Coast & Country June 2017

Tauranga Moana artists Graham ‘Mr G’ Hoete has painted this mural on the Farmlands building in Paeroa as the first of 15 throughout the country. Read his story on page 29.

Clean Water PAGE 3

WHAKATANE

Norfolk Island PAGE 4-5

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Young Farmers PAGE 8

Welcome to the District PAGE 16-28

Dairying PAGE 59-63

Calving PAGE 64-65

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

The perils of over-consumption “Everything in moderation” – my parents used to say – not that I always followed their advice of course.

However, that wisdom is at odds with consumerism which relies on overconsumption to survive.

Producing more of anything, from cars to hamburgers makes each item cheaper, so more affordable. It also means manufacturers must sell more to be profitable so they encourage over-consumption, which, in some cases, can have dire consequences for human and environmental health.

A University of Auckland study shows New Zealand has some of the highest antibiotic consumption in the world – and the numbers are growing. The problem is that worldwide, microbes are developing resistance to antibiotics and researchers fear these lifesaving medicines may no longer be able to treat some of the most serious diseases.

A similar case of over-use is impacting our environment too. Nitrogen and phosphorus, widely used to increase grass growth and so stocking rates of farms, are now being blamed for damaging our waterways.

Now N and phosphorous are so extensively used, they are leaching from soils into waterways, causing a decrease in water quality. The Government is committed to a Clean Water Policy and has tasked regional councils with achieving certain targets (see page 3).

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The response is to set limits on the use of artificial nitrogen, and many are farmers worried that this will lead to a drop in production and profitability but not clean up our rivers and streams.

Christine Jones, an Australia soil ecologist, internationally recognised for her research, reckons reducing, or doing away with nitrogen could be the best thing farmers ever did in terms of production, soil and animal and indeed human health – see page 48.

And soil scientist Graham Shepherd of BioAgriNomics says New Zealand has an increased reliance on high-cost supplements because “we’re not presenting the cow with high-energy pastures with the appropriate nutrient content”. See page 6.

New Zealand farmers are adaptable. They have learned, often through bitter experience, to change their farming methods in the face of forces beyond their control – like the removal of farming subsides in 1984. Some farmers didn’t survive, but others did, and went on to thrive.

Farmers will, and many want to, reduce their use of N and P and help clean up waterways. But they need the opportunity to make informed and collaborative choices on how to get there – not regulations which are open to manipulation, may cause hardship to many and still not achieve the desired results.

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Water quality improved over time The Government has set a target of 90 per cent of rivers and lakes being swimmable by 2040 and the Clean Water package will improve freshwater quality over time, says Environment Minister Nick Smith.

Specifically, the Government is: • Consulting on regulations that will keep livestock out of waterways.

• Putting even more money into improving specific waterways.

• Requiring regional councils to improve overall water quality for swimming – councils have been asked to provide draft plans for achieving the swimming targets.

• Strengthening the National Policy Statement for Freshwater

Management to support the target and address issues of ecological health and nutrients in water.

• Providing New Zealanders with more information – this includes new maps which show water quality for swimming in rivers and lakes. The maps link with LAWA and regional council websites for the latest information on whether it’s safe to swim.

“There’s also work under way on considering good management practices.

Many landowners are already leading the way in good management of freshwater in urban and rural areas and we’re looking at how we make these practices more widespread,” says Nick.

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The use of ‘grandparenting’ as a means of controlling nitrogen application on farms is to be looked at by the Government, says Minister for the Environment Nick Smith.

“I have directed officials to look at the practice of ‘grandparenting’ and a wide range of other options for water allocation, including their costs, benefits and impacts on all parts of the community, and to consider overseas approaches.

“This builds on the work of the Land and Water Forum and international experience.

“I have also established a technical advisory group to advise officials on the practical impact of different options,” says Nick.

He is responding to a request by Coast & Country News to comment on an article by Rick Burke, chairman of Farmers for Positive Change (see page 74), which questions the grandparenting provisions of the Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1.

Farmers take responsibility

The Minister says he welcomes media and public interest in the issues regarding our fresh water.

“It is great that the environment is at the forefront of conversation around New Zealand, as we need all New Zealanders to be involved in this.

“I often say the environment is not just the Government’s responsibility but the responsibility of all New Zealanders. We all have an interest in good quality fresh water.”

The Government wants to work with the farming community to ensure all farmers have a good understanding about land use and how it affects the

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“I am of the view that all parts of the community must contribute to cleaner water in New Zealand.

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“Those planning intensification or land use change also need to adjust to the new reality and find innovative ways to develop their businesses within limits.

“I agree we must ensure we manage our environment in a sustainable manner to ensure our natural resources are preserved for generations to come.

“I certainly agree that we must all work together to ensure our environment is protected.

“I look forward to working with Farmers for Positive Change on the solutions for improving our fresh water together.”

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environment. “We also want to make sure farmers take responsibility for the contaminants their activities produce.

“This is not just about nitrogen but also phosphorus, pathogens and the amount of sediment we put in our rivers and waterways.

“With the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, this Government has required regional councils to set limits on the discharge of contaminants like nitrogen and phosphorus to New Zealand’s rivers and lakes,” says Nick.

“The very robustness of these limits on contaminant discharges makes it challenging to reach fair decisions over who can no longer increase discharges and who has to make reductions.

“I am acutely aware of how these decisions affect people in our community; from the dairy farmers who have developed their family businesses in full accordance with the law, to the drystock farmers wanting options for potential changes in land use or intensification.

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‘Hands Up for Norfolk Island’ – the permanent protest in Burt Pine Township.

Tiny Norfolk Island, for decades a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders, is undergoing significant social and political change, as Elaine Fisher discovered when she visited in May. Hundreds of green handprints, and the Norfolk Island flag at half-mast, stand in silent protest in a reserve in Burnt Pine Township.

Each handprint – some left, some right, all in Norfolk green – is signed with the name of its owner as part of a campaign called ‘Hands Up for Norfolk Island’ in protest at the loss of the island’s self-governing status.

Once hailed as an exemplar for all democracies, the

Norfolk Island Parliament was abolished on July 1, 2015, and replaced by the Australian Government, which now maintains authority on the island through an administrator – in effect making Norfolk Islanders now Australians.

The green hands are not the only ongoing action. In historic Kingston, protestors have maintained a constant 12-month vigil, under canvas, near the island’s former seat of self-government.

Appealing to UN

People for Democracy president Chris Magri says the group is appealing to the United Nations to be accorded protective rights as a Non-Self-Governing Territory, allowing the islanders to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

What they want, says Chris, is the kind of relationship the Cook Island and Tokelau have with New Zealand.

Norfolk Island covers just 35 square kilometres and has around 1796 permanent residents, many of whom trace their ancestry back to Pitcairn Island, its

Bounty Mutineers and Tahitian “foremothers”.

The island has been self-governing since the Norfolk Island Act was passed in 1979, giving the island limited autonomy. Peter Maywald, who was Norfolk Island's secretary to the government from 2003-2010 and an advisor to its legislative assembly, has been quoted as saying: “I thought it was the best functioning direct democracy I’ve ever seen”.

Under its parliamentary system, Norfolk had citizen-initiated referendums, but no political parties. Parliamentarians were totally accessible, regularly being approached by residents in the local supermarket or main street.

But on November 6, 2010, the Chief Minister of Norfolk Island, David Buffett, announced the island would voluntarily surrender its tax-free status in return for financial help from the Australia Federal Government to cover significant debts.

Chris says it was the Global Financial Crisis and a dramatic drop in visitor numbers that put the island in financial strife and opened the opportunity for Canberra to begin its “takeover bid”.

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Concern benefits will undermine islanders’ work ethics

continued...

Chris believes the island’s financial woes could have been solved in 2010 with a short-term loan from Canberra of $3.5 million and some very minor changes to the island’s financial governance.

In 2015 Australia acted to implement a new Australian-administered tax system and replace self-government with a local council.

Income taxation

Australia’s income taxation came into effect on July 1, 2016. Since that time the island has received assistance in health, education, Medicare, and infrastructure from Australia.

Prior to these reforms the Norfolk Island Government provided all of these services from revenue raised locally on Norfolk Island.

Chris says, on May 8, 2015, in an Island-wide referendum conducted under Norfolk Island statute, the Norfolk Island people voted overwhelmingly in support of their legal right to determine their own political status and their economic, social and cultural development.

“The referendum result clearly exposes the Norfolk Island community has been misrepresented by the Norfolk Island Administrator to Assistant Minister Briggs.

The people of Norfolk Island have clearly said that they want a say on the future model of governance for

Norfolk Island, not just have a governance model imposed on them,” Lisle Snell, Norfolk Island Chief Minister, said at the time.

In announcing the passing of the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Bill 2015, MP Jamie Briggs, then the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, said the move ended decades of uncertainty for the residents of Norfolk Island.

“This Bill will help build a stronger and more prosperous future for all island residents.”

However, many locals don’t agree and say already the island is suffering under the changes.

They worry for the future of their young people who have grown up in a society where to work is valued.

Previously, there was virtually no unemployment. Many people have more than one job. Now locals qualify for benefits, the number of people willing to do part-time tasks, like cleaning tourist accommodation facilities, is drying up.

Air freight hit

There have been other impacts of the changes too. Now Norfolk Island is officially part of Australia, Australians can visit without passports – which has affected the amount of airfreight coming to Norfolk – as evidenced by the sparsely stocked shelves in the local

supermarket.

In the past, if planes couldn’t land, they diverted to nearby Noumea. Now they have to carry enough fuel to return to Australia as passports are required to land at Noumea – and more fuel means less freight and passengers being offloaded.

Lisle and others involved with People for Democracy question Australia’s motives.

“The changes are costing Australia taxpayers and we are unsure what’s in it for the government. Is it the island’s strategic position, or the value of the fishery in the Norfolk Island Exclusive Economic Zone? There are also rumours about oil being found offshore,” says Lisle.

Historic Kingston Norfolk Island was the seat of its own parliament.

Get on with life

Other locals, while supporting the sentiments of the People for Democracy movement, believe now the changes are in place it’s wise to get on with life and make the best of it.

Norfolk Island, once a penal colony, then home to re-located Pitcairn Islanders, is undergoing significant social change that will affect a culture once unique in the world. For better or worse – only time will tell.

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Dairying and its environmental impact - is dairying the culprit? Part two In addition to the over-application of nutrients from water-soluble and non-bio-friendly fertilisers, it is nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions with high global warming potential and close association with dairying that should be our focus in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

content of pasture and increasing its energy level I wonder if we are given entirely the right (sugar/carbohydrate content), providing the messages about the other two greenhouse rumen microbes with the energy required to gases – carbon dioxide (CO2) and convert the ingested feed into milk, meat methane (CH4). While there are many and fibre. contributors to CO2 in the environWhile grass-fed animals are by far the ment, CO2 is a molecule necessary for cheapest form of pastoral agriculture, we photosynthesis. are developing an increasing reliance on Its removal from the atmosphere is, high-cost supplements because we’re not however, significantly reduced by the presenting the cow with high- energy pastures extensive removal of forests in South East with the appropriate nutrient content.

Asia, Brazil, Central America, and Central Africa. The reduction of atmospheric CO2 Graham Shepherd. As a consequence, only 20 per cent of the protein in the herbage is utilised while 80 is also lessened by the reduction of the per cent converts to ammonia which is subsequently photosynthetic capacity and photosynthetic rate of emitted as N2O into the atmosphere and as N-rich pastures by overgrazing and by limiting the dry matter urine into the groundwater and waterways. The N production on farms. And we wonder why CO2 levels conversion efficiency (Kg MS per kg N leached) is are increasing. very poor. This is something we could easily fix by Methane is rapidly broken down in the atmosphere simply ensuring the soil and plant has a good nutrient by hydroxyl radicals photo-oxidising CH4 to CO2. balance, including having good levels of the key sugarMoist air above pastures can photo-oxidise 100 times making elements. more CH4 than what is able to be produced by the The bottom line is we need to protect our envisoil or animals grazing that area. Methane is also a ronment and ‘clean green image’, our tourism and necessary requirement of methanotrophic bacteria recreational industry, and ensure our farmers are in the soil which take up and oxidise CH4 from the profitable with secure markets producing quality food atmosphere. products.

While the government is currently spending millions There are effective ways to achieve this but do we of dollars a year on research and projects to counter have the industrial and political will to implement agricultural emissions to reduce GHG emissions, effective change? Will vested interest groups continue methane emissions for example can be slashed by up to compromise the profitability and the environmental to 99 per cent by simply adding seaweed (Asparagopfootprint of dairy farmers by selling them nutrients sis taxiformis) to the cow’s diet. This highlights the they do not need and in water-soluble and nonimportance of diet in mitigating GHG emissions, bio-friendly forms? Will we continue to try and something that is not given the recognition and fundaddress the symptoms of our high environmental ing it deserves. footprint rather than the cause?

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Bernice and Carlos Delos Santo with their children baby Cara, Claire and Carl.

A culture shock probably doesn’t adequately describe what Carlos Delos Santos experienced when he moved from Manilla in the Philippines to Mangakino in New Zealand and took up a job relief milking.

“As an 18-year-old I had very little life experience and no idea about dairy farming, but my family had not a lot of money and I needed a job,” says Carlos, who 16 years on, and with wife Bernice, was runnerup in the 2017 New Zealand Share Farmers of the Year Awards.

In fact money was so short Carlos borrowed $140 to buy a pushbike to get to work. Not only did he know nothing about dairying, Carlos also had little grasp of English. “I found it very hard to understand the New Zealand accent and the fast way of talking.”

Undaunted, Carlos learned to spray cows’ teats, progressing to taking off and putting on cups.

“I watched the other workers and they were really fast at cupping so I set myself a goal of being as fast as them. I also wanted to impress my bosses as I needed a job.”

Impress them he did. Even though there was no current opening, Ian and Marion Fraser took Carlos on full-time, something for which he is very grateful.

“Shortly afterwards one staff member left so we were a team of four again. I stayed on the farm for four years and learned so much from Ian and Marion, especially about managing staff. They are true role models for me – I knew I wanted to be like them.”

support,” says Carlos.

As well as assisting on the farm and in the dairy, Bernice manages the financial and record keeping aspects of their business, and the care of their three children, Cara, born last month, Clair, 4, and Carl, 7.

Currently, the couple, who won the 2017 Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year Award, are 50/50 sharemilking a 300-cow herd on the 140 hectares McPherson Family Trust farm at Ngakuru. Now baby Cara has arrived, they have employed a full-time staff member.

More cows

“We’ve just bought a further 60 cows, which will take us to the maximum for this property and have another year to go on our contract.”

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By the time Bernice, who was a registered nurse in the Philippines, came to New Zealand in 2007, Carlos had adjusted to farming and taught himself to read, write and converse in English. Now it was Bernice’s turn to become immersed in a new culture and occupation.

“She has made a lot of sacrifices in taking up farming, which she knew nothing about – and I would not be where I am today without her hard work and

is to own their own 250 to 300-cow dairy farm by 2030.

Carlos says as foreign as farming was to him at first, he cannot imagine doing anything else. “There are a lot of positives in dairying. It is a lot of work but it also means I can be involved with raising my kids and I just have to go out the door to be at work, not sit in traffic jams.

“I would encourage any immigrants and young New Zealanders looking for a career to give dairying a go.

“There is no better place than New Zealand to do that and if you work hard you can progress to a management position quite quickly and on up from there.”

Bernice and Carlos, delighted and overwhelmed to have placed so highly in the national dairy awards, are excited about what the future holds for themselves and their children in the industry and country they love.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Connecting with those who understand dairying As much as she loves her work, 21-year-old Mangakino herd manager Donna McKinley admits dairy farming hours can be an impediment to social life – unless you join a Young Farmers Club.

“Farming can be isolating, especially if you have moved to a new area, so it’s important to find ways to meet other people who also understand the demands of your working life.

“Young Farmers clubs fill that ole,” says Donna, who joined the Tihoi club 12 months ago and is now on its executive committee.

Lend an ear

“Young Farmers clubs offers a lot of support and advice and our members are always happy to lend an ear when others are struggling.”

Mangakino herd manager Donna The change of career McKinley says joining Young Farmers has been a big step for and entering the dairy awards have been Donna but she’s totally invaluable to her career and lifestyle. committed to the dairy “Other dairy farmers don’t laugh industry. “My long-term goal is if you say you go to bed at 8pm – to have land and herd ownership because at times we all do,” says and I have financial plans in place the vice-chair of the Tihoi Westto ensure this happens. I’ve done ern Bays Young Farmers Club. the budgets on what is needed to Donna, who made a careerget there and the figu es are pretty change from qualified motor scary but it’s doable.” mechanic to dairying, says one A very useful aid to achievof the first things she did when ing that goal, says Donna, was moving to the Tihoi area was join the young farmers club as a way of entering the 2017 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards – in which getting to know people. she was runner-up in the dairy “I had attended a few young trainee section, winning $2495 in farmers’ club events when I had prizes. been doing relief milking around “I absolutely recommend that Te Puke and enjoyed them, so all young dairy farmers enter the was keen to join up when I went awards, which for me have not full-time dairying.

only been another great way to meet more people but also to learn so much from the judges, whose feedback was priceless.

“I entered because I wanted to benchmark myself alongside others of similar age in the field and find out whe e I can improve.

The in-depth feedback from judges can be quite critical, but it is done in a way not to hurt you but to help you. I learnt so much from the experience.”

Donna, who currently works for Parkhill Farms Ltd milking 820 cows on the 340ha farm, plans to enter again next year.

“It’s such a valuable experience and that you have entered looks good on your CV as it shows prospective employers you are serious about the industry and improving your performance.

Personal development

“The prizes are also pretty awesome and everyone who enters gets a really great goodie bag, but more than all that it is about personal development.”

Donna wants to progress to a second-in-charge position by the 2017/2018 season, with farm management by 2020. She’s also a motorsport enthusiast, and in her spare time Donna is pit crew for Liam Honnor Drift, the youngest drifter in New Zealand, putting her two years as an automotive apprentice to good use. She also enjoys riding horses.

To find out mo e about Young Farmers Clubs and details of your nearest club go to www.youngfarmers.co.nz Elaine Fisher

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The mild weather kiwifruit growers have enjoyed in recent seasons has taken the focus off frosts, but the damage they cause to fruit remains a constant threat, says New Zealand Frost Fans sales manager Andrew Roff.

Andrew says horticulturalists and wine growers in Europe have been very hard hit by frosts this year and, as the southern hemisphere often follows northern hemisphere weather cycles, the same could happen here.

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Page 9

Page 10

COUNTRY LIVING

Game bird food festival returns The Game Bird Food Festival is back on for 2017, giving hunters the opportunity to have their freshly harvested wild duck professionally cooked in a restaurant.

The game bird hunting season began on May 6 with thousands of Fish & Game licence holders taking advantage of opening weekend to bag the makings of a duck dinner.

The food festival is a Fish & Game initiative to promote the variety and quality of wild harvested game and has attracted restaurants around the country.

Fish & Game’s communications manager Don Rood says the festival gives hunters a way of treating their family and friends to a game dinner.

“Successful hunters can take their bag into a participating restaurant, where a chef will cook and serve it,” says Don. Don says game meat is a healthy option and hunters look forward to the opening of the season so they can re-stock their freezers.

Free-range food

“Game birds are terrific freerange food and provide lean, tasty meat because they have grown up in the wild without chemical additives. Restaurants taking part in the festival are keen supporters of the idea of cooking a meal their guests have foraged for themselves.

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“It is encouraging to see that some restaurants are taking this a step further by using other local ingredients in the dish.”

The game bird hunting season runs until August 27, with hunters who have a 2017 Fish & Game licence able to pursue ducks, pheasant and quail.

“Hunting is ingrained into the New Zealand way of life and through the generations, people have taken pride in their ability to put game they have harvested on the family table.

Way of life

“That tradition continues today, with a lively interest in foraging and gathering free range food and the game bird hunting season is very much a part of that.” If hunters are successful, they can take their bag into a participating restaurant, as long as they meet a few conditions.

“Hunters must ensure their birds are well prepared – plucked, cleaned and oven ready. Select the very best, top condition ducks from your bag and avoid any with shot damage,” says Don. Further details of the Game Bird Food Festival can be found at: www.gamebirdfoodfestival.co.nz

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“Safe over rubber, Neoprene and all CorrosionX products come in aerosols, plastics, it proofs electronics against trigger bottles and bulk packs and spraywater, sulphur and methane, and helps ers are available. resurrect mechanical and electrical gear “It is easy to apply. No mess, no stress. after floods.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 11

Biosecurity topic Need to address Maori depression for Tauranga symposium The introduction of unwanted pests and diseases has the potential to adversely impact on the lives of New Zealanders, which is why biosecurity is the topic of a symposium, open to the public, in Tauranga on Monday, August 7.

“Opening the eyes and minds of biosecurity: Facilitating the pragmatic uptake of knowledge for biosecurity” is the title of a workshop that will bring together representatives of government organisations, industries, science organisations and the public.

The event precedes the New Zealand Plant Protection Conference at Trinity Wharf in Tauranga, which runs from August 8-10.

Use of assets

During the symposium a number of speakers will investigate ways to enhance collaboration for improving biosecurity, resulting in more effective use of assets, including people, information, tools, science and infrastructure, while maintaining social licence to allow the use of biosecurity tools and technologies.

The NZPPS conference is promoted as New Zealand’s prime venue for the exchange of scientific information on all aspects of plant protection.

Poster session

Oral presentations during the conference include invited speakers and summaries of papers published in the NZPPS peer-reviewed journal ‘New Zealand Plant Protection’.

The conference also features a lively poster session, with abstracts from posters also being published in the journal. To find out more, go to: https://nzpps.org/conference.php

Failing to diagnose depression in Maori, especially, is nothing new, but illustrates the need for urgent action, says the NZ Association of Counsellors.

“Unfortunately, there are barriers to tangata whenua finding useful and culturally responsive help, as well as a lack of Kaupapa Maori service provision, which is often what is most valuable.

An Auckland University study, published in the ‘NZ Medical Journal’, measured 15,800 participants’ non-specific psychological distress.

Results show Maori New Zealanders were 7.5 per cent more likely to have a high-risk score in the survey than European New Zealanders on 4.5 per cent.

Remove barriers

Grim reality

NZAC Te Ahi Kaa Gay PuketapuAndrews says the grim reality of Maori depression should spur people to action.

“We have known Maori are more vulnerable to some mental health issues for a long time. This can be largely attributed to many Maori suffering from an intergenerational trauma that has been the result of colonisation.

“So, while we might not be able to immediately remove those barriers, we can promote the importance of ensuring that Kaupapa Maori services be more readily available.”

Gay says the association can lead the counselling profession in developing and supporting Maori practices, which will benefit the mental wellbeing of tangata whenua.

“Firstly, we are providing the platform to grow and develop our Maori membership. This ensures the cultural identity of Maori who seek help are met, because cultural identity is a fundamental issue in terms of Maori mental health.”

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Jazz apples are grown in 10 counties under a closely controlled quality growing programme, managed by trademark owner and one of New Zealand’s largest horticulture exporter, T&G Global – formerly Turners and Growers.

T&G’s Jazz marketing manager

NZ Michelle Singh says feedback from Jazz fans shows they love knowing they’re buying a consistent, quality apple. “Some people may think the only difference between apples is their taste and colour, but the beauty of a Jazz apple is more than skin-deep.

“It’s equally delicious fresh, in salads and cooked in desserts. A healthy choice on the go, Jazz apples offer reliable goodness and are perfect for lunchboxes.”

Gay says other organisations should follow suit and play a role in supporting and developing Maori mental health practitioners and service providers to enable more opportunities for Maori to access counselling.

“The people who understand the issues affecting the mental health of tangata whenua the most are the Maori counsellors and mental health providers.

“That’s why it’s important people access help and services that are culturally responsive to their needs and heritage.”

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Page 12

COUNTRY LIVING

Off-roading to enjoy the scenery Self-drive tours run by Robbie and Connie Crickett NZ Adventures are they ideal way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the South Island and discover places few tourists get to see.

Connie and Robbie are curJoining likeminded people in 4X4s to tour the South Island rently offering five different tours of five, six and seven days with NZ Adventures is a very popular holiday option. for like-minded people to drive the more easterly trips as it is possible their own, or hire a vehicle, equipped with quality to get. radio communication so Robbie can provide a knowlEarly highlights of the West Coast edgeable commentary as the trips proceed.

Explorer include the tracks on St. James, Accommodation is in motels, dining at restaurants Lake Tennyson and the highest road and some lunches with run-holders on the Eastpass in New Zealand. Overnights on the ern Explore, and picnic lunches on the West Coast coast include two nights in Murchison, Explorer Tour. a night in Westport, Reefton and the The West Coast Explorer Tour is as different from last night in Greymouth.

A highlight of day three is the visit to the Denniston Plateau and the history and coal mining in this historic and sometimes inhospitable place.

“But for most the absolute highlight of the trip comes on the last day in the forests and farmland inland of Ohaura, where we explore a tunnel system on a property where a stream was diverted in the search for gold.

“Further up the valley into the Department of Conservation reserve area of Napoleon Hill we look at various old

        

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 

gold mining operations, which include where early miners diverted the original creek through large tunnels to mine the creek floor for gold. Two of the tunnels are drivable with our vehicles – an absolutely spectacular experience. “ The Eastern Explorer starts in Geraldine and heads South East through the mountain ranges of South Canterbury to overnight at Oamaru. The highlight of the first day has to be the rare chance to drive through Four Peaks Station.

The second day route takes the trip high into the Kakanui Mountains of North Otago and a chance to have a look at the volcanic landforms on the Northern Edge of Central Otago. Overnight is in Ranfurly.

Day three takes in views of the Oceania Goldmine at Macraes Flat as well as some great 4X4 tracks in the littleknown Strath Taieri area heading down to an overnight in Mosgiel.

Day four takes the trip into the Otago Hinterland and a mixture of forest and farmland. “In the afternoon we travel over the Lammermoor range through the Te Papanui Conservation Park to the overnight in historic and quaint Lawrence,” says Connie.

Day five the route follows the Clutha River before turning into the mountains and following old gold mining routes through very isolated and sparsely settled country before arriving at the journeys end in Alexandra.

Make a stop at The Cheese Barn The Cheese Barn, renowned for its fine boutique cheeses and cafe, is situated in a picturesque rural area between Thames and Paeroa, only 5km from Kopu.

“The Hauraki Rail Trail is 30m down the road at the back of the farm, so lots of cyclists call in to the barn for coffee, cheese boards, pizza or gourmet pies,” says Cathy Haigh, who is owner-manager of The Cheese Barn at Matatoki Ltd. “The cafe is open seven days a week and is also licensed, so wine, beer and cider are available to be enjoyed with a cheeseboard or meal.”

The Cheese Barn prides itself on its use of fully certified organic milk for its boutique cheeses, ranging from traditional Dutch Gouda, camembert, brie, feta, halloumi, and mozzarella, plus a range of yoghurt, quark, cottage cheese, butter and ghee.

