Dairy Focus April

Page 1

An Ashburton Guardian Supplement

Dairy Focus April 2012

Nathan Christian, won the Canterbury North Otago dairy trainee section of the Dairy Industry Awards. Page 3

NZ Dairy Industry Awards. Pages 12-13

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Dairy Focus April 2012

Herd scene with Hamish Fonterra’s Clandeboye milk-processing factory is worth a visit, says Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy spokesman Hamish Davidson.

He said there was plenty of planning going on around feed budgets, which cows to cull and pregnancy rates. Some would be looking back over the past season and wondering if they could have done better.

Hamish Davidson Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers’ dairy section head

The factory is being opened to the public on Thursday and Mr Davidson is encouraging Mid Canterbury people to make the effort Most were preparing for a colder-than-average winter and installing generators which would keep dairy sheds to see it. operating if snow cut electricity. A generator as an “People should go. It will help them understand what alternative power source was a personal choice, but happens to the milk collected here and its effect on the “cheap insurance” given the loss of milk if cows could economy.” not be milked, he said. Fonterra is in the process of building another plant at Challenges for the next season relate to the many new Darfield, and Mid Canterbury milk may begin to head conversions planned. Mr Davidson said there would be north rather than south. pressure on to find experienced people to manage the large-scale operations. Mr Davidson said milk production was on a gradual decline to the end of the season, and dairy farmers were focused on planning for the winter and the 201213 milking season. Herds would be dried off by the end of May.

He said winter feed shortages would be known by mid-May, if they existed, and many farmers would be feeding out silage they had baled earlier in the season after great grass-growing weather.

Fonterra to invest in two new farms in China Fonterra has unveiled plans to develop two new large-scale dairy farms in China. Chief Executive Theo Spierings said China was a significant priority in Fonterra’s refreshed global strategy. “We have a long history in China and we are committed to the further development of the local Chinese dairy industry. We want to establish an integrated milk business in China that processes high quality milk from Chinese farms into dairy nutrition for Chinese customers and consumers,” he said. With consumption in China expected to double by 2020, the country will be consuming more than 70 billion litres of milk every year by 2020. “It is clear that much of this growth in demand for dairy nutrition will be met from local production. “An integrated business all starts with a safe, high quality local milk supply. Our intention is to develop separate farming hubs across China, with the ultimate goal of producing up to 1 billion litres of high quality milk every year by 2020.” Fonterra has already committed investment to five farms in the Hebei Province, in the north east of China. “Our first farm in Tangshan opened in 2007 and we are celebrating the official opening of our second farm in the area. Yutian Farm One is currently milking around 2200 cows and producing around 11 million litres a year. At full capacity it will reach 30 million litres of high quality milk a year. “Construction of our third farm, also at Yutian County, is underway and today we are also announcing that we will be investing NZ$100 million in a further two farms in the same province. “This will mean we will have a hub with five farms within the area. Combined, they will have a herd size of around 15,000 milking cows producing 150 million litres a year and all nearby a large market like Beijing. “We will be using local suppliers, partners and contractors to build our two new farms and when all five farms are up and running we will be employing around 500 local staff.”

Dairy Focus

An advertising supplement of the Ashburton Guardian

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Ashburton Guardian Photo Tetsuro Mitomo 290312-TM-034

We welcome any correspondence to either:

Effluent systems put to the test Ealing farmer Mark Slee points out improvements he has made to his dairy farm’s effluent system. An effluent systems road show run by DairyNZ attracted plenty of interest last month, when Mr Slee showed off a two-pond system, with effluent distributed through a centre pivot irrigation. A second farmer demonstrated effluent disposal via an enviro-saucer, with rotary drum separator. Farmers took the chance to ask questions about how the effluent systems had been improved to fit each farm, and about new compliance rules and policies to exclude stock from waterways.

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A sweet life for Nathan Christian Life is sweet for Mid varied, and he would Canterbury dairy trainee be sorry to leave. The Linda Clarke, Nathan Christian. Johnsons had helped rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian The 22-year-old finished start him on a certain 22nd in this year’s twocareer in the dairy day individual Coast to industry and cemented Coast, last month won the Canterbury a desire to one day own a large-scale North Otago dairy trainee section of dairy farm. the Dairy Industry Awards, and will “A lot of people say large scale is soon officially graduate from Lincoln University with a three-year Bachelor of harder, but I don’t think it is, and it is a lot more interesting.” Commerce in Agriculture degree. Come July, he will pack his bags for He arrived on the farm last November Europe and a 10-month overseas in the midst of training for the Coast experience. to Coast, an epic adventure race from Life’s so sweet he’s not really sure he the West Coast to Sumner involving should be leaving the country . . . but mountain running, kayaking and cycling. it’s now or never for a young man keen Nathan cut out the journey in 14 hours to return and carve himself a career in and 20 minutes, and had a great time in the booming dairy industry. the process. Nathan grew up on a 50-acre block just out of Hamilton, where the family raised He says he used to watch the finishers dairy replacements on a dryland block. on television and one day decided it was achievable for him too. Setting He left school after Year 13 to work on a 1000-cow dairy farm, planning to stay goals and being disciplined enough to 12 months before heading to Lincoln reach them is part of his work ethos. University – it was also a test to see if While the adventure race was about milking cows was for him. hard work in the short-term, his dairy “Turned out I loved it,” he said. career is about building on the base He headed to Lincoln knowing his he has created as a dairy trainee. He future was in dairying and in his final plans to spend his 10 months overseas year last year met Mid Canterbury dairy looking at dairying operations in farmers Ben and Shannon Johnson. Europe. They were the focus of his personal farm study, and they ended up offering “I am teeing up work on a dairy farm him a job when the university paper was and I want to look at different ways complete. of farming there. It will make me appreciate what we have here and help The Johnsons run three cow sheds on 600 hectares at Westerfield and also me understand our competition.” employ the winners of the Canterbury Nathan said he planned to return to North Otago sharemilker of the year Mid Canterbury after travelling. “As category, Enda and Sarah Hawe. far as dairying goes, there are a lot of Nathan said the Hawes were opportunities here for young fellas.” responsible for two sheds and 1400 Ten years down the track, he would cows, while he helped in the third like to at least have achieved his goal shed and was responsible for farm work across the property, from milking, of dairy ownership. He says embracing irrigation and fencing to growing crops technology and farming more and dealing with dry stock. environmentally consciously will be important in the future. He said the job was interesting and

