Farming GUARDIAN
MAY, 2016
ORGANICS WHY GEN Y IS FORCING CHANGE
N E P O
EK
S / WE 5 DAY
House of Hearing CLINIC Ashburton Blenheim Fendalton Halswell Papanui Rangiora
100% NZ Owned & Operated
PHONE 03 307 8949 03 579 5353 03 351 3535 03 322 4326 0800 333 606 03 310 7355
2
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
WIN WIN WIN
COMMENT FROM EDITOR This month win New Zealand Hunting Adventures – Deer, Chamois and Tahr in the 21st Century by Steurt Laing. Just answer the following question and either post it to Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton or email it to Nadine.P@theguardian. co.nz.
What is the name of Ireland’s sustainable food brand?
Congratulations to last month’s winner: Bill Taylor from Glenavy On the cover: Chloe Harvey. Photo: Tetsuro Mitomo.
CONTACTS We appreciate your feedback. Editor Email your comments to nadine.p@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7957.
Advertising Email deidre.n@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7927. Post Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton.
I’m sad to say this is my last edition of Guardian Farming as I move on to other roles within the Primary Industry. I have enjoyed every moment of working on this publication and have felt privileged to bring you the issues we face today particularly in light of the transition global agriculture faces. In my final issue I wanted to bring you a piece that would provoke discussion. It’s clear we are at a crossroads and that our world behind the farm gate is changing rapidly. No longer can we put our heads down as technology and social media educate our young in a way that we have never conceived. It’s vital that we open the farm gates, step outside and invite who we meet in. That’s why organics is a word we must get our head around – not for the sake of attempting to turn all farmland into a certified organic operation, but instead to steal some of their attributes or at the very least partner in them. The four key principles of international organic standards – health, ecology, fairness and care read like a mantra, a soothing balm in troubled waters. Inherently this is within all of us and it doesn’t have to be under an organic label. But it does need to be under some sort of label – that much is clear. If Ireland and Canada can do it, then we can and must develop a sustainable framework that develops and enhances relationships. Horticulture New Zealand should be praised for New Zealand GAP and Global GAP framework. They are almost single handedly pushing Government to take a proactive stance on implementing national framework that recognises current
Nadine Porter
RURAL EDITOR
Tweet us @farmjourno
programmes that are working. But they need more groups in behind them. They need Beef and Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, FAR, Deer Industry NZ Federated Farmers, Young Farmers – every conceivable farming group possible to bang on Parliament doors, bend Nathan Guy’s ear and demand the same leadership as what the Irish and Canadians have got from their Governments. We cannot afford to wait, nor can we afford to argue over what consumers really want. We need to trust in what those that are at the coalface overseas are seeing – and see for ourselves how Origin Green has almost single handedly given Ireland the European market in quality. And you – the farmer – you can attend Federated Farmers, you can write to Parliament, you can demand action from industry groups and you can read, travel and see for yourself the transition that is taking place. This is an exciting fast-paced era and one in which I hope we will recognise some time in the future as a time in which we were brave, courageous and above all, united. Because then we will all prosper.
The place where farmers get their quality agricultural replacement parts and equipment Arable Plough Parts
Points to suit Overum
Shares to suit Vogel & Noot
Points to suit Kverneland
Parts to suit Overum
Reversable Points to suit Lemken
Dale Shares
Cultivation Parts
Points to suit Sunflower & Salford
Points to suit Vibroflex
Points to suit Clough
Slipdown Points
Pan Buster Points
Legs to suit Vibroflex
S Tines
Coil Tines
Hay Feeders
Shares to suit Dowdeswell
Square Feeders Shares to suit Lemken
Points to suit Vogel & Noot
Wings to suit Simba
Points to suit Kuhn
Shares to suit Kuhn
Shares to suit Kverneland
Points to suit Gregoire Besson
Plough Share Rebuilds
Points to suit Goliath
Yeoman Clamp
Points to suit Maxitill
Coil Tine Clamp
Springs to suit Vibroflex
Round Feeders
0800 4 PALMERS - 0800 472 563 - www.palmeragriparts.co.nz - 34 Robinson St, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton *Palmer Agri Parts Direct imports and manufactures quality parts that fit machines indicated. These parts are not sold as genuine parts.
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y IS FORCING CHANGE
3
Gen Y: It’s about living cleanly I
f commentators are right and Gen Y consumers are waiting in the wings to hold power and shape future markets, conventional producers should be very concerned about their future direction. Caitlin Bingham is one of those future voices. Young, hard-working and environmentally conscious in a way previous generations never came close to being, the 21-year-old was raised traditionally on meat and three vege, but has bucked that food imprint in favour of what she sees as clean living. Persuaded to talk about her organic principles, Caitlin says she’s not unique or an expert on organics, but said that she and her friends are inquisitive about where their food comes from. Caitlin buys only fresh produce that is labelled organic but she’s not silly – she knows there are some products that claim to be organic but are not, so she takes time, checks the labels or, more often than not, heads to a farmers’ market where
WHO IS GEN Y? The term Millennials generally refers to the generation of people born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s. Perhaps the most commonly used birth range for this group is 1982-2000. The Millennial Generation is also known as Generation Y, because it comes after Generation X.
Caitlin Bingham
YOUR FODDERBEET HARVESTING SPECIALIST
Ireland and Canada have stolen a march on Kiwi producers. They have visionary sustainability food networks that recognised early the changes occurring due to younger consumers. Nadine Porter investigates organics, sustainability platforms and what it will take to get New Zealand producers facing the Gen Y onslaught.
she can be assured of quality food. It’s not cheap and sometimes it means she cuts back on other essentials in order to live cleanly, but her philosophy is strong. “It’s not about having a thin body. It’s about having a healthy one.” She and her friends celebrate food. At the end of the day it’s not just an inconvenience, it’s a story and a communal one at that. Although flatting, she grows her own vegetables in summer, and utilises all the fruit on their many trees. Nothing goes to waste and everyone is welcome to share when there is an abundance of produce - with the same favour being returned again and again. This year her fiancé is purchasing calves and will raise them organically in a
leased paddock on a friend’s lifestyle farm. He knows nothing about raising animals except that he wants to know where his meat has come from and how it is treated. It’s a remarkable reminder of how conscious young consumers have become and how willing they are to learn in order to know their food story. And for Caitlin it’s not a trend or a fad she will grow out of any time soon, despite her weekly shop costing more. For her it’s about what she perceives as being healthy in the long-term. “I’m committed to my lifestyle.” And if that doesn’t convince the primary industry that change is afoot, the latest New Zealand Organic Market report undertaken just might. continued over page
Call the team to tend to all your rural electrical needs
Jacob Holdaway Contracting Ltd • Efficient, clean harvesting • Capable of harvesting various row widths
Kieran
Elliot
ElectraServe . . . for everything electrical
• Grimme Harvester is well suited to Canterbury conditions
the ElectraServe guarantee
Blair Watson, General Manager personally guarantees ElectraServe’s tradesmen’s workmanship. If you are not 100% satisfied with the quality of the work, ElectraServe will put it right . . . every time, or your money back.
24/7 Breakdown Service Dairy Effluent Irrigation Generators
CALL ME NOW
Jacob Holdaway 0274 225 464
Mitch
Industrial Commercial Residential
U K & E U ROPE T & U K S HT IG FL RN R REVTU A E L EXPO EX QANTAS GLOBAL SALES BOOK with PO will WHERE $ v ON 1249 EXPLORE DREAM LYx RE TU RN FL IG HT S BEST D$EA L S DISCOVER YOU GO 1399 www.jholdawaycontracting.com
a 166 moore street ashburton p 03 308 9008 e service@electraserve.co.nz w www.electraserve.co.nz
v WINNER x
Wednesday or CHC best(unless otherwise specified) flying Qantas the 2013 23 October the From AKL,ofWLG 2013 | 7.00p travel retailer Hotel Ashbu m rton | RSVP is essential AFTA AWARD Travel prese SAN FRANCISCO from pp nta
tions | Expo specials | Sp e direct from ot prizes the airlines a ur companie From AKL, WLG or CHC (unless otherwise specified) flying Qantas nd toSANTIAGO Come ins tore | 03 307 s 87 Expert advic
THIS YEAR?
60 | ashburto House of Tra n@hot.co.nz vel Ashburto Return flights from n | 03 307 87 ashbur ton@ 60 hot.co.nz AKL, WLG OR CHC flying Qantas facebookLOS ANGELES* .com/HOT Ashb *Terms and cond
$
999
Ex
The team at HOT AsCo hbmuretoinsn tore | 03 307 8760 Hous from
$
1499 1999 1999
e of Travel As hbur
ton | 03 ashbur ton@ hot.co.nz NEW YORK urton facebook.com MANILA, PHUKET,Proud to be KIWI OWNED AND OPERATED, House of Travel has spent over /HOTAshbu YEARS HELPING KIWIS SEEJOHANNESBURG THE WORLD. With 70 STORES$NATIONWIDE SINGAPORE & 25 from pp HONG KONG and OVER 700 TRAVEL SPECIALISTS on hand to pass on their inside $ knowledge, *From AKL only YOU CAN TRUST US TO PUTLONDON TOGETHER YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY IN 2014.
itions apply. Plea
se ask your House
of Travel consulta
nt for full details.
from
*Terms and cond
pp
itions apply. Plea
from
from
House of Travel Ashburton | 03 307 8760 ashburton@hot.co.nz
pp
se ask your House
pp
pp
of Travel cons
2 4
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y
Farming
From P3 Commissioned by Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) the Colmar Brunton report paints a realistic and growing trend among our population – and it’s one where consumers want to have a closer relationship with what they put in their mouths and more importantly want to know the values surrounding that product. While it may be a bitter pill for our largely commoditised primary industry, it is one that may have to be swallowed if global trends are to be believed. Quietly organic trade has been growing domestically and internationally. Exports alone were worth $250 million last year – a staggering 11 per cent increase since 2012 with organic wine exports growing rapidly. And while that might not seem like a fast track to GDP economic success, it seems the only parameter stilting growth lies around how much organic food we can produce, or lack of it. Back home the domestic market for organics has also increased markedly with organic grocery sales via supermarkets increasing by 127 per cent since 2012. Now, two out of three New
Zealanders are buying organics at least some of the time, according to the research and is forecast to increase particularly among Gen Y. OANZ chief executive Brendan Hoare has a simpler explanation for the explosion of interest in food among our younger generation – the need to connect. But he understands the hesitation on behalf of
producers to meet those younger consumers, as their future is as yet unwritten. “While Gen Y looks great and I’m really optimistic about a caring younger generation, so too were the hippies in the ‘60s and ‘70s – and they turned to the ‘greed is good’ generation of the ‘80s.” Continued next page
Above – Organics Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Brendan Hoare says we need to form relationships with consumers. Right – Horticulture New Zealand have been an industry leader in sustainability.
Phone 03 307 1990 Level 2, 73 Burnett St, Ashburton www.visioninsurance.co.nz
IS FORCING CHANGE
5
However, the primary industry is in a transition, he says, and Gen Y will increasingly hold power particularly in senior management positions in coming years. And it’s not necessarily a 100 per cent organic system they’re after but rather the four key principles of international organic standards – health, ecology, fairness and care. “We tend to talk about certified organic but what we know is the mature learning across the first six months of transitioning (from conventional to organics) is the most critical and makes the learning experience enjoyable.” New Zealand doesn’t celebrate those transitional steps that famers increasingly are being asked to comply with on an environmental level – instead only focusing on the three years and final BioGro certification. “It’s kind of sink or swim. Farmers think bloody hell – I can’t do that! The mountain’s too high.” His solution? “I really think we need a half way ground …Within the organic standards there are inherent values within free range, non GMO biodiversity standards. They are all included
but we don’t celebrate any of that.” It’s a lot of work to “unpack” those standards so that all farmers can get benefits, he says, but that work must not replicate multiple sector standards. The poster child for such a framework lies within Horticulture New Zealand. While other industries struggle to come to terms with the rapid change among global consumers, the industry body continues to lead the way in terms of minimum standards and quality assurance framework. It’s a traceable, accountable system from crop to customer for production of fruit, vegetables, olives and flowers and ensures best practices are in place for the production, packaging and distribution of New Zealand fresh produce. Launched as the Approved Supplier Programme in 1999, New Zealand GAP is now the country’s largest quality assurance programme. A pro-active move by New Zealand growers designed to address consumer concerns relating to food safety, the environment and quality assurance issues, it also removed the need for multiple auditors. Continued over page
WIN WITH WINTER MAINTANENCE! MULTIPLE WELDING PRIZES TO BE WON! XCEL-ARC
XCEL-ARC
XCEL-ARC
WELDING COMPONENTS Electrode 3.2mm x 5kg pkt $38.26 + GST XAGP32 Solid MIG welding wire .9mm x 5kg $25.22 + GST
RAZOR MIG 165 WELDER
AUTOMATIC WELDING HELMET
165 amp. 230 volt. XA-MIG 165RZ-SP
With grind mode function. Solar cell powered. Adjustable sensitivity. Adjustable shade 9-13.
