Guardian Farming July by Ashburton Guardian

Farming GUARDIAN

JULY, 2015

The sheep ship has landed

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INDEX

COMMENT FROM EDITOR

LIVE STOCK EXPORT

TONY DAVOREN SHIFTING SEASONS

GRASS-FED PRODUCTS

MANAGING DIFFICULT STAFF

JOHN LEADLEY – DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKES

BRASS & FEATHERS – COLERIDGE RAINBOWS

ROSS POLSON TALKS MANAGING NUTRIENT LOSS

SUCCESSION MANAGEMENT

MY BACKYARD

SHERYL STIVENS’ LOVES NEW ZEALAND

CONTACTS We appreciate your feedback. Editor Email your comments to michelle.n@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7971.

Advertising Email emma.j@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7936. Post Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton.

e wanted snow in the mountains – and we got it! This bodes well for filling the mega storage ponds, and a reliable water supply for irrigation this summer. On the down side, it’s been more than disappointing for many people to learn Silver Fern Farms has closed down its Fairton bobby calf operation, putting hundreds of jobs on the line. Rationalisation is a no-brainer, but meat workers cannot sit around waiting for the lamb kill to start. The shrinking numbers in the national flock correspond to a shrinking lamb kill season. The full staff quota will not be signed on until the end of November this year. Last season the second chain closed down mid-March – that’s just three-and-a-half months’ work. Although Silver Fern has denied any intention to close down its Fairton plant speculation is rife, and many long-time workers will undoubtedly vote with their feet. Live sheep exports have also been back in the news. The shipment of 45,000 breeding lambs to Mexico a couple of weeks ago set animal rights activists off. Organisations like Safe do

Michelle Nelson

RURAL EDITOR

Tweet me @ladyinredbands

themselves no favours, with their illinformed rants, and flashing mockedup images of “lambs” hacked to pieces during shearing around on social media. Safe took the same irrational stance with the Mexican shipment, with executive director Hans Kriek claiming the animals were destined for slaughter, before wading in to comment on a shipment of breeding cattle destined for China next month. Apparently this is a ruse to hoodwink the general public; the cattle are actually bound for Vietnam – where they will be slaughtered with sledgehammers. Why? Where is the logic here? The disturbing aspect to all this is some people do get sucked into the sensationalised versions, when they could be concentrating their energy on real issues.

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Live exports: South $15m richer Nadine Porter

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The ship has berthed, nearly 45,000 healthy breeding ewes and 3000 cattle have been quarantined on quality Mexican pastures and the South Island economy is around $15 million richer, according to the broker of the shipment. After 16 days on board the Nada, around 100 trucks took one of the largest live sheep breeding exports in New Zealand history to quarantine on their way to droughtstricken Mexican farmers desperate to replace culled livestock in one of the worst droughts on record. Just how healthy the stock were when they arrived was reflected in the fact that they put on 4kg and Mexican

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Running free on Mexican pasture – the large live sheep breeding export has berthed and sheep are in a healthy condition.

trucks supposed to take 350 sheep each load had to reduce that number to 305 because of their size, according to the report Mr Walsh received.

He was “very pleased”, as were the Mexican authorities, with the health of the livestock consignment. Deaths on board the ship

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were very low, with only 0.03 per cent of sheep and just one cattle-beast lost – well under New Zealand normal farming attrition rates, according to

Mr Walsh. The Nada had the capacity to take 110,000 sheep so there was “plenty of room” for livestock to move, he said. continued P4

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From P3 When the boat left the Timaru Port it had perfect conditions with a temperature of between 10°C and 12°C and it gradually rose to 30°C as the boat neared Mexican shores. The stockmen on the boat said the livestock travelled extremely well and were in “excellent order” when they arrived, he said. Around $10 million was brought into the South Island economy from North Otago up, while $5 million went to Otago/ Southland. “It has certainly helped in a difficult dry season.” The shipment ends a long six months for Mr Walsh and his team who have quietly gone about securing large numbers of stock from 76 Nelson, Canterbury and Otago/ Southland farmers. When the boat left Timaru a maelstrom of controversy erupted after Safe claimed the high value breeding sheep would be slaughtered once they reached Mexico and that up to 30 per cent of sheep would die in transit. Safe head of campaigns Mandy Carter also claimed on television that sheep would “starve” on the boat because they had not eaten pellets prior to embarking. Mr Walsh said Safe was

