Guardian Farming - March 2018 by Ashburton Guardian

Farming GUARDIAN

MARCH 2018

HIGH COUNTRY COLLABORATION Page 3 - 7

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The high country is a special part of New Zealand, offering both farming and tourism opportunities, while also containing some sensitive indigenous landscapes. Balancing farming activities with tourism opportunities while PAGE 10 preserving, if not improving, the NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPS natural environment is not easy and often requires a delicate balancing act. As those people who were lucky enough to attend a Federated Farmers high country field day in the Ashburton Lakes area last week would have heard, team work and partnerships are critical to getting it right. The message was simple, work PAGE 11–13 together to look after the land and it will continue to deliver, but fail to do YOUNG FARMERS TO SQUARE OFF that and future generations will not get the opportunity to enjoy what we do today. Castle Ridge Station’s Kerry Harmer and DOC’s Brad Edwards expand on that viewpoint in the story that beings on page 3 of this month’s Guardian Farming. This month’s edition also features an interview with Foundation for Arable Research boss Nick Pyke, who has seen a lot since he first PAGE 14

Colin Williscroft

RURAL REPORTER

joined the organisation back in the mid-90s. This week is his last week as chief executive, so I caught up with him to find out where the industry is sitting and what its future holds. When I asked him whether he was leaving the industry in a good place I expected a pat answer. That’s nothing like what I got, with Pyke having no problem candidly pointing to the challenges the arable industry faces if it wants to capitalise on its undoubted potential. That’s not to say he doesn’t see a prosperous future for our cropping farmer, but, as he points out, the increasing amount of irrigated land coming on stream poses plenty of questions to those wanting to make it pay its way.

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Collaboration key to future Collaboration is essential to the future of farming in the high country and landowners, regional and central government, along with interest groups, need to work together to ensure it will be available to everyone in the years ahead. That was the pervading view at a Federated Farmers’ field day held last week at the Castle Ridge and Mt Arrowsmith stations in the Ashburton Lakes area. Castle Ridge’s Kerry Harmer told those present that the day was all about the future and how to ensure that the high country environment is left in as good if not better condition for future generations. “We want our grandchildren and great grandchildren to also enjoy what we see today,” Harmer said. “The only way we can see this happening is if everyone works together to come up with solutions to problems and new ways of doing things.” She said there was only a small group of landholders in the Ashburton Lakes

Colin Williscroft

RURAL REPORTER

area and the Department of Conservation was the biggest. “So we all work together as neighbours to ensure the outcomes we want and need are met. We are bound by budgets and climate and it is only by working together that we can make progress.” A good example of that is the wilding, weed and pest control work being done, adding that good communication with DOC staff at a local level means helicopter time is co-ordinated and efficient. “We see things over our boundary when mustering which we can let (them) know about. Giving (them) a precise map of where weeds are means that spray budgets are maximised and a potential

outbreak is jumped on before it becomes an issue. “Gone are the days when ‘oh, that’s DOC’s problem’,” she said. “It’s all our problem and we are all part of the solution.” A similar attitude also applied with water monitoring. “There is a lot of water monitoring done up here and we find DOC great to work with. They ring to check it’s ok to sample, ask about weather conditions and keep up a good path of dialogue. “If I have one gripe, it is that ECan do a lot of similar work and often appear to actively avoid us. The staff have no communication with us and it then becomes difficult to know who to contact if we want to have access to some of that monitoring data. “We are all in this together (so) how can we as farmers know what solutions we need and work on making change if we can’t access the information about hot spots? “I don’t believe a them and us attitude will help progress environmental management

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and we all need to share information and skills.” Harmer said Castle Ridge had done a significant amount of work on fencing waterways, with very good support and help from DOC, particularly in the Maori Lakes area. She said together they worked through where fences should go so that both stock exclusion and things like practical paddock shape were all considered, the result being an area that meets everyone’s needs and is able to remain for the long-term, rather than being viewed further down the track as having been put in the wrong place. Castle Ridge was also proactive in terms of a farm environment plan process and there were a number of reasons for that. “We believed we were already doing a lot of things with regard to water and soil quality. You don’t live in this environment all year without understanding the impact of prevailing winds, frost, flood and stock movement. “We don’t like losing soil to wind or run-off, fertiliser over-

use is money wasted and stock welfare is paramount to our whole farm system. “Fresh, clean water benefits everyone and we enjoy seeing other people use this landscape too. “We also knew that there were things we needed to do, and while finances will dictate where money is spent, we wanted to have a plan for how and when some of these things would quietly be worked away at. “Thirdly we believe we produce a range of very natural products, close to organic and very much free range. As consumers are demanding to know what they are eating and wearing. We wanted to be able to prove what we are doing is what we say we are, and that should flow onto opportunities for markets and contracts now and into the future.” Harmer likened the farm environment plan process to that of health and safety.

continued over page

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From P3 “Initially there was ‘do we have to?’, then came the realisation that actually most of it is common sense and we as farmers are already doing a lot of things, and have been for decades. “It’s a very long time since the standard hill burning and overstocking for subsidies days.” Some of the easy and practical things being done at Castle Ridge are based around pasture management. Harmer said they have their own cross slot drill and all renewal and crops are done using zero tillage. “This was started for soil erosion, and the practicality of never quite knowing if we would get rain at the right time to apply extra fertiliser for the crop as it was growing. “Because we have a dry climate, we can place the fertiliser beside the seed under the ground, knowing that it won’t evaporate, so it is right there to be used by plants as they begin to grow. “We are using coated, slowrelease nitrogen to reduce the risk of leaching (in case) there is rainfall before the plants are big enough to take it up.” Trying to exclude all stock

Department of Conservation biodiversity ranger Brad Edwards explains some of his work to an attentive audience at Castle Ridge PHOTOS COLIN WILLISCROFT 080318-CW-034 Station.

from waterways all of the time at Castle Ridge is never going to be practical, she said. “Trough systems are fine in areas where the stock density is high enough to constantly

replenish them as they are drunk, but here they become tepid in summer and frozen solid in winter, something that no manner of clever thinking on our part will change.

we can never move water fast enough along it in summer, and it only takes one hard frost to put a layer of ice too thick to break each day, let alone the labour required to

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Recent rainfall has given many high country paddocks, such as these ones out towards Lake Heron, a green tinge. 080318-CW-013

do that.” Harmer said that meant they have to think about issues around water quality and come up with sensible, catchment-based ideas that

• • • •

will address issues related to that particular catchment. “Here the water quality in the Maori Lakes is mainly a sediment and phosphorus issue, not helped by the fact

that the lakes are naturally shallow, sediment-based water bodies left by glacial action in the past. “So we are working on ways to ensure stock drinking

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and crossing water has the least amount of sediment movement. Bridges, culverts, shingled crossings, low intensity stock management and one cow drinking at one

point will not move much sediment, but 10 cows at the same point will create more sediment movement. There is a large bird population on the lakes with swans, geese and paradise ducks increasing over the winter to mobs of between 5000 to 6000 each at a time. “These have a large impact on the water quality of our shallow lakes and Fish & Game need to start coming around the table more, as DOC and the other landowners are already working on it, yet the damage done is often underestimated.” She said this was an opportunity going into the future for the type of innovation needed in the environmental space. “We need to address the whole problem and create whole solutions together, something we as farmers have been working at for a number of years, and continue to believe is the way forward for all of us. “We can’t do this on our own and every person in New Zealand has a responsibility to be part of the solution, not just place the blame. continued over page

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz From P5

CASTLE RIDGE IN A NUTSHELL Total farm area: Paddocks: Over sown hill: Native hill: Soil type: Rainfall: Altitude: Labour:

5862ha freehold 3682ha (including 97ha Lucerne) 1550ha 1660ha High country yellow brown earths Avg 728mm (29in), range 450-1050mm, Barossa 1000mm avg Castle Ridge 650-1082m, Barossa 500-1000m 4.5 full-time equivalents, 2 on-call casuals