Winners of the Canterbury North Otago sharemilker/equity farmers The Canterbury North Otago sharemilker/equity farmers of the year were Enda and Sarah Hawe, lower order sharemilkers for Ben and Shannon Johnson. They milk 1400 cows on 270ha at Westerfield. North Rakaia farm manager Mick O’Connor was the regional farm manager of the year.

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer Merit Awards: NZDIA Canterbury North Otago First Time Entrant Award – Koji and Joei Wada Plucks Engineering Ltd Effluent Management Award – Enda and Sarah Hawe Riverside Veterinary Services Ltd Animal Health Award – Earl and Melissa McSweeney DairyNZ Human Resources Award – James and Belinda McCone Ecolab Farm Dairy Hygiene Award – Boyd and Annette Slemint Federated Farmers of New Zealand Leadership Award – Earl and Melissa McSweeney

Honda Farm Safety and Health Award – James and Belinda McCone LIC Recording and Productivity Award – Enda and Sarah Hawe Meridian Energy Farm Environment Award – Enda and Sarah Hawe Ravensdown Pasture Performance Award – Enda and Sarah Hawe Westpac Business Performance Award – Hayden and Robyn Williams.

Farm Manager Merit Awards: TH Enterprises Ltd Outstanding Progression Award – Robert Holt and Stephanie MacFarlane NZDIA Canterbury North Otago Pride and Presentation Award – Mick O’Connor DairyNZ Human Resource Management Award – Mick O’Connor RD1 Farm Management Award – Athol New Westpac Financial Planning and Management Award – Jason and Paula Strawbridge. Check out the photos of the evening on page 12 and 13.

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Dairy Focus April 2012

Balance feed for maximum result just pasture will still result in milk production, however the cow cannot convert all of the Ruminant Nutrition nutrients present in a pasture based diet, Consultant, at Dairy thereby lowering the feed conversion rate; in Business Centre other words you will not get all of the quality When balancing feed rations for dairy cows, out of the grass converted into milk. Adding the impact from this lack of quality can be higher quality supplements to the feed ration will balance identified through lower dry-matter content, starch and the energy : protein ratio in the overall diet which will result protein levels. While drying the grain will help increase dry- in increased milk production, but without any negative effect matter percentages, the quality of the starch and protein will on the animal. A balanced concentrate blend is of better effectively remain unaltered. feed quality than straight grain by itself. Feeding lower quality grain will result in livestock receiving Maintaining the correct energy: protein ratio balance will see a diet that is less balanced and, as grain is an important farmers maximising milk production for minimum additional factor in the effective conversion of pasture, place stress on cost - feeding poorer quality supplements lowers the ratio animals attempting to convert high levels of protein from resulting in a need to increase the amount of grain being fed a diet that is predominately pasture based. Yes, a diet with in order to achieve a similar milk response. The current grain harvest season has seen farmers battling adverse weather conditions and, while yields have been good, grain quality has been affected to a certain degree.

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When examining the quality of feed supplements, the quality levels through the use of an NIR machine can greatly benefit farmers in assessing the expected milk response gained from the supplements being fed. Feeding the correct quality supplement to complement pasture quality will see the milk response from the total feed ration achieving its greatest result. Also, minimising quality fluctuations in feed rations has a positive effect on dairy cows as animals have less need to adapt their physiology, which would otherwise waste additional energy and depress milk production, to cope with the variance in feed supplements. Balancing feed rations based around feed tested through an NIR unit will provide you with peace of mind and the assurance that feed quality is being consistently maintained, to the benefit of both you and your dairy herd.

Michael and Karen Blomfield won Supreme award Opio farmers Michael and Karen Blomfield, the owners of an “industry-leading” dairy farm, have won the Supreme award in the 2012 Southland Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA) judges were lavish in their praise of the couple’s 220ha former sheep and beef farm, describing it as an “impeccable and aesthetically pleasing farm with the wow factor”. “This dairy business can be highlighted as demonstrating all the disciplines we would have expected of a medium scale operation that epitomises near optimum environmental, social and financial sustainability.” The Blomfields also collected a slew of category awards, including the LIC Dairy Farm Award. Michael and Karen took over the farm from Michael’s parents John and Joan in 1994, and converted it in 2008. Last season they peak milked 580 cows on a milking platform of 189ha, achieving 233,300kgMilksolids at a cost of just $3.13/kgMS.

mindful of environmental impacts. Judges said they demonstrated a very good understanding of soil nutrients. Fertiliser is carefully placed across different sectors according to a detailed nutrient management plan. The Blomfields, who run the operation with the help of herd manager Nathan Knight, seek expert advice from a range of sources and are always looking for opportunities to improve their business. Over the last four years they have made a significant effort to reduce farm debt, with farm succession being a key consideration in most decisions.

