C&C 02/13

INSIDE

February ‘13

Issue No. 150

DAIRY 6-16 DAIRY DEVELOPMENT 21-23 FORESTRY 24 RURAL DRIVER 26-27 CONTRACTORS 30-31 MAIZE 36-37 COUNTRY LIVING 42-47 CLASSIFIEDS 48-49

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

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INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE

Scott Reunion Page 30

Is it time for tea?

New Goat Dairy Page 21

Blueberry Farming Page 34

Ballance Farm Environment Awards Page 6-16

Could this Waikato tea harvest signal the start of the next big horticultural crop for New Zealand? Peizhen Wu from Taiwan and Guida Aroujo from East Timor pick tea at Zealong estate near Hamilton. – read the story on pages 4-5

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Sci-fi suits and coconut crops…

A decade or so ago senior students from a small rural Bay of Plenty primary school were studying climate change.

As part of their project they were asked to describe the kind of world their children or grandchildren might live in.

Among their predictions was an environment where people stayed inside during the hottest part of the day and never ventured out without head to toe lightweight reflective suits and eye protection in summer.

They also speculated that tropical crops like pineapples and coconuts could be grown in the Bay. The ‘tin-foil suits’ sounded pretty ScFi as did the warning about staying out of the midday sun – but that’s exactly what Australians have been told in recent weeks as temperatures soared in the 50s and fires raged across many states.

An old-world, rather than space-age form of protective clothing is making a colourful splash in the Waikato where tea pickers are wearing coolie hats designed to keep off sun and rain and allow air circulation around the wearer’s head (see page 4).

The pickers are covered head to toe – usually in

Western garb, with the exception of long fingerless gloves which protect arms and the backs of hands from the sun. Centuries of working in the tropical heat has taught the value of protecting skin – something we Kiwis still need to learn.

It might not be warm enough for coconuts in the Bay but an increase in temperatures could make it harder for the vine disease Psa-V to thrive bringing some relief to struggling kiwifruit growers.

The hot, dry conditions of January brought a temporary halt to new infections but growers know the cool damp conditions of autumn will re-activate the bacteria (see page 31).

While the debate continues about what’s to blame for climate change – nature or man – Barack Obama put the USA on notice that his administration intends to tackle its impacts, in the speech after being sworn in for his second term of office.

Whatever the arguments, there’s no dispute we live in a changing world and so far, through climate cooling and warming, humans have proved their ability to adapt but perhaps in this century those skills will

By Elaine Fisher. be tested as never before.

Winner of last month’s book prize – ‘Knots, Rigs & Baits’ by Mark Kitteridge, published by Halcyon Press is Zacharay Smith of Waiuku.

Winner of the South Coast Production’s DVD ‘To the Limit’ is David Clarke of Waimana.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Sustainable farming practices showcased by awards This year’s Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment awards have attracted dry stock and dairy farmers, kiwifruit and blueberry orchardists from throughout the district and this issue of Coast & Country features stories by Elaine Fisher about of eight of those entrants, beginning on page 6.

Chairman for the Bay of Plenty awards Bruce Calder of Whakatane says as always the annual awards have attracted a high calibre of entrant, though most have taken some persuading to take part.

“Farmers and growers are by nature reluctant to put

themselves forward for such awards and are usually nominated by friends or associates. However, most also find taking part very rewarding, and a chance to show just what the rural sector is doing to take care of the environment and farm sustainably,” says Bruce who with wife Tessa is past supreme winner of the Bay of Plenty awards.

The awards aim to recognise farmers who pursue good environmental practices and the winners represent the cream of those farming sustainably in the Bay of Plenty region.

While there are several categories of awards, the winner of the Bay of Plenty supreme title will represent the region in a national contest in which supreme winners from nine other regions throughout the country will also take part.

The awards are co-ordinated by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust which aims to promote

Trees for Bees survival plan Released to the wild, most domestic livestock could survive but there’s one species now almost totally dependent on man - the honeybee.

In New Zealand, honeybees are under so much pressure from pests, disease and chemicals that they need human help to keep healthy.

The irony is that in turn humans need bees. According to a UN report, bees pollinate more than 70 per cent of the 100 crop species that supply 90 per cent of the world's food.

Barry Foster, President of the National Beekeepers Association of New Zealand says this country’s economy relies on bees too as they pollinate our major horticultural crops and the pastures from which our milk and meat is produced.

The varroa mite, a bee parasite now found throughout the country, has furthered weakened New Zealand honeybees, making them more susceptible to other pests and disease and there’s concern that agricultural and horticultural chemicals may also be impacting on bees’ immunity.

Barry says while beekeepers have concerns about agricultural chemicals they are also worried about the decreased in food sources for bees in spring and autumn, which is why the national association is involved in the Trees for Bees project.

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“Bees need a good dose of proteins, lipids and amino acids which they get from pollen to be able to survive the winter but increasingly the sources of good quality pollen are reducing.”

While he’s not an advocate for gorse, Barry says it is an excellent food source for bees, as are willows, but intensification of farming and changing methods of managing water ways means these species are being removed.

The aim of the Trees for Bees project is to identify which exotic and native trees provide the best food for bees in both spring and winter, and encourage farmers, lifestylers and urban dwellers to plant them to help the bees survive.

Dr.Linda Newstrom-Lloyd of Landcare Research has spent the last three years researching trees and shrubs which provide a high quality pollen, basing much of her work at the Eastwoodhill Arboretum in Gisborne where in April she will presenting the preliminary results of her research at a special conference.

From the diversity of plants at the arboretum, she has identified many that have the potential to increase pollen supply during times of shortage in spring and autumn.

She will be supported by a panel of speakers from the bee industry, farm forestry sector, nursery association and Landcare Research.

There’s already information to help farmers choose the best trees for bees and their farm available at www.treesforbeesnz.org

sustainable farming practices to protect and enhance environment.

Tickets for the 2013 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards dinner on Friday February 22and awards ceremony cost $70 per person.

The evening begins at 5.30pm with pre-dinner drinks, and award ceremony commencing at 6.00pm, at

the TECT Arena Suites, TECT Arena in Tauranga on Friday February 22.

Tickets must be purchased by Monday 11 February from Kirsten Winter, Regional Coordinator on bop@bfea. org.nz or phone 0275 721 244.

For more information about Ballance Farm Environment Awards go to www.bfea.org.nz

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The regional winners of awards which are designed to encourage farmers to support and adopt sustainable farming practices will be announced later this month.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

At the cutting edge of tea harvesting

Picking tea since childhood has enabled Thoeun San to perfect the art of two-handed harvesting.

Thoeun San’s fingers dance across the foliage, snipping tender young tips with blades taped to her index fingers.

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Picking tea since childhood in Taiwan has enabled her to perfect the Zealong deputy general techniques of the manager Gigi Crawford two-handed harsays 80 workers are vest and Thoeun employed for tea harnot only selects vesting, 20 per cent and cuts the best from overseas and the quality and ideal balance locally. Tea length of leaves picking is a skill that without pause, takes time to learn. ta but also holds cutTo maintain the high g pe e b sb tings in both hands quality standards Zealong e lad for has set itself, it is necessary to until they are so full she es to g be n i h n r er inde must drop the leaves into her bring in pickers from Taiwan. x fingers each mo apron.

There’s more than skill to being a great Thoeun is among the foreign seasonal workers tea picker though. whose expertise in tea picking is currently key to “Ideally they should have quite small hands the success of New Zealand’s newest, largest and because it is delicate work and the leaves must not be only commercial tea growing venture: Zealong, crushed. Pickers should also be flexible, able to bend of Hamilton. and reach across the bushes too.

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Colourful, practical work wear They also need to be fit Gigi says members of gardening groups who visit the enough to work outside for tea plantation have been asking where they can buy most of the day and, most of coolie hats and gloves, recognising just how practical all, love and understand tea,” they are. says Gigi.

Zealong’s Taiwanese pickers experience endless sumTea is grown on two sites, mers. They arrive in New Zealand in November and the original three hectares at stay until March, taking part in three harvests for Rototuna and the new 48ha Zealong, before returning to pick tea in the Taiwanese garden near Gordonton. spring and summer.

Both are BioGro certified and They are employed under the Recognised Seasonal managed according to organic Employer scheme known as RSE, which allows the horprinciples, which means weeds ticultural industry to bring in workers when not enough are controlled not by sprays New Zealanders can be found.

Pickers weigh their baskets of tea leaves every but manually.

Key pickers among the team teach locals, many of “Weed control is one of our one and a half to two hours during the day. them Cambodian refugees, big issues but people who how to pick and their work is overseen by farm manknow tea growing are impressed that they can’t find ager Eric Lin and supervisor John Mitchell. weeds growing up inside our bushes. However, weeds “The best pickers can harvest between 40 and 70kg of do grow between the rows and if pickers have no idea tea a day, while locals who are just learning may pick as what’s a weed and what is tea, there’s risk of them picklittle as 5kg,” says Eric. ing the wrong leaves.”

Skilled pickers are paid by how much they pick but Zealong has not only brought a new crop to the Waikato landscape, but also new colour. The Taiwanese new pickers are paid the minimum wage until their picking rate is fast enough to go onto a piece rate. women wear traditional round bamboo hats, scarves Pickers, most of them women, wear aprons, tipping and long fingerless gloves, their colourful outfits the leaves into large bamboo baskets once the aprons contrasting strongly with the lush green of rows of are full. waist-high tea bushes.

The dress may be traditional but the reasons for wear- Every one and a half to two hours, they carry the baskets and aprons to where John has set up scales to ing them are practical. record their harvest. The leaves are tipped into bags “The shape of the hats means they circulate air for transport to the factory where, after 36 hours of around the top of the head, keeping the pickers not processing, they will be packaged, ready for sale as only protected from the sub, but cool too – and the Zealong Tea. long sleeves protect their hands from the sun.”

By Elaine Fisher

Perfect – Zealong deputy general manager Gigi Crawford with a sprig of tea ideal for making the company’s quality product.

Camellia inspired new industry Camellia trees, with their sometime showy, sometimes delicate flowers and lush green foliage, are a feature of many long-established New Zealand gardens.

While we have admired their flowers and form for generations, few Kiwis probably realise the world’s finest teas are made from members of the camellia family.

Tzu Chen knew exactly where oolong tea came from and when he saw camellia bushes flourishing in a garden next to his Hamilton home, he realised tea could grow in the Waikato too.

In 1996, he and his son Vincent imported 1500 tea cutting from Taiwan.

The then Ministry of Agricul-

ture allowed them to cultivate the cuttings and then took them to grow under quarantine, away from Vincent’s care. At the end of the quarantine period, father and son were left with only 130 plants from which thousands of tea bushes have been propagated to produce Zealong tea.

It was 2009 that the company was able to successfully introduce the first New Zealand grown tea to the local and international market and today the high quality tea is exported to Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Singapore, China and Taiwan.

It hasn’t been easy and the costs of growing tea in New Zealand are high because of compliance,

labour, land and the high value of the dollar. Then there’s the weather, with frosts in spring last year threatening to damage the growing tips just before harvest.

However, the founders of Zealong never set out to produce a stock standard tea-bag tea.

Their aims is the high end market of connoisseurs who understand and appreciate the taste of quality tea, in much the way wine buffs enjoy fine wine.

Deputy general manager Gigi Crawford says Zealong is committed to tea growing in New Zealand and believes tea offers a chance of diversification from more traditional crops such as kiwifruit and grapes.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Canal collapse still affecting farm It is 31 years since the canal for the Ruahihi power scheme collapsed, pouring millions of tonnes of ‘sludge’ onto a dairy farm in Omanawa Road, near Tauranga, but the impacts are still being felt.

On a fine spring afternoon, September 20, 1981, Dennis McFetridge, who owns the property with his wife Judith, saw the canal banks give way, and watched in disbelief as much of the lower farmland was engulfed.

The canal had been built to deliver water to the Ruahihi hydro-electric power station, on the banks of the Wairoa River, which had been opened the day before by then Prime Minister Rob Muldoon.

What ended up on the McFetridge farm was a mix of water, tonnes of clay from the canal banks and weeds, including kikuyu grass.

Even today, despite three decades of careful pasture management, low lying parts of the farm are not as fertile as they should be and kikuyu control is a constant issue.

The collapse of the Ruahihi Canal sent a sludge of clay and weeds through the McFetridge dairy farm in September 1981.

“We did wonder if this could ever be a productive dairy farm again,” says Dennis.

It was 12 years before compensation issues were settled and the family diversified into deer for a while but in the end decided dairy cows were the way to go.

Son Gordon, who completed a degree in agri-business at Lincoln University and for five years worked as a rural banker with the National Bank, now manages the family’s two dairy farms on Omanawa Road. He is assisted by two full-time staff with casuals, including university students, when required.

Gordon has continued and improved on the strategies his father employed to help restore the lower farm.

Grazing cows overnight in smaller paddocks on the clay areas and cropping the land have been among the methods Gordon McFetridge now manages the farm used to help for his parents Dennis and Judith. improve fertility.

“Turnips don’t grow as well here as they do on the other farm but growing a crop not only gives us more feed for the cows, it also enables us to re-sow the pasture and hopefully reduce the kikuyu,” says Gordon.

Kikuyu has spread through the farm and because it dies in winter, doesn’t provide sufficient year-round feed.

“We have to re-sow the pasture each year. Flat to rolling areas of the farm are direct drilled. Seed and fertiliser are mixed and applied to the steep hillsides by helicopter.”

The herd is mainly Jersey or a Jersey-cross because lighter animals are better suited to the farm’s contour, which ranges from rolling to steep. The younger herd of 180 two and three year old cows is grazed on what the family calls the lower farm, while the older 260 cows graze the top farm, just up the road.

Today the lower farm bears little resemblance to the photos taken shortly after the collapse, when it looked as if thick cream-white

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Dennis says the farm is full of springs and it was to help protect the land and water courses that areas were retired and planted in native bush. The Ivy Stream which runs through the farm has been fenced and with the assistance of Environment Bay of Plenty, planted in native trees and flaxes.

Although the two farms are just minutes away by vehicle, they are too far apart to use the same dairy, so each has its own milking and effluent systems.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

Conservation measures help with healing Turnips provide not only supplementary feed but also a means of pasture renewal on the less fertile areas of the farm.

The younger herd of 180 two and three year old cows is grazed on what the family calls ‘the lower farm’.

Barley is fed to cows while they are milked in the McFetridge dairy.

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Gordon has improved the effluent systems of the properties by installing WaterForce Eco Pumps in both effluent ponds. These positive displacement pumps enable effluent to be delivered at a consistent rate to even the highest points of the irrigation system. On the lower farm 19ha are irrigated and 24ha on the top farm.

On the top farm Gordon has installed a very large silo for grain, which is ground and mixed with minerals and trace elements before being delivered to the cows in feeding troughs while they are being milked in the herringbone shed.

“Feeding the cows in the shed is better than in the paddock as there is less waste.”

Dennis and Judith are delighted Gordon has returned to take over most of the management of both farms.

“He’s come back at just the right time as I was beginning to wonder how much longer I could continue,” says Dennis, who is open to Gordon’s new ideas.

“He’s had the education and experience required of a modern farmer and is far better at recordkeeping than I ever was.” Judith says father and son work well together, constantly discussing ideas, making the most of Dennis’ years of farming experience and Gordon’s modern education. They share the same fundamental aims of farming in a manner which is financially and environmentally sustainable.

By Elaine Fisher.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 8

Tree planting is generational Jeremy Cotter’s links to Te Kominga Farm near Te Puke are intensely personal – he’s the third generation of his family to farm the land and he grew up there.

It was Jeremy’s grandfather Vernon Frost who broke in 728 hectares from bush but when he died all but 260ha were sold to pay death duties.

Jeremy’s mother Barbara, with her husband Darrell Cotter, took over the land, continuing to farm it as a sheep and beef, and for a while deer, property.

Jeremy did what most young Kiwis do and headed overseas, where he met a Welsh lass called Sharon. The couple returned to New Zealand 18 years ago and gradually Jeremy, who also has a fencing contracting business, took over the lease of the family land, some from his brother Vernon and in 2010 from a neighbouring dairy farmer.

Today Sharon helps with weed control and stock management, moving sheep, cattle and dairy grazers during the times Jeremy is working

off the farm. She has also developed a strong affection for the land. Together with their sons Steffan, 11, Ryan, 8, and Daniel, 5, they have names for special places on the farm where they like to go for picnics, motorbike rides, camping or bush ‘adventures’ climbing down the steep gorge to the Mangorewa River.

While his grandfather broke in the land, clearing much of the bush from all but the steepest sidings, Jeremy’s father Darrell planted many exotic trees around the family home, sheep yards and pasture for aesthetics, shade for animals and food for birds and people - something which Jeremy has progressed to other areas of the farm during his tenure.

“This season we got several bowls of cherries for the first time from these trees,” Jeremy says, pointing to a stand of Prunus Avium, planted around 1990 and protected from stock by fencing.

The venture into deer didn’t prove successful, mainly because the animals were too hard on the land, and a block of pines was planted to help stabilise and repair one particularly badly affected area.

Sharon and Jeremy Cotter with a Pohutukawa tree protected from stock and possums.

In the 1990s Jeremy fenced out significant areas of native bush, digging holes by hand and carrying in fencing materials because the land was too steep to get a tractor and rammer there. The fencing costs were subsidised by Environment Bay of Plenty.

Recently, most of the specimen and shelter trees that have subsequently been planted have been paid for by Jeremy and Sharon.

“I love driving out to the back of the farm, and the anticipation that brings because you are never quite sure what you’ll see. Especially when it comes to native birds,” says Jeremy, who has found a novel way to protect young trees from possum damage.

He’s built tall cages around the trees, with outriggers formed by redundant water pipes, holding electric wires.

One young pohutukawa, so protected, was in full flower in early January, providing food for tui and bellbirds, but not for possums.

“There are a lot less possums than

there used to be, partly because trapper Ken Peterson helps control them but also because of the annual possum hunt the Te Ranga School holds,” says Sharon.

Recently a large barberry hedge has been removed, opening up more pasture and reducing the risk of birds spreading its seed.

The 80ha previously leased for dairy grazing requires re-fencing to make it sheep-proof but Jeremy is taking time in planning how to subdivide the area in a way which best suits management of both pasture and stock.

Ewes and lambs shorn early in January were prospering on the abundant grass growth – almost too much for them to keep up with.

The 114 dairy heifers, six bulls and a herd of calves grazed on behalf of other farmers were also in peak condition, their coats glossy with health.

The Cotters own 86 one and two year old steers were in equally good condition.

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COAST & COUNTRY

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Animals, children flourish on farm Ewes shorn early in January were prospering on the abundant grass growth.

In the 1990s Jeremy Cotter fenced significant areas of native bush on Te Kominga Farm.

One and two year old steers are in good condition.

Dairy grazers make up the livestock mix at Te Kominga Farm.

Jeremy takes pride in keeping stock healthy and returning grazers in peak condition.

He and Sharon also take good care of their 850 breeding ewes and 350 replacements but both are disappointed at the poor returns for wool and mutton. “When I was a kid I remember asking my Dad how much a bale of wool was worth. He said $600. Back then you could by a brand new Toyota

ute for around $11,000. Today a bale is worth $400 and a new ute more like $60,000.

Something has gone wrong.�

Despite poor returns, and the need to work off the land, Jeremy and Sharon consider themselves lucky to live and work on the farm to which they have such strong family links, sharing the experiences with their children and making positive improvements to the environment.

By Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 10

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Jeff had a `day job’ pruning pines When Shirley and Jeff Roderick leaving home around 4am and returnbegan developing a Te Puke ing in the late afternoon, to spend what kiwifruit orchard from bare land remained of the day, working on the orchard they call Kytui. Shirley recalls more than 30 years ago, they never imagined they would one planting shelter trees while very pregnant with their first child. day become ambassadors for Concern for the health of their chilthe fruit nor that it would make dren Philippa, Nicola and Becky was them friends around the world. among the reasons the couple decided to grow kiwifruit organically. The orchard They also didn’t count on the plague was close to the HortResearch orchard of cicada which threatened to destroy and many scientific trials, including their crop one season, nor the arrival of using organic sprays for scale insects, the vine disease Psa-V two years ago. were conducted on the Roderick blocks, Back in the 1980s the young couple so the transition from conventional to from Taupo were focused on establishing shelter trees and new green kiwifruit organic was relatively easy.

“We have been BioGrow certified vines, earning a living and providing a for the last 20 years and as befits our home for their growing family. organic status, we have a good sward of To supplement their income, the Rodmixed grasses and legumes under the ericks also propagated and sold shelter trees and kiwifruit vines. kiwifruit canopy.

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Summer over $2,500 $67,990 sedan Auto Auto at at 67,990 featuring: includes: • Travel Fridge • Roof Rack Kit sedan Auto at 67,990 , featuring: includes: •• Travel Fridge •• Roof Rack Kit The all new Subaru XV: SUV capability Look good anywhere in the new Legacy 3.6X includes: Travel Fridge Roof Rack Kit Get summer sorted withOutback a free Outback Get summer sorted with--Outback awith freeaOutback •• All All Wheel Drive 200mm Ground Clearance allWheel Wheel drive •Look ••• $ 200mm Clearance •• Cargo Tray •• Rear Step Panel Resin • all • 2.0-litre goodDrive anywhere in Ground the new Legacy 3.6Xsorted drive Boxer Boxer engine engine Get summer sorted free All Wheel Wheel Drive 200mm Ground Clearance Cargo Tray Rear Stepa Panel Resin Get summer sorted with free •with • 2.0-litre Get summer with asummer free Outback ••anywhere All Wheel Drive • 67,990 200mm Ground Clearance •• Weather Cargo Tray • free Rear Step Panel - Resin ook good •Look good in anywhere the new in Legacy the new 3.6X Legacy 3.6X sedan Auto at , featuring: the of a hatch. clearance Get sorted with a free Outback Get summer sorted with a Outback Get summer sorted with a free Outback * versatility * Satelite Navigation • Rear Reversing Camera $ Shields • Front and Rear Mudflaps Satelite Navigation • Rear Reversing Camera Summer Roadie Pack valued at over $2,500 Summer Roadie Pack valued at over $2,500 rearreversing reversing camera 220mm • Satelite Satelite Navigation • Rear Rear, featuring: Reversing Camera Camera • Weather Weather Shields •valued Front and and Rear Mudflaps sedan at camera 220mm ground ground clearance • *over $2,500*•• rear • * Summer Roadie Pack valued at $ Auto $67,990 • Navigation • Reversing Summer Roadie Pack at over $2,500 • Shields • Front Rear Mudflaps Summer Roadie Pack valued at over $2,500 •includes: Mat •• Roadie Picnic Rug Flask •• at DVD McIntosh audio system Leather upholstery * at• over DVD McIntosh system ••• Leather upholstery * ••••Travel edan Auto•sedan Auto 67,990 at , audio featuring: featuring: Summer Pack valued $2,500 Summer Roadie valued at over $2,500 Summer Roadie Pack valued atSet over $2,500 All Wheel Drive •67,990 200mm Clearance • Pack Mat Set Picnic Rug Travel Flask DVD McIntosh audio system, Ground Leather upholstery includes: Travel Fridge Roof Rack Kit * • Travel Fridge Roof Rack Kit 5-star aNCaP safety rating auto stop start system • • • 5-star aNCaP safety rating auto stop system Mat Set • Picnic Rug • Travel Flask • DVD McIntosh audio system • Leather upholstery all Wheel drive 2.0-litre Boxer engine Call us Call us Call us • • Get summer Get sorted summer with sorted a free with Outback a start free Outback • includes: • Travel Fridge • Roof Rack Kit All WheelPreventative Drive • 200mm Ground Clearance includes: • Travel Roof Rack *Offer based Fridge onKit retail price• excluding on-road Kit costs with no other offers includes: • Travel Fridge • Roof Rack EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies •••• EyeSight Safety Techonologies *Offer based on retail price excluding on-road costs with no other offers today for a today for a today for a Satelite Navigation • Rear Reversing Camera •Kit Cargo Tray •&Rear Step Panel - Resin •*Offer Cargo •price Rear Step Panel -rental Resin EyeSight Preventative Safety Techonologies includes: •retail Travel Fridge • Roof Rack Kit Get summer sorted with• aoutstanding free Outback includes: ••Travel Fridge • Roof Rack includes: • Travel Fridge Rack Kit•based All Wheel Drive All •Wheel 200mm Drive Ground • 200mm Ground Clearance included.

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Offer excludes included. lease,Offer fleet, government lease, & rental fleet, government purchases. & rental purchases. *Offer based on retail price excluding on-road costs •included. with no other offers Rear reversing camera • excludes Bluetooth® connectivity Summer Pack has a RRP Summer valuePack of $2,578.10 has a RRP which value includes of $2,578.10 accessories which includes accessories included. Offer excludes lease, fleet, government & rental purchases.

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Visit us.

116 Hewletts Road, 116 Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City OPEN: Monday-Friday Mt Maunganui, Tauranga City Mt Maunganui, Tauranga8.00am-5.30pm City Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Tel: 07 578 6017 Tel: 07 578 6017 Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz www.farmerautovillage.co.nz www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook 116usHewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.Follow us on Facebook Follow on Facebook

Tel: 07 578 6017

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 11

Foreign workers foster friendships Shirley and Jeff Roderick have become ambassadors for New Zealand grown organic kiwifruit.

This encourages beneficial insects, can have a positive influence on pollination, reduces soil compaction and reduces the use of diesel for mowing,” says Jeff.

Kytui produced the first organic crop packed by Trevelyan’s, the post-harvest company which continues to handle its fruit. “At the end of a day’s picking we would go to the pack house to clean down equipment ready to pack our organic fruit,” says Shirley.

The couple planted fruit, native and exotic trees around their home and encouraged the re-generation of natives in gullies and on some banks, where they also planted totara, rimu and kowhai, although honey suckle creeper is a major problem in the steeper gullies.

With average production of 8,000 trays/ha for Hayward, the orchard performs above industry average of 6,180 trays/ha.

“We have historically produced over 10,000 trays/ha of Hort 16a variety prior to Psa’s arrival in 2010 with our taste and dry matter also well above industry average.”

The success of the orchard is also due to the knowledge and experience of its five permanent staff led by manager Tim Wilkie.

It can take courage to remain committed to organic practices, especially when there’s a cicada population explosion. “It was so bad you couldn’t walk through the orchard without covering your face,” says Shirley.

“We couldn’t spray for them and just had to hope nature would take its course before we lost all our fruit.”

Fortunately insect numbers did decrease naturally.

The arrival of the vine disease Psa-V also failed to shake the Roderick’s resolve. “We did hope that being organic might have given us some protection from the disease but it didn’t.

All our Hort16A vines are now gone.

We didn’t think conventional growers had anything they could use that was much better than what we could,” says Jeff who says he wouldn’t use the antibiotic KeyStrepto even if he was growing kiwifruit conventionally.

“We have used Serenade Max and Blossom Bless biological and moved to more copper spray this season which are permitted under BioGro registration and had a policy of cutting out diseased canes.”

Always early adopters, the Rodericks had been growing new varieties even before Psa and have promising looking crops of G14 (green) and G3 and G9 (gold) coming on now. Jeff says all the new varieties have been affected by Psa but G14 and G3 in particular appear to be growing through it. The mature Hayward crop is also looking good and in mid-January was under-going a round of fruit thinning.

Before the woes of Psa, Jeff and Shirley had become unofficial ambassadors for kiwifruit, with stories and photos of Jeff appearing in international publications and the couple hosting international buyers on Zespri’s behalf. They went to America to be part of in-store tastings in the high end Whole Food supermarkets, talking about New Zealand organic kiwifruit and where and how it was grown.

Want Quality Organic based Fertilisers for your kiwifruit?

With their daughters growing up a leaving home, Shirley missed young people around her and the couple began employing foreign visitors on working visas. “They’d turn up looking for work and if we liked the look of them, we’d invite them to stay in the house. We’ve never had a bad experience and now we have friends all round the world.”

Their hospitality was more than rewarded during a trip to Prague when a group of those who had worked on the orchard gave Shirley and Jeff personal tours of their city and culture.

The uncertainties caused by the disease Psa-V and a reduction in income because of the loss of the Hort16A vines has impacted on the Roderick’s future plans as it has for all affected growers.

“Our short term plans are now based on successfully overcoming Psa,” says Jeff.

Calling All Te Puke Growers...Attend our complimentary grower field days Enjoy expert advice, grower discussion along with the latest ideas and innovations

od - it’s all ure” e that’s go t the coffe king towards the fut uin “It’s not jus laq loo aham Ma sitive stuff, Gr po , od go

Its purpose is simple: to address the seasonal growing issues every grower is facing and bring the best expertise along with the wisdom of the other growers to the field so we can all make better decisions.

All Growers Welcome Due to the wide interest and positive feedback these field days are now open to all growers.

Each field day runs for a couple of hours. They are facilitated by Trevelyan’s with input coming from independent industry experts along with plenty of opportunity for growers to add to the discussion including Q & A time.

Contact us to find out the date and time and topic of the next event.

Call reception on 07 573 0085.

310 No 1. Road, R.D.2, Te Puke, 3182 · Phone (07) 573 0085 · www.trevelyan.co.nz

THE WINNER OF NESS AWARDS E BUSI STAINABLge Corporate Category 2012 SUEm Lar ing erg

Page 12

COAST & COUNTRY

Lake dictates farming practices A body of water that lies outside its boundary dictates many of the farming practices of Rotomahana Station near Rotorua.

Lake Okaro is the smallest of the Rotorua lakes under public management and while it’s popular for its quiet rural setting and water-skiing, it has had a significant algae problem caused by nitrogen and phosphorus levels which have increased over several decades.

Matt and Annabell and children Greer, 5, and Lydia, 8, live at Deep Creek, which is run in conjunction with Rotomahana Station.

Some is due to run-off from surrounding farms but the nutrient-rich deposits laid down in the catchment by the 1886 Tarawera eruption also have an on-going effect on the lake’s water quality.

Matt Lane, manager of the Landcorp owned Rotomahana Station, is acutely aware of the sensitive environmental issues surrounding the lake.

“Minimising the diffuse loss of nutrients from the catchment’s farming activities is the goal of the Okaro Community Lake Restoration Group of which Landcorp is a member. Landcorp is also the largest landowner and farmer in the catchment and plays a key part in assuring that the nutrient use is as efficient as possible and nutrient losses (both N and P) are minimised.

“This has had a major impact on the breeding cow aspect of the farm business as cows have a much higher N-loss signature than other classes of stock.

“NIWA estimates we have 10 to 15 extreme weather events – down-pours – in the area each year. Streams draining the farm are the main source of water for the lake.”

Matt says Landcrop takes environmental stewardship very seriously and has fenced out, dammed and installed a stormwater control ‘riser’ on the main waterway feeding the lake. The riser, a large concrete tank, has the potential to detain 12,000 square metres of stormwater to moderate storm peak run-off and reduce nutrient losses to the lake.

Stock yards have also been re-located further back from the lake margins.

More recently livestock grazing patterns have been adjusted. No heavy animals are grazed and the farm is predominantly stocked year round with sheep. In spring and summer, cows with calves at foot are also grazed but only male cattle are wintered there.

Fertiliser applications have been modified in an effort to reduce nutrient loss into the waterway.

“We don’t use urea, and have begun applying serpentine as it is less soluble.

We don’t break-feed stock and minimise crop cultivation.”

Eight formal protection areas have been formed, including 18.1ha of stream and wetlands and 2.8km of perennial stream channel, as well as 0.6km around an ephemeral channel. This work has included protecting three sink holes formed during the 1886 eruption that have scientific importance.

An additional 26ha of plantation planting has also been undertaken.

Pest management is an integral part of the protection plan says Matt, with hares, rabbits, possums, pigs and deer controlled by shooting and with bait stations.

Plant pests include broom and blackberry, grey willow in waterways, and Scotch, California, wing and nodding thistles which are controlled by an aerial spraying programme.

Matt also manages Deep Creek at Broadlands and while the properties are 25km apart they complement each other, with stock moving between the two.

Rotomahana is 556ha (497 effective hectares) and the land is gentle rolling to medium steep. The farm’s main focus is the 2000 ewes, 1500 mixed age sheep and 500 two tooth ewes which graze there. However, it also provides useful grazing for its sister Deep Creek property, which at 455ha (410 effective) is virtually flat and specialises in breeding Angus cattle.

Matt, his wife Annabell and children Greer, 5, and Lydia, 8, live at Deep Creek, where Annabell assists with book work. The two properties are run with the help of stock manager at Rotomahana Charlie Brown and shepherd Raymond Mason and at Deep Creek, Charlie Church, however, the team works on both properties, depending on the season.

Page 13

COAST & COUNTRY

Diversification of livestock aids farm sustainability

Ian and Georgina Lawrence’s Nukuhou farm runs deer, sheep, bulls and dairy grazers.

Farming four types of livestock spreads the income streams and helps maximise pasture use on Ian and Georgina Lawrence’s Nukuhou North farm.

The couple graze 360 dairy heifers and 50 Jersey service bulls, 90 two-yearold steers, 180 breeding ewes and 140 replacements as well as 180 hinds, 140 yearlings and four stags on 310 ha of land near Waimana.

“It’s an intensive grazing system with minimal supplements,” says Ian who initially ran what was a sheep and beef farm with his father Deryk.

“Georgina suggested we should buy some deer in 1984 when we bought 12 hinds and a stag, as well as share farming hinds for other people. They were pretty expensive back then.”

Georgina says her own father Colin Campbell suggested the diversification, which required fencing 60 acres for deer and building a deer shed. Subsequently the couple bought a neighbouring deer farm.

Ian manages the property with little outside help and enjoys working with the very diverse range of animals though he’s pragmatic about them all. “I like to think every animal on this farm is on a contract which can be terminated at any time.” When it comes to the deer, which are 15 per cent Wapiti, red crosses, temperament is high on the list of conditions which contribute to longevity. “You can’t afford to have aggressive animals in the shed.” The same is true of the service bulls so no matter how good their other traits, Ian will send off those who pose a threat to his safety, some-

thing Georgina fully supports, especially since Ian is on his own most of the time.

Owned by Braewood Holdings Ltd and Snowhill Trust, the farm is a mix of low, flood prone land and rolling to steep country.

The climate, and relatively high rainfall is conducive to good grass growth but preventing erosion on the steep paddocks and pugging on the lowland requires an intensive grazing and rotation programme.

To achieve the sustainability of pasture and high stocking rate he wanted, Ian has progressively re-fenced most of the farm into a paddock size of 0.8 ha (2 acres).

“In effect it’s a break feeding system without reels, but it does mean stock have to be moved regularly.”

Electrified netting is used to break feed sheep on areas at risk of pugging in winter and works well.

Because of its steep contour, the majority of the farm’s fertiliser is applied by air, with only minimal amounts spread by truck. Rock phosphate is the main ingredient and Ian is pleased with the results. This year virtually the entire fertiliser budget has gone into lime applications. “The pH levels are in the mid 5s.”

Two waterways on the farm, the Matahapa Stream and Nukuhou North River, have been fenced out under Environment Bay of Plenty land and water programmes requiring not only re-alignment of fencing, but also the provision of alternative water supplies for paddocks. The streams however, don’t cooperate with the plans of man.

Up to 100 acres of river flats can flood as often as three times a year, and the

stream and river may change their course, meaning fences have to be recovered or replaced.

Two 10 acre areas of native bush have also been retired from grazing by Ian who likes the bush but lays no claims to being `a greenie’.

Animal health is based on feeding the stock well and using intervention only when necessary. “The mixed aged ewes have had no drenches for eight years but cattle and deer receive copper supplements.”

The farm’s stud South Suffolk and Poll Dorset sheep are in demand thanks to Ian’s carefulSbreeding o l i d F o o d and for Soils selection. “I look for animals with good feet which can move freely on the hills. We use a DNA foot score to select potential sires which produce animals with higher levels of foot rot resistance. I also look for length, growth rates and muscle.”

He’s obviously got a good eye for a top animal. The farm took out major awards at last year’s Waikato Royal Show in both Poll Dorset and South Sufflock categories, including Champion Meat Sheep D oof l o Show Zest Dairy grazers are an important part of the farm’s CalciZest

economy with many farmers sending stock to Ian year after year. “Farmers like the fact the heifers run on hills as they say it makes them fitter and helps with their development. Also because Ian moves them so regularly, they are used to being worked and much quieter,” says Georgina.

By Elaine Fisher.

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Page 14

COAST & COUNTRY

Maggy and Karl Buhler have planted and retired 2km of stream bank on their Rotoehu Road dairy farm.

Farming on three levels Maggy and Karl Buhler could have chosen an easier property to farm than the one they bought in Rotoehu Road in 1994 but they wouldn’t have had such wonderful views, says Maggy.

The views are stunning and expansive, from Mount Maunganui in the North to Pikowai in the south and inland to the Central Plateau but the property has more than scenery to recommend it.

It’s a farm of three levels – a flat valley floor, steep sidelings and a rolling plateau above and, thanks to careful management, it’s proved to be excellent dairy country.

Nineteen years ago the couple sold a smaller dairy farm in Taranaki and travelled north in search of a larger farm on which to raise their children Tim, Rosie and Megan.

It was the beauty of the 99 hectare farm called Pukemarama which attracted them and they’ve no regrets and are in fact pleasantly surprised at how rewarding their decision to buy the farm has turned out to be.

“This property has enabled us to realise our dreams in a way we didn’t really imagine would be possible,” says Karl.

Those dreams included giving their children a great upbringing, being part of a rural community and earning a living from the land. Today the family has grown and a farm manager is employed so now the couple have the freedom to pursue their love of hiking, biking and travel.

The Buhlers haven’t got to their current happy state without a good deal of hard work.

For the first eight years Karl worked full-time on the farm and then returned to part-time work as a vet with Te Puke Veterinary Clinic. The couple met when Karl was studying veterinary science at Massey University, and Maggy, who has a BA in English and political science, was working in the library.

“Maggy was a townie who never imagined she’d end up farming when she married me,” says Karl.

However, Maggy took to farming and later became teachers’ aide and librarian at nearby Pongakawa School, retiring after 17 years in 2012.

There were no native plantings on the farm when the couple, who are keen conservationists, bought the land.

COAST & COUNTRY

Steep areas planted An aggressive programme of planting, largely on the valley floor, has been undertaken on Pukemarama Farm.

A hillside too steep for grazing and at risk from erosion was the first to be planted in natives and from 2000 an aggressive programme of planting, largely on the valley floor, has been undertaken in conjunction with an Environment Bay of Plenty (now Bay of Plenty Regional Council) Farmplan scheme.

Now around 2km of stream bank has been fenced and planted in natives and two wetlands also densely planted.

Karl has adopted a policy of planting manuka along the fence line.

“Manuka is easily pruned to protect the fence whereas some other species don’t take so kindly to pruning.”

Stands of kahikatea have been planted in the wetlands because it’s an environment the lowland trees prefer and Maggy and Karl like the way they look.

