In this edition of Coast & Country we look at the dairy industry’s moves to improve public understanding by arranging school visits to farms – see page 42. The annual Fieldays (see pages 31 to 39) do more than their bit to promote the positives of primary industries too. Let’s hope this year’s urban dwellers took home more than just stock sticks and balloons from the four-day event. New Zealanders are becoming increasingly concerned about the sale of rural land in particular to offshore owners – see page 3 and Don Fraser’s column page 28. One of the more unusual uses of primary land – growing strawberry plants – celebrates 60 years in Katikati this year – read the Taylor and Rapley families’ generational stories on pages 14-15.
The winner of the Big Four, Stoney Creek stylish cap contest is: Tana Taikato of Lower Kaimai, Tauranga. The winner of ‘Sweet treats to share’ from publishers Penguin is Sue Wayne of Waiuku.
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COAST & COUNTRY
Page 3
Claims foreign buyers shutting Kiwis out
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“It needs to be recognised that a level of foreign investment – with the right checks and balances – is vital to the New Zealand economy and to our own ability to access foreign markets,” says Todd, who has been a general manager for Zespri, chief executive of kiwifruit company Apata, and most recently group director cooperative affairs for Fonterra. In the last five years, Todd says Chinese purchasers have received fewer purchasing consents than buyers from the US, Australia, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Canada. “Under this Government, Chinese applicants make up only four per cent of all approved applications for rural land purchases by foreigners.” The National-led Government has already restricted overseas investment in sensitive land and residential land, says Todd. “Our 2010 changes enabled the Overseas Investment Office to consider a wider range of criteria before approving land investment in New Zealand – including large-scale ownership of farmland.” In order for a sale to be legal, a foreign buyer must demonstrate a sale delivers a benefit to New Zealand over and above what would be produced if the land stayed with a New Zealander. In almost all cases, the land must be offered for sale to New Zealanders before it can be sold to a foreign buyer. Leaseholds of more than five hectares of rural land still have to go through the OIO process.“We believe the new rules strike an appropriate balance between those criteria and ensur-
rural land was that to Canadian director James Cameron, who bought more than 1000ha of South Wairarapa for $20 million. US billionaire Julian Robertson owns a 2000ha property at Cape Kidnappers, where he’s spent about $90 million –and he also owns the Kauri Cliffs golf course in Northland.
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There has been a good deal of foreign interest in Kawarau River Station, one of the Wakatipu Basin’s most significant freehold land blocks, which goes to mortgagee auction this month. Ray White Queenstown realtor Bas Smith says there had been a “very high and encouraging level of enquiry” from international and national buyers in the 1825 hectare property. Don Fraser’s solution to keeping rural land in NZ ownership is leasing, not selling. That’s what happened in 2004, when Shania Twain and her then-husband, record producer Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, bought 33-year leases for two Otago stations, covering about 25,000ha of high-country for about $21 million. However, John Willems of Queenstown, business man and former avocado grower of Katikati has another answer.
“That 10 per cent should go to councils, not the Government, to contribute to the infrastructure such as roading that they will enjoy the use of but have made no contribution to,” says John. “It’s not picking on any nationality, I think it’s just fair and would make it a level playing field for everyone.” He doesn’t object to foreigners buying land here but does believe they should become New Zealanders and their earnings from the land should benefit this country, not be send overseas. John, who was involved in the development of the Ruapehu Happy Valley ski field among other ventures, says it’s a privilege to live and work in New Zealand – and for him life here has been “a wonderful ride”. Todd Muller, Tony Ryall’s successor as the National Party candidate for the Bay of Plenty, says foreign investment is vital for this country.
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ing access for our primary producers to international markets continues to grow,” says Todd. “It is important to note our overseas investment regime has recently been assessed by the OECD as still one of the more restrictive in the developed world.” Among other high profile sales of NZ
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Chinese interests have bought good dairy land and are building a factory at Pokeno to vertically integrate from grass to baby, says Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. “This means they control every aspect of the supply chain and NZ gets near to nothing,” says Don. “They will own the farms, staff them, send the milk to their own factories, manufacture it into baby food and send it straight home. Will Kiwi firms be able to get an import licence for baby food into China then?” he asks in his column on page 28 of this issue. Don’s concerns are shared by Waihi dairy farmer Ben Langford. “I don’t own a farm, but certainly want to in future. It worries me that even poor countries like Thailand don’t sell their land to foreigners.” Most New Zealanders can’t compete with the kind of money overseas investors have to spend on land, says Ben, who is worried that will exclude himself and other young farmers from land ownership in future. “The other side is that older farmers who want to get out of farming naturally want to get the most they can for their property – and that might be by selling to an offshore buyer.”
John, who arrived in New Zealand from Holland in 1955, believes emigrants – like himself – should pay 10 per cent extra when they buy New Zealand property.
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Page 4
COAST & COUNTRY
Hunting
with hounds keeps traditions alive Cover story Once the horses are groomed and readied for the day, their riders disappear into horse floats, minutes later emerging in smart white breeches, riding jackets – black for ladies, green for the gentlemen or red for the master and huntsman – each with Waikato Hunt Wallace Tartan collars.
Ready – the field assembles behind Waikato Hunt master Grant McGregor and huntsman Lauryn Robertson and hounds, ready to hunt. Beneath their jackets are white stocks, or cravats, many fixed with a traditional hunting pins – and riders also wear a hunt lapel badge. Anticipation is building among the riders but most horses appear happy to quietly doze in the winter sun. It’s a mid-week meet for the Waikato Hunt and the woolshed paddock on Brent and Narelle Pollack’s farm is filled with horse floats, 50 riders and their mounts. Among them are Mandy and Carl O’Connor of Matangi. “We met through hunting,” says Mandy, as she adjusts Carl’s stock. Both have been hunting for more than 20 years and despite the demands of Carl’s rural contracting business and Mandy’s work in the insurance industry, they relished the opportunity for a mid-week hunt. It’s the people they hunt with and the chance to ride across beautiful countryside which appeals.
Relaxed
Friends Seonaid Tye, who has been hunting for seven years, and Petronella Brown, a hunter for 20 years, says it’s the friendly atmosphere of the hunt which keeps them involved. Compared to other equestrian events, where riders and horses are competing under the eye of judges, Petronella says hunting is relaxed with no pressure. Kim Timms, who has also been hunting for 20 years, gives her Arab horse Basil extra special attention on the cold frosty morning. “I put a hot water bottle inside his blanket so it wasn’t cold when I put it on, and I have warm water to wash him down after the hunt.” Preparations complete, riders gather near the master’s vehicle to enjoy a ‘stirrup cup’ of mulled wine made and served by hostess Narelle. It’s a spicy, warming, citrus flavour and
keeps with the strong traditions of hunting with hounds. Further up the hill huntsman Lauryn Robertson has his hounds and horse ready to hunt.
Master
As midday approaches, master Grant McGregor, distinctive in his red coat, calls for the riders’ attention, thanks hosts Brent and Narelle, and explains the procedures for the day, warning of potentially slippery conditions in some paddocks, and those not to be crossed. Listening is Peter Reid, also a hunt member, who won’t be riding that day. He’ll follow the hunt, making sure all gates are closed, repairs fences in the unlikely event of damage and watches out for riders who may need help. Not all will jump their horses. Some prefer to follow the hounds by ‘gating’ – going through gates – but whatever way they choose to be part of the hunt, all are there for the love of the experience. Within minutes horses are mounted and, with master, huntsman and hounds in the lead, trot off for three to four hours riding over steep countrywide in brilliant sunshine, enjoying the thrill of the chase – should the hounds put up a hare – or the joy of the ride if they don’t. Late in the day the hunt returns for the hunt ‘breakfast’, and extends a ‘thank you’ to all of their landowner hosts.
Grateful
“We love having the hunt here,” says Narelle. “We have been hunting ourselves and are happy to see others enjoy the experience and our property.” Not all landowners are so generous and master Grant McGregor says hunt members are very grateful to those who allow them to hunt on their land, keeping alive a tradition and an enjoyable sport which dates back centuries. For more information about the Waikato Hunt, email secretary Margaret Fife marg@cambridgestud.co.nz By Elaine Fisher
COAST & COUNTRY Waikato Hunt huntsman Lauryn Robertson with his horse and 17 couple of harrier hounds.
Page 5
Every ‘couple’ under voice control
“Pack-up,” Lauryn Robertson calls – and 17 ‘couple’ of harrier hounds respond by obediently trotting to form up behind him. Each of the 34 hounds runs free, but every one is under his voice control and Lauryn knows each by name. “Rachel, Spot, Latte,” he calls. Latte? “That’s right. We name each year’s litter for a different letter of the alphabet and I had a young woman from Auckland working for me who named one of the pups Latte,” Lauryn laughs. It takes months of training to have the Waikato Hunt hounds ready to work but Lauryn reckons for him it’s the perfect job. “I left school at 14 and went shepherding, working with dogs, and later mustering in the South Island with horses and dogs. “Now I still get to do both, and ride over beautiful countryside too.” For the last 24 years he’s been a Huntsman, and 16 of those years for the Waikato Hunt. It’s Lauryn’s role to breed, train and care for the welfare of the hounds and on this occasion he has 17 couple (34 hounds) ready to hunt. “All hunting traditions go back to England, and hounds used to be ‘coupled’ together by a leash, two hounds at a time, when being walked to a hunt,” says Lauryn.
Music
There are other traditions associated with the hounds – including the fact they are not referred to as ‘dogs’ but as ‘hounds’ – that they ‘speak’ or ‘give tongue’ not ‘bark’, and that their combined voices are referred to as ‘music’. Even more important is the ‘etiquette’ Lauryn
schools them in. “They are taught very early on that livestock, including sheep and cattle and chickens, are not to be touched. “I often graze sheep in their exercise paddock and have chickens around their kennels. A well trained dog will completely ignore them.” That’s essential if the hounds are to hunt with horses over farmland, near paddocks of livestock. It’s the older hounds who are the best teachers and Lauryn relies on them to show the pups what to do. He also exercises the hounds on farmland, either by walking or riding with them. “I start getting them ready for hunt season in about December. They have to be fit because they can travel 40 to 45 kilometres on a hunt and we hunt two to three times a week in the season.”
hounds. It’s Grant’s role to keep the field in touch with the hounds, ensure that Lauryn has room to work the hounds, and that the field does not over run them. Grant is also responsible for the field’s care of the property and that there are no areas of concern raised by the landowner. It’s a colourful scene as hounds, horses and riders head up the steep hillside – one which wouldn’t be out of place 100 or more years ago.
Active
The New Zealand Hunt Association describes the ideal Harrier Hound as: “an active, well-balanced, wellmuscled and good boned hound, full of strength and quality. Fearless, though of a kindly nature in or out of the pack”. “When being shown, hounds should exhibit presence and quality. Dog hounds should show masculinity and bitches be feminine – and all should show presence.” Lauryn looks for all these qualities and more in the hounds which make up the Waikato Hunt pack, including a good ‘nose’. “They are trained to follow a scent trail and when they find one, will stick to it tirelessly.” Before the hunt begins, the hounds mill around, tails erect, noses in action, eagerly awaiting the command from Lauryn. Then they are off, leading the field with Master of the Hunt, Grant McGregor, and Lauryn. Close by are two ‘Whippers-in’ who assist Lauryn to control the Polaris UTE 570 H.D.
kg4x4 Mode 556
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455cc/29HP FRONT AND REAR KGTOP PAYLOAD / TOWING (Standard POWER on 850 and 550680/907 EPS) ELECTRONIC SEALED FRONT STORAGE Turf Mode SINGLE CYLINDER ENGINE ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION ON-DEMAND ROLL OVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE DISC BRAKES INJECTION 4 WHEEL DESCENT CONTROL TRUE ELECTRONIC FUEL DIFF ROLLED INDEPENDENT ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING TIPPING DUMP BOX UNLOCKING REAR INDEPENDENT REAR REAR SUSPENSION 3 SEATER BENCH SEAT FOR EASY STEERING UNLOCKING REAR DIFF FRONT AND REAR ELECTRONIC POWER KG ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PAYLOAD SUSPENSION (Standard on 850 and 550 EPS) 680/907 SEALEDTOP FRONT STORAGE/ TOWING IN–OUT ACCESS + SEATBELTS ON-DEMAND TRUE DISC BRAKES ROLL OVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE CARRYING CAPACITY TOWING CAPACITY HEAVY DUTY FEATURES 4 WHEEL DESCENT CONTROL INDEPENDENT REAR ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING STEERING ON-DEMAND TRUE TIPPING DUMPELECTRONIC BOX FUEL INJECTION INDEPENDENT REAR ROLLED SUSPENSION ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION UNLOCKING REARUNLOCKING DIFF REAR DIFF ZERO EMISSIONS = DISC BRAKES CARRYING CAPACITY ALL-WHEEL DRIVE CAPACITYHEAVY DUTYHEAVY CAPACITY FEATURES DISC BRAKESFRONT AND REAR FUEL INJECTION ALL-WHEEL DRIVE 4 WHEEL DESCENT CONTROL UNLOCKINGUNLOCKING REAR DIFF REAR DIFFELECTRONICELECTRONIC REAR inDiCaTors, POWER STEERING SUSPENSION (Standard on 850 and 550 EPS) CARRYING TOWING CAPACITY DUTY FEATURESTOWING556kg ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION TilT 4 WHEEL DESCENT CONTROLELECTRONIC ROLLED INDEPENDENT REAR STEERING RUE SEALED FRONT455cc/29HP STORAGE 3 SEATER BENCH SEAT FOR EASY Towing CapaCiTyROLLED INDEPENDENT mirrors, horn eleCTroniC power sTeering wiTh engine Braking sysTemPOWER & 4 wheel heavy DuTy FeaTures PAYLOAD / TOWING KGELECTRONIC FRONT680/907 ANDFRONT REAR AND REAR KGBoxPOWER WORK INDOORS SUSPENSION (Standard on 850 andon550 IVE CONTROL DISCTOP BRAKES SUSPENSION (Standard 850EPS) andSTRUCTURE 550 EPS) SINGLE CYLINDER ENGINE SEALED FRONT STORAGE IN–OUT ACCESS + SEATBELTS NT UNLOCKING ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING TRUE REAR DIFF SEALED FRONT STORAGE ROLL OVER PROTECTION 180kg CapaCiTy AWD ModeELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION ON-DEMAND DesCenT ConTrol (4wDC) CAPACITY
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AWD Mode AWD Mode
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TIPPING DUMP BOX
UNLOCKING REAR DIFF FRONT AND REAR (Standard on 850 and 550 EPS) 4x4 Mode INDEPENDENT Turf REAR ModeSUSPENSION
STEERING SEALED FRONT STORAGE 680/907 ON-DEMAND TRUE680/907 TIPPING DUMP BOX UNLOCKING REAR DIFF ALL-WHEEL DRIVE POWER POWER TOP PAYLOAD TOWING / TOWINGELECTRONICELECTRONIC TOP/PAYLOAD
3 SEATER BENCH SEAT FOR EASY ELECTRONIC POWER TOP PAYLOADIN–OUT / TOWING ACCESS + SEATBELTS ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION STEERING
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455cc/29HP
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ZERO EMISSIONS = BENCH SEAT FOR EASY 455cc/29HP455cc/29HP 3 SEATER INDOORS WORK INDOORS SINGLE CYLINDER IN–OUT ACCESS + SEATBELTS SINGLEENGINE CYLINDER ENGINE WORK 3 SEATER BENCH SEATBENCH FOR EASY 3 SEATER SEAT FOR EASY IN–OUT ACCESS + SEATBELTS IN–OUT ACCESS + SEATBELTS
Katikati Katikati Hamilton Hamilton
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Preserving old-fashioned values The old-fashioned values of supporting neighbours, sharing family and social events and having fun are at the heart of Eastern Bay Young Farmers Club. “We are a small club, with a focus on supporting each other and that’s been really important through the droughts of the last two summers,” says club president Josh Cozens. “A lot of support goes on behind the scenes between club members, but it comes down to watching out for each other and helping where needed. “That’s what farming in New Zealand used to be about and I think that’s the way it should stay – and we are doing our bit to make sure that happens.” Josh says the club’s emphasis is on networking “Our members are like family. We get together for meals or family birthdays, barbecues, a beer or fun events. “It’s important to take time out if you can, especially during calving when farmers spend more time with cows than with people. “For single people living alone, there’s no one to talk to at the end of the day which can be tough.”
The club also meets formally, on the first Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Rangitaiki Cosmopolitan Club Inc in Bridge St, Edgecumbe, and new members are always welcome. Its members provide the barbecue meal for AgITO training and fundraised throughout the year so members could go white water rafting at the end of the milking season.
Eastern Bay Young Farmers fundraised throughout the year for a weekend of white water rafting.
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Josh has been president for nearly two years and during that time membership has gone from just him to about 20 – and numbers are still growing. Membership is open to anyone between the age of 16-31. “We have some younger members who have just left school to take up farming this year and it’s great that we can support them during what can be a tough transition from school to work.” Young Farmers has access to a wide range of resources, including information about train-
ing and employment issues, as well as offering opportunities to compete in the Young Farmer of the Year competition. For more information, or to find a club near you, go to: www.youngfarmers.co.nz
By Elaine Fisher
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Bay hunters win Big Four Good keen Bay of Plenty hunters who camped out in the remote Motu region in appalling weather were rewarded when they won the top prize in the Polaris Big Four Competition on Saturday. Gary Sobye, Brett Rawson, Clive McKenny and Graeme Juno of team ‘On the Way’ weighed in the big four of stag, pig, pheasant and trout, each of which came closest to the average weights of the game entered by the 75 teams which took part. For doing so the team won two black Polaris Sportsmen, Stoney Creek Limited
The Polaris Big Four was organised by eight committee members from Te Puna Hunting & Fishing Club. Thank you to all our volunteers who helped on the day, it would not have happened without you.
Winners of the 2014 Polaris Big Four, Gary Sobye, Clive McKenny, Brett Rawson and Graeme Juno, team ‘On the Way’.
Edition ATVs valued at a total of $23,000. “We haven’t worked out how we’ll share the Polaris between the four of us, but they are great machines and I need another ATV,” says Gary. Using the average weight to decide the winners is the fairest way to run such a competition, says Gary, as it rules out cheating. Ken Griffin, one of the organisers of the event, says team entries were slightly down on last year, perhaps because there were other hunting competitions in the previous four weeks. However, the event was a great success with hunters bringing in game from both the North and South Islands and competitors coming from throughout the country and even Australia. “The heaviest stag ever entered was shot by an Australian hunter called Nick Dundee. The stag weighted more than 147kg.” Ken says all the major prizes from a total package worth about $80,000, were won. Happy entrants Hunting and fishing weighing in their in the competition catch for the 2014 began on Tuesday, Polaris Big Four. June 24, and weighin was on Saturday, June 28 at Te Puna where close to 9000 people turned up to see the animal, birds and trout and enjoy the entertainment Check out Te Puna Hunting & Fishing Club for more competitions and events, provided. By Elaine Fisher www.tepunahuntingfishingclub.co.nz or visit their facebook page.
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Primary industries need jobs New Zealand’s primary industries will need 50,000 more employees by 2025 if they’re to reach the target of doubling exports within 11 years.
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That’s the view of Primary Industries Minister “New Zealand has a proud tradiNathan Guy, who says half of those workers will tion in the primary industries – it’s need a Tertiary or Level 4 Qualification. an innovative sector that requires Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year our best and brightest across a contestants Craig Ward and Simon Bowker say range of skills,” says Nathan. raising the profile of horticulture is one way of “As international markets attracting more achievers to the industry. become more sophisticated and The Katikati residents say they’ve seen firstcompetitive, it is crucial New hand the poor image horticulture as a career has Zealand’s primary industries keep among college students. pace.” “Horticulture is regarded as the subject you take Nathan says the report is a great if you’re not smart enough to do sciences and snapshot of the future skills that maths,” says Craig. will be required across the sector. He ignored the stigma to graduate with a “It’s now up to industry and Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture Government to continue working and a Post-Graduate Diploma of Agri-science in together to attract, train and retain Horticulture from Massey University – and today competent, qualified people to a is technical advisor at kiwifruit and avocado work in our primary industries. postharvest operator Apata. “There’s good capacity in our Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year “It is time to dispel the myth and recognise the tertiary education system to meet contestants Craig Ward has seen first-hand the true value horticulture has to offer,” says Simon, this need. The challenge for all of poor image horticulture as a career has who also encountered negative attitudes to his us is to inspire more young people among college students. career choice. to obtain good qualifications and Despite this, he completed a Diploma in HorAmong those initiatives is the recently work in the sector.” ticulture at Lincoln University and today is orchard The new primary sector vocational launched Enterprising Primary Indusmanager for Katikati's Hume Pack and Cool. pathway at senior secondary level, the tries Career Challenge, which asks HortNZ senior business manager Sue Pickering also newly-combined primary sector ITO, school students to identify different holds concern about the industry's future workforce. EPIC challenge, and dedicated primary careers within the primary industries “We do not have enough talent within the industry sector institutions like Lincoln, Massey, and develop a strategy promoting them to reach our growth targets.” to the target market of Year 10 students. Taratahi and Telford will all play a part “We need to do more, get better connected with each Nathan says it is up to everyone within alongside the industry in achieving this, other – and the rest of New Zealand – to tell the story says Nathan. primary industries to help raise the of our fantastic industry.” The report, funded by the Ministry profile of career opportunities. The horticulture industry needs to invest between The employment needs of the industry for Primary Industries, DairyNZ, and $1.5 billion-$2 billion into its human resources, Beef + Lamb New Zealand with support are outlined in the report ‘The Future says Sue. from primary industry representatives, capability needs for the primary can be found at: Nathan says the government is working to do more to industries in New Zealand’ released last www.mpi.govt.nz/future_capability sell primary industries as a career to students. month.
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Scholarship helps realise ambition Veterinary science student Hannah MacPherson’s ambition for rural practice has been rewarded with a $2500 scholarship from Agcarm.
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To order, call 0800 100 123.
