Coast & Country

Bay of Plenty and Waikato Farm, Orchard and Rural Lifestyle News

December 2011

PH (07) 578 0030

Issue No. 136

Rena quad safety

Pools for summer

Tamarillo disaster

Pluckin’ good times Santa joined the Wild Side team this month in search of an early Christmas turkey.

Read on Page 18-19. Photo by Sheryl Brown.

COAST & COUNTRY

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Coast & Country

Kiwifruit alternatives limited The drive from sunny Mount Maunganui to a rainy Opotiki the other week seemed to reflect the state of the horticultural industry in the Bay of Plenty.

Helping you grow

Spring production without the cost

Psa is certainly raining on the parade of the former flourishing kiwifruit industry and growers will be hoping Santa can deliver a cure this Christmas.

Kiwifruit growers in the meantime are looking to alternative crops to get them through the next few years; however, there is not many options for them and other horticulture industries are preparing for their markets to crash as more growers flood the volumes.

Read about the options for kiwifruit growers and the impact on alternative crops on the next two pages and more about the impact of Psa in our Horticulture section.

In this December issue of Coast & Country we also reflect on the successful story of Comvita, a New Zealand company that has built itself up from a basement to a multi million dollar business.

Meanwhile I joined the Wildside team to go turkey hunting this month as there were rumours Santa was game for a shoot.

Merry Christmas from all here at Coast & Country and we will see you in the New Year.

The impact of Psa on the kiwifruit industry is seeing many growers cutting out vines and leaving prime horticulture land bare.

The cash flow from this year’s crop will begin to run out early in the new year leaving growers with a ticking time bomb in their hands.

Industry leaders are saying to wait for two years when they will hopefully have a more resistant root stock or a management programme to combat Psa to allow growers to return to a prosperous kiwifruit industry.

In the interim, growers have the daunting challenge of finding another income to fill the void.

The temporary options are, however, limited.

Finding a job in town isn’t easy in current economic times and growers are not the only ones in the kiwifruit industry who will be looking for different work – with several packhouses already laying off staff.

Some growers will plant an alterative crop to pay the bills and bide their time.

Other strong export crops such as avocados and citrus take time to grow, however, and years before a decent return is seen.

Some growers are simply cutting wires to allow for tractor access and growing grass silage.

Others are planting short term crops including tamarillos and passionfruit, which growers can grow on the standing kiwifruit structures and hope to harvest fruit in 1-2 years time.

But both tamarillos and passionfruit have their own problems.

Tamarillo Association manager Robin Nitschke has had many kiwifruit growers ringing him thinking there must be good money in tamarillos if the price in the supermarket is anything to go by.

But the tamarillo industry is collapsing – crippled by the tomato/ potato psyllid – which carries a bacteria-like organism called Liberibacter, which it injects into the tree, eventually killing it.

Robin says the TPP is having a bigger effect on tamarillos than annual crops in the solanaceae family such as potatoes and tomatoes.

Since TPP first sneaked into New Zealand in 2006, the annual tamarillo crop has sunk from 1500 tonnes to 350 tonne with the number of growers going from 120 down to 40.

The $6m industry is now worth about $1.5m.

Exporting to Australia has become non-viable due to TPP as NZ tamarillos are now required to be sprayed with a fungicide (methyl bromide).

Is is ‘goodbye’ to the kiwifruit country in the Bay of Plenty?

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A perilious state “Check your market, the market for passionfruit is very small and are only exportable to the United States.

“It's obviously not good for existing passionfruit growers or the industry as a whole, if the market gets swamped, but it’s certainly not good for newcomers hoping to help bolster kiwifruit losses.”

With the high labour costs involved in passionfruit, the vines would need to last a few years to make their money back.

Russell says there is scope to genetically modify passionfruit plants to try and resist the black leg pathogen in the soil and to create a more resistant tamarillo tree against psyllid.

“This was successfully done in 1995 and a genetically modified plant was

For more information on growing tamarillos phone Robin 09 4346949 or 027 262 6949 or email info@tamarillo.com

This process tends to blacken the stalks and make the tamarillos unattractive compared to the locally produced product.

The fruit is mainly exported to America – the origin of the insect.

“It’s absolutely devastating at the moment,” says Robin.

“Kiwifruit growers would be moving from one disaster into another.

“So anybody considering going into tamarillos I would strongly recommend them to give us a call and we can take them through some of the problems associated with the industry.

“Our industry is in a perilous state at the moment. It would be very wise to wait for two or three years until we can see where we’re going with this.”

Opotiki grower Russell Joblin supplies half of the tamarillos exported from New Zealand and a quarter of the domestic market.

His production has dropped by a half, directly due to TPP, and his income has dropped even more with the cost of production rising.

Spraying

He now sprays every two weeks from December till April and then every six weeks during the off season.

At $150/ha for one spray it is an expensive cost for something which isn’t working very effectively.

“There is no guarantee that will be effective.

“If a grower has lost less than 20 per cent of his trees to TPP in a year,

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it is deemed as very successful.”

All the bigger tamarillo growers have lost 50 to 100 per cent of their trees in the last three years.

Because tamarillos take 18 months before they produce their first ‘half crop’, Russell points out that even a “very successful” grower, who manages to only lose 20 per cent of his trees each year, will end up replacing 40 per cent of his crop during a two year period.

Russell lost 50 per cent of his orchard last season because of TPP infections from the previous summer and as a result, production was down 50 per cent this winter alone.

He usually plants 1500 trees/ha, but is double planting to try and keep up with replacing the numbers he is pulling out.

The tamarillo mosaic virus was historically the main concern for tamarillo growers, but is nothing compared to TPP says Russell.

“The other diseases were just puppies – this is a wolf.

“I would much rather go back a few years when we were getting $3/ kg and that was all I had to worry about, than be getting $5/kg and have psyllid.”

Mosaic virus

He is leaving in trees infected with the mosaic virus – which several years ago he would have ripped out of his 7ha orchard immediately.

“The problem with tamarillo mosaic is it will get worse now because we can’t afford to cut it out.

“I was removing 15-20 per cent at

the end of the year with the virus; I have since stopped doing that because I wouldn’t have a crop.”

Aphids will spread the virus more as a result, which affects the look of the fruit and usually means it is second grade and not suitable for export.

“So shortly there will be a lower quality in the shop,” says Russell.

Meanwhile, his partner Debbie started growing passionfruit four years ago on the orchard.

Russell had grown it successfully in the ‘80s and thought it would be a good interest for Debbie.

She got her first crop two years later and then it got crown rot, otherwise known as crown canker or black leg.

Black leg

Black leg can be identified on a vine by the blackening of the trunk, which is often accompanied by the appearance of an orange/pink fungus, eventually killing the vine.

Like Psa, there is no known cure at this time.

It is causing vine losses of more than 80 per cent and is widely spread in the major passionfruit growing areas in New Zealand.

Debbie says the next two patches she planted, in full knowledge about black leg, have also been infected, despite her “finicky” hygiene practices.

Debbie winces when she hears of growers planting thousands of passionfruit vines.

“I just assume they’ve (kiwifruit growers) done their research.

produced that was resistant to all six (tamarillo) viruses, but because of our political stance, this seed remained locked in a fridge.

“I’m hoping the clout of the kiwifruit industry may allow genetic modification to produce a resistant stock because it will certainly help tamarillo growers and the black leg situation in passionfruit.”

Plant & Food Research, with the tamarillo and potato industries, is actively trialling sprays and doing work to come up with answers to the TPP problem.

Russell is in the mean time trying to convince Debbie on moving to Australia where there is no TPP, a population of more than 20 million to sell produce to and “the government assists much more”.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Coast & Country

Too much passion; too much pulp The passionfruit industry has been struggling with black leg for years, but just never made the headlines, says industry committee member David Bateman.

Now growers are steadying themselves for another hit as kiwifruit growers plant passionfruit as an alternative income and are likely going to swamp the market.

“When I first heard about Psa, I thought ‘welcome to our world’,” says David.

“Nobody really cares about or worries when a passionfruit grower loses his crop – which you can understand, we are such a small industry – but it’s headline news when it’s kiwifruit growers – which is totally understandable as it is a major industry in the Bay.” He has heard nurseries have sold out of passionfruit plants as kiwifruit growers look to it as an option – with some rumours of growers planting up to 14 and 17ha blocks.

“That’s a very large area considering the whole industry is probably only about 20ha altogether.

“So they’re all of a sudden going to

slowly drip feed after that. So it’s a long season”.

Growers have tried growing big passionfruit crops.

“There was a guy who put in about 11ha in Whangarei. The first year was great. And then all of a sudden he had major problems; staff; fungal problems coming in because getting around that 11ha isn’t like a kiwifruit orchard, it’s more intense; and then he had black leg. He only lasted about four years.”

double it and try and find markets out there, which are there, but at very, very low prices, which won’t be economical to growers.

“The old growers that have stuck it out realise that the industry will be more likely to be stuffed for about two years.

That no-one is going to make any money.

No cure for black leg

“The (passionfruit) growers are very nervous, but I can understand for the kiwifruit growers panicking and trying to put in something to try and make some quick money.

“But it’s going to stuff a lot of small industries.”

David says the industry has between 40 and 50 passionfruit growers at any one time and even with those numbers they still find it hard to sell their fruit in the middle of the season.

“So these kiwifruit growers might get a bit of a shock.”

Small export market

Growers produce about 100 tonne a year, with about 40 tonne sent to the US and a small amount sent to Australia. The rest is sold to the domestic market.

“We’re pretty lucky in New Zealand that Kiwis like passionfruit and they’re willing to pay reasonably good prices for them,” says David.

“We’re very limited in our markets overseas. We’re very lucky we go into the United States. If the States allow another country in there we’ll be stuffed. It will only be domestic market.

“As a whole industry, we only export about 25,000-30,000 trays to the States – so it’s just a drop in the ocean.

“Yet in the middle of the season, when Florida is coming on with their passionfruit and we’ve got a lot going in, they actually stop it for a couple of weeks – they actually say we’ve had enough.”

There is a small window into Australia between the different varieties of passionfruit, “but the Australian growers don’t like us sending it there”.

“We can send fruit for about two or three weeks. It’s average money.

That will never be good money.”

The industry has tried to set up a market in Asia; Singapore and Hong Kong, but they would only pay $5 a tray – about $2.50kg.

David says the industry also can’t

compete with the price that passionfruit pulp is imported at.

New Zealand imports about 300 tonnes of frozen or fresh pulp from Asia and South America for products such as yoghurts, drinks and icecreams.

“They buy it in as little as $2.50kg and you wouldn’t even produce it at that cost.”

At the start of the season, early fruit can reach a peak of $34-$40 a tray, “which everybody pins their hopes on”.

“We get about five per cent of our crop away at the early prices and then it drops sharply every week.”

Domestic prices can drop from $15kg down to $5kg in the middle of the season.

“We average, on a bad year about $7kg and on a good year up to $10kg for the whole crop,” says David.

Growers give up

“An average grower will last four or five years and then give up because it’s bloody hard to grow with blackleg, frosts, fungal problems.”

David has grown up with kiwifruit and owned a kiwifruit orchard in the past. “A lot of kiwifruit growers won’t realise how labour intensive passionfruit is and how you have to be there all the time with a crop.”

He says kiwifruit growers need to be prepared to be out in the orchard more.

“You’re seven days a week tied to it.

“You have to get all your fruit off the ground before 10.30-11am otherwise it gets sunburnt and your fruit’s stuffed. And that’s every single day.

“For the average grower the season starts late January and goes all the way to early April and then you

David says black leg wipes out orchards.

“We have it and are living with it and thought of giving up several times as it is very demoralising, but are now experimenting with different growing techniques.

“There is no cure for black leg.

“We have gone to HortResearch and done some trails, but they can’t come up with any answers.”

Growers need to be aware passionfruit plants are also very susceptible to frosts.

“I don’t know how they’re going to go in Te Puke; they’ve got their sprinkler systems – but that’s adding more water, which is a problem.

“It’s like Psa in that it comes out when it’s wet and cold over winter and it slows down in the summer.”

The one thing going for passionfruit is its quick turnaround.

“Within 15 months you’ve got a small crop of it.

“Passionfruit guys have persevered with it, but a couple of growers this year – who have grown it for longer than I can remember – have just given up because of black leg.

“They keep planting every year and they keep getting black leg.

“You don’t know you have it until about August and then plants, that look really healthy, all of a sudden just get this black, gooey trunk and then everything above it wilts and the whole plant dies.

“Like the psyllid, like the black leg, like the Psa, we’ve all got our problems, but we can understand why kiwifruit growers are planting passionfruit.

“In summary, I think Psa will be the worst thing to hit the Bay that I know of as it will affect everyone directly and indirectly and a flow on effect will be felt for years unless they come up with an answer – we do feel for the kiwifruit growers.”

By Sheryl Brown

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COAST & COUNTRY

Considering crop changes Kiwi Produce director Geoff Oliver is looking to grow tamarillos and passionfruit on his bare kiwifruit structures.

Kiwi Produce director Geoff Oliver has bought 2500 passionfruit plants and 500 tamarillo trees to replace the Gold kiwifruit vines he has cut out.

Three other growers in a similar position in the area have planted new passionfruit plants and plan to get their fruit packed and distributed by the Te Puke packhouse.

Kiwi Produce is located at Paengaroa in the Te Puke region.

Geoff and his team manage 68 canopy hectares of kiwifruit, including Gold, Green and 85 per cent of the New Zealand KiwiBerry crop.

He has cut out 2.5ha of Gold so far on one block, but has left another block with less infection where he is trying to “keep it going through to the next harvest”.

“If we can keep the vines growing, you never know what is around the corner in terms of new control measures.”

Kiwi Produce already packs and arranges domestic and export sales for tamarillos and passionfruit on behalf of other growers, as well as a vast range of other fruit and vegetables.

Strict management plan

Geoff is aware of the psyllid and black leg problems in the tamarillo and passionfruit industries.

“We plan to commit to a regular spray programme to minimise bacterial, virus and insect damage, plus we will be monitoring weekly.”

He says other issues with consistency of

these two short term crops, are the turnover of growers who exit as their plants die off and because of the limited export potentials offshore.

“We work with a number of exporters and plan to source some new markets, particularly in Asia.

“The problem with these smaller fruit crops is that it doesn’t take much volume to go from an under supplied market to a saturated market.”

The options of other alternative crops for kiwifruit growers, who now have posts and pergolas but no kiwifruit plants, are somewhat limited.

“If they haven’t grown other field crops before – it can be difficult,” says Geoff.

“If you are going to grow another crop you need to research net returns you can expect after all costs are deducted.”

He says some growers may be better off looking for employment off their orchard.

“There is going to be some grief as growers try to weather the storm for two or three years.

“Growers need to make a really sound choice.

“In some cases, it might be a better option to make the orchard their weekend job and find a job in town – although that’s easier said than done.” Geoff says other crops worth investigating include: • Vegetables, “You can get into vege crops, but you’re up against some of the commercial growers that do it really well.”

• “We are working with some growers who have planted watermelons and sweet corn.

• “Other options include; pumpkins, beans, outdoor capsicums, celery, chillies and chicos – you can grow those in the shelter belts.”

• Berries, “The structures would lead to a berry fruit.”

Processing problems

Another issue for growers to consider, if they are dabbling in another crop, is the work involved in packing, marketing and sales as an individual.

The single point market entry strategy operated by Zespri is not available to most other crops.

“Kiwifruit has a wonderful marketing structure. You just have to get your fruit in a bin and on a truck,” says Geoff.

Kiwi Produce coordinates domestic sales and exports a range of crops and can help growers with marketing their smaller crops.

Geoff says the repercussion of Psa on the kiwifruit industry may see growers steering clear of investing exclusively in a monoculture.

“It will probably make growers more aware of spreading their risks and spreading their range of investments.”

Both Zespri, Kiwifruit Vine Health and the Kiwifruit Growers Association say it is not their place to tell growers what to do in regards to growing alternative crops.

THREE BROTHERS

THREE BROTHERS

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COAST & COUNTRY

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Coast & Country

Making of a sweet partnership Global natural health and beauty products Comvita has been marked for takeover by Singapore’s Cerebos. The New Zealand company’s shares are trading above the offer price as loyal shareholders show they are unwilling to let the company fall into foreign hands.

Coast & Country visited the Bay of Plenty business to learn the story behind Comvita.

By Sheryl Brown

Comvita, a combination of comfrey and vitamins, was always about a vision of making natural products that could really help people.

Comvita’s history is a New Zealand story of passion, breaking conventionalism, taking risks and dreaming big.

It epitomises the Kiwi entrepreneur characteristic, all starting in 1976 when a young 26-year-old Alan Bougen ventured to the Bay of Plenty to meet 66-year-old beekeeper Claude Stratford.

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After spending several years abroad, Alan had returned to New Zealand with a philosophy on natural products and came across one of Claude’s skin care ointments.

He visited Claude, who was managing a few hives and making honey and medicinal bee products out of his basement in Paengaroa as a ‘retirement project’.

The pair sat down over a cup of Claude’s favourite Godfrey tea – with a little bit of added honey of course – and talked about their shared philosophies and the vision of what Comvita could become.

The second time they met, Claude invited Alan to buy a 50 per cent share of the “fledgling business”.

The financial risks and doubts of going into business together were all outweighed by a sense of destiny, says Alan.

“It was a crazy opportunity – he was a controversial guy with very leftfield ideas. I felt he was 40 years ahead of his time.

