ATS News J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 1
One farm, two styles of calf rearing
Cropper sees big picture beyond farm gate EID eases weight gain monitoring
www.ats.co.nz
From the CEO Winter is well and truly with us now, and this is traditionally the time of the year when farmers look to complete maintenance jobs around the farm. It is also a good opportunity for many within the farming community to take a bit of a breather and look to re-charge their energy levels before heading into the busy spring months. For some farmers winter also provides an ideal opportunity to get right off the farm and take in the sights a little further afield. But as a couple of the articles in this edition of the ATS News show, you can never take farming out of the farmer—no matter where they are, farmers will always seek and find like-minded people. John and Lynn Madeley are one such farming couple, and the international perspective they have gained from their travels are implemented on their Kaiapoi farm. Regular contributor Ele Ludemann is another farmer happy to take a busman’s holiday and shares some of her thoughts on this common practice shared by many farmers. Also featured in this ATS News is an article on the sometimes controversial implementation of NAIT approved electronic identification tags for cattle, due in 2012. Tagging for sheep is also discussed. Other informative articles tackle property investment, nitrogen and winter forage crops, vitamins in ruminant feeds and iodine supplements for stock. ATS suppliers profiled include longstanding supplier members Peter May and Colourplus Ashburton, along with new supplier Liberty Genetics. Calf rearing is also featured with two local families sharing their thoughts and approaches. With spring just around the corner, it is timely to see how some tackle this intensive undertaking. This time of year is also a busy one for ATS as we prepare for our July Instore Days. It’s a great opportunity for Members to catch-up and take advantage of the many specials and offers available to them. More details will become available closer to the time, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Neal Shaw, Chief Executive
Upcoming Events 8 June
FAR Women in Arable, Ashburton For more info contact FAR office 03 325 6353
14 June, 6.30pm–9.00pm
Grain Workshop, Dunsandel For more info contact 021 932 515
17 June, 10am
Contributors Pip Hume, Richard Rennie, Ele Ludemann, Ian Walsh, Anita Body, Delyse Dixon, Dr Rob Derrick and Ian Hodge
Photography
StockSense Calving Workshop DairyNZ Ashburton For more info visit www.dairynz. co.nz/stocksense
Pip Hume, Tim Dale and Nikki Craig
20–24 June, 8am–5.30pm
Please contact the Marketing Department on:
ATS Carpark Clearing Sale ATS Ashburton Carpark
22 June
FAR Arable Y’s For more info contact FAR office 03 325 6353
24 June
Sheep & Beef Seminar Lincoln Universtiy For more info email jansen.travis@beeflambnz.com
6 July
FAR Winter Seminar, Ashburton For more info contact FAR office 03 325 6353
Advertising Enquiries Tel: 03 307 5100 Email: marketing@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz
Editorial Enquiries Our team welcome your contributions, enquiries and letters. Please post or email to: Dave Jackson Marketing Manager david.jackson@ats.co.nz
Front Page Photo Elizabeth and Chris Bell
12 July
FAR Women in Arable, Ashburton For more info contact FAR office 03 325 6353
20 July
FAR Arable Y’s, Ashburton For more info contact FAR office 03 325 6353
ASHBURTON
METHVEN
RAKAIA
HEAD OFFICE
97 Burnett St Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6721 ashburton@ats.co.nz
91 Main St Tel: 03 303 2020 Fax: 03 302 8184 methven@ats.co.nz
68 Elizabeth Ave Tel: 03 303 5440 Fax: 03 303 5430 rakaia@ats.co.nz
PO Box 131 Ashburton Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6721 ats@ats.co.nz
DISCLAIMER: All information contained within ATS News is to the best of the author’s knowledge true and accurate. Opinions expressed are those of the author and not of Ashburton Trading Society. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice. This newsletter is issued as a helpful guide to members.
www.ats.co.nz
pg2 One farm, two styles of calf rearing
Calf rearing is a high-input, specialist operation and for a Chertsey couple it is doubly so
Contents 9
Opinion—Ele Ludemann
11
Should I buy an investment property?
13
Thoughts from across the rivers
Property Brokers
Scope for decorating never-ending ColourPlus
19
Kids Page
21
Capitalising nitrogen availability
Ballance Agri Nutrients
2 3
Revamp a fitting tribute
pg6
2 5
Vitamins and CMS
Cropper sees big picture beyond farm gate
27
Liberty Genetics provides options to NZ Dairy Farmers
He may be a third generation Canterbury farmer near Kaiapoi, but John Madeley has a refreshing world perspective on farming that reflects as much in his personality as it does in his farm business
pg16 EID eases weight gain monitoring
Bull beef farming in midCanterbury is not the highest profile, most extensive use of land in the region, with other four legged bovine operations eclipsing it in recent years for growth and profile
Peter May
Winslow Feeds
Liberty Genetics
2 9
The importance of iodine
34
News at ATS
37
Classifieds
Riverside Vets
One farm, two calf rearing approaches Calf rearing is a high-input, specialist operation and for a Chertsey couple it is doubly so. By Pip Hume
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Chris and Elizabeth (Biz) Bell operate two calf rearing systems side by side on their 370ha mixed farm. One utilises nurse cows while the other is a recently installed automated system. Biz looks after around 60 nurse cows. They are a mix of Jersey, Friesian, and some dairy beef cross and each cow rears two or three calves. For cows rearing two calves, Biz uses collars to chain the mothered-on calf to the cow’s own calf for two or three days, until the strange calf is accepted. The cow is pushed up a race with the calves behind her, and the calves are given a drink. They are then collared together for a few days until the cow accepts and feeds the extra calf. Biz says that the first few days are pretty intense. She likes to check on them four or five times a day to make sure the calves are getting a drink and also because from time to time a calf can get a leg over the chain. If the calves aren’t getting a feed they are taken into the cow bale for a drink. The cows rearing three calves are run into the cow bale each day until all of the calves are feeding well. The Bells’ cows are all vaccinated for Rotovirus as they have had a few problems with it over the years. They also take care to make sure all the calves get plenty of colostrum as Biz feels it the most important factor in giving calves the best possible start. Mating management is quite complex, with three mating mobs plus lates. The Jersey cows go to Jersey bulls, and the dairy beef cross and Friesian cows go to a Belgian Blue or Hereford bull. They are careful not to put the Belgian Blue bull over any of the Belgian Blue cross cows because of size issues in the calves.
Biz says once the calves get used to the system they are pretty happy and do really well, as each calf receives optimum feeding. “The challenge is keeping an eye on the young calves and picking up any that are getting left behind. It’s essential to run your eye over them and pick up any that need a couple of weeks longer before weaning.” Timing the calf intakes is important. The spring calves need a minimum of 70 days to get to an acceptable weaning weight. The autumn calves are fed for longer as they need a good start to help them through the winter. The Bells reared 160 dairy and dairy beef cross calves through the automated calf feeder system last spring and 70 in the autumn, with autumn calves becoming harder to source. They also buy in a large number of reared calves for finishing, including Jersey bull calves which are carried through for the dairy industry. Dairy heifers are grazed on a year to year basis, coming in as calves and taken through to 18 months. “We do this for a neighbour—it works really well and we’ve got a good, positive working relationship with him.” There’s a full cropping programme, including wheat, barley, process peas and clover seed. This year the cropping programme contributed around 600 - 800 bales of wheat, barley, peavine and clover straw, to be used for finishing stock, along with 500 tonnes of silage made from the surplus spring grass. Some land is also leased out to a local potato grower.
The nurse cow herd reared 148 calves last year—124 spring calves and a further 24 autumn calves were mothered onto autumn calving cows and empty spring calvers. “It’s financially worthwhile, but very challenging physically and mentally,” Biz says.
A thousand Merino wethers are spring shorn and used to clean up behind the crops. Sheep management is not too intensive—they are purchased footrot free and go through a zinc trough to keep their feet in good order. The biggest issue is flystrike and they often need to be dipped twice over the summer. There’s also a lamb finishing component buying in and finishing 1000 Merino lambs.
A couple of years ago, the partnership invested in an automated calf feeding system and Chris oversees this side of the operation.
The 370ha Chertsey property is fully irrigated, with a centre pivot which waters 50ha, and four Turbo Rain irrigators which cover the balance.
“We wanted to expand the calf rearing, but without a huge increase in time and effort,” he says.
