Dairy Focus, November 2013 by Ashburton Guardian

Guardian ASHBURTON

H IS

Dairy Focus

November 2013

What makes a Kiwi bloke? On the hunt for a real man . . .

Page 3

Hey Farmers! During November and December, as a shareholder, when you spend $600 or more at CRT Farmlands on selected Bayer Animal Health, Zoetis Animal Health or Coopers Animal Health products, we’ll give you a ½ HAM ON THE BONE

Terms and Conditions: Only valid for products purchased at CRT Farmlands regular Shareholder pricing (not valid on negotiated pricing). Offer valid 1 November to 24 December 2013. Hams available from beginning of November and are a random weight between 4.5-6kg. CRT Farmlands reserves the right to supply alternative hams of the same value should ham supply be compromised. Hams may vary slightly in weight. $600 or more must be on one invoice to qualify for a ½ ham. See www.farmlands.co.nz/competitions for a full list of qualifying products.

2 Dairy Focus November 2013

Awards help with industry progression

2012 Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year Enda Hawe (left) shows potential entrants Jamie Allin and Melissa and Philip Colombus what it’s all about on the Dairy Industry Awards website at the Westpac Amberley launch.

Canterbury farmers plan their entries There was an enthusiastic group of attendees at the three launch events held for the 2014 Canterbury-North Otago Dairy Industry Awards. Regional convenors, and former national sharemilkers of the year, Enda and Sarah Hawe are hoping that there will be record entries from the region.

“Canterbury-North Otago is such a strong region with much success at national level over the past few years. We think that there are so many outstanding farmers at all levels out there that we see no reason why 2014 couldn’t be our biggest competition yet.” Entering the Dairy Industry Awards

“ Cow barn design and building specialists with 16000 cows comfortably housed ”

provides an opportunity to obtain free advice while improving yourself and your business, as well as meet like-minded people. There is also the prospect of winning fantastic prizes, so the question is “Why wouldn’t you enter?” For further information or to enter, visit: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

Dairy Focus An advertising publication of the Ashburton Guardian Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Ashburton Guardian Publication date: November 19, 2013

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Next issue: December 17, 2013 We welcome any correspondence to either: Linda Clarke, phone (03) 307-7971 email: linda.c@theguardian.co.nz Desme Daniels, phone (03) 307-7974 email: desme.d@theguardian.co.nz

ntering the 2014 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards is one way aspiring dairy farmers can progress in the industry and grow their business. That is the message from 2013 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year Don and Jess Moore. The Southland sharemilkers say those keen to emulate their success should foster relationships and use the tools available – such as entering the dairy awards – to progress and grow in the industry. Entries are now being accepted online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz in the awards, including the Sharemilker/ Equity Farmer of the Year, Farm Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year competitions. Mr Moore says the awards have been a great tool to grow their dairy farm business. “It’s a little bittersweet for us and others that win their regional contests as we have lost that tool that can push our business even further by virtue of the fact we can no longer enter the awards. We wish we could enter again!” He says the win has boosted their confidence and provided them with opportunities. “We are looking at opportunities for next season that we thought we might look at in three years time, but they have been brought forward by our win.” These include buying the remainder of their herd and entering an equity partnership. “Winning the financial award helped us with the bank. We always had a good relationship with the bank, but it gave them the confidence that we are doing what we say we are doing.” Mrs Moore also urges people to work on relationships with staff, farm owners, contractors, and as a couple. “Our young staff have been excited by our win, as it demonstrates to them a pathway to achieve their own farming goals.” A record 566 people entered the 2013 awards and organisers hope a similar number will enter in 2014. Entries close on December 20.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 3

Sexes differ on manliness attributes T

he sexes are divided on what makes a true Kiwi man – and Stubbies want to find a real one. The results of a survey reveal the majority of Kiwi blokes believe that standing up for their mates and having a man cave or tool shed are the attributes which best signify masculinity and manliness. Women on the other hand believe real men open doors for their lady and wear shorts even in sub-zero We conditions. are the specialists in milking parlour Stubbies, the iconic workwear design and construction brand, recently commissioned the survey of 1000 men and women nationwide to canvas their views on what makes a real Kiwi man. The results are out in time for We high-stubble month are the specialists in milking parlour Movember and the launch of Stubbies online – stubbies.co.nz. design and construction We are the specialists in milking parlour Asked to describe a good Kiwi bloke, the words women design and construction came up with were: gumboots, Stubbies and DIY while men were more likely to say: myself, Speight’s or Barry Crump. No job is too tough for a Kiwi bloke wearing Stubbies. Kiwi men and women are also polarised as to whether chivalry they might want to hold the manly to do, preferring instead is a manly trait. The survey foundfarm door open now and then, even For a more efficient dairy to stand up for their mates and 20We perare centthe of women believe though some people might see time in their sheds. specialists in milkingspend parlour opening the door for them is a that as benevolent sexism,” says “It’s nice to know men are so design and construction We are the inmates milking parlour “real man” characteristic, whilespecialists Stubbies’ spokeswoman Wendy loyal to their but, if they men viewed that as the least Clark. want toconstruction impress the ladies, design and

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The Stubbies Real Man survey also found undies are divisive. Almost half of New Zealand men (47 per cent) believe real men should wear fitted briefs while 52 per cent of Kiwi women think

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real men wear cotton boxers. Y-fronts still make an impact on the boys too, with 28 per cent believing real men should don the Y. But it’s only just a maybe to silk boxers – a mere 12 per cent of males rate those as manly. Women are also keen for the boys to put their pins on show. Asked if Kiwi men with good legs should wear short shorts, nearly half the women said, yes, they should flash some thigh – particularly the 18 to 24-yearolds (48 per cent) and the 55 to 64 age group (51 per cent). And on the age-old toilet seat issue – the one thing both sexes agree on is that leaving the seat up is the least manly characteristic. Regionally, boys in Auckland, Canterbury, Otago and Tasman agreed that sticking up for their mates was the most manly trait; Bay of Plenty men were torn between wearing shorts in subzero conditions and loving their three meat and veg; Wakiato and Wellington blokes thought having a man cave or tool shed makes them manly. • Stubbies is on the hunt for New Zealand’s real man: facebook.com/stubbiesNZ/ app_451684954848385

