February 2015 In Season

FEBRUARY 2015

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Base AR1 maximising on farm yield

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Electricity trading the quiet, essential market

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ATS proudly supporting a growing community event

Market Update Jono Pavey

General Manager Operations

By Richard Rennie

Welcome to the February edition of the ATS In Season publication.

The dry conditions being experienced locally over recent weeks have been a concern for many. Some dryland barley crops started to be harvested in early January, but with only limited grain harvested at the time of writing it is too early to gain an indication of yield and quality. It is expected given the adverse conditions experienced by many dryland growers in particular that yields will be reduced. To date this year we have seen no major change in the cereal feed market with limited transactions as dairy farmers continue to purchase hand to mouth. We will all continue to closely monitor this season’s harvest and its results.

With autumn nearly upon us, now is the time for planning and setting up your farming system up to handle the winter months and prepare for spring.

Last spring saw the establishment of an increased area of winter crops such as kale and fodder beet and with insect pressure at its highest levels in coming months, it is important to ensure these are well managed to ensure maximised yield potential during the crucial winter months.

The first step is to identify the pests and then establish a plan to eradicate them, but not at the expense of beneficial insects.

Given the dry conditions we are currently experiencing this has the potential to be

In addition to insect control at this time of year, the final steps in meeting brassica crops nutrient requirements is key. By now the majority of crops will have received their first side dressing of nitrogen. Additional nitrogen applications will be required to achieve higher yields, particularly under irrigation. It could also be worth considering herbage tests so if something is affecting the crop such as boron or molybdenum deficiencies these can be corrected before they impact on yield potential. For specialist advice contact your local ATS representative.

In this edition of In Season we pay special mention to Nicky Hogg who recently resigned as Dairy Market Manager (previously the Customer Service Centre Manager) from ATS after 15 years’ service.

We also celebrate the success of the recent ATS Longbeach Costal Challenge which has grown from strength to strength in recent years and saw the return of Commonwealth Games gold medallist competitor Anton Cooper.

ASHBURTON

METHVEN

RAKAIA

HEAD OFFICE

FRONT COVER

97 Burnett St Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6723 ashburton@ats.co.nz

88 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

Monday - Friday 8am till 5:30 pm Saturday 9am till 12pm Closed Sundays and public holidays

Monday - Friday 8am till 5:30pm Closed weekends and public holidays

Monday - Friday 8am till 5:30pm Closed weekends and public holidays

PO Box 131, Ashburton Tel: 03 307 5100 Fax: 03 307 6721 ats@ats.co.nz www.ats.co.nz

ATS Grain & Seed Coordinator Blair Franklin with dairy farmer Jeremy Duckmanton awaiting delivery of feed wheat.

DISCLAIMER: All prices are ATS Members’ prices, including GST, and are valid until 28 February 2015 unless otherwise stated or while stocks last. E&OE.

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more important than in recent years along with the fact our representatives have seen significant insect damage in brassica crops recently.

News from ATS

Are you paying too much for your electricity?

Is your farm prepared for the new Health & Safety requirements?

Courses providing you with up to date farm safety practises and a manual specific to your needs will be run again this year. Confirmed dates for 2015 are 17 February, 17 March, 21 April, 19 May, 23 June, 21 July, 18 August, 22 September, 17 November with October’s dates yet to be confirmed.

With changes to the Health and Safety Act taking effect from April this year, this training is timely for farmers and small business holders looking to comply with regulations and best practise within their organisation. Upon completion of the training, members will be able to apply for a discount on their ACC levies.

ATS Energy can provide you with a free no obligation comparison from our energy partners so you can see if there are any potential savings to be had for your home or farm by paying your electricity accounts through ATS. Contact ATS Energy Account Manager Tracey Gordon today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

Courses cost $550 (GST and member discount inclusive). Seating is limited so get in early to reserve your spot. For more information or make a booking please contact Peter Jacob on 03 307 5124 or 0800 BUY ATS (289 287), email book@ats.co.nz or book online at www.ats.co.nz/farmsafety

Do you need help with LPG? ATS Energy can help you with your LPG needs. Call us today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) to discuss which of our suppliers is the best option for you.

ATS store hours All ATS Stores are open from Monday to Friday 8am – 5.30pm with ATS Ashburton open on Saturdays from 9am – 12pm. If members have any emergency requirements the duty manager can be reached on 03 307 5100 or 027 487 6865.

Nutrient Management Roadshow – Ashburton 9 March Dairy Women’s Network, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, DairyNZ, Fonterra, Tatua and Synlait have teamed up to bring you an event that will take the mystery out of farm nitrogen reports, show what factors influence the numbers in your report, and leave you with some really practical ways to change your numbers for the better. Hear from a local farmer, from industry experts in dairy and fertiliser, and have your say, too. Register now at www.dwn.co.nz or phone 07 974 4850.