The Bells are assisted by one full-time staff member and one part time worker. “It’s very full-on. We spend all summer irrigating and all winter feeding out,” says Biz.
The automated calf rearing system can cater for up to 150 calves at a time. The calves have electronic ear tags which are read when they go into the feeder, triggering the feed dispensing process. The feed can be colostrum, whole milk, milk powder, or a mix. Each calf is fed to its individual requirements, so there’s no problem with having different aged and sized calves in the same mob. This flexibility also means they can take late calves. The machine can store records for up to 150 calves, but Chris doesn’t like to exceed 120. “There are four feed stations, but only two at a time can be in use. If we go over 120 calves all the feed stations can be full and there can be a number of calves waiting to drink, and if the wait time gets too long the shy feeders can get left behind.” The importance of colostrum can’t be overstated, and Chris and Biz prefer whole milk for the younger calves, changing to milk powder as they get older. All calves have free access to meal, straw and grass, and a sheltered covered yard with straw bedding.
Elizabeth Bell
The purchase of a 250ha dryland block at Ruapuna a year ago has brought even more scope for the business. It will provide winter grazing for approximately 800 dairy cows on kale, rape and rye corn, as well as running 300 beef cattle, 70 R2yr Jersey bulls and 50 R1yr Jersey bulls. Some cereal cropping will also go into the mix. Farming is definitely in the blood with Chris and Biz both from farming backgrounds. Biz’s father Tom Copland was an early ATS member, and Chris was brought up on the family farm at Dorie. The family tradition continues with the Ruapuna property managed by Biz’s second son, Robbie, who is 23 and has completed a Dip Ag Management at Lincoln. Eldest son Daniel, 25, a qualified carpenter, is currently in Australia, and daughters Jordanna, 21 and Mellory, 19, are both studying Agricultural Science at Lincoln. The couple also have two younger daughters, Diana (12) and Lexie (10).
Nurse cow from the herd of 65
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Calf rearing fits farm’s changing needs
Ruth Fitzgerald, on-farm manager
Adaptability and the ability to vary your farming operation are attributes common amongst many New Zealand farmers, and Methven couple, Ruth and Richard Fitzgerald are no exception. By Pip Hume Initially they farmed together after taking over the property from Ruth’s parents in 1992. But times change and the arrival of their three children Megan (now 15), Rhys (13) and Samantha (9), along with an off-farm job saw roles change. Richard became CEO for NZ Young Farmers (which has its National Office in Methven), so Ruth became the on-farm manager. As CEO for NZ Young Farmers, Richard has been full-time off-farm for nine years. However, he is still very involved in the decision making processes and as a sounding board. “I’m out and about all over the countryside, and I see a lot of different properties and get a lot of ideas,” he says. “Having one of the partners stepping outside of the farming business each day is a real strength.” Calf rearing is a major component of their farming operation. “We started off in 1992 doing five calves mixing the milk in a drench container, and as we did more calves we graduated to using one of those old wringer washing machines to mix the milk,” says Ruth. The move to an automated calf rearing system installed around five years ago enables Ruth to rear 600 to 800 spring calves and between 60 and 150 autumn calves– depending on the season and availability. “Our main line is Friesian bull calves,” says Ruth. “Some years the market is a bit fussy about cross bred calves, so we try to keep to the straight Friesian.” The calves need to be 100kg by December 1, so have to be in the system by September 1 for 12 weeks. After the main line of calves are weaned they source dairy beef cross calves until the supply runs out. Ruth says the calf rearing operation is very labour intensive when the calves first come in. After tagging and recording, the machine is set up and the calves all need to be put on and fed the first day. Ruth says it typically takes 3 or 4 days to get the calves trained, although some can be surprisingly fast.
Automated calf rearing system in action
“I have to keep an eye out for the ‘five day blues’ when calves can scour as they adjust to the change from colostrum to milk powder,” says Ruth. She stressed the importance of the four-day old calves having colostrum until they are transported. The machine can hold 100 tags but Ruth finds 75 calves for the two feeders is best otherwise the wait times get too long and the shy feeders drop off. The calves have free access to meal and grass. The calves are housed in a tunnel house with straw bedding. It has a rigid plastic roof, with flexible sides which can be rolled up to improve air flow in warm weather. Ruth says irrigation gives the business a lot more flexibility. It eliminates the pressure to sell in January, February and March if the markets aren’t favourable, meaning they are able to hold stock a bit longer.
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Coming soon
2011 Instore Days
Visit www.ats.co.nz for more details ATS NE WS
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Cropper sees big picture beyond farm gate He may be a third generation Canterbury farmer near Kaiapoi, but John Madeley has a refreshing world perspective on farming that reflects as much in his personality as it does in his farm business. By Richard Rennie
John and Lynn Madeley
Caption
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For the past seven years John and his wife Lynn have made a point of packing up for four to six weeks and heading away to far corners of the world, places where farming often plays a key part in peoples’ lives. The varied and often remote travel experiences have turned John into a bit of an anthropologist, relishing observing the lives of those he has been fortunate enough to visit. “Lynn loves seeing the wild life and the scenery, but I have to admit I really enjoy meeting the people, and seeing how they have managed to farm and make a living out of their little corner of the world,” he says. The experience has him recounting conversations as varied as a discussion on the trick to growing barley at 5000m with a Tibetan farmer, the challenges of running cattle in dry country with a Namibian cattleman, or the vagaries of the global palm oil market with a plantation owner in Malaysia. As the trips have become more adventurous, including sojourns through deserts travelling by truck from Johannesburg to Nairobi, his appreciation of how adaptive farmers can be has also grown. “It is seeing the way people have adapted, how resilient they really are no matter what the climate or challenges they face, and the cheerfulness with which they do it. It has made me aware farmers are the same the world over.” He has been particularly impressed at the importance and responsibility given to young Africans tasked with the job of looking after family livestock. Boys as young as 10 know it is critical to guard the family’s most treasured possession, and he believes there are lessons for males back here at home. “The kids are aware of their responsibility, and they act accordingly something I think is missing from kids at home here at times.” He admits it often gets hard to return to the 174ha family property and back into work after such experiences. But once back in the groove of work he himself is responsible for an enterprise that has proved just as resilient and adaptive as any he and Lynn have visited in past years. Increasingly the property is surrounded by dairy herds and lifestyle blocks, but John and Lynn have adapted their business accordingly, rather than rail against the change in Canterbury landscape happening around them. An arable cropper through and through, John did the sums a few years ago on converting to dairying, but found the debt figures “pretty big” and has instead found ways to continue his passion for cropping, whilst growing the business and continuing to pursue travelling. Growing maize is a typical example. They have been early adopters of the predominately North Island grown crop, and as short season hybrids have developed John has pulled up yields on a crop he finds highly rewarding to grow. This year’s 30ha yielded a very respectable 23tDM/ha, with it all being sold to local dairy farmers. “I get a buzz out of growing it. It yields well, has few fungal problems unlike wheat or barley, and just requires well worked ground and good nitrogen
levels to do well.” The influence of dairying on John’s cropping decisions also sees him taking on a contract to supply 23ha of lucerne silage in the coming season. For the last 10 years he also supplied grain crops to a pig farmer. Other crops include peas destined for the vegetable seed market. When not in crops the farm runs 800–900 head of dairy cows over winter, providing valuable cash flow and good levels of organic manure deposits before going back into crop at spring time. John has a relatively unusual arrangement with dairy stock owners—he provides a set amount of dry matter for the agreed wintering period, and it is up to the dairy operators to move the cows and work on that dry matter budget. “This removes any issues over whether cows have been fed enough, it frees Lynn and I up to travel, and the stock owners are all happy with it, they know what they are going to get at the end of the period.” Dairy grazing and silage sales now form 50% of the farm’s income. John puts a high value on the personal relationships he forms with his clients, preferring to take long term contracts with individuals he knows, rather than chancing it on the spot market.
Namibian sunset
“I feel if you talk to these people, understand their business you are in a far better position to provide exactly what they need, when they need it.” His traveller’s philosophy of listening and understanding translates well into his farming philosophy. While die hard locals may lament the loss of some arable land to dairying in recent years, John has embraced the opportunities it has bought. He would however like to see greater unity within the grain industry, and agrees with other farmers’ desire to see a “mini Fonterra” evolve for grain farmers.