XA-N80905
Gasless wire .9mm x 5kg Spool $106.09 + GST XA-E71TGS0950
XCEL-ARC
ARC 170 WELDER MMA/TIG Industrial 170Amp 320v DC inverter welder stick electrode. Option 9MMA lift arc DC Tig. XA-ARC 170-SP
$946.96 +GST
$126.09 +GST
Full range of engineering supplies & accessories for all your repairs & maintenance. Esseti Welders & Accessories. Stockists and distributors of Trailer Equipment. Kerrick Hot & Cold Waterblasters & Industrial Vacuum Cleaners. Locally owned & operated family business for 63 years.
$494.78 + GST
South Street, Ashburton PHONE (03) 308-3147 Fax (03) 308-1042 Email office@blacklows.co.nz
FREEPHONE 0800 452 522
ASHBURTON
Keeping your farm vehicles working
TRACTORS
HARVEST EQUIPMENT
IRRIGATORS
Neumanns Tyres will attend to your tyre requirements anywhere and anytime in Mid Canterbury
197 Wills St, Ashburton Ph 308 6737 www.neumannstyres.co.nz
• Prompt and efficient service • Very experienced technicians • Competitive price • 24 hour service (After hours callout applies)
2 6
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y
Farming
From P5 Today the programme is known internationally. GLOBAL GAP is increasingly accepted by international markets as an alternative to other assurance programmes. Horticulture New Zealand business manager Matt Dolan says the question, after 15 years of the programme, is what’s beyond certification? For horticultural producers it remains around what will drive value for growers – whether it be about metric measurements on water or nutrients. “I disagree that the only way to drive farmers to change is by Government regulation. Value will force change on producers.” For a long suffering industry such as lamb exports the value proposition for credentials is unknown, he says. “You’ve got to go out and find what the opportunity is. Sitting here, doing nothing is not going to point you to that opportunity. Look to the aspirational sectors, the ones that are going to get value out of their credentials. They are using their reputation in the market. New Zealand has an inherent reputation but we have to go and get it.” We have been complacent, he believes, with small efforts not sustained and without context. “There’s been a lot of
Left – OANZ chief executive Brendan Hoare reports two out of three New Zealanders will eat organics at some time. Right – Horticulture New Zealand business manager Matt Dolan says NZ has an inherent reputation, but it has to go and get it.
initiatives that have started and stopped because the regulator has pulled out or they haven’t been followed up by industry.” And change must come, with Gen Y unlikely to stray from wanting safe and sustainable food. Scarily Matt reminds us their generation will become the householders, the grocery buyers within five years. They will have different attitudes and social practices and a different
mind-set to what has come before. But are we ready for them? “These guys are saying where is the food coming from and smart businesses are tapping into that through branding, websites and quark codes. Look at Zespri for a smart example.” At $280 million, kiwifruit had its highest export earnings to July 2015 – a figure that surprised no-one who had
viewed the Zespri story closeup overseas. Once an industry on the brink, the Zespri story is one of innovation, leadership and an understanding of what New Zealand values offer consumers. Their sustainability programme has been world leading and led to them working with the Ministry for Primary Industries to create a comprehensive carbon footprint
MIKE PRESTON L I F ES TY L E & RU RA L S PE CI A LI ST Considering Selling? Call Mike who has proven rural expertise and the marketing reach to achieve the best result for your property.
Mike Preston M 027 430 7041 B 03 307 2400
George Morris M 027 212 8668 B 03 307 7377
mike.preston@bayleys.co.nz www.mikepreston.co.nz
george.morris@bayleys.co.nz
WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.
027 762 7824 (027 SMART AG) seaun@smartagsolutions.co.nz www.smartagsolutions.co.nz
across the lifecycle of New Zealand kiwifruit. Providing a basis for research investment to develop new knowledge and tools to adapt the Kiwifruit business and reduce emissions it has ultimately driven positive reductions in environmental impacts. Zespri also provided consumers with a water footprint, soil carbon storage figures, environmental packaging advances and shipping initiatives to lessen emissions. All of these are able to be accessed by the consumer easily and are constantly reviewed. So how do we go about replicating those standards across all industries? “Slowly we will get there like Zespri did. It’s about strategy and your credentials.
continued P8
IS FORCING CHANGE
7
MITRE 10 TRADE
FARM BUILDINGS FARM BUILDINGS DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
CUSTOM DESIGNED CALF SHEDS AVAILABLE NOW!
3 BAY KITS
ET FARM SH
ED
Overhang not included
FREE PLANS WITH ALL SHEDS FULL INSTALLATION SERVICE AVAILABLE
DEDICATED TO MAKE YOUR JOURNEY AS SMOOTH THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND
WE ORGANISE CONSENTS 0.4 Endura Colorsteel
$6299ex GST
-
3.0-3.6 metre high H5 treated poles High wind load 6.0m deep x 3.6m wide bays Douglas Fir Timber .40 zincalume roof, wall & flashing 0.90 kPa snow load Quality screw fixings
$4999
excl GST
$5,748.85 including GST
$7243.85inc GST
BAN THE BOG AND REDUCE LAMENESS SurePave is a paving system that offers a cost effective, long term solution to the ongoing problem at the high pressure areas on farms. SurePave keeps it’s shape, promotes cow flow, and reduces lameness and muck buildup.
Install SurePave - At the entry or exit to yards. - At underpass approaches. - Around troughs. - On standoff areas. - On irrigator wheel tracks. - Or, any other high pressure area that has been costing you in maintenance, lameness, loss of production and general inefficiencies.
While stocks last. Props not included. May 2016. MITRE 10 MEGA ASHBURTON West Street, Ashburton PHONE 03 308 5119
OFFICE PHONE (03) 307 8136 GENERAL CARTAGE: Chad Stewart 0274 895 684 FERTILISER: Dean Rattray 0274 962 702 LIVESTOCK: Lloyd Gould 027 600 4085
MITRE 10 MEGA TIMARU 23 Bank Street, Timaru PHONE 03 687 2033
MITRE 10 OAMARU Corner Cross & Severn Streets, Oamaru Phone 03 434 9860
2 8
Farming
From P6 “I think New Zealand has an overall strategy but we just don’t utilise it.” The leadership has to come from Government, he believes, with a strategy to work with industry to solve problems around health and safety, food safety and sustainability. “They need a new framework that allows them to engage with industry on these programmes. How do you get them to accept programmes like Synlait’s Lead with Pride?” The Government isn’t supportive or engaged and has allowed industry to undermine good initiatives, he said. “We’ve ended up with zombie programmes.” Citing the Approved Handler System for agrichemicals as one such zombie programme where a small amount of training initially led to a certificate that could be renewed every five years for $50 over the counter, Matt says food safety systems should be aspirational. “The Government needs to develop a framework that enables them to engage with the likes of New Zealand GAP, Zespri systems and Synlait’s Lead with Pride – where they have common outcomes around food safety.”
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y
The Government has to find a way to recognise existing programmes, register them and distinguish those that meet programme requirements in an official way, he says. “They need to recognise those audits and certifications and say we will not go up driveways and repeat that task. We will step back and let industry drive that scheme.” Ireland and Canadian Governments have recognised global food safety systems on farm and Horticulture New Zealand have been pushing the New Zealand Government to do the same, he said. Ireland remains a thorn in New Zealand’s side with many believing the Emerald Isle has stolen a march on our 100 per cent pure image. Once a country known more for famine and in more recent times horsemeat, it has been transformed by bold moves supported by Government to make their food system sustainable and accountable via a world leading national programme. Origin Green has mobilised Irish farmers and food producers to commit to sustainability throughout the supply chain from farm to plate. It enables participants to set and achieve measurable
TRAILERS
Single and Tandem Axle
sustainability targets in several key areas, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing water consumption. By the end of this year 100 per cent of the country’s food exports are expected to be on board. The success of Origin Green has shown the importance of creating sound incentives and policies. Associating with a
MADE IN NZ
Different size options as well as extras available
12 months warranty and WOF supplied
Call Allan on 308 4867 today for more information 92 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone 308 4867 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 8am-12pm
powerful brand has led farmers to drive change, resulting in efficiency in production methods and reduced costs. It has also shown that measurement matters. Origin Green members’ performance against established targets is measured by an independent agency, which increases credibility. Most importantly it has
given consumers a voice and shown them what they buy can reflect their commitment to sustainability. Matt has seen the power of Origin Green first-hand and admires what the Irish have created. “What did the Irish do that pulled the rug from our story?
Payout Adjusted Pricing Get all-round pasture growth from an all-natural slow release NPK fertiliser Supply | Cartage | Spreading with Proof of Placement
“Call the chicken litter specialists now to hear about our cost effective options”
P: 03 349 2411 | 0800 NPK NOW Email: info@poulfert.co.nz www.poulfert.co.nz
IS FORCING CHANGE
better. We are not perfect but we want to the high quality value food producer from Europe, so when you go into a restaurant
RU RO R AD AL S
They came at it from the heart and said we are going to do this
SAFER RURAL ROADS
9
in Spain or Germany and eat a piece of Irish meat you know its origin and you know it’s safe and hasn’t been tampered with.” But it’s not only Ireland that’s been quick to react to
TREE TRIMMING
SAFER RURAL ROADS
Are your trees looking shady?
SAFER
Trees can shade roads and footpaths causing ice in winter. Make sure your trees are not making the road unsafe. SAFER RURAL ROADS It’s your responsibility.
w w w.ashbur tondc .gov t .nz
changing consumer habits. Food Secure Canada is a result of a pan Canadian alliance of organisations and individuals in the food movement working together to advance food security and food sovereignty. Committed to zero hunger, a sustainable food system and healthy and safe food, the programme aims to work with members towards food sovereignty and deep and lasting change in their food system. The group also advocates for food policies at the federal level that reflect the priorities of Canada’s food movement and has won praise globally. It’s clear that New Zealand is some way off from developing any such comparative sustainable programme but while industry bodies like Horticulture New Zealand lead the charge, what can farmers do in the meantime to progress the cause? For Matt it’s simple. “They need to start telling their story. Someone else is telling your story for you and New Zealand farmers have a fantastic story. If you talked to an apple grower about how they control pests on their orchard the public would be
wowed.” It’s also vital that farmers understand their responsibilities in producing safe and sustainable food. “We own the land. People in cities can’t grow food.” He also believes it’s time councils stopped working with clipboards and pens, but rather engaged with farmers about how to achieve sustainability. “The council’s role should not be to enforce but to engage and work with successful schemes.” Hoare agrees that regional councils could be doing more to facilitate change and says offering rates rebates for improved quality of water or a range of incentives would make positive change. He cites Pure Hawke’s Bay as an example of a region leading the way, and says regionalisation and provenance is part of an emerging global food trend. The group comprises local food producers committed to building the region’s global reputation for safe, sustainable and high quality food with the vision of making the region world recognised for producing food sustainably and with integrity. continued over page
2 10
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y
Farming
Far right – Food brands that are offering a clear, concisive pathway to their record on sustainability are thriving. Right – Zespri have been a global leader in sustainability including providing data on their carbon footprint.
