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An Ashburton Guardian Supplement

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November 2012

Celebrating AgITO’s Mid Canterbury AgriAwards winners Page 2

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2

Dairy Focus November 2012

Top young farmers acknowledged Photos supplied

Excellence in Agribusiness Management - Kirstin Morgan.

Outstanding Junior Trainee Barend Lensley.

Photo Kirsty Graham

Gary Wright won employer-farmer trainer of the year.

Linda Clarke,

rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian

The next generation of top young dairy farmers was celebrated at AgITO’s Mid Canterbury AgriAwards this month.

training format was admired around the world. Students learn in the classroom and on the farm, farmers with generations of knowledge and experience freely passing on advice. “It is good to see support for training in our most important industry. Parents and employers need to be thanked.

Outstanding senior trainee (awarded to the most outstanding dairy trainee and sheep/beef trainee at Level 4 study; the trainee will be stepping into farm management responsibilities and shows a commitment to professional development) – Russ Young, who has worked in the industry for three seasons.

“People come here from around the world to look at what happens in New Zealand Excellence in agribusiness management and are amazed that we give our knowledge (awarded to an outstanding student so freely.” studying production management of He said 20 per cent of the workforce was diploma in agribusiness management; in some sort of training and employers were participates in professional development looking for people prepared to commit, opportunities, demonstrates leadership Four outstanding trainees were eventually learn and show a willingness to get ahead. qualities; sets clear career and lifestyle recognised but not before the young dairy “You are ahead of the game,” he told about goals, and works to achieve them) – Kristin farmers were given a pep talk from New Morgan, who should receive her diploma 100 trainees and their supporters at the Zealand Dairy Industry Award sharemilkers awards evening. “Everyone who is not doing next year, is farm manager on a Lowcliffe of the year Enda and Sarah Hawe. what you are doing will, over time, struggle dairy farm.

The Hawes credit their new job 50 per cent to get the roles you are going to get. You will She says training has helped her climb up sharemilking at Oxford to their commitment accelerate faster in your job.” the ranks, starting as a WINZ placement as a to training and study, and to knowledge junior dairy assistant to farm manager. She Research showed those in training moved gained from entering industry competitions.

30 per cent faster that those who had none. is in her ninth dairy season.

Regional AgITO chief Kevin Scannell said He said agriculture needed smart Outstanding modern apprentice training new farmers was important for the managers for small and medium businesses, (awarded to the most outstanding modern country. “those who are learning on the job and apprentice; makes a valuable contribution “In the past 12 months there has been a picking up knowledge will make the big on farm, aspires to further training and big growth in Mid Canterbury. It is really a decisions.” shows focus and drive) – Kimberly Wright, growing area in the agricultural industry who works for Warren and Suzanne Harris and it is looked upon as one of the top areas at Hinds and was once a town girl who in New Zealand.

Outstanding junior trainee (awarded knew nothing about farming. “The sight of “Whatever form of agriculture, dairy, sheep to the most outstanding dairy trainee or afterbirth made her green and she thought and beef, intensive cropping or hill country, sheep/beef trainee at Level 2 or 3 study, all calves were boys.” She also won an 8-day the trainee will have sound practical skills, it is a well sought-after area.”

Berwick Experience course. attend class consistently and complete their He said Mid Canterbury was also wellEmployer-farmer trainer of the year: Gary work diary on time) – Barend Lensley. He known for its culture in training.

Wright, a previous AgITO graduate, he also works for Longbeach Dairies and has been trained the outstanding junior trainee.

AgITO national boss Kevin Bryant said the just 10 months in the industry.

Outstanding Modern Apprentice - Kimberley Wright.

Some 250 certificates were handed out to students, acknowledging their progress and achievements in agricultural classes including milk quality, effluent management, seed dressing, animal husbandry, pasture and general skills.

Awards

Outstanding Senior Trainee Russ Young.

An advertising supplement of the Ashburton Guardian Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Ashburton Guardian Publication date: November 20, 2012 Next issue: December 18, 2012 We welcome any correspondence to either: Linda Clarke, phone 307-7971 email: linda.c@theguardian.co.nz Desme Daniels, phone 307-7974 email: desme.d@theguardian.co.nz Dairy Focus designed by: Denise Fawer

Dairy Focus November 2012

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Knowledge the key to success Enda progressed from The country’s best sharemilkers had some from Ireland 11 years ago. herd manager to lower important advice for young dairy farmers in Linda Clarke, The home dairy farm had rural reporter, order sharemilker, taking on Ashburton recently.

30 cows and he had time Ashburton Guardian responsibility for employing Go to every course, field day and to complete an agricultural staff and buying gear. discussion group available and keep science degree with In 2009 he and Sarah moved to learning, said New Zealand Dairy Industry honours.

Westerfield, to Ben and Shannon Johnson’s Award sharemilker of the year Enda Hawe.

Despite working on the dairy farm from a property, with responsibility for 1100 Enda and wife Sarah have been in the young age, he wanted to soak up as much cows. They moved to Oxford as 50 per cent national limelight since winning the knowledge about the dairy scene in New sharemilkers this season, flush from their prestigious title in May. They say taking Zealand as he could.

DIA success. part in the award process, and studying Enda said the title and their study “One of the decisions I made was to get hard to improve themselves, led to a achievements helped them stand out from into AgITO agribusiness training. ” He went coveted 50 per cent sharemilking position a crowd of 89. to every course available, from discussion at Oxford this season. It also brings them groups to field days and more. one step closer to realising their dream of He said they had to sell themselves to a farm ownership. “non-dairy” owner, who appreciated their Sarah also has a tertiary degree and thirst for knowledge. worked in an accountancy practice in Enda and Sarah came to the industry Christchurch. She is the full-time mum with university degrees but Enda says They made the final 16 for interview and to their two young daughters and is the dairy specific courses like those offered clinched the deal by inviting the owner to business brains of their successful dairy

by DairyNZ and AgITO have been the view their Westerfield operation. “ We were the only ones to invite them to look at our cornerstone of his learning since he arrived business.

farm. So be proud of what you do, where you do it and how you do it.”

Sarah said goal setting was also important, as was having good mentors and good relationships with staff and professionals.

In the past four months, the Oxford farm has been ticking over without them as they fulfill speaking duties that accompany their new status as the best sharemilkers in the country.

Enda said the DIA was a great event for dairy farmers and trainees at all stages of their careers to learn even more, and network with some inspirational and professional dairy farmers.

“It is a free audit of your farm and all you guys should want to be in that competition because of the networking and getting that next job. Being in the competition helped us get our job.”

Photo Tetsuro Mitomo

Sarah and Enda Hawe.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Quality comes first boost or damage New Zealand’s The debate over water and Contributed by Matt Harcombe, Federated Farmers South Island regional policy manager largest export earner. agriculture is a tangled web of interlinked policies, on-farm On May 12 last year, the Government gazetted the actions, science, emotion, perception and economic National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management and cultural factors affecting its use, availability and (NPS), which essentially requires regional councils to quality. set limits on water quality.

