Coast and Country News

April 2014 Issue No.164

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Blue Wi ng

page 38-39

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End of era For dog trials

Laura Geering and Prince were among the competitors at the last Te Puke Sheep Dog Trial Club event to be held at Pukehina. Read her story and the club’s on page 4 and 5. Photo by Elaine Fisher.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Caught between ideals and reality There’s always a tension between ideals and reality and all too often it’s farming and horticulture which get caught between the two.

Ideally we’d like our environment to be pristine, clean and green, free from sprays and with abundant native bush and wildlife.

Ideally we’d like farm animals to enjoy a blissful life frolicking in pastures green – forever.

The reality is an abundant native forest filled with birds, lizards and bats doesn’t provide enough food for even a modest population of humans, as early Maori and European settlers discovered.

The reality is if we wish to eat meat, eggs, poultry and dairy products, animals have to die to satisfy our hunger.

The reality is if we want to add fruit and vegetables to our daily diet, land must be cultivated, orchards established, and sprays used to protect crops.

That doesn’t mean the environment has to be trashed or animals treated cruelly.

Farmers by and large are concerned about the environment; and dairy farmers in particular are

spending from tens of thousands to millions of dollars on individual farms to reduce the impacts of dairy shed effluent, improve animal health and productivity and reduce nutrient leaching into water ways.

(See page 23) Farmers are sensitive to public opinion and while the Fish and Game’s ‘dirty dairying’ campaign of a few years ago was seen by some as extreme, it did highlight concerns and programmes like Fonterra Clean Streams Accord has helped the industry improve its environmental performance.

The annual Ballance Farm Environment Awards (see page 30) showcase the increasing number of farmers who are operating financially and environmentally sustainable businesses.

Television footage of a calf in Chile beating bludgeoned to death caused a public outcry too, (see page 50) and partly as a result, the National Animal Welfare Advisory

Committee is seeking public consultation on its proposal that blunt force trauma may not be routinlely used for the killing of unwanted dairy calves on the farm. To read the proposal and make a submission, visit the MPI website: www. biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult Consumers concerned about the environment and animal welfare have a right to question how their food is grown, but they should also support responsible farmers and orchardists by making conscientious decisions about the food they buy – buying New Zealand-grown is great place to start.

By Elaine Fisher

The winners of ‘When Chocolate Fish are Flying’ by Jan Hill and illustrated by Lynda Vugler and published

by Aries Publishing, are: Tawa and Lucy Thomas of Oparua (Kawhia), Christine Oates of Katikati, and Dee Hall of Gisborne. The winner of the March Coast & Country Gubba AutoPot starter kit prize is Shirley Fraser of Taupo.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Kiwifruit industry back in growth mode The first kiwifruit of the 2014 season are on the way to Japan, marking the start of a season which should harvest 16.5 million trays of gold and 65 million trays of green fruit.

grow with up to 6 million trays expected to be harvested this season. Lain says the industry has been fortunate in the growing conditions of the last two seasons.

“Last season we had a vintage year, with high dry matter and great taste, and this year’s crop is looking stunning without too much pressure from Psa. Growers have really focused on how to manage Psa to protect their vines.”

Though down on the total of 98.5 million trays exported in the 2009-2010 season, it’s still a remarkable achievement given the impacts of disease Psa-V on orchards since 2011.

Two seasons of favourable weather conditions for producing kiwifruit, but not so conducive to the Psa-V bacteria, have brought renewed optimism to an industry which some believed would not overcome the devastation of the disease.

Orchard values have recovered, A Zespri promotion in Taiwan for there’s a quiet sense of optimism the new variety called Charm. among growers and in the postharvest sector – and production is However, Lain says the industry back in growth mode. is well aware a cold wet winter Zespri CEO Lain Jager predicts could reactivate the bacteria and no volumes of gold fruit will increase one can afford to be complacent. to more than 20 million trays next Managing the disease is now a vital year, as young vines come into factor in growing kiwifruit in New production. Green volumes should Zealand. also recover as growers increasingly Chilean kiwifruit growers, who learn to manage the disease. also have the disease in their Orchardists hit hard by the orchards, have been hit by severe disease cut out mature vines and frosts and their fruit volumes are grafted new gold and green variedown by 50 to 60 per cent, says ties onto existing root stock, and Lain. “It’s hard to say how much green-field plantings of new varieof that reduction is frost or Psaties have also gone ahead. Virtually related.” all of the very susceptible gold Chile’s bad luck does provide variety Hort16A has gone from market opportunities for New Zeathe heavily-infected Te Puke region land fruit, as there will be reduced – but in other regions, including competition from Chile.

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Page 3

SunLive Eastern Bay a hit with readers The Eastern Bay’s new live, online news website is proving popular with readers in the region, throughout the country and around the world.

SunLive Eastern Bay, the newest website from Sun Media, is designed to deliver fresh and up-to-date news from the Eastern Bay of Plenty and online classified advertising, 24/7.

SunMedia directors Brian and Claire Rogers say as a vibrant and growing region, Eastern Bay deserves its own online news and advertising service – and it’s been embraced by the region.

“Now locals have immediate access to up-to-the minute news and events and those outside the region can

keep in touch with what’s happening too,” says Brian. The website complements the news service provided

by Sun Media’s SunLive news, which consistently ranks between number three and four for readership time on a New Zealand news website (behind Stuff, New Zealand Herald and Otago Daily Times sites).

Through the Eastern Bay website readers can also access wider Bay of Plenty news at SunLive; the latest motoring news and reviews at Bay Driver; boating news and reviews at Waterline; and farming and horticultural news and views at Coast & Country websites. To find out more, go to www.easternbay.sunlive.co.nz

Italy, France and Korea have generally enjoyed a good selling season and their fruit should be largely out of the market by the time Zespri fruit arrives.

“The Zespri team is really excited about the season and the fact that we have a great product to sell. We have our sleeves rolled up and are working hard in the markets.”

Lain says consumers need educating about the new gold varieties Gold 3 and Gold 9 (marketed as Sun Gold and Charm) because they don’t have the distinctive “beak” of the Hort16A variety they’d become so familiar with.

“In fact some consumers think the new varieties are a counterfeit, so we have to convince them that they are Zespri kiwifruit, with the same high standards as Hort16A. “It’s a bit like a car manufacturer launching a new model.”

The Hort16A beak was a bane for pickers and packers, as its sharp end could damage other fruit.

However, lack of a beak is not the only advantage the new gold Gold 3 has over is predecessor. When grown well, and picked at the correct dry matter, Gold 3 has a great taste which does not diminish over time in storage. While Lain is upbeat about the markets in 2014, he’s cautious about returns because of continuing strength of the New Zealand dollar and the fact Zespri’s currency hedging protection reduces over time.

But he’s not letting that put a damper of the industry’s achievements to date.

“As for growers, Zespri employees are enjoying being part of the industry’s recovery and are looking to the future with a renewed sense of optimism and self-belief.”

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

From programming computers to dogs Cover story Computer programming and sheep dog trialling appear to have little in common, but both are among Laura Geering’s skill sets.

However, Laura, who lives near Raglan, has given up an IT career to become a shepherd and train her own sheep dogs, and is loving it.

“I came to New Zealand from the UK seven years ago where I was working in computer programming, to work with polo horses and was introduced to dog trialling by Mark and Denise Porter,”

Sheep dog Prince and Laura Geering attempt to yard sheep during the Te Puke Sheep Dog Trial Club’s event at Pukehina. says Laura, who was among the competitors in the 2014 Te Puke Sheep Dog Trial Club’s event at Pukehina.

Now a permanent New Zealand resident, Laura fell in love with the country and has bought a small block of land to farm. She also works on a neighbour’s farm and is training her own sheep dog.

“I think there’s a real challenge and more personal satisfaction in training a dog yourself and hopefully doing well with it.”

Three-year-old Prince is the first dog she’s trained and Laura says they are learning from each other.

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“I use voice commands because I can’t whistle and have yet to learn to use a shepherd’s whistle. I want to progress to whistle commands, which the dog can hear from a greater distance. I’ll teach Prince by following a voice command he knows with a whistle.”

Laura was one of the few women, and one of the youngest competitors at the Te Puke sheep dog trials. Like other competitors, both she and Prince were tested by the tough long head course, the short head and yard course; and the sheep they had to work with.

Several times she and Prince

came very close to yarding the three sheep in the short head course, but they refused to cooperate. In the long head course, Prince disappeared over the brow of the hill, so ending that run.

However, judges Alex Stewart of Te Puke and Graeme Brier of the King Country, impressed with her run and the relationship she has with Prince, took time to offer her some advice.

“That’s one of the things I love about dog trials – that everyone is very helpful and friendly, and keen to give advice and help you learn,” says Laura. By Elaine Fisher

Trials moving to where the sheep are The Te Puke Sheep Dog Trial Club ended a 54-year-old tradition for the district when it held its last trials on the MacDougall farm at Pukehina in March.

The changing face of land use means there are fewer sheep farmers left in the Te Puke district, so finding animals for the dogs to work is becoming harder.

“Since 1960 we have held trials on this farm but Te Puke is now a dairying and kiwifruit district and we have to truck in sheep for the competition – so next year we are moving to where the sheep are – probably at Manawahe or Rotorua,” says Lindsay Wright, the club’s assistant secretary.

“The club is grateful to the MacDougall family for the use of the property over all those years; and it’s quite sad to see that association end,” says Lindsay.

During the club’s 2014 two-day event on the farm in Old Coach Rd in early March, about 80 shepherds from Rotorua, King Country, Northland, Auckland, Waikato,

Bay of Plenty and Rotorua tested their skills – and those of their dogs – against crafty Romney sheep.

They included competitors with years of experience, and newcomers who competed on what is described as one of the best trial courses in the country.

The courses included steep hills and flat areas, which tested the communications and skills of dogs and shepherds as they worked to move and pen sheep under the watchful eyes of judges from the King Country and Hawke’s Bay. During the years, the club has provided facilities, including judge’s ‘huts’, toilets and a half-round barn, which doubles as the secretary’s office and catering facility. For many years Pukehina School has provided home baking and sandwiches for morning and afternoon teas and lunches.

Most shepherds use whistles but some use voice commands, or a combination of both.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Letting the dogs do the walking A sheep dog is a farmer’s best employee, says Graeme Brier of the King Country.

“A good dog might cost up to $5000 to buy – but over its working life, if treated well, will more than reward that investment,” says Graeme, who was one of the judges at the Te Puke Sheepdog Trial Club’s event in March.

“A dog will work willingly for you every day, without wanting annual leave or specified lunch and tea breaks,” says Graeme, who has been a trials judge for eight years. “Good working dogs also save you a lot of walking.”

It is his admiration of sheep dogs and the relationships between them and their owners that motivates Graeme to keep judging. He enjoys

watching experienced shepherds compete and offering advice to newcomers too.

The dedication dogs have for their owners and their eagerness to herd sheep were obvious during the twoday Te Puke trials. The dogs were well aware of what was about to be asked of them, as they waited for the

command to start each course.

It was obvious too which of the dogs chained to the fence line belong to a shepherd out on a course with another dog. Those waiting in the wings were alert to every whistled command and their body language clearly told they wanted to be up on the hill moving the sheep too.

There were dozens of dogs at the event, but the only barking came from the huntaways at work herding sheep. Apart from the occasional growl, no aggression was shown between the dogs who were obedient to their owners’ commands – on and

By Elaine Fisher off the courses.

Changing land use ends decades-old tradition As well as those competing, a number of others shepherds and their dogs are needed to pen and release sheep for each contestant.

In the long head event, three sheep were liberated near the brow of a steep hill and it was the task of the shepherd, standing at the base of the hill, to send a dog up above the sheep to bring them down. The competitor could not leave the circle near the judge’s box; and once the sheep were down the hill, he or she and the dog had to hold them in the circle for a specified time. Each contestant had 12 minutes to complete their run.

A huntaway works sheep up the hill.

When will it be our turn?

– dogs wait patiently to show their skills during the Te Puke Sheep Dog Trial Club’s event.

The short head course required competitors to move three sheep across an open paddock through a ‘bridge’, defined only by two free-standing open gates, then pen them in a small yard, also in an open paddock.

Once the sheep were close to the yard, the shepherd opened the gate and from that point could not let go of it, relying on the dog to move the sheep into position to enter the yard.

The shepherd could not close the gate until all the sheep were well inside the yard. The maximum time for this event is 14 minutes.

On another section of the steep hill huntaways, known for their deep barks, were required to move three sheep from the base of the hill, where their owner stood, to the top by negotiating either a straight-to-the-summit or a zig zag route.

The time for each was 10 minutes. Most shepherds use whistle commands to direct their dogs, but some use voice commands, or a combination of both.

Each shepherd has his or her own unique commands which tell the dogs what direction to go and when to hold or move sheep.

By Elaine Fisher

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Page 6

COAST & COUNTRY

Soils

iZest

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John Walsh, with one of his favourite and rarest tractors – a British Wallis tractor built by Ruston & Hornsby of Lincoln under licence from the J.I. Case Plow Works, Racine, Wisconsin.

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Modern home for vintage tractors John Walsh collects stories – but not in the form of books and the written word. Few libraries would be big enough to accommodate them.

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Instead the stories John’s been gathering for 20 years are ‘told’ by 53 tractors and countless implements on the Walsh family farm near Morrinsville.

“Every one of these tractors and pieces of machinery has a story. It’s the story of our history. That’s why I like collecting them,” says John, who has restored most of the tractors on show in the large building he commissioned for his private museum.

O’Neill Engineering of Morrinsville built the huge single-span structure to John’s specification – it had to be light and airy, have no internal pillars and have doors high and wide enough to allow access to some very large machinery. As well as the open display space, there is also a “proper” library filled with books about tractors and machinery, including rare tractor manuals.

“I wanted a high stud in the building so when I start a tractor or vehicle for visitors, they didn’t get overcome with fumes,” says John.

His love of machinery goes back to childhood and growing up on the farm his parents Theo and Mavis Walsh bought in 1942.

Fascination

Theo was more used to horse-drawn farm machinery but John had a fascination for “modern” machines – and early on he showed an aptitude for repairing them when a neighbouring farmer encouraged him to “have a go.”

“He used to say: ‘don’t be afraid to try to fix something’, and with the early tractors and machines, everything was very mechanical and not hard to figure out.”

John’s been figuring out, fixing and restoring machinery ever since.

Theo Walsh’s first tractor was a Ferguson and John has its burnt out remains, which he might restore one day, but also has a

complete tractor very similar to his father’s.

In fact, much of his collection comes from the Ferguson and Massey Ferguson stables.

John is fascinated by the ingenuity of tractor pioneers like Harry Ferguson and can talk knowledgably about his inventions, which enabled tractors to not only tow but also to operate a range of mechanical implements, revolutionising farming.

It was Harry who patented the linkage to integrate and control implements fitted to tractors in 1925 and later the ‘suction side’ hydraulic control system for three-point mounted implements. These developments were largely responsible for the success of Ferguson and later Massey Ferguson ‘Ferguson System’ tractors, including the well-known (and well-loved) TE and TO 20 models.

David Brown

In 1936 Harry went into partnership with David Brown and produced about 1300 Ferguson Brown tractors for two years.

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deficiency is more common and occurs when the diet has sufficient copper but there are other dietary factors that reduce the availability and/or uptake of copper; for example, molybdenum (usually greater than 1mg/kg DM), iron (greater than 500mg/kg DM) and zinc (high doses used for facial eczema prevention). Sulphur is often implicated but in practical terms has little impact on pasture diets.

Deer

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• Bone and joint problems: young deer that are copper deficient are more prone to sudden bone fractures (sudden lameness) and joint disease (osteochondrosis), which is seen as a progressively worsening lameness.

• Other symptoms, such as poor growth rates, coat colour changes, reduced fertility and poor antler growth, have been implicated (although with some uncertainty) with copper deficiency.

Cattle

• Copper-deficient cattle generally do not grow as well and will have reduced productive and reproductive performance.

• Coat colour changes can occur in dark-coloured cattle; for example, black animals may be brown (occasionally just light rings around the eyes), and brown animals may be red in colour.

• Peat scours: animals are in poor condition and have persistent diarrhoea (scours). This condition is more related to a secondary (induced) copper deficiency caused by a molybdenum excess, which equals molybdosis.

Sheep

• Enzootic ataxia generally occurs in young lambs born to copper-deficient ewes.

• Young lambs can have brittle bones and are more prone to sudden bone fractures.

• Copper-deficient sheep produce less wool, the crimp may be reduced (steely wool) and in coloured wool breeds, the colour may be lighter (reduced pigmentation).

To be continued next month.

COAST & COUNTRY

Early tractors transformed rural economy

The graveyard – where old tractors come to die, or be cannibalised.

“Harry fell out with David Brown because he was experimenting with bigger tracAn early model Masseytors, which were heavier than horse and plough, Harris tractor. which was the weight Harry believed tractors should be. After that David Brown developed his own tractors,” says John.

John recounts how in 1938, Harry demonstrated his tractor to Henry Ford, the famous American car manufacturer, on Ford’s estate and the “gentleman’s agreement” – a handshake – which saw Ford producing Ferguson tractors in Detroit by 1939. About 300,000 Ford Ferguson tractors were produced up until 1947.

A Case tractor, in Bright and shiny – this Oliver Among John’s collection are tractors and implethe John Walsh tractor is among those on display ments which are examples of the engineering Museum. at John Walsh’s private museum. evolution of 20th Century’s agricultural machinery; and he provides an informative commentary on one-in-seven slope of “hard polished ice where a man each as he guides visitors around his museum. cannot walk without crampons”, as well as operating in conditions of minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mechanic Sir Edmund Hillary led the team which drove the The introduction of the first tractors to New tractors to the South Pole, where they were left for Zealand didn’t just transform agriculture; it also gave the use of American researchers. Two tractors from a boost to other rural industries. “Many of the men Hillary’s party were later repatriated to New Zealand who returned home from World War 2 had difficulty and went on display; one in the Canterbury Museum finding jobs; and those who had been mechanics, set in Christchurch, and the other in the Museum of themselves up to repair and maintain farm machinTransport and Technology Auckland. ery,” says John. When new tractors became available, The ingenuity of early engineers continues to many of those rural mechanics were offered dealeramaze John, who is currently restoring a Fergusonships and so became agents as well as mechanics.

Twose mounted road roller. This ingenious adaption However, new tractors were so much in demand, involved reversing the tractor onto a base frame, and in such short supply, dealers began buying back mounting it high up on the rollers, with the drive near-new tractors from farmers who had bought power of the tractor’s rear wheels operating the roller them the year before, selling them the latest model drums. and on-selling last year’s for as much as it cost new.

“In reality, the new models often weren’t much Graveyard better than the previous one.”

Not all of John’s tractors and equipment are bright, Among John’s tractors is a Ferguson halftrack, shiny and under cover in the museum. which has caterpillar-like tracks on four of its six There’s also “the graveyard” outside the former wheels, giving it the ability to work in conditions milking shed, where old tractors come to die, or be where other tractors can’t. cannibalised for parts.

“There’s one at Pukekohe, which was used recently Other tractors and machinery awaiting restoration by a market gardener when all of the modern tractors are housed in several sheds around the farm; and were getting stuck,” says John. today John has the assistance of his son-in-law Mike Garrud to restore the machinery, and along the way Hillary learn something of their history.

The 1955-1958 Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic “I just wish we could download all John knows Expedition used seven Ferguson TE-20s and some about tractors and machinery onto a computer for were fitted halftracks, with steerable front skis, while future generations to access,” laughs Mike. others in the New Zealand team were fitted with John, who is a member of the Waikato Vintage Tracan extra wheel on each side and full caterpillar-like tor and Machinery Club, built the museum to display, tracks. protect and share his collection – but he doesn’t Reports back to the Ferguson company from the charge visitors, and it’s only open by appointment.

By Elaine Fisher expedition say the tractors were capable of climbing a

Page 7

Page 8

COAST & COUNTRY

Exhibition of Katikati Ulster pioneer’s artefacts collection An important collection of early Maori and European artefacts collected by Katikati pioneer Sam Middlebrook is going on public display for the first time at the Katikati Heritage Museum.

Prominent in the collection are the Maori artefacts Sam acquired in the late 1800s, mostly as payment for translating documents in cases before the Maori Land Court. The collection has been gifted to the Katikati Heritage Museum by the Middlebrook descendants.

Museum manager Paula Gaelic says the museum is honoured to show off the collection, which belonged to a man who played an important role in Katikati’s development.

About 200 artefacts, including those made of stone, wood, flax, whalebone and moa bone, tools, jewellery, fishing

block, which became the only planned Ulster Irish settlement in the world.

Sam was born in Millbridge, Liversedge,Yorkshire. In 1862 he and his family sailed from Liverpool on-board the Shalimar to equipment and kete are being shown.

The exhibition opens 11am on March 30, with a performance by the Katikati College kapa haka group.