“Claude was a self taught ‘nature doctor’. He had ideas about health and nutrition that were really advanced and his approach was prevention rather than cure.

“It meant putting in money – and it was quite a lot of money for me and my wife at the time, “but we both felt a sense of destiny; it seemed like the opportunity we had been looking for.”

The business partnership went ahead and the early days were spent in Claude’s basement blending honey in vats and creating skin care products in the mornings, then Claude and Alan would go beekeeping in the afternoons.

“Claude Stratford is a very good beekeeper,” says Alan.

“I’ve never seen anyone handle bees quite like Claude.

“He has a unique and gentle management style. When he was working with bees, there was a peaceful aura around the experience.”

Comvita cofounder Claud with some of his ear e Stratford ly honey.

The pair’s beekeeping skills were put to good use as their hive numbers increased to 2500 during the next few years – helped by the demand for pollination services in the growing kiwifruit industry.

Meanwhile, the pair opened a small shop and started distributing through small health stores which Alan says were run mostly by ‘hippy types’.

“They were the people that supported Comvita in the early days.

“The more conservative thought we were on some weird trip and were seen as being ‘alternative lifestylers’.

“We certainly weren’t mainstream in that many of our ideas on nutrition – we definitely challenged the status quo at the time. These days we would probably seem ordinary and boring.”

Alan says from day one the Comvita brand had growth written all over it and a major milestone for the company was when Woolworths started a small ‘taste of nature’ section in some of its supermarkets.

Comvita was one of the few product ranges put on the shelves. At the same time, Comvita started selling into selected pharmacies, however, international markets were always where the future lay.

“Export was on our radar right from the start,” says Alan.

“We were dreaming big dreams – always thinking outside of New Zealand.

“Claude was always slightly outrageous in his thinking. He would say things like ‘we’ll be a $10 million company in Australia in five years’.

“Well I knew there was no way that was going to happen, but I didn’t discourage that because I always felt it was good to dream big dreams.

“You might not be a $10 million company, but if you’re a $1 million company it’s still pretty damn good.”

The first ‘export’ business was a few small mail orders into Japan and Australia, with the first real opportunity coming in 1989 through a New Zealand couple living in London. While visiting the Bay of Plenty they called into the shop and asked to take some products back to sell in their London based health food store.

Several months later Comvita had a letter for another order.

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Export by the letter - then by fax Comvita continued on its strong growth the norm and Comvita had a constant path with a far smaller range of products and requirement for capital, skilled people the company become more profitable year by and better business structures. year.

“The business was evolving from a They were continually running out of space ‘cottage industry’ through the ‘80s to a in the factory and warehouse and so in 1997 far more professional, commercial busiAlan purchased an old pub on three acres of ness in the ‘90s, albeit still quite small.” land at Paengaroa, where the company’s headAlan took the opportunity to buy back shares from two silent partners and quarters remains today.

He set about designing a GMP standard took a majority shareholding position. processing plant which opened for busiBy that time, Comvita was producness at the end of 1998. This set ing an extensive range the scene for significant growth of natural health in exports including the Australian products and Alan ent sem ba e’s ud Cla t of market. Alan then set in place a decided to go back to Comvita moved ou rst store. robust structure for the company the basics and concento the company’s fi including a governance board and in trate on what they knew 2002 the company floated on the NZAX. well – bees.

Comvita went onto the main NZX board in Comvita had been working with others Alan laughs about the time spent waiting for 2005. in the industry on the development of the letters back and forth and what a revolution a The decision to go from a private to a public science around manuka honey and decided to fax machine meant for the business. company was based on the need for increased evolve a range of products which recognised At that time New Zealand beekeepers were capital so the company could continue to the antibacterial properties of such a unique mainly sending honey overseas in 44 gallon realistically address its ever growing export New Zealand honey. drums for a miniscule profit while all the value opportunities.

At the same time, the range of propolis was added offshore.

Comvita has also made nine acquisitions in products underwent major expansion based Comvita took a risk by designing a PET poly on a number of ideas picked up by Alan on his the last decade, acquiring businesses to comjar; a unique looking plastic pot with square plement and help build the brand. many overseas business trips. sides to package their exported product in.

It hasn’t all been an easy The feedback from their UK distributors ride, however, says Alan. was that nobody was selling honey in plastic “When the global financial jars and it wouldn’t sell – they soon had to eat crisis hit, our share price went humble pie because the product sold really through the floor and it’s been well, says Alan. a hard road back.”

“I spoke at the beekeepers national conferShares went from $2.80 to ence and talked about the new export business an all time low of 70 cents.

Comvita was pioneering in the UK. Alan says the company “Industry colleagues at the time said it is ready to realise its full couldn’t be done because the duty rates would potential. mean an unrealistic selling price; and besides, “Comvita will almost reach Europeans only eat honey out of glass jars. its target of $100 million in Claude and I took great pleasure in proving sales this year. them wrong by our success in the UK market during the next few years.

“By 1993 we were shipping pallets lots to the UK.” By the early 1990s sales were in the range of $3 million and the business had reached a Alan and Claude with early awards. crossroads, says Alan.

Annual revenue growth of 25 per cent was

5

3

3

2

“We are still a minnow in the global sense, but we’ve got a big future.”

For Claude, now 101 and Alan, 60, the hope is for the vision and the ethos of Comvita to continue – which was always around creating a business that wasn’t just about making money, but about helping people and making a difference in the community.

“Comvita today has a staff of 330 people located in many parts of the world who have signed onto the mission of the company and work hard each day to see the vision realised.

“It’s really humbling when I think back to our beginnings in the basement.”

By Sheryl Brown

F QUOREE TES!

FERTILISER

Page 8

Rules to avoid pests and diseases in pasture

Coast & Country Ron McLean with giant clover.

By Brett Petersen, Farm Supervisor

I do not accept diseases or pests are compulsory.

When man makes poor fertiliser choices, regularly pugs paddocks, uses toxic chemical weed sprays and other poor management practices, the chances of getting diseases and pests increases as plants are stressed.

In nature, no one plant, animal, insect, bacterium, fungus or disease can dominate, as everything is in balance. If one undesirable customer rears its ugly head, the forces of nature deal to it. The damage is minimal and temporary.

That scene is not played out on most farms where the natural order of things is seriously disrupted.

Most researchers tell us the causal organism of a disease is the fungus or bacterium (the viable inoculum).

But being the causal organism does not make it the cause. It is merely a symptom. The cause is a mineral deficiency or deficiencies. In any case, it is far better to prevent diseases than to catch them.

I don’t believe we are on the right track by treating symptoms. If we were, the number of diseases would diminish. But the list of diseases is growing, while the list of chemicals available to treat the diseases also expands.

By attacking bacteria or viruses with a chemical spray may win you time, but not the war. To do that, we must look at the soil. The aim is to balance the nutrients in the soil so the plant or crops immune system will be able to cope with almost anything that attacks it.

Most fertiliser programmes are based on NPK In nature, most soil nitrogen is in the ammonium form. In agriculture, most soil N is in the nitrate form. In nature it does not come at a price from a factory. It comes free from the air which is 80 per cent nitrogen. There are 74,000 tonnes of N above every hectare.

Free nitrogen

To get free nitrogen, you must have a correct calcium-magnesium quantum, available phosphorus, available iron, molybdenum and cobalt. You need to earn the right to free nitrogen. It doesn’t happen overnight.

On average, 73 per cent of applied superphosphate complexes with aluminium, iron, calcium and other cations within six weeks of application. In some cases, it is only a matter of hours. When tying up, the P becomes less available than the P in RPR used to manufacture the superphosphate in the first place. Soluble phosphorus products kill vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (VAM). VAM can increase the roots effectiveness to extract P and other nutrients by up to 1000 times. Plants grown with VAM have superior health.

Depending on the soil, P levels need to be 365-550 kg/ha. Use a mixture of phosphorus products.

Potassium chloride (KCI) kills microbes good and bad alike; just 2ppm (4kg/ha) of chlorine is enough to cause harm and the net effect of this is a rock-hard soil.

KCI also encourages certain weed

growth. Potassium chloride has a salt index of 116 – potassium sulphate has a salt index of 46.

Insist on applying only potassium sulphate when correcting soil potassium deficiencies and to provide K for the crop. Large amounts of potassium are required to satisfy plants’ needs.

The soil for pastures must have 3.5-5.0 per cent base saturation potassium – for trees and woody plants including berries, K needs to be 7.0-7.5 per cent. Sulphur from sulphate is far more useful than chloride from muriate. The sulphate form of potassium enhances palatability while the chloride form does the opposite by making produce taste bitter.

Calcium is king

The soil requires greater amounts of calcium than any other nutrient. Calcium is king. Get it to 65-70 per cent of base saturation.

Fungi are responsible for retaining calcium in the soil. Calcium and magnesium govern oxygen and water in the soil. Calcium can increase the uptake of many nutrients, so when the calcium supply is inadequate, other nutrients may also be inadequate.

Magnesium needs to be 10-12 per cent of base saturation. Any more or less and a deficiency will exist in the plant. Not only a deficiency, but the amount of nitrogen required to support the crop will increase by up to 50 per cent.

That same situation also ties up potassium. Magnesium forms the centre of the chloroplast and is vital

for photosynthesis. It drives the solar panels. Mg in deficit means P cannot get into the plant efficiently.

Sodium needs to be 0.5-2.0 per cent of base saturation. In some cases, sodium is higher than potassium, causing dehydration problems in summer.

Minimum sulphur levels in the soil are 20ppm – 50ppm is even better. More sulphur than phosphorus is required, but seldom applied.

Sulphur leaches easily on free draining soils; the ideal soil for most crops.

Spraying glyphosate and other chemicals decreases organic matter increasing sulphur losses.

Iron has to be a minimum of 200ppm.

It can be much higher and often is.

Some parts of New Zealand lack iron, but it may be in the subsoil. Find out your iron status. In some circumstances it can take huge amounts to correct, if deficient.

A major limitation to plant growth in most agricultural soils is an inadequate supply of plant nutrients, regardless of the supply in the soil. Iron crystals have a large surface area and are highly charged. As a result, nutrients such as phosphate, sulphate and trace elements are tightly bound to the crystals and unavailable to plants. If anaerobic micro-sites are able to develop, the crystals break down, releasing the nutrients for plant uptake. Ferrous iron is released into the soil. Other nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium and ammonium are held on the surface of clay and organic matter. The release of ferrous iron displaces these nutrients into the soil solution where they are available for uptake by plants. Manganese must not be higher than iron.

Make sure it is at least 5ppm less. The minimum is 40ppm, but 125-250ppm provided iron is higher, is excellent. An inverse iron-manganese ratio severely limits root growth, followed by the consequences of that.

Silicon is abundant

Silicon is abundant in the soil, but not necessarily available. Available silicon in plants will thwart penetration by fungal hyphae and will cause dehydration and death in insects.

Boron is a calcium synergist. Minimum soil level is 0.8ppm; 1.5-2.0ppm is better. Boron allows the chloroplast to dump 60 per cent of the sugar into the roots. From there, 50 per cent of that sugar is exuded to the soil to feed the microbes. In return, the microbes make minerals available to the plants.

Copper needs to be a minimum of 2ppm in the soil, but 5.0 are better, 10-13 better still. Copper and sulphur influence palatability. Collectively, calcium, silicon, manganese, potassium, copper and boron are involved in plant strength. To stop pastures and crops getting pests and diseases they need to be in the correct proportions.

Zinc should be in the 7-20ppm range, but zinc is linked to phosphorus and must be correct for the level of P in the soil. I.e. at P levels of 240kg/ha, Zinc needs to be 12ppm; at 365ppm P, Zn needs to be 19.5ppm.

Molybdenum needs to be 1-2ppm and cobalt 1-2ppm. Selenium hardly ever gets a mention. Add selenium at 0.5kg/ ha of product as selenium confers insect resistance. It’s the cheapest trace element you can buy.

The pH is the result of your soil’s chemical composition; it should never be the cause of your fertiliser programme. If you follow the rules above, your pH will fall into the region of a healthy 6.4. Having a pH of 6.4 without having a balanced soil is meaningless.

The above guidelines not only confer pest and disease resistance, through an enhanced immune system, but also results in superior yields of any crops, year after year. If you want to follow up on this, email Brett bpetersen@farmside. co.nz It doesn’t matter what the figures are.

What matters is how to interpret them, how to overcome deficiencies and how to avoid or reduce excesses through applying the correct amount and type of fertiliser.

These figures are relevant only to Perry Agricultural Laboratory and Kinsey Agricultural Services.

FERTILISER

PH 07 578 0030

Page 9

Biological farming produces spinoffs Jeff Graham with Persian clover.

Nubians, Saanens and half-and-half goats.

Fiona Graham milks some of their goats.

Jeff Graham of Pukeatua Peak is a real ideas man, but he’s also a man who keeps records.

He and his wife Fiona have been fans of Peter Floyd’s E-Cogent recording and management systems for some years, which involves daily records not only of weather, but how each part of the dairy goat farm is working and how profitable each is.

Not only is the farm now producing the compost for Kiwi Fertilisers, but its goats are producing phenomenal amounts of rich milk, due to the huge emphasis placed on what they get to eat.

In the last year, production has risen from 28,000kgMS to a staggering 40,000kgMS. The vet bills have dropped from $14,000/year to $4000/ year and the average condition score is now a steady 5-5.5.

Forty hectares of the 97ha farm are now used for cut and carry feed and of this area they have achieved an ideal ‘base saturation’ level in 13ha and are working on lifting the remainder’s levels. The kgDM/ha produced has risen from 14,000 to 20,000/year.

New pasture planted in May this year consists of an 11 species herbal ley which includes no ryegrass, but does include Persian Clover.

To date they have taken nine tonnes/ haDM off this new pasture. It then got a dressing of compost-based Kiwi Fertiliser and was already well grown on its next round, a week after cutting.

A small area which had been left uncut (specially for me to look at) was already more than knee deep and some of the Persian Clover had grown to one metre

in length with huge leaves. The top paddocks of the farm are about 250m above sea level and they have managed to grow good crops of lucerne there, which is baled and fed in measured amounts every day.

The Goat Milk Co-op has discovered a huge high value baby food market in Asia and now pay differential prices for the levels of protein, milk fat and lactose in milk supplied. The Grahams’ feed system has also raised protein levels almost equivalent to those for milk fat and not far behind those for lactose. As protein is paid for at a rate 15 times that for lactose, the monthly milk dockets look pretty healthy.

There’s also a great deal of a variety of five cheeses being packed in a new facility on the farm. Using some of the Grahams’ milk, the bulk cheese is being made for them by Over the Moon Cheeses in Putaruru, but the amount involved increased to the point where packing needed to be done on a different site, so they built one on the farm. Pukeatua Peak cheeses are definitely worth investigating, given the samples I was given to bring home after enthusing over them during a cheese-based lunch.

Jeff ’s ideas don’t stop at compost and cheese. He and Peter Floyd, with help from Duncan Johnstone, who described himself as a one-time retired and bored farmer, have devised a most efficient soil carbon sampling and measuring system, which takes cores a metre deep.

Mounted on a trailer, weighted with two tanks of water, it pushes a long corer into pasture at measured intervals

(same places each year). The core sits in a half-round liner and is removed and laid against a colour-coded measure. The top part is separated off and is sent to Neal Kinsey in Missouri for soil testing. The remainder is separated into three other colour coded bins, ground up and sent to Hills Laboratory for carbon measurement. The second part of the carbon process is to conduct Visual Soil Assessments randomly in the same pastures.

When I visited, our record count was 37 worms to a spade spit. These days Duncan is out of retirement and happily towing the trailer from Kaitaia to the Deep South for three months each year and the outfit is called Carbon Search (NZ). They are thus fully prepared when the international soil carbon market gets going.

As I watched Fiona milking in their 30 a-side herringbone shed, Jeff commented they had indeed achieved what they believed milking should be – an exercise in contentment.

By Sue Edmonds

HORTICULTURE

Page 10

Coast & Country

Financial assistance for growers

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An assistance package for kiwifruit growers may be on the cards with the industry preparing to show government it is worth sticking by growers.

Kiwifruit Vine Health Inc is preparing a full impact analysis report now there is a clearer picture of the impact of Psa-V on the industry.

“We are doing a full impact analysis report,” says KVH general manager John Burke.

“Included in that we’re developing what we see as potential recovery pathways and we’re examining whether or not that recovery pathway can be assisted and what the cost benefit of that will be.”

If the figures stack up, KVH will be asking government for more financial assistance, says John.

“If there’s a business case – for assisting the recovery, which would provide a clear benefit over the cost of the assistance, definitely that’s what we’ll be doing.

“I think everyone – all stakeholders, including government, will hopefully see it as a sensible idea.”

John says it is too early to know what an assistance package could mean for growers.

There was compensation for growers in the early stages as the industry led an ‘eradication strategy’.

KVH was given $50m – $25m from government and $25m from the industry – in an aim to aggressively contain the disease.

“When I came into the role, that fund was to go and try and cut out orchards to keep the disease bound to within the area we thought it was,” says John.

“That was our original focus, but we soon discovered the infection was prob-

ably wider spread than we first thought and that’s when we pulled back on that.

“In that process we committed about $17.7m on support payments to growers to cut out their orchards over about 153ha – about 62 orchards.

“We soon realised that was very expensive and we weren’t winning the battle.”