Livestock wintered Sheep Mixed age ewes merino Two-tooths merino Ewe hoggets merino Rams merino and poll dorset Total sheep numbers

12,000 2000 2000 170 6170

Cattle Mixed age cows R2 heifers R1 heifers Bulls Total cattle numbers

480 120 270 16 886

Deer Mixed age hinds R2 hinds Sire stags Total deer numbers

270 40 14 324

Total livestock wintered

17,380

Production Lambing date Start MA September 25, 2T October 5 Weaning date First week in February Lambing % (incld 2Ts) Survival to sale, 95% Calving date Last week in August Average fawning 95% Area in winter feed (turnips/swedes) 450ha Area sown in new pasture each year 250ha

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Sheep policy Poll dorset to all mixed age ewes. Merino ram to 2T. Poll dorset cross lambs sold at weaning at on-farm lamb sale. Merino lambs are kept until August/September, shorn and then culls/wethers sold. Wool is 18.5 micron average, ZQ accredited with a longstanding contract relationship with Icebreaker, balance sold through Merino New Zealand Cattle policy All Angus All steer calves sold at on-farm sale in April Heifers put to bull at 15 months, surplus/dries sold at on-farm sale in April. Calves are split as early as possible into heifer calf and steer calf mobs to utilise feed efficiently. Deer policy Red hinds to wapiti-type stags. All weaners sold at on-farm sale, or privately, in April. Replacement hinds purchased as required. Pasture renewal programme Old paddocks double sprayed, into two years of brassica, and then sown down. Barossa pasture is a mix of ryegrass, red/white clover, chicory, plantain-based. Castle Ridge is mix of cocksfoot, white clover, plantain-based. Ryecorn is also used to break down brown-top thatch initially. All tilling is zero tillage with own cross-slot drill. Lucerne is used for baleage. All winter feed has Italian ryegrass added for wind erosion control in spring and to soak up surplus nutrient movement over winter/ early spring. Environment Half the farm is in the sensitive lakes zone in the Canterbury Regional Plan and the other is in the orange zone. Currently has a five-year land use consent for a farming activity within the sensitive lakes zone. Have a farm environment plan as part of that consent. The farm received an A-grade audit, and will require auditing again in 2020.

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“We are all to blame for where we are today. Humans have impacted on 100 per cent of land and water across our entire country, so we must work together to find clever ways to make it better, from us at the coalface to the policy and rule makers in local, regional and central government. “Let’s be smart about this and think beyond the easy way out of rules and punishment, to solutions and collaboration to create positive outcomes that are lasting and which future generations will look back on and say thank-you for your foresight.” DOC’s Brad Edwards, who has worked closely in the field with the team at Castle Ridge to help achieve both their own and the department’s environmental goals in the area, backs Harmer’s view that collaboration and partnerships are critical to the future health of the high country. He said DOC was currently working on a wetland restoration project in the area of the station’s location, with the idea to restore as much of the natural landscape as possible. “But we need our

neighbours’ help to do that and I’ve been lucky enough to work at ground level with them to help achieve this. “Water is integral in this country and we want to get a handle on the (Ashburton) lakes. It’s been a brave move by the Harmers to buy into this.” He said they had enabled DOC to put a water

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monitoring scheme in place, with data loggers in the lakes, water sampling, and tools to measure the flow of rivers and creeks into the lakes. “We’ve been doing it for more than 10 years and we’ve built up a massive catalogue of data.” He said because the lakes are very shallow, it doesn’t take much to tip them one way or the other in terms of water quality but the Harmers farm environment plan had definitely helped limit the amount of nitrogen going into them. Fencing off priority areas had been a big help, he said. “We really do need to work with people to help make a difference.” The issue of wildlife disappearing from the national landscape was a huge problem, Edwards said, but landowners and other groups in the Ashburton Lakes area were working with DOC to help stem that flow. Traps on land were creating a “ring of steel” around the lakes, he said, and the programme was basically being run by farmers. The number of pests, such as hedgehogs, stoats, ferrets and wild cats, caught in traps was much larger than initially expected. Then there’s the issue of weed

spread, which landowners help mitigate by clearing roadways and land beside them of weeds before they become a problem. Edwards said for DOC to continue its work, access to landowners’ properties was essential and it was important to build connections with them. “Our landowner relationships are very, very important. They are critical in our day-to-day work because we need the help and support of everyone.” DOC was a neighbour and it needed the help of the community that it was a part of to achieve its goals, he said. That included controlling weeds and pests like grey willow, which was another concern given that mass seeding every few years was causing “explosions” every few years. ‘Community’ and ‘working together’ are terms often thrown about without much thought as to what is really going on, but through collaboration between groups often thought of as opposed in their goals, real progress is being made to help make sure the high country will be there to be enjoyed and worked within now and into the future.

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New faces on DairyNZ board Two dairy farmers from Canterbury and Dunedin will join DairyNZ’s board of directors this year. New associate directors Cole Groves, who farms near Ashburton, and Anne-Marie Wells, have been selected to join the DairyNZ board, with each working alongside the directors for six board meetings. Groves begins this month and Anne-Marie will join the board from October. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel said the associate director roles have been in place for five years after being established to support the sector’s future leaders. “These roles are a way for interested dairy farmers to gain governance experience and support the board in decision-making and strategy discussions,” he said. “Both Cole and Anne-Marie bring tremendous experience to the roles and our board will really value their leadership and drive for the sector this year as we develop and shape plans for DairyNZ and dairy farmers.” Groves is currently

involved in a 450-cow equity partnership. Among several sector roles, he has strong ties with New Zealand Young Farmers.

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These roles are a way for interested dairy farmers to gain governance experience and support the board in decision-making and strategy discussions

“The associate role will allow me to continue to develop my governance skills at a board room level in a sector that I am extremely passionate about,” Groves said. “We need young leaders to take ownership and be a part of the sector moving forward with its new strategy.” He has been dairy farming for more than 10 years, after completing a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University. Otago-based Anne-Marie is an owner/operator and director of a 640-cow dairy farm and, with husband Duncan, were the 2015 Dairy

DairyNZ and value the opportunity to work with experienced directors and participate in corporate level board meetings,” she said. “I am looking forward to gaining first-hand experience in assessing opportunities and strategic decision-making in an organisation of this scale, which will equip me to help others make sound decisions in the future.” Wells’ career ranges from being a software engineer and business analyst to her current role in dairy farming, where she is growing the strategic and operational excellence of the farming business,

New DairyNZ associate director Cole Groves is currently involved in a 450-cow equity partnership near Ashburton.

while pursuing an interest in governance. Seven other farmers have been associate directors with DairyNZ since the initiative was introduced in 2013. The associate director positions are non-voting roles and are for dairy farmers wanting to move into sector

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Local presence at ploughing champs Canterbury will be well represented at this year’s New Zealand Ploughing Championships, being held next month in Southland. Tryphena Carter, who hails from Rakaia but these days is working in the deep south, will be among those competing in the Gulf Oil Silver Plough competition. She will be joined by fellow Cantabrians Simon Reed from Courtney, Jeff Cridge from Kirwee and Rangiora’s Ken Readman in that part of the competition. The region’s sole representative in the Farmland Fuel Reversible competition is Ashley Seaton from Kirwee, while in the vintage ploughing event there’s Tryphena’s father Gordon Carter, still based in Rakaia, Oxford’s Peter Mehertens and Robert Weavers flying the red and black flag. There’s another couple of locals to watch in the horse ploughing - Erewhon’s Erin Cassie and Colin Drummond. And let’s not forget New Zealand Ploughing Association president Bruce

Colin Williscroft

RURAL REPORTER

Redmond, from Methven, who is one of the judges at the championships. Redmond said there’s been a fair bit of interest in the event, with around eight competitors travelling from the North Island to take part. Not just anyone can enter, he said. There have been qualifying competitions held around the country, and plough men and women had to win a qualifying event to be able to compete at the national finals. It’s very competitive, Redmond said, and he’s expecting a high standard of ploughing to be on display. Fortunately, the extremely dry weather that’s plagued Southland over the summer has, to some extent, been

Horse ploughing is one of the events at the New Zealand Ploughing Championships.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

broken recently, with the rain likely to have softened up what was at one point very dry ground around Thornbury, which is home to the event on April 14-15. Redmond said there’s a couple of days set aside before the event begins in earnest for competitors to practice, which will be appreciated by those

from outside the area, giving them an opportunity to get a feel for the land they will be ploughing. Canterbury has traditionally been a bit of a ploughing stronghold, Redmond said, although it’s not as strong as it was, with Otago and Southland now vying for those bragging rights.