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4 Dairy Focus November 2013

Safety first for quad bike riders O

torohanga farmer Willem Van Der Pasch was riding his trusty quad bike, feeding out, when a moment’s inattention cost him his life. He had a purpose-built feed trailer hitched to the quad bike and made his way up the farm race to the gateway of the paddocks where the stock were waiting. Most likely, he took his eyes off the road for a second, and the quad bike veered to the left. He overcorrected, the bike tipped and fell on top of him, crushing his head.

he 57-year-old’s death on September 2, 2011, was one of five dealt with this month by coroner Brandt Shortland. He has recommended training for quad bike riders, compulsory helmets, research into rollover protection devices, warning bleepers to signal when a bike is in reverse or potentially at tipping point. Federated Farmers has welcomed the recommendations,

Linda Clarke RURAL REPORTER

saying Mr Shortland’s findings recognise the practical realities of using quad bikes in a farm setting. “There are far more quad bikes in New Zealand than registered road-going motorcycles,” said health and safety spokesperson Jeanette Maxwell, who farms near Mount Hutt. “Many farmers will spend hundreds of hours a year operating a quad bike because they have become the farmer’s Swiss Army knife. That said, they cannot do everything and as Coroner Shortland noted it is about choosing the right equipment for the job at hand. “We also agree with Coroner Shortland that farmers must ensure quad bike users are trained in their safe operation.

Being a motorbike, quad bikes require active riding for them to be safely used over rural terrain. There are a lot of providers of training and it is essential quad bike users know their machine and its limits. Mrs Maxwell said Federated Farmers also supported restricting the minimum age of solo riders on full size quad bikes to 16. “When it comes to safety messaging the entire industry is pushing it and that includes helmet use. The Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment says that helmet use while operating a quad bike is effectively the law under the Health and Safety in Employment Act. “The instalment of alarms to alert riders if they have left their quad bikes in reverse gear is another initiative the federation has promoted to its members. “While we will be digesting these findings it is encouraging that Coroner Shortland’s recommendations are inherently

practical. From tragedy lives may be saved.” Mrs Maxwell said farmers also needed to take care of their

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Dairy Focus November 2013 5

“People died from falling oﬀ horses too so banning quad bikes is not an option” – Jeanette Maxwell

mental and physical health, as poor decision-making often led to accidents. It could be as simple as stopping for lunch and

a bottle of water, or resting away from smartphones and tablets. “It all counts, and stops people making an unwise decision later

in the day,” Mrs Maxwell said. Any taskforce charged with researching rollover protection devices would have to make

sure its findings were widely distributed to reach as many quad bike riders as possible, she said. Quad bikes have been in use for more than 40 years in New Zealand. They are the modern horse for Kiwi farmers. “People died from falling off horses too so banning quad bikes is not an option.” She said the number of accidents had remained static in recent years, despite the number of bikes in use on farms rising, so farmers were learning how to use them appropriately. It is estimated up to 100,000 quad bikes are in use around the country, from commercial farming to recreational use. Coroner Shortland said the bikes were universally popular but were “error intolerant” and prone to rolling and tipping. Riders had to make good decisions, apply commonsense and realise the bike had limitations. He said projects to reduce quad bike harm had been successful, and resulting in the increased

use of helmets for quad bikes, albeit slowly. He also said while there was conflicting evidence on the success of rollover protection devices, there were some products on the market with merit. “In many of the quad bike fatalities in which coroners have dealt with there has been a common result where the deceased has often been trapped under their quad bike for some period of time. They have survived for a period before succumbing to the weight of the bike or the sustained injuries. The carrying of a personal alarm of some sort may lead to saving a life. I would invite the innovators to consider the concept. “Farmers work hard, often in isolation, over long hours, often battling fatigue and tiredness; having an alarm system or communication system that can be activated relatively easily could save a life, especially if rescuers are searching and time is of the essence.”

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6 Dairy Focus November 2013

Getting the best from heifers S ome heifers are calving at only 82 per cent of their mature weight rather than the target of 90 per cent, recent dairy industry statistics reveal. With some farmers struggling to keep condition on stock during the drought last year, further support may be required to assist heifers to reach target weights. SealesWinslow nutritionist Wendy Morgan says that the strategic use of animal feed can assist heifers to reach their target weight by the time they calve, resulting in the animals being more profitable in the herd, using the nutrients and energy from pasture for production of milk solids, rather than for growth. “Research has shown that well grown heifers are more successful at getting back in calf, cope better in the herd with mature cows and produce a higher level of milk solids,” says Miss Morgan. With mating season just around the corner, good animal nutrition will also boost chances of conception, as underweight

cows will prioritise their energy to support maintenance. “If the cow is not receiving enough energy to support maintenance and growth, she will not have the spare energy available for getting in calf, or even to show she is cycling, which in itself is an energy demanding activity.” The lack of size of heifers is shown clearly in the data available from the LIC/DairyNZ New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2011-12. The data reports an average weight of a Holstein-Friesian at two years of age (first calver) at 420 kg, whereas by the age of six (fourth calving) she has grown to around 515kg, an increase of 95kg. Therefore, she is only calving in at 82 per cent of her mature weight rather than the target of 90 per cent (464kg). While ideal spring conditions have seen strong pasture growth, supplementation can complement pasture grazing and deliver higher levels of nutrients than pasture alone. Miss Morgan says that farmers

If a heifer reaches 90 per cent of its mature weight, it is more likely to get in calf.

needn’t be put off by the potential hassle of feeding supplements where heifers are being grazed on a run off block away from the main farm, as there are convenient feed options available. In addition, farmers may not want to run this stock through the shed even if they are close by. “Products such as ricebran

pellets, which are rich in essential fatty acids important in improving herd fertility, can be fed out in troughs in the paddock due to the slow release starches they contain. “They are also rich in starch and contain the majority of vitamins including B and E, phosphorus and other minerals, protein, fat and easily digested fibre.

Essentially you are looking at a concentrated combination of starch and high quality fat which supports both condition and energy balance for mating.” Miss Morgan also recommends the practice of agreeing liveweight targets for heifers with graziers to ensure growth stays on track throughout the duration of grazing.