Cheesemaker Kelvin Haigh has been making the cheese for 19 years and has an impressive array of awards on the wall.

The shop also sells a range of local gourmet foods like chutneys, pickles, olives, salami, and oils to compliment the cheeses, as well as a great range of

cheese knives, slicers, boards and other cheesy related items.

“A range of imported cheeses can be bought in the shop too, along with our range of products. Gift baskets and

The animals at the Cheese Barn attract attention from children and adults alike. boxes can be made up which make great presents.”

The Cheese Barn is definitely family-friendly and its animals attract attention from children and adults alike. “There are goats, alpacas, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens and birds, many of which can be hand-fed with pellets sold in the cafe.

Often there are baby animals to be seen too,” says Cathy.

COUNTRY LIVING

A week of nothing – then the opposite!

After a week of no fishing due to adverse weather conditions, Blue Ocean Charters had a week the total opposite in mid-May. The ocean was glassy calm and there has not been a breath of wind to ripple the water. Fishing was exceptional, which provided the ultimate combination for the anglers.

Inshore small snapper abound so we’ve been heading out into the 60-plus metre areas

Page 13

rural dog owners

coming a close second. As well as snapper, we’ve been catching some nice fat trevally, golden snapper and tarakihi. The tarakihi definitely favour the tuatuas and can be caught using small hooks.

On an overnight trip to Tuhua, after filling the chilly bins with snapper on the way out, the plan was to catch some deep sea bluenose and hapuka. With the weather totally calm, there was no drift at all and the result was predictably hopeless.

Harbour fishing has been excellent. Dave Lawrence contacted me to tell me of his

Michael Craig with a great snapper.

Henry loves snapper fishing.

to try for some legal catches. Limit bags of snapper between 35cm and 45cm have been caught.

Dave They are feeding Lawrence on any type of bait with but the favourite his big has definitely been trevally. pilchards with squid

meritorious catch while out fishing on Vic Hoonhout’s boat one recent weekend. The trevally he caught was 65cm long and weighed in at 4.5kg. Well done Dave.

Attention Farmers

Breeding blue cod brings new possibilities Scientists have managed to successfully breed blue cod for the first time, a milestone that will support the development of a new aquaculture industry for New Zealand.

In association with Ngai Tahu Seafood Ltd, the Seafood Technologies team at Plant & Food Research in Nelson is investigating how to breed different species of native fish in captivity, building knowledge of the conditions required for the fish to successfully reproduce.

Intensive aquaculture

For the first time, they’ve managed to breed and grow blue cod to fingerlings. New Zealand can now consider potential opportunities for this desirable table fish, such as intensive aquaculture grow out or supplementing local populations under pressure from fishing.

Ngai Tahu Seafood chief executive Joseph Thomas says the outcomes of this programme could have real commercial and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) benefit

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for the seafood industry.

“By enhancing our understanding of blue cod breeding we may be able to identify ways to replenish and strengthen our fishing stocks, which will have a positive impact on customary, recreational and commercial availability. It will help us sustain the health of our fisheries,” says Joseph.

About 2000 hatchlings have been raised. Their parents were wild blue cod from the Marlborough Sounds. The team has been studying both the parents and the hatchlings to determine how they respond to stocking densities, population structure, light, water temperature and different food sources, to develop the best protocol for raising the fish at Plant & Food Research’s new fish hatchery in Nelson.

Optimised for breeding

“Each fish species has different requirements to be in the best health for breeding and for culturing eggs through to small fish, ” says Plant & Food Research’s group leader seafood production Alistair Jerrett.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 14

Recapture beach love affair with rare beachfront sections It is no secret that many Kiwis have a love affair with the beach and cherish memories of sundrenched baches by the sea.

Which is why a rare opportunity to secure beachfront property on a prized stretch of Bay of Plenty coastline is

proving highly attractive to a growing number of rural residents.

Developers of Coast Papamoa Beach say they’re fielding enquiries from rural people seeking fresh pastures by snapping up prime coastal real estate in their Beaches precinct.

Located on the immediate beachfront, at 1 Papamoa Beach Rd as part

of Frasers Property’s 24 hectares Coast Papamoa Beach estate, the 1.4-ha precinct consists of 23 exclusive freehold sections, starting from $650,000.

With views along the Mount Maunganui coastline, each title includes joint ownership of 1.2ha of rolling sand dunes that provide private access to the beach and ocean.

“As one of the last remaining locations in the Bay of Plenty where you can have the beach on your doorstep, naturally interest is high,” says Frasers Property development manage Kranish Reddy.

“Of note, we have fielded a number of enquiries from within the rural sector, including those

looking at a holiday home and others interested in enjoying their twilight years living on the beachfront.”

Located close to downtown Tauranga and Mount Maunganui, the attractions of New Zealand’s fastest-growing lifestyle city are among the precinct’s many other selling points.

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Why supplement with CoQsol®?

• CoQ10 is an important antioxidant that can protect ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.

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Taking Co Enzyme Q10 - it can be of benefit Co Enzyme Q10 – also known as CoQ10 – is a vitamin-like substance essential for life. While we normally make all the CoQ10 we need, some people – because of age, health problems or medications – can benefit from taking extra good quality CoQ10.

CoQ10 is essential to make the energy our bodies need. The final stage of making energy needs CoQ10 to shuttle the hydrogen needed to generate energy. If your levels of CoQ10 are low this can be felt as low energy, weak muscles and general fatigue.

CoQ10 is also an exceptional antioxidant protecting cells and fats from free radicals. The most important antioxidant function is to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol as it circulates in the body.

This is a critical part in our natural defences against blockages in heart arteries and other blood vessels.

Possibly the most common reason for CoQ10 supplementation is for those using cholesterol-lowering statin medication. The side effects of statins are so common they are a diagnosable disease called statin myopathy. The most common side effects are muscle stiffness, pain and weakness. This can also cause

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general fatigue, which often feels like a lack of motivation.

Statins effectively inhibit the enzyme needed to make cholesterol.

Unfortunately, this enzyme – called HMG-CoA reductase – is also needed to make CoQ10. Blocking this enzyme reduces cholesterol but also CoQ10 by as much as 50 per cent.

Drug companies are well aware of this problem and hold patents for combining CoQ10 with statins.

Until such drugs are available I recommend those on statins supplement it with 100-200mg of naturally fermented CoQ10.

Be aware our retail market is now flooded with lower grade semi-synthetic CoQ10 usually sold in higher doses at much lower prices.

Adding a good CoQ10 alongside statins will in most cases protect against and often reverse existing statin side effects. My favourite is the well-researched and patented US product CoQsol. If you are unsure feel free to phone or email your questions.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz Join his full weekly newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz.

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 15

You have done the hard yards, now’s the time to enjoy the benefits.

Freehold beachfront sections selling now!

Beachfront Open Day every Sunday Your chance to walk on site.

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Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Purchasers should rely on their own enquiries and the Contract for Sale.

Images are indicative, artists’ impressions and are conceptual only.

The epitome of beachfront living Beaches offers the rare opportunity to own a freehold section on a prized stretch of Bay of Plenty coastline. Rolling sand dunes, the blue waters of the Pacific and exceptional views up and down the east coast create the perfect backdrop to an exceptional lifestyle.

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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WBOP

Page 16

From novice to award winner in just three seasons When he entered the industry, Hayden Goodall had no idea how complex dairy farming was.

The young man, who left school with no qualifications and had been in a labouring job, was keen to learn. And in just three seasons, he’s won the Bay

of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year award.

Hayden, who grew up in Tauranga, told those attending the regional field day that he knew nothing about feed wedges and pasture management and thought milking involved little more than putting on cups and washing down the yard.

Hayden was 21 when he decided, with the responsibilities of a fiancé and a daughter, it was time to pursue a career in farming or fishing. Farming won out partly, he says, because he enjoys riding motorbikes and the outdoors – and also because the lifestyle is better for raising a family.

Quality young stock

The 24-year-old has been in the industry for three seasons and is currently herd manager for Matt Gow on his 750-cow property at Matata, working with Hayden and Linda McCartie, who won the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Manager of the year award.

Rearing high quality young stock is a priority on the farm and pasture is a strong focus too with weekly farm walks to monitor growth rates, surplus and

Western BOP Contacts

2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Trainee of the Year Hayden Goodall and wife Chelsea. deficits. Supplements are used to fill in the gaps when needed.

Hayden’s aim is to progress to a management role next season and built up equity and savings during the next five years. He plans to purchase young stock to hopefully carry into a self-employment role contract milking or lower order sharemilking.

Hayden has already passed the Primary ITO Level 4 Dairy Farming qualifications and wants to complete a diploma in agribusiness.

Family-friendly

   

TYRE WORLDga EMILIO’S TIMBERS EST1981

Courtney Road Tauran

Entering the awards has given Hayden the opportunity to network with other entrants, farm owners, sponsors and their representatives.

Keeping a good work-life balance is important to Hayden, enabling him to spend quality time with his wife and two young daughters, aged five and one.

“I thrive off achievement and I love to be challenged. I have a passion for this industry and would like to do my part, along with my wife, to help make it a sustainable, profitable and environmentallyfriendly career,” says Hayden. “As future employers, we want to reflect these principles while providing a fun, family-friendly work environment.”

The annual New Zealand dairy Industry Awards are held throughout the country. Through the awards programme, entrants’ learning and development is accelerated. It is a place to challenge yourself, raise the bar and climb that career ladder. To find out more about this year’s winners and the 2018 competition, go to www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz/ Elaine Fisher

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WBOP

Page 17

‘Dairy industry should be proud of them’ Hayden and Linda McCartie exemplify dairy leaders, striving to provide staff with an enjoyable work environment and team culture, say the judges who awarded the couple the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Managers of the Year title.

predominately KiwiCross with about 120 Friesians.

The farm is a system 3 and 24ha of maize is grown and a small amount of balage harvested off the lease block. About 80 per cent of the property is irrigated with 27ha by a travelling irrigator and 140ha by two pivots. The dairy is a 59-bail interval rotary with a 600-cow feed pad and a 30-cow standoff pad.

The couple, who are managers of the Matata farm owned by Matt and Laura Gow, also received high praise for their “impeccable” dairy, milk quality, recording and monitoring systems and feed management.

“The farm surrounds look a showpiece and was a credit to their attention to detail; the dairy industry should be proud of them,” says judges’ citation.

Hayden and Linda remain Winning team: At back, the 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy Managers of committed to the dairy the Year Hayden and Linda McCartie and 2017 Bay of Plenty Dairy industry and their future Trainee of the Year Hayden Goodall. At front, staff Jerson Viyar and in farming, despite the fact Dale Bedingham, and farm owners Laura and Matt Gow. they were financially “burnt” when contract milking several years ago. “We almost went bankrupt and are The couple list paying off debit as among their goals still paying off debt, but dairying is what we know – now made easier thanks to the fact both Linda and love,” Hayden told those attending the awards and Hayden have stopped smoking – saving around field day near Edgecumbe. $10,000 a year. Eventually they hope to purchase a The McCarties believe their strength lies in their lifestyle block or a contracting business. team. “Everyone works well together, there’s good “This will allow us to still be involved in farming communication between everyone and it is a positive without it being as physically demanding.” place to work.” They place significant emphasis on Elaine Fisher recruiting staff who will work well together.

Team environment

“We look for people who fit the other personalities on the farm because these are the people who will work with us, hang out with us, be our neighbours and their kids will go to school with our children. We aim to build a team environment,” says Linda.

They encourage their staff to further their training in the industry and hold weekly staff meetings for their three full-time employees, two permanent parttime employees and a mechanic and maintenance staff member.

Regular performance reviews, strong communications and encouraging career progression are important points in building strong relationships.

Linda and Hayden strive to lead by example, being fair but firm, having good communications and actively listening and showing staff they care about and appreciate them.

Travelling irrigators

The Gow Family Trust the couple work for has a home farm of 65 hectares milking 180 to 230 cows and the Plattfields’ main farm of 215ha milking 710 to 760 cows. There is also a runoff of 160ha and a lease block of 24ha. The 940-cow herd is

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WBOP

Page 18

Moving house? Here’s some fire safety tips Fire prevention can be simple and logical.

However, as fi e investigators report, fi es are more often started by simple mistakes.

Many dairy farmers will have just completed a ‘gypsy day’ or change of farm where it is not only the farm stock and equipment that moves but a time when farming families move to another house. It could be to an old farm cottage or homestead that might have old wiring.

So this is a good time to look long and hard at what is in the house and its surrounds to see how you can ensure you and your family are safe from a house fi e.

Tokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade chief Dave Morris spoke with Coast & Country about fi e prevention.

Smoke alarms

First and foremost – do you have smoke alarms?

And more importantly are they working – with a new battery? “A working smoke alarm will, at least, give you and your family a chance to get out if a fi e starts,” says Dave. But while smoke alarms are proven to save lives, prevention is the best option.

Do you have a safe and quick way for everyone to get out if the house does catch fi e? Are the doors locked? Where are the keys? Have you told your kids what to do if a fi e starts and have you shown them how to do it? Are there two ways to get out of the house?

Dave says there are several common causes of house fi es and while he is quick to point out that no two fi es are the same, after more than 20 years as a fi efighter he kn ws there are certainly common themes.

Cooking fi es

Cooking fi es – left unattended a pot on an element can quickly become the combustion point for a fi e.

“Frozen meat or sausages put into a hot pan and then left for only a short time could very quickly become a flash point.”

The frozen part causes the food to spit onto the hot element and can become the combustion point for a fi e.

Hot embers – cleaning out the embers from the fi eplace has resulted in many house fi es. “The embers stay hot for up to fi e days. Do not put ashes into a plastic bucket or a cardboard box. Always empty embers into a metal container, add water and place away from the house.”

Electric blankets are the cause of many fi es and often start when everyone is asleep in bed. The common cause of electric blanket fi es are old blankets that have become tatty.

Each winter electric blankets should be checked by a qualified electrician “When you fit a n w electric blanket onto a bed, only use on low heat for the first couple of uses

ADDLINE TRANSPORT LTD

because blankets are often folded in packaging, compressing the wires.”

Dave says cheap or old power or multi-boards can overheat or if placed behind furniture the pressure against the wires can cause them to start a fi e. When purchasing a multi-board, buy the best you can get – with an overload switch.

Sleeping and smoking – again a common cause of many house fi es where someone is sleeping either in bed or in the comfy lounge chair and the lit cigarette falls onto the chair or bedding and starts a fi e.

Uncleaned lint

A clothes dryer – again the cause of many house fi es. There are two separate opportunities for fi e with clothes dryers. Firstly, the dryer with the uncleaned lint filter and set on hot. The lint acts as a flash point. The second is the dryer that does not have a ‘cool down’ setting and gets really hot. The dry clothes all clumped together can ignite if the dryer just continues to heat up and even when clothes are taken out of the dryer – spread them out so they do not ignite.

So go through your new home, check each room carefully for any potential combustion point.

“Does your property have an alternative water supply – stream nearby, or a big swimming pool? Think of the scenario of needing to use it to save your house, is there access to the water?” says Dave.

The last but possibly the most important item to consider:

Rapid number

How does a fi e engine get to your house – or farm shed? Is your rapid number or street number easily visible in daylight and in the dark? Can it be seen from both directions? Is the access into the property straightforward? Are there overhanging trees? Is there four metres clearance up the whole driveway?

Can an engine or any emergency vehicle get up the drive and to the house easily and fast? When your house is on fi e and you have called the fi e brigade, you want them there as fast as possible. You don’t want to see a fi e engine stuck in the driveway because there are overhanging branches or the access is just too tight.

Take the time now to look at your new house – or the one you are living in now – look for possible problems then look at the outside and imagine the fi e engine rumbling up to your house. When you have a fi e you want that engine and those fi emen there as fast as possible and as close to the problem fi e as you can get them.

Fritha Tagg

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WBOP

Page 19

Rootsawing benefits health vines and trees Bradstreet Contractors Ltd of Te Puke own and operate a rootsaw, even though rumour had it that the saw had left town.

rootsaw at the front of our yard, as we are situated on the main Te Puke Highway and a lot of traffic passes our yard every day. This has helped bring in customers who have spotted it sitting there.

“It has always been here and for the last seven years has been providing a service to kiwifruit and avocado orchard owners throughout the Bay of Plenty region.

In fact, from Waihi to Gisborne,” says Bradstreet Contractors Ltd owners Lynn and Peter Bradstreet.

“We’ve heard from a number of clients that they were told it has left the area, so we started parking the

Old dinosaur

Bradstreet Contractors Ltd’s brand new rootsaw is ready for action.

“The only thing that has changed is now the poor old ‘Dinosaur Rootsaw’ has been retired and our new revamped model ready to go.”

And it’s needed, says Lynn and Peter. “We’ve found that some of the root systems from shelterbelt trees surrounding an orchard have grown as far as up to six rows into the orchard, causing issues with the potential to have a healthy crop.

“The root pruning of shelters, especially poplars, is very beneficial as the roots of the shelters steal nutrients as well as the water from the crops.”

Every two years

Root pruning of shelters, especially poplars, is very beneficial as the roots of the shelters steal nutrients as well as water from crops.

The rootsaw will cut the roots from 2mm up to 100mm in size. These roots are sucking away the goodness from the kiwifruit and hinder good healthy growth of fruit. Sawing the shelterbelt roots every two years helps to stop the spread of these shelter roots.

The machine Bradstreet Contractors Ltd uses cuts a trench about 100mm wide by 900mm deep and then backfills the soil into the trench as it travels along.

Running over the trench with an orchard tractor helps to compact the soil again and leaves the land in its original state.

“As a precautionary measure we always wash down and disinfect the sawblade after every orchard job to help stop and eradicate any infestation such as Psa-V, as a safety precaution for other orchards,” says Peter.

Page 20

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WAIKATO

Scottish couple win manager award

Rur a l Engi neerin g Ltd Euan and Mikki McLeod are keen to get to farm ownership in 10 years.

Former Scottish bricklayer Euan McLeon and his wife Mikki won the 2017 Waikato Dairy Managers of the Year title.

Euan and Mikki met in Marlborough vineyards in 2009 while on working holiday from Scotland. They then both moved to Southland to work on two separate dairy farms before their visas ran out and they returned to Scotland.

In 2013, after much research and soul searching and possibly influenced by the New Zealand All Blacks team, they came back and started work on an 850-cow farm near Pirongia.

The next move was to a 480-cow farm where Euan was 2IC. He wanted to work on a smaller farm and one which was more pasture-based, where he had more contact with the animals and the land. In 2016 they moved to their present position as farm managers for Murray and Janet Gibb’s 380-cow farm in Taupiri.

“I wanted to be more involved. I have learnt an incredible amount about pas-

ture management and farm business. I want to make money out of milk, not milk out of money.”

Euan wants to do the basics well.

“Good pasture management, good animal health, ensure our cows are fully milked out to help keep cell count down.”

The owners have been on the farm for 40 years and they just know how it works and what works well.

“I don’t have that experience, so I keep very good records and question everything. The strength are the cows themselves. A top Jersey herd for BW and they have bred several bulls for LIC. The farm has good productive soil, good shade. My challenge is to get a better in-calf rate.”

Euan and Mikki, like most young farmers, are keen to get to farm ownership in 10 years.

“We started a bit later than others but it’s head down, arse up. We will work hard to get there and hopefully get a chance to take our kids back to Scotland for visits.”

Fritha Tagg

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WAIKATO

South Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year for 2017 Kobus Liebenberg started his farming experience on a sheep and beef farm, which gave him knowledge and training.

Page 21

When he was offered a position on a dairy farm, he decided to give it a go.

He says it was a baptism of fi e. Kobus had to learn by doing and after a short stint on a Rodney dairy farm he moved to Te Pahu as dairy assistant before taking up his present position in Ngahinapouri, a 147 hectares 420-cow system 3 dairy farm.

With three children, Kobus and wife Lorinda are keen to make dairy farming their career.

“I want to progress and if that means I jump in the deep end and swim like mad – I will.”

Kobus believes the Dairy Industry Awards is a great way to move forward. “It’s are a real eye-opener. The judges look at your performance and offer solutions and feedback; it helps with your future, your progress.”

Kobus would encourage other young farmers to have a go at the awards. “It is the perfect base work to be a better farmer. They show others who you are as a farmer.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about the lifestyle, the animals, the farm. It can all be positive for a family.”

Fritha Tagg

Kobus and Lorinda Liebenberg are keen to make dairy farming their career.

Waikato Contacts

Facing a winter struggle on the farm?

Due to the hard physical requirements, farmers often require orthopaedic surgery.

Braemar Hospital has a first class team of eight orthopaedic surgeons to take care of you.

Braemar is NZ’s most modern private surgical hospital with ten operating rooms. You will be able to have your surgery at a time to suit the needs of yourself, your family and your farming commitments. Ask your GP to refer you to one of Braemar’s surgeons.

Let Braemar take good care of you • Hearty meals served by our resident chef • Wireless internet to track schedules and stock prices • Ensuite in each bedroom • Sports action (including racing channel) on Sky TV • Daily newspapers and magazines • Outdoor courtyard and gardens

Ask for Braemar

www.braemarhospital.co.nz

24 Ohaupo Road, Hamilton Phone: 07 843 1899 | Email: reception1@braemarhospital.co.nz Braemar Hospital accepts all medical health insurance policies including Southern Cross, Sovereign and Tower.

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - KING COUNTRY

Page 22

Getting farm animals through winter chill As people hunker down for another cold New Zealand winter, challenging times also lie ahead for animals exposed to the elements on farms.

“It’s understandable that people – especially those unfamiliar with rural life – might see animals out in a paddock in tough conditions, and be concerned for their welfare,” says AgResearch’s animal welfare science team leader Jim Webster.

“Our research into dairy cows tells us they can generally cope well in cold weather, as long as they are in good condition, healthy and well fed.

“While extreme cold can result in stress on the animals, they are able to adjust with physiological adaptations such as thickening of their skin and coats, and drawing on their fat reserves.

Make a difference

“Cows are typically more affected by heat than by cold as lactation and rumination generate heat, which can protect against cold but can cause overheating in warm conditions.

“For New Zealand cows, it is probably more the rain and wind that is threatening their wellbeing because they want a dry and soft place to lie down.

“Cows really don’t want to lie down in wet or muddy conditions. We know that daily periods of lying down are important for cows, and if they don’t lie down enough, this negatively affects their health and productivity.

“Our research has shown there are things that farmers can do to make a real difference to support their cows through the coldest and wettest periods.

“That includes providing shelter where practical,

as cows will naturally seek it out in rainy and windy conditions.

“Providing extra feed can be a buffer in terms of energy and heat generation from digesting the food before the adverse conditions set in, as cows may tend to reduce their food intake during wet and cold weather. Ensuring the cows have good fat reserves to draw on going into the coldest periods is important, as is keeping a close eye on younger and thinner animals because they are more sensitive to inclement weather.”

Place to lie down

Another thing farmers can do is to provide dry, comfortable areas for the cows to lie in during the cold and wet conditions.

Typically, they will lie down less during these times, so looking for ways to increase this behaviour will be a real benefit.”

DairyNZ’s animal husbandry and welfare specialist Helen Thoday says when the weather turns and there is a combination of cold, wind and rain farmers should ensure cows can access shelter.

“It’s good practice when cows are grazing winter crops to fence them front and back, allowing them to access only a narrow strip of fodder at any one time.

This helps to protect the soil and prevent them from stamping over and spoiling fodder.

“However, when the weather turns nasty we recommend farmers drop the back fence so their cows can move to shelter,” says Helen.

“It’s important to ensure the farm team understands a cow’s needs, and what sort of winter conditions can affect them.”

More information is available at: www.dairynz.co.nz/ animal/herd-management/cows-on-crop/

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Page 24

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - CENTRAL PLATEAU Central Plateau Contacts

‘Old school’ nursery grows range of ornamental plants and trees Rhodohill Nursery grows plants and trees that really suit the Rotorua-Central Plateau area but this doesn’t mean many won’t do well in warmer areas, says owner Dave Stewart.

Phone: 07 362 8433

The nursery could be described as ‘old school’ – in that it grows a lot of stock from scratch at the nursery and garden centre on Paradise Valley Rd at Rotorua.

Dave says this makes the operation very cost-effective – and the nursery can pass these savings on to customers.

“Most plants are at least 20 per cent less than the major garden centres and can be as much as 50 per cent less.”

Started 32 years ago, Rhodohill Nursery specialises in rhododendrons and azaleas. It has both evergreen and deciduous azaleas and a wide range of rhododendrons – large trees with spectacular flowers and great foliage along with the smaller bushes.

“Rhododendrons are very forgiving plants,” says Dave. “They do well in our acid,

free-draining soil; and although they like steady moisture when young, once established they can be quite droughttolerant.”

The nursery has a good range of camellias and other ornamental plants and trees and a large range of Japanese maples – many grown at the nursery, which steers away from plants that don’t do well in the local area.

“If we haven’t got the plant you want, we can always get it for you and we do plenty of work with landscape gardeners and designers so you can bring your garden plan in and we can show you the plants and work out a competitive quote.”

The team at Rhodohill Nursery has a wealth of plant knowledge and is always pleased to help sort out any garden problems, or suggest solutions or alternative plantings.

They have three sales each year – Easter, mid-winter and Labour weekend, when the nursery is open seven days.

At other times of the year it is open fi five days from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am-4pm. Rhodohill Nursery is 569 Paradise Valley Rd, Rotorua.

Rhododendron make a beautiful show in any garden.

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - CENTRAL PLATEAU

On the shores of Lake Rotorua, nestled amongst five acres of private land and beautiful gardens, sits Peppers on the Point.

Five-star Peppers on the Point offers stunning views across Lake Rotorua.

Lodge manager Andrew Martin says since the 1930s, this luxury lodge has warmly welcomed guests inside its elegant doors. And while it charms with all of the classic elegance of the time, it also features every comfort and convenience of today.

“Accommodation here includes seven beautifully appointed suites within the stately lodge itself and two charming cottages, all with separate lounge rooms and large ensuite bathrooms with spa bath.”

The cottages, especially, make for an unforgettable winter escape – enjoy a warming red wine in front of your open fire or take in the views as you soak in the hot tub on your private lakefront balcony.

Sunrise-sunset

“In fact, virtually every corner of this five-star property offers views across the lake to the enigmatic Mokoia Island beyond. And with its privileged northfacing position, those views include glorious sunrises and sunsets,” says Andrew.

In such a setting, it can be easy to forget you are just seven minutes from all the entertainment of Rotorua. After

an exceptional breakfast, included with your stay, head out for a day of adventure, shopping or spa treatments.

Or spend time just relaxing at Peppers; stroll on the private beach, hang toes off the jetty or sit fireside in the antiquesfilled drawing room with a good book.

say those first vows – or to renew them.

This is a very special place in any season. But with its roaring open fires, heart-warming hospitality and bellywarming gourmet fare, a winter retreat like no other awaits you at Peppers on the Point.

Authorised Dealers

Fine dining

Andrew says the cuisine at Peppers is “a jewel in this grand dame’s crown”.