Quality is fairly widespread around the country however, so picking winners before the event is easier said than done. Redmond said like most sports, practice and dedication are the two keys to success, with the judges looking for straight lines and evenness. It’s all about neatness, all the furrows looking the same. In order to drum up a bit more interest in ploughing from the younger generation, there’s a new feature at this year’s championships. Current New Zealand Young Farmer of the Year Nigel Woodhead, from Milton, has been invited to display his ploughing prowess. Redmond is unsure of his ploughing pedigree, although as a former grain agent he will at least have some affinity with what is expected. Although it’s probably too much to expect too many Canterbury spectators to be in Southland next month, next year it will be far easier for local people interested to head along and take a look, with the 2019 nationals being held in Rakaia.

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Young farmers ready to do battle The Aorangi regional final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is fast-approaching, and the eight competitors will do their utmost to ensure they will give a good account of themselves on the big day. They’re a varied bunch including an award-winning former builder, a hemp producer and a popular rural bachelor - and will bring an interesting array of skills and experience to next month’s final, the winner of which will progress to the grand final in Invercargill from July 5-7. The event will see eight finalists from across the region tackle a series of gruelling modules during the day on Saturday, April 14, before the evening stage of the competition. The day competition is at the Waimate A&P Showgrounds, while the evening show is in the Waimate Shears Pavillion. Challenges include a fastpaced agri-knowledge quiz, a 50-minute exam, an interview with three judges, two headto-head practical challenges, plus seven agri-skills modules

that will test the competitors’ technical and physical ability. The eight finalists are made up from the top four placegetters in the Aorangi North and Aorangi South competitions that were held earlier in the year. The four from the ‘north’ are Ashburton’s Josh McAtamney, Stephen Blain and Campbell Sommerville, along with Cameron Black from St Albans. While McAtamney would love to win the overall event, he has another battle in mind as well - one of the other finalists is his sibling Matthew. “I really want to beat my brother,” he said. Blain would have to be one of the more welltravelled young farmers in the country, having visited about 25 countries while backpacking around Central America and South-east Asia, while Sommerville’s family has a long history with the Young Farmer of the Year competition - his father Baden was runner-up in the 1991 grand final. Black meanwhile will

Milton’s Nigel Woodhead is the current national Young Farmer PHOTO SUPPLIED of the Year champion.

be hoping his agricultural knowledge will give him an edge. He’s a proven performer in that area, given he won the agri-knowledge section in last year’s regional final. The four finalists from the region’s south are, as mentioned, Matthew McAtamney from Fairlie, William Green, also from Fairlie, Pleasant Point’s Adam Judd and Timaru’s William Ellis.

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McAtamney, last year’s Rural Bachelor of the Year, took time out during 2015 to travel to Nepal after the earthquake there to lend a hand by volunteering to build shelters. “It was right before the monsoon season, so the pressure was on to rebuild as quickly as possible,” he said. Green is a relative newcomer to these shores, having only moved here four years ago

from England. But given he came here because of his passion for pasture-based agriculture, his commitment cannot be questioned. For Judd, who is learning Spanish by correspondence, one of the reasons for taking part in the competition is the opportunity to learn new skills and benchmark himself against the other contestants, while Ellis was Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year for Hawkes Bay/East coast in 2014. Entry to the Aoraki regional final during the day is free. New Zealand Young Farmers is encouraging as many people as possible to get along and watch, as it’s a great opportunity for everyone, especially people living in urban areas, to see some of the region’s best farmers in action. The TeenAg regional final and AgriKidsNZ regional final will also be held at the same venue. It’s too early to know how many teams will eventually be competing in those events, but both usually book out.

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The following eight young farmers will contest the Aorangi regional final next month.

Name: Adam Judd Age: 27 Club: Timaru Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Science from Massey University District final placing: 2nd in Aorangi South Background: Assistant manager on a 720-cow dairy farm with a 54-bale rotary at Pleasant Point. First season on that farm. Prior to that worked as an assistant manager on a 1100-cow property at Rangitata. Plans to go contract milking over the next three to five years. After growing up in Mosgiel Adam got a part-time job as a relief milker while at Massey and loved it so much he got a full-time job after he graduated.

Name: Cameron Black Age: 25 Club: Hinds Academic qualifications: Bachelor of AgriScience from Massey University District final placing: 1st in Aorangi North Background: First year working as a rural consultant at New Zealand Agri Brokers, specialising in governance, strategic planning and rural finance. Was previously a banker. Grew up on a sheep and beef farm at Gropers Bush in Southland. Takes annual leave every spring to help with lambing on his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farm. Also helps out on matesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; farms when possible. Current chairman of the Young Farmers Aorangi region and has been heavily involved in four of the seven regions at some stage. Won the agri-knowledge challenge at the 2017 regional final.

Name: Josh McAtamney Age: 29 Club: Hinds Academic qualifications: Geraldine High School District final placing: 2nd in Aorangi North Background: Has contract milked 950 cows at Carew for a couple of seasons, plus fattens bulls. Prior to that managed a 1030-cow dairy farm. Has worked as a shepherd in a number of regions, including Southland and East Cape (Gisborne), before switching to dairying several years ago. Married to Hannah and has two children, Harriet and Jordie. Brother to fellow Aorangi regional finalist Matthew, but has been farming longer than his brother.

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Name: Campbell Sommerville Age: 24 Club: Methven Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce (agriculture) from Lincoln University District final placing: 4th in Aorangi North Background: Works on a 600 ha arable farm near Methven, which is split into 400ha of crops, 100ha of winter feed and 100ha of grass, growing everything from wheat, barley, peas, grass seed, fodder beet and kale. Grew up on a Methven mixed cropping farm that was converted to dairy. Previously worked on a 1200ha UK property that made 30,000 small bales of meadow hay for racehorses. Has also worked on a dairy goat farm that milked 600 goats and did two harvests in Western Australia, near Esperance, mainly wheat and barley.

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Name: Stephen Blain Age: 30 Club: Hinds Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce (agriculture) from Lincoln University District final placing: 3rd in Aorangi North Background: Arable farmer who has worked on the 310ha family farm since 2011, growing grasses, cereals, clovers, radishes, hemp, ryegrass, corn, peas and chrysanthemums. The radish seed is exported to Asia and 10ha of yellow chrysanthemums are processed for Vietnam. The cocksfoot grass seed is exported to the USA and the other ryegrasses go to Europe. The hemp seed is crushed and used for oil. Spent two summers in England working on arable farms, doing cultivation work with tractors and carting grain. Also worked as a landscaper in Canada.

Name: William Ellis Age: 27 Club: Timaru Academic qualifications: Qualified builder. Level 4 Primary ITO course in sheep and beef management District final placing: 3rd in Aorangi South Background: Has managed a 470ha sheep and beef finishing and breeding block near Timaru for just over a year. Grew up on a sheep and beef finishing property at Ongaonga in central Hawkes Bay. Spent 10 weeks driving tractors near Esperence in Western Australia during the planting season. During that time clocked up 700 hours planting mainly canola, wheat and barley. Was named the Registered Master Builders Carters Apprentice of the Year for Hawkes Bay/East Coast in 2014.