When Katikati’s Ulster Irish founder George Vesey Stewart came to Tauranga in 1874 to look for land, the Survey Office assigned young Sam Middlebrook to assist him.

It was Sam who guided him through the trackless swamps and hills to the Katikati block and three months later George had acquired a 10,000 acre

Melbourne and subsequently New Zealand. Sam’s father John purchased land in Whangarei, where Sam spent his youth, becoming fluent in Maori and a keen observer of Maori life. He joined the NZ

Survey Department under Captain Archibald Turner, the Tauranga District surveyor, and may have been involved in the survey of the road to Rotorua through the Mangorewa gorge and as far afield as Taupo.

Sam lived in Tauranga for about four years and then joined the second party of Katikati settlers, although he did not participate in the land grant.

Readers solve mystery of mystery item The mystery of last month’s mystery item appears to have been solved by Coast & Country readers, who say it is a very small blow torch. and down to get the flame in the right place. The cap The device had staff at the Katiis screwed back on to put out the flame.” kati Heritage Museum flummoxed Brian Haynes of Tauranga says he used a similar and they appealed to Coast & blow torch in 1962, while learning his gas-fitting trade Country readers to identify what on the Island of Jersey. it was.

For helping solve the mystery, Tony “I think the item is has won tickets to visit the museum. a small blow torch.

This month’s mystery item probably Looks similar to won’t be a mystery to many readers one my father had,” but will no doubt spark memories – so writes Tony Thorne. we’d love to receive your stories about “You soak the wick using one. or fabric [inside the To be in to win admission for two to the tube] with methylated spirKatikati Heritage Museum send your its. When lit, the hooked entry to: elaine@thesun.co.nz or post pipe is adjusted to be in the hottest part of to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country, the flame, heating the pipe which causes the PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive air in the pipe to rise causing a small flow of no later than April 17. The winner will air, which blows a small jet of flame, which is be announced in Coast & Country’s then used for soldering etc.

May issue. The museum, just south Terry Creighton of Katikati says the early of Katikati, is open seven days a week type of blowtorch was used by jewellers or 9.30am-4pm. To find out more, visit: leadlight window makers for soldering. www.katikatiheritagemuseum.co.nz or “It provides a cheap and effective source of phone 07 549 0651. heat for soldering. The curved tube is slid up What’s this?

AVOCADOS

Page 9

Australian market rewards growers, exporters The Australian market, where the avocado is rapidly becoming a “must-have item” for consumers, has rewarded New Zealand growers and exporters well this season – but the same may not be true for the 2014-2015 harvest.

If predictions of a bumper Western Australian crop prove correct, preference will be given to local fruit – so while not taking the focus off Australia, Kiwi exporters are also looking to other markets.

At the peak of demand, wholesale prices this season reached as high as AU$60 for 5.5kg trays of top quality fruit and consistently achieved in the AU$40-$45 range.

Exporters are predicting on average, growers will have received in the mid to high $20 per tray orchard gate return this season.

“We couldn’t have picked a better year to start exporting avocados. Values have been great with returns back to growers for single layer 18 to 20 count trays in the late-$20s,” says Te Mata Exports product manager Andrew Thompson.

This was the first year handling avocados for the well-established Hawke’s Bay stone and pip-fruit

exporter. Global Fresh NZ Ltd / Just Avocados Ltd marketing director Steve Trickett says bulk packs with smaller-sized fruit reached as high at Au$100 Aper carton, although AU$55-60 per carton was perhaps more the norm.

“All good values in anyone’s book,” says Steve.

Freshmax growers can expect OGRs of about the mid-$20 mark per tray for the 2013-2014 season, says avocado programme manager Jarrod Redwood.

The Australian market remains a value opportunity for New Zealand avocados, despite increasing volumes of domestic fruit, says Jarrod.

Australia has been a fantastic market for New Zealand avocados this season because of outstanding fruit quality, strong consumer demand and tight control of fruit volumes by exporters, says SeekaFresh manager Annmarie Lee.

An over-supply of fruit into the Australian market by some exporters in September/October probably depressed values a little and resulted in some fruit being dumped, says Chris Frost of JP Exports Ltd. “There was no need to send those volumes early, as the industry as a whole ran out of fruit in early-January.”

However, despite that, the Australian market performed very well, rewarding JP Exports suppliers with good returns, on average in the mid-$20 range, for large and medium sized fruit, says Chris.

The Australian market has performed

exceptionally well, in fact beyond expectations, says Ted Thomas, of Avoco.

“It has provided very strong demand for good quality NZ Hass and returned high values.

“Last season was completely different in the sense NZ had a very light crop, approximately 1.2 million export trays compared with over 3m export trays in this current season.”

Prices have been excellent throughout the season and strengthened again in February. With the arrival of local Australian Shepard fruit, values reduced but still remained very good, says Ted.

By Elaine Fisher

Managed flow

“We should thank our growers for the excellent fruit they provided us and most will receive orchard gate, per tray returns in the mid-$20 range.”

Fewer New Zealand exporters this season led to a more managed flow of fruit into Australia, which helped hold prices, says Annmarie.

Prepare for spring bud break now With the kiwifruit harvest underway, spring seems a long way off – but it’s crucial to prepare now to ensure the all-important bud break next season happens on time, says Sam Kirk, territory manager for Grosafe Chemicals of Mount Maunganui.

“Orchardists need to place orders now for Hi-break, the highly effective bud dormancy breaking input, to be sure of having the product when they need it and in the quantities required,” says Sam. “Placing orders now minimises their risk by ensuring they have enough product to satisfy their spray programme with Hi-break.

“We guarantee supply on time, and will coordinate orders, so if anyone has a surplus I can work with growers who have a shortfall so everyone is catered for.

“This is just part of the coordination and service we provide to our growers. All the product that we are selling is new season 2014 stock; and early ordering is vital, as once commitments are made then orders are placed with our suppliers and the production chain is set in progress and product will be ready for delivery from early-July.”

Grosafe has supplied Hi-break for the last 12 seasons in which time the product has earned a reputa-

tion for being value for money and is an integral part of Grosafe growers’ programmes. Many are so impressed with the product, during many years of use, they’ve publically endorsed it together with the service they enjoy from Grosafe.

Sam has very good technical and field knowledge, as he’s been involved as a grower and orchard manager/service provider for a major packhouse for more than 35 years – and he’s being using Hibreak from day one.

Sam, Mark Yortt or Duncan Ibbotson are available to visit orchardist to discuss their Hi-break requirements.

TM

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reak and flowerin uniform increased budb

g of kiwifruit and appl

es

Testimonials from a cross-section of long-standing satisfied customers ...

Being an early maturity orchard we depend on the accuracy and quality of our bud break. I can confidently recommend Hi-break™ to all growers looking for quality, performance and cost efficiency from their bud breaker.

Colin Jenkins, Ngai Tukairangi Trust Orchard, Tauranga.

As an owner of a large production kiwifruit orchard at higher altitude, obtaining the desired bud break is critical to the performance and profitability of our business. I began using Hi-Break™ because of the competitive price offered and have benefitted from both savings and quality ever since.

Jeremy Meehan, Landsberry Orchard, Tauranga Hi-break™ has been an integral part of our programme for the best part of eight years. Hi-break™ has always performed perfectly and we wouldn’t consider any other product for reliability and the service we receive from Grosafe.

Johnny Schlepers, Whakatane.

Hi- break™ has been the mainstay of our programme for 11 years. It performs year on year and there is no question that it is value for money.

Ken Williams, Katikati.

Kiwifruit is our livelihood, so what we apply to it is critical. We have been using Hi-break™ for 11 years and it has delivered the results every year. We have full confidence in Hi-break™ and have committed our order to Grosafe this season.

Mark Nicolson, Tauranga.

I have been using Hi-break™ dormancy breaker from Grosafe for eight years and it forms the backbone of our kiwifruit programme. Value for money and reliability I wouldn’t go past Hi-break™.

Ross Steele, Opotiki.

Grosafe Chemicals make it easy for us with Hi-break™. We have been using the product for eight years and would have no hesitation in recommending Hi-break™ and Grosafe to all kiwifruit growers.

Riverlock Packhouse, Opotiki.

PHONE 07 572 2662 or FREEPHONE 0800 220 002 or MARK YORTT 021 929 848 • SAM KIRK 021 460 661 • DUNCAN IBBOTSON 021 460 952 EMAIL: orders@grosafe.co.nz • www.grosafe.co.nz Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P7018. Approved pursuant to HSNO Act 1996, Approval Code: HSR000807

AVOCADOS

Page 10

Gypsum helps tree health – fruit quality Applying gypsum to avocado trees helps to promote their health, growth and fruit quality, says Lindsay Heard of Brenmark Horticultural Consultants.

Soils

“I have been formulating fertiliser programmes for avocados for more than 20 years and for kiwifruit more than the last 30 years and have observed increased growth rates following good maintenance gypsum applications in young avocado blocks, both in Australia and New Zealand.”

Five to seven-year-old avocados to which gypsum has been applied have large, dark green leaves and healthy white surface feeder roots. “In recent years the weather conditions have been more extreme and soils have been very wet in winter and early spring; then the soils dry out quickly in the late springsummer months.

“The high rainfall periods at different times of the year have increased phytophthora root disease levels in avocados and kiwifruit.

“I have incorporated annual gypsum appli-

cations in the fertiliser programmes to increase soil porosity, soil aeration and drainage properties. Healthy roots are important too for good leaf size in early spring and to size new fruit from late spring to early summer.”

During the last four years gypsum has been band spread down the rows in avocados and kiwifruit blocks resulting in good levels of healthy white surface root growth every year in late autumn, says Lindsay.

Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate) is pH neutral and does not alter the soil pH; and is ideal to apply as a soil conditioner in blocks with high soil pH levels.

“Calcium has a role for fruit storage quali-

ties and it is important that growers deliver high quality fruit to the market.

“Gypsum is ideal to supply calcium inputs and enhance fruit storage qualities. Kiwifruit growers are paid storage incentives for good storing fruit,” says Lindsay.

“I have observed the benefits of annual gypsum applications over many years in a range of soil types; and I will continue to recommend gypsum in fertiliser programmes for avocados and kiwifruit.”

Farm leasing – the big shift in land tenure

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With the cost of capital – that is the cost of servicing the debt on land – leasing makes a very attractive option for career farmers.

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When you read all of the farming papers that litter coffee tables about our emerging farmers, I notice

APPLY APPLY GYPSUM GYPSUM NOW NOW

TO IMPROVE IMPROVE YOUR YOUR SOIL SOIL TO STRUCTURE AND AND DRAINAGE DRAINAGE STRUCTURE DURING THE THE WINTER WINTERMONTHS MONTHS DURING “I “Ihave haveobserved observedthe thebenefits benefitsofofannual annualGypsum Gypsumapplications applicationsover over many manyyears yearsin inaarange rangeof ofsoil soiltypes typesand andI Iwill willcontinue continuetotorecommend recommend Gypsum Gypsumin infertiliser fertiliserprogrammes programmesfor forAvocados” Avocados” Lindsay LindsayHeard, Heard,Brenmark BrenmarkHorticultural HorticulturalConsultants Consultants Gypsum improves Soil Structure by Gypsum improves Soil adding calcium which is Structure needed to by adding calcium which needed to soil. flocculate clays in acid is and alkaline

Gypsum Suppresses Soil Borne Disease Gypsum Borne Disease which are Suppresses often presentSoil in anaerobic soil which are often present in anaerobic soil conditions.

Gypsum Helps Reclaim Sodic Soils Gypsum Helpsexchangeable Reclaim Sodic Soils by decreasing sodium percentage (ESP) for soil improvement by decreasing exchangeable sodium and better crop growth.

The calcium percentage (ESP) for soil improvement replaces thecrop sodium in clay-binding and better growth.

The calciumsites which canthe then be leached from the soil replaces sodium in clay-binding sites as sodium sulphate. Without Gypsum, the which can then be leached from the soil soil would not be leachable.

Gypsum Decreases Swelling Clays Gypsum Decreases Swelling Clays and the cracking associated with levels of exchangeable sodiumwith on the and the cracking associated montmorillonite-type clays.

Lesson swelling levels of exchangeable sodium the means less clogging ofclays. the pore spaces montmorillonite-type Less swelling through air, water andpore rootsspaces move. means which less clogging of the

leachable salts which can inhibitIrrigation Gypsum Improves Low-Solute penetration soilthat or causes soilcontain Water frominto rivers no longer particles to degrade. The problem can be leachable salts which can inhibit corrected with surface applied gypsum or penetrationtointo or causes soil application thesoil irrigation water.

efficiency.

25%storage –100% in more better water the water soil allisleading available inrooting gypsumand treated soils than in to deeper better water-use non-treated soils, important in areas and efficiency. 25% –100% more water is times of drought.

flocculate clays in acid and alkaline soil.

conditions.

Gypsum of Soil throughPrevents which air,Waterlogging water and roots move. a combination of high sodium, as sodium sulphate. Without Gypsum, the where Gypsum Prevents Waterlogging of swelling clay and excess water resultSoil in Gypsum Prevents Crusting of Soil & soil would not be leachable. where a issues. combination of high sodium, drainage Aids Seed Emergence resulting from swelling clay and excess water result in Gypsum Prevents Crustingirrigation of Soil & raindrops or from sprinkler Gypsum Increases Water-Use Efficiency drainage issues.

Aids Seed Emergence resulting from on unstable soil. Gypsum and lime can of crops with improved water infiltration raindrops or from sprinkler prevent crusting that forms inirrigation acid soils. rates, hydraulic conductivity of soil and Gypsum Increases Water-Use Efficiency on unstable soil. Gypsum and lime can better water in the soil infiltration all leading Gypsum Improves Low-Solute Irrigation of crops withstorage improved water prevent crusting in acid soils. torates, deeper rootingconductivity and better water-use Water from riversthat thatforms no longer contain hydraulic of soil and

available in gypsum treated soils than in as a Fertiliser CaSO4in -2H 2O is and non-treated soils, important areas particles to degrade. The problem can be Gypsum Gypsum Multiplies the Value ofgypsum Other or atimes pH neutral source of readily available of drought. corrected with surface applied Inputs including calcium and sulphur. application to thefertilizers. irrigation water.

Gypsum as a Fertiliser CaSO4-2H2O is Gypsum Multiplies the Value of Other a pH neutral source of readily available Inputs including fertilizers. calcium and sulphur.

For further information call 0800 100 442 or visit www.gypsum.co.nz

For further information call 0800 100 442 or visit www.gypsum.co.nz

leasing plays an ever-increasing role in their planning and land portfolio.

Leasing goes back forever in history, with tenants struggling to pay the wealthy landowners in England.

When I was in the Rural Bank (a long time ago now), the lease cost was often set at five per cent of valuation.

Various leases were for 33 years, some 21 years.

Lands and Survey had many leases where under the Land Act the tenant paid five per cent of the unimproved value to lease the land, exclusive of improvements.

In this case all of the improvements, right through to land clearing, grassing and consolidation, were owned by the tenant.

In the 1960s, the 50:50 sharemilking model was the emerging tenure. Here, the owner put on the

fertiliser, paid the rates and insurance and provided the property for 50 per cent of the dairy cheque.

That worked brilliantly until successive governments started taxing the increase in values and cow numbers as they rose. A lucky 50:50 sharemilker could find a property with ‘potential’, start with 200 cows say, and increase to 300 by retaining replacements and without any tax implications. Now these increases are taxed.

This brings me to today, where the emerging tenure must be percentage leasing. I’ve written about it before, but it is so successful it is worth further dialogue.

Recently, a young couple came to me with very limited assets wanting to lease a 60ha farm. Because it was a 22 per cent lease, the bank approved it but declined it as a 50:50 sharemilking proposition.

Why? Because the banks are shying away from 50:50 sharemilking deals. They are too hard.

Issues around stock securities, fights with owners etc make them difficult to manage. With the percentage leasing they see better stability, more income to the tenant, and much better longevity.

It is an interesting shift by the banks, but reflects the benefits of a good lease over the sharemilking agreement.

In summary, I think we’ll see more emerging career lessees or tenants (formerly called tenant farming).

The banks seem happier and it certainly works better for the lessee.

With the “cost of capital” in owning farmland, leasing is going to be an increasing land tenure.

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.

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AVOCADOS

Page 11

Complete avocado pick-to-market service For 30 years KauriPak has been known for its honesty, integrity and “no bull” avocado harvesting and packing service – and the same is still true today for the Katikati family business.

KauriPak is a dedicated avocado-only packhouse, which allows it to pack avocados 12 months of the year.

Founded by Hugh and Dorothy Moore, daughters Linda Flegg and Jenny Gilliver are also part of the experienced team which brings a personal touch to customer and crop care – and that’s something growers appreciate.

Hugh, well-known as a forthright and often outspoken leader in both the kiwifruit and avocado industries, along with Alistair Young was instrumental in establishing the Team Avocado Trust which now, with marketer Southern Product Ltd, supplies the much-larger Avoco group.

Autumn opportunity to size crop Heading into autumn and winter, there are some important things to consider that will influence the revenue from your current avocado crop, the overall health of your orchard, and how well set-up it will be for spring flowering and fruit set.

Normal practice among many growers has been to do very little during the winter, with perhaps some light maintenance dressings of an NPK avo mix; and maybe some capital dressings of lime.

Clearly it’s not a time to stimulate growth, which any heavier applications could instigate, but there is a huge opportunity to size your crop, improve orchard health, and set up your trees for spring by using a biological slow release organic fertiliser.

This will help achieve ‘the three S’s: Size your crop, sustain tree health; and set up for spring. The nutrients are immobilised by the organic matter, so therefore will not leach away during the high rainfall period of winter. The nutrients remain plant-available allowing the tree to pull what it needs, rather than having nutrients pushed into it (which would be the result using an NPK granular fertiliser). The input of a ‘living fertiliser’ with all of the biology avail-

able from vermicast, chicken manure and high quality compost, revitalise the soil and help tip the balance between good bugs and bad.

We can incorporate any fine and powdery base dressings that may be required; lime flour, lime, gypsum, magnesium oxide, boron, phosphate – all of which have a tendency to blow everywhere in the wind. They can be added to the blend, everything goes on together, and you only need to put the fert spreader round once.

The optimum time for the autumn application is from mid-March until midMay (apply in spring between late-August and late-October).

I’ll discuss this application in a future rambling.

There are some huge crops hanging in the orchards this season and as always size matters when it comes to export returns. Also, carrying a heavy crop into spring challenges your trees’ ability to be ready for the next flowering event.

So by using a slow release product like Revital 30, you are giving your orchard the nutrients and biology it needs to do the best job it can for you.

Give me a call for an on orchard consultation, and we can decide what the best blend is for you.

“We have only packed for Team Avocado and last season packed 460,000 export trays, and expect to increase those volumes next season,” says Linda.

KauriPak, which handles crops from throughout the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and South Auckland, has been packing avocados since the early 1980s and has a dedicated avocado-only packhouse, which allows it to pack avocados 12 months of the year for clients.

“We provide a full pick-to-market service, including picking [ground and hydralada picking], bin delivery and pick-up, packing, coolstorage and ripening.

“Our commitment to the market flow plan is paramount to ensure the best possible fruit returns are realised. We aim to reward growers who provide quality fruit,” says Linda.

KauriPak also packs and ripens fruit for the Progressive Enterprises supermarket chain and for wholesale markets.

Thanks to his extensive knowledge as a grower, and his wide understanding of the international markets, Hugh is able to advise orchardists on chemical use too, as part of the company’s commitment to growers 12 months of the year.

“Our growers send in their pest monitoring data and Hugh can tell them what chemicals are best to apply to control pests and to ensure they don’t face market access problems by using products with long withholding periods,” says Linda.

Always innovating, KauriPak was among the first to invest in a system to wash and dry avocados before packing, in order to improve the quality of the export product.

HORTICULTURE

Page 12

Protecting food production

Horticulture’s big day out

Ensuring food production is able to continue, even with Auckland’s planned growth, is a major part of HortNZ’s submission on the Auckland Council’s Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan. The plan includes the regional policy statement, the regional air land and water plan, the coastal plan and the district plan (replacing previous district plans for Rodney, Franklin, Waitakere City, Manukau City, Papakura, North Shore and Auckland City).

The HortNZ submission covers a wide range of matters. A key issue in the submission is to enable food production to continue and also ensure growers are not subject to complaints from lifestylers living in new or existing rural subdivision areas.

Submissions will be heard by an appointed panel and will be held during the next year, so the process will take some time. Refer to the HortNZ website to click the links: HortNZ PAUP Submission and HortNZ PAUP Sub Table 28 Feb 2014 for a copy of the submission.

The 2014 National Horticultural Field Day will be held on Thursday, June 5, at Showgrounds Hawke’s Bay in Hastings.

The organisers have a new partnership with Massey University this year which will bring increased expertise, knowledge and research specific to the horticultural industry. It will be part of a popular seminar series held at the field day. Being election year, it’s expected there will be representation present from major political parties too.