Consideration has been given to food trees for native birds such as wood pigeon, tui and bellbird, all of which appear to be increasing in numbers.

Karl is also part of a trust established to protect the nearby Rotoehu Ecological Area, which has a colony of kokako.

While council assisted with the planning, fencing and supplied plants for the riparian work, Karl and Maggy did all the planting and weed control is an on-going task.

“Blackberry was a real problem but last

year I pulled it out and as our soils are light, that worked well with few signs of it coming back. When it comes to weeds, you just have to be persistent and not give up,” says Karl.

Farming sustainability at Pukemarama means paying close attention to pasture management.

“The soils are mainly light pumicederived sandy loam. The valley floor needs careful winter management, as do the steep sidelings as the good top soils are fragile. The upper level is robust, free draining and good in winter and early spring.”

Cow shed effluent is spread by a travelling irrigator from two ponds and other fertiliser is spread by aeroplane or from the ground. Karl is pleased with the results from slow-release fertiliser he has used in recent seasons and nitrogen use is restricted.

The aim is to keep systems simple and the 270 Jersey-cross cows in good health with minimal use of interventions. It’s largely a grass-based system with supplements of hay and silage made on the farm and palm kernel when necessary.

Since 2000 managers and contract milkers have been employed and Maggy and Karl encourage their staff to pursue their careers in farming, believing longterm sustainability of the family dairy farm model depends on supporting and

encouraging young people coming into the industry.

While still very much involved in the direction of the farm and hands-on when it comes to conservation work, Maggy and Karl appreciate the freedom their current farming model has afforded them and the opportunities to travel overseas, especially now their children are living off-shore.

By Elaine Fisher.

Page 15

Page 16

COAST & COUNTRY

Dairy farming in the flood plain A duck pond has been formed on the farm.

Walter and Mary Van Rossum’s Whakatane dairy farm is so low-lying all the stock is moved to a run-off in winter to protect the pasture.

young stock are raised off the property. In autumn and spring a feed pad and a stand-off pad is used to protect the pasture. Their herd’s milk solids production ranges 92,000 to 97,800.

Newly married Walter and Mary went share milking on the family farm and over the next 30 years raised However, that’s a better prospect than Walter’s father their children, Sarah, Laura, Mark and Rebecca.

Albert faced when he bought the 56.7 ha farm 53 “Money was pretty tight so we learned quickly about years ago. “Back then around two thirds of the padanimal health so we could intervene early and keep docks were tidal,” says Walter. down the vet bills,” says Walter.

Perhaps it was just as well Albert was from Holland, Both he and Mary know each of their cows indibecause he understood about managing water and vidually and through years of observation, are able draining land and after working his way from a farm to quickly pick up any animal which is unwell. “Dad hand to share milker, he was ready to own his own always said taking the time to look closely at your cows farm, even if it was wet. in the paddock and shed was valuable and he’s right.

Eventually the installation of two large pumps and We’ve been able to save cows by early treatment, which the formation of stop banks overcame the twice daily might have died otherwise. Having our oldest daughter as a vet is also a help,” says Walter. problem with tides for the Van Rossums and other The couple’s close stewardship of their animals and farmers in the area of McLean Road, near Whakatane. land is nothing special, they think. However, being able Albert arrived with to farm sustainability on the low-lying, 55 cows, increasing flat country takes considerthat to 135 by 1982 able skill, something that was and he kept all his recognised by the friends who stock, milkers and persuaded them to enter the young animals, on Ballance Farm Environment the property. Today Awards.

Mary and Walter The Orini Wildlife Manage move the 240 milkReserve backs onto the farm ing cows off at the and the couple maintain the end of May and two duck ponds Albert created. bring them back There are surface drains in in mid-July and all all paddocks which have a soil structure of Tawera ash, pumice loam and pumice Mary and Walter Van Rossum marine clay. began share milking shortly Despite its tendency after they married. to be very wet in winter, the farm can dry out in summer and a new lined effluent pond and effluent irrigation system with low application pods has been installed enabling pastures to be irrigated in summer.

The couple also take pride in the genetics of the herd. “We pay a lot of attention to the high genetic gain in our Jersey herd which has led to contract matings with LIC and Ambred and to us selling bull calves and surplus heifers.

Calves are reared to “Our herd has 100 per cent recoded ancestry and is be fit, healthy and among the top one per cent in the Bay of Plenty and top five per cent in New Zealand. “In 2010 one of our bulls friendly. joined the LIC proven DNA team and one of his daughters is to be proved this year,” says Walter.

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PITGATES

Page 17

COAST & COUNTRY

Duke of Matamata’s lasting legacy The New Zealand showpiece of modern rural technology – that was Matamata in 1880.

Br Elaine Fisher

It was Englishman Josiah Firth who poured a small fortune into clearing fern and developing 55,000 acres of land at Matamata into a rural estate boasting telephone, windmills, beehives and a dairy factory.

There also a memoThe drive for Josiah was to grow wheat rial cairn to Wiremu for his Auckland mills but transport was Tamihana Tarapipipi an issue, so he had a quartz reef and log Te Waharoa, famous jams in the Waihou River blown up with in New Zealand dynamite to improve navigation up the history not only as a river from the Firth of Thames. statesman but as ‘The The view from the According to D.B. Waterson, author Kingmaker’. A devout lookout on th e F ir th Tower to of ‘Firth, Josiah Clifton – Biography’, Christian, he worked is extensi p of ve. from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, Te to achieve peace and Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, wheat didn’t died on December grow as well at Matamata as in the South Island or 27, 1866. The old even Australia.

Matamata “The mixed farming ventures of the 1880s proMethodist duced fat sheep and cattle that could not be profitably Church is disposed of, and interest payments began to prove bur- also on the densome. Firth subdivided part of the estate for dairy site and is farming, and, as a necessary prelude to this, promoted available a district railway through the Thames Valley. By the for hire for time this traversed the estate in 1886, it was too late to weddings, save the ‘Duke of Matamata’s’ investment. On 13 July funerals 1887, amid emotional scenes from his workers, the and chrispatriarch of the plains left Matamata for ever and the tenings. It estate passed into the hands of the New Zealand Loan was built and Mercantile Agency Company, before reverting to in 1914 in the Bank of New Zealand. As part of the holdings of Broadway, that venture’s Assets Realization Board it was resumed Matamata; and subdivided (into 117 farms) for dairying by the closed in state in 1904.”

1972 and However, Josiah left behind an estate and infrastrucmoved to The Firth Tower is 16 metres high ture which laid the foundations for the future growth the reserve and was built at Matamata by of what today continues to be a thriving rural commu- in 1978.

Josiah Firth in 1882. nity. His other legacy is to be found in the Firth Tower Modern Historical Reserve, just a few minutes from Matamata’s day students enjoy a taste of school in the 1800s by main street. attending classes in the Gordon School which opened Dominating the park is the 16 metre high Firth in 1893 and was re-located to the reserve in 1983.

Tower, built by Josiah in 1882. It is one of the earliest To find out more about the museum go to reinforced concrete buildings in New Zealand and www.firthtower.co.nz offers impressive views across the countryside. While it was apparently not for defensive purposes, but created as a status symbol, the building does have openings in the walls which appear ideal for positioning fire arms.

S o l1902 i d F o ofi d re f o which r Soils The tower was badly damaged by the destroyed the original and adjoining homestead, which was later rebuilt. When the estate was subdivided, its former manager John McCaw acquired Tower Farm and the house he and his family lived in is part of the museum, furnished in the style of the early 20th century when the McCaws were in residence.

Also on the grounds is the Okororie Post Office, a settler’s cottage and a jail built in Karangaheke in 1892 and moved to Matamata in 1920. D o l o Z e s t

The Gordon School which opened in 1893 and the McCaw homestead are part of the reserve.

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DAIRY

Page 18

When milk goes down – somatic cells go up As summer pastures dry off and milk solids start to decline, bulk milk somatic cell counts always appear to rise, and can so easily slide up into the penalty zone.

This is especially the case when there are a few unknown ‘millionaire’ SCC cows in the herd, on the verge of becoming clinical mastitis cases.

Somatic cells generally remain fairly constant over the season, but appear to rise as the end of lactation as MS drops.

Their proportion increases causing the

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apparent rise in BMSCC. So the challenge when pastures dry off is not just to stop MS falling by feeding good quality silage, but to also stop the rise in BMSCC and risk penalties.

The key is to attend to cows with rising SCC and hence subclinical mastitis in the herd. This will then do away with the cost and work involved in having to treat the herd with antibiotics and teat seal at drying off.

The other major national concern is that in the last 10 years, we have lost up to 12 per cent of herd fertility along with rising national BMSCC levels, and modern genetics are partly responsible for this.

This is not progress.

A higher empty rate prevents culling cows with high SCC and persistent mastitis, which results in keeping and breeding from cows which are potential losers on many fronts.

Again, the key is to have full knowledge of the SCC levels of each cow during the lactation, and a regular herd test every two months is the best option using the printout, listing cows in SCC order from high to low. Then the regular millionaire troublemakers are easily seen for immediate action. Between herd tests, the various forms of cow-side foremilk checking are cost effective – even

stripping a different teat per day at each milking.

Farmers using the OMS Nutritional Supplement Plan are successfully keeping control of cows with elevated SCC over the entire course of lactation, and hence keeping well away from BMSCC penalty levels. This is reducing the stress of herd management and greatly increasing staff job satisfaction.

With lower BMSCC there is less risk of clinical mastitis, but there is also the forgotten and proven fact that cows with low SCC put more milk solids in the vat and money in the bank.

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The well-known Waiarapa based Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre has established a campus in the Waikato, and as of February this year the first programme ‘Introduction to Farming’ will be operating.

“There has been a strong demand from the Waikato for our practical agricultural training courses and we are really excited to be in the region. We are looking

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forward to offering training to locals on their back door step,” Yvonne Way, Marketing and Communications The Taratahi Introduction to Manager for Farming course gives students Taratahi says. hand-on experiences.

Introduction to Farming is a fees free programme through which students will learn a range of basic agricultural skills.

It’s an entry level programme which focusses on practical learning and is an introduction to the basic skills required to be successful in farming.

The 23 week programme is focused on safety, confidence building and best practice. Skills that will be covered include quad bikes, fencing, stock handling, tractors plus much, much more.

Taratahi will be training students on farms in the area that they have relationships with. The locations will be a mix of Morrinsville, Ngaruawahia, Te Awamutu, with a classroom in Putaruru.

Students will gain two qualifications, the National Certificate in Agriculture General Skills and the National Certificate in Agriculture Introductory Skills.

The programme starts on February 25 with additional start dates throughout the year in the Waikato region.

“The course is open to everyone aged 16 years+ and is a great opportunity for people who have just left school, undecided about their career path, those wanting to change careers, or who may already have a lifestyle property and need to brush up or gain farming skills.

“Graduates and farmers recommend Taratahi because they offer nationally recognised courses, an environment for students that are both male and female and come from urban and rural backgrounds. Taratahi offers practical, technical and theoretical study creating well rounded individuals,” says Yvonne..

Taratahi has been successfully training Kiwis since 1919 in the agricultural industry. It offers full-time courses, extra-mural study, short courses and STAR/ Gateway programmes as well as the Primary Industries Trades Academy.

Its main residential campus is in the Wairarapa, with non-residential campuses in the Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Northland and now the Waikato.

Page 19

DAIRY Ewes on Chris Donovan’s farm haven’t been drenched for 16 years.

Chris Donovan’s cattle receive no drench or mineral treatments – just salt blocks.

From top dressing pilot to pasture pioneer After years of spreading fertiliser and nitrogen across agricultural land in New Zealand and other countries around the World, Chris Donovan of Taihape made a decision that took him on a journey of discovery.

He was determined to develop a farming system that produced healthy soil, healthy vigorous pastures and healthy livestock while maintaining profitability. This journey has had its ups and downs, but a wealth of knowledge has been accumulated along the way and that will be shared at a field day on his farm on February 8.

Key points in developing Chris’s farming system are: (drenching refers to synthetic anthelmintics) • Stopped drenching and dipping ewes – 16 years ago

• Selecting rams on a twice yearly faecal egg count - 12 years ago.

• Stopped drenching and dipping replace ment hoggets – 10 years ago • Stopped drenching and dipping lambs - 6 years ago • Uses a customised multi mineral drench designed specifically for his farm to build his lamb’s immunity system – over the last 5 years • Cattle have no drench or mineral treatments • Breeding cows are farmed with no inputs (50 bales of hay kept for emergency).

Some weaners are sold with the remaining calves kept for finishing or sold as store. The cattle policy is kept flexible to allow for seasonal variations in grass growth.

• Salt blocks are available adlib.

Progress was slow but determination to reach his goals kept Chris going. Chris has over the

years tried several fertiliser programmes with limited success. He started using a custom blend fertiliser programme designed by Quantum Laboratories Ltd which has delivered consistent improvements throughout the production system.

Now with the combination of genetic selection plus using a co-ordinated soil, plant, animal nutrition programme that delivers results, Chris’s farming system is moving forward.

Now there is the opportunity to look at increasing production while maintaining a very low cost structure. Chris says the most dramatic improvement throughout the years on his farm was achieved through the use of Quantum Laboratories Ltd customised fertiliser programme, “that’s when things all started to fall into place”. Quantum Laboratories Ltd do not sell fertiliser, they design

Compost just too much of a good thing Carrots from Brian Harris’ Katikati garden have taken a strange twist – well many twists in fact, and it’s all because he planted them in soil which is too good.

Gerard Martin of Kings Seeds says carrots prefer freed draining mineral loam type soil in which they will grow straight and true.

“When sown into humus rich, compost rich soils, they will either not germinate or if they do, turn out like the picture shows, all twisted and gnarled.”

However, they are perfectly fine to eat, best broken apart and washed – peeling could be a little hard.

Gerard says such twisted carrots are fun for children to use in ‘vegetable creatures’ competitions and some schools grow carrots in compost soil deliberately so students can enjoy the strange carrot shapes.

Pictured: Twisted – carrots from Brian Harris’ Katikati garden.

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the optimum blend and balance of elements that need to be applied. Chris’s farming programme also includes retiring some land for soil conservation, planting out steeper gulley’s and wetlands.

There will be an open day held on Chris’s farm for all interested parties, starting with a presentation in the woolshed located next to Chris’s farm. Topics covered will be the science of soil, production-economics and environmental planning for a sustainable future.

February 8, 2013, 10am, 730 Whaka Road, Mataroa, Taihape, followed by 4WD tour through the farm BBQ and refreshments provided.

For more information contact Quantum Laboratories on 0800 85 77 33.

EDUCATION

Page 20

The Dio difference

By Vicky McLennan, Principal

Waikato Diocesan School for Girls is much more than just a beautiful site and a superior group of buildings, boarding and educational facilities.

It is more too than an educational institution with an excellent set of teaching programmes.

Dio could perhaps better be described as a sense of belonging, a commitment to a common set of values, standards and expectations, many relating to education and some merely relating to life. We are a family with a shared faith and a shared future.

The boards, the staff, the parents, the

Dio Old Girls and the current girls are all mutually dependent and mutually supportive.

We must all respect and appreciate the role each of the others has to play in the very special culture that is our school.

At Dio we believe that we must work with our families to deliver what each individual student needs in order to develop her special abilities, support any needs she might have and enhance her personal and spiritual journey.

Sometimes the approach we take must be caring and accepting, sometimes challenging and sometimes requiring the setting of boundaries. Whatever the approach, our intention is

Open Day 2013 Friday 15 March, 2013 10.00am to 12.30pm

Registration – 10.00am Principal’s Welcome – 10.30am School Tours – 11.15 -12.30pm Off Street Parking at Martin Street Entrance (Off McNicol Street).

Waikato Diocesan School for Girls is the only Anglican girls’ secondary school in the Waikato offering boarding for Year 9 to Year 13 girls.

For further information, please contact: admissions@waikatodiocesan.school.nz (07) 855 2038 www.waikatodiocesan.school.nz

always to produce capable, confident, considerate and compassionate young women ready for learning and life beyond school.

Leading the Waikato in NCEA results and ERO’s acknowledgement that every girl leaves Dio with a formal qualification are testimony to the effectiveness of our core business of teaching and learning. Our sporting achievements continue to be impressive and we have also enjoyed national success in the arts as second best chorus in New Zealand at the ‘Young Women in Harmony’ Barbershop Competition.

Come and experience the Dio Difference at our Open Day on March 15.

Dio 2012 deputy head girl Erika Burton (left) and head girl Morgan Fahey with school mascot, Cherry.

Maori scholarships available Applications are now open for 2013 Rose Hellaby Scholarships which offer valuable financial support to Māori postgraduate, undergraduate and secondary students.

Guardian Trust and the Māori Education Trust are calling for eligible Māori students to submit their applications now for the 2013 round of distributions.

Earlier last year $130,000 of scholarships were awarded to 120 Māori secondary, undergraduate and postgraduate student recipients.

Secondary applications close on February 28, 2013 and tertiary applications on March 29, 2013. The postgraduate scholarships specifically support outstanding Māori students undertaking Masters, PhD or other postgraduate study in the fields of engineering, mathematics, science, technology or medicine, but with a particular bias toward those eager to provide leadership to Māori in their given field and benefit Māori generally. Also eligible for scholarships from the fund are Māori undergraduates studying in the scientific, mathematical or technical fields, and Year 9 Māori who demonstrate financial need and academic ability and aptitude to purchase school uniforms or textbooks. More information and an application form can be found at www.maorieducation.org.nz via the Apply for Scholarships page.

Since the Fund was created in 1969, Guardian Trust has acted as sole trustee, administrator and investment

manager, distributing $3.2 million through the Māori Education Trust to nearly 5,000 Māori students - $1.1 million in the past decade alone.

Guardian Trust and the Māori Education Trust formally created the Rose Hellaby Postgraduate Māori Scholarships in 2010. Rose Hellaby, a descendant of the Auckland-based meat dynasty, established her Māori Education Fund with the goal of creating educational opportunity for Māori children and young adults. Philip Morgan Rees, Guardian Trust’s General Manager Personal Client Services, says of the fund, "Guardian Trust is delighted to be supporting the wishes of Rose Hellaby through the annual distributions made possible by her foresight and generosity.

The past scholarship winners are some of our future leaders, and we are looking forward to finding other worthy beneficiaries of Rose Hellaby’s legacy. We hope she would be pleased by the on-going fulfilment of her goals for Māori education and the enrichment of young academics.”

Evelyn Newman, Manager of the Māori Education Trust, says, “Being able to publicly acknowledge and celebrate our postgraduate scholarship winners this year was a great achievement and provides inspiration to all Māori who strive for academic excellence and act as role models. We’re also privileged to work with the team at Guardian Trust, who possess a real passion and focus on directing these scholarships to people with leadership ability and who provide support to others in their field and communities.”

Students – talk to IRD before your OE Inland Revenue has a message for Student Loan borrowers who are planning on heading overseas - talk with us first.

“Even though the holiday season is here, students need to make sure they remain on top of their loan ahead of the new year,” Collections Manager, Richard Owen, says.

“Loans are not always the first thing that a person considers before going on their holidays or overseas experience. However, it is important that borrowers keep up-to-date with their repayment obligations so their loan remains manageable.”

Borrowers’ who may be away longer than six months, can apply

for a repayment holiday for up to one year, which can help financially, although interest will still be charged during this time.

“An unpaid student loan can grow quickly due to interest and penalties. “For example, a borrower who leaves New Zealand with a $17,500 student loan will see this grow to almost $21,500 if left unpaid in three years. That’s $4000 of unnecessary debt.”