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8 Dairy Focus November 2013

Scholar proves award’s worth

pplications for the 2014 Hugh Williams Ravensdown Memorial Scholarship are now open. Started in 2000 to commemorate the late Hugh Williams, a Ravensdown director from 19872000, the scholarship provides $5000 a year for sons and daughters of Ravensdown shareholders to undertake an agricultural or horticultural degree. Zach Ward was the first Hugh Williams Scholar, in 2000. More than a decade on and he is now the production manager for Chile-based New Zealand dairy company Manuka, managing a team of 240 people and 25,500 cows. After graduating, Mr Ward was offered a job at Fonterra and worked for the dairy cooperative for three-and-a-half years. While there, he met Mark Townshend who was a director at the time. Mr Townshend established the Manuka project in Chile and Mr Ward leapt at the chance to be involved. His job is to drive production. “A typical day involves working closely with the supervisors to ensure we are executing the

plan and responding to any challenges that come our way, especially climate related ones that impact on grass growth and feed supply,” he says. “The other big part of my job is staying six to 12 months ahead of where we are. Everything needs to be planned and anticipated well in advance.” Mr Ward says receiving the Hugh Williams Scholarship gave him confidence to pursue a career in agriculture. It also allowed him to focus more on his studies and extra curricula activities at university. “I was able to put a fair bit of time into other activities and did a lot of debating at university and still do quite well academically,” Mr Ward says. “All of this helped open the doors that have led me to where I am today. That is to say, my grades and experiences at university are what got me the job at Fonterra and my job at Fonterra is what exposed me to the experiences and people that got me the job I have today.’’ Adrienne Williams, wife of the late Mr Williams, says it has been a delight to be involved with the

Zach Ward, the first Hugh Williams Scholar, in 2000, is now the production manager for Manuka, a Chile-based New Zealand dairy company.

selection and follow up of the scholars for the past 13 years. “To have my dear Hugh’s name on such a great programme gives me endless pleasure,” she says. “We wanted to see young people encouraged into agriculture and this certainly seems to be the outcome. I’d especially like to commend all the applicants over the years for their commitment to the industry and to their families for the support they have given them.’’ Ravensdown chairman Bill

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McLeod says the co-operative is proud of past scholars, who have all gone on to play important roles within the agriculture industry. Mr McLeod says Ravensdown awards the scholarship to young people who demonstrate passion and a deep understanding of agribusiness, and who have shown that they are capable of the hard work which will be required to succeed and become outstanding in their field. “Previous recipients have achieved this and are now taking

leading roles in their profession and showing the success of this worthy programme,” Mr McLeod says. “The Hugh Williams Ravensdown Memorial Scholarship offers Ravensdown a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to outstanding young New Zealand students pursuing a career in agriculture.” • Applications for the Hugh Williams Ravensdown Memorial Scholarship close December 6.

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10 Dairy Focus November 2013

No setback for waste disposal N

ew Zealand’s largest on-farm recycling company, Plasback, says it is business as usual and all farmers can still safely dispose of their waste silage plastic despite Agrecovery’s announcement that it will no longer collect used silage wrap. Plasback manager Chris Hartshorne says his company has more than enough capacity to collect any outstanding Agrecovery recycling bags from farms. Plasback will honour all current and future bookings of Agrecovery customers. “We applaud the Agrecovery Foundation’s efforts to raise farmers’ awareness about the importance of product stewardship and the need to protect the environment from non-organic waste. We are working with them to achieve an orderly transition so farmers can retain full confidence in their ability to recycle their waste plastics. “We will collect both Plasback and Agrecovery liners from farms during the transition. “Agrecovery customers should

continue to request collections through the Agrecovery website or freephone and these details will be sent through to us for collection. Plasback liners will be available from all rural retail stores in coming weeks.” Last year about 1100 tonnes of waste silage wrap was collected from farms around New Zealand. Plasback gathered 73 per cent of that total, and Agrecovery handled the rest. Plasback pioneered the onfarm bin and liner collection system and has a nationwide network of collectors and baling plants to recycle agricultural plastic. It recycles a range of farm plastic, including silage wrap, vine nets, polypropylene bags and twine, irrigation pipe, and Ecolab and FIL 100 and 200 litre HDPE drums. Plasback has markets for all the waste plastic it collects. It now has plans to expand its network of collectors and processing plants. Mr Hartshorne says as more farmers join the recycling scheme, it will become more cost effective to operate and

Chris Hartshorne, Plasback manager, says there are markets for all the waste plastic it collects.

more efficient for farmers. He believes the regulatory environment is shifting, and in future it will be illegal to dispose of potentially harmful waste on farm. Voluntary product stewardship schemes, such as Plasback, are the cheapest and most efficient way for manufacturers, product distributors, consumers, recyclers and government to work together to handle that waste. “From January 1 there will be a ban on burning plastic in Canterbury, and a ban is pending in Southland. Environment Canterbury recently commissioned

research to gauge how farmers handle their waste. “The survey found that on average farms produce about nine tonnes of non-organic waste each year – everything from metal and wood to tyres, plastic and chemical drums. More than 92 per cent of that waste is burned, buried or stored. This creates a serious long-term environmental problem, and regional councils are getting more and more concerned about it. “The Government is considering giving priority product status to several products farmers use including

agrichemicals, chemical containers, and tyres. Under the Waste Minimisation Act, a priority product must have a product stewardship scheme attached to it before it can be sold,” Mr Hartshorne says. “A levy onto the cost of the product. We hope farmers continue to support voluntary recycling because we don’t want to see mandatory schemes put in place.” • For more details or to book on-farm collection visit www. plasback.co.nz or contact Chris Hartshorne on 0508 338 240 or chartshorne@agpac.co.nz.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 11

On the hunt for young Maori farmers T

he search has begun for the next Young Maori Farmer of the Year. Entries for the 2014 award opened this month. The competition – coming up to its third year – was established in 2012 and has become an exciting addition to the Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award. Alternating each year between dairy and sheep and beef farming, the award gives deserving young Maori the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements. This year the award is targeted at dairy farmers. Sponsored by Primary ITO, Te Tumu Paeroa (on behalf of the Maori Soldiers Trust) and Allflex, the aim of this award is to empower young farmers and encourage their personal development and growth. For the inaugural Young Maori Dairy Farmer of the Year winner, Tangaroa Walker, the outcome has been significant. “I have always been passionate about dairy farming but since winning the Ahuwhenua award I’ve been shown a lot of other areas that I am interested in as well. “I’ve learned a lot about

Tangaroa Walker, the first Young Maori Farmer of the Year.

business. It puts you in a different bracket. All of a sudden I wasn’t just talking to farmers but to bank managers and CEOs. When I attended the FoMA

(Federation of Maori Authorities) conference people were coming up and talking to me about how they can help me get ahead,” he says.