The National Horticultural Field Day creates an opportunity for business leaders and key horticultural players from around New Zealand – both vegetable and fruit – to come together and discuss prominent issues facing their industries.

Education and horticultural career opportunities will be a strong focus at the event going forward, as the industry puts emphasis on the need for a highly-skilled workforce, to meet its projections of being a $10 billion industry by 2020.

All of this will combine with the large trade expo, and competitions including the Hawke’s Bay Young Fruitgrower of the Year, the NZ Hydralada competition and horticulture art exhibition. (Source: HortNZ newsletter)

(Source: HortNZ newsletter)

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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.

HiFLO PUMPS HiFLO PUMPS & IRRIGATION LTD

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In February giant willow aphids were crawling over fruit and support structures in Neil Brough’s orchard.

New aphids now widespread The giant willow aphids which rapidly invaded an Omokoroa kiwifruit orchard in earlyFebruary disappeared just as quickly, but property owner Neil Brough believes they will be back.

which first became aware of the insect in New Zealand last December, says kiwifruit is not currently known to be a host to this species, and the aphid feeding on the vines is not thought to pose a threat to the kiwifruit industry.

“These aphids may be present on vines and vine structures, but this would most likely be transient as they move to other host plants,” says an MPI spokesperson.

“Within days their numbers decreased “As its name would suggest, it is Oursignificantly Atoms are set withthey radar this andupnow arespeed hard sensors, to associated with willows [and occasionally combined withthey fullywill automated controllers and find – but be back sprayer next season,” three nozzle rings enhances application efficiencypoplar]. and says Neil, who found the giant willow “Sooty mould appearing on kiwifruit, accuracy. aphid, a new insect to New Zealand, due to honeydew contamination from 216 Pongakawa Bush Road Weclimbing also use over a quad bikefruit for strip spray vines, and weed structures the aphid feeding on adjacent shelterapplications. in his orchard on February 10. belts, could potentially occur.” Te Puke Concerned the insect, which excretes We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap Neil and his staff first became aware of honeydew, might cause problems with the insects when they the us: trunks compliance.

Tonoticed contact sooty mould on fruit, Neil contacted and stems on the willow shelter turning WeZespri look atand all Kiwifruit challengesVine to help ensure we protect Phone: 021 907 621 Health which black with mould. your crop with excellence. have sent staff to visit his orchard.

Sooty molds are caused

by Ascomycete E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz Since Neil’s initial discovery of the fungi, which grow on the sugary honeyaphids, the orchardist says he’s heard dew secreted by insects such as aphids, from other kiwifruit growers in the area scales, and cicada. who’ve also found the pest.

Sooty mould on kiwifruit makes it “It appears it is now very widespread. It unacceptable for export; and Neil is now is yet another insect we have to control. watching the gold fruit in his orchard for We did spray216 it with an organic any signs of the fungus developing.

Pongakawa BushprodRoad uct, which was all we Te canPuke use so close to By the time the MPI became aware of harvest, but I don’t think it did much the new insect pest giant willow aphids good.” late last year, it was too widespread The rapid disappearance To contact us: of the insects throughout the country to make eradicadidn’t completely Neil, who’d tion feasible, says an MPI spokesperson.

Phone: 021surprise 907 621 read up on their life cycle, which involves The aphid is now present in NorthE-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz them returning to their host trees – usuland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, ally willows or poplars, in autumn where Wairoa, Wairarapa, Taranaki, and the they prepare to over-winter.

Tasman District in the South Island.

The Ministry for Primary Industries,

By Elaine Fisher

Hawke’s Bay horticultural trainee winners Four Hawke’s Bay growers are among the 13 trainees nationwide to be awarded 2014 Horticulture New Zealand Industry Training Scholarships.

They are Lewis Houkamau, Crasborn Group; Nathan Waites, Blyth Orchard, Mr Apple NZ Ltd; Gareth Dingle, Mr Apple NZ Ltd; and Joseph McIvor, Waimea Orchard.

The other winners are: Aaron Finlay, Hugh Drummond, Riwaka; Todd

Harwood, Kono Horticulture, Tasman; Zoe Eld, Kono Horticulture, Motueka; Annette Williams, Made in Heaven Ltd, Auckland; Ryan Manders, Southern Paprika, Northland; Bura Takinoa, Southern Paprika, Northland; Baukie Eneta, Southern Paprika, Northland; Kathleen Bagge, Darlings Fruit Ltd, Central Otago; and Martina Tomasova, Hoddy’s Orchard, Tasman. Each recipient receives a certificate and $500.

EFFLUENT STORAGE PONDS Firestone EPDM Lined Pond advantages

HORTICULTURE

and programmes to claim they are backed by science the results must be consistent, predictable and repeatable – and it goes without saying they must provide measurable benefits.

come.

ONE store and There’s a further consideration and this is short term

benefits at the expense of the longer term, which are essential when considering the environmental impact of arranty any product. urers We trade heavily on our abundance of fresh, clean water – probably the primary reason for overseas interests investing in land and factories here.

The value of products and programmes that damage nz. the environment must be givenliner serious consideration EPDM and the issue of greatest concern is steadily declining water quality.

The recent report by the Commissioner for the Environment raises serious concerns about the increasing levels of both phosphorus and nitrogen in our waterways; and dairy farming has been identified as the major contributor.

The work carried out by Eco-Logic Soil Improvement during the last 10 years shows intensive dairy farming with milk solid production in excess of 1300kg/ha can AND WATER STORAGE be achieved with no negative environmental impact, and the net effect may well be a positive one.

E EPDM pond A feature of environmental degradation is the speed at which it escalates. The damage caused by a little extra ural irrigation, nitrogen leaking into groundwater 20 years ago was ge, effluent s. negligible; however the damage now, due in part to the reduced ability of the soil to sequester the excess, is far stone Warranty installations. more obvious.

See us at the The discussion unfolding in the media has two NZ Agricultural Fieldays Creek opposingMystery views. One is that the environment must be or nationwide Pavilion site PB30 protected at any cost, with intensive dairy production heavily regulated. sales@cosio.co.nz TheEmail contrary :view is that extra wealth generated by the application excess nitrogen warrants its on-going Website :ofhttp://www.cosio.co.nz use. Presumably, those arguing for the continued use of excessive nitrogen believe the extra income generated is sufficient to pay for the inevitable clean-up, or could the driver be short-term greed?

An argument that regularly appears in defence of nitrogen fertiliser is its use is responsible for a marked increase in the world’s food production, and without it millions would die of starvation.

With regard to pastoral farming in the Bay of Plenty, it’s a hard argument to sell based on considerable research undertaken by staff at the world-renowned Ruakura Research Centre. The summary of work connd forget recovering forand upSoils to 5inyears tained in ‘Fertiliser New Zealand Farming’ states: “The results of these many experiments created h EVA for longer life the impression that the use of fertiliser N in autumn was seldom worthwhiledripping becauseon of plants. the variability and itive to prevent condensation of 50 metres or cut suit your house. smallness ofto thelength yield to responses”.

Spring responses to July and August nitrogen were only DM/kgN at fi820 rst harvest d. Phone 099-10kg 820 0272 Fax 09 0274 when extra pasture is most required. The remainder of the total 15-19kg DM/kgN was obtained in September and October, with 00 109 093 sentence: “It would appear that the use the concluding of fertiliser N is seldom worthwhile”.

The top 20cm of the soil on the Berryman property near Edgecumbe measured 7500kg N/ha with 6600kg N/ha in the same depth on a neighbouring property, both intensive dairy.

Our soils are not short of total nitrogen; and as the clover in permanent pasture is capable of producing sufficient nitrogen for in excess of 18,000kg DM/ha annually, farmers have available the necessary products The Professionals Choice and expertise to successfully farm within the soon-to-be introduced regulations.

STONE LINERS

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more information, call Peter on 0800 843 809. mer - save Forwinter rain

water storage ong life mmer, build S o confidence. ils nd

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Growers are rightly asking: Have protections pre-border and at the NZ border.

I think the advantages outweigh the we got the biosecurity right? Why are 2. Responses will be initiated – this is not disadvantages, even if kiwifruit growers there are so many biosecurity incurcertain without a GIA. have to pay for it. As an industry we sions? Is NZ’s border secure?

3. advantages Industry is part of the biosecurity response Firestone EPDM Lined Pond cannot afford to have another major The Government is promoting a decision-making. This allows the industry to biosecurity incursion. biosecurity partnership with agree onduring the approach and delivery of the Enable effluent to be stored and applied strategically Psa-V has taught us many industry, where preparing for drier periods or in Spring and Autumn when grass growth slows response and to manage the cost of the lessons. We aim to learn all pest incursion responses and response.

Ease of dailyOne management from troublesome effluent irrigators of them. of the key responding to incursions 4. Industry is able to take direct control of lessons we must and surveillance will be biosecurity preparations and responses – Realize theisvalue of yourwork effluent and utilise its real potential with Government to done together. making industry able to determine our own 20ensure year Firestone business we areFactory doingwarranty eve- - best in the This will cost the biosecurity destiny.

Insist on your Firestone issued Warranty Certificate rything we can to protect industry. An immediate Disadvantages: our industry. reaction is: This is what 5. Industry will need to prepare for biosecurity to 820 take0272, control Contact Cosio IndustriesWe Ltd have ph (09) email : sales@cosio.co.nz. or call Vaughan we pay taxes for, so why incursion responses – eventually this will be INDUSTRIES on 021 280 7266 for more information on Firestone EPDM and your nearest installation contractor.

EPDM liner of our own biosecurity should industry not only an advantage for industry.

Cosio Industries Ltd are official Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors destiny. The Biosecurity contribute hard-earned cash, 6. Industry will need to contribute funds to Government Industry but also staff time and effort preparation and incursions under a GIA. Agreement allows us to to partner with Government However, this will be less expensive than achieve this and do all we to manage biosecurity? The if the industry has no GIA; where can to protect our industry reasons for and against are in the table Government will simply send growers a bill from future incursions. Most imporon the right. for these activities. tantly, it will permit us to respond The Government will, however, quickly and effectively, if we get an retain responsibility for biosecurity at incursion. the border and pre-border and pay for The views expressed in this article are those of the author. this. But, as part of the partnership,

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Being an associate member of HortNZ costs $250 per year and entitles the associate to use HortNZ’s

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Fresh connection 2014

This year’s HortNZ Conference is part of a much bigger event, called Fresh Connections 2014, which is being jointly-held between the Australia-NZ Produce Marketing Association, the Australian Chamber, United Fresh and HortNZ. It is on June 24 and the associated vegetable conferences are included.

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Page 13

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Page 14

AUTUMN FERTILISER

Five scholarships awarded to agri-students Five university students studying towards degrees in New Zealand’s primary industries have been awarded Ballance Agri-Nutrients scholarships, each worth $4000 a year for a maximum of three years.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients research and development manager Warwick Catto says the calibre of this year’s applicants are again of a very high standard and shows the industry’s future is in safe hands.

“Our primary sector leads the world and we need to continue to attract top talent to keep us there.

“We have some outstanding young people ready to make their mark and we’re right behind them,” says Warwick.

The latest round of scholarships was awarded to Sarah Greenwood from Ohakune, Ryan Hathaway from Reporoa, Holly Flay from Te Awamutu, Peter Thomas from Mossburn, and Matthew Hughes from Rotorua.

Ryan Hathaway from Reporoa is in his second year of studying a Bachelor of Chemical and Biological Processing Engineering (Honours) at Massey University.

Head boy of Reporoa College in 2012, Ryan already has strong experience working during his holidays on a sheep farm and as a relief milker on several dairy farms in the local area. After graduating, Ryan hopes to use his engineering degree within the agricultural sector.

“My options are still very broad; although given my farming background, I would definitely like to work within the agricultural arena.”

Holly Flay from Te Awamutu has just started a Bach-

elor of Science majoring in Chemistry and minoring in International Agribusiness and Animal Science at Massey University.

Born and raised on a dairy farm, Holly’s aim is to use her farming experience and conjoint degrees to work in the dairy industry.

“I think my background of growing up on a dairy farm and my interest in animals and agriculture has really helped me gain a strong insight into the industry. I’d like to use my degree to pursue a career with the dairy industry, focusing on research and development.”

Sarah Greenwood from Ohakune is studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University this year.

Once she completes her studies Sarah hopes to continue in the agricultural sector by either conducting research or becoming a consultant focusing on the sheep and beef sector.

Sarah gained her passion for agriculture after spending her school holidays working on the family farm. This also saw her involved in Feilding High School’s Teen Ag Club as vice chair and she was part of a team that placed second at the Teen Ag nationals, which is a young farming

competition. Matthew Hughes, from Rotorua, is in his second year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University.

Growing up on a sheep and beef farm, and with experience of working on a dairy farm, Matthew has a real desire to pursue a career in New Zealand’s primary sector. Once he graduates Matthew hopes to work in research and development for the beef and lamb industry.

“At the moment my key interests are in animal and soil science, and business and farm management. My degree gives me the opportunity to learn more about these different aspects and the other opportunities within the agricultural sector, which will help me define exactly what I want to work on when I finish it.”

Peter Thomas, from Mossburn, is passionate about the agricultural sector after growing up on a 5000 acre sheep and beef farm which gave him strong understanding about the industry.

Now in his third year of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Massey University, Peter has recently been voted onto the committee of the Massey Young Farmers club, which has more than 130 members nationwide.

Future proofing pastures Cyclone Lusi brought a much-needed dousing of rain and a respite from the long, dry summer last month.

Before she arrived, it had generally been a season of two halves, with the Bay of Plenty having just enough rainfall to remain mostly green, whereas the Waikato was suffering badly.

With our ever-changing climate there is no second-guessing as to how each season will run. So what can you do to help revive your sun-baked pasture through the autumn and winter – and in time try to future-proof your paddocks with better and deeper layers of humus, giving you a better moisture holding capacity?

A good combination of biology, chemistry and organic matter will give a good platform to promote autumn recovery.

We recommend a blend of vermicast to stimulate root growth and add biology, chicken manure for chemistry and biology, and high quality compost for soil

structure and biology.

With all three being naturally-derived organic materials, it will help put back what is missing in pasture grown with NPK inputs alone.

Soil tests are essential to ensure you’re providing the correct balance of product to ensure optimum performance; and when needed, we can add lime, magnesium etc to the blend to get the balance of nutrients, biology, and organic matter just right.

Using these blends year-on-year will see a cumulative beneficial effect, as organic matter and biology rebuild the humus layers of your pasture.

A little analogy to end on.

If you consider your soil is the engine that drives your farm along the road of production and performance, then it needs the following: Petrol = NPKS etc.

Oil = Organic matter Sparks = Biology If any one of these three components are missing, or depleted, your engine will not run at full efficiency.

MAIZE

Page 15

When to harvest drought-stressed maize Huge variation in maize dry matter continues to be an issue both within and between fields.

This is influenced by rainfall, soil type and compaction, topography, proximity to hedges, trees, plant population, and droughttolerance of the hybrid planted.

Given this variability, how can you determine whether your drought-stressed crop is ready to harvest at the 30 to 40 per cent dry matter stage?

Expert advice is available from a number of seed and supply company representatives and contractors’ agronomists, so seek their advice and book your contractor well in advance – phoning a couple of days before harvest is not helpful.

Remember drought-stressed crops with few kernels or little kernel development can have high nitrate levels.

If green chop is required urgently for hungry animals, get a sample to your vet for nitrate testing before feeding.

This testing is usually a same-day service.

However, should you wish to assess the crop yourself here are a few pointers: Stand on a high point and ascertain what percentage of the field is still green (particularly from the cob upwards), what percentage is a lighter green but still has folded leaves (particularly during the heat of the day), and what percentage is completely brown and dead.

If the majority of the paddock is completely brown, harvesting as soon as possible would be recommended.

If the majority of the paddock is green, check the milk line in the kernels, husk cover colour and how many leaves below the cob

Co-ordination is essential: harvester and tractor drivers work in unison to harvest a maize silage crop on a farm near Te Kauwhata. are totally brown and senesced. As a general guide: if the milk line is starch from the cap to a third, husk cover is turning brown, and the lower leaves are senesced, then contact your contractor.

Alternatively, three or four representative plants can be mulched and DM determined by laboratories or simple microwave testing and weighing.

Leaves from the cob upwards, if still green will still continue to photosynthesise and produce further DM and yield in the plant.

The last few weeks can add a lot of grain weight and size.

DM in Waikato crops that had lost all green leaf colour below the cob was up to three per

cent higher than you’d expect if those leaves were still green. This is because the drought stressed stover was becoming very dry, even though kernel milk line development was not well advanced.

Apart from peat soils (where plants roots can access moisture), most drought stressed northern Waikato/Dargaville region crops are drying down at least one per cent a day.

This dry down will be slower in some areas of the Waikato (especially south Waikato), due to better rainfall, but the amount by which it has slowed very much depends on the amount of rainfall received.

Many contractors now have NIR DM determination capability on their choppers,

and chop-length can be altered to aid stack compaction and the fermentation process of the maize silage.

The dry weather means herbicide residues may remain in the soil after harvest and affect subsequent grass seed germination. You can check this by carefully placing the top 100mm of representative soil in a plant tray, sowing some mustard seed, watering and then checking for normal germination and plant health.

Soil nutrient levels following harvesting are likely to be higher than normal, due to lower yields and low leaching. This may translate into fertiliser savings for the subsequent crop.

(Source Maize Action – Foundation for Arable Research newsletter).

MAIZE

Page 16

Magnesium deficiency costly to farmers !

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Lack of magnesium in NZ soils has caused losses of millions of dollars every year. Little is being done to solve the problem.

Soluble sources are Mag sulphate and Kieserite. Sulphates release their Mg quickly and are required for crops and where Mg is required quickly.

Your choice of weapon is critical and should not be based on the cheapest or Under the heading of ‘Magnesium definearest source. It must be based on what ciency’, one authoritative magazine listed works and what doesn’t. the common options for supplementing Dolomite discharges its Mg during an magnesium. It went on to list many options; 18-month period. Oxide and serpentine each option temporary, time-consuming and discharge over a much longer period, and repetitive. although they can increase Mg in plants, In addition, the options were in fact, they rarely, if ever improve soil levels. treating or trying to prevent Hence repeat doses are symptoms of grass tetany, required year after year, with (hypomagnesaemia), particumixed stock health results larly prior to calving. and no soil fertility progress.

There was not a single referCalcium must be calcuence to the soil. The soil is lated along with magnesium where the cause is seated, so requirements. that is where the remedy must If there is ample Ca in the be applied. soil, dolomite may not be an Our approach is based on option, but Mag carbonate cause-centred science; the or will be. common approach is based It depends on how fast you Extracting dolomite from the Mount on symptom-oriented science. need the Mg and whether Burnett quarry in Golden Bay. This is the approach that transyou are growing pastures or fers money from farmers to corporations. crops. If calcium is not adequate, (optimum being Kiwi Fertiliser sends its soil samples to PAL labora60-68 per cent on a PAL soil test,) then dolomite is an tories in Missouri. The test results show more than 90 option. per cent of samples are deficient in magnesium. That However, Mg and Ca have a one-to-one relationship, test often shows values of six-eight per cent of base so for each one per cent of Ca added, one per cent of saturation when those levels need to be a minimum Mg can be lost and needs to be added back into the of 10.1 per cent and a maximum of 20 per cent. calculations.

That deficiency may translate to say 150-200kg/ha of That leaves the vexed question of potassium. magnesium.

Potassium has a habit of being too high while driving So what do we do to solve the problem? magnesium down in the plant, causing stock health There is only one source of dolomite and that is problems, including bloat. in Golden Bay, so it has to be shipped to the North When Mg is below 10.1 per cent in the soil, K has a Island. This adds cost, but as a calcium/magnesium free ride and will dominate. So, adding potassium in carbonate, it works exceptionally well. It is a semiadvance of magnesium can cause more grief to grazing soluble Mg source. Mag carbonate, Mag oxide and animals. The solution is to balance out the Ca/Mg per serpentine (a hard silica rock), are also semi-soluble. cent, before applying too much K.

MAIZE

Lime plus Mg equals super maize To improve the quality and yield of his maize crop, Mike Karl did not have to look too far from home for an effective solution.

Mike farms on the summer dry country of the Hauraki Plains, and maize is playing an increasingly vital role in helping maintain milk flow through early autumn, and to hold up cow condition heading into winter.

While farming most of his life on the 150ha Ngatea property, Mike has also been involved closely in some of the largest dairy conversion projects seen in the North Island, and in managing one of New Zealand’s highest profile farming operations.

He oversaw much of the Carter Holt Harvey conversion near Tokoroa that resulted in 30 farms with more than 8500ha of milking area coming on stream and ultimately being sold off by the company.

The properties have been held up as showcase examples of quality dairy conversion in terms of layout, housing and infrastructure.

“At one stage I think we were the single largest customer for one of the milking machine companies, with 23 dairies on the go; it was a really interesting, exciting time.”