Some factors are well understood, others are not. The biggest issue in the public eye is quality. But access to water and its use, irrigation and storage are also vital.

Although most farmers are working hard to adapt and evolve alongside changing public expectations of water quality, they are also trying to keep up with the demands of the Government and regional councils, while working out what it means to their farm.

The farming community wants to play its part in ensuring everyone has reasonable access to clean water, but there is no clear consensus on what pathways should be taken to reach that goal.

Everyone who has had anything to do with farming knows the story of the early and mid-80s. The removal of subsidies had a profound effect on the economic viability of many farms and sparked a quantum shift in the way New Zealand agriculture went about its business.

Today’s debate on water quality and agriculture is as much of a quantum shift and we do not know if it will

Last year, the Ministry for the Environment put together an implementation guide for the NPS. The 50-page document is supposed to guide councils in their implementation and interpretation of the much shorter NPS, which could easily be read in ways that could put farming out of business. The implementation guide provides some assurance the NPS is about protecting water quality in a balanced way.

The guide is clear that implementing the NPS should and will take time and involve innovative approaches. It also indicates that setting quality limits at a catchment level requires engagement with each community.

The Land and Water Forum (LAWF) is the Government’s independent vehicle for reaching agreement, at a national level, between many different interests on plan for water management.

In its first two reports, LAWF made a set of recommendations to Government and its all important third report is imminent.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Although LAWF is a laudable, if sometimes frustrating process, its recommendations will be too late for what farmers are facing now as councils throughout the country begin to implement their NPS interpretations of what needs to be done to set water quality limits.

The Ministry for Primary Industries website says that “irrigation plays an important role in agricultural productivity and is a major contributor to the New Zealand economy. In 2002/03 irrigation was estimated to contribute about $920 million net GDP ‘at the farm gate’, over and above that which would have been produced from the same land without irrigation.”

What the coun are doing cils

spending many thousands of hours and dollars in meetings at Federated Farmers’ boardrooms thrashing out what can be agreed on how, when and what to do about water management in New Zealand, only to be trumped by premature implementation of NPS by overeager councils.

Auckland Region al Council is establishing in terim Freshwat er Objectives and Gui by catchment-by delines, followed -c The council is co atchment limits. llating technica data and talkin l g to communiti es about values fo rw at nutrient load ater, then looking s.

Waikato Region al Council has enacted nitrog en caps in Lake Taupo catchmen t, and will work with land owners throug h monitored reso ur reduce nitrogen ce consents to loss by a furthe per cent. r 20 Bay of Plenty Re adopted a dire gional Council has ctiv statement focu e regional policy se water quality by d on enhancing m losses and land anaging nutrient -use change.

Hawke’s Bay Re gional Council’s La and Water Man agement Strate nd gy takes a catchm en with values, gu t approach iding principles , objectives and policies.

Greater Wellingt Council is cons on Regional ulting with stakeholders an d developing a ne the public on w regional plan .

Tasman Distric t is reviewing its classification of di bodies and thei fferent water r status before limitsetting.

Recommendations need time to be debated by a wider public, then enacted, before we continue to interpret and re-interpret NPS region by region.

Second, we need to ensure we get the economic and environmental mix right, through agreed, scienceinformed, community-led and catchment-based The ministry has identified a further 1.9 million hectares processes. which could benefit from irrigation and has allocated The removal of subsidies had a profound effect on $435 million for developing water storage. agriculture. So will setting water-quality limits, but Kiwi farmers are adaptive and will respond to the limits.

Although the NPS states the effects of its implementation should be reviewed by the minister for the environment after no more than five years, there are strong grounds for holding that review now.

First, there seems no point in LAWF collectively

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We need to make sure we have learned our lessons from the mid-80s. Instead of jumping into sweeping changes, farmers need to be given a chance.

- APN News & Media

Marlborough D is in the early stag trict Council is es of considerin g requiring new dair resource consen y farms to gain ts.

West Coast Regi developed a sp onal Council has ec Lake Brunner ca ific plan for the tc on managing ph hment, focused osphorous.

Canterbury Regi consulting on a onal Council is ne regional plan, cl w land and water assifying each of the region’s catc hments by thei r nutrient state. It has adopted a tough threshol d fo 20kg of nitrogen r nitrogen at a hectare a year .

Environment So ut hl an d ha s introduced a re gion resource consen al rule requiring ts for all new da farming. iry

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Synlait Milk considers its future growth requirements Contributed by Synlait

Since inception, Synlait Milk has had a unique ability to identify key market trends and adapt its operation to capture extra value. A good example of this was the recent infant nutritional market development and plant expansion.

In order to maximise this opportunity the company first had to attract significant investment to enable it to build a $100 million infant formula plant in Canterbury.

Now with three leading-edge milk powder dryers, including the largest and most sophisticated purpose-built infant formula facility in the Southern Hemisphere, we can produce nutritional products, functional dairy ingredients, and special milks specific to our customers’ needs. This competitive advantage has been key in the rapid growth of the company.

Since operations began in 2008, Synlait Milk has grown to become one of Canterbury’s largest companies, processing 550 million litres of milk a year from around 150 Canterbury farms, and employing over 130 staff.

“Our cows can be inside sometimes for 24hours a day when the weather is bad. They are quiet and happy. There is no waste of feed, and they need less food, because they are not using energy to keep warm and the pasture is protected.” Dairy Farmer Quote “We’ve got virtually no pugging damage and we’ve got more grass now than I think we’ve ever had” Beef Farmer Quote

Our export orientated business has increased its annual revenue to around $400 million, and we plan to announce a profit for the year ending 31 July 2012 later this month.

While as a company we are firmly focused on further improving our performance, we are also considering future requirements primarily being driven by market demand. This includes looking at ways to streamline our end to end manufacturing and logistics processes by bringing them in-house, and alternative cream processing options that will be needed as our infant formula business grows.

We want to be recognised and respected as one of the world’s most trusted and innovative milk nutrition companies, and our customers are looking for greater quality and integrity for their finished consumer products.

One way we can achieve this is by developing a world class dry blending and consumer packaging facility, which will remove our current reliance on third party packaging plant operators.

This has always been part of our plan as we grow and develop our nutritionals business. We would be the

first New Zealand company to offer world class milk procurement, infant formula manufacture and blending and packaging from a single site. It means we would be able to guarantee our global customers absolute food safety, security and traceability.

We are also thinking about the need for additional warehousing on site to offer customers improved supply chain integrity with all ingredients receipt and storage, finished goods storage and dispatch conducted on site.

As our production of infant formula products increases over time we may need to consider higher value options for cream processing to cope with the increased volume of milk processed and skim milk powder production volumes.

This may be in the form of butter and butter oil blends.