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entitled to their opinion, “but it needs to be balanced”. Farmers were offered $120 to $130 per head for their lambs – 35 per cent more than current Canterbury prices and up to 55

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At the time of shipment Federated Farmers national president Dr William Rolleston said it was an exciting development as Mexico was an emerging market. It’s a

fantastic outcome. Of course animal welfare standards must be of the highest quality, but we have been confident this shipment had been planned very carefully.”

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per cent in other areas. The exporter paid up to $US300 for each sheep, he said. “It’s positive for farming and we are pleased to be offering the option … we hope it’s ongoing.”

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From left: During the voyage. On board livestock had ample room. Trucks on the ground in Mexico, capable of carting 350 sheep at a time, could only take 305 due to how heavy the sheep were. The sheep straight off the boat – all put on 4-5kg.

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Another month gone and winter’s here

Weekly SOI trend (from Weatherzone).

(45m deep) is below and well below water levels of 2013 and 2014 respectively:

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May 2013 water level was 10.79mbgl (metres below ground level); May 2014 water level was 7.96mbgl; and May 2015 water level was

where that south-easterly storm and the big rainfall event(s) is going to come from. It was about this time last year I first wrote of a pending El Niño and those same messages apply – only this time round the indicators are so much stronger.

WI N

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11.76mbgl.

That is, there is considerable catching up required to return water levels to ensure there are no issues abstracting water this coming season. With strong El Niño and a predominance of westerly quarter weather, one wonders

WI N

The updated weekly SOI graph shows a rapid strengthening since my last article, from -4 for the week ending May 3 to -17.4 for the week ending May 24. The weather that generally comes with El Niño is not what we want with just three months before irrigation could be required again. Groundwater levels are low and water storage (eg Opuha) is still well below historic monthly average water levels. Groundwater level in observation bore K37/0388

WI N

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average since the start of the year. Cloudiness at the dateline has increased. And the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) 90-day average is now below -10.

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Sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have exceeded El Niño thresholds for the past two months and are supported by warmer-than-average waters below the surface. Trade winds have remained consistently weaker than

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HYDRO SERVICES

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Tony Davoren

WI N

The last week leading up to first day of winter has been one of warnings of a “mega” El Niño. Not really what is needed given the current status of soil moisture, groundwater levels and stored water. With just two months of winter ahead much needs to change as we build up to the next irrigation season. Several El Niño press releases were issued in May of a strengthening. According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) the El Niño in the tropical Pacific has continued to strengthen. International climate models indicate sea surface temperatures will remain well above El Niño thresholds well into spring. Indicators of El Niño (oceanic and atmospheric indicators) show a clear signal:

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Grass-fed products heading for main A Superbowl advertisement from Carl’s Jnr for grass fed burgers shows the demand for pasture based food is going mainstream in the United States, according to the managing director of Synlait. Following on from the dairy processor’s announcement of a new partnership with a US baby products manufacturer for an infant formula derived from cows exclusively grazed on a pasture and crop based diet, John Penno said grass fed beef in the States sells at a three-fold premium to standard beef. “It’s really building momentum.” Californian company Munchkin plans to launch its grass fed branded retail-ready infant formula into the States and China. It will be exclusively manufactured by Synlait and will offer farmers a 25c premium above the $5.50kg/ms forecast for next season. “Munchkin are very good at product development and marketing but this (infant formula) is new to them.” Mr Penno said the demand was based on science from 20 years ago that showed meat

Left – Synlait managing director and visionary John Penno says grass-fed products are building momentum in the United States.