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“Only about a month after the award I was offered a huge opportunity working for a farm owner of 950 cows with a 300 hectare run off, which I accepted.

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I also had a few other job offers as well.” Since his accolade in 2012, Mr Walker has also been enjoying speaking at industry events, especially those that aim to encourage and help young people get ahead. “I enjoy helping young people so none of it is work to me. It’s like my hobby. I am also now on the board of the South Island Dairy Event so they can ask me questions about how to attract young Kiwis to the industry,” he says. Mr Walker has also been invited to apply for a Nuffield Scholarship which he says is going to be life changing. The Ahuwhenua Young Maori Dairy Farmer of the Year competition is open to Maori aged 16 to 25 years who are employed on a dairy farm and currently enrolled in or have completed a National Certificate in Agriculture Level 3 or higher in the last year. Applications are open until February 14 next year and the winner will be announced at the awards dinner in Tauranga in June. • For information on how to enter visit www. ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz

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12 Dairy Focus November 2013

Moving the dairy herd inside Carmen Hall sees a resolve to avoid dairy-housing controversy.

erd Homes are under the spotlight as new guidelines are debated to protect cows from being “intensively farmed”, as pigs and chickens are. The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is seeking public consultation on proposed changes to the dairy cattle Code of Welfare 2010. Committee chairman Dr John Hellstrom says the committee wants the industry to be regulated because there has been an increase in 24/7 dairy housing. ”What happened with pigs and poultry is those industries started intensive farming methods and there was very little scrutiny of that until it got well down the track,” Dr Hellstrom says. ”Dairying is starting now so we have got time to put good conditions in place before anything silly happens . . . there are still issues around pigs and chickens. Our intention is to be proactive from the start.” Treatment of cows was covered in the dairy code but it did not extend to the herd home. There was concern about the

Industry leaders hope that regulated guidelines for housing cows inside should prevent controversy about the practice.

amount of time animals spent in the home and the size of stalls provided for them. ”There are things like if you have animals of widely different sizes in buildings that can cause some animal-welfare problems as they’ll be too big for the small animals and too small for the big animals,” Dr Hellstrom says. We have also put in a

recommended best practice that cows should get at least some time on the pasture. ”However, the organisation was impressed with all of the herd housing it had seen so far. ”In terms of improved welfare for the animals, if given the choice the cows would rather be inside than outside when the weather is bad and their health,

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reasonable and workable . . . it goes without saying animal welfare must come first, if we don’t have fit, healthy, growing animals we don’t make money.” Farmers were building herd homes as a means to protect the environment, he says. It gave farmers control of effluent run-off. This year, Fiona and Shaun Kehely built a herd home in the Bay of Plenty and likened it to five-star accommodation with all the mod cons. The farm supports 1100 cows on a 430 hectare dairy platform and the state-of-the-art herd home can house 400 cows overnight or accommodate 600 for feeding. The shed has sleeping facilities in the form of stalls. Its curved roof generates air movement to keep stock warm and dry in winter and cooler in summer. A built-in effluent system is underneath. The Kehelys said they had used 30 per cent less feed supplements and cow foot problems were down 60 per cent. ”It’s the way of the future,” Mr Kehely says.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 13

We have also put in a recommended that cows should get at least some time on the pasture, National Animal Welfare Advisory committee chairman John Hellstrom says.

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14 Dairy Focus November 2013

Dairy NZ concerned for Philippines T

he dairy farming community is expressing its support and sympathy to the Filipino community in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan which swept through the Philippines causing death and devastation. DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says there are many Filipinos employed in the New Zealand dairy industry and they are a valued part of our workforce. “Many farmers I’m sure will be concerned about any of their staff who have been impacted by this event and are worrying about their families and friends back home in the Philippines. They will be supporting their workers through this as much as possible.” He says that about eight per cent of employees on New Zealand dairy farms are originally from the Philippines. “They are working on farms all around the country but many are based in Canterbury and Southland. I’d urge any workers who have been affected to talk to their employers as they will UGUST 2013—hANhAm 1/2PG ADVERT want to help them as much as they can. I know a lot of support has already been shown by farmers. “Filipino employees are a

An aerial view shows signs for help and food amid the destruction left from Typhoon Haiyan in the coastal town of Tanawan, central Philippines. PHOTOS AP

vital and much appreciated labour resource for our industry – and for many, this will be tough time – trying to get information about relatives and friends and grieving for lost loved ones and their damaged homeland. We know they are a

close community who actively support each other. We have been in contact with the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand group to offer our support and have asked them to let us know of any assistance they might need,” he says. “Farmers can also

contact us if they need any help or advice in supporting their Filipino staff at this time.” Federated Farmers is also asking the farming community to put their hands in their pockets to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

“We recommend that you help by donating money to the New Zealand Red Cross. This organisation will see that money gets to where it is most needed.” For more information, please contact the Red Cross on 0800 733 27677.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 15

Fear and suspicion emerge

Survivors from Tacloban, which was devastated by Typhoon Haiyan disembark a Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft at the Villamor Airbase, in Manila, Philippines.

A woman rests on a roadside with her family’s belongings near the Typhoon Haiyan ravaged town of Tacloban, central Philippines.

ilipinos abroad who have spent a harrowing week trying to contact loved ones after Typhoon Haiyan are mobilising to send relief, despite misgivings about officials pocketing aid on the ground. With thousands feared dead and aid only trickling in, many among the 10-million-strong disaspora are frantically trying to find out if their relatives are alive and their homes still standing. From Asian capitals to the United States and Europe, Filipino communities are taking to churches and social media sites to raise funds for communities left with nothing – and growing increasingly desperate. In Hong Kong, where about 150,000 Filipinos work as domestic helpers, the Red Cross said a hotline set up to trace the missing had been overwhelmed since the typhoon smashed into the nation’s central islands, displacing an estimated 673,000. “The maids were crying. They didn’t know what to do,” spokeswoman Denise Wong said. Liezel Miralles, a domestic worker from Batad, a coastal town of 20,000 people, had not been able to contact her husband and other relatives to find out if they had survived.