Trace element

A challenge on the light volcanic country was working with soil that was lower than most for trace elements, with magnesium a key element lacking for both stock and pasture uptake.

Taking the land straight from trees to maize crop meant it was essential to incorporate magnesium into the cultivation process effectively, and as cheaply as possible. Mike was convinced to use a Rorisons RMD

LimeMag lime-serpentine blend at a rate of 4.5t/ha, to be incorporated at cultivation.

Sourced from the Rorison family business’s Aria quarry, the serpentine mix includes high quality lime from the same source, and blended to ratios of lime-tomagnesium ranging from 4:1 to 9:1.

The result was high yielding 20-23tDM/ha-plus maize crops that surprised many for how well they had done in the light, challenging soil.

“I would estimate we were seeing at least 20 per cent better yields on the crops where we used 4:1 lime to serpentine LimeMag, it was that significant.”

Boost

So what to apply was not a hard question to answer when he was looking for ways to boost his maize yields on the home farm at Ngatea a few years later.

Mike pays attention to the details when getting a maize crop in the ground, reasoning the money spent on soil testing and quality inputs will always be well repaid in a higher yielding crop months later at harvest.

Typically, he applies 3t/ha of 4:1 LimeMag at cultivation, worked in with a good base fertiliser mix of about 500kg/ha. At drilling time, the maize gets 250kg DAP down the spout with the seed, and a further 150kg urea/ha post-emergence at half a metre high.

The result this season is a crop that – despite the late dray season – dry will harvest out at 25t-30t/ha. The later maturing Pioneer hybrid was topping three metres with three weeks of ripening remaining, and showing a good level of resistance to the ever drier conditions the Hauraki region was experiencing.

Roots

Mike maintains the use of LimeMag results in a crop with better root development, giving it greater tolerance to later dry spells. Just as importantly this year, given the

Treat grass like a crop to harvest results Once the maize harvest is underway, attention turns to pasture renewal – and the key to achieving the best results is to treat grass like a crop.

Begin by spraying out the weeds and then take a 15cm soil test of the paddock to be re-grassed. Don’t rely on a general farm test. You need to know what the individual paddock needs and apply lime and fertiliser accordingly.

Choose the seed variety, or mixes, which will best suit your location and grazing requirements.

If black beetle and Argentine steam weevil are likely to be a threat, ensure seed is coated to control these pests.

Slugs will quickly munch through new pasture, so use the old wet-sack-in-the-paddock-overnight trick. Next morning count how many slugs have hidden under the sack and if there’s obviously a problem, apply slug bait with a farm spreader.

Spray again for weeds when the pasture is four to six weeks and weeds are not a lot bigger than an old 20 cent coin.

Spray again three to seven days after first grazing. This both exposes the weeds and reduces much of the clover leaf, which minimises any clover damage. Until clover is well established and fixing nitrogen for the rye grass, apply nitrogen after each grazing.

If you have any concerns about the pasture management, or questions about what to plant, there are plenty of people with expertise to help from your seed merchants to farm consultants, to contractors. I’m always happy to give advice too.

Above all, don’t just shut the gate and ignore the new pasture and then wonder why it doesn’t persist or perform well. Treat it like a crop and you’ll be rewarded with good results.

We’ve virtually completed our maize harvesting and thanks to a great growing season, yields have exceeded previous years. The early varieties were five days late; the late varieties were 10 days early, so everything was ready about the middle of March, putting a lot of pressure on staff and machines.

Forecasts of heavy rain, brought by Cyclone Lusi on March 15, had us rushing to harvest maize in swampy areas. And while we did get most of it in, the rainfall was relatively light and even the winds didn’t do much damage, thank goodness. I feel for the Waikato farmers who were hoping for more rain to relieve their parched pastures.

This season again shows the only thing we can rely on is unreliable weather. Many thought we couldn’t have

two droughts in two years but parts of the country are experiencing very dry conditions. We had unseasonably early frosts in March but fortunately the cold was followed by warmer temperatures and some rain.

There could be feed shortages in winter, especially if Waikato pastures don’t recover this autumn.

There is likely to be little or no supplies of feed from the South Island because of storms and damage to irrigators in Canterbury last spring.

It’s a risky policy to hope for rain to grow enough winter feed for livestock. Having on hand a good supply of supplementary feed, including maize and grass silage, hay, straw and grain for the lean times, is a much better one.

We still have some straw, hay and silage for sale, but not a lot, so don’t leave it too late to place orders.

strong winds that have whipped through the region, is the crop’s improved standability, with it exhibiting almost no wind damage and a strong, even profile.

“I believe we also see better leaf colour and cob formation in the crops with LimeMag applied.”

The ability of a well grown maize crop to produce more than 25tDM/ha, against grass production of 14-16tDM/ ha/year means Mike is looking harder at integrating more maize into his system that would rank at “about 2.5-3” on DairyNZ’s scale for supplement inputs.

Well grown maize provides a means for him to push out lactation, holding production in the frequent dry periods during summer and maintaining cow condition through winter, while also a valuable boost in the early tight spring period.

“It is a way for us to compromise between a high input-high labour system and still be focussed on pasture, without sacrificing cow condition.”

Mike views LimeMag, and the excellent

Page 17

Mike Karl’s hybrid maize crop, topped three metres with three weeks of ripening remaining. service provided by Rorisons RMD, as one of the key inputs to producing a crop helping boost the herd production to an average of 420kg/ms a cow, well up on the Waikato average and admirable in one of the drier parts of the region.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Page 18

New technology equals improved efficiencies It’s no accident that Neville Marsh is a successful rural contractor – he and his team take pride in their work and the service they offer – but indirectly it was accidents which led to the growth of Neville Marsh Contracting. “We were dairy farming on the main highway – on Neville’s family farm, and had so many vehicles crash through the fences we decided enough was enough,� says Jill Marsh. As well as farming, Neville was already contracting. So when the

opportunity arose in 1997 to buy a farm in Old Coach Rd near Pongakawa – right next door to the original run-off –Neville and Jill decided to take it.

They established their growing contracting business around existing farm buildings and during the years since have increased the fleet of vehicles, machinery, and staff.

No longer dairy farmers, Jill and Neville run a few cattle, and grow kiwifruit and avocados.

Today they are joined in the business by son Daniel and daughter Tammy – along with frequent visits to the yard by grandchildren – and have a staff of up to 14 during peak times.

Service

Daniel Marsh, sister Tammy Hohaia and their parents Jill and Neville Marsh, with the company’s Pongakawa depot behind.

Because Neville is a farmer, he understands farmers need a dependable, quality service from contractors – and in the 25 years he’s been in business, he’s invested in staff and equipment to provide a consistently efficient, reliable service to clients. “We use the Fastrac tractors because they can travel at up to 80km/h on the open road, which means less down time between jobs.�

This maize season the company has bought new Claas Jaguar 950 Harvester with the advanced technology, including providing a print out of each job done whether on-farm or for clients buying in maize.

Information gathered includes the crop’s area, total wet tonnes, average moisture and the average dry matter. “Our harvester drivers know when they are close to finishing one client; and they can give the truck drivers

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Neville Marsh uses Fastrac tractors because they save travelling time between jobs.

directions to the new job when it starts,� says Neville.

Neville Marsh Contracting Ltd also has the new era in forage processing technology called Shredlage.

Shredlage

Daniel, who co-ordinates the contracting side of the business, says this machine crushes the kernel producing shredlage, which is longer cut corn measuring 26mm-30mm. “The stalk is ripped lengthwise into planks and strings, allowing for improved effective fibre, better packing and a greater exposure to the inner cells of the plant for increased microbial activity.�

As a result of the increased digestibility, farmers now have the option of taking out or lowering straw, hay or haylage, allowing a much higher percentage of the diet as shredlage, and still have healthy cows.

NMC carries out all cultivation work such as aerating, discing, power harrowing, planting, under sowing, rolling and seeding and has a Centaur machine which pan busts and cultivate in one pass.

This season the company has The brand new Kuhn SD 4000 no-till invested in a brand new Kuhn seed drill for pasture renovation is the SD 4000 no-till seed drill for latest addition to the Neville Marsh pasture renovation. equipment fleet.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

Page 19

Farmer-turned-contractor knows what clients want The seeding discs are mounted on an independent parallelogram frame, and the implement has depth control wheels, a central pivot design, Venta System pneumatic precision metering and a large hopper capacity.

NMC’s experienced staff offer services such as mowing, scattering and rowing; using two eight metre and one 14 metre swathers for overall efficiency.

The silage options include loader wagon silage, fine chop harvester silage, stacking,

round or square bale silage, and also hay and maize silage.

Truck and trailers for hire include a JCB teleloader, three tip trucks and two tip trailers.

Manure

In addition NMC can supply and spread chicken manure and can spread on-farm waste with an Orbital spreader, which can distribute old calf bedding, slurry, or dried manure –and with a 20 metre throw, it is exceptionally

efficient at covering sidelings. Neville has tested this machine on his own property with impressive results.

Despite the brand new hi-tech tractors and machinery, there is still room in the contracting yard for a 1970 Nuffield Tractor – one of the first to arrive in the district and a 62-yearold International baler Neville drives to make conventional bales of hay for clients who prefer something smaller than the large square bales.

“Dad quite enjoys getting out in the paddock

on the old tractor, without the comfort of a modern cab,” says Tammy, who manages the administration side of the business.

The high-tech machines, tractors, trucks, and loader wagons which complement them, are a far cry from the very basic tractors and implements Neville began contracting with.

“I could fix just about anything on my first tractors and machinery – now everything is computerised and needs specialist technicians,” says Neville.

Circular solution a winner ‘MarshN’ rings are now a common sight in hay paddocks throughout the country, and even in Australia – but they originate, not from outer-space, but from a workshop near Paengaroa.

THANK YOU to Neville Marsh Contracting and clients for their support since 2001.

Barry Smallridge | 027 494 7706

PAC0643 NMC

Neville Marsh’s invention for rakes saves contractors thousands of dollars in repairs and time. by his company.

“Building the 30 tonne weigh bridge wasn’t too hard, but when I wanted to build a 50 tonne version, most people said it couldn’t be done,” says Neville, who, after working on the problem for some time, woke up one morning with the solution.

“It was a bit like making a bridge stronger, by adding more stringers.”

The weigh bridges, which weigh about two tonne each, are manufactured at Neville Marsh Contracting’s yard in Old Coach Rd. The portable, certified bridge “floats” on a specially-designed frame, has scales in four corners, and can weigh a truck and trailer separately if required.

Many contractors, including Neville Marsh, have the weigh bridges on harvest sites so each truck can be accurately weighed before leaving, ensuring not only that the client knows exactly how much feed is being delivered, but also vehicles are not over the permitted weight for the road.

The Marsh Portable Weighbridge Systems, which provide an affordable and easy to set up certified weighbridge system, are available for purchase or for hire.

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Neville Marsh invented the rings six years ago to reduce damage to hay rakes used in his own contracting business, but they’ve proved so effective many dealers are fitting them to new rakes before they leave the yard.

“Rakes were continually being broken by hitting fences or even power pylons.

When they break it’s expensive to repair them – but worse than that, it takes the rake, which is a crucial piece of equipment in the haymaking process, out of operation.”

Neville spent months designing, then making the first ring, from spring steel.

One of the biggest challenges was to fit it to the circular rakes in a way that allowed for movement.

This required Neville to cut slots in the steel and machine some special parts, including washers which are saucer-shaped, to reduce the surface subjected to wear.

The rings are fitted permanently to the rakes and Neville refers to them as “crash bars” because they reduce damage.

“They are gaining popularity in Australia and we’ve had interest from the UK too.”

The design has been patented by Neville, who won a New Zealand Contractors Federation Award for the invention.

The rings are not all Neville has invented. His weigh bridges are also widely used in the contracting business.

Neville’s aim in building the first one was to give his clients accurate information about the weight of maize harvested, or other feeds and farm inputs made and/or delivered

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CONTRACTORS

Page 20

Common sense – a useful safety ‘tool’ If young Lance Duncan could have made a career out of pig hunting, he would have – but in the 1960s there wasn’t any money in it.

Instead he found the opportunity to keep his dogs, hunt pigs, learn new skills and eventually own his own business – in the forestry industry.

Living in Te Aroha, Lance, known to many as Louie, was aged 13 when

he went on a hunting trip to the King Country with Megs Grant, who introduced him to the hunting game.

He returned six days later only to find his mother had died suddenly and the funeral had already taken place.

He went to live with his uncle Tom Mortensen, who was a fire patrolman for New Zealand Forest Products in Tokoroa and also a keen hunter and breeder of pig dogs – so hunting was not going to be a problem for the good keen man.

Darryl Isaac Ltd

By the time Lance was 17, he’d moved to Te Whetu, in the Mamaku Ranges between Putaruru and Tokoroa.

The Bartholomews mill was one of the country’s many native timber mills, processing rimu, totara and matai; and it also owned a large Douglas fir plantation.

“There was no job for me at the mill, but I got one working for Bartholomew Timber Company, twice-a-day taking two pack horses loaded with pine seedlings into the hills for re-planting after a cocky’s fire had got out of control and burnt of a large area of company land,” says Lance.

Top right: Lance “There was no road into Duncan, aged the area and the planters 37, in a photo would be pretty tired after used by Jonsered working all day and then Chainsaws having to walk back to for publicity their transport at knock off.” purposes.

Lance Duncan (right), holding the Kinleith Logging Contractor’s safety incentive scheme banner with the late Digger Evans (left), surrounded by members of Lance’s logging crew.

Skiddy Native logs were transported to the mill by a locomo- or health and safety regulations; and it was pretty tive train and the tramline, which included a tunnel. It dangerous work, but you got the guidance from the was 12 miles from mill to the bush skids. older bushmen,” says Lance, who fully supports today’s “It was a real buzz to experience the ride to work on safety equipment and regulations. However, he reckons the jigger on the crooked line.” no one can legislate for common sense and experience.

Lance, by then a ‘skiddy’, recalls hooking the first load “Too many people get into the industry today with that ever went out on a rubber-tired vehicle in the 1960s. desk-learning and not enough experience. Felling trees is The early trucks were a single-axled Austin Artic and an dangerous and they can be ‘widow-makers’ – but if you ex-Army GMC Long Pole. Logs were loaded using an think about what you’re doing, you only have to step far enough sideways in most cases to avoid getting hit. ex-army four-wheel-drive “Looking up to see what’s likely to come down, or crane truck with a scissor if in doubt walk away before making a cut also makes hook. The logs were all sense,” says Lance, who is now 69, still takes his chainmeasured by wind-up saw and joins a felling gang from time to time. tape and marked by axe; After working for a number of contractors, spending there was no such thing as six months logging in Fiji, and then going into partnerspring-loaded tapes and ship with Ron Sycamore of Tokoroa to form cans of spray paint.

Duncan and Sycamore Logging, Lance eventually “There was no OSH bought Ron out and formed his own company L E [Occupational Health and Safety New Zealand], Duncan Logging.

CONTRACTORS

Page 21

Forestry career suited young pig hunter’s ambitions

By Elaine Fisher

“I was always big on safety and thankfully I never had a death on my job in my whole bloody logging career, but it was one of my biggest fears.

The worst injury was a broken ankle.”

Lance was chairman of the Kinleith Logging Contractors’ Safety Incentive Scheme when it first started and feels scrapping safety incentives for workers, funded by the companies, was a backward step.

Bonuses

“There were incentives and bonuses and the guys looked forward to them.”

Lance says he came up through the forestry industry the hard way. He started at Te Whetu and later worked for logging contractor Norm Torstonson for six pound a day, learning to operate cable blade bulldozers, the CAT D73T and D7 17A models.

Lance had married Carol Shires, the daughter of Roly, who was the mill manager at Te Whetu, then worked for Barney Walker at Galatea, running a logging gang pulling out pine trees which were skid-loaded using a cableblade CAT 2U D8.

In 1968 Lance returned to Te Whetu to work for Nelson Pritchard thinning Douglas fir, using a HD6 tractor. The following year he took on a contract clearing native bush and scrub, the land was then burnt off and replanted in radiata pine, and in later years he went back to log the same area.

He and partner Herb Wallace were paid $26 an acre for their work.

Then Lance was offered a contract clear-felling Douglas fir, which he jumped at and brought his first bulldozer the HD6 from Nelson Pritchard, funded with $76 in the bank and Bartholomew Timbers covering his first fortnight’s wages. Lance sold that contract when he was offered a job in Fiji.

Fiji logging

“My father-in-law was working as mill manager for the Emperor Mining and Logging Company in Fiji, and I was assistant logging manager,” says Lance.

“I enjoyed it and they had some good gear, but the biggest problem was the upkeep of equipment.”

Lance says local workers didn’t have any idea how to maintain and care for equipment, including something as simple as checking oil levels. Lance had to cut short his contract due to one of his son’s ill health.

When Lance and family returned to New Zealand, he worked for Ron Sycamore who owned Tokoroa Tractor and Logging, one of the biggest contractors

Lance Duncan’s pride and joy was his 528 Grapple skidder ‘Tane Mahuta’ which he bought in 1985 and used until he finished contracting in 1997.

Lance Duncan has created a museum in his ‘blokes shed’ filled with memorabilia of his forestry and hunting days.

in Tokoroa at the time.

Eventually, Ron made Lance a partner in the business, renaming it Duncan and Sycamore Logging, which processed pinus radiate, before he finally bought out Ron’s share.

Keen to preserve the history of the forestry industry in New Zealand, Lance, Ron and Pat McDonald also helped out the Putaruru Timber Museum by donating a GMC logging truck – and Lance highly recommends a visit to anyone passing through Putaruru.

In between logging, Lance found time to enjoy pig and deer hunting, duck shooting and fishing, sharing those interests with his three sons.

Race horses

Forestry wasn’t all Lance was involved in. For a time he owned and even trained race horses including Mulqueen, which was to run in the Melbourne Cup but developed a virus a week before he was due to fly over for the big race.

But Lance had successes – five of the horses he bred produced four winners and one placed numerous times.

“I was pretty proud to have a horse which was good enough to qualify for the cup, even if it didn’t get to run.”

Lance got his horse experience when he was at Te Whetu rounding up the wild brumbies and breaking them in to use for pig hunting.

Lance also tried his hand at stock car racing, winning trophies along the way.

He still has an interest in stock car, as his nephew Ross Ashby is a member of the Baypark Busters.

Now retired, Lance lives in Waihi where he’s set up a ‘bloke’s shed’ – in essence a small museum with an eclectic mix of old photos of forestry days, race horses, hunting successes, a mounted boar’s head and stags’ antlers, a trout, trophies and other memorabilia.

Lance is currently writing a book about his working and sporting life.

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FORESTRY

Page 22

Pro-wood policy welcomed by industry Labour’s announcement of its intentions to support the forestry industry’s journey “from volume to value” has been welcomed by the industry organisation Bay of Connections.

Chair of the Bay of Connections Forestry and Wood Processing Action Group, Bryce Heard says the policy announcement is a welcome reflection of the importance of the forestry and wood processing

sector to the New Zealand economy – and to local economies and communities in the Bay of Plenty region.

Labour’s policy includes initiatives such as tax deferrals in the form of accelerated depreciation to encourage industry to invest in new technology and plant; working with industry and public science organisations to foster innovation and develop new products and technologies; and measures to add value to wood products in New Zealand, rather than exporting raw logs.

The Bay of Connections is the regional growth strategy for the wider

Bay of Plenty region, and includes the key forestry and wood processing areas of Rotorua, Kawerau and Taupo.

“The goal of the Bay of Connections Forestry and Wood Processing Strategy is to improve the investment environment for wood processing in the region, in order to add value to more than 70 per cent of the logs harvested in the wider Bay of Plenty region by 2020,” says Bryce.

For further information about the Bay of Connections the Forestry and Wood Processing strategy, go to www.bayofconnections.com

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Outdoor lessons are even more fun at Te Ranga Primary School in Te Puke thanks to a $2000 grant from Rural Women New Zealand and Farmlands.

The school is one of 10 nationwide to win a gardening grant, funded by the popular Farmlands Ladies’ Nights.

Rural Women NZ representative Mary McTavish, of Tauranga, a representative from Te Puke Farmlands, and Wayne Roberts from Agrisea presented

the school with a $2000 cheque to help upgrade its gardens, plus two huge 40 litre containers of fertiliser.

Each of the five classes at Te Ranga School has a garden and the funds will be spent on installing irrigation and buying children’s sized rakes, trowels and shovels.

In another initiative, the Friends of Te Ranga School are organising the 17th Annual Possum and Pig Hunt to be held on June 19 to 22.

To find out more and to enter, go to www.teranga.school.nz

Price of NZU may be on increase The time to exit the pre-1989 Emissions Trading scheme is now.

scheme, you have no further obligation at harvest time. To exit you only need to surrender or return the same number of units you have received.