In her third year of the veterinary science degree at Massey University, Hannah plans to use her recently-won funds to visit veterinary clinics around the country and experience the diversity of New Zealand’s rural practices. After her studies, Hannah’s ambition is to work on farms as a rural practitioner. She’s already worked on a dairy farm, sheep and beef farm, and in horse stables. Her experience ranges from milking and helping lame cows, conducting pastoral analysis to fencing, mowing lawns and cleaning out troughs. Hannah spent the first 10 years of her life in Te Awamutu, before moving to Lower Hutt.
The daughter of a vet, Hannah has always had an interest in horticulture and considered studying agricultural science, but veterinary medicine is her passion. She acknowledges the role of the veterinary pharmaceutical industry in her drive to be a successful large animal practitioner. The 20-year-old says the veterinary pharmaceutical industry not only plays a role in enhancing animal health “but also reduces the incidence of some zoonotic diseases found globally”. Zoonotic diseases are those transmitted between humans and animals, such as swine flu. “Most of the intensive animal production systems – for example, pigs, poultry, fish, sheep, beef, cattle or dairy cattle – require a range of veterinary products to achieve optimum animal production and welfare.”
Excellence
“As the pharmaceutical industry delivers new active compounds to manage disease in animal populations, the veterinary profession and its key component, veterinary science, will continue to benefit,” says Hannah. Driven to strive for excellence, Hannah has made the pro vice-chancellor’s merit list in 2012 and 2013, meaning she’s maintained at least an
A average during her time at Massey. The Agcarm scholarship is not the first for Hannah. She received the Massey University vice chancellor’s high achievers scholarship in 2011 and a painting scholarship for her Year 13 portfolio on society’s perception of science.
Scuba
Outside of her studies, Hannah can be found on the netball courts of the vet school, having also coached and captained netball teams at school. She scuba and free-dives and has a special interest in spearfishing. Painting is yet another interest she’s held from an early age. Agcarm chief executive Graeme Peters says the association is pleased to contribute toward the future of such a dedicated, hard-working, all-round high achiever who is so committed to animal welfare. “Hannah’s application was of a very high calibre.” “We were extremely impressed with the passion she showed for animal health, and believe she will do well in her veterinary career,” says Graeme. Industry initiatives led by Agcarm include providing safe and sustainable animal health and crop protection technology for the future of New Zealand, and Massey veterinary science educating the community about the industry’s contribution. student Hannah MacPherson.
Copper poisoning in cattle Copper is an essential trace element for animals and is commonly deficient in deer and cattle. However, a growing issue – especially in dairy cattle – is chronic copper toxicity that occurs after long-term intake of large amounts of copper followed by a ‘stress’ event. It is associated with two main factors: over-supplementation with copper and diets high in copper, for example palm kernel. However, most cases are a result of both occurring together, rather than either factor being to blame on their own. Animals appear normal, despite liver copper levels being very high. But some stress factor – for example, a sudden feed-change or drying-off – can result in sudden release of large amounts of copper from the liver, causing damage to the liver and blood cells. Symptoms include sick, dying and dead cows, with diagnosis based on symptoms and laboratory blood and liver testing. PKE contains double the dietary requirement of
copper, but this must be put into perspective. Usually it’s only fed as a small percentage of the diet, so the overall copper intake isn’t necessarily excessive. Issues can arise when other copper supplements, for example copper sulphate through the drinking water are continued at usual rates as well. This is certainly the case in some outbreaks. But get good advice rather than just cutting out copper supplements, as you don’t want to end up with a deficiency situation either. There is little that can be done to treat cows affected with copper toxicity. Removal of stress factors will help reduce ongoing losses, while oral molybdenum, in conjunction with sulphur, seems to help bind with some copper to reduce available copper. There is little literature on doses and regimes but 200mg elemental molybdenum per cow per day for up to three-five weeks seems to be commonly quoted. This equates to ½ gram of sodium molybdate per cow per day.
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Farmers urged to seek help for depression In a bid to address rural depression, The Health Promotion Agency is working with rugby legend Sir John Kirwan to encourage farmers to share their experiences with depression and seek help when needed. Efforts to overcome rural depression have been initiated after identifying suicide rates in rural communities are significantly higher than in urban areas, specifically for males aged between 45-64. John says levels of rural depression are a concern within New Zealand. “We want people living in rural communities, who can feel isolated, to know that this is something many people experience and there is a support network out there for them.”
In response to the findings, depression.org.nz has expanded to include rural New Zealanders discussing their personal experiences with depression and how they have dealt with it. In addition to personal interviews, the website contains The Journal, which is a free online self-help programme designed to support people with mild to moderate depression. John Kirwan is renowned for his successful work helping New Zealanders tackle depression, as well as publicly sharing his own journey through depression. He wants to show his support and encourage people living in rural areas to use the self-help tools available. “Reach out for help. It’s the most important thing. Get help. It's an illness not a weakness,” says John. For more information, visit www.depression.org.nz/rural
Hunter-gatherers connected to the land New Zealanders are a nation of hunters and gatherers – and embracing wild foods keeps us connected to the land and our heritage, believes Daryl Crimp.
eat-states – the book is filled with recipes which are simple and easy to prepare, but tasty to share. There are recipes for fish, hares and rabbits, large game, game birds, including pukeko, and in the section called Wild and Weird – there’s even a recipe for Roast Fillet of Sandfly – the West Coast beasts of course. Just to ensure the hunter-gatherer’s diet is balanced, there’s a section called ‘A Little on the Side’ with recipes for a wide range of vegetable dishes to accompany the meat, fish and fowl. ‘The Wildfoods Cookbook Reloaded’ is published by Halcyon Press and is available from book sellers or online at www.halcyonpublishing.co.nz
John Kirwan is now helping New Zealander farmers tackle depression.
MOH0966/CCN/D
and spices which will complement food fished, hunted or gathered from the land. “Since the first book [10 years ago] a whole new generation of Kiwis has gotten into wildfoods, which shows we are maturing as a nation. There’s something intrinsically satisfyHe sets out to refine ‘The Wildfoods the ways wild foods Cookbook Reloaded’, ing by being able to provide for the table, are enjoyed in the by Daryl Crimp. but it also defines us completely new edias a people,” writes Daryl. tion of his previous bestseller ‘The Beautifully illustrated with Wildfoods Cookbook Reloaded’, coloured photographs of food – adding new recipes to old favourin its just-caught and ready-to ites, and suggesting wines, herbs
Feeling down in response to difficult situations is pretty normal. But when life has no joy or pleasure for more than two weeks, this could be a sign of depression. You’re not alone. One in six New Zealanders will experience depression at some time in their life. Understanding more about depression can help you find a way through. Join JK at depression.org.nz, or call the Depression Helpline 0800 111 757.
DEPRESSION There is a way through it depression.org.nz/rural
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Rolleston, NZ farmers and the GMO debate When people claim to represent an interest group, for example Federated Farmers, and they have a very loud and educated voice and must truly represent the group they claim to support, says Jodie Bruning in this comment column.
Most farmers produce animals for food. They want high-yielding replacement stock and healthy vigorous animals or crops that will receive the best possible return on export markets. Generation after generation. It’s a no-brainer. Dr William Rolleston is a part-owner of a farm, however his primary focus is on animal blood products. Rolleston is not impartial. A medical doctor, rather than a research grade scientist, with significant biotech investments, Rolleston has long-term involvement with a pro-biotech PR group, which lobbies aggressively for GM food and crops. His blood products cater to a completely different industry. Yet next month Rolleston will become president of Federated Farmers.
How can Rolleston advocate impartially for NZ farmers when a significant proportion of his business interests align with genetically-engineered products? NZ has limited tax dollars for investment in agricultural research – and our allocated science dollars should be about return on investment for our farmers.
Taxpayer
Perhaps the NZ Government has spent more than $100 million taxpayer dollars on genetic engineering. This doesn’t appear to be clearly declared. The McGuiness Institute reported of the 57 field tests for GM “not one of these has resulted in any commercial benefit or tangible return on the public’s investment, while all experiments have presented a constant risk”. Is GM investment, simply a ‘money sink’? And how does the growth in GM research investment compare to growth in expenditure on conventional research? Because that is science too. A pivotal and independent study compared agricultural productivity in the United States and Western Europe focussed on the staple crops of maize, canola, and wheat.
It revealed the United States’ mostly GM production was lowering yields and increasing pesticide use compared to Western Europe’s mostly non-GM production. You can’t breed a hundred varieties of a GMO plant to then select from. It’s a slow, expensive process.
Old-fashioned
Europe’s relative competitiveness is increasing – it understands that on-farm practices and good old fashioned public sector germplasm innovation is critical. Is that less scientific? No. Now, 99 per cent of the continued profitability of GMOs rests on seed patenting and ownership, and upping the toxicity of the pesticides we spray on them. These monocrops are inflexible and mightily expensive. GM is a great business model, but perhaps not so beneficial for long-term farmers. Farming in the US has not got easier, as soil quality eroded, weeds became pesticide resistant; and farmers realised herbicide resistant GMOs were less drought-tolerant than traditional hybrids. Once you cross pollinate with GMOs, the seed isn’t yours anymore. A canola farmer in Australia has just lost organic accreditation. His premium. It’s not just US farmers who are confronted with this brave new world. I agree with Rolleston when he quotes A C Doyle: “It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories instead of theories to suit facts”. Exactly, Dr Rolleston. Ironically, the very reason New Zealand is buying in more than 300,000
William Rolleston’s response Federated Farmers is a membershipbased body with a strong democratic tradition, says Dr William Rolleston in response to claims made by Jodie Bruning. “For example our 28th president, Tom Lambie, was an organic farmer. Should I be elected as president I would hope that I will have a positive influence on many of the issues Federated Farmers deals with every day. “Federated Farmers does not dictate to our members over how they should farm or the system they ought to employ. Our focus is to ensure farmers have the policies and support, which enables them to farm successfully, sustainably and progressively. “Farmers should have the right to choose approved technologies which achieve their environmental, social and economic aspirations. In countries where GMOs have been approved farmers have exercised their choice to use GMOs in overwhelming numbers. “Beyond that the writer (Jodie Bruning) has confused the laboratory use of genetic modification (which the Greens support) with its use in
tonnes of GMO/GE stockfeed each year to feed our stock is because it’s a cheap commodity. We all know the subsidies bankrolling US farmers. Yet US farmers are still struggling. GMO development is a model that profits agribusiness. Not farming. I don’t think New Zealand farmers ever wanted to produce a cheap commodity. They want a premium on their world class produce, and international markets are clamouring for GM-free produce. What about international demand for GM/GE food? Only the GM industry believes GMO products are safe. Not public sector, independent scientists. Independent scientists are concerned about the impacts of GMO feed on the digestive system and reproductive capability of livestock – and people. And consumers know this. We need a Federated Farmers president directing government policy who is impartial and free from conflicts of interest. We need to understand where our limited tax dollars are being directed and who will benefit long-term. I don’t believe our biotech return compares favourably to the return on conventional breeding technology Europe is seeing. Our competitive advantage has traditionally thrived on clever, responsive independent science that’s benefitted Kiwis and farming families for generations. We need to speak up. It’s all about the money. Jodie Bruning is a researcher and writer with an agribusiness degree from Monash University. By Jodie Bruning
outdoor crop production. “A great deal of the blood collected from the slaughterhouse is used in the biotechnology industry to grow genetically modified organisms which make many of the modern medicines we use today. In this way we are all suppliers to the biotechnology industry – even organic farmers. “The breast cancer drug Herceptin is produced in genetically modified organisms. So is human insulin used by diabetics. I note, without irony, that the Green Party lobbied heavily in favour of Herceptin. “The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification concluded that our regulatory system was robust and that we should proceed with caution, keep our options open and proceed with caution on a case by case basis. “In New Zealand GMOs are regulated on a case-by-case basis by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is funded and staffed to assess the merits, or otherwise, of any application. “I do believe we need to have a mature discussion because genetic modification is a technology not an outcome. I would suggest to the writer that if they have credible evidence then it is best supplied to the EPA.”
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Sirocco fever to hit conservation sanctuary When you see a man dressed in a bright green, fluffy, bird suit, with a matching face painting, milling among farmers at Fieldays, you know it must be in the name of conservation. On Saturday at Fieldays it was Bevan Cameron who drew the short straw to fly the flag that Sirocco the kakapo is returning to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari for a six-week tour from August 3-September 16. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a 3400ha mainland ecological island, surrounded by the world’s longest pest-proof fence, offering a forest for populations of many of New Zealand’s endangered species – from birds to bats, frogs to reptiles, tuatara to giant weta. Sanctuary Mountain natural heritage manager Matt Cook says Sirocco is visiting the sanctuary in August-September for multiple one-hour night tours to raise awareness among visitors about endangered species and conservation – including the Maungatautari project itself. Bevan Cameron dressed up as a kakapo to promote Sirocco the kakapo’s return to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari from August 3-September 16.
“Sirocco, one of fewer than 130 kakapo left on the planet, is the spokesbird for the endangered kakapo – so he came to Maungatautari in 2012 and he’s famous on Youtube, he’s got his own Facebook page, and is a real ambassador for the species. “So this [Fieldays promotion] about raising awareness around kakapo, and awareness around Maungatautari as a sanctuary.” Sirocco will give three tours per night from Mondays-Wednesdays and four tours nightly from Thursdays-Sundays, subject to weather conditions and the bird’s health and happiness. Departing from Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre at 99 Tari Rd, Pukeatua, tour-goers will experience the magic of the ancient forest at night, learn about kakapo, how they became so rare and what’s being done about it, and experience a 20-minute audience with Sirocco in his specially-built enclosure. “You’ll also meet his minder and hear stories of Sirocco’s life at his home on Maud Island, before a guided walk through the bush down our gently sloping track,” says Matt, who says those who saw Sirocco at Maungatautari last time are keen to see him again. “Bookings are filling up really quickly,” says Matt, who says fund raised from Sirocco’s tours will help support the Maungatautari project and kakapo recovery. With many rural landowners milling around Fieldays, Matt says the Department of Conservation site was promoting a classic conservation message: ‘Think globally, act locally’. “Many passing through are able to talk to staff about weed control and pest control – and if you do a little back in your own backyard it has that flow-on effect,” says Matt. “And rural people are keen, because they see the rats and mice and stoats and think ‘how can I get rid of those bloody things’ – and it’s [conservation work] simple and just takes a bit of time and effort. “Then next year they come back with some good stories about what they’ve done.” To learn more about Sirocco’s Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari tours, visit www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/sirocco By Merle Foster
Visitors check out the Department of Conservation’s Fieldays site last month, where Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari staff were stationed.
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Paul Tustin ENDORSED BY OUTGOING CHAIRMAN MICHAEL COONEY ONGOING TECT CHEQUE PAYMENTS DONATING HIS OWN TRUSTEE FEES TO CHARITY
PAUL TUSTIN PARTNER
COONEY LEES MORGAN
ADVANCED MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL SKILLS SUPPORTS STRATEGIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Sirocco will be at Sanctuary Mountain .Maungatautari in August-September. Photo by P Brown.
Page 14
FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
George Bryan with his family, harvesting strawberry plants at Athenree mid last century.
Sixty years of tradition continues For 60 years, millions of strawberry plants have flourished in the fertile soils of Katikati – but it’s not the fruit which is harvested. It’s the plants themselves which are in demand. By Elaine Fisher
In 1953, the produce company Turners and Growers identified Katikati, with its light Waihi ash soils and favourable climate, as the ideal location to grow plants for strawberry fruit growers – and approached several market gardening families in the district to grow the plants. Among them were Charlie Taylor and Keith Rapley, whose sons still grow the plants today. The other families involved in early plant growing included Hart, MacMillan, Palmer, Hoggard, Harwood and McDonald. Today, the Rapley, Taylor and near Shanley families are the only Harvesting strawberry plants y. tur cen last late ti growers left in Katikati. Katika Pam and Keith Rapley were newlyweds in their early 20s when they began growing strawberry plants and kumara at Athenree. In 1978, aged 53, Keith died suddenly and sons Martin and Bruce took over running the business, eventually moving out of kumara, but also growing avocado and kiwifruit, alongside their strawberry plant business. As the demand for plants grew, adapted a potato harvester and conveyor belt so did the requirements of the commercial system to remove the plants from the padfruit growers. “One grower in particular dock and deposit them in bins for transport wanted plants which were grown at high to a packhouse where staff can work under altitude, as it was believed they would procover. duce better fruit when transplanted to more While the Rapleys no longer grow strawfavourable conditions,” says Bruce. berry plants at Ohakune, they’ve adapted To meet the requirement the Rapley family the harvesting systems used there to their leased land at Ohakune to grow the plants. Athenree operation. Today, a tractor-driven This proved a very demanding and unreharvester removes the plants from the soil. warding exercise, which took a toll on Bruce’s They are lifted into a revolving cage to shake health, but from it evolved a new system of free the soil, and then onto a conveyor and harvesting and packing the plants. into bins. “Because conditions were so cold at At the packhouse, bins are tipped by forkOhakune in May we couldn’t have people lift onto large tables where staff remove dead sitting in the paddocks harvesting plants like or damaged leaves and tie the plants into we could in the Bay of Plenty,” says Bruce. bundles of 25. These move along a conveyor Instead, after a good deal of research into to the packing station, where they are placed operations overseas, Bruce and Martin in bins ready to be held in coolstorage until
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Strawberry generations: from left Allan Taylor, Brue Rapley, Adrian Taylor (driving tractor) his father Keith and brother Hamish with Hamish’s son Asher (five). they are transported to growers. Now there’s a fourth generation of the Rapley, family Martin and Bruce hope the strawberry plant-growing tradition will continue well into the future. Keith Taylor, son of Charlie, says his parents began growing strawberry plants at Beach Rd, later expanding to Westbank Drive, just south of Katikati. “Dad grew up in South Canterbury and was a dairy farmer at Putaruru before serving for three years overseas during World War II. When he returned home he decided to follow his desire to grow things and came to Katikati.” Keith and his brothers, Allan and Ray, have continued the family tradition of growing strawberry plants – but Allan now works for the Rapley family. However, in truth the families work closely together as they have since the start, sharing knowledge, resources and equipment when needed. Keith’s sons Hamish and Adrian are also involved and there’s a fourth generation showing interest too – Hamish’s six-year-old son Asher. The Taylor harvesting operation is closer to traditional methods, with plants loosened from the soil by harrows, and pickers sitting in the paddocks, cleaning and tying bundles of plants. “It’s piece work – they get paid on performance, and can make very good money. Although we are harvesting at the same time as kiwifruit, we don’t have to compete for staff because most people can make better money harvesting strawberries than kiwifruit – and it’s more consistent work,” says Keith.
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FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS
Harvesting for generations Employment in strawberry plant growing and harvesting is a tradition for many Katikati families, including Tamiora Snow, who has been part of the Taylor family strawberry plant operation since he was a child. “I remember coming here with my mum when I was a kid and pinching the string used to tie up the strawberries for the bows I made out of sticks, so I could play bows and arrows round the trees,” says Tamiora, who is now a parent himself.
Harvesting strawberry pants on the Taylor farm is done by hand, the way it has for decades.
At the peak of production, up to 22 million strawberry plants were grown each year at Katikati. Today, due to a reduced number of strawberry fruit growers – now between 60-70 nationwide – and improved performance from modern varieties, the numbers of plants grown has dropped to 12.5 million. The process of growing the plants begins at Berryworld in Christchurch, where Geoff Langford propagates imported plants under quarantine conditions. These rootstocks are sent to plant growers in summer, who in turn raise them in elite beds, deflowering them and encouraging the production of ‘runners’ which become the plants eventually sold to fruit growers in May and June.
A potato harvester has been adapted by the Rapley brothers to remove strawberry plants from the fields.
Sitting in the freshly-turned soil, Tamiora and others work steadily through the piles of plants, cleaning and tying them into bundles. “It’s not really hard work and you can make good money at the end of the week if you do a good job and prepare plenty of bundles,” says Tamiora, who works on avocado orchards once the strawberry harvest is over, finding plenty of employment within Katikati’s horticultural industry. Victor Bryan, who works at the Rapley strawberry plant operation at Athenree, is the third generation of his family to do so. His grandfather George worked for Keith Rapley when he started growing the plants in the 1950s, and in turn his daughter Maggie (Victor’s mother) worked for the family too. Another long-time employee is Kathy Hauraki, now in her 70s, who has been part of the Rapley operation for most of her adult life. The locals, with decades of knowledge of the indus- Kathy Hauraki (70) and Victor Bryan both have long family histories with the Rapley strawberry plant harvests. try, are joined each season by backpackers from around the world. The names of many who’ve earned holiday money processing strawberry plants are written on the wall of the Rapley packhouse. By Elaine Fisher
Millions of plants grown each year The parent plants are discarded at harvest. Camarosa is the main strawberry variety grown, but others are also cultivated to fruit early or late, or to grow in cooler parts of the country. Before planting, the soil in strawberry paddocks is fumigated to kill pests and disease. This is a requirement of those buying the fruit to ensure the plants are healthy. It used to be done under plastic covers but now the chemicals are injected into the soil, which is rolled to keep the gases contained. Once the plants are established two spotted mite is the biggest pest growers face, but it’s now largely controlled by releasing phytoseiulus persimilis – a predatory mite. The potato-tomato psyllid, first found in New Zealand in 2006, is
now also a major pest – and one for which there are limited control methods. Nymphs and possibly adults of the insect inject a toxin into the plants when they feed. The toxin causes discolouration of leaves and the plant to become stunted exhibiting ‘psyllid yellow’ and ‘purple top’. Leaf edges upturn and show yellowing or purpling. The plants internodes shorten and new growth is retarded. Strawberry plants also need frequent feeding with fertiliser to ensure they grow well and are healthy and ready for transplanting. Those removed from the Katikati fields in May begin producing strawberries in the Auckland region from October, right through until January.
Page 15
Sorting of plants is done inside in the Rapley packhouse.