Name: William Green Age: 28 Club: MacKenzie District final placing: 1st in Aorangi South Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Science and Agriculture from Harper Adams University in England. Background: Farm manager on an 840cow dairy farm near Fairlie. In his third season on the property. Hopes to be sharemilking within three to five years. Grew up in Shropshire in the UK and has been in New Zealand for four years. Came here because he is passionate about pasture-based agriculture. Has done two exchanges in France and was also an active member of his local young farmers club in the UK, including holding the role as treasurer, a role he has also held for his current club.

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Name: Matthew McAtamney Age: 27 Club: MacKenzie Academic qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce with a double major in tourism and marketing from the University of Otago District final placing: 4th in Aorangi South Background: Manages a 330ha block near Fairlie that is run in conjunction with his parents’ station. Sheep, beef and deer. Grew up on a sheep, beef and deer farm at Mayfield. Has worked on a couple of farms in Western Australia that bred merino sheep and grew wheat, barley, lupins, oats and canola. Volunteered to help reconstruction efforts in Nepal following the earthquake there in April 2015. Spent about a month building shelters. Won Fieldays’ bachelor of the year contest in 2017.

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Challenges ahead for arable industry Long serving Foundation for Arable Research chief executive Nick Pyke may be into his last week in the job, but his thoughts are still focused on the industry’s future. Templeton-based Pyke, who arrived at the organisation in 1995 with the thought he would stay for a couple years, says the arable industry is at a stage where some really hard questions need to be asked going forward. In particular what to grow on the increasing amount of irrigated land that is coming on-stream through projects like Central Plains Water. “We need to ensure those areas are being utilised for sustainable cropping systems and work out how to fasttrack crops so their value gets back to the farmer,” Pyke said. “There’s some real challenges ahead to make sure New Zealand cropping farmers are sustainable and viable into the future. “Farmers in those areas are going to have to make some big decisions. There’s some real challenges on working

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out what to grow.” Pyke points out that contrary to some of the opinions expressed during last year’s general election campaign, which argued that farmers who accessed water through irrigation schemes were getting something for nothing and should pay for the resource, nothing could be further from the truth. “All of the costs involved are ramped back to the farmer. “It’s the only infrastructure service that’s not paid for by rates or taxes.” He gave the example of a new business that needed to access electricity to make it viable. “The power lines have been paid for by taxes over time, so that business can feed off the infrastructures in place. I don’t

understand why water is so different. “The whole community benefits but only a few carry the cost. “You can’t put those costs on and expect businesses to remain viable. But that’s the way the system works. It’s just a matter of trying to find the right balance and how to get it right.” He said to make better use of irrigation, arable farmers need better access to high value crop options that will deliver better margins. Despite the challenges, he said New Zealand arable farmers should be recognised for the quality of what they produce. “They’re at the top of the game. Very highly skilled. Just the sheer variety of species that they grow and our cropping farmers have to do a lot of it themselves. While others rely on agronomic consultants our farmers are usually actively making those decisions themselves, so their level of knowledge has to be very high. They have to be not only a farmer, but an

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accountant, marketer and mechanic.” Despite the challenges, there are big opportunities out there, he said. “If you took a map of the world and looked at water availability in 2050, overlapped it with a map that showed where soils were not degrading, and then also included temperature, political stability and the use of progressive agriculture systems, other than us you’re left with Tasmania, potentially Argentina and small parts of Europe. “We’ve got to capitalise on that. We’ve got to look more at how plants fit into exports than we do at the moment. There’s no reason for us not to produce more fresh products. “We’ve got to be the leader in some of these things. “There’s a lot of talk about alternative proteins. That might be a blend of plants and animals. “The opportunities are endless.” Some of those opportunities may involve genetically modified crops and it’s an area

that Pyke doubted would cause the controversy it generated in the past. “The new GM technologies are totally different to the

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Foundation for Arable Research chief executive Nick Pyke is moving on from the job at the end of the week but his expertise is not being lost to the organisation

debates five to 10 years ago,” he said. Today it’s more about the ability to genetically manage plants to express traits that already exist within them,

rather than taking genetics from one and introducing it into another. “It’s about managing genes within plants and that’s what traditional plant breeding has

done.” On a personal level, Pyke is now weighing up life after he steps down from his current role at FAR. But that does not mean he will be lost to

the industry. Nothing could be further from the truth, it’s more about a change in focus. He’s going to be working with a group of people to look at how New Zealand

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arable farmers can produce food products that the world wants, while at the same time shortening the value chain so farmers here can get more for what they produce. It’s work that’s similar to other projects either under way or being considered by other parts of the farming sector that aim to put the right emphasis for farmers on the value chain to deliver money back into the pockets of those who produce it - farmers. Pyke said yields produced by arable cropping farmers have continually risen since he’s been in his job but that hasn’t necessarily translated into significant rises in what farmers have been paid. “I don’t think the support parts of the industry have changed as much as they’ve needed to. Everything that leaves a cropping farm has to be processed at some point. We need to look at how to take the unnecessary steps out of it but still be sustainable.”

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Getting through the tough times Farmers face a multitude of challenges, which for people who are often quite isolated in their workplace, can cause a lot of stress that is often not acknowledged - so having groups they can turn to is be a godsend. That’s where rural support trusts come into the equation. Whether it’s adverse weather events or the pressures being caught up in a biosecurity incursion, they are there to help. The unique circumstances of rural life can only be truly understood by rural people who share the same challenges, and that’s where the trusts come in. They are a nationwide group committed to helping rural communities through difficult times, there to provide help to reduce issues before they become unmanageable. Service are free and confidential. This part of the country is well-served, with trusts in Mid, North and South Canterbury. Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust manager Judy Skevington says the

range of rural professionals,” she said. “The wellness of our rural communities is very important, and we are constantly looking to help people to find solutions to the problems life can throw at them, so whatever the problem is, please get in touch and we will endeavour to help.” Seeking help early can reduce problems before they become unmanageable, she said.

primary focus is to assist rural communities by providing advice and assistance in times of difficulty, whatever form that might take. Rural communities are currently facing numerous issues, she said, which means many farmers are under pressure as they endeavour to make the correct decisions. “This creates additional stress on individuals and can

lead to ongoing problems if help is not sought. “We urge everyone living in our rural communities to keep an eye out for each other. Often just being able to talk over options with a neighbour works really well, but also remember we are at the end of the phone if you think we may be able to help either you or a neighbour or a family member.”

Skevington said the trusts have access to a large group of individuals and local organisations who can help when farmers are faced with difficulties. They will work to provide whatever assistance or support is needed. “This can range from practical advice from experienced individuals, through to counselling or professional advice from a

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EDUCATION FEATURE

We believe in boys Kiwi slang As specialists in boys’ education, we spend a lot of time thinking about the unique ways in which boys learn and grow. Single-sex education programmes allow boys to thrive and learn at their own developmental pace in accordance with their unique learning and emotional needs.