In considering an assistance package for more growers, John says “you have got to look at not just the impact on the industry, but the wider economic impact and social impact on both the Bay of Plenty and New Zealand economy”.

“I think if you talked to various businesses in the Bay of Plenty they would say they’re starting to see an impact, even now, but if we don’t do anything, it’s certainty going to be starting to be felt in the coming months.”

John says the community will really feel the impact when growers stop getting payments for this year’s crop.

“They’ll start running out between March and June/July next year.

“And there is a lot of anxiety around that. If we can develop a recovery pathway that everyone’s on board with, that will take away a hang of a lot of anxiety.

And that includes the banks as well.”

KVH is running an open book policy with banks and is meeting with them regularly, says John.

“They’ve been really waiting because they’re in a position of uncertainty as well.

“They’re pretty pleased to see the situation start to crystallise and then it’s a matter of working through whether or not we can have some sort of assistance with the recovery from here.”

John says the report will be finished early next year, but they “should have a fairly good idea of what the plan is before Christmas”.

By Sheryl Brown

HORTICULTURE

PH 07 578 0030

Region’s income lies in horticulture Horticulture still leads the way as a contributor to our region’s income and is key to its future growth.

Ensuring the region stays on track, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic continues to develop and deliver innovative and relevant horticulture programmes.

In response to industry concern about attracting younger people into the sector, the Polytechnic introduced a full time National Certificate in Horticulture earlier this year.

The entry-level programme introduces students to a range of horticultural industries (including landscaping, floraculture, sports turf, fruit and vegetable, etcetera) with work experience.

It also allows the students to grow and develop while pursuing special interest

areas – in the second year – ensuring the qualification they get is relevant for their career goals.

The Polytechnic’s part-time Advanced Fruit Production programme is aimed at those already working in the sector and can be tailored for anyone, including those working at entry-level, as supervisors, contractors or even owners.

The Level 4 Advanced programme covers everything from the basic science of how plants grow, through to useful skills and tips to enable students to make sound management and financial decisions, resulting in profitable outcomes.

Relevant to all fruit productions sectors, from kiwifruit, avocados, Campbell Wood has a National feijoas, berryfruit, olives and more, the Certificate in Horticulture part-time programme was developed and Fruit Production for for students to continue working while Profit from BOP Polytechnic and now manages a kiwifruit learning key skills along the way. orchard in Tauranga.

HORTS SHORTS Top horticulturist

Ben Smith from Pukekohe is the Horticulturist of the Year. Ben was awarded the Young Grower of the Year title this year at the HortNZ conference, which meant he went on to represent fruit and vegetable growers in the wider horticulture industry competition.

Ben competed against five other finalists from around the country, who represented various areas of the horticulture industry.

The 29-year-old is a grower manager looking after 5.5 hectares of greenhouses for Status Produce in Pukekohe – New Zealand’s leading tomato producer.

Mexican tariff lifted

Mexico has agreed to remove its 20 per cent tariff on kiwifruit imports. Kiwifruit is by far the most significant New Zealand horticulture export to Mexico – it made up about $6 million of the just over $7 million worth of exports to that country last year.

According to the HortNZ/Horticulture Export Authority’s ‘Barriers to our Export Trade’ report, the cost of the 20 per cent tariff in 2010 was about NZD$1.2 million, on trade which had increased

Bulk r e Fertiliz

almost four-fold since 2008. Mexico has no domestic kiwifruit production. HortNZ chief executive Peter Silcock says this is extremely encouraging and timely news for the kiwifruit industry and it should mean the Mexican market has the potential to increase further in value and become more rewarding for growers.

German offer for T&G

BayWa, a Munich-based, international trading and services company, is buying Turners and Growers.

In April 2011, Turners & Growers Limited announced it had engaged Goldman Sachs to assist with it undertaking a strategic review. As a result of that strategic review, T&G announced to the New Zealand Stock Exchange on November 10 it received a take over notice from BayWa Aktiengesellschaft (‘BayWa’).

The offer price under BayWa’s proposed takeover offer is $1.85 per share. The proposed offer is expected to be made to all shareholders of T&G within 30 days.

T&G’s major shareholder Guinness Peat Group Plc confirmed it will accept BayWa’s offer, when made, in respect of its 63 per cent shareholding in T&G.

Page 11

Page 12

HORTICULTURE

Coast & Country

What is biological farming?

I was invited to have a slot at the Biological Conference in Rotorua, a chance I would not have missed for all the tea in China.

from the lab

This conference was organised By Dr Guna Magesan, formally from Scion. He was assisted by Malcolm Short, Tom Walters, Gifford McFadden, Geoff Rice, Neil Heather and Jamie Patterson; Malcolm Short is the chairperson of the Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust.

Feedback was very good, with one person feeling he did not have his question answered, ‘What is Biological Farming?’ A good question and one I will now try to answer.

The only shortfall in the whole proceedings I feel, was each speaker was allotted just 15 minutes. That in my book was far too short; hence the subject was left unanswered.

Biological farming, as the name suggests, is primarily associated with the soils biology. The biology of the soil is in fact the plants rumen and like a ruminating animal, the biology needs certain environmental factors to function. Each plant group also has its preferred prerequisites, such as chemistry, pH, water and sunlight. You would not expect to grow bananas in Alaska or farm camels in the pole. When we took man to the moon, (I would question that this was done) we took his environment with him.

Here in this fair country, most, if not all the plants we grow and the animals we raise, came from another hemisphere and another environment. To get the maximum return from our investment, we need to duplicate as near as tractable those sets of conditions

where the plant and or animal originated.

There are a lot of companies peddling products designed to stimulate biology. While the idea has merit, the introduction of bacteria to a soil, without first assessing the soils chemistry, will only mean that much hard earned cash is wasted as the biology lasts for only a short time.

If you first address the soil chemistry, however and duplicate the chemistry from which the plant originated, you will find there was no need to introduce the biology, it will be there. Biological farming therefore is the creation of the set of conditions necessary for them to procreate and die.

I was approached years ago to consult for a large farm in the centre of the North Island; the owner took me on a tour of his 40,000 acre property and asked me at the end of the tour what I thought it needed. My first observation was there was a complete lack of worm life. He said I can get a DC3 to spread worms all over the property if that is what it needs; to which I replied have your shepherds built any compost heaps? Are the worms there? The answer, of course, was yes.

I then asked did the boss supply the worms? Of course not, the conditions were right and worms just arrived.

Science is a process of elimination. All life relies on the soil. Get the soil fertility right and all else will fall into line. That is biological farming.

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Page 13

IRD grower support call A group of Bay of Plenty accountants is calling on the IRD to tailor solutions to assist kiwifruit orchardists.

The Business Results Group Ltd director Trudi Ballantyne, who organised the recent meeting of orcharding accountants, says the group has requested IRD’s help smoothing out income and losses due to Psa to assist grower cashflow.

“In cases of disasters and emergencies, IRD are able to offer some stock standard solutions – so we are trying to work with them to show them what the scenarios are that our orchardists are going to be facing.”

Through the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the group is lobbying the IRD to commit to using its ‘discretion’ to pay out refunds early on income tax losses under the Income Equalisation Deposit Scheme.

Trudi says this is a real issue for the many orchardists who will be a having a highly profitable year on paper – from last season’s crop payment and lower orchard management expenses – ahead of a few years of losses.

Under the income equalisation deposit scheme, orchardists can have their incomes over two financial periods ‘equalised’ – by paying

position and pastoral support advice will be offered at a series of seminars being held by KVH starting Monday November 28 from 3pm and 6pm

the IRD a cheque for one year’s surplus that will be repaid the following year when the business operates at loss.

“They usually have to leave the money with IRD for 12 months for it to work, but IRD have within their discretion the ability to release the money early.

“So we are asking for their assurance if growers want to make an income equalisation deposit the IRD will use their discretion to release the money early so potentially they can write the cheque one week, then have it released the next week.”

Trudi says the scheme is traditionally more popular with dairy farmers who tended to have more

swing in their income, but says it would also help those facing a hit to income from next financial year.

“These are the circumstances that we are in now where we want to retain the greatest equity possible and knowing that we have a high profit year followed by a loss year it makes sense to be able to use it.”

Trudi says the group expects to hear back from IRD before Christmas on this and other issues.

She encouraged all growers to work with their accountant to ensure they have the best solution for their needs.

More information on the IRD’s

(Orchard Church, MacLoughlin Drive, Te Puke). To view the full list of seminars visit www.kvh.org.nz/calendar

By Hamish Carter

JORDAAN

Shock therapy cure for Psa? Perhaps shock therapy could be the answer to Psa for kiwifruit growers.

Kiwifruit Vine Health is investigating an orchard in Te Puke which has healthy vines growing around a power line amongst a Psa-V infected crop.

KVH general manger John Burke says they are keen to investigate what is happening on the orchard.

“We’ve had a report that an orchard in Te Puke, which has quite bad infection, has vines around a power pole or power line and these are looking okay – so we’re going to have a look at it.”

John says there have already been some trials around it, but they have proved unsuccessful so far.

“We are looking at it – we’ve had people coming to see us about using EMF – electric magnetic fields – to help with the plants, so that ties in with that transpower thing, so we’re going to investigate that definitely.”

KVH want to hear from growers who may have some vines that are showing to be more resilient to the infection.

“We’re asking growers to be really observant and even keep an eye on any vines that might be holding up against the disease because we might find there is some variance on the root stock that might help us.”

John says getting through Psa is going to be through plant breeding. “We are trying to fast track resistant root stock firstly and then looking at cultivators.”By Sheryl Brown

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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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.

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

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Page 14

COAST & COUNTRY

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FORESTRY

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Page 15

Finding a stable market As our industry goes into one of its downturns, I get that feeling of deja vu all over again, as Murray Mexted once so famously said.

All the signs are there again; a big slowdown in export log volume; logging contractors with no work; finance companies going around repossessing logging equipment; and despondency all over the industry.

All this after such a wonderful couple of years of steadily increasing prices reaching record highs last summer. On the plus side, it looks like the worst is over and there are signs that prices are climbing already and most analysts are picking a reasonable uplift after Christmas.

Now is the time we find ourselves asking whether our industry has to be the victim of peaks and

troughs which cause so much disruption to people’s lives and the general health of the whole industry?

One of the main problems is as an industry,we have become almost totally dependent on the export log trade. Until about 10 years ago, the domestic sawmill market absorbed the bulk of our log output and any surplus was exported.

Now this situation is flipped over and the export market is the dominant volume with the domestic sawmill only taking a small proportion of the national cut. This puts the whole health of our industry in the hands of the fickle export market.

So how did we get in this situation? First of all, the national cut has doubled in the last 20 years and the extra volume just could not be absorbed into the domestic market. Secondly, what domestic processing market we have got is in rapid decline.

I was told recently by a timber preservative industry leader that 138 wood processing sites have shut down in New Zealand in recent years. This is largely the result of a decline in demand as the building boom of the early century faded away to a low level.

The high exchange rate makes it very difficult to export timber competitively especially into the United States. There has also been a structural change in the industry as many smaller local sawmills could not compete with the larger operations enjoying economies of scale needed to be competitive.

Doing business in New Zealand New Zealand is also becoming a harder place to do business with ACC, health and safety, resource management and general bureaucracy, making the New Zealand mill at a disadvantage when competing with the Chinese mill.

These are issues which have to be addressed if New Zealand is going to have a strong domestic wood processing industry and the forest industry less reliant on the violent upheaval of the export markets. A pipedream maybe?

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Page 16 Orchard tractOrs

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Coast & Country

True benefits of good cow flow Bearing in mind that dairy farmers and their workers spend 57 per cent of their time ‘in the shed’, it’s amazing what a few tweaks can do to improve things and reduce time and effort.

sMaLL tractOrs & MOWErs

DairyNZ’s Milk Smart programme focused on cow flow and cow behaviour, with most sessions fully booked. I joined the crowd at an Orini farm where they milk 720 in two herds through a 50 bail rotary.

The first session was taken by Neil Chesterton, an Inglewood vet with huge enthusiasm and a lameness phobia. We looked at race width, camber, surface quality and composition, corners and fencing. Neil explained a number of contractors insist on too much camber for cow comfort, which results in cows avoiding the sides and crowding down the centre of a race.

While drainage is important, camber should be no more than eight per cent, measured using a float level and a tape to work out depth from horizontal.

No electric fences at entry aG tractOrs

Electric fences should stop about 20m before the yard is reached, to allow for any crowding at that point.

We looked at the junction between race and concrete and discussed whether this would slow cows up and how much gravel might get transferred to the yard. The size of yard for a herd (allowing cows to move to their own milking order once in) and whether the surface and slope might see cows fall.

Neil revealed where there is a steep difference between

the race and the yard (which is generally built higher for drainage), cows will walk up broad concrete steps with confidence (riser about 10cm), although those laying the concrete won’t be so enthused. Also, square nibs at junctions are safer than rounds, which often cause slipping.

Backing gate layout

Aiden Bichan, an advisor from the Wairarapa, then discussed the operation of backing gates and layout at the bridge. Backing gates are not meant to push cows, but rather to reduce the space for cows to drift about and not focus on getting into the shed. Some form of noise warning when the gate is to be moved allows cows to prepare for it and the speed of the gate should be no more than 1m/5sec in a round yard at outer edge and 0.5m/5sec in a rectangular yard.

The shape and width of the bridge entry should preclude two cows trying to stand side by side and the area should have no protruding rail ends or latches to injure them. Any operator squeeze space should be away from the bridge entry, as cows will back off if confronted face to face. The back off and turn space on a rotary should have a non-slip floor and no projections to damage hips etcetera.

Breast rails in front of feed troughs in sheds should be low enough to allow the cows easy access to dry feed. Recommended widths and heights for rails in both rotary and herringbone sheds, can make a real difference to cow flow and exit gates must swing high enough to

allow free flow of cows. Bruce Eyers, the Animal Husbandry expert from DairyNZ looked at people behaviour during milking. With a staff turnover of dairy workers of about 3000 a year at a cost of 150 per cent of annual salary for each change, making sure staff know what policies and procedures are wanted can have huge benefits.

No free rides

Bruce says a cow flow system which ensures every bail is full at every round and there are no cows free-riding has been proven to reduce milking times on an average herd by 30 minutes straight away. Other tweaks to the flow can increase milk harvest and increase productivity and profit. A shed which is pleasant to work in, for both cows and people, is more effective and many tweaks have little or no cost.

Cows have a wider range of vision than humans, but are more limited on vertical vision. Their hearing is not so specific, but covers a wider area, so sudden noises are more difficult for them to accurately trace. Their most sensitive skill is that of smell; smells emanating from up to 8km away can spook them. Cortisol excreted in urine of fearful cows can be picked up from great distances and transmit into frightened behaviour by many others.

Understanding their reactions can make big differences in the milking experience.

DairyNZ has produced excellent handout material which allows farmers to measure each feature on their own farms and in their own sheds.

By Sue Edmonds

SAFETY

PH 07 578 0030

Page 17

Coast to Country quad safety Twelve iwi-based response staff are now skilled in quad bike riding after receiving training to assist them in safely monitoring oil clean ups on beaches.

The quad bike training sessions were funded by Maritime New Zealand and under taken by DRIVEzone in Tauranga to support clean up crews on remote islands and beaches in the Bay of Plenty, in the wake of the stranding of container ship Rena.

DRIVEzone and Te Puke Farm & Trail supplied the quad bikes for the training.

People from Motiti Island, Maketu and the ICC took part in the training session.

DRIVEzone owner John James says the quad bike training course encompasses theoretical and practical components focusing on the safety and awareness of the rider, vehicle and environment.

“It also covers safe riding techniques for a variety of terrains.”

He says practical evaluation took place at DRIVEzone’s purpose built riding track in Ohauiti.

Qualifications in Rural Health & Safety and a National Certificate in Agriculture are both available through DRIVEzone, as the new satellite campus of Telford, a division of Lincoln University.

John and Lorraine James have been running DRIVEzone for 10 years and welcome the opportunity to increase their existing training portfolio.

their work colleagues, remain safe in the workplace.”

National Certificate Programme Training includes practical workshops, theory and workplace training components of both compulsory topics and elected topics provide flexibility for individual

Iwi based response staff monitoring beaches get training on quad bike safety.

John says health and safety in the workplace is increasingly in the media and is a hot topic.

Current statistics state an average of 850 quad bike accidents on farms and workplaces happen in New Zealand every year and last year 18 people died on farms.

“Often people in the rural sector work solo and in remote locations. It’s not only farmers and farm workers, but contractors, government agency employees and service providers working in the rural sector who are increasingly at risk.

“It is a hot topic and our passion and prime focus is to offer people the knowledge and skills to ensure they, and

Being heard through talk of teapot tapes refreshing to get into some major policy issues, such as the ETS and asset sales, without mention of the absurd saga of the ‘teapot tapes’.

The national council of Federated Farmers met in Wellington last month and farm leaders from around the country got a taste of the capital at election time.

The Federation is in good heart, with the success of our election manifesto and a strong voice on agricultural issues throughout the election campaign.

By the time this column is published a new government will have been elected, after what has proved to be a very heated campaign and one which offered – as our national president Bruce Wills stated in his opening speech – the clearest policy choice since 1984.

Both the PM and leader of the opposition spoke at national council. At the time, it was actually

Front and centre

It was certainly a challenge keeping agricultural policies front and centre through the election campaign. It’s amazing our biggest export earners struggle to be heard at such a crucial time for New Zealand and the world economy, but there you go.