Nadine Porter

Right – The grass-fed burger launched by Carl’s Jnr at the Superbowl this year.

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and milk fats from grass-fed ruminants was considerably better than fat from ruminants living in barns on artificial diets. “For New Zealand that’s just wonderful.” Wealthy consumers have a huge resource available online and are spending the time finding out what’s important to them, including what they want in their food, he said and that was driving “better thinking” about food. Mr Penno particularly mentioned mothers and their roll in consumer spending and said often when they are waiting to pick up children they will Google what’s interesting to them, including healthy meal

options for their families. “You’ve got wealthy people starting to think about what’s natural. Companies that can deliver that will win.” Although Synlait didn’t want to tell farmers what they should do on their farms, the company was a firm believer in providing

farmers with good information, pricing signals and options. “Farmers aren’t dumb. They are very good at figuring out the best thing to do in their situation.” Synlait wants farmers to protect the environment, look after animals and people and

was “looking for opportunities” where consumers wanted to pay for that value and reward the farmers for doing it. “This is another opportunity where we can financially reward farmers for something that is going to benefit them, the environment and the consumer.”

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nstream in the US FACTS ■ Synlait to pay 25 cents premium for grass-fed milk. ■ 25 to 40 suppliers needed to fulfil contract. ■ US company Munchkin will market it as grass-fed infant formula.

environment.” The only answer was to align economic drivers with the right environmental outcomes needed, he said. “Farmers want to do the right thing but need an economic driver to push them over the line to do it.”

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New Zealand’s clean green image was no longer enough according to Mr Penno who said we have tricked ourselves into thinking we’ve got a monopoly on beautiful places. “But we don’t.” Leeston dairy farmer Michael Woodward and Synlait supplier

may be one of the first 25 to 40 suppliers Synlait requires to fulfill their contract as his current farming system revolves around pasture feeding. Mr Woodward said the partnership was great for the industry and in particular for those farmers with smaller

herds already on grass fed systems. “It’s going to set them (Synlait) apart from everyone else. “In a low pay-out year it’s money for doing basically nothing and a light at the end of the tunnel.”

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IRRIGATION – ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Innovative pivot anchoring in the wind Take the worry out of windy days on farm this year and install the new HydroFix Irrigator Stability System exclusively licensed to T-L Irrigation Systems. Following the spring storms of 2013 a joint project between University of Canterbury and the Foundation of Arable Research saw a pioneering time saving solution developed to prevent damage to irrigators in high winds. The HydroFix consists of a series of inflatable water tanks connected to pulley and counterweight systems along the length of the irrigator. As soon as windy weather is forecast all the farmer has to do is turn a tap to fill the tanks with water and lower it to the ground to secure the irrigator at the centre of each span. Once the wind has died down the tanks can be drained easily and will then raise themselves to a ready to activate storage position in two stages. Able to fit any make and size of lateral and centre

FIELD TRIAL T-L Irrigation Systems Open Field Trial – Sign up today T-L Irrigation Systems are releasing the HydroFix Irrigator Stability System for purchase as part of an open field trial at a special introductory price.

pivot irrigators the HydroFix provides stability no matter what direction the wind is coming from. But the innovation doesn’t stop there with T-L Irrigation also offering centre pivot irrigation that is powered from gravity pressurized water. Engineers have successfully designed, built and tested a prototype system that utilizes pressurized water to both drive the centre pivot and supply the sprinklers –

THE

completely eliminating the need for electric or diesel power units. The system may work for you if: • You have a gravity pressurized water system with more than 500kPa at the pivot point • You run multiple types of irrigators on one mainland system that results in your pivot having excess pressure available • You have no power onsite

and run several diesel drives The friendly team at T-L Irrigation are only too happy to discuss your irrigation options and offer competitive prices and excellent servicing. They pride themselves in quick turnaround times and can offer a significant reduction in freight costs should farmers order earlier in the season. To find out more contact Brendan Hawes on 021347985.