At this stage we are simply considering our options. We have chosen to seek consents now so that if and when the time is right we are in a better position to fast track any infrastructure developments. Right now however our focus is on improving our current business and growing our milk supply base.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Stay vigilant for cows in heat Ian Hodge, BVSc. MACVSc. VetEnt Riverside

By now most of you will be three or four weeks into mating. The so-called “second round� refers to the second three-week period of mating and is an important time to maintain the high service rate to continue to achieve a good six-week in-calf percentage. You will recall that cows cycle every 18-24 days so many of those cycling and mated in the first round may cycle again in the second round if they did not conceive in the first round.

The most important thing is that you maintain a very high standard of heat detection. The accuracy of heat detection in New Zealand is not great for various reasons but its importance cannot be overstated. After three weeks of mating, heat detection can falter and can result in missed heats and missed pregnancies. Stay vigilant for cows in heat, continue to touch up tail paint every day and make sure whoever is supposed to be picking cows is actually picking cows.

Hopefully by now your bull team is settled into the farm and has overcome all the initial fighting issues sometimes seen. The key points with bulls are to make sure they are BVD negative and vaccinated against BVD, because this disease can impact on bull and cow fertility. All bulls should ideally have been subject to a veterinary examination to ensure they are competent for the task. They must be sound and obviously must be able to see. Keep an eye out for lameness and pinkeye in bulls as these can both have a big impact.

Make sure any dominant bulls are reproductively capable, and rotate bulls regularly always ensuring there are sufficient bulls for the number of empty cows you have. It is possible to calculate (approximately) the number of empty cows at six weeks after the start of mating by multiplying the submission rate and conception rate for each three-week period. For example 600 cows, 90 per cent submission rate and an estimated 50 per cent conception rate = 270 pregnancies after three weeks. 330 cows remain and after the second three weeks a further 148 pregnancies have been obtained giving 418 pregnancies in six weeks (69 per cent six-week in-calf rate). This leaves 182 empty cows to be mated by bulls in a further 4-6 weeks. At a bull ratio of 1:30 cows you will require at least six bulls, 12 would be better to allow for rotation and bull losses.

Be vigilant to the total mating period with a view to reducing the number of cows that will need to be induced. The current limit is 4 per cent of the herd. In the 600 cow herd in this example we are allowed to induce 24 cows. Pregnancies obtained after January will most likely need to be induced, so pulling the bulls out early is something you will need to consider. In this herd if we are to have a 10 per cent empty rate we will need to get 122 (182-60) cows pregnant in four or five weeks (December/January). This means achieving 122 pregnancies/35 days or just over three successful matings per day!

This reinforces the importance of good heat detection now and a strong bull team. For more detailed information on reproductive success please contact your vet.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature

Milk more profits with ADF

Photo supplied

Nicky and Michael Loe from Bankside with sharemilker Garth Campbell in their new 60 bale rotary dairy shed, which has the ADF Milking system installed and working well, installed by Laser Electrical.

Contributed by Amanda Wright

When Nicky and Michael Loe of Bankside decided to convert their sheep and beef farm into dairy, one of the critical decisions to make is the installation of the milking system.

Nicky and Michael along with their sharemilker Garth Campbell attended an open day at Martin Early’s farm last year, hosted by ADF and Laser Electrical who are the local ADF milking system installers. They had the opportunity to view how the system operated, and were initially impressed by the ease of operation, and the effectiveness of the teat coverage after milking.

We could see that he ADF system covered all bases really well, so we had the system installed on our 60 bale rotary dairy platform” Michael said.

Because Michael and Nicky’s farm was a new conversion, the cows entering the herd had come from different locations, so the chance of disease spread amongst the herd was relatively high.

The ADF Milking system automatically covers the teat in spray while the cups are still on directly after milking as the vacuum is shut off. This ensures a fully extended teat is dipped while a lubricating effect allows the cups to be automatically removed. Within seconds of being milked, the teats are completely treated.

The ADF system, designed to disinfect the teat After removal every liner is automatically disinfected and immediately after milking and sanitise the cluster between thoroughly rinsed. Within only 20 seconds from the end of cows, has already proven popular with farmers around milking, the cluster is ready for the next cow. the world, and has been proving just as effective on Mid Every cow thoroughly treated, every cluster thoroughly Canterbury farms. sanitised to prevent the spread of mastitis.

“We were impressed on how smooth the milking process “Because of the thoroughness of the dipping and was, the cows were in and out in an efficient amount of time, their distress was very minimal and it was important flushing stages, we have minimised cross contamination throughout the herd and are really pleased with the health to us to control the spread of disease and reduce the incidence of mastitis right from the start of the conversion. of our stock. We have had minimal instances of mastitis

and the cell count is tracking well. We couldn’t be happier with how the system has performed,” Michael said.

The ADF system is becoming a must-have for modern dairy farmers looking to increase efficiency and profitability. With mastitis reduced throughout the herd, veterinary bills are reduced and milk production increases.

Laser Electrical owner operators Brent and Megan Christie are impressed with the ADF innovation, and see the inclusion of this milking system into their business as an opportunity to offer the local dairy industry a complete package to enhance the farmers profitability.

Megan having an extensive vet nursing background was impressed with the advantages that this automated system offers, and could instantly relate to the health benefits that it would provide to the herd.

To hear first hand how Michael, Nicky and Garth have found the daily running of their ADF milking system, join them on their farm to see the system in operation. It will be your opportunity to ask representatives from ADF and Laser Electrical the technical questions on how the system could benefit your milking profitability.

ADF OPEN DAY ADF Milking, in conjunction with Laser Electrical Ashburton, has much pleasure in inviting you to an Open Day to view the ADF system in operation on Michael & Nicky Loe’s farm.

This is an opportunity for you to hear about their experience first-hand and to watch the system in operation.

WHEN

Tuesday 4 December, 12.30 - 2.30pm

WHERE

5 College Road, Bankside (Fonterra # 37436) Lunch and refreshments will be served at 12.30pm.

There will be a short presentation on the ADF system and an opportunity to watch a small mob of cows being milked.

Many thanks to Michael & Nicky Loe and Garth & Liz Campbell for hosting this event.

To attend please contact Joanna at ADF Milking Joanna@adfmilking.com / 0800 ADF MILK (0800 233 645)

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Dairy effluent compliance improving

Environment Canterbury’s regional dairy report for the 2011-12 season detailed the monitoring of 980 dairy farms in Canterbury. All but three farms were siteinspected, with 70 per cent graded fully compliant (an increase in the previous season); significant or major issues also decreased.

Some of the actions employed on-farm to improve dairy effluent compliance, as noted by Resource Management Officers during compliance visits, included:

In the shed Uncontaminated stormwater (shed roof) was diverted from the dairy effluent disposal system where possible; The yard was wetted down prior to milking and scrapers were used prior to hosing down to reduce the volume of wash down water required; All concreted areas were sufficiently bunded to contain dairy effluent.