You, or a new future owner, The government has concan also re-join the scheme firmed from May 2015, at any time in the future. foreign units will no longer If this looks like a good be able to be surrendered in opportunity for you, you the New Zealand scheme. need to act now as the This will end the opporreturn period to get last tunity to receive New year’s (2013) units is in Zealand Units (NZUs) but June. surrender International After this point, you can Kyoto units (ERUs). apply for units until the NZUs are currently worth following year, but the $3.20 and ERUs $0.35, time between putting in giving a potential profit of your return and exit may $2.85 per unit you have not be a large enough received. Once you exit the window to make the May 2015 deadline. Personal options for NZUs include selling just enough to cover your ERUs’ cost, selling all of them or holding on to them as an investment.

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EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 23

Farmers are serious about environment IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis says while he agrees with some of the survey results, he think it has chosen to focus on the negative, with only a minority of Kiwis holding views reflecting a desire for no more

Fonterra farmers who haven’t met industry environmental standards won’t have their milk collected next season, says Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Willy Leferink.

That’s how serious the industry is about environmental issues says Willy, who is responding to a survey by Fish and Game.

According to the survey about 70 per cent of the 3100 people questioned believe dairy farming expansion has made water quality worse than it was 20 years ago – and more than one-third think the country is too reliant on the dairy industry.

More than half believe dairying’s poor performance is affecting New Zealand’s global reputation and brand, and nearly 90 per cent support waterway polluters being made accountable for their restoration.

In response, Willy says farmers recognise any future dairy investment should be totally sustainable, and put in a lot of work and investment to make it work.

Pressure is going on farmers who are not complying with regulations, and farmers are working closely with councils to comply with regulations and meet new plans, says Willy.

“Fonterra farmers have fenced 22,000 kilometres of waterways and that’s GPS-mapped. Depending on how much riparian planting and maintenance is included, that’s $100-200 million right there.

Willy says this sum is dwarfed by irrigation infrastructure “which is an environmental good because it is efficient water use”.

“Then you’ve got farm effluent systems recycling cow wee and poo as liquid fertiliser.

“Those two items would represent billions over the past 10-15 years, as the average effluent system is about the same cost as a house in Otago.”

Willy says while Federated Farmers respects the results and can learn from every survey, he thinks this one is “a bit unbalanced”.

“We are happy to work with Bryce [Fish and Game chief executive Bryce Johnson] but it has to be constructive; and I don’t like people throwing rocks from

the side-line. We prefer to work with people on the side-line.”

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says dairy farmers have boosted their environmental investment by 61 per cent this season, to $11 million per year through their levy contribution to DairyNZ, and are taking their responsibilities seriously.

It is not surprising the survey painted a negative picture of public attitudes to dairy farming, as the survey work was not particularly rigorous, says Tim. “They are playing politics in an election year; and dairy farmers are the convenient football to kick around.

“I think New Zealanders understand that dairying is important to the success of the New Zealand economy, and that dairy farmers are an important part of our community.

“They just want to see the industry acting responsibly and managing its impact.”

Fonterra dairy farmers have spent about $100m to $200m on fencing 22,000 kilometres of waterways around the country, at a cost of about $5000 to $10,000 a kilometre.

Farmers are paying $50,000 to $250,000 to upgrade their effluent systems, plus $3m on nutrient management plans, and $16.5m on consultants to advise them on these plans.

Many have also planted trees and created wetlands on their farms.

Through DairyNZ, farmers have partnered with councils on more than $4.2m worth of projects last year, including $1m with Environment Canterbury and $100,000 with the West Coast Regional Council.

dairy development.

Andrew says 71 per cent of Kiwis questioned for an independent poll, commissioned by IrrigationNZ this year, supported irrigation as long as it is sustainable.

Page 24

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Top quality pumps now in NZ Stallion Equipment in Tauranga is the New Zealand agent for three overseas companies, selling a wide variety of internationallyrecognised top quality water pump products.

The 15th Ave business is now the NZ agent for American company Franklin Electric, which is well known for

electric bore pump motors. Franklin Electric also offers a range of water pumps, variable speed drives, bore hole pump motors, controls and protection devices.

Owners Des and Mark Cook say Franklin Electric has earned the reputation as a technical leader in all of its specialties, with products being used in residential, industrial, agricultural, municipal, commercial applications.

They say securing the agency means customers are offered a full range of water pump products, which haven’t been marketed here before.

Franklin Electric gives warranties up to five years on sub drives in a package including the bore hole pump and controls.

“We can supply four inch bore Des Cook of Stallion Equipment, which is agents for three hole pumps that we will warranty quality water pump products. for the first 12 months for sand locking, which no other pump firm will do.” a pump can be installed and removed – and little They also offer Franklin Electric’s own solar water specialised equipment is needed, says Des. set-up for pumping water out of bore holes and rivers Stallion Equipment is also NZ agents for Spanish etc. The Tauranga business also has the agency for company Azud, which sells a range of top quality Crusader Hose – an Australian manufacturer and affordable screen and disc filters from three-quarter supplier of heavy duty layflat hose products, designed inch to 20 inch. Stallion equipment is looking for agents NZ wide and will be at site D76 at the Mysto put submersible pumps down bores. tery Creek Fieldays in June.

The benefits of the hose are the speed in which

New website offers waterway knowledge A new website has launched as a tool to offer people the chance to find out what is really happening in their local waterways.

The Land, Air, Water Aotearoa website – called LAWA – shares environmental information from councils throughout New Zealand in one place and in an easy to understand format.

The first stage of the long-term project focuses on rivers, with state and trend data displayed for more than 1100 freshwater monitoring sites. People can watch an introduction video to LAWA online at YouTube. Freshwater scientist Roger Young of Cawthron Institute, New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation, says good information is key to good decision-making.

“This new website is a great tool to help communities understand what’s happening in their rivers and get more involved in caring for them.”

The website says rivers and streams in the Bay of

Plenty provide a range of economic benefits and have important ecological, recreational, aesthetic, and cultural values.

“Uses of the rivers and streams include municipal and industrial water supply, waste disposal, irrigation, frost protection, and hydro-generation.

These uses and values can be adversely affected by loss of water quality.

“Management of the environmental quality of rivers and streams in the Bay of Plenty is guided primarily by the Regional Water and Land Plan. Objectives, methods and policies in this plan, and in the regional plan for the Tarawera River Catchment, are intended to provide for the maintenance and enhancement of water quality and quantity.”

People can search a river to find out scientific data held about it – with some rivers having information on multiple sites.

Find out more about LAWA at www.lawa.org.nz

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EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 25

Gypsum improves soil structure World-first award for NZ pond company These dairy farm effluent compliance ponds were installed by Pondco, for Noel Fox of Turua, Thames.

Hamish Forbes and his team at Pondco has won another award celebrating their excellence – and this time it’s a world first.

The company, which constructs dairy farm effluent compliance ponds, is the inaugural recipient of the Firestone award given by the United States company in recognition of excellence in Firestone-trained installers.

“The award is extra special, as we are the first people in the world to win this award,”Hamish says.

The award is a follow-on from Pondco winning an International Association of Geosynthetics Installers Small Project award category for effluent pond design last year.

Pondco was featured in the global ‘Geosynthetics Magazine’ profiling its winning design, the Centroid, which has helped New Zealand farmers cost

effectively comply with effluent requirements. Hamish’s son Sam has also recently completed his Certified Welding Technicians qualification through IAGI, meaning he’s trained to the highest standard in the world.

Hamish says winning the latest award is not only good for Pondco, but for its clients too. “Farmers will know that they have the best guys possible building their effluent pond.

“We are recognised as world standard.”

Two of Pondco’s clients have seen great success with their Pondco effluent ponds in particular.

Piako dairy farmers Foster and Karen Kalma won Best High Input and Environmental Award in the Dairy Business of the Year 2013; and Pondco also installed the Centroid Series FDE Holding Pond for Bruce and Donna Arnold (Brudon Farms), who won Best Financial Performance Award at the Dairy Business of the Year in 2012.

Keep machines clean to stop pest-spread With harvesting, earthworks and property maintenance underway, Bay of Plenty farmers and horticulturalists are being reminded to keep pests off their properties by checking visiting machinery is clean.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council senior biosecurity officer Shane Grayling says it’s cheaper and easier for a farmer to keep pests off their property, than it is to control them once they’ve arrived.

“Before bringing machinery onto their land, property owners should be asking where it was last used and check that it’s not carrying any soil or plant material.

“Even if the machine belongs to a neighbour or contractor they trust, it doesn’t hurt to take extra care and check.”

Shane says pest plants can easily take hold in disturbed earth after ‘hitching a ride’ to properties on rural machinery such as harvesters and diggers.

At least 80 pest species, such as alligator weed and noogoora bur, are known to be typically spread by machinery, says Shane, who says pests can also be transferred through stock movement, feed and gravel.

“The kiwifruit industry has had to adopt strict decontamination procedures and machinery movement controls since the Psa-V outbreak.

“Other farmers and growers can get ahead of the game and help protect their livelihoods by adopting good machine hygiene practices now, so that the spread of any new pests or diseases is minimised.”

New rural machine hygiene guidelines were released in late-2013 by national pest control agencies in collaboration with Federated Farmers, Rural Contractors New Zealand, Local Government New Zealand and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Copies of ‘Keep it Clean’ are available at www.npca.co.nz or by contacting a regional council land management officer by phoning 0800 884 880.

For information on identifying and control plant and animal pests, visit www.boprc.govt.nz/pestmanagement or contact a regional council land management officer on 0800 884 880. If you find any unusual or suspicious insects, plants or other organisms, report them to the Ministry for Primary Industries’ exotic pests and diseases hotline 0800 80 99 66.

Gypsum has shown potential to overcome some of the agronomic and environmental issues of effluent application on dairy farms.

Leighton Whitfield of Winstone Gypsum says over time effluent applications can lead to increases in nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium and sodium, and an undesirable microorganism load.

Applying gypsum to effluenttreated paddocks can result in a reduction in the surface runoff and drainage loss of both phosphorus and nitrogen.

Soil structural improvement from gypsum application can include improved water

infiltration (so reducing potential for run-off ), soil aggregation, drainage and aeration with subsequent benefits for plant growth.

Benefits to plant growth, including root condition, may also result from the calcium and sulphur provided by gypsum, says Leighton.

In the case of sodium build-up, which can result from some effluent types (dairy factory effluent in particular), there is a clear benefit of gypsum in assisting the leaching of sodium, further benefitting soil structure particularly where there is dispersive clay present.

Gypsum can also assist with addressing high soil potassium levels (a risk factor for dairy cow metabolic issues), that can

apply gypsum now

result from regular effluent application.

Gypsum application recommendations can vary for effluent-treated paddocks.

An initial application should generally be large – about five tonne to 20 tonne per hectare; the higher rates can be warranted where there are greater issues in phosphorus levels, higher risk of surface run-off or preferential flow (leaching through soil macropores), high sodium levels and/or soil structural issues, including soil surface and topsoil or subsoil drainage.

Subsequent applications may be from two-and-a-half tonne to about 15 tonne per hectare, with the frequency varying but generally annually to every three years.

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

For further information please contact your local fertiliser supplier, phone 0800 100 442, or visit our website at www.gypsum.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 26

COAST & COUNTRY

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Career change proves winning decision Winners of the 2014 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry awards are from the left: Cameron Luxton, Brett and Natasha Grindrod, Stacey Lepper and Thomas Blackett.

Changing careers to dairy farming has been hugely successful for the three major winners at the 2014 Bay of Plenty Dairy Industry Awards.

The 2014 Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year are Brett and Natasha Grindrod, who were both teachers.

Bay of Plenty Farm Managers of the Year Thomas Blackett and Stacey Lepper made the jump from engineering and technician careers – and BOP Dairy Trainee of the Year Cameron Luxton was a builder.

Brett and wife Natasha, both aged 33, are 25 per cent sharemilking 445 cows for Barry and Yvonne Richardson at Whakatane. The couple won $19,880 in prizes.

Brett says he took the opportunity to work on a dairy farm for a season and never looked back.

“After a short time on-farm I found I really enjoyed the career change, and did not want to return teaching. I enjoyed the flexibility that farming offered and could see the long term potential for growth.

“It was a huge change going from dealing with 30 young children all day to dealing with 450 cows – but it was a change I enjoyed.”

Brett says he and Natasha have huge enthusiasm and passion for the industry, and attend field days and study through Primary ITO to increase their knowledge and skill level.

“I also work extremely hard to make sure that I am doing the absolute best I can to optimise this farm’s performance.”

The couple, who were runners-up in last year’s contest, are aiming to continue to grow their equity through sharemilking to achieve their ultimate aim of farm ownership.

“Since starting in the farming industry, our eyes have been opened to the vast amount of opportunities that are available to those that are open to getting involved and show a passion for the industry.”

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Thomas Blackett and Stacey Lepper are contract milking 409 cows for Malcolm Clark at Whakatane. They won $9000 in prizes.

Thomas, aged 28, was a design engineer for Fisher & Paykel while Stacey, aged 27, was a lab technician for AgResearch.

The couple says their strengths lie in people and pasture management. “We feel that our employees are the biggest asset of our business and so [we] treat them as valued contributors.

“We also communicate clearly and effectively with the farm’s shareholders to ensure that we are all on the same page with how the farm is going and the future aims and goals of the farm.”

Their farming goals are to have an excellent reputation as dairy farmers and employers, to be interchangeable; and to grow their equity through sharemilking.

Te Puke contract milkers Luther and Jessica Siemelink placed second place in the farm manager contest, winning $4710 in prizes; and third was Tauranga contract milker Tony Baker, who won $3640 in prizes.

The three regional winners also have another factor in common – they’ve all entered the awards previously, using the competition as a tool to grow their farm business, increase farming knowledge and expertise, and to meet like-minded people.

Cameron Luxton says a big benefit he experienced from entering the awards is the judging feedback.

“They showed me in constructive ways areas I was doing well and areas that I needed to improve in my farming practice.”

The 2014 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year is an assistant on Andrew and Dianne Muller’s 380-cow Galatea farm. He won $4200 in prizes.

Cameron, aged 24, who was a building apprentice for three years, has been in the dairy industry three years and has the goal to work hard and earn the right to own a farm.

“Through the support of my employers I have moved my career forward and am excited about going further.

I want to be the best farmer that I can be for my family, community, environment and industry.”

Second in the trainee contest went to Whakatane assistant Jodie Mexted, who won $900. Third was Andrew Cameron who won $500 in prizes.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC, Meridian Energy, Ravensdown, RD1 and Triplejump, along with industry partner Primary ITO. Bay of Plenty Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year Brett and Natasha Grindrod will host a field day on April 3, while Farm Managers of the Year Thomas Blackett and Stacey Lepper will host a field day on the Whakatane farm they manage on April 10.

Further details on the winners and field days can be found on www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

DAIRY

Page 29

Winner’s vision for financial independence Ruth Hone, entered the awards for a second time, as it gave her the discipline to learn the theory behind practical farming. “The judges also provide helpful feedback.”

Ruth, aged 24, won $8050 in prizes.

She’s in her third season in the industry, working on a 250-cow farm for Michelle and Ross Davison near Taupo.

After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science at Massey University, she spent two years dairying in Hawke’s Bay before

moving to the region. Her goal is to be lower order sharemilking within four years.

Central Plateau Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year, Donald and Kirsten Watson, will host a field day at their workplace on April 9, while Farm Manager of the Year Robert Hartley will host a field day on the Rerewhakaaitu farm he manages on April 2. Further details on the winners and field days can be found on www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

“Outstanding in the field”

The winners in the 2014 Central Plateau Dairy Awards are from left: Ruth Hone, Kirsten and Donald Watson, and Robert Hartley.

A vision to achieve rapid equity growth in livestock agribusiness is firmly on track for the major winners in the 2014 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards.

Donald and Kirsten Watson’s vision to achieve financial independence and personal fulfilment was set in 2009 and remains unchanged.

“We will continue to grow equity in order to enable us to buy an 800-cow farm in 2020. Personal fulfilment means to us enjoying what we do and always remembering life is a journey and not the destination.”

Other big winners at the 2014 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards are Robert Hartley, named the region’s Farm Manager of the Year, and Ruth Hone, who took the Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Donald and Kirsten Watson are in their first season 50 per cent sharemilking 990 cows for Glenn and

Karen Speed at Taupo. The couple are veterinarians who worked as mixed animal veterinarians for up to 10 years before entering the dairy industry in 2009.

The 2014 Central Plateau Farm Manager of the Year, Robert Hartley, believes integrity and structure are the two major strengths of the Rerewhakaaitu farm business he manages.

“Integrity’s important, as the farm I manage is a multi-million dollar operation. There is a lot of trust that goes both ways. I need to know that my employer has my best interest at heart – and likewise he needs to know that I am always acting in the best interest of the company,” says Robert.

The 36-year-old is running the 865-cow farm for Trevor and Harriet Hamilton and entered the awards for the first time for a challenge. He won $11,300 in prizes.

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DAIRY

Katikati farm wins supreme environment award A self-confessed former sceptic of the values of retiring marginal farmland is the Supreme winner in the 2014 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Drystock farmers of Katikati Rick Burke and Jan Loney were awarded the title at a dinner in Tauranga last month where Rick admitted that he didn’t always see the value of retiring marginal grazing land and planting riparian areas.

It was his father-in-law, the late Derry Seddon, who changed his view and Rick says he’s grateful he did.

“Derry was heavily involved in the farm’s Land and Environment Plan and over 17 years made an enormous contribution towards its environmental achievements,” says Rick.

Rick and Jan, who farm 350ha Pukekauri Farms in the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges, also won the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Livestock Award, WaterForce Integrated Management Award, Donaghys Farm Stewardship Award and a Bay of Plenty Regional Council Environmental Award 2.

Rick says retiring marginal land on the farm has

of Plenty e 2014 Bay s Rick th f o s er n in rd Supreme w rm Environment Awa ti.

Ballance Fa d Jan Loney of Katika Burke an resulted in a lift in production, eliminated problems with moving stock from difficult areas, reduced weed control and fertiliser costs and brought an over-all enhancement to the farm’s native wild life and vista.

“Since we fenced them out, the water quality of the streams on the farm have returned to close to what they were 100 years ago. As a keen fisherman I’m happy to know our streams are not having an adverse effect on the Tauranga Harbour into which they eventually flow.”

Pukekauri is made up of 250ha owned by the Seddon Family Trust, a 50ha joint venture between the Seddon Family Trust and Rick, plus a further 50ha owned

by Rick. The combined properties are farmed by Rick and Jan as one unit to provide an economic and sustainable block.

monitoring and goal setting.

A total of 212ha is effective grazing Judges also noted good stock health, land, with 110ha in covenanted mature sound financial management, good native bush, wetlands and riparian nutrient management and a “very strong planting and 28ha in plantation pines, community engagement”. redwoods and Cyprus lusitanica.

“The focus is always back to people BFEA judges praised Jan and Rick’s and people skills. There is strong teamteamwork and excellent people skills, work between Rick and Jan.” noting the outstanding plantings on A BFEA field day will be held on riparian areas and marginal land that Pukekauri Farms, with the date to be “look stunning and greatly enhance advised. biodiversity”.

Other winners in the 2014 BoP BalThey were also impressed with the lance Farm Environment Awards are: excellent production being achieved on Hill Laboratories Harvest Award, PGG the rest of the farm.

Wrightson Land and Life Award, Bay of The retirement of weed and erosionPlenty Regional Council Environmental prone land has simplified management Award 1; Trevor and Harriet Hamilton, and resulted in an increase in producRere Lake Ltd, Rotorua. tion and profitability from the grazed Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Manageareas. Protecting and planting streams ment Award, LIC Dairy Farm Award, has also reduced flooding and erosion.

Meridian Energy Excellence Award; R.L Rick and Jan run sheep, bull beef and and H.S. McKenzie Ltd, Lachlan and dairy grazers, aiming to obtain the best Heather McKenzie, Sherwood Farm, possible return per kilogram of drymatRotorua. ter from an all-grass system.

Massey University Innovation Award: Stock health was excellent, judges said, Dreamfields Farm Ltd, Bruce and Judy and the farm was achieving above averWoods, Whakatane. By Elaine Fisher age production for the region.

Pastures were well maintained and there is real “synergy between environmental planning and the excellent production of the farmed area”.

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Humates also helps fertilisers work harder, by strengthening plant root systems and slowing the release of fertiliser in the soil.

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DAIRY

Dr Clive Bingham, Zoetis’ technical veterinarian.

Vaccinate against spring stress Calving may still be a busy, distant future on the calendar – but early cow vaccination can have a big effect on reducing spring stress in calves.

Every year calf scours knocks the best-laid calving plans backwards and sideways. As new-born calves get sick, staff get tied up nursing them while the usual seasonal demands pile up.

But Zoetis veterinary technical advisor Dr Clive Bingham says reducing scours starts well before calving, with an effective cow vaccination programme.