Politicians are using it (the typhoon) for their own beneﬁt even in the midst of this devastating situation. “I feel very, very, very sad, my whole family is there,” Ms Miralles said as she bought groceries for her employer. “There is no house, no phone, no connection.” Support group United Filipinos is one of many organisations and individuals around the world planning to direct aid only to non-government agencies. “We are afraid that if we send to the government, it will just to go their pockets and will not reach the beneficiaries,” secretary general Eman Villanueva said. “Politicians are using it for their own benefit even in the midst of this devastating situation. They are still thinking for themselves.” In Singapore, Filipina expatriate Dimples Larrazabal said the 24 hours it took for her to get in touch with her mother, her brother and his family in the town of Ormoc in devastated Leyte province seemed like an eternity. “At first I was half-positive (that things would be okay) because

our house is a good structure,” said Ms Larrazabal, a homemaker. But she began to panic after seeing photos showing the unimaginable devastation. Social media sites were inundated with posts from people searching for missing relatives, uploading pictures of individuals and families to Facebook and Twitter in posts tagged #tracingPH or simply #missing. Google said it had updated its Person Finder site – which helps people find loved ones after a disaster – to include Philippines mobile numbers. Krima Molina, a teacher from storm-struck Leyte now living in Tokyo, said she watched in horror as Facebook posts from friends at home turned into increasingly desperate pleas for help. Many of the homes destroyed have been built with the earnings of the staggering 10 per cent of the population which works abroad. Although many toil for low wages as construction workers, maids, sailors and janitors, they are collectively a major economic force and last year sent home $21.4 billion, almost nine per cent of the nation’s economic output. -AFP

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16 Dairy Focus November 2013

Advertising feature

Be feed smart Preparing for seasonal pasture changes

s we near the stage of the season where pasture changes from its vegetative to reproductive state (seed head stage), it is important to consider the implications this has on cow performance. This is especially important in years such as this one (with a high pay-out being forecasted), as it is essential that we capture as much of this additional income as possible, through increased milk solid production, to maximise farm profitability. As pasture becomes more fibrous, lignin levels in the plant start to increase. NDF percentage of the pasture subsequently increases and the cow is generally not able to eat the same amount of pasture (kg DM) as the more lush spring pasture (see Graph 1 – Grass component). With intake reduced and quality levels

decreasing, milk production will decline at an increased rate compared to the overall lactation - rumen fill and dry matter intake are your biggest limitations in holding milk production. Without adequate protein levels in the pasture, the cow will also not have the balanced diet necessary to maintain production. Transitioning your cows onto a diet to counter this period is important, as optimising the diet to compensate for the change in pasture quality will hold milk production for longer during this period of reproductive pasture (see Graph 2 – Milk solids). If we check the numbers, preventing a 2 litre (or 0.08 MS) milk drop until mid-January could be worth as much as 23MS/cow. An investment of 90 cents per cow per day for a period of 60 days

is worth an additional margin over feed cost of $220 per cow per year. These results have been backed up through research trials, focusing on improving productivity and profitability through concentrate supplementation, being carried out at Lincoln University as part of the Dairy Business Centre (NZ) Limited’s dairymasters™ Tertiary Scholarship Programme. As the effects from the continuous fluctuation of pasture composition throughout the season remain poorly understood, Dairy Business Centre (NZ) Ltd has invested in a state of the art NIRS (Near-infrared spectroscopy) analysis unit to test feed material characteristics and allow farmers to effectively balance livestock diets based on the quality of feed available, in combination with the

Graph 1 - Grass component

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Dairy Focus November 2013 17

Step forward welcomed

ndustry body DairyNZ says the Government’s proposed national objectives framework for freshwater is a step forward as it will help communities by providing a nationally consistent and scientific basis for assessing water quality. Environment Minister Amy Adams and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy this month released proposals for improving freshwater management, including national water standards. The Government is now embarking on a public consultation process and seeking feedback on a discussion document and a draft amended National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. “Water is fundamental to our way of life – we use it domestically, it’s a must for food production, it underpins many aspects of our national economy including agriculture, it is culturally important, and central to many of the recreational pursuits we enjoy,” says DairyNZ general manager for policy and advocacy, Kimberly Crewther. “It is crucial that we use the

best possible framework for making decisions about water. That starts with a science and an evidence-backed framework for consistently determining where our waterways are at. It’s important to consider how the choices we make will impact across the broad range of activities and the values our community holds for water,” she says. “The proposed framework comes with some clear bottom lines for ecosystem and human health. We support these bottom lines as proposed and encourage the Government to take a very tight approach to exemptions. The framework allows for staged timeframes. “DairyNZ also considers it important that where values for water are still to be quantified, that we see a similarly rigorous scientific process.” Ms Crewther says DairyNZ supports the establishment of a collaborative community planning process for setting water policies. “We are hopeful that by coming together at the start of the process to collectively

Science-backed water quality assessment is the way of the future, says Dairy NZ.

agree values as a community, the result will be in a smoother process, more focused on shared solutions. “Farmers are more than willing to step up and be a part of those community processes and play their role in taking actions along with other players like councils. This is about working together to find enduring solutions,” she says.

Ms Crewther says DairyNZ also supports the proposal to require councils to account for water quality and quantity by tracking all water takes and where contaminants are coming from in regions including urban, industrial and rural sources. “The industry is already collecting some of this data through the new Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord because

we know we need this kind of information to help us manage our environmental footprint. The new requirement will mean that all sources – not just farming ones – are clearly tracked and monitored. “It will give communities much better information and a clearer picture of local issues and where to focus our efforts,” Ms Crewther says.