Start of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro
“The dairy and grain farmers can enjoy quite a symbiotic relationship, and grain farmers need to look at dairying to see how they can get more unity into the industry.” His own cropping operation has a more “circled” approach to it these days. He has dropped the age old practice of burning stubble “it seems silly to lose all that organic matter up in smoke”, and he has invested in a Vederstad drill that incorporates crop stubble back into the soil to lift organic matter. With gathering numbers of lifestyle blocks and dairy units surrounding a farm only 30km from Christchurch’s centre, John is relaxed and far from feeling like a farmer under siege. He and Lynn have welcomed the arrival of lifestyle farmers in the 1980s. Many sent children to the local Swannanoa school, turning around the shrinking roll and saving the place from closure.
Having traditional tea in Hoi-An, Vietnam
“When you think back a lot of our forefathers were from farming backgrounds, it is not surprising many people want to be on the land, and it has added a great level of diversity to our community.” That sense of community extends to him and Lynn belonging to ATS. The company’s co-operative spirit and constitution fit well with John’s beliefs in community and support, values he has seen far from Canterbury, but happily brings back to the farm business. ATS NE WS
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All your fencing requirements. WILL MAKE:
Variety of sheds
Low line animal shelters and runs
Fowl houses
Chicken coops, rabbit hUtches
Stock ramps
Calf holding pens
Play houses
South Street, Ashburton Phone 03 308 6444 or 0274 334 536 8
ATS NE WS
BBQ tables
Horse jump rails and fences
Thoughts from across the rivers Some people who travel want to get as far away from their jobs and normal lives as possible. By Ele Ludemann That doesn’t usually apply to farmers, who are keen to visit farms in other places and to meet and learn from the people who run them.
demonstration on how to make cheese, served their own wine, olive oil and cheese then left to peruse the produce on sale in their shop.
We’ve taken several busman’s holidays—visiting farms here and overseas. Sometimes we pick up information on equipment or techniques we can apply to our own farms. Often the particulars of the operation aren’t applicable to ours but we learn about the challenges and opportunities of farming in other places and if nothing else we’re reminded why we’re happy doing what we do, where we do it.
We couldn’t have had a greater contrast to this intensive operation than the cattle station we visited in the Northern Territory last year. Conways, about 200 kilometres from Katherine is 750,000 acres. That isn’t big by local standards but it’s huge for us – their smaller paddocks were about 4000 acres. The owners farmed a third of the station, raising Brahman cattle for live shipment to Indonesia. They ran hunting tours on the rest of the station where buffalo and pigs ran wild.
We’ve had five trips to Argentina. Each time our hosts have taken us to farms varying from small feedlots to large estancias. They also introduced us to the asado, the wood-fired barbeques that cook the best beef and lamb we’ve eaten anywhere. One of the highlights of a Mediterranean cruise was visiting a small farm near Sorento on the outskirts of Naples. It was small, only about 8 hectares, in area but it would be difficult to find a farm which made better use of every bit of land available.
“Visitors were shown round the property then given a demonstration on how to make cheese, served their own wine, olive oil and cheese then left to peruse the produce on sale in their shop.” It was farmed co-operatively by several families. They grew oranges, lemons and olives and had grape vines between the rows of trees. They produced their own olive oil and made mozzarella cheese from their five cows. Tourism was a big part of their income and they did it well. Visitors were shown round the property then given a
When we visit farms in other places we’re usually content to look and learn but there’s a growing market in experience tourism for people wanting to do more than that. They want to take part in farm activities or learn a new skill. Fishing, hunting, tramping and cycling aren’t new and now entrepreneurial landowners are offering visitors the opportunity to do something more.
Ele Ludemann
“We couldn’t have had a greater contrast to this intensive operation than the cattle station we visited in the Northern Territory last year.“ Whether it’s taking part in a muster or learning to train a dog, make cheese, cook, paint or write, visitors are able to visit farms and take away something more than memories and photos. As the world becomes more urbanised, the opportunities to offer city people new experiences will increase and there will always be a market for people like us who enjoy finding out about farming in other places.
opinion by:
Ele Ludemann Web: homepaddock.wordpress.com
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Should I buy an investment property Demand for rental property is now very strong in many parts of Canterbury. Despite this, investors are noticeably lacking in residential property. So, is it a good time to invest? By Ian Walsh, Property Brokers—Hasting McLeod Investment decisions are based on many criteria including finances. For this reason any potential investor should consult their accountant or financial advisor. For simplicity I will consider only pure financial considerations. There are two aspects to financial returns from property investment: 1. The cash return from rent received LESS costs; 2. Capital gains made on sale of the property The first is somewhat easier to predict than the second! Decisions are usually dominated by expectations of capital gains, interest rates and availability of finance, competing investment returns and personal preferences. Calculating the Cash Return Using an Ashburton example, a three bedroom Westside 1960’s house in good repair might sell for $280,000. It could be rented for say $260–$300/week (say $285/week). Allow for a minimum of two weeks vacancy (no rental) per year. Costs include rates, insurance, management, and repairs & maintenance (say $2350 p.a.). In this example, the property is managed by a property manager charging a management fee of 8% of rental income plus property inspection fees of $140 p.a. Depreciation is no longer allowed on a building (from 1st April 2011) where that building is deemed to have a useful economic life of 50 years or more. However, chattels such as heat pumps, log burners, carpet, curtains, light fittings, dishwasher and floorings can still be depreciated which offers investors some tax benefit. Generally the rate used should match the lifespan of the asset—for simplicity we’ll use a blanket 10% depreciation rate for chattels. Capital gain—obviously this is not part of the cash return but has been included in the final step of the calculations below to show how big an impact this has on the investment performance.
Results The whole enterprise shows a 3.95% return on the basis of paying cash for the whole property with no debt. However, if you borrowed 90% of the purchase price and pay 6% interest, an after tax loss of $2200 is shown (or an 8% loss on the equity invested). If at best the investor gets a 3.95% return with no debt or a $2200 loss p.a. with debt, why do people still invest? The answer lies in the final calculation which includes a theoretical 2% capital gain. Ignoring effects of tax on capital gains and any inflation, this capital gain produces a total return of 13% on the equity invested (the 10% deposit). Conclusion The returns calculated above show the reluctance of investors to buy residential property is understandable if the current lack of capital gains continues. In fact, on the cash yield basis alone it adds some support to the argument that either prices of these properties will have to come down or rentals will have to go up to provide a realistic return.
Properties for Sale: Coplands Road Well Set Up Deer Unit $1,500,000 plus GST 34.78 ha Ealing Montalto Road Fattening / Grazing / Deer $3,100,000 plus GST 139 ha Falconers Road, Kakanui Opportunity Knocks—Possible Dairy Grazing $6,330,000 plus GST 371 ha
Rental Analysis $275,000.00 247,500.00 290.00 14,500.00
18,500.00 -4,000.00 -1,800.00
Purchase Price Loan (@ 6% interest rate) Weekly Rental Income less expenses: Management cost Rates/Ins R&M Interest Total Expenses Before Tax Operating Profit Tax (refund—assumes ability to offset)
-2,200.00 -0.8% 3.95% -8% 12%
Annual Cash Result with debt Loss as a percentage of house and land value Yield (based on no debt, pre-tax) Yield (based on 90% debt, after tax) Yield (90% debt, 2% capital gain, after tax)
$1,300.00 1,550.00 800.00 14,850.00
Contact:
Property Brokers—Hastings McLeod 324 East Street, Ashburton Tel: 03 308 8209 Fax: 03 308 8206 Web: www.propertybrokers.co.nz
Note: these calculations are of a general nature only and individual advice should be sought before acting. BNZ 180 day advertised term deposit on 1st May is 4.60%
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Ph 03 308 2055
Way of Life!