Dinner is a four-course affair; fine dining but with no hint of pretentiousness. Each afternoon, the chefs set about crafting the following day’s menu, basing dishes around the very freshest and finest produce they can source – local and organic meats, seafood and vegetables. Winter brings hearty, indulgent flavours to the fore, all complemented by premiere New Zealand wines.

To whet the palette, join your fellow guests in the main lodge for pre-dinner drinks and canapes; a complementary part of the Peppers experience.

As if Peppers wasn’t romantic enough, an enchanting stone chapel sits on the lakefront, basking in panoramic views.

It’s the most perfect setting in which to

Authorised Dealers

• Dairy Shed installations and upgrades • Service and parts for all types of milking machines • Drench pumps, teat spray systems, hoses and supplies • Machine Testing • Effluent and Irrigation Supplies • Pumps & Water fittings – Galvanised, PVC and Alkathene • Rubberware • Stainless Steel manufacture and repair • Trenching

Page 25

Page 26

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - EASTERN BOP

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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - EASTERN BOP

Page 27

Honda dealer extends welcome Tony Rees Motorcycles would like to welcome dairy farmers moving to the Eastern Bay District this month, says Tony Rees of Tony Rees Motorcycles in Whakatane.

“We supply Honda Motorcycles, The team, which not only sells and services motorcycle – but ATVs, side-by-sides, generators also races them – is Mitch Rees, Tony Rees and Damon Rees and pumps. We service and repair of Tony Rees Motorcycles in Whakatane. all popular makes and models for clients from the East Cape to the Tony Rees Motorcy14 years ago and today it’s a truly Pongakawa. cles website. family affair with wife Vicki the “Just give us a call and we can arrange administration manager and her and “Call in and talk our for our on-farm servicing team to call friendly team. We are Tony’s sons Mitchell, who is manager out to service your farm bike. We also open Monday to Friday in the parts department, and Damon, offer a pickup and delivery service.

8am-5pm and Saturday an apprentice mechanic in the service Why drive to town when we can save Mornings 9am-12pm.” department. you time?

Motorcycles are more than a business Or visit the website: “We also have a huge range of for the Rees family – they are their pas- www.tonyrees.co.nz motorcycle parts and accessories in sion and sport too. Tony, a nine-time store; if we don’t stock it we can find it New Zealand road race champion, for you.” continues to race superbikes at the top Tony Rees Motorcycles is your national level. He’s the 2017 Superbike Eastern Bay authorised Honda dealer.

Champion and won the three biggest Many of its clients have been with the street races in New Zealand last season. company since Tony first started it in Damon Rees is the 2017 Supersport Kawerau 22 years ago, after completing Champion. his mechanical apprenticeship.

Keep up with the latest results for The business moved to Whakatane Team Rees Racing on Facebook or on

Rural Support now has national body A national body has been elected to represent all 14 Rural Support Trusts throughout the country.

“Rural Support Trusts do fantastic work supporting our rural communities in tough times, and this new central body will make them more efficient and effective,” says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. “It will provide single point of contact for other national organisations and the Government, and help the different regions

share resources and experience. Rural Support Trusts operate independently in their areas, staffed by local people who really know their local communities.

“All trusts have trained facilitators who can assist rural people with a range of issues.

“The facilitators are all local people who know the area and the farming or growing industries, and much of their work is helping sometimes isolated rural communities keep connected and build morale when the going is tough.

“The value of the Rural

Support Trusts in times of adversity has been made very clear in the recent months with droughts across the country, the earthquake in Kaikoura, Marlborough and the Hurunui, and floods in the Bay of Plenty.

“The trusts and national council work closely with MPI, which provides partial funding along with their own fundraising work.”

In the last two years the Government has provided extra funding to Rural Support Trusts to improve access to mental health support in the rural community.

Tony Rees Motorcycles has been operating 22 yrs in the Eastern Bay of Plenty Welcome to our District

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Page 28

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - EASTERN BOP

Whakatane author launches new picture book Award-winning Whakatane author Nikki Slade has released her latest picture book ‘Ruru’s Hangi’, a delightful sequel to the awardwinning ‘The little Kiwi’s Matariki’.

In her latest book little Kiwi has a great idea to celebrate the arrival of Ruru’s babies and Weka, Tui, and Katipo all join in to make it happen. Instructions for preparing a hangi are also included in the book.

The book follows ‘Muddle & Mo’s Worm Surprise”, the sequel to ‘Muddle & Mo’ which won a Storylines Notable Book Award in 2016, and was picked up by a major United States publisher for North American release. It has since also been A nosy and resident weka takes picked up for China. a look at Nikki Slade’s latest book ‘Ruru’s Hangi’.

In June 2016 ‘The little Kiwi’s Matariki’ made the finals of the NZ Book Awards for didn’t write. ‘I am an Artist’ went on to be picked Children and Young Adults. up by the same major US publisher, again for North “I was thrilled to discover that it was one of the American release. ‘Witch’s Cat Wanted: Apply finalists. That led to an author tour around schools within’ has just gained a Storylines Notable Book in the Te Puke district – the town I was born in,” award in April this year. says Nikki.

“Now I’m working on a couple of other book In August the same projects and keeping out of mischief. Meanwhile our book won the Picgoat Moon – aka Mo from 'Muddle & Mo’ – tells ture Book category in me he’s fed up with the wet weather, and ‘our’ weka NZ Book Awards for family keep us well entertained.”

Children and Young Nikki says she always knew she wanted to be an Adults. During the year author. “At age five, I decided to ‘do’ children’s it remained on the bestbooks when I grew up. I had no idea if that was posseller list for some time, sible. I drew and wrote on anything I could get my getting to number one. hands on. My high school maths report suggested It was reprinted several I shouldn’t draw so much in my maths book, but I times to keep up with couldn’t help it. I kept following my dream... and demand. here I am.”

Other new books Nikki studied for three years at Wellington Nikki has been involved Polytechnic’s School of Design, before freelancing, in include ‘I am an illustrating both commercially and for publishers.

Artist’, and ‘Witch’s Cat Now she writes and illustrates her own book and Wanted: Apply Within’, provides illustrations for books by other authors - all which she illustrated but while enjoying a rural lifestyle near Whakatane.

Eastern BOP Contacts

AB LIFESTYLE FARMING

Mr G painting the HeART of the Community “This is a dream project for me, being able to connect with locals, the community; people. It’s the heart of what I do,” says acclaimed artist Graham ‘Mr G’ Hoete.

“The mural also highlights how crucial a role the horses played historically in town during the 1800s; Clydesdales, draught horses and the like.”

With the Paeroa mural now done and dusted, Graham is heading south to Invercargill to repeat the process, followed by Putaruru in the Waikato.

The Tauranga Moana artist, of Tauranga Moana artists Graham ‘Mr G’ Hoete is collaborating And if Invercargill and Ngai Te Rangi and Ngati Ranginui Putaruru are anything like with Farmlands to produce 15 large, locally-inspired murals on descent, is currently collaborating what Graham experienced the national chain’s stores throughout New Zealand. with Farmlands on a largescale art in Paeroa, he’ll be a very project that’s been dubbed ‘HeART happy man. of the Community’.

“I had little kids yelling Graham says this year he’ll be proout to me: ‘Hey mister, ducing large, locally-inspired murals watch me do a wheelie’, on 15 of the rural supply chain’s a 93-year-old ask me to stores, which aim to promote spraypaint her walker, community pride in rural towns a Maori guy from the throughout New Zealand.

Coromandel brought me “Farmlands approached me while a punnet of mussels he I was working on the Prince mural collected while diving; in Minnesota. They must’ve seen there was one guy I talked me on TV and I guess they liked to who was like a fourthwhat I was doing and thought: ‘We all you see, an imposing, awesome ridge generation horseman and farrier. need to collaborate with this Mr G guy’,” he stamping its presence. That was the main “It was a real privilege to meet these people. says with a laugh. inspiration for me, and it was surprising how Small town New Zealand has this precious Earlier in May, Graham completed the first many of the locals didn’t know what Paeroa dynamic about it and it’s really cool to be of the 15 murals on the side of Farmlands meant, so it’s cool to be kind of educating able to connect with that.” David Tauranga Paeroa on Grey St. Graham says he worked people too. with local Paeroa staff and stakeholders on how it should look.

He explains an important aspect for him was making sure the mural featured the name ‘Paeroa’, because when translated into English it means ‘long ridge’.

“When you look around Paeroa that’s

Managing Ostertagia parasite essential at this time of year Ostertagia – or brown stomach worm – is a significant problem for all ruminant livestock grazing New Zealand pastures.

Infestations of this parasite are harmful to productivity and can ultimately lead to death.

Drenching enhances production as well as protect the welfare of stock. The disease, known as Ostertagiasis, occurs in two forms, Type I and Type II. The Type I form occurs in young stock during their first grazing season as a result of maturation of ingested larvae in the abomasum.

The Type II disease occurs in animals aged nine to 12 months as a result of resumed development of larvae, which have undergone arrested development – or hibernation – from early-autumn to late-winter-spring.

Ultimately a routine drench of all

young stock is a sound approach. Even though rising two-year-olds should be immune to worms some individuals may still be susceptible, so targeting those under-performing lighter animals is a good idea.

A drench treatment known to be effective against the inhibited fourth larvae stage is a key part of control for stock.

Also overstocking should be avoided. There is also a lot of stock movement at this time so travelling stock should be quarantine drenched with a triple-active drench, either on their return from grazing, or on their arrival at their new grazing property. This should be followed by holding them in a quarantine area for 24 hours, and subsequent grazing on pasture that is not necessarily “clean”.

Preventing the introduction of potentially drench-resistant Ostertagia to your property is not to be underestimated. In summary Ostertagia sp are

still the main parasites that compromise production.

Selection of a drench with active ingredients that target the parasite at this time of year in young stock is very important. For more information on how to control this harmful parasite, contact your local vet clinic.

Page 29

Page 30

HORTICULTURE

Experts to look at promising year ahead for horticulture The horticulture industry will hear about the opportunities, challenges, innovation and export growth in the year ahead at its conference in Tauranga next month.

American food and agribusiness expert Roland Fumasi has been announced as one of the keynote speakers at The Horticulture Conference 2017, being held at ASB Baypark, Tauranga, from July 12-14.

He’s well-known worldwide for his work for Rabobank’s RaboResearch Food and Agribusiness group and his understanding of the consumer-led market that growers are providing for.

His address will be of great interest to our conference and beyond.

Dr Fumasi is a proponent of delivering exactly what consumers want – safe, consistent, high quality produce that is good value, but also has a light impact on the environment.

Dr Fumasi joins an illustrious line-up of more homegrown speaking talent at the conference including Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, chief scientist of the Environmental Protection Agency; Tiaki Hunia, chair of the Maori Kiwifruit Growers Forum and deputy chair of Te Tumu Paeroa; and Rachel Taulelei,

founder of Yellow Brick Road and the first female CEO of one of the country’s largest food and beverage exporters, Kono.

Kiwi talent

We’ve got great Kiwi talent to draw from who are working very successfully in horticulture and we are keen to hear from them and show off their skills. While the conference is for the horticulture industry, this industry is a big contributor to the Bay of Plenty economy and we expect there to be broader interest in some of the speakers and their presentations.

More and more people are showing an interest in the provenance of their food and therefore, the workings of the horticulture industry.

A lot of our concerns around land and water are also broader community concerns.

The Horticulture Conference 2017 is the conference of Horticulture New Zealand, Vegetables New Zealand, Tomatoes New Zealand, and the New Zealand Asparagus Council.

Valuable role

Horticulture is the primary industries’ quiet achiever – expanding, growing and meeting global consumer demands for healthy food. Growers play a valuable role in the New Zealand economy,

both at a local level as producers, employers and food suppliers to New Zealanders, and with exports, which have increased by 40 per cent in the two years from June 2014 to 2016.

Today, 60 per cent of what we grow in New Zealand is exported.

The conference is being

American food and agribusiness expert Roland Fumasi is among the keynote speakers at the Horticulture Conference 2017. made possible with support from Platinum sponsor Countdown; Gold sponsors United Fresh, T&G, and Plant & Food Research; and Bronze sponsors Farmgard, Rabobank, MG Marketing, AsureQuality, Hill Laboratories, Huhtamaki, and Primary ITO. More information can be found at: www.confer.co.nz/hortnz2017/

Myrtle rust fungal disease spreading fast The fungal disease myrtle rust has been found in a small number of plants at a nursery in Te Kuiti.

This brings the total number of infected properties confirmed in May to 16 nationally. The majority of properties are in Taranaki with just two confirmed in Northland and the one new Waikato find.

The disease-causing fungus has been found at a mix of properties including nurseries, plant retailers and distributors, an orchard and private gardens.

MPI is receiving unprecedented support from members of the public, with some 420 reports of

suspected symptoms to its 0800 number. Of those reports, a small percentage require sampling and testing. The Ministry is able to distinguish the highest risk reports from photographs. Myrtle rust only affects plants in the myrtle family, so any rust symptoms on other plants can immediately be discounted.

People can report any suspected signs of myrtle rust to MPI's Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline on 0800 80 99 66. Do not touch the rust or the plant.

Note the location and take photos of the symptoms and the plant.

Fieldays’ dawning

“Leading change” is the theme for Fieldays 2017, which opens its gates to thousands of visitors on Wednesday June 14 and runs until Saturday June 17. Take a look inside this special Coast & Country News lift out for a taste of what’s on offer at the Mystery Creek Venue. (Photo courtesy NZ Agricultural Fieldays)

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Fieldays – big in almost every way NZ National Agricultural Fieldays is the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

People love it – tens of thousands of them in fact. In 2016, during four days, 130,684 people poured through the gates.

Many trudged back up the hill to the carparks and buses again, laden down with goods they’d bought, contributing to the $430 million in sales revenue generated for New Zealand firms during Fieldays.

Of course, they don’t have to walk – but many do. There are buses and even a shuttle service for those bulky purchases bought from one of the 1507 exhibitor sites. More than $1million in cash was withdrawn from ATM machines on-site during the four-day event last year.

What isn’t so well-known is that Fieldays is also big on energy consumption. The daily energy use last year exceeded the entire power consumption of the town of Te Awamutu.

All those people, all that food, all those purchases create waste – but last year 2.8 tonnes of it was composted instead of going to landfill – well done Fieldays.

Take a bus

Last year 4800 visitors arrived by bus, and given the traffic congestion – that’s probably a smart move.

It’s safe to say these figures will be equalled or exceeded this year, as Fieldays’ popularity continues to

grow – and not just with those in the primary industries, but urban dwellers too.

Attending Fieldays requires some careful planning, the right clothing – gumboots are the footwear of choice and practicality – a raincoat, and warm jersey. Wearing layers is good – because it might be warm.

Plan where you want to go, what you want to see, and were to meet up if you get lost – because despite street signs, and a programme with a map in it, it is possible to get lost at the Fieldays. There are, however, helpful people on hand to point you in the right direction or care for any youngsters who may have strayed.

To do justice to the event requires probably two, if not four days’ attendance, methodically checking out each site, event and contest.

Best deals

For farmers and growers, Fieldays are a chance to inspect a range of machinery of different makes and models, from different suppliers, and talk tough to get the best possible deal. It’s also a chance to see innovation from both established companies and individuals with a bright idea to share.

Clothing and footwear are among the most popular purchases with everyone enjoying the chance to buy rugged, practical outdoor wear.

It’s not just big tractors and milking machines. There’s cooking demonstrations and cook wear, art, small appliances and more on sale too.

The fencing, Rural Bachelor and tractor pull competitions are always popular and at almost every turn, there’s a demonstration of machinery or products to watch.

‘Leading change’

NZ National Fieldays Society CEO Peter Nation says ‘Leading change’ is the theme for Fieldays 2017.

“We’ve chosen this theme to help drive prosperity in New Zealand’s primary sector. To excel and grow in the future, innovation and change is vital. It is an exciting and challenging time for the industry, but with good leadership we have great opportunities.”

New Zealand is a world leader in agriculture and primary production, and NZ National Agricultural Fieldays also leads the way as a place where businesses and individuals come for the latest in agricultural innovations and technology.

“We hope ‘leading change’ is a theme that our partners and exhibitors will embrace.”

The 2017 NZ National Agricultural Fieldays will be held from June 14-17, 2017, at the Mystery Creek Events Centre, near Hamilton.

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Page 33

Putting seeds on ice to protect from disaster AgResearch has deposited a collection of seeds in a remote Arctic doomsday vault to guard against the loss of plant species in case war, disease or disaster strikes New Zealand.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is a secure facility on the rugged Arctic Svalbard archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. It is the second delivery of its kind

from AgResearch’s Margot Forde Germplasm Centre following an agreement established last year.

For more on the Svalbard seed vault: www.croptrust.org/ourwork/svalbard-global-seed-vault/

STOP your feed going to WASTE

WITH A WILCO HAY/MEAL FEEDER Ready for action – Capital Tractor’s sales team Bruce Lasenby, James Schofield and owner Reg Hedges are prepared for a busy Fieldays event.

A busy month for tractor sales team

June is a busy month for the Capital Tractors team, who will be at two high-profile events: Mystery Creek Fieldays and the Kiwifruit Cup Rural Race Day at the Tauranga Racecourse.

Capital Tractors is an event partner for the Kiwifruit Cup Rural Race Day at the Tauranga Racecourse on June 24 and its relationship-building sales team will be taking part in all four days of Fieldays, from June 14-17, on three different sites.

At the Powerfarming site C29 they will be happy to answer all and any questions about orchard tractors, Kioti lifestyle tractors and Deutz-Fahr agriculture tractors.

On the ForestQuip/Giant Wheeloaders site W3, the team is looking forward to discussing the merits of the Giant Wheeloaders and their application in your business.

And on the Hustler site G69 they’ll be keen to talk to both commercial and residential customers about which Hustler Zero turn mower is right for your property.

Right equipment

“We had a great Fieldays last year,” says Capital Tractors owner Reg Hedges. “We met people from far and wide and did some great deals, and with our salesmen, Bruce Lasenby,

James Schofield as well as myself, we expect to meet even more people and be able to exceed our customer expectations again this year.

“For us though, it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about selling someone the right piece of equipment for the job and how can we look after them long-term. For us it’s about long-term relationship building,” says Reg. “Come and visit the Capital Tractors team at one of the above trade exhibit stands and have a chat to our knowledgeable staff.”

Variety of stock

Capital Tractors is also an event partner for the Kiwifruit Cup Rural Race Day at the Tauranga Racecourse on June 24. “We took customers to this event last year, and had a ball,” says Capital Tractors marketing manager Michelle Hedges.

“We will have a variety of stock at the racecourse available to view, and it should be a valuable and enjoyable day for all involved,” says Reg. “If we have any stock left of the new SAME Frutteto 100hp Orchard tractor, we will have one on display.

These have been well received in the marketplace and we have an order in for a new shipment due in October.

Don’t delay, get your order in now,” says Capital Tractors salesman James Schofield.

Kiwi sheep meat returns to Iran The first export shipment of meat to Iran has been processed and dispatched by Wellington company Taylor Preston.

“This is great news for Taylor Preston and the wider meat industry,” says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. “It is only the start of what we are hoping will grow to become an important new market for our exporters.

“In the 1980s Iran took around one in every four sheep we exported, so it has great potential.

It is the second largest economy in the Middle East and North Africa region.

“Iran has a growing economy and is heavily reliant on imported food.

“At the same time New Zealand has a strong reputation as a producer of safe, high-quality and nutritious red meat.

“Over time this could become a significant market for particularly lamb, but in the future it could be beef as well.

“This new opportunity follows my visit to Iran in February.”

There Nathan witnessed an agreement between the Iranian Veterinary and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries providing the conditions for chilled and frozen

sheep and beef exports to resume.

“It’s more positive news for the red meat industry with 10 establishments about to start a six-month trial sending chilled meat to China.

“It’s been a tough year for sheep farmers so these significant market access opportunities will be warmly received on farm.

“This year the Government updated our trade strategy Trade Agenda 2030 with the ambitious goal of having free trade agreements cover 90 per cent of New Zealand’s goods exports by 2030, that’s up from 53 per cent today,” says Nathan.

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Page 34

Powdered foods export potential Leading national food and beverage innovators say nondairy powdered food products are in high demand worldwide and New Zealand needs to act quickly to take advantage of an untapped export growth opportunity.

The New Zealand Food Innovation Network report released recently explores food products in the non-dairy sector, the consumer demand for powdered versions of food by-products and

the technology solutions required for NZ to produce these products.

Food and beverage products contributed $30.7 billion export revenue in 2014, almost half of NZ’s total export value of $66.2 billion.

The report says while this is an impressive statistic, there is major opportunity for NZ to be a global food and beverage exporter in the significantly untapped non-dairy powder space.

“Consumers are increasingly looking to food for additional health benefits to help fight dis-

ease or ageing and the byproducts from common foods produced in NZ like kiwifruit, grape and avocado could be better used to help grow the economy.”

The report says it would take a collaborative effort and key industry players would need to come together to invest in commercial scale facilities.

The non-dairy powders in NZ report was initiated by New Zealand Food Innovation Network with support from Bioprocessing Alliance, Plant & Food, Callaghan Innovation and AgResearch.

Bringing fast internet to rural households Murray Pearson enjoys the rural lifestyle.

in the rural community of Te Pahu, at the base of Mount Pirongia in the Waikato. They had struggled After a day in the office, returning home is like to find a broadband provider in New Zealand which taking a breath of fresh air – literally. It also procould connect them. Lightwire has enabled them vides him with the opportunity to clock up some to not only have a broadband service but to enjoy kilometres on his bike. The country roads a faster connection and a more efficient interare a great training ground for his next net service, which they say is great for regular cycling challenge.

Skype contact with friends and family.

But living rurally has its challenges The Newlands aren’t the only rural houseand 12 years ago the greatest challenge hold to enjoy a locally-owned and operated of all was finding a fast, reliable internet reliable broadband. So too do several thouconnection. When one didn’t exist, sand households throughout the Waikato, Murray, a Waikato University lecturer, Bay of Plenty and King Country, thanks to had a solution – he built his own.

Lightwire’s wireless technologies and strategiAnd so, Lightwire was born. Since cally placed hilltop sites. the company was founded in Murray’s commitment to developing 2006, Dr Murray Pearson fast reliable rural broadband remains and his team have been on a at the core of Lightwire’s offerings mission to connect people and enables the company’s founder and businesses with the to Google his next cycle route in fastest internet and best record time. network technologies Dr Murray Pearson who founded For more information about available.

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Circle M Brand – making what people need Understanding what people want in outdoor clothing, then designing, creating, testing and manufacturing it in Otorohanga has proved a winning formula for Circle M Brand.

Terry Marshall of Circle M Brand says the company was created from a simple philosophy of “make what people need”. Not only does the company make what people need, it also makes clothing which keeps people warm and dry, and looks great too.

The resurgence of waxed cotton clothing and the outback look has helped Circle M Brand meet its objectives for customer satisfaction too. More than that, the team understands the extreme of New Zealand’s weather and the conditions in which Kiwis work.

Clothing that protects against the weather is also important for those who enjoy hunting, fishing, duck shooting, tramping, hiking and

Maize research benefits industry Maize silage and grain are cost-effective, high value, high carbohydrate crops used extensively throughout New Zealand for both animal feeds and human consumption.

That’s why maize trials are a significant part of the Foundation for Arable Research’s research and extension strategy. The Northern Research Crop Site at Tamahere, just outside Hamilton, is key in FAR’s maize research with many trials being conducted there.

The first maize hybrid performance trials were established in 2014 and are conducted in association with the NZ Plant Breeding and Research Association and evaluate commercially available hybrids for use as silage and, or, grain production.

A long-term trial comparing the production of maize using full cultivation,

strip tillage and direct planting at the FAR Waikato Arable Research site has found no significant diffe ence in yield between the three planting systems.

The results also indicated there can be significantly higher soil moistu e with strip tillage and direct planting compared with full cultivation. Slug pressures were higher in direct planted plots compared with full cultivation plots.

Recommended maize planting populations have increased rapidly in the last 20 years.

To understand the impact of plant spacing on yield, FAR has established trials evaluating plant spacing and row spacing on maize production and quality of forage.

Booklets on trails are available from FAR. For more information, go to: www.far.org.nz

a whole range of outdoor pursuits, and Circle M Brand has the gear to meet those needs too.

Its full range, which includes rugged work, hunting and farm wear, smart casual corporate clothing, industrial wear, as well as saddlery, leather goods and accessories, will be on display and on sale at Fieldays on site K13.

All Circle M Brand clothing is designed, created, tested and manufactured, in Otorohanga, New Zealand using only the finest fabrics a ailable. Circle M’s commitment to quality and design is second to none and it has established itself as a leader among its competitors in the marketplace.

Circle M Brand’s stand is a “must” destination for Fieldays’ visitors keen to stock up on the clothing they love and check out what’s new too.

Rugged clothing for work or recreation is what Circle M specialises in.

FIELDAYS

Page 36

Traps help to re-awaken silent forest Conservation concessionaire has a world-leading 200 hectares trap network using Goodnature self-resetting traps that expands from beneath the 8ha zipline site.

“It’s been amazing to watch the forest respond to our trapping efforts,” says conservation manager Gary Coker. “The forest floor is alive with seedlings, the birds are thriving and we even discovered a rare skink that we didn’t know was present.”

Walk the talk

The model was simple. Channel tourism revenue into caring for the forest and engage zipline staff in conservation work on the ground, so that staff could walk the talk.

In 2015 James and Gary adopted Goodnature A24 Rat and A12 Possum traps. It allowed the company to trap a larger area more efficiently.

“Using Goodnature traps reduced our network maintenance cost by 90 per cent,” says James. “That meant we could protect a far greater area.”

It wasn’t long before customers became completely compelled by their experience on the zipline tour. “People have been so inspired that they started giving unsolicited donations to expand the trapping network,” says James.

Trap network

In 2016 that culminated in Rotorua Canopy Tours and DOC establishing the Canopy Conservation Trust to manage donations and in the

fewer rats... and counting.

Rotorua Canopy Tours, Goodnature and DOC staff show the haul of rats and possums from one night of trapping using Goodnature A24s and A12 self-resetting traps. same year the trust doubled its and key to that is enabling Goodnature self-resetting trap everyone in New Zealand to be network to 200ha. involved in trapping.” GoodnaGoodnature director Stu ture’s traps are equally effective Barr says the success of Rotoaround farm and home as they rua Canopy Tours is a perfect are in the bush. demonstration of why the Rotorua Canopy Tours and Wellington-based company Goodnature are sharing a stand began. “We started design work at the Mystery Creek Fieldays on the traps 10 years ago because where visitors can learn more we wanted to be a leader in the about their incredible story and recovery of our native species, enter some great prize draws.

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That core vision saw Rotorua Canopy Tours become the Supreme Winner at the 2016 New Zealand Tourism Awards.

“Right from the start our philosophy has been that the forest should benefit from our business,” says James.