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Page 16
HORTICULTURE
From growing to pressing olives How to grow olives was a mystery to Patsy Taylor and David Henderson when they bought a 10 hectare lifestyle block near Paengaroa in 2006, in the appropriately named Mystery Valley Rd. “We knew we wanted a property where we could be virtually selfsufficient, but we hadn’t considered becoming olive growers,” says David. However, the land they bought came with 450 olive trees planted about four years earlier, so the couple set about learning all they could of growing olives and
making oil. But Olives weren’t the only appeal of the property in the quiet valley. It has a well-build 1950s former Lands and Surveys home, fruit trees, a large garden, sheds, room to graze a few cattle and horses, and it’s enough flat land to make hay. For Patsy and David, who are teenage sweethearts from Hutt Valley High School, whose lives had taken them apart and overseas, the property is something of a dream come true. David had eventually settled in Southern California in the USA and Patsy ran a café and catering business in the Barossa Valley in Australia. Their paths may never have crossed again had it not been for David’s mother Betty, who kept
Left: David Henderson, with some of the fruit from the Mystery Valley olive grove.
in touch with Patsy and eventually achieved her ambition seeing of the couple she believed were meant for each other, finally married.
Dream
So Mystery Valley marked the beginning of a new life together. Patsy says the dream of living largely on what they could grow and make is partly realised. Both also work off the property, Patsy running catering and a kitchen for a local retirement home, and David carrying out contract laser drainage, trenching, irrigation and bobcat work for farmers and orchardists – many of them in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Between times they manage the property, including the olive grove. In keeping with Mediterranean olive picking traditions, harvesting has become a family affair. Aunts, children, friends and other relations arrive to help comb the fruit from the trees while Patsy cooks almost endless meals using her homegrown and homemade produce. Large sheets are placed on the ground beneath the trees and fruit, harvested with small plastic rakes, is gathered up and transferred to bins, ready for processing. “This is a remarkably labour-intensive process, and we have been lucky to have had help from relatives and friends. We try to press the olives within 24 hours of picking to prevent any possibility of spoilage and ‘off ’ flavours,” says Patsy. “All our fruit is single cold pressed to give a finely-flavoured and aromatic oil.”
Blend
The trees are mainly of the frantoio and leccino variety with a few koroneiki, pendolino, picual and J5 trees. Their fruits are blended to create the Mystery Valley Olive oil, although some larger, very ripe fruit are preserved in jars as whole olives. Until this season, the fruit was sent to Bert van Heukeulm of Katikati to be processed through his plant. However, Bert has decided to concentrate on growing, rather than processing olives, and has sold his Oliomatic 250 olive press and the plant, which goes with it, to Patsy and David. Bert bought the press seven years ago, and processing his own fruit and that from other growers became a full-time job during harvest. Patsy Taylor makes a wide range of sauces, jams and preserves from produce grown on the property.
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is used as the driver of pasture growth, logic dictates when less is applied growth is reduced, and from the figures we see this is the result. A useful analogy may be if we were to restrict the fuel intake of a 1980s motor vehicle designed to consume on average 10 litres per 100km to a maximum of seven litres per 100km performance would suffer, particularly under hard acceleration. There are vehicles of similar size and weight on the AND WATER road STORAGE now that’ll outperform the best of the 1980s vehicles and use a little more than half the fuel, with EPDM pond improved performance in every respect. The performance of the nutrient programmes being ural irrigation, e, effluentused on both the Functional Fertiliser monitored s. properties in the Bay of Plenty grow more feed of tone Warranty higher quality at a lower cost than any conventional installations. See us at both the use about 20kgN/ha annually. programme and NZ Agricultural Fieldays The Berryman property grew 21.63 tonne of dry Creek r nationwide matterMystery per hectare for the 12 months ending May 31, site PB30 2014, Pavilion with an average close to 60kg/ha/day for the season. Email : sales@cosio.co.nz The Taylor property at Galatea, with June and July http://www.cosio.co.nz cutsWebsite still to be: added, has grown 20.15 tonne DM/ha. The monitoring work includes pasture growth measured by monthly cage cuts. This data is compared with figures from regular plate meter monitoring and observation. The growth figures obtained from Overseer indicate the cage figures are conservative. Physical soil structures rate highly under Graham Shepherd’s widely-recognised and accepted Visual Soil Assessment, with the root zone of plants well below spade depth. With excellent crumb content the soil is able to freely, ensuring strong biological activity is nd forgetbreathe recovering for up to 5 years maintained at all times. The soil drains more freely h EVAin periods for longer lifeand maintains growth longer of heavy rain into dry periods. tive to prevent condensation dripping on plants. Higher normal are an integral of 50 metres or cutthan to length to calcium suit yourinputs house. part of the programme with magnesium applied using Golden Bay dolomite. . Phone 09 820 0272 Fax 09 820 0274 The wide range of selected beneficial fungi and bacteria contained in DoloZest and CalciZest provide the 00 109 grunt093 for rapid nutrient cycling and the sustainability of outstanding levels of plant growth. Nitrogen is an essential element and is provided from the ever-increasing reserve in the soil. With outstanding clover growth during the growing season, animal performance compares favourably with the best of conventional. Water from the pipes designed to capture leachate on the Berryman property indicate Nitrate-N levels are about 30 per cent of that lost under a conventional The Professionals Choice fertiliser-N driven programme. Due to minimal pest damage the pasture replacement and renovation undertaken is to ensure the performance advantage already enjoyed is maximised. It’s a simple system developed out of observation water storage ong life and experimentation during close to 30 years. mer, build While the performance of every component is supported by existing knowledge, EPDM liner it’s the innovative nd confidence. combination of inputs along with exceptional on-farm management that’s provided a workable blueprint for farming within nitrogen restrictions. ynn Auckland For more information contact Peter d. on 0800 843 809. Email : sales@cosio.co.nz
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Page 17 EPDM liner
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David Henderson, about to start processing olives. “I walked outside one day, took off my ear muffs, listened to the birds singing and the voices of the people picking my fruit in the sunshine and decided it was time for change,” says Bert, who plans to install a still to make essential oils from plants he grows on his property, as well as enjoy his olive trees. David, with his engineering background and can-do attitude, was the logical person to sell the oil press too, says Bert. David is grateful for the help and advice Bert gave him and Patsy to get the processing plant up and running correctly.
Opportunity
“It is an opportunity for us to, not only process our own fruit but those of other growers too, as Bert presses his fruit with us, as do most of his previous customers,” says David. “We would like to encourage people with access to only a small number of trees to let us pool fruit so they can have the satisfaction of enjoying their very own oil.”
INDUSTRIES
However, the pressure was on to convert an existing building to an olive processing plant, compliant with a food production facility, install the equipment Patsy Taylor and David Henderson, in their and have it ready for May’s harvest. new olive processing facility. “With a lot of help from friends and contractors, and excellent co-operation the application of natural home-produced with council, we got there,” says David. compost and minimal application of sprays. This season the plant processed 12 tonnes Any sprays used are approved for use in regof fruit. istered organic enterprises. All our products Olives yield on average between nine to are gluten-free,” says Patsy. 12 per cent oil by weight, but some varieties “The fruits in our preserves are grown give only seven per cent and others up to 14 on our property, or when we do not have per cent – so a lot of fruit must be processed sufficient are sourced locally, often from to extract the oil. neighbours. In addition to making olive oil and pre“Fruit used is freshly picked, or frozen, served olives, Patsy uses virtually everything or dried immediately after picking for later which grows in the garden and orchard to production. The preserves are made in small produce a wide range of homemade prebatches and are genuinely ‘home-style’, with serves, sauces and pickles which the couple no addition of extenders or artificial coloursell online. ings, flavourings or preservatives.” In addition to fruit and vegetables, they also have pigs, chickens and steers, so the Simple freezer and pantry are always well-stocked at “We want to know that our food is simple By Elaine Fisher the Henderson home. and healthy. All our produce is grown with
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KIWIFRUIT
Page 18
Above average OGRs and record crops It has been an incredibly positive year for many of Aongatete’s growers with excellent Orchard Gate Returns well above industry average for the 2013 crop, says grower services manager Tracey Chinnery.
“The fantastic yields we have seen for crops harvested in the last few months also amount to some great results for Aongatete growers. “Thanks to Graeme Philp’s valued input leading Aongatete’s Hort Team and the dedicated work of our onorchard supervisors and staff, many of Aongatete’s growers have reaped the benefit of those record crops,” says Tracey.
A number of leased or managed orchards have yielded Hayward crops of between 12,000 and 14,000 trays per hectare and a couple of mature G3 orchards managed by the company accomplished 22,000 trays per hectare. “The successes have not just been counted by tray numbers but also by the improved performance of orchards, which had historically suffered from high reject rates due to pests and other issues.” Aongatete provides a total package for growers, right through from harvesting to exporting, and its streamlined packhouse performance is also a large contributing factor to the company’s overall pleasing results this season, says Tracey. “That’s along with the highly-valued input from our innovative technical team, which is constantly striving for better results.” Tracey says despite the harvest now over, there’s no time for a rest. “Last month’s heavy frost helped drop a lot of leaves, so we are straight back into setting the foundations for next year’s crops.” Aongatete Coolstores offers a range of leasing and management options for growers who want to hand over the workload, to those just needing help with the odd job.
Now the leaves are off – it’s time to set the foundations for next year’s crops. “We want growers to have as much or little input as they like and believe in planning. It’s important to assess each orchard and set realistic goals with the owners for the year ahead. “Our commitment is always to do quality work at the right time and achieving that target will help benefit our growers for their next harvest and beyond,” says Tracey.
King Salmon decision rightly follows the rules
Attention Kiwifruit Growers
Is a Leasing or Management Arrangement Right FOR YOU?
In April the Supreme Court rejected an application by the New Zealand King Salmon Company to establish a salmon farm at Papatua, in a remote and sparsely-populated part of the Marlborough Sounds, due to the area proposed for the farm being an outstanding natural landscape. Commentators and lawyers believe this decision will have ramifications for many more resource management decisions, especially in areas where the natural landscape is outstanding – as indeed it is in King Salmon’s case. The application for the salmon farm at Papatua followed the normal resource management processes, and as with all resource management processes started many years ago in 2011. A board of inquiry, although finding the application was contrary to the NZ Coastal Policy Statement, issued under the Resource Management Act, approved four out of eight applications as it judged the purposes of the Resource Management Act were achieved. The High Court agreed with the board of inquiry, but the Supreme Court did not. In essence the Supreme Court went back to straight forward principles. The majority judgment stated while there are policy statements issued under the Resource Management Act, such as the NZ Coastal Policy
Statement, the rules in these policies have to be complied with unless there was some invalidity, incomplete coverage or uncertainty. None of these exceptions existed in the King Salmon case. The Supreme Court said: “The notion that decision-makers are entitled to decline to implement aspects of the NZ Coastal Policy Statement if they consider that appropriate in the circumstances does not fit readily into the hierarchical scheme of the Resource Management Act”. “The requirement to ‘give effect to’ the NZ Coastal Policy Statement is intended to constrain decision makers. If there is no bottom line and development is possible in any coastal area no matter how outstanding, there is no certainty of outcome, one result being complex and protracted decision making processes.” The Supreme Court’s decision should be applauded. It simply says apply the rules in the policy statements and decisions will be timely. The key for all industry therefore is to ensure the policy statements permit industrial development. This has been an area of key focus for Horticulture NZ and NZ Kiwifruit Growers acting on behalf of all
To find out more Call us TODAY! Tracey: 021 664 276 Richard: 0275 307 909 Aaron: 021 809 152 Andrew: 0275 940 247
The views expressed in this article are those of the author.
My Name is Neil Woodward.
Do you find it difficult getting good reliable labour for your orchard? Do you want time to pursue other interests? Do you want to manage your cashflow differently? Aongatete offers a full range of options allowing you as much or as little input as you wish.
growers. The Government is also concerned to ensure industrial development is not stifled by the Resource Management Act and is proposing an amendment to the Resource Management Act to ensure more weight is given industrial development in Resource Management Act applications. This amendment hasn’t progressed, as the Government cannot get support of its minority partners. We are therefore left with the decision of the Supreme Court in the King Salmon case. To date the problem with the Resource Management Act has been it’s a jumble of rules and principles that give no clear guidance – and to try achieve resource management certainty takes time and money. The Supreme Court has delivered the solution: follow the rules in the national and regional policy statements. I think provided these rules are clear and precise – time and money will be saved and our resource management process will be much timelier. Our job is to make sure these rules are clear and precise and do permit industrial development.
I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.
My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.
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KIWIFRUIT
Page 19
Whangarei grower takes top Bay title It’s not often an ‘outsider’ is selected to represent another region at a national contest – but Whangarei orchardist Patrick Malley will do just that after last month winning the 2014 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower of the Year in Tauranga.
“We have nothing like this in Northland. The five of us put everything we had into the competition,” says Patrick. “I wasn’t expecting to walk away with the top prize, as it meant I had to beat four others who are at the top of their game, and it was a really close competition throughout the day.” The Malley Family moved to the Whangarei region to begin growing kiwifruit in 2011, with Patrick The 30-year-old, who is contracting manager and a returning from his honeymoon and OE in January director of his family’s business Onyx Capital Limited 2012 to join the family on the 24ha kiwifruit and of Whangarei, was eligible to enter the contest because avocado orchard. there is no young fruit grower event in his region. Since then they’ve turned the property around and However, his win over four Bay of Plenty entrants started a kiwifruit and avocado contracting organisawasn’t easy. After a full day of practical and theory tion in the Whangarei area to improve quality of the events and one formal speech, the contest was so close work on their orchard. entrants had to deliver a second speech at the awards Patrick was born in Coatesville, north of Auckland, dinner to find a winner. but it wasn’t until the age of 15 – when his family Patrick says it will be an honour to represent the Bay moved to Hawke’s Bay to run an apple, pear and of Plenty region at the NZ Young Fruit Grower constonefruit orchard – Patrick became interested in test later this year and he appreciates the opportunity horticulture. to participate in the BOP contest. Having worked in the industry for a few years, In his second address to 160 people at the awards Patrick planned to study horticulture at university, but dinner, Patrick described how in only two years in the instead shifted his focus to business studies. fruit growing industry he’s created 26 new full-time After five years working in Auckland City, Patrick positions – including many for previously unemployed and wife Rebecca, who is a veterinarian, had had people – and aims to increase that number to 40 by enough of city living and planned to move to the 2016. country. He narrowly defeated Chris Clement, 27, who is Then came an opportunity to purchase an orchard in operations advisor for Kiwifruit Vine Health and Whangarei with Patrick’s parents Dermott and Linzi second runner-up Simon Bowker, 27, Katikati-based Since then Patrick says the entire family hasn’t looked Hume Pack and Cool’s field manager to take the title. back, recently entering the 2014 Northland Ballance Craig Ward, 25, who is technical advisor at Apata Farm Environment Awards but narrowly missing out Group Limited and the contest’s first female entrant on winning. for four years Samantha Mansell, 25, who is line qualOutside of work Patrick enjoys rallying and has been ity manager for Te Puke’s Eastpack weren’t far behind a previous 2WD national rally champion, and will be the winners at the end of eight practical, theory and competing again this season in a Peugeot 208. He’s also public speaking events. a member of Northland Search and Rescue. Taking the 2014 BOP Young Fruit Grower of the Year crown, Patrick wins a $1500 cash prize, one-day media and presentation course in Auckland and an all-expenses paid trip to Christchurch to compete for the national 2014 Young Grower of the Year title in August. “I know the national competition will be quite a step up from this, but with the support I’ve had getting to this point I know I’ll certainly be giving the other finalists a run for their money in August,” says Patrick. “If you’re a young fruit grower, you should definitely consider doing this competition next year. You get to meet some really supportive people, who can help you with your career, and it’s a good way to push yourself in all respects as a young fruit grower.” The day-long regional competition tested Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy with Patrick Malley skills necessary to run a successful fruitgrowing business at ASB Arena Bay Park in of Whangarei, winner of the 2014 Bay of Plenty Mount Maunganui. Young Fruit Grower of the Year.
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated president Neil Trebilco says the competition is an opportunity for young fruit growers to put themselves out there and showcase their talent.
“We consistently see a high calibre of young fruit grower every year, and it’s promising for the industry to know they’re being encouraged to push themselves professionally and personally from an early point in their career.” By Elaine Fisher
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Page 20
KIWIFRUIT
Elicitor credited with improved vine health, production A record final crop from a Psa-V infected and ailing Hort16A orchard in Katikati and consistent production of 12,000 trays per hectare for a Hayward green orchard in Te Puke, are thanks, say growers, to the application of plant health elicitor Agrizest. The product is also credited with helping other Te Puke green orchards consistently achieve more than 12,000
trays per hectare. Nathan Balasingham of Indigo Limited, who developed Agrizest says it is an elicitor that improves plant health. “Healthy plants are more productive and produce better quality fruit. Agrizest is a scientific product the results of which can be observed, measured and repeated. Unlike other products on the market, Agrizest is designed to work on the biological system as a whole and not on targets such as pests and disease.” Peter Hope, who manages the Katikati orchard, credits Agrizest with revitalising the ailing Hort 16A vines and
The Agrizest treated block on The control block, untreated with Agrizest, on Bruce Abraham’s orchard. Bruce Abraham’s orchard. yield and quality,” says Nathan. management mix I use.” enabling them to carry a record A trial was carried out in the same Rob doesn’t believe in cutcrop of just under 20,000 trays per orchard in the 2013/2014 season. ting costs on orchard inputs, but hectare, before they were removed. One block was left unsprayed as instead says spending a little more “We made the decision to cut the control block. to promote plant health can bring out the vines which were badly All other management inputs infected, rather than try for another dramatic results. were the same. Agrizest has been used for two crop. The record final crop result Nathan reports the Agrizest treatmeans the owner had an income to years on a Te Puke green orchard, owned by Bruce Abrahams, close to ment delivered a lift in orchard re-graft to G3.” gate returns of $2582 per hectare where Psa was first discovered. Rob Thode of Te Puke has used compared to the control block. In 2012/2013 Agrizest was used Agrizest as part of his orchard manThe Agrizest treated block agement for two seasons and says it for the first time and across the achieved a record 13,394 trays with entire orchard. In a drought year, has helped achieve consistent high an average fruit size of 33.8 count. and without any irrigation, the yields on his orchards, including The higher dry matter production orchard produced a record yield those at higher altitude. per hectare confirms Agrizest treatWhat is also significant, says Rob, of 12,047 trays per hectare, fruit count size 33.45 and the TZG pay- ment can produce high yields of is the results have been achieved more than 12,000 trays per hectare ment was $1.67 compared to the early in the season in week 13 with year-on-year, says Nathan. an average fruit size of 33.6 and dry industry average of 8170 trays per “Agrizest improves both quality hectare, fruit count size 35.00 and matter of 0.46. and yield in the Psa environment. TZG of $1.52. Last season Rob achieved a The improved yield is not at The orchard gate return was well above average Orchard Gate the expense of quality. Agrizest Return per hectare and he’s forecast $68,026 per hectare compared to improves plant health and sets a the industry average of $41,418. to achieve the same this year. “This was the best crop in the his- better framework for following “Agrizest is a good product and tory of the orchard in terms of both year’s crop,” says Nathan. is an important part of the orchard
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COAST & COUNTRY
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AVOCADOS
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Avocado industry ‘in an excellent place’ The avocado industry is in a good position to harvest and sell in excess of five million trays this coming season - its biggest crop ever, says Ashby Whitehead, chairman of the Avocado Industry Council. Lessons have been learned from the mistakes of the last big crop in 2011-2012 when an over-supply into the Australia market caused prices to fall and many growers received poor returns. Since then there have been dramatic changes within the export industry with amalgamations and closer co-operation between export companies, so now about 80 per cent of the crop is expected to be handled by three exporters. “In the last 18 months exporters have been talking together and while they are naturally protecting their intellectual property, they are happy to discuss volumes, which is a positive and what growers want them to do. “I believe with the Avocado Exporters Council meeting regularly under the conditions of Horticulture Export Authority, and the formation of AVANZA and AVOCO we now have in place systems which are as good as they can get for growers,” he says. “The exporters say they want our fruit and can Confident – Ashby Whitehead, chairman of the Avocado Industry Council is optimistic ahead of the industry’s biggest harvest ever.
ATP
market it. They are developing new markets too and for the first time in many years we will be exporting fruit to the USA.” He says the fruit will have to travel a lot further and must have the legs to arrive in excellent quality. “That means growers will have to apply regular fungicide sprays as that’s been scientifically proven to help produce the best quality fruit.” Ashby says the Australian market will not be an easy one as Western Australian growers are also predicting a large crop. “We have been talking with the Australian industry and things are amicable at present but we can’t blame them if they become parochial and want to protect their own patch once the harvest begins. “Demand is strong for New Zealand avocados and we must work to ensure the flow of volumes into Australia is managed in an orderly manner.” Cooperation between marketing companies is also evident on-shore with companies working to manage the local market in order to maintain quality and prices. Growers must do their part by picking fruit to the flow plans exporters provide, says Ashby. The fact fruit doesn’t have to be picked all at once means, with careful planning and management, growers can harvest across three to four months to meet the right markets. Overall, Ashby says there is an air of optimism within the industry which hasn’t been there for some time. “Many growers, including myself, know only too well what it’s like to have no income at all from their orchards.
“Some Whangarei growers were hard hit last year, but indications are that they are back on target to have a good volume of fruit this season.” Restructuring in the exporter sector, the recent ‘Go Global’ $8.56m Primary Growth Partnership programme to lift industry performance and
returns and the expediential growth in demand for avocado world-wide means the New Zealand industry is in an excellent place, says Ashby. “Word has obviously got out because I have received calls from businessmen keen to invest in the industry.” By Elaine Fisher
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AVOCADOS
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Avocado oil for skin care Record crop requires Oil produced from New Zealand’s organically grown avocados is being used in natural skincare products. Carol Priest of Plantae Organic Skincare has incorporated BioGro Certified Grove Avocado Oil in the anti-wrinkle eye contour cream she’s formulated. “I value Grove avocado oil’s commitment to quality. It is very important to me that I use the very best ingredients for my Plantae skincare range and Grove Avocado Oil is the best organic oil I can find.” Grove Avocado Oil CEO Brian Richardson says a general mistrust among consumers of natural products, and a
growing trend towards organic products, led the company to seek BioGro Organic Certification in 2003 for its cold pressed avocado oils. For the last 10 years Carol has used Grove Avocado Oil in her products. “We think our long-term relationship with Carol speaks volumes. It is a great honour to be chosen as a supplier to a leading New Zealand organic skincare producer,” says Brian. “Our commitment to quality remains, therefore we hope we will remain up-to-scratch for Plantae.” Grove Avocado Oil was started by a group of avocado orchardists who believed something could be done with their reject fruit, which made up about 10 per cent of their total crop. A seven-year-long process perfecting the art of extracting avocado oil followed. Avocado skins and seeds are removed before the oil is extracted, and are then turned into organic mulch. After the oil is extracted, the remaining paste is dried, resulting in the world’s first 100 per cent pure avocado powder, which is used in cosmetics, neutraceuticals and health foods.
careful management Growers should ensure their fruit is able to be exported to all markets this season.