From P9 Across the region, farmers, growers, wineries and food processors have committed to developing products of quality, that are able to demonstrate unequivocally that the area is committed to sustainability. GM free remains one of the region’s strongest markets. Horticulture and viticulture remain the visionary industries, even within a regional brand. So what about the pastoral sector? Hoare believes no real change will occur in the pastoral industry until generational change and regional council incentives combine. “I think it’s very hard for the pastoral sector because it’s all about the politics and how big your farm is. It’s a very
old way of thinking and not fit for a new world which is all around quality, provenance and integrity. There needs to be a shift away from production and into relationships.” Sometimes he questions whether some pastoral farmers are seriously in business. “Look at iwi where they
don’t own the land but they are a guardian of it. There is a core learning and it’s around yielding. You give up something to win. What would you give up for the prosperity of your children? It’s a different world view.” The sector needs to look back to go forward and recognise
Free Quotes • Modern Equipment
they have some negative behaviour, he says. “The kiwifruit sector went through that. It was tribal and in freefall. That attitude of farmers selling at the farm gate and literally not caring where their product ends up has got to change.” The key remains in
Efficient Service By Experienced Operators
TQS1 ACCREDITED - NZTA PREQUALIFIED CONTRACTOR TIMARU 55 Sheffield St, Washdyke 03 688 2001 CHRISTCHURCH 56 Greywacke Rd, Harewood 03 341 7266 ASHBURTON 22 Dobson Street West 0275 746 803
Check us out at www.paulsmithearthmoving.co.nz
We are now providing our clients a
new service Our Blower Truck and Trailer for stock feed, grain & fertiliser is now on the road. Don’t have an auger then this service is for you.
relationships, he says. “What we do know about the emerging Gen Y is that people are seeking something more than just something you put in your mouth. We’ve got to have relationships. People want a different connection with food. The question is – what is stopping New Zealand from
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
CARPARKS CONVERSION WORK DAIRYLANES DEMOLITION DRAINAGE DRIVEWAYS FORESTRY HOUSE EXCAVATING LANDSCAPING ROADING ROCK RETAINING WALLS SHINGLE & SOIL SUPPLIES SUBDIVISIONS
IS FORCING CHANGE
going there?” “If Kiwis understood the state of food globally and the position food holds… Overseas countries even trust our Government above their own. So a Government mark or assurance means a lot but it’s not enough in international markets. It gets you in the
11
door and at the front of the queue but you have to have relationships.” Origin Green was all about partnerships, Hoare says, but consumers want something deeper. “I’ll take on the Irish any day but it needs Government to step in. They need to know
we are dealing with serious business and what’s at stake is quite high, make crucial decisions and get back to it. What is stopping them truly getting in behind and backing the industry?” However, strategically we have to give ourselves time so that we make the right decisions. “We can’t rush. Part of decision making is seeing what not to do and those are often the most powerful decisions. We need to put a list out of what we need to stop doing and move away from those behaviours. You’re either on the bus or you’re not. A few heads might need to be banged together but that’s what leadership does.” Hoare praised the role Horticulture New Zealand has taken and said they have been organised, prepared to yield and learning how to play internationally. “If I was in business I would look over my fence at them and say shit – what are they doing?” If concern about sustainable food products ever needed to be quantified, the rise in Farmers’ Markets over the past decade are all the proof that is needed. In Dunedin the Otago Farmers’ Market attracts 8000
Irrigation Pump Sheds/Storage
every Saturday during peak season. General manager Kate Vercoe has been involved for three years and in that time she has seen an increase in the younger generation. “Part of it is that these kids have grown up with the Farmers Markets’ and are far more attuned to it than perhaps previous generations have been. Certainly there’s a sector who want to eat local organic food but I don’t think it covers just Gen Y but there’s definitely a proportion of young people who are focused on organic and sharing their food around.” A proportion of loyal customers come every week first thing because they are very conscious about eating local food, she says. And while the student town naturally feeds into the market Vercoe believes eating seasonally and local is something people in general are becoming more aware of. “Consumers want to know the story behind their food. They want to be able to talk to people who produce the food. The provenance or story of food is very important.” In Dunedin, like Christchurch, there has also been an upswing in community gardens, she said, because people are so concerned about
where their food comes from. But if people continue to grow at home, and if land continues to be scarce to smaller farmers, the market could be a thing of the past according to Vercoe. “The mean group of vendors is high and they don’t have a succession plan in place because family think its hard work. The markets will be a thing of the past unless someone does something about it.” Brydone Growers owners Marty Quennell and Cushla Brophy are vendors at the Otago Farmers’ Market and are BioGro certified organic growers, farming a range of fresh vegetables including potatoes. Their property is just south of Oamaru and is one of the biggest organic market gardens in the South Island at 23 hectares. The couple are passionate about organics and the sustainability of their land and have seen demand for their products rise year on year. From wholesale to boutique shops, Quennell says they are now supplying supermarkets who have now realised there is revenue to be made. continued over page
PRESBYOND
Laser Blended Vision Reading vision treatment for Presbyopic patients is now available with the South Island’s latest precision ZEISS equipment.
These sheds are made to be easy to install with the middle piece of roof iron having been left off for easy Hiab onto your concrete pad. A 50mm overhang has been allowed to fit over your concrete pad so that you have no leaks. There is hex bird netting over the ventilation gap across the front. Made from quality H3 90x45 framing timber and finished with either zincalume or your choice of colorsteel. Sheds can be made standard or to your individual requirements. All sheds are made to order and individually priced - large & small we make them all!
Adams Sawmilling Co Ltd ISPM 15 accredited for Export Pallets
Malcolm McDowell Drive, Ashburton Ph (03) 308 3595 Fax (03) 308 5649
y Hurry Ma ! only
Up to
15% off farm building
Up to
15% off farm building
kitsets
Stand-Tough Kitset 3 Bay Shed 7.0m deep x 4.2m high, three 3.6m open bays, Zincalume.
kitsets
Stand-Tough Kitset 3 Bay
Great savings on garage and farm building kitsets this May!*
6.0m deep x 3.6m high front with canopy, three 3.6m bays with one 2.7m x 3m roller door, high wind zone, 1.35 kpa snow loading, COLORSTEEL®.
Optional extras – braced to high or very high wind, canopies, available up to 6m tall and with up to 6m wide bays. Fully constructed option available.
We can match your price from your local merchants, come in and see us today!
364 West Street, Ashburton, or call Brent on 03 308 3569
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY, SEE WWW.VERSATILE.CO.NZ FOR DETAILS. HC VER1537
2 12
Farming
From P11 Predominantly though, they distribute their produce through large-scale, organic wholesaler, Fresh Direct and sell direct to several organic wholesalers and retailers in the South Island as well as in their onsite shop. The couple have a philosophy around maintaining healthy soil and irrigating when required. Practising crop rotation, in-situ composting and intersperse rotations with green, manure crops the couple also use compost tea to help replenish the soil and keep up biological activity. But while consumers at the Farmers’ Market and growing demand tell them they are on the right track, Quennell says it’s a different story for farmers in the North Otago area. “There’s not a shift in mindset around here. There’s a handful of Chinese guys left growing market vegetables and they still carry on old practices. But we can catch those new guys coming through…” He believes in the importance of having a relationship with the consumer and says the farmers’ markets are a great vehicle for getting a response on what you are producing.
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y ASSOCIATE MINISTER OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES JO GOODHEW’S RESPONSE: “Work on the alignment between industry programmes, such as NZGAP, and the Food Act requirements, took place as part of the detailed consultation process on the Food Act, well before it came into law. The Government is always open to work with industries to grow their capability and export reach, officials at MPI remain open to ongoing discussions with industry to increase the alignment between government and industry frameworks and reduce any regulatory duplication. As part of the Business Growth Agenda, the Government has a goal of doubling the value of primary industry exports by 2025. This will be achieved through productivity gains and a shift to value-added products, with substantial investment from the Government through the Primary Growth Partnership, increased skills training, and other measures. Sustainability is a key part of our strategy for growing the primary industries, and is backed by investments through the Sustainable Farming Fund, which has invested over $125 million in projects
benefiting New Zealand over the past 15 years. New Zealand has a great story to tell when it comes to our primary sector, we are renowned for our high quality and healthy produce throughout the world, and part of the New Zealand story is enabling industry to tell that story with backing from government through the story’s business toolkit, and the FernMark logo.”
DON’T LET YOUR PROFITS GO UP IN SMOKE
Call us today to fi nd a cost effective solution to your insurance needs 69 Tancred Street, Ashburton Phone 03 308 9612
Denmark a
IS FORCING CHANGE
13
aiming to be 100 per cent organic Danish consumers are the most pro-organic consumers in the world, according to Organic Denmark, an association of companies, organic farmers and consumers. Nearly 8 per cent of all food sold in Denmark is organic, the highest percentage in Europe. And Danish organic export has risen by more than 200 per cent since 2007. The Danish government is working on drastically increasing the nation’s supply of organic food. Last year, The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries released an ambitious plan to double the area under organic cultivation by 2020 from 2007 levels. The government has committed a total of 400 million kroner ($60.8 million) to its action plan, The Local Denmark reported. The country aims to achieve a 60 per cent goal for organic food served in public institutions — schools, day care centres, hospitals, etc. — which serve some 800,000 meals
per day. The most popular organic products of Danish consumers are: Oatmeal (35.7 per cent ) Carrots (29.3 per cent) Milk (29.3 per cent) Eggs (28.9 per cent) In 2014, Danish discount stores, supermarkets and department stores sold organic food products for the value of about €829 million. This is also where the majority of organic food products are being sold. However, with a market share of 42.8 per cent, discount supermarkets are the leading sales channel of the total organic sale in Denmark. Alternative sales channels such as farm stores and market place sales had an organic turnover of €40 million. Wholesalers and caterers for the public sector, private canteens and restaurants sold organic products for €160 million. The organic sales at mini markets, internet, health food stores and gas stations amounted to €40 million.
Left – Beautiful farmland by the sea in Southern Jutland, Denmark.
FIJI & SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISE
IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS
UNCOVER A WORLD OF WONDERS
14 NIGHT CRUISE ONBOARD EMERALD PRINCESS *
$1789
FROM PP TWIN SHARE
Includes AUD$200* onboard credit, main meals & entertainment onboard, port charges & taxes Highlights: Sydney, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji Departing Sydney round-trip on 28 Nov 2016
helloworld Timaru
your one-stop shop for...
257 Stafford Street
timaru@helloworld.co.nz
resource consent applications and compliance reviews water meter installation and verification
03 688 6099
Fares are per person, in NZD, in complete twin share, based on lead in staterooms available at time of publication, inclusive of all discounts, taxes, fees, and port expenses (which are subject to change). Subject to availability at time of booking. Prices are based on cash or cheque. Cruise deposit, amendment and cancellation conditions apply. Travel agent service fees may apply. Special conditions apply - please ask for full details at time of enquiry. Sale ends 30 April 2016, unless sold out prior. Valid for new bookings and not combinable with any other offer. Offers subject to availability. Whilst information is correct at time of publication, offer may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice. Comparison launch fares are based on fares launched into the market from March 2014 and June 2015. Discount is already included, no further discount applies. Onboard credit is per stateroom and is applied to the first 2 passengers in a stateroom. Credit is not transferable, non-refundable, not redeemable for cash and cannot be used at the medical centre or casino. Princess Cruises Booking and Passage Conditions apply. Prices are subject to change without notice. HW0162
soil moisture monitoring
Kitset Sheds
dairy effluent irrigation design and troubleshooting effluent storage requirements
BIRDPROOF RAFTERS
OVERSEER® analysis and nutrient budgeting
STRONG & PROVEN
irrigation system design and troubleshooting
COMPLETE KITSETS
on See us at site E90
Aqualinc Research Ltd CHCH
Neal Borrie 03 964 6521 / ASHbuRtOn Matt Bubb 03 307 6680 / HAmiltOn Greg Barkle 07 858 4851
www.aqualinc.com / www.myirrigation.info
FREE DELIVERY
OR CALL US FOR A FREE BROCHURE PACK!
0800 428 453 www.alpinebuildings.co.nz
NZ LTD
FAST INSTALL
“Excellent quality - I would recommend to anyone!”
water meter datalogging, telemetry and reporting
Farming
2 14
ORGANICS: WHY GEN Y
Consumer preceptions of organics The OANZ report highlights a new level of engagement with sustainability related issues as they become mainstream and as a new generation – Gen Y, also known as Millennials gain momentum and impact as consumers. Globally Gen Y is considered to be the most environmentally concerned generation yet but less than half of Millennials in developed markets believe business has a strong commitment to being sustainable, that its leaders are committed to improving society or that it behaves in an ethical manner. The generation following (Gen Z) is taking it up another level again. The Deloitte Millennial Survey in 2015 noted Millennials, who will comprise 75 per cent of the workforce by 2025, have large ambitions for business. “They see a big gap between the potential of business to address the challenges facing society and the actual impact it is having.” The range of concerns of younger New Zealanders
include personal health and wellbeing, protection of natural systems for future generations, and social equity. Without explicit reference to the principles of organic agriculture, there are implicit commonalities in terms of the internationally agreed organic principles of health, ecology, fairness and duty of care for future generations. These concerns are reflected in where people choose to work, what they buy and where they place their trust. Three in four people want to work for businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible. Choosing to work for organisations that have a positive impact is a way that people across generations can make a difference. However, there is also a growing distrust in the safety of everyday products we buy at the supermarket, especially when ingredients may be harmful to ourselves and our families. continued next page
Spikey® on a Landcorp farm
DAIRY FARMERS: 10 points you need to know about SPIKEY® 1.
SPIKEY® - the answer to your nitrate leaching problems is on its way!
6.
SPIKEY® will be available in sizes from 8m to 18m width.
2.
SPIKEY® is a tow-behind that simultaneously detects and sprays fresh urine patches.
7.
SPIKEY® takes only 5-10 min per ha.
3.
SPIKEY® applies ORUN® spray, greatly increasing recovery of urine N.
8.
SPIKEY® can be fitted with a hopper to apply urea at the same time,
4.
SPIKEY® grows more grass as a result, and automatically greatly reduces nitrate leaching!
9.
SPIKEY® is best on a followthe-cows basis from Feb-May, but is profitable year-round.
5.