Is it time to renew your Approved Handler Certificate?

Your Approved Handler Certificate may have expired or be about to expire. Make sure they are up to date before its time to purchase or apply chemicals. If your certificates need renewing, we can help. Please contact Peter Jacob on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) and he will be able to assist you with the renewal process.

Please take care filling your silo A reminder to arable growers to take care when filling silo’s.

Don’t sweep or scoop up grain and stones and add it to your stored grain. Stones in grain are becoming a big issue for end users particularly when being processed by small crushers on dairy farms.

Remember to also take accurate running samples for each stored line of grain taking into consideration quality parameters like moisture, test weight, screenings and protein. Phone ATS Seed on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) for more information.

Have you got the best deal with your fuel card?

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There are a number of fuel options available to keep your farm and family on the move. All are designed to be convenient and to help lower your farm’s input costs. Through Ruralco you can get a fuel card for Mobil and you can also access Allied Petroleum for bulk fuel supply. Through ATS you can get a BP, Z or Caltex fuel card and can access RD Petroleum for bulk fuel supply. Discounts available differ for each fuel provider. Contact the ATS Customer Service Centre on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287) or check out www.ats.co.nz for discounts and to check you are getting the best deal.

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135.00

$

275.00

$

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WH Y

T WO SAELRTS A RE BE T T TH A N ONE

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FIRSTLY, WeedMaster® TS540

is the proven glyphosate formulation containing a Twin Salt™ blend and a unique “in can” surfactant, Activate™.

Together, they deliver faster uptake and rapid translocation throughout the plant, resulting in

SECONDLY, the high strength

formulation means you’ll use less per hectare, saving you time in 20 minutes when used with Pulse® Penetrant.

SO GET THE TWIN SALT ADVANTAGE WITH WEEDMASTER TS540.

weedmaster.co.nz ®WeedMaster and Priority Partnership are registered trademarks of Nufarm Ltd. ®Pulse is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd. ™Twin Salt and Activate are trademarks of Nufarm Ltd. BT3291

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FEATURES • • Detachable for Break feeding with ‘Connect’ quick coupling.

• Compact & Robust construction • New Pilot Flow Filter • Side & Bottom Mounting

CODE MFV2025D MFV20D MFV25D MFV32D

INLET SIZES 20/25mm 20mm 25mm 32mm

FEATURES • High Flow • Fully Adjustable Mounting • Detachable for Break feeding with ‘Connect’ quick coupling.

• Compact Robust construction

CODE TPV20D TPV25D TPV32D

INLET SIZES 20mm 25mm 32mm

Jobe Valves Ltd 0800 JOBE VALVES www.jobevalves.com

DRAIN IT.

STORE IT. For February and March Bailey’s are offering great deals on water tanks and culvert pipe exclusive to ATS.

Bailey Water Tanks

5,000L normally $1,530 NOW $1,275 25,000L normally $3,150 NOW $2,850 30,000L normally $3,695 NOW $3,395

Bailey Bazooka Culvert Pipe

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300mm x 6m $238.40 $285 375mm x 6m $325.70 $378 450mm x 6m $544.60 $597

TM

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Do You Have Tank Problems?

HEAVY DUTY TANK LEVEL INDICATOR

Monitor Water Levels ✔ See at a glance your tank water level ✔ Protect your system from water loss damage ✔ Suitable for any type or size tank

0% STR5 O 16mm N stain GER tub

les eo stren ffers 50% s steel gth t han 1 more 2mm tube s

Valve Closes at Maximum Level

HIGH PERFORMANCE TANK / RESERVOIR VALVE

Protect Your Pump ✔ Adjustable Minimum &Opens Maximum on/off control Valve at Minimum ✔ Lengthen your pumpsLevel life with less on/off cycles ✔ Delivers high volumes of water (1275 lpm @ 12 bar)

Buy a Level Alert or Leveller Valve to

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TO BE WON Conditions: Your mobile carrier fees apply when sending receipt. Includes return flights to and from Auckland, one nights accommodation, meals and Heli Adventure, weather permitting. Trip is May 2015. Further T&C’s at www.hansenproducts.com/promo.htm

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With You and a Mate on Great Barrier Island Simply purchase a Hansen Leveller Valve or Level Alert between January and April 2015 and Pxt a photo of your receipt and name to 027 HANSEN 1 (027 4267361) to enter into the draw.