Check out what Bradfords can protect for you! Call Bradford Painting today for a free quote Proudly supporting the rural community for more than 50 years
We can protect: • Dairy Sheds • Seed Bins • Concrete & Metal Surfaces
And is: • Food Graded Hygiene Standard • Easily & Quickly Cleaned Bremners Road PO Box 214 Ashburton Phone 308 9039 Fax 308 1191 www.bradfords.co.nz
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Colour Plus Tancred Street, Ashburton
Scope for decorating never-ending The choices these days for decorating your home are only limited by your imagination. Consumers now have access to a greater number of goods and products than ever before. By Anita Body New styles and designs are continually hitting the stores, offering shoppers plenty of scope to make choices to best suit their individual needs. The ever-changing range of products is one of the reasons Jo and Justin Skilling love their jobs. As the owners and operators of Colourplus Ashburton, the local couple are able to bring the latest paint, drapes and decorating products direct to their customers. These products are showcased in the Colourplus Ashburton store—one of the most spacious of its kind in Mid Canterbury. There’s plenty of room dedicated to the thousands of drape fabric samples on display. These samples include leading brands such as James Dunlop, Charles Parsons, Warwick, Maurice Kain, Ken Bimler, Unique, and Textilla plus many more. There are also a number of curtain headings displayed, giving customers examples of the different choices available, including tracks and linings. The full range of Luxaflex window fashions can also be found in the showroom. Luxaflex has long been a respected market leader in its field and is the largest manufacturer of blinds and awnings in New Zealand. Sunscreens, roller blinds and venetian blinds are currently popular choices. Sunscreens are particularly popular as they block outs 95 per cent of UV rays and also give complete day-privacy. Wooden venetians, especially those in light neutral washes, are also popular. The Colourplus franchise has also launched its own premium paint label. This exciting new range consists of 720 colours, 140 of those are whites and neutrals. It is premium quality and is guaranteed by Colourplus because it is made by Colourplus. The advantage of this range is the A5 and A3 sized colour cards that customers can use to get a better indication of the actual shade. This new card is painted on, not printed.
Wallpaper is definitely back in fashion and has been gaining in popularity over recent years. The types of wallpaper available and their uses are continuing to evolve. Statement walls are very popular especially in entrances, master bedrooms, living areas and even bathrooms. With 80 wallpaper books in store, customers are likely to find exactly what they want, but in the event they can’t, the staff will help source just the right wallpaper (or any other product) to meet your needs.
“These products are showcased in the Colourplus Ashburton store—one of the most spacious of its kind in Mid Canterbury.”
Justin & Jo Skilling—Owners
The Colourplus team are friendly and professional with a vast, shared knowledge. Justin manages the store and carries out all the measuring and home installation requirements. The couple believe it is important they interface directly with customers, especially at the installation stage of the job so customers know who’s coming into their homes. It’s also a good opportunity for instant customer feedback. Jo specialises in interior design and leads the Colourplus team which includes Sarah Dawson who also specialises in interior design. Pam Feutz is the instore paint and wallpaper consultant, and Jenni Ryk takes care of the administration. No matter what your decorating taste or style, you’ll be able to source everything you need to decorate your home from Colourplus Ashburton – even down to that “special something” from the unique giftware range.
Contact:
Colourplus 118 Tancred Street Ashburton Tel: 03 308 3973 Fax: 03 308 3970 Email: ashburton@colourplus.co.nz Web: www.colourplus.co.nz
Call in and see Justin, Jo and the team at Colourplus Ashburton. They’re always happy to discuss your decorating plans and needs.
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EID eases weight gain monitoring Bull beef farming in Mid Canterbury is not the highest profile, most extensive use of land in the region, with other four legged bovine operations eclipsing it in recent years for growth and profile. By Richard Rennie
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However for Hinds couple Warwick and Sheryl Bishell it is proving to be a good fit with their 370ha property’s cropping operation that includes up to 120ha of grain.
The bull calves are tagged with electronic ID tags at weaning and on arrival at the farm are weighed with increasing regularity as they approach target weights from early autumn, usually every two to three weeks.
The couple are part of a beef producer group, put together for South Island bull beef growers and have an established history of bull beef experience, having owned a farm in Marlborough before moving to Canterbury seven years ago. The farm is on a clay sub soil which makes is susceptible to pugging over winter under heavier stock. The couple base their beef operation around this susceptibility.
Those topping their target are duly drafted, while mob size and supplement levels are adjusted for those that remain. Supplements typically include silage, barley straw and balage. Average weight gains are easily calculated on the system, and can be downloaded into the farm computer—typically the mobs will average gains of 1.2kg/head/day through the year.
They work on a scheme whereby weaner bull calves are bought off local dairy farmers, and then contract reared up to 300kg by graziers they pay on a weight gain basis to a target weight of 300kg—after which the stock return back to the home farm, and they are run to their target slaughter weight of 600kg.
Sheryl says their decision to go with EID weighting was not only to better manage the gains, mob sizes and supplements, but also to make the job more interesting and safer.
The Bishells have been finishing around 1100 head most years between early autumn and the arrival of winter. Given the farm’s susceptibility to pugging under heavier stock, the couple have to contend with a race between impending wet winter weather and the daily weight gains required in order to quit the bulls to target. To help monitor those weight gains they were early adopters of a TRU-TEST EID weighing system that continues to perform as well now as when they first installed it six years ago.
“Weighing means you are also far more accurate in your drafting, it can be deceiving just looking at bulls and drafting by eye.” Having EID tags in place also makes drafting large bulls simpler and safer than trying to check muddy ear tags.
Sheryl and Emily can safely weigh bulls
The Bishells view the move to legislated EID tags by NAIT as an inevitable shift for cattle farmers, and one that may be a legislative requirement but does bring some definitive management benefits within the farm gate as well. “It is possible to see the upside of having to do it, and does help how we farm.”
NAIT deferred until 2012 For all farmers in the beef and dairy sector tagging cattle using NAIT approved electronic identification tags will be compulsory in 2012. It has been a long and winding road for the legislation which was first proposed almost 10 years ago. As of 26 May 2011, the 1 November 2011 mandatory cattle tagging deadline has been deferred until 2012.
Corney believes a key issue will be ensuring farmers comply with moving stock from one farm to another, with stock movements from farm to slaughter or sale yards managed by scanners at those locations. There is no definitive move to have sheep included in the scheme at this point, and deer will be compulsory the following year.
“It has taken a while to get everything lined up, but we now have a scheme that has the funding and the mandate from the government and across the livestock sector,” says NAIT chair Ian Corney.
Farmer requirements under NAIT: • All cattle tagged with NAIT approved RFID ear tag before first off-farm movement or within 180 days of birth, whichever comes first. • All cattle born on or after this date tagged with NAIT approved primary and secondary approved tag. All cattle born before this date and not being moved off farm need to be tagged with a NAIT approved RFID tag within three years. • Farmers required to register themselves and locations they manage cattle at. • In 2012 NAIT will be fully operational. Farmers required to register cattle with NAIT before moving off-farm, and advise NAIT of all off-farm cattle movements.
Government funding to get the scheme kick started across the sector is $7 million to cover initial set up costs including database establishment and scanning equipment at key locations. On going costs of maintaining the scheme are expected to be $6 million and will be ultimately funded through industry levies. Cost estimates to farmers are expected to be around $1.50 to $2.00 per animal over and above current tagging costs, something expected to fall as tag volumes increase and more tag manufacturers enter the market. Ian Corney has said he doubts the scheme involves quite the effort or “sell” that was required to get farmers completing Animal Health Board Tb card system off the ground back in the early nineties. “What we have ended up with is a practical and affordable design to safeguard farmer’s incomes by protecting our excellent food health and safety record in overseas markets, and enhancing biosecurity.”