Inland Revenue provides a range of online services and toll free telephone numbers for borrowers in Australia and the United Kingdom, as well as online payment options for one-off or regular recurring pay-

ments. “Even those who are going to be out of the country for less than six months should talk with us first. They can nominate a person to keep an eye on their account and even make transactions on their behalf.

“Whatever their situation, we encourage people to register for a myIR online services account. With myIR, you can check your loan balance and manage your loan anytime, anywhere,” says Richard.

Information on Student Loans is at www.ird.govt.nz/studentloans/ overseas/ Registration and information on myIR is at www.ird.govt.nz/ online-services/campaign-myir.html

Saint Kentigern

BR-j7198-03

College Boarding Available for Boys & Girls Please register to attend: 130 Pakuranga Rd

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6 MARCH 9.30am

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Scholarships available -

Applications close 5 April (Schools) and 12 April (College)

DAIRY DEVELOPMENTS

From dry stock farming to dairy goats Stuart and Michele Clarke always considered themselves to be crop and beef farmers.

By Helen Wilson

In 1990 Stu had already bought 20 hectares of flat fertile land near Morrinsville and in 2003 another 80 hectares adjoining the existing land was bought in partnership with his wife, Michele.

Why did they decide to diversify into goats? “I had been fascinated with the dairy goat industry and when I started to make some enquiries about farming them, it was a closed shop. It was very difficult to get any kind of information and the milk supply quota was strictly controlled by existing farmers. I knew there was an international demand for goat’s milk so I persevered and finally got some answers,” says Stu. Luck was on the Clarke’s side as a friend was selling his goat herd so they had a chat to him, did some figures and decided that milking goats was the best option for maximizing production on their block of land. The herd comprises 400 milking goats, mainly Saanen with a few Nubian and some cross breeds.

They decided to use Morrinsville builder, WD Davenport who has been building dairy sheds for more than 20 years. Pete Davenport is now a part owner in the business and this was the first goat dairy shed he had built.

“Stu and Michele did some research and decided that the most efficient goat dairy shed would be a 60 bail rotary. We were given the specifications of the platform and then designed and built around that. It was similar to dairy cows but on a smaller scale. We have our basic herringbone and rotary dairy shed designs which we are always able to adjust to the client’s requirements,” says Pete Davenport. There was always three to four builders on site so good progress was made.

The goats have adapted to the rotary a lot quicker than cows and are always eager to get on to the platform. The bails are smaller, have high solid sides as the goats do tend to be inquisitive and will jump over if there is something that attracts their attention.

The building’s walls are made of refrigeration poly panel for easy cleaning and the roof is low-maintenance colour steel. The goat dairy shed is not at full capacity yet and has been designed to cope with up to 800 goats.

Page 21

DAIRY DEVELOPMENTS

Page 22

Goats really will eat just about anything Graham Silvester, owner of Silvester Electrical in Morrinsville has installed the electrical requirements for a number of dairy goat sheds. “I have learned through experience that goats

have peculiar habits and like chewing anything available so we had to make sure all the wiring was out of reach or well covered. Other than that it was really similar to any other rotary

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dairy shed,” says Graham. Most of Silvester Electrical’s work is around Morrinsville, with rotary and herringbone dairy sheds, effluent systems and all farm installations and maintenance as well as domestic and commercial work. “Stu asked for information on options that were available for the milk cooling process and decided to keep things simple and chose the Centigrade designed, built, tried and tested two stage pre-cooling system consisting of an ice bank with an independent direct expansion vat cooling unit.

“Ice bank cooling systems have been around for many years and with a few modern tweaks not only cools the milk very efficiently, in this case, producing energy saving tempered water for plant washing purposes at the same time,” says Centigrade Ltd’s project manager, Paul Donderwinkel.

The two separate chilling systems provide backup.

Additional controls were also devised to avoid freezing milk during low milk volume periods.

“The build went well with great communication within the group of subbies,” says Paul.

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For aesthetic and hygiene purposes the walls of the goat dairy shed have been covered with a special tough coating of Acraflex Specialised Coatings, which is easy to keep clean, high gloss, chemical resistant and adds a bit of colour to an otherwise bland wall.

This was applied by Greg Fulton of Dairy Wall Coatings.

Rural Engineering is based at Waihou just out of Morrinsville, and has gained a reputation for quality when it comes to designing yards for dairy sheds.

“This was the first rotary goat dairy shed we have designed. It was similar to a dairy shed yard but little differences like mesh around the outside of the round yard to stop the goats putting their heads out and getting stuck with the backing gate and spring loading gate latches to stop the goats opening them.

Goats love a challenge so we had to make sure the yard was secure,” says Rural Engineering manager, Brad Johnson.

The Milfos iCompac GS Goat Rotary Platform is truly a platform with a difference. The design borrows heavily from the technology that is employed in the Milfos range of cow milking rotary platforms.

It is supported on a set of precision nylon rollers and each roller has four heavy duty bearings to ensure long life and also a compensator system that ensures that the weight of the platform is evenly distributed on all rollers. An automatic grease dispensing system takes care of lubricating the beam and rollers and does not make a mess like oil based systems can do.

The platform is driven by twin variable speed opposing thrust drives. This system allows the use of large diameter drive wheels. The large diameter wheels enable the tension required to drive the platform to be reduced to a minimum, therefore reducing side loading on the drive and wear on the drive wheels.

The chassis of the platform is constructed from precision laser cut components and supports a laser cut 5mm hot dip galvanized steel chequer plate deck. The bail construction is also fully hot dip galvanized and features built in feed bin dividers and solid panels to separate the goats. The platform also features a continuous stainless steel feed trough and is designed to accommodate the full range of Milfos Automation Solutions. The Taha Awa platform is an external operator model. Milfos also has an internal operator variant of this platform available.

DAIRY DEVELOPMENTS

Left: Michele and Stu Clarke with some of their goats. Right: There is plenty of room for the goats in the large shed.

High performance milking platform The Milfos iConveyer GS milking system has been designed for high performance and ease of use.

The lightweight iTP 205 goat clusters are easy to use and incorporate a unique shut off valve which automatically controls the vacuum supply to each liner during milking.

Milfos iPulse pulsation is installed and the rates and ratios of the pulsation are controlled by the iNtelgen. The machine also uses iCIP cluster washers that are specially modified to suit goat and sheep milking. These have adjustable flow rate control and a non-return valve that allows the operator to begin placing the clusters on to the cluster washers while the last goats are still being milked, therefore saving time during the wash up. Milk is handled by an iNtelcenter which uses variable speed to control the milk pump, ensuring that the milk passes through the plate at a

slow speed to maximise cooling. The milk purge and automatic wash valves are also controlled by the iNtelcenter.

This means that the operator can switch the machine from milk to wash mode without having to manually operate any valves, saving time and ensuring that the plant is always configured to wash correctly.

Milfos has installed the latest technology in rotary glands on the Taha Awa platform; the Hi-Flow 3C with Plus Kit. This gland is capable of supplying vacuum, milk, power, and data, wash water and compressed air all through one unit. This means that the platform does not need to be parked during the wash cycle which also saves time during clean up.

There is also no need to install a noisy compressor on the platform to operate the automatic valves and milk purge unit. All milk, wash and purge functions

are operated remotely from the iNtelstart which sends the signals to various controllers via the Milfos interactive data network.

The iNtelstart also controls the vacuum pump and water flow through the plate cooler ensuring that the cooling water is turned on only when required.

There is a double bank plate cooler installed which allows for efficient primary cooling via the farm water supply and a second chilled water circuit to maximise cooling efficiency before the milk enters the vat. The iRotavac Rotary Lobe Vacuum Pump is controlled by an iNtelvac variable speed vacuum pump drive, this ensures that the vacuum pump only runs at the speed required to maintain a constant vacuum level, therefore reducing both noise levels and power consumption.

Post milking teat care is handled by an

R ur a l Engi e e r i ng Rur En g i n ne n g L td

Page 23

Goats snug in Aztec barn

The Taha Awa Farm Ltd goats are happy in the warm and dry environment of their new Aztech Buildings’ dairy goat barn where they are fed fresh cut grass, nutrients and supplements through an automatic feeding system.

“The demand for goat milk outreaches the current shortfall of goat farmers, and in having a proven track record in permanent goat housing, Aztech is continually constructing various barns for the industry,” Matthew Hoyle, from Aztech Buildings says.

Aztech sustainable timber structure design provides optimum warmth and permanent safety for the herd. Although the goats don’t eat off the ground, they have access to the outside to soak up the vitamin D from the sun. Air-flow and temperature is optimised with Aztech’s barn designs to enable maximum fresh air and productive conditions.

One of Aztech’s existing clients said; “The structural integrity and permanent design of the building provides total assurance that our animals are safe in harsh weather conditions. The durable timber structure is warmer but breathable and also dampens the noise. Production from our herd is our income, so we couldn’t afford to put their health and safety at risk during construction and for years to come. We compared any alternate option and knowing that a lot of other dairy farmers were pleased with Aztech Buildings along with payback calculations helped reassure our initial decision. We then proved the level of customer care and service by the Aztech team who surpassed our expectations and it didn’t just stop there, it is like a lifelong relationship.”

iSpray compressed air teat spray system. This high volume teat spray vessel is manufactured from heavy wall schedule stainless steel and is designed to handle highly corrosive iodine solutions for many years of operation.The Milfos milking machine was installed by the Milfos agents, McLarens Rural Services based at Morrinsville. “We are very pleased with the way it has worked, the yards are well designed the large Aztech shed is well positioned at the end of the yards and being built from natural wood it blends in well and provides the best housing for the goats,” says Stu.

By Helen Wilson

FORESTRY

Page 24

Boron study

Boron is vital to tree growth, but the quantity of boron is equally important. Too little will cause deformities in conifers, and too much of it can be toxic.

Recent studies by Scion indicate that Douglas-fir may be particularly sensitive to boron toxicity. An optimum range of 4–8 kg per hectare of boron produced the greatest plant growth rate for radiata pine seedlings in a greenhouse study where climatic conditions were controlled. In contrast, an application rate of 4 kg per hectare was found to reduce growth of young Douglas-fir at a high country site, indicating a lower rate of 1-2 kg per hectare is more appropriate for this species.

These results demonstrate that the range between boron deficiency and toxicity in two important commercial tree species is narrow and species-specific – important information for tree growers.

Soils

Zest

09 to

nz

ment

Forest product changing Forest owners are moving away from production of pruned logs, says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

MPI has released the 2012 annual National Exotic Forestry Description report, which gives a snapshot of the area and make-up of New Zealand’s planted production forests.

According to this year’s report, the net area stocked with planted production forest has remained at 1.72 million hectares. When areas that have been harvested but are still waiting either replanting or an alternative land-use decision are included (60,000 hectares), the total exotic forest area is estimated to be 1.78 million hectares.

An estimated 12,000 hectares of forest were established on new areas (where planted production forest did not previously exist)

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in the year to December 2011. The 2012 provisional estimate for new area plantings is 18,500 hectares.

Approximately 23.3 million cubic metres of logs were harvested during the year to March 2012 from felling of 44,100 hectares of planted forest.

The NEFD survey showed that 58 per cent (899,000 hectares) of forest planted in the main species radiata pine is being pruned – down from 67 per cent 10 years ago.

“There is a general trend towards less pruning, due partly to the decline over recent years in the value of pruned logs relative to unpruned logs,” says Lisa Winthrop, Forestry and Plant Sector Policy Manager.

The reporting is being evaluated as part of a wider review of MPI’s statistical reporting.

MPI will run a user information needs survey and discussions with key forestry stakeholders during the coming year.

“The key questions will be whether the

NEFD is meeting users’ needs and whether there are more efficient ways of obtaining the data,” Ms Winthrop says.

View the full 2012 NEFD report in the Publications section of the MPI website.

The NEFD is an annual report on the national planted production forest resource, described by age and species. It is an official “Tier 1” Government statistic.

To compile the report, MPI gathers high-level information from forest owners, surveying large forest owners (over 1000 hectares) every year and both large and smaller forest owners (40 hectares to 1000 hectares) every second year.

The survey is well supported by forest owners, with a response rate of 85 per cent.

The survey design is intended to show trends over time, and as such it cannot be used to show detail of what has occurred in specific locations or give accurate year-onyear comparisons.

Forest levy vote in March Forest owners will vote in March on a plan that aims to give all commercial forest and woodlot owners a say in the future of the industry and also establish an industry levy.

The Forest Voice referendum is being conducted by a new organisation, the Forest Growers Levy Trust, an incorporated society. It has the backing of the two established players in the sector, the Forest Owners Association and the Farm Forestry Association.

The referendum is conducted under the Commodity Levies Act and if successful, most products sold from a plantation will be levied at a rate of up to 30c/tonne on the volume harvested. The funds raised will be administered by the trust and used to fund activities for the benefit of all forest owners.

Trust chair Geoff Thompson says the plan aims to create a fairer, more cohesive and more profitable sector. The referendum will be held from March 1 to 22, 2013. “Each owner of a qualified forest gets one vote that will be counted two ways, per head and by area of forest.

A dual majority is needed for the referendum to succeed,” he says.

“If it is successful, all qualified growers can become members of the trust.

This will give them the right to have a say in industry forums and to vote for members of the trust board.

They will also get plugged into industry information streams.

“Getting more forest owners involved in the sector is crucial for a whole host of reasons. There is a big increase in production coming forward that needs to be managed. Also we need many more forest owners to be involved in biosecurity in order to effectively protect our assets.”

To vote in the referendum, forest growers must first register, even if they belong to an industry organisation. A qualified grower is the owner, or the representative of the owner, of a plantation forest or woodlot four hectares or more in area and 10 or more years old.

“The trust wants everyone who is likely to be commercially harvesting logs in the six-year life of the levy to have the right to vote. Those who won’t be harvesting won’t be voting. The age restriction is a practical cut-off – trees younger than 10 years old won’t be commercially harvested in the next six years.”

Full details of the referendum proposal are on the Forest Voice website www.forestvoice.org.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 25

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Page 26

RURAL DRIVER

Turning heads in style Looking for a little more attention on the road?

The Chrysler Luxury 300C could be just the ticket with its impressive form.

From the streets of Detroit and the sands of Daytona, the Luxury 300C’s imposing presence draws attention wherever it goes. Behind the wheel, around the Western Bay, the admiring glances come thick and fast.

Alongside the Japanese, Korean and

European cars that hold sway on many of the Bay’s roads, the American styling of the Chrysler shouts for attention. One look at the 300C’s impressively threatening posterior confirmed that it was, as the manual proclaims, as American as apple pie.

Upon getting this tough assignment I headed to Farmer Auto Village where the car was waiting for review. After a quick run through, I sat snug, and smug, struggling to realise that I needed to tap the break before pressing the ignition button to get the car to start.

When that clicked, I began adjusting the position and temperature of all that I touched, which, at that early stage, consisted of only the steering wheel.

Like a snail I was off, creeping the large vehicle the wrong way through an expensive labyrinth of shining new cars towards an inevitable conclusion.

Into reverse I went, with the reversing camera helping me navigate passed concerned looks from discerning eyes and out on to Hewletts Rd. With the 8.4 inch interactive Uconnect system, featuring GPS, more audio options than the average stereo and every other option under the sun, I felt like a golden god riding in a chariot sporting standard 20 inch wheels.

The interior provided exceptional comfort and style with more premium leather coverings all over – including the dash.

Front and rare heated seats, ventilated front seats, hot and cold cup holders, LED lighting throughout the cabin, real wood trim, and an optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof system covering more than 70 per cent of the 300’s roof area, barely begins to scrape the surface of the available features.

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with 8 speed auto stick, capable of producing 210KW a t 6350RPM, is as quiet as a mouse and gives plenty of power when needed, though cannot be heard above the sounds of Citizen Cope which fill the car and much of the surrounding suburb.At the lights I turn down the music and pretend to engage the hands-free calling feature which I was yet to master.

Sideways glances from a suddenly attractive inside lane spur me to make mythical deals with a pretend person through the hands-free calling feature: “I don’t care what they say – buy, buy, buy,” I thundered, channel-

ling Gordon Gecko minus the hair and suit.

Arrival back at the Sun Media offices is sweet – no fewer than four women from the office come out to meet me – one of whom insinuated that she would very much like going for a ride.

The last hour of work drags, then 5pm strikes and freedom and the 300 is mine.

Humidity sensors, automatic temperature control, auto-defog and voice command come standard in the luxury edition, in which fuel economy, tyre pressure, temperature and the average distance to empty can all be checked through the steering wheel controls, along with cruise control and adaptive cruise control.

Intelligent Battery Sensor monitors the amount of electric current going through the battery, then prioritises what the energy is used for once it falls below a critical point.

Hill Start Assist, a plethora of airbags, keyless entry and start, stability control, blind spot monitoring, Park Assist, headlights which adjust their direction based on the position of the driver’s seat and steering wheel and forward and sideways collision warning systems mean this car is far smarter than the person driving it.

Available with a V6 petrol engine, capable of getting 9.7L/100km, as well as in diesel (7.2L/100km) in three different price ranges stretching from $57,990 to $73,990, this car, in every way, is about as adaptable as a chameleon.

Later, after night had fallen along with some rain, my new-found powers seemed to extend to telekinesis as the automatic windscreen wipers and headlights adjusted to the conditions above, ahead and on the road.

Quite simply, this is the smartest, most considerate, most luxurious car I have ever driven.

It is also warmer, more comfortable and seemingly more spacious than many Dunedin dwellings I dwelt in during my Scarfie days – when putting your clothes into the oven or getting a little too close to a couch blaze were your only real ways of attempting to replicate the 300’s heated seats.

Starting from $58,000 the new Chrysler 300 represents great value for those people looking for a large car that has all the creature comforts and stands out from all the rest.

For more details contact Farmer Auto Village on 578 6017.

By Ben Guild

Page 27

RURAL DRIVER

Heavyweight vehicle a people mover with grunt It is many years since Sideline Sid felt the nerves of the first day of secondary school or the start of a new job but they were there again on a beautiful mid-summer Western Bay morning when he set out to test-drive a new Colorado 7 from the Ebbett Home of Holden in Tauranga.

While the old fella has written hundreds of thousands of words in the last couple of decades, the first car review for Rural Driver was a whole new ball game.

To write about motor vehicles was a challenge that had Sideline Sid a little apprehensive but also looking forward to the new task.

First impressions, when handed the keys by Julian at the Ebbett Marque of Excellence in Cameron Road, was of real size for a 2.8 litre diesel vehicle. Built on the lines of the Colorado Ute, the new brother to the Holden Ute had several outstanding features that make it really look the part.

The 4x4 has seven full seats and has the grunt to easily tow a load of up to three tonnes. Billed as ready to take on the red dirt, black rock or white sands of New Zealand, I was interested to know if it lived up to its name.

With neither the time or the terrain to give the vehicle a real workout, we headed along the expressway to the back road to Rotorua, to see how it handles.

Stopping at Pyes Pa School for a photo shoot, I came to the realisation that it was a Heavyweight Vehicle for a Heavyweight Family.

Built upon the lines of David Tua or Shane Cameron - being light on its feet but with a real punch, the Colorado 7 is a people mover with grunt. Ideally suited for a large family, the 50/50 split of the back seats provide five seats and a huge boot area, or seven seats that give an outstanding degree of comfort to all seven passengers.

The Colorado 7 will also appeal to the outdoors types with the ability to tow such as a big boat on an

Today’s specifications tend to be described in capital initials, with the vehicles brochure telling me that the Colorado 7 has ESC (Electronic Stability Control) ASB (AntiLock Braking System) LSD (Limited Slip Differential) DCS (Descent Control System) and HAS (Hill Start Assist).