Effectiveness of such a system has been proven theoretically through the analyses performed by the University of Canterbury and also practically as other weight based solutions are in place throughout Canterbury but ultimately the greatest test will be getting the solution onto as many irrigators in the field as possible. Call Ben Wright on 027 801 2293 if you are interested in being in the trial.

DIFFERENCE

FOR YOUR NEW IRRIGATOR TO BE UP AND RUNNING THIS SPRING TALK TO THE TEAM AT T-L TODAY! Distributor for T-L Irrigation in New Zealand Ashburton Branch - Phone: 03 307 6690 | Email: brendan.hawes@tlirr.co.nz | Website: www.tlirr.co.nz

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IRRIGATION – ADVERTISING FEATURE

Winter irrigation servicing

needs. WaterForce has over 30 years of industry knowledge and technical expertise and has worked hard to earn its reputation for irrigation expertise. It is owned and operated by New Zealanders with a passion for perfection, always looking for innovations to keep them at the leading edge of this rapidly-developing industry. With more than 130 staff, the company prides itself on supplying and maintaining reliable, sustainable systems that maximise every drop of water a landowner uses. The service literally goes from the ground up.

WaterForce can design an irrigation regime for anything from the smallest residential systems to major projects. WaterForce delivers the best solutions to you, including design and project consultancy, irrigation systems, pumping, frost protection, water purification and treatment, service and maintenance and monitoring. They can supply all the components, manufacture specialised equipment, install everything, and keep it running at optimum efficiency. Effluent treatment and dispersal is another WaterForce strength. It harnesses the latest technology for solid separation

processes, pumping, filtration and application methods. Whether it is integrating wastewater into your existing irrigation systems or setting up dedicated new systems, it has a solution that offers uniformity and reliability. To gain full value from effluent treatment, WaterForce provides metering and monitoring devices - from electronic water meters to soil moisture meters and data management services. “At WaterForce, we’ve invested significantly in our agricultural irrigation expertise and technology to make sure it meets and exceeds the growing demands of the sector. We’ll create a

system tailored to the factors that impact your operation crop needs, soil and weather conditions, budget, time-frame and more. What’s more, we’ve aligned ourselves with quality manufacturers from around the world to ensure you’re linked into the very latest technology. Based at our branches is a well-qualified team of sales engineers, pivot and pumping technicians and designers. Our aim is to provide the best products to our customers and we partner with worldrenowned brands in irrigation products. WaterForce is New Zealand’s leading importer and supplier for Valley centre pivots and linear hardware (USA) and Ocmis hard hose irrigators (Italy). These products have proven their worth here in New Zealand for their durability, costeffective performance and leading edge technology” the company says. So, call one of the experienced specialists at WaterForce for a noobligation appraisal of your requirements.

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Winter has arrived. Your pivots have worked hard throughout the summer and now they need to be serviced. This is the ideal time to give your irrigation system a ‘medical’, so it will be ready to go next season. WaterForce can provide a complete inspection and audit the pressure from supply to delivery. Pump alignments, bearings and seals can be checked, and Ocmis brand equipment can be examined. Pivots can be issued with their own warrant of fitness, comprising a visual inspection and a written report on their condition. Mechanical servicing will take care of any hardware adjustments, the gearbox oil will be changed, and all electrical components will meet safety standards. It is simple to book a service - with branches nationwide, simply phone 0800 4 FORCE (0800 436 723) to be connected to your closest WaterForce Branch and a WaterForce service coordinator can discuss with you the best options to meet your