Careful management from orchard, to post harvest, to export of New Zealand’s biggestever avocado harvest this season should ensure growers enjoy its financial rewards, says Alistair Young of AVOCO. “My biggest message to growers is: keep your orchard compliant for all markets and stick to your flow plan. You have six months to harvest fruit and the tree is the best cool store growers have for their fruit.” AVOCO, a joint entity between Bay of Plenty-based Southern Produce and Auckland-based Primor Produce, is predicting the 2014-2015 season to be NZ’s largest export crop ever – in excess of five million trays. Alistair says growers whose fruit is not compliant with all markets may find picking is delayed as post-harvest operators source fruit that meets the market they are packing for. “If growers are unsure what they need to do to access all markets, they should talk to their post-harvest company or consultant.”
Complex
The coming harvest is also shaping up to be the most complex ever from a logistical point of view, says Alistair. “Through AVANZA we’ll be shipping fruit to the US, Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia all at the same time, that’s why co-ordination with growers is vital to ensure we have the fruit to meet all those markets.” Most of the fruit will be exported from Tauranga and Auckland, and Alistair expects pack houses to be operating at near full capacity from the season’s start in August. Given the expected record crop, there will be significant local market fruit. In order to maintain prices and quality, this market will also need careful control. Australia will remain the major market for New Zealand fruit, even though growers there are predicting a strong crop of good-sized fruit. However, Alistair says volumes aren’t expected to be any bigger than they were two years ago. “There are opportunities for New
Alistair Young of AVOCO. Zealand to ‘farm’ the Australian market carefully to produce a good result for growers, without over-cooking it.”
Monitoring
The Avocado Exporters Council and the Avocado Industry Council will be closely monitoring the Australian market and will send out communications to exporters and pack houses if it appears too much fruit is flowing into to that market at any one time. “That’s the only control the industry has, but the industry is much more co-ordinated now than it was. Around 80 to 85 per cent of the crop is in the hands of three exporters and 70 per cent sits with just two,” says Alistair. “This means exporters can respond quickly to changes in the markets and most are working together in markets outside of Australia through AVANZA. We are all talking to each other, which is excellent – even if we don’t always agree.” Alistair says growers will now be hoping for kind weather during the months ahead. Most had a lucky escape from the severe storm that struck the North Island in mid-June. “We have heard isolated reports of some fruit loss and some trees down, but on the whole I think we were lucky the storm came in from nor-east and wasn’t a direct easterly, which could have been much worse.” By Elaine Fisher
AVOCADOS
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Scientists seek clues to avocado’s appeal Californian researchers are aiming to find out what makes an avocado delicious by identifying ‘markers’ breeders could use to pinpoint the most promising new kinds of avocados. As anyone who loves avocados knows, the perfect fresh avocado has a smooth, buttery texture and a rich, often nutty flavour. Aroma is, of course, part of what is perceived as flavour. Scientists already know Hass avocados – the kind most widely-sold in the United States – had at least 25 aroma compounds, or technically speaking aroma volatiles. Though the word ‘aroma’ might imply they have a role in avocado flavour, the precise contribution of each of these aroma volatiles has for the most part not been well-studied, according to Agricultural Research Service plant physiologist David Obenland, who is based at Parlier, California. The aroma compound pentanal is a good example. It may be responsible for the nutty flavour of a ripe Hass avocado. But David says there’s not enough scientific data to confirm that role, nor to indicate the amount of pentanal needed to impart the nutlike flavour. Plus, no one knows whether other aroma chemicals in avocados contribute to this particular aroma.
Secrets
But David’s collaborative research may help unlock some of the avocado’s flavour secrets. He’s giving top priority to determining the kinds and concentrations of aroma compounds that are essential to the classic flavour of Hass avocados. With further work, these key compounds might serve as ‘markers’ breeders could use to pinpoint the most promising new kinds of avocados. Growers and packers of the future might be able to
use the markers to determine the best times to harvest the fruit, or to develop new tactics to better protect these compounds – or their precursors – during storage and ripening. Avocados, like pears and some other fruits, ‘mature’ on the tree, but ripening, or softening, occurs after they’re harvested. Ongoing research by David and a University of California Riverside team led by Mary Lu Arpaia is providing a start toward developing such markers. In preliminary studies, the scientists tracked changes in concentrations of individual aroma volatiles as avocados matured and ripened.
Aroma
The researchers used two well-established analytical procedures – solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry – to extract, identify and deterTaste-testers help identify key aspects of avocado flavour. In all, researchers obtained mine quantities of the compounds. more than 4500 observations from 15-20 taste-testers. In all, they worked with samples from about 850 domestic and imported avocados and analysed more than 4500 observations from 15-20 taste-testers. flavour contribution of the fruit’s conducted with the help of Mission David says the studies, described in detail in natural oil. Produce, Inc, and Del Rey Avocado Postharvest Biology and Technology in 2012, are “Our findings provide new evidence Company. apparently the first to report the levels of aroma that aroma compounds actually do This research is part of Quality and Utilization of compound sampled during Hass avocado maturation influence avocado flavour.” Agricultural Products, an ARS national program (#306) and ripening. described at www.nps.ars.usda.gov. David Obenland is with ARS, along with the university, the Among other findings, the researchers confirmed the USDA-ARS San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences California Avocado Commission, and Center, 9611 S Riverbend Ave, Parlier, CA 93648; (559) three chemicals prevalent in the early growth of the Pinkerton Avocado Growers Associa596-2801. ‘What Makes an Avocado Delicious?’ published fruit – hexanal; (E)-2-hexenal; and 2,4-hexadienal – in the March 2014 issue of ‘Agricultural Research’ magazine. tion, funded the research, which was are probably responsible for a grassy flavour. And the ‘likeability’ of the fruit – from the tastetesters’ point of view – increased as the levels of these compounds decreased in the maturing fruit. David says the work differs from most prior avocado-flavour studies, which primarily focus on
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Double Take at Wallace Gallery Morrinsville’s Wallace Gallery is hoisting two exhibitions of the works of Waikato artists in July. The 14th exhibition by Art Nexus, a collective of Waikato artists, is called ‘Look This Way’, and features paintings by 20 artists, on show until July ‘Venturing Forth’ is an exhibition of works 29. from the Waikato art group, Art Venture. The second exhibition ‘Venturing Forth’ in the community part in art meditagallery is from another tion and encourage Waikato art group, Art their parents to Venture. It runs until come along, which July 15. is excellent.” Gallery director Leah The gallery is Murphy says the exhihoused in the Old bitions feature artists Post Office building from all walks from on Morrinsville’s life and all paintings main street, which ‘Look This Way’, is the will be for sale. was secured for the name of the exhibition by “For the artists, who gallery location in Art Nexus, a collective of can often feel isolated 2009. Waikato artists. working alone in their Since then the galown studios, this is a lery trust has carried great opportunity to come together to out extensive renovation, thanks to exhibit their work.” fundraising and generous community This month the gallery also changes pledges. the works on display from the Wallace The gallery is a community project in collection. partnership with the Matamata Piako “These pieces are not for sale but District Council and The James Walare an opportunity to see some of the lace Arts Trust. works in the 6000 piece collection.” It has the support of art patron James Called ‘Double Take’ the exhibiWallace, who has pledged the rights to tion features a number of remarkable exhibit, on rotation, the entire James double portraits – works in which two Wallace Arts Trust collection in the people are portrayed, from the James Morrinsville location. Wallace Arts Trust ColThe collection lection. is described as the It runs until Septemmost comprehensive ber 7. collection of contemLeah says the gallery porary New Zealand has a strong commuart in existence and nity focus, especially now has more than for school students. 6000 pieces valued “We host between at more than $50 5000 and 6000 stumillion, spanning 50 dents a year. ‘Double Take’ features a years. “They exhibit their number portraits from the To find out work, attend workJames Wallace Arts Trust more, go to shops, study art, take Collection. www.wallace.co.nz
Page 27
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Let’s protect our only resource - the land Anxiety over continued sales of New Zealand farm land to offshore interests, particularly China, appears to be growing among Kiwis When you chat to farmers and friends, they’re all very concerned to see the wholesale ‘sale’ of our land. The most recent notable sale is 741ha of coastal vineyard land with seafront in Marlborough. The Crafar farms were all sold to Chinese interests at $25 per kg/ms which is a debt any New Zealand farmer could service, so the land was sold cheaply. Many Kiwi farmers wanted to purchase one or two farms but the receivers would only sell all the farms as one lot. Why? If you think about it and look forward into the future, China is buying up good dairy land and now building a factory at
Pokeno so they can vertically integrate from grass to baby. This means they control every aspect of the supply chain and New Zealand gets near to nothing. They will own the farms, staff them, send the milk to their own factories, manufacture it into baby food and send it straight home. Will Kiwi firms be able to get an import licence for baby food into China then? All New Zealand will get from it is the rates. Will they be good custodians of our land? That is another question. There is no way we can buy land in China, so why should they be able to buy here?
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ownership. They would have to maintain the land in a good husbandry manner. History shows how Great Britain forced Hong Kong from China in 1898, leased it rent-free to Hong Kong then on July 1, 1997, diplomatically gave it back to China at the expiry of a 99-year lease anyway. We could do the same thing. I would imagine they would pay near freehold prices for a 99-year lease of our land. Maybe the Maori land tenure will be our saviour, as Maori land cannot be sold or mortgaged without consent from the Maori Land Court. This gives their land the most enduring tenure.
Infrastructure
This also leads to an infrastructure issue. As more foreign buyers purchase land and houses, it puts pressure on local councils to increase the infrastructure to meet
increased demands. What if every foreign investor was charged 10 per cent above the purchase price to go to local council. So, a house in Auckland for $1million would see $100,000 go to council. Not a bad idea given a lot of city expansion is coming from increased debt, which has to be serviced by future generations. This whole debate around foreign ownership of our best resource – land – makes me nervous for the future generations. What happens if there is a world war, and there could well be one over food and land? Are we are already invaded? China and other foreign countries can lease our land, but shouldn’t be able to buy it outright. In summary, I don’t think the Government is aware of how nervous the general public are over this issue. New Zealand has some of the best agricultural land in the world, not to mention available water. We need to protect our main natural resource for future generations – not sell it to countries who are greedily buying it up to feed their burgeoning population. Let’s learn from history and protect our only resource - land. Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the Farming Industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675. A disclosure document is available on request.
Power of attorney - what it means It can be reassuring to know you can have help with your affairs, or someone you trust can take care of you and make important decisions if you become unable to look after yourself. Making someone your Power of Attorney will give you this peace of mind. However, before doing so you need to be aware of what it actually means to make someone your Power of Attorney so you can be sure you are choosing the right person. A power of attorney gives someone the authority (the attorney), to act legally on your behalf to the extent specified in the power of attorney. There are two main types of powers of attorney: an ordinary or general power of attorney, and an enduring power of attorney. An ordinary or general Power of Attorney is where you give a person (or more than one) the authority to act on your behalf.
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affairs and deal with your property. When granting an Enduring Power of Attorney there are a number of important decisions you have to make, including whether you set conditions and restrictions and the steps you want to be taken to determine you’re no longer able to manage your own affairs. Making someone your attorney gives them a very powerful role in your life, so the decision requires considerable planning and care in terms of who you chose. It is critical to take proper advice to ensure once the Powers of Attorney are in place, you can rest easy knowing your property and your welfare are in good hands. David Foster is a director of Harris Tate Solicitors, Tauranga.
WINTER WARMTH
Mix woods for best heat When collecting firewood for winter, any old wood will not give you the hottest and longest burn. Here’s some information to consider before you make your choice. Douglas fir: Burns hot and long, good availability. Eucalypt: Burns hot and long, excellent availability. Kanuka: Burns hot, very long, reasonable availability. Macrocarpa: Burns hot for a medium time, excellent availability.
Poplar: Medium heat, medium time, reasonable availability. Radiata Pine: Medium heat, short burning, excellent availability. Wattle: Burns very hot, very long, good availability. Secondly, look at the type of wood. Is it hardwood or softwood? With fires, hardwood refers to more dense woods and softwoods less dense. Softwoods are generally gymnosperm trees, such as conifers, and hardwoods are angiosperms. Hardwoods pack more potential heat energy per volume of firewood and tend to be the best firewood types for heat and cooking. They are generally more difficult to ignite and usually cost more and take longer to dry. Softwoods tend to be more resinous. They ignite faster, are often cheaper, but they do give off less heat and burn faster. Woods of high resin content – such as pine, spruce, or fir wood – are best mixed with harder woods to prevent chimney build-up of creosote deposits.
Keeping warm with winter vegetables Keeping warm in winter is not just about putting on more clothes and starting the heater or fire – it’s also about eating warming foods and winter vegetables are the ideal choice. Try tempting children’s taste buds with a hedgehog dish – one made with vegetables, not the cute little critter. This recipe from vegetables.co.nz is suitable for any vegetable that can be mashed; try potato, kumara, parsnip, carrot or pumpkin.
Winter ‘hedgehog’
Serves 1 1 cup mashed potato (or other mashed vegetable) ½ cup raw carrot, cut into little sticks (or grated) 2 currants or sultanas for ‘eyes’ 1 cherry tomato or small radish for a ‘nose’ Place potato in a ‘hedgehog-shaped’ pile on the plate. Scatter carrot over the ‘body’ excluding the pointy face end. Place eyes and nose in position. Extras may be added to the mash, like grated cheese and finely-chopped, raw mushroom. Children may also enjoy this traditional recipe for Grandma’s vegetable soup, which tastes wonderful, especially on a winter day, so make extra and freeze for a quick winter lunch.
Grandma’s vegetable soup
Serves 6 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 2 each of carrots, kumara and potatoes, washed and chopped 3 celery stalks, including leaves, chopped 1-2 cups pumpkin peeled and chopped 6 cups vegetable stock Salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste Heat oil in a saucepan and sauté onion and carrot for three-four minutes. Add remaining vegetables and sauté for four-five minutes. Add stock and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season to taste and serve. For more recipes go to www.vegetables.co.nz
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Remember metre rule As winter sets in, firefighters are urging residents to be extra cautious. Bay of Plenty fire risk management officer Bill Rackham is asking people to remember the ‘heater metre’ rule when lighting a fire or turning on heaters. “Keep clothes, curtains, furniture and other items that can burn at least one metre away from heaters and fire-
places. Do not hang clothes on heaters to dry – this is a common cause of fires.” And don’t forget to use fireguards whenever possible, says Bill. If using a gas heater to heat the home this winter, Bill says to only use them in well ventilated areas. Do not use portable LPG heaters in confined spaces, bedrooms or bathrooms.
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COAST & COUNTRY
Page 30
Rounding-off solutions for tree survival It didn’t take Barry Stent long to figure out it’s not easy to dig round holes with a square spade, so he adapted a round shovel for the job. “The only round shovel I could find was a trenching one, so I cut the blade off to 12 inches, which is the ideal depth for seedlings and it works fine,” says Barry, of Future Environments. Finding ways of working smarter is what Barry is good at – and the man who has planted tens of thousands of trees in recent years needs ways to make the job more efficient. Barry has been a contractor for the former Environment Bay of Plenty (now Bay of Plenty Regional Council), and today works for a number of private clients; planting areas of wetlands and waterways retired from farming to improve water quality.
Awards for design
He’s designed and planted large areas of two award-winning farms – the Kaimai dairy farm owned by the McFetridge Family, which won the supreme 2013 Ballance Farm Environment Award, and Pukekauri Farms owned by Rick Burk and the Seddon Family, which won the same award this year. Round spade for round hole – Barry Stent with the spade he adapted for tree planting.
Today Barry does most environmental planting on his own, but when he employed staff the first thing he taught them was how to dig a hole. “They used to laugh when I said I’d teach them how to dig a hole, but not many people know how to dig holes properly.” Getting the hole right is just one of the steps to ensuring young native trees and shrubs will survive when replanted, says Barry. “The first step is to buy good quality plants from a top nursery. I only buy plants from Treeline Native Nursery because their plants are top quality.” The second step is to pick up only three to four seedlings at a time when carrying them. “You can easily hold up to four seedlings at one time and they will be straight up and down – but as soon as you pick up more, stress comes on the roots because they are pulled to one side, damaging the roots.” It’s not immediately obvious but over time, uneven root growth can lead to trees falling over in strong winds. “We are seeing some areas, which have been planted for several years, showing these problems now.” It seems entirely obvious, but removing the plants from their plastic bags is another essential. “I was once asked to find out why up to 700 recently-planted trees were dying. It was thought they might have
a root disease – but no – they were still in the bags,” says Barry. It’s easier, Barry says, to dig a large rather than a small hole – so he digs one foot by one foot (30cm by 30cm) holes, breaking up the dirt at the bottom and giving the top layer a good chop with his round spade. Then it’s a quick slap against his thigh to loosen both the plastic bag and the dirt, a quick shake to free up the roots, and into the hole goes the plant. “Push the dirt in around the plant with your hands. New Zealand natives don’t like air around their roots, and pushing the dirt down also helps keep them secure.”
Pukeko proof
Barry uses a different method for planting grasses. It’s designed to stop pukeko pulling them out. “You dig a slit in the ground on an angle, hold the plant in your hand and slide the roots into the dirt, tucking them up and under, which makes it pretty hard for the pukeko to get them out.” Barry prefers to use a weed eater to remove pest plants from around young trees. “New Zealanders use far too many chemicals on the land; and we are all paying the price with effects on our health.”
By Elaine Fisher
Farmers, dentists tied in trust Farmers are tied with dentists for 14th place in the ‘Readers Digest’ New Zealand’s Most Trusted Professions 2014.
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“It is gratifying to see farmers held in such respect by this ‘Reader’s Digest’ survey,” says Federated Farmers president and 2014 Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year Bruce Wills. “Like any profession we have our share of ratbags but this survey demonstrates that most New Zealanders know farmers are hardworking decent folk who genuinely try our hardest.
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“It affirms my belief that despite the ribbing farmers occasionally get, the public understand that we are generally honourable people. “Let me say that farming is a noble and honourable profession that I am humbled and proud to be a part of.” Top of the list were firefighters, followed by paramedics, rescue volunteers, nurses, pilots, doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians, armed forces personnel, police, teachers, scientists, child care workers. Dentists and farmers tied for 14th, followed by bus/train/tram drivers, flight attendants, chefs, electricians and hairdressers.
FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
When sausage casings have another use
Chloe King’s ‘Felt like Flowers’.
Cambridge’s Sandy Bromwich’s ‘Wired’.
Move over chicken mesh – this year’s 20th Fieldays Ag Art Wear Awards pushed the farm boundaries, showcasing garments made of more unusual items of agricultural nature. Sausage casings, zip ties and cow mats joined wool, wire and rope in the make-up of 26 creations to wow crowds attending the Ag Art Wear shows during four days of Fieldays. Whangarei’s Chloe King with ‘Felt like Flowers’ won the Classroom Couture category – developing aspiring artists and designers from secondary schools – for its hand-felting wool, overcoat made of Alkathene pipes shaped into flowers, and flower/bailing twine shoes and fascinator. Second place went to Sabina East’s ‘Cow Shed Blow Fly’ and third place to Sophie Ward’s ‘Boot-A-Licious’.
Designer Mercia Paymaans’ garment ‘Fleeced’ takes fleece off the sheep’s back and onto the catwalk.
Karen Shawcross’ garment ‘Eggciting’ is made from egg trays cut into triangles, joined together with multicoloured zip ties.
Wellington designer Annaliese Theron’s creation ‘Rope’.
Designer Sandra Guest’s garment ‘Sizzle’ is a 1970’s inspired outfit made from sausage casings.
Before
The Designer Traditional category’s first place went to Cambridge’s Sandy Bromwich for ‘Wired’ – a four-piece outfit, with shoes and matching hat. Colleen Mak’s ‘Wood You Wear It’ took second place, closely followed by ‘Shepards Past Time’ in third spot, by Lizzie Maundrell and Millie Law. The Avant Garde category – pushing designers to be experimental with different farming materials – had 10 garments, with Wellington designer Annaliese Theron’s creation ‘Rope’, taking the top spot – for its traditional Japanese Kimono and earthly African landscapes inspiration. Designer Mercia Paayans ‘Fleeced’ took second, with Nola Wallis taking third with creation ‘Dale’. Judges designer Annah Stretton and artist Marion Manson, praised the garments for overall construction and design, ability to move and diversity in materials.
Designer Jeanetta Louisson’s garment ‘Medusette’ is made of 60 panels of orchard ripening cloth.
After
Renee Burrows’s ‘Flower Power’ has a baling twine and wire frame. By Merle Foster
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Page 31
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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
Feeders designed from calving experience Making farmers lives easy when feeding stock is the name of the game for Wilco Engineering. With calving approaching, now’s the time to view Wilco’s range of hanging, skid and wheel feeders. Wilco Engineering owners Glennis and Gary Wilson say calving season is often wet “and if you’re out there slogging away in mud and rain you want to know you’ve got something to make the job easy”.
Wilco’s hanging hay-meal feeders are ideal for calf sheds or paddock gates, and come with an optional lid and 15kg meal bin. The Wheel Feeders come in three sizes and convert to a meal feeder with an optional 75kg capacity bin. And with the Little Must Have Trailer, which can support three feeders to feed 30 calves, Wilco has options for all calving set-ups. “Calving is exactly what we’re here for,” says Glennis, who has operated
Wilco Engineering since 2003 at Braemar Rd, Whakatane. “We’ve reared calves and been dairy farmers ourselves – that’s where these products developed from.” Made of galvanised steel and metal, the feeders and trailers are strong and functional. “They allow you to feed hay that’s clean and dry – you can fill one up and not have to worry about it because it’s readily accessible to stock.” Glennis says with farm staff feeding calves after milking, it’s a job you either like or hate. “But it can be a likable job if you have the right equipment. People want something they can hook up or fill which does the job and is clean, versatile and easy-to-use. “We know Wilco feeders are the right product – they’ve been designed by people who’ve used the equipment, so we know what you require,” says Glennis.