SPIKEY® IMPROVES your bottom line after all costs including labour!
10. SPIKEY® has been developed by Geoff Bates and Bert Quin of Pastoral Robotics Ltd.
Check out www.groupone.co.nz and click on Pastoral Robotics. Dedicated website coming soon.
ONEsystem®
Optimising Nitrogen Efficency
ONEsystem® - making fertiliser urea as efficient as it should be! Available soon to Canterbury farmers! ONEsystem® utilises prilled urea sprayed with nbpt urease inhibitor during spreading, to give far better coverage, and far better efficiency. You need far less N to get the same DM response, making it cheaper per ha and far better for the environment! Independently run trials conducted in Canterbury show more than twice the efficiency of granular urea, and even 1.5 times as efficient as nbpt-treated granular urea; such product types are typically sold at a $50/t premium. Check it out on www.groupone.co.nz – click on Global Sustainable Farming or ONEsystem®
Available soon through Global Sustainable Farming agents Fert Wholesale Direct Ltd. Phone Shane Harold on 0210 235 6491.
IS FORCING CHANGE
15
– The values of a new generation From P14 Just 68 per cent trust the products they buy at the supermarket are free of harmful ingredients and safe for them or their family to buy. That 2015 rating has declined 6 per cent in the past 12 months, with a 10 per cent decline amongst Gen Y. As a corollary of this, sustainable behaviours are now an everyday part of many consumers’ lives. People, at least some of the time, are buying eco-friendly cleaning products (84 per cent), growing veges (77 per cent) and considering greener energy sources for their homes (56 per cent). More are bartering and reusing items that might once have been thrown away or bought new. The purchase of organic and ethical products is now well entrenched in consumer repertoires and it is growing fastest among younger generations. The heavier consumers of organics are more likely to be Early Adopters and Innovators, under 30 years, urban, key decision-makers for businesses,
• Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Precast Panels • Silage Pits • Water Tanks/ Effluent Tanks • Concrete Bunkers • Weeping Walls • Killing Sheds • Cattle Stops
Blocked Gutters? GumLeaf Can Help.
Our patented steel mesh is the best protection for your gutters/ spouting from leaves, snow, birds, vermin and even pine needles.
• • •
10 year warranty Rust and sag resistant Experienced install service available (DIY available)
• •
Quick, easy and safe – Use GumLeaf for clean drinking water from your roof Available for all roof types
CALL ROHAN MON-SAT ANYTIME FOR ADVICE AND A FREE COMPETITIVE QUOTE
www.gumleaf.co.nz
0800 486 532 03 982 8850
working fulltime, with no children. That said, the majority of us are dipping into organics as part of a more general behavioural shift that recognises real sustainability is about more than just recycling used cans and bottles. Organic buyers are more likely to consider buying locally to be important than nonorganic purchasers and are also more engaged with other sustainable behaviours. The main reason that 70 per cent of organic buyers purchase organic foods and beverages is the clear health benefit for themselves and their families. Organic products tend to be positioned at the premium end of the spectrum and are typically priced accordingly. However, that is changing according to Euromonitor International (August 2015) which highlights in its study the fact that the number of standard brands available is increasing as the popularity of organic beverages grows. Importantly, organic buyers have a more balanced value-
equation that goes beyond price and includes other factors as drivers of choice. Organic buyers consider factors that sit well beyond the immediate personal benefit for them. As well as the health benefits, there are preferences for being locally-produced, earth-friendly production and packaging, and having a positive impact on people’s lives. Existing engaged buyers and younger generations continue to place greater value on the organic/sustainable choice. When asked if they are willing to pay a bit more to get the best organic, sustainable and ethically produced products available, 64 per cent of all people agree compared with 62 per cent in 2014. This remains strongest overall with people who are already buying organics (76 per cent agree). However, since 2014 the increase has been higher amongst Gen Y (6 per cent). (Excerpt from the 2016 New Zealand Organic Market Report – Colmar Brunton)
A comprehensive approach to fertiliser • Want to know how your fertiliser programme affects your animal health? • Want to grow more nutrient dense feed? • Growing concerns about leaching and fertiliser runoff? • Worried about meeting your nutrient budget? Every fertiliser recommendation from Sustainable Soils is tailored to suit your farm or paddock. You get a comprehensive soil test, which includes trace minerals. From there we can advise and supply you with a range of natural non-leaching fertiliser products and trace minerals. We use the Viafos range of Fertilisers, including V10 gauno Phosphate, Potash22, LeaderSul 90 and K-Plus. Biogro approved and on the Overseer program for easy nutrient budgeting. We also supply DoloZest, a Dolomite based product with Humate, microbes and beneficial fungi added.
Biological Agriculture Proven Results with Proven Products Soil Testing & Advice – Fertilisers – Custom Blending Call us, we’ll prove we can make a difference
0800 65 65 88
www.sustainablesoils.co.nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz
ADVERTISING FEATURE
17
Hinds Drains recommendations adopted By Environment Canterbury
The Ashburton Water Zone Committee has adopted community recommendations for improving water management in the Hinds Plains area. The recommendations, developed by the Hinds Drains Working Party (HDWP), were presented to the zone committee in March, and officially adopted last week. HDWP chairman Peter Lowe described the challenge of developing the recommendations as daunting at first, but was pleased with how the process developed. “It was a considerable mix of people with different experience and outcomes but with the opportunity to make a difference to this area we all pulled together and worked amazingly well. “We had a great opportunity to test the scientific information with local knowledge which gave us all confidence we were focusing on problems that needed attention,” he said. Among the recommendations are amending rules in the Land and Water Regional Plan to provide more clarity to the implementation of Plan Change 2 (Hinds Plains)
Members of the Hinds Drains Working Party had their water management recommendations adopted by the Ashburton Water Zone Committee last week.
including support for Managed Aquifer Recharge and Targeted Stream Augmentation projects. Recommendations also include providing guidance to landowners and drainage engineers regarding managing drains to improve habitats for native fish species, removing, where appropriate, fish barriers and improving habitat for sports fish and waterfowl; and continue to monitor water
quality in the area. “One major push was to look at how we could manage these drains for multiple uses. Drainage is still important but we think we can manage these drains better for other things such as native species.” Peter said. Fish and Game representative on the HDWP Mark Webb said the collaborative process in developing the Hinds Drains
High risk consents a focus for 2016-17
recommendations allowed farmers and environmentalists to work together side by side and develop an understanding of each other’s’ perspectives. “Central South Island Fish & Game is a very strong supporter of CWMS. We support where we can, and we see Hinds Drains as a perfect example of collaboration at its best. “We are very happy with the process and we’re
definitely happy with the recommendations. It’s been a great process to be part of. It’s been a privilege,” Mark said. Forest and Bird representative John Waugh echoed those sentiments. “It actually worked really well. It was a really good working party to be part of. Between us, we had quite a bank of good technical knowledge that was really useful.” John said recommendations to change the Land and Water Regional Plan to allow for stream augmentation and trialling Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) were particularly significant and potentially could open up further groundwater management opportunities in the Canterbury Plains in the future. Ashburton Zone Committee representative Gordon Guthrie said the key to the success of the HPWP was the involvement in the locals. “They know the drains better than anyone and with the inclusion of other interest groups … we can be sure of a workable outcome.” The recommendations will now be presented to Environment Canterbury and the Ashburton District Council.
HINDS MAR PROJECT TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH The Hinds Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) Pilot Project will officially begin on June 3. The pilot is one of the solutions being investigated to improve groundwater quality in parts of the Ashburton-Hinds area. This is expected to be coupled with on-farm nutrient management to decrease current nitrate leaching by 36 percent by 2035. The Hinds Drains Working Party and Ashburton Zone Committee recommended that Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) be investigated as a means of improving water quality in the Hinds area by diluting existing nitrate concentration in groundwater.
The 2014-15 Consents and Compliance Annual Report was presented to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee last week. The report showed there were a total of 3,954 consents in Ashburton and 903 were monitored over the 12 month period, resulting in 462 site visits. Not all consents require site visits as many of them involved the return of water data which can be analysed remotely. Most consent holders in the zone monitored
were considered compliant. Compliance rates for the most common activities monitored were: 84 per cent for works in waterways; 76 per cent for agricultural discharge and 61 per cent for surface and groundwater takes. Of the 903 consents monitored, 24 written warnings were given as well as eight abatement notices and eight infringement notices. Environment Canterbury principal resource management advisor
Richard Purdon told the zone committee the consents and compliance team would continue to focus efforts on high risk consents as well as the zone committee’s top priorities - water takes, stock in waterways, unauthorised discharges to water and effluent discharges. The zone committee asked for quarterly updates on compliance and what action was being taken against those not complying with their consents.
The project team includes representatives from the Hinds Drains Working Party, local irrigation entities, the district and regional councils, with guidance from Te Runanga o Arowhenua and the Ashburton Zone Committee. Clean Rangitata River water (taken from the Ashburton District Council’s unused stock water allocation), via the Rangitata Diversion Race and Valetta Irrigation Scheme into a recharge site. The water will then seep down into the aquifer to refill it. It is hoped the trial results in improved groundwater quality in the Tinwald area and that increased groundwater levels and aquifer storage will lead to improved base flows in spring-fed waterways. If successful, the project could be extended to the rest of the Ashburton-Hinds area. The MAR Pilot Project has consent to run for five years. The length and scope of the project will be reviewed in February next year.
218
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
AROUND THE WORLD AUSTRALIA: HIGH TECH COLLARS ON SHEEP:
UNITED KINGDOM: YOUNG FARMERS’ RISK-TAKING RIFE:
High tech collars fitted to sheep could be the next frontier when it comes to controlling the spread of weeds. The federal government has given $300,000 to research and develop a “virtual fence” system for farms. Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Barnaby Joyce said the project was part of the government’s $50-million investment over four years in the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. He said the project’s aim was to help farmers and their communities better manage established pest animals and weeds.
Young farmers continue to take unnecessary risks on farm despite knowing their actions are unsafe, new research shows. Many young farmers believe their attitudes towards farm safety have changed thanks to industry initiatives such as Farm Safety Week (July 4 – 8) and the Farm Safety Foundation’s Yellow Wellies campaign. But although 96 per cent agreed they were increasingly well informed about how to stay safe on farms, many said they continued to take risks. For the research, carried out by the Farm Safety Foundation, 250
With the technology the sheep wear collars which contain them in a ‘virtual fence’ area, which is set by the farmer. “Grazing management is a proven tool for reducing the impact of common weeds on agricultural production and ecosystems.”
INDIA/CHINA: INDIA BANS SOME CHINESE IMPORTS India has banned imports of milk and milk products, certain mobile phones and a few other items from China after finding them substandard or not following security codes. Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha that India banned imports of milk and milk products from China as their quality was unacceptable. Ms Sitharaman said some mobile phones, which do not carry an
International Mobile Station Equipment Identity Number or other security features, and some steel products have also been banned from being imported from China. “Complete ban of import from any country is not possible now due to WTO rules even if we have problems diplomatically, territorially or militarily,” she said. The Minister said India’s trade deficit with China stood at
$US48.68 billion during 2015-16 (April-February) and the total bilateral trade was $US65.16 billion during the period. “Increasing trade deficit with China can be attributed primarily to the fact that Chinese exports to India rely strongly on manufactured items to meet the demand of fast expanding sectors like telecom and power, while India’s exports to China are characterised by primarily and intermediate products,” she said.
young farmers aged 18 to 40, based in the UK, were surveyed about their attitudes to farm safety.
2 20
Farming
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Grow with RBN Farmers and rural business professionals attending Rural Business Network events have an opportunity to develop their businesses and strengthen their networks. The Rural Business Network (RBN) provides an opportunity for rural based people to take part in events that help them grow their business through networking and learning from others. “RBN aims to connect innovative, motivated people from across the range of primary industry sectors with successful experienced businessmen and women creating opportunities to share ideas, be inspired and learn by example”, said Daile Jones, National RBN Coordinator. There are nine hubs established around the country with a further three planned before the end of the year. “RBN is free to join, however, there is usually a charge to attend each hub’s quarterly events.” The next Mid Canterbury RBN event will be held on Thursday, May 19 at the Methven Resort starting at 6.45pm. Pita Alexander is the guest speaker and has experienced some eight up and down agricultural cycles over the past 40 years and it will be interesting to hear what he has to say about what he has learnt from those
cycles. In particular, what he has found the good agricultural operators in all agricultural sectors have put in place to cope with the volatility of these cycles. Pita has helped a large number of farming couples who have started with very little, very often in the dairy sector, and has helped them build their net assets over the years. Some of the issues he has struck over this period in this building process will also be of interest. Further information and tickets are available on the Rural Business Network’s website www.ruralbusinessnetwork.co.nz.