Final impressions on reluctantly handing the keys back to Julian, is that it drives like an around town sedan, but has the size and capabilities of an off road vehicle.

The Colorado LTZ has a RRP of $66,900 with the LT available at $62,900.

Would I buy one – you betcha.

The Colorado 7 is ideally suited to a large family.

extended fishing trip. One can imagine the Colorado 7 loaded with all the necessities of a trip to far away fishing grounds. With a tough coil spring five-link live axle, high ride height and Four Wheel Drive, this is a vehicle to get you to the back blocks and beyond in New Zealand.

A real plus for older types is the side steps, which make boarding and disembarking a breeze - shades of the vintage cars such as the Essex Eight, having running boards, which are a narrow step fitted under the side doors. An unlikely benefit in the early 20th century, was that gangsters used their running boards, to get better aim at police officers and rival gangsters.

Sitting in the driver seat, one is faced by all the bells and whistles and then some. Bluetooth and a CD audio system with steering wheel audio controls connected to six speakers. A trip computer, that tells you everything you could ever want to know such as how much fuel is remaining and the kilometres left before the vehicle runs out of diesel.

In addition to full-length air bags, two items in the back of the Colorado 7, provide extra comfort and versatility. Rear seat air conditioning provides the same comfort level in the back seat as in the front, while a 12-volt power connection in the boot gives an additional bonus for such as camping trips.

T H E C A R S AYS YO U ’ V E M A D E I T. T H E P R I C E S AYS , W I S E LY.

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Page 28

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Sprayers puts product where it’s required One of the world’s leading manufacturers of hi-tech horticultural sprayers values the input of New Zealand kiwifruit growers when it comes to refining its designs.

Robin Murray of R&R Tractors, Te Puke says Andreoli Engineering’s team of designers take into account feedback from growers and contractors which is why the Fantini Trailed Sprayers and Atom selfpropelled sprayers are so effective at delivering sprays where they are needed.

“Andreoli Engineering specialises in customised designs and is quick to respond the requests from

clients. It works closely with kiwifruit industries in both New Zealand and Italy to come up with sprayers which suit their needs.

“The sprayer system is the same on both the trailed sprayers and the Atom self-propelled sprayers and is the only air blast sprayer designed exclusively to spray kiwifruit on a pergola structure. It has built an awesome reputation in the kiwifruit world as the sprayer that gets the product to its target.”

Robin first met the Andreoli team at a trade show in Europe 19 years ago and quickly realised it was a company which listened to the needs of its clients.

R&R Tractors imported the first Atom self-propelled sprayer into New Zealand in 1996 with the promise

on a short-term contract to Ferrari to of a money-back guarantee if the client help with a project to reduce weight of wasn’t happy. He never took Robin up its cars,” says Robin. on that offer and since then the vehicles Andreoli Engineering has made technohave become a common sight on Bay of logical innovation its "way of life", trying Plenty roads and orchards. to solve the new problems of specialized Directing spray accurately and effiagriculture such as kiwifruit growing. ciently to exactly where it’s needed has always been important for growers but the arrival of Psa-V means it’s even more vital. The direction and velocity of spray delivered by the Andreoli sprayers can be easily adjusted to suit each orchard or spray used and while the design is high tech, the construction of the fans and the sprayer units is robust and easily serviced.

The company has 58 years’ experience designing sprayers with founder Mario Fantini, manufacturing the first trailed sprayers in the early 1950s.

Today that passion for innovation is shared with his three sons Francesco, Federico and Enrico who have taken the design and engineering side to a new level, working on joint projects with the University of Modena to use sophisticated three dimension computer analysis of airflow for the design and the optimization of the blowers.

Fantini Trailed Sprayers are “Enrico is such a talented young designers, designed especially for pergola he’s currently working grown kiwifruit.

The Irish christening orchard tractors

small tractors & mowers

ag tractors

Paddy’s pregnant sister was in a terrible car accident and went into a deep coma.

After being in a coma for nearly six months, she woke up and saw that she was no longer pregnant.

Frantically she asked the doctor about her baby.

The doctor replied, “You had twins, a boy and a girl.

The babies are fine. However they were poorly at birth and had to be christened immediately, so your brother Paddy came in and named them.”

The woman thought to herself, “Oh suffering Jesus no, not me brother. He’s a clueless idiot!”

Expecting the worst, she asked the doctor, “Well, what’s my daughter’s name?”

“Denise,” said the doctor.

The new mother was somewhat relieved and thought, “Wow, that’s a really beautiful name. I guess I was wrong about my brother. I really like Denise.”

Then she asked, “So what’s the boy’s name then?”

The doctor replied, “Denephew.”

Page 29

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Plenty on offer at auction The auction will be the first time in many years that Funds raised will assist Rotary’s continued support of the local community Katikati Rotary has organised a plant and machinery including the Katikati Primary School and College. auction which is aimed to provide an opportunity to To donate goods for sale or arrange for them to be auction on behalf, buy and sell equipment farm and orcharding gear. phone: Rod Calver 0275 909 710; Allan Dawson 0275 902 393; The auction will be strictly for orchard and farm Tom Impey 07 549 1265 or Peter MacKay 0274 829 451. machinery, plant and equipment, large or small, but not household items or the kind of goods sold by the popular Lions Steptoe Auction in Katikati.

Thanks to the support of Aongatete Packhouse, pick-up can be arranged from the Bay of Plenty or Waikato in the week before the auction and Rotary will take delivery of items too.

The sale will begin at 11am on Saturday February 16 at 43 Sharp Rd, just south of Katikati. Parking will be available at the Fairview Golf Course across the road, which will also be holding an open home on the day.

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Rotary Peter Mackay says a generous farmer has offered the equipment, two bikes and the trailer itself to help with the fund raiser.

“He said while he could have sold it himself, he’d had good use from the gear and would rather Rotary make some money from it to continue to good works the club does in the community. We are very grateful for his generosity.”

The club will also sell machinery and equipment on behalf of venders for a 15 per cent commission.

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Page 30

Family honours ancestors’ courage Deciding to leave Scotland for New Zealand in the hopes of making a better life for themselves and their 10 children couldn’t have been easy for Robert and Jane Scott, but 100 years on their descendants are grateful they had the courage to do so.

This month at least 120 of the couple’s descendants, including some who are sixth generation New Zealanders, will celebrate Robert and Jane’s courage and farsightedness at a weekend event at Ngarua near Te Aroha.

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Cousins Lin Scott and Rosemary Candy farm which Robert leased, “to Cousins Rosemary are helping organise a celebration to which Robert strongly objected Candy and Lindsay (Lin) mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival as it drastically cut down his Scott of Tauranga are part of the Scott family at Ngarua. grazing area”. of a small family commitJane’s brother Jimmy tee which is organising the district. He also played the violin at commuLockhart and her sister Nan celebration on February nity functions – and according to local folk and husband Tom Scott were 16 and 17 held at the law – held ‘concerts’ at home, listened to by already settled in New Zealand neighbours on the same party line.

Tatuanui Hall, with a speand it is believed they may cial service at the Ngarua Robert’s daughter Nan was an expert at have encouraged, and assisted Church and a visit to the butter sculpting and won prizes for her with the move to this country.

Ngarua School, now a expertise in Scotland and later the A&P “As far as we can tell Tom Maori Immersion school.

Shows in New Zealand.

Scott wasn’t related to Robert “The Ranche was the Soon after they settled in New Zealand Scott our grandfather but name Robert and Jane World War I broke out and their sons Bob, even so, the two families were gave the Ngarua farm Jack and Bill returned to Europe to fight. very close, probably because they bought in 1913 and Bob, aged just 24, was killed but his Jane and Agnes were sisters it was eventually sold brothers came back to farms and those links remain in 1971 to its current their parents had bought, strong,” says Roseowner, Foster Kalma, A butter sculpture made by Nan using their army pay as mary. who has been very kind Scott of Ngarua won a prize at deposits.

Tracking down in letting us put up a the Waikato Winter Show.

While the centendescendants banner on his land to nial celebrations to invite them mark the centennial,” will be largely for to the celebrations hasn’t been says Rosemary, whose parents Hugh and the Scott family, hard, say Rosemary and Lin. Enid Scott farmed the land for nearly Robert and Jane Scott researching its That’s because the tradition of 40 years. photographed in 1925 history has resulted close family links the pioneer Like Rosemary and many of Scott cousins, – 12 years after they in an unexpected disScotts kept has continued on down Lin attended Ngarua School, built on four arrived in New Zealand covery – the location the generations. acres of land sold by Robert Scott to the of a memorial stone to from Scotland. education board.

“We are a very close family and hope that young men from Ngarua who “Four acres were needed because most chil- continues well into the future,” says Lin. died in World War II. Robert Scott was a renowned top class “The stone had been at the Ngarua School dren, including me, rode horses to school,” ploughman in Scotland and several ploughbut when it closed as a public school, the says Lin. stone was removed. We managed to find Robert Scott was 52 and Jane 49 when they ing medals he won are still in the family’s pocession. His sons were good ploughwhere it was and on Sunday February 17 the left Scotland and their children, five boys stone will be re-dedicated in its new position and five girls, ranged in ages from Agnes, 21, men too and their skills and keenness to work made them welcome additions to the at the Ngarua Church and we’ve invited to Fanny, almost three.

Ngarua community, where land was being family of those the stone honours to be at According to a family history compiled by developed for farming. the service,” says Rosemary.

Helen Scott, their decision to leave Scotland Robert went on to organise the first telThe names on the stone are Seed, Hurst, was promoted by the Duke of Hamilton’s ephone line from Walton into the Ngarua Miller and Teaz. plans to plant trees in the middle of MuirBy Elaine Fisher

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CONTRACTORS

Page 31

Psa and the industry’s plans for 2013 Summer has been kind to our kiwifruit vines.

Reports that we’re receiving on the spread of Psa-V, along with our observations, indicate that in general, Hayward / green kiwifruit is looking good in the main growing area in Te Puke and elsewhere. The exceptions where kiwifruit vines are not performing as well due Psa-V are in Waihi, Edgecumbe, Opotiki, some orchards at high elevation and some low-lying blocks of kiwifruit that have been very cold at different times over the last year. In Te Puke, Gold 3 (the replacement Gold kiwifruit for Hort16A) is resisting Psa-V in a similar way to green — it’s generally doing well enough, except for cold sites and other vine stress factors. In general, Hort16A is also doing well enough in areas outside of Te Puke where Psa-V is not prevalent.

We are expecting, and planning for, an increase in the spread of Psa in autumn when the weather is colder and wetter. Many growers, particularly from Te Puke, will not be earning much, or any, income from their kiwifruit this year. As an industry we have two plans in place to do what we can to get through 2013.

The first plan is operational and is a National Pest Management Plan. This plan has been developed following extensive industry consultation and is now before Government. We are hoping the Government will approve this plan in time for autumn when, as an industry, we will need it. The Plan does the following: • It requires the entire kiwifruit industry to work together to manage Psa-V. • It creates specific objectives for different regions, based on the level of Psa in each region, and what is required to manage Psa-V in that region.

• Movement controls, orchard monitoring and orchard disease management are all components of the Plan.

• Growers will take primary responsibility for managing risks on their own orchards, with the plan being put into action at regional and local level.

• Importantly, there is the ability for Kiwifruit Vine Health to require compliance with the rules. This will be particularly useful for unmanaged and abandoned orchards to help reduce the spread of Psa-V’s inoculum as much as possible.

• It supports on-going research and development efforts and development of new on-orchard tools and on-orchard management techniques.

The other plan is to support our growers and our community – this covers financial and well-being.

Our goals with this plan are as follows: • All growers, their families and the wider community are supported so everyone who needs help knows where to find it.

• To provide a wide range of support by using professional, qualified practitioners, trained lay people and best practice practitioners from the industry.

• To run seminars, workshops, drop-in clinics, articles and provide information packs.

• To work across commercial lines with a clear purpose of empowering the community to work together.

• To utilise the resources that are available within the community, and organisation, at regional and national levels.

• To establish new support networks where they currently do not exist.

What we are striving to create is a world-class support system that uses as many existing industry and community resources as possible.

Combined, these two plans will work to move the kiwifruit industry through 2013 and help us manage and combat Psa-V.

Summer sun has been a blessing this year for our kiwifruit.

If you or anyone you know needs help ring NZKGI on 0800 232 505.

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DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

Page 32

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Waikato farmers get to grips with Variation 6

Knowing how much water a farm uses helps farmers manage the resource. (Photo Dairy NZ)

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure.” It’s an old adage, almost a cliché now, but it sure applies to water use on farm.

Monitoring and reporting water use is a coming requirement for many Waikato dairy farmers, given new water take rules for dairy shed use under Variation 6 to the Regional Plan. It may seem an onerous task, but some very good benefits can result from it.

To help prepare their resource consent application, some farmers have gone ahead and installed meters so they know exactly how much water they are using. Others, as a first step, are relying on DairyNZ’s new resource, Smart Water Use in the Farm Dairy, to help estimate their water use.

It’s all good because it helps them zero in on their actual needs and apply for a volume of water that will serve them well now and into the future. And while they are determining how much water they use, many of them are also examining how efficiently they are using it.

This is a good thing, too, because getting the most out of every litre of water going through the farm dairy makes sense. It can help: • control power use and costs • manage effluent in a cost-effective manner • get the most out of staff time • reduce water costs if you pay for it by volume, and • meet any regulatory obligations which may apply.

In the Waikato, this means meeting the requirements of Variation 6.

DairyNZ is helping farmers with this in a number of ways.

One way is through a series of information sessions held at locations around the region last October through Decem-

ber. Farmers were provided with details of Variation 6, assistance to determine their consent requirements based on operating history and herd size, and guidance for measuring and monitoring water use. (More of these sessions are planned).

A second way is through the new Smart Water Use in the Farm Dairy resource noted above.

Dairy farmers can downloaded or order a copy at www.dairynz.co.nz/smartwateruse. They can also request a copy by ringing 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969).

A third way is through data and information gained from a water-use study recently completed on 13 farms around the Waikato. The information gathered helps us better understand typical water use on different types of farms (shed set-up, herd size, etc.) and identify ways to reduce the water footprint of dairy farming.

So to the fourth way to help farmers meet the demands of Variation 6: a series of Smart Water Use Ideas Exchange sessions on farm in February and March (see accompanying list with dates and locations).

Nine of the study farms will open their gates to their fellow dairy farmer owners, sharemilkers, managers and staff. The sessions will review results of the water-use study, consider metering and monitoring options available, and discuss water-use efficiency and waterloss prevention in operation.

Sessions will run 10 am to mid-day with a BBQ to follow. There will be some great draw prizes on offer – including a grand prize of water meter/ installation (to a value of $1,000) courtesy of Waterforce. Mark your calendar and I’ll see you there!

Gord Stewart is a specialist in water use and conservation. He manages the Smart Water Use on Dairy Farms programme for DairyNZ.

Page 33

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

A bit about groundwater How much does the average Waikato resident or farmer know about groundwater?

If you’re like me, probably not a lot.

And yet scientists say 90 per cent of our freshwater in the Waikato is groundwater, with what we use accessed via bores and wells, and only about 10 per cent of the freshwater is in lakes, streams or rivers. For many, no doubt, coping with the Regional Council’s seeming fixation on water issues, limitations and new regulations (such as Variation 6), having to focus on what has generally been seen as an inexhaustible resource seems unnecessary.

So I thought I’d do some finding out and pass on my learning.

By and large, apart from very rare instances such as the Waitomo Caves, underground water (groundwater) does not run along as rivers and streams. Instead, the various types of rock which sit under our region have tiny gaps between the grains of their makeup, or small fissures created when there has been underground movement. All these gaps or fissures get filled with water to saturation point by what trickles down through the ground after it has rained. The level closest to the ground surface where the soil or rock is saturated, i.e. all gaps filled with water, is referred to as the water table.

You may have encountered this when you dig a fence post hole and it partially fills with water. The top of this water is the water table. The saturated rock below the water table is called an aquifer, and the amount of spaces which can be filled with groundwater is a measure of its porosity. An aquifer with a large number of spaces has a high porosity.

Then, assisted often by gravity, and otherwise by pressure as more water arrives, the water in the gaps and fissures moves along, generally very slowly, and depending on the permeability of the rock.

So where does it go? Well a huge percentage of the groundwater travels along in aquifers for months or years until it either pops up as a spring, or drains into one of our many streams and rivers. That is why those streams and rivers keep flowing all year, even though there may not have been recent rainfall, such as occurred in the 2008 summer drought. Rainfall that enters the ground near a stream doesn’t travel very far, and may join a stream in a few days or months. Rainfall that enters the ground away from a stream, or that flows deeper into the aquifers, may not emerge in a stream for up to 100 years (eg Blue Springs and many springs in the Upper Waikato Catchment).

In deeper aquifers in the Hamilton Basin groundwater has apparently been tested as about a 1000 years old.

In the Waikato we’re pretty keen on digging bores and wells, with around 14,200 by last year, and adding a further 400 or so every year. Some are shallow (about 4 metres) while others have to go down more than 100 metres. When someone starts pumping from their bore, there are pressure changes and water from what can be a broad area of the aquifer changes course and moves towards the bore. Depending on the number of bores and the amount of water taken, this can reduce the level in the whole aquifer, not to mention changing the water levels in other bores and wells in the area. Small water takes, often of the size for stock water or dairy shed wash down, individually generally have a small impact on water levels.

However, when there are hundreds of

these takes, as is the case in the Waikato region, every little bit of groundwater taken adds up, and reduces the amount of groundwater flowing to nearby streams and wetlands. With many of these already under ecological stress for a variety of reasons, a lowering of the water level just exacerbates things.

Since the mid-1980s the Regional Council has been monitoring wells all over the region. These days they measure

six-weekly at 145 regular sites, and also add details of levels, quantity and quality to their database as every new well is dug.

They are also keeping tabs on rainfall amounts, and watching the recharge effects of what seeps down to the water table levels.

Knowing that a good proportion of groundwater will end up in streams and rivers, they are also monitoring many of these, both for quantity and quality.

For aquifers which are near the

Sessions will report on the recently completely farm water-use study, discuss metering and monitoring water use, and provide practical tips and advice for efficient water use in the farm dairy and managing the farm water system.

Check the DairyNZ website for details and farm locations.

• February 20 Ngatea/Paeroa • February 21 Morrinsville (Tatuanui)

Metering, monitoring and shed water use will be hot topics at Smart Water Use Ideas Exchange sessions around the Waikato region in February and March. (picture Pam Gore) • February 22 • March 5 • March 6 • March 7 • March 12 • March 13 • March 14

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Smart Water Use Ideas Exchange sessions On-farm sessions around the region are scheduled for February and March.

sea and discharge at the coast, such as the lower Hauraki Plains, they also monitor salinity levels in the aquifers. As sea water is denser than fresh, when aquifer levels drop too far, the sea water comes in and fills the gaps.

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Predicting pasture performance On a recent trip I had the pleasure of visiting two dairy farms with very expensive plant and buildings, fastidiously managed with the goal of maximising production by removing or at least minimising the impact of as many variables as possible.

Production on a per cow basis was outstanding and the owners and operators we met rightly proud of their operations.

I visited as part of a group to look at some of the latest technology available, not to judge the effectiveness or efficiency of the overall performance, however with an involvement in dairying stretching close to 50 years it was impossible not to look a little beyond the impressive buildings, milking and feeding systems.

So at one of the properties I asked the question the answer to which I was hoping would provide further insight, “how much grass do you grow in a year?”

The response, “we haven’t a clue.” I accepted that at face value however on reflection it may well have been the cue to not be so nosy. It did start me wondering though about how many farmers actually do know how much pasture they do grow in a 12 month period.