Operating in Dansey Rd Scenic Reserve since 2012, the company has reawakened a silent forest by protecting flora and fauna from invasive pests through the trapping of rats, possums and stoats. Today the Department of

UM

When eco-tourism company Rotorua Canopy Tours began ‘ziplining’ tourists through 1.2km of forest canopy, adrenalin was only one aspect of their vision. Company founder James Fitzgerald wanted customers to gain a deeper appreciation of New Zealand’s natural heritage.

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Livestock water when and where needed It hasn’t always been the case, but solar pumps are now the accepted normal solution for providing drinking water to livestock, says Able Solar Ltd managing director Mike Prior.

“Using solar power to pump water for livestock is now established as the most cost-effective means.

“So forget about maintaining windmills or providing power to remote pumps; our PS2 HR systems are the perfect solution, the most efficient pumps in the market that can pump from deep wells with very little power, LORENTZ pumps are reliable and proven,” says Mike.

“Able Solar custom designs the solar water pump system, which is specifically built for your requirements. As long as you have a water source, you can

pump it. We have expert installers New Zealand-wide to make sure you get the service you need.

“In-built data logging, Bluetooth connectivity and a free intuitive App allows you to configure the pumps features and study system performance.”

The LORENTZ PS2 is the latest generation of high efficiency solar water pumping systems. It is an integrated solar water pumping system for small to medium sized applications.

Mike says whether your need is to reduce operational costs, improve water security, or be more sustainable, PS2 provides the right solution. PS2

also covers a wide power range from 150W to 4kW with a wide range of pumps for submersible, surface or swimming pool applications.

“Using solar power means that you can install a pumping system almost anywhere, irrespective of power infrastructure availability and the associated costs. PS2 is designed for the harshest off-grid environments.

“Operational cost savings are achieved as the system requires no fossil fuels, can be fully remotely managed and is designed to have a long working life. The result is very low, or no operating costs,” says Mike.

Solar water pumps offer advantages for farmers and growers.

Safety in the shearing shed ‘Safety in the shearing shed’ is one of the main focuses at Fieldays for Acto Agriculture, the New Zealand home of Lister sheep shearing and horse clipping gear, as well as a huge range of animal and farm supplies.

This not only protects the shearer but prevents damage to the components of the equipment.

Acto Agriculture will have its machines on display and its expert sales team will be on hand to answer questions. There to help will be many well-known names including Lance This year Acto returns to Fieldays Waddell, who is the New Zealand bigger and better than ever with a big Rural Contributor of the Year 2017, new outdoor site shared with sister shearing timing system operation company Able Solar. The marquee leader, shearing judge and Acto direcwill be full of great Fieldays bargains tor; Richard Waddell, who is on the including shearing gear; horse clipshearing timing team, and is Acto genping and equestrian supplies; poultry products and as much animal and farm eral manager and shearing judge; Tom Wilson, a World Shearing Champion, supplies as can be fitted in.

World Shearing Championships 2017 Also on display will be the Lister chairman, ex-Tectra shearing instrucNexus Pro shearing machine, which tor and Acto South Island territory is factory fitted with an electronic manager and shearing judge; Kelvyn safety sensor to protect the user and Scott, who is South Island sales and avoid a lock-up. Perhaps one of the service engineer, ex-contractor and most important criteria foremost in shearing judge; Russell Knight, Acto’s the mind of those running up-to-date North Island territory manager, farming operations is the safety aspect ex-contractor, ex-Tectra shearing of its capital items and Lister technolinstructor and shearing judge; and ogy helps address those issues.

Acto general manager Lynley Waddell.

The Lister Nexus Pro has a cut-out Come and see the team at site F60 switch, which automatically stops the and sign up to receive the latest machine immediately if the handcatalogue. piece hits an obstruction in the wool.

Acto Agriculture is a specialist in shearing machines.

FIELDAYS

Page 39

These boots are made for comfort Boonies outdoor boots are designed for comfort and durability. They are different from standard gumboots in that they are made with soft, flexible neoprene coated in hand-laid durable natural rubber.

Designed in New Zealand for New Zealand conditions and demands they are made to the highest standards.

The Mount Maunganui-based family company, Boonies, was started

by Glen and Julia Sheaff in 2011.

Boonies now supplies more than 160 stores throughout New Zealand from specialty rural stores, garden centres, equestrian stores to outdoor stores.

Owner Glen Sheaff says they design the boots using aspects from the shoe and boot industry and incorporating the design and practical wearability into their special Boonies gumboots.

“Born out of frustration of having to wear cold, uncomfortable outdated gumboots Boonies boots offer all that is needed in rugged outdoor boots – waterproof and warm, comfortable and stylish,” says Glen.

“We have great specials at Fieldays this year. We have a wide range of our outdoor boots catering for all foot types, and with 10 colourways there is something for everyone. Boonies will keep you warm, dry and comfortable.”

Come and try Boonies at its Fieldays site this year.

They are located at the corner of F street and N Road (Site ND), which is just across the road from the aeroplane.

Soft, flexible and stylish – that’s Boonies boots.

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Wrangling an even bigger Fieldays site

The Wrangler will showcases its innovations at a new triple Fieldays site – G33, 35 and 37 – this year.

With many changes afoot inside the National Agricultural Fieldays gates in 2017, event stalwart The Wrangler is following suit with a vast site extension at an exciting new location.

An exciting period of growth has led to the Wrangler team extending their exhibition space to a massive triple site – 33m by 18m and located at G33, 35 and 37 – adjacent to the newly-located Lifestyle Pavilion at Gate 2.

The Wrangler directors Wilco and Waverley Klein-Ovink are delighted to have room to showcase all of the company’s innovations. Since its inception more than 20 years ago, The Wrangler has added a number of agricultural innovations to its portfolio over and above its signature product, the Wrangler cow crush.

Fieldays will see the team showcase the Ride over Gate, the PollenSmart, the Kiwick alpaca shearing table, the Holeshot MX Start Gates, and of course, the Wrangler, with additional head bails and acces-

sories – with plenty of room for visitors to have an in-depth look at each product.

The Wrangler will also be exhibiting the roll bars, ute decks and tow bars they engineer for Evolution Custom Utes’ Suzuki Jimny WorkMate farm vehicles.

The Wrangler team is also inviting a special guest onto their site this year – Team Encounter. The Wrangler is a proud sponsor of the Encounter Race Team, which facilitates young people to unleash and release their potential through a team atmosphere of mentoring and coaching for riders competing in motocross racing.

Wilco, Waverley and the team would love to see existing and new clients at their fantastic new site at National Fieldays from June 14-17 – at sites G33, 35 and 37.

Flexible options for growers Kiwi-owned and operated, Southern Orchards Limited, is an orchard leasing and management operation based in Bay of Plenty.

The company provides lease and management contracts within the kiwifruit and avocado orchard industry catering to a variety of individual clients.

Avocado and technical manager Mark Ryan, whose particular experience is in avocado orchard work, says the company goal is to enhance the wealth of growers, shareholders and land through sustainable and innovative horticultural activities.

Mark studied earth science at Victoria University, which gave him a strong grounding in soil health and maintenance. He’s running research and development trials in Bay of Plenty avocado orchards with a particular focus on harvest methods, which is a major production cost, and he manages the avocado orchard lease contracts.

“We pride ourselves on our diversity, reputation and knowledge base as well as our proactive approach to obtain a great result for our clients.

Mark says the company has a range of clients both within New Zealand and overseas who it keeps in contact with

via a quarterly newsletter and he is in close contact with clients when there is any major work happening like pruning, pollination and harvest in their orchards.

“I like to keep them up-to-date and well informed,” says Mark.

Southern Orchards tailors its pure orchard lease, profit share and pure management – where the owner pays for all work on the orchard but gets all the profit – to suit clients’ needs. It also has a flexible work arrangement, either with the physical work and the consultancy only, which makes full use of Mark’s experience and expertise.

“Our team of experts at SOL has a great depth of knowledge from different backgrounds – in both kiwifruit and avocado, which means we have plenty of experience to call upon at any time.”

SOL currently has 255 hectares of kiwifruit orchards under lease/management and 20ha of avocado under lease/ management. The company would like to increase the avocado side of the business and so would encourage orchard owners who might be interested in avocado orchard lease to get in touch with Mark for more details.

“Whether you have 0.50ha or 30ha we can deliver sustainable results through our expertise and passion for what we do,” says Mark.

~Avocado~

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Call us today to start growing your future

FIELDAYS

Page 42

Gain and retain top staff with quality accommodation Providing a modern, warm home helps farmers employ and retain great staff, says Keith Hay Homes’ national sales and marketing manager Barry Walker.

“For decades Keith Hay Homes has been supplying houses for farm workers’ accommodation. We know it is hard to find great staff, but by providing better accommodation you will be able to gain and retain the staff you want to be working on your farm,

which will mean better productivity and reduction of cost and wasted time replacing staff.”

Barry says Keith Hay Homes currently has homes ready for delivery in a number of its nationwide branches.

“Our designs have been created and developed over time and in line with market and farming trends.”

Keith Hay Homes, which has been proudly providing housing, accommodation units and commercial buildings to the rural community since 1938, also

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Minimal disruption

been built. If the farm is downsizing or changing use, you may choose to move the Keith Hay home to a proposed rental property or to the beach, whichever is the most viable choice at the time.

“A great thing about a transportable building is that it does not decrease in value over time, so you are not going to lose in your investment.”

Keith Hay Homes offers all customers the ease of dealing with a nationwide fully family-owned and operated company. “This means you are able to deal with any one of our branches around New Zealand. As a customer you may choose to deal directly with the closest branch to the area you live in, though the house may be built in the closest branch to where you proposed site is located.”

“We can make it as easy as turning a key, and offer a service of either supplying you with just the house, or a full build contract. We can take care of obtaining the building reports, council consents and site services, giving you more time to take care of the farm.

“On top of this, our homes are transportable, unless it is best to build on-site. This mean there is minimal disruption to the site and land can be used right up until delivery.

“As a company we’ve also seen an increase in the number of rural property owners looking to use their land for alternative income generation – these have included rental properties, seasonal workers’ accommodation and tourism accommodaKeith Hay currently has homes tion such as holiday ready for delivery in a number units and cottages.” of its nationwide branches.

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A Keith Hay home also gives a customer future options.

“As our homes are transportable they can be moved at any stage after they’ve

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FIELDAYS

Page 43

Breeding for superior Manuka genetics Seedlings grow ing Kauri Park Nur in the sery.

Seedlings growing in the Kauri Park Nursery.

The main problem with wild Manuka plantations is that there are not enough of them in New Zealand to produce sufficient volume of Manuka honey to satisfy consumer demand.

Kauri Park Nurseries business development manager Andrew Wearmouth says beekeepers are all trying to harvest honey from the limited number of wild plantations.

“This is causing friction between beekeepers. Many of the wild Manuka areas are small and the honey is a mixture of many different florals.”

Kauri Park’s Manuka Genetic improvement programme is focused on selecting superior plants from the wild that are strong and vigorous and are more attractive to bees.

Mother plants

“Mother plants are then tested for high levels of Dihydroxyacetone in the nectar and recorded for higher volumes of nectar. All selections are recorded for timing of flowering also.”

Selections are made from all over New Zealand, from the Far North, Hokianga, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, East Coast, Wairarapa, Central North Island, King Country, Wanganui, Taranaki, Marlborough, Nelson, West Coast, Kaikoura, Otago and Southland – and everywhere in between.

Andrew says the GPS position of selected plants is recorded so seed can be collected from the same mother plants year-afteryear. Samples of the progeny of the mother plants are being planted in trials throughout the country to compare the timing of flowering and performance in diffl ferent climates and soil conditions.

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For planting a plantation, Kauri Park would generally recommend planting a predominance of the local provenance with a percentage of plants from provenances that flower earlier and flower later than the local provenance – and planting a reasonable area to maximise the opportunities for a more pure Manuka honey.

Optimum planting density is considered to be at 2.5m by 2.5m centres, which equates to 1600 stems per hectare. Planting is carried out during the wetter months from May through to November.

Kauri Park Nurseries offer on-site advice and planning at no charge, several million plants to order from, delivery of the plants directly to the planting site, planting services, and pre-plant and post-plant weed spraying services if required.

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YOUR FARM, YOUR FUTURE, OUR FOCUS. When we planned to change our effluent system, we chose Presco Environmental as we have trusted their quality concrete products in the past and liked the idea of the concrete Prosump over other liner options. Because our project was not straight forward we gained professional advice from Oliver who was able to design the Prosump effluent storage facility to meet our needs, right down to the last detail.

We were impressed by how everything went to plan, on time and within budget. We now have a long term sustainable investment and are already benefiting from spreading the effluent, with increased pasture growth, especially in the summer, reducing our fertiliser costs.

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Page 45

Product made from NZ lanolin wins UK enviro award Prolan UK, which sells a product manufactured in New Zealand to protect machinery and equipment in harsh environments, has been awarded the LAMMA Environmental Award 2017 at the United Kingdom’s leading farm machinery, equipment and services show.

The Prolan UK team won first place in the award, heading off 900 exhibitors.

This award recognises a new product or innovation which has the most impact on the environment.

“Prolan is a farm product solving farm issues in an environmentally sustainable way,” says Matt Forbes

of Prolan UK. The judges’ comments were: “The product has multi-industry, worldwide applications potential for protecting against rust, corrosion and galvanic attack. Developed from an agricultural waste, it had been researched and formulated so could be applied in a number of ways to protect a very wide range of equipment”.

Today Prolan products manufactured in New Zealand from sheep woolgrease – called lanolin – are exported around the world and used in the coldest and toughest of environments to protect machinery and vehicles, including wind turbines.

There is a growing trend in the marketplace today for cleaner greener products.

Following this trend Prolan products are replacing traditional petro-chemical lubricants in Europe and one company in Denmark alone has replaced 15

David Shaw uses Prolan to protect a farm bike from corrosion.

Profiling primary industry careers Fieldays is turning up the focus on education this year with the return of the Fieldays Careers & Education Hub. The purpose of the Careers & Education Hub is to facilitate interaction between those wanting to find out more about a career in agriculture with agricultural education providers and agribusinesses.

There will be three e-learning programmes available, which will be tailored specifically to school groups.

The e-learning programmes will serve as a fun interactive tool for students to assist them when visiting exhibitors in the Hub and throughout the wider Fieldays site.

The programmes are designed to be educational and appealing to a range of secondary school levels and will be interactive and collaborative in nature.

While schools are booking sessions, the hub is also open to all public Fieldays visitors, so individual students may visit at any time without pre-booking.

products with a can of Prolan.

Often it is a losing battle trying to fight corrosion on your valuable farming equipment, whether it develops from manure, dirt, sand or simply long-term storage.

Prolan’s natural products protect quadbike and 4WD

chassis, fertiliser spreaders – in fact, anywhere where rust is an issue. Prolan will reduce costs, protect plant and machinery for longer, increase productivity and is safe to use. This just goes to show: “It’s more than wool which keeps sheep dry”.

Page 46

FIELDAYS

Launching pad for bright ideas Feilding farmer Bruce Coombes, who entered one of his inventions in the Fieldays Prototype Award Category in 2015, says the experience provided the help needed to take his product further.

“It was a brilliant experience which we were able to make the most of because of the organised, professional and ever helpful guidance of the innovations team,” says Bruce.

Bruce’s invention is ‘The Kage’, which he designed to protect water trough valves and arms from being damaged, usually by stock getting rough when water supply can’t keep up with demand.

“It can be a daunting road to go down when starting out with a new invention and no knowledge of how to proceed. The Innovations Centre was the perfect way to give people like us the help we needed to be able to take our inventions further. What a truly inspirational place.”

Bruce says nothing was too much trouble – the team accommodated all requests and solved all logistical problems with a smile and immediate action.

“Having the LAB in the middle with all of those experts available to us for the entire week was unbelievably helpful and we came away armed with so much more knowledge and more of a plan on where to go from now on.

WINNER of NZ Concrete Technology Award

“I cannot recommend this experience highly enough,” says Bruce. Each year the Fieldays Innovations Centre receives extensive media coverage as the world looks to New Zealand to lead innovation for the agricultural sector, improving farming practices in New Zealand and beyond.

It is the ideal place to demonstrate groundbreaking developments, whether they are backyard inventions or professional innovations, to thousands of Fieldays visitors.

The Fieldays Innovation Awards showcases inventions from New Zealand with an aim to establish their success by introducing them to the marketplace and facilitating networks to commercial success.

A number of individuals and companies have launched new products and innovations at Fieldays and gone on to achieve global success.

In 2017 once again, approved entrants from dairy and drystock farming, horticulture, information and communication technology, cloud and mobile-based software, animal health and genetics, water and waste management, environment and clean-tech, animal and farm management, farm safety and leading research, will showcase their innovation in the Fieldays Innovations Centre at the heart of Fieldays.

The Innovations Centre is hugely popular with the public and a not-to-be missed part of Fieldays.

FIELDAYS

Page 47

Technology makes keeping hens as easy as breaking eggs Do you have a lifestyle block or a good size section where you have always wanted to keep chooks but have felt it would be too much work and a hassle when you go away?

Grandpas’ product range can help.

There is the tried and proven Grandpas feeder which will give chooks on-demand food that stays dry, clean and is not accessible to wild birds and rodents.

Business partner Alla Kirkham says with The feeder this feeder there has an opening is no wasted weight that feed because allows the chooks the special to open it but anti-flick grills not rats or mean the chooks wild birds. cannot flick or scratch the food out onto the ground.

“The feeder has an opening weight that allows the chooks to open it but it is too heavy for rats and wild birds. The feeder is also weatherproof, so can be left anywhere convenient for the chooks.

“What’s more, it can be topped up at any stage from the hopper – the old feed will come through to the trough and surface first so there’s no stale food.”

Grandpas now has drinker cups for chooks, which will provide a good source of clean water without any hassle. The two-cup unit simply attaches to any water container with a standard size Grandpas’ bung and the cups drinker cups fill as the chooks provide a good source drink from it by a of clean water. The twosmall valve that is cup unit simply attaches pressed by their to any water container beak as they with a standard drink. There is size bung. no dirty water, no spillage and it is perfectly safe to use with little chicks because there is not enough exposed water where they could drown.

Alla says for those people who like to free-range

their chooks for part of the day but are not always there to let them out, Grandpas ‘check in’ auto door will do it for you.

This comes as a complete unit with control and fit to the chook house. It runs on two door ready to fi AA batteries and a light sensor and can be programmed to close and open as you desire. It is easy to operate and like all Grandpas products comes with a full, two-year satisfaction guarantee.

“With a good source of high protein food, a clean supply of water and an option to free range for part of the day, you will have happy healthy chooks that will give you a good supply of delicious tasty eggs.

“All you have to do is collect them.”

Grandpas ‘check in’ auto door controls when chooks can leave the hen house.

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Page 48

FIELDAYS

Farmers can be profitable within new limits Feeding dairy cows on monoculture rye grass pastures not only adversely affects their health and milk production, but may also be an animal welfare issue, says Dr Christine Jones – an international authority on soil health and profitable farming systems.

“Cows don’t like eating ryegrass, which has a sour taste and a crude protein content far higher than required by lactating dairy stock.

“Excess nitrogen results in elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen, which have been linked to an increase in lameness, mastitis and infertility,” says Christine, who was in New Zealand in May to conduct a series of seminars.

AgriSea New Zealand Limited hosted Christine’s ‘Farming Profitably within Environmental Limits’ seminars – and general manager Tane Bradley says the company was delighted to give farmers the opportunity to hear her speak.

Christine says excess dietary N is excreted as urinary N causing environmental pollution. New Zealand’s low diversity shallow-rooted ryegrass/clover pastures provide a monotonous diet for cows.

In contrast cows that graze on swards containing herbs such as chicory, plantain, Lucerne and red clover have improved health and milk production, while excreting significantly less urinary N.

AgriSea general manager Tane Bradley with Dr Christine Jones and Keith Atwood of AgriSea, who hosted her ‘Farming profitability within environmental limits’ seminars.

Due to its high mobility, inor“In Britain there are some ganic nitrogen has become a key pastures with 400 different species stressor for terrestrial, freshwater of plants and meadows with up and marine environments in many to 200 different species are not uncommon.” For some reason New locations around the world – including New Zealand.

Zealand agriculture has adopted a monoculture approach, relying High cost almost exclusively on ryegrass and Many New Zealand farmers have clover. come to believe that they can’t grow grass without using inorganic urea.

Farming vulnerable However, Christine says farming Relying on rye grass makes within imposed environmental farming vulnerable to extremes limits, which include nitrogen of weather, and the grass doesn’t applications, won’t mean an end to produce well year-round. profitable farming.

Christine is also concerned at Two steps are required. “IncorNew Zealand agriculture’s heavy porate as much pasture diversity reliance on inorganic nitrogen as possible, particularly warm fertiliser. Globally, more than and cool season herbs and variety $100 billion of inorganic nitrogen of grasses. Replace inorganic N fertilisers are applied to crops and with biology-friendly products pastures every year. Between 10 to enhance the innate capacity and 40 per cent of the applied N of soil microbial communities to is taken up by plants. Much of fix atmospheric nitrogen.” It is the remaining 60 to 90 per cent important to “feed the rumen not is returned to the atmosphere as the cow”, and to “feed the soil ammonia or nitrous oxide – or microbiome, not the plant”. leached to waterways as nitrate.

FIELDAYS

Page 49

Five chefs cook up a storm at Fieldays Five of the country’s favourite celebrity chefs will give cooking presentations in the Kitchen Theatre at Fieldays 2017.

New Zealand’s first-ever MasterChef winner Brett McGregor will be in the Kitchen Theatre on Wednesday for the third year. Fresh from filming his latest TV series ‘Taste of a Traveller’, Brett’s passion for sharing global culinary styles, ingredients and techniques will be a key feature of his on-stage cooking demonstrations.

On Thursday the kitchen belongs to Michelin restaurant-trained, United Kingdom-born Mark Southon. The resident chef of TV’s ‘The Café’, Mark is renowned for his love of wild foods, seafood and quality ingredients. Join Mark for one of three on-stage demonstrations. Mark will also be judging the culinary efforts of the Fieldays Rural Bachelor finalists.

Michael Van de Elzen makes a

popular return to the Kitchen Theatre on Friday.

The renowned New Zealand Hospitality Hall of Fame inductee and television personality is popular for his inventive twists on favourite food truck fare, respected as an award-winning restaurateur, and celebrated as a successful cookbook author. A familiar face on TV’s ‘Kiwi Living’, Mike’s culinary creations range from haute cuisine to healthy, family-friendly meals inspiring how we cook in our own homes.

Saturday brings double the culinary pleasure of the famed sisters of Maketu, Karena and Kasey Bird.

Since their 2014 MasterChef win, the pair have published two successful cookbooks and hosted their own popular TV show ‘Karena & Kasey’s Kitchen Diplomacy’. World travels, family and heritage add flavour to the unique cooking style of these passionate and talented young women.

The Kitchen Theatre can be found in the Kiwi’s Best Kitchen area, which features artisan butchery and delicatessen meats, specialty cheeses, finest domestically produced liquors, spirits, wines and ales, preserves, condiments and sauces, and delectable dessert treats, this is the marquee you can’t resist.

Gourmet kitchen accessories,

appliances and kitchen design and build specialists will also be showcased in this one-stop-gourmet shop, located between the Rural Living and Agribusiness Areas, on the corner of F Street and N Road.

Check the schedule and enjoy a culinary session with the celebrity chefs in the Kitchen Theatre.

Experience an insight into their talents, travels, tips and tastes and after the cooking presentation stay to meet and greet the chef, take a selfie or buy a book.

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Why Clean Green?

No Mega Ponds Cost-effective Installation Environmentally Friendly

䌀愀氀氀 昀漀爀 愀 昀爀攀攀 焀甀漀琀攀 愀渀搀 氀愀礀漀甀琀 琀漀搀愀礀

Fully Automated Ph: 0800 400 365

www.cleangreeneffluent.co.nz Email: lindsay@cleangreeneffluent.co.nz Located in the Pavilion Site PD2

Sale Now On

VISIT US ON SITE

F91

30T 90T

BIN KITSET BIN KITSET

0800 468 375

www.interbloc.co.nz *Terms & Conditions Apply

NOW ONLY

$5,200 NOW ONLY

$6,990

FIELDAYS

Page 50

FIELDAYS SAVINGS It’s time to feel good on the farm with Suzuki’s Feel Good Fieldays promotion. For you, the farmer it means sharp-as pricing on all models with real savings off our already-keen pricing, plus a finance offer to take the pressure off your cash flow. With just 1/3 deposit* you can be riding away on a new Suzuki farm Quad or 2wheeler to keep your farm in order this winter.

WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ

KINGQUAD 400 4X4 MAN/AUTO

SAVE $925

INCL. GST

$10,495 EXCL. GST

KINGQUAD 500 4X4 AUTO

SAVE $1,200 $11,995 EXCL. GST

• Liquid cooled fuel injected 4-stroke • CVT transmission with Hi/ Lo ratio and reverse • Push button 2WD/4WD select with diff-lock option • Independent front and rear suspension • Disc front brakes • Fully sealed oil-bathed multi-plate disc rear brake • Comfortable T-shaped seat • 24 Month/15,000km warranty

• Electronic fuel-injection • 4-stroke, 4 valve engine • Selectable 2WD/4WD with Hi/Lo ratio and reverse • Torque-sensing limited slip front differential • Disc front brakes and sealed rear brakes • Twin shock solid rear axle • Comfortable T-shaped seat • 24 Month/15,000km warranty

DR200SE TROJAN

SAVE $480

TF125 MUDBUG

INCL. GST

$4,795 EXCL. GST

SAVE $780

INCL. GST

$2,795 EXCL. GST

NO DEPOSIT – 2 YEARS TO PAY NO PAYMENTS FOR 3 MONTHS

• • • • • • •

SZM0305

INCL. GST

Quality uality made in Japan Dual side-stands Dual Comfortable omfortable seat Handlebar-mounted andlebar-mounted carrier -speed 5-speed Electric lectric start 4-stroke L arge 12V headlight Large

• • • • • •

Quality uality made in Japan Dual D ual side-stands omfortable seat Comfortable Handlebar-mounted andlebar-mounted carrier 125cc 25cc 2-stroke 6-speed -speed

LT-A/F400FL7 Finance offer is based on $4,108.91 deposit or trade-in equivalent, a $369 documentation fee and $13 PPSR (total charges $382), then 1 payment of $4,628.08 after 12 months and another payment of $4,628.08 after 24 months at 6.99% interest. Total cost of purchase $13,365.07. LT-A500XPL7 Finance offer is based on $5,437.16 deposit or trade-in equivalent, a $369 documentation fee and $13 PPSR (total charges $382), then 1 payment of $6,124.14 after 12 months and another payment of $6,124.14 after 24 months at 6.99% interest. Total cost of purchase $17,685.44. DR200SEL5 Finance offer is based on $1,945.76 deposit or trade-in equivalent, a $369 documentation fee and $13 PPSR (total charges $382), then 1 payment of $2,191.63 after 12 months and another payment of $2,191.63 after 24 months at 6.99% interest. Total cost of purchase $6,329.02. TF125 Finance offer is based on no deposit and a payment holiday of 3 months, then 21 equal monthly payments of $188.16 at 19.95% interest. Total cost of purchase $3,951.36. Normal lending criteria apply. Price excludes GST. Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Offer ends 31 July 2017 or while stocks last.