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Farming

IRRIGATION – ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Better irrigation systems developed Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings have experienced an increase in irrigation development in the greater Canterbury region in recent times. There are a number of reasons why this has been the case - our company being much more proactive in the market place with top quality design and irrigation products and having dedicated and committed staff to help complete all of the projects currently being undertaken. With Canterbury Pains Water - CPW, Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation - BCI, and Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation schemes all in the process of being completed, has also driven the demand for better and more efficient irrigation systems. The benefit of these irrigation systems, when completed, will be hugely beneficial to all in the greater Canterbury area because of the better yields and greater variety of crops that can be grown under efficient irrigation systems. Many urban folk have commented on the extra water that is being taken

for irrigation development. Actually there is less water being taken for irrigation

development compared to the “good old days” of border dyke irrigation and the like,

and, together with much more efficiency in these irrigation systems water is being applied

where it is required to be applied - right on the crop. Sprinkler packages for centre pivot and lateral irrigators have improved immensely in recent times and are continually improving. Reinke Manufacturing and Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings are at the forefront of irrigation technology with new and improved products being released into the market place at a regular pace. Remote control of irrigators via cellphone and/ or PCs is the latest innovation. Reinke Manufacturing has developed “On Trac Satellite Plus”. Centre pivot and lateral irrigators can be monitored remotely, application depths can be varied, depending on conditions, pumps can be turned on and off, and as this is satellite based, remote management of irrigation systems can be achieved in areas with poor or no cell phone reception - all done by a touch of a key pad! Ray Mayne Hose and Fittings in Ashburton have a number of these On Trac operating successfully in Ashburton.

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IRRIGATION – ADVERTISING FEATURE

Precision farming paying back Water is a valuable resource but for the Mitchell and Webster Group it is quite literally liquid gold. The farming enterprise consists of 1400 hectares of land in the North Otago area. Their McCarthy centrepivot is 500m long, irrigating rolling clay rich soils and is one of four which the Group has invested in Growsmart Precision VRI technology. They have been able to reduce their water usage 23.5 per cent from 34 litres per second to 26 litres per second. Savings have been the result of avoiding irrigation application over seven hectares of springs and ditches as well as varying application rates based on soil texture groups. With high costs for irrigation shares as well as additional water usage charges, reduced flow requirements meant the group no longer needed $77,000 worth of irrigation shares. They estimate that through the use of Growsmart Precision VRI there has been an average increase in production of 5 per cent.

FAST FACTS McCarthy Cropping: ■ 85 hectares of irrigated wheat and sunflowers ■ Precision agriculture technology resulted in capital return from selling excess irrigation shares of $77,000. ■ Annually an additional $23,000 is saved due to reduced water costs plus profit gained from increased production ■ Initial precision agriculture technology investment cost $55,100 ■ Initial ROI of 140 per cent, based on returns from sale of excess irrigation shares alone.

Growsmart Precision VRI was used to withhold irrigation water from an area that typically ponds, saving water and allowing some of this area to be brought back into production.

This is due to irrigation application being able to be determined by soil types, reducing the variability in plant available water and increasing productive area

by avoiding application to an area of unproductive springs and ditches. The result of avoiding this 7ha area allowed it to dry out and be partially bought back into production

with only 2.5ha avoided in the second year of using Growsmart Precision variable rate irrigation. The profit from increased production varies according

to the crop being grown, however as an estimate based on an average wheat crop an annual return of $16,500 is realistic. This amount is assuming an increased yield from 10 T/ha to 10.5 T/ha and a value of $400/T.

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ERIC AND MAXINE EXPECT TO SEE MORE GREEN FOR LESS Eric and Maxine Watson’s belief in the potential of variable rate irrigation and trust in the NZ team developing the technology has paid off in more ways than one. The Ashburton cropping farmers were the South Island’s original Precision VRI pioneers, installing their first four systems in 2008. And the results exceeded their expectations. Promoting the purchase of a further three Precision VRI systems which allowed them to stretch their limited water allowance by maximising irrigation efficiencies.

Call us today for more information. Cnr Robinson & McNally Streets Phone 03 307 9049 Email rainer@ashburton.co.nz www.rainer.co.nz If anyone can make it rain, Rainer can!