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Boys learn better in an environment that: allows them to move while learning (more kinaesthetic learning and less time on chairs) gives them tasks to apply knowledge, i.e. learning by doing hands-on activities recognises that boys often ‘act first and think later’ so teaches them to take risks responsibly encourages humour; boys make each other laugh, it is a great coping strategy accepts that boys are more comfortable writing about action, not feelings gives them a safe space in which to embrace performance and other creative pursuits – boys are extremely creative understands that boys track moving objects faster than girls but don’t hear as well, therefore

A short example of the challenges of Kiwi slang. Also, the challenges migrant workers face on farms on a daily basis.

they need instructions to be short and clear • recognises boys have boundless physical energy, they are often competitive, physical in nature and inclined toward competitive sport • recognises that boys are essentially disorganised, so helps them manage themselves • provides great male role models and gives boys an opportunity to be leaders and teaches them how to lead. If you’d like to know more or if you think your son would thrive in this environment, then please contact us for an informal chat or to arrange a visit. Advertising feature

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finally he came across a pub. Choice he thought, I think I’ll order a handle. As he walked in he felt as though the regulars were gawking at him, they started taking the piss over his munted car. He packed a sad, sculled his handle and went back to Jafa land. So bobs your uncle. Advertising feature

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Martin who hails from Jafa land decided to take a tiki tour to the Mainland. He had already been on his O.E. but missed his bach in Godzone. Getting his A into G he went flat tack packing his jandals, gumboots, togs, chilly bin and jug. After that he was knackered but stoked as well. He thought he would have a cuppa but the milk was abit dodgy, he didn’t want to get crook drinking scodey milk. The next day he said tat ah to his bro and cuzzie both of whom are real dags. They were gutted he was going but told him it was sweet as, even though they reckoned he was a wally. She’ll be right he said heading for the loo, flogging some toilet paper on his way out. He got into his old car which Martin thought was mean. It had bugger all petrol so he drove to the petrol station. While there the attendant asked if he needed oil, yeah ... nah, oils chocka ta. After driving for hours Martin was lost, he was out in the wop wops

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EDUCATION FEATURE

Boarding life at St Margaret’s College Creating a warm, caring home away from home atmosphere for 150 very dynamic individuals is what the St Margaret’s College boarding staff excel at. When school finishes at the end of each day, the boarding houses come alive with the sounds of many voices and laughter. The boarding staff take pride in having the privilege of watching the girls grow and blossom into incredible young women and treasure the moments they capture with them. Warm, open relationships develop over the years as they share the girls’ highs and lows, encourage, celebrate and nurture as they all journey through life together. By successfully providing this home away from home, St Margaret’s provides the students with the opportunity of a first-class education while building strong relationships and learning life-long values. The three boarding houses are arranged in year groups and structured to the specific needs of each developmental

Home away from home in Kilburn House at St Margaret’s College.

stage. In Julius House (Y7-10) the environment is structured and nurturing for the girls to make the transition into boarding. Kilburn House (Y11-12) encourages the girls to begin personally integrating these skills. Cranmer House (Y13) allows for more freedom to help them develop life skills

and become driven, selfmanaged young women, all in a monitored setting. These senior girls thrive as they become the leaders of the boarding school and the older sisters of the younger girls. Each house has a House Manager and her family in residence to create a warm, supportive and structured environment to help the

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girls make the most of their experience of living at school. Nicky Langley, director of boarding, radiates a motherly warmth as she talks about how, “our boarding house staff truly love these young ladies”. Nicky, as the girls refer to her, is passionate that, “This is a place they can call their own, their home. “A place for them to enjoy

and while the formalities of referring to the staff as ‘Mr’ or ‘Mrs’ may fall by the way, the girls and staff both agree that there is a huge amount of mutual respect and trust.” The boarding community is at the heart of St Margaret’s and the culture is closely aligned with the school’s vision of a holistic education, embracing the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the girls, as well as their academic growth and their development in sport and the arts. Each year, St Margaret’s holds an SMC Sleepover where girls who want to try out boarding can come and stay the night and discover life as an SMC boarder. The next SMC Sleepover is on Friday, May 11 to Saturday, May 12, coinciding with the St Margaret’s College Open Day. To learn more about the SMC Sleepover and boarding life in general at St Margaret’s College, visit www.stmargarets.school.nz or call Lizzie Dyer on 03 353 2563 to arrange a tour of the college. Advertising feature

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Revegetation – it’s succession Most people think of the term succession to mean the way a farm is passed on to the next generation. But there is another use of the term. Ecological or plant succession describes the way plants revegetate a site after disturbance. When plants colonise bare ground that has never developed soil (such as river bed or glacial moraine) it is called primary succession. Secondary succession occurs where there is soil and the vegetation re-starts after an event such as a fire or landslip. Different plants are adapted to different conditions: soon after the surface has been exposed by fire or a slip, quick-growing and lightloving species colonise first. They alter the environmental conditions such as the soil organic matter, shade and moisture and these different conditions will suit a different group of plants. This process is frequently seen both on the farm and in natural environments. In a paddock, after soil is exposed from cattle bunching

Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

together in wet weather, early successional species such as thistles and clover will establish before grasses. It depends, of course, on what seeds are in the ground and whether the soil is wet or well-drained. Docks like to establish on poorly drained ground. In our conservation areas and hill and high country farms, we see primary succession happening on gravel river and stream beds. Gorse, broom and lupins often establish quickly, partly because they are nitrogen fixers and the fresh gravels are poor in nitrogen. Where those seeds aren’t found, native species will take the opportunity, although often more slowly.

Moss and mat-forming plants have colonised the river gravels on the edge of the South Ashburton PHOTO SUPPLIED River, near Buicks Bridge.

Tutu is a native nitrogenfixer that often colonises the edges of streams. Recently I walked between Lake Emma and Lake Camp in the Ashurton Lakes area and crossed the Balmacaan Stream. It was refreshing to see the exposed gravels were not colonised by thistles or broom, but early-successional native species such as willow herb (Epilobium), mat-forming daisies (Raoulia sp.), lichens and moss. These species are also seen on the flats beside the South

Ashburton River, near Buicks Bridge. Many of our tussock grasslands are the result of secondary succession after fire. In places where there isn’t repeated fire, grassland can progress to scrub species such as manuka, kanuka and matagouri. Gorse, broom and wilding pines will also invade if the seed is there. Trees will establish slowly if the seed source is available and other conditions are favourable: this process can be seen from the Mt

Somers Walkway (on the way to Woolshed Creek hut) where manuka and kanuka are colonising the tussock grassland and young beech trees are establishing. Beech forest tends to only expand slowly from the edges of existing forest because it depends on fungi living in the soil and these fungi depend on the beech roots, so the process is very gradual compared to wilding conifers, which can grow from a parent tree that may be kilometres away. Isn’t nature amazing?

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Farming

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Thousands of tonnes of waste dispos Regional councils suspect thousands of tonnes of contaminated waste are being buried on farms every year around New Zealand. Most of the dumping takes place on private land, and councils are left relying on whistleblowers to dob in any illegal activity. Various regional council surveys have shown an average farm generates between 20-40 tonnes of waste a year. What is not known is how much of that includes hazardous substances and recyclables that are either buried in pits or burned, out of sight and out of mind. While the farming sector’s performance was far from ideal, voluntary product stewardship schemes such as Agrecovery and Plasback are making a difference by providing recycling options for harmful rural waste streams from the rural sector. As an example, more than 800 tonnes of plastic chemical containers are created on New Zealand farms every year, and almost half of that is now recycled responsibly by Agrecovery.

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If you would like help with getting your farm waste and recycling systems in place; Contact Deidre Nuttall, on 027 549 0904, email Deidre. nuttall@envirowaste.co.nz Circular economy in action Plastic packaging and the waste it creates is a hot topic at present. Under the traditional linear economy model, thousands of tonnes of PET plastics are imported every year to package products sold by New Zealand brands and supermarkets. Before Flight Plastics opened its wash plant, if people put their PET plastic containers in the recycling bin they would all be shipped overseas for recycling or it would go into our

Farmers are being called on to recycle more and burn or bury less waste.

environment or landfill. Now when you put your PET bottles and containers in your recycling bin, Flight Plastics can re-make them into food grade PET packaging, which other consumers buy again, and can recycle again. Time after time this cycle can repeat, and from this simple change we immediately reduce the amount of PET resin, trays and containers

we import, and reduce the equivalent amount of waste to export or landfill. “This is a great opportunity for all of us in New Zealand to significantly reduce the amount of plastic we are bringing into our country. But this can only happen if all the steps of the circular economy are involved - New Zealand manufacturers and supermarkets use trays and

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containers made from New Zealand recycled plastic, consumers buy and recycle those trays and containers, Flight buys and reuses that plastic for new trays and containers, and that circle can repeat, again and again.” New Zealand will see tremendous economic and environmental benefits from this. Flight Plastics is asking