EID allows for greater accuracy when drafting
Exceptions include: • Capital stock not leaving farm will have 3 year transition period for tagging. • Bobby calves (i.e. younger than 30 days) deemed low biosecurity risk and not part of NAIT scheme. To learn more visit the NAIT website: www.nait.co.nz
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Lamb EID tagging to unlock data gold mine EGL Pastoral is a land company preferring to take a low profile “under the radar” approach to business, rather than sing its praises around the industry. By Richard Rennie
Chris Mears has high hopes for the value that EID can add
Traceability and food safety was a draw to move to EID tagging
Chris’s staff have made the process easy
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However the company’s general manager Chris Mears admits plans to use EID on lambs the company buys and finishes is a particular pet project of his—he also has high hopes for the value EID can add to the company’s business. Under NAIT rules sheep are not required to be tagged with electronic tags. However Chris believes given the numbers EGL deals with in its trading and finishing operations through the lower South Island EID data on those lambs will provide an invaluable means to determine what lambs perform best where and, ultimately, why. The Winslow farm he is based upon will be the test ground for the first few mobs of lambs to get EID tags this spring. Electronic tagging comes as the company has invested considerable sums in upgrading weigh scale equipment, including a new scale head with increased memory capacity and data capabilities. Chris estimates around 10% of lambs from every mob shipped on to the farm will be tagged to provide a good sample of the whole mob, with data entered on arrival against the individual tag ID, including breed, weight and where the lamb was from. “We do already have a fair idea whose sheep perform the best of those people we buy from, certain terminal sires and crosses will do better than others too.” He has been particularly impressed with the work he has seen tag manufacturer Allflex support in Australia whilst visiting farms there. Electronic tagging has been compulsory in Australia for a number of years, first launched in Victoria in 2002 and now nationally known as the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). Peripheral issues around “paddock to plate” traceability capacity and food safety security have also drawn Chris to EID tagging, particularly as greater demand for full traceability is growing from overseas markets. He is conscious it will take time to build a history of data that provides a valuable and comparable database for the company’s properties. However given the number of lambs traded annually totalling tens of thousands it will prove to be a very powerful and valuable database once all properties are included. Chris is conscious of not wanting to be seen as heading some brave new initiative, acknowledging there are a number of other lamb operations that have gone with EID before EGL. “I think however we would be among the first around here.” Aside from base data on weights, source and arrival dates, additional management information could also be entered into the tag data. For example drench regimes and timing could provide useful information on how effective certain drench rotations are in maintaining or improving growth rates. With 10–15% of the property re-grassed each year, and often a base for trialling new grass cultivars, the EID weight gain data should also provide an insight to what pastures are best for getting weights up quicker. “It is getting increasingly hard to source good stock with lower sheep numbers, so the information will paint a picture for us eventually on what animals perform best – it could even be a case that some lines are worth paying a premium on because we know they put more weight on quicker.” While acknowledging there was “a bit of grizzling” from farmers when NAIT was to become compulsory, Chris is certain that farmers will flip the compliance headache around into a positive. “We certainly see the potential for the information to add value to our business, even though there will be a bit of a learning phase there to start with.”
s d i K S AT
June/July 2011
Welcome to the ATS Kids page. Winter ideas for ATS
Marshmallow Snowballs If you can’t find Digestive biscuits you can use an oat cookie. Makes 12
You will need: 1 packet Digestive biscuits (250g) 1/2 tin Condensed milk 12 marshmallows 50g shredded coconut (optional—lightly toasted)
How to make them: 1. Either zap the digestives in a food processor to make crumbs or place in a heavy duty bag and bash with a rolling pin or meat mallet. 2. In a bowl, mix together the condensed milk and biscuit crumbs. Wrap biscuit mixture thinly around each the individual marshmallows and roll into balls. It is easier to do this with damp hands. 3. Roll the balls in the coconut to coat and chill until serving.
Salt crystal snowflakes Create your own sparkly snowflake!
You will need: Hot water
(preferably boiled beforehand)
A cup or mug Salt
Thick black paper (It should be heavy paper or cardstock. Plain construction paper will not work.) Paintbrush
How to make them: 1. Boil water and carefully pour it into a cup that can hold hot water. 2. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt and stir with the paintbrush until it dissolves. 3. Continue to add salt a teaspoon at a time until it no longer dissolves and there are salt crystals at the bottom of the cup even after stirring for a while. 4. Draw a snowflake template. 5. Paint your snowflake template using the salt water. TIP: Every time you go to dip your brush in the salt water be sure you to stir the solution so that your salt crystals don’t all sink to the bottom of the cup. 6. Leave your art to dry overnight
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Winter Fun!
5 6
7
Across:
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11 12 13
Indoor fun: Make your own bowling set You will need: Ribbon Tape Scissors Sand, dirt or rice Tennis ball
How to make them:
Wrap this around your neck to keep the chill out. In winter, the temperature can get very _ _ _ _. Sometimes in winter there is _ _ _ _ _ on windows. A pair of _ _ _ _ _ _ _ can keep hands nice and warm. 10. In snowy places, people have to _ _ _ _ _ _ snow off of their driveways. 11. When it is snowing, you should always wear a _ _ _ _ _ _. 12. A knitted _ _ _ keeps your head warm. 14. Snow _ _ _ _ _ keep the snow out and keep feet warm.
Down:
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Plastic bottles Coloured paper Markers Fabric Cardboard Wool
1. 3. 6. 8.
2. A snowman looks good with a _ _ _ _ _ _ for his nose. 3. Another word for jacket. 4. They cover your hands and have a space for each finger. 5. A sure sign of winter is smoke coming from a _ _ _ _ _ _ _. 6. If you leave a drink outside in a snowy place, it may _ _ _ _ _ _ when you come back. 7. Sometimes people go ice skating on _ _ _ _ _ _ ponds. 9. You can have a fun fight outside when you throw _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ at each other. 13. One of the most fun things about winter is playing in the _ _ _ _. Answers: Across 1. scarf 3. cold 6. frost 8. mittens 10. shovel 11. jacket 12. hat 14. boots Down 2. carrot 3. coat 4. gloves 5. chimney 6. freeze 7. frozen 9. snowballs 13. snow
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STEP 2
STEP 1
1. Use plastic bottles the same size, eg. juice bottles. Make sure they are empty and dry.
STEP 3
2. Tape a piece of paper around each of them. 3. Draw faces and decorate them with markers, fabric for clothes, wool for hair or whiskers, buttons for eyes…pretty much anything you can find around the house can be used to decorate them. 4. Once finished decorating them, fill them 1/3 of the way with sand to weigh them down. 5. Now your skittles are ready to be bowled over…. weighting the pins makes them harder to knock down… get your tennis ball and give it a go!!
STEP 5
Leaching on forage crops
Capitalising nitrogen availability Winter forage crops offer flexibility in grazing management, and are an essential part of the farm system over the winter months. By Delyse Dixon, Ballance Agri-Nutrients However, a Ballance research trial conducted in Southland showed that winter forage crops are ‘hot spots’ for nitrate leaching, with losses typically three to five times greater than losses on grazed pasture paddocks. This is because of two factors—first, the fact that animal waste is the greatest source of nitrogen on pastoral farms, and second, there is more biomass of forage crop per hectare than pasture, therefore more feed is consumed by the animal. All—or at least some—of this nitrogen could be of significant benefit if it could be held in the soil and made available to subsequent sown pasture or crop. Under normal farming conditions, nitrogen that is added to the soil—whether from animal waste or fertiliser—is converted to nitrate by soil bacteria. This nitrate can be lost by leaching. If the conversion to nitrate can be stopped, then this conserves nitrogen in the soil, making it available for the next round of crop or pasture planting. One method to help reduce the amount of nitrogen leached from the soil after grazing a winter forage crop (such as kale) is to apply a nitrification inhibitor such as DCn. DCn was developed to help farmers more effectively utilise naturally occurring nitrogen and reduce the amount of nitrogen inputs needed.
DCn works by slowing the natural biological conversion of nitrogen to nitrate so the nitrogen can be used to its full potential before it has the chance to leach into waterways. DCn contains the active ingredient dicyandiamide (DCD) and its granular form makes handling and application easy. So has DCn proved its worth? Ballance commissioned AgResearch to carry out small plot trials in Southland over three years. The trials showed that nitrate leaching loss from early winter grazing of forage crops was potentially high, averaging 55kg N/ha per year (about five times higher than the adjacent pastoral milking platform). The study indicated that DCn applied within one week after grazing reduced nitrate leaching by approximately 20%, conserving more soil nitrogen in the system to contribute to growth once pasture was re-sown in spring. Subsequent trial work, which included measurement of pasture production following re-grassing of a winter-grazed forage crop, showed that areas treated with DCn grew around 13% more pasture dry matter. The economics of this are shown in Table 1. To learn more about the use of DCn on forage crops, talk to your local ATS or Ballance technical representative. With DCn applied after grazing forage crop
Without DCn applied after grazing forage crop
9657
8573
Pasture growth following regrassing (kg DM/ha) Extra pasture growth due to DCn (kg DM/ha) Feed conversion efficiency (kg DM/kg MS) Extra milk solids production (kg MS/ha) Value of extra milk solids produced at $6/kg MS ($/ha) Approximate cost of DCn ($/ha) Net benefit from applying DCn to a winter forage crop, postgrazing ($/ha)
1084 15 (conservative) 72 $430 $90 (1 application)
contact ats to discuss your fertiliser needs and/or to arrange for advice from your LOCAL ballance TECHNICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE:
Anna Bedford 027 499 7617 Russell Hamilton 027 677 4499 Michael Robertson 027 464 2972 Tel: 0800 222 090 Web: www.ballance.co.nz
$340
Table 1: Economics of applying DCn to a winter-grazed crop (dairy scenario).