“We now have some very effective vaccines available and these enable us to pretty much prevent the worst causes of scours, rather than being left trying to wrestle with the problem at a highly stressful time of year.”

For Clive, as a practising vet, calf scours are the worst cases to deal with – and the most frustrating, simply because good vaccination can make them avoidable.

He admits he is surprised at dairy farmer survey data (Cinta 2013) from last spring, which indicates 73 per cent of dairy farmers have never used a scour vaccine in the last three years. A particularly problematic scour disease is rotavirus, and it accounts for about 40 per cent of all scour cases encountered on farms.

Estimates are that a rotavirus outbreak on a dairy farm can cost the farm $6000 in treatment, lost calf condition and calf deaths.

In New Zealand there are two strains – a G6 and G10. Typically, G6 is the most common strain. Last spring 100 per cent of rotavirus scour cases that were typed carried the G6, while 14 per cent also carried the G10 strain.

Zoetis launched ScourGuard 4(K) back in 2011 as the only vaccine containing both strains of rotavirus, as well as protection against two other common causes of scours, E.coli and coronavirus infection.

However, Clive says while vaccines like ScourGuard are proven to be highly effective, any maternal-administered vaccine requires calves to receive

an intake of quality colostrum for antibodies to be effective.

“You can vaccinate but if you do not get the colostrum into the calf, you are wasting your time.”

The best way to ensure this happens is to collect calves twice-daily during calving. Ensure new born calves receive at least two litres of quality colostrum from the cow’s first milking within the first six hours of birth, and four litres within 12 hours.

First-calving heifers require two vaccinations with ScourGuard. These should be given a minimum of three weeks apart, with the second vaccination being given two-four weeks before calving. The interval between initial vaccinations can be up to nine weeks apart, to fit in with management of heifers on-farm. “Talk with your vet to determine the best programme that will work for your farm.”

The problems with rotavirus can also be experienced on beef units where cows are calved in mobs on breaks.

“There is a risk of infection there too,” says Clive. Cow vaccinations, to protect calves, offer a very effective insurance against rotavirus infection – and Clive welcomes ScourGuard’s “cow friendly” formulation that produces significantly fewer painful lumps around the injection site. The formulation’s non-oily, soluble formula is a key reason behind farmers being happy with the results from using it last season.

Clive says vaccinating with ScourGuard is a good box to tick in the process of rearing good calves to become excellent cows. Calves affected by scours can recover, however it can be debilitating to their growth rates. DairyNZ in-calf calculations show weaning a calf 15 per cent below the 100kg target is likely to incur a loss of $201 to the farmer by the end of its first lactation.

“If that loss of weight was due to a rotavirus infection, allowing for a 25 per cent replacement rate, it would cost $20 per replacement calf to protect against rotavirus,” says Clive.

“Clearly for $200, or a 10:1 return on investment, it is worth doing. That figure assumes no calves were lost during the outbreak.”

Rugby lock is a dairy winner A former professional rugby player has proved equally as competitive in dairy farming, by winning the premier contest at the 2014 Canterbury North Otago Dairy Industry Awards.

Kevin and Sara O’Neill won the 2014 Canterbury North Otago Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year title, and $19,000 in prizes that go with it.

Kevin is a former Crusaders, Chiefs and Rebels rugby player, who enjoyed an All Blacks cap when he came off the bench in an All Blacks loss to the Springboks in Dunedin in 2008.

Today the couple oversee an 1190-cow herd on the 340ha farm and have Duncan and Olivia Rutherford, and James and Belinda McCone as their equity partners. The O’Neills both have agricultural degrees from Lincoln University and both grew up on farms.

The other major winners at the 2014 Canterbury North Otago Dairy Industry Awards were Phillip Colombus, who won the Canterbury North Otago Farm Manager of the Year title, and Isaac Vujcich, the region’s 2014 Dairy Trainee of the Year.

DAIRY

Boosting stock immunity Recent press reports are warning farmers of a big outbreak of the theileria parasite spread by ticks when sharemilkers move their herds in June.

But with the aftermath of the drought, cows being dried off early will be moving away for grazing a lot earlier than June – and they’ll be taking the parasite with them to infect graziers’ farms, or they’ll be coming home with the infection from wintering away.

It’s a tricky question to know what’s best practice; apart from endless use of pour-ons, which will have serious longterm consequences when ticks When stock return from grazing, they’ll need to develop resistance like worms be treated for ticks. have done – which didn’t take and there will be losses along the way, long. for which vets understandably cannot The key to dealing with the problem predict the outcome. is through building up an animal’s Wormade’s OMS nutritional supown immunity; and hitting this with plement has helped many stock this continuous chemicals will not help, season to rebuild their health, and due to the complex processes going on particularly to get them on eating again as immunity develops.

The vaccines imported, under special which is critical for recovery. But this takes time, and experience shows stock licence to kill the theileria, are not the need about three doses of OMS at full answer, as they’re expensive and 14-day intervals to start them on the have long milk and meat withholding mend. times, and apparently have not been Young stock both on-farm and leavtotally effective. ing for grazing are the main priority Blood transfusions at $600 a time may only be cost effective with selected right now, as their immunity is still developing up to about 10-12 months lactating stock and not-dry stock.

As part of treatment, veterinarians are of age; and will need be on the full OMS programme immediately. encouraging owners of sick animals to When stock return from grazing, reduce their stress to allow their immuthey’ll need to be treated for ticks; nity to help them handle the disease and then their immunity will need to challenge. be boosted again by following It’s going to take a few years before the OMS programme. all cattle are immune to the disease,

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Aboriginal tracker’s valiant inside knowledge shocks tourists An Australian tour guide was showing a group of American tourists the Top End. On their way to Kakadu, he was describing the amazing abilities of the Australian Aboriginals to track man or beast over land, through the air and under the sea.

The Americans were incredulous.

Later in the day, as the group rounded a bend on the highway, they discovered – lying in the middle of the road – an Aborigine.

He had one ear pressed to the white line, while his left leg was held high in the air.

The bus stopped and the guide and tourists gathered around the prostrate Aborigine.

“Hey Jacky,” said the tour guide, “what are you

tracking and what are you listening for?”

The aborigine replied: “Down the road about 25 miles is a 1971 Valiant ute...

It’s a red one… the left front tyre is bald... The front end is out of whack, and him got bloody dents in every panel...There are nine black fellas in the back, all drinking warm sherry. There are three kangaroos on the roof rack and four dogs on the front seat”.

The American tourists moved forward, astounded by this precise and detailed knowledge.

“Good Lord man, how do you know all that?” asked one.

The Aborigine replied: “I fell out of the friggin thing about half an hour ago!”

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Mastitis trial results positive Research using a combination antibiotic dry cow and Teatseal therapy shows positive results in lowering subclinical and clinical mastitis in cows post-calving.

The trial, conducted on a South Canterbury dairy herd in 2012, was overseen by Vetlife Temuka dairy vet Andrew Bates and Zoetis technical advisory vet Greg Chambers.

Andrew Bates says past research on the effectiveness of combination therapy in preventing mastitis infection has been based largely on the use of blanket Cloxacillin-type antibiotic with teat sealant, or from studies based on overseas non-pastoral dairy systems.

“But the main aim of this trial was to compare the efficiency and economics of using combination therapy based around Cephalonium type antibiotic with teat sealant in a seasonally-calving, pasture-fed herd. Most other work has involved comparing outcomes using Cloxacillin type treatments.”

The products used in the trial were Cepravin and the teat sealant Teatseal from Zoetis.

Support for using combination therapy on NZ dairy cows has been given further strength by the average dry cow period extending beyond the ability of most antibiotics to continue offering effective protection. The addition of teat sealant may offer ongoing protection after antibiotic effectiveness has declined.

“We wanted to know, under South Island conditions, would adding teat sealant with Cepravin trial cows have a positive and cost effective benefit for mastitis prevention?”

The trial data studied subclinical and clinical mastitis infection rates post-calving in cows treated either

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vement

with Cepravin only, or with the Cepravin-Teatseal combination treatment.

The results indicated, under the study’s conditions, the combination therapy reduced the prevalence of subclinical mastitis at the first spring herd test.

This was proven to be statistically significant, with subclinical mastitis detected in 45 cows receiving Cepravin alone, versus 27 cows receiving combination Cepravin-Teatseal therapy.

“The risk of subclinical mastitis with Cepravin only was 16 per cent, compared to nine per cent for combination treated cows.”

The results suggested just under half the mastitis in Cepravin-only group may be due to a lack of combination treatment, says Andrew.

The combination therapy was also found to be more effective on subclinical mastitis when the treated cows had a somatic cell count more than 150,000 cells/ml the previous autumn.

The incidence rate of clinical mastitis in the first 100 days post-calving was also significantly reduced, thanks to applying combination Cepravin-Teatseal therapy at drying off.

Forty-six Ceprivan-only cows recorded clinical mastitis within 100 days post-calving, compared to 30 treated with combination therapy (16 per cent versus 10 per cent). This was a statistically significant lower number.

Andrew says estimating the full economic value of the combination treatment was difficult. However, the reduction in the number of cases of clinical mastitis was easily identified. Using SmartSAMM cost estimates for clinical mastitis, the fewer cases of clinical mastitis in the combination treated cows represent a saving of about $3100.

However, Andrew says the effect of the treatment on subclinical mastitis was likely to be more important, given published research supports increased production with a fall in Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count down to 200,000.

It is possible there may be extra production gain in reducing BTSCC from 200,000 down to 150,000 and then maybe to 100,000.

The combination Cepravin-Teatseal cows averaged a BTSCC of 70,000 in spring time, compared to Cepravin-only cows averaging 200,000.

Across the 300 cows treated with the combination, the potential gain based on this level of BTSCC reduction would total $20,600, based on an $8.50 payout, an average production of 400kg/ms/cow and calculated using SmartSAMM cost estimates.

This is in addition to the savings from the reduction in clinical mastitis of $3100 for the 300 cows in the Combo Cepravin-Teatseal group.

Andrew’s conservative view is the gain in combination TeatsealClephalonium treatment may be about $15,000,

plus the additional saving in less clinical mastitis of $3100.

“We are looking at a return of between four and five to one, based on an $8.50/kg/ms payout.”

By Richard Rennie

Vetlife Temuka dairy vet Andrew Bates.

Win for coastal farmers The owners of Bay of Plenty coastal farmland have won their case to have an environmental classification removed from 964 hectares of their properties.

Federated Farmer’s Bay of Plenty regional policy adviser Gwyn Morgan took the case on, on behalf of 27 individual members of the federation to appeal the Bay of Plenty Regional Council maps that defined parts of their farms as being of environmental significance.

The rural land affected by the Coastal Environment classification is spread along the entire coastline under the jurisdiction of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

“It’s taken three years, and a ruling by the Environment Court that we go into mediation with council, to achieve this outcome,” says Gwyn.

As part of the mediation, regional council staff visited the affected farmers to see first-hand the impacts the definition, under the National Coastal Policy Statement, would have on their land use.

An on-farm meeting with landowners was used to show council staff what was rural land and what was coastal land; and once they understood the concerns of the farmers, more practical solutions were reached through mediation, says Gwyn.

Initially, the council had drawn lines on a map defining areas of the Coastal Environment, which in some cases extended more than 400 metres inland.

Gwyn says Federated Farmers is not opposed to council’s statutory require-

ment to implement the National Coast Policy Statement, but in this case was concerned no consideration was given to current land use within the boundaries – and that affected landowners who were not consulted appropriately.

“While it is unclear exactly how land use could be restricted if the classicisation had remained, it is our job to look at the worst case scenario – which could include future restrictions on buildings and perhaps even land use.

“It is my experience that rules go only one way. They don’t become more permissive but become more restrictive over time. This has potential to devalue the land.”

Because of those risks, Federated Farmers had little option but to take the case on behalf of its members, says Gwyn.

However, other farmers who are not federation members but are also affected by the new provisions may not be so lucky – and may find the restrictions remain over their land.

“If councils draw unreasonable lines through productive pastoral land, we will oppose it every time,” says Gwyn.

Gwyn says had council done more than inform landowners of the proposed classification by letter (which some landowners didn’t receive), and instead held public meetings to discuss the proposals, it is possible the issue would not have gone to court.

“We encourage consultation and collaboration; and central government is now also calling for more collaboration, rather than statutory measures.”

The win means an “interpretative precedent” has been set for the way all councils mapped boundaries of coastal land, Gwyn says.

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Business skills programme for farmers Farmers have until May 30 to apply for this year’s Rabobank’s Executive Development Programme.

The programme gives leading farmers from across Australia and New Zealand the opportunity to enhance their business management skills and take their enterprises forward.

Rabobank CEO New Zealand Ben Russell says farm management has evolved to become much more commercially-focused than in the past, making it necessary for producers to think more strategically about how they run their operations.

Guy Goodeve, general manager of Castlerock Farming Company – a 1640 hectare mixed-farming enterprise of sheep, beef, deer and dairy support in Southland – completed the Executive Development Programme last year.

“There are big opportunities in farming to get where you want to be and keep getting better. Go and find that extra 10 per cent, produce 10 per cent more, find those gains by cost-cutting here or value-adding there. You need to capitalise on the opportunities when they do come.”

Producers interested in an application forms, or any further information on the Rabobank Executive Development

Programme, visit www.rabobank.co.nz/bmp or contact Rabobank Business Programme’s manager Nerida Sweetapple on +61 2 8115 4139 or email nerida.sweetapple@rabobank.com.au.

Guy Goodeve, general manager of Castlerock Farming Company.

Conference showcases biological alternative A succinct definition of what biological farming actually means in practice is still to be found, but basically it starts with getting soils healthy and naturally active; and proceeds from there to better plants feeding healthier and more productive stock.

While organics is touted as ‘pure’ and worthy of premium prices, some find its limitations and regulations are too difficult to stick with. And that’s where biological farming is finding a clear niche, because the aims and results are pretty well the same as organics – but with far more scope for individual diversity of methods (even if the premiums are still on the way).

So the second Biological Farming Conference, held in Rotorua recently, attracted almost 200 of both those already converted, and those wanting to know more. And the speakers were many and incredibly varied in their topics.

Nicole Masters, representing the Association of Biological Farmers, gave the opening address. She stressed New Zealand agriculture needs to focus on quality – as the quantity we

could produce, even if doubled, would only represent the equal of one or two toenails on a giant representing world food production.

With biological farmers already proving they can grow more feed, grow animals faster, increase milk production, and reduce feed and animal health costs, the logic for moving to a biological farming system is pretty obvious.

More of the good results and less of the leaching of nitrogen is already being proven on two farms, one in Reporoa and one at Edgecumbe, in trials carried out by the Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust.

But one of the most fascinating aspects of a conference, such as this one, is the variety of topics offered.

While most milking goats are these days housed indoors and fed on ‘cut and carry’ pasture, Garrick Batten pointed out the largely unrecognised benefits pasture goats bring to a farm, as their diet is very much more varied than that of cows; and they clean up any bothersome weeds, such as thistles, rushes and docks. As partial replacements for beef cattle, they don’t pug paddocks, but reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen and phosphate losses to waterways. And the market for their meat is growing.

A new enterprise at Raglan is investigating a raft of potential varieties table grape which can be successfully grown here, biologically.

With some ‘blow your mind’ success stories from biological dairy, dairy goat and sheep and beef farmers, those attending this conference went home with heads buzzing with new ideas for not only making more profits, but enhancing the environment too.

By Sue Edmonds

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MOTORHOMES & CARAVANS

Page 36

Take to road and enjoy colours of the season Autumn is a wonderful time to take to the roads and discover the highways and by-ways, and enjoy the colours of the season, in a motorhome.

There’s often less traffic and the days are still warm enough to enjoy outdoor living. With modern caravans and motorhomes there’s no need to leave the comforts of home behind.

Well insulated and heated, they are cosy,

comfortable and fully-equipped with kitchens, bathrooms and of course entertainment systems.

Now is also a great time to upgrade existing recreational vehicles, buy a new improved

model, or hire a camper to enjoy off-peak rates.

Repairs and maintenance carried out on camping gear and to recreational vehicles now also makes sense, as it means they’re ready for the summer ahead.

One-stop shop for everything RV

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Motorhomes and caravans from around New Zealand and Europe are on display at the one-stop shop which is Country Caravans and Motorhomes’ purposebuilt RV Super Centre in Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui.

Country Caravans are agents for the iconic Leisureline brand of New Zealand-built caravans, together with Traillite Motorhomes built in Pukekohe. Used motorhomes come from the popular Maui, United and Kea brands, while used caravans are sourced from all over New Zealand and Europe.

Usually displaying in excess of 50 models, ranging in price from $25,000 to $250,000, all stock is

also available for viewing online.

The workshop is manned by three full-time staff, and is fully equipped to carry out everything from accessory-fitting to self-containment and major insurance repairs.

A well-stocked accessory shop also provides visitors to the yard with the opportunity to purchase the very latest in spares and accessories.

Managing director Rob Axton has more than 30 years’ experience in the recreational vehicle industry, both here in New Zealand as well as in Europe.

“The team here at Country Caravans and Motorhomes have a wealth of knowledge and are happy to take the time, in a relaxed environment, to discuss our clients’ needs – whether they be a seasoned travelers or first-time buyers.

“Our yard is easily accessible from Hewletts Rd and our stock is always open for viewing.

If you can’t make it to the yard, check out our online show room at www.countrycaravans.co.nz or visit our Facebook page. We hope to see you soon.”

Time for a break – hire a motorhome Hire a motorhome and take a road trip this autumn. Coastal Campers, the familyfriendly motorhome rental company offer two to six berth models that are certified self-contained and come fully-equipped.

Simply take your clothes and food and enjoy the scenery.

Great daily rates include insurance, road user charges and unlimited kilometres – and there are no hidden charges when you return. The team at Coastal Campers will spend time with you to make sure you know how to use all of the motorhome facilities before you leave; and the company has

meeting points in Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland Airport as well as at the depot in Whitianga.

A motorhome holiday makes it easy; your transport and accommodation is right there with you and if you want to stop for a cuppa and enjoy the view you can.

There’s plenty of space for your belongings and the insulated motorhomes have central heating systems for those cooler nights.

Being easy to drive, with only a standard driver licence required, why not begin planning where your next road trip may take you. Call today or visit online at www.coastalcampers.co.nz Book now to grab the Winter Free Days Special… hire for seven nights and only pay for five.

CANVAS WORX M A N U FA C T U R I N G

Enjoy outdoor space year-round Custom-made clear curtains are an effective way of continuing to enjoy decks and verandas this winter, says Richard Norris of Canvas Worx.

“Clear curtains can turn an outdoor space into a beautiful sunroom to enjoy year-round and clients I’ve installed them for just love them,” says Richard.

“The curtains I make are a little different as they pull up with cords like a roman blind. However, there’s also the option to have more elaborate blinds, which are controlled by a hand winch or even with an electric winch.”

The blinds are also popular to enclose outdoor spa pools, says Richard, who has 30 years’ experience in the canvas trade. He has

a reputation for designing and manufacturing custom awnings for caravans, motor homes and camper trailers; and he also produces a wide range of canvas products and carries out repairs to tents, boat covers, trailer covers and shade sails.

“A lot of canvas work is unique and needs to be tailored to a client’s exact needs so we provide

a flexible and personal service, which includes measuring and quoting, to ensure clients have the finished product they are happy with.” Richard says now is the time to have repairs to tents, awning or boat covers carried out. “Too many people wait until summer. Do it now and there will be no panic when holidays come around.”

age.co.nz

RURAL DRIVER

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Follow us www.farmerautovillage.co.nz on Facebook

Page 37

Page 38

RURAL DRIVER

Pioneer forges into new farming frontiers Messrs Boone and Crockett had it tough when they dragged their sorry asses across rugged terrain as they forged forth into the wild frontier.

Those savvy pioneers knew innovation was the key to surviving and prospering in the rugged hinterland. But they’d be in disbelief if they could foresee the high-tech donkeys of today.

It’s good to know the pioneering spirit is still alive and kicking, with some smart innovation launched this week – the latest version of the humble mule, from the stable of Honda.

Old Daniel and Davey would have given their coonskin caps to rest their sorry asses; with help from Honda’s new mountain-taming beast – aptly named the Pioneer – and have a heapin’ helpin’ of the new side-by-side ATV which is set to transport NZ farmers and outdoor enthusiasts to a new level of capability, safety and efficiency.

The Pioneer from Honda was, appropriately, launched this month on the farm of a NZ pioneering family, in the stunning countryside of the Clevedon district.

Four generations of genuine Kiwi pioneers have farmed these hills and valleys and we were privileged to be able to enjoy the terrain aboard the finest new four wheel drive vehicles on

the market. C&C ditched our coonskins for helmets and spent a day in the hills, sampling what the new ATV has to offer.

Honda’s Damien Smyth and the lads from Blue Wing teamed up with specialist driver training gurus, AMS, for a demo day for a handful of NZ’s leading rural journalists, to show exactly what the new Pioneer is capable of, and offer some expert tuition in ATV handing from the AMS team.