Judges said the Blomfields’ strong awareness of sustainability is highly evident. All improvements on the Opio property have been “thoughtfully considered and carefully implemented, resulting in many innovative features”. Examples include the use of solar panels for powering roadcrossing lights and the utilisation of native bark BFEA judges said the chips as a protective layer whole farm conversion around drainage pipes. Plastic had been thoughtfully bale wrap is compacted in an planned and executed, with Michael and Karen old wool press, and a cardboard the Blomfields utilising their Blomfield. shoebox “muffler” is used to silence extensive knowledge of the farm’s molasses feeding in the shed. Judges said soils to implement an impressive grazing a range of water and energy-saving devices and management programme. practices are in place. The farm also has a highly Their strong focus on pasture monitoring and effective effluent system which utilises a weeping management was enhanced by the use of expert wall. advice and Michael’s extensive knowledge of pasture species to create highly productive pasture Steeper areas and gullies have been planted out and the property features some outstanding mixes. riparian zones “that have been created with a real Crops are kept to a minimum. Swede crops are focus on plant species and beautification”. These precision drilled and carefully grazed to improve plantings have also provided a home for native utilisation while minimising damage to soils. birds. Shelterbelts were established on the farm Though the Blomfields run a low input system, before conversion and these were added to as part they set high performance targets and are always of the laneway creation and farm subdivision.

Fodder beet, for cows with a sweet tooth Mid Canterbury farmers wanting the latest information on fodder beet are spoiled for choice. They can attend a field day run by Quigley Contracting at Punawai (on Frasers Road) tomorrow or attend an evening seminar run by DairyNZ at the Ashburton Golf Club on May 1. The DairyNZ session starts at 6.45pm and will include top tips from a farmer who has successfully implemented the crop into his system. Other guest speakers include Jim Gibbs, from Lincoln University; David Walsh, a forage specialist from Seed Force; and Steve Lee, productivity developer for DairyNZ. Fodder beet has grown in popularity over the past five years as winter feed crop, but it is tricky to grow well. The seminar will cover all farmers need to know about growing a high yielding crop, and how it stacks up against other feed options. DairyNZ says farmers considering growing or feeding fodder beet should seek advice – from seedbed preparation to sowing, weed and pest control, and allocating a balanced diet to the cows. At Punawai tomorrow, the Quigleys will have their fodder beet harvester working, as well as guest speakers. They will also run a competition to find the biggest fodder beet. The day starts at 3pm.

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Free protein testing on feed Farmers worried By Linda Clarke, rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian analysis of agricultural products. about low protein levels in feed wheat for their dairy cows can Zuzana said while the harvest had been have the grain tested free at Advanced Feed. frustrating, farmers could use the technology The Methven stockfood company is offering to see how their crops had been affected. free protein testing until the end of May. “In a wet year, grain yield increases with Farmers need to provide a 500g sample, extra moisture, however the crop is short which will be examined by near infrared of nitrogen required for protein synthesis reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. and is high in starch. Consequently protein Quality assurance at Advanced Feed Zuzana accumulation in seed is low and starch content high.� Derik said the test could be carried out on the spot and took up to 10 minutes. She said stock needing to make up the lost protein could be fed another source of She said farmers might be worried about protein like canola meal, soya or palm kernel. protein levels in feed wheat because of the wet weather conditions last growing season. Advanced Feed tests all feed wheat supplied to its own mill for protein and moisture, and testing had already shown this year’s feed wheat was at lower protein levels. “Last year we had on average 10 per cent protein. We are down to eight this year.� Zuzana said dairy cows needed protein and nutrients to keep up milk production. If feed wheat had lower levels, then cows might need supplements. She said the NIR technology was a nochemical way to determine composition like protein and moisture, and delivered quick, effective and accurate results. The NIR spectroscope measures the wavelength and intensity of the absorption or reflectance of near-infrared light by a sample. “It takes a few minutes to prepare a sample. We grind the wheat and run it through the instrument, which takes 5-10 minutes.� The sample is not destroyed during analysis and the results are precise, based on a calibration process using computer software. Zuzana Derik, Quality Assurance, Advanced Feed testing feed wheat for protein levels. NIR is used around the world for the routine

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Dairy Focus April 2012

Mike Wilson, LIC Premier Sires product manager.

SEEKING THE BEST BREEDER

Matching two perfect parents to produce outstanding offspring is the key to successful breeding, and this month farmer royalty will gather to acknowledge the best breeding brains, and bulls, in the country. Hamilton-based dairy farmer co-operative LIC will celebrate its annual Breeders’ Day today, hosting about 100 breeders from around New Zealand, from Hikurangi in the far North to Otautau in the deep South.

dairy herd, over a 10-year period, is responsible for about 60 per cent of the production gains made on New Zealand dairy farms. So while bloodstock bloodlines of the racing industry attract much glamour and glitz, it’s the people behind bovine bloodlines that can justifiably lay claim to the mantle of ‘agriculture’s economic powerhouse’ in New Zealand. Estimates put the economic contribution of LIC’s bulls to the dairy industry at $16 billion over the past 46 years.

about the achievements of each team and the individual bulls in those teams, as well as the people behind them.” To breed an elite bull is a long process, a process that can only happen with the help and support of these breeders, not to mention LIC’s sire selection and farm teams, Mr Wilson said.