Sumps and storage systems All channels, sumps, pipes and storage facilities were sealed and well maintained; The stone trap was cleaned out regularly, the solids were placed on a concrete pad to dry and any liquid was able to run back into the stone trap. Alternatively the material was spread to land while complying with the buffer distances between waterways, bores and soak holes; Adequate storage capacity was available at all times to allow for dairy effluent irrigation to be deferred at times when soil moisture levels were too high to irrigate; Storage facilities were maintained with sufficient freeboard to ensure storage was available when required.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Dairy effluent disposal

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Failsafe technologies are used to remotely turn off irrigators.

Dairy effluent irrigators were set up correctly and applied dairy effluent at the lowest rate possible, taking into consideration soil type, topography and soil moisture, to ensure that ponding, dairy effluent run-off and pasture damage did not occur and to maximise the nutrient benefits of the effluent for pasture growth;

Management A management plan was developed and implemented. It was displayed in a prominent place in the dairy shed, along with a copy of the resource consent; Staff responsibilities were clearly defined and staff were adequately trained in how systems operated;

The irrigator was checked regularly to ensure that it was operating correctly, that there was no ponding and that it would not come to the end of The effluent storage and application equipment a run while discharging; was maintained regularly as recommended by the manufacturer; Disposal occurred only when soil conditions were suitable. This required adequate on-site Contingency measures were in place in the storage; event of equipment failure such as a spare pump and contact details for a vacuum tanker operator; Where a travelling irrigator was used, the hose was laid out properly to minimise drag on the A pre-season check was undertaken to ensure irrigator; that the dairy effluent disposal system was adequate for the coming dairy season’s herd size Sensitive areas such as bores, waterways and soak holes were identified and the appropriate and that all consent requirements were being buffer distances were maintained; complied with; The dairy effluent application rate was Where dairy effluent was injected into irrigation measured routinely to ensure that the application water that was connected to a ground or surface rate and depth did not exceed the maximum water source, an approved backflow preventer limits specified by the resource consent; was in place to avoid backflow of dairy effluent The dairy effluent application area was sufficient into the water source. to maintain nitrogen application rates from effluent below 200 kg/ha/ year and dairy effluent For further guidance on dairy effluent disposal was applied evenly over this area. (Note that the best practice, refer to A Guide to Managing Farm area may need to be larger to keep potassium Dairy effluent – Canterbury. levels within the optimum range);

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Dairy Focus November 2012

Photo supplied

From left: Stephen Wilkins, Natasha King, Sophie Stanley, Tafi Manjala and Lisa Harper.

Five Nuffield Farming Sc Five prestigious Nuffield New Zealand Scholarships have been announced for 2013.

entrée to leaders and decision makers not accessible to the ordinary traveller.

The recipients are spread from Northland to Southland – Dairy NZ regional leader Tafadzwa Manjala from Whangarei, ANZ rural banker Sophie Stanley from Hamilton, rural entrepreneur Lisa Harper from Picton, Meridian Energy national agribusiness manager Natasha King from Christchurch and northern Southland farmer and retailer Stephen Wilkins from Athol.

Successful applicants have the opportunity to develop a better understanding of New Zealand and international relationships through at least four month’s travel. Scholars participate in a Contemporary Scholars conference with 60 Nuffield Scholars from around the world and a six-week Global Focus Programme with an organised itinerary through several countries with other scholars. Finally they have their own individual study programme with a research report due at the end of their travels.

The research topics they are likely to cover are faster uptake and application of current and new management practices on farm, the use of social media to boost the New Zealand brand, encouraging innovation in rural businesses, using gas and electricity generation to solve effluent and water management issues and looking into synergies between arable and dairy from a nutrient and effluent perspective.

A Nuffield NZ Scholarship offers the opportunity for overseas travel, study of the latest developments in a number of leading agricultural countries, and provides an

Historically only two to three annual scholarships have been awarded, but Nuffield New Zealand director Richard Green says it has been the organisation’s vision to grow the programme.

“We wanted to be able to award five scholarships without dropping our high quality standards and expectations on scholars. An increase in scholarship numbers has only been possible with the extra financial commitment from the partner sponsors, Dairy NZ,

Stabilised Dairy lane capping

B+LNZ, FMG and AGMARDT as well as other supporting sponsors being FAR, Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and Landcorp,” he says.

“Nuffield and our sponsors have identified the opportunity and the need for more emerging leaders with the global vision and international connections that can be gained through a Nuffield Scholarship.”

The five 2013 Nuffield New Zealand Scholars are: Hamilton’s Sophie Stanley, 26, has agricultural science and economics degrees from Massey University (20052008). She currently works for the ANZ Bank in Morrinsville managing a portfolio of 60 customers, mostly dairy. She completed the Kellogg’s Rural Leadership programme this year with the research project centred around the value of “Brand New Zealand” in our value added primary products in Asian markets. She plans to take this a step further in her Nuffield studies to investigate how New Zealand’s agriculture industry can use social media and technology more effectively to both promote the NZ brand

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Dairy Focus November 2012

13

cholars named for 2013 and promote innovation and knowledge transfer between farmers and industry, while at the same time attempting to reduce the rural/urban divide.

Christchurch’s Natasha King, 39, is national agribusiness manager for Meridian Energy and recently finished as chair of Canterbury Netball. She took the journey of sharemilking through to farm ownership and then stepped out of the gumboots and into the corporate world in the late 1990s.

One of her goals is to move into an equity farm partnership on a large irrigated dairy unit. Natasha is passionate about mentoring and progression within the dairy industry and has a close association with Dairy Industry Awards and AgITO. Her likely research topic is whether generating gas and electricity can solve the effluent and water management issues for New Zealand agriculture. Natasha has two daughters, Victoria and Laura Shaw, who are 18 and 17 respectively, and partner Brett Hare.

Stephen Wilkins, 47, has been farming in a family business

since 1982 and is based in Athol in northern Southland.

The business includes sheep and beef breeding operations, a deer unit, dairy and dairy support. Stephen’s role focuses on an intensive arable system and the agronomy for the whole business. He has also been setting up a farm shop, run from an historic woolshed on the farm, selling farm grown and local produce and their own meat brand Athol Valley Meats. Stephen’s potential research topic is to look at synergies between arable and dairy from a nutrient and effluent perspective. Stephen and his wife Heather have three daughters – Hannah, Ella and Molly.

Tafadzwa Manjala, 38, from Whangarei, is two thirds of the way through a Masters degree in Agriculture at Massey University, studying extramurally while working as a regional leader for Dairy NZ. He has worked for Dairy NZ since 2004, organises the Green to Gold Group (businessfocused discussion group) and until a few months ago was a councillor on the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management. Tafadzwa also has a number of qualifications from his native Zimbabwe. He would like to research how New Zealand can facilitate faster uptake and

application of current and new management practices on farm. Tafadzwa and his wife Whitney have two children 10-year-old Rufaro and six-year-old Rosa.