FIELDAYS

Seat covers that can withstand hardworking Kiwi lifestyles Hardworking Kiwis tend to give their vehicles a tough time, both on and off the worksite, which is why Rugged Valley seat covers are designed to protect vehicles from day-to-day damage, and keep seats in perfect condition, says Renee Smith of Rugged Valley New Zealand.

“This means you can work hard and play hard whatever the weather, giving life the toughest fight.”

Rugged Valley seat covers have been used and abused by farmers, tradies, sparkies, four-wheel drivers and weekend enthusiasts, says Renee.

“Tried and true, they’ve survived the heaviest punishment and been put to test in the harshest of New Zealand conditions. We understand legends like Kiwi drivers. We know how hard you work and make seat covers that work as hard as you.”

“Rugged Valley has tailor-made seat covers for utes, trucks, vans, tractors, excavators, quads and ATVs, so we can get your whole fleet covered.

“Our seat covers are proudly manufactured here in Masterton – the heart of the beautiful Wairarapa.

“We pride ourselves in that our seat covers have a superior fit to other brands on the market, with all latest models being airbag certified.

“We aren’t just for the staunch Hilux or macho Ranger driver either, as we have covers for Foton, Tunland, Mahindra Pik-up and SsangYong models.”

Renee says there are branding opportunities available to get your company name printed onto the seat cover, giving a professional, corporate image to your company fleet.

“Standard colour options are slate grey or black canvas, with a wide variety of other colours and materials available for customising.

“We also now offer a range of the Sandgrabba Floormats, these are unique in design to catch the muck and protect the floor of your vehicle. Jump on in with all your muddy gear. Sweet as.

“Chat with us in person at Mystery Creek Fieldays at site C87. We would be delighted to discuss your vehicle protection needs.”

Rugged Valley seat covers, manufactured in Masterton, will be at Mystery Creek Fieldays site C87.

Page 51

$40 million fund helps lakes The Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme, a $40 million fund aimed to reduce the amount of nitrogen entering Lake Rotorua, is now open to all landowners in the Lake Rotorua catchment with nitrogen to sell, no matter how big or small their property is.

Funded jointly by the Crown and Bay of Plenty Regional Council, it aims to purchase 100 tonnes of

nitrogen by incentivising landowners to adopt a low nitrogen loss land use.

Lake Rotorua Incentives Committee chairman and councillor Norm Bruning says negotiations are now open to all, including small land block owners with 150kg – 1000kg of nitrogen to sell. “Act now so you don’t miss out. It all starts with a phone call. Expressions of interest must be indicated by July 31.”

FIELDAYS

Page 52

CLAAS unveils its biggest cat yet at National Fieldays THE CLAAS Harvest Centre network will showcase the latest incarnation of the world’s most efficient and popular forage harvester, the Claas Jaguar 900, at the National Fieldays.

EPSOM HOUSE Boarding Positions 2017

The new 900 series boasts numerous technological advancements, including a continuously variable front attachment drive, an enhanced crop flow system, automatic filling guidance and reconfigured running gear.

Claas Jaguar and Greenline Group product manager Luke Wheeler says CLAAS now offers 14 models across the JAGUAR 900/800 series, making it the largest range available on the market.

“Initially, the new Type 498 machines will be equipped with Tier 4 Final engines only, but this will be extended to include Tier 3 options in 2018,” says Luke.

“In the meantime, the existing 900 Series Type 497 and 800 series Type 496, which are both equipped with Tier 3 engines, will continue to be available.”

First released in 1983, Claas Jaguar now accounts for more than half of all forage harvesters sold globally.

Forage harvesting

A complete line-up of Claas ‘greenline’ forage harvesting technology will also be display, including the award-winning Shredlage maize processor, which intensively processes corn kernels and ‘long-chop’ silage in one, efficient operation.

Claas V-Max V20 and V-Claas V24 chopping cylinders are used to produce a chop length of 26mm to 30mm, about 10mm longer than conventional silage.

Two specially-designed Loren Cut rollers that fit into the existing Claas Multi Crop Cracker MCC-L processor then smash corn kernels to a fraction of their normal size while simultaneously shredding the stalks

+GST

$102,900

1%*

SEE US AT FIELDAYS SITE M52-58

Power pack *Standard terms, conditions and fees apply. 1% pa available with 40% deposit and 12 monthly repayments in arrears.

Offer valid until 30/06/2017 or while stocks last.

ARION 430 CIS & CLAAS FL100 loader 4 cylinder 4.5 L turbo charged engine Flexible QUADRISHIFT 16F/16R transmission 98 L/min hydraulic flow

BAY OF PLENTY 292 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua Vaughn Carson 027 223 3365 Glenn Davidson 027 223 3363

Factory fitted CLAAS loader

claasharvestcentre.com

ELECTROPILOT - electronic loader joystick

Gearing you up for success.

Milk yield

“University studies have shown Shredlage can significantly improve milk yield and feed conversion efficiency.

“The need to supplement with other fibre sources, such as straw, can also be reduced or even eliminated, producing even greater savings.”

This innovative technology was recognised with a special Jury Prize in the 2017 Machine of the Year awards presented at SIMA earlier this year.

Also making its debut at the National Fieldays is the high performance JCB Fastrac 4220, 235hp tractor, which boasts continuously variable transmission, all-round self-levelling suspension and optional four wheel steering.

Its four equal-sized tyres, 50/50 weight distribution and all wheel disc braking allow operating speeds of up to 60km/h.

JCB product manager Steve Gorman says the proven Fastrac concept means operators can perform multiple jobs and at higher operating speeds without compromising stability, safety or comfort. “The 4000

series raises the bar even higher in the mid-range category,” says Steve.

Complete line-up

A complete line-up of advanced technology tractors from the 320hp to 410hp Claas Axion 900, the 205hp to 295hp Axion 800, the 158hp to 184hp Arion 600, the 145hp to 165hp Arion 500, and the 100hp to 130hp Arion 400 series will also be on display.

Claas Tractors group product manager Dave Knowles says Claas now offers continuously variable transmissions on 18 different models across three series spanning 145hp to 410hp.

Whereas the existing Axion 900 and Axion 800 Cmatic models utilise ZF Eccom or Terramatic transmissions.

“Claas has shown remarkable commitment to developing its own CVT unit for the Arion 600/500 platform, this project,” says Dave.

“All told, the company has invested more than 40 million in this project, including more than 30,000 hours of pre-production testing and retooling its factory in Paderborn, Germany.

“I doubt if any other manufacturer has invested this much into the development of a single component.”

Claas Harvest Centre will be located at site M52–58 at this year’s National Fieldays, at Mystery Creek from June 14-17, 2017.

The JBC Frastrac in action with a cultivator.

130 HP TRACTOR & LOADER

FINANCE FROM

into planks and strings. “This intensive conditioning increases the amount of surface area of fodder exposed to microbial activity in the rumen, which improves the availability and digestibility of the starch content,” says Luke.

FIELDAYS

Prioritising milk chiller decisions Milking systems provider DeLaval New Zealand is urging farmers to prioritise milk chiller decisions as enforcement of new cooling regulations draws closer.

“My team is out on-farm every day, and the message coming back is there are still farms that aren’t compliant – even though we’re now only a season away from the regulations being enforced,” says DeLaval’s Oceania sales director Justin Thompson.

By June 2018 all farmers must comply with new requirements to have milk chilled to six degrees Celsius within six hours of commencement of milking, or two hours of completion of milking. The new rules, brought in by the Ministry for Primary Industries, are designed to bring New Zealand standards into line with international trading partners.

“There’s been a fairly long lead time into this but even though awareness is pretty good, there’s definitely still a lag putting that awareness into action.

“As we get closer to enforcement of the regulations, the risk side becomes significant – that your milk is not compliant and isn’t picked up. That can get very expensive very quickly,” says Justin.

Efficiency gains

bundling products smartly. For example, by using reduced temperature detergents in conjunction with the hot-water byproduct from the chilling system,” says Justin.

His top tips for farmers considering an upgrade or a vat replacement are:

Farm water temperature

If farm water currently goes above 18 degrees Celsius on the hottest day, energy efficiency gains from a new system will be greater.

Shed older than five years

Product advances and general cooling improvements mean farmers who haven’t built a shed in the last five years stand to gain from recent innovations.

Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu and top of the South Island farmers with higher annual average temperatures will have a tougher job chilling to the lower required temperatures quickly and consistently, and could make substantial energy savings from an upgraded solution.

Shop smart

Look for built-in heat recovery to reduce energy use, systems that do not require added hardware components as herd size increases, interest-free terms, and good service provision to ensure maximum benefits from the capital outlay.

“Our advice to farmers is pretty simple – talk to the experts, get some really robust advice, and get it as soon as possible.

“Do this right, and you can actually come out of a new regulatory requirement better off,” says Justin.

17VS005 - Imported by C B Norwood Distributors Ltd

He is urging farmers who haven’t yet spoken to an expert to prioritise an assessment.

“There’s a lead time of a few months on supply and installation of our own DeLaval chillers, and we’re hearing a similar story from other manufacturers, so the time to make a decision really is now.” The upside to the costs of compliance can be significant efficiency gains and energy savings.

“We’ve calculated a payback period on a new DeLaval compact glycol chiller of around twoand-a-half years for an average farm, with ongoing per annum savings of around $9500 if the farm is

Page 53

Tempo – performance and precision, as far as the eye can see!

Proven to be a top performer by combining legendary output with consistently accurate spacing for optimum plant establishment and yield. Available in numerous configurations from 6-12 rows in both trailing and mounted options.

Make Vaderstad Tempo your next precision planting investment.

Visit us at Fieldays® site C57 to see how Tempo can support your operation or visit www.vaderstad.com

FIELDAYS

Page 54

Museum fence showcase for products

This fence provided by Beams & Timber for Te Awa Lifecare in Cambridge Rd, Cambridge, is an example of the quality fencing the company produces.

The Agriculture Heritage Museum at Mystery Creek Fieldays site now has stunning new timber fencing and gates manufactured by Beams & Timber Direct Ltd of Tuakau.

option on our stand at Fieldays in June,” says Julie.

“As usual, we will be with Matamata Post & Rails at site M40, corner of M & C Rds, and this year we will have an example of an impressive entranceway using our large feature posts so the public can see how our gates and fencing are used for attractive and functional entranceways,” says Julie, who is looking forward to meeting past and future clients at Fieldays.

The company’s quality timber fencing is being used in new subdivisions nationwide, as well as on farms, lifestyle properties, urban sections, public places and commercial enterprises.

Mystery Creek Events Centre heritage coordinator Alan Reilly says the Agriculture Heritage Museum is a busy place during Fieldays.

“With thousands of visitors during four days we require functional, strong fencing to guide foot traffic and to keep our Clydesdales where they need to be.

But more importantly, we need it to look in keeping with our heritage building and grounds.

“Beams & Timber Direct ticked all of these boxes, providing a professional service, customised to our needs at a very competitive rate that has even made our accountant smile.”

Beams & Timber Direct owners Julie and Graeme Fox say they were delighted to be selected to provide their BTD Interlock fence and gates for the museum.

Fencing subdivisions

One of the company’s most highly visible fences is that at Te Awa Lifecare in Cambridge Rd, Cambridge.

“That fence was completed just before Fieldays last year and looks so impressive everyone seemed to be talking about it.”

Julie says increasingly people are giving careful attention to fencing which will best suit their homes.

“After all, they have made a significant investment in a beautiful home and want an attractive, quality fence which will complement it.”

BTD has provided fencing for many new subdivisions and developers are also choosing to use the company’s square bollards alongside walkways and reserves, which give continuity of style in the landscape. The bollards are also ideal for council parks and reserves.

Range of posts

“Not only does it look fantastic – it also serves as a permanent showcase for our fencing.”

The fencing, which features a range of post sizes, demonstrates the options people can choose from for their own projects.

“The fence has just one standard gate design to give a uniform look for the heritage area, but we have many other gates styles available and will feature one

With new Health and Safety requirements changing, there is a real demand on farm & orchard owners to keep compliant.

Kyle from Nexus Signs has been assisting owners by creating a very effective interchangeable H&S Site Sign tailored to each farm or orchard.

The sign consists of separate modules that can be updated as and when details or maps change.

It also features areas in which staff can fill in and wipe off temporary or new hazards.

Signs are made of Composite Panel Board, 1220 X 800 with high performance vinyl and Laminate.

Also available is a kitset with posts and fixings to keep things simple.

This H&S Solution has been so popular that he is rolling them out across farms and orchards all over the Country.

Contact Kyle @ Nexus Signs today to order yours.

Nexus Farms Ltd: 62 College Road Site Emergency Information

Nexus Signs Orchard: 62 College Rd Site Emergency Information

GPS Location: 176.944558, -37.978164

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

This Site Address: Te Rahu Farm Ltd

220 Te Rahu Road Whakatane 3193

Name:

Cam Bierre

Ph:

027 2999 239

Position:

Manager

Nearest Medical Facilities:

DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

Medical Centre: The Doctors Phoenix

Fire:

Phone:

Police: Ambulance: Power:

07 307 0586

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

- Live electric fences – Do Not Touch.

- Open waterways (fenced off) and hidden

- Dairy Shed – slippery surfaces, pinch points,

Treat all fences as live.

rotating platform, hazardous substance

- Effluent pipes may be hidden by grass

- Slips, trips and falls

in effluent area.

-Vehicle movement – Motor bikes, tractors

- Dust

and feed wagons

3. Move quickly to the evacuation point located opposite the vat stand at the dairy shed 4. First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard.

the yellow letterbox.

Remember the emergency telephone Number for:

PHONE: 027 2999 239

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111

Fire:

have been trained - If you open a gate, shut it. All road gates MUST be shut.

Police:

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

- Abide by the speed limit of 20Km/Hr, 15Km/Hr for tractors.

- Covered footwear must be worn at all times

- Accident Register is located in the yellow letterbox.

-Stock

EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

Bas Overdevest

Ph:

021 224 0732

Position:

Manager

PERSONAL HYGIENE This is a smoke free workplace - Always wash your hands before eating and drinking - Toilet facilities are located at the dairy shed

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY! THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Ambulance: Power:

ASSEMBLY POINT

Nearest Medical Facilities:

DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

07 304 9106

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

In case of any emergency, it is important you.....

1. Remain calm 2. Listen to your supervisor 3. Move quickly to the Evacuation or Muster point identified below 4. Ensure you stay together with your group and take others with as you go 5. Remember to take your Orchard Health and Safety Folder 6. First Aid Kit with Supervisor (This Contains the names of everyone in your group. When you get to the muster point Check this list to make sure everyone is accounted for)

HAZARD

CONTROL

While on site, All workers shall take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety

and other workers or visitors safe.

GENERAL - Never undertake a task if you feel it is unsafe.

- Always be aware of all hazards on the property you are working on.

- It is your responsibility to report all and health and safety related issues to your Supervisor.

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery or deal with any substance, unless you have been trained.

- SPS’s must be available at all times.

ACCIDENTS

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

Medical Centre: Riverslea Medical Cen Phone:

National Poison Centre 0800 76 47 66

ORCHARD HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves

DATE

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

- It is your responsibility to report all hazards / accidents / near miss to the Farm Manager

- First Aider – Cam Bierre 027 2999 239

VISITORS REPORT TO: CAM BIERRE

Name:

- This is a drug and alcohol free property. Zero Tolerance.

ACCIDENTS

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

- Always be aware of hazards on the property you are working on. Full register is located in

- First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

Notes

GENERAL - All people entering the property MUST sign in and out.

- Report all accidents, including all near misses that could have resulted in an injury,

2. Contact the Farm Manager Cam Bierre as soon as possible – 027 2999 239

5. Farm Manager is a qualified First Aider

Edgecumbe

immediately.

In case of any emergency, it is important you.....

1. Remain calm

62 College RD

farm safe.

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery, or deal with any substances, unless you - Slippery / uneven surfaces and tracks

drains in some paddocks

National Poisons Hotline: 0800 764 766

While on Farm, all persons shall take all take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves and all others on

THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

Remember the emergency telephone Number for:

This Site Address: Nexus Signs Orchard

Farm Health & Safety Rules: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY!

- Report all accidents, including near misses that could have resulted in injury, immediately.

- Make sure you know who your first aider is.

- MOVING VEHICLES - TRUCKS, TRAILERS

- Keep your first aid kit in your work area at all times.

- BEES AND HIVES

QUAD BIKES, SPRAYERS OR MOWERS - RABBIT HOLES, UNEVEN OR STEEP

- OPEN WATERWAYS / DRAINS / PONDS

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

GROUND

PERSONAL HYGIENE

- DUST

- SPRAY DRIFT / CHEMICAL SPILLS,

- Do not eat or smoke under the canopy.

CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION

- Always wash your hands after eating, smoking and toilet breaks.

- KIWIFRUIT CANES AND DEBRIS

- NOISE

- PERGOLA WIRES AND PROTRUDING

- ELECTRICITY

- Always cover cuts or grazes.

- Cover mouth and nose if you sneeze.

- Only use designated toilet facilities provided.

- No rubbish is to be left on the orchard or placed in harvest bins/bags.

LIMBS FROM VINES

- Appropriate clean clothing and enclosed sturdy footwear shall be worn.

- SECATEURD, LOPPERS, POWER AND

- Any jewelery likely to be a hazard must be removed.

- SLIP, TRIPS AND FALLS

- Where required clean footwear and sanitise your hands prior to leaving and entering Orchard.

HAND TOOLS

VISITORS REPORT TO:............................................PHONE........................

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

OPERATIONAL HYGIENE - Grazing of livestock under the canopy is prohibited during harvest or at spraying times.

- Animals must be kept away from harvest bins, including load out pads.

- Any risk of contamination to product must be reported immediately.

SICKNESS REPORTING

PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111

- If you are feeling unwell, report it to your supervisor before it becomes an issue.

EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE DATE

Full Hazard Register located in H & S folder in dairy shed.

HAZARD CONTROL

EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY POINT

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY OR SPILLAGE MANAGER: BAS OVERDEVST PH: IF ANY ONE IS HURT PHONE AMBULANCE: 111 Advise - Location, Number involved, Chemicals

FIRE INVOLVED PHONE FIRE SERVICE: 111 Advise - Location, Nature of incident, Type and quantity of chemical involved

SPILLAGE INVOLVED

Contain spillage, warn others, advise H&S Manager if waterways Land contaminated National Poison Centre (03) 477 7000

Ph: 07 323 6608 M: 022 674 9339 41 Liverpool St, Kawerau kyle@nexussigns.co.nz

FIELDAYS

Page 55

Into the back of beyond with High Country Journeys Ever wanted to get into the back country and travel through many of the iconic South Island sheep stations and experience the isolation and majestic scenery of the high country in your own time?

Then why not join a fullyguided self-drive or tag-a-long tour organised by High Country Journeys?

Fully-guided

High Country Journeys is now run by Maniototo-based John Mulholland who took over in May 2015. John is based near Ranfurly and has been involved in the 4WD scene in the South for many years.

Last season they introduced two new fully-guided tour options which were extremely popular and known as the South Island High

Two new South Island tours are now offered by High Country Journeys.

Country Grand Slam and the Great Mackenzie Country and Central Otago Explorer.

The Grand Slam is a seven-day, eight-night package that starts in Blenheim and takes in Molesworth Station and the North Canterbury high country, then follows the usual route from Lake Coleridge and the Rakaia River area down through the Mackenzie Country to Cardrona/Wanaka in Central Otago.

The Great Explorer is a sixday, five-night tour that starts in Omarama and takes in the rugged tussock lands and majestic high country of the lower Mackenzie Country/ Lindis Pass and Central Otago area, also ending in Cardrona.

More challenging

John has been absolutely rapt with the response to these tours.

“A lot of our clients are coming down from the North Island anyway, so it was a logical progression to offer them an option to do Molesworth on the way. The other option we started in Omarama has some incredibly stunning new tracks and is popular with clients who have done some of our other tours before

and who might be looking for something a little more challenging,” says John.

These two tours are also complemented by the legendary original six-day, seven-night Heart of the High Country Tour that starts near Lake Coleridge and also ends in the Cardrona/Wanaka area.

as we have a huge responsibility to our clients and to the property owners. Also it really gives you a buzz when you see

Adventure and holiday These packages are an adventure as well as a holiday that combine fine hospitality in very comfortable rural farmstays, good food, farming tales, high country yarns and 4-wheel driving through stunning scenery with passionate local guides who really know the country.

You will be able to drive your own 4WD vehicle (or a hired one) and travel at a more relaxed pace from station to station as part of a smaller, more personal group of vehicles with radio contact in each one that has access to remote tracks, some only available to High Country Journeys.

John, who to date has been responsible for guiding more than 3000 vehicles through the high country without incident, remarks; “safety is a huge issue for us and one we really concentrate on

ONLY WHILE STOCKS LAST GENUINE FIELDAYS SPECIALS!

FROM UNDER $640 PER HP

JD POWERTECH™ TURBO DIESEL ENGINES (TIER 2), 4WD, RATED POWER FROM 105-110HP, POWRQUAD™ TRANS WITH WETCLUTCH

Let us know if you’re coming to Fieldays and you’ll go in the draw to win a John Deere Chilly bin! It’s that easy**.

To enter email: promo@agrowquip.co.nz with your name, location and contact phone number.

PLUS 3.35% JOHN DEERE FINANCE RATE*

6M ROPS

the look on people’s faces when you take them to a peak at 6000 feet or so with some amazing views.”

6M CAB

JD POWERTECH™ TURBO DIESEL ENGINES (TIER 2), 4WD, RATED POWER FROM 105-195HP, POWRQUAD™ FROM UNDER $730 PER HP TRANS WITH WETCLUTCH & AIRCON CAB

*Conditions apply. Finance available through John Deere Financial Limited to approved commercial applicants only. Offer is based on a 36 month term at an annual percentage rate of 3.35% with 25% deposit and GST back within first 5 months. Fees and charges apply.

If not amended or withdrawn earlier, the promotion expires on 30th June 2017. Applies to 6000 Series Tractors only. Prices exclude GST. Images in this advertisement are representative only and may differ slightly from the actual product in store. **Entries close 30th June 2017. One entry per person. Winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email or phone provided, within 5 days of closing date. The winner will be responsible for collecting the prize from their local Agrowquip branch, unless agreed otherwise.

0800 tractor • www.agrowquip.co.nz

HAMILTON 07 847 0425 • CAMBRIDGE 07 827 5184 • PUKEKOHE 09 237 0043

Page 56

FIELDAYS

Pens meet new calf handling rules Corohawk’s latest pens and ramps meet the new requirements for calf holding and loading facilities, which come into effect from August 1 this year.

Chris Hawking of Corohawk has attended a number of field days with DairyNZ and Ministry for Primary Industries to thoroughly research exactly what the new regulations require, before designing and manufacturing pens of two different sizes to comply with the rules.

“The new regulations apply to the handling of all calves, not just bobby calves but also heifer calves going to sales – and

MPI has made it clear they will be checking to see if farmers comply and issuing infringement notices to those who don’t,” says Chris, who advises farmers to get their orders for new Corohawk pens in quickly.

The raised pens and ramps will be on display at the Corohawk site at Fieldays site D117-115 so farmers can see for themselves the design features which meet the new regulations.

The pens are 1100cm off the ground to meet the height of bobby calf trucks and have ramps which comply with the requirement for calves to be freely able to walk on to the truck. Chris says the calves must also be fit and healthy before transport and must be kept in covered pens which keep them

dry and comfortable.

The Corohawk pens have a side gate, so that truck drivers don’t have to walk into the farmer’s rearing pens with the calves, reducing the risk of spreading diseases such as scours.

“While calves must be well enough to travel, some could be in the early stages of developing scours. If a truck driver walks into the pen, he can spread the infection on his boots, which can then be picked up by the farmer walking into the pen or on the ramp.

“It doesn’t take much for that infection to spread between every farm on a truck driver’s route, which is why keeping drivers out of the pens is a must.”

There’s a k itse for these ca t option lf pens.

Corohawk Bobby Calf Pens and Bobby Calf Ramps are made of tanalised timber, which is drilled and bolted together. Decking and rails are screwed on with stainless screws. The pens have galvanised gates at both ends. Built to Dairy NZ specifications, they are sold as a kitset or fully assembled.

The pens are among a wide range of products designed and produced by 30-year-old Corohawk, which has become a New Zealand rural institution.

Also on display at Fieldays will be the Corohawk in-shed dairy feed systems, its range of kennels and animal shelters including for calves. Corohawk also supply Jamesway Hatchery equipment as well as Chore-Time Silos, feeder and drinker lines for the poultry industry.

FIELDAYS

Now Fonterra Co-operative Group is gearing up to take advantage of huge potential for its dairy products there, particularly cheese.

The country is New Zealand’s fifth largest cheese market, worth US$50 million (NZ$70m) a year – comparable to New Zealand’s cheese trade to the United States.

New Zealand’s new annual duty-free quota of 7000 metric tonnes of cheese to Korea will increase by three per cent a year.

Tariffs on cheddar and block mozzarella will be removed after seven and 12 years respectively, with all cheese tariffs eliminated and quotas removed after 15 years.

Quotas and tariffs on butter, anhydrous milk fat and infant formula will also be phased out during 15 years.

Fonterra has seen strong interest in its products off the back of the agreement, reflecting the growing demand for high quality dairy in Korea, says Fonterra’s country manager for Korea, Jason Murney.

“A lot of our existing customers and new customers are approaching us to develop new business opportunities.

“The FTA will help Fonterra deepen its commercial relationships in the market over time, as our access continues to increase.”

A D E N •

Z

I

NZ

D

M

N E W

focusing their research on the structure of lipids found in human breast milk and the associated benefits for the developing infant. The NZMP ingredient has been developed from cows’ milk to help deliver complex milk lipids in infant formula.”

Fonterra’s extensive research programme of preclinical and clinical studies has The NZMP SureStart Lipid supported the development of 100 ingredient developed for this new ingredient positioned for maternal and infant formula cognitive development. using New Zealand milk may “Our achievement in making help to support brain developthe awards’ final shortlist ment during pregnancy and highlights Fonterra’s deep dairy infancy. expertise, strength in research and The global awards recognise development, and innovation; and celebrate “game-changing” and its ability to make the goodinnovations that improve ness of dairy nutrition readily people’s lives, optimise health accessible to more consumers.