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18 Dairy Focus November 2013

Mixers making a difference

ew Zealand dairy farmers are increasingly turning to better nutrition for their herds as a means of pushing up milk solids production, which has seen a big increase in the use of feed mixer equipment. In fact, the acceptance of the important role of blending additional supplements into a palatable feed mix to supplement grass or to provide additional elements such as minerals and molasses, has become so powerful that New Zealand has emerged as the fastest-growing export market for the Canadianbased manufacturer, Jaylor International. The brand is represented in New Zealand by Power Farming, and Jaylor product manager Ken Bill has just returned from Canada where he collected an award for achieving record sales of the product in New Zealand. Mr Bill says there has been a huge increase in sales of Jaylor PMR (partial mixed ration) feed mixers throughout New Zealand as dairy farmers continue the search for increased production.

“Farmers looking to increase their production can increase their land mass, which is getting harder and harder to do, or they can look to the cheaper and more cost effective alternative of feeding their herds better,” he says. Feed mixers have been an integral part of the operation of many of the country’s most successful dairy farmers for at least the last decade as they concentrated on maximising the efficiency of their properties and pastures. Mr Bill says while there was some scepticism earlier, those pioneer users were in fact ahead of their time and the results they have achieved have proved the value of the PMR mixers. “In a hot summer like we had last year, many farmers who were on supplementary feed mixes were able to maintain the status quo, and in some cases to even improve their performance,” he says. “We can’t control the weather and when you’re running an intensive farming operation with a high debt loading, you need to do everything you can to

Ken Bill with the Jaylor Market Leadership Award. maximise production.” Mr Bill says since last November, the growth in sales had been phenomenal, brought about by the effects of the drought, which forcibly brought home the message that dairy farmers need to do more than rely on the weather and the gods. The Jaylor vertical feed mixers are manufactured in Canada and

are well known for their high quality, durability and efficiency, and for their many innovative and patented design features which cut the feed, and lift and aerate it to produce a light, fluffy, palatable blend. Mr Bill says the feed mixers were simple, low maintenance machines – probably one of the lowest maintenance on the market.

New Zealand has emerged as the fastest-growing export market for the Canadian-based manufacturer, Jaylor International.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 19

Beware the adult tick

loodthirsty adult ticks are on a quest right now and farmers in the North Island in tick-prevalent areas should be checking cattle and talking to their veterinarian about assessing their risk in an effort to limit the spread of a new strain of the blood-borne parasite Theileria, says DairyNZ. Cases of cattle being affected by the new Ikeda strain of Theileria orientalis, which is carried by ticks and causes anaemia, have been on the increase since late last year, particularly in the upper North Island. Animal husbandry team leader, Dr Nita Harding says the New Zealand cattle tick is in the adult part of its life cycle, and looking to attach and feed on cattle over the next three months. “It’s called questing – as the adult tick seeks a host to feed on before it lays eggs,” she says. “The adult tick will only be on the host animal for about a week. After feeding it drops back onto pasture where it lays up to 2000 eggs over a three-week period and then dies. “Larvae hatch from the eggs three to six months later. These attach to a host animal, feed and return to pasture to develop into the next stage of the life cycle which is the nymph, and then repeat this process to develop from the nymph to the adult tick.

Tick facts • The tick lifecycle consists of four stages – egg, larva, nymph and adult. • All stages live at the base of pasture plants.

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• Each stage, apart from eggs, needs to feed on a warm blooded host and finds its host by climbing up plant stems and attaching to a passing animal. • Feeding lasts four to 19 days after which the larva, nymph or tick drops off the host and returns to the bottom of the pasture to mature to the next stage, or lay eggs if it is an adult tick. • The cattle tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is small. Adults are about 2.5 mm long. • The fully fed adult swells with blood to about the size of a pea. • Farmers should look for them around the tail head, base of udder and inside of the legs and in the ears.

A swollen tick.

“Theileria is not transmitted from one generation of ticks to the next via eggs, so each new generation of ticks becomes infected by feeding on cattle with Theileria. Reducing the numbers of larvae, nymphs and adult ticks will limit the opportunity for Theileria to be spread within and between herds,” she says. “This is an important stage in the life of the tick right now. While only a small proportion of the adult ticks may

be feeding at any one time, and many will be using other animals like rabbits and deer as hosts, we need to do all we can to manage the numbers of ticks laying eggs. Ticks can infest many animal species but they only transmit the Theileria parasite to cattle.” Dr Harding says farmers need to be vigilant in checking cattle for ticks, and talk to their vet about their risk and the options for treatment if they find them.

“There are also factsheets on the DairyNZ website (www.dairynz.co.nz/ theileria) to help farmers assess their risk status. The Ministry for Primary Industries has summary advice on its website on the most at-risk areas based on tick distribution maps.”

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20 Dairy Focus November 2013

Advertising feature

Hard-packed for longer lasting lane-ways The best compliments of all come from the farmers and the contractors who use the sandstone on a daily basis. Farmers report that cows flow along the tracks better than ever before, with an increased efficiency to and from the milking sheds. Manure and stones don’t clog the surface, so there is much less being taken into the milking sheds, which reduces lameness, mastitis and makes washing out easier. The cows are less stressed along their journey because they have a more even surface to walk along, which increases milk production. Contractors enjoy the benefits of the sandstone from Woodstock Quarries, because their clients receive a longlasting, hard-wearing product, which is easy to work with. Stu Tarbotton is one of the local contractors who enjoys working with product from Woodstock Quarries. “It’s a great long-lasting product, which we know will be hard-wearing for our customers. It goes down firm, even when laying it on a slope, it hangs up nicely, so it’s easy to work with. “It doesn’t tend to deteriorate or pothole, it requires very little maintenance. After we compact it, we treat it with water which makes it set firm. It

hardens well and overall we’ve found it a great product to use,” Stu said. With its reputation for longevity, the sandstone is now being shipped further throughout the South Island, with farmers and contractors understanding the long-term savings the product is creating due to little up-keep required on lane-ways and tracks. Best of all, if you change the structure of your farm, you can rip up the old laneway and use it again to create a new one in a different paddock. It’s a re-useable product. Use this summer to get your tanker track in order, with Woodstock Quarries’ pot-hole free product, and talk to Darryn about an economical package in conjunction with a local contractor to get your dairy lanes to a premier level before next winter. Just in time for summer Woodstock Quarries have a massive 20% off the first 3000 tonne sold before Christmas. Simply advise Darryn that you have read this article when making your enquiry to receive this special offer. You may be surprised at how easy, and affordable, it is to improve the efficiency on your dairy farm, simply by laying a superior product on your laneways and tanker tracks.