Picton’s Lisa Harper, 37, was the 2011 winner of the Rural Women Enterprising Woman Award and a finalist in the 2009 Cuisine Artisan Food Awards. She has a Masters in Business Management from Massey University (awaiting final results), a PhD in plant pathology from Lincoln University and a science degree from Victoria University. She was diverted from her academic career in 2003 when a family illness saw her return from working in Europe to take over the family farm in Marlborough where she grew up. The family started a business involved in cheese manufacturing and educational tourism – Lisa’s responsibilities include operations management, marketing, sales/customer service and quality control/ hazard management. Lisa already has a love of research and through her Nuffield scholarship might look at how to encourage greater levels of innovation in rural businesses and identify some of the road blocks that might be preventing businesses from taking their ideas further.

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Page 2-3 Dairy Industry Awards winners.

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14

Dairy Focus November 2012

New Zealander to head world dairy organisation Dr Jeremy Hill, director research science technology and development at Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, is president-elect of the International Dairy Federation (IDF); the first New Zealander elected to that role in its 109-year history.

globalisation of our industry and cross border trade, consolidation, major changes in global demand and volatility, will also have to be tackled. He also stressed other general challenges such as nutrition, food safety, food security, and analytical methods.

“This is truly a major moment for New Zealand on He shared his views on how to address some of these the world stage,” says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers challenges with the attending member countries. While Dairy chairperson speaking from the IDF summit in Cape he fully reconfirmed his support to the mission of IDF, Town. he also mentioned that IDF has to adapt to meet these challenges.

“Dr Hill will serve a four-year term effective from this Friday and is, I believe, the first time a New Zealander “Process has already started with the introduction of has ever headed the world body for the dairy industry. the SWIFT vision (Speed, Worldwide visibility, Impact, As one of the Kiwis at the IDF we are very, very proud.

Focus and Transparency) in our way of working. It ensures that the organisation continues to deliver timely The International Dairy Federation has issued the outcomes that meet expectations and the changing following release I wish to pass on: needs of IDF membership.

“Dr Jeremy Hill, director research, science, technology We must make good use of our strengths, evolving to a and development, Fonterra Cooperative Group, has been involved in the work of the federation for over two more dynamic and flexible organisation. decades.

We must value the power of partnerships and engage Jeremy has significant experience in the management with strategic stakeholders, ensure financial viability and enhance communications efforts if we want to of large infrastructure and organisations and in the guarantee success in the future,” Dr Hill concluded. management of international dispersed teams.

“In his first address, Dr Jeremy Hill outlined upcoming challenges for our federation. He recognised that maintaining the membership and global representation is key.

Challenges within the dairy sector, such as

Photo supp lied.

Dr Jeremy Hill .

Willy Leferink was excited by what this meant for New Zealand.

“New Zealanders are proud of Dr Hill and over the next four years he will lead the global dairy industry forward,” Mr Leferink concluded.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature

A capital celebration The New Zealand Cooperatives Association awarded Ashburton the title of Cooperative Capital of New Zealand as part of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2012, which is being celebrated by cooperatives around the world.

Cooperative Association chairperson Blue Read says Ashburton’s cooperatives provide for virtually every farming, business and household requirement a community could ever want or need.

To formally launch Ashburton's title, the Association will be hosting a formal dinner on 29 November 2012 at The Gallery, Hotel Ashburton, starting with drinks at 6pm, followed by dinner at 7pm.

The Cooperatives Association will be making a presentation to Mayor Angus McKay as a lasting recognition of the award.

The district’s cooperatives would also like to thank and acknowledge the Cooperative Association’s focus on the region and would like to extend an invitation to New

Zealand co-operators to attend the dinner.

Cooperatives Association Chairperson Blue Read and Executive Director Ramsey Margolis will speak briefly on how members can get the most value from their cooperatives, and this event offers a great opportunity to network with like-minded people in other cooperatives.

The cost of the dinner is $59.00, with drinks at own cost.

The history behind the Co-operative Co-operative organisations emerged from the Cooperative Movement that started modestly enough in Rochdale in the United Kingdom in 1844. A group of flannel weavers set up a store, contributing one pound each, from which they distributed goods without profit that they bought in bulk from wholesalers. As the scheme developed, goods were sold at normal retail prices with the profit being shared among the customers according to the value of their purchases over a year.

Co-operatives became immensely popular and were

widely established, particularly in Northern England.

Membership of the “Co-op” meant substantial savings in the cost of living. The co-operative concept has continued strongly into our time. It became clear early on that some sort of corporate structure was required for easier administration and it was from this that co-operative companies and industrial and provident societies developed. In New Zealand, legislation was put in place enabling dairy companies to be established as cooperative companies and this was extended to cover other co-operative enterprises.

Industrial and provident societies continued to operate co-operative enterprises as well. Besides co-operative taxi businesses, industrial and provident societies have been established in New Zealand for such purposes as trading societies amongst farming communities, livestock development for particular breeds of animals, staff welfare associations, collective marketing arrangements, Maori community services and developments, and promoting irrigation for farmers within a district.

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An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature

Dairy Focus November 2012

17

Photo supplied

Mark McHardy, General Manager CRT Fuel.

CRT celebrates return of fuel storage capacity CRT and local shareholders celebrated a ‘very special delivery’ in late October – the return of 20 million litres of bulk fuel storage for use in Mid and South Canterbury.

In May 2010, the fuel storage terminal at Prime Port in Timaru was closed, halving storage at the port. As a result, diesel supply had been insufficient to meet the region’s demands and that shortage had a knock-on effect down the island.

Earlier this year, Chevron New Zealand decided to return the storage service to Timaru to help alleviate supply issues experienced by many fuel users from Mid Canterbury through to Southland; this was a positive outcome for CRT and its shareholders and was something worth celebrating. In recognition of this greater certainty of fuel supply to the area, CRT invited shareholders to enjoy lunch, refreshments and a celebrity debate at the Caroline Bay Hall. The debate was headed by Jim Hopkins, raconteur and known debater, arguing the affirmative, and Gary McCormick, radio and television personality and self-acknowledged scallywag, arguing the negative.

The mooted topic was ‘farming has done more for South Canterbury than local government ever will’. Backing Jim on the positive angle was local dairy farmer Leonie Guiney, and William Rolleston, Federated Farmers Provincial President. Gary had the help of the director of RSM Law, Ken McKenzie, and local Timaru Councillor, Damon Odey. CRT’s Robin Parker was at the debate.

“It was absolutely fantastic, the speakers were excellent. I haven’t laughed that much in a long time! To be fair, the negative team were the underdogs from the start given there was a bunch of farmers in the room, meaning the applause vote went to the positive team, but then Don McFarlane, the debate’s chairman, ultimately declared a well-deserved draw.” In addition to the debate, lots of CRT suppliers supported the event and shareholders had the chance to catch up with them to have a chat about what they could offer their farming businesses, and Central South Island Helicopters kept the crowds entertained with helicopter rides.