Nutra Ingredients senior editor and performance and reduce We are extremely proud of the Nathan Gray hands the ‘Ingredient of hard work and the long journey we disease. In identifying the finalists in each award category, the Year’ finalist award to Fonterra’s undertook to develop an advanced NZMP key account manager Erik nutrition ingredient that we can the judges commented on the Degouy and Fonterra general exceptionally high quality entries share with the world,” says Angela. manager nutrition Angela Rowan. in this year’s awards. The judgFonterra also received an Innovaing process assesses factors such tion in Food and Beverage Award as scientific merit, efficacy, innovation and commerat the New Zealand Innovation Awards 2016 for its cialised product formulation. research into this area of infant nutrition. Patents Fonterra general manager nutrition Angela Rowan for the ingredient technology and for developmental says Fonterra is delighted to receive international benefits through maternal and infant applications, recognition for the innovation, particularly as it and for use in infant formulations have been granted acknowledges the great team effort to develop a cred- in a number of countries. ible new offering in the challenging infant nutrition NZMP, Fonterra’s dairy ingredients business, offers category. a range of science-based ingredients under the Sur“It is well-known that breastfeeding gives an infant eStart brand to help support optimal nutrition and the best start to life. Scientists at Fonterra have been development in infants.

Since the Free Trade Agreement with South Korea was signed in December 2015, New Zealand has experienced 16 per cent growth in exports of food and beverage products to Korea.

N

Fonterra’s breakthrough milk lipid ingredient has been selected as a finalist in the ‘Ingredient of the Year – Infant Nutrition’ at the Nutra Ingredients Awards 2017 in Geneva.

Catering for Korean’s taste in cheese

•

Fonterra milk lipid in international awards

Page 57

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DAIRY

Page 59

Double the amount of rain in five months The weather has always been reliably unreliable – but at least its overall patterns have until now, been reasonably predictable.

Given what we’ve experienced so far this year it appears we now need to prepare for the unexpected all the time.

Three cyclones in two months created havoc for farmers, growers and urban residents and also revealed the vulnerability of our flood control systems.

The devastation of the Edgecumbe township is the extreme example of what went wrong, but many farmers and growers, including our own business, suffered floods.

It appears councils and authorities may have been lulled into compliancy in recent years because we haven’t had these extreme weather events, so routine maintenance of drains looks like it’s slipped. This means when we get a flood, drains either can’t cope, or are so full of weeds and debris, they restrict outlets and block up screens so pumps can’t operate effectively.

These responsible for the infrastructure, including drains, culverts and bridges, designed to handle floods, and as much as possible, protect homes, farms and crops, need to re-think their maintenance programmes in the face of the weird weather which looks like becoming the norm.

Where it falls

There needs to be an understanding that it’s often not so much the volume of rain which falls, but where it falls, which impacts on the infrastructure that has to handle it.

Farmers are telling me they’ve already had two-thirds of their normal annual rainfall by May. During the last four years the average has been 1250ml during a 12-month period. The average during the last four years from January-May has been 420ml. So far this year we’ve had a rainfall of 990ml, that’s more than double the previous years.

We were luckier than some contractors as we did manage to get our maize off before Cyclone Cook arrived but re-sowing the pasture in grass was a major headache.

Springs appeared in paddocks prone to being a dust nuisance in the past and we spent five days with a digger, creating drains to re-direct water and tapping into springs, and five days with tractors trying to tidy up and level the paddocks before getting grass seed in.

Out of our last 27 hectares we finally managed to get 26.5ha sown but we were up to three weeks late and are hoping pasture will be established in time for grazers to arrive.

that, unlike last season, there’s not a lot of surplus supplementary feed around.

Many farmers have dried off cows and can probably cope but they will be worried about spring growth if these wet conditions continue.

Once again, the farming community came together to help those badly affected by the floods, particularly in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and we helped where we could, putting those who needed feed in touch with those offering to donate it. Offers came from both local farmers and lifestylers as far afield as Manawatu to Northland.

Nutrients leached

Weird though it is, the weather did turn colder which will impact on grass growth. Due to the heavy rain we’ve been testing the soil in our paddocks to see what nutrients and trace elements may have leached. With an event like heavy rainfall, normally nitrogen and sulphur easily dissipate through the soil away from the grass roots.

We found our sulphur levels to be good but the nitrogen levels were low. We’ve spread a mix of urea, which contains instant release nitrogen, and also a slow release polymer-coated nitrogen, which delays the availability of nitrogen for plant uptake for about 90 days.

During the trials I conducted on the polymer-coated urea up to five years ago, it did indeed show was slow releasing and in fact it actually lasted more than the 90 days suggested. These results could have been due to lower rainfalls at the time of the trials. It is a bit more expensive but more suited to heavy rainfall events. But it may be worth contacting and discussing this with your local fertiliser rep.

Cold wet conditions are also ideal for many pests and diseases so farmers need to be vigilant and take action quickly if anything nasty appears in their crops or pasture.

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DAIRY

Page 60

Crystal clear security camera images Internet protocol and Closed Circuit TV camera systems just keep getting better and are down to an easily affordable level for most people, says Smartway Security managing director Roger Bull.

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Due to newer technologies becoming far more popular, Smartway Security is now able to install these superior quality camera systems at “ridiculously lower prices” compared to even as recent as this time last year – and they are busy installing them into many businesses, warehouses farms and homes.

In fact the largest growth the company is experiencing is the push into the rural sector and farms, but businesses are also now catching on and upgrading their camera technology.

“We have an even wider variety of products and technology available now, that is able to provide solutions that were either very limited or just not possible before with older camera systems,” says Roger.

“With Wi-Fi and wireless data across yards, paddocks, carparks – even line of sight across the largest of rural properties, an IP CCTV Systems being network-based, can work alongside gate alerts and alarms with 24-hour monitoring “With the latest technology we have the ability to connect cameras from remote buildings; even over other buildings or hills, by using a wireless repeater, back to the main building – so the cameras are able to be recorded and viewed in real time.

“Add to this the ability to see the cameras on your smart phone or tablet from anywhere in the world and you have a complete package.”

Camera analytics have come a long way, says Roger, and one of the newer technologies Smartway has been testing recently is the number plate recognition system.

This will capture a snapshot of the vehicle number plate in addition to the normal video recording. “Very useful to keep a record of vehicle number plates entering your property.”

Smartway has a unique advantage in that it can bring the Mobile CCTV Demonstration Truck to you. It is set up with the latest camera equipment and can be

Number plate recognition technology is being tested by Smartway Security. used as a mobile control room or office.

“We’ve found that when clients sit inside the truck and see for themselves the difference in quality between cameras, they understand why they should go with our cameras instead of other companies.”

The company constantly invests in research and development, investigating new products and Roger has visited Hong Kong, China and Taiwan on a number of occasions to keep up-to-date with the technologies.

“We now have the ability for cameras and wireless data repeaters to run on solar power in the middle of a carpark or a paddock. For example, where there is no power available and where they need to transmit the signal between buildings or across open areas IP is definitely the most cost-effective way to go.”

Another important aspect of security are the solar-powered gate alerts, building alarm system and access control doors, along with 24-hour alarm monitoring. By integrating all or some of these products, a whole new world of opportunity becomes apparent. If you want to see what you may be missing out on, call Smartway Security today for an appointment and let them show you.

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DAIRY

Page 61

Optimal clover performance will help clean up Lake Rotorua Last month I gave a half-hour presentation to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Plan Change 10 hearing committee relating to Lake Rotorua, with support persons Anna Mayne and Rotorua-based vet-consultant Hugh Jellie.

Anna has developed her Ag Monitor model and has surveyed a small number of my dairy farmer clients looking at their financial and production data and compared their performance with the averages from DairyNZ information.

She’s consistently found drops in fertiliser costs per kilogram of milk solids, and in vet and animal health costs, less metabolic and animal welfare issues and better environmental stewardship factors from adopting my balanced approach to soil fertility.

I’m grateful to those clients of mine who’ve opened up their historical financial and production records to Anna to put through her model.

Leaching halved

I only have one dairy farmer client, one drystock client and a lifestyle block client who farm within the Lake Rotorua catchment, but see this PC10 change submission process a forerunner to the much more significant Waikato Regional Council Healthy Rivers submission process.

The previous owner of my client’s dairy farm in the catchment was applying 296kg of artificial nitrogen 15 years ago and according to Overseer modelling was leaching 96kg N/ha back then. Whereas my client is down to applying only 15kg of artificial N/ha and Overseer modelling shows their N leaching figure has more than halved down to 42kg/ha from what the previous owner was leaching.

It was through my client that I got to meet Hugh Jellie, who had used this farm as an example to apply for funding from the BOP Regional Council to prove his ‘Caring Dairying methodology of Good Farming Practice’. If followed, Hugh believes the N leaching figure would drop down to 25kg of N/ha. If all 26 dairy farmers in the Lake Rotorua catchment used his ‘Caring Dairying’ approach, all of the lake’s pollution problems would be sorted in one fell swoop.

When it comes to the BOP Regional Council’s PC10 change submission process we are but minnows compared to the much bigger voices of DairyNZ, Ravensdown, Ballance and Federated Farmers.

However, these organisations do not address the elephant in the room when it comes to the environment – which is artificial nitrogen.

For the two big fertiliser cooperatives nitrogen products make up nearly half of their sales and DairyNZ trumpet artificial Nitrogen as the cheapest form of dry matter and their consultants regularly advocate 150kg-200kg N/ha be applied annually. Federated Farmers remains largely silent on the issue as their membership is composed of both high N users and low and nil users.

Consequently, these organisations also accept grand-parenting and the use of nitrogen reference points I am utterly opposed to because it allows bad polluters to continue polluting but restricts development of underdeveloped farms in achieving their natural biological potential.

The elephant is not going to go away until bagged nitrogen drops away significantly, and farmers

return to biologically fixed clover nitrogen.

Before the highly successful release of the parasitic wasp when clover root weevil was at its worst, using artificial nitrogen made sense because clovers were being hammered by the pest and little biological N was being fixed.

This is no longer the case, so farmers need to again focus on getting optimal clover performance in their pastures and cut out urea.

Nutritionally balanced pastures where cows need to consume less to achieve the same production, where metabolic problems and animal welfare issues around calving disappear, and correct mineralogy of grass from using important trace elements to assist with cow fertility and animal health pays good dividends according to Anna’s Ag Monitor data.

artificial nitrogen. Also seek qualified independent fertiliser advice as there are some very competitively priced fertiliser options around at the moment from companies that didn’t even exist several years ago.

Robin Boom, CPAg, member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists. Ph: 0274448764.

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

Biological capacity

And don’t overstock land beyond its biological capability, but rather unleash its biological potential by getting soil fertility to optimum levels for all 16 essential elements.

Money spent here will pay much better dividends than short-term fixes using

‘Caring dairying’

However, to get the hard data for three years using lysimeters on three different dairy farms to qualify his ‘Caring Dairying’ methodology Hugh needed about $500,000 to fund the project but was unfortunately turned down.

Under the ‘Caring Dairying’ approach, farms need not be closed down and planted into trees, but could remain economically viable and environmentally sustainable – and it is our combined desire to see farming continue around Rotorua.

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Page 62

DAIRY

How much is enough – and when to stop making more It seems we spend our lives tearing around working and earning money with little idea of how much is enough. Enough work?

Enough money?

During the last boom when farmers were busy buying up the neighbours, my phone rang hot with farmers who were not buying the neighbours, asking how they – who were buying – could do it?

My simple reply was: It was done with debt. More cows, more worry and stress and more debt. Many were very successful at running the multiform businesses – not without its stresses – and some failed,

losing equity, if not nearly everything.

There are people out there now who own many assets and are worth millions, but from what I can see of it they are no happier than you and I. In fact, it appears the more load and stress you have the more vulnerable you are to health issues.

Health issue lurking

Dare I remind you that cancer, stroke and heart issues are always lurking in the assets for retirement background? It seems many of the very wealthy are struck down just as fast as Mr Average. Many leave their wife and family with this huge multifaceted business structure, who then have no option other than to sell down the assets and or farms, distribute the money, leaving everybody wondering: ‘What was all that about?’

I know in my rural bank days, there was limited loan money around so it was our job to lend so that each borrower had an “economic unit” and we had to consider what was fair. In other words if they had enough land for an economic unit. That was it – there was no more money. Those days are long gone, but it will have influenced my thinking.

I accept there is a lot of fun chasing money and assets, but at the end of the day how much do we need and how much can we manage?

Assets for retirement

Sixty per cent of the population will retire on the pension with little or no savings. So it is important to save and create some income earning assets for retirement, but the caveat here is when you have got enough to stop at the ‘enough’, protect what you have and enjoy the ride. Fundamentally,

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

we are all “trying to keep ahead of the undertaker” and forever chasing more money and more wealth and it is probably not in our best interests as we age.

I have a client who had a modest dairy farm, sold his cows and shares to get rid of the last of the debt. He leased the farm to his friendly neighbour for a modest rent. He lives in the house on the farm in a rural community he knows, is actively involved in, and plays golf. As he says to me: “What else could a fellow want?”

Shifting money into other income earning assets is unchartered territory for many farmers and fraught with problems and issues and that is why I do advise many to try and hold the farm and lease it out.

How much is enough will also depend on your expectations. Do you need a world trip every year and a new car as soon as the old one loses its new smell? Or are you happy to travel around this paradise and clean the old car?

‘Final position’

There are many who live quite happily on the pension alone, but it is not easy. I guess the point here is when you have got to your ‘final position’ accept your situation, be careful and protect what you have and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

So, how much is enough? Largely it will depend on how you see the world.

I guess the point I’m trying to make here is asset building is one part of our life. Holding on to it is another challenge, then, when do you stop striving to make more assets?

Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the farming industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675. A disclosure document is available on request.

DAIRY

Page 63

What will be the change kicker?

It was interesting to receive a phone call from a retired economist recently. He rang to say the point made in my last article that farmers were not to blame for the practices resulting in environmental degradation, instead fault lay with the advice they received, in his view “hit the nail on the head”.

We discussed a number of aspects related to this issue, particularly the loss of soil carbon as a result of excessive fertiliser nitrogen applications, and agreed the continued loss of production that resulted could not continue much longer.

What has also been interesting of late is the number of farmers who acknowledge that they know major changes in all aspects of farm management are necessary and will probably happen, but are reluctant to take the first step.

And the reason for this apparent paradox is well understood. There is a classic case, often cited in management courses, that clearly identifies the underlying issues – and it involves toy making.

Toy story

In a nutshell, a toy making firm by necessity had to make more toys at a lower price in order to remain in business. The necessary studies were completed and the new plan involved splitting the workforce into groups with lunch breaks and smokos being staggered.

This meant the manufacturing could continue uninterrupted with a marked increase in efficiency and output. The workforce continued to be paid on a throughput basis, which meant they received more pay; they also worked fewer hours, with the factory owners generating greater income and lifting profitability.

Dairy Woman of 2017 A Canterbury woman who has dedicated her career as a rural professional to New Zealand’s dairy industry is 2017’s Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.

Jessie Chan-Dorman, a Fonterra Shareholders’ councillor, is equally as confident at a grassroots level as she is in her governance and leadership roles.

She is director of the Ashburton Trading Society and is a Fonterra Shareholder representing farms in Rakaia. She’s also on the Holstein Friesian New Zealand External Affairs Committee and a member of the Institute of Direc- Jessie Chan-Dorman is tors and New Zealand 2017’s Fonterra Dairy Asian Leaders.

Woman of the Year.

With a career spanning farming through to business and governance, Jessie’s experience stems from her roles in large organisations such as DairyNZ and Environment Canterbury, and volunteer positions with Federated Farmers, the Land Use Futures Board, Land and Water forum and Ballance AgriNutrients as a judge for its farm environment awards.

Dairy Women’s Network CEO Zelda de Villers says Jessie is a worthy recipient of the title, citing her positive role modelling for others in the rural sector and her ability to work across all aspects of the dairy spectrum.

“Jessie’s career during the last decade has seen her add extraordinary value to the business of dairy in New Zealand. It’s clear that across the variety of roles she’s had, from volunteering through to business ownership and governance, she’s made it a priority to share her expertise and give back where she can.”

Everyone seemingly won, however the factory was a major employer in a small town and prior to the changes being implemented had been operating in the same way for many years. Almost immediately there were grumblings of discontent from the workforce and within a few months a meeting with the owners was demanded.

The upshot was the original inefficient and financially less rewarding system was reintroduced even though it was made clear that as a consequence the factory faced an increasingly uncertain future.

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The trigger for the changes were that although they worked for a shorter time and took home more pay as well as having a more certain employment future, their breaks fell at different times and they couldn’t share them with the same people they used to.

We don’t like changes to our routines and social disruption is particularly unsettling. Even when there is an obvious and undeniable upside, our foundations are rooted in our daily interaction with friends, family, and those we work with. Changes to this aspect of our life are the most difficult to cope with and therefore the most resistant to change.

What will change dairy farmers’ behaviour? Is it social pressure, in much the same way as smoking in restaurants and school staffrooms became unacceptable? So too will farming practices that destroy soil carbon allowing the steady degradation of our fresh water reserves.

The query is how much more damage has to be inflicted before those changes take place. A number of onlookers are suggesting the tipping point is close, and it’s hoped the catalyst is not regulation but a genuine desire by the farming community to again be highly respected and well-liked members of the wider community. For more information, contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

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GRUNDFOS ®

CALVING

Page 64

Modest rise in farm salaries very welcome There has been a modest rise in farm employee salaries during the last 12 months, according to the 2017 Federated FarmersRabobank Farm Employee Remuneration survey.

The mean salary for employees on grain farms increased by 2.3 per cent since the 2016 survey, while the mean salary increased by 1.8 per cent and 0.3 percent for employees on sheep and beef and dairy farms respectively.

The survey was completed earlier this year and collected information from

914 respondents in 2834 positions.

Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says it is positive to see farming salaries creeping upwards given the tough economic conditions experienced by farmers in recent years.

“Many farming operations experienced a difficult 2016 and as a result we weren’t expecting to see much movement in salaries from last year’s report, especially given survey responses were collected in late 2016 and early 2017 at a time of low farm income.

“At the time survey responses were being collected the recovery in dairy

prices was well underway, however farmers were yet to see the cash-flow benefit materialise.

Total package

“Sheep and beef farmers were also experiencing low returns during this period and this will have impacted farm employee salary decisions.

“While we have seen small decreases in the mean salary for some of the 15 roles surveyed, it’s pleasing to see the overall mean salary has risen for employees across all farming sectors.”

The survey found salary rises were more common for junior positions and there was also quite a big jump in salary for shepherds on sheep and beef properties, at a four per cent increase.

“Given other non-monetary benefits often make up a farm employees’ total package, such as food, accommodation and power, the total package provided to farm employees is still very competitive in comparison to other off-farm roles.”

As well as remuneration, the survey also questioned respondents on a range of employment issues including the hours employees worked, the length of time

employees had been in a role, training provided and the use of employment agreements.

The survey found the average number of hours worked per week by farm workers was still relatively high at close to 44 hours but it had fallen since the last survey for some roles.

Roster management

“While there has been minimal movement in dairy farm worker salaries, it was positive to see the average number of weekly hours being worked by entry-level staff on dairy farms continues to drop. This figure reduced from 43 hours to 42 hours on average and is the second consecutive drop with an average of 45 hours recorded two years ago. This is good because it reflects a higher per hour wage, but also suggests some farmers are becoming better at managing their rosters to reduce the workload on staff.”

Durable shelters to keep calves warm At this time of the year dairy farmers need to be thinking about calving – and shelter for the calves is paramount.

TM Covers calf shelters are costeffective, tough and portable. They are made in Nelson with poles and steel pegs made in Christchurch.

TM Covers managing director Christine Clark says the lightweight calf shelters have a proven long life and are simple to use.

“They are easy to set up and stand up to windy locations. When not in use, roll them up and store in the barn rafters, ready for next season.

“The covers are made specifically to protect your calves during those first months when the calves are being hand-fed. Because they are

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years ago and last year his father made of polyethylene with flexible fibreglass poles they are strong, easy bought six for his farm as well. So to use and take the buffeting of the we know how well they work,” says Christine. calves without any damage to the The shelters are available in five young stock. sizes – from big enough for 16 “Previous buyers of our calf calves to 55 calves. shelters tell us how well the calves Have a look on the TM Covers do in the shelters. The lower height website for more information: keeps them warm, which assists in www.tmcovers.co.nz their growth.

“We had a client who had had her TM Covers calf shelters are easy to set shelters for 13 years up and stand up to windy locations. and she came back for new ones last year saying the original shelters had ‘got a bit tatty but still standing’ – another client in the South Island bought six shelters a couple of

CALVING

Page 65

Reap the benefits of stress-free calf-rearing The success and profitability of calf-rearing depends on many factors – the initial animal purchase price, costs of calf milk replacer and feed, potential deaths or health setbacks, vet fees – but most importantly, animal health and nutrition, BEC Feed Solutions country manager Trina Parker.

“Get the latter wrong, and you’re in for a costly, stressful season. That’s why it’s crucial to give calves a good start from the outset when it comes to nutrition, and implement preventative measures where possible.”

Young calves are extremely vulnerable, with their undeveloped immune systems making them prone to upsets and scouring. It’s vital to act promptly to combat scour-induced dehydration – the major cause of calf death – with a good quality oral electrolyte.

However, the challenge can be to get enough into them and at the right time, which makes prevention even more important.

Fortunately, says Trina, a new breed of prebiotic fibre products have arrived in New Zealand and is now available throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. “These new prebiotics are being praised for the natural way they help prevent the conditions leading to nutritional scours and the associated complications.

“They also play an effective role in supporting calf health, growth and nutrition, with the added bonus of reducing medical intervention. One such product is Opticell Plus Ultra Fine, which is manufactured to the highest standards in Europe and BEC Feed Solutions, is a New Zealand distributor.

“We are excited that Opticell Plus UF is now more accessible to calf-rearers throughout the Waikato and BOP, with set prices for farm delivery.

“Opticell Plus UF is developed for inclusion in calf milk replacer or whole milk, and promotes ‘eubiosis’ or a ‘good balance’ of microbes within the digestive tract. It helps to maintain health digestion, which is crucial in those first few weeks with feeder calves.

That’s why the most advantageous time to use Opticell Plus UF is from day one until approximately four weeks old, when milk volume and constitution have stabilised.

“We use Opticell plus UF at home each year when

rearing 80-plus calves, and it has become a vital part of our rearing programme,” says Trina. “The most noticeable benefit is that faeces become fibrous and solid, making pen management cleaner for longer. We believe the nine-cents-a-day cost is a small price to pay to help keep issues at bay.

“Since introducing Opticell to NZ, calf-rearers have told us that it’s a staple in calf diets from day one and they wouldn’t be without it. I highly recommend taking a proactive approach to calf health and nutrition from the outset – it will save you time, money, and most importantly stress.”

James & Son Stock Feed is also advocates of Opticell, and as such, are able to supply to customers with meal and feed deliveries. More information can be found at: www.becfeed.co.nz

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FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 66

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Noise, smoke and grunt – it’s the tractor pull The noise, smoke and grunt of the loudest contest at Fieldays will again take place in the Tractor Pull Area beside the Waikato River.

One of the most powerful motorsports on offer, the Tractor Pull is always a crowd favourite at Fieldays.

There are generous prize packages up for grabs, so make sure you head riverside to cheer on your favourite competitor.

With grandstand seating overlooking the action and plenty of refreshments nearby, the Tractor Pull Area is a great place to sit back

and enjoy the thrilling competition and friendly rivalry between drivers, all trying to prove their tractor is the toughest and fastest in the land. This year there’ll also be a big screen to maximise the excitement.

All heats are run during the week

of Fieldays, with the competition final on Saturday afternoon and the prizegiving at 3pm on the Village Green.

There are different levels of competition. Those who work in the agricultural industry and have access to a standard tractor can take part in both the Weight Adjusted and Weight Transfer competitions.

Those with tractors with a ‘little’ or ‘a lot’ more grunt and noise than a standard tractor compete in the Modified Competition.

The tractor pull is a crowd pleaser.

Primary exports to reach $37.5 billion Primary sector exports are predicted to reach $37.5 billion for the year ending June 2017, up $0.8 billion from the previous December forecast.

“This is the first time the Ministry for Primary Industries has produced a quarterly update of its Situation Outlook for Primary Industries, which will give us a more accurate picture during the year,” says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. “Next year overall primary sector exports are expected to grow by 9.7 per cent to $41 billion. It shows we have a strong and diversified primary sector with sectors like forestry and horticulture continuing to do well. It’s also pleasing to see dairy on the rebound after a tough few seasons. “This year is likely to be more challenging for the sheep meat sector with market volatility and the United Kingdom’s exchange rate fluctuations.

“This is why the Government is strongly supporting the meat industry through the Primary Growth Partnership, with about half the funding going to red meat projects. Access to China for chilled meat is also a major positive, along with re-negotiated access to Iran.”

The SOPI report was released by Nathan at the Te Hono National Summit for primary industries leaders in Christchurch. A full copy is available at: www.mpi.govt.nz/about-mpi/corporate-publications/

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 67

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RURAL DRIVER

Page 69

Crash truth is confirmed It’s become a sort of common refrain – that you’re more likely to be in a car accident closer to your own home. Now Waikato researchers have delved into the data to find out how true the accepted truth actually is – and they’ve found it’s correct.

Using data from the household travel survey and crash information reported to Police, they found half of all injury-causing crashes occurred within 7km of the driver’s home, which made sense given about half of all travel was within 10km of home.

The researchers suggest a few possible reasons for the phenomenon, including “inattention blindness” where we’re less attuned to hazards on familiar routes. Alcohol was a bigger factor for near-home crashes, while fatigue played a greater role in crashes beyond 30km from home.

The notion that most crashes happen close to home has been repeated so often it has come to be an accepted truth. Despite this, those involved in the latest research say, to their knowledge, there have not been any studies to date that have adequately accounted for rates of exposure in drawing conclusions concerning relative crash risk and distance from home.

drivers, from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2014. Trip origins, destinations and driver home address were used to convert 31,102 trips into travel exposure on roads at increasing distance from home.

Travel data was compared with crash distance from home for 6295 injury crashes involving 9315 drivers.

Analysis shows on average, drivers were indeed more likely to crash close to home. Roads within 11km of home accounted for half of all travel and 62 per cent of all crashes. The “close to home” effect held for male and female drivers.

Novice drivers

Novice, or learner, drivers were the only demographic subgroup to not exhibit the close to home effect.

Compared with crashes further away, crashes close to home were more likely to involve alcohol and diverted attention, and less likely to involve driver fatigue.

These findings provide a mandate for continued investigation into the science of typical, everyday driving. The researchers contend that behavioural effects associated with driving on familiar roads may be a factor in injury crash risk for experienced drivers.

Male and female drivers

They addressed this gap by using data representative of all travel from the New Zealand Household Travel Survey and crashes in New Zealand, by New Zealand

New speed camera for the Bay Of 33 new static, or fixed, speed camera sites throughout the country being installed in coming months, one will be put in the Bay of Plenty.

State Highway 2 at Pukehina will receive one camera when successful tenderer Downer ITS starts installing the cameras from Kamo in the north to Invercargill in the south.

A further two potential sites are still being considered but have not yet been finalised.

NZ Police national manager road policing Superintendent Steve Greally says each site has been carefully selected following detailed analysis by independent experts and consultation with territorial authorities and local communities.