MID CANTERBURY RURAL BUSINESS NETWORK
Suggested Business Actions & Approaches While in Low Gear, Uphill & into a Head Wind Pita Alexander New Zealand Order of Merit recipient for services to agriculture
Thursday 19 May | 6.45pm Methven Resort Hotel 51 Main St, Methven $10 cover charge includes complimentary drink and nibbles cash bar availble
For tickets www.ruralbusinessnetwork.co.nz/events
Or phone Daile for more info on 021 979 801
‘And much more from the company that understands meal feeding.’ • • • • • • • • • •
Rotary & Herringbone & Robotic Sheds Feed Systems Molasses Systems PKE & Pellet Systems Silos Augers Mills – New Generation Mineral Dispensers Dust Kits Air Fluidizer Kits
Contact STEVE WATERS 027 640 1333 EMAIL steve@permbrand.co.nz
www.permbrand.co.nz
Going Green has never been more
0
affordable. 6 series tractor & loader packages available now! contact us today to go green!
*
% P.a.
reliable. durable. john deere. *Conditions apply. Finance available through John Deere Financial Limited to approved New Zealand commercial applicants only. Valid on new 6 Family tractors at participating dealers delivered no later than 31/10/2016. Offer is based on 45% deposit, GST back and 36 month term. Fees and charges apply. If not amended or withdrawn earlier, the promotion expires on 31/07/2016.
CHRISTCHURCH bRanCH aSHbURTon bRanCH 799 Jones Rd, Rolleston | 03 349 488383832 East Street | 03 307 9911 MURRAY CHESTERMAN 027 266 4222 JOHN MURGATROYD 027 435 5900 QUINTIN BOYD 027 486 7792
BADEN MCDOwEll 027 438 7555 REECE TROTTER 027 486 7733 MARk SYMES 027 444 1706
www.dne.co.nz | 0800 432 633
2 22
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Around the traps Wheat and Wheels Rally at Wakanui
Full, Independent Agronomy Advice – Agri-Chemical Supplier – Ravensdown ‘FlowFert N’ Supplier – Crop & Pasture Spraying – AgRecovery Collection Site – Syngenta Nozzle Retailer Bateman Sprayers – SALES – SERVICE - PARTS
Office: 03 302 8098 David Molloy: 0274 362 441 Ashley Jenkins: 0274 362 448 David Mangin: 0274 802 216 Fergus Wakelin: 0274 603 921
Agronomists: Gary Rackham: 0274 362 459 Gregor Robertson: 0274 362 438
BOOK ONLINE: www.molloyag.co.nz
New
Cattle Fodder Beet Block Palatable, convenient and cost-effective, New Cattle Fodder Beet Block, is a molassesbased supplement to help prevent phosphorus deficiency and balance other minerals lacking in your herds’ diet. To order today or learn more, phone 0800 287 325 or visit sealeswinslow.co.nz
BAL0025b Fodder Beet Press_Farmers Weekly_FP 390x265.indd 1
29/02/16 12:00 pm
2 24
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Young, enthusiastic employees out A couple of weeks ago, Bill English made the headlines for attending a Federated Farmers meeting in Feilding and voicing the opinion that there is “a cohort of Kiwis now that don’t look to be employable.” He went further and said that these (mainly) young males were pretty damned hopeless. Cue the predictable howls of outrage from some quarters of the community who believed these folks weren’t being given a fair go, and quiet mutterings of assent from others who had seen them with their own eyes. I seem to have interviewed, and occasionally employed, my fair share of the people Bill was referring to, and it’s that time of year again as dairy farmers recruit for the upcoming season. Hopefully I’ve had enough experience now not to repeat my mistakes, though I’ve been known to occasionally cut interviews short when it’s obvious a person just isn’t a fit for the team. I had a young man turn up 30 minutes late for an interview. He slid out of his lowered car with the coffee can exhaust, ran
Craig Hickman
ELBOW DEEP @dairymanNZ
his hand through his slicked back hair, popped his collar and shook my hand. I suggested that gumboots might have been more appropriate footwear than what he was wearing. He assured me that gumboots never sullied his feet unless he was getting paid. Narcissist? Check. Entitled? Check. Employed? Not by me! Sometimes it isn’t until after you’ve done the reference checks and actually employed someone that the cracks begin to show. A couple of years ago I received a 4am phone call from the hospital, two of my workers had been involved in a car accident and subsequently wouldn’t be able to make it to work. It was a single car incident and they had been found on the side of Beach Road, next to their overturned
Dairyman once hired an attractive lass who turned out to have a burning desire to milk wearing nothing but gumboots and an apron
car, both naked from the waist down. Understandably, neither was keen to discuss the details with me or the police. We never got to the, er, bottom of the situation. One of the pantsless pair left quietly a short time later, and the other subsequently booked a two-
week holiday to Thailand. I never heard from him again. I seem to have hired them all; the one who told me the electric fence wasn’t working because birds were sitting on the wires, the young man with gastro who thought he could make it home and not use the
TF125
DR200SE
MUDBUG FARMBIKE
TROJAN FARMBIKE
$3,995 INCL. GST
$5,995 INCL. GST
LESS $300 CASH BACK • Quality made in Japan • Dual side-stands • Comfortable seat • Handlebar-mounted carrier • 125cc 2-stroke • 6-speed
LESS $500 CASH BACK
• Number one selling 200cc farmbike • Quality made in Japan • Dual side-stands • Electric start 4-stroke • 5-speed • Comfortable seat • Handlebar-mounted carrier • Large 12V headlight
LT-A/F400FL6
LT-A500XL6
KINGQUAD 400
KINGQUAD 500
KINGQUADINCL. 400 $13,995 GST
KINGQUADINCL. 500 $14,995 4X4 AUTO GST • Liquid cooled fuelINCL. injected $14,995 GST 4-stroke
LT-A/F400FL6 4X4 MANUAL/AUTO
LT-A500XL6 4X4 AUTO
4X4 MANUAL/AUTO
RED OR BLACK
$13,995
INCL. • Electronic fuel-injection GST • 4-stroke, 4 valve engine • Selectable 2WD/4WD CVT transmission with Hi/Lo ratio and reverse • Torque-sensing limited slip front differential • Disc front brakes and sealed rear brakes • Twin shock rigid rear axle • Comfortable T-shaped seat • 24 Month/15,000km warranty
RED OR BLACK
• CVT transmission with Hi/Lo ratio and reverse • Push button 2WD/4WD select with diff-lock option • Independent front and rear suspension • Disc front brakes • Fully sealed oil-bathed multi-plate disc rear brake • 24 Month/15,000km warranty
Terms and conditions apply. Full information is at: www.suzuki.co.nz or ask us for details.
Talk to us today!
Jeff Marshall Motorcycles Jeff Marshall
cow shed toilet (he couldn’t) and the two who thought a box of beer and a bottle of vodka were the correct way to limber up for milking (it’s not). Though Bill’s Bunch are definitely out there, thankfully they’re the minority, tempered by people like the attractive lass
PHONE 03 308 2055 187 West Street, Ashburton
www.suzuki.co.nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz
25
there
CHOOSE:
CHOOSE:
CHOOSE:
THE DISCOUNT OR DOUBLE TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES
CHOOSE:
CHOOSE:
CHOOSE:
I once hired who, it turned out, had a burning desire to milk wearing nothing but gumboots and an apron. I always strive to put together a good team who will work well together, knowing full well that the nature of my industry means the really good ones will quickly move onwards and upwards. I take pride in watching them progress. In the meantime, I want to fill my workplace with people who always have a smile, despite the hour and the weather. The ones who burst into song while milking and dance at cups off when they think you’re not ‘MONEY OFF’ DISCOUNT OR DOUBLE THE DISCOUNT looking. TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES ON SELECTED TOOLS The ones who always stay ‘MONEYTHE OFF’DISCOUNT DISCOUNT ‘MONEY OFF’ DISCOUNT OR DOUBLE behind to give you a hand, or ON SELECTED TOOLS TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES ON SELECTED TOOLS see the shed lights on at 10pm because you’re calving a cow and come to check on you. Those people are out there. They’re young, they’re enthusiastic and they make my life easier and give me something to smile about. I’ve had enough of Bill’s Bunch, DISCOUNT DOUBLE THE DISCOUNT OR the and it’sTOOLS worth taking time IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES TO SPEND N SELECTED to do the recruitment right to make sure I never get saddled Enthusiastic staff are out there with one of them again.
STIHL STIHL STIHL BRUSHCUTTER BLOWER CHAINSAW FS 85 BG R 56 C-E MS 181
STIHL STIHLCHAINSAW BLOWER MS 181 BG STIHL 56 C-E SHOP CHOICE OF DISCOUNTS AT
$395
595
$ $395
THE DISCOUNT OR DOUBLE TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES STIHL CHAINSAW STIHL STIHL TAKETAKE TAKE TAKE $25 $25 OFF OFF $50 OFF MS 251 BRUSHCUTTER CHAINSAW $25 OFF OR
N SELECTED TOOLS
OR GET
$50$50 GET
595
TO SPEND TOIN-STORE SPEND INSTORE
NOW
OR GET
$
$795 $
595 395
OR GET
85 R 16”FS (40cm)
$795
$50 $100
45.6cc $795
STIHL BLOWER TAKE TAKE $25 50OFF $50 OFF BG $75
TO SPEND IN-STORETO SPEND IN-STORE
TO SPEND IN-STORE
NEW
TAKE TAKE OR $50 OFF $75 OFF GET
$150 $100
27.2cc 3.6kg STIHL STIHL TO SPEND SPEND IN-STORE IN-STORE TO 3 TO SPEND IN-STORE 700m /h
NOW
$895
$100 OR GET
STH0523_A2
STH0523_A2
STH0523_A2
Offer available until 30 June 2016. Only whileOffer stocks last. Terms conditions apply. available until and 30 June 2016. Only while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply. Offer available until 30 June 2016. Only while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.
OR GET
TAKE $50 OFF
$100
TO SPEND IN-STORE
OR GET
TAKE TAKE $75OROFF$75 OFF GET
$150$150
TO SPEND IN-STORE TO SPEND INSTORE
695
OR GET
$695
$$
BEST PRICE EVER! STIHL
COMBISYSTEM TAKE KM 94 R-CE $46 OFF OR GET
$92
0.9kW 24.1cc MASPORTMASPORT 4.0kg TO SPEND IN-STORE
TO SPEND IN-STORE
COMBISYSTEM COMBISYSTEM KM 56 KM 56
$295 $
245 195
595
TO SPEND INSTORE
$50 $100 $150
2.2kW
$
TAKE $50 OFF
OR GET
OR OR GET GET
OR GET
STIHL LINETRIMMER FS 38
STIHL STIHL CHAINSAW BRUSHCUTTER MS 181 FS 85 R
CHOOSE:
DISCOUNT
MS 181
CHOOSE:
CHOOSE:
STIHL BLOWER BG 56 C-E
TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES
CHOOSE:
ON SELECTED TOOLS
CHOOSE:
CHOOSE:
OR
TO SPEND IN-STORE STIHL ACCESSORIES ON SELECTED TOOLS TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES ‘MONEY OFF’ DISCOUNT THE ON DISCOUNT ‘MONEY OFF’ DISCOUNT OR DOUBLE TO SPEND IN-STORE ON STIHL ACCESSORIES ON SELECTED TOOLS OR DOUBLE THE DISCOUNT
ON SELECTED TOOLS
E THE RIGHT CHOICE
$
DOUBLE THE DISCOUNT
‘MONEY OFF’ DISCOUNT ‘MONEY OFF’ DISCOUNT DOUBLE THE DISCOUNT OR
NOW
$745
PRESIDENT PRESIDENT 2500 AL COMBO 2500 AL COMBO NOW
NOW
+
$699 $699FREE SAVE $50
LINETRIMMER
SAVE $50 ATTACHMENT
TAKE TAKE $150 OFF OR $150 OFF GET
$300 $300 TO SPEND ON ATTACHMENTS
TO SPEND ON ATTACHMENTS
hile stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.
STIHL SHOP ASHBURTON PHONE 03 308 2055 187 West Street, Ashburton
CHOOSE
WITHAT YOUR CHOICE WITH YOUR CHOICE OF DISCOUNTS STIHL SHOPOF DISCOUNTS AT STIHL SHOP CHOOSE:
CHOOSE
CHOOSE:
MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE WITH YOUR CHOICE OF DISCOUNTS AT STIHL SHOP
Offers available until 30 June Offers 2016 available or while until stocks 30 June last.2016 Terms orand while conditions stocks last. apply. Terms and conditions apply.
LOVE YOUR LAND
2 26
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Focus on the future needs of the In 2015 KPMG’s Agribusiness agenda focused on the emerging leaders of New Zealand’s Agribusiness. The emerging leaders talked about the consumer of 2035 and what they believed would be the way of the future. Keep in mind that not only was this group New Zealand’s future agri leaders they were also the most likely future consumer. The future consumer to them would need more convenience, there was even a suggestion that there would be no supermarkets in 2035.