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Proudly Kiwi Owned and Operated Since 1958

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Proven LaserPlus LaserInk pitch black ink Laser marking for proven durability Advanced shiny, non-stick surface As permanent as a tag tattoo

The boldest, blackest, easiest-to-read livestock identification

Available off-the-wall at your local ATS store Talk to us for all your NAIT and management tag needs

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www.allflex.co.nz

DOG CHOW 14.5 kg or PUPPY CHOW 14.5kg

$59.90

E $30 BUY 2 SAV TUX Country 25kg TUX Energy 25kg or

Buy 2 bags of same product per transaction

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Deals valid 1st to 28th February 2015

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ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY:

The Chook Book - a guide to healthy, happy hens It is thought that wild fowl were first domesticated for their eggs in Egypt, nearly 5,000 years ago. Today, many people have their own home flocks, and why not? Chickens make a great hobby that anyone in the family can enjoy.

The rise of lifestyle blocks has led to more backyard egg production, and a few farm fresh eggs complete a great breakfast picture on many tables each morning.

With a few simple principles, it is possible to enjoy a good production ample enough to supply the family and a few neighbours as well.

The NRM Chook Book provides some tips for the home producer. Here’s a very brief overview of some of the topics covered...

The Egg - Nature’s Incredible Food Eggs are one of nature’s most complete foods, containing many proteins, vitamins and minerals. Eggs are a natural, healthy source of: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Folate, Potassium, Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Phosphorus and Zinc.

Find out more about eggs, what to look for and the best way to keep eggs fresh.

Poultry Housing It is extremely important that poultry housing provides protection against the rain and direct sunlight, and that it is free from draughts, yet well ventilated to prevent ammonia and spread of disease.

To determine the appropriate size of a

henhouse, allow approximately three birds per square metre. Thus a 20 bird flock would require a floor space of at least seven square metres. The average hen also needs approximately 250mm perch space. The perch needs to be at a comfortable jumping height.

In general, 600mm high will suffice.

Nests need to be clean, comfortable and fairly dark with appropriate nesting material that will repel parasites.

Choosing Your Hens One of the first decisions you will have to make is what type breed of birds you want.

You are likely to come across the terms ‘heavy breed’ and ‘light breed’. Light breeds are primarily for egg production. Heavy breeds tend to grow ‘heavy’ at a young age and so were originally mainly for meat, but nowadays they also lay well.

The Chook Book provides a guide to breeds, when to buy and what to look out for.

Feeding Layer Birds Feed is the single most important factor to successfully keeping a flock of laying birds.

The nutritional quality of your hen’s feed will effect their egg production, egg size, shell quality and overall health. Whilst layers will survive, and lay some eggs on almost any type of feed, their diet must be properly balanced for maximum production, health and well-being. Protein, vitamins and minerals, grit , clean water and greens such as lucerne, silverbeet and lettuce are all important.

Health Guidelines & Troubleshooting With proper management, the incidence of disease and other problems are reduced.

Before introducing new birds to your henhouse, clean thoroughly followed by a fresh litter of straw or wood shavings.

External parasitic infestation causes irritation and stress to your birds which can result in a severe drop in egg production. It is unlikely you will be able to eliminate parasites completely, but they can be kept to a minimum through good management.

Discover a range of tips and tricks to to treat typical vices such as egg and feather eating, broken skin and broodiness.

Chook Book

Pick up your free copy of The Chook Book from your local ATS store, or download from: nrm.co.nz/chookbook

For hens hens that that lay lay For the golden golden egg. egg. the Happy, healthy hens and tasty golden eggs...

Happy, healthy hens tasty eggs...

A professional grade feed and that has themgolden flocking for more.

A professional grade feed that has them flocking for more.

PECK’n’LAY PELLETS OR MASH PECK’n’LAY

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PELLETS OR MASH

Available 1 - 28 February 2015 or while stocks last.

Available 1 - 28 February 2015 or while stocks last.

0800 800 380 www.nrm.co.nz 0800 800 380 www.nrm.co.nz

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Only Only $28.80 $28.80

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Christmas with ATS 1

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1. Brenda Mosby & Nancy Christy / 2. Vicky Ivey & Linda Dormer / 3. Daisy taking advantage of a great deal / 4. Lynette Lovett & Anne Letham / 5. Wayne & Karen Gregory / 6. Chris Bell, Craig & Deborah Halliday

Recent Prize Winners 1

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1. Congratulations to Don Sauer the winner of the Pedigree Barbecue pack, seen here with Abi Rackham from ATS & William Miles from Pedigree / 2. Congratulations to Peter & Elaine Hulme who won $1000 worth of Ruralco vouchers from Deosan, seen here with Lauren Sandrey & Melissa Broome from ATS and Alistair Gray from Deosan

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Who can you depend on for farm bulk fuel delivery?

With over 30 years of experience supplying bulk fuel to Canterbury Farmers, you can depend on us to deliver your fuel when you need it.

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HCA.CO.NZ ALD0345

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