I sincerely hope that I am wrong however I suspect most dairy farmers have at best a vague idea, and if that is the case then even fewer know accurately when during the year that feed will grow.

This issue is important because dairy farming is essentially a pasture based

od for Soils

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CalciZest

843 809

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HORTICULTURE

Page 34

or go to

esi.org.nz

oil Improvement

system, and pasture growth throughout the year follows a predictable pattern. Those responsible for processing the bulk of the milk in New Zealand know the week each year when the most milk will be received.

Without good growth data the buying of feed to fill any shortfall comes down to guess work, and even with excellent observation and monitoring if growth rates over the next 30 – 90 days are not known money may be wasted buying feed that isn’t necessary.

In a dry stock situation knowing likely growth figures means the buying and selling of stock can be planned well in advance providing opportunities to better maximise profit.

Purchasers of CalciZest and DoloZest, the two soil improvers sold by ESI Ltd, are provided with monthly newsletters that includes current grass growth data from the Berryman dairy farm at Edgecumbe along with historical MAF data from the late 70s early 80s, and 20 years of accumulated growth figures from the Rotorua district.

It’s not the only data available. In September last year a report from a local farm consultancy group commissioned

by Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust shows that the cows on the Berryman property, on average producing close to their live weight in milk solids each year, eat 21 per cent less feed to produce a kilogram of milk solids than district average cows.

When conditions are created that ensures more total pasture is grown, the quality of that feed is better resulting in higher overall farm performance.

Blueberries can out-live humans

The books looked promising and when they eventually visited “Blueberries have a life span longer than us, therefore they the orchard in require the best health possible to enable them to live and Te Rahu Road near Blueberry produce for more than 80 years,” says Ben. Whakatane, Ben and bushes can “Like a person they have an immune system, so we plan Heidi had no second live to 80 to develop them as strong healthy plants that can fight off thoughts. The established years or more. diseases and therefore require no chemical sprays.” orchard was growing blueberries The health and welfare of staff, their family and customers for export and with the help of its previous owner Dave was also a motivation to change management practices three Rutledge, Ben and Heidi set about learning as much as they years ago. could about blueberry orcharding.

“We now grow biologically and believe we have an obligaThey also came to know Walter and Alison McFarlane of tion to provide a food product as close as possible to what Blueberry Corner and subsequently Ben approached them nature intended, as blueberries have a reputation as a health with an offer to buy their main road orchard, seeing its locasuper food.” tion as ideal to set up a retail outlet.

Ben and Heidi say they have seen great results from the Locals were buying fresh and frozen blueberries from a small change to biological practices. shed with an honesty box, a far cry from the busy store which “We haven’t had to use as many insecticides on our blueber- today sells berry ice-cream, muffins, pies and coffee, as well as ries, have had fewer plant losses and have seen improvements fresh and frozen berries. in the tonnage and quality of fruit.

The shop has windows to the packhouse, allowing custom“We still have a way to go and are still learning but it feels ers to watch blueberries being packed for local and export good for us personally, for our family and our customers that markets. we are changing to a growing style that will better support the Opening the retail facility immediately increased demand, environment,” says Ben. so four years ago another blueberry orchard, this time at When the couple bought their first blueberry orchard 10 Nukuhou, was purchased to increase production. Now they years ago they knew absolutely nothing about orcharding and harvest fruit from 7ha, which includes one leased block. in fact had no intention or entering the industry.

While Blueberry Corner berries are still exported by They had told their real estate agent in no uncertain terms airfreight, mainly to Australia, the New Zealand market that they wanted a dry stock farm – not a blueberry orchard – accounts for the bulk of the crop. but thanks to his persistence, a blueberry orchard is what the Walter and Alison had created the Blueberry Corner brand Taranaki couple ended up owning. used on all their packaging, so Ben and Heidi continued to Ten years on they have no regrets about venturing into an follow their lead – something Heidi says has proved very sucenterprise vastly different from anything they’d ever done and cessful. what’s more their business has continued to grow. Today they “All our fruit goes out with that label and we find people are also the owners of the well-known Blueberry Corner retail are asking for our berries both from the auction houses and shop and orchard, just north of Whakatane. at retail. We strive for quality and don’t differentiate between It was 2002 when the young couple went on a road trip local market and export fruit. Everything has to meet the searching for a new home and farming business. same high quality.”

“After eight months we had decided we wanted to settle in While blueberries are the main crop, raspthe Bay of Plenty but had missed out on several dry stock berries and strawberries are also properties. Our agent, Maurice Butler from the Progrown – the strawberries initially as a fessionals in Whakatane, kept asking us to consider transitional crop to help ‘break in’ less a blueberry orchard and finally we said ‘show us fertile areas for blueberries. However, the books’,” says Heidi. the strawberries have proved so popular they’re staying.

Ben and Heidi, acutely aware they knew nothing about berry growing, initially followed advice from experienced orchardists, calendar spraying for pests and weeds.

Heidi is a nurse and the couple have three children Monty, 7, Tommy, 11, and Jessie, 14, so concerns about the environment they were growing up in led to questioning many of the orchard practices.

Ben attended an Integrity Soils seminar about biological farming and began Ben and Heidi Roswarne of Blueberry Corner, Whakatane are happy with their switch to biological growing methods.

Ben and Heidi Roswarne of Blueberry Corner, Whakatane know their blueberry plants will outlive them, so they take extra special care of their health and nutrition.

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.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

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To contact us: Phone: 021 907 621 E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz

HORTICULTURE

Page 35

Orchard shop boosts berry business his own exhaustive and on-going research into alternative methods of ensuring the health of the berries.

Two large mounds in a corner of the orchard hold one of the secrets to the very apparent health of the canes. Ben brings in a concoction of untreated waste materials from local mills, mixing and turning them with a front-end loader to create mulch. This is thickly applied by a specially adapted spreader to the rows of canes, creating a food source for the plants, worms and other soil life.

“Since we’ve been using the mulch our canes have been very healthy, and production has increased,” says Heidi.

Mulch is cleared by hand back from the trunks of each plant, many of them at least 28 years old. It not only provides nutrients but helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. The grass sward between the rows is mown but weed sprays aren’t generally

and when the berries are ready, they are harvestedSby o l ihand. d Food for Soils “We usually employ up to 125 casual staff during harvest but this year we’ve had work for 86 as frost hit the Nukuhou orchard hard in November.”

The decision to open a retail outlet at the original Blueberry Corner has proved to be pivotal to the couple’s business success and with three orchards, enough fruit is o l o Zstore e s t customThe busy store which sells blueberry produced toDsupply ers, the export market, retail outlets muffins and pies, as well as ice a l ccafes, iZest cream and fresh and frozen berries. in North Island cities,Cand from October to March each year.

0800 843 809 required. Blueberries have relatively The Christmas holiday break saw 07 362 7288 or go to few pests and sprays are applied the shop settingwww.esi.org.nz new records on only when absolutely essential for almost very fiEco-Logic ne day. Soil Improvement bugs such as bronze beetle.

“We sold more than 600 ice Soil and leaf tests are used to creams daily since Christmas.” determine what nutrients the plants Ben has plans to further enhance need and organic fertilisers are Blueberry Corner and he regularly applied to the leaves rather than consults staff about their ideas, plus the soil. almost anyone else who will listen.

Birds love blueberries so the “Our staff are fantastic and plants are grown under netting. come up with some truly winning Ben has adopted a fairly rigorideas,” says Heidi. ous pruning regime. Beehives are

By Elaine Fisher brought in to pollinate the flowers

On-line help for those affected by Psa It’s not just plants that the vine disease Psa-V is affecting – anyone who relies on the kiwifruit industry for their income is feeling the strain of the loss of vines and production which is why a website has been set up to offer helpful information.

An organisation called the Linkage has developed a Bay of Plenty Psa Support page on its Webhealth website for people whose livelihoods have been affected by the kiwifruit disease.

“The current crisis in the kiwifruit industry is causing a lot of stress within the community and there is a great need for this support page which people affected by this downturn can use to see what help is available for them and their families,” says local Webhealth co-ordinator Angela Jackson.

“Psa, or Pseudomonas syringae pv actinidiae disease, has been harming kiwifruit orchards throughout the North Island since November 2010 and the strain on the community in the Bay of Plenty has been significant. “This support page provides local information in

a non-confrontational manner and can be used by all affected within our community, the pack house workers, the orchard owners and their families and other who rely on the industry for their income. There is also a section detailing support available for the many migrant workers who live and work in the Bay of Plenty.”

The support page contains a directory of health and social services within the Bay of Plenty as well as information and on stress, depression and financial help.

Webhealth is a website that has up to date details about local health and social services covering youth, older people, GP, budgeting, family help, Maori health, mental health,community and more. There are also articles about health and wellbeing and a comprehensive community notice-board featuring events, support groups and workshops. Webhealth is a non-profit organisation administered by Linkage part of the Wise Group - that originated in the Waikato. The support page can be accessed by going to www.webhealth.co.nz/ bop and looking for bay of plenty support.

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MAIZE

Page 36

Harvest time is looming Summer has been kind to most maize growers and many will begin harvesting in late February.

It won’t be long until the maize harvest and stack building - an extremely busy and difficult time for contractors with large hectares to harvest, a short time frame and often adverse weather to contend with.

JORDAAN

Maize is normally harvested between 30 to 40 per cent dry matter. Determining maize silage maturity in the field requires considerable experience. Generally harvest contractors will monitor crop maturity and determine harvest time.

Technical advisors will also give guidance if required and stack sites and access areas must be prepared before harvest. Aim to get this done early in case the crop matures faster than expected.

Post-harvest planning e.g. sowing new pastures, is also crucial to continued success. Again technical representatives are able to assist with the best options for each site.

Maize yield is affected by many factors. Sowing location, sowing date, hybrid choice and population will all influence the potential yield of the crop.

Potential yield can be reduced by weed and pest presence, moisture stress, disease and nutrient limitations.

Maize crops behave in a very predictable manner, making it a very attractive crop for researchers to work with, therefore the drivers of maize yield are well understood.

Potential yield (the maximum possible yield provided there are no limitations due to; weed pressure,

drought, water logging, nutrients, disease, and soil structure etc) is driven by radiation interception.

Radiation (sunshine energy) is absorbed by the crop according to how much is coming in, and how much green leaf area is available to intercept it. The radiation is converted to biomass at a rate of 1.6 T DM/ ha for every 100 MJ of radiation intercepted. Maize is one of the most efficient plants at doing this.

Temperature is another factor which also influences potential yield, because it affects the rate of development (time to various growth stages like leaf emergence and silking). Temperature is used to calculate ‘Growing Degree Days’ (GDD’s). Warmer temperatures mean crops reach maturity faster.

To maximise potential yield, radiation interception must be maximised. There are four main factors that drive this; location, sowing time, hybrid and population.

Temperature and radiation are different around the country. The highest maize yields are often achieved in Gisborne, because of the high radiation and long growing season in that region. Often the growing location is fixed, but anyone thinking of leasing or buying land to grow maize on, should investigate the climatic conditions at the site.

(Source the Foundation for Arable Research publication ‘Best Management Practices for Growing Maize on Dairy Farms” . A free copy of the book is available by e-mailing far@far.org.nz or phoning 03 345 5783. Or go to www.far.org.nz/index.php/ far-publications/entry/best-management-practicesfor-growing-maize-on-dairy-farms

A book on growing beech Scion and Tane’s Tree Trust have produced a book on growing New Zealand beech (Nothofagus).

It is the sixth publication in Scion’s popular series on New Zealand’s indigenous trees, providing guidelines for managing native species to meet multiple objectives,

including timber production. (See www.scionresearch.com for details on the full series.)

Beeches are among the best known and most important native tree species in New Zealand. Although most remaining beech forests are located within the conservation estate, substantial areas of manageable beech forest remain in freehold and Maori tenure. The book pro-

vides up-to-date information on the ecology, establishment and sustainable management of beeches.

Written by Mark Smale (Landcare Research) and Scion scientists, David Bergin and Greg Steward, the publication was funded by the Sustainable Farming Fund and Future Forests Research. For a copy of the book contact: publications@ scionresearch.com

Page 37

MAIZE

Supplements keep cows in milk through the dry Pastures are certainly drying out with some farmers going to 16 hour milkings or once a day.

The trick is at this time of year to do everything possible to keep animals well feed in good health and milking, to take advantage of the rains which usually come in early autumn, so reducing the time farmers have to carry nonproductive stock.

We did have welcome rain over Christmas and New Year but wind and warm temperatures soon dried out the soils and farmers are concentrating on managing grazing so as not to strip pasture, reducing cover and making it hard for grass to recover allowing weeds to take over.

Grazing too hard also runs the risk of stock picking up eczema spores when counts are high.

Framers need to be on the watch

for any animals which develop rye grass staggers and keep them off pastures which may be toxic. Put them on to any safe pastures eg; AR37 or feed out crops or supplement.

Most farmers will have got rid of any culls so they are not feeding unproductive cows and for the animals which remain in the herd, its vital to not only keep them milking, but maintain their condition.

We do recommend feeding the likes of maize silage to increase cow condition in the autumn before winter hits.

The latest indication is of a Global Dairy Trade increase which might add 25 cents to the farm gate price for end of season which makes it more compelling to spend money on supplements

now to keep cows in milk and good condition.

Feeding good quality supplement which provides high energy to maintain cow condition and keep them milking is one way of getting through the next couple of months.

As I’ve said so many times before, supplementary feeds are not all created equal and it pays to ask for tests to ensure what you are buying is high quality and will do the job you need it to.

Hill Laboratories has just released the results of its testing of a wide range of silage and it shows some feed is as low 6 to 7 per cent ME. Our tests are consistently at the top end for energy at 11.3 to

Water infrastructure funding welcomed New Zealand captures or use only around two per cent of its annual water runoff, so Government plans to harvest some of that resource are welcome, says Water New Zealand Chief Executive, Murray Gibb.

He was commenting on the announcement in late January that the Government is establishing a company to act as a bridging investor for regional water infrastructure development.

Primary Industries Minister David Carter said Cabinet had directed that $80 million for the initial stages of the company’s operation be set aside in Budget 2013.

“Large scale off-farm harvesting, storage and distribution water infrastructure for irrigation comes with a hefty price tag. The funding is likely to be a deal maker, bringing planned schemes to fruition. This has to be good news for the New Zealand economy,” Murray says.

The move has also been applauded by Federated Farmers.

“Politicians from the left and the right agree Canterbury’s Opuha Dam works, so why not speed similar projects along?

This is what the Government is doing here and it will be as good for jobs as it will the environment,” says Bruce Wills,

President of Federated Farmers.

DairyNZ Chairman, John Luxton, says the decision bodes well for the future of dairy farming and its contribution to the economy.

“The dairy industry is committed to sustainable use of water and will be releasing a new Sustainable Dairying Water Accord as well as a wider sustainable farming strategy. But, for continued development of the industry, we need to have confidence that the necessary big regional investments will happen."

Fonterra Managing Director Cooperative Affairs, Todd Muller, said the investment announcement, was an important step towards boosting agricultural productivity and exports.

“Water is fundamental to dairying and agricultural productivity. Enabling a mix of public and private funding will give investors the necessary confidence to push ahead with schemes at the regional level. We will see benefits flow through in increased production and export earnings and we will also see the environmental benefits which will come from improved water flows. This investment will not only benefit the agricultural sector, but the economy as a whole.”

11.4 and we are happy to share our results with clients.

It’s all very well having feed which is high in energy but it’s also got to be feed which is digestible and that cows will eat. As well as maize silage and annual rye grass silage we also have pea vine which is high in energy and very digestible.

At this time of year energy is what you’re looking for but during the winter high fibre supplements such as straw can be fed.

The rain before and after Christmas was welcome for our maize crops as it

helped with growth and pollination.

While the early planted crops are not as tall as last year due to the cold dry spring, there has been excellent cob development and the crops on swampy ground haven’t suffered from being too wet and are a lot more even over all they are all looking very good.

The seasons roll round quickly and by late February we will start harvesting the first of our maize silage crops.

So as always be aware of safety issues, particularly for children, when harvesting machinery is moving around local roads and farms.

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 38

Beware of drench resistant worms Once weaned and eating grass, calves are at risk from internal parasites (aka “worms”).

The main worm types in cattle are roundworms (which include lungworm) and liver fluke, but I will only focus on gut roundworms.

Congratulations DairyNZ would like to congratulate the following companies for becoming accredited farm dairy effluent system designers.

•

AgFirst Engineering

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Dairy Green Ltd

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Opus International Consultants

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Environmental Technologies

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Ordish and Stevens

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Hi-Tech Enviro Solutions

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Waterforce

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Independent Project Consultants

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Williams Irrigation

If upgrading your effluent system contact one of these companies.

For contact details and updates on newly accredited companies visit effluentaccreditation.co.nz.

after weaning, followed by several drenches 4-6 weeks apart for several months. Because of widespread drench resistance (ie the worms can tolerate the drenches), it is important to use the correct drench, but you need to get advice that is specific to your property. There are three drench families for cattle: 1) endectocides (macrocyclic lactones, Calves pick up these worms during grazing because ML’s or mectins); the infective stage (3rd stage larva or L3) of the includes abamectin, worm lifecycle is found on the grass. Once ingested ivermectin, moxidecthe L3 moults in the gut to the 4th stage larva (L4) tin, doramectin and then to a juvenile, which matures into an adult eprinomectin and eventually mates. Eggs passed out in the faeces 2) benzimidazoles hatch and moult through to the L3 stage at which (white drenches time it climbs up the grass to be eaten. or BZ’s); includes The requirement for drenching calves is dependent oxfendazole and on the individual farm situation, grazing pressure albendazole and climatic conditions but as a general rule they 3) imidazothiazoles; require their first drench within the first few weeks levamisole

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As a general rule:

• Because of widespread resistance to the white drenches and levamisole, these two should only be used in combination.

• The most dangerous worm is called Ostertagia, but it is quite well controlled by ML’s and to a lesser degree the BZ’s; levamisole does not reliably control it.

• Cooperia is a less harmful worm, but this parasite has a high degree of resistance to the ML family (ie commonly used pour-on’s and injections). Constant use of ML’s will control the other worms but can allow Cooperia to build up where it can cause ill health. Levamisole is by far the best chemical to control Cooperia.

• The best drench programme therefore contains regular use (but not necessarily every drench) of combination products; ie BZ+Lev (oral) or ML+Lev.

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PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 39

Tall fescue option for struggling pastures

A brand new Massey Ferguson tractor was Robyn’s bridal vehicle when she and Clinton Ashby wed on 12/12/20. Pictured from left are the Ashby Contracting team - Nic Warren, Merv Brown, Bryce Smith, Ben Muir, Clinton Ashby, Hayden Cram, Gareth Ashby, Ian Pilcher (Piako Tractors) and Neil Courtman.

A paddock of tall fescue at Taupiri.

Many farmers have noted some of their perennial ryegrass paddocks have been struggling to persist.

While this can be attributed to many factors such as climate, insect pressure and tiller density of the ryegrass, sometimes other options should be considered. One such perennial species is tall fescue.

“Increased palatability is one area where SF Finesse Q is different to the tall fescues of old,” says Seed Force Bay of Plenty territory representative Brian Percy.

“With its soft leaves and high tiller density, SF Finesse Q is an excellent permanent option that is highly palatable and productive.”

When deciding to plant SF Finesse Q tall fescue, following a few key planning and management steps will help lead to a high producing pasture, he says.

The seed should be sown into a very good seed bed. Do not sow too deep as this can affect germination - 10mm is adequate. “While established tall fescue is tolerant to many insects, these can be an issue at establishment just like any grass. Discuss your options with your local Seed Force representative and consider SF Force Field treated seed.”