“
KPMG
occasions. It was suggested that during the week most may opt for health shakes or tablets to get nutrition and energy, having maybe only one sitdown focused meal a week. This one sit-down meal however
The future consumer to them would need more convenience, there was even a suggestion that there would be no supermarkets in 2035.
It would all be fresh food delivered to the door. Food will be a health product, people will eat things to gain nutrition mostly savouring food for flavour for only special
Future consumer needs will be different to today
Maurice Myers
would be special and be a chance to consume premium produce. Genetic modification also popped up, the group at times were divided on this but many however, had no issues
We are the experts in:
BRINGING YOU VALUABLE INSIGHTS
Underpasses Laneways Effluent Ponds
Phone Dave Rowlands 027 484 1114 Diesel Workshop direct line: 308 7400
CONTACT T: 03 307 6355 E: ashburton@kpmg.co.nz
Gold
Sponsor
Ashburton Contracting Limited
P 03 308 4039 A 48 South Street, Ashburton W www.ashcon.co.nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz
27
consumer and assuming it was appropriate modification or more genetic adaption they were okay with it. It became apparent that the future consumers’ needs would be dramatically different to today. People will be moving faster, travelling further to and from work and this will increase the need for convenience, however it won’t just be about fast and easy. It’s going to need to be fast easy and healthy. Just to add another little edge to it all, the next generations have more desire to see food produced ethically, environmentally socially and economically. Food is going to need to be fast, easy, healthy, ethical - but wait there is more packaging and food waste need to be addressed. These are two factors the next generations will also demand as future consumers ecological packaging and portion sizes ensure wastage is significantly reduced. This brings me back to convenience so it’s not just about fast and easy, it’s about convenience so people can shop daily, only get what they
KPMG Agribusiness agenda turned up just how different future consumers’ needs will be
will eat for the day to reduce waste, but won’t need to leave the house to shop, it will come to them. So this means the consumer will require fast, easy, healthy, ethical, ecological food that is only bought in portions
that will avoid waste that comes to the door. All of this might start to sound a little too idealistic and maybe even a little bit crazy but remember, that a large portion of the world’s consumers live
in cities, have limited space in their dwellings and travel many hours to employment. It might be hard to think of this all happening in Ashburton but in China this is already a reality and remember, as food
producers and exporters, it’s important for us to focus on the future needs of the consumer because they will consume the way they want to not the way we, as producers, would like them too.
WASTE ISSUES? WE CAN HELP
• • • • • •
Septic tank cleaning all systems Portaloos Dairy sumps, wedges and saucers Drain cleaning truck Residential drain clearing High powered water blasting jetting truck for blocked drains, commercial and residential
CALL THE POOCREW
Locally owned and operated
Phone Darryl Burrowes on 03 308 5293 or 0274 333 563
See our great range of tractors in stock now! Cat 745 B
5214 Hrs 16 x 4 40kph Trans 6 x DA Remotes $110,000 +GST
Case IH CVX120
6032 Hrs CVX50kph Trans 4 x DA Rear Remotes $30,000 +GST
Case IH CVX1135
9253 Hrs CVX50kph Trans 4 x DA Rear Remotes $40,000 +GST
Case IH CVX170
8110 Hrs CVX50kph Trans 4 x DA Rear Remotes $26,000 +GST
Case IH CVX150
9328 Hrs CVX50kph Trans 4 x DA Rear Remotes $26,000 +GST
Case IH MXU100
5500 Hrs 16 x 16 40kph Trans Quicke Q755 & Bucket $42,000 +GST
Kubota MX135
2500 Hrs 16spd Power Shuttle 40kph Self-Levelling Loader $65,000 +GST
For more information, or to view any of our tractors, contact:
Case IH CVX170
6800 Hrs CVX 50kph Trans 4 x DA Remotes $38,000 +GST
Case IH 8575 Baler 87000 Bales 3’x3’ Workshop Checked $19,000 +GST
Case IH LBX331 Baler 71000 Bales 3’x3’ Bale Rotor Cutter Workshop Checked $34,000 +GST
McCormick CX105
5364 Hrs 24 x 24 Xtra-shift Power Shuttle $38,000 +GST
Ashburton Leeston Amberley Timaru
03 307 8027 03 324 3791 03 314 9055 03 688 2179
www.cochranes.co.nz
COCHRANES
your farm machinery specialist
2 28
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
A keen fisherman I consider myself a keen fisherman – not a fanatic but just a good keen fisher. It was with some concern that I read an article recently that indicated because of irrigation, dairy cows, sheep and beef and arable farming, an area below the main road is to be closed for fishing because of the state of our waterways. Not only that, these same reasons were used for why this season’s salmon fishing was so bad and why so few salmon have returned for spawning. There is no doubt that in the past the farming industry hasn’t been the best in keeping cattle etc out of waterways but that has changed considerably over the past 10 years. I have been salmon fishing our local rivers for well over 50 years and during this time there is no doubt that the number and size of fish have decreased during this period. Back then a good fish was 25 pounds and a big fish was 30 plus pounds and there were always plenty of fish in the river. The amount of water flow
Chris Murdoch
PROPERTY BROKERS
both in the Rangitata and Waitaki Rivers has changed little since then. In fact the Waitaki is running at the same levels as it is supplied by the hydro lakes and yet fish numbers have dropped off as well. I wonder if the problem isn’t much larger than farming. Maybe it’s where the salmon go at sea and the food supply and food chain they are all connected to. What about bigger fishing boats over-fishing quotas and catching more by catch – being salmon? Fifty years ago there was at different times during the season large schools of kawhai at the river mouth and I mean large schools – one to two
Farmers are not the only reason salmon are not as abundant in our rivers.
hectares of them - yet now you hardly ever see them like this. Is this the farmers’ fault as well? Also what some people seem
to forget is we have just had two of our lowest ever rainfall years, so of course the rivers and streams will be low. So all in all can the demise
of the salmon rivers be blamed totally on the farmers? I for one don’t think so and I believe there are many, many more things at play.
PHILL STAYS GREEN WITH INCREASED REVENUE Farm owner and agricultural consultant Phill Everest uses Growsmart® Precision VRI to “kill five birds with one stone.” He’s able to improve the sustainability of his dairy operation while reducing its environmental impacts. Phill sees the benefits in terms of track maintenance and grass growth as well as ensuring the availability of his water. The water he saves under one pivot can be redistributed to irrigate an additional 23ha of his farm. FieldNET® integrates with Precision VRI to provide complete remote pivot management, with VRI control, monitoring and reporting. “The first time using the new FieldNET tool for Precision VRI, I found it very easy. It was much simpler and quicker having just the one place to go to control my pivot and manage my Precision plans” Find out how you could benefit from increased water efficiency using Precision VRI with FieldNET by talking to your Zimmatic® dealer or visiting growsmartprecisionvri.co.nz
propertybrokers.co.nz
© 2016 LINDSAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ZIMMATIC, FIELDNET AND GROWSMART ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF THE LINDSAY CORPORATION.
www.guardianonline.co.nz
29
Focus on the positives Well nothing is ever static in the irrigation industry. Currently we have Greenpeace making absurd claims about the environmental impact of irrigation, alongside unscientific assertions circulating about connections between stomach bugs and irrigation development. However, we’re choosing to focus on the positives, of which there are many. First up – our biennial conference last month in Oamaru was a resounding success. More than 400 people converged on Waitaki District to celebrate irrigation achievement, hear from industry experts (including global speakers) and view the latest offerings from our service and supply industries. At a national level, IrrigationNZ is delighted to see the Ruataniwha project is now in a position to proceed. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company announced last month that it has 196 signed water-user agreements, the numbers
Andrew Curtis
WATER WORKS
needed for the project to proceed. This is good news for central Hawke’s Bay as it will re-invigorate the shrinking communities of Waipukurau and Waipawa. This result shows farmer backing is strong for the project, not surprising given the Ruataniwha Plain’s current and future susceptibility to drought. The mix of land-use is, as IrrigationNZ predicted, dominated by traditional mixed cropping, and sheep and beef finishing systems, rather than dairying contrary to some commentators. This is what Central Hawke’s Bay has and will always do well. There is also some permanent horticulture in the mix and given the boom in the orchard
IrrigationNZ is delighted to see the Ruataniwha project is now in a position to proceed.
and wine industries currently it is very likely this area of opportunity will be expanded further in future. The land-use mix should alleviate any environmental concerns for the Tukituki River. This, when combined with the dam’s ability to release water to guarantee summer flows alongside mimicking
natural flood events that cleanse it, means the Tukituki River is in a great position to maintain and improve upon it’s predominantly good water quality. IrrigationNZ is now looking forward to both the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Crown Irrigation Investments committing investments to this community dam project
and the ‘land swap’ court issue being resolved in a timely manner. No-one disputes the Hawke’s Bay needs water storage. The local community has now demonstrated its support for the Ruataniwha project. It’s time for regional and national communities to do the same.
from our farm gate to yours
SEEDS 0800 670 770
SCIENCE
AGRONOMY www.wholesaleseeds.co.nz
QUALITY GALVANISED PRODUCTS VARIABLE WIDTH CRUSH SLIDING GATE
MULTI-PURPOSE FEED TRAILER
This Variable width crush (Saracen self locking head bale and additional sliding gate pictured) is ideal for dealing with animals of all sizes and still provide full access to all areas of the animal. A tread plate floor angled on both sides ensures that animals keep their feet inside the crush when side doors are open.
Hot-dip galvanized 4 tonne capacity Heavy duty wheels and pickup hitch Retractable drawbar Capable of holding; P.K.E, balage, fine chop or maize
$7900 FEEDER ON SKID
$6800 YEARLING FEEDER
$495
$1450 HEAVY DUTY TOMBSTONE FEEDER
PORTABLE CRUSH - MOBILE YARDS
This Heavy duty tombstone feeder is perfect for feeding out to larger beef animals, bulls or horned cattle. It comes in 3 sections, is open bottomed and weighs around 150 kg. Measurements: 2285 mm (7’6”) diameter, 670 mm high welded sheet metal base, 1150 mm high and has 12 feed spaces.
FROM
$4400
$850 CALF TROUGH
Riverdown Steel bring to you a large range of UK manufactured livestock feeding, handling and yard equipment. All products are manufactured from high grade steel sourced from the UK and Europe and HOT DIPPED IN GALVANISE. This process gives protection, inside and out, from corrosion, giving them the longest possible working life. Contact us for a personal and affordable solution to your livestock feeding and handling needs today!
HAY BASKET
$60
$100 All prices are GST exclusive
Give Riverdown Steel a call on 0211 433 469. Email - riverdownsteel@gmail.com
www.riverdownsteel.com
LIVESTOCK HANDLING AND FEEDING EQUIPMENT
www.guardianonline.co.nz
31
Compost is black gold Applying compost to your pastures, lawns and gardens is an integral part of moving towards a more sustainable biological way of farming and gardening. Making and using compost is also a way to recycle organic matter, especially materials that might otherwise have been treated as waste on the farm or in the home garden. In addition to soil improvement and the economic and social benefits of recycling organic matter, composting can provide other benefits. Composts help fight soil borne pathogens that cause plant diseases. Compost, along with other organic matter, improves the capacity of soil to hold or release nutrients that are bound up in the soil and increases earthworm activity producing nutrient-rich castings, or excrement. Compost is not considered fertiliser. However, in many organic gardening or farming systems, compost is the major amendment to enrich
Sheryl Stivens
“
MASTAGARD ASHBURTON
Apply a good layer to your garden beds and cover them with mulch so they are ready to plant in the spring.
soil. Compost is often called black gold and is universally recognised for improving soil structure and water-holding capacity. continued P32
Conditions have never been better for applying compost this year.
Working with you for a greener tomorrow Specialists in all types of waste removal Frontload bins for General Waste Gantry Skips for Building sites or a home clean up
Call us today on 0800 240 120 | www.envirowaste.co.nz Email: christchurch@envirowaste.co.nz
Masta-Gardener COMPOST
Quality compost slow brewed locally in Ashburton by Mastagard from a diversity of green plant materials. Batch tested to ensure quality and ready to apply a generous helping to your gardens or farmland.
Pick up from the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park. Range Road, Ashburton.