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ependable, long-wearing, improves efficiency. These are the words which owner’s of Woodstock Quarries, Darryn and Jo Shepherd, love to hear from impressed farmers and contractors throughout the South Island. The 35 million-year-old sandstone which is extracted from Woodstock Quarries, is continuing to gain a reputation for being the premier product to use in the laying of dairy lane-ways and other high-traffic stock areas as well as for pot-hole free tanker tracks. The product is unique to Woodstock Quarries, and the performance results speak for themselves. In the seven years which the sandstone has been used in the creation of tracks and lane-ways, not one track has needed to be re-laid. It’s not a lime-based product, so parts of the lane won’t wash away, and it won’t bog like clay-based product does. It compacts hard and locks tight, and even increased trampling by hooves will only make it compact harder. In the wet it won’t become slippery, so cows won’t have difficulty walking up hills or to the shed during the rain. It’s fast-drying and re-seals hard.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 21

Synlait comes to rescue of fire brigade S

ynlait Milk is proud to have been able to help the volunteer fire brigade in Dunsandel by funding the purchase of a new emergency response vehicle that will be used to support the community. The vehicle was officially handed to the brigade this month by Synlait Milk managing director John Penno who said Synlait Milk was happy to respond to a call for help from such an important local service provider. “Being able to give something back to our local community, which we are committed to, means a lot to us. We saw this as a great initiative that we couldn’t help but get behind. “We have a great relationship with the brigade which we look forward to continuing as we grow and develop the site here in Dunsandel,” Mr Penno said. Chief fire officer Ian Chatterton said being able to provide additional support to the existing fire appliance and water tanker when responding to local emergencies is a great boost to the brigade. “The support Synlait Milk has given to our local brigade has been fantastic. The vehicle will be used to respond to

The new emergency response vehicle provided by Synlait Milk for the Dunsandel Volunteer Fire Brigade.

emergencies in all weather conditions and allow us to access remote areas, secure the scene of motor vehicle accidents faster, and respond to priority one medical emergencies in support of ambulance services, Mr Chatterton said. “We will also use the vehicle for non-emergency events within the local community like fire

safety promotions and the fire wise programme at schools,” Mr Chatterton said. The brigade would also like to acknowledge the contributions from the broader Dunsandel community with $15,000 having been raised to date. Mr Chatterton said the brigade is close to reaching its targeted funding and, hopefully, with

on-going discussions with several local businesses and organisations, a fully equipped vehicle and secure parking facilities will be in place in the not too distant future. “With the funds raised the brigade is looking to procure essentials including medical equipment, road safety equipment, chainsaws, hand

tools and personnel protection equipment. “As for the parking facility plans are being put in place to construct a garage next to the existing fire station,” Mr Chatterton said. Synlait Milk is also the principle naming rights sponsor of the local Dunsandel Irwell Rugby Football Club.

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22 Dairy Focus November 2013

Advertising feature

Fertigation - The Ultimate Solution

Fertigation - The ultimate solution “M

etering pumps in centrepivot irrigation systems allow growers to apply fertilisers in the most precise, timely and cost-effective manner” For the grower looking to optimise cost, efficiency, return on investment and, most important, yield, the ultimate solution is a fertigation system (which consist of some combination of hoses, injectors) that utilises metering pumps to introduce the grower’s desired amount of fertilisers and chemicals – no more and no less – into the farm’s centre pivot water irrigation system at the precise time. Metering pumps are perfect for these operations because they are reciprocating positive-displacement pumps that deliver precise amounts of fertilisers and chemicals, which enable the grower to control the amount and the timing of the application. They are highly accurate,

repeatable and provide flow rates that are easily adjustable. They are also able to meet the unique handling characteristics required for fertilizers (which are usually solutions) and chemicals (which are often suspensions of fine particles in liquid). A fertigation system that features a metering pump is perfect for use with a centre pivot watering system because the pump’s operations overcomes the challenges that most perplex the grower. Anybody that can use a calculator can set the needed flow rate for a metering pump. Once the flow rate is determined, that precise amount of fertiliser or chemical will be applied through the centre pivot irrigation system. Because of the metering pump’s efficiency, a large crop-growing operation can effectively and efficiently use one pump to service up to three centre pivot systems. Additionally, applying precise amounts

“Metering pumps in center-pivot irrigation systems allow growers to apply fertilisers in the most precise, timely and cost-effective manner” For the grower looking to optimize cost, efficiency, return on investment and, most important, yield, the ultimate solution is a fertigation system (which consist of some combination of hoses, injectors) that utilises metering pumps to introduce the grower’s desired amount of fertilisers and chemicals – no more and no less – into the and the timing of the applications is not of farm’s fertiliser via a pivot metering through centre waterpump irrigation system at the precise time. completely under the grower’s control. a centre pivot system at precise times Metering pumps are perfect for these operations because they are system reciprocating A centre pivot irrigation can cost during the growing season will boost positive- displacement pumps that deliver precise amounts of fertilisers system and upwards of $100,000. A fertigation yield while needing less fertiliser to realise chemicals, which enable the grower to control the amount and the timing of the that utilises metering pumps will cost those higher yields. application. They are highly accurate, repeatable and provide flow rates that are $3500 to $4000. The use of metering pumps in easily adjustable. They are also able to meet the unique handling characteristics Using the centre pivot as a spray boom conjunction with a centre pivot system required for fertilisers (which are usually solutions) and chemicals (which are often for chemicals and fertilisers allows also keeps the grower more nimble suspensions of fine particles in liquid). reduced input costs, precision timing and able to adjust to changing growing A fertigation system that features a metering pump is perfect for use with a centre and increased yields, money that can conditions. pivot watering system because the pump’s operations overcomes the challenges accelerate the repayment of the original that most perplex the grower. Anybody that can use a calculator can set the needed investment in the centre pivot system. flow rate for a metering pump. Once the flow rate is determined, that precise The ultimate benefit of utilising Whilethrough growersthe willcentre neverpivot be able to amount of fertiliser or chemical will be applied irrigation metering-pump technology for the precisely predict weather patterns (with system. Because of the metering pump’s efficiency, a large crop-growing operation application of fertilisers and chemicals any to measurable canpivot can effectively and efficiently use one pump service upaccuracy), to three they centre through theAdditionally, centre pivot applying is the positive expandofthe window viability systems. precise amounts fertiliser viaofacrop metering pump return to the grower’s bottom line. The by making the best use of the bestboost through a centre pivot system at precise times during the growing season will rising fertilisers and chemicals application that is available. yieldprices whileofneeding less fertiliser to realise those highertechnology yields. make it necessary to inject the exact In this case, that is metering-pump The use of metering pumps in conjunction with a centre pivot system also keeps the amount of each at precisely the right technology, which can be a key and costgrower more nimble and able to adjust to changing growing conditions.