While positives from the election campaign were few, they were significant. A more mature debate occurred on the environment and particularly water and the challenge of managing this in conjunction with a growing economy. Debates at the fringes of logic, such as the controversy over the price of milk earlier this year, appropriately disappeared off the radar.

It continues, however, to be a major struggle to convince politicians and the wider public that farmers simply want to make a decent living and leave their farm

in better condition than when they started with it. Acknowledgement of that is the real path to sustainability, but it would require a government of rare courage to roll back the regulatory approach of the RMA and other legislation.

Police agreement

Also featuring at National Council was a solid discussion on the letter of agreement recently signed by the Police Commissioner Peter Marshall and Federated Farmers.

The letter of agreement will promote a collaborative working relationship between the police and rural New Zealand through federated farmers.

The letter is an insight into the scope of Federated Farmers advocacy and support for rural people. Mostly we are known for the policies we advocate, but there is also great depth to our local networks that work to support and aid security of rural communities.

All the best for a safe holiday season.

learning requirements. Health and safety programmes are complimented by a range of Agri-vehicle options – quadbike, tractors, motorbikes, 4WD and ATVU (All Terrain Vehicle Utilities), commonly referred to as Side-by-Side vehicles, chemical handling and chainsaw use.

HUNT, FISH, EAT

Page 18

SKB semi auto 12 gauge

Kaimai Turkeys

Santa Claus

Coast & Country Great Wall Motors V240 ute

Harvesting Christmas dinner in a straight-shooter ute Christmas is looming and the Wild Side team enlisted the help of a celebrity shooter on our latest outing to gather turkey for the family festive table.

We told Santa to dress accordingly, which was a waste of time really, since the stubborn old bugger always wears the red suit and the same black

gumboots. Fortunate, those gumboots, since we were heading to a farm up the back of Omanawa.

The featured vehicle for the outing was the Great Wall V240 ute from Ingham-Sears in Mount Maunganui.

Expecting a budget basic workhorse, we were surprised to find the petrol 4WD full of features and a very handy machine.

The V240 is a 2.4 litre petrol with five speed manual gearbox.

OPOTIKI

RODEO 2011

It’s the sort of ute to just jump in and drive. No learning of tricky controls or fang-dangled gizmos. A wholesome beast that delivers honest, hard yards at an affordable price.

It’s not going to set any handling benchmarks nor breathtaking performance. It will get the job done.

The Great Wall, in typical Chinese style, is the utilitarian ute – a straight shooter.

The ride is firm, as you’d expect of a work truck and no jauntier than some of the more established brands.

The springs will no doubt mellow with a few more km behind it. Especially if it is forced to carry lardarse Claus around in the back seat much longer.

The controls were all very easy to use and the Great Wall would be an excellent farm toiler or staff vehicle.

Simple, but efficient, we loaded up the lads with all the gear, minus dog this trip, since there’s still a few turkey chicks about. The dog was not happy missing out as she watched guns packed away. Especially as she was displaced by the goon in the silly red outfit.

With a promise to Philip Wills at Ingham Sears that we’d get the ute dirty, the team headed for the hills at the back of Omanawa to do our best; plus relieve the farmer of a few pesky turkeys and put some poultry on plates at the same time.

While the lads climbed into their drab hunting gear, Santa took the unusual approach of wearing probably the most outlandish, stand-outish, glaring red suit imaginable.

It’s hard to take your shooting buddy seriously when, amidst the khaki and camo, there’s a red-robed clown, his jacket occasionally flopping open to reveal a lillywhite belly and beard regularly snagged in the barbed wire fence. The fence climbing wasn’t helped by the decision to hold up his red pants with a gunbelt and his nether regions were dangling precariously close

Wildside invited Sa nta alo a special turkey hu ng for nt. to barbed and electrified wires.

We had to issue a warning about the danger to Santa’s sack.

The red outfit seemed to be a good strategy in the end, however. The turkeys were laughing so much, they didn’t notice the other guys sneaking over the brow of the hill.

Turkey shooting is an interesting activity. You can make it as difficult or as easy as you like.

We’ve heard many stories about effective ways to harvest turkey. Ranging from a full on shooting onthe-fly experience – to simply sneaking out at dawn with a slasher, shouting boo and swiping off their heads when they look up to see who’s there.

Being sporting chaps, the wildsiders decided that shooting on the wing was the best plan.

It took a while to actually find the turkeys, traipsing across a large area of the farm and as usual, someone must have tipped them off. Eventually though after a good bit of exercise, we found them sheltering from the incessant spring westerlies in a quiet

PH 07 578 0030

HUNT, FISH, EAT

Page 19

Electric fences set the scene for a new festive dance gully at completely the opposite end of the farm than expected.

A cunning plan was hatched. This involved a fair bit of manoeuvring at ground level; skulking through pines and general paddock crawling on bellies. Santa had a few issues with thistles under his robe and the biddy-bid infestation in the beard will take a bit of sorting before Christmas Eve. Crossing the electric fences was a pantomime in itself, especially when one of the lads suggested Claus would be okay to push the wire down with his gumboot.

The jolly old chap lit up like a Christmas tree and invented a whole new festive season dance.

I guess they were not genuine

rubber red bands then.

Eventually the lads composed themselves and worked into a cunning formation, so that when the turkeys took flight, a

couple of shooters were in a safe and handy position to take some selective shots.

The guys at Broncos in Tauranga had recommended size 2 shot, in 2 1/2 inch cases, which seemed very effective in bringing down the big birds, quick and clean.

Santa took a while to get his eye in, complaining the targets were a bit smaller and faster than the flying reindeer he usually takes pot shots at.

After a couple of sessions and half a dozen ugly buzzards in the bag, Scott whipped out the knife and gave a demo of the preparation. The boning is a useful process to know, along with preparation for roasting.

Breasting is a quick and simple method of getting some quality meat out of the field, especially if you’ve got a long walk.

Once all was tidied away, the lads headed back to the truck, egging Santa up the last of the hills, with promise of a cold shandy on his return.

Loading up the V240, we took the leisurely route back to town, trying out the handling and the 4WD drive system. It was simple to engage, just push the button. Easy selection with a button for each of 2WD, 4W high and 4W low.

The wash down was simple, thanks to the full deck liner and the easy draining rear deck.

Overall a great afternoon, with some very entertaining moments. Our thanks to the landowners, InghamSears and host Scott Adamson. Also special mention to Santa for taking

time out in his busy schedule. Apologies to the dog. Next time buddy.

Breasting turkeys is a quick and easy way for getting quality meat.

Check out a delicious turkey recipe on the next page.

Page 20

HUNT, FISH, EAT

Coast & Country

Marinated Turkey Breast Ingredients:

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 2 (3 pound) boneless turkey breast halves 6 whole cloves

1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp brown sugar

Method

In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, basil and pepper.

Rub over the turkey breasts. Insert one clove into each end of the turkey breasts and one in the centre. In a large shallow dish, blend vegetable oil, soy sauce, lemon juice and brown sugar. Place the breasts in the dish and turn to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator at least 4 hours.

Preheat grill for high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate.

Discard marinade, place turkey breasts on the grill. Close the lid and grill turkey breasts for about 15 minutes on each side or to an internal temperature of 68 degrees.

Any readers with a particular hunting/ fishing mission you’d like to see The Wild Side team cover; or landowners with animal pest issues, give us a shout!

brian@thesun.co.nz

PH 07 578 0030

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 21 Andrew Gorringe of Gorringe Bros Ltd.

Taking a new curve The new Mazda BT-50 presents a ‘curvy’ new look to the world, but has some serious industrial horsepower under its skin.

Mazda’s new ‘beaut ute’ offers a distinctive new look plus plenty of grunt and technology to match.

The all-new Mazda BT-50 and the Ford Ranger may have been created together in Detroit and Melbourne, but outwardly, their appearances are far apart and sure to appeal to different buyers within the same market.

In the past, some may be forgiven for thinking utes with the blue oval on the front seemed to just be re-badged as a Mazda – but not this time. Mazda has to be applauded for taking a different path to Ford when designing the latest BT-50, even though only 50 out of the army of 500 designers and engineers who worked on the collaborative project were from Mazda. They were involved in the design of brakes, chassis, steering and suspension, while Ford experts looked after the power train.

When it came to the design, however, the Mazda people have determinably put their own design stamp on the BT-50’s body work, opting to preserve its saloon car DNA in the BT-50’s appearance. Despite any internal workings shared with the Ranger, the outward differences are so great, the only panel the two share in common is the roof.

In the process of keeping the Mazda look consistent, the BT-50 appears in a new ‘curvier’ guise. The big Mazda grille and headlight assembly flows back around, scalloping

through the door panels and fading into the rear wheel arch. You could argue that when it comes to the relatively conservative world of ute design, adding a more ‘feminine’ curve or two could be risky. While the BT-50 may sport a few curves, however, it is definitely not in a bad way.

Excellent engineering and features As always, Mazda’s design risks are always backed up by excellent engineering, build quality and durability – and the BT-50 looks to be no exception to that rule.

Inside, it simply oozes car-like comforts – not only in the now-to-be-expected add-ons like cruise control and Bluetooth, but also with the inclusion of automatic wipers and dual zone air conditioning (in the Limited model only). There is a clear impression of excellent finish and construction, from the well-designed dash layout to the quality of the leather seats. You could almost be in a Mazda 6 or CX-7 and that is no bad thing.

The controls and instrument cluster also share the same intuitive layout as the Mazda 6 and all are well within reach, not to mention they make complete sense too.

Rear seating is generous and the BT-50 also manages to offer decent room for back seat passengers without compromising overly on the rear tray, which sits deep, wide and suitably long for some serious load carrying.

The tested Limited model came with a six speed auto box, which is a magical partner to the 3.2 litre turbo diesel up front.

Assured performance Out on the road, the Mazda’s category-

leading diesel ticks over with plenty in reserve for load pulling and overtaking, without the intrusive diesel chatter that so often pervades commercial machines (thanks to a lack of sound proofing). Instead, it gets about its business with quiet, civilised assurance.

That other commercial quirk that can get irritating, is the bounce and jiggle that comes with many utes. The tuning of the BT-50’s rear suspension differs from the Ranger and this goes some way to explain the smooth ride quality because it has excellent road manners, settling very well on the open road. It also highlights just how easily this machine would be to adopt as a family vehicle/work machine and keep both parties happy at the same time.

So, to the business end of things – off-road use. The Mazda features plenty of smart software to keep the truck on the straight and narrow. This includes Hill Descent Control, which will help you idle your way down steep pitches in the countryside in a controlled fashion, while for tough hill starts, there is Hill Launch Assist, which will ease you off the steepest parking spot without any trouble.

Another feature that, until recently, would only have been found on far higher priced and less business-like Euro machines, is the Trailer Sway Control. This helps keep trailer and ute together should something cause the trailer to start swinging around.

The Mazda even manages to pack in a couple of extra features to enhance both onroad and off-road driving. These are a locking rear diff, which would prove invaluable in easing the big truck through slippery spots and a guarantee that for the first 100,000kms, you will not pay more than $200 for a standard service. These are scheduled at 10,000 km or six month intervals, whichever occurs first.

As the company that decided 20 years ago to reinvent the British sports car and gave the world the MX5, Mazda has never shied away from taking risks. With the new BT-50, it brings a look sufficiently different to other utes on the market, without it being alienating. It also recognises the line is blurring between commercial workhorse and family motoring and has built a vehicle to reflect this – with a visual appeal that combines the expectations of both. A ‘beaut ute’ indeed.

Is it a ute or is it a car? The comfortable interior and instrument panels of the BT-50 will make you feel quite at home and mirror the quality and layout of the Mazda 6.

The deck has plenty of depth and width, without slicing off space for rear seat passengers.

By Richard Rennie

Mazda BT-50 Limited Engine: 5 Cylinder, 3.2 L Turbo Diesel Power: 147kW Torque: 470Nm Transmission: 6 speed auto with Select Shift 4WD Load Capacity: 1.95 tonne Towing Capacity: 3.35 tonne (braked) Wheels: 17 inch Alloys Fuel Economy: 8.9L/100km Safety: Hill Descent Control, Electronic Brake Stability, Trailer Sway Control, Driver and Passenger Side Airbags

Features: Dual-zone Climate Air Conditioning, Bluetooth, leather seats, cruise control Price: $61,895 (as tested) other models available – please enquire Available at: Ultimate Motor Group, Cnr Hewletts Rd and Totara Street, Mt Maunganui.

Phone 07 579 1080 Contact: Christine Donaldson phone 0272 735 935 or John Archie phone 0274 728 202

Page 22

COAST & COUNTRY

The X240 4WD

w w w. g r e a t w a l l a u t o . c o . n z DEALER DETAILS

Coast & Country

COAST & COUNTRY

PH 07 578 0030

Page 23

Planning ahead Warehouse Cars and M3 Trading, on 15th Ave, have become known as one of Tauranga’s ‘go to’ dealers for imported vehicles at pretty competitive prices.

From cars and station wagons, to vans, people movers, 4x4s, mini buses and light commercials, they stock just about any vehicle for any purpose.

Neil Carter and Bevan Hogg have been in the car sales industry for about 30 years and they are not ones to cool their heels when it comes to making decisions.

They have just taken the initiative to ensure that buyers from throughout the Bay of Plenty can continue to access quality cars at affordable prices by stocking up the yard with vehicles at pre-increase prices.

For those who don’t know yet, new government emission laws come into place on January 1, which means dealers like Warehouse Cars and M3 Trading are not able to import vehicles into the country older than 2006. Most used car buyers in recent years have enjoyed being able to shop for imported vehicles between the 2000 and 2005 age bracket, at reasonable prices. The new law will effectively make it harder to find such cars over the coming 12 months and newer models will be offered, probably at higher prices.

In order to make these current models still accessible to local buyers, Neil and Bevan have just purchased a ‘bulk order’ of vehicles in this age range, including about 50 vans, light trucks and multiseater coaches. These are all odometer verified by an independent certification company before they leave Japan and put through the VINZ compliance process on arrival into Tauranga. This includes a full mechanical, plus interior and exterior

inspection and, of course, a new warrant of fitness as well.

“Over the years, we have met many wonderful customers Bevan Hogg and and continue to Neil Carter. enjoy helping people find an affordable vehicle that meets their needs,” says Neil.

“That’s why we made the decision to stock up now so that we can keep prices down for as long as possible.”

They also provide a number of financing options for customers.

“Even if a buyer does not have a strong credit history, we encourage them to still come in and have a talk about their vehicle needs and situation. Nine times out of ten, we can make the deal happen for them so they get to drive away in a better car at a price they can afford.”

The new shipment is available now and among the variety on offer there are vans for all sorts of uses including tradesmen, delivery vehicles etc. There are a good number of 7, 8 and 10 seater coaches on offer as well that would be ideal for community groups, schools, retirement homes, tour operators or anyone with a large family wanting an economical way of moving them from ‘A to B’.

They have also sold many coaches set up for disabled use in the last two years.

Warehouse Cars’ motto is “we sell good cars to nice people – just like you!”

Try them out but better make it soon to be sure of the best choice. All stock can be viewed at warehousecars.net.nz

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$17,995 FROM $125P/WK

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31-15TH AVE, TAURANGA

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Redeveloped from the ground up, the all-new Mazda BT-50 is now as comfy, spacious and

easythe to drive as a car Mazda but still has all the power and convenience of aspacious ute. Family trips Redeveloped from the ground up, all-new BT-50 is now as comfy, andcan be fun again with heaps of storage on hand for all the tents and toys while the car-like ride Redeveloped ground the all-new Mazda BT-50and is nowconvenience as comfy, spacious anda ute. Family trips can easy to drive as a from carthe but stillup,has all the power comfort means the smiles stay on the faces - evenof around the curliest of corners. Add in a easy to drive as a car but still has all the power and convenience of a ute. Family trips can host on of advanced safety technologies plus features like Cruise Control and Bluetooth and be fun again withwith heaps storage hand toys be fun again heaps of of storage on hand for all thefor tentsall andthe toys tents while theand car-like ride while the car-like ride ®

PH: 07 571 8888

Page 24

COAST & COUNTRY

DREAM MACHINES

Coast & Country

Made to order A Tauranga car builder and restoration expert has what it takes to create the car of your dreams.

With more than 30 years experience as an engineer and builder of race and road cars, both in New Zealand and America, Mike Anderson of Sonic Race and Machine in Mount Maunganui has developed an intuitive approach to the design and build process that has earned him a reputation as a bit of a genius amongst the car community.

Mike’s skills have been honed during the years, enhanced while on his six year stint working in the United States. While there, he gained invaluable knowledge in all facets of chassis build and assembly with various Indy Race Car teams, amongst other roles. Whether it be a race car, muscle car, hot rod or straight ‘classic’, Mike has the expertise required to translate your vision into reality.

“It’s a very personalised service,” says Mike.

“I offer clients a carefully managed design and build package that ensures the result they want. And no two builds are the same.

“Each car has a unique look. It can be a modification of an authentic ‘classic’ or a race car that is specifically designed to match its driver.”

One thing that does stay the same though, is Mike’s unerring attention to detail and top rate management of each project. From the first meeting, where Mike sets to work with a client planning the build or restoration process, to the final stages of the project, clients are kept up to speed the whole way with weekly reports and photos.

A current project Mike has on the floor is a ’65 Corvette, which his client wants to look as close to a late 60s road racer as possible. The original chassis and suspension have been re-worked, even the paintwork has been left in near original state, but under the bonnet, the engine uses more current sprint car technology.