They combine Precision VRI technology, the use of electromagnetic (EM) maps and data from soil moisture sensors to schedule irrigation only where it is needed. This results in the crops getting exactly the water they require, maximising potential growth while minimising water and pumping costs. “It’s a great system with a big future… Now that I have VRI, I wouldn’t want to run the machines without it.” Find out how you could stretch your limited water quota further like Eric and Maxine by talking to your Zimmatic™ by Lindsay dealer today or by visiting growsmartprecisionvri.co.nz

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IRRIGATION – ADVERTISING FEATURE

Fixed grid irrigation Specialist irrigator servicing Company SSS Irrigation specialise in fixed grid/ static set irrigation, offering design, sales, and installation throughout the South Island. System. Our system requires no landscape modifications, nor alteration to existing fence lines or removal of valuable shelter belts etc. High application rates allow shortened run times and resultant savings in energy usage, in most cases allowing all irrigation to be completed overnight when further savings can be made with use of night rate electricity supply. Underground, the system utilises PVC mainlines (varying in size according to individual system needs) with MDPE lateral lines and LDPE post lines to the individual sprinklers. Our recommended water pressure at

the sprinkler is 4 bar (58psi) where the PF 30 and PF 24 sprinkler units are achieving a throw radius of 30m (60m diameter). Our Focus Our focus is to design highly efficient irrigation systems making the most of the water or existing infrastructure available. Our products are designed and manufactured in New Zealand to our extremely high quality standard. Our Staff We have staff located in Otago and Canterbury, with a focus on customer satisfaction and ensuring we are the best at what we do. We are constantly looking to improve our products to offer the best option available considering environment, existing infrastructure, application requirements and budget.

For a great deal when you need an irrigator serviced, you can’t look past Derek Pike from Irrigator Servicing Ltd. With an extensive background in both the farming and irrigation industries, Derek understands the benefit of having irrigators in top working order. A thorough annual service is vital to an efficient farming operation. Derek was brought up on a dairy farm and later worked in both the dairy support and cropping industries. He

has been involved in all aspects of the setting up of irrigation systems on several farms. Best of all, as sole operator, Derek is independent, and can cover all of Canterbury - be it pivots or laterals all year round, and is passionate about offering excellent customer service to a high standard. Irrigator Servicing Ltd is a competitively priced option specific to the servicing of irrigators.

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Ideally, when you’re leading or working with a team, you have a group of people who work in good faith to get the job done well – and get along while doing so. Then, there are those workers who are just miserable, negative, cynical or sarcastic. Sometimes, they’re even worse – engaging in backstabbing or trying to undermine your authority. While not everyone will get along with everyone else at work, leaders have an obligation to try and mitigate the damage these difficult workers create in the workplace. Here are some helpful tips: Many times people who seem to have personality issues are people who feel like they’re not being heard or are unhappy with their work. Try having a private conversation with your worker and just listen. Try to get to the bottom of why your worker is acting out. Is he or she dissatisfied with the work or the company? Is there an issue going on at home? Often once they’ve had a chance to air out their thoughts and feelings, you, as the leader, can gain insight into what the problem really is and take steps toward solving it. Personality tests can be useful in gaining insight into your workers, their preferences and how they like to communicate. If there’s a clear understanding of that person, what their make-up is and how best to communicate with them, that will go a long way towards helping to overcome communication challenges. Sometimes, simply calling out the fact that you and your worker have different approaches can be enough to defuse the tension. Acknowledge you

NDF1324699

Tips for managing workers who drive you nuts Christine Summerville

EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

have different styles and ask your worker to see how you can work through the situation together. That way, you’re not delivering negative criticism, but you’re recognising the fact that there’s an issue. Sometimes, workers have legitimate complaints about the workplace, company culture, or supervisors (that might be you). Sometimes, you might need to explain in very clear, rational terms why things are the way they are. Also it may mean looking into what they have to say and understanding that something was overlooked. Simply calling out someone for bad behaviour often doesn’t work. Instead, relate it to the bottom line. For example, point out that when the worker responds in a certain way, it shuts down conversation and makes meetings less effective. It might feel like that difficult worker is impossible to sack because he or she is so good at the job. But you have to look at the overall cost to your business. Research suggests that 12 per cent of individuals leave their workplace because of toxic personalities. If your difficult worker is driving out other workers, it might be time to say goodbye, even if it’s a challenge in the short term.