Taupiri farmer Brett Dunn has been having great success with his SF Finesse Q and continues to sow more. “We planted SF Finesse Q and are very pleased due to quick recovery and prolific growth. We can get the cows back into it, in about 14 – 15 days. It

fills a gap where other grasses are slower to recover. The stock love it and produce well on it. We will definitely be including more SF Finesse Q in our future regrassing programme.”

Murray Jagger from Whangarei Heads in Northland is experiencing impressive production gains with his paddocks of SF Finesse Q. “I have been using SF Finesse Q for five years and have increased the area every year ever since, to a total area to date of 12 per cent of the milking platform. Each time the herd is grazed on the Finesse Q, there is up to a 7 per cent production increase over existing pasture. The slower establishment of the fescue has allowed for stronger clover establishment and population. I have noticed that it suits our summer dry farm because it stands up to the heat better than other pastures.”

Brian offers a few tips for tall fescue grazing. “Once established, ensure your SF Finesse Q cannot be easily pulled before commencing the first graze. For the first few grazings, graze lightly and leave good plant residuals (around 7cm).

Rotationally graze like well managed ryegrass pasture. However as tall fescue is highly productive at certain times of year, the frequency of grazings and/ or stocking rate should be increased to ensure the maximum production from the pasture is achieved.

“When compared with traditional older tall fescues, SF Finesse Q can generally be managed more easily due to its softness and density of its tillers.

Following these key tips, together with sound advice will help get the best from your SF Finesse Q tall fescue.”

Bride arrives in ‘sexy’ tractor When Robyn Hollings and Clinton Ashby decided to marry, they not only chose a unique date, but also a unique bridal vehicle.

The couple from the well know Te Puke company Ashby Contracting celebrated their marriage on 12/12/2012, and as befitting the bride of a rural contractor, Robyn arrived in a brand new Massey Ferguson 7624 tractor from Piako Tractors of Rotorua.

“It was wonderful to be driven in the tractor which all polished up and dressed with white ribbons,” says

Robyn, who, while well used to climbing in and out of tractors, admits doing so in an elegant wedding gown was something of a challenge.

It was Ian Pilcher of Piako Tractors who drove the $240,000, 240 hp tractor lent to the couple for the day in recognition of their long association with both Massey Fergusons and Piako Tractors. Robyn arrived at the wedding venue, Olive Tree Cottage Pyes Pa, to the sound of the Kenny Chesney country music hit "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy", much to the appreciation of wedding guests, including Ashby Contracting’s team of drivers who took the day off to celebrate.

Where ryegrass is struggling

sow SF Finesse Q tall fescue sow SF Finesse Q , the tall fescue that performs where ryegrass struggles SF Finesse Q is available from leading seed retailers nationwide

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Page 40

HOUSE & LANDSCAPE

Gardening project blossoms An group of kiwi families will be taking their first steps towards sustainability this year thanks to the Hand over a Hundy scheme.

Hand Over a Hundy is a one-year challenge to young families to learn to grow and produce their own vegetables, a challenge that these families are benefiting from in a number of ways.

Anna Milson and her family, from the Waikato, became involved in the project this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Hand over a Hundy project is a great initiative for the whole family to get involved in and a big thank-you to Daltons for the compost and seed raising mix, this has been a huge saving in our garden budget.â&#x20AC;?

Alongside helping out monetarily, the initiative aims to create a fun, interactive environment that allows families to bond while they learn new skills together.

It also gives parents the opportunity to teach their children the increasing importance of sustainability. Each family is assigned a mentor and the role they play is paramount to the success of the project.

It is also a great way for different generations to connect and find common ground (no pun intended).

Each family of amateur gardeners is given the equivalent of one hundred dollars in credit, to buy all the essentials for their gardens. Their challenge is to then generate $100, either by saving money or selling produce, which they then hand over to another family at the end of the year. Alongside the credit, every Hand Over a Hundy family nationwide is supplied

with seed raising mix and compost, courtesy of Daltons, to get them started.

The initiative was launched by NZ Garden Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 Gardener of the Year, Jade Temepara who realised many amateur gardeners had more than enough enthusiasm but often lacked the means or

Anna Milson and family, part of the Hand over a Hundy project, tending to their vegetable garden. the know-how. She created the Hand over a Hundy project to give the opportunity to more kiwis to embark on a healthier and more affordable lifestyle. Started in Ashburton, the project is now running in Waikato, Southland and Mid Canterbury areas with plans for more regions to start up in the near future.

Page 41

HOUSE & LANDSCAPE

Liberating interior designs

Bottle held poison Many readers were able to identify that last month’s blue bottle had contained poison and had the words Not to Be Taken stamped into the glass.

Peter Elliott, Rosemary Irvine and Graeme Saddleton all said the bottle may have contained strychnine for killing rabbits.

Liz and Buster Frentz of Waihi thought it may have contained “Black Leaf 40” which was a highly poisonous solution for applying to henhouse perches to kill mites that lived on chooks.

The raised glass gave better grip for holding the bottle while wearing gloves, they write.

The winner of tickets for two to the museum is Kerry Ruiterman who gave the most detailed description, saying it was probably a chemist’s bottle that would have contained a volatile tincture made from alcoholbased compounds for external use only.

“The bottles were coloured, embossed with raised bumps, ribbed shaped and lettered 'Not to be taken', ie internally, so they could be easily identified by the population including blind or partially sighted folk, as the contents contained poison.”

When it comes to interior design the “There’s no design police anymore and people are the colour and styles which they feel completrend it seems, is – there’s no trend, choosing ments their lifestyle and tastes – it’s very liberating,” says John and Karen Roberts of says John.

Karen says many adventurous clients are `breaking Majestic Interiors, Te Puke.

A strange-looking metal container with a glass ‘chimney’ at one end is this month’s mystery item.

If you think you know what it is and have a story to tell about memories of using it, you could be in to win a museum visit for two.

Send your entry to elaine@ thesun.co.nz or post to Mystery Item, Coast & Country PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than February 17. The winner will be announced in the March Coast & Country.

To find out more visit www.katikatiheritagemuseum. co.nz/ or phone 07 549 065.

People are choosing colours and styles which complement their lifestyle and tastes.

all the rules’ and creating colour schemes from floor covering to soft furnishings and art works which are uniquely theirs. “Some of the results are absolutely fantastic.”

However, the couple do admit there is a strong underlying trend, very obvious in their Te Puke showroom where all the apricots and rose petal pinks of the past have gone. These have been replaced by a colour pallet dominated by browns, greys and blacks.

“Clients are using these neutral colours as a background to build their own scheme, introducing other colours in art work, cushions and handcrafts.”

Europe continues to influence New Zealand interiors because it is the source of the highest quality fabrics and designs with new technology, and new weaving looms enabling the creation of stunning fabrics for windows and furnishings.

Technology is also making an impact in flooring, which is always where good design begins because it is the biggest single colour feature in a room. Choices are extensive from tiles to wood, vinyl and carpets either wool or synthetic.

Spoilt for choice, Majestic Interiors clients can be assured of sound, experienced advice to help them create the look and comfort they want in their home.

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Page 42

COUNTRY LIVING

Petrol cleaners work anywhere Cleaning fences, buildings or paved areas some distance from an electrical supply is not a problem thanks to Karcher combustion engine high pressure cleaners.

Kim McCarthy of SMAC in Tauranga says Karcher petrol water blasters are ideal for lifestylers who want the ability to clean buildings, vehicles and structures where electricity is not available.

“These petrol cleaners are cost-effective and even the smaller models can deliver the same pressure as a large electric model. You can get a lot of cleaning done on a tank of gas.”

The cleaners are easy to start and move around, and range of accessories is available for specific cleaning tasks, such as the patio surface cleaner.

The G2600 PH model from

the Karcher home and garden range is ideal for most lifestyle block owners but for those who require a more heavy duty model, there’s the HD801 B from the professional range.

This entry-level cold water high-pressure cleaner has a combustion engine for cleaning sites where no power supply is available and special tubular frame for rough cleaning actions.

Both models are compact, horizontal petrol-powered cold water high-pressure cleaner for go-anywhere applications independent of an electricity supply. The units’ compact dimensions ensure trouble-

free transportation between sites and the single cylinder four-stroke air-cooled engine is easily started with the pull starter. Accessory holders on the handles and frame of both models keep everything tidily stowed and ready for instant use. Pneumatic wheels ensure easy handling and manoeuvrability, even in difficult terrain, and the hoses are wire reinforced inside and are resistant to heat and tangles.

To view and test run a wide range of these machines, visit the SMAC show room at 24 Koromiko Street, Judea, Tauranga.

The HD801 B is from the Karcher professional range.

The G2600 PH high pressure cleaner from the Karcher home and garden range is ideal for most lifestyle blocks.

Pumpkins taking over Giant pumpkin plants are taking over gardens in Tauranga and Katikati as the race heats up to grow the Bay’s Biggest Pumpkin.

Neville Bright of Mount Maunganui has a plant so vigorous it has spread throughout the vegetable and flower garden.

In Katikati, John Sheppard’s pumpkins have a lot more room and he’s been diligently feeding them with fish fertiliser and worm tea, with an extra ‘meal’ of blood and bone.

Others are keeping the location of their plant secret – unwilling to reveal just how big their plants and the pumpkins are. All are hoping to take out the top prize for the Bay’s Biggest Pumpkin next month.

However, the fate of other plants hasn’t been quite so promising, with reports of some which have been slow to grow or have grown and then ‘disappeared’ – perhaps fallen prey to pests.

Just how good Bay gardeners are at growing pumpkins will be revealed at Bethlehem Town Centre’s Vintage Fair on February 23 and 24, when the win-

ning pumpkins will be judged.

Bethlehem Town Centre manager David Hamilton says the centre’s first fair will have an old-school community theme, in keeping with the pumpkin and scarecrow contests, which are sponsored by Bethlehem Town Centre, Kings Seeds, Media Works and SunMedia. “The town centre shops will be dressed in colourful bunting and many will have market stalls. There will be music, entertainment and older-style rides for children, all within the outdoor environment of the village centre.”

Because not everyone has the room to grow giant pumpkins, organisers are also offering prizes for scarecrows and David says these can the thoroughly traditional or completely off the wall in their design and clothing.

While entries for the pumpkin contest have closed, there is still time to enter the scarecrow competition.

The categories for the scarecrow contest are: best scarecrow – adult; best design and finish; best scarecrow – child, and best effort and imagination.

To enter, go to: http://shopbethlehem. co.nz/index.php/pumpkin-registration

SUMMER

e g a t n i V FAIR

By Elaine Fisher

This pumpkin plant – in a secret location – is growing up and over a 1.8m high fence.

COUNTRY LIVING

Author committed Be in to win to pig dog training two DVDs Bill Westwood is so committed to improving pig hunting skills he set up an enclosed area to train dogs on wild pigs. What he learned from that experience is recounted in his book “All About Pig Hunting” published by Halcyon Press.

Bill has been hunting since 1990 and is well known to readers of New Zealand’s top pig hunting magazines.

He’s also made videos on all aspects of pig hunting, trains dogs and his company Mainland Boar Hunting Ltd has set a benchmark for excellence in the sport.

It was in 2007 that Bill and his wife purchased 54 ha of

land in the back of a forestry block and fenced off 10 ha of pines, native and tussock to create the pig dog training ground. “Now I have pigs fenced off in a bock that I can study and train dogs on.

I have a nice comfortable hut on the block that I can spend the night time hours sitting in, either writing or talking to a client that has come to me to either train a dog, catch a pig or just learn more about this sport I have such a p a s s i o n for,” he writes in the introduction to the book.

Thanks to publishers Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of “All About Pig Hunting” to give away. To be in to win Email ‘Book Prize’ along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to Elaine Fisher, Coast & Country PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than February17, 2013. The winner will be announced in the March Coast & Country.

Coast & Country readers have the chance to win two DVD from South Coast Productions this month.

“The Snowline was Their Boundary” tells the story of the men, the dogs and the horses involved in mustering in the South Island’s high country, a land with no fences but the snowline as the boundary. For 150 years the high country has attracted a special breed of men and women captivated by an attraction the harsh and often dangerous landscape holds.

Theirs’ is a tradition and skill which is fast disappearing as much of the leasehold land reverts to conservation estate.

“Back Country Tales” is a series of interviews with people who are probably best described as `hard cases’ from deer cullers to pilots, fishermen, farmers and bushmen, all with humorous stories to tell.

South Coast Productions describe them as `real people who have become part of the Kiwi legend before bureaucracy ruled the back country’.

To be in to win email DVD prize, along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@thesun.co.nz or include these details on the back of an envelope and post to DVD Prize PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than February 17. The winner will be announced in the March Coast & Country.

Page 43

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Page 44

COUNTRY LIVING

Dairying in California – what we have to be thankful for It appears to be tougher to be a dairy farmer in California than in New Zealand and maybe there are some salutary lessons we can learn.

On a recent trip to California I visited a large dairy farm and I figured that some detail and thoughts may be of interest to Kiwi farmers.

More than that, this article should not be read by any of our regional councils.

The numbers on the dairy farm I visited, in the Fresno area are : Area : 300 acres Soil : deep loam Stock : 700 Friesian/400 support stock All year round milking and calving Quota : 5200 gallons/day at $201 per cwt

Over base (over quota) at $181 per cwt About half of production is quota and half is over base.

The quota can be sold and then they only get the over base price.

The 750 lbs quota is worth about $500,000 and is saleable. Gross income from this operation is about $1,800,000. The cowshed is a 13 aside high-line doubled up herringbone with two milkers at any time. Two other staff are involved in feeding, working and support work.

But wait for this ... they start milking at 9am in the morning and finish at 6pm, then, they start at 9pm at night and finish the second milking at 6am – in the morning.

Then there are three hours rest, clean up and start again. There is a total of nine Mexican staff employed basically as three crews. The tanker comes twice per day to collect from large silos which lie flat instead of vertical All the stock are standing on dirt or concrete and looked rather sad to me. They never stand on, or see pasture.

I felt particularly sorry for three large Holstein

bulls which had never had the pleasure of running around a paddock. There are large covered standing areas for the stock which are all by the roads and look out of place.

They grow most of their own feed and the crops are mainly alfalfa, corn silage, wheat silage (double cropped), plus bring in: • Crushed citrus skins • Carrots • Bakery waste • Almond hulls • Cotton seed • And a BIG dose of minerals There are three payloaders and two mixer wagons which seemed to be moving all the time.

One staff member has been there 21 years.

“Well I suppose boss, the cows have got to be milked,” was his response when I asked him about his longevity on the property.

However, with all of the above, the farmer is posting losses, even though they average eight gallons per cow.

Feed costs have risen up to 37 per cdent over the last three years; 100 dairy farmers have

THREE BROTHERS

sold up or gone broke; the milk price is controlled by the Government.

Effluent ponds are called lagoons. They are large, and need a permit. Fees are $1,800 per annum.

The contents of the lagoons go out onto the fields to fertilise and grow the next crop. The freeboard requirement is 3-4 inches. The inspection must be accompanied by the farm owner. They are scared of being pushed into the lagoon. On the first day of each month farmers must take photos of the ponds and send samples of feed, manure and the lagoon to the Water Board. They monitor water quality in the wells also.

Cow tax is looming. It is based on $1 per cow equivalent. Heifers 50 per cent, per cow and calves are 25 per cent. The tax is paid to the County Resource Agency.

Then – they have an airborne quality tax coming and they have to fill out forms for this. The County Resource Agency advised the legislation has always been there, they are just applying it from now.

The farmer I spoke to was making a loss of $5 per cow per day – imagine that!

The Greenies are breathing on them over animal welfare. The stock looked dirty and the cows only last about six seasons before they are culled.

So, what did I learn?

THREE BROTHERS

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whole trees and logs • Natural or coloured mulching • Available for Landscaping

and Stables • Stand off pads for cows • General mulching Equestrian Bedding

Call Green Waste Recycling Ltd: 0274 400 171 craig@greenwaste.co.nz

• New Zealand must maintain our competitive advantage, which is low cost, mainly pasture based dairy farming.

• We must maintain the co-operative structure that we have in place • We must work together regarding regulation • We need to be grateful for our temperature climate and relatively regular rainfall • We need to realise that more pressures will come from Regional Councils and the Greenies • We need to realise how efficient we really are, and maintain that stance.

Finally, we are a lucky, lucky dairying country and we need to remind ourselves of that!

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.

COUNTRY LIVING

Subdividing gets tougher Matamata-Piako and Waipa hearings are first up this year.

With the new year upon us there is no time to sit back if you are planning to subdivide or build another house on your rural block. Councils in the Waikato Region are pushing on with their plans to make rural lifestyle and small farming blocks much more difficult to establish. The end result will be at least a huge increase in costs, however subdivision will become impossible in many situations. Most councils are making applications “discretionary” now, adding a huge degree of risk for the landowner as the application navigates a more rigorous process.

Waipa and Matamata-Piako Councils are holding public hearings early this year as the next step in a process that will likely ratify changes proposed last year when they notified pending changes to their rules.

Both Councils have indicated that they will be increasing the minimum lot size substantially to 40ha. In general, lifestyle lots are proposed to be restricted to the

steeper less productive soils and away from any 'significant landscapes'. This means that you won't be able to subdivide off a small house block from the farm in most situations. Contrary to council planners’ opinions, this will not take away the desire or need for these smaller blocks – but it will sure make them a whole lot harder to subdivide.

Under these proposals any subdivision with lots below this magic 40ha size will likely become noncomplying. This doesn't mean that they are prohibited, but the process is much more complex, with significant additional specialist reporting required to back up the application, including approvals from all neighbours.

How will these proposed changes affect your plans? During the review process you can still carry out subdivision under the old rules so, if you have thought

of subdividing, it is important to get on with it right now, without delay.

Currently in Waipa you can make small lots by keeping the average throughout the subdivision to over 25ha and also many can subdivide a small lot off if they have been associated with the title for over 15 years.

In Matamata-Piako you can currently subdivide down to 8ha lots on quality farmland, cut a lifestyle block off an older title on good land and often subdivide lifestyle lots on more marginal land.

If current Council proposals gain traction most of this subdivision will not be allowed as of right and, due to the complex and uncertain process, will be unachievable for most. If you are interested to find out how any of these rule changes may affect you, please feel free to give me a call.

Te Puke A&P Show great family fun day out Motorbike riders completing a difficult endurocross course and new pony hunter classes are among the attractions at Te Puke A&P’s 107th annual show on Saturday, February 9.

The great family fun day which will also include Chelsea’s dog show, chainsaw sculpturing, ladies gumboot throwing competition, a digger competition as well as novice jumps in Round the Ring jumping.

Already there are trade sites being booked covering all different categories, plus a food court and catering facility will be available offering hot chips, hotdogs, burgers, corn fritters, seafood, donuts, sandwiches, pies, sausage sizzles - along with bar facilities and a wide variety of assorted refreshments and coffee wagons available to quench your thirst throughout the day, including bar facilities onsite.

Motorbikes, diggers, chainsaws, tractors, ride on mowers, trucks and vintage machinery will be there.

On site will also be the home industries section including – arts, crafts, baking, vegetables, sewing, knitting, needlework, crochet, patchwork, teddy bears, recycled art and amateur photography as well as the Hargreaves Charitable Trust Children’s Competition with so many categories to choose from.

There will be front seat viewing of shearing, competitive horse classes, harness and miniature horses, beef, Dexter and dairy cattle, sheep classes, highland dancing, a pet corner with birds, rabbits, kittens, and puppies available to purchase, alpacas, donkey rides, Miss and Master Competitions and much more.