“Nearly all farmers are constantly trying to improve the quality of their animals through better breeding, and LIC has literally millions of bull calves to choose from each Those breeders will have contributed dairy bull calves “That’s why top breeders of dairy bull calves are year for eventual inclusion in one of its Premier Sires to LIC (the country’s largest dairy animal-improvement so incredibly important to LIC, and that’s why we organisation). Initially the bull calves will have been hand- acknowledge the work they do and celebrate the animals teams. Only about 120 bulls will make it each year.” picked by LIC on the back of impressive ancestry records they’re producing for the industry,” says Mike Wilson, LIC On Breeders’ Day the farmers – who have contributed to or the animals’ DNA profiles. Premier Sires product manager. the Premier Sires team of last season – will be treated to a full-course lunch and parade of bulls at the Newstead Since then, the bull calves have gone on to produce Premier Sires is the brand given to seven teams of elite Bull Farm, adjacent to LIC headquarters. semen that has resulted in some of the dairy industry’s bulls owned by LIC. most-highly efficient daughters, known for their ability to Semen from Premier Sires bulls is artificially inseminated They will receive a certificate and framed photograph, produce excellent volumes of high-quality milk (as well and hear about some of the latest developments in the in to more than 2.5 million dairy cows each year (about as illustrating good temperament, health, fertility, and 75 per cent of cows milked on New Zealand dairy farms artificial breeding industry. longevity). are sired by an LIC bull). Premier Sires is an artificial breeding programme unique The dairy industry commonly refers to this to LIC and its purpose is to provide farmers with teams of Mr Wilson says scores of breeders in the industry make intergenerational progress as ‘genetic gain’. use of cutting edge technology to get top reproductive high Breeding Worth (BW) bulls. The value of the Premier Independent research (Bill Montgomerie, New Zealand results. “To get a bull in a Premier Sires team is often the Sires to the New Zealand dairy industry is estimated at pinnacle of these people’s careers. So Breeders’ Day is $30 million per year. Animal Evaluation) shows genetic gain in the national

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Dairy Focus April 2012

Successful end/start of season for farm owners and sharemilkers As the end of season approaches, it is important the transition between outgoing and incoming sharemilkers is a smooth one for both parties and the farm owner. When contracts are signed, it is not uncommon for the agreement to be put in the drawer and forgotten about. As the contract reaches its time limit however, for a successful handover, there are a number of points that should be observed.

Build risk management into your business plans to support your decisions e.g. allow some funding for extra feed in adverse conditions.

By Federated Farmers.

to see the cows on a regular basis and receive updates. A monthly contact should be enough and perhaps an invitation to look at the herd at pregnancy testing or drying off would be appreciated

Once on farm, there is a set period in the contract where you are able to report on pasture covers, amount of supplements on farm and any other issues that are less than what the owner warranted at sign up. It is essential these are noted and sorted out early on.

The key component is for all parties to have good, documented levels of communication that can be referred to as the season comes to a close.

During the time of the contract, it is useful to keep a diary, email newsletter or photographic evidence of maintenance work carried out. Discuss and note carefully with the owner what is capital work and what is not. Remember, the contract runs until the end of the season, so operate accordingly.

Outgoing sharemilker

Incoming sharemilker

The farm owwner

While each farm arrangement may have clauses peculiar to that property, there are some key areas that should be monitored.

First and foremost, make sure your agreement with the farm owner is signed. If disagreements arise later on, an unsigned contract is not worth the paper it is written on.

Pasture cover and supplement levels should be noted. Discuss and agree as to who owns any surplus supplement at the end of the agreement and what should be done with this surplus.

As you approach the start of your contract, keep in regular contact with the farm owner. Ask for pasture covers to be emailed to you. While you have no management say over the property before the start of your contract, it is far easier to offer small suggestions early on rather than having to make some big calls in June.

Letting someone have a financial stake in your business is a big decision. To have a successful relationship depends on good documentation and communication between the two parties involved.

If the farm owner is looking at changing farm systems for the new operator, then cover off any ‘capital’ changes in feed/inputs Monitor the condition score of the cows Write down management decisions on cow condition, feed availability and drying off date If the herd is milked late into the season and supplements are needed to optimise farm and cow conditions as per contract, look at who carries responsibility If you are selling the herd, the stock agent will likely want

It is also a useful time to get to know how the farm owner thinks and operates. If it is possible, have a couple of farm visits in the autumn to help set the farm up and show you are interested in the handover. If you are employing staff, take them along too If you are unhappy with some of the decisions made, communicate them to the owner, learn the reasons for those decisions. If you disagree, explain your viewpoint. Use respected farmers, DairyNZ Consulting Officers, Federated Farmers’ members or vets to support you.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS Talk to your local livestock specialists first for all your livestock requirememnts and enjoy the co-operative benefits.

Once this period has passed, the memory fades; calving starts and people forget what was promised, with potential repercussions later on.

Communicate with the incoming and outgoing sharemilkers what the management around issues that are off target should be. Some farmers use a professional third party to help make decisions around handover. For the outgoing sharemilker, it is normal to provide a list of jobs to be completed by the end of the contract. However, please don’t give a list mid-April that contains two years’ worth of capital works. For the incoming sharemilker, in addition to the points raised earlier, consider the pre contract time as a good opportunity to build a relationship, show how you run your business and what is expected of the new operator. Plan also for Gypsy Day by booking any transport well in advance.

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Dairy Focus April 2012

What are the benefits of dry cow therapy to antibiotics, those with high individual It is incredible to think that the end of this Ian Hodge, milking season is almost upon us. Over somatic cell counts at two or more herd tests, BVSc. MACVSc. the next month or so many of you will be and those that despite dry cow therapy last Riverside Veterinary winter still had mastitis problems during this deciding on how you approach drying off. Services Ltd season. Research consistently shows that dry cow therapy can have a significant impact on A drying off consultation with your primary reducing existing mastitis infections, reducing infections vet, which is a legal requirement prior to prescribing during the dry period and minimising the number of new antibiotics, will enable you to discuss any mastitis issues cases of mastitis in the first three weeks of the calving you have had during the season, the current prevalence period. (level) of mastitis in the herd, which cows to cull and which cows should receive treatments. The correct techniques Now that you have a good idea of which cows are not for administering antibiotics will also be discussed as this pregnant you may well be able to cull certain cows in an attempt to reduce the number of sub-clinically infected cows is highly significant. Teat sealants may also be discussed as they are well proven to make a significant reduction in in the herd and to help prevent your bulk milk somatic cell count increasing significantly as the herd production drops. mastitis cases in early lactation in cows and in heifers. At season end the herd may well have thinner soles simply Cows to focus on for potential culling are those over seven years of age that have had more than three clinical episodes through wear from walking back and forth to the cow of mastitis during the season, those that have not responded shed. As soles wear thin, bruising, stone penetrations and