The Pioneer proved innovation is still alive and kicking like a stubborn mule, in the world of ATV design and development.

Things have come a long way since the early days of ATVs, and Honda have been at the head of the pack since the ubiquitous three wheelers burst onto the agricultural scene.

While the side-by-sides are no doubt safer, there’s always potential for getting it wrong and some early, well-directed training can not only make the operation of these handy machines safer, but a lot more efficient and enjoyable.

After the all-important safety briefing and helmet fitting, we checked out the two seater with tipping tray; and four seater Pioneer features, then headed out for a farm drive over a well-planned course of terrain and obstacles.

Each Pioneer had an instructor in the passenger seat and the group was led by guides on Big Reds, plus a handy bloke on a two wheeler who was pretty useful for opening and closing gates.

First up was some open paddock running over some undulating pasture, which showed how smooth the ride can be on these four wheelers.

Then down a couple of banks and through bog and swamp.

With the right encouragement from instructors, including some tips on control, such as left foot braking, we had the Hondas climbing near vertical banks and crossing bogs that seemed near impossible.

Out on the farm airstrip, the Pioneers were given a bit of jandal to blow off the cobwebs.

The Pioneers can certainly belt along when conditions allow. Then it was time to check out the load carrying.

A trailer of meaty fence posts and a rear cargo deck with a load of heavy piles didn’t faze the Pioneer.

The load handling was impressive and the tow hitch arrangements seemed well engineered to cope with the inevitable loads that farmers will inflict on these machines.

Next up was some terrain busting action, down river banks, across the stream, along the stream, through more swamp and across some seemingly impossible guts.

A tilt test along the edge of a steep sidling reminded me of some of the hairy moments we’ve encountered crossing bars in boats – the machine handles the challenge better than many of the occupants!

With attentive AMS instructors every step of the way, the Pioneers were pushed to tipping point – and beyond in some cases – to give us a feel of exactly where that tipping point is.

The advice at this point from chief instructor Pete is firmly etched in my brain; as we felt the Pioneer in the balance between the forces of traction, gravity and the clenching effect of a certain part of the driver’s anatomy.

The control available to the driver, even in the stickiest of situations, is amazing.

As our confidence grew and we got a feel for the new machines, we headed into bush, over logs, a few more stream crossings for good measure and a couple of photo sessions – it was time to head back to the woolshed for a lovely lunch and debrief.

The team swapped around drivers and passengers, so everyone had a turn enjoying the attributes of riding in the back of the four person Pioneer, which is a surprisingly good way to travel.

It was good to get a feel of driving this heavier machine, with a few more bods on board, to discover the effect of weight and centre of gravity.

The four-person Pioneer features fold-flat rear seats, providing a perfectly flat cargo area.

The seats can be raised up or down without tools, and opened and closed in seconds.

RURAL DRIVER

Tackling terrain tilt test After lunch the group headed out again, this time to the top of the farm, the goal a trig station on the highest hill.

Watch video of the Honda Pioneer test drives at: www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

The farm had taken a pretty good hit from the rains of former Cyclone Lusi just a few days earlier, so there were some interesting conditions on the steeper sections and the clay pans.

However, it had dried remarkably well in just a day or so, and the terrain Engine: 675cc liquid-cooled OHV single-cylinder was no match for the four-stoke competent Pioneers, even Fuel System: Fuel Injection, 40mm throttle body with some questionably Ignition: Full-transistorized with electronic experienced pilots. advance Really getting into the Transmission: Automotive-style with hydraulic groove of these mountorque converter, three forward gears and reverse. tain-taming machines, Three drive modes include 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with carefully controlled with front with front differential lock. delivery of power in ts driveshaf rear and Driveline: Direct front just the right places, we Front Suspension: Independent doubletraversed winding and wishbone; 200mm travel sometimes narrow farm doubleent Independ Rear Suspension: tracks to the top of the wishbone: 230mm travel world – and the trig disc hydraulic 200mm Front Brake: station hill overlooking Rear Brake: 170mm hydraulic disc Waiheke, Great Barrier Bed Capacity: 454kg Tow Capacity: 680kg and the gulf out to the 1525mm Length: 2910mm Width: Coromandel.

1950mm ase: Wheelb It was obligatory photo Fuel Capacity: 30 litres, including 4.5 litre time, and then some reserve sage advice from Pete Curb Weight: 700-2; 572kg, 700-4; 633kg about downhill control, before we ventured

SPECS

Pioneer 700-2, 700-4

down via a different track.

There was some scrub land negotiating and a seemingly impossible creek crossing that featured wheels in the air and a bit of belly sliding.

It was a great feeling arriving back at the woolshed, brimming with a feeling of expanded knowledge and skills, coupled with the thrill of opportunity to test drive these remarkable new vehicles.

A little bit of knowledge and training goes a long way and it’s clear anyone, particularly those making their living off the land, is well advised to tap into the vast expertise on offer from both the suppliers of the machines, and training specialists such as AMS. Our thanks to Damien and Blue Wing for an amazing opportunity; to Pete, Gene, Amy and the AMS team for their calm yet commanding delivery of so many vital skills and information; and to the farm owners for allowing us access to their stunning farmland and terrain.

By Brian Rogers

Head shot inspires young hunter Daryl Crimp claims being shot in the head by his older brother at the tender age of seven is what prompted his interest in guns.

Fortunately, thanks to the age of the pistol and Daryl’s own thick head (which was a doctor’s diagnosis) the pellet ricocheted and did very little harm.

“I was determined at a very early age what end of a gun I wanted to be on and remain to this day, very conscious of what’s at the other end,” writes Daryl. Rather than making him gun-shy, Daryl says the experience heighted his interest in guns and gave him something to aim for.

His father also encouraged his hunting interest, which has led to a life of

adventures. For Daryl hunting is more than a hobby, a pastime and adventure – it’s a calling. He also has a calling for the written word; and this book is an entertaining, inspiring, poignant and funny read about his hunting adventures.

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

Page 39

RURAL DRIVER

Page 40

Heavy-hitter has class and flair Imagination is a great thing. The instructions for Sideline Sid’s latest vehicle review were to go to Ebbett Holden on Cameron Rd to take a Colorado truck out for a road test.

With visions of a workhorse, the reality was a heavy-hitting utility vehicle with class and genuine flair.

We received a real treat when the

sales team at Ebbett Holden Tauranga gave us a Colorado Crew Cab LTZ 4x4 with loads of added extras to road test.

The Colorado LTZ hit us between the eyes with its vivid Orange Rock colour, blacked out chrome, 20 inch alloy wheels and black checkerboard deck cover – and did I mention the snorkel beside the driver’s door.

First impressions of the double-cab vehicle, with a huge deck, suggest it is perfect for a trip with mates to the

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

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bush or ocean, an ideal farm workhorse and also for a family with long distance travel aspirations.

Make no mistake this is a serious vehicle that delivers a massive 500NM of torque and an unbeaten 3.5 tonne towing performance, ideal for those on-farm jobs. There is enough grunt to take on any challenge – and when the going gets tough the TSC (Trailer Sway Control) HSA (Hill Start Assist) and DCS (Decent Control System) gets you home every time.

Throw any towing challenge you like at the Colorado LTZ 4x4 and it responds in spades. Whether it’s to pull a heavy trailer load for firewood or take your big boat to the myriad of rugged of fishing spots around the country, the Colorado LTZ answers the call to duty.

The Colorado LTZ had plenty of tow from the 2.8 diesel engine, with the sixspeed automatic transmission responding to any challenge thrown its way. The Descent Control System gives a smooth and controlled hill descent when used off-road, while the Hill Start Assist holds the Colorado 4x4 stationary on steep hills before the brakes are released.

The most critical cargo of the Colorado LTZ is the driver and passengers, with the Holden 4x4s engineered to help avoid trouble and surround you with

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strength. The Colorado vehicles have a super tough body and frame constructed with high strength steel, with a safety cell giving maximum protection in the event of frontal or side collision.

While today’s Holden vehicles come with all the usual bells and whistles of BringGo Navigation, Bluetooth streaming and smartphone app integration, the Colorado 4x4s up the ante with some additional extras. The Siri Eyes Free has voice command capabilities, which allow one to call people, select and play music and hear, and compose a text message, which is just like having a PA on-board with the driver.

The Pandora Internet Radio allows you to create your own personal station based on your favourite songs, artists or music types, with Pandora even suggesting new artists and songs based upon your personal preferences.

RURAL DRIVER

Page 41

Club holds hill climb event Motorsport Bay of Plenty is holding a gravel hill climb event on Sunday, April 6, and the public are welcome to go along to watch, says club secretary Linda Loughlin.

The clubsport advanced 2.5km gravel hill climb will be held at MacDougall Quarry Rd, commencing at the junction with Otamarakau Valley Rd. Practice

Constructive comments: The Colorado impressed the team from Daman Beckett Builders.

Stress free driving with Colorado controls Tune-In Radio lets you connect worldwide with 70,000 live radio stations and two million on demand programmes.

However it is a number of simple features that really appealed to the reviewer.

Touch-screen radio tuning made changing stations on the go easy and simple, and the blue-light speedometer right in the middle of the dashboard makes for no excuses in picking up a speeding ticket.

Also having the air-con at the touch of a button helps with stress-free driving.

With the Colorado 4x4s being high off the ground, the addition of a good old fashioned running board makes getting into the driver’s hot seat particularly easy, even for old fellas like Sideline Sid. Around town, the rear view camera comes into its own when reversing into a tight parking space,

in tandem with the rear park assist – which gives out with an audible warning when getting close to another vehicle or solid object.

The Colorado LTZ 4x4 auto has a recommended retail price of $61,990.

SPECS Colorado Crew Cab LTZ 4x4 Engine: double overhead cam 4-cylinder Engine Capacity: 2776cc Fuel: Diesel Maximum Power: 147 @ Maximum Torque: 500 @3600rpm Transmission: 6-speed aut 2000rpm Brakes: front- disc, rear – omatic drum brakes Colorado LTZ 4x4 Auto (RR Contact: Ebbett Holden (Ta P) $61,990 uranga) Phone 07 578 2843.

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runs and subsequent timed runs begin at 10am. There will be practice and three timed runs for each competitor. The number of runs may be varied at the organiser’s discretion. The fastest run wins, by class and overall. While the public is welcome, the event is run under strict rules, and alcohol may not be consumed at the venue during the course of this event.

To find out more about the event and club, go to www.mbop.org.nz

Page 42

CHICKENS

Pecking order in hen house There really is such a thing as a “pecking order” and it’s found wherever there are two or more chickens.

Dominant birds will control the movement, feeding and socialisation of other hens.

Hardly bird-brains – chickens are intelligent birds with their ability to distinguish and give different alarm calls when threatened by various predators.

Chickens also (especially ex-battery hens) can feel nervous in open spaces, as this can make them feel vulnerable to attack. So introduce them slowly to any large open spaces.

A broody hen is one who wants to hatch eggs and she’ll sit on the nest box making it unavailable to other hens, which why it’s best to have one nesting box per hen. Although, separating the hen for a while from the others can stop the broody behaviour.

Sometimes one or two birds may attack other hens and may even draw blood. If this occurs, first treat the victim with veterinary treatment. They should sort themselves out, with some of the ones being attacked perhaps roosting more than others. If the problem persists try separating the attacker into a temporary pen within sight of the other hens for a short time; this should cure the problem.

During moulting, old feathers are shed and new feathers grow to replace them. This happens about once a year and the new feathers take about one to two months to grow.

Some ex-battery hens don’t have many

feathers. This is from rubbing their bodies up against the battery hen cages, but their feathers will grow back within a month or two.

Hens do get sick; and an unwell bird may look depressed, hunched up with feathers fluffed out, and with its head carried low or tucked under the wing. It’s a good idea to monitor food and water intake daily, because a reduction can be an early sign of ill health.

Here is a list of common ailments” Coccidiosis – A common problem in poultry. It’s a disease of the intestine that results in dullness, diarrhoea and weight loss and sometimes death. It is caused by a tiny parasite. Vets can help manage this.

Bumble Foot – This occurs when a wound under the foot heals but pus remains underneath. Watch out for any limping birds and make sure there are no sharp stones in the run. Consult a vet if this occurs.

Mites – There is two common mites in New Zealand; the northern fowl mite and the chicken mite or red mite. The northern fowl mite is more common in caged layers, particularly around the vent where it can cause blackening of the skin due to soiling.

The red mite is more common in free-range systems.

These parasites hide in crevices in the chicken-house, emerging at night to feed on the roosting hens.

Birds become anaemic

and emaciated. A warning sign is if birds are reluctant to go inside, another is if small drops of blood are spotted. The house must be cleaned thoroughly and sprayed with antimite product.

Lice – There are several pieces of lice which live entirely on birds and cause irritation by feeding on feathers and skin. They usually lay eggs at the base of the feathers, especially around the vent or around the head which will cause head shaking. You will need to consult your vet on how to treat these if they occur.

Scaly leg – This is a condition caused by mites burrowing into the skin between the scales of the legs. It produces white crusts which distort the leg scales and is extremely infectious. Clean the house, move the birds onto fresh ground and consult a vet.

Impacted crop – Symptoms include hens with no appetite, who look miserable and whose crop feels solid. It’s caused by ingestion of unsuitable material, such as long stalks of grass. It is best to consult a vet.

Worms – Chickens are susceptible to infestation by worms. Symptoms can include a reduction in the rate of egg-laying, an increase in hunger, and sometimes diarrhoea. If you suspect your chicken has worms, you should consult a vet for the appropriate medication. They can also help to start you on a worming programme for your chickens.

(Source spca.org.nz)

Warm rewards from hens

Chickens can be delightful, rewarding pets as they will not only give affection (well, come when you call to feed them), but will also produce eggs (some of the time at least).

In rural areas chickens can free-range, but they aren’t always a great addition to the flower or vegetable garden as they love to scratch for food and create dust baths to wallow in. They also pretty quickly figure out where their humans – the source of much of their food – live, so will come knocking on doors or windows, leaving “gifts” of poo just to get your attention.

Egg-laying can be sporadic and some will choose to lay away from the nesting boxes provided, so it pays to lock them in a pen and henhouse at night and let them out later in the morning when hopefully all eggs will be laid.

All that aside, there’s nothing nicer than watching a young child lifting a still-warm egg from a nest for breakfast – reward enough for keeping hens.

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 43

What is happening in your heart arteries?

Heart artery plaques start with cholesterol becoming trapped in the walls of blood vessels, as explained in last month’s column.

Free radicals oxidise trapped cholesterol to a dangerous form and over time this can lead to artery blockages.

It makes perfect sense then, that less circulating cholesterol translates to less becoming trapped. But there is a lot more to it – especially the role of inflammation, low antioxidant levels, high homocysteine – and of course lifestyle factors, such as exercise and diet.

Cholesterol is transported by carriers called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

LDL transports cholesterol from the liver, via blood, to individual cells to do all of the things cholesterol is needed for. High LDL is a risk to coronary arteries.

HDL transports cholesterol being returned back to the liver, so high HDL means your body is effective at recycling which it cannot use.

While statin cholesterol-lowering medications

Misplaced Glasses

Yesterday, my daughter emailed me again, asking why I didn’t do something useful with my time… like sitting around the pool and drinking wine is not a good thing.

Talking about my “doing something useful” seems to be her favourite topic of conversation.

She was “only thinking of me” and suggested I go down to the senior centre and hang out with the gals. I did this and when I got home last night I decided to teach her a lesson about staying out of my business.

effectively reduce LDL cholesterol, they can cause side effects, such as muscle weakness, pain and general lethargy.

This is mainly because they inhibit an enzyme needed to make Co enzyme Q10, which is essential for muscle energy.

If you take statins, I recommend a specific CoQ10 called CoQSol which rapidly lifts circulating CoQ10.

There are those who cannot tolerate statins and those with high cholesterol, but would rather use natural methods to balance cholesterol.

For this group, studies show the most effective natural cholesterol balancer is a proprietary blend of citrus extract called PMFs (polymethoxylated flavones) and palm fruit extract (tocotrienols).

Tocotrienols belong to the vitamin E family and can help to balance the liver enzymes responsible for cholesterol production. PMFs help balance the processes that make the LDL and HDL carriers for cholesterol.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med), is a nutritional therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@johnarts.co.nz Join his weekly newsletter at: www.johnarts.co.nz For product information visit: www.abundant.co.nz

I emailed her and told her I’d joined a parachute club.

She replied: “Are you nuts? You are about 80 years old, and now you’re going to start jumping out of airplanes?”. I told her that I even got a membership card and emailed a copy to her.

She immediately telephoned me, saying: “Good grief, where are your glasses! This is a membership

to a Prostitute Club, not a Parachute Club”.

I replied: “Oh man, I’m in trouble again; I really don’t know what to do now... I signed up for five jumps a week.” The line went quiet and her friend picked up the phone and said she had fainted.

Life as a senior citizen is not getting any easier, but sometimes it can be fun.

Abundant Health

Page 44

COUNTRY LIVING

Franklin subdivision rules squashed by unitary plan The old Franklin Council District Plan rules are under attack again.

After being finalised by the Environment Court 13 years after notification, they were operative for only months before being rewritten by the Auckland

Council under their proposed Unitary Plan.

The hard-fought right to subdivide using transferable titles is now all but being extinguished by council's proposed plan.

South of Auckland, there will only be very small pockets where transferable titles can be moved – and these are generally located where they won’t be worth as much. If you have titles to sell, or want to buy them in and use them during the window of opportunity that exists, you will need to act fast. Until the public submission process is out of the way, the new rules have little weight. If fully adopted, the rules of the unitary plan will force transferable titles to

be relocated outside of the Environmental Enhancement Overlay Area, thus decreasing their value.

The EEOA area covers most of the rural area south of the metropolitan area, including land surrounding Pukekohe. If these changes are ratified by council, the only rural subdivision you will be able to do within the EEOA area will be boundary adjustments and relocation between adjacent lots, where no new lots are created. I see transferable titles likely to disappear before too long in the Waikato, as it seems they don’t entertain this idea. Hauraki only has a small area of the old Franklin district; and I’m not convinced they

have the will to change this after just going through a major plan review. Titles are generally available on the market to suit most situations; however, the supply and demand can affect their price at times.

This is yet another example of landowners’ opportunities disappearing. Rural subdivision is getting much harder and is generally better done sooner rather than later. In the Waikato a number of properties have just lost the ability to subdivide through a rule lifting the minimum parent lot size to 20ha – and I believe this will go much higher before too long.

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

Tribunal orders information sharing Alpine Energy Ltd was ordered to hand over the names, CVs, qualifications and reference information attached to job applicants to an unsuccessful applicant who claimed he’d been discriminated against.

(Waters v Alpine Energy Ltd, February 20, 2014).

Mr Waters applied for two positions with Alpine Energy, an employer he’d previously worked for during a number of years. Both of Mr Waters’ applications were unsuccessful and he alleged he was discriminated against by reason of age (prohibited under the Human Rights Act). Alpine Energy rejected his complaint,

asserting the appointments were made based on the best person qualified and experienced for the job. Alpine Energy refused to give certain documents to Mr Waters on the basis it was confidential information. Mr Waters claimed he needed all information relating to the recruitment process in order to support his discrimination claim. The Human Rights Tribunal agreed and ordered Alpine Energy to disclose CVs, employment history, qualifications, reference checks and any other information relating to the people who’d applied for the jobs Mr Waters missed out on. The Tribunal stated the addresses and contact details could be blanked out, but not the names because “without the names of the applicants the information may be difficult to use or manage”.

In summary, be mindful when recruiting staff. The use of aliases such as applicant ‘A’ may be helpful during any recruitment phase.

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

Employment Law Services

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 45

The many faces of melanoma It is not uncommon for individuals to be concerned about their moles turning into melanoma. However, research suggests many melanomas arise de novo; meaning they arise from normal skin that did not have a pre-existing mole.

That is why paying close attention to your skin and having regular skin checks are important. It is not just one’s moles that should be looked at, but one’s skin in general.

Melanoma is not just a single entity. There are many types of melanoma. The most common type of melanoma is superficial spreading melanoma. This appears as a flat patch and grows horizontally. Lentigo mela-

noma are also flat, and appear in the face area as an irregular freckle. Acral lentiginous melanoma appear on soles of feet, palms of hands, or under the nails (subungal melanoma).

Other rarer types of melanoma tend to grow deeply and quickly. They are nodular melanoma which start off growing vertically; mucosal melanoma (melanomas on lips, inside the mouth, eyelids); ocular melanoma (melanoma within the eye); desmoplastic melanoma (fibrous tumour melanoma); and amelanotic melanoma (melanoma without pigment).

Almost all melanomas are caused by excessive exposure to the sun. Good sun protection and attention to your skin can save your life.