Wilco Engineering owner Glennis Wilson with a wheel feeder for feeding hay or meal to calves.
Secrets to the perfect calf-rearing facility Ernst Frei, owner/manager of FlexiTunnel, came all the way from Christchurch to display his innovative, clear plastic-overgalvanised steel, modular green-house and calf shed designs at last month’s Mystery Creek Fieldays. Ernst says he was keen to discuss with Fieldaysgoers exactly what makes the perfect calf-rearing facility. “The three main requirements for a good calf shed are: ample air circulation, warmth and the absence of drafts,” says Ernst. “The light and airy tunnels ensure a perfect environment for good microorganisms to work in the tunnel’s deep-litter system, rather than
encouraging any disease build-up – as happens in a dark, closed shed.” The company has been making green houses and calf rearing shelters in their Christchurch factory for 12-13 years now, so they know what they’re talking about. All FlexiTunnels are supplied as modular kit-sets five metres wide – as Ernst won’t go wider because ventilation becomes an issue – by whatever length the client wants. The FlexiTunnels also come complete with purpose-designed calf pens. By Graeme Dobson
Ernst Frei, owner/ manager of FlexiTunnel, shows off his calf house and yards.
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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
Page 33
Kauri Park’s manuka best plant for marginal land manuka honey’s natural health benefits, Andrew says landowners can’t go wrong. “If you’ve got a steep hillside, swampy patch or area not producing grass or near a fenced waterway – plant manuka there. It has high-tensile roots, which hold soil together.” Kauri Park’s manuka selection programme finds plants high in MGO activity, with high flower production,
If you don’t know what to do with marginal land, Kauri Park Nurseries owner Andrew Wearmouth says the best option is their low-cost manuka plantings which can bring high returns. “It’s a very good riparian plant, it’s good for bees; and there’s potential income from it for landowners and beekeepers,” says Andrew, one of the owners of the native plant grower and wholesaler. Growing large manuka volumes, Andrew says offers land owners “a good passive income”. With manuka production projected to be a $1 billion industry by 2025 and the world recognising
high bee activity, and high DHA nectar tests. Producing 700,000 manuka plants annually, Kauri Park can supply all manuka projects. “We eco-source from many regions around NZ and keep track of each eco-source with our unique nursery tracking system. We deliver the plants ourselves with four trucks delivering plants daily.”
Kauri Park owner Andrew Wearmouth, with manuka plantings he thinks suit marginal and riparian land.
Stand-alone, walk-over teat sprays popular When it comes to teat hygiene, WETiT Teat Sprays have been in front of the competition for about 20 years.
to calving. These units are ideal for that application because they can be positioned in gateways as they move the cows around anywhere on the farm or run-off,” says Karen. All units have the WETiT WETiT admin manager Karen 18-month warranty and Crisp says their stand-alone, an after-sales service that walk-over teat spray units are extends well beyond that. especially popular. WETiT keeps a compreThese resemble a small race hensive record of where with a series of nozzles to spray WETiT admin manager Karen Crisp shows off their units are and is always cows’ teats as they leave the the WETiT Wave –“still the best,” she says. happy to help with any dairy. problems. “There’s an array of sensors And, of course, there’s also the reliable Platform that calculates where her udder is and sprays it as many Magic in bale system that’s been in dairies for years, times as needed for full cover,” says Karen. “It’s the bee’s knees, low maintenance and with all the and the WETiT Waves to keep cows positioned properly for spraying and milking. computing technology it needs built in.” It now has a longer version, especially adapted for There’s also a portable version that comes with a pump heifers that could get in front of standard Waves. and spray reservoir, which can be moved anywhere. By Graeme Dobson “A lot of the farmers are talking about spraying prior
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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
Lucerne – an underrated crop
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If you were one of the fortunate attendees of Doug Avery’s presentation, you may be contemplating lucerne as a crop. It’s not a crop that can be rushed into service. The first step is a soil test to establish what is required by way of fertiliser. We recommend PAL in Missouri, so we take samples and complete the paperwork for you. Lucerne is a very high quality but hungry crop. With a benign climate becoming less reliable, lucerne offers the opportunity to at least partly drought-proof your property. In addition, expensive brought in feed can be reduced or eliminated. Many crops I see in New Zealand are not performing to their potential at all because they’re underfed. These crops invariably suffer from weed, pest and disease problems, premature leaf-drop; and eventually peter out long before they should. Often they’re yellow-coloured in spring. The solution is to balance the soil with quality products. In most cases, some capital fertiliser is required, but it can be applied progressively as time and budget allow allows. Shortcuts never work. If the crop requires certain fertilisers within a year, they must be applied. The paddocks need to be properly selected and well prepared. This could take a year or more, depending on the circumstances. If the paddock is chosen in advance, certain materials such as lime, dolomite and boron can be applied in advance to the existing pasture. The crop needs to be in the ground by the first week in April, or you should delay until spring. Up to 20-22 degrees Celsius soil temperature, and root growth takes place. Soil temperature of more than 22 degrees Celsius sees top-growth takes place, so this
BASE SATURATION PERCENT Calcium (60 to 70%) Magnesium (10 to 20%) Potassium (2 to 5%) Sodium (.5 to 3%) Other Bases (Variable)
}80%
EXCHANGEABLE HYDROGEN (10 to 15%)
sets the calendar for establishment. There is risk of dry summers, so it’s important to be on time unless irrigation is an option. The key to soil fertility is calcium and magnesium. If a soil has a deficit of Ca and Mg, plants will not be able to get their full ration of either nutrient. The deficits can be rectified by the application of calculated amounts of lime and Dolomite. Those materials will release their nutrients during three years, so benefits will accrue well past application. A 20t/ha a crop of lucerne will remove 500kg of nitrogen. And 70 per cent of it will come from the air if the Ca:Mg is correct. That’s 350kg; about 100kg will come from the soil, leaving 50kg to be added. Do you add N to your lucerne? Most P levels I see from flat land are excessive. For example, 1100kg/ha when 560 is all that is needed. For the few soils needing P, stay with alkaline phosphates. We find the two most deficient elements are sulphur and potassium. Get sulphur levels to at least 50ppm. The better the humus, the better the retention of negatively charged nutrients such as S, N and P. This opens the door for compost. At Kiwi Fertiliser, we add 250kg/ha or more of high quality compost when we can. Often potassium is half or less of the requirement. Where animals graze pastures, adding potassium has its challenges. But if the crops are used for supplement, the opportunity to correct potassium must not be missed. Correct calcium and magnesium levels in the soil are vital for controlling K levels in the herbage. Potassium translates into quality and quantity. It hastens recovery after harvest, and ensures long-life of a stand. Leaf-drop and spotting are eliminated. It also improves leaf to stem ratio, winter hardiness, and N-fixing.
FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
Page 35
Make most of wash water with Spin Separator Farmers wanting to re-use wash water – but without high maintenance and running costs – should look to Rainer Irrigation’s new Spin Separator.
“The three inch hole tapers to one inch with the G-force spinning solids to the side, creating a vortex. This makes liquid travel up the middle and exit, while solids flow out the bottom.” A special 1300 litres-per-minute pump delivers raw effluent mix to the separator, transporting tailing water back to sump or tank and main head water to ponds.
Gaining high interest at Fieldays, the Spin Separator is Rainer Irrigation’s answer to separating effluent into solids and liquids so both can be re-used on-farm. “We wanted something with no moving parts – by default we’ve made a very simplistic product to separate solids out of the liquid,” says Rainer Irrigation owner Gavin Briggs. About 97 per cent effluent becomes separated liquid, and saturated with oxygen destroys anaerobic bacteria and odour. Liquid can be re-used for hose or flood washing yards to NZ Dairy Standards or for irrigation – and it doesn’t clog nozzles. The solids, about two-three per cent volume, can be dried and spread on pasture. Processing 22 litres per second, the Spin Separator works by its tapering shape.
An auger dehydrates solids. “You’re taking out all solids and anything that blocks nozzles and you can put the liquid through pivots, travellers, k lines – you name it.” Gavin says it’s designed so farmers can ‘plug and play’. “You can stand the Spin Separator into existing infrastructure very easily; it doesn’t take up a large area.”
Rainer Irrigation’s answer to separating effluent into solids and liquids is its new Spin Separator, pictured with Rainer Irrigation owner Gavin Briggs.
To go places, go with Honda
The preview of Honda’s new 500cc Pioneer side-by-side attracted a great deal of interest.
Honda is going places – and as NZ’s number one seller of ATV vehicles, with 50 dealers nationwide, they have the vehicles and the network to take NZ’s farmers with them. Honda’s Fieldays site at Mystery Creek last month had several new releases on show, including its new two-wheel range with the popular XR150. Blue Wing Honda Ltd’s brand manager Damien Smyth says Fieldays feedback was great. “We’ve sold out of them already – and it’s only day two.” Also on display was the new 2014 ATV range featuring completely redesigned chassis, new automatic transmission and adjustable suspension – and the new Pioneer side-by-side two and four-seater vehicles, including a preview of the 500cc Pioneer side-by-side that’s coming out later this year.
By Graeme Dobson
“The 500cc Pioneer side-by-side is narrower than the 700cc side-by-side but has an increased load capacity over the ATVs, and the price will be very attractive,” said Damien. As well as the extra load and off-road capacities, side-by-sides have numerous safety features such as better stability, rollover protection, seats and nets on windows – and provided they’re used appropriately are an all-round safer vehicle. Safety is high on Honda’s agenda and they took the opportunity at Fieldays to showcase their Farm Angel safety initiative, a joint project between Blue Wing Honda and Black Hawk tracking systems. The Farm Angel is a GPS unit in each ATV that automatically sends a locator signal via satellite if the vehicle is involved in an accident anywhere at all, enabling an immediate emergency response that’s often the difference between life and death.
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Page 36
Good attendances despite the wild weather The storm which struck the North Island in mid-June threatened the event and put a dampener on Fieldays attendances, but in all nearly 120,000 people visited the four day event.
CEO Jon Calder says wind and rain on Wednesday June 11 nearly put the event in jeopardy. “I particularly wish to commend the stand out effort from all our staff and volunteers, their positive attitude right through from the early hours of Wednesday morning when fierce winds and rain
could have threatened our event, and their constant ability and readiness to roll up their sleeves and just make things happen. “Despite two rough days we have seen just short of 120,000 visitors to this year’s event. I’d like to thank our exhibitors, particularly those who stepped up and made
amazing award-winning sites, for helping us put on another great event for 2014.” The weather improved significantly later in the week and on the final day, Saturday, 32,181 people passed through the gates to see 900 exhibitors showcasing their products and services.
Big player in farm machinery Cervus equipment branch manager for Hawke’s Bay/Gisborne Sean Butcher and Cervus sales representative Hayden Lissette, with a John Deere 6170 M tractor.
Cervus Equipment supply John Deere agriculture equipment to NZ’s North Island farmers through their John Deere franchises, which makes them a pretty big player in the farm machinery world. Sales representative Hayden Lissette spent time at Fieldays telling visitors Cervus is an international, publicly-owned company that originated in Canada and came into New Zealand four years ago in partnership with NZ company, Agriturf. “During the last 24 months they’ve bought several other John Deere dealerships and now own nine
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dealerships in the North Island, along with seven in Victoria, Australia,” says Hayden. “They also have other dealerships in Canada, such as for Bobcat.” This adds up to Cervus having nine of 15 John Deere dealerships in the North Island – definitely not light-weights in the agricultural machinery world. Size aside, they’re still a young, vigorous and innovative company that’s bringing a new level of relationship with their clients. Cervus’ core values include ‘products and services that deliver value in the eyes of our customers’ and ‘a leadership culture that values making decisions as close to the customer as possible’. “We are aiming to build strong, valuable partnerships with our customer,” says Hayden, “which can only be positive all round”. To achieve this Cervus has adopted a strong service ethos – and with their showrooms, workshops, mobile vans and about 60 technicians throughout the North Island, they seem to be on the right track. By Graeme Dobson
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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP A Tanks and Silos NZ Ltd tank
Page 37
New insulated corrugated tank holds chilled water
Promax Engineering & Plastics’ new insulated tank.
Promax Engineering & Plastics make a range of underground liquid storage and management systems.
Paul and Brett Clow, directors of Tanks and Silos NZ Ltd.
New tanks take off
As new players in the liquid storage business, Tanks and Silos NZ Ltd has it all ahead of them – but with their innovative liquid containment systems they will do well. The business started out with a goal to supply tanks across the North Island from their Matamata base after two years. This is just their third year and they’re nearly there – and business is getting stronger and stronger and ever busier. Tanks and Silos NZ director Brett Clow says the business make their tanks using a process developed by Permastore. “The tanks are all made to order from preformed 2.7m x 1.4m glass fused-to-steel panels. The glass is sprayed on, then baked in a kiln at 800-plus degrees Celsius until the outer steel melts enough for the glass to fuse to it,” says Brett. “That gives it the strength and flexibility of steel, with the high corrosive resistance of glass.” The tanks, which range from about 200,000m3 up a whopping 50 million cubic metres, are trucked in flatpacks and assembled on-site. The modular design makes them very quick to erect once the base is completed, says Brett. All sites are geotech-tested and high wind and seismically-zoned to pre-determine the concrete base needed to make them earthquake-proof and storm-proof. Tanks and Silos NZ’s main business is in dairy effluent and their tanks are comparable to ponds where construction material has to be trucked in. But Tanks and Silos’ footprint is much smaller, because they can go higher rather than wider simply by adding rings of panels. By Graeme Dobson
Promax Engineering and Plastics are in the business of liquid storage and transportation solutions, using a coloured, corrugated plastic design that makes their tanks both tough and good looking. Promax’s managing director Walter Strachan puts it more simply: “We make products that look good and work better”. And it’s no idle claim, they have the widest range of the strongest water tanks in
New Zealand, from 450 litre to 30,000 litre tanks, as well as tanks for storing most liquids from diesel to colostrum and molasses. They also have other plastic products for the farmer, such as their bale feeder. But the product Walter was particularly keen to show off at this year’s Fieldays was Promax’s new insulated corrugated tank that’s made to hold chilled water. “It’s really a chilly bin on steroids,” says Walter. “We’re putting insulation in tanks up to 30,000 litres – perfect for dairy farm-
ers needing to meet the new Ministry for Primary Industries’ regulations that require milk to be at less than 10 degrees Celsius within four hours of milking.” Water is chilled or iced overnight on offpeak power and held in the insulated tank for use during milking, which gives the farmer a considerable power saving. The tank’s insulation is a 15mm layer of polyethylene foam that’s incorporated into the moulding process so it’s all one-piece – and like all Promax products is the result of a long process of research and development.
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FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
Tailor-made filtration system
Anthony Preston Limited has always been about filtration and its associated health and environmental benefits. Owner and CEO George Taylor says: “It’s our family protecting your family”. As a teen George learnt the ropes from his father, who set the company up to be an industry leader. More than 50 years on, the thirdgeneration family business is still a loyal supplier of high quality products with a long-held belief: quality and service go hand-in-hand. “We pride ourselves on going the extra mile. For peace of mind, we’re members of the Water Quality Association and New Zealand Water and Waste Association,” says George. “We offer technical support with tailor-made water filtration systems, specific to your application. We have an in-house maintenance facility – and we stand by what we sell.” George says a booming farming industry and advanced technologies has seen Anthony Preston Limited develop its big
Anthony Preston Limited’s Magnum filtration systems were developed for the rural sector. gun Magnum filtration systems for the rural sector. “Perhaps the closest to a ‘single fix’ treatment system, the ASF unit can address low pH, turbidity, iron, hydrogen sulphide, manganese and bacterial contamination.” The MAGNUM ASF high performance filtration system incorporating many patented features, produces high quality drinking water for the whole farm at an economical running cost. “Whole farm systems also have advantage of improving milk production by up to 10-16 per cent while virtually eliminating blocked pipes due to iron fouling etc.” Anthony Preston has a range of filtration/ultra violet systems to meet Fonterra water standards to eliminate E-coli and remove turbidity, “thus avoiding the cost of exclusion”.
Clean water from effluent
FORSI Innovations’ sales and marketing manager Craig Hawes, with FORSI’s water filtration units.
FORSI Innovations’ bread and butter is filtering water to remove iron and manganese, but they are now adding dairy effluent filtration to their services. “We’ll filter effluent to clean, fresh, New Zealand drinking standards water,” says FORSI sales and marketing manager Craig Hawes. Craig says the FORSI system will help all dairy farmers with effluent compliance. “The goal posts may keep changing, but with this system it doesn’t matter – there’s always clean water coming out the other end.” A FORSI system capable of processing the effluent from 800 cows is built into a 40 inch container that’s shipped to the site ready to plug the effluent pipes in one end and get fresh water out the other. FORSI Innovations is also getting into the milking machine business, with new technology variable speed milk pump drives, including a froth fighter technology that does away with the need for foam suppression. By Graeme Dobson
FIELDAYS FOLLOWUP
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Morrinsville bachelor takes golden gumboot and Fieldays glory The golden gumboot looks heavy – and it’s a burden Morrinsville bachelor Jeff Peek has to carry for 12 months. But the 30-year-old isn’t that upset after edging out eight other lonesome country boys to win Fieldays 2014 Bachelor of the Year title last month at Mystery Creek. It took 13 heats of 2014’s Rural Bachelor finalists battling it out in a series practical and theorybased activities for Jeff to win the glory, title, a huge prize pool worth $23,000 and more importantly the coveted Golden Gumboot Award. Announced at lunchtime on the final day of Fieldays to a packed out Village Green, Jeff, a very gracious and family-orientated winner, expressed his thanks and appreciation to all involved in the annual event and to all those who came along and supported him in his challenges to win the golden gumboot. “Thanks to everyone who supported me over the last two weeks, the Facebook campaign, friends that have come up to say ‘hello’, randoms that have come up to say ‘hello’, and then most of all the family and friends that have turned up. “It’s fairly humbling.” Jeff also made it clear his first call of duty would be to visit his father, who couldn’t make it to Fieldays to show him the Golden Gumboot.
Nice guy
“I’ll have to make sure there’s a trip back to the rest home in Hamilton to show him the Golden Gumboot and tell him how I got on.” Jeff proved today’s nice guys can finish first, and a little humility can go a long way – but the 2014 sought-after title didn’t come easy.
Morrinsville native Jeff Peek, 30, is Fieldays 2014 Bachelor of the Year. Kicking off Monday, finalists a keen eye for fashion. competed in an ‘Amazing Race’ Barkers employee Davis Sutcliffe challenge to find their way to Fielsays Australian bachelor Josh days from a mystery location. Gilbert compiled the best look, but And as the days rolled by, they all the boys did a great job in the took part in a series of heats, such challenge. as speed fencing, lamb boning and “The bachelors all showed a sense gun dog trials. of style, but Josh did have an edge But not all heats have been as over the rest.” agriculturally-based, with the final The eager boys also participated eight putting their hard working in an exciting excavator heat, which hands to more delicate work in the was an all-round crowd favourite. ninth heat of the competition – Tasks such as pouring a bottle of High Tea. beer, and hitting a golf ball with a shovel into a targeted area, were Lucky Ladies completed using the bucket of the Decked out in very feminine excavators. aprons, the contestants were put to the task of catering tea for eight Aussie charm lucky ladies. This is a feat not easily accomAlthough assembling trays of plished and something individuals tasty treats and making the perfect with keen operation skills would cup of tea wasn’t something they only be able to complete. were used to doing back on the Twenty-two-year-old Josh farm, they tried their best and put Gilbertt was the only Australian on a great show. competing for the title. He proved a favourite among “It was a bit of a challenge; it’s all about presentation and I’m not the female audience with his good really big on presentation myself,” looks and Aussie charm. “It’s very interesting to see the says Tirau bachelor Brett Steeghs. scope of the Fieldays.” “I’m more of a practical man, but “It’s a lot larger than what we as long as it tastes good then I’m have in Australia so it’s good to into it.” see the diversity,” says Josh. The boys also competed at Runner-up to the title was 26Barkers Westfield Chartwell, to year-old Fraser Laird. determine who from the group has
Dairy innovators the Den winners Dairying was the focus for this year’s Fieldays Innovation Den winners. DTexH2o won the SODA Inc Most Viable
Business prize worth $15,000 for their milking alarm system which detects wash-up water in the milk line before it enters the vat, ensuring no loss of milk quality and reducing wastage. LiquidStrip won the Gallagher Brilliant Simplicity award, and $3000 cash for their continuous filtra-
tion system designed to efficiently separate liquids and solids from dairy waste effluent. Ice Cycle won the $1000 Angel Association Best Pitch award for explaining the market opportunity for their snap milk chiller capable of cooling milk from the cow to the vat in three seconds. They were among nine innovators from across the country who pitched their innovations in front of more than 100 investors and business leaders in the event sponsored by SODA Inc.
Beams & Timber Direct Ltd (BTD)
FORESTRY
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Eucalypts sustainable alternative to imported hardwoods Eucalypts are a promising commercial plantation species. With their strength, hardness and attractive appearance – and in some species, durability – they provide timber for a range of markets from furniture and outdoor uses, to fibre for high quality papers.
However, the popularity of growing eucalypts fluctuates. At present, an estimated 25,000 hectares of eucalypt forests in New Zealand comprises only about 1.4 per cent of the commercial forest estate. Yet New Zealand imports about $30 million of hardwood annually and even more in wooden furniture. The opportunity exists to expand the market for locally-grown eucalypts as a
sustainable alternative to these imported hardwoods. Scion has been breeding and researching eucalypts for more than 40 years, focusing mainly on the three species grown as short rotation fibre crops: Eucalyptus fastigata, E regnans and E nitens. Scion tree breeder Toby Stovold says interest in growing eucalypts is cyclical “depending on the price paid for wood chips here and internationally”. “It’s therefore important to keep the breeding programme moving, so there is a ready supply of good quality seed available for all three species. “Our focus is on improving volume and the gains made each generation make the crop more profitable each time we deploy new seed.” Scion is also bringing in new technologies to help the breeding programme, says molecular breeding scientist Dr Emily Telfer. “We DNA fingerprint all the new E nitens selections to help limit inbreeding,” says Emily. “This allows us to identify the seed parents, and limit their representation in the next generation. “It also means we can continue to use open pollination strategies rather than costly, time-consuming controlled pollination.