“We’ve had really good feedback from both shareholders and suppliers, it was a great day all round,” says Robin. And CRT Fuels’ general manager, Mark McHardy, agrees with him.

“The region certainly battled through some tough times last year with regards to fuel shortages. Chevron’s move to reopen their terminal was welcomed by all and it was only fitting that we acknowledged the occasion with a function to focus on the positives it will bring to the area.”

18

Dairy Focus November 2012

Stones bruise – fact or fiction?

It seems a very difficult thing to accept that stones don’t bruise cow’s Fred Hoekstra Veehof Dairy hooves. I often talk with farmers about Services this and almost every time people are convinced that the bruising in their cow’s feet is caused by the cow standing on a stone in the yard or on the tracks. When I ask farmers or veterinarians to explain and show me evidence of that statement then all is silent.

Just because you can see some red colouring in the hooves doesn’t mean that it is caused by stones! That reasoning is purely based on gut feel and has no scientific proof. Yet most farmers believe in that myth. I would love to see any evidence of that being true. Why is it that farmers, veterinarians and other farming professionals keep coming back to it but they can’t show proof? Why is that myth so hard to stop believing and dispel? I don’t know.

Even after explaining and showing evidence that contradicts this theory, people have a hard time letting it go. Have you ever noticed that when you say something often enough it becomes true? I believe that this theory benefits from this fact. I know that there are factors in farming that make this theory seem correct, but it isn’t.

Take, for example, the idea that when you renew your tracks you get fewer lame cows. Most farmers who have resurfaced their tracks would appear to have experienced that. I can accept that.

However, that is not enough evidence that the stones on the tracks have been the cause of the problem. The main point that I would like to make this month is that we can’t jump to conclusions that easily. Some points that would question this theory for instance are: (i) there are many farmers who have very rough tracks but don’t have many problems with lame cows; and (ii) other farmers may have spent bucket loads of money on their tracks and still have big problems. How would you explain that?

Could it be that there is more going on with the tracks that we have not considered properly? I think there is. I think that the biggest benefit of improving the tracks is that it improves the cow flow.

Why is that such an important benefit? It is important because a cow needs about 21 hours daily in the paddock to do their eating, drinking, socialising and resting. That only leaves us 1.5 hours per milking to get the cows from the paddock to the shed, milk and walk them back to the paddock. When they don’t get back in the paddock 1.5 hours later then they are “overworked” - under more stress, less immune and more susceptible to laminitis.

When we improve the tracks and take 15 minutes off every walk, we give our cows one hour per day in the paddock longer than before. This makes more sense to me than the stone theory. Have a look for yourself the next time you trim cows’ feet. Which claw has the most bruising? Which claw is usually the lame claw? Where on the claw do you find most of the bruising? If you do that for long enough you will find a pattern. How do you explain the same pattern coming back over and over again? If the problem was caused by standing on stones would you not expect a much more random pattern? Think about it.

There is so much more to say about this, but I have run out of space. Send us an email at info@veehof.co.nz - I would love to hear your opinions!

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19

Dairy Focus Situations vacant Service Technician / Agricultural Gluyas Ag Centre has a proud history as a platinum rated New Holland and a five star Kubota dealership throughout the Mid Canterbury region.

We are responsible for selling and servicing a comprehensive range of industry leading brands of agricultural equipment and machinery.

Due to an increasing workload and internal transfers, we have a great opportunity for an additional agricultural service technician to join our busy workshop.

This permanent position is ideally suited for applicants who are qualified diesel technicians with a proven work history or relevant industry experience. Applicants will need to be enthusiastic and motivated, with a strong customer focus, and able to work unsupervised in both workshop and field service locations.

We offer a competitive remuneration package, on-going training, a stable working environment and a variety of interesting work on all types of farm machinery and equipment.

Applicants for this position should have New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work permit.

Please feel free to phone Stewart for a confidential discussion on 3075800 / 027 201 2757, or If this sounds like you please apply with a copy of your CV to: stewart.mcatamney@gluyasgroup.co.nz

Gluyas Ag Centre

Mill Hands – Winslow Fixed Term Contracts

Seales Winslow is a leading national animal nutrient feed business with branches in Morrinsville and Ashburton. We are seeking a number of motivated individuals to work in our state-of-the-art feedmill, based in Winslow, 10km south of Ashburton.

These positions involve shift work on a fixed term contract for a period of four to five months, requiring flexible working hours (including weekends). Some heavy lifting is involved. These positions may lead to full time contracts.

You must be able to demonstrate: • Knowledge or an interest in the dairy sector • Good communications skills, be thorough and able to keep good records • Ability to work with minimum supervision, meet daily targets and be a team player A forklift licence and experience in a factory environment is preferred.

If you believe you have got what we are looking for and are interested in working for one of the most progressive companies in New Zealand, please apply in writing to:

Mill Hand Positions, Seales Winslow Limited, P.O. Box 125, Ashburton 7740 Or phone: Mark O’Grady, South Island Operations Manager 03 302 6200.

ASHBURTON

Due to an increasing workload, we have the following full time permanent positions available.

GUARDIAN FARMING

LIVESTOCK DRIVER

A multi-million dollar robotic milking shed under construction.

We require an experienced livestock driver to drive a late model 2/4 deck stock unit in and around the South Island. Regular hours are available and overnight stays will be required from time to time.

Page 2-3 Dairy Industry Awards winners.

Page 7-8

Applicants must have:

Discover the good life

p 8-9

Advertise your vacancies and staffing requirements in Dairy Focus South Island and Guardian Farming.

• • • •

A Class 5 license Stock handling knowledge/experience Be honest and reliable Be able to work unsupervised.

BULK GENERAL DRIVER Our Bulk Division requires an operator for a modern bulk unit in our busy Bulk Division.

Applicants must have: • • • •

A Full Class 5 license Good communication skills Be honest and reliable Be able to work flexible hours.

TRAINEE DRIVER Ryal Bush Transport Ashburton are committed to give opportunity to young drivers wishing to get into the transport industry. Support and training is provided. To apply, applicants must have:

For more information contact:

Desme Daniels - Phone 307 7974 or Email: desme.d@theguardian.co.nz Level 3, 161 Burnett Street Ashburton

Greg Donaldson Contracting is an Ashburton based general contracting company, supplying materials and services to the wider Mid Canterbury area. These services range from civil construction to residential and rural works.

We are looking for a Project Manager to manage assigned projects and sites, along with project teams. The Project Manager is expected to take ownership of projects and the clients required specifications.

The ideal candidate for this role shall meet the following:  Minimum of five years experience  Experience in all areas of earthmoving – civil  Proven ability to supervise projects  Experience in budget management  Demonstrated ability to interpret, evaluate and analyse plans, diagrams and sketches provided  Excellent computer literacy  Hold a valid New Zealand drivers licence, minimum of Class 1 Please send a C.V., supplying at least two referees, prior to 23 November 2012, to: Greg Donaldson Contracting P O Box 439 Ashburton or Email: donaldsoncontracting@xtra.co.nz Enquiries in the first instance to Greg Donaldson 0274 326 915

Driller / Locator

Looking for Agricultural staff?