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sed of on-farm New Zealanders to take three simple steps that will really make a difference: 1. When you buy products in clear plastic containers and trays (e.g. fruit and salad punnets, bakery trays, meat trays) look for the Flight logo and the words “New Zealand recycled plastic”. 2. Ask your supermarket or favourite brand if their food containers and meat trays are made from New Zealand recycled plastic. 3. Put all PET drinks bottles, containers and trays in your recycling bins (PET plastic is marked with number 1). To explain to New Zealanders what this means, and why it’s so important, Flight Plastics have produced a short video. See: Flight Plastics - NZ Recycled Plastic video Queen takes action The Queen has banned plastic straws and bottles from the royal estates as part of a move to cut back on the use of plastics. Buckingham Palace outlined the new waste plans and said there was a strong desire to tackle the issue in the royal household. The Queen is thought to have developed a personal interest in the

issue of plastic waste after working with Sir David Attenborough on a conservation documentary dealing with wildlife in the Commonwealth. The new measures include gradually phasing out plastic straws in public cafes and banning them altogether in staff dining rooms. Internal caterers at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh will now reportedly only be allowed to use china plates and glasses, or recyclable paper cups. Clean recycling only – no rubbish please The community recycling depots around Ashburton District make it easy to recycle more and waste less. Please help us make recycling work; keep all cans and plastic bottles and containers loose – nothing inside plastic bags - shopping bags must be loose and empty, remove any rubbish and do not dump any food waste or green waste. If you have new farm workers, explain how recycling and waste disposal works to them. If you see anyone dumping non-recyclable dirty items at the recycling depots please help them understand how to recycle more and waste less.

Look no further Delivering a real punch through autumn and winter along with providing high quality spring and summer feed, Asset Italian ryegrass is proving a popular option. Asset is a densely tillered diploid Italian ryegrass that is quick out of the ground. Bred from persistent plants exhibiting strong winter activity in their second winter, Asset is the perfect fit if a persistent Italian ryegrass is required. As a result of its persistence and performance, Asset was the first Italian ryegrass to be available with AR37 endophyte. Through the combination of the two traits; natural robustness of the plant and the added insect protection of the AR37 endophyte, Asset AR37 is proving to be an attractive pasture option for production and performance over a two to three year time frame. With low aftermath seed head for a true Italian, Asset holds its quality and is an ideal option for undersowing into damaged dairy pastures or irrigated run-offs where there is a demand for winter grazing followed by high quality spring and summer silage. Asset WE (without endophyte) offers further flexibility being ideal for autumn and winter lamb production or any short term pasture

on sheep, beef and dairy farms. Asset is available in both AR37 endophyte and WE which means that it can be used over multiple stock classes and in many different farming systems. Sowing Asset with a high quality herb or legume such as Ecotain or Relish red clover and keeping up a regular grazing round of less than 30 days throughout summer will ensure that quality is maximised. Lamb finishing systems can be driven by such a mix, for example sowing Asset WE at 10kg/ha in conjunction with Relish at 10kg/ha will provide a highly effective short term feed with the Asset providing autumn, winter and early spring feed and Relish holding the quality throughout the spring summer and early autumn. Just as impressive is Asset’s ability to fit a cut and carry system. Sowing a mix with 12-14kg/ha Asset AR37 and 8kg/ha Ecotain environmental plantain will achieve a pasture sward that is ideal for silage production, offering high quality spring silage and a sward that through late summer and autumn will minimise the loss of nitrogen from urine patches helping as a tool for reducing nitrogen loss to the environment. Advertising feature

Farming

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A challenge for Canterbury Couldn’t help but think we were in Canterbury while at the Southern Field Days in second week of February. While we would normally be in the struggle with drought, it was Southland that took on a Canterbury appearance. Tony HYDRO In an area where irrigation Davoren SERVICES is considered to be “assured” from above, Southland was area facing added pressures, struggling to come to grips and this should be the perfect with little rainfall over the “launching pad” for exhibitors three months preceding the in the farming sector. field days. Just like the South Island The 19th Southern Field Field Days at Kirwee, as an Days opened on February 14 Aerial overview of Southern Field Days’ site at Waimumu exhibitor one has to send out a in weather that was sunny, PHOTO VIDEOCOPTER NZ hot and with little wind - very big congratulations and heaps of thanks to the volunteers Canterburyish. The site is now very large and at capacity with who put these events university days filled the air in soil moisture sensors. As together. It is hard to recall 756 exhibitors, though the the second half – not pointing an ex-dairy farm manager anything that didn’t seem like aerial view from Videocopter the finger, but Otago “scarfies” in Southland he was taken clockwork to us. NZ doesn’t do justice to the were renown for couch back by covers of 1600-170 For those who know extent. burning (even at Carisbrook) 0kg on the dryland dairy Waimumu (nothing but the Officially more than 41,000 and one or more must have farms visited – “sheep tucker” field days site) 8000 turned people attended the threebeen present. This time, and according to Mark. up to watch the Highlandersday event, breaking previous fittingly, it was a 4×4 round His visits to and talking Crusaders rugby match on the bale that was set alight, just records. The organisers had with clients over the three Thursday night. We (Crusader to reinforce the uniqueness of to be over the moon with days reinforced the effect of supporters) were seriously the attendance – a bit of a southern hospitality. the drought because they outnumbered and really tried challenge for South Island It was not all field days stuff were using their winter feed, to stay incognito. While Field Days March 2019 at – Mark was out and about feeding in excess of 12kg the Crusaders were pretty Kirwee. We serve a much taking “dry” soil moisture DM/day of supplement soundly beaten, memories of MM METAREX 1/2 PAGE GUARDIAN FARMING 250W X 180H larger and diverse farming measurements to calibrate and budgets were taking a

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hammering. Even though there was heavy rain two weeks prior to the field days and a few splashes since, covers hadn’t really lifted. Even irrigating clients had and were struggling through irrigation restrictions because of hydraulic connection to rivers like the Mataura and Oreti. Just like Canterbury. How likely is Canterbury to be like it was in Southland in the next few months? A quick look at the NIWA climate outlook suggests: • 70 per cent chance of temperatures to be above average. • Neutral expectation of above normal (40 per cent chance) or near normal (35 per cent) rainfall totals. • Similar expectations for above normal (40 per cent chance) or near normal (35 per cent chance) river flows. Hopefully this does not point toward an “Indian summer” - unusually dry, warm weather in late autumn. Let’s hope temperatures come to bear and rainfall does not.

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Farming

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Alternative proteins a

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief executive Sam McIvor says the technology to produce a consumer ready alternative protein burger is here and is pushing for commercial scale. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Alternative proteins are likely to become a major competitor to some of New Zealand’s red meat products and the sector must respond with a clear strategy, according to new research. A report, commissioned by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ), has found that although alternative proteins are currently manufactured in small volumes, large scale production of burger patties and mince is likely to be a reality within five years. The study has concluded a number of forces are coming together that are driving governments, investors and consumers to look for alternatives to red meat. These include environmental concerns relating to climate change and the ability to feed the growing world population in a sustainable way; the use of animals in food production; and the place of meat in a modern diet. Despite these challenges, the research demonstrates there is still a strong future for the New Zealand red meat sector.