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Business expansion & new fit out well underway
Revamp a fitting tribute The finishing touches on expansion work at Peter May’s premises are nearly done, with the revamp being a fitting tribute to the business’ longevity. By Anita Body Like many businesses it had small beginnings, but after 31 years, Peter May has certainly stood the test of time and continues to grow and develop to meet its customers’ needs. Peter’s father was responsible for Peter entering the industry, after suggesting that canvas fabrication would be a good trade to get into. He worked for local firm, Patchings, for four and a half years where he completed his apprenticeship and was taught the art of motor trimming from older, established tradesmen. He describes it as invaluable, and something others are unlikely to experience these days, with few people staying in one trade their entire working life. “It’s unusual now for someone to start in one trade and also retire in it. It provides a great opportunity to learn a lot of craftsman skills.” Peter May has trained many apprentices over the years, with many national awards being won, including successes at the Apprentice of the Year finals. It’s a legacy Peter has been keen to continue following the support he received during his training and formative years in the industry.
“Peter May now has two facets to the business—auto trim, canvas and shade and also marquee and event hire.” After a short stint in Christchurch at A R McKenzie’s canvas and saddlery business, Peter returned home to Ashburton and took the opportunity to start his own business based in his Dad’s garage. The business started with the support of local motorbike shops, manufacturing bike seat covers and doing repair work. This support has continued and is still an important part of the workload. As the business grew, Peter found he needed more space—and his father wanted his garage back. So he moved out and shared the premises of another
business in Tinwald for a short time before setting up on his own in the old villa on Alford Forest Road (formerly Peter Young Plumbing). Having their own premises allowed Peter and Toni May to expand and diversify the products offered by the business, while also providing the ability to service both town and rural customers. That focus has remained unchanged through the ensuing years, despite the changing needs of their customers and the community as a whole. Peter May now has two facets to the business—auto trim, canvas and shade and also marquee and event hire. Both are showcased in the newly expanded Alford Forest Road showroom and factory. Still a mainstay of the business is the manufacturing of high quality agricultural and shade products. “We continue to supply the best quality hay covers with the length of 100 rugby fields fabricated last season.”
Peter and Toni May
The marquee and event hire is a relatively new part of the business, and developed from a need identified through the business. It has proved popular, and the new showroom gives customers a preview of what Peter May can supply to make any special occasion a stunning success. Along with the expanded showroom and factory, the new building development also provides customers with a drive through facility, eliminating the need to back trailers when collecting large items. It also improves safety as traffic on Alford Forest Road has become a lot busier over recent years. The team at Peter May is small and personal, with all taking great pride in delivering the best possible service to their customers. Customers are invited to come and visit the re-developed building and Peter and Toni are happy to discuss any agricultural and shade requirements or planning requirements for the next big event in their lives.
Contact:
Peter May Ltd 151 Alford Forest Road Ashburton Tel: 03 308 8893 Email: info@petermay.co.nz Web: www.petermay.co.nz
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Call out service hotline—call 03 308 6737 anytime 24 hour service available (afterhours—callout fee applies)
Neumanns Tyre Services Ashburton
Wills Street Ashburton Phone: (03) 308 6737 (24 Hrs) Fax: (03) 308 8591
The team at Neumanns Tyre Services are ready and waiting to service your tyre requirements in 2011 From wheelbarrow to scraper tyres—we do it all! Two computerised wheel alignment machines with experienced operators.
www.neumannstyres.co.nz
Winter Feed Testing Agricultural Consulting Services
provides the following independent feed assessment services. Winter Feed assessments, dry matter yield and ME testing
WATER TROUGHS • TANKS • SILAGE PITS DAMS • KILLING SHEDS • SILLS • BRIDGE ENDS
ATS IN-STORE DAY SPECIALS
10% off all Products Any orders of more than 10 dairy troughs receive free Ball Cock Valves and Floats.
GPS Paddock measuring, accurate area measurements for DM/Ha Silage testing (DM, ME and digestibility) Accurate measurements are essential to ensure winter feed targets are met, so contact us now
Gerard Rushton 027 433 9065 Terry Kingsbury 027 229 9993
Contact us on 03 308 4816 for a quote or visit 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald Ashburton
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P: 03 308 6208 F: 03 308 6280 E: office@agconsulting.co.nz w: www.agconsulting.co.nz
Sun dried hay is low in vitamin A which is important for good fertility and resistance to infection
Vitamins and CMS What are Condensed Molasses Solubles (CMS) and why add vitamins to ruminant feeds? By Dr Rob Derrick, Winslow Feeds CMS is a liquid feed which sounds like it should be to molasses what condensed milk is to whole milk—a more condensed richer form. Actually, they are more akin to what broll is to wheat after millers have extracted most of the starch—a potentially useful byproduct but with very different nutritional characteristics. CMS is the name given to the evaporated by-products from fermentation industries based on molasses. CMS may be derived from the manufacture of alcohol, yeast, citric acid and other fermentation products. During the fermentation process the fermentable sugars of the molasses are used by carefully selected micro-organisms to produce an end product, leaving untouched the protein and inorganic ash fragment of molasses. Globally the fermentation industry has to deal with a huge liquid waste stream; evaporation to produce CMS is typically the most economic and environmentally safe solution. Given the nutritional differences between CMS and molasses, it would take something of a leap of faith to believe CMS could potentially improve the digestibility of other feeds—unless the total diet was lacking protein.
Vitamins A, D3 and E Vitamins are a large group of complex organic compounds, each with a unique function in the body. Although they are one of the most expensive ingredients per kg in animal feeds they are necessary in tiny amounts. I feel the inclusion of the big three—A, D3 and E—in manufactured ruminant feeds and supplements is a worthwhile insurance against deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with reduced fertility and calves born with low reserves of the vitamin will have increased susceptibility to infection and scours. Vitamin A is destroyed by oxidation—a process which is sped up by the action of heat and light which is why we recommend feed is stored in cool conditions out of direct sunlight.
“ I feel the inclusion of the big three—A, D3 and E—in manufactured ruminant feeds and supplements is a worthwhile insurance against deficiency.” Vitamin D plays a role in growth, deposition of bone and tooth mineral and absorption of calcium from the gut and has a particularly important role to play around calving. Vitamin D rarely occurs in plants except sun dried roughages but can be produced from other compounds in the skin following irradiation by sunlight.
In addition, high potassium intakes can have a laxative effect on ruminants so CMS intakes are normally controlled at relatively modest levels—irrespective of the dilution effect of the low ME when formulating diets for productive animals.
Vitamin E is widely distributed in green forages and grains but occurs at low levels in straw, poor hay and maize silage. Vitamin E plays a key role in the body as an anti-oxidant, especially working in conjunction with selenium. Although the two are not Potassium interchangeable extra Vitamin E is beneficial in low selenium areas. %
Typical published analysis of CMS* compared to Cane Molasses
Product
Dry Crude Matter Protein ME MJ/ % % kg DM
Sugar %
Ash %
CMS
60
35
10
5
23.3
7.0
Molasses
75
6
12.7
65
9
4
*Actual values will depend on the fermentation process
The range of Winslow Feeds and nutritonal products are available through ATS.