Gf

Project / Sales Manager

• • • •

A minimum Full Class 2 license Good communication skills Be honest and reliable Be able to work flexible hours

We offer a stable work environment with a huge variety of work.

If any of these positions sound like you, please apply in writing, including CV, to :

Ryal Bush Transport Ashburton Ltd P O Box 233 Ashburton 7740 Or phone Colin on 0274 319 524 Applications close Friday, November 9, 2012

DDC are looking for a locator to join a team working a JT2720 drill with Ditch Witch locator equipment.

Experience would be an advantage, but full training would be given to the right person willing to learn and work as a team. Licences 1-5 WTR are a must, as this position requires operation of associated machinery.

DDC is based in Ashburton and work mainly in the local area.

If you possess the above attributes and are keen and hard working, please send a C.V., supplying at least two referees, prior to 23 November 2012, to: Directional Drilling Company NZ Ltd P O Box 439 Ashburton or Email: donaldsoncontracting@xtra.co.nz Enquiries in the first instance to Greg Donaldson 0274 326 915

Heavy Diesel Mechanics Two Vacancies - Ashburton

Due to increased work load and expansion of our workshop, AIS have two vacancies for New Zealand qualified heavy diesel mechanics.

AIS perform repairs on medium and heavy diesel trucks and trailers and road construction equipment.

Opportunity of overtime with a very competitive remuneration package is available for the right applicants.

For a full job description and further details, contact: Andy Ruck, Manager AIS Ltd Ph 03 307 8550 - andy@ais.net.nz

Truck & trailer repairs & spares

20

Dairy Focus November 2012

Irrigation managers targeted in pilot workshop limits bearing down on farming, having the ability to irrigate effectively is critical.

IrrigationNZ will team up with Synlait later We want to help irrigation managers this month to host a pilot workshop for streamline their procedures to minimise irrigation managers. problems and maximise profitability.”

Aimed at farming staff who operate The workshop, to be held at Synlait Milk’s irrigation systems, the November 30 Dunsandel Plant, will be divided into four workshop will cover the skills and modules covering regulation, scheduling, knowledge needed for high-performing operation and maintenance, and irrigation, said IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew calibration. As well as classroom learning, Curtis. participants will use nearby irrigators for “IrrigationNZ has been asked for this practical in-the-field application. kind of practical workshop for some time.

Contributed by Irrigation NZ

With new water quality and quantity

Focusing on those actually managing

irrigation should ensure widespread adoption of good management practice, says Mr Curtis.

“We have deliberately targeted irrigation managers as they oversee the system on a daily basis. The ability to prove, justify and account for water use is now a given and working with those at the coalface means these skills can be passed on to all farm employees.”

Synlait environmental manager Lucy Johnson said the pilot workshop is a good fit for the company.

“We are committed to providing our milk suppliers with the necessary training to meet current and future best practice in the environmental area. We’re excited to be able to offer this pilot workshop to our suppliers enabling access to the latest irrigation techniques and knowledge.”

IrrigationNZ intends to roll out the Irrigation Manager workshops nationally next year. They will cover all irrigation types from drip irrigation systems in orchards and vineyards through to centre pivots in broad acres and pastoral scenarios.

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Dairy Focus November 2012

21

Get metered or pay the price Hundreds of farmers around Canterbury can expect a visit from Environment Canterbury officers in the next few weeks asking why they have no water meters.

Linda Clarke,

rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian

Water-users and irrigators with takes of 20 litres per second were required to have meters

by November 10, but some have done nothing about it. They risk an abatement notice forcing them to stop pumping.

It was not too late to register with a meter supplier, and avoid a visit, Ms Earl-Goulet said.

Those on the waiting list for groundwater meters can expect installation action by the end of June. Meters for more complicated surface water takes might take longer.

The regional authority has been required by National Regulations to ensure water-takes are At October 31, just over half (55 per cent) of the metered but the information ECan collects from 5881 water-take points needing water measuring the meters will also help it analyse water use in and recording devices were on record has having the region. meters. Another 33 per cent, (representing 1962 Data for this year’s water use report is currently points) had signed up for meters. being compiled and will compare consented Extension services manager Judith Earl-Goulet takes with actual volume used. said ECan would treat the signed-up group as Ms Earl-Goulet said ECan preferred to compliant while they waited for the irrigation educate rather than prosecute, but would issue service industry to fit their meters. abatement notices if necessary.

“That only leaves 12 per cent, to the best of “We will be prioritising compliance approach our knowledge, who have done nothing.” The with this third group after November 10, 12 per cent relates to 685 points of take and starting with a letter informing of an upcoming these consent-holders have been contacted compliance visit to establish water measurement three times by letter and targeted by advertising status, discuss options, and encourage them to campaigns. register with industry to get a system installed.

“They are the ones we are keen to take action to “If people fail to act within two weeks of become compliant,” she said. our visit then it is likely they will receive an ECan officers have begun notifying offenders abatement notice (a further cost of around throughout Canterbury they are in breach of $750) which means they will be unlikely to the water meter regulations and warn they use the water from their take, and if no action can expect a compliance visit. The visit is costis progressed then further compliance action recoverable, so will cost consent-holders at least under the Resource Management Act provisions $132. is likely.”

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CHINA – May: Intriguing China including vibrant Beijing & Shanghai, a range of farms and enterprises, the Great Wall, Buried Warriors and the Silk Road plus a 3 day Yangtze River cruise and a unique stay in Inner Mongolia.

SOUTH AMERICA – May: Chile, Argentina and Brazil diverse farming, cultural and scenic experiences. Buenos Aires, Santiago & Rio de Janeiro, Andes Mountains, Bariloche and Iguazu Falls.

AFRICA – May: The best of Southern Africa... A wonderful array of farms, safaris, sights plus scenic garden route to Cape Town and Nampo field days.

Stunning Victoria Falls/Botswana extension - amazing wildlife!

TURKEY – May/June: Discover the delights of Istanbul, Gallipoli, Cappadocia and a short cruise on the beautiful Mediterranean.

EUROPE – May/June: A grand farming, food and wine tour! Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and France.

CANADA & ALASKA – June: Join our popular tour taking in Victoria, Vancouver, the Rockies, Calgary, Niagara Falls and Quebec - magnificent scenery, wonderful farms plus an optional 8 day Alaskan Cruise QUEENSLAND – June: “Winter in the Sun” Brisbane to Cairns, outback stations, farm stay, Darling Downs, Barrier Reef and more.

UK & IRELAND – June/July: Enjoy the best of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland – Highland Show, farms, gardens, villages, London, Edinburgh, Dublin, and more.