The report reveals an untapped demand for naturally raised, grass-fed, hormonefree and antibiotic-free red meat with consumers prepared to pay a premium for such products. Sam McIvor, chief executive of B+LNZ, said the organisation commissioned the research to better understand the shifts in food, food production technology and consumer trends and distinguish the hype from reality. “The technology to produce a consumer ready alternative protein burger is here and is pushing for commercial scale. We have seen an increase in the mainstream availability of alternative protein products in grocery aisles and quick service restaurants. “However, the research also clearly articulates the significant opportunities and prospects for the New Zealand sheep and beef sector if we respond effectively to the rise of alternative proteins. “That’s because the same forces driving the significant

investment and demand for manufacturing alternative proteins, including concerns about industrial farming, health and the environment, offer us a chance to differentiate New Zealand red meat internationally.” Free-range natural sheep and beef farming in New Zealand is a world away from intensive factory farming practices (feedlots) and ‘big food’, which has tarnished the reputation of red meat, McIvor said. “It’s vital we leverage our competitive advantage and rigorously protect it - grassfed, hormone-free, antibioticfree natural protein - to capture higher premiums and raise the value of our exports. “In the US alone, retail sales of labelled fresh grassfed beef including domestic and imports reached $US272 million in 2016, up from $US17 million in 2012. Sales are doubling every year. “Yes, we do have some way to go. A significant proportion of our red meat is not currently commanding a premium compared to toyota.co.nz

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Free-range natural sheep and beef farming in New Zealand is a world away from intensive factory farming.

increasingly likely alternative proteins will gain traction in the future. However, a range of counter forces such as an economic slowdown stifling investment, or regulatory barriers, may also hinder the progress of alternative proteins. It includes four scenarios P E D F OR strategic and potential LO responses aimed at challenging the red meat sector’s thinking and helping E E

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it to consider how to respond to these challenges. These scenarios range from red meat being pushed to the side of the plate or becoming a speciality, a reluctant choice or the everyday preferred choice for consumers. “We now have a better understanding of the technologies, business models and consumer trends and how quickly advancements are being made that could impact the New Zealand red meat sector,” McIvor said. “Far from it being a crisis for red meat, we see these trends as a tremendous opportunity and we want to focus on raising the value of our exports and on gaining higher premiums. “I believe we have a window of opportunity to position ourselves globally as leaders in that naturally raised grassfed space, and we must grab it with two hands. “We will be discussing the report’s findings with our partners over the coming months to determine what actions industry needs to take and B+LNZ’s role in that.”

DEV

all

an r O fo

from alternative proteins, particularly in the United States. Currently, the US takes 50 per cent of New Zealand’s beef exports and a large proportion of this goes into burger manufacturing. The development of alternative protein beef muscle cuts is much further behind and sheepmeat is not yet being explored. The report identifies seven emerging ‘forces’ that make it

DEV

swelling with a forecast one billion extra people to feed by 2030. New Zealand’s total agricultural production can only feed about 40 million people. We can’t and don’t want to try to feed the world. Alternative proteins will have a place in this growing market, as will red meat.” According to the study, New Zealand’s beef exports face the greatest challenge

competitors in a number of global markets, and there is low consumer awareness of New Zealand’s natural farming systems. “That’s why the work that B+LNZ and the sector is already doing to develop and activate the global origin brand and red meat story and develop a national farm assurance programme is so important.” The sector is also continuing to improve its environmental performance, he said. “We recognise that agriculture has an environmental impact and we are working to minimise this. We’ve made some headway as the carbon emissions from sheep and beef farming are actually 19 per cent lower than 1990 levels. “We are perhaps the only sector currently meeting New Zealand’s 2030 target, but we know we need to do more.” McIvor said New Zealand is in a prime position to take advantage of the unprecedented global demand for quality protein. “The global population is

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Farming

Dairy evening pro The judging and interviews are over and the finalists named – all that remains for this year’s Canterbury North Otago Dairy Industry Awards is the prizegiving dinner. The final rounds of judging were held earlier this month and the awards’ regional managers Susie and Michael Woodward say the focus now is firmly on the big night, which this

Finalists

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omises much “It’s also an opportunity for the volunteers and sponsors to be acknowledged. They provide invaluable support in so many ways to the entrants and the competition in general. Plus, it’s a chance for everyone to relax and have some fun!” This year’s theme is Dairy Wearable Arts and features entertainment by country music star and 2015 Female

Artist of the Year Jody Direen. Tickets to the dinner can be purchased at www. dairyindustryawards.co.nz or email canterbury@nzdia.org.nz for more information. The three Canterbury North Otago title winners will all progress to the national finals to be held in Invercargill on May 12.

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING FEATURE

Cost effective fuel storage Fuel Storage Systems Ltd of Ashburton who manufacture the Sebco range of diesel, waste oil and AdBlue storage tanks, have just announced the launch of a new range of cost effective models to further complement their existing diesel storage line-up. Sebco said they had enquiry from farmers and industrial companies who did not have the need to have computerised fuel management, but wanted a basic, compliant, safe and secure tank with most of the advantages of the other Sebco diesel stations. “What we discovered was operators with a lower diesel use have also upgraded to vehicles with a common rail engine, such as the tractors, farm ute, or SUV that the family use. These require clean fuel and the design of our bunding system virtually eliminates condensation, the inner vessel cannot rot or rust, so the fuel that is dispensed from these models is as clean as it can be” says Ed Harrison managing director of Sebco. The Sebco Economy range is fitted with quality components

and offers a manual pump that is easy to access and operate. It also has four metres of delivery hose with nozzle so there is no fear of spilling while you fill. All pumping equipment, hose and nozzle are located behind a lock-up door that offers great security and the whole unit is a neat and tidy way of storing your diesel fuel. Sebco units feature a five year warranty on the rotomoulded tanks and offer a 25 year design life. Pricing of these units start from $3990 plus GST. Sebco is now into its 11th year of production and has delivered over 2000 diesel stations to properties in New Zealand and Australia. Sebco is committed to providing a smart storage facility for all farmers’ diesel requirements, and to also keep developing the award-winning tanks to further enhance security and safety around fuel storage on your property. Sebco can be contacted on 0800 473 226. Advertising feature

A line up of Sebco 2300 Diesel Stations.

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Farming

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING FEATURE

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Irrigator maintenance a worthwhile Failures of pumps and irrigation equipment during the season can waste a lot of time, restrict pasture growth and create stress. Regular equipment checks and ongoing maintenance is vital in preventing breakdowns and reducing the chance of serious damage. Having a weekly or monthly and annual task list for irrigation maintenance, where you can check tasks off easily, ensures maintenance is kept up-to-date. This article is a summary of some essential maintenance procedures for most irrigation systems. For more detail specific to your system, contact the service provider. If you install a new pump, ensure the supplier provides the specifications and a pump commissioning report. This will serve as benchmarks for future checks. Print off and fill out ‘your farm’s irrigation information’ template and hang it at the shed for staff to refer to.

Maintenance checklists

Before the irrigation season starts IrrigationNZ has pre-season checklists and performance assessments for a range of irrigation systems. Check the IrrigationNZ website for more information • First irrigation • At the pump: • surface pumps are primed

A bucket test, like this one that was part of an IrrigationNZ workshop at Ashburton last year, is a simple but effective way of PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN checking whether irrigators are working properly.

• •

• • •

fill mainline slowly take and record initial flow readings, operating pressures and amp meter readings – these will serve as benchmarks for the rest of the season listen for any unusual noise check all pressure and/or flow switches which could have been damaged over the winter check any leaking seals, joints or glands

• • • • • •

check suction screens and surface water takes. If auto clean, ensure it works. At the irrigator: grease pump and motor check operating pressure to compare with initial readings or specifications check sprinklers for condition, rotation, blockage, wear and tear check hoses and pipes for damage or leaks.

During irrigation season • At the pump • grease pump and motor • check flow readings, operating pressures and amp readings to compare with initial readings or specifications. • At the irrigator • check sprinklers for condition, rotation, blockage, nozzles not hooked up, wear and tear • check irrigation speed and

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MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING FEATURE

investment • • • •

operating pressure check application depth and compare against design specifications check hoses and pipes for damage or leaks follow maintenance schedule for regular greasing of travelling irrigators have a plan to manage travelling irrigators in high winds. This may include turning water off but keeping the irrigator filled with water; parking the irrigator behind shelter; or in the same direction as the wind to minimise the contact area. Tie down rotary booms.