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traumatic inflammation can occur. Lame cows are usually obvious, but in some cases unusual drops in milk production and slightly arched backs are the only visible signs. We recommend early detection to locate and treat lesions appropriately. Swelling, bleeding and pus usually indicate an infection which may require antibiotics and pain relief. In some cases there may be evidence of bruising and inflammation which may be seen as streaky or “paint brush haemorrhages� on cleaned soles. This could be a sign of inflammation of the sensitive parts of the junction between the wall and the sole of the hoof - sometimes referred to as laminitis. If this is present in cows, advice around prevention and control may include dietary changes and improvements in track design and surface preparation. Dairy farm tracks are highly significant. Would you be prepared to walk down your farm tracks in bare feet? For more information on dry cow therapy and lameness management please contact your vet.

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Dairy Focus April 2012

9

Preserving ecosystems by compensating farmers A research consortium in Vancouver is field-testing a revolutionary plan that would pay farmers and ranchers to produce cleaner air, water and wildlife habitat alongside their food crops. By placing a monetary value on water purification through wetlands or preserved ecosystems on privately owned agricultural land, governments and conservation groups may be able to pursue their environmental goals by compensating farmers for changing their practices and protecting sensitive lands. The new concept is being modelled on 13 demonstration farms, sheep and cattle ranches across the province by the Ecological Services Initiative, a collaboration of farmers, academics and conservationists. The enhancements range from increasing the buffer zone between crops and waterways, livestock fencing around environmentally sensitive areas, replanting native plant species to encourage native wildlife and reforesting to capture carbon or shade salmon spawning streams. “This is about enhancing normal (farming) practices to produce an ecological benefit,� said BC rancher Dave Zehnder, a consulting project co-ordinator for ESI. The provincial and federal governments have invested in the project through the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia. The BC Agriculture Council and the BC Cattlemen’s Association have both endorsed the project. Paying farmers to preserve the wetlands and wildlife habitat on their lands or improve sensitive areas around streams and rivers can have as big an impact as building public infrastructure or buying land for conservation at a fraction of the

ranch and farmlands feeding B.C.’s Columbia and Fraser rivers, which get incrementally more contaminated cost, Zehnder said. Faced with building a water purification along the way even if all the producers along the way plant at a cost of up to $8 billion and a further $250 million are following environmental regulations and best farm a year in operating expenses, New York City instead practices, Zehnder said. invested $1.5 billion to protect watersheds and pay farmers “Farmers or ranchers may already be doing a good job of to remove sensitive lands from production, according to a maintaining their ecosystems, but this program focuses on report by the US Environmental Protection Agency. giving them the assistance to do better, beyond what the About 5000 acres of land were targeted by the program law requires,� Zehnder said. to protect 165 “stream miles� in the Catskill/Delaware Something as simple as fencing livestock further away watershed to improve water quality to the point that the from riparian areas can make a difference to water quality filtration plant was not required. downstream. Compensation for the loss of productive land to a rancher “Agriculture and the environment are not separate, you could be as little as $100 an acre, Zehnder said. Farmers in need a healthy ecosystem to produce food,� Zehnder said. the pilot project are being paid a stipend of up to $2000 “But a lot of the environmentally sensitive land in B.C. is in based on the amount of land set aside and its agricultural private hands, farmers and ranchers.� productivity. Fish and wildlife habitat is protected under several pieces of Governments and foundations spend billions of dollars on legislation that prescribe agricultural practices and restrict projects, infrastructure and operating costs to provide clean certain kinds of land use without compensating farmers. air, water and habitat for species at risk, work that can be Farmers are loath to expand the protective buffers around done by nature. sensitive areas, because once in place it would be against Wetlands — sometimes drained for agricultural use — are the law to remove them, Zehnder explained. an effective natural water filtration system and provide “We are looking at ways to compensate farmers that make considerable value as a means of flood control. sense from a producer’s point of view and from the funder’s Methane recovery from livestock manure produces meat point of view, be they governments or foundations,� he and dairy with a lower carbon footprint, lowers greenhouse said. gas emissions and produces fuel. The project is being funded by a variety of environmental, “What we are hoping to do is put a dollar value on that agriculture, government and conservation groups including ecological benefit,� Zehnder said. Ducks Unlimited, University of Alberta’s Institute for Land Thousands of kilometres Use Innovation and the Agriculture Environment and of streams and Wildlife Fund. rivers flow through By Randy Shore, Vancouver Sun

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Dairy Focus April 2012

Water needs to be shared, says expert New Zealand By Linda Clarke, rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian had been should sort out completed in its emerging water problems before it the state. “Our challenge is to take ends up having to buy irrigation water surplus water from the west and put it back from farmers to restore rivers and into the Midlands.� wetlands, says a visiting expert. Mr Gardner said the stars had aligned Academic Henning Bjornlund, who divides his time between Australia and in a major way for the irrigation development to occur. Drought was Alberta, Canada, said communities affecting food-producing areas and needed to share the water they had and it was critical freshwater was not food security was an issue, and there over-allocated. was a strong political will to double Bjornlund was a guest speaker at agricultural production. IrrigationNZ’s conference in Timaru. “It took some pretty serious stuff to “New Zealand has plenty of water, but get to the point where we got money you are starting to face, in some parts, out of Government.� emerging water problems.� Chair of the national Land and Water He said in Canada, the government was now paying irrigators to put back Forum, Alistair Bisley, said limits would be a way of life for irrigators wetland they had taken out 20 years in the future. The forum is working ago. Canada faces a shortage of freshwater on a national plan that will soon be released for public feedback. to irrigate its central prairies, while Australia’s water shortages are He said groups involved in the draft amongst the worst in the world. plan were within “spitting distance� of Tasmanian farmer Richard Gardner reconciling their views and visions for said the Australian Government was freshwater management. spending $140 million on irrigation Setting limits about how much water development on the island. He runs could be taken for use by agriculture, a 2600ha farm, with centre pivot irrigation, producing poppies, cereals, industry or recreation, and about much seed crops and lucerne, as well as of a particular contaminant could be sheep meat and wool. applied to land would be key parts of the plan, he said. Three of 13 irrigation projects