USA – June/July: Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Mid West heartland and more – farms, sights and rural hospitality second to none.

SCANDINAVIA – July: Farms, fiords, and sights in Sweden, Denmark and Norway plus beautiful Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. Fantastic extension to Finland and St Petersburg, Russia.

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22

An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature Dairy Focus November 2012

Increasing demand for ADF’s dipping and flushing milking system

660 The number of antibiotic syringes Helen & Bruce Donald of Tirau used on their farm per year before installing ADF.*

ost valuable “ADF is the m iry farmer tool that any da in his or ve could ever ha ed!” – Nigel sh g in ilk m r he ilking’s new Wilson, ADF M les Manager.

Sa South Island lied Photo supp

Due to increasing demand for ADF’s revolutionary milking system, ADF has recruited Nigel Wilson to fill their new South lsland sales manager position.

aware of the damage that mastitis can cause to dairy herds, and the costs and headaches involved in controlling this industry-wide problem.

“We’re delighted to have Nigel on board to focus on our existing and prospective dairy farm customers in the South Island,” says ADF general manager Toby Green.

“ADF has been widely adopted in the South Island since we started offering our unique milking system in New Zealand two years ago. Farmers have been quick to pick up this new technology and it is proving invaluable in reducing mastitis and subsequently increasing milk output.”

“Combating mastitis is a major pain and financial headache for dairy farmers.

Infected cows have to be quarantined and treated with antibiotics and their milk discarded. I’m very excited about ADF Milking’s automatic dipping and flushing system – it really does do what it says - and healthy cows equal healthy profits!” says Nigel.

Nigel has spent most of his life working in farming-related roles, mostly in the Canterbury region. He comes with a strong dairy farming background, having spent a number of years managing a large dairy farm, milking over 1000 cows and is acutely

The ADF system automatically dips the cows’ teats before the cups come off and flushes the liners out before they go onto the next cow. This is proven to reduce mastitis, saving time and labour. For further information visit adfmilking.com or call 0800 233 645.

With ADF installed they only use…

60 ™

To find out more… visit ADFmilking.com or call 0800 233 645 Automatic dipping and flushing. For perfect peace of mind.

*

The Donald’s installed ADF in August 2011. These figures are supported by their vet Regan Gerring, BVSc, Tirau Vet Centre. To achieve similar results ADF must be used as part of a mastitis control programme.

Dairy Focus November 2012

23

Feed facts cut through the fallacy Three of New Zealand’s leading experts in cow nutrition will provide the hard facts on feed at two DairyNZ events in Canterbury this month.

Dr John Roche from DairyNZ, Dr Jim Gibbs from Lincoln University and Dr Terry Hughes from Synlait will present unbiased and research-based information to farmers in Darfield and Ashburton.

DairyNZ consulting officer for Western Canterbury, Juliette Lee, says the events will separate fact from fiction.

“These meetings are a new and different format – with no fixed subjects to be presented and a very short introduction. They are based around the audience asking any question they like, and speakers answering these with the available science,” says Juliette.

“This provides a great opportunity for farmers to get information specific to their farm.

“Considering the calibre of the speakers and their varied backgrounds, I don’t think there will be any questions that they couldn’t answer.”

Photo Kirsty Graham 081112-KG-033

The Mad Butcher entertains in Ashburton

Dairy farmers Craig and Helen Elliott (left) and PGG Wrightson realtor Robin Ford (right) were among Westpac customers who had the pleasure of meeting the Mad Butcher, Sir Peter Leitch, at a function in Ashburton recently.

Sir Peter was guest speaker at the function, which included an address by the bank’s senior economist Mike Gordon.

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An insight into the potential Event details pitfalls and opportunities to better utilise supplementary feed will also Thursday, Novem be given.

Darfield Recrea ber 22 tion Community Ce and ntre “Farmers are inundated with 92 North Terrac e information on what to feed their Darfield cows and the experts will be able Thursday, Nov embe to cut through this by relaying Ashburton Ce r 29 ltic information from on-farm Rugby Club research.”

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24

Dairy Focus November 2012

Making a difference in the dairy industry Nominations are open for the 2013 Dairy Woman of the Year award which includes the chance to attend the year-long Women in Leadership course run by Global Women.

The scholarship, worth $25,000, is part of the award sponsored by Fonterra. This year’s nominations close on December 16.

The winner will be announced in March 2013.

The Women in Leadership programme connects participants with high-calibre networks and provides mentoring as well as professional and personal development.

Participants are expected to progress to more senior positions in one to three years after completing the course.

Inaugural winner Barbara Kuriger, who collected her award this year, says she joined the leadership programme in September and it has already helped her find her future aspirations.

“My heart is in dairy and agribusiness, and the programme is getting me to think more broadly about the opportunities I can create for the industry and for other women.”

She said she sees her future in another governance role.

“I’m passionate about helping people find solutions, and I can see there is more potential for New Zealand’s rural and urban business communities to connect – we’re not that different. We all want to have successful businesses regardless of the industries we’re in, and we face similar challenges. There is a lot of knowledge out there that can be shared for everyone’s benefit.”

Dairy Women’s Network chair Michelle Wilson said the judges saw in Barbara a real demonstration of leadership by example, exemplifying the network’s values of innovation, commitment, inclusiveness, credibility and integrity.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Barbara was the first woman regional director of LIC and has held other leadership roles including a DairyNZ and AgITO directorship. She owns and operates a dairy farm in New Plymouth with her husband Luis.

Barbara said winning the inaugural

award was special and anyone considering entering should grab the opportunity.

“Everyone has a different view of success.

Whatever it means to you, whether it’s being a director on a board, a leader in your community, a champion for change or a successful business woman, this award can help you get there.”

The Global Women’s 12-month leadership programme is internationally renowned for the calibre of its training and participants.

Global woman members include high profile lawyer Mai Chen, business woman Annah Stretton and ex-Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Dame Jenny Shipley.

Dairy Women’s Network chief executive, Sarah Speight, said the Dairy Woman of the Year award celebrates and advances women who are making a real difference in the dairy industry, in their dairying businesses and in their communities.

“Women are valued around the leadership table because they bring a range of different perspectives, but they still make up less than 12 per cent of agribusiness boards. Through the award we want to

Photo supplied

Barbara Kuriger, winner of the 2012 Dairy Woman of the Year.

assist dairying women to develop their leadership skills for the benefit of our industry.”

Sarah Kennedy, managing director Fonterra Nutrition, says Fonterra is a proud supporter of the awards.

“Women play a huge role in our industry and supporting their development through world class programmes like the Global Women Leadership programme is vital to drive the industry forward and protect our dairy future.”

The winner will be announced at a gala dinner at the Dairy Women’s Network annual conference on March 20 in Nelson.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a significant contribution to the industry, credibility and integrity and be a positive role model. They should also show a contribution to the community and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Full information and nomination forms can be downloaded at the Dairy Women’s Network website: www.dwn.co.nz