At the end of the irrigation season • At the pump: • repair or replace broken meters and gauges • if the pump is operating more than 5 per cent below specifications, consider taking action to repair. • At the irrigator: • remove frost drain plugs • remove any plug-in cords and store them in a covered area off the ground • tie boom irrigators so they can’t rotate; store against a shelter belt • park the pivot in the same

• • • • • •

Don’t put off maintenance

direction as the prevailing wind to reduce the contact area of wind on the machine do not park the pivot in the wheel tracks or down a steep incline pull K-line alongside a permanent fence, not under trees do not store irrigators near trees which may break or fall over under the weight of snow arrange an annual maintenance check by the supplier, for travelling irrigators check major overhaul needs: usually every 10,000-20,000 hours of operation with border dyke irrigation, review performance and the need to redevelop border strips and levels.

Trouble shooting Problems which occur with irrigation can range from minor issues which take time to fix, through to major problems that cost time, money and loss of pasture production (from delayed irrigation) or loss of nutrients (through over watering). It is important that any problem is fixed quickly and the cause identified to stop it happening again.

Information courtesy of DairyNZ

Keeping on top of maintenance around the farm is an essential to making sure your farm operates as smoothly as possible. It can also save you a lot of money in the long run. Machinery For general preventative maintenance, you’ll want to perform some tasks, similar to those you might perform on your car. These include • Check hoses, fittings, and seals to ensure they’re in good condition. • Check the engine’s oil and coolant; and other fluids. • Check the filters and replace them as needed. • Make sure all the tyres, wheels, wheel bearings are ready for use and properly inflated. • Inspect the battery and make sure there are no signs of corrosion. • Make sure all your lights, signals, and hazards are working properly, and also check your hardware for loose or missing pieces. Fencing Intact, working fencing is critical to keeping your animals safe and your neighbours happy. Walk the fence line often, checking for damage and repairing it promptly. Replace rotten posts and reset any loose ones. Make sure gates are latching properly.

If you have an electric fence, test it for drops in voltage at various points. Check the insulators and replace any that are worn, broken or missing. Buildings Just like fencing, buildings will periodically also need attention and repair. However, they are typically lower maintenance than fencing. Making repairs as you go is the easiest way to keep up to date on building maintenance. However, all too often farmers are too busy to fix something on the spot. So, if possible, every now and then when you’re looking around the farm, carry a small notebook with you on your maintenance rounds. Laneways Look at your farm laneways for defects that may cause problems. These can include, potholes, a roadway that’s too level, ruts from wheel tracks, a raised hump of soil under the fence at either side, and tracks made between the fence and the roadway or on the roadway. These problems can be caused by a multitude of reasons, including general wear and tear or extreme weather. It pays to act on these types of maintenance needs sooner rather than later, as it will have a negative effect on both stock and farm equipment, which in the end comes at a cost.

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Farming

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Ideal opportunity to rate your crop Arable farmers wanting to rate their wheat crop against the country’s best still have time to enter the country’s premium arable event, the United Wheatgrowers wheat competition. As the 2018 harvest draws to a close, United Wheatgrowers director and competition organiser Michael Tayler says now is the time to take stock of the harvest and give serious consideration to entering a competition that attracts the best growers in the country every year. “Even if you don’t necessarily have a top crop, the competition is a good opportunity to rub shoulders with the industry’s best, and to learn more about what makes a crop of wheat great,” he said. The opportunity for rating this season’s harvest is broadened by entrants being able to enter the crop in one of four areas, feed, millinggristing and milling-premium, and biscuit grades. “We also have the protein trophy, which recognises the ability of a grower to deliver

PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

United Wheatgrowers’ annual competition is an opportunity to learn more about what makes a great crop of wheat.

the maximum protein yield per hectare. It is a benchmark becoming quite important for the feed sector.” While Canterbury cropping farmers have dominated the competition in recent years, the opportunity is there for North Island grain growers to also enter and Tayler is hoping this year draws some northern entrants. The competition is proving an excellent platform for

grain growers all over New Zealand to demonstrate the exceptionally high standards this relatively small sector can achieve. “We are identifying some really valuable niches within the sector that growers are proving very capable of working within.” He acknowledged the support from major sponsor Ruralco Seed for the ongoing advice and services it provides

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to local farmers wanting to optimise their crop yields. The efforts by United Wheatgrowers to promote the competition also fit well with the Foundation for Arable Research’s aim of achieving “20 by 2020”, a goal of 20 tonnes a hectare by the year 2020, pushing crop productivity gains underpinned by intensive research in crop type, sowing times and post planting treatment. Tayler said while the numbers are still to come in on crop quality, early indications are yields are slightly back on last year, with early hot dry weather having some impact. “But despite some heavy rain in early January, we managed to have a very good harvest run through to late Januaryearly February.” Ruralco Seed sales manager Craig Rodgers said it remains vital to showcase the skill and depth of the low-profile cropping sector. “As a sector, the arable industry is performing well above its weight, and the

ENTER THE COMPETITION To enter the 2018 competition, head along to www.ruralco.co.nz or www.uwg.co.nz, fill in the entry form and send it in, along with a sample of your wheat. Entries close May 11. growers in this competition do much to highlight the level of skill and passion they bring to the sector,” he said. “The reward for us is really about playing a part in showcasing the sector and the farmers within it.” Tayler said farmers could expect a call any day from field reps asking if they may be keen to enter the competition. He was hopeful this year’s entries would at least match the 103 entries received last year.

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Taking steps towards success What does success look like? Everyone has a different appreciation of what success looks like. Having just completed 27 years in rural real estate - 25 years of them with Hastings McLeod Real Estate and prior to that 13 to 14 years as an agricultural spraying contractor I guess that 27 year milestone just makes you look back and say first of all “where the hell did those years go?” and secondly “what have I achieved in those years past?” and have I been successful in what I have done. I say I, but really it is we in that my wife Leonie has put up with a lot over these years and has also worked non-stop during this period, which did allow me to take the plunge into real estate in the first place. When I started there were no cellphones and I borrowed a car for the first six months or so of my career. Those first 10 years or so were full-on in that no one had cellphones, although Leonie did buy me a brick phone for my birthday one year but most

Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

of the time I couldn’t afford to use it and no one wanted to ring me because of the cost of the call was so expensive. That meant all phone work was done in the evenings between 6.30 and 9.30 every night. Over the 27 years of real estate I have seen a lot of changes in land use and water use. Mid Canterbury has been and still is a great place to be a rural real estate agent. But back to the question what does success look like? I guess I could say I have been successful in my chosen career as a rural agent in that I have listed and sold a lot of properties in Mid, South and North Canterbury over these years. Many of my transactions

A dairy farmer may measure success by cost per kilograms milksolids produced.

have been with the same clients and I am extremely thankful to them and their families for the repeat business. I have seen Hastings McLeod, Property Brokers business grow from three offices to 11 offices but does this make it a success? I guess so. However, everyone measures success in a different way. For instance, a dairy farmer may measure cow production as cost per kilograms milksolids

produced, an arable farmer by kgs/hectare of wheat or barley, a sheep farmer by lambing percentages, and a beef farmer by weight gain on his steers. Then there are those of us who measure owning their own home, getting a better paid job, buying a new car, or raising a family and seeing their children grow up and be happy and successful. I guess what I’m trying to say success looks totally different for each of us and

I believe success comes from small steps and completing each of these steps to the best of one’s ability. So each step in itself is success and hopefully you continue to grow with each step and I suppose you can call yourself successful. But I don’t think this process ever finishes and then we hope someone may stand up at our funeral and say this person had a very successful life! So the job of being successful never ends.

South Island Rural Team at Property Brokers Rural Conference Palmerston North 2018. Absent; Rodger Letham, Jude Livingstone, Michael Robb

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Hastings McLeod Ltd / Buller Real Estate Ltd / EV Arthur Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 Rangiora 03 313 8022 Ashburton 03 307 9176 Rolleston 03 929 0306 Darfield 03 929 0306 Timaru 03 687 7166 Oamaru 03 434 3347 Westport 03 789 8777 Greymouth 03 768 7145

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