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It’s all happened before Interestingly, I spoke to a client the other day and we were talking about the dairy payout and the outlook not only for dairy farmers but for all farmers and his comment was “hey this isn’t new”. I asked what he meant and he said during the “great depression” farm Chris income halved over four years. As he Murdoch said, this “depression”, especially for dairy farmers, has happened over one year! He said he has some information he could send me if interested and following is part of that paper written in 1934 headed Dairy Industry Commission. The following index published by the Government Statistician is quoted to illustrate the position, but the basis of the farm expenditure index may be accepted as an approximation only (1914 = 1000);

produce export prices is not far below the 1914 figure. Whilst the general position thus shows a greater degree of equilibrium, it must be recognised that the improvement in export prices is accounted for wholly by the recovery of commodities other than dairy produce, and it is doubtful if PROPERTY the position will be maintained. It BROKERS must also be remembered that the export price index is influenced by the rate of exchange. Although certain adjustments of farm mortgages took place subsequent to the 1921 temporary drop in produce prices, the load carried by the dairy industry in the form of mortgages on land, stock and plant, short-term indebtedness, and time payment commitments, was of such dimensions that individual farmers fell into financial difficulties very rapidly once butter and cheese prices began to fall in 1929-30. The outstanding feature of the past five seasons has been the remarkable effort made by farmers to meet their commitments by a rapid increase in volume of output, but the velocity of the downward trend of prices has more than offset the income represented by the increased output from individual farmers. The collective position of the industry is as follows (1928-29 season being taken as 100):

It will be noted from the above that the farm expenditure index is showing a rapid fall, and that the export price index for the seven months of 1934 indicates that the general level of pastoral and dairy

It is apparent, therefore that with approximately a 50 per cent increase output within five seasons, the gross income is 27 per cent less than in 1928-29. This can be further illustrated from the records of dairy companies, a typical example of which is given below:

During the period under discussion, the costs of producing a pound of butterfat on the farm have undoubtedly been reduced, and the gross charges per pound of butterfat on account of cream collection, processing, and marketing have also been lowered. In addition to reductions in cost of materials used in production and in cost of manufacture, the burden of fixed charges has been lightened by being spread over a greater volume of output. The reduction of costs of collection, processing, and distribution has definite limitations, however, and increased production unavoidably necessitates increased gross expenditure. So, yes, it has all happened before but just to another generation and if you are old and grey-haired enough it may have happened to you twice, 1980s and now! One thing we do know is it will pass and things will get better, but just have to hang on and wait.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Best knowledge, best price Martin Bennett Hydraulics Ltd offer superior, experienced tradespeople and a 24 hour, seven day a week service. They have two fully stocked service vehicles, one van and one 4x4, for servicing digging contractors, and a workshop based at 104 Moore Street, Ashburton. They are mobile, they can come to you. Director Justin Bennett knows a thing or two about hydraulics having spent 26 years in the industry, starting out at as an apprentice fitter and turner before heading to Cookes. Always a local lad, Justin spent 15 years running and working a hydraulic service van, then 9 years as branch manager at Cookes. He and technician Wayne Drake are tradesmen in the truest sense of the word with Wayne having fifteen years in the Air Force as an aircraft technician behind him prior to joining Justin. Joining Martin Hydraulics in Christchurch has given Justin access to 30 staff and workshop facilities and hydraulic components as

Shop at 104 Moore street.