Another car having the drivetrain reconfigured for its Matamata owners is a black ’69 Mustang. This car is a good example of how Mike taps into his vast network

FACTORY WARRANTY

Mike Anderson of Sonic Race and Machine can build your dream car.

of parts suppliers and other car builders to source the best authentic and aftermarket parts – in this case the custom air intake and suspension design.

Sonic Race and Machine will also soon have a more noticeable presence on the streets of Tauranga. Mike’s next project is to build a ute based on the classic HQ Holden and use it as his company car. “What I’m trying to achieve is to build a ute that might look like one Holden would have built as a concept car back in the early 70s, using their huge stock of Chevrolet and Holden parts,” says Mike.

This special ute will be a bench seat, column-change convertible cruiser with long, low straight lines, a wedged body, chopped screen and Chev running gear.

“It’ll have a practical ‘summer- style’ about it, so that you can cruise over to the Beach Hop or just head down to the Mount.”

Look out for the Holden around town this summer, and for all the car enthusiasts out there who have been wondering where to find the ideal man to bring their motoring vision to life, whether it be Japanese, European, American or Australian – look no further.

For more information and to view more current project stories visit www.sonicrace.co.nz

PH 07 578 0030

CHICKENS

Chicken proof fencing “We love our patio, but so do our chooks. It is easy to get sick and tired of cleaning up after chooks, so a fence was needed,” says Allan McGuinness.

DOMINION incubators LIMITED

Page 25

Allan needed a fence that chickens wouldn’t perch on or fly over, one that could be moved and one that didn’t need posts or batteries. This resulted in the stand-alone, modular affair called CHICKIN-OUT fencing.

The fencing modules are joined together with cable ties, easily snipped if a change is wanted. The ties act as a

hinge where you want a gate. It stands about 850mm high and comes in 2.4m lengths. The material is easily cut with bolt cutters to get a specific shape or length. The fence is light and easy to carry. Corners are no problem – a small piece of plastic tubing makes the fence continuous at the corners.

It is so simple – just take it away at weekends when you want to use the patio.

It can also be used to keep chickens penned in, thus controlling where and what they eat and the pen, with chickens still inside, can be can be easily moved to a new area.

Avoiding incubator ripoffs So many innocent incubator buyers have been sold almost useless incubators in recent times that a new service has been launched to offer future protection for prospective buyers.

It is backed by New Zealand’s oldest incubator company and its overseas connections with brief reports available on almost every model of incubator and the manufacturer source of sub-standard machines and could save buyers not just hundreds, but thousands of dollars.

Among the small dead-loss models are some that can only produce chickens

if run in a constantly warm hot-water callboard. Among commercial capacity models are two with such obsolete thermostats that after every door opening their overshoot triggers an overheat alarm system into action to suck out enough over heated air to bring temperature down again. One also has its PCB electrics inside the cabinet where hatching humidity is likely to limit their working life to only a year or two at most.

This information is available on request at just an administration cost, visit http://www.incubatorwarnings.com There is no charge where no report is available.

Controlling parasites in poultry Red mites and other parasites have always been around poultry.

They can cause terrible damage to a bird’s health and production and controlling them has meant a cocktail of chemicals and pesticides.

But now there is a non-toxic, sustainable way to control red mite and other parasites, using products that have a physical effect on the mite, not a poison, ensuring the mite cannot become resistant.

Poultry Shield and Diatom, available from Poultry NZ, both have a physical effect on red mite and other parasites.

Poultry Shield is a food-safe cleaner/sanitiser and odour neutraliser making it the perfect product to use every time you clean out. Poultry Shield has a fantastic wetting agent incorporated into it, allowing it to penetrate deep into the joints of the coop.

On the basis that you are unlikely to make contact with every single mite, place a layer of Diatom around the edges of the house, perches and nest boxes.

Diatom is ‘food grade’ diatomaceous

earth. Diatom is made from single cell organisms which live in the sea, during the millennia they fossilise and fall to the bottom of the sea.

When Red Mite and other parasites crawl through the Diatom, the microscopic sharp spikes scrape the red mite and other parasites outer shell which causes

them to dehydrate and die.

When cleaning with Poultry Shield you achieve a quick knockdown effect, killing mature mite and the eggs. Adding Diatom

provides a long lasting residual effect, catching the mites you have missed with Poultry Shield.

Poultry Shield does not contain poison, can be used in organic production, is bio-degradable and is effective against biofilms such as salmonella. It is safe to use around all types of animals.

Diatom is 100 per cent organic and is effective against fleas, ticks, lice, mites, household insects like flies, spiders, ants, cockroaches, silverfish and many more.

Poultry Shield and Diatom are 100 per cent successful if used correctly.

Page 26

EFFLUENT IRRIGATION

Coast & Country

Answers all under the same roof

HerdHomes is known for its unique patented shelter, but the company has put its knowledge of animal welfare, effluent management and farm systems together to give farmers more options when looking at some traditional off pasture offerings.

HerdHomes shelters can be configured to allow for cubicles with either two or three rows per shelter. In this instance, the shelter has unique flooring slats with all effluent captured in the bunker below.

This design still maintains the basic HerdHomes shelter roof and so has all the heating and cooling benefits due to its unique airflow design. This means cattle can be up to 10 degrees warmer inside the shelter during winter and up to eight degrees cooler during summer.

The contained effluent, underneath the cubicles, can then be taken out by slurry tanker when soil conditions are suitable or, with the addition of a sump, stirrer and pump, it can be taken out via the farm effluent irrigation system.

With some forward planning, cowshed effluent can be run

INCREASE PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE

This is why HerdHomes focuses on reducing the volume of effluent (roofing) and containing the effluent (underground bunker) until soil conditions allow it to be spread onto the land.

HerdHomes reduces breakdowns by creating a system with no moving parts which can be emptied by a contractor, with specialist equipment, once or twice a year.

A number of farmers, who are consistently using HerdHomes shelters to recycle effluent nutrients to the paddock, are finding their fertiliser spend has reduced and now largely consists of nitrogen and sulphur i.e. sufficient phosphate and potassium goes on with their effluent.

If effluent management or wintering is a problem give HerdHomes a call because their simple reliable solution may well suit your farm.

Hundreds of users of HerdHomes® Shelters agree, an investment in HerdHomes® Shelters is an investment in the ongoing productivity of your farm.

The future of productive farming www.herdhomes.co.nz

M +64 21 573 052 P +64 9 438 1219 NZ Patent No 521150 & 544190, 550635, 545042 International Patents 2003267874, 03748807.9 Further patents pending

through the HerdHomes bunker and out via slurry tanker or irrigation system.

This means the bunker can be used as part of the farm effluent storage system.

HerdHomes has a proud history of research during the last 10 years and some of this has been directed at the roof structure. This research has helped strengthen the roof and incorporate different plastic fixing techniques to ensure it can be used in high wind areas.

In these high wind areas, some form of wind shelter is also incorporated for two reasons – to reduce the impact on the structure and, more importantly, to create a micro climate in which animals are warmer and drier.

All effluent systems, regardless of the initial outlay, can quickly become costly to run, unreliable and a real problem to the farmer. This is as a result of dealing with such a corrosive material. Rainfall just adds to the problem, especially during winter, by increasing the volume of effluent required to be dealt with.

e We servic of all makes pumps

EFFLUENT IRRIGATION

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Page 27

Possibilities of land use analysis With the increasing number of land use rules, regulations, limitations and potential changes, figuring out what is the best use for each part of the farm is more than ‘back of the envelope’ stuff these days.

And we haven’t even mentioned the ETS and climate change yet.

So when hearing a presentation at the Biological Farming conference by Oliver Chikumbo of Scion, which promised a “Triple Bottom Line in 3D” optimal analysis of farm land use, I just had to find out more to share with readers.

Of course it’s all done with computers and involves a lot of complex sounding mathematical terms, but a lot of the inputs are already computerised, including Overseer, Farmax Standpak and the GIS database.

The aim is to balance the economic, envi-

ronmental and social components of land use, including of course being profitable and sustainable for each part of the landscape. So if you’ve got forest blocks (or are planning some) it can look at where to put them and at the same time look forward at maximising sawlog production, pulpwood production, milksolids, beef, sheep meat, wool, carbon sequestration, water production, income and Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) and at the same time minimising costs, nitrate leaching, phosphorus loss and sedimentation.

In getting the programme right so the computers could cope, they had to reduce the number of objectives, by clumping them in three groups. They also aimed for results looking at a property as a whole and also looking at it paddock by paddock.

The conformation of the land, its soils, aspects for sun, erosion potential, as well as what is going on in neighbouring paddocks,

will all affect the ‘best use’ answers. As an example, farms in dry areas which rely on stream flow for water and which planted up gullies with streams are already finding that the trees absorb more of the water that falls and stream flows are slowing. It’s this sort of complex future thinking that the new programme is being designed to do. To date, they’ve trialled it in relation to a Rotorua farm of 1500ha with 315 paddocks, to optimise land use where land use change is being thrust upon them because of the state of the lakes.

It has all arisen from Oliver having been for the last 12 years part of a network of biologists, engineers and computer buffs, many of whom are based in Michigan, working on the idea that evolution happens because nature makes a mistake or a change and computers can – and do – do it too.

So in the USA they have set up the BEACON Centre for the Study of Evolu-

tion in Action and the Federal Government has given it a grant of $US25m to let those involved find out how to use it.

Because Oliver first worked with those involved in his time in Australia, using the concepts in relation to forestry, his current work at Scion is in close connection with the BEACON team and some of that funding could be available here on a dollar for dollar basis.

If farmers here are to meet expectations of increased productivity, greater sustainability and still be able to make profits, it would seem that the programme could prove to be a tremendous help in getting all the ducks in line.

While I have briefly described what the programmes can do in relation to land use, those involved see a million uses worldwide for using this analysis of evolution in action in industry, laboratory work and other unthought of as yet developments. By Sue Edmonds

Ensuring your effluent system is compliant The Code of Practice and Design Standards for Farm Dairy Effluent sets out clearly the methods for Effluent System Design. The code’s six main objectives include capturing all the Farm Dairy Effluent, spread it evenly and at a depth to maximise uptake by the plant, keep FDE within the designated area, operate the system safely and comply with all regulatory requirements.

With a new or existing effluent system, farmers need to check they’re achieving those objectives.

The first place to start is the application of FDE onto paddocks. What depth we are applying FDE and also how many kg/ha of nutrients are being applied? These are regular questions a regional council may ask. If you need a consent to apply FDE, then these figures will be outlined in the consent. If FDE is a permitted activity in your region there are still rules that apply and must be complied with.

Application depth

The depth that is applied needs to be measured in the paddock. With a travelling irrigator, you need to allow the irrigator to travel over the containers laid across the path of the irrigator. Use about 20 containers as the more you use the more accurate the result will be.

Once you have measured the depths in each bucket, calculate the average depth. Look at all the figures, if there is a large difference between the outer and inner figures, you’re not spreading effluent evenly. An application uniformity figure of 1.25 is the target. This is the ratio of the average of the top 25 per cent of the depths compared to the average of all the depths. Look into this further if your figure is above 1.25.

Each council has limits of nutrients applied per hectare per year. Normally this is kg/Nitrogen/ha/year.

This nutrient loading includes what is applied as fertiliser as well as what is applied in FDE. The fertiliser figure can be readily found from your fertiliser order, but what about the nutrients in the FDE. An Effluent Sample Kit can be ordered from Hills Laboratories and it contains everything to take a sample of your effluent, including full instructions, chilly bin, slicker pads and a courier bag to send the sample to them. The results will give you the nutrients applied in a range of effluent depths. Using the depth figure obtained from your irrigator paddock test, you can easily see how many kg/ha of nutrients you are applying and then add this to your fertiliser figure to get the total. This must not exceed the limits set by the regional council. Usually councils only have limits for Nitrogen. With regards to animal health, levels of Potassium (K) are equally important.

Effluent testing

Effluent sampling should be done several times a year as FDE characteristics change throughout the season because of variations in feed content, milk production rate, number of times milked per day, animal size, lactation cycle and water dilution.

The next area to check is the methods that are in place to avoid over application. This is clearly visible from a helicopter and is often referred to as “crop circles”. Irrigator monitors eliminate this problem. They are designed to automatically stop the pump when the

irrigator stops moving or is moving too slowly. This can happen at the end of a run, a burst hose, broken wire rope or the anchor has pulled out. Emphasis should be on the monitor being able to automatically turn the pump off and also advise the operator. If the pump is not turned off automatically then there is still the risk that the message may not get to the operator.

Avoid over application

Some irrigators are fitted with shut off valves. These only shut off the flow at the end of the run. They will not work if there is a broken cable or a burst pipe.

Their use will not eliminate the risk of over application. An effluent system is a major farm cost so short cuts or cost cutting should not happen in this area.

Capturing all the FDE includes all of the animal excreta deposited in contained areas as well as any other material coming into contact with it, including wash-water. Areas to check are inside the shed, stand off areas, feed pads, animal housing areas, underpasses, milk storage areas, milk vat area and any other concreted areas within 45m of the dairy shed where animals are contained.

Storage requirements can be calculated using the Effluent Storage calculator which takes into account FDE produced as well as stormwater entering the pond from sealed areas and roof areas and rainfall. It uses historical rainfall figures from at least 30 years and calculates the maximum storage requirement during this time frame. The storage requirement is calculated as cubic metres. All effluent storage ponds must be sealed to reduce leakage. Storage is the key word for ponds. If a pond is full there is no storage. No storage means a risk of pond overflow and FDE entering waterways.

Even though this may not be audited by your regional council, always ensure that safety is a priority in all aspects of the operation of the effluent system.

Always aim for best practice. Any dairy farmers aim should be to produce the best quality milk: Think the same way about effluent systems. If you aim and achieve best practice, compliance will automatically be achieved.

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Page 28

DAIRY

Coast & Country

Farming with a ‘bob each way’ It was touted as the first ‘national’ biological farming conference and held in Rotorua several weeks ago.

Hosted by the Rotorua Lakes and Land Trust and Te Arawa Federation of Maori Authorities, it attracted a capacity audience of about 250 ‘believers’ and perhaps a

few from the science community who are yet to be fully convinced of the advantages and results of the concept.

We hear a lot about ‘organic’ and ‘conventional’ farming, so where does ‘biological’ farming fit in the scheme of things?

In crude terms it could be described as ‘having a bob each way farming’ – where the soil focus of organics is also a basic tenet, but not the sometimes restrictive regulations and limitations of organics as required for certification. So antibiotics for really sick animals are not proscribed, but may well not be the first remedy used.

Biological farmers are not necessarily small farmers either. Some of those speaking at the conference were running large herds intensively, with high stocking rates, while others were moving to both drystock and dairy.

Easy life

Indeed, one John Kamp, having tried all types of farming, is now so enthusiastic about biological farming that he’s given up the easy life and purchased a steep development block in Hawke’s Bay to prove to himself – and latterly to his neighbours – that it can work in the most unsympathetic climatic conditions.

In a session with presentations delivered by ‘real’ scientists, there were some interesting findings from recent research.

With a number of small fertiliser companies now promoting the concept of ‘natural’ fertilisers (as against ‘artificial’ ones) experiments on adjoining farms in Northland have shown the natural versions produced less leaching into waterways – mainly because they were in forms which were immediately usable by the soil constituents.

Dr Brent Clothier of Massey described how our soils form the ‘natural capital’ which enable the ‘ecosystem services’ of agricultural production that provide the backbone of our economy.

Inadvertently destroying this natural capital, through the use of chemicals and systems which boost some parts of the soil while killing off others, will reduce the ability of future generations to utilise

all our ecosystem services.

Brent also described how organic matter, the basic constituent of which is carbon, improves soil structure and health, reduces nutrient runoff and reduces erosion, filters and buffers nutrients and contaminants and by sequestration acts as a net sink for greenhouse gases. Promoting such sequestration of carbon also ensures continuation of necessary ecosystem services.

Dr Eric Kawabe, a consultant now based in Rotorua, considers biological farming is based on the principles of food production within a sustainable ecosystem, as against what he described as ‘industrial’ farming, which is about short term maximum profit gains from oversupply of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers to get greater crop production.

He outlined work done during 30 years around the Pacific Basin aiming to help farmers get ‘optimum’ returns through reduced fertiliser applications and consequent reduced herbicide and pesticide applications. Eric’s view is that biological farming is rapidly gaining worldwide acceptance as the way of the future.

Less regulation

Cherryle Prew of the Soil Food Web Institute in Roxburgh has been involved with organics for some years, but is very open to the less regulated workings of biological farming and feel it gives a more adaptable timeframe for farmers to expand their mindset at the same rate that their soils’ biological processes develop.

“This is more likely to ensure success long term”, says Cherryle.

They may not all agree with each other over some of the finer points or how best to get themselves organised to take on the rest of the New Zealand farming world, but there is no doubt of the commitment and enthusiasm of those already involved with biological farming.

There is a lot of money and vested interests tied up in conventional farming, so we shall watch with interest as David takes on Goliath in the modern farming world.

By Sue Edmonds

DAIRY

PH 07 578 0030

Page 29

Quality and quantity in the same basket Farmers often dismiss the option of changes to their soil fertility programmes on the basis that they would very much like to grow better quality feed and produce higher quality milk, meat or whatever else it is that they are growing, but they can’t make changes as they cannot afford to grow less.