Durable
“We have plans to further develop other eucalypt species for solid wood production, specifically the naturally durable E muelleriana and E pilularis, and
produce improved seed based on existing provenance progeny trials,” says Emily. “The aim is to complement the New Zealand Drylands Forest Initiative programme. Selections from the E muelleriana trials have already been incorporated into the NZDFI trials. “And although E pilularis is not a dryland species its potential clearly lies in the warmer, wetter areas of the country, such as Northland.” The key to growing eucalypts is matching the right species to the right site, and there are currently about 250 eucalypt species planted in New Zealand to choose from. Scion’s breeding trials, permanent sample plots and models are all helping to increase the extent of commercially-grown eucalypts for different purposes. The trials provide information about adaptation of different eucalypt species to specific site types. Eucalyptus fastigata is often referred to as the ‘radiata’ of eucalypts. It tolerates a wide range of sites and produces high volumes per hectare. Breeding trials are currently in the second and third generation resulting in greatly reduced forking and improved growth and form. Scion is working with forest tree seed company Proseed to build the supply of seed from improved third generation material. Eucalyptus regnans is the world’s tallest hardwood tree, able to grow at a rate of up to three metres per year. It was widely planted in New Zealand until the 1990s but planting was reduced due to tree health issues. Breeding for growth, form and health has continued however, using a simple single-population and selection based on disease tolerance. The breeding programme is currently entering its fourth generation. Most of these trees are more resistant to leader dieback and fungal health problems that plagued them earlier. Current stands are looking to set growth records with average heights of six metres in 30 months and the best trees at over nine metres. Seed will be available in 2016.
Advanced
Eucalyptus nitens is the most advanced in breeding terms. Previous selection work for this species has resulted in trees well suited for New Zealand conditions as an appearance grade timber. Third generation trials have shown good results for diameter, volume, form and density with seed likely to be available in two years. E nitens is prone to attack from the defoliating aropsis charybdis (eucalypt tortoise beetle), however ongoing research into biocontrol holds promise, particularly using a Tasmanian parasitoid wasp, Eadya paropsidis. A screening trial has been established to help future deployment of material less likely to be attacked.
Next steps
Scion is working with the forestry industry to develop a new partnership for growing and processing eucalypts. The initiative includes these species with the aim of creating new value chains at a regional scale. The proposal will investigate how to increase certainty of growing the right species on the right site, in what region, and ultimately producing maps for growers and processors alike. In addition, Scion intends to identify what new products can be made that match with market requirements, while extracting more product of higher value from each tree. This initiative is expected to be running by Christmas 2014. (Source: Scion Connections June newsletter)
ABLE TASMAN FORESTRY SERVICES LTD
CONTRACTORS
Making silage and hay, sowing fodder crops and forming or maintaining farm tracks are all services McLaren Contracting of Tirohanga offers its dairying, drystock and deer farmer clients. Founded by Bruce McLaren, the company is now operated by his son Tony, who with wife Kim took over running it in 2002. It’s still very much a hands-on, family business with Tony not only co-ordinating operations but also driving trucks and machinery on most jobs. “Clients really appreciate it when I turn up on a job, as they can talk direct to me – and that ensures I know exactly what needs to be done,” says Tony. The company has up to eight staff, depending on the season, and is looking for more experienced, qualified operators able to drive a range of agricultural equipment and machinery to join its team.
Hands-on family business Three loader wagons for grass silage are part of the fleet, as is the gear to make round bales of silage. When it comes to haymaking, most clients want round bales but McLaren Contracting also makes a small number of conventional bales for horse owners and lifestyle farmers. A full cultivation service is also offered for winter and summer crops, including brassicas and oats. The region’s free-draining soils makes it generally easy to operate machinery but they can also mean pasture and crops are more prone to drought, says Tony. Earthworks are another aspect of the company’s services and it has the equipment to form or maintain farm races and tracks and carry out contouring. Muck spreading for races and feed pads is also available. McLaren Contracting operates in the region from Tokoroa to Taupo and west of Lake Taupo.
Give cow comfort due consideration Farmers considering constructing stand-off pads must make cow comfort their number one priority, according to new DairyNZ research. Information from the three-year study into stand-off pads, a farm facility which helps farmers prevent pasture damage in wet weather, has been released in a new resource – Stand-off pads – your essential guide to planning, design and management. DairyNZ farm systems specialist Chris Glassey says the research followed eight North Island farms with stand-off pads during the winter months of May until August. The Northland and Waikato farms were monitored for hours of pad use, pad stocking density, surface material deterioration and cow comfort. “We used activity meters on cows on a stand-off pad in Northland and found that the cows’ comfort levels were well-maintained over the winter period. That’s the encouraging bit, the cows liked it,” says Chris. “Their comfort was measured by time spent lying down. Cows need
to lie down for at least eight hours a day and will spend time lying in the paddock, instead of grazing, if the stand-off pad isn’t comfortable and with enough space. “The key to the Northland pad’s success was designing it correctly with appropriate drainage, then regularly topping up and replacing the surface material (woodchip) to create a surface the cows wanted to lie on.” The new guidelines are designed to help farmers establish and run stand-off pads which keep cows comfortable, fit with the farm system and prevent pasture damage by cows. “Most farmers are looking for the simplest, most established methods of minimising winter and summer pasture damage,” says Chris. “There are new practices and knowledge gained by farmers over the years, which we have learnt from and included in the new guide.” Chris says the research showed after just one pugging event over winter, pasture production can be halved for up to seven weeks. “Approximately 40 percent of the ground was bare after moder-
ate treading in winter and pasture took two months to recover, during which time pasture growth fell by 600kg DM/ha,” says Chris. “Through pasture reduction, pugging can have an impact on milk production.” North Island farmers wintering herds on wetter soil types and upper North Island farmers using on-off grazing to protect summer pasture, are particularly likely to consider stand-off pads and will find the guide useful. “Despite standing off being around for some time, larger herds now make it more complex, bringing increased costs. Containment of effluent and greater requirements to meet cow comfort levels are also more important.” The updated guidelines, Standoff pads – your essential guide to planning, design and management, are now available as a result of the research project by DairyNZ, MPI Sustainable Farming Fund, Northland Dairy Development Trust, AgResearch and dairy farmers. To find out more or order a copy of the new guidelines, visit www.dairynz.co.nz/stand-off-pads.
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COAST & COUNTRY
Farmyard education a hit with students Rain didn’t dampen fun The visit to Pat Kerrigan's Waikato farm was fantastic, say teacher and students from Hamilton’s Nawton School in a letter to DairyNZ. “We thoroughly enjoyed it. Pat was wonderful with the kids, He was patient and explained things as plainly as he could. The kids were able to ask questions, the farm hands were informative, the whole experience was fantastic. Yes it did pour down for a bit there, but by that time we were undercover enjoying ice-cream from
the guy from Fonterra. That was an added bonus for us. “Thank you so much for giving us this wonderful opportunity. It is an experience that many of our students and some of our parents had never had. We are also finding the ‘Rosie's Education’ website an invaluable resource. We are extremely grateful.” The letter was signed: Carey Te Paea, Gina Nuku, Hone Waudby and Sandra Mihaere and the 95 students of Nawton School Reorua unit.
School visits to dairy farms are so popular DairyNZ needs more farmers to host them.
farm visit and had real farmers to talk about their work and what happens on a farm, they are able to form a much more accurate view about dairying. “Our resources have a dairy context, so children get to find out about our largest export industry while they are learning science, maths, problem solving and a range of other topics.”
“In the first few months of this year we organised 39 compared with 28 for the whole of 2013,” says DairyNZ’s brand marketing manager Andrew Fraser. To keep up with demand, DairyNZ made an appeal Urbanisation at its conference for more farmers to volunteer to host Andrew says the industry is aware it can’t rely on schools, and 25 enrolled. mainstream media to inform the public about the “We had farmers from Carterton to Waikato, Bay good things happening on-farm; and NZ’s increasingly of Plenty and Taranaki sign up, which gives us a nice spread, but we do still need more farmers who are close urbanised population means many children have no personal contact with to major urban centres farmers. like Auckland and Wel“There was a time lington.” when city children used The programme’s to spend school holipopularity has grown days with relatives who from 16 farm visits owned farms but even in its inaugural year, in provincial centres 2011, to 23 in 2012. today most children Andrew says dairy have never visited a farmers who volunteer farm and many think to host school visits milk is manufactured in recognise the value of a factory.” informing the next genIt’s often ‘train eration about dairying crashes’ which make the in New Zealand. Before visiting a farm, some city children think milk is headlines, such as the “In fact, after research made in factories, not by cows. Fonterra botulism scare, and development, educating the public about the industry is top of the list of or an effluent spill, not always the good news stories, says Andrew. what farmers ask us to spend their levy on.” “There are amazing things happening in this industry which don’t make the news, so hosting a school visit is Rosie a way for farmers to show what they are doing.” In addition to farm visits, DairyNZ has a website www.rosieseducation.co.nz which provides curriculum resources for teachers with a New Zealand dairy indus- Bus trips DairyNZ assists schools to cover costs of bus trips to try theme. Since being re-launched last August, more farms and provides safety guidelines for teachers and than 100 schools have downloaded lesson plans. farmers. There’s a website for children www.rosiesworld.co.nz Children love the experience and the programmes, which supports teachers with resources. Both feature designed by qualified teachers to meet NZ curriculum, the character ‘Rosie’ – the industry’s ‘Cowbassador’ – and are suitable for primary-age children. who guides children through a variety of fun activities, “We are noticing an increase in the number of facts and figures, some of it by animated video, with a secondary school teachers using the website, so aim to good dollop of humour to keep youngsters interested. provide resources for older students as well.” Andrew says many teachers haven’t had much to The website is designed so lesson plans selected by do with a modern dairy farm, so their perceptions teachers are combined into one document to download have often been formed by what they have read in the and use as teaching tools. In cases where schools are media. not able to visit a farm, DairyNZ has farmers willing “But the feedback we get is that once they have used to visit schools. our teaching resources, or taken their students on a By Elaine Fisher
CALVING
Page 43
Would you swap places with your calves? About 1.5 million calves are reared annually in New Zealand, both as dairy replacements and for the bull beef industry. The correct care of these animals is vital, from both an animal welfare and an economic stand point. They are after all a valuable part of the farm business. When it comes to how calves are housed, fed and handled, DairyNZ suggests a good question farmers should ask is: “Would
you swap places with your calves?” Obviously most humans wouldn’t want to sleep in barn and be fed almost exclusively on milk, but that aside, if the overall answer to the question is ‘no’ – farmers need to re-think their calf-rearing facilities and management. Having the right person to rear the calves and ensuring they have resources and support to do the job well is a first important step. Rearing calves requires skill, attention to detail and empathy with the calves. The best calf-rearer is someone who actually wants to do the job, not someone who is directed to do it. Ensure they have the time and support they need to do the job well. The calf shed should be dry and draught-free. There needs to be airflow at a high level but no draught at calf height – a lighted match shouldn’t blow out when lit among the calves. Calf sheds should face towards the sun. Sunlight dries out and helps sterilise the shed. Purpose-built calf sheds can have a UV resistant plastic
roof and shade cloth/fabric walls, which can be rolled up for better ventilation. If building a new shed, consider drainage under the calf shed – and design the shed so milk/colostrum can be piped or gravity fed. Install swinging gates with self-closing latches and a raised collection pen or ramp for loading and unloading calves. Avoid sharp edges, nails, tin or any small gaps where calves can get their heads or hooves stuck. Calves need a minimum of 1.5m2 per calf. The smaller the available area per calf, the messier the shed and the more fresh bedding that will need to be added. All calves, including bobbies, must have access to clean fresh drinking water at all times. Some calf sheds successfully use grating –as long as there is no draught coming up through it. Ensure bedding is topped up regularly or replaced with fresh material – untreated shavings, sawdust or bark chips are ideal. Concrete might be easy to clean but it is cold and slippery. Regularly, at least weekly, spray surfaces at calf level – pen fittings, walls, gates, floors/bedding with a virucide disinfectant. Have a separate area designated for sick calves to minimise disease spread. Clean out the calf shed at
the end of the calf rearing season, rather than just before the start of the next season. This allows time for sunlight to sterilise the shed. (Source: Factsheet from a series at www. nzcalfrearing.com. Published by On-Farm Research. While all due care has been taken in preparing this document, On-Farm Research and Dairy NZ accept no liability. People acting on this information do so at their own risk).
Trans-Tasman foot and mouth accord Australia and New Zealand are to work together to prepare for the unlikely event of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in either country. Australian Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, and New Zealand Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, who met in Melbourne, have welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to stress the importance of collaboration in combating the disease and its devastating impacts. “Our number one plan and focus of much of our biosecurity efforts is to keep FMD out of Australia and New Zealand—but you can’t stick your head in the sand about something this significant —you have to plan for the worst,” says Barnaby. “Australia has an internationally recognised capability
to deal quickly and effectively with emergency animal disease outbreaks.” “However, an FMD outbreak could have devastating impacts on our valuable livestock industries, exporting capabilities and trading reputation. Recent ABARES research found the impact of an FMD outbreak in Australia could cost our economy up to $52 billion over 10 years, therefore we have more than 50 billion reasons to work together to continue Australia’s 100 year record of freedom from FMD,” says Barnaby. Nathan says greater collaboration will improve readiness and capacity to cope with an outbreak of FMD or any other significant exotic animal disease. “We will work together in fields such as sharing intelligence on risk, collaborating on training opportunities, sharing scarce skills in the event of an outbreak and influencing international policy in the area of disease management.”
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DAIRY
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Efficient converters of grass to milk Trent Paterson has wanted to be a deer farmer for as long as he can remember. However, today he’s a dairy farmer, a committed advocate of the Jersey breed and the youngest member of Jersey New Zealand’s council. “My parents were deer farmers and I really enjoy deer,” says the 37-year-old, who is the son of Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Ross Paterson and Community Magistrate Robyn Paterson. Trent’s first job after graduating from Massey University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (agriculture), was to manage a 93 hectare deer farm at South Head in Northland. “During my time there I was involved in the conversion to deer farms of three adjoining dairy farms, bought by the owners,” says Trent. But as much as he loved working with deer, Trent realised the industry didn’t offer the progression to herd and then farm ownership – available through the dairy industry. The birth of his and wife Judy’s first child Reece was the catalyst for the couple to move closer to their families in the Bay of Plenty and take up dairy farming. Trent took a job as a farm manager, but within six months secured a position as a contract milker for Colin and Alison Murray of Pirongia, milking 650 cows. From there the couple progressed to 50/50 share milking for the Sunnyvale Trust at Springvale, close to Te Aroha, where they remained until last month. On Gypsy Day the family, including children 13-year-old Reece, 12-year-old Callum and eight-year-old Hannah, moved to a farm of their own near Karapiro. With them went most of the registered Calrenah Jersey herd Trent’s built up during the last 10 years. Against industry trends towards Friesians and Kiwicross breeds, Trent’s focused on the Jersey breed because he believes their performance brings an economic return better than Friesians, without the fluctuations in production other breeds produce.
Trent Paterson is the youngest member of Jersey New Zealand’s council.
Milk fat
dry matter as it becomes available. Jerseys still digest the DM as efficiently – but can eat greater amounts per kilogram of liveweight than other breeds. He also likes their nature, which makes them easy to handle, and the fact that as lighter animals, they’re easier on pasture. Trent’s herd includes animals he holds records for, going back to their origin. But not all have the pale, creamy coats traditionally associated with the breed. “I don’t mind Jerseys which are darker in colour, or even those which have some white in their coat. “For me, it’s about their breeding and I like a big strong cow with a straight back and ‘spring’ ribs, a wide chest and an udder with good teat configuration.”
“Forty years ago 75-80 per cent of dairy herds were Jersey and farmers were paid on milk fat, then in the 1960s milk payments changed to favour litres produced, not milk fat,” says Trent. “The number of Friesians increased and the beef industry got involved through crossing Hereford and Angus bulls over dairy cows – and the result was Jersey numbers fell.” The most recent trend is to the Kiwicross, a cross between Friesian and Jersey. According to LIC, on average Holstein-Friesian cows produce a higher volume of milk and more milksolids per kilogram than other breeds. Jerseys have the highest milk fat and protein percentages. Jersey cows now make up 11.7 per cent of New Zealand’s total dairy herd of 6.4 million cows, with Breed admiration Holstein-Friesian/Jersey crossbreeds at 42.6 per cent; It’s because of his admiration for the breed, and a Holstein-Friesian at 37 per cent and other breeds 8.8 wish to see it continue as an important part of New per cent. Zealand’s dairy industry, Trent stood for election to But when it comes to numbers, there are more Jersey Jersey NZ’s council three years ago. cows in the country now than at any other time. He was encouraged to by those who thought a Trent believes Jersey cows are more efficient convertyounger voice representing sharemilkers and the ers of grass to milk than other breeds. They Talkbetter to us today about your liners future of the industry was required on the board alongmatch the seasonal supply of feed, with less mainteside those with decades of experience. nance required during shortages, and can process more
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Trent’s found the experience worthwhile and while due to stand down next year may put his name forward for re-election. Trent and Judy, who teaches at Cambridge, sold some of their Jersey 500 cow herd, taking a nucleus, including former calf club cows, with them to Karapiro to form a new 300 cow herd. They haven’t, however, abandoned deer. A small but growing herd, many from his father’s progeny, graze on a run-off the couple own. “I don’t think I’ll ever leave the dairy industry because of the cash flow and capital gain opportunities it offers – but maybe one day we’ll have a combined deer and dairy By Elaine Fisher farm,” says Trent.
Another drought in the forecast? I don’t want to be a doomsayer but indications are we could be in for another drought this coming summer. Weather forecasters are saying it looks like an El Nino weather pattern is developing in the Pacific, which could create conditions similar to the drought of 2009-2010. The NIWA website says in El Nino years, New Zealand tends to experience stronger or more frequent winds from the west in summer, leading to drought in east coast areas and more rain in the west. I sincerely hope the forecasters are wrong, but it pays to be mindful and prepare for the possibility we could be in for more dry conditions – as I always say proper planning prevents pitiful performance. However, farmers have nothing to complain about when it comes to grass growth. We’ve had plenty of rain and grass has continued to grow through a mild autumn and early winter. This means pasture needs careful grazing management to prevent die back at the base of the plant, also affecting the regrowth recovery. Increasing the frequency of grazing rotation will help it recover more quickly.
Grazing too hard though, can slow recovery. Standing stock off on feed pads, or races when wet, helps avoid pugging. This can starve roots of oxygen and often means plants don’t recover; and you end up with a regrowth of weeds instead of the pasture species you want. This can mean less grass grows than you’ve budgeted on and costly re-grassing bills. While winter has so far been mild it’s not all good news because several frosts in a row are what’s needed to kill army worm caterpillars, which infected brassica crops, and wasps, which were also a problem this summer. Many other pests and diseases that tend to be contained may suddenly become a problem next season if this mild weather continues. It looks likely less maize may be planted this coming season as more cropping land is converted to dairying or dairy grazing. Many of our clients are being proactive by ordering their supplementary feeds now, which is excellent because it means we can accurately plan ahead to ensure feed requirements are met. As always, those who order early get the best price and the assurance of knowing they will be able to fully feed their animals, even if weather conditions turn tough.
Page 45 National Animal Identification and Tracing and its ear tags is an animal identification system which links people, property and animals.
Inspectors to check NAIT understanding Nationwide farm inspection visits by MPI compliance officers, under the NAIT Act 2012, are underway and being conducted with farms selected on a random basis. The inspections are not targeted at people or properties where
non-compliance has previously been identified. The purpose of the inspections is to check the level of farmers’, and others in charge of animals understanding of their NAIT scheme obligations says David Burt Federated Farmers Policy Advisor. Where the inspections find that the obligations are not being met,
MPI compliance officers will be reminding farmers of what they need to do to comply with their obligations. The farm inspection visits are part of a broader effort with NAIT staff checking truck movement records and conducting transit stop spot checks, on a regional and random basis.
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DAIRY
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New BVD vaccine available A new vaccine to protect livestock against bovine viral diarrhoea has been released by Zoetis. Called Ultravac BVD it aims to provide farmers with the ability to protect their herds against the multiple strains of BVD found in New Zealand. Importantly, Ultravac BVD ensures a high level of protection against BVD transfer from mother to foetus, which is a critical pathway for the disease that makes it particularly difficult to control. At least 60 per cent of cattle in New Zealand have been exposed to the BVD virus and estimated losses in dairy herds amount to about $150 million for the industry, about $220 per infected cow. Lowered conception and milk production and increased abortions are among causes of losses. Zoetis market development manager Dr Wayne Clough says increasing numbers of farmers are becoming aware of the impact BVD can have in financial and animal health terms.
“There has been a decade of research done now evaluating the impact of BVD,” says Wayne. “There have also been major advances in how we can detect it in herds. “When it comes to protecting a herd from BVD, Ultravac BVD has a number of features that make it particularly useful.” The four-week to six-month window available to deliver Ultravac BVD’s second ‘booster’ shot makes it a flexible vaccine to administer, easily fitting into stock treatment programmes for either dairy or drystock farmers. Its ability to be injected under the skin, rather than into the muscle makes it ‘cow-friendly’ and easier to administer. The 30-day in-use shelf-life is significantly greater than competing vaccines, minimising wastage. It means the second booster shot can even be administered from the same pack as the initial shot.