The $10m project, signalled in July 2013, will see up to 56 new digital cameras put in place in areas

with the highest risk of speedrelated crashes, based on detailed independent analysis as part of the government’s Safer Journeys road safety strategy.

This includes predictive modelling of sites where there is an identified crash risk, and/or where research shows a history of crashes causing death and/or serious injury.

Installation of the cameras will happen gradually as the sites are constructed during coming months.

“Each camera will then be subject to a comprehensive testing programme to ensure they are working accurately before going live, and we will give the public notice of when this will happen,” says Steve.

It is anticipated the cameras will begin operating from early next year, subject to progress on site works, engineering assessments and appropriate testing.

“As with the placement of other fixed cameras, details of each camera’s location are being made publicly available, as we want people to know where they are and encourage them to drive at safe speeds, so that we don’t have to issue notices.”

None of the infringements generated by drivers who trigger the cameras are retained by police, but go to the government’s consolidated fund.

“This is about encouraging drivers to make good choices and travel at a safe and appropriate speed for the conditions, which will see fewer people killed and injured on the roads,” Steve.

“This is supported by evidence which shows that static cameras on average reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by about 20 per cent within the sphere of influence of the camera up to about 1km.”

Already 15 new cameras are in place, with two still undergoing final testing before becoming operational.

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Page 70

EDUCATION

New organic programme to be delivered in Tauranga Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology has an exciting new organic primary production programme starting this July.

Sustainability and organic produce is becoming increasingly relevant and this programme gives students practical experience towards achieving a more sustainable future in organic primary production.

The one-year, part-time programme focuses on how to apply organic principles, understanding the certification process and soil and nutrient management and includes

two electives: Organic Crop Production or Organic Livestock Production.

“It’s ideal for someone who already has some experience in primary industries but wants to learn more about sustainability and producing organic livestock or produce,” says tutor Ruth McLean.

“It’s an extremely flexible programme – students can complete the online and work experience aspects when it suits them and the on-campus classes are run fortnightly on Saturdays, so it’s certainly an achievable commitment for many people.

“Growing and producing food is an inherently dynamic process; you have to

respond to each season and find the best response. I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge with all of our students,” says Ruth.

The work experience element of the programme needs to be carried out on a certified organic property or an in-transition property – ‘in-transition’ is a property that’s registered with an organic certification agency and has begun the conversion process towards being organic certified – and it can be the students’ own property.

The New Zealand Certificate in Organic Primary Production is open for applications and starts July 1.

Providing edge to thrive in life beyond school Cromwell College Apartments Outdoor Pursuits Academy give students the opportunity to finish senior schooling with an experience that will set them up for life, says apartments manager Danny Winstanley.

In the Outdoor Pursuits Academy, held each Sunday, students take on adventure racing, rock climbing, mountain biking, sailing, skiing, snowboarding and tramping. Expeditions are built into the programme during long weekends and this year’s group has already enjoyed tramping the Routeburn, Caples and Kepler.

Many of this year’s academy students have also taken up the opportunity to work towards NCEA credits while building their outdoor leadership skills.

“Our popular programme builds skills, resilience Principal Mason Stretch believes the opportunities and self-confidence that enables students to thrive available for apartment students are tremendous. “Not beyond school. The programme has been running only do they have their Outsince 1995 and makes the door Pursuits Academy but most of our well-resourced, also quality schooling with highly regarded school a full range of NCEA and and the superb natural vocational subjects and a wonderland that is Central wide variety of sporting and Otago.” Students live in the cultural opportunities.”

Cromwell College ApartThe programme can ments and develop life skills take up to 20 students and through semi-independent places are still available for living under the supervision next year. The principal of experienced and caring puts the key to Cromwell managers.

College’s ongoing success “You will become as down to “passionate people comfortable and successful wanting the best for stuin the outdoors, and with dents, coupled with caring, Programme builds skills and resilience. your NCEA studies, as you supportive relationships”. will be cooking a lovely meal “We know that a year here in Cromwell makes a for five hungry flatmates. It is a programme I couldn’t positive difference and the skills that students come have dreamed of when I was at school – fun, challengaway with will set them up for life.” ing and certainly life-changing.”

EDUCATION

Page 71

Educating young women for 132 years New Plymouth Girls’ High School has shaped and influenced the lives of young women since 1885, says principal Victoria Kerr.

students of all nationalities.”

Features of life at Scotlands include a fee guarantee – from 2016 hostel fees have been assured for the time your daughter is enrolled. A family guarantee also applies.

A warm, caring and secure “Our vision, to develop environment, full access to educated, confident young school grounds and faciliwomen of outstanding ties, which caters for up to character, is timeless. It is 150 boarders from Years the individual and collec9-13. tive contribution of many Homework is supervised that makes it possible for by a trained teacher, there’s us to enjoy and be a part of an active and supportive this very special school.” extra-curricular programme The school hostel is a – and high expectations tremendous asset that of courtesy and acceptable Victoria Kerr, offers quality residential behavior. accommodation for students. principal of New Leadership opportunities Plymouth Girls’ and training are available.

“Scotlands Hostel provides High School. There’s increased independa caring and supportive environment where students are ence encouraged at all levels. And the encouraged to do well academically independence, maturity and lifelong and participate fully in the sporting, friendships that boarding encourages cultural and social life of the school. are excellent foundations for adult “The hostel is the ‘heart’ of the life. school and thrives on team work Jenny says New Plymouth Girls’ and the friendships made among the High School is a school that under-

takes to ensure young women entering its gates will receive an education that enhances learning and is responsive to individual needs.

“What we offer is a unique opportunity to be educated at one of New Zealand’s oldest, most prestigious state girls’ schools that is committed to the education of young women.

“I invite you to join with us on the next phase of your educational journey by making New Plymouth Girls’ High School your first choice in secondary education,” says Victoria.

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Page 72

SHEEP & BEEF

Significant birthday leads to rethink, more profit There’s a lot of talk in farming circles about succession planning, and a lot of farmers who are still shying away from thinking about it – despite the number of birthdays they’ve had.

But when Tararua sheep and beef farmer David Poole had a significant birthday a few years ago, he realised his current farming methods weren’t giving him the spare cash he needed. Nor would he have options about what his future would be, whether farming or something else.

So, when his accountant, MCI & Associates in Dannevirke, invited him and Debbie to attend a seminar about the GrowFARM system they went, listened hard, and next day told Brendon Walsh they’d like to become GrowFARM clients.

That was in August 2015, and since then progress has been all upward. The first example of this progress is in quite a challenging season that scanning and lambing both went up by 19 per cent.

that instead of also wintering about 130 two-year Friesian bulls, they are now bought in early-spring, grown fast and sold before summer at a real profit. Previously, they competed for feed with the ewes and resulted with both classes of stock being underfed.

The big advantage of this change is it also allows the ewes to lamb on good covers. It will depend on how the summer pasture grows and goes as to whether David does the same thing next autumn.

Lacked direction

David and Debbie had earlier recognised their business lacked direction, but were unsure how to change things.

Two of their older children have left home; Sam is a registered surveyor; Hannah is about to enter her fourth year of a pharmacy degree at Auckland University; and the youngest Friesian bulls daughter Kate is going into Year 13 On a rolling to hilly as a weekly boarder at Iona College 502 hectares – with where she’s head of boarding. Debbie 410ha effective – farm, has a full-time job, one that’s given run singlehanded, her substantial business management where only one-third skills, which she also brings to running can be navigated on the farm these days. wheels, David is runThe systems involved in using Growning 1800 ewes, 550 FARM include computer inputting hoggets, 40 rams and of stock numbers, live weight gains 60 breeding cows. A sig- and values which the programme nificant change has been then calculates the true profit for each

class of stock at any time of year. The programme automatically allocates the appropriate costs involved to achieve the change in value of the stock.

Plus the all-important GrowFARM Season Planner which they create to guide future decisions. David now measures his pasture cover monthly to make sure they are on target to fully feed stock at the crucial profit periods such as lambing. After realising his stock perform so much better when fully fed at critical times, he’s also now using the Falkirk selection systems on his sheep, running A and B flocks with the B ewes going to a terminal sire.

For the Pooles there have been three points that have significantly improved how they feel about running their farm. The first is putting focus on what you can control, rather than blaming the season or overseas markets for shortcomings. The second is the GrowFARM Season Planner.

The third is that the GrowFARM system works at an individual farm level, rather than what is expected at a district level.

They also enjoy the positiveness of mixing with other GrowFARM clients at regional and national meetings.

They are confident now that they can continue to make real profits, and they will be able to choose more options for their future.

Sue Edmonds

Kara and Brendon Walsh of GrowFarm (middel) with Tararua sheep and beef farmers David and Debbie Pool at the Central Districts Field Days in Feilding.

SHEEP & BEEF

Page 73

More thought is needed over finite resources While delving into information about some of the effects on soil life of the chemical nitrogen, or urea, some news articles about a shipment of phosphate rock bound for New Zealand being impounded in South Africa caught my interest.

So I did some more reading, and again I’ve been finding a case where farmers, and seemingly many of their advisors, have the idea – with superphosphate as with urea – that if a little makes grass grow, then more must be better. The usual farmer understanding of phosphate benefits seems to be known as Olsen P levels, and the numbers being quoted seem to have a bad case of “keeping up with the Jones”.

I’ve reliably been told that for most pastoral soils, the number should be about 10, but I’ve heard proud cries of “mine is 26” at some field days. As phosphate granules which actually get into the soil are relatively inert, and those good old mycorrhizae are the helpful channel which gets it into plants, in the last few years there must be an awful lot of phosphate just sitting there. Apparently it sinks

slowly, but eventually reaches groundwater.

We keep getting told nitrogen goes downwards, and phosphate just washes off if it happens to rain soon after application.

Apparently that’s just the powdery stuff, and not likely to be the granules.

Whichever way, it gets to water; it causes eutrophication, algal blooms and creation of lots of cyanobacteria.

Lack of planning

So solving all pasture growth problems with more superphosphate – as often recommended by ‘experts’ – would also seem to be adding to our water quality problems. Perhaps as well as Nitrogen Reference Points and leaching, councils should be investigating soil phosphate levels and leaching.

I recently had an article published in another farming paper about the lack of forward planning by politicians in New Zealand, particularly over environmental issues. I was already aware that phosphate reserves around the world are limited – we can’t grow plants and food without it – and

many scientists have been warning for years about making what we have last as long as possible.

Guano phosphate

We stripped Nauru of its guano phosphate; other sources are either closed off or claimed for internal use only. And much of what is left contains nasties like cadmium, which cause a whole new set of problems we are already bothered about.

The best supply left is apparently in the Western Sahara, and being claimed by Morocco. The latest problem is there is a group in the Western Sahara who deny being part of Morocco, and want some say in what is being mined, and where it goes. And some in South Africa seem to agree with them, hence the

impounding of a shipment worth $7 million that was coming here.

Our major fertiliser companies seem to feel they are entitled to go on getting supplies from Morocco, and selling large quantities as superphosphate to supposedly make our grass grow. Because we don’t seem to indulge in much forward thinking, the long-term results of taking as much as we can now, of a resource with finite amounts, isn’t being thought about.

There will be a lot trapped long-term in our soils, a lot in our freshwaters, and when the world reserves run out, not much available on world markets. It apparently takes about a million years for what gets weathered off the original rock, and goes through soils and waters until it gets to mineable amounts somewhere under the sea. And we can’t grow much without it. A cautionary tale maybe? Sue Edmonds

Should have reflected on that

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Page 74

FERTILISER

Fresh water rules protect intensive farming Fresh water and the environment is at the forefront of conversation around New Zealand and will certainly become an election issue.

The general public, media correspondents, non-government organisations and even politicians fail to understand and focus on what’s really is behind some of New Zealand’s deteriorating water quality.

Regional approaches and policies are failing to manage intensive land uses and in some cases are actually creating management frameworks that protect and incentivise intensive farming to the detriment of not only the environment but also other more sustainable farming land uses. In fact the effect of the Government’s national policy on freshwater management is seeing some regional councils allocating pollution rights to farmers. This approach is called ‘Grandparenting’.

The Grandparenting principle is based around historical use of Nitrogen by giving each property an ‘N Discharge Allowance’ – referred to as an NDA. Overseer nutrient budgets are then used to assess the nitrogen each property was deemed to be leaching during a set period of historical years of production.

Through the principle of Grandparenting the high leachers of nitrogen – for example, intensive farming systems – are allowed to carry on leaching nitrogen in an unsustainable manner.

Nitrogen finds its way into our water-

Rick Burke is chairman of Farmers for Positive Change.

ways through the soil profile or overland flow. Grandparenting effectively protects intensive farming systems.

Drystock farmers, low nitrogen leaching and organic dairy farmers on the other hand have their nitrogen leaching capped at low levels as they historically leach less nitrogen. This locks them into a situation which gives no flexibility for future farming system development or change in land use. The low leachers of nitrogen become the whipping boys by providing clean water to dilute the high leachers’ pollution.

The use of Grandparenting as a principle to drive regulation has no science base. It’s a crude expedient mechanism, a synthetic dial-up approach to manage nitrogen which is unsustainable and morally wrong. Grandparenting simply rewards the polluters. It incentivises perverse behaviour and gaming of the system. Some farmers around New Zealand, anticipating Grandparenting to be adopted by their regional councils are loading up on nitrogen applications now so their historical records will allow them to carry on using high levels of nitrogen. By Rick Burke, chairman of Farmers for Positive Change

FERTILISER

Is everything broken?

Many of the messages received from overseas emphasise the desire for the food chain to be cleaned up. Urban populations are struggling to find healthy and wholesome food.

In the northern hemisphere, threats to individuals and collective health include lifestyle, lack of sun – north of the 33rd parallel no UVB rays penetrate for most of the time – pesticides, toxins, factory farms, decomposing waste, over-farming, severe mineral depletion, Genetically Modified food, pollution on all levels and more.

All of these factors increase inflammation of feeling among consumers.

The opportunity to supply chemical-free and superior food to the northern hemisphere would be welcomed by those consumers. But we continue to ignore the signals and we line up in the queue dispensing pesticides, toxins, Palm Kernel Extract and GMO technology and much more.

Dairy goats

The NZ Dairy Goat Co-op has the highest ranking of all infant formulas in the world, and they banned PKE in 2008, so why does Fonterra insist on importing it and allowing it to be fed? Clearly they are not interested in high quality milk. This fact is also physically demonstrated as they do not pay incentives for quality. They do, however, choose quality milk to make high quality products. Guess who produces that milk?

Kiwi Fertiliser follows the Albrecht system of soil fertility as refined by Neal Kinsey. This is the system in place at the Whakapono farm of Backtrack Farms, while the other farm in the trial, Waiora, is under the influence of Ballance.

So far the Albrecht system has come out on top.

That is not news to those that understand how it works, but the sceptics and knockers outnumber the believers even although they have no scientific evidence to back them up. What is more, under such a system, animal health improves, quality of produce improves and the use of toxic chemicals decreases.

Take shortcuts

Before Backtrack Farms, the DairyNZ hierarchy refused to consider funding for ‘biological’ versus chemical fertiliser trials.

Federated Farmers are no better; being led by an avid supporter of GMOs. We have not maximised the resources we have at our disposal by a country mile, but some scientists and

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politicians are hell bent on taking shortcuts before they are proven safe.

In fact, experiments have proven the opposite is true. Even banks have been reluctant or have refused to lend, for say, magnesium. They have insisted on phosphate when the farms in question have twice the phosphate they need but were starved for magnesium, or calcium for that matter.

Taking into account the increased production so far at Whakapono, it amounts to $500/ha. The average dairy farm is 147 hectares, so the annual difference is $73,000. But, this is just the beginning.

What if the ultimate increase is three times more than it is now? That’s our expectation.

The Albrecht system takes time to express itself, but a big part of that is patching up deficiencies caused by inadequate soil fertility advice that has been rife for decades.

The present system is broken. It is past the time to fix it. The cooperatives are in a unique position to change their stance, but they will be rooted in their bad habits of the past. They will keep on manufacturing polluting materials such as superphosphate and urea.

Overseer will keep on with its ‘one size fits all’ approach. Do the Overseer scientists really believe Reactive Phosphate Rock is washed into waterways the same as SSP – or Single Superphosphate – is? It discharges phosphorus at a rate suitable for plant uptake, which is far more than can be said for SSP. Meanwhile, at least some regional councils are quietly encouraging the use of RPR. Visit the website at: www.siddc.org.nz/ research/soil-nutritionmanagement-project/

Page 75

FORESTRY

Page 76

Time to start sequesting carbon is now The Government needs to get extra forest planting underway and not wait until next year for a report to be presented on climate change, says Forest Owners Association president Peter Clark.

The Minister for Climate Change Paula Bennett has announced the Productivity Commission will report back in June 2018 with recommendations for

achieving a lower carbon economy, to enable New Zealand to achieve its Paris Agreement commitment of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels, by 30 per cent, by 2030.

However, Peter says the time to start acting on sequesting carbon out of the atmosphere by using trees should begin now.

“The Government is already supporting the uptake of electric vehicles without waiting for the Productivity Commission. There’s every reason to get the same impetus for tree planting, especially on farm and Maori-owned land.

“I agree, it might make sense for the Government to take time to carefully work out a process to bring agriculture into the Emissions Trading Scheme for instance.

“But if you want to lock up carbon dioxide, which is already in the atmosphere, there is only one option.

It’s a no-brainer. It doesn’t need a year to think about it. The answer is to get on and help get more trees planted.

The recent Vivid Economics report on the need for up to nearly doubling the current 1.7 million hectares of New Zealand’s plantation forests was quite clear on this,” says Peter.

Only technology

The Vivid report stated “planting new forests is the only technology currently known and implementable on a large scale that has the capacity to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere”.

Peter says the planning must begin

now to ensure labour availability and sufficient volume of seedlings to plant out these extra trees.

“As it is, if there is going to be any meaningful expansion of planting, then it’ll take another year to build up seedling capacity, which will result in planting out in 2019.

“The Government’s timetable will add at least an extra two years to that. More if legislation is required. That’s far too long a delay, especially when you consider that, even on the most rapid government timetable it would then take until at least until 2026 to grow trees big enough to become effective carbon sinks.

Declining forests

“In the 1990s there was up to nearly 100,000 hectares a year of new plantings. We certainly wouldn’t get to that level again for many years, but we do need to make a start now to build up from a static, or even slightly declining, national forest area.

“For every year New Zealand landowners are putting trees into the ground there is an extra year of flexibility for policy makers to take other measures to reduce carbon emissions.

Already our plantation forests lock up, each year, more than half the carbon the whole of New Zealand agriculture

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produces. So, the forests are a substantial carbon sink.”

An expected reduction in available harvest volumes from about 2030 is also a critical factor in expanding forest areas according to Peter.

“The sooner we get more trees into the ground the more likely the New Zealand processing industry will have the confidence to invest in modernising production. Timber availability in the next few years is saw millers’ biggest concern. An efficient and high tech milling industry here would both reduce costs for New Zealand timber consumers and add value to our exports.”

Peter says there are specific things the Government could do now around the Emissions Trading Scheme to encourage earlier planting.

Bogus credits

“It could signal that if it was to allow imported carbon units, then they would not be linked to forest carbon units here. We’ve already seen the fiasco from importing basically bogus credits from the likes of Russia and Ukraine in the past, and we don’t want that again.

“It would also be unfair if the Government were to bring in an ETS regime that penalised anyone who planted before the Government worked out its ETS rules, and so the Government ought to signal a level playing field now.”

Peter says the Government could lead by example in planting more trees itself – at least in the short-term.

“We are talking about a huge change in our primary industries here. I absolutely agree we need to plan this all carefully, especially infrastructure with local government.

But that’s no reason to delay making a start now, rather than wait for another couple of years to get going.”

FORESTRY

Page 77

Apprenticeships are chance to earn while learning Apprenticeships make up an important element in New Zealand’s educational framework and help us produce a skilled workforce to meet the ever-increasing needs of our rapidly growing country.

We are currently in the middle of the biggest building boom in New Zealand’s history. The rapid scaleup of construction in Auckland alone will exceed $17 billion of new construction in 2018. This is great news for our economy but it does bring with it challenges that we must rise to meet.

The latest figures released last month show apprenticeship numbers have increased by 6800 since 2012 – a significant increase

of 19 per cent. We now boast more than 43,000 New Zealanders engaging with apprenticeships, with most in the construction and engineering sectors, but we must do more. We have set an ambitious target of 50,000 apprentices by 2020 and are determined to achieve it.

To get us there the Government has invested significantly with $14.4 million in industry training delivered as part of Budget 2016, along with a further $9.6 million for Maori and Pasifika Trades Training, during four years.

We are seeing return on this investment, but there is still work to be done and this requires the support

of parents, teachers, careers advisors and businesses.

‘The Occupation Outlook’ published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment projects strong job prospects for qualified trades workers during the next few years. This should be sending clear signals to young people who are looking for an alternative career choice and are weighing up their options. Why not consider a practical occupation that allows you to earn while you learn?

The skills they will develop are one of the keys to unlocking further economic growth and contributing in a meaningful way to our society.

Farmers’ significant contribution to biodiversity New Zealand sheep and beef farmers are making a significant contribution to this country’s biodiversity and landscape protection, a new study on Queen Elizabeth 11 National Trust covenants has highlighted.

The study by the University of Waikato Institute for Business Research quantifies the financial commitment made by landowners who have protected about 180,000 hectares since the trust was established in 1977.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor says the report shows that two-thirds of QEII covenants are on primary production land, with 47 per cent of all covenants being on sheep and beef farms.

Some farms have more than one covenant and many farmers open their covenants to the community, often partnering with schools and local community groups.

“While we knew farmers are deeply committed to preserving their land, it’s great to have this independent study that quantifies how that’s happening on farms.

“Last year 60 per cent of the new covenants were on sheep and beef farms and the income forgone – or opportunity cost – is around $105,000 per covenant.

This is where land had an alternative productive potential, but protecting it preserves its special values.”

Sam says the wider New Zealand community might not have seen the scale of the contribution that sheep and beef farmers were making to protect – in perpetuity – the significant biodiversity and landscape features on their farms.

“This adds up to hundreds of millions of dollars which is a significant commitment from the covenant-

ers, especially when added to the costs of establishing a covenant and then maintaining it over the years.

“Sheep and beef farmers have strong ties to their land and the species that call it home, and our extensive farm systems provide an environment in which biodiversity can thrive.

“By making plans around the best use of our land, and using tools like QEII covenants, farmers can optimise production and underpin New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.”

Page 78

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Cutting nitrogen loss in winter Winter’s a much riskier season for nitrogen leaching from urine patches on pasture to waterways.

Milking cows will excrete, in urine, about 70 per cent of the nitrogen they consume. The chance of nitrogen

leaching from urine patches is much higher in winter due to weather conditions.

Also, farmers should be particularly cautious when applying nitrogen fertilisers to pasture or crops during winter due to the extra risks winter

weather poses for nutrient loss. Winter applications of nitrogen fertilisers are generally least effective for promoting grass growth. Slow growth of pasture in winter and more drainage can result in nitrate leaching before plants can take it up.

Leaching nitrogen and runoff phosphorus losses not only contaminate the water bodies but also represent a loss of economically valuable nutrients.

Mitigating losses

Most nitrogen is leached during winter and earlyspring when rainfall exceeds evapotranspiration.

Generally, the pasture species, particularly rye grass, are not active during low temperatures adding to the potential for nitrogen loss through leaching.

Some of the research on ways to mitigate the nitrogen losses has focused on growing pasture with more rooting depth for interception of nitrate, durationcontrolled grazing for reducing the amount of time animals spend on pasture, and feeding high sugar grasses for reducing the dietary protein. Recently, a dairy herd improvement company has announced it is possible to breed cattle that will reduce Milk Urea Nitrogen, resulting in reduced amount of nitrogen leached from grazed pastures.

It is important for farmers to get clear advice from their nutrient advisor about the solutions that best fit their farm to get the best return on their nutrient dollar and the risks involved with winter nitrogen applications.

Nutrient budgeting using computer models such as Overseer, combined with feed budgeting, enables farmers to understand whether they are using too much or too little fertiliser. By doing this farmers can optimise the use of nutrients and reduce the impact on the environment by working out a pragmatic nutrient management plan.

Response rate

From a technical perspective, farmers need to understand the term “response rate”.

The response rate is

the amount of pasture grown in terms of kilograms of dry matter per hectare per kilogram of nitrogen applied.

For example, when 20kg N/ha is applied and an additional 200kg DM/ha of pasture is grown the response rate is 10kg DM/kg N applied. The response is dependent on several factors such as soil temperature, plant growth, soil moisture, the deficiency of available nitrogen in the soil and the rate of nitrogen applied per application.

Timing of nitrogen fertiliser application is paramount, both in terms of pasture cover and growth.

It is good to apply nitrogenous fertiliser when the pasture cover is between 1500 kg DM/ha to 1800kg DM/ha. This ensures there is sufficient leaf area for photosynthesis leading to good pasture growth.

The best response to N fertiliser occurs on fast growing pasture, when other factors such as moisture and soil temperature are not limiting growth.

Strategically applied

Response rate variation also depends on the season and on nitrogen application rate. In winter, at the same application rate, responses are lower and slower than other times of the year. The response rate also declines when the application rate, single dose, is higher than 40kg N/ha.

The profitability of applying nitrogen is dependent on the utilisation of the extra feed. Therefore, nitrogen needs to be strategically applied to fill genuine feed deficits.

Further, nitrogen fertiliser reduces nitrogen fixation by clover by about 1kg N/ha/year for every 3kg nitrogen fertiliser applied. In addition, clover content will be further reduced if nitrogen boosted pastures shade the clover. This effect is seen during spring.

‘Nitrogen conversion efficiency’ for any farm is another key point to be remembered. It is calculated from the total nitrogen in product divided by the total nitrogen inputs into a farm and is expressed in percentage. For a dairy farm, if it is around 40 per cent, probably the farmer is doing fine.

One ideal state to aim for is increased productivity by judicious use of nutrients that also minimises environmental impacts.

Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture advisor at Waikato Regional council.

He is available by phoning 0800 800 401 or email: bala.tikkisetty@waikatoregion.govt.nz

‘Not feasible to eradicate’ moth

The red clover case bearer moth, Coleophora deauratella, has been detected in this country as a new incursion. The Foundation for Arable Research is working with

the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers and other groups to understand more about this pest, how it might impact on New Zealand red clover crops and how

Yep!

to manage it.

Red clover case bearer is very similar to several other species of clover case bearer moth, Coleophora spp, already well established in NZ. The mature casebearing larvae have a clover petal case around them and are typically 6mm to 7mm long.

Signs of moth damage are visible as holes bored through the sides of florets, chewed seed and insect droppings inside the flowers.

It is not feasible to attempt an eradication of red clover case bearer because it would not be possible to treat, nor survey, all possible areas where host material occurs – for example, pastures, roadsides, lawns, and waste areas throughout NZ. FAR is consulting with Oregon State University on how best to conduct surveillance on this pest in red clover seed crops for the future.