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Dairy Focus April 2012

White line disease I recently wrote an article about the likelihood of a stone penetrating and bruising a cow’s hoof.

Fred Hoekstra

especially the little stones that we blame for going into the sole.

Veehof Dairy Services

This time I want to tackle the issue of white line disease. There are a couple of theories going around about what causes white line disease. The first one says it is due to cows twisting on concrete resulting in a separation of the wall from the corium.

If this theory is right then we have to have either 100 per cent of those little stones ending up in the hoof, in which case we don’t see enough stones in the hoof, or a smaller percentage would end up in the sole, which means that at least some of the stones would leave a mark in the hoof where they have tried to penetrate. I don’t see any marks.

I either see a stone in the hoof or I see no issue The other theory says that the white line is the at all. Neither one of those theories makes any weakest part of the hoof and therefore it is easy sense to me. for a stone to penetrate the white line, especially The white line problem doesn’t start at the stones on the yard. Let’s look at the first theory. bottom of the hoof. The problem starts higher up Let’s imagine that a cow standing on concrete in the lamina. has to turn around and rotates on her leg. This The live tissue becomes unhealthy and therefore creates friction on the sole of her hoof. The theory goes that the wall of the hoof pulls away grows an unhealthy wall. It may grow a little tunnel down and when that tunnel grows down from the lamina. to the surface at the bottom of the hoof, bacteria If that is the case then I would expect to see may work its way up towards the live tissue certain things. For one, there has to be quite which, in turn, will become unhealthier, resulting a wide band of wall pulled away and I would in a bigger hole. expect to see some part of the corium pulled off from the rest of the corium - just like some meat This is why a white line crack always goes in the will pull off if you pull the skin off an animal or if same direction as the growth direction of the claw. you pull some loose skin of your hand. Instead, more often than not, I see a very small tunnel going up to the coronary band and I have never seen a bit of corium attached to the wall of the hoof. The second theory is really the same as the idea of a stone being pushed into the sole of a hoof. If stones are being pushed into the hoof then we should see a lot more evidence of it.

Most of the white line problems are on the outer claw because this claw is usually bigger than the inner claw and therefore does most of the work. If that live tissue is under the most stress, then that will be the first claw to suffer from laminitis and show symptoms much more readily than the inner claw.

Cows stand on numerous stones in a day,

White line disease harms a large numbers of cows every years.

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12

Dairy Focus April 2012

Dairy awards finalists compete for cash and confidence The Canterbury North Otago dairy industry award finalists join 33 others competing $140,000 in cash and prizes at the national awards next month. “The national winners will take home some excellent prizes and, while they are pleased to win these, most of our finalists are motivated to enter and do well in the awards to boost their confidence and farm business performance,” national convenor Chris Keeping said. “A key outcome from participating in the awards is the opportunities presented to progress in the industry. Our entrants are able to take the next step in their career through the feedback they receive from judges, people they meet at the awards dinners, from raising their profile and reputation, and from gaining increased confidence in their ability.”

Mrs Keeping said all 12 regional awards contests have now been held, confirming the 12 finalists in each of the New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year, New Zealand Farm Manager of the Year and New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions. She said many of the finalists were hosting field days and preparing for national judges visits. The judges spend two hours on the farm of the sharemilker/equity farmer and farm manager finalists. An interview will be held once the finalists have gathered in Auckland for the awards dinner on May 12, and is the final judging aspect used to determine the winner. The dairy trainee finalists will go on a study tour containing judging components.

The 2012 New Zealand sharemilker/equity farmer of the year finalists: Auckland Hauraki – Scott and Alicia Paterson, Bay of Plenty – Richard and Amy Fowler Canterbury North Otago – Edna and Sarah Hawe Central Plateau – John Butterworth Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – William and Sally Bosch Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Shaun and Liza Connor Northland – Miles Harrison and Lucy Heffernan Otago – James and Helen Hartshorne Southland – Billy and Sharn Roskam Taranaki – Rebecca and James Van Den Brand Waikato – Barry and Nicky McTamney West Coast Top of The South – Paul and Debra Magner

The 2012 New Zealand farm manager of the year finalists: Auckland Hauraki – Paul and Amy Koppens Bay of Plenty – Grant Clark Canterbury North Otago – Mick O’Connor Central Plateau – Ian Nelson Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – Dean and Rochelle Jones Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Matt Johnson Northland – Steve and Donna Griggs Otago – Gareth and Angela Dawson Southland – Hannes and Lyzanne du Plessis Taranaki – Thomas Higgins Waikato – Thomas White West Coast Top of The South – James Deans

The 2012 New Zealand dairy trainee of the year finalists: Auckland Hauraki – Kylie Dunlop Bay of Plenty – Brandon Law Canterbury North Otago – Nathan Christian Central Plateau – Emily Fiddis Hawkes Bay Wairarapa – Dyana Barnes Manawatu Rangitikei Horowhenua – Shane True Northland – Benson Horsford Otago – Richard Lang Southland – William Mehrtens Taranaki – Mark Duynhoven Waikato – Mark Jacobs West Coast Top of The South – Michael Shearer