PRE-CAST CONCRETE & STEEL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS
Understanding the drive for cleaner milk Attending the Milk Quality Conference in Hamilton earlier this month for the first time was a real eye-opener. Having always approached the dairy industry from the milk supplier’s point of view, Fonterra’s push for excellence in milk quality, and specifically their concern over possible milk contaminants, seemed unreasonable at first. Coming from a teat-spraying background, and dealing with pressures farmers are facing to eliminate any contaminants from their milk supply, it became evident milk companies aren’t being harsh in their drive for cleaner milk. The two days of the conference covered a wide range of information from the integrity of milk quality, technology, chemicals, mastitis and a really interesting panel discussion on raw milk. It gave an overview of the industry and some hopes and fears for the future. Today, many countries declare food safety as a high national priority. In a world where perception is reality and food safety lapses are global, via the internet in a matter of minutes, our
dairy industry is vulnerable. Whether real or suspected, food safety lapses allow regulators abroad to stop imports of our products. Two of the many issues covered –and of particular interest to me, as part of the WETiT team, was testing done on teat sprays and residues, and the subject of mastitis, which continues to be the most common disease of dairy cows. It’s also the most common reason for antibiotics used, in effect lessening the quality of milk produced. The WETiT QDO Teat Sprayer continues to be the best response to these problems in the market. It uses a diluted spray that complies with the testing being done, it sprays after the cows have left the milking platform, preventing the re-cupping of sprayed cows, and it provides absolute coverage which has been instrumental in keeping mastitis cases to a minimum. New Zealand’s dairy industry is one of the world’s most advanced in process technology and know- how. We have the best milk quality in the world and our milk companies are doing their best to maintain this. It makes me feel proud to be a Kiwi and part of this industry. By Jan Maree Vodanovich, WETiT.
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Container load of plastic recycled daily Agrecovery Rural Recycling container collections hit 30,000kg for the month of May, the largest-ever monthly volume since the programme began in 2007. This record comes on the back of significant increases in new members, collection volumes and website interest during the annual Agrecovery promotion, which gives recyclers the chance to win $5000 in prizes. Agrecovery’s marketing manager Duncan Scotland says the 30,000kg equates to a 20 foot shipping container being filled with recycled plastic every day of the month,” so it was a lot of containers diverted from burning or dumping”. Farmers and growers are responding to the changing farming environment where demand for sustainable practices from both the market and the public keeps growing, coupled with significant regulatory changes, like the ban on burning of agricultural plastics introduced by Environment Canterbury in January. “In the first four months after the ban came into force, we saw recycled container collections in the Canterbury region increase by 70 per cent, compared to the same period last year. “It’s a significant positive change in behaviour away from harmful burning practices that are fast becoming a thing
of the past,” says Duncan. “It’s not all consumer pressure and burning bans though – farmers and growers, like anyone, find it hard to resist a good old fashioned prize draw. “So, over the last couple of years we’ve Farmers and held a recycling promogrowers are tion each February and recycling March, which rewards 10 thousands of recyclers for their green agri-containers efforts.” every month. During the two reward months, recycling volumes increased 12 per cent compared to the same promotional period in 2013, while the joining rate for new members doubled. “We also saw a huge lift in visitors to the Agrecovery website – this is increased interest, which usually translates into actually recycling activity.” Agrecovery Foundation chair Graeme Peters says the programme’s number one strategic priority is increasing the amount of plastic removed from rural areas. “A record month and increased activity overall shows the plans put in place by the board and carried out by its management team are on the right track. “The 60 companies which support Agrecovery through paying a levy on plastic containers will be pleased their money is being spent in the right area
New pond has 110 days of storage A new 16,000m3 pond means a Maungatawhiri dairy farm now has 110 days of safe storage for effluent, helping not only protect the environment but also futureproof the farm, says owner Brent Welch. Pondco’s team of six installers lined the pond with six panels of Carlisle supplied rubber, each 15 metres wide by 61 metres long. Pondco’s Hamish Forbes says this one of the larger Pondco Centroid FDE ponds they’ve built. “It has only five seams with secondary seaming for ground movement or settlement.” Pondco worked with Agrfirst Engineering and engineer Davieth Verheij on the three-month project to construct the system, which includes weeping walls to remove solids. Brent says Pondco was recommended by Davieth, who did the calculations for the site. “This farm is on sensitive soils within the Waikato Regional Council and conditions for effluent are getting tougher, so we wanted to ensure the farm is future-proofed,” says Brent. The pond has been constructed alongside a new rotary dairy for the former maize farm’s 700-cow herd. “We see effluent as a resource, as it helps the pasture grow, but we also have to conserve water so will use the green water to flush the yards, meaning we can do the same job, using less water.” Brent says he wanted a fully-lined pond because he needs to be assured it will not leak and cause environmental issues in future.
Six panels of Carlisle supplied rubber, each 15 metres wide by 61 metres long, were used to line this 16,000m3 effluent pond.
– increasing the recycling of their containers,” says Graeme. Empty, triple-rinsed containers are recycled at plants in Auckland and Christchurch, with most of the plastic being used to make underground cable covers. According to Agrecovery, the 190 tonnes of containers collected so far this financial year equates to a 15cm wide cable cover reaching from Auckland to Invercargill and back. The amount of energy saved using this volume of recycled plastic versus new plastic equates to 323,000 litres of petrol.
Respect. Focus. Integrity
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Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord – Will you meet the deadline? The improvement of rural waterway health is a topical issue most farmers acknowledge requires on-farm action.
Soils
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Rather than simply avoiding problems, there is a strong push in the rural sector to deliver waterway enhancement. Although the health of most rural waterways is degraded, significant lasting improvements can be achieved using simple on-farm solutions. At Fieldays, I discussed waterway management methods with farmers at the Open Country Dairy stand and was encouraged by the number of suppliers who’ve fully fenced their waterways and undertaken enhancement. It was a pleasure to hear the satisfaction farmers are getting from their hard work as the benefits start to become noticeable. However, it is also evident getting good advice on waterway management is crucial to ensure the time, effort and expense produce positive results. Why should you take on this task?
In addition to legislation, regional council plan rules and bylaws, are also rural industry standards that include guidance on land and watercourse management practices including: • Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord • Beef + Lamb New Zealand: Land and Environment Planning Toolkit • New Zealand Environmental Code of Practice for Plantation Forestry • Horticulture New Zealand: Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines for Vegetable Production – Good Management Practices The consistent theme of these documents is land use activities must consider the management of waterways, wetlands and riparian (stream bank) margins to avoid impacts, preserve existing values, and create long-term improvements. The Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord was signed in July 2013 to enhance the performance of dairy farming as it affects freshwater. Following on from Clean Streams, this new accord goes much further than the previous voluntary stream fencing measures. It commits every dairy farmer whose farm has a waterway to preparing and implementing a riparian management plan. Half of all dairy farms with a waterway must have a written riparian management plan by May 31, 2016, and there are deadlines for implementation of actions. From June 1, 2017, this requirement includes dairy grazing blocks. The riparian plan must include a map of farm waterways, objectives for management and actions to be taken. I urge all farmers to use this opportunity to be proactive. Get advice and assistance on preparing a riparian plan that identifies risks and opportunities, sets priorities for action, and describes effective actions that work within your unique farming operation.
Louise Clark is associate principal and senior ecologist with Boffa Miskell in Tauranga.
The Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord aims to enhance the performance of dairy farming as it affects freshwater. Check your advisor has experience in freshwater ecology and rural water quality, as well as farm management. Unbiased, well-qualified advice will be invaluable in future-proofing your business against inevitable changes to requirements for rural waterways. Louise Clark is associate principal and senior ecologist with Boffa Miskell in Tauranga.
A grass filter strip, such as this one at Ruakura, is also an effective management option for water quality enhancement.
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Sufficient supply of nutrients essential for maize crop Getting the soil fertility right for maize is critical, as between 25-30 tonne of dry matter is produced during a window of four months. A 28 tonne maize silage crop removes about 360kg nitrogen, 340kg potassium, 72kg phosphorous, 48kg magnesium and 40kg sulphur. Whereas a 15 tonne maize grain crop removes about 200kg nitrogen, 65kg potassium, 45kg phosphorous, 18kg magnesium and 15kg sulphur. Allowing for leaching, retention and
immobilisation losses in the soil, it is important sufficient supply of these nutrients are available for the growing crop. On top of this, having good pH, organic matter and sufficient micronutrient levels – particularly boron, zinc and copper in the soil – need to be considered. Having a comprehensive soil analysis, which considers not just the major elements but also soil organic matter and trace elements, is the best place to start. If there is a need for lime (<6.0 pH), the finer the lime particle, the quicker it will work, whereas coarse particle lime
may be too slow-releasing for the short growing period of the crop. Applying lime several months before the crop is planted may be desirable in these situations. If phosphorous levels are high, there may be no need for additional fertiliser P, and although DAP or 12:10:10 are often used as starter fertilisers, a cheaper alternative such as calcium ammonium nitrate may suffice. Maize is a gross feeder of potassium and if deficient, applying at least 600kg/ha potassium chloride should be considered. Effluent paddocks often have excessive potassium levels, and growing a
crop of maize on these will help lower this. And because maize roots can grow up to 10 times deeper in the soil than pasture plants, maize can tap into excess nitrogen and potassium which has leached through the soil profile. When coming out of pasture, maize nitrogen requirements may be negligible, depending on type of pasture and management history, and will be a lot lower than on continually cropped soils where relatively high nitrogen inputs (>300kg/ha) may be required to ensure a good crop. In next month’s column, we’ll look at sources of nutrients for maize crops.
Robin Boom
Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant
Dairy sheep way of future The United States could be to our sheep industry what China is to our dairy cattle – opening a bold new chapter for New Zealand’s most numerous farmed animal says Bay of Plenty’s Federated Farmers meat and fibre vicechairperson Rick Powdrell. Rick says New Zealand has a small but thriving dairy sheep industry. “News that Landcorp is now eyeing dairy sheep is exciting when you put it together with the sheep genome being mapped and a Trans-Pacific Partnership edging ever closer,” says Rick. “We need to be clear that nothing less than the full elimination of agricultural tariffs in the TPP is acceptable to our members. I say that not only with my meat and fibre hat on but because the United States imported about half of the world’s sheep cheese last year. “This is not just about the United States because the International Dairy Federation states dairy sheep play an important role in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries.” Rick says the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation puts the global share of sheep milk at 1.4 per cent, “but in terms of who we are actively trading with, or seeking to develop trade relationships with, the potential is huge”. “In South East Asia, sheep milk accounts for 3.9 per cent of milk pro-
duction, in China it is 4.2 per cent, while in North Africa and the Middle East it’s 7.5 per cent. Rick says sheep play a significantly bigger role than dairy goats in these markets “and I suspect that will surprise some people”. “Sheep milk contains higher milk solids in comparison to cow’s milk, hence its popularity for cheese – but it also commands a premium with consumers as it is more easily digested. “Earlier this year greater commercial interest in sheep milk saw the International Standards Organisation with the IDF extend ISO to the measurement of protein in sheep milk as well as goats. Clearly, there is growing interest in an animal that thrives in New Zealand. Rick says Southland’s verticallyintegrated Blue River processes sheep milk into cheese, ice cream and milk powder with the latter product overwhelmingly exported. There’s also Waituhi Kuratau in the North Island, with its Matatoki Farm brand. “Given environmental factors dairy sheep could play an important role in the industry’s future and Federated Farmers is very keen to explore this in depth with our members. “With Landcorp now actively considering dairy sheep, this evolution could make sheep a tri-use animal for dairy, meat and fibre. “This would greatly aid the rejuvenation of our industry and potentially put New Zealand back on the sheep’s back,” says Rick.
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The code of the pig hunter Pig hunting is a pursuit followed by people from many walks of life – but all have a shared passion and an almost instinctive understanding of the unwritten pig hunter’s code. Among those who know this best is longtime hunter and author Bomb Grant, who explores his understanding of the sport and those of a diverse group of other hunters in his latest book ‘Hunting Daze’. Bomb’s own introduction, like many of his contemporaries, came early. “My dad was a big influence when I was growing up and I have hunted with a lot of other hunt-
ers that had their own methods to secure animals,” he writes. “From the type of dogs each hunter might prefer, to the type of country we hunt in, everyone is different, but the target is to catch wild pigs.” Thanks to publishers Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘Hunting Daze’ to give away. To be in to win, email your name and address, with Hunting Daze as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Hunting Daze, Coast & Country Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than July ‘Hunting Daze’ by Bomb Grant is a book 17. The winner will be announced prize for the July issue of Coast & Country. in Coast & Country’s August issue.
Diet, supplements for Polymyalgia sufferer I was speaking with one of my Hawke’s Bay clients last week, who had been really struggling with polymyalgia rheumatica. This is an increasingly common inflammatory autoimmune disease causing muscle pain and fatigue. The standard treatment for PMR is based around the powerful antiinflammatory steroid medication prednisone. Many make a full recovery usually during 12-18 months, but others don’t. It is, of course, the second group that often come to me for help. In my client’s case, each time he reduced medication doses below a certain level there would be a relapse of symptoms. For these people it is like a barrier they cannot get through. I put him
on my standard PMR nutrition programme of diet and supplements and after six months he’s been able to completely come off prednisone and is now symptom-free. My standard PMR recovery plan involves adoption of a strongly and an intensive supplement programme. Our goal is to help to shut down production of inflammatory chemicals, called prostaglandins and cytokines. Research (Alvez-Rodriguez et.al, 2010) shows affected muscle tissue releases these chemicals and causes inflammation of muscle fibres. We reduced inflammatory foods such as saturated fats, omega 6 oils and sugars – especially high fructose syrup in fizzy drinks and refined carbohydrates. We
Abundant Health
balance this with lots of antiinflammatory foods such as oily fish, green and low starch vegetables, whole grains, avocado, olive oil, and some nuts and seeds, especially almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds. The supplement regime needs to be initially quite aggressive with a cocktail of minerals, antioxidants, vitamins (especially B complex and vitamin D) and energy nutrients such as Co enzyme Q10 and acetyl-l carnitine. We monitor progress closely and generally people start to feel benefits after three months. Give me a call if you need more information. 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
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Waihou Hall community hub for 100 years From formal balls, to silent movies, to farewell functions for soldiers serving overseas, to modern fashion shows, the Waihou Hall has been the hub of community events for 100 years. The grand old lady of Waihou marked her 100th ‘birthday’ on June 15, with more than 160 people with close links to its past attending the celebration. The hall in the small rural settlement near Te Aroha was built in 1914 and during the following 10 decades has been at the heart of the community. Ernie Bygrave, chairman of the centennial committee and chairman of the hall committee from 1990 to 2007, says guests came to the celebrations from Perth and throughout New Zealand and most of the district’s early families were represented. Ernie says it was appropriate the celebrations began with a service at the church because the church and hall are closely linked, with many weddings held at the church followed by a reception in the hall.
Ball
In fact it was a ball at the hall in 1926 that helped raise funds to move the church building from Te Aroha to its current location. The hall was built for 230 pounds and on July 1, 1914, the Morrinsville Sutherlands Orchestra played while guests danced the night away at the first ball held in the Waihou Hall. Initially the hall was lacking a ceiling and dancers were often distracted by flying insects, much to the
The Waihou Hall is now 100 years old. Image from the past – the billboard marking the Waihou Hall’s centenary has a distinctively historical flavour.
since 1929 the Te Aroha Waihou Women’s Division, now the Te Aroha-Waihou Branch of Rural Women, has met at the hall. The hall has hosted the Te Aroha Country Music Club, housie evenings, antiques road shows, the Orphans Club, rugby functions and square dancing. To raise funds to re-roof the hall, the highly successful Stretton at Waihou fashion and design creations shows, sponsored by designer Anna Stretton, were held for four years from 2009. The hall is not the first in the district. The original hall was built in 1880 by the Waihou Hall Company for 135
pounds, raised largely from one pound share certificates purchased by local settlers. The hall wasn’t used until every nail was paid for, and was constructed on land donated for the purpose by Campbell Bros, the company which surveyed the township of Waihou. Reports say 500 people attended the opening of the hall. The hall doubled as a school and was central to nearly all community events in the district. At the time Te Aroha was a very small village and Waihou was the By Elaine Fisher hub of the district.
disgust of the ladies, say early reports of the hall’s history. Ernie says the hall was always used for school functions, as the school didn’t have a hall. “Many young women celebrated their 21st birthdays in the hall, but not many young men did, as nearly all where serving overseas during World War I.” Kitchen evenings were held for those to be married, and corn beef sandwiches and large slab cakes with pink and white icing were served for supper. During World War II, enlisted men from the district were farewelled at functions in the hall and each was presented with a watch by the hall committee. Those who returned were given a rousing welcome home at the same venue and presented with a wallet. Those who didn’t return are named on plaques in the church across the road.
Silent movies
In the 1940s silent movies were screened in the hall – and during more recent years the hall is a venue for indoor sports including bowls, badminton, table tennis, gymnastics and martial arts. The Piako Brass Band use the hall for practices and
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Health claims should increase consumption Tests are underway to establish if the new Zespri kiwifruit called SunGold has the same bowel health attributes as Zespri Green.
Zespri global marketing manager Veronique Parmentier says a positive outcome from the research would be “fantastic”.
“Zespri SunGold contains the digestive health attributes fibre and actinidin as well, although in a lower concentration [than Zespri Green]. We are testing its ability to contribute to bowel health and are waiting for the first results.” Last month Zespri has lodged the claim Zespri green kiwifruit can contribute to normal bowel function.
It is believed to be the first self-substantiated health claim in New Zealand under the Food Standards AustraliaNew Zealand’s standard for nutrition, health and related claims. Being able to make similar claims for SunGold “would be fantastic for our loyal consumers, who value the digestive health benefits they get from eating Zespri Green Kiwifruit,” says Veronique. Making the health claim for Zespri kiwifruit should benefit growers by generating increased consumption, says Veronique. “Besides taste and quality, health is one of the top three factors consumers take into account when buying kiwifruit. Increased health knowledge means increased Zespri Kiwifruit consumption across all our markets. “Health-conscious consumers are more familiar with the Zespri brand and buy more Zespri Kiwifruit.” However, getting the message about bowel function to all consumers is not easy, says Veronique. Sensitive “Communicating digestive health benefits can be sensitive in some cultures and countries; and our approach differs by market. Our consumer research helps us understand which messages may work or not work; Germany is an example of a sensitive culture.” In ‘health-sophisticated’ markets like Spain or Taiwan the message is easier to communicate. “Consumer research in our major markets showed us our loyal consumers know this digestive benefit
[of Zespri kiwifruit] very well. A ‘feel-the-difference’ approach, like our 14-Day Challenge, has been effective in a number of markets so far,” says Veronique. “We also target groups involved in healthcare with these messages, such as health care professionals and key opinion leaders. They can help us spread the information.” Making the application for the Zespri Green claim in New Zealand involved an in-depth literature review and an objective analysis of the studies identified as relevant, says Veronique. “Seven human studies were reviewed and systematically ranked for quality and strength of the relationship.” “The relationship between the food and health effect was consistently high across all studies. The studies reviewed covered a period of over 10 years [from 2002-2014] in New Zealand, China, Taiwan, Japan, Belgium and Spain.” “There were a large number of human clinical trials with fresh Zespri Green kiwifruit, resulting in high [75 per cent] consistency for favourable effects scores for frequency and comfort.Evidence for the effectiveness of kiwifruit in the normalisation of bowel habit was consistently strong.” By Elaine Fisher
Most common and most curable cancer New Zealand has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world and skin cancer is the commonest cancer affecting New Zealander's, accounting for approximately 80 per cent of all new cancers diagnosed each year.
Spot the difference? Skin Cancer is by far the most common cancer in New Zealand and the number of diagnosed cases continues to rise each year. Skin Cancer can be life threatening, specifically melanoma if not treated early, so ensure you receive the right analysis and treatment at an early stage. Call the Skin Centre today to arrange an examination.
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Most people know of someone who has been affected, and sadly, many know of someone who has died from skin cancer. Whilst skin cancer is the commonest cancer, it is also the most curable. Like most malignancies, the earlier it is detected, the simpler the treatment and the better the prognosis. With regard to malignant melanoma and to a certain extent squamous cell carcinoma, early identification and intervention saves lives. Basal cell carcinoma
rarely spreads but needs recognition and appropriate treatment to avoid potentially disfiguring complications. Timely identification and treatment of skin cancer is dependent upon people presenting early to a doctor if they have any concerns about their skin but predominantly by examinations by a doctor specially trained in recognising the often subtle early signs. Most skin cancers are not painful and will grow insidiously, often being detected later when there is a higher potential for complications. Specialist dermatologists are medical doctors who have undergone an extensive training programme to equip them with expertise in the identification and management of all skin disorders. This training provides the skill and experience necessary to diagnose all types of skin cancer and recommend the most appropriate treatment to optimise the cure rates. Such treatments may include
microsopically controlled excision of skin cancer (Mohs micrographic surgery) for certain facial skin cancers, standard surgical excision, cryotherapy (freezing treatment) and topical treatment (with creams). Specialist dermatologists are experts in examining all of your skin to identify the early signs of skin cancer, using adjunctive tools such as magnification, dermoscopy (microsopy of the skin) and biopsies to diagnose skin cancers at the earliest possible stage and distinguish them from the often significant number of harmless growths and blemishes that we have on our skin. When it comes to skin cancer, the earlier the better. If you have any concerns about your skin or would like a skin examination (skin check) make an appointment to see a specialist dermatologist.
For further information please see www.skincentre.com. By Dr Neil Mortimer BSc Hons MBChB FRCP (UK) FRACP FACMS By Dr Neil Mortimer
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Techno traps win award A conservation management system designed by University of Waikato computer science students has won a major prize at the New Zealand finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup. Jourdan Templeton, Nathan Holland and Stephen Quale call their management system Ohiti - the watchful eye on wildlife. It involves a small transmitter being connected to a trap that records each time it is triggered. That data is relayed in real-time to a base unit. It is then uploaded
to a server on the internet and processed. The Waikato students entered the Imagine Cup in the innovation category where they were runners up, winning $2000 and some job offers too. "We had to make a formal presentation in front of five judges and then run a showcase, like an expo, which generated a lot of interest," says Jourdan. "There were a lot of people who came and talked to us and were keen to get involved with the project. We were really happy with the result." The management system provides valuable information. "We can collect a wide range of data every
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Peter Dench, of Chainsaws & Mowers Whakatane Ltd, with Walker ride-on mowers.