Affordable prices: Bags $3 - Scoop $15 SPECIAL BULK PRICE FOR A LIMITED TIME
Enquiries for bulk prices Call 0800 627 824 or email: glen.sole@envirowaste.co.nz
Farming
2 32
from P31 Uses of Compost Gardeners and landscapers use compost in many ways. It is used in establishing a planting bed; improving soils; mulching gardens or landscape plantings; backfilling during the planting of trees, shrubs, or perennials; establishing or topdressing lawns; sidedressing vegetables; or controlling erosion. In establishing a lawn, mix compost with the planting soil, in order to improve drainage, especially in a heavy clay soil. Established lawns may be top-dressed, that is, sprinkled with compost over the top of the grass and watered in to
www.guardianonline.co.nz
help repair patchy lawns that have suffered over the dry summer. Before seeding a new lawn, evenly apply 5 to 10mm of compost over the entire area. Compost is also an excellent vegetable garden mulch, which breaks down slowly, encourages soil life and maintains an even soil temperature in the heat of summer. Locally made fully tested Masta Gardener Compost is available from the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park. Apply a good layer to your garden beds and cover them with mulch so they are ready to plant in the spring.
FREE MONTHLY COMPOST WORKSHOP See how to easily set up a worm farm, bokashi or garden compost system. See how to reduce packaging and make your own Eco weedkiller using vinegar, salt and soap. Monday, May 16 – 10.30am to 11.30am Ashburton Resource Recovery Park, Range Road All welcome – Call 0800-627-824 or email sherylstivens@gmail.com
Ashburton Resource Recovery Park will be having a free monthly compost workshop
TOYOTA
FIELD DAYS WE’ VE SHAVED
HE APS OFF ACRO
RURAL
SS S THE RA R ANGE
BROADBAND Made easy.
RURAL 3G/4G RBI Broadband Fibre Broadband Wireless Broadband
BROADBAND 2016 Hilux
000 945 easy. Made 0800
WOW. THEY HAVE SHAVED HEAPS OFF
*Terms and Conditions apply. For full terms and conditions visit our website, www.toyota.co.nz
2011 Corolla GX
2012 Highlander
DON’T MISS OUT. VISIT TOYOTA.CO.NZ TODAY. FINANCIAL SERVICES
KEVIN KEVIN FINANCIAL SERVICES
3
NEW TOYOTA AND RECEIVE* • 3.5L BUY ANY • 44,000km • Similar to • Tiptronic YEARS YEARS YEARS picture
SERVICING
3
WARRANTY $36,995
3
AA ROADSERVICE
• Auto • 79,000km
* Terms and Conditions apply. For full terms and conditions visit our website, www.toyota.co.nz
RICHARD RICHARD
EDDIE EDDIE
SAMANTHA SAMANTHA
ANDREW
$14,995
TEST DRIVE ME TODAY
3G/4G RBI Broadband 2012 Hilux SR5 • Auto • 71,000km Fibre Broadband • 4WD Wireless Broadband $39,995
BRANDI-JEAN
TERESA
PAM
www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz
DON’T VISIT TOYOTA.CO.NZ TODAY. Ashburton. ANDREW STEPHEN SAM Avenue, PAM Cnr MISS EastOUT. Street and Walnut Phone 307-5830 anytime. OPEN SAT 9AM – 1PM Richard Burns – 027 486 7546 | Eddie Bakos 027 450 7544
*Offer is available from 1 April 2016 to 30 June 2016 (subject to stock availability) on any new vehicle from participating Authorised Toyota Dealers in New Zealand. The Service Plan covers parts and labour costs of scheduled service items for three years / 45,000km (whichever occurs first under normal operating conditions). The Warranty Offer provides cover for three years / 100,000km (whichever occurs first under normal operating conditions). For full terms and conditions visit our website, www.toyota.co.nz
Phone 307-5830 - Cnr East St & Walnut Ave, Ashburton
OPEN SAT 9AM-1PM | Richard Burns 027 486 7546 | Eddie Bakos 027 450 7544
www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz
0800 000 945
Engineers that move, improve
and
create
Call us to talk about
stainless fabrication, installation and 0800 101 373 plant modifications. www.spraymarks.co.nz Industrial Maintenance Plant Modifications Air & Extraction Fabrication
2 34
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Water a precious commodity There has been a lot of publicity recently about the sale of Lot 9 in the Ashburton Business Park by the Ashburton District Council. As we now know, the site has been bought by a water bottling company.
What is valuable about the site is that it comes with a consent to extract 45 litres/second of water from the aquifer and this of course made the sale. The council tried to claim that more water would be put back in to the aquifer than was being taken out. According to the council’s press release, this was going to happen when water at the rate of 60 litres/ second filtered back into the aquifer. This water was coming from the stockwater system that is no longer needed for that purpose: the council wants us to think that this water is “surplus to requirements” and so could be used to replace the water that is being taken out by the water bottling company. Now let’s wait a minute – there is an agreement that the Ashburton River’s minimum flow shall be raised from its current mean flow of 3.6 cumecs at the bridge to 6 cumecs by 2023. This water has to come from somewhere and to use water saved from closing many of the stockwater races is an obvious choice. There is also an agreement that the minimum flow shall be raised
Mary Ralston
FOREST AND BIRD
to 10 cumecs at the bridge by 2033, which means further water needs to be saved from other uses for this to happen. Should we still sell Lot 9
“
between the Rakaia and the Rangitata Rivers is considered a Red Zone – and the Ashburton River is the most heavily allocated in the whole of New Zealand. It is agreed by all that our river needs more water left in it, and consents for water from the aquifers are part of that over-allocation. Secondly, all water is linked. When water is taken out of the aquifer, water drains more quickly from surface water sources such as rivers and streams to replenish it. So
Ashburton Glacier, is shrinking every year. The aquifers are a valuable store that we shouldn’t flippantly be using up. Many aquifers around the world have been completely drained. We also live in an area where some water sources are highly polluted. Giving away beautiful clean water from an underground aquifer defies logic in a place where many people have to make do with polluted surface wells. Already nitrate levels are at alarming levels and this has serious
The mayor tells us the amount of water consented at Lot 9 is only what a medium-sized dairy farm would use, as if this amount of water is somehow insignificant.
with its water consent, use the stockwater to raise the river’s minimum flow and not bother to replenish the aquifer? No, our water should not be sold. There are lots of issues here. Firstly, our water resources are already seriously over-allocated. The area
taking water out of the aquifer by the water bottling plant does contribute to the draining of the rivers. Thirdly, weather extremes are becoming more common. Droughts are more likely. The store of water at the top of the Ashburton River, the
health effects on babies and the elderly in particular, as well as aquatic life. The mayor tells us the amount of water consented at Lot 9 is only what a mediumsized dairy farm would use, as if this amount of water is somehow insignificant. In an
www.guardianonline.co.nz
35
over-allocated catchment, all water is significant and sooner or later we have to change our attitude. Our water resources are valuable. We need to keep all we have so we can move from the position of over-allocation and ill-health of rivers and people. This will cost us money but if we look around the world, water is the more precious commodity. Our precious water: the Ashburton River. We live in an area where water is already over-allocated - should we give away more?
Photo Val Clemens
PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS
CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS
AVAILABLE SOUTH ISLAND WIDE TIMBER DRIVE-OVER DRYING FLOORS Also air tunnels, fans and heaters etc all sizes suitable for all crops.
Dairy Farm Conversions | Lanes| Grading | Tree and Stump Removal Effluent Ponds | General Earthworks| On MOBILE GRAIN DRIER 10 to 40 tonne batch
Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists
5 HP FANS TO 50 HP FANS
CROP DRYING FANS & CONSTANT HUMIDITY GAS BURNERS
Dairy Feed and Crop Storage Specialists
Tel: 03 303 7266 Mobile: 0275 146 609 | Email: dave@pmr.co.nz Mobile 0274 151 390 | Email: paul@pmr.co.nz Web: www.pmr.co.nz
Farm Screening|Truck and Trailer Units available| Loaders | Shingle Supplies
Phone 027 254 0407
Farming
2 36
www.guardianonline.co.nz
NZ NEWS BRIEFS WHEAT PRICE DROPS BY 17 PER CENT
GOATS’ MILK POWER NOT MADE IN NZ
Mid Canterbury arable farmers are suffering serious financial setbacks this season following a 17 per cent decrease in price on last year for the first milling wheat contracts. The first MAURI anz milling contracts are offering just $340 per tonne delivered to Christchurch – a stark drop from the $410 offered last year. Premium grade milling wheat was offered for just $360 per tonne, a 15.5 per cent drop on the $425 from last year. Gristling wheat has also decreased significantly from $380 last season to $325. For an arable farmer harvesting 10 tonnes per hectare this equates to a $700 gross income drop per hectare, and a $70,000 drop in gross income if
Two of a nutritional company’s goats’ milk powder products are not New Zealand made despite being labelled so, the Christchurch High Court has ruled. The court declared New Zealand Nutritionals made misleading claims on the labels of Vitafit Goats Milk Powder and Pro-life Goats’ Milk & Calcium Tablets by saying they were 100 percent New Zealand made. The court said it was misleading because all the active ingredients including the goat milk powder - was imported. The company argued that the products were manufactured in this country and the labels were not a representation of where the goat milk powder was sourced. But Justice Geoffrey Venning said
the farmer is growing 1000 tonnes. Federated Farmers arable chairperson Guy Wigley was philosophical about the decrease and re-iterated the importance of alternative crops to the industry. “It’s been a tough season all round.”
the labels were misleading because a reasonable person would assume that the product was made from local goats’ milk that had been processed into powder in New Zealand. Source: Radio New Zealand
RESOLUTION ATTEMPT TO STYMIE DEAL SILVER FERN FARMS Meat co-operative Silver Fern Farms believes the calling of a special shareholder meeting on its major Chinese investment deal is a last-minute attempt to stymie the process. The $260 million joint venture deal with Shanghai Maling got
more than 80 per cent shareholder approval last October, but it has been opposed by members of the Meat Industry Excellence group and some political opposition groups. The deal still requires approval from the Overseas Investment
Office and government ministers, expected this month. A group of 80 shareholders, led by farm owners John Shrimpton and Blair Gallagher, has lodged a resolution to re-approve the deal by way of a special resolution. Source: Radio New Zealand
M
FRO
M FRO 0 0
5
$12
$30
M FRO 0 0
$8
Tractor seats - wrap around blue or black
Round bale feeder, suitable for sheep, lambs and calves
Produced by a local Canterbury engineer, our buckrakes are a must for any farmer. These are 2.4m wide heavy duty 1.25m tines. All prices exclude G.S.T
126 Dobson Street, Ashburton - Phone: 03 308 2059 | Mobile: 0274 326 847 mcmullanent@xtra.co.nz - www.mcmullanenterprises.com
Have a herd to move? HEARD OF RURAL? • • • • •
Locallyowned owned Locally and operated operated and
T
R
A
N
S
P
O
R
Stock Cartage Bulk Cartage Fertiliser Spreading General Freight Hiab Truck Hire
Proud to be servicing our local farming community.
T
L T
D
Phone 308 4079
Visit our website www.ruraltransport.co.nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz
37
Around the traps Pendarves Young Farmers Club After Harvest Party – Methven
UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP
PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY FACTION PHOTOGRAPHY
ASHBURTON
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR FARM SHEDS AND OREGON SUPPLIES 3 BAY LEAN-TO FARM SHED Bird proof
Shed illustration only
OREGON SUPPLIES
Delivery Mid Canterbury
SHED 1 - 10.8X6M
SHED 2 - 13.5X6M
SHED 3 - 13.5X9M
• 2.4M Back Height • 3.0M Front Height • 3.6M Bays • 6M Deep • H5 Hi Strength Poles • 0.9 kpa Snow Load • High Wind • 0.4 Zincalume Steel
• 3M Back Height • 3.6M Front Height • 4.5M Bays • 6M Deep (Clear span) • H5 Hi Strength Poles • 0.9 kpa Snow Load • High Wind • 0.4 Zincalume Steel
• 3M Back Height • 3.6M Front Height • 4.5M Bays • 9M Deep (Clear span) • H5 Hi Strength Poles • 0.9 kpa Snow Load • High Wind • 0.4 Zincalume Steel
Call Ashburton ITM today on 307 0412 for a very competitive quote. 92 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone 307 0412 | sales@ashburtonitm.co.nz
OREGON
• Ideal for fence rails! • Only $3.75 per lineal meter incl GST • 150 x 40 untreated, unverified Douglas Fir rough sawn • Available in 4.8, 5.4 and 6 metre length HOURS Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 8am-12noon
RURAL LIFESTYLE RESIDENTIAL FENCING STOCK YARDS AND ALL POST DRIVING NEEDS
CALL RYAN
027 931 6403 MID CANTERBURY BASED
Charlies Takeaways A Division of Robsons Canterbury
LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Septic tank emptying and maintaining, pumps supplied and fitted
ALL ANIMAL EFFLUENT EMPTIED AND SPREAD
100% Canterbury Family Owned and Operated
In the waste business for 40 years
LIQUID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Rakaia 0800 372 004 Christchurch 0800 372 003 robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz
ADVERTISING FEATURE
39
Software helps farms communicate Communication in farm workplaces has become more important with the Health and Safety at Work Act that came into effect on April 4, says Collier Isaacs of Farm IQ . As the WorkSafeNZ chief executive Gordon MacDonald has pointed out, farmers’ responsibility to ensure safety on farms remains mostly unaltered with the new legislation. The difference is that it now makes almost everyone on the farm responsible for keeping safe and well, and looking after others around them. This comes down to communication, says Collier, and farmers could look to new farm management software to help. Farmers using software say it helps them work with staff and visitors to improve safety and make sure there are “no surprises”. “It is so much easier – it can be paperless,” says Collier. “With good software you get a range of templates with all the right sections for you to fill in and mapping so it’s easy to show people what to watch out for. And with cloud storage it’s all safe and secure, and you don’t have
to download updates at all. Working with a mobile app means you can record as you go and have information at your fingertips. “Using health and safety software helps involve staff in managing health and safety. For example, you can record meetings and training, and use the software to schedule tasks that fall out of these. You can assign them to staff members so everyone knows who is responsible for what. That clear communication really helps. “The FarmIQ System includes health and safety software that has been developed using WorkSafe New Zealand guides. When farmers have clarified what they need to do with programmes such as WorkSafe’s Safer Farms or Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Farm Safety Support, then FarmIQ is a good, paperless option for the recording side of things.”