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Enda and Sarah Hawe will represent Canterbury North Otago at the national dairy awards in Auckland next month. Photo Johnny Houston 290312-JH-024

Finalists in the spotlight Canterbury North Otago sharemilker/equity farmers of the year Enda and Sarah Hawe will host a field day on Thursday. They will then prepare for a visit from national judges. Others to be in the spotlight after the regional awards included farm manager of the year Mick O’Connor. He said every team member on his farm felt a sense of pride in his win. “As a team, we have put massive amounts of work into getting the farm to a presentable level and this is something we believe is a strength.” It was the first time Mr O’Connor, who farms on the northern side of the Rakaia River, had entered the awards. He is contract milking 840 cows on 255ha at Rakaia for Dairy Holdings. The 31-year-old has been in the industry for 10 years and his passion for the industry is reflected in his personal and financial business goals. His short term goal is to achieve budget and be the top financially productive farm per hectare within Dairy Holdings. Longer term goals are to grow his asset base and go 50% sharemilking. Rakaia farm manager Athol New was second in the region’s farm manager contest; third place went to Ashburton farm managers Jason and Paula Strawbridge.

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Dairy Focus April 2012

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Dairy Focus April 2012

Fonterra shareholders council sticks up for trading scheme The lobby for Fonterra farmer-shareholders has thrown its full weight behind the contentious Trading Among Farmers proposal after weeks of reports that dairy farmers have been going wobbly on their commitment to the scheme. TAF will create non-voting tradeable units deriving dividends from the valueadded part of the Fonterra business, creating an opportunity for farmers wanting to free up equity in the cooperative to do so and allowing private investors partial exposure to Fonterra’s fortunes.

Otago dairy awards judges give winning advice

misreporting, which has fuelled fears among farmers that the initiative is a stalking horse for a fully-fledged Fonterra float. The Fonterra Shareholders’ Council issued a statement that it “remains fully supportive of the TAF process,� with a spokesman saying the timing was not prompted by any particular event, despite weeks of speculation that TAF continues to face hurdles with Fonterra dairy farmers.

The proposal is slowly wending towards implementation, with Fonterra announcing lead managers for the capital restructuring process yesterday, but farmer-shareholders have demonstrated extreme nervousness about the proposals in the past.

“The Council’s position on the matter has remained consistent from the outset,� chairman Simon Couper said. “The Council has supported TAF from its inception conditional on due diligence by the Board and the Council, the pre-conditions being met, and 100 percent ownership and 100 percent control being maintained by our farmer shareholders.

The cooperative’s 10,500-odd members are Simon Couper, chairman, Fonterra determined that they will “The Council will continue shareholders council. be the only ones to hold to engage with the board voting rights, to ensure the world’s largest dairy exporter remains farmer- and management in order to gain as clear an understanding of TAF as possible as we owned and controlled. prepare to receive the four preconditions.� The issue of non-voting TAF securities has - APNZ sparked significant international interest and

Entering the Otago Dairy Industry Awards three times has set James and Helen Hartshorne on a pathway to success – the couple claimed the region’s top sharemilker/equity farmer of the year.

“We also believe that the fact farming is a career for both of us means we can be 100% support for each other both practically on the farm, and at home.�

Other category winners Clinton farm managers Gareth and Angela Dawson “The judging feedback showed us that although we were competent at running manage a 560-cow 186ha property owned by Ian Roy. the practical side of our farm, we would gain huge benefit from a better They say business strengths are understanding of and an having good procedures and ability to analyse the diversity of work. “Our financial and business Our future future farming goal is side of our operation,� to progress through farming goal the Hartshornes said. the dairy industry and is to progress one day become farm “And as a result of through the dairy owners.� contacts made through our judging panels we industry and one Dairy Trainee of the secured our first 50:50 Year, Richard Lang, day become farm sharemilking job.� is working in good owners company. Mr Lang, aged The Otago Farm 28, is an assistant on the Managers of the Year were 600-cow Stirling farm run by Gareth and Angela Dawson, former Otago and New Zealand and Otago Dairy Trainee of the dairy trainee winner Blake Korteweg. Year was Richard Lang.

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The Hartshornes are in their third season 50% sharemilking 540 cows for Hennie Amtink on 175ha at Tapanui. “We are both from the United Kingdom and studied agriculture in the UK. We travelled to New Zealand in 2000 and, other than holidays, have never left. We know that if we had stayed in the UK we would never have had the opportunity to achieve our goal of owning our own cows and running our own farming business. This drives us to continue doing the best we can.

He is in his first season in the dairy industry after eight years shepherding on sheep and cattle farms. “I entered to meet people in the industry, build confidence and to get my name out there for opportunities.� His goals include progressing to 50% sharemilking within seven years. “I am very determined to work hard towards farm ownership because I am starting from scratch and I have no family farm to take over.�

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Dairy Focus April 2012

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Farmers now able to set up drafting of cows – from anywhere A new innovation means farmers can set up drafting of cows for the next milking from wherever they happen to be, and in the time it takes to send a text. The remote drafting application, developed by dairy farmer cooperative LIC, works on Apple’s iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad devices and is part of the new Protrack Drafter farm automation system. “Farmers generally know ahead of time what cows they need to draft out at milking,” Rob Ford LIC’s general manager Farm Systems said. “Until now, they’ve only been able to set the drafts up, from the farm dairy – but now they can do it remotely. “Farmers simply enter the cow numbers into their device and the direction they want to draft them, and then once they get back within range of their shed it will sync with their new Protrack Drafter system and they’re good to go. “Milking will take place, as normal, and Protrack Drafter will draft those cows out, as instructed, and the job is done.” Mr Ford said more and more farmers are utilising technology such as iPhones and iPads on-farm, and the new drafter system incorporates a number of enhancements and new features that they have asked for. “They have asked us to develop applications for these devices which enables them to organise things like drafting ahead of time, from anywhere they happen to be – the bank, the supermarket, or even the pub.” Protrack Drafter is LIC’s entry level farm automation solution, with a simple, standalone automated drafting unit. The system takes the hassle out of drafting cows by identifying their EID tag as they leave the shed after milking and drafting them as instructed, automatically. “It’s a simple, low-cost solution for farmers who want the benefit of farm automation, and what can best

be described as an extra pair of hands, at a very moderate price,” he said. More advanced Protrack systems provide integration with MINDA animal records and the ability to record events are also available.

suggestions from the user group I was in was a clock, and now it’s there on the screen.