One of the principles of any soil-based growing system is that quality and quantity come in the same basket, a principle that every pastoral farmer observes the evidence of on a daily basis.

New Zealand pastures are naturally unsuited to growing rye grass/white clover pastures. The conditions under which permanent pastures thrive need to be continuously maintained, with the most favourable conditions providing best performance in all respects.

There are two key visual indicators of whether soil conditions presently favour pasture growth. The first is the absence of bare patches in the pasture. When soil conditions favour pasture growth, pasture will cover the entire surface with perhaps the exception of high traffic areas around gateways.

In rotationally grazed pasture, the second visual indicator is the size of the clover leaf just prior to grazing. Where conditions favour maximum growth, the leaf will be thumb nail size or larger.

At this time of the year with soil temperatures close to 20 degrees, healthy pastures may be slightly pale. This is a temporary situation which rapidly self corrects with increased direct sunlight hours, more direct sunlight and warmer soil temperatures.

The grasses in permanent pastures grow rapidly between 10 and 20 degrees, that is between early September and mid-November in most North Island areas. During this time, they will utilise much of the plant-available nitrogen available from soil organic matter.

As nitrogen availability declines and temperatures increase, grass growth slows and clover growth steadily increases. Clovers actively fix nitrogen in response to declining plant-available nitrogen, so it is important fertiliser nitrogen is not applied at this time.

Clovers are less competitive for nutrients than grasses and as they contain

often three or four times as much calcium as grasses, it is important the levels of plant-available calcium in the soil are sufficient for optimum clover growth.

Although new clover cultivars may have advantages over the older

species, when soil conditions are favourable, clover growth is abundant and largely unstoppable due to the amount of clover seed that has accumulated naturally in the soil during many years.

The higher performing pasture

site at the Berryman property near Edgecumbe last season grew 22.2 tonne of drymatter, close to the genetic potential of a permanent pasture, on an area of the farm where pasture has not been renewed for many years.

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TAKING THE CREAM Dairy Industry awards

It is time to find the next New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Entries for the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards officially close on December 20. All entries are being accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

The awards showcase and support our passionate farmers of the future and give entrants the chance to earn a regional or national title and to share in substantial regional and national prize pools.

Rural Women awards

Entries are now open for the Enterprising Rural Women Award 2012, which this year will also include a Telecom North Island business award and an Access Homehealth South Island business award.

A supreme winner will be chosen from the three category winners and announced on May 21 at the Rural Women New Zealand National Conference, to be held in Hawera, Taranaki. For more information and entry forms visit www.ruralwomen. org.nz. Entries close Friday, March 16.

Record earn in Waikato

The record year for dairy production has meant dairy farming has generated $3.4 billion dollars in revenue for the greater Waikato region.

The extra profit is due to an increase in production per cow, in particular in Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Northland. The increase in production has meant an increase in revenue for the regions as well. As an example, in the Waikato with milk price at $6.37 for 09/10, dairy farmers generated $2.5 billion dollars. This last year, with an increase in milk price and production, $3.4 billion was generated.

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Page 30

DAIRY

Coast & Country

Feed stock – coping in the dry The persistent wind of late has transformed farms from wet and muddy to dry and farmers need to be ready with plenty of feed, says Bill Webb.

Bill Webb Feed Solutions has put in its last crops of maize for farmers and Bill says the difference between the ground they have been ploughing up is significant.

“It has turned from such a wet spring, which was challenging for us to get work done, but we certainly grew some grass around the place, there’s been a lot of silage made.

Dusty conditions

“The wind has turned things dry pretty quickly, it’s dusty dry conditions in the maize paddocks, compared to three weeks ago when it was wet and muddy.

Bill says as the ground starts to dry up, farmers need to make sure they have enough feed on hand for the next three months to get them

through until the maize comes off.

“We’ve got good supplies of stocks of silage bales available for farmers and we’ve got maize available for next season. So they need to get their orders in.”

Bill says the key thing for farmers buying in feed is to check its value.

People need to check the value of the bales they’re buying. It’s not about the price per bale, it’s about kg/DM in the bale.

“There is a lot of different variables in bales, people need to make sure they’re getting value for money.”

Averages

Bill says the ideal average is 180kg/ DM. “We’ve weighed some from other contractors that only had 150/kg/ DM while ours have had up to 220kg/MS. “That’s a huge difference.”

With the dryer conditions, grass growth is going to slow and farmers need to keep as much cover as they can on the farm, says Bill.

“It’s proven, the more cover they can keep on in dry conditions, the less damage it does to the pastures.”

Farmers can find it hard to avoid depleting the pasture cover, but supplementary feed can help, says Bill.

“Farmers say it’s hard not stripping their pastures, but if they’ve got supplementary feed – that stops them from stripping the pastures back.

Summer levels

“As the summer comes on, the protein levels tend to be less in the grass too, so there is more need for adding more protein like lucerne silage.”

As well as focusing on having as much quality feed ahead of them as possible, Bill says farmers should be monitoring their crops closely.

“Make sure they have their fertiliser – urea – on their crops and monitor for weeds and spray out when they need to.

“Give the maize the extra boost it requires; it’s prolific, maize as a nitrogen feeder, so make sure that goes on in a timely manner.”

A change of strategy for AHB The Animal Health Board has slaved away for years getting bovine TB contained, reduced, minimised in cow herds and they’ve achieved a huge amount.

Since 2009, it’s managed to reduce the number of infected herds from 121 to 77, with only 14 in the North Island and 63 in the South Island, mainly on the West Coast where the amount of bush gives ‘vector’ possums and other wildlife more space to hide out in.

They’ve now changed their strategy somewhat, with a new 15 year plan.

They will still be trying to minimise the number of herds, but now they’ll also be emphasising the wiping out of infected vector animals (mainly possums, but also some ferrets, feral pigs and wild deer) in some places.

The aim is to have 2.5 million hectares of Vector Risk Areas cleaned up by 2026. To date, they’ve eradicated TB from wildlife in about 270,000ha of New Zealand known to have harboured infected wildlife.

Of course it can’t all happen at once, so they’ve focused on some strategic areas, one of which is a huge area of the central North

Island – stretching roughly between Te Kuiti, Gisborne, Hastings and Wanganui – and divided it up into areas they’ve nominated for Eradication, others for TB Free Area Protection and the rest for Infected Herd Suppression.

When aiming for eradication, they want to prevent TB infected possums making contact with susceptible possums. So they need to thin the population overall to very low densities to reduce the likelihood of this happening – and keep up the pressure for about 10 years.

To achieve the results they want is going to take much time, people effort and funding. They need to secure a contractor base to deliver the Vector and Surveillance programme on time and to specification. They also have to develop long-term relationships with the relevant landowners and be able to reduce the vector risk areas.

Present funding sources include: the cattle slaughter levy, local government, DairyNZ, the deer industry and reactor proceeds.

The government has confirmed it will continue to provide dollar for dollar funding for vector control.

Out of all this they have to fund

vector and disease control, compensation, research, administration and communications, plus pay the people who do the work in the field.

But in the last two years, some of the regional councils have objected to providing their cut of the $6.6m Local Government share from their funding. Not only does the AHB not have a hope of collecting enough through their own efforts (which would also have a huge cost for doing it), but what some councillors don’t seem to have realised, is that if that money isn’t forthcoming, then the government dollar for dollar isn’t either. The true value of the regional council contributions is therefore not $6.6m but $13.2m.

At a recent Wellington meeting, it was decided to form a working party, with representatives from Local Government and AHB, to come up with some ideas on future funding of the strategy.

Goodness knows know long that might take to get agreement, and in the meantime the tubercular possums will probably go on gallivanting around, spreading the bad times and undoing the hard work that has already been done.

By Sue Edmonds

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DAIRY

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Page 31

New nutrient management

Assessing nutrient use and finding ways to become more efficient is something many farmers have been doing over a long period of time. New regional indicators of nutrient use should make this a clearer and easier process.

Knowing how much nitrogen is leached and phosphorus is lost from a farm system and how the system responds to reducing nutrient losses, is also increasingly important with the attention regulators are placing on this area of dairy farming.

The indicators of nutrient performance have been developed by DairyNZ and FertResearch to help you look for areas to make efficiency gains and lower nutrient losses from your milking platform.

Effluent indicators

You can’t see efficient nutrient use or nutrient losses in the paddock. These indicators should help get around that by letting you check how you are performing compared to other farmers in your region.

There are specific regional indicators for the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau as well as for nine other dairy regions around the country.

In each of the regions there are three indicators of nutrient use so you can compare your farm with others in your region.

Nitrogen conversion efficiency is an indication of a farm’s efficiency at converting external nitrogen inputs, such as supplementary feed and fertiliser, into nitrogen in products such as milk and meat.

Nitrogen leaching (kg N/ha/year) is an estimate of the nitrogen lost

dairy nz

By Brigid Buckley, DairyNZ Developer – Sustainability

(leached) in drainage water below the plant’s root system.

Phosphorus loss (kg P/ha/year) is an estimate of the amount of phosphorus lost from the farm system via surface runoff.

Each of these indicators are broken down into a regional distribution of farm performance.

Region comparison

When you come to assess your performance you can then ask how your farm compares to other farms that face similar challenges to yours – whether that’s the geography, predominant soil type or the vagaries of the season.

There’s more value in that than comparing your farm performance to a national overview figure for each of the indicators.

The indicators are available at www. dairynz.co.nz/nutrientindicators.

Starting in December, DairyNZ farm systems discussion groups will also cover the indicators.

Consulting officers will discuss how the region measures up and the groups will work through strategies that could lift the host farm’s performance. This process should also help you when you meet with your fertiliser representative and farm advisor so you can assess strategies you plan to take and record them in your nutrient management plan.

The regional indicators should make it easier to identify your opportunities to increase the productivity and profitability of your business so you can discuss your options with your fertiliser representative and your farm advisors.

For more information visit www.dairynz.co.nz/nutrientindicators or contact Brigid Buckley on 0800 4 DAIRYNZ (0800 4 324 7969).

Q: How often should I use lime?

A: It’s best to cover the whole farm every year.

This keeps it in top condition for applying fertiliser.*

* Results show that whole farm applications produce the most outstanding results. When soil is in top condition, it makes much better use of existing nutrients, and fertiliser applications can be reduced. In fact a whole farm application doesn’t actually cost a lot, and fertiliser costs are reduced, which means more profit per hectare. Get your farm in top condition from the ground up with McDonald’s Lime.

Call 0800 AGLIME for a free copy of our “Facts of Lime” booklet. And you can check out “Lime Live” where we put lime to the test by visiting:

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The concept of increasing farm profitability by becoming skilled at harnessing nutrients and sending them out the gate in milk is not new.

FEED MANAGEMENT

Page 32

Coast & Country

Romney rams trending up BAY BIG

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After the disappointment of last year’s Romney Ram sale at Claudelands, when prices were low and many lots passed in, it was thankfully a whole new ball game this year.

Multiple reasons have been put forward for the dramatic upward change in prices. Some consider the good old Romney is coming into favour again.

Others are happy that the sheep industry is getting back into profit.

Out of a field of 71 rams, 62 were sold, at an average price of $1590 each.

Last year top prices didn’t reach that amount. This sale grossed $98,600 and cheered everyone up.

A third possible reason, which showed up in the prices paid, is farmers are finally realising it’s not just the number of potential lambs born, but those that make it to market and achieve the best prices there that puts money on the profit line.

Recent reports show lamb sales at between $158 and $191. Whether these giddy heights continue is anyone’s guess.

Maybe the Red Meat Strategy will help there.

But the lurking danger, at least in the North Island and now creeping into the South, is facial eczema.

The warmer climate in recent years has seen huge outbreaks, some of which have decimated flocks, even in the King Country and other areas not formerly badly affected.

And it’s arriving earlier, with clinical eczema showing up by the end of January, which would have been contracted originally around Christmas Day.

Even at current prices for sheep meat, putting zinc boluses (time capsules) down every throat is an expensive exercise.

There are some stud breeders who have been paying out big sums of money on breeding and testing for FE tolerance.

They’ve been doing it for years, with no comparable payback at sale times. One breeder says it had cost $1500 to test five rams this year.

While some ideas on what’s involved seem a bit vague, even to some a bit suspect, those that know their stuff and can guarantee the product, certainly took out the big prices this year. Top sale price was $4000 and the one of the best known contributors, John Reeves of Waimai, sold 24 rams for an average of $2558 each. He apparently left the sale walking on air.

So when lamb prices are good and there’s some money in the kitty, it’s obviously worth using FE tolerant rams. They may cost more, but if you end up with a whole flock with increasing tolerance, as each generation of ewes gets bred and then have more healthy lambs getting top prices at market, surely getting the right daddy for them all is a no brainer?

By Sue Edmonds

Using endophyte technology To read the full report, ‘Enhancing the benefits of endophytes and reducing their adverse affects’ by L R Fletcher, AgResearch Ltd visit www.beeflambnz.com

The development of “novel” endophyte/grass associations has improved animal health, welfare and production and pasture persistence, in areas under high pest pressure.

The current 80 per cent market share of ryegrass seed, with either AR1 or AR37, is evidence of the rapid industry uptake of this technology and its success.

Meat & Wool New Zealand had a significant role in the development of this technology, as well as information transfer to end users, including benefits of these “novel” endophytes and how to manage them.

While “novel” endophytes are the obvious solution to endophyte toxicity, there are still large areas of ryegrass with wild-type endophyte which haven’t been replaced and may never be.

Despite considerable research into managing existing toxic wild-type endophyte pastures to minimise their impact on animals during the summer/autumn period, a lot still remains to be done. Especially into environmental conditions which lead to high concentrations of toxins. There is also a need for independent information transfer, in the form of presentations and perhaps

a reference booklet, to educate farmers as to the problems, solutions and benefits associated with endophytes.

Executive summary Novel” endophyte technology is now firmly entrenched in pastoral farming in New Zealand.

More than 80 per cent of ryegrass seed sold in New Zealand is infected with either AR1 or AR37 endophyte.

With AR1 and AR37 we have significantly reduced dags and consequent flystrike and improved growth rates of young livestock by up to 20 per cent over the spring to late autumn period.

With AR1 we have eliminated ryegrass staggers, but there is a risk of it occurring on AR37 pastures, albeit much lower than with wild-type endophyte. In addition, AR1 protects against the pasture pests, Argentine stem weevil and pasture mealy bug. AR37 also protects against these pests but in addition protects against Black beetle, Root aphid and Porina. All this was achieved through bio-protection, without impacting on the environment.

The development of this technology and bringing it to New Zealand farmers with management plans, would not have been possible without the support and funding of Meat & Wool New Zealand.

FEED MANAGEMENT

PH 07 578 0030

Page 33

Best nutrition for working dogs Living in the country – it’s a dog’s life, literally. Roaming the wide open countryside and chasing rabbits – what more could a dog want?

But the active lives of most rural dogs means a healthy diet is even more critical to keep them in top condition says Mount Maunganui pet food authority Nigel Woodd.

Nigel, who is a director of premium pet food brand ZiwiPeak, says the trend to feed biscuits and pre-packaged foods for increased convenience is depriving dogs of many nutrients and minerals which they would get from a traditional diet of meat and offal.

Together with founding company directors Peter and Kimberly Mitchell, Nigel has closely studied dog and cat dietary requirements in a mission to offer the best food for the animals needs.

During the last five years, the Mount Maunganui-based company has become a global leader in the highly nutritious pet food category for its special formulations – that consistently score top in independent nutrition tests, with sales growing by more than 50 per cent each year.

Nigel says in contrast, most other pet foods offer a poor diet because they have lost

ZiwiPeak director Nigel Woodd says it is critical to feed active rural dogs like Cruise (the big dog) a diet with a high meat content to keep them in top condition.

Takes time to replace pastures While the uptake of this technology was exceptional, it will take time for all wild-type endophyte pastures to be replaced and some will never be replaced because of topography. As a consequence this project went beyond “novel”, or non-toxic, endophyte technology and also addressed issues around minimising the impact of wildtype endophyte ryegrass on livestock health and performance.

The adoption and impact of the “novel” endophytes was exceptional, but the goal of minimising the impact of wild-type endophyte toxins was much more challenging.

Assays to measure grass/ endophyte toxin concentrations in herbage, urine and faeces were developed and validated for large numbers of samples. Broad thresholds for toxicity were also determined. However, developing predictive models and management strategies,

by correlating assay results against animal responses and environmental variables, still needs much more work.

Information transfer incorporated into this project to inform and educate farmers on the benefits and management of “novel” endophyte technology appears to have been very successful, based on the uptake of the technology.

Despite this, we have noticed there is still a lack of knowledge that needs to be addressed, if the industry as a whole wants to capture the full benefit of “novel” endophytes. The education process needs to continue via independent presentations and a reference booklet.

Without our commercial partners this technology would not have been the success it is, but the relationship has imposed some constraints on good, independent, information transfer.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

nutrients through the heating and processing of meat content. They are also bulked up with wheat and grains that offer no nutritional value for dogs and vegetables which dog digestion systems struggle to process.

Knowing nutrients are lost when the meat is heated, Peter and Kimberly looked to the Italian tradition of air-drying salamis to find a way to dry fresh meat at a low temperature to retain the maximum nutritional goodness.

“Dogs digestive systems are fundamentally unchanged over thousands of years – the dog’s digestive system is much the same as when it was a wild animal – a wolf,’ says Nigel.