One farm business using the FarmIQ System is finding it’s easy to use and means there are no surprises. The AtihauWhanganui Incorporation employs 45 staff and uses a large number of contractors to run nine units covering a total of nearly 42,000 ha in the Waimarino area. “Health and safety recording in the FarmIQ System is easy to use and follow, even for those who aren’t as comfortable with computers,” says Atihau chief executive Andrew Beijeman. “The great thing is it’s all on one page.” He says Atihau have recently loaded all their hazard
information, management plans and incident reporting into the FarmIQ System, and have started using the online mapping to record the location of hazards. “In the next three months we want to be able to give our contractors read-only access to a hazard map and the safety side of FarmIQ. That way they can see everything in detail before they go on to the farm. These are big farms, and it’s about no surprises. This will probably be the biggest thing the FarmIQ System does for us that will improve our safety. “Some of our more techsavvy team members have
started to use their cellphones to take photos and report hazards as they see them, which is a great way of encouraging people to engage in safety management. It also gives us a practical place to record our staff meetings, incident reporting, hazards and master emergency plans all in one spot, and with mapreferenced information.” Porangahau farmer Ben Tosswill is another using the FarmIQ System to cover health and safety recording for his 780ha property. “It shows you are proactive and thinking about these things. “The questions are good. It makes you consider the key aspects to be compliant. It includes recording on phone when people like contractors arrive. “I’ve been advised that I need to make a simple diary note that I’ve told them about hazards in the area they will be in – so this is perfect, it goes in right on the spot.”
2 40
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Around the traps TeenAg and AgriKidsNZ Aorangi Regional Final
U K & E U ROP
WHERE will YOU GO
BOOK
Wednesday 23 O Hotel Ashbur ton
Come instore | 03
THIS YEAR?
Travel presen tations | E Expert advice direct from th 30
7 8760 | ashb House of Tra urton@hot.co vel Ashburton .nz | 03 307 876 ashburton@h 0 ot.co.nz facebook.com /HOTAshburt on
*Terms and cond
itions apply. Pleas
e ask your House
of Travel consultan
t for full details.
Proud to be KIW 25 YEARS HEL and OVER 700 YOU CAN TRU
House of Travel Ashburton | 03 307 8760 ashburton@hot.co.nz
SIZE, STRENGTH & STABILITY FOR OVER 40 YEARS • • • •
Bulk Grain Storage Container Cartage Firewood Supplies Hay & Straw Cartage
• Agricultural Spraying • Lime & Super Spreading • Precision Nitrogen
Sowing • Log Cartage • Shingle Supplies • Swinglifting
• • • •
Grain Cartage Silo Storage Cool Storage Stock Cartage
Methven - Christchurch - Daily Freight Supplies Methven - Ashburton - Daily Freight Supplies ISO Accredited PO Box 28 Line Road, Methven
Mark Love
Ph 302 8616 - Fax 302 9657
philipwareingltd@xtra.co.nz
excavation contractor – Rakaia • Portable shingle screening and crushing • Shingle & top soil supply • 20 ton excavator for development and site work. • Grader, tip trucks, vibrating roller for hire • Servicing Rakaia for over 20 years • General excavation • Dairy lime
Contact Mark 302 7428 or 027 433 2261
Make the most out of your Farmlands Card PLANTS, TREES & FARM SHELTER FREE ON-FARM CONSULTATIONS | PHONE RODNEY 0274 753 798
Fri 20 May 3-6pm Sat 21 May 9am-6pm Sun 22 May 9am-5pm
PE TRAVEL EXPO K with v WINNER x of the 2013 best
October 20the 13 | 7.00pmtravel retailer n | RSVP is es sential AFTA AWARD
BEST ESCAPE THIS
Expo specia ls | Spot prize s he airlines an d tour compa nies
WE CAN HELP...
SALE ON NOW
SPECIMEN TREES
(Direct from the grower) • Magnolias • Dogwoods • Maples • Prunus • Fruit Trees and so much more!
U K & E U ROPE T RAVEL EXPO E X PO FRIENDLY PRICES
Grahams Road, Ashburton 03 308 9950
Wednesday 23 October 2013 | 7.00p Hotel Ashbur m ton | RSVP is essential Travel presen ta
v ONLYx WINTER DEA L S
Expert advice
The team at HOT AsCo hbme urtoinsn tore | 03 307 8760 | Hous as
tions | Expo specials | Sp direct from th ot prizes e airlines an d tour compa nies
Value and Professional Service A family tradition since 1934
e of Travel As hburton@hot. hburton | 03 co.nz 307 8760 ashburton@h ot.co.nz facebook.com /HOTAshburt on
WI OWNED AND OPERATED, House of Travel has spent over LPING KIWIS SEE THE WORLD. With 70 STORES NATIONWIDE TRAVEL SPECIALISTS on hand to pass on their inside knowledge, UST US TO PUT TOGETHER YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY IN 2014. *Terms and cond
itions apply. Pleas
e ask your House
of Travel consultan
• • • • •
t for full details.
GARDEN CENTRE
Auto Electrical service and repair Air Conditioning specialists Wide Range of Two Way Radios Batteries to suit all your vehicle needs Powertool sales and repairs
• • • • •
Rhodos Roses Shrubs Buxus Natives
E X PO
vO NLYfarmers The place where get their quality x D EA Lreplacement agricultural parts and S equipment ARABLE PLOUGH PARTS
CULTIVATION PARTS
We have now have three branches: Rolleston 825 Jones Rd ph 03 347 3476
House of Travel Ashburton 03 307 8760 | ashburton@hot.co.nz
Timaru Battery Service 45 North Street ph 03 688 6800
www.newlands.net.nz
0800 4 PALMERS - www.palmeragriparts.co.nz 34 Robinson St, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
StoneBridge
No Hassle Farm Building
FUNCTIONS • BAKEHOUSE • ACCOMMODATION
Mid winter Christmas functions July/August - Book now! www.stonebridge.co.nz
Ashburton 80 Kermode St ph 03 308 7234
Quality Untreated Oregon 150 x 40 Roughsawn at $3.26 per metre +GST
We take care of your plans, council pim, administration and compliance.
Follow us on
enquiries@stonebridge.co.nz | ph. 03 693 7912 | m. 027 415 7869
Call us today. 92 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone 307 0412 | sales@ashburtonitm.co.nz
Mon - Fri 7am - 5pm Sat 8am - 12 noon
Don’t have a Farmlands Card? Join 58,000 shareholders nationwide and enjoy the wide range of exclusive offers and rebates that only Farmlands Card can offer! Call for your shareholder application pack today on 0800 200 600.
Finding Farmlands Card Partners is easy go to: www.farmlands.co.nz Or just look for the ‘Use your Farmlands Card’ signs. Support Farmlands Card Partners and save!
2 42
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Expertise expand to Canterbury Making the most of your land has just got easier with the opening of Landpro’s new office in Timaru. The move means Canterbury clients now have direct access to the company’s planning, surveying and technical expertise across a wide range of land development requirements. Having two key team members based full time in South Canterbury will also help Landpro continue to meet increasing local demand for its services, according to managing director Kate Scott. It’s the latest development for the successful Otagobased firm, which has also expanded to Southland and Taranaki since it was founded in 2007. Kate says a prime reason for this growth is Landpro’s strong reputation and unique mix of disciplines, from planning and resource management to hydrology and geotechnical support. Its 20 staff include surveyors, environmental scientists, resource
Richard Ford (from left) and Martell Letica.
management consultants and engineers working in all aspects of land use, including urban and rural sub division, irrigation, farming, regional infrastructure and mining. “This gives the Canterbury team a big pool of specialised expertise and knowledge to draw on should they need it,” she says. Martell Letica is Landpro’s senior resource management planner and one of the
“
surveying, urban design, photogrammetry and property rights. Both are welcoming the chance to work more closely with existing clients in a part of the country which has seen steady growth in recent years. They’re also enjoying the opportunity to provide new clients with what they say is Landpro’s own unique mix of expertise and solutions-based
We’re here to make things easier for people – it’s as simple as that
two staff now based full time in Timaru. She has an extensive background in local authority consent policy, and a strong interest in water use, subdivision, dairy conversion and effluent discharge. Working alongside Martell is surveyor Richard Ford, who as well as traditional survey or, is a key provider of Landpro’s aerial survey and mapping services. He is also interested in engineering
thinking. “We’re here to make things easier for people – it’s as simple as that,” Martell said. Landpro’s Timaru office is at Shop 7, 300 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, phone 03 688 4645. You can reach Martell Letica at 027 445 6897 or via email martell@landpro.co.nz. Richard Ford can be reached at 027 494 4467 or via email richard@landpro.co.nz.
Make the most of your land Talk to our team of experts today to get the job done right the first time! Specialists in... Geotechnic Services Water Permits Water Quality Sampling Dairy Conversions Renewal of Effluent Discharge Consents
0800 023 318 info@landpro.co.nz www.landpro.co.nz
Cromwell Gore New Plymouth Timaru
B DESIGN
Nutrient and Farm Management Plans Resource Consents Surveying Aerial Mapping Irrigation Services Environmental Science
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Trees near power lines? If you see a tree touching a power line, or any other hazardous tree condition, call in help. Do not try to remove an item caught in power lines or a tree near power lines. If you choose to trim your trees you need to be safe as it can be extremely hazardous and should not be underestimated. It is recommended that you hire professionals with the necessary expertise and safety procedures to competently carry out tree trimming. Wind and snow storms are often the cause of trees and branches coming into contact with overhead lines and poles. If you have a tree that could impact on power lines, please remember that a power outage caused by your tree may not just affect you - it may have an impact on many people. Also, trees can become electrically live if touching a power line, children climb trees and touch power lines, and fires can be started. For all of these reasons, if you have trees that are a safety risk then here’s a few tips.
TIPS Trim early Keep branches at least 2.5m away from low voltage lines or at least 4m from high voltage lines. Trimming trees near power lines can be extremely hazardous and should not be underestimated. Cut down Consider removing tall trees that could fall through power lines. The law The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 sets out the responsibilities of electricity line companies and tree owners. The purpose of the regulations is to protect the safety of the public and help to ensure a secure supply of electricity. The Electrical Code of Practice (ECP) 34:2001 sets the requirement for a close approach consent to be obtained from your power company if working within 4m of a power line.
ADVERTISING FEATURE
43
Pivot Ruts Fixed! We all know pivot ruts are a nuisance. Welshy Contracting can fill all your ruts quickly and easily and mitigate farms risks and unnecessary danger. We can dig out shingle from your own site and screen it ready for rut filling, or we can cart shingle in for the job.
Save time and money.
M 021 369 483 P 03 307 2480 admin@welshy.co.nz www.welshy.co.nz
We build for industries. Starting with the primary ones. At Calder Stewart we’ve never forgotten where we
build - matched to your exact farming needs.
started, building quality farm buildings for the Kiwi
We pride ourselves at being a Rural Design &
farm industry. And over the course of the last 55
Build specialist and have gained a considerable
years of involvement, we’ve developed something
reputation in meeting the needs of many a farmer
of a knack for it. Our dedicated team’s expertise
over the years. Let us put our expertise to work for
in constructing custom woolsheds, covered yards,
you; call your nearest Calder Stewart Construction
wintering sheds and state-of-the-art dairy sheds
Representative today and see how we can deliver
ensures practicality, quality and a professional
a farm building that suits.
Over 55 Years Farm Building Experience A Rural Design and Build Specialist Premium Grade Construction Materials Used Durable & Rugged Design is Standard Best Value-for-Money in the Industry
Donald Sutton 211 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton
(03) 307 6130
To learn more visit our website:
COMMERCIAL•INDUSTRIAL•RURAL
www.calderstewart.co.nz