“They’ve also made it so that you can name draft schedules, like AI cows, and they’ve added in a place for you to enter The new Protrack Drafter system was developed in response notes, which is a really great idea. I can remind myself about things to do tomorrow or when the vet is coming.” Mr Fox to farmer feedback, and was trailed on a number of farms across New Zealand before being released. Nick and Wendy said Protrack solves all the drafting problems, and gives him more time to play golf. “With any manual drafting system, Vollebregt took part in the trial last year on their Kiwitahi you always have to find the cow and then remember to farm, and they enjoyed testing the mobile application on their iPod Touch. “We installed the original Protrack Drafter physically draft her. in 2011, but LIC wanted farmer feedback on how it could be But with Protrack, all you have to do is tap the improved, and we were really pleased to be involved. numbers in and it doesn’t matter when she comes in during milking, “The new features make it really user friendly and the Protrack finds her and mobile application is really good. It means I can be out in drafts her out – and the paddock and see a couple of cows I want to take out I get to finish at the next milking, and now all I have to do is enter their milking on time numbers into the system from my iPod Touch and it’s because I’m not done. I don’t have to remember the numbers; I just do chasing around it as I see the cow in front of me. “It’s also really handy after a cow that I for when I have all the cows in the yard, and see one missed.” The new that needs drafting.” Murray Fox also participated Protrack Drafter in the trial on his Gordonton farm, and was most system is now impressed with the revamped milking screen for in available from LIC the pit. and the free Protrack “It’d be worth spending the money to upgrade app is available for to this new system purely for that milking anyone to download screen. “It shows you all the information you from the Apple iTunes want at milking – which cows have been store, although it will only drafted, which cows are due and total cow complete the drafts once it numbers, and it all pops up as a notice when has been set up with a new a cow goes through the gate. “One of the Protrack Drafter system.

Apple is making farmer’s life easier by developing a new application to draft cows from anywhere.

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Dairy Focus April 2012

DairyNZ urges farmers to prepare NAIT road show early for animal tracing scheme coming to town Dairy farmers are being urged to prepare early for the introduction of a new animal identification and tracing scheme, especially if they’re planning stock movements over the winter period. The recently adopted NAIT legislation (National Animal Identification and Tracing) introduces new obligations for farmers under the scheme from July 1 this year. After this date, all cattle being moved will need to be wearing a NAIT approved electronic tag. Anyone in charge of animals and animal movements will need to be registered with NAIT. DairyNZ policy manager Elizabeth Dixon is encouraging farmers to prepare early for NAIT. “We’re conscious that dairy farmers are busy people, and while we know a lot of dairy farmers are already ahead of the game with tags in place, we’re keen to make sure no one is caught out by the introduction of the new obligations in July. NAIT is already open for registrations and it’s a good opportunity to beat the rush. “We also want farmers to be thinking ahead – if farmers plan to send cattle out for winter grazing for example, it might be easier and more comfortable for their stock to be tagged before they leave the farm, and it might avoid any confusion

further down the track whose responsibility it is to put tags in.” DairyNZ has been a supporter of the animal tracing legislation on the proviso that it does not become too costly or cumbersome for farmers. “Clearly there are some considerable advantages for the reputation and protection of New Zealand’s dairy industry from a robust animal traceability regime. The integrity of our biosecurity system is absolutely crucial and NAIT provides a major safeguard. “As well, increasingly around the world, consumers want to know more about the source of their food. Lifetime traceability of animals is a key part of addressing this desire for more information. Given the New Zealand dairy industry is such a major exporter, it is essential that we keep up with our major competitors in this field with the introduction of an internationally robust traceability system,” Elizabeth said. Farmers can register for their NAIT on line at www.nait. co.nz or by phoning the NAIT organisation at 0800 624 843. Alternatively dairy farmers can also phone DairyNZ on 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969) for further information.

From July 1, 2012, NZ farmers will have to use the NAIT electronic tag.

The NAIT roadshow is coming to Ashburton on June 5. It will be at the Hotel Ashburton, starting 9.45am, and give Mid Canterbury farmers the chance to find out how to meet their obligations and ask questions about the scheme before it is mandatory for cattle (from July 1) and deer (from March next year). The road show will last 90 minutes, and include a presentation from NAIT’s field team, and a question-and-answer session. The NAIT scheme will link people, property and livestock, through electronic ear tags for cattle and deer and a central database. It will strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity system to assure our overseas markets that a livestock disease can be quickly contained in the event of any biosecurity incident. “Our aim is to reassure farmers once they have registered themselves with NAIT and got a NAIT number, their scheme obligations are straightforward. They can even delegate somebody else to meet all or most of their obligations on their behalf,” said NAIT chief executive Russell Burnard. “We are working closely with our shareholders (DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb New Zealand, Deer Industry New Zealand), livestock sector stakeholders and others to make sure farmers know what they need to know for a smooth transition to the NAIT scheme come 1 July.”

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