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Managing Director of Liberty Genetics, Dave Hayman with 2010 Friesian bull team member and son of Telesis Euon Firenze; Hillsview Fire Priceless, outside the Liberty Genetics office on Ohaupo Rd, Hamilton
Liberty Genetics provides options to NZ Dairy Farmers Maximising efficient production from high genetic merit dairy cows is the key driver for profitable returns in a successful dairy farm operation. By Anita Body It is also what drives Liberty Genetics Ltd, a company which provides dairy farmers with a comprehensive genetics and insemination (AB) service, focused on delivering an efficient, low cost herd improvement option with maximum in-calf rates and competitive genetic gain. Farmers are encouraged to chase Breeding Worth (BW) in an effort to realise genetic value, but Liberty recognise there is more to genetic gain than purchasing the highest BW bulls on the market. The two factors which have a major impact on increasing genetic gain in a dairy herd are submission rates during the AB period and conception rates, to maximise the number of AB bred replacement calves. More cows in calf in the first four weeks of the mating period gives farmers the choice of selling or culling the lower producing cows, or to sell surplus lower merit herd replacements. These factors have a significant impact on the genetic growth of the herd. Poor submission rates and therefore lower four week herd conception rates dictate to farmers their herd’s genetic opportunity. Fewer cows in calf from the first four weeks of AB mean farmers are forced to rear every potential replacement with a number of farmers having to rear natural mated progeny to achieve their replacement targets. Liberty Genetics aim is to empower farmers to take control of their breeding programmes. Liberty offers teams of high genetic merit bulls; higher sperm loaded straws; and a professional technician service. Client testimonials usually confirm a positive outcome, with clients reporting higher conception rates in the first four weeks of mating. One South Island client reported 350 more cows of his 1500 cow herd, calving in the first three weeks compared to the previous year (a 23% increase). This is a significant gain providing the owner with 150 more potential heifer replacements to select for rearing, more days in milk, and the cows often cycling twice before the
start of AB, which boosts conception and reduces the use of interventions to get cows cycling. Established in 1998, Liberty Genetics was founded by nine dairy farmers concerned about the continuously increasing cost of inseminating their dairy herds. These farmers contracted the then Professor of Genetics at Massey University, Dr Dorian Garrick to devise a strategy that would produce a cost effective product for the NZ dairy farmer and also increase genetic gain in the national herds. Dr Garrick is recognised for his work in the development of the NZ Animal Evaluation system and he recommended the shorter generation interval option, using elite young sires. The concept of young sire teams is now widely accepted in the industry. Liberty Genetics took the breeding strategy a step further to secure top Friesian, Jersey and Crossbreed bulls through a partnership with successful NZ bull breeders. The bull breeders own the bulls and Liberty pays the breeders royalties per straw sold. In response, Liberty has access to their best genetics. Dairy farmers who engage Liberty Genetics receive a product and service designed to maximise herd conception rates, along with competitive genetics at a lower cost. This is possible due to the low overhead structure of the company. Liberty operates without the liability of purchasing the bulls, and farms to feed them, plus outsources semen production and logistics to the affiliated reproductive services specialist, Animal Breeding Services. Locally the customer base has grown steadily over the last 10 years. The Liberty technician service StockMates (formed in 2007), completed 50,000 inseminations in the Canterbury region alone in the 2010 season. For further information on Liberty Genetics contact Canterbury sales representative, Geoff Latimer on 03 355 8445 or 0274 372 790, or by email geoff.latimer@xtra.co.nz
Geoff Latimer—Canterbury Sales Representative
Contact:
Geoff Latimer (Canterbury Sales) 97C Winchester St Merivale Christchurch 8014 Tel: 03 355 8445 Mob: 027 437 2790 Email: geofflatimer@xtra.co.nz Web: www.libertygenetics.co.nz
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The importance of iodine Iodine is often overlooked as being important in modern livestock farming, however older farmers will readily concur iodine is critical to the health of sheep and in particular to lambs both before and after birth. By Ian Hodge, Riverside Vets Poor lamb survival and clinical goitre are both hallmarks of iodine deficiency in sheep farming. Sheep are perhaps more susceptible to iodine deficiency than cattle, but cattle can show similar signs and symptoms to sheep. Historically ewes have been dosed individually with solutions of potassium iodide pre-lambing, or the winter feed has been dressed with potassium iodide. These treatments are given pre-lambing because iodine readily crosses the placenta to be available for the unborn foetus. In addition providing pregnant animals with iodine is very beneficial because they have an increased iodine requirement and can quickly become deficient. Dairy cattle are also susceptible to iodine deficiency. Iodine is readily secreted in milk, so high producing dairy cows are particularly at risk of becoming deficient in mid to late lactation.
“Young stock will have reduced growth rates and vigour, and may have altered hair growth.” Grazing ryegrass and clover continuously also increases the risk of producing deficiency. Clover can contain high levels of products (cyanogenetic glycosides) that make iodine unavailable. The brassicas are well known for their ability to cause iodine deficiency. They contain glucosinilates which change the way iodine is taken up and stored by the thyroid gland. The brassica influence on iodine metabolism can be overcome by supplementation. It has been suggested that coastal farms are less likely to suffer chronic iodine deficiency because of the iodine content of salt in sea spray. Inland farms are probably more at risk.
“Because of the influence of iodine on so many of the normal physiological functions we can expect significant production limiting effects with chronic iodine deficiency.” In dairy cows iodine deficiency can contribute to poor fertility (reduced conception rates, reduced cyclic activity and foetal loss). Young stock will have reduced growth rates and vigour, and may have altered hair growth.
Cows can have reduced milk production and bulls can show reduced libido. Because of the influence of iodine on so many of the normal physiological functions we can expect significant production limiting effects with chronic iodine deficiency.
“Supplementing dairy cattle with iodine is well accepted as being beneficial and should be done all year round in Canterbury.” Diagnosing iodine deficiency is complicated. Soil iodine bears little correlation to levels in animals and the levels of iodine in serum are affected by lactation, parasitism and reduced energy intakes. Milk can be a reasonably accurate indicator of blood iodine concentration, but levels can be increased if cows are receiving iodine based teat sprays. Supplementing dairy cattle with iodine is well accepted as being beneficial and should be done all year round in Canterbury. Potassium iodide is usually used as daily supplement and oil based injections are available as longer term solutions. Monitoring the iodine status of your cattle should be done regularly because a deficiency state could result in significant detrimental effects on animal health. It is worth also noting that iodine is cumulative and can become a chronic poison if given in excess. In high amounts iodine will prevent its own production and eventually lead to a deficiency state. Because iodine is so readily secreted in milk, high levels given to stock can potentially pose a threat to human health.
Riverside Vets are ATS Suppliers allowing members to charge services to their ATS Card. Contact:
Riverside Veterinary Services Ltd Tel: 03 308 2321
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Back Get 3 of the vaccinaotremd ore dog truck $30 for onlys deal ATS
SPE CIA
L
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Bring your working dogs into Pets N Vets and the Vet can check and vaccinate them on the back of the truck for you. Please ring for an appointment. Offer extends until 31 Dec 2011.
ance orm mula f r e P r ium og Fo for s Premrking D g a a Wo kg b eive
x 20 h & rec 3 y Bu +gst eac ge r a 0 L 0 $1 EE Bin
FR eelie Wh
ST! S LA OCK T S ILE Y WH ONL
Phone 0800 738 768
246 Tancred Street, Ashburton (next to Briscoes)
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PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH ALL ATS STORES
PRODUCTS AVAILABLE THROUGH ALL ATS STORES
News at ATS ATS Delivery Service ATS have a partnership with TNL Freighting, to provide a free* on farm delivery service for members. TNL operate two trucks dedicated to ATS members to ensure that deliveries are made within 48 hours** of an order being placed. The team of TNL drivers are on farm each day and well known to members. ATS and TNL will continue to operate as safely as possible while meeting all transport requirements in the delivery of dangerous goods to your property. In response to increased member demand for on farm delivery, TNL recently purchased another certified dangerous goods bin to provide the flexibility to carry a wide range of goods on one truck. For more information on ATS’s free* on farm delivery service contact the ATS Customer Service Centre on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or 03 307 5100.
The TNL Team: (From left) Patricia Davison, Guy Gibson, Kimberley Patea, Glenda Walker and Carmen Sutton
* Terms and conditions apply; ** Subject to stock available
Sponsorship—Rakaia Toy Library Rakaia now has its very own Toy Library, catering from babies to preschoolers. Families can become members for as little as $5 allowing them to take home a new toy every fortnight. The Rakaia Toy Library allows parents and carers access to safe and educational toys for their children. Grandparents are able to stock up on puzzles before the grandchildren come to visit and it allows businesses to provide a distraction for their client’s children as they conduct business. Started by a motivated group of local parents, it has taken almost a year of organizing, paperwork and fundraising with local family fun days, catering, sausage sizzles and the support from local businesses, to open the library at the Rakaia Presbyterian Church. The Library is run as a charitable trust and the profit made from memberships and the hire of toys will go back into purchasing bigger and better toys. Many local families and businesses have donated new and 2nd hand toys to the library. ATS have kindly donated some fantastic toys to the library We welcome new members to the library. The Rakaia Toy Library is open Saturday 10.30am–12noon, Rakaia Presbyterian Church. For enquiries please contact Rebecca Andrew 03 302 7202 or Megan 03 302 7373.