“We are manufacturing what their digestive system is designed for; it’s as simple as that.

“They thrive on it.”

Made from top quality New Zealand ingredients, including venison, lamb, tripe, liver, heart, kidney, fish and green-lipped mussels – and with a far higher proportion of meat (90 per cent of content) – it is no surprise that ZiwiPeak costs more than most alternatives.

Nigel says the pet food offers good value when you consider it helps maintains top quality of life for pets, helps keep older dogs mobile and avoids large vet bills from the health complications of a poor diet – such as digestion problems, bad breath, allergies or skin and coat problems.

By Hamish Carter

Page 34

COUNTRY LIVING

Coast & Country

Moulting back to a good friendship I guess I’ve always been a countrywoman at heart, although I’ve had several stints of city living during the years.

Some of my antecedents were lowly farm workers in England, and most of my early memories (in the time after WWII) are of country living involving neighbouring cows, bantams, breeding pelt rabbits and absorbing what nature had to offer at different times of the year.

So after a somewhat peripatetic life, which involved a number of different schools, different houses and never seeming to really belong anywhere, living on my block at Eureka has been like a country homecoming.

Somewhere I’m determined to stay until age and infirmity drive me off.

I’ve probably written a lot about my ‘tribe’ of animals and living

A well fed Lily goat. with them and caring for them really gives a focus and meaning to life. This morning when I went out first thing to move the electric fence tape (which is very rarely turned on these days), they were all standing near the back gate, waiting for our morning rituals.

With the apple season finished, my dressing gown pockets these days contain pieces of carrot, eagerly awaited by one goat and two donkeys. The others aren’t fussed on carrots.

But everyone requires their own special recognition by mum.

Tulip donk likes a forehead to forehead rub, after she has

scrunched her carrot bits. Tomas a neck hug. Snowy goat stands on the gate rungs for his carrot bits before getting down and backing away. Lily goat likes an all over scratch to ease her moulting coat.

Rosie cow wants a poll scratch and Sally a big hug as well.

They are all gentle beasties these days and always pleased to see me.

They have their moments though. Sally cow decided last weekend that the grass was better over the fence in the tree line.

She knows such behaviour isn’t approved of and when I went out with a friend, who was instructed to take down the wire gate, Sally took one look at me and bolted the length of the trees and through that gate before I said a word.

The donkeys’ feet had suffered from excessive spring growth and they were down at heel for real.

The farrier came and hacked off

an inch or so, but Tulip spent a week protesting silently that she felt he’d overdone it. This involved much deep breathing and lots of lying outside the back gate, but she got over it.

Goat feet seem to grow at light speed and in spring I never seem to catch up with them. As they are almost impossible to trim when very dry, I’ve been praying for some rain to soften them up.

When her feet need trimming, Lily tends to find some long grass (always on the wrong side of the tape), lie down and munch round herself.

They do all take work to look after them. Combing all six during the moulting season requires stamina, even though they all stand still while it’s done.

But the affection they give back is worth all the effort.

Teeing off makes it worth the trip The number one stroke hole at Te Awamutu Golf Club is long – 390 metres long to be exact – and narrows considerably towards the green; bogey land for most golfers.

Having walked off with your ego more or less mollified, you come across this simple little par three. Only 124m – piece of cake. Trouble is, only about 10 per cent of average golfers hit the ball dead straight.

Since this hold is a little bit over-endowed

with bunkers, bogeys are also plentiful here because, once again, the average golfer is not guaranteed an up-and-down from a sand trap.

Te Awamutu is a pretty course, easy on the eye (and the legs) with narrow tree-lined fairways, more undulating on the back nine than the front.

Like The Grange in Auckland, it’s a course that requires ‘triple A’ accuracy and on its longer par fours, big drives.

Six of the par fours average 380m in length, which means two big shots to reach those greens in regulation.

There may be a little let off on the two par fives which average out at about 450m, but there are also two big par threes at 194m and 174m.

The long and short of it, a course of contrasting lengths and contrasting colours.

It’s a popular stopover for golfers who want to play Waitomo and perhaps the stunning Taumarunui course down SH4. These three courses may be off the beaten track, but they do combine relaxing driving with tranquil, satisfying golf.

What is a constructive dismissal?

I am often asked ‘What is a constructive dismissal?’

A constructive dismissal is where an employee has actually resigned, but the resignation is considered to have resulted from pressure, coercion or some conduct of the employer that gave the employee no option but to resign.

An obvious example of a constructive dismissal is where an employee is given the option to resign or face dismissal. Such an approach is often used in cases of serious misconduct such as theft. The employer offers the employee the option to resign, thinking they are allowing the employee to save face. Unfortunately, such employers often find themselves defending a constructive dismissal claim.

Other examples of where an employer’s conduct may result in a constructive dismissal claim arise when an employer unilaterally alters an employee’s terms and conditions of employment or undertakes some sort of disciplinary action the employees feel is unjustified and trumped up in an attempt to get rid of them.

So what can an employer do to protect themselves from constructive dismissal claims? The answer is simple; ensure any proposed alteration to an employee’s position or any action involving disciplinary/ performance issues are carried out in a procedurally fair manner.

A procedurally fair manner includes: Providing the employee with all relevant information prior to any meeting; allowing the employee sufficient time between receiving the information and the meeting to consider and prepare a response; informing the employee in advance of all the possible outcomes of the process, including dismissal if appropriate; encouraging the employee to bring a representative or support person to the meeting; listening to the employee’s explanations in an unbiased manner prior to making any decisions about the matter.

The information in this article is not intended to replace professional advice. It is always advisable to seek professional assistance when dealing with employment matters, before taking any action.

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

COUNTRY LIVING

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Pining for a real Christmas Lenie Priebie couldn’t find a decent Christmas tree in the Bay of Plenty so she decided to plant her own.

She sold the few extra trees she’d planted on the side of the road and saw a huge demand for them.

“When our children were smaller we couldn’t find a tree to buy. I drove all over Tauranga and I couldn’t find one,” says Lenie.

“So when we bought this bit of land I put in a few pinus radiate and I only needed one, so I put the rest out on the side of the road and they were snapped up – and so that’s how we started.”

The Living Christmas Tree Farm was established and now, 19 years later, Lenie and her husband Paul grow hundreds of trees on their 2.8ha property on State Highway 2 at Papamoa.

Prices and tree sizes at the Living Christmas Tree Farm range to fit every need and every pocket.

People can be quite fussy when it comes to picking out the perfect Christmas tree says Lenie.

“Some people take five minutes

and others have been known to take up to an hour to choose their tree.

“It starts off with the fastidious ones at Labour weekend – they want their trees to be nice and bushy and they choose their own shape. Mum, dad and kids all come and have a lot of fun choosing.”

Lenie works throughout the year to meet requests of extra bushiness and different shapes.

The trees are planted as seedlings and follow a three to four year planting cycle.

They are pruned up to five times a year to achieve a bushy volume.

She says fake Christmas trees will never overcome the real thing.

“These (real trees) have a beautiful fragrance. There’s definitely a bit more work with them – coming in and buying the tree, putting it up and then at the end there is a bit of mess to clean up, but that’s all part of Christmas.”

Customers flock from all over the region to the Living Christmas Tree Farm, with families coming from Taupo, Matamata, Rotorua, Whakatane and Opotiki.

“As you get closer to Christmas, like now, people are on the run and they rush in and grab a tree. It becomes pretty chaotic here.”

More simple life lessons for farming – chapter 2 These thoughts and my life experiences may help you improve your future farming business decisions.

• Do not starve your business of working capital.

If you spend all your available working capital on non-producing things, such as holidays, tractors, etcetera and you run out of cash, you are starving your business. Ensure you always have surplus working capital available.

• When in doubt about a potential employee do not hire them.

Wait and regroup and rethink. A bad hiring decision can have a huge detrimental impact on not only your business, but your family and your head.

• In all matters, if in doubt don’t.

Go with your gut feeling and avoid talking yourself into something that did not really seem right. You can talk yourself in or out of anything.

• If you strike a major problem, disengage from everything else and focus ruthlessly on the problem.

Ring-fence the problem, then get top advice to help you solve it. Many people are conscious they have a problem, but are far too slow to put the blow torch on it and sort it.

• You must stop the bleeding very early on. If you are losing money, if things are not right, if your milk is downgraded, get it sorted now. Do not let the issue sit.

• You run two businesses on a farm.

There was, and remains, the wealth creation with land and buildings. Then,

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there is the cash flow side of your business from livestock or milk sales, which allows the wealth and assets. This supports the assets.

Focus on making an annual profit and the rest will follow.

• When you are at the top of an economic cycle, you cannot see the bottom of the cycle coming. Conversely, when you are the bottom of the cycle you cannot see out because everything is on top of you. The lesson here is that yes, it is tough now, but eventually it will turn around and bailing out now may not be the best decision.

I remember the 80s well, when things were really rough, many bailed, but those who hung in there prospered very well on the upswing.

• Be an optimist, because there is no use being anything else.

To me the glass is usually half full – if the tides goes out the optimist will focus and sort it quickly; a pessimist on the other hand, will procrastinate. Which one are you?

• Brutal facts demand brutal decisions.

Brutal decisions have to be made by you and you only. Don’t try to delegate them.

You own the problem, you sort it and you stand solid on your decisions.

• When people have to leave farming they often feel they are a failure. Sometimes extrication is the best and most logical decision. If you have to go, look for pride and sale with dignity because

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there is life after farming. I acknowledge Pita Alexander from Christchurch again for his thinking and my own lifetime in the farming industry. Remember to focus on what is important and forget the rest.

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.

Page 35

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 36

Coast & Country

Starving in a land of Plenty I have recently returned from nearly a month in Europe which included a Mediterranean cruise to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary.

Abundant Health

We had a wonderful time once we got over a couple of initial shocks at the huge buffet restaurant. The first shock was the amount of food which could have fed 10,000 people. The second shock was to see the obvious poor general health of the guests.

I have not seen a more unhealthy looking lot of 50-plus people in my life. Many were predictably overweight, but the real surprise was that most just looked so unhealthy.

Poor skin, tired looking, an inability to walk and move freely and as we found on the shore excursions, ridiculously unfit. You would not see better example of a lifetime of eating calorie-rich, yet nutritionally poor

foods, combined with low levels of activity.

I moan about the state of health of the average 50-plus Kiwi, but by comparison with this lot, we have found the fountain of youth. My fellow passengers were starving in a land or at least buffet, of plenty.

Their typical plate was filled with low grade fat-filled carbohydrates and meats with a bit of lettuce for decoration despite having a huge selection of really healthy food. Of course I ate too much and put on a couple of kilos. You don’t go on a cruise as a health retreat.

Our diets supply more calories (energy) than we need. What is missing are the trace minerals, the vitamins and cell protecting antioxidants that govern and protect cell function. I would bet my house that if I gave each of my fellow cruise passengers a good comprehensive micro nutritional supplement they would have a noticeable improve-

ment in their general health and energy.

If you have low energy and generally feel below par I will give you a challenge. Make sure you have at least five servings of different vegetables and two of fruit daily, plus take a balanced comprehensive micro nutritional supplement and some good fish oil for three months and see what happens. Make sure the supplement has all the major and trace minerals, all main antioxidant groups and is a full multi-vitamin.

Give your body what it really needs and it may just surprise you. Give me a call if you are unsure what to do.

To contact John ph 0800 423559 or visit www.abundant.co.nz. To read more go to www.johnarts.co.nz

Opportunity for a Kiwi beach holiday

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Papamoa Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort in the Bay of Plenty is offering a great special for families who book in to stay during January or February to enjoy a classic New Zealand holiday.

Guests will receive 25 per cent off their next booking at the beachside resort and general manager Rebecca Crosby wants people to know the beaches are “back to their former glory”.

Papamoa Beach was in the oil pathway from the stranded Rena and was closed temporarily to clean the oil up.

Using volunteers to clean up a beach after an oil spill was a world first says Rebecca.

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“The volunteers did an amazing job and cleaned the oil off the beach in record time.

“Since the volunteers, there have been professionals down there cleaning and assessing the sand and water so the beach can be opened officially. It is beautiful and clean and safe.”

The resort has accommodation available, from luxury beachfront and garden villas, to beachside holiday units, basic modern cabins and a range of camping sites.

It’s the perfect location for swimming, surfing, fishing and strolling along miles of white sandy beach.

Staying at the resort means relaxing and enjoying the spectacular panoramic sea views in the best possible way. Unlike camping of the past, however, you don’t have to

compromise on quality when you hop in your tent. The resort boasts three modern amenity blocks with communal and family bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, a fantastic barbecue area with a big screen for movies and sport and wireless internet for the whole resort.

“It’s so easy to make friends at the resort too, it normally starts with the kids – it seems they make friends within minutes of hitting the playground,” says Rebecca.

“Next thing you know, they are occupied for the majority of the holiday and you’ve met a few people at the barbecues or while doing the dishes and watching the news in the communal kitchen.

“The best part is, you can do as little or as much as you like here, come sleep on the beach with us.”

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 37

One hoof ahead As a keen trekking rider, Kathryn Dick says running the Hoofcamp guided trekking business, she often found riders had left some gear behind or broke a halter, lead rope or bridle.

“I saw an opportunity to sell bits and pieces from our horse truck at our treks we had been running since 2002.”

The Whakatane-based business grew until the truck wasn’t big enough to carry all the extra gear.

“Whakatane had no saddlery in 2009 so it seemed a good idea to start a saddlery business,” says Kathryn.

“We kept the Hoofcamp name for the shop as well as the treks. We didn't have much gear to start our little shop, but business grew and grew.”

Her husband Mathew became involved with the business as they had become so busy with saddlery repairs, cover launder-

Subdivision adds value Subdivision can add value in more ways than one, but if you live in a rural area, those opportunities are likely being taken away as you read this.

Obviously, if you live in a desirable location others will also be drawn to it. Therefore, by adding another house site through subdivision you can often enhance the value of your property by $200,000 or $300,000 and give somebody else the chance to enjoy the same rural ambience that you do.

In some districts such as Hauraki and Waikato, many properties still qualify to create these additional blocks, but the tide is rapidly turning and councils are moving to stop these opportunities being taken up. It has arguably been too easy, so expect to see much of this ‘as of right’ subdivision disappear in the coming months.

A growing trend, which is seen as giving the landowners opportunity

whilst enhancing the environment, is the protection of bush, streams and wetlands in conjunction with subdivision.

This is seen as a win-win and works well where the local authority recognises a fair value for the environmental feature.

We see this working very well in parts of the old Franklin District (now parts in Waikato, Auckland and Hauraki) for small wetland and bush areas and in the Western Bay for wetland and stream bank protection. Areas as small as half a hectare of wetland and 250m of stream protected on both banks will produce an additional lot.

In a variation to this, the environmental feature can actually be protected on another lot, owned by someone else. Many other councils, including Waikato, Waipa, Hauraki, Thames-Coromandel, Matamata-Piako, South Waikato, Whakatane and Opotiki districts, currently have similar rules, but the size of feature required to be protected varies considerably making the benefits marginal in some cases.

If you think those rules are complex – there are more. Some district councils now allow you to transfer titles across their district onto other sites. That, I will have to cover next month.

At a time when the enabling rules are fast disappearing and we may be having to justify equity to the bank, it can be a good idea to merely secure your subdivision rights by obtaining a resource consent. Once you have the consent it doesn’t matter if council changes the rules on you. You have a total of up to eight years to complete the subdivision and your initial investment is relatively low.

There is little time left to apply for subdivision under the current rules in many areas, so, if you are interested to find out how the changes may affect you, please feel free to give me a call.

ing and reproofing.

Hoofcamp Saddlery has been operating for three years now and has moved into a bigger premises just four doors up the road on Commerce Street, Whakatane.

The new shop is five times bigger and everything is under the one roof says Kathryn.

Hoofcamp Saddlery import Western saddles from USA and also stock other quality brand name saddles and bridles.

They now carry a large quantity of horse feed with easy dispatch through a roller door straight onto vehicles, various ranges of supplements, clothing and a fitting room, boots and all other equestrian needs for all disciplines of riding.

“We have a lounge suite for customers to relax and have a coffee while they browse through catalogues, a children play area, huge workshop for repair work, horse cover laundering, reproofing and plenty of room through the retail area for the customer to enjoy.”

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 38

Coast & Country

Optimum skin cancer treatment State of the art Mohs surgery is available in the Bay of Plenty, meaning people no longer need fear disfigurement as a result of multiple treatments to gain control of aggressive facial skin cancers.

A technically advanced & precise treatment for facial skin cancer.

Mohs Micrographic Surgical Treatment Dr Paul JM Salmon

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Freephone 0508 578 578 www.skincentre.com

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Surgical removal of skin cancer remains the optimum treatment for facial tumours. To maximise cure rates, however, sizable portions of apparently normal skin need to be removed around the visible tumour to clear microscopic deposits of skin cancer cells.

“These wide excisions may compromise the cosmetic outcome from such surgery and this is especially true in cosmetically sensitive areas such as the lips, nose, ears and eyelids,” says Skin Centre Dermatologist Dr Paul Salmon.

In addition, deposits of skin

cancer can still be missed, leading to recurrences that may require extensive and disfiguring operations at a later date.

Mohs surgery offers the ability to minimise any sign of surgery, while offering the best possible cure rates.

What can be seen of a skin cancer is often the ‘tip of the iceberg’ with more tumour cells growing downward and outward into the skin, like the roots of a tree. These ‘roots’ are not visible with the naked eye, but can be seen under a microscope.