Conclusion

time. Aerial application of insecticides, CONCLUSION fungicides and herbicides is expensive

effective component in any centre pivot irrigation system.

The ultimate benefit of utilizing metering-pump technology for the application of fertilisers and chemicals through the centre pivot is the positive return to the grower’s bottomline. The rising prices of fertilisers and chemicals make it necessary to inject the exact amount of each at precisely the right time. Aerial application of insecticides, fungicide sand herbicides is expensive and the timing of the applications is not completely under the grower’s control. A centre pivot irrigation system can cost upwards of$100,000. A fertigation system that utilises metering pumps will cost $3,500 to $4,000. Using the centre pivot as a spray boom for chemicals and fertilisers allows reduced input costs, precision timing and increased yields, money that can accelerate the repayment of the original investment in the centre pivot system. While growers will never be able to precisely predict weather patterns (with any measurable accuracy), they can expand the window of crop viability by making the best use of the best application technology that is available. In this case, that is metering-pump technology, which can be a key and cost-effective component in any centre pivot irrigation system.

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Dairy Focus November 2013 23

Taking care of knives T

his month I am talking about the tools that are used when trimming, with particular focus on knives. They are the most important tools that you will use and it is important that they are used correctly which means they need to be kept clean and sharp. We get a lot of knives, of varying quality, sent to us from all over New Zealand to be sharpened. The main thing that determines quality is the hardness of the steel. The harder the steel the longer it will stay sharp. Most knives are made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is relatively hard and therefore will keep its edge reasonably well. However, some of the cheaper stainless steel knives are soft and will go blunt quite quickly. Often farmers will buy these cheaper knives because they tend to be used for many things other than hoof trimming and it becomes quite expensive if you have to keep replacing them. The better-quality hoof knives are made of hardened steel. These knives will stay sharper for

Fred Hoekstra VEEHOF DAIRY SERVICES

much longer than stainless steel knives, but they will rust if they are not kept dry. As they are so hard they can break more easily than stainless steel knives, so it is important to use the right trimming technique. Horny hoof tissue needs to be sliced off not broken off. What I mean is that many people tend to start a cut and then part way through twist the knife so as to cause the hoof to break off rather than making the slice clean. Generally, people are not even aware they are doing this, but it is something I encounter frequently when running training courses. When we trim cows it is important that our knives are sharp. We wouldn’t like it if a surgeon performed an operation on us using blunt knives. Not

Trainees learning to sharpen a knife.

so much because it is harder work for the surgeon, but more because the end result is not the same. This is the same for cows. If we use blunt knives we are more likely to cut ourselves and the trimming job is not going to be as successful. By using sharp knives you can be much more precise with less effort. Sharpening knives is, however, not the easiest thing to do. It takes a lot of practise and patience. We use a bench grinder

with a linishing belt. This will sharpen the blade and create a nice bevel. The angle that you put the knife onto the belt will determine the angle of the bevel. As a rule of thumb, this bevel needs to be a minimum of 10mm. Many knives have a much steeper bevel than 10mm and that makes the knife much more difficult to use, giving you less control with your cutting. We sharpen the hook of

the knife on a rubber disc attachment on our grinder. You can sharpen the hook on the outside if you wish, but you should never sharpen the back of the blade. If you do, you end up having to tilt the knife when trimming and it is much more likely to cut the hoof rather than taking a slice off. I know it is tempting to touch up that side of the knife to get a sharp edge but you will ruin the functionality of the knife.

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24 Dairy Focus November 2013

Advertising feature

Get more from your milking system I

f you are looking to upgrade your dairy, leading technology innovator Waikato Milking Systems and local dealer Ashburton Milking Systems have a wide range of options that will save you time, money and labour. Whether you’re after a whole new system, or high-tech products to get more out of your existing plant, these New Zealand-owned companies have the expertise to ensure you get the results you want. A representative from Ashburton Milking Systems will sit down with you to discuss the options available to you. They will put the time into understanding exactly what you want from your upgrade to make sure you get the best advice. “We believe our customers want a total solution, from people who have empathy for what they want to achieve,” Waikato Milking Systems regional sales manager Lindsay Giles says. “It’s about us working together to imagine your future dairy, and for us then delivering on that dream.” You will get to look over the options in your own time, drawing from the wide range of milking solutions available. Options are available for all farming types and budgets. “We understand what farmers want, including value for money and products that deliver on their promise,” Lindsay says. The technology is easy to install,

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and with each other to make milking easier and faster. The innovative Smart range brings outstanding benefits including better mastitis control, improved milk quality and higher productivity. Examples include SmartECRs (high performing cup remover technology), SmartD-TECT (an intelligent mastitis identification system) and SmartPULS (an exceptional digital pulsation system). Other options include SmartSPRAY (an innovative automatic teat spray system designed specifically for rotaries) and SmartWASH (an automated wash system that achieves consistently high results). Smart products each have their own unique benefits but, when used together, bring even more powerful outcomes. If you’re after the best herd management technology in the world, Afimilk’s automation system is unbeatable and is available through Ashburton Milking Systems. The technology integrates extremely well with Waikato Milking Systems rotary solutions both in New Zealand and internationally. For herringbone upgrades, Swing Arms are an extremely efficient swingover system providing excellent cluster alignment, superior udder health and a clutter-free pit. Models are available with and without automated cup removers.

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13/11/13 8:44 am