Maree Smith presenting the toys to Tyler and Rebecca Andrew
TRU-TEST Promotion ATS and TRU-TEST have teamed up to give you the opportunity to stake your claim on more than $8000 of prizes! From the 1st April to 31st July, there are 16 winners in total each receiving a Sony MP3 player and then an opportunity to dip into the prize barrel in August. Congratulations to the April and May lucky winners. April Winners
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Graeme & Miriam Lill
Craig & Helen Elliot
David & Rebecca Whillans
Stephen & Katrina Delleca
ATS NE WS
Graeme Fulton presenting Craig Elliot with his Sony MP3 player
ATS and United Wheat Growers Competition The United Wheatgrowers wheat competition, with support from ATS, saw entries from around the country pour in just before the competition closed. The re-introduction of the competition saw a pleasing number of entries across the three classes. It has been a challenging year for Mid Canterbury wheat growers whose yield and quality has been lower than hoped due to adverse weather events. Even so, it was a good opportunity for growers to benchmark themselves against others around the country. The judges’ said the grain growing season last year was far from perfect in most regions which were reflected in lower yields and some quality issues. It was pleasing to see the entries in the Competition were of a high standard. In particular the top samples were free from small grains, with high test weights in the Feed Wheat section and very good protein levels in the Milling Wheat samples. The winners of the competition were announced at the Federated Farmers Grains Conference that was held at the Hotel Ashburton on May 26 and 27. Winners: Feed Wheat Class 1st Prize: TA Whiteside & Co Ltd, Clinton 2nd Prize: Waverley Downs Ltd, Balclutha 3rd Prize: AG & AC Hurst Farming Co Ltd, Rakaia Milling Wheat Class 1st Prize: Morrish Farming, Ellesmere 2nd Prize: DC & LJ Redmond Ltd, Pendarves 3rd Prize: Rangitata Holdings, Wakanui Biscuit Wheat Class 1st Prize: PG& IM Campbell, Rakaia
Electricity Commentary—Neal Shaw Electricity is something that we all need in our daily lives, whether it is running your irrigation system or dairy shed, or for home heating. There has been plenty of activity in this market segment in recent weeks, particularly in the Electricity Ashburton lines network with ATS’ introduction of Genesis Energy as a secondary supplier to the existing Meridian Energy offer through ATS. For clarity, I need to point out that ATS has a strong working relationship with Meridian Energy and ATS Members that are happy with the existing arrangement can continue to have their Meridian Energy charges debited to their ATS account. ATS has been working with Meridian Energy over the past 12 months to secure more advantageous term of trade for ATS Members, ultimately the only real way for ATS to create competition was to introduce another offer and allow members to be able to evaluate their energy accounts. The subsequent reaction from Meridian through other co-operatives is a sound indication that our decision was the correct one in that greater competition was created in the market. Some ATS Members reaction to the offer has been critical of ATS which is surprising given that ATS is here to create competition to help reduce the cost of your farming inputs. If we had not introduced another offer to the market, then none of you would have been approached by other companies in an effort to A) improve your deal and B) encourage you to sign your deal up with them instead of ATS. This is a risk for ATS obviously, as some members may choose to transfer their business, the end result is that ATS gets penalised for introducing competition into the market. We can only hope that ATS Members see through this and appreciate that without our influence in the market, nothing would have happened in this market segment through other rural supplies companies in the Electricity Ashburton network area. It’s also important to note that this competitive pricing is specific to the Electricity Ashburton network area and is as a direct result of the ATS initiative. Farmers operating outside the Electricity Ashburton network are not seeing the same level of competition because ATS does not have a presence in these areas, we are taking steps to remedy this issue. If you have any comments or questions about this or any other issue don’t hesitate to contact me.
ATS Carpark Clearing Sale Come grab yourself a great bargain at the ATS Carpark Clearing Sale. Products on sale range from agricultural products to homeware. All items must go. Jono Pavey (ATS) and Brian Leadley (United Wheatgrowers Director) with the winner of the Biscuit Wheat Class, Peter Campbell
June 20–24 9am–5.30pm ATS Ashburton Carpark, Havelock St
ATS NE WS
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News at ATS
ATS out and about Above: Maree Smith and Carrin Clarke with the Coopers promotion
Above: Jono Pavey and Brian Leadley presenting David Redmond with 2nd place in the Milling Wheat Class of the United Wheatgrowers wheat competition
Above: Cheryl Stocker (owner of Stocker Dairy Services), Hayley Moynihan (Senior Analyst of Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Research) and Nicky Hogg at the Ashburton Women in Business Meeting
Above: Hayley Moynihan (Senior Analyst of Rabobank Food and Agribusiness Research) and Nicky Hogg at the Ashburton Women in Business Meeting
Right: Rodger and Margaret Snowden with Alan Lilley Above: Derek Glass and his grandson Cameron Sharpe at the South Island Agricultural Field Days Left: Jono Pavey and Brian Leadley presenting Peter Campbell with 1st place in the Biscuit Wheat Class of the United Wheatgrowers wheat competition
Right: ATS member enjoys the Coppers BBQ Right: Jenny McLauchlan and Bev Tasker
Left: Trish Burrowes presenting Dayle Lucas with 1st prize from South Island Agricultural Field Days
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ATS NE WS
CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Export Quality Hydrangeas Rakaia Lions Club. Suitable for driveways, fence lines and tanker lanes Tel Ted 0274 343 445; Email ted.sue@xtra.co.nz
Kidz Korner A great place to shop for children’s and baby gifts. Specialising in books, games, toys and clothing. Come check out the amazing selection next time you need to purchase a gift. Free gift wrapping. ATS Supplier. East Street Ashburton. Ph 307 0456
Small Trailer For lambing or calving with crate. Suit a quad or a runabout. $325 Tel 03 308 2168
Winter Cow Grazing Available For approx 250. Regal kale, oats and straw. Valetta Area. Tel Grant 03 303 6239
Frizzell Ltd Electronic farm scales from $780.00; well depth meters from $285.00, weather stations from $149.00, irrigation monitoring equipment from $195.00, farm weigh bridges from $3800.00 (all prices plus G.S.T.). If it’s Farm electronics contact Frizzell Agricultural Electronics for the best price. We also have a wide range of crates and platforms for scales, plus irrigation monitoring and farm security systems. For free information on our wide range of products contact Alastair Frizzell on 03 318133, or your local contact Viv McLachlan on 03 3027 065 or 0275066434. www.frizzell.co.nz or sales @frizzell.co.nz
WANTED Killing Shed Tel 03 302 1704 or 0274 483 767
ElectraServe Ltd Electrical services delivered to your door step! Do you know we offer rural services such as: • Whiteware & Home Appliance repairs every week • All Farm & Domestic services every week • Heat Pump installations and maintenance as our customers require. • Cowshed, Irrigation and all emergency repairs anytime—24hrs a day 7 days a week!
Call us today to find out when we are in your area… 308 9008 or visit www.electraserve.co.nz
RETAIL
ATS Online Shop Come and experience ATS shopping online! Over 100 products Free freight* Open 24/7 Direct Credit to ATS account www.ats.co.nz *Terms and conditions apply
Win a chance to dip into a barrel of prizes!
Purchase over $200 of TRU-TEST Group products from April to July and go in the monthly draw to stake your claim on more than $8000 of prizes. See in store for details.
Purina
Win $10,000 for a backyard makeover for you & your pet with Purina ProPlan. Purchase any ProPlan bag 1.59kg or larger, complete the entry form & enter in-store or by mail. See in-store for more details.
Skellerup
Receive a FREE pair of Quatro socks when purchasing Quatro gumboots. Offer available during June, or while stocks last.
Advertising Enquiries Please contact the Marketing Department on: Tel: 03 307 5100 Email: marketing@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz
Diversey NZ
Receive a FREE 750ml rinse aid with every Sun Dishwasher Powder 5kg purchase.