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Aqua Trip is ideal for homes, businesses, farms and horticulture systems, says New Zealand distributor Leo Lougher, of Focus Systems NZ Ltd. “The Aqua Trip System was designed in Australia as a water safety trip switch for your home, farm or business. It can be easily installed on incoming water mains or pump systems relying on rain water tanks and is a cost effective system.

“It’s a safety valve system similar to a device I had been working on for some time, but had not yet had the prototype made.

“When I found out an Australia Company has already produced a system, I contacted them to become the New Zealand distributor.”

Leo says he was motivated to develop a safety value system for water supplies after years of repairing water leaks, which had caused tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage in homes where leaks had gone undetected for too long.

“The Aqua Trip will detect constant leaks equivalent to a fast-dripping tap, and it will turn the water

off. However, you can programme it not to turn the water off at times of the day when people are having showers, or using the washing machine and dishwasher. It is completely programmable to suit individual household requirements.

“We are currently trialling the Aqua Trip on an irrigation system in Australia, where it will detect any leaks once the irrigators are turned off and it will send a text message to alert the farmer there is a problem.”

Aqua Trip constantly monitors water use and if it detects a leak, burst pipe, toilet cistern leaking or any other plumbing failure, it will shut the water off to avoid potential damage and water wastage, as well as help keep water bills manageable.

Leo says existing homes can be easily retrofitted; and if installed on new homes when being built, the cost of installation is minimal as the plumbing work is being carried out already. The Aqua Trip can be either wireless, hard wired or a combination of both.

“The Aqua Trip has also been installed by councils and schools to monitor public washrooms and other high water consuming facilities where wastage and vandalism often leave councils and authorities playing catch up long after a plumbing failure has occurred.”

Aqua Trip systems range from $195 to $450 excluding GST and installation is cheap insurance for the property owner. The average installation cost will be about $200 for your local plumber to install.

To find out more, go to www.aquatrip.co.nz

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WINTER WARMTH

Page 46

Keep warm for health and comfort Choosing an efficient heating system for your house will help you maintain healthy indoor temperatures, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and manage your power bill.

Heating accounts for about 29 per cent of all the energy consumed in a typical New Zealand home. Despite this, the majority of our homes are under-heated by international standards.

There are several factors to consider when you’re looking at choosing the right heating for your home, including the amount of heating you need, and the running costs and environmental impacts of the different heating options.

Before looking at your heating, get your insulation sorted – you’ll be able to use a smaller heating system and your home will be cheaper to heat.

It’s important to match the size of the system to the space you want to heat. Use the heatersizing calculator on the EECA

website: www.energywise.govt.nz to get an idea of what size heater a room needs, to keep it at a healthy temperature.

EECA also recommends seeking professional advice about heatersizing from your heating supplier.

To minimise the environmental impacts of your heater, there are several things you can do.

Choose a heating option that uses renewable energy and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Whatever heating option you prefer, choose the most efficient model for the job.

Use and maintain your heater properly.

How you use the rooms you want to heat often determines the types of heater you should be considering.

For rooms you regularly use, it is well worth investing in suitable, fixed heaters to enable you to heat them effectively and cheaply. Clean, effective

forms of heating include modern wood and wood-pellet burners, energy star-qualified heat pumps and high star-rated, flued gas heaters.

For rooms that only get used occasionally, for short periods of time, electric heaters which are cheap to buy but slightly more expensive to run can often be sufficient.

There are different types to suit different needs.

(Source EECA website: www.energywise.govt.nz)

Close blinds before sundown Blinds and curtains have a crucial role to play in keeping your home warm this winter.

Heat can both enter and leave through windows – so when it’s sunny, open blinds and curtains to let the sun stream in and warm a room.

Closing them in late-afternoon, when the sun begins to lose its heat, helps keep the warmth inside. It can also reduce the amount of energy needed from heaters or fires to keep the room warm after sundown.

Closing window coverings in the lateafternoon is important in all rooms in the house, especially bedrooms; even if they are not heated all the time. So is letting in the sunshine to warm and dry every room in the house.

If trees are shading your house, consider trimming them back to let in more light – but of course if you are renting, or the trees are on council land or in neighbouring sections, permission from owners has to be granted first.

Up to 20 per cent of heating can be lost through draughts, so stopping as many as possible can help keep rooms warm and save on heating bills.

Block up unused chimneys and stop draughts around doors and windows.

You can make your own draught ‘snakes’ by stuffing rugby socks or pantyhose with newspaper or cushion filling – and this is an activity children can enjoy helping with.

Try not to dry clothes indoors, as this creates moisture in the air. Drying outside is free and the sunlight kills bacteria, making your clothes healthier for you and your family. Use a shed or garage if it is raining.

To reduce moisture caused by steam, always open a window when you are showering and when you are cooking on the stove top. Use pot lids to reduce the amount of steam escaping. Keep doors to bedrooms closed at these times, as steam can make beds damp.

If you must use a clothes dryer, make sure your clothes are properly spun first and leave windows open while you are using it – or even better, vent it outside.

Fire safety tips

The wood is stacked and the kindling cut – but there might be one thing you’ve overlooked for toasty, safe winter fires.

While autumn’s warm start has only required a few roaring blazes so far, the New Zealand Fire Service is reminding households to have their chimneys and flues cleaned, always uses a spark guard, and never burn batteries and aerosol cans. Ashes should be soaked in water before disposal and check the fire is out before going to bed.

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WINTER WARMTH

Page 47

Excellence in design maximises efficiency Thoroughly investigating every element which turns wood into useful heat is behind the innovative and highly efficient design of Aarrow stoves, says David Hutchins of Manawatu Heating and Solar.

Heater metre rule Winter months are likely to bring with them a spate of house fires due to increased use of heating methods.

Western Bay of Plenty fire service spokesperson Robert Pinkerton says people need to be aware of fire risks during the winter months – especially where children may have access to matches and direct exposure to heating appliances.

“While portable electric heaters are less expensive and are a fast and convenient form of heating, particular care needs to be taken as to their use and maintenance.”

Robert says the Tauranga Fire Service attends up to 50 fires each year in homes caused by electric heaters.

“The rules of use may appear to be common sense.

However we still get called to too many potentially tragic incidences.

“We urge people to follow the instructions for the set-up and use of their heaters.”

To stay safe, Robert suggests making sure your heater is stable on the floor, and is kept well-dusted and clean.

“Do not use it if components such as the fan are not working and check that cords and wiring are correctly in place.

“Follow the heater metre rule and make sure that furniture, clothing, curtains and other sources of combustibles are kept at least one metre away from the heat source.”

Robert says care must also be practised with other heating sources, including the fire place.

“About one-quarter of house fires during the winter months are caused by chimney fires. Ensure that chimneys and flues are correctly installed, maintained and cleaned every year.

“Fire ashes need to be disposed of safely in noncombustible containers. Disposing of ashes in rubbish bags and plastic buckets, or vacuuming ashes into a vacuum cleaner, is asking for trouble.”

Other basic safety checks should include checking electric blankets, making sure appliances are well maintained and used correctly –and Robert says remember to check smoke alarms are working.

“Remember – do a night-fire safety check every night before going to bed.”

“No other manufacturer offers a complete system to maximise the efficiency of both wood and solid fuel,” says David, whose company is the NZ agents for Stratford and Aarrow stoves.

The stoves feature PADS (Primary Air Direction System), which allows an underdraught of air beneath solid fuel, or an over-draught for wood to ensure each fuel burns in its favoured environment.

An air-wash system directs pre-heated air evenly across the fire door, creating a shield between the fire chamber and the glass, ensuring the flames are always clearly seen.

The secondary burn system controls the flow of air within the stove, allowing any unburnt gases to re-ignite, generating extra heat.

For wood burning, the tertiary burn system introduces hot oxygen into the firebox, directly at the heart of the stove to ignite the unburnt gases, resulting in

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greater efficient, a cleaner chimney and less pollution.

“Stoves from Aarrow can burn wood for longer and have an industry-leading efficiency rating of 80 per cent. They are highly efficient, controllable, easy to use, and come with ‘The Aarrow’ Manufacturers Lifetime Warranty,” says David.

The Aarrow Ecoburn multi-fuel fire is an efficient stove which generates more heat using less fuel and it’s gently curved steel body, large fire viewing area and concealed hinges make it a stunning feature in any room.

The Inset version is a handy solution for converting an open Design and efficiency are features of the Aarrow stoves.

fire into a high performance fireplace. The Inset 5 reduces the need to make changes to the existing fireplace, by fitting neatly into the chair brick.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 48

To list your rura for free please l event, julie@thesun.co email: .n Rural Event in z with th subject heading. e

trades & services Wednesday April 2

Thursday April 6

Monday April 14

April 2 at Gordonton Hall, Main Rd, Gordonton. April 3 at Graham Brown & Co Chartered Accountant, 45-49 Tirau St, Putaruru. April 8 at Best Western Braeside Resort, 4 Barnard Rd, Rotorua. All start at 9.30am. The well-oiled office – how to survive and thrive in your home office. With the right tools, processes and knowledge, you can be more efficient and have some fun too. Register now at www.dwn.co.nz or call 0800 DWN R4U.

The Waikato Triumph Car Club holds its annual classic car show and swap meet on Sunday April 6 at the Te Awamutu Race Course.

Raising funds for the Westpac Waikato Air Ambulance, the meet will include trail bike displays, classic and vintage cars, hot rods, model aircraft and rides in a Model T bus.

Admission for show cars and drivers is a gold coin while passengers pay $5 each and swap meet sellers pay $10. Admission for the public is $5 each with children under 12 free. Gates open and 7.30pm. For more information phone Murray on 07 829 8629

Tokoroa Club, Tokoroa 10.30am-1pm. Come and join a like-minded group to talk about people management on your farm. If you have staff and want to learn some different tips and techniques, and also hear about what other people have done, this is for you. Topics will be advised closer to the time. Please note RSVP is required before the event.

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

Dairy Women’s Network’s Dairy Day

Thursday April 3

SMASH Seminar – Stepping up or back

The Narrows Landing, 431 Airport Rd, Hamilton 10am-2pm.

Which stage are you at in your faming career? Come along and hear about how you can progress your dairy farming career whatever stage you’re at. This day will start you on the path to putting a plan together that works for you and your farm business. Speakers: Tony Wammington - Rabobank. Nicola Waugh - AgFirst. Morning tea and lunch provided. Register: smash. registrar@gmail.com or call Noldy 022 047 6274

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trades & services Keep your cows in milk over summer Plan your summer crops now • Pasture Sprayout

• •

Cultivation & Seeding

Tuesday April 8

Local Levy Forum Meeting

April 8 at Otorohanga Bowling Club, 52 Te Kawa St, Otorohanga. April 9 at St John, 4 Baird Ave, Te Kauwhata. Also at Barkers Function Centre, 12 Ngutumnaga Rd, Waihou 7-9pm. April 9 at Matamata Club, 9 Waharoa Rd East, Matamata 2pm. April 9 at Te Awamutu Club, 542 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu 10am-12pm.

April 10 at Puketaha Hall, Puketaha Rd, Gordonton, from 2pm. April 10 at Ngatea Rugby Club, Ngatea Domain, Orchard West Rd, Ngatea, 10am. In May, dairy farmers will be asked on whether they continue to support the levy on milksolids, to enable DairyNZ to continue its industry good activities. The Local Levy Form is an opportunity for you to discuss the levy and ask senior management questions about DairyNZ, the levy investment and levy successes.

Tokoroa Employers Group

Tuesday April 15

Otorohanga Employers Group

St John Station, Kakamutu Rd, Otorohanga 10.30am-1pm. Come and join a like-minded group to talk about people management on your farm. If you have staff and want to learn some different tips and techniques, and hear about what other people have done, this is for you. Topics will be advised closer to the time.

Please note RSVP is required before the event.

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

Monday May 12

Cashflow Budgeting Workshop May 12-13 at Rotorua Public Library, 1127 Haupapa St, Rotorua 10am-2.30pm. During the two-day workshop, farmers will develop a cashflow budget for 2014-2015. Budgeting provides a way to take stock of costs and create a plan to produce milk more efficiently. Workshops will provide attendees with practical techniques for managing cashflow and improving profitability. To register and for info www.dairynz.co.nz or call Natalee 07 349 6825 or email: Natalee. swinyard@dairynz.co.nz Eleven-year-old Jamie Clements with a pen of in-calf heifers on Hukaroa Stud, owned by Dean and Lisa Hansen and Peter and Glennis Hansen near Te Kauwhata.

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It wasn’t just playing hooky from school which convinced Jamie to be part of the 2014 National Hereford Herd Tour. He really likes Herefords and wants to become a breeder himself, and sometime soon.

Jamie was by far the youngest of the 108 people on the Gallagher Coast to Coast National Hereford Herd Tour, organised by the South Auckland Hereford Club, but he could talk cattle

charter boats

with the best of them. That’s probably partly because he’s the third generation Clements to take the tour of 14 stud farms. His grandparents Brian and Jean were there too, so Jamie has a wealth of knowledge to draw on.

“I first got interested in Herefords when I wanted to spend more time with my dogs Max and Tip, but they were always out with dad rounding up cattle,” says Jamie, from Matapouri Hereford Stud near Whangarei.

The dogs just love working the cattle and aren’t afraid of them; so when began they spending more time with the dogs, Jamie had to spend time with the cattle too. In 2008 Jamie led a calf for the first time at the Whangarei A&P Show, winning third place and gaining an appetite for learning more about what makes a winning calf, and how is best to show them.

Recently, Jamie attended a bull sale with granddad Brian and helped him decide which bull to buy. He saw a few during the tour he’d like to buy, but is yet to convince his parents (or maybe grandparents), to come up with the finances. Ian says his son is also applying his computer skills to researching and learning about Hereford breeding and pedigrees.

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Page 49

Multinational partners for Fieldays’ premier feature PGG Wrightson Ltd and Xero Ltd are Joint Premier Feature Partners for the 2014 NZ National Fieldays on June 11-14 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton.

‘Managing Resources for a Competitive Advantage’ is this year’s Premier Feature theme, which will showcase what’s happening throughout New Zealand’s agricultural industry, promote adoption of current knowledge and technologies, and offer solutions for upcoming challenges.

The theme will highlight areas in which New Zealand’s agricultural sector can optimise, maximise and develop systems and processes to help manage resources effectively and maintain its place among the world’s best.

Companies which exhibit in the Premier Feature area will join what will be a highly visible part of Fieldays 2014, covering hot topics such as feed sources, nutrient management, animal health, workforce, security, control, traceability, water management and innovative ways to source power. NZ National Fieldays CEO Jon Calder says New Zealand’s competitive advantage, as a leading agricultural and primary producer, is our ability to efficiently and effectively manage and convert our available resources into protein.

“As a nation, maximising productivity in the way we manage and deploy

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our resources is something we have done incredibly well to date, and will continue to do so, if we work collaboratively across industry and sectors.

“With our Joint Premier Feature Partners PGG Wrightson and Xero on-board, we are looking forward to exploring this theme further at Fieldays 2014.”

Xero NZ’s rural strategy lead Ben Richmond says the company is especially excited to be a part of Fieldays 2014 following the unveiling of Xero’s Farming in the Cloud solution at its annual conference in February.

“Managing resources for farms encompasses optimising milk production and stock levels, but also extends to the very heart of farm management – running a farm as an efficient business.

“The ability to pinpoint a farm operation’s financial position at any moment in time, coupled with the ability to share information with key advisors in a seamless and collaborative way, is central to achieving a sustainable business. As access and the adoption of technology continues to accelerate, farmers, together with Xero, can use the power of the cloud to increase efficiency and productivity whereby lifting the profitability of the rural sector.”

PGG Wrightson general manager marketing Shannon Galloway says the company is proud to be a Fieldays 2014 Joint Premier Feature Partner.

“As a company solidly grounded in the primary industry, we know that farming

is a challenging and complex business and our fortunes are tied to those of our customers.”

Last year, Fieldays provided a platform for almost 900 exhibitors to represent themselves in front of 125,000 visitors and gain global media attention.

With the 2014 Fieldays prospectus released last October, ANZ rural economist Con Williams says this year’s event promises to provide plenty of opportunities for exhibitors with the 2013-2014 dairying season looking promising to deliver a record payout.

For more information, go to www.fieldays.co.nz

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COAST & COUNTRY

Blunt force calf killings review Tauranga woman Nikki Frair is delighted there is to be a review of blunt force calf killings but she’s not stopping her online petition opposing the measures just yet.

“I’m really pleased to know the minister has ordered a review and like to think the petition may have played a small part in making that happen,” says the 21-year-old psychology student.

She began the online petition to outlaw the use of blunt instruments, such as hammers and crowbars, in February and so far it’s been signed by more than 1200 people worldwide.

“I have posted on the site that the Government has called for a review but I’ll keep the petition going for now.

“I think a lot of people believe the killing of calves like this is rare but we have to accept it can happen day-to-day in this country and should be stopped.”

Nikki started the petition after seeing television footage of calves being killed by a New Zealand farmer on a property in Chile.

The same images caused a public outcry, and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has instructed officials to consult on prohibiting the use of blunt force to euthanise bobby calves on farms in New Zealand.

“After speaking to industry leaders, I have asked the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee to consider an amendment to the Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010,” says Nathan.

Change in legislation is exactly what Nikki is calling for in the petition.

“Let's band together to bring justice to those who cannot be heard, that are consistently

being taken advantage of by the dairy industry and allow them their final rights on this earth to be a peaceful, painless death. Action is required to make the necessary changes to this legislation.

“The term ‘bobby calves refers to newborn calves, less than 30-days-old that have been prematurely separated from their mothers.

“Essentially, they are surplus to the requirements of the dairy industry as they are not required for the milking herd, nor are they seen profitable.

“This applies to all bull calves (males) and around three quarters of heifer calves (females). As with any living creature I believe they have the right to die humanely, not a victim of severe violence prolonging suffering prior to death. A lethal injection should be legally required to be administered to these distressed animals in emergency situations, this would ensure the animal was put out of its misery quickly and painlessly as they deserve.”

Nathan says New Zealand’s animal welfare system is among the best in the world, but believes the time has come to review the use of blunt force.

“Industry groups do not recommend it as best practice for euthanising calves, and as a humane society we have a responsibility to look after animals and avoid unnecessary suffering.

“The vast majority of farmers in New Zealand care about their animals and do a good job of looking after them. While I don’t believe this practice is widespread, I have real concerns about this and the potential damage it could do to our reputation.”

NAWAC will begin public consultation soon on the proposed amendment. A final

decision will be made in mid-year after receiving final advice.

“As part of this consultation, consideration will be given to emergency cases where a farmer might discover a suffering animal in a remote location and only have access to limited equipment.

“The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill is currently before the Select Committee and will further strengthen the Act. It allows for the creation of enforceable regulations that will complement the minimum standards contained within New Zealand’s 16 codes of welfare.”

“The Ministry for Primary Industries already takes a tough line on animal cruelty and there have been a number of major prosecutions over the last couple of years. Animal welfare inspectors and compliance officers visit farms, provide advice and education to animal owners and enforce Nikki Frair, who is running an on-line the law,” says Nathan. petition outlaw the use of blunt instruments Industry bodies, DairyNZ and the to kill calves, with her cat Sam. Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, are supporting the MPI to review and clarification of the methods review to assess if the use of blunt force for euthanasia of bobby calves on farms. should be prohibited, except, as an emergency DairyNZ’s strategy and investment leader measure. for sustainability, Dr Rick Pridmore, says “Any review must set in stone that blunt DairyNZ supports the need for greater clarity force is an emergency measure, when there is in the code requirements. no access to one of the approved methods and “We are keen to work with the Government the time to get hold of one would only add to to ensure robust and practical codes. We also the animals’ suffering,” says Federated Farmwant to work together to make sure the rules ers Vice-Chairperson Andrew Hoggard. are understood by farmers,” he says.

“There is no way blunt force ought to be “The aim is always to minimise unnecessary standard operating procedure and we welsuffering. Farmers using any method must be come the National Animal Welfare Advisory suitably trained and skilled.”

Committee considering amendment along Federated Farmers also supports the

By Elaine Fisher these lines.”

COAST & COUNTRY

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 52

Mitchell Potton, with a goat on his back on a recent farm hunt.

COAST & COUNTRY PRIZE UP FOR GRABS! Thomas Aston Brien, aged 8, reckons: “I do all my own stunts”. Sent in by Logan Road, Pukekohe.

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera” or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga.

Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

This is a picture of my daughter Chelsea, 16 months old, waiting for her dad while he helps pop pick up hay.

Sent in by Judy Hartstone

Reid Fraser aged two-and-ahalf, ‘going on a thistle hunt’ at his grandparents’ farm.

Photo sent in by Betty Bell – Tirau.

Jordan van der Vegte, age eight, hard at work in her Pa Dan MacCarthy’s shed in Taupo.

Sent in by Nik van der Vegte.

Gina Greenwood, cuddling a friendly sheep.

Flynn, 15 months old, who discovered a puddle when dad emptied a water trough to fix the ball-cock. Sent in by Kathryn Andrew.