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Farmers ‘brainwashed’ The Ministry for the Environment and Statistics NZ recently released a damning report showing increasing nitrogen and phosphorus in a percentage of NZ rivers.

The clean rivers plan, which is sweeping the country, is to drastically reduce nitrogen applications on-farm based on historical data. Farmers hell bent on trying to mitigate too many changes in management in future will be looking at management now to alter that data.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduct that one such tool would be to drastically increase nitrogen use now therefore boosting historical data, which will be used to determine their future allocation.

This whole scandal has arisen because farmers have been brainwashed into thinking that urea grows grass and that profitability will drop correspondingly as that nitrogen is reduced.

Common sense

This new Environmental Report is calling for a drastic reduction in cow numbers, which would be akin to the idea of drastically reducing cars to cut the road toll.

Some common sense is needed here and I would hate to see people with this line of thinking being able to determine the direction of our farming future.

It sickens me to see the culprits of this whole problem of excess nitrates and phosphorus in our rivers have never been called to account.

I’m not talking about farmers here, although they are the ones copping the flak.

I’m talking about the major NPK – or nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – fertiliser companies who sell 90 per cent of the phosphorus and nitrogen in NZ and have been doing so for the last 20-plus years.

NZ farmers have been brainwashed into thinking all this phosphate and nitrogen is needed to be profitable.

Have the environmental alarmists ever stopped to

think these major fertiliser companies have become billion-dollar industries from propaganda to push the sales of the very products these guys make?

They have assumed the responsibility to educate students attending NZ educational institutions into the NPK propaganda machine, who then go out and advise farmers to push it on.

The sooner the proponents of environmental improvement refocus on the cause, the faster these challenges will be faced.

There are great changes beginning where farmers are utilising real science rather than following the NPK accepted principles which grow grass but don’t strictly follow scientific principles.

There is accurate data and case studies demonstrating amazing results including better animal health, higher production and higher profit with as little as 80kg/ha of N applied, which is the sort of targets we should be seeking. General farmer usage would be around 200kg/ ha N to 250kg/ha N.

Way forward

Education is the best way forward rather than the threat of enforcement of more rules and reduction of our great farming future. This education has got to start with the consultants, who are talking to farmers and giving them the advice.

Consultants are the very people who can affect farmers’ change because they are who farmers trust and seek advise from.

Currently, this radical change to drastically reduce nitrogen and phosphate use unnecessarily is coming from farmers who are entrepreneurs and can think outside the square. These very farmers have gone out of their way to re-educate themselves and have found a better path.

The biggest challenge to this change is coming from their trusty consultants, who put doubt into this new path.

If farmers and consultants feel challenged to act, please contact me. David Law, Forward Farming, 0274 909896.

Page 79

Page 80

AVOCADOS

The quest for wider knowledge In the last article, I talked of consistency in the AAL approach to avocado orcharding. The next step is to take what we learn from each orchard and apply that to the following programme. While we at AAL want to be consistent through time, that doesn’t mean that we don’t evolve.

With consistency still the common theme, we read each year as a point in time for the next steps. What has gone before starts the backbone of what we want to achieve going forward. We don’t spend too much time considering the past, rather relying on our collective experiences and learnings to shape our next steps.

For this reason, a wide range of views is important to settle the theme and actions for your own orchard.

Collecting input can come from a variety of sources including existing avocado orchardists, other orchard types, other crop types and other growing environments. A number of orchardists use consultants, who are effectively another source of a view.

Fruiting types

AAL is now at as stage where we are monitoring other crop types and other growing environments for some of their core learnings and advancements.

Examples of this included how fruit wood is selected, how other fruiting types and vines are shaped, the regularity of their pruning, the pruning wood selection and pruning processes, the timings and number of events per year.

Also, we are learning about technology. Currently, this there are big investments in technology at various

levels in the industry such as at growing, picking, packing and selling.

Applying the technology and valuing the benefits are still up for debate, however early adopters are finding big benefits in technology advancements from across a wide range of growing platforms and supply channels. The issue is the transfer of the knowledge gained from research and development projects across the industry base may not be well spread. There is currently a strong focus on supplierled information transfer.

Brings balance

The challenge is to have the knowledge transferred consistently across the industry so all can get access.

Supplier group based transfer can be limiting while also quite focused. Supplier based groups tend to be dominated by personalities and at times it can be worthwhile attending other groups to broaden your view.

While my views are just that, obtaining a wider range of views helps give balance. The challenge for us at AAL is to ensure we are progressing our growing operations, that we are regularly identifying new and improved methods and activities to growing your avocados.

And that we are regularly up-to-date – we do this by interacting across the industry supporting research and development and looking wider into the horticultural industry. There some very good things happening and quite a big range of investment that can provide transferrable knowledge practices and experiences for us. Having a consistent process for using that information can add greater value.

Tony Bradley, managing director, Aongatete Avocados Ltd

New model paying off for growers Just Avocados’ new model has paid off, with impressive returns being shared with growers after the finalisation of their export pool in early-May.

YOUR SPECIALIST AVOCADO SERVICE PROVIDER. Call us for a chat about how we can help you achieve your goals on-orchard and in-market.

Greg O’Carroll, Client Relationship Manager 027 268 0374 greg@justavocados.co.nz Erica Faber, Orchard Productivity Manager 027 549 8229 erica@justavocados.co.nz John Emett, Orchard Management & Grower Services 027 476 9087 john@justavocados.co.nz

“I thank all of our growers, trustees, staff and service providers for their continued support and a sterling effort last season,” says Andrew Darling, managing director of Darling Group and Just Avocados.

A range of coolstore door returns were presented to growers, which is characteristic of the flexible options for picking and time premium payments.

“I am proud of what the team has achieved this season; and it is important to include that this achievement is not just about market returns, it is also about the value we are adding across your business.”

Andrew says the business had reached a number of milestones during the last season that contributed to delivering the company’s mission as a specialist avocado service provider.

“To add real value, you need real capability and we have significantly increased our capability across the team with the appointment of highly skilled individuals who are known for their achievements and experience in previous roles in the avocado industry.

Adding value

“This has led to us upping our service and adding value in the orchard through the introduction of specialised orchard management programmes and field days where real value is being shared.”

The creation of the Darling Group brand has given the group greater control of the value ...continued

AVOCADOS

Page 81

Bridging the grower - science divide Colin Partridge describes himself as “a Kiwi who just talks funny”. The accent is from South Africa – a country that gave him a childhood, an education, and a grounding in the avocado industry upon which he has built a career.

After studying horticulture at the University of Natal in South Africa Colin worked in the citrus industry before joining the South African Avocado Growers’ Association, working his way up to managing director.

Nowadays, Colin’s knowledge benefits 830 growers through Avoco, where he works as technical manager.

He sees his role as “bridging the divide between science and growers, relaying that information in a way they understand”.

Last season’s crop had problems with a fungal rot.

In response, Colin has been urging growers to spray copper and educate them about the benefits of removing dead wood through pruning and mulching to let more light in and improve spray penetration.

Now, it’s widely recognised that pruning can boost production by helping to overcome the alternate bearing patterns of trees and improve spray efficiency.

New Zealand growers also grapple with a climate that challenges the avocado’s tropical preference, leading to irregular and alternate bearing.

This is especially noticeable in spring, when trees are flowering and trying to set fruit against a backdrop of wind, rain and chilly nights. Frosts can ruin a crop, which Colin says can be “soul-destroying” for growers.

Colin says it’s essential to follow the basic rules of planting the best-quality trees obtainable in well-drained soils in locations conducive to fruit set, establishing wind shelters, irrigating properly and controlling phytophthora.

“Tick all of those boxes and you can be very successful.”

The future

Field research and technology are expected to help growers maximise their crops to meet increasing export demand in future. He hoped it would one day be possible for growers to be able to use drone technology to better estimate their crop volumes – a move he says would be “a game-changer” for the industry.

Then there’s the possibility of reducing picking costs by “plucking” avocados from trees – a method not practiced in New Zealand because it often causes stem-end rot. If it was possible to solve that problem, there would be massive savings for growers.”

As for Colin’s future, it definitely involves New Zealand. He became a citizen more than Pictured with Mike and Jillian a decade ago and – in response to that most Royacker in their orchard, Colin important of questions – says that he does Partridge says avocado growers the support the All Blacks against the Springboks. world over are a great bunch of people.

Seek advice

Although the roaring of chainsaws is a familiar sound on orchards now, Colin advises new growers to seek advice first. “What’s different for us in New Zealand, is that we most often have fruit hanging on the tree when we want to prune. We have to work around what else is happening in the orchard to get it right.”

The burgeoning importance of the avocado industry is demonstrated by increased attendance at Avoco field days and the willingness of growers to participate in research.

The downside to this is that “sometimes growers can be too open-minded, making them vulnerable to unscrupulous people who pedal the pseudo-science range of products”.

Retail share increased

Just Avocados’ retail share has increased from 18 to 58 per cent of its volume exported to Australia. continued...

chain. “We have created an integrated model with the introduction of Darling Group, putting us in the best position to minimise costs, manage quality, deliver premium produce, and maximise sales value and opportunity.

“Acquiring JH Leavy & Co has given us the ability to manage inventory in Australia efficiently, liaise directly with customers, and maximise outcomes for our growers,” says JH Leavy & Co general manager Ben Bartlett.

Unity is our strength.

Retail programme

PEOPLE ARE OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE. BY WORKING TOGETHER, AVOCO CREATES PROSPERIT Y FOR ALL.

AVOCO.CO.NZ

CC 0617

Just Avocados has significantly increased its retail programme in Australia from previous years, through a supply collaboration with Costa Group – Australia’s largest grower, packer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Retail share has increased from 18 to 58 per cent of our volume exported to Australia,” says JH Leavy & Co national sales and marketing manager Jacob Darling.

The departure from the collaborative exporting group AVANZA in June last year has allowed Just Avocados to chart their own course in markets in Asia.

“We have extracted positive results from markets in Asia that were identified as being able to provide the best return for growers,” says Darling Group’s general manager of sales and marketing Steve Trickett.

“We are happy to have an open conversation about returns and invite growers to come chat with us to compare results and service offerings,” says Andrew.

Page 82

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Contemporary Classics New store Cambridge Cosy & Cool

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 83

Quantum tractor modified to meet grower needs more than enough horsepower to operate in the orchard whatever the terrain. Their fuel consumption is very economical and the tractors are competitively priced.”

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features for themselves.

Case IH has a proud history of making rugged, long-lasting tractors and celebrate 175 years in 2017. Case IH dealership Giltrap AgriZone is proud to represent Case IH across the central North Island and sell a range of tractors from 20hp-600hp.

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The Case IH Quantum 95M tractor has the power and versatility to carry out all orchard work.

The new Case IH Quantum 95N tractor has been especially modified by the team at Giltrap AgriZone in Rotorua to meet the specific needs of kiwifruit orchardists.

“We’ve listened to what orchardists wanted and have fitted the tractors with steel guards and installed a pan underneath to protect the running gear from damage,” says Giltrap AgriZone salesman of Rotorua, Graeme Wilson.

Tractor lowered

The ‘underbelly’ protection is required because the tractor has been lowered to enable ease of operation under pergola structures, even when they are heavy with fruit.

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Graeme says the tractors are capable of carrying out all the tasks on an orchard from mulching and mowing to spraying, spreading fertiliser and towing bin trailers. “The tractors have a PTO and threepoint linkage, they are four-wheel drive and with

• Long-lasting support for heavy crops.

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 84

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Patrick Hawkins and Steven Tomsen have been working in the cold at Apata for 22 years.

Steven Tomsen and Patrick Hawkins can claim, without fear of dispute – that they have the “coolest” jobs in the kiwifruit industry.

For 22 years Patrick and Steven have been working in the frigid conditions of Apata’s coolstores – without complaint.

“I’m not really sure why I like the job so much, but I do. I guess it comes down to the people I work with,” says Steven, who joined Apata in the late1990s when he moved from working in a pet food factory in the Hawke’s Bay to the Bay of Plenty.

Today he is coolstore foreman at Apata.

Patrick agrees it’s the people and Apata as a company which have kept him working in the cold for so long. “I really like what I do and the people around me,” says Patrick, who joined Apata around the same time as Steven. “I had been involved in the kiwifruit industry for some time before going overseas and joined Apata when I came back.”

As well as working in the company’s coolstore on its large site near Katikati, Patrick is also responsible for training its forklift drivers.

Extension of arms

Patrick and Steven are good friends too and enjoy playing golf together at Omokoroa. But it’s on the job where the years of experience and understanding between the two is most obvious.

Craig Bell Mobile 0272 931 268

Splash Direct 2113 Main Road Te Puke

Phone 07 573 6138 Email info@splashdirect.co.nz

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They operate the electric Crown forklifts as if they are an extension of their arms, picking up and moving the two-metre-tall pallets of kiwifruit, which weigh almost a tonne each, and stacking them up to a height of five metres. The corridor between the stacks is narrow, but the pair work with skill to manoeuvre the pallets of fruit with care.

“Years ago, when Apata wasn’t quite so big, we knew most of the growers and many of those who come to see their fruit packed today still recognise us,” says Steven.

“We know that the fruit we are handling represents the growers’ livelihoods and just how important it is that we handle it with care,” says Patrick.

‘Warmer’ temperature

Back in the late-1990s when the pair joined Apata, the company had five coolstores with 13 rooms.

Today it has 10 stores with 47 rooms.

“Back then we only stored green kiwifruit,” says Steven. The introduction of gold varieties, first the Hort16A and more recently G3, meant changes in handling and storage temperatures, says Patrick.

“Green kiwifruit is stored at zero degrees Celsius but gold storerooms are warmer, at about one degree Celsius,” says Patrick.

In the past, the coolstores have also held cheese and milk powder, but now they are exclusively used for avocados and kiwifruit packed through the Apata post-harvest facility on the same site.

Elaine Fisher

KIWIFRUIT

A slower start but a great crop Several significant rain events hampered picking early in the kiwifruit season but the harvest is on track to meet its export targets, says New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc CEO Nikki Johnson.

“The industry has been spoilt with some very good weather during recent harvests, but we certainly didn’t get that this time. However, by mid-May, 86 per cent of the gold crop was picked along with about one-quarter of the green fruit.”

Significant rain early in the season got things off to a slower than ideal start and there were some concerns about soft fruit and fruit size, but this didn’t prove to be a major problem, says Nikki.

“We are a primary industry, and have to work with what the weather provides us. While some individual growers may not have been able to meet dry matter levels, the majority have. It must be remembered that the quality standards are there to ensure customers get what they want in our kiwifruit and will make repeat purchases.”

Nikki says quality standards can’t be changed in a tougher year. “As an industry we need to provide consistent quality and size of fruit to ensure consumers don’t have a bad experience. It

can be hard on individual growers but we must take the long-term view for the benefit of our industry.

“As we do every year, once the harvest is over NZKGI will be reviewing how the season went and looking at any issues which arose.”

Most of the Eastern Bay of Plenty growers hit by flooding caused by excyclones Debbie and Cook were able to harvest their fruit but Nikki says the concern for them now is how badly vines have been affected from having their roots under water.

“This will be a worry for those growers, but some are growing kiwifruit in marginal areas and as there is no insurance for fruit damage, they may have to reassess their orchard’s future.”

Nikki says NZKGI is looking into preparing guidelines for growers around the risks associated with growing kiwifruit to help them make informed decisions about existing or potential new orchards.

The slow start to the harvest did create some initial issues for contractors employing backpackers, as it was hard to retain them when work was not available.

Nikki believes there are currently no significant staff shortages, with the Recognised Seasonal Employer workers and Kiwis filling harvest and post-harvest roles. “However, the green harvest is only just winding up so that may create a need for more staff.”

Page 85

A $30m investment boost to Maori economy Te Tumu Paeroa, in partnership with Quayside Holdings, has invested $30m to build 10 kiwifruit orchards on Maori land in the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne during the next 18 months.

This will be the single largest kiwifruit investment ever made on Maori land. More than 90 hectares of semi-unproductive and unproductive land will be converted into successful grower businesses for the long-term benefit of owners and their community.

Te Tumu Paeroa has developed a unique model which allows full ownership of the orchards to transfer to land owners in an estimated 12-17 years, after achieving a targeted rate of return on capital invested.

In the interim, the land will be leased and Te Tumu Paeroa will build and operate the high-performing businesses, carrying the financial risk.

“Our programme allows landowners to participate in developing a successful kiwifruit orchard on their land and see the ownership of the business transfer to them by 2030, creating a legacy for generations to come,” says Te Tumu Paeroa chief executive officer and Maori trustee Jamie Tuuta.

“A core part of our programme is building the capability of landowners to successfully govern the business when it comes time to transfer ownership to them.

“We want to see Maori landowners involved in the whole process — developing skills and hands-on experience in running kiwifruit orchards on the ground as well as in the boardroom.”

By 2030, based on today’s return, the orchards are expected to generate more than $80,000 per hectare per annum or $7.1m by growing a mixture of premium gold kiwifruit and traditional green kiwifruit.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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

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

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

My Name is Neil Woodward.

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

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

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

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

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 86

trades & services

TO LIST YOUR RURAL EVENT please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line.

June 2

Kiwi Night Walk

7pm, Ohope Scenic Reserve, $15 adults, $10 children, $40 family (2+2 or more). See: tinyurl.com/l2rjezq

June 3

Ferment, Preserve, Pickle

9am-5pm, Pakaraka Permaculture, Thames, $140. See: tinyurl.com/l3sg7wk

Growing Nutrient-dense Food -with Kay Baxter at

S

BER TR TIM E

NT ME AT

PEPP ER

Koanga Institute, 9am-4pm, Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160. See: tinyurl. com/hqt3muo

runon listings accommodation

Regenerative Systems for Breeding Poultry

9am-4pm, Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160.

See: tinyurl.com/nvoksb8

Fruit Tree/Forest Garden Propagation 9am-4pm,

Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160. See: tinyurl. com/jmumyk5

June 4

Garden Planning with Kay Baxter, 9am-4pm,

Urban Farming with Kay Baxter, 9am-4pm, Peach-

grove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160. See: tinyurl.com/ j5fbbj7

Introduction to Biointensive Gardening, 9am-noon,

NEED A C.V.? A C.V. For You can provide you with the professional touch. From scratch or alterations.

“Get the interview….Land the job” Contact via www.facebook.com/ acvforyou or 0204 037 6034

Kiwi Night Walk, 7pm,

PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com

advertise

ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT or service in the listing every month.

Phone Julie on 07 578 0030 or email julie@thesun.co.nz

trades & services

for sale

Waikato Horticultural Society: Hamilton Gardens

June 11

Rotorua Botanical Society Field Trip (Waiotapu). See:

Introduction to Intensive Grazing, 1-4pm, Peachgrove

Intermediate, Hamilton, $95.

See tinyurl.com/j5fbbj7

June 9

Nursery, 7.30pm, Hamilton Gardens (Gate 2). Visitors $5.

Ph Carmel 07 859 0158.

tinyurl.com/mksz9xe

June 23

Conservation projects:

Ohope Scenic Reserve, $15 adults, $10 children, $40 family (2+2 or more). See: tinyurl.com/l2rjezq

June 14-17

Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $95. See: tinyurl. com/j5fbbj7

for sale

Farm, Thames, $140. See: pakarakafarm.co.nz

Grow Your Own Microgreens, 10am-4pm, Pakaraka

Design for Smallholdings with Bob Corker, 9am-4pm,

June 5

The Astronomy of Matariki,

June 10

June 12

Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160. See: tinyurl. com/j5fbbj7

June 22

a talk by astronomer Dr Rangi Matamua, 6pm, Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Rotorua, free. See: tinyurl.com/kt8fcdu

Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160. See: tinyurl. com/j5fbbj7 Forest Garden Design, 9am4pm, Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton, $160. See: tinyurl.com/j5fbbj7

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION Romantic, separate, selfcontained accommodation with a touch of luxury. Rural location 5 minutes from Hobbiton. Sleeps up to four. Continental breakfast included. Phone 021 0595 185

curriculum vitae

Ohope Scenic Reserve, $15 adults, $10 children, $40 family (2+2 or more). See: tinyurl.com/l2rjezq

Motivations and pitfalls, talk

by Dr Chris Lalas of Penguin Rescue North Otago, 7pm, Moon Hair Salon, Coromandel town, gold coin.

Kiwi Night Walk, 7pm,

June 23-25

Midwinter Foodie Feast,

National Agricultural Fieldays,

cooking and eating homegrown, organic food, Tirau, $500/couple. See: www.lals.nz

June 16

Tree Crops Workshop, Plenty Permaculture, Whakamarama (near Tauranga), $120. See: tinyurl.com/kteddpd

Mystery Creek, near Hamilton. See: www.fieldays. co.nz

Kiwi Night Walk,

7pm, Ohope Scenic Reserve, $15 adults, $10 children, $40 family (2+2 or more). See: tinyurl.com/ l2rjezq

June 19

Rotorua Botanical Society AGM, 6pm, DOC office, 99

Sala St (go in Scion north entrance and turn left before the locked gates). Guest speaker. See: tinyurl.com/ mksz9xe

June 24

June 24-July 2

Garden Bird Survey, New

Zealand wide. Participants watch for birds in the garden for 1 hour only between the survey dates and complete a form. See tinyurl.com/ q4odkm3

June 25

Confessions of a Wildlife Photographer, 2pm, Waikato

Museum, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/n3bscb7

June 28

BPW Franklin dinner at the Franklin Club, Station Rd,

with guest speaker. Women of all ages are invited to attend – bookings to Ph/Txt Marilyn 0274 799 121 or email: catering@bpwfranklin.org.nz

June 30

Kiwi Night Walk, 7pm, Ohope Scenic Reserve, $15 adults, $10 children, $40 family (2+2 or more). See: tinyurl.com/l2rjezq

July 1

Practical Fruit Tree Pruning, 9.45am-

3pm, Whakamarama (near Tauranga), $55. Tutor Gisella Warmenhoven has been a professional tree pruner for more than 30 years. Ph 027 240 1305 or see: www.plentypermaculture. co.nz

Tree Crops Sale, 9am-noon, Gate 2 at Hamilton Gardens, cash only. See: tinyurl.com/ n5xp55x

July 9

Bay of Plenty Orchid Society Auction,

1.30pm, Masonic Hall, Jocelyn St, Te Puke. All welcome. Orchids, bromeliads and other plants. Cash only.

July 16

Fruit and Nut Tree Sale,

10am-12.30pm, A&P Showgrounds, Katikati (north side of town). Ph Elizabeth, 07 549 2795.

Disruptive pheromones used in ant research Scientists at Plant & Food Research’s Better Border Biosecurity arm and the University of Auckland have been researching Argentine ants to determine how odour and physical cues help them to forage for food.

Argentine ants are heavily reliant on chemical cues such as odour trails for orientation and retrieving food, yet the behaviour of outdoor colonies suggests tactile features in their environment are also used to assist with foraging.

The Argentine ant is an invasive species that poses a risk to agriculture by competing with the food sources of other invertebrate species, such as pollinators. Understanding the ants’ ability to use physical cues helps researchers to determine how this ability might undermine pest control methods that

involve using pheromones to disrupt the ants’ foraging behaviour.

Plant & Food Research’s science group leader, Professor Max Suckling says they’ve been researching the effects of applying synthetic pheromones to confuse the ants to prevent them from working together in harvesting resources.

“It’s a benign, targeted method for pest management whereby we can get the ants walking in circles instead of making their way back to their nest with your lunch.”

To understand the ants’ reliance on chemical and physical cues for orientation, the researchers took five Argentine ant colonies into the laboratory and conducted a range of experiments where string was used as a physical cue to determine the trail-following ability of the ants when subjected to different types, amounts and delivery.

“Trail integrity eventually reduced under a continuous oversupply of trail pheromone delivered directly onto the string, but it was clear the physical cue of the string did improve their trail following,” says Plant & Food research scientist Lloyd Stringer.

“The ants do not appear to switch from smell to physical cue orientation in the presence of an oversupply of trail disruption pheromones, but they do seem to recover quickly from an oversupply of pheromone when in clean air.

“This information should help with strategies for dealing with them in different environments in the wild.”

Now that it is known odour detection is the primary means for navigation and it can be can overwhelmed by adding excess trail pheromone, researchers can conduct additional experiments to determine if Argentine ants can employ other cues for orientation.

The research will contribute to finding long-term, sustainable methods for reducing nest stability.

The research has been published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 87

Caption image to win a moving story FU

N NIE

S

C

O U NT R

Author and primary teacher Sally Fawcett subtly addresses some of the feeling children might experience in her latest book ‘Through the Gate’, which is this month’s Country Funnies book prize.

‘Through the Gate’ tells the story

Y

Many dairy farming families will move to new jobs, homes, school and communities this month, an experience which can be exciting but also stressful, especially for children.

of a child who has just moved house and is struggling to cope with all of the changes in her life. She relates to the dilapidated house she’s moved to, as she sits sad and forlorn upon its broken front step.

But, as the story unfolds, the house is gradually repaired paralleling how the child’s perception of her new situation improves. Each time

n this Captio to be e imag in a in to w ize. r book p ‘Through the Gate’

by Sally Fawcett is the Country Funnies book prize for June.

3

1

1

1

the child passes ‘through the gate’, into the world beyond, she notices more of her surroundings and discovers that her new life has some wonderful things in it.

The messages delivered through this story can be understood at different levels — literal and metaphorical.

Nothing stays the same and difficult times will pass. A little effort in maintenance can improve our physical surroundings, yet our perceptions also colour our world.

These messages are relevant to both children and adults, as we all experience many changes throughout our lives and draw on our resilience as we adapt to them.

Within the illustrations is a ‘spot the difference’ game that encourages interaction with the story and develops observation skills. Younger children can be involved in spotting the more obvious changes and older children will be challenged with the more subtle transformations.

The author’s passion for art, creative writing and education is evident in her books. Sally’s three children are a constant source of inspiration for ideas, and have triggered many of her writing and illustrating adventures. Sally’s motivation for creating picture books is to engage adults and children

in a shared experience that will hopefully foster a lifelong love of reading, creativity and tapping into the power of the imagination.

Thanks to Exisle Publishing, Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘Through the Gate’ to give away. To be in to win, email captions (as many as you like) for the photo (left) and send with your name and address with Country Funnies as the subject line, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive no later than June 19.

This duck on a swing was the Country Funnies image for April.

The winner of the April Country Funnies competition was R Cummins of Mount Maunganui with her caption: “Oi! Is there any water down there?” She wins a copy of ‘Illuminating Wisdom’ by Deirdre Hassed and Craig Hassed, published by Exsile Publishing.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 88

g Josephine Bruins 2yrs contemplatin . ville rins Mor in age the flood dam

h el Mot nd Ka tia. a s r y oth 11 in Ora Indy M, beekeeping 7yrs Lexie Schollum 3yrs, a chicken mad

farm girl in Papamoa.

PRIZE UP FOR GRABS!

untin

yrs pig h

riffin 10 Kade G

oi. g in TeH

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to kathy@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.

er nan 0yrs at h ke.

1 r e n r u u T Charlie p’s farm in Te P o p and