This specialised procedure is performed by highly trained specialist dermatologists with skill in skin cancer diagnosis, surgical removal, microscopic analysis (to determine the extent of the skin cancer) and facial reconstruction.

Cure rates for skin cancers treated with Mohs micrographic surgery

by College Accredited Specialist Dermatologists are higher than for any other type of treatment.

The nature of the technique also allows the preservation of as much uninvolved skin as possible, minimising scarring and ensuring the best possible cosmetic result.

Early detection, treatment and management of skin cancer is dependent on regular and thorough examination of the skin.

Contact the Skin Centre today for a priority appointment.

By Dr Paul Salmon

Motorsport thrills for the family The whole family can enjoy the thrill of motorsport thanks to the efforts of a Tauranga business.

Go Karts Direct owners Bryce Marshall and Jan Wyllie began importing Drift Go Karts into New Zealand six years ago and now supply them to buyers all over the country.

Bryce says this is easy and comparatively inexpensive to do as the machines only weigh 75 kilograms.

“They come in three parts and are extremely easy to assemble.

“You need very few tools to put one together.”

The firm imports 200cc 6.5hp drift go karts which are capable of speeds of 45-50 kph.

They are extremely safe to use, having a low centre of gravity while still maintaining good ground clearance says Bryce.

“It’s a great introduction for young children to learn to drive and control out in the open spaces and it’s something we can do safely with our kids.”

Bryce says skidding and sliding techniques can develop good defensive driving skills. It is also a great way for children to gain confidence and of course have lots of fun.

“We recommend everybody wears a helmet and uses the fitted seatbelt

Leisa Raeymaekers and George Marshall love racing their Drift Go Karts. when they are driving a kart.

“They are very safe machines, designed to travel on flat, even terrain and because of their design, they drift rather than roll.”

The machine develops plenty of low-down torque allowing for power slides.

www.driftgokarts.co.nz

No Mess No Spray No Weeds!

GO KARTS DIRECT

www.driftgokarts.co.nz

Ask for Vigilant Herbicide Gel at your local garden centre or rural supply outlet Available in three sizes – 240gm, 1.8kg, 20kg www.plantandfood.co.nz/vigilant 0800 VIGILANT (0800 8444 526)

PH 07 578 0030

COUNTRY LIVING

Airshow returns to Tauranga The skies above Tauranga will reverberate to the sounds of loud explosions, roaring piston engines, screaming jets and helicopters on Auckland Anniversary Weekend in January, during the next Tauranga City Airshow.

Now known as the ‘Classics of the Sky’, the airshow is expected to be bigger than the

2010 event, with more to see in the air and on the ground. Actually three events in one, held on January 28 and January 29, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

The airshow itself is jointly organised by Classic Flyers NZ, one of the Bay of Plenty’s fastest growing tourist attractions and the Sport Aircraft Association of New Zealand (SAANZ).

The SAANZ holds the biennial Sport Avex, including flying competitions, during the weekend. The third event is the trade fair

Photo by April Stark.

and family entertainment, organised by the Rotary Club of Tauranga – Te Papa.

The 2012 airshow has been expanded to have organised flying displays on both Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday programme is shorter than Sunday’s and organisers have set ticket prices to reflect this. The trade sites and family entertainment is available all day on both days.

The area for Gold Pass ticket holders is being extended and is available both days.

The helicopter flights to and from Tauranga and Papamoa are also available both days. An additional option for Gold Pass holders is to have a tour of the aircraft on the Saturday afternoon.

While organisers do not yet know which aircraft are in the flying displays, the committee is planning for classic warbirds, helicopters, gliders, military aircraft and sport aircraft, military vehicles, re-enactors, pyrotechnics and the ever popular car versus jet race.

Information about the airshow, including advance discount ticket sales and trade site bookings can be accessed on the Airshow tab, visit www.classicflyersnz.com

Go Karts a great for large open spaces Featuring a simple, strong design, the Drift Go Karts have a Honda design cam, four stroke engine.

The karts run on 91 octane petrol and come in six different metallic colours. They have an easy-to-operate recoil pull-start mechanism and an automatic centrifugal clutch and can carry drivers weighing up to

120kgs. Bryce says the karts can be used by adults and children alike.

“They have brake and throttle controls on the steering wheel and the engines can be easily governed for younger children and less confident drivers by a simple screw adjustment.”

The karts are ideal for use on orchards, farms, lifestyle blocks, paddocks or any

large open spaces. The 4 stroke engines are very quiet compared to 2 stroke motorcycle engines and extremely economical.

Priced at $1295, they cost much less than most other motorsport machines and Bryce says this is another reason they make excellent Christmas presents. With Christmas nearly here, place your order and colour preference as stocks are limited.

Page 39

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• Complies with AS/NZS 1546.2.2008

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Page 40

POOLS & SURROUNDS

Coast & Country

Salt water swimming therapy at home

Pool Land, based in Christchurch, has just introduced a salt water compatible model pool to its already extensive range of easily installed Sterns brand pools.

These braceless pools can be installed either above or in-ground and have an attractive non slip approximately 170mm wide top capping.

Models are available in many sizes, including the now popular lap pools. Being able to use salt water means for a more pleasant

swimming experience, with added buoyancy for the not so good swimmers. Salt water is also very therapeutic.

Pool Land has been Sterns Pools agents for New Zealand for more than 18 years. These top quality Australian manufactured pools are easily installed by any home handyman.

Pool Land also specialises in providing high quality, low price swimming products direct to the market place. Not engaging any middlemen, they can keep prices attractive and can freight products direct to the customers. For many rural customers this is of great

benefit, allowing them to purchase without the hassle of having to travel sometimes long distances to visit a retail pool outlet.

Pool land also has available its own brand of extremely efficient pool heat pumps for keeping the pool at a constant temperature. Most customers set the heat temperature at 27-28 degrees. Running costs are very low due to the high efficiency levels that can be obtained (up to 6.2-1 COP).

Many other pool accessories, IE Pool rollers, covers, filtration tanks, pumps and auto pool cleaners are available online or phone Pool Land direct for helpful, friendly advice.

POOLS & SURROUNDS

PH 07 578 0030

Del Tutto picLess & ed

work and less chemical

Swimming pool maintenance doesn’t have to be hard – not when you have a Floatron.

Using NASA-developed technology, Floatron reduces the need for chemicals by up to 90 per cent and is simple, effective and economical.

Best of all, it’s natural. Floatron is the only portable solar powered pool purifier in the world. It reduces the need for chemicals, which means less effort and less cost and it produces no taste,

chemicals and do less work.”

Numerous testimonials from extremely satisfied customers reinforce Floatron’s ever-growing popularity.

Floatron is so good, it’s guaranteed to work.

Floatron NZ also supplies Baracuda automatic pool cleaners to make your pool care even easier.

Save yourself the hassle of time consuming pool maintenance and a chemical balancing act when you have a Floatron.

Floatron solar powered purifiers are available exclusively from Floatron NZ Ltd. Get in touch with them today to order one or receive a free information pack.

smell or chemical effects. Craig and Melissa of Floatron NZ have used their own Floatron and sold Floatrons for more than 16 years and say the feedback they get is wonderful.

“This is definitely a ‘word of mouth’ product, because once someone has a Floatron, they tell all their friends how well it works,” says Melissa.

“People are often amazed they haven’t come across Floatron before, because it’s such an easy system to use.

“It requires no installation and there’s no need to change your existing filter system – or do anything different, except reduce

Own piece of paradise 10

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He says if someone would like their dream pool for the R E P N CYEEMA AR A R V EN YT E A summer his team can design it and following permitting ED LIFE NT LEA TED LAIFER NFENCING T TR A T R AI ACRYLIC AR RAN and consent, have it built in as little as three weeks.

No.1 R A The company lives by its name which means ‘altoL L I I F F 1987 D D TE A RE N T TE E T AR gether’ in Italian.

RA RAN T AR A R TEND TLIFE TED LIFE No.1FENCING ACRYLIC RAN RA No.1 “We work with you to ensure your vision is realised,” Isaac Giacon with his daughter Chiara, 5, at a pool Del 1987 1987 A says Isaac.

EDN LTIFE Hardy. TED LIFE T Tutto recently builtA in Photo RT R Matua.

RT by AN R AT Tracy AR AR No.1 Specialising in customised pool design; Del Tutto can RAN RAN always kept well informed.” Isaac says clients who have 1987 design and fit a pool no matter the size and shape of a T T AR A R A N days can R R A N an existing swimming pool that has seen better property. have their pool and surrounds refurbished by the Del Isaac and his team, who have more than 15 years experience designing and building concrete swimming pools, Tutto team.

“We can help you to resurface, reshape, rethink and are dedicated to showing attention to detail in all areas renew your existing pool and surrounds. of pool construction and in full pool renovation and “Your existing pool can be a starting point to so much landscaping for residential and commercial projects.

Isaac says delivering only the best in design and quality more.”

Del Tutto is happy to provide a free, no obligation finish is his passion. site visit and quote that can extend to pools as well as “By having a single contractor from design to pool landscaping and paving. construction to landscaping and finishing, you are

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A pool is the perfect remedy for hot Western Bay of Plenty summer days and Del Tutto owner Isaac Giacon says it’s not too late for people to get the watering hole.

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Available Available from from

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Page 41

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 42

car for sale

0800 382 828

HYUNDAI 2005 for Sale $9500 ono. 137000 kms, silver, tiptronic, only two owners in NZ, wof & rego, great family car Ph 027 5526283 or 07 5526283 or email tmc@xtra.co.nz

for sale

PULLETS Brown Shaver. Point of lay, good layers. Ph 07 824 1762

house for sale

A PERFECT 3 bedroom home, warm and dry for winter with fireplace and full insulation.

Absolutely gorgeous outlook and cool breezes for Summer!

Fantastic family home or for first home buyers - ideal location in Brookfield. Fully fenced on a 716m2 section situated

house for sale

within easy walking distance to Brookfield shops, Schools, PreSchools & parks. Separate single garage with power.

Located in a quiet cul-de sac in a great neighbourhood, this home is a must see to see the potential. View some photos on TradeMe #405 700 583 or phone Daphne 027 552 6283 today!

Price Slashed to Sell was $330 now only $295,000 FANTASTIC LIFESTYLE BLOCK AT PIKOWAI Within easy commuting to Tauranga, Te Puke and Whakatane this 4 bedroom brick home is in paradise!

Beautiful sea and rural views

Coast & Country

house for sale

6 acres grazing land, horse pens, heaps of shedding, butchery and chiller for own use single garage with sleepout/ office big games room or can be converted to extra double garage, chook house, drenching race for the cattle. 11.5 x 4.5 metre in ground swimming pool which is fully decked and fenced. This is a beautiful home and comes with a share in the community woolshed, tennis courts and cattle yards. Own water scheme. Fantastic community to belong to - be in quick! Price of house has been slashed! to $550,000 - urgent sale.

Ph 027 281 7427 today.

house sitters

FREE EXPERT HOUSE SITTERS available from the from 7 March to 4 May and 21 June 2012 onwards.Active retired couple would love to protect your home, life style block, farm, stock (cattle, sheep, horses, chooks, alpacas, etc) and all types of pets. We have been housesitting for 2yrs and have ref and police clearance. Contact on flyandsissy@hotmail.com or Ph 021-047-5807

trades & services

GORSE SPRAYING do you have a gorse problem? Ph today for a FREE quote for all gorse control.

Scott 0274 624 769 TREE FELLING, PRUNING & Removal/chipping. No job to big or small. Phone Scott 0274 624 769

Water Tanks direct from the manufacturer 298 Kahikatea Ext Drive Hamilton sales@rotationalplastics.co.nz www.rotationalplastics.co.nz 07 846 0932

 DEAD OR ALIVE  FAST SERVICE  TOP CA$H PAID

Daily 7am - 5pm from Tauranga 24hr Overnight Hapuka 6.30pm - 6.30pm

KITSET

We pay up to $10,000 on the spot Please support your local buyer

FARMACARD

FULL CONTRACT

www.gorringebros.co.nz

TRANSPORTABLE

All conditions accepted

Keep your cows in milk over summer Plan your summer crops now • Pasture Sprayout

• •

Cultivation & Seeding Direct Drilling

We do the complete job.

Book early—Call us on 07 549 1075

PH 07 578 0030

COAST & COUNTRY

Monday 12 December

Farm Dairy Effluent Storage - Rotorua

Host: Mark Keaney, Nicholson Road, RD1, Rotorua 10.30am -2pm. Practical advice on the design, installation and management of storage ponds. Ph Sharon 0274 922 907 or email: sharon.morrell@dairynz.co.nz

Thursday 1 December

Tuesday 13 December

At Louise Ingram’s, Whangamata beach front 10.30am. The group exists to provide a strong community focus for social interaction and learning for women actively involved with diary farming in the North Waikato region. In meeting monthly we aim to keep abreast with seasonal issues and new developments and to challenge each other to improve what w are doing. Duncan Smeaton, Famer and Dairy NZ North Waikato team leader. Christmas lunch and talk. Ph Phil 027 483 9820 or email: phil.irvine@dairynz. co.nz

Host: David Cram, 642 East Bank Rd, RD3, Whakatane SN21922 10.30am – 2pm. Practical advice on the design, installation and management of storage ponds. Ph Cameron 027 288 8238 or email: cameron.bierre@dairynz.co.nz

Taupiri/Orini Ladies Discussion Group

Thursday 8 December Putaruru Biz Start

Plaza Theatre Putaruru, 59 Kensington St 11am – 1pm. Budgeting basics. Gain understandings of a range of budgets and budgeting principles. Ph Amy 027 483 2205 or email: amy. johnson@dairynz.co.nz

Friday 9 December

Farm Dairy Effluent Storage – Te Puke

Hosts: Derek and Janet Spratt, Cutwater Road, Te Puke SN21614 10.30am – 2pm. Practical advice on the design, installation and management of storage ponds. Ph Wilma 021 246 2147 or email: wilma.foster@dairynz.co.nz

North Waikato Biz Grow Group

Barkers Function Centre, Ngutumanga Road, Waihou 10.30am – 1.30pm. This session is on large herd 50:50 sharemilking jobs.

Discussion on how to attain a large herd sharemilking position, what makes a good large herd job, what skill sets are needed, the practicalities and constraints, the benefits of equity gain and cashflow and the options for future growth and investment.

Ph Murray 021 242 2127 or email: murray. perks@dairynz.co.nz

Farm Dairy Effluent Storage – Whakatane

Wednesday 14 December Farm Dairy Effluent Storage – Taupo

Host: Peter Kidd, 108 Kakaho Rd (off Western Bays Rd) Tihoi SN78290 10.30am – 2pm.

Practical advice on the design, installation and management of storage ponds. Ph Sharon 0274 922 907 or email: sharon.morrell@dairynz.co.nz

Hauraki Ladies Group

Karen and Stu Davey’s, 1026 Awaiti Rd, Paeroa SN75461 6.30pm. This group is open to any women involved in dairying or dairy related agri-business. Speaker: Mike Bramley (DairyNZ environmental specialist), Fonterra Sustainability team member. Ph Murray 021 242 2127 or email: murray.perks@dairynz.co.nz

Thursday 15 December Te Awamutu/Otorohanga Biz Start

At Te Awamutu i-SITE, 1 Gorst Avenue, Te Awamutu 11am – 1.30pm. Banking and budgeting basics. In this session we’ll get into the nuts and bolts of what you need and what you need to know for contract milking, sharemilking, or purchasing land or buying into a business.

Alistair Flett, from Flett’s Accounting Solutions, will also be there to talk about decision making for business structures and what to look for when choosing rural professionals to assist you in your business growth. Ph Sarah 021 770 859 or email: sarah.dirks@dairynz.co.nz

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

Page 43

Never felt better One day in court, the prosecuting lawyer asked the farmer on the witness stand, "At the scene of the accident, did you tell the policeman you had never felt better in your life?"

"That's right." The farmer replied.

"Well, then, how is it that you are now claiming you were seriously injured when my client's vehicle hit your wagon?"

The farmer explained. "When the policeman arrived, he went over to my horse, who had a broken leg, and shot him. Then he went over to Rover, my dog, who was all banged up, and shot him.

When he asked me how I felt, I just thought, under the circumstances, it was a wise choice of words to say I've never felt better in my life."

COAST & COUNTRY

NER

Page 44

Prize Pack up for Grabs!

Our six grandaughters at the cowshed looking out for their pet cows which they feed wine biscuits. These girls are farm mad and love nothing better than all hanging out together on the farm. Proud nana Nola Spooner,Te Aroha.

PRESCOTT

TRAILERS

Coast & Country Blake Gower with his lamb Skippy.

WIN

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to contest@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.

For 40 years, people have been putting their trust in Prescott Trailers, just ask an owner, they aren’t hard to find – better still, give us a call or come and visit our factory and see our full range.

Strong, durable and lightweight, Prescott Trailers are built to last a lifetime. Whether you need a trailer for the farm or road, for your boat or orchard, we can design and manufacture to your requirements

Ph 0800 888 323 Prescott Trailers Ltd.

29 Station Rd, Te Puke www.prescotttrailers.co.nz

Ruby Wheeler, 18 months, on her grandparents farm in Te Kuiti, driving grandpa’s new farm bike. Catherine Wheeler, Tauranga.

Anica Raitak, age 7, with Spiral the calf, at the Pahoia School Ag Day.