“The right equipment for the job is vital for safety and efficiency, as is after-sales service, and providing both to customers is what we do,” says owner Peter Dench. Located in Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty and situated at Gateway Crescent, the company specialises in Walker Mowers, renowned for their efficiency, quality construction, durability and out-front mowing. “Whether you have a small garden
patch or a large, park-like garden, Walker has the right ride-on mower for you,” says Peter. Chainsaws & Mowers Whakatane will provide clients with the right Walker mower, which comes fully assembled with a pre-delivery service to manufacturers’ specifications. “We also offer a free after-sales service check to ensure longevity of your Walker mower.” Chainsaws & Mowers Whakatane also sells top brands of mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, cultivators, water blasters and much more. The company has a full workshop and parts facilities with trained staff. “Come and see the team at Chainsaws & Mowers Whakatane for your brand new Walker Mower,” says Peter.
time a trap is activated and use that data to provide information about the environment and the impact of pests in the area. For example, Ohiti can alert you when an area of forest has more pest activity than normal. Knowing this, we can target these areas immediately. We can become more proactive than reactive," says Jourdan. The third-year students trialled their system in the Hamilton Gardens, setting up a chain of three Goodnature A24 rat traps roughly 50m-70m apart in a gully area. "Our goal was two-fold. First, we wanted to make it easy to maintain the traps without sending people on a hike to check each one and secondly we wanted to provide a portal that would enable conservationists to be more proactive in protecting native species." The actual traps are designed by a Wellington company Goodnature. The humane traps are now being used by the Department of Conservation to
kill possums, rats and stoats. "They’re self-reloading and don’t use poison, but rather a CO2 gas-powered pneumatic bolt which fires, killing the animal instantly," says Jourdan. For the Imagine Cup, entrants are required to create an original technology project, coming up with the idea, developing a plan, building the project and submitting it in the competition. "We didn’t win the big prize - a trip to the world finals in Seattle in July - but we’re still pleased with our result and can see potential to develop it further," Jourdan says. At the moment the transmitter technology works best in parks or bushland near built up areas because of its operating frequency but Jourdan says as the technology evolves it will be able to be used in a broader range of environments. “Ohiti demonstrates the potential for technology to aid the conservation and preservation of kiwi.”
Lunchtime ‘irrelevant’ in sexual advances case It may come as a surprise to some: on occasions conduct occurring outside the workplace can give rise to disciplinary action by an employer. In the case of Smith versus The Christchurch Press Company Ltd, Mr Smith was dismissed for serious misconduct after making unwanted sexual advances towards a co-worker during a lunch break at his house. In this case the Court of Appeal confirmed: “It is not so much a question of where the conduct occurs but rather its impact or potential impact on the employer’s business, because the business may be damaged in some way; because the conduct is incompatible with the proper discharge of the employee’s duties; because it impacts on the employer’s obligations to other employees or for any other reason it undermines the trust and confidence necessary between employer and employee”. In this case the Court of Appeal upheld the Employment Court’s finding that the decision to dismiss Mr Smith was justified. The Court of Appeal said it was “irrelevant” the sexual conduct occurred outside the workplace at lunchtime. Thus, with regard to conduct occurring outside the workplace resulting in disciplinary action, the key is to identify whether there is a sufficient link between the employee’s conduct and their employment. 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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COUNTRY LIVING
Consultant to horse owners Improving the welfare and life of horses, and the enjoyment of their owners, is the aim of Kat Macmillan of Tauranga.
To achieve those aims, she’s established a new service in the Bay called The Equine Consultant to offer practical training, support and advice for horse owners. The services include advice about purchasing the right horse, riding instruction and training of horses,
ironing out behavioural problems and horse management and husbandry. “I just love helping people get the best out of their horses and sometimes it can be as simple as them not really understanding the needs of the horse, or not knowing some aspects of saddlery, grooming or horse care. “Horses are potentially very dangerous animals to be around if you get things wrong and over the years I’ve seen and heard of so many nasty accidents and even deaths that could
have been avoided if people had done the right thing,” says Kat. “With horses, people need to be safe and knowledgeable on and off the ground to get the most out of their sport. And that’s where the idea of The Equine Consultant was born.” As well as helping with individuals, Kat aims to support equestrian businesses and non-profit groups, such as pony clubs, not only with training seminars for riders but with strategic planning, business development, marketing, management, recruitment, staffing, mediation, health and safety, governance, fundraising, profile raising and developing partnerships. Kat has extensive riding, horsemanship and equestrian business management experience having managed equestrian centres, equine welfare centres and riding therapy centres for almost 20 years in New Zealand, England, Malaysia and Australia. She has competed in equine events throughout her life, and started and produced a wide range of horses. “My long-term goals are to be able to educate and support on a wide enough scale to improve the welfare and life of horses around the Bay and even nationally and to help people enjoy equestrian sports and pleasure riding with as few hiccups as possible.”
Helping owners enjoy the best from their horses is the aim of a new service in the Bay.
Nutritious tasty meals cost less than takeaways Jas McPhee has been so successful at feeding her family on a tight budget she’s decided to share her tips and recipes in a cookbook she’s called ‘Feed a family of six for under $20’.
The budget may be minimal, but the food’s not. Jas has found ways to prepare nourishing, tasty and healthy food for her growing family for much less than the cost of takeaways. Her book provides tips on how to stock and store staple ingredients and foods in the pantry and freezer; and recipes include those for chicken, pork and fish, beef and lamb and pasta. There are recipes for light meals and side dishes, baking and treats, sauces and dressings. Each recipe gives a breakdown of how much money was spent on the meal, and many come in under $20. The illustrations are as tempting as the dishes, and the instructions clear and easy to follow. Thanks to publishers Penguin Books, Coast & Country has a copy of ‘Feed a family of six for under $20’ to give away. To be in to win, email your name and address, with Cook Book Prize as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Cook book, Coast & Country Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than July 17. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s August issue.
COUNTRY LIVING
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New subdivision rules about to bite in Waipa Two years ago Waipa District Council announced proposed new rural subdivision rules in their district plan review. Today they’ve taken effect.
Radical changes to subdivision rules are about to place a big cost on the subdivision of rural properties. Council decisions have just been released and in most cases the committee upheld the original proposal. The 40 hectare minimum rural size is now virtually set in concrete, barring an appeal to the Environment Court. This has been lifted from the old 25ha minimum and makes it so much harder to establish smallersized lots required for uses other than large-scale dairying. Situations requiring such lots will need a non-complying application, which may not be impossible but
will be expensive – requiring much expert evidence. The committee’s justification for holding fast on this one is “any demand for smaller lots can be met by the existing lots within the district, a resource consent process or other mechanisms such as boundary relocations”. The ‘long association’ subdivision, which was used by many to create a block for a family member or retirement, has gone. This is confirmed in the decision, as expected. However, one old rule reinstated is the one allowing surplus houses to be subdivided off the farm. This is reintroduced as a discretionary activity. The discretionary process is one being adopted more and more in the latest district plan,
giving council more control and the discretion to either approve or decline the application. The flipside is it gives landowners no control, and they have no certainty their application will be eventually approved after spending many thousands in fees to apply for a consent. This process demands a more rigorous application, and often requires the consent of ‘affected’ parties and many reports. Most future rural subdivision will have to be achieved through the protection of significant ecological, landscape and view-shaft features. Although there are many throughout the area, if they’re not on your property you miss out.
Farmers offered furniture for trees Natural timber is in and plastic is out for day care centre furniture – and Mount Maunganui’s Spruceup Company needs farmers’ help to keep up with demand for the furniture it is making.
we’re happy to go through and take selected trees out of a stand. “Also macrocarpa, Lawson and redwood is used to build the larger playground equipment and tables, and we can even use pencil-sized branches for picket fencing and larger branches for water features or sandpit equipment.” Recent storms have brought down macrocarpa trees and the Spruceup team is also An example of the kind of outdoor furniture Spruceup able to remove those Company may swap for trees. for landowners, but it’s the ti-tree which is most in demand. Richard is keen to hear from farmers from the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel who have trees they want removed. So if you don’t want to see your trees end up as firewood, call Richard on 0800 777 823.
“We need manuka or ti-tree of all sizes and are willing to buy standing trees, or better still, swap them for outdoor furniture made in our factory,” says Richard Knaggs, who with wife Elodie owns the company which makes a wide range of indoor and outdoor furniture, small buildings and play equipment. “Day care centres are going natural with their furniture for children and we’ve made tables, fences and play equipment for centres from Kaitaia to Gore and even exported furniture to Australia and Canada,” says Richard. He’s keen to hear from farmers who have lots of standing ti-tree, from as small as 10 trees to as big as several acres. “Ti-tree is being grown for manuka honey production but in some cases bigger trees can be removed, so
Council has also stated it wants rural subdivisions to be limited to no more than 50 lots per year and will look at changing the rules if too many subdivisions are being carried out. Based on recent years, there will be more lots than that – and I believe we can expect more changes as council struggles to direct most development
into towns. If you’ve had any plans to subdivide, you should contact a surveying company familiar with the new rules to check your plans are still on track.
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
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COUNTRY LIVING
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Brand sustainability winner for Bartons Lake Taupo farmers Mike and Sharon Barton have turned what others might see as a negative, into a positive branding opportunity. In 2011 the Bartons, who farm under strict environmental legislation on the shores of the lake, established their own brand ‘Taupo Beef ’ to market top quality, environmentally sustainable meat to high-end retail
outlets. The couple’s unique and innovative approach to farming in an environmentally sensitive area has earned the Tihoi beef farmers the 2014 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards’ Supreme title Mike and Sharon manage and work the farm and beef-supply business, which currently sells beef from two private farms – their own and a local Maori incorporation. BFEA judges say the 'vertical growth” of the business has allowed it to capture a premium by directly supplying quality beef to consumers. The Bartons, who farm the 142ha Glen Emmreth Farm on the western side of Lake Taupo, also won the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management award and the Massey University Innovation award. Mike and Sharon bought the Tihoi farm in 2004 at a time when strict environmental legislation to protect the health of the lake was looming. They faced this challenge head-on, determined to make their farm as environmentally sustainable as possible. BFEA judges say the business “has been built from its inception with the understanding that it must be made environmentally sustainable in an extremely difficult location”. Judges praised the Barton’s proactive mindset and huge commitment to furthering industry change “to true environmental
Mike and Sharon Barton won the Supreme title in the 2014 Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Awards. accountability and sustainability”. Glen Emmreth Farm carries 2000 stock units on 128ha effective land, including an 8ha lease block. Running an all-grass system, first-cross Charolais/Angus heifers are bought in as weaners and finished as rising two year olds. Contour is mostly flat to rolling with some steep faces around a stream running through the farm and adjacent reserve land into Lake Taupo. The Bartons have completed considerable environmental work on the farm, including fencing and planting riparian areas. They’ve also installed new crossings and a dam, and built a central farm race for improved access and soil protection. A former chairman of farmer group Taupo Lake Care, Mike is now a trustee for the Lake Taupo Protection Trust, which is the body charged with reducing the catchment’s
nitrogen output. He and Sharon successfully ‘agitated’ for science and research funding specifically for farming in the Taupo area, and Glen Emmreth became the host farm for a five-year AgResearch trial. The Bartons have been heavily involved in this research, which BFEA judges say has provided a catalyst “to get farmers to think outside of their conventional ways and challenge themselves to be more environmentally aware and responsible”. They said the Bartons’ contribution to development of a target-based methodology will greatly assist New Zealand’s farming industry, including farm environment management. “This farm model shows there are different ways of doing things, with outcomes that can fit into tight restrictions.” Judges also noted the couple’s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom about optimum biological Olsen P levels under pumice soil. The extensive use of Overseer in conjunction with interim results from leaching research has aided decision-making on the farm.
Pain-free feet help make for a happy life Healthy and pain-free feet are important for a happy life. Unfortunately, three out of five of us will at some point develop foot pain. One of the more common foot disorders are bunions.
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Clinically described as Hallux Abducto Valgus, bunions are characterised by the abnormal position of the big toe positioned towards or against the lesser toes, often presenting with an enlargement at the big toe joint. This enlargement can be caused by abnormal bony growth and/or overlying bursa (internal blister), formation at the big toe joint and/or commonly a shift of the long bone that sits directly behind the big toe (the first metatarsal shaft). Two small bones that act like knee caps (sesamoid bones), that normally sit directly underneath the big toe dislocate out of their normal position and compound the bunion deformity. Professional medical opinions differ
as to the cause of bunions. Some say they are genetically derived, others say they are caused by foot wear. Others say it’s a bit of both. The effective treatment of bunions relies upon a full understanding of the deformity. The secret to success is in the planning and once the appropriate technique is chosen for your bunion, you can expect a good long-term result. The latest surgical techniques offer the quickest post-operative recovery, with no need for overnight hospital stays, casts or general anaesthetics. In most cases you can expect to return to walking in four-six weeks. Stefan Edwards FNZCPS, Podiatric Surgeon, www.footcentre.co.nz
RURAL DRIVER
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Siblings’ argument prompts father to build cars Rex Williams wouldn’t stand for his children arguing over who would get his 1926 Model T Ford when he dies. So the now 83-year-old decided to make things fair and build each of his four children their own vehicle. About 50 years ago Rex, who has lived in Te Puna, Tauranga his whole life, overheard his children arguing about the car when he first bought it. It was known as the ‘new beauty’ because it was from the last of the Model T range, and a cross between a Model T and a Model A Ford. “There was an almighty argument that when the ‘old man carks it I was having the new beauty’.
Rex Williams, with the cars he’s built for his children.
“One was saying they were going to have it. ‘No you’re not’ piped up another, and the third one pipes up and says ‘well I have news for you, because I’m having it’.” To solve the argument, unknown to his children, Rex began gathering parts in the hope of building another three cars. “I thought, ‘well time’s on my side’ and at that time you could find bits of Model T Fords strewn around most farmers paddocks.” Rex eventually claimed a 1920s pick-up truck. It had the motor and surrounds but no body. “I eventually found a mud guard here and a mud guard there and I got the second one finished. “I was bailing hay at a chap’s place in Bethlehem and I spotted a chassis blocking a hole in a guy’s hedge.” Rex knew it was a good chassis, and it was a truck chassis. “I thought I’ll have that. I did a deal [for it] to take away a load of rubbish and two loads of hay.” During the next few years Rex accumulated more parts and it wasn’t long before he had a one tonne truck completed. Fifty years on, he has three Model Ts completed and on the road – and a fourth awaiting a coat of paint. Rex says there is now one car each for his children. “They can figure out between themselves who will get what. I won’t be here to hear the argument.” Rex says the odd thing is they didn’t realise he’d heard their argument. “I only told them about it 12 months ago. But they didn’t remember. Our eldest said they never talked like that. “I told them ‘I have news for you, because I heard the whole thing’.” Rex and his wife Dot celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this month. By Letitia Atkinson
RURAL DRIVER
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RURAL DRIVER
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RURAL DRIVER
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Putting the SUV in SUAVE
The new Mercedes GLA-Class seems a little left-field for a Mercedes, not quite a family sedan, not quite a small runabout like the A-Class – just somewhere in between. But as soon as you look at its competition, it makes perfect sense. The GLA-Class is a spacious SUV, which gives you the feel of the traditional Mercedes, solid and well-made, but with a little surprise. This car handles like a hot hatch. It’s nimble, quick, and does exactly what you tell it to do. I drove the entry-level model, with the 100kW diesel engine, and was surprised by how responsive it is. Some diesels make you second-guess when pulling out of junctions, but this one gives you the confidence to deal with the traffic. The power is smooth and consistently delivered, thanks to its pairing with a seven-speed auto transmission, and enough torque to pull you up a cliff. It also doesn’t cost the earth to run, with a mere 4.6L/100km – a challenge to most small cars.
Ruggedness
There’s no doubt this is an attractive car, with its aggressive front-styling that Mercedes are becoming known for, but still undeniably executive and prestige, and a hint of ruggedness to boot. This follows through to the inside, a definite break from the usually subdued Mercedes interior – this one is modern, stylish – and dare I say, a bit funky. It’s very well-appointed, comfortable, and highly configurable to suit the driver. The allround vision is excellent, which gives you a great feeling of confidence to maneuver.
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RURAL DRIVER
The chance to ride over farmland is the appeal of the Kuratau Community Trail Ride.
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Kuratau trail ride attracts 800 A small rural community near the western shores of Lake Taupo played host to 800 riders taking part in two days’ of trail riding through farmland and spectacular scenery late last month. The Kuratau Community Trail Ride is a major fundraiser for the 70-student local school, the local playgroup and the community hall, says Kuratau School principal Craig McGregor. “This is a great community event where everyone gets together to make it work.” Craig says students, teachers and parents play a big part in the organisation and promotion of the event which is only made possible by the generous support of the managers, trustees and staff of Moerangi, Oraukura, Rangiatea, Waituhi Kuratau and Te Aputa Stations who allow those taking part to ride across their land. “It takes a lot of work by the station staff to mark out the tracks and move stock before the ride. They also help out marshalling and rescuing bikes which have got stuck, or crashed,” says Craig. And while 800 bikes cause damage t o the pasture, the event organisers assist with re-instatement where possible. “This year tracks had been softened by rain, creating perfect conditions for riders,” says Craig.
“However, last year we didn’t hold the ride because the stations had been hard hit by the drought. They couldn’t afford to have what little pasture was left damaged by riders.” Downers Group staff assisted with traffic management when riders crossed the state highway. While there were plenty of spills, and St John Ambulance staff and paramedics were on hand, only one participant suffered a suspected fractured leg. “The only other major injury was a man who chopped off two fingers when loading a bike onto its transport at the end of the day,” says Craig. The Kuratau Trail ride began 15 years ago with about 40 locals taking part. Word of the ride spread and now riders on two-wheel and four-wheel ATVs come from throughout the North Island to ride during two days, on two 40km loop tracks, or shorter but more challenging double A and triple A loop tracks. Craig says funds from this year’s event will be used to employ extra teacher aids and teaching staff and buy IT equipment for the school, equipment for the playgroup, and improvements to the hall. “The event is also good for Turangi, as most people stay in the area for the weekend.”
Sensitive to safety This car seems to have sensors everywhere. If someone gets too close to you, or indeed you too close to them, warning lights and chimes will let you know something is getting a little too close for comfort. Lights embedded in the mirrors (blind spot assist) will glow amber or red, depending on how close you are to impending doom. A little closer and you start getting warning chimes. Closer still, well, you should have been paying attention, as you’ve just lost a wing mirror. You would literally have to be asleep to have an accident in this car. Even though I had the entry level model, it was still well-equipped. Leather
seats and door trims, navigation system, dual zone climate control, iPhone/iPod integration, even paddle shift gears. The exterior, confidently wearing 18 inch twin-spoke alloy wheels has tinted glass, roof rails and very attractive styling. It looks like a small car from the outside, but as a six foot male, I was very comfortable up front SPECIFICATIONS and had room to spare in the GLA-Class 200 CDI back. There’s even plenty of Engine: 4 cylinder, direct boot space for a suitcase or injection, turbo diesel two, and a couple of bags. Displacement: 2143cc, 100 kW Plenty for a week away at Transmission: 7 speed DCT the ski slopes. automatic Drive System: Front wheel drive Price From: $64,900 Dealer/Contacts: Ingham Sears Mercedes, 55 Totara St, Mount Maunganui. Call 07 572 8260 or visit: www.mbinghamsears.co.nz
There’s also a raft of optional extras available, from electronic seat controls (standard on other models) right up to some AMG styling options. If you fancy a little extra for the country roads though, there are two all-wheeldrive models in the GLA range. Firstly, the GLA 250 4Matic – an allwheel-drive version with 2.0l 155kW turbocharged petrol engine, starting at $76,900. Then there’s the GLA 45 AMG 4Matic, which, as the name suggests, is the AMG-styled and tuned variant, producing a whopping 265kW from the same 2.0l turbocharged petrol engine from $99,900.
All in all, if you’re shopping for a good-sized SUV, you won’t go wrong here. Modern, stylish, looks that won’t age and plenty of configurations to make it your perfect car. Why not drop in to Ingham Sears Mercedes today for a test drive? By Jay Burston
COAST & COUNTRY
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To list your rura for free please l event, julie@thesun.co email: .n Rural Event in z with th subject heading. e
trades & services
Saturday July 12 Poultry and Pigeon Annual Show
BER TR TIM E
Tree Sale
Fruit, nuts and more at Katikati A&P Showgrounds, Major St, just north of Katikati. Event is on 10am-12.30pm. Good variety of tree cropping and other plants for sale at reasonable prices. Cash only. Organised by NZ Tree Crops Association. Call Elizabeth on 07 549 2795.
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July 26 and July 27 from 9am-5.30pm. Two-day workshop with Corene Walker. This workshop can fast-track you to vibrant health, happiness and joy. Held at Out in the Styx Guesthouse, 2117 Arapuni Rd, Te Awamutu. Register online at: www. coachapproach.co.nz/ whats-on.
Wednesday July 30 Julie Wood “That Blind Woman”
Maniototo Rural Women NZ and the Lions Club of Maniototo are combining to bring you Julie Wood ‘That Blind Woman’ a fantastic inspirational speaker with a difference. Wednesday 30 July, 7pm Rugby Club Rooms.Cost $25, includes wine/beer, supper and proceeds to the Blind Foundation. Everyone welcome. Email: rwnzmaniototo@ gmail.com
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COAST & COUNTRY
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COAST & COUNTRY
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Best friends Natalia Bishara, eight, Tylar Burton, eight, and Miziah Mita, nine, at The Polaris Big Four 2014. Photo by Tracy Hardy.
The boys’ first catch on the new farm. Sent in by Nadia Bracewell.
“Where are ewe?” Happy sheep at the front door. Sent in by Molly Turner.
Cameron Stewart, six, and Jessica Stewart, four, at The Polaris Big Four. Photo by Tracy Hardy. The Cook and Mclean families on their motorbike missions. Sent in by Nadia Bracewell.
COAST & COUNTRY PRIZE UP FOR GRABS! Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera” or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.
This is our son Oliver Purdie, hugging one of our heifers. Sent in by Shelley.
A beauitful sunset looking at the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty. Sent in by Tara Johns.