Little Entertainment Company will be at the show providing rides for the little ones as well as a range of entertainment for the family. Also, the Te Puke Fire Brigade will once again be putting on a massive demonstration.

The Gate Fee is only - Adults $10, Children (under 13 years) $2, and Under 5’s free – gates open at 9am. For schedules and entry forms or to view more information go to the website - www.ras.org.nz or

By Kim Caute call Kim ph (07) 533-3129.

Te Puke 107th

A&P SHOW Saturday 9th February 2013

A&P Showground , Paengaroa, Te Puke (opposite Kiwi 360 on SH2)

Page 45

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 46

How to get brain smart at work The biggest constraint on people is their own brain, yet most people have little idea about the workings of their brain.

A reason for this is because until recently science had limited knowledge about the intricacies of the brain. However, with the development of neuro-

Employment Law Services

imaging techniques we now have a better understanding of brain functioning.

In our society we are obsessed with physical health and body image when looking after our brain should be our top priority, as where the brain goes the body follows.

To function well at work whether you a business owner or an employee, you need a healthy brain and you need to understand more about the way the brain functions, so you can work smarter not harder.

While we have known for years that a poor diet can contribute to chronic disease, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some types of cancer, it is only recently research-

ers have found a link between what we eat and our brain function. The types of foods that are good for the heart are generally good for the brain.

For the brain to remain healthy and to work efficiently for us it also requires exercise, sleep, meditation, mindfulness, a positive outlook, goal setting, social interaction, curiosity, enthusiasm to learn, travel and work on strengthening the memory.

While at work use what we now know about the brain to work more efficiently. Start your day by making a list of your priorities for the day.

Turn off your phone and email, and only look at these at scheduled times during the

day. Apply focus to one task at a time, the brain does not like multi-tasking. Keep a positive attitude, the brain functions more productively, expediently and efficiently when it is in a positive mindset. Personalize your work area with photos of things that make you happy. Schedule your most challenging tasks for a time in the day when you are at your freshest. If you would like to know more about how you can work in a brainer smarter way at work contact me and I will email you a free document on this topic.

The information in this article is not intended to replace professional advice.

It is always advisable to seek professional assistance when dealing with employment matters, before taking any action.

Wendy Macphail operates an employment law and HR consultancy in Mount Maunganui and can be contacted at wendy@ accordservices.co.nz or by phone 07 574 2360.

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Arthritis is different from other forms of joint inflammation as it involves the gradual destruction of joint tissue. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterised by the loss and damage to joint cartilage- the tough connective tissue that protects the ends of bones.

Over time cartilage erodes and this plus associated inflammation can damage the bone surfaces. In the past this was called ‘wear and tear’ arthritis as it was thought that it was caused by the gradual wearing down of cartilage much like the wearing down of the soles of a shoe.

There are many factors that increase the risk of OA including being female, age, nutrition, genetics, injury, obesity, and joint deformities.

We now know that OA is a specific disease process more likened to corrosion than erosion.

It seems that the process, while influenced by trauma and genetics is primarily a disease where free radicals damage joint cells called chondrocytes.

These are the cells that maintain cartilage and when they die this leads to the erosion of cartilage. The immune system then attempts to repair the damage and this leads to joint inflammation.

The result is the pain, swelling and lack of joint function that we know as OA. The main medical approach is anti-inflammatory medication which temporarily restricts the activity of joint immune cells thus reducing inflammation and relieving pain and swelling.

Nutritional therapy has a similar goal but uses naturally occurring compounds that can help repair cartilage while reducing inflammation.

The natural anti-inflammatory compounds include fish oils, some botanical compounds from grape seeds, turmeric and ginger and a long list of micro-nutrients including minerals.

To this we can add compounds such as glucosamine sulphate, MSM and chondroitin sulphate.

These compounds help to repair damaged cartilage.

The real trick is to combine these compounds at the right doses for the right time periods. For example I have found that the glucosamine type products are less effective for smaller joints.

The best natural approaches to OA involve an anti-inflammatory diet and a structured supplement programme that needs to be closely monitored.

My preference is to have monthly monitoring for the first six months to maximise the benefits.

Give me a call if you need advice.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. If you have questions or would like a free nutritional plan contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@johnarts.co.nz. You can join his weekly email newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz or visit www.abundant.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Inside-out thinking the answer There is a company in Rotorua whose staff are skilled at insideout thinking, which is very useful given their line of work.

Plastic Systems Ltd designs and manufactures a wide range of plastic products, from dog kennels to large water tanks, and all are produced by the rotational moulding process, formed inside moulds the company also creates.

Manager Rob Marsden says the design and engineering aspects of the moulds are crucial to the success of the end-product, with everything taken into account from the appearance and function of the product to its durability and longevity.

“The advantage of rotational moulding is that parts which are usually assembled from several pieces can be moulded as one, resulting in less stress points and a

ovens in which the moulds are ‘cooked’, one which is able to take moulds up to six metres long.

“This has enabled us to increase the size of products we can make.”

Several moulds can be placed in an oven at the same time, and each is filled with granulated plastic which turns to liquid when the gas-fired ovens reach a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius. The moulds rotate inside the oven, and the whole oven pivots up and down to aid the distribution of the plastic inside the moulds.

Cooling is almost as important as ‘cooking’ and once the oven is open and the moulds cooled sufficiently, the newly-cast products are removed.

The company is well known for its Kiwi Tanks which come in a range of sizes and uses.

“We can customise our tanks to meet customers’ needs and use only first quality, low density polyethylene resins. The tanks have UV stabilisers to increase their useful life and our green water storage tanks reduce algae growth and blend in with the environment, however we’re happy to tailor a colour to clients’ requirements.”

The gas-fired Kiwi Tanks have a wide range of oven reaches a domestic and commercial uses as temperature of tanks for water, colostrum, molas300 degrees Celsius ses, diesel, sprays and grey water. and the whole Bio Loo Composting toilets for oven pivots up and DOC hunts and domestic use are down to aid the among the more unusual products distribution of the produced; bait boards, road cones, plastic inside the rubbish bins and consoles for boats are others. moulds.

stronger product.

“With many products, such as motor-home water tanks for example, we are given specific dimensions to work to and when making the mould, have to allow for the final tank to shrink by four per cent once it has cooled inside the mould.”

While Plastic Systems has an extensive range of products on offer, the company also specialises in making products to order and thanks to skilled engineers from parent company Orca Engineering, is able to create even very complex moulds. Plastic Systems has two

Tai Apo prepares moulds to place in one of two ovens at Plastic Systems Ltd, Rotorua.

Horse events feature at show Although our rural area is vastly changed, the Katikati A&P Show on Sunday February 3 marks its 91st year, no mean feat for such a small show.

Small shows are important to rural life bringing to town animals and events not normally seen by urban dwellers. The carnival and side shows always so colourful with hot dogs and chips and all those lovely welcome smells that say its carnival time. Team that with a magician and it’s just great fun.

This year in the horse section we have hacks, park hacks, ponies, sport horses, side saddle, Clydesdales and show hunter events. It is encouraging to have local riders who are third and fourth generation riding at our show.

This year we have the Waterford County Junior Side saddle event, named in honour of Katikati’s original Ulster Irish name of Waterford.

Always of interest our cattle classes feature dairy stock all breads, (heifers, cows, yearlings) followed by the Boys and Girls Agricultural Calf Club classes.

These calves are our future dairy herds, but the calf section also has classes for leading (not as easy as it looks) care and attention and best effort.

A petting zoo is an attraction on show day where children can pat and cuddle a wide variety of animals that are normally not so approachable.

Katikati is an area with so many varied crafts and produce and these will be for sale, along with crafts and stall holders from out of town.

The Katikati Concert Band will be playing continually throughout the day, and local belly dances will be putting on displays in the pavilion area too.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 48

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

trades & services

Tuesday 5 February

Making $$ Growing Heifers Field Day Investing proactively in what could be your ‘fastest growing’ asset! Come along to this hands-on field day to consider: Just what they are worth? How good is your eye? Setting the best live weight targets. Working with your grazier.

Feb 5 at David & Clare Beuth, 202 Maraeroa Rd, RD1, Rotorua SN78532.

Feb 7 at Corey Davidsons, 483 Marotiri Rd, Marotiri SN Miraka 410. Feb 8 at PJ Molloy’s, 135 Halcrow Rd, Reporoa.

Feb 20 at Malcom Gerring’s, 433 Trig Rd, Waihi SN75950. Feb 27 at Bruce Nelson’s, 1943 Oropi Rd, RD3, Tauranga. All Field days start 10.45am with morning tea and a complimentary lunch provided. Ph Wilma Foster 021 246 2147 or email: Wilma. foster@dairynz.co.nz

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Monday 11 February

Tokoroa HR Workshop At South Waikato Sports & Events Centre, Mossop Rd, Tokoroa & Feb 12 at Otorohanga Sports Club, Orahiri Terrace, Otorohanga. Both 10.30am – 1.30pm. Attract and keep good staff!

Do you want to get the best from your team? Then these workshops are for you. Lunch provided. RSVP by Feb 5 to andrea.clayton@dairynz.co.nz or ph 07 858 2768 with name, supply number, position on farm, email and cellphone number.

Saturday 16 February

ANZ Young Farmer Contest – Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Final. Supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

Where: Practical Venue: St Paul’s Collegiate School, 77 Hukanui Road, Hamilton Evening Venue: St Paul’s Collegiate School, 77 Hukanui Road, Hamilton Details: Come along to see the Regions 8 District Final winners battle it out in ‘The Ultimate Rural Challenge’ for a spot in the Grand Final.

Tickets: Visit www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz or phone YF CONTEST (0800 932 668)

trades & services

Saturday 16 February

TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ – Waikato/Bay of Plenty Regional Final. Supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand. Where: Practical Venue: St Pauls Collegiate School, 77 Hukanui Road, Hamilton Evening Venue: St Pauls Collegiate School, 77 Hukanui Road, Hamilton Details: TeenAg teams must have 2 people aged 14 - 18, and AgriKidsNZ teams must have 3 people aged 8 -13. Preliminaries can start as early as 7:30 am, traveling teams will be accommodated for by placing them in a later prelim. To register, download an entry form from www. getahead.co.nz (TeenAg)/ www. agrikidsnz.co.nz (AgriKidsNZ) , or send an email to AgriKidsNZ@ youngfarmers.co.nz or TeenAg@ youngfarmers.co.nz. (Email must include a team name and the following details for all team members: Full Name, Date of Birth, Address, Phone number, Email, School Name, and the Name, Phone Number and Email of the team Supervisor.)

Sunday 24 February

Vintage Tractor Working Day Held by the Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club at the corner of SH5 and Oturoa Road, Mamakau on the Rotorua-Hamilton Highway. Vintage tractors, ploughing, hay making (weather permitting) vintage cars and trucks, swap meet, children’s rides in a miniature fire engine, bouncy castle, stationary engines, refreshments etc. Entry $5, children under 12 free. Gates open at 10am. Ph Alan 07 357 5349

Tuesday 26 February

MilkSmart III – Milking Even Smarter!

Information will be provided on the latest research on milking efficiency, choice value and use of milking technology. Through popular demand, also re-running elements from the “Cow Behaviour and Cow Flow” and “Milker Comfort and Routine” programmes from 2010 and 2011. Registrations limited. Held Feb 26 at Kihikihi and Feb 28 at Reporoa. Event locations will be provided by email with your registration confirmation. Registration link: www.dairynz.co.nz/page/ pageid/2145866287/Milksmart_ Workshops for sale

PULLETS Brown Shaver. Point of lay, good layers. Ph 07 824 1762

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Win a ‘free paddock’ Farmers are being offered the chance to ‘Win a Free Paddock’ in the Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust’s competition which runs through to February 28.

All farmers are eligible to enter for three chances to win $8000 worth of products and technical advice used in the pasture renewal process.

“Federated Farmers is proud to support PRCT’s work in this area because pasture renewal is a core farming activity improve pasture quality, which in turn brings greater productivity, increased returns, improved animal health and more farm management options,” Federated Farmers board member and New Zealand Grassland Association executive member Anders Crofoot says.

“This competition will mean three lucky farmers could turn some of their worst performing pasture into their best performing paddock for

free. That is a prize worth much more than the $8000 product value.

“Even for those farmers who do not win one of the three prizes, investing in renewing the pasture in one or more of their paddocks this season will be one of the best decisions they make in 2013.

“Keeping ahead of the game and ensuring your pasture is healthy means your stock gets all the nutrients they need to produce the best results whether that is for milk, meat or wool.

“Pasture renewal is a great way to increase your on-farm returns and make your farming business more efficient and sustainable,” says Anders.

Go to www.pasturerenewal.org. nz to enter or for more information, look for entry forms at rural retailers or ask their representatives.

The competition will be drawn on 5 March, 2013.

health & beauty

No fees for kiwifruit course Bay of Plenty Polytechnic won’t be charging fees for its industry endorsed Certificate in Kiwifruit Orchard Skills programme says programme co-ordinator, Marlia Fraser.

“The Polytechnic maintains a close relationship with the kiwifruit industry and has been working even closer since Psa was first discovered in the region.

“The removal of fees from the Orchard Skills programme is a direct result of the Polytechnic’s commitment to help growers get ahead in these troubling times. It is the aim of the new fee structure to help support local industry to keep skilled workers in the area, as well as attracting current workers into a career path and possibly higher level learning.”

The no-fees offer was rolled out with the modules male pruning and summer work and will continue into 2013.

“This is an exciting opportunity for employers and contractors to offer a training opportunity to key staff and leads into the Polytechnic’s fruit production cadet programme,” says Marlia.

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USA growers embrace biological farming methods It’s late July 2012 and we’re on a farm study tour of the USA organised by Bruce Hore of Agriganics.

Sixteen Kiwis determined to look, listen and learn from other farmers and growers that have been practicing the Albrecht-Kinsey method of soil fertilisation for longer than we at Kiwi Fertiliser have. In fact Kiwi Fertiliser was started specifically to introduce this growing method to New Zealand farmers.

Our group, from Northland to Southland was composed of farmers, consultants, soil fertility specialists, and lime and dolomite mine owners. The Albrecht-Kinsey system addresses NPK plus the soils’ base saturation needs and trace elements. The idea is to use certain chemical fertiliser properties to alter the soil physics and create a suitable environment for the microbes. It is a form of biological farming, involving proven specifications. There are at least four manuals of rules and examples involved. It works the best of any system I know of, and is used in 64 countries around the world.

Modesto, California

Our first outing was under the care of soil consultant Paul Borges at Modesto, NW of San Francisco. He took us to Ratto Bros. who run about 10 vegetable ranches totalling 1,200ha, where they grow 70 different crops including parsley, kale, silverbeet, leeks, cabbage, watermelon and carrots for local supermarkets. Being a Sunday, the Ratto Bros were not there, so we didn’t get up close and personal. Most of their crops are in 0.2-0.4ha lots. In the next valley, Salinas, they grow

12-16ha per crop. The difference is the buyers, being national supermarkets.

Lines of tractors, buses (each with loo in tow), and trucks greeted us on arrival, along with impressive buildings and cool stores. At Ratto Bros. crops can be picked, packaged and delivered locally within six hours.

The area is also dotted with cattle feedlots, where P levels get up to 1,000-1,100kg/ha owing to the number of cattle held on limited areas. The manure generated being spread back on the land, overloading the P levels. Lucerne is used in rotation to mop up these excesses.

Compost is also applied in great quantities, making nutrients readily available for when the vegetable growers move in. However, regulations restrict manure applications within a certain time of being turned over to vegetable growers, as salmonella can be a problem.

With total exchange capacity (TEC) of less than 7, the soils are very light by New Zealand standards. Such soils suit a base saturation per cent of 60-65 calcium and 15-20 of magnesium. This is a relatively high amount of magnesium.

Light Soil

Given the sandy nature of the soil, higher Mg is desirable, as the Mg molecule is smaller than calcium’s, giving the soil better water holding capacity. Sandy soils can compact worse than heavy soils, so ripping is part and parcel of soil maintenance.

In the case of sandy soils, sulphur, sodium and boron build up against the compacted layer, and ripping is used to prevent these nutrients from becoming excessive. Compaction is caused by the constant use of tractors operating rain, hail or snow. Too bad if ground

conditions are not suitable; the show must go on. The best time for harvest coincides with Mayday. Watermelon crops can yield 95t/ha.

Net profit can be as high as $250,000/ha, but get it wrong and the losses can be well over $100,000/ha. We next visited an impressive irrigated maize crop. It was not far off harvest which will happen in August. Using a 12-row chopper, the trucks are filled in 1.5 minutes. Planting is up to and by May 15 for the better crops. Using the AlbrechtKinsey method of building soil fertility, yields of silage are 100-112tonnes/ha (33%dm) in the truck at the weigh station.

Feed lots holding thousands of cattle for fattening buy the silage for $55/t. This is an income of $5,000-$6,250/ha and a payment of about 17c/kgdm. The soils are very light, around TEC 8-10. Under this crop, the soil could be completely turned over and still give the same fertility readings. No starter was needed and N inputs totalled 250 units. Since the plant makes early “decisions”, ample N and foliar needs to be in place by the fourth leaf stage.

Canals

Water is not only needed to sustain crops, but also to keep sodium levels at bay. The Modesto Irrigation District sources its water from the Don Pedro Dam on the Tuolumne River, supplying enough water delivered through open canals to irrigate 23,500ha.

Since evaporation loses are high, booster bores are sited along the canals to replace lost water. It is now proposed to pipe and pres-

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%)

surise the water to reduce those losses.

USFDA declared walnuts a drug. “Hey man, do you know where I can score an ounce of walnuts?”

Bill Brush’s 16ha walnut ranch showed a big advantage for the Albrecht-Kinsey fertility system. The state average yield for walnuts is 5,600-6,700kg/ha. Bill is consistently doing 17,900kg/ha in his 12 year crop. Walnuts take five years to fruit and last for about 25 years, although better groves can go out to 40 years.

The ranch we visited was deemed by the local university to be fit only for rice.

Growers are paid $3.30/ kg for the nuts, so the financial advantages of a high yield are considerable. Costs of bees is $750/ha, sprays, $500/ha, with total costs being $5,500.

Walnuts

Walnuts are grown on Black Walnut or Paradox rootstocks, with Paradox proving better. Everything is irrigated as rainfall is only about 300mm/annum, but the irrigation does have its drawbacks. One such problem is a trunk canker. One way of dealing with it is to soak a sack in a biological preparation, and wrap the sack around the canker.

Insects move in and feed on the fungus, saving the tree. Another irritation is a husk fly that is dealt with by sprays.

Harvesting involves shaking, sweeping, picking up and washing, all completed in one day to avoid grading penalties. The hulls are high in Mn, B and K, so are recycled back to the orchard. Usually, grading and sale take a full 12 months. Upon removal of the crop, the wood is sold for firewood or chipped for ethanol production. Black Walnut trunks can be sold for $3-5,000 each for use as gun stocks.

COAST & COUNTRY

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 52

Hunter busy at work.

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE PACK

Sent in by Becks O’brien.

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.

Ohorere hanging out in the back yard with her pet calf.

Ivy and Stormy (Ivy’s calf) sleeping on each other.

Sent in by Joanne Fawcett.

Sent in by Loana Kawana .

Shammah Azarcon and her pet Dinner the lamb. Sent in by Jarmie Cagasan.

This is Ryan Dunbar with Poppa (Ray King) on the tractor rowing up the hay. Sent in

by Jacqui Dunbar.

Khloe Christison on Paris her pony. Sent in by Katrina Christison.