Martin’s direct import all their products from overseas. “There’s no middle man. We pass all our savings on to our customers.” And Justin is also direct importing himself so he has

a finger on the pulse when it comes to offering the best price and knowledge of what is available. Servicing from the south of Dunsandal to Timaru, Martin Bennett Hydraulics

has been operating for twelve months and has experienced fantastic support from the locals. Commitment to prompt customer service has made the business a leader in its field

as has Justin’s determination to ‘pull out all stops’ to keep businesses working when they have a breakdown. Although hydraulic repair and servicing is a core part of the business, chain and lifting systems are also available as are wire ropes, lifting slings and rigging gear. While Justin enjoys getting to “rub shoulders with the grass roots” he also has enjoyed playing rugby and has served 27 years in the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade. His life long association with Mid Canterbury means he is best placed to meet the needs of his customers. However, offering the most cost effective service in a timely manner for his customers remains his top priority. “And providing good honest service.” For all your hydraulic and rigging requirements be sure to call locally owned business - Martin Bennett Hydraulics Ltd. Phone 308 9778 or visit them at 104 Moore Street in Ashburton.

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Let’s hope we all learn from past In an article in this publication in 2011, I expressed my concerns at the burgeoning demand for land for dairy conversion in this district. I also suggested that those seeking to purchase new land or expand existing land holdings would be unwise to budget on a payout in excess of $5.50 to $6 per kilogram in the medium to longer term. At the same time I suggested payouts above $6 could be wisely spent on improving equity, better staff conditions and pay, and addressing environmental protection. I believe those that heeded this advice may well be having significantly less trauma in the current dairy downturn than those that focused on rapid expansion and personal lifestyle expenditure. From the nation’s viewpoint it is to be hoped that the current payout price is nothing more than a temporary hiccup in global supply and demand, as industry leaders would have us believe. This is not an opinion I share. Any farmer believing that the $8 payout was a new plateau

John Leadley

RURAL COMMENT

that could be sustained long term was certainly an optimist. One swallow does not make a summer! I well remember a similar situation with wool prices of the early 1950s, and later potato prices and a whole range of farm products – clover, blackcurrants, pork and mutton – to name a few in the intervening decades. Fluctuation in product prices has always been a norm in the farming industry, and probably always will be. These are the very issues that make the industry so challenging. So what has changed since 2011? Firstly the insatiable demand for dairy expansion continues unabated. Why? The past four years have seen rapid progress in irrigation

efficiencies, adding flexibility and security to farming practices. Even more important we now seem to have more universal acceptance from politicians and the public that longer-term investment in irrigation development and efficient use of water for energy and food production is in the national interest. At last the penny has dropped! Government, however, needs continuing reminders thanks to Auckland dominance. One can only hope that the next step will include the realisation that our nationwide transport infrastructure, both road and rail, still languishes in the 20th century. If acceptance by the populace that food production continues to hold the key to New Zealand’s prosperity, as it surely does in an overpopulated world, we must continue to diversify our product base. The opportunity for this occurs not only by niche marketing in existing outlets but by developing new food products using our wonderful soil and water resource as a catalyst.

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experiences Left – Visits to European and Scandinavian dairy farms over the years really reinforce the importance of per head production.

to operate within nutrient boundaries that must be met. This has been achieved mostly by education to this point, but, if effective, results are not achieved regulation and implementation must become mandatory. Remember that as farmers

we are not just custodians of the land for today, but for this generation and those that follow. Ashburton District farmers continue to win awards at a national level in the field of high production combined with environmental sustainability. They are terrific role models for others and most are willing to share their expertise. Within the dairy industry I believe a number of efficiencies can and should be made. Eight months ago when the downturn threatened I suggested reducing herd numbers by culling the lowest performing 5 to 10 per cent of the herd. This would not only lower total feed intake, improve over time the genetic base of the herd, but lower labour requirements and I believe have minimal impact on total farm milk output. As a sheep farmer 25 years ago I admit to learning the lesson the hard way that

overall production can easily be compromised by overstocking. Chasing a seasonally high wool price was detrimental to overall results. The dairy scenario is no different. Visits to European and Scandinavian dairy farms over the years really reinforce the importance of per head production. Researching dairy beef production as practised overseas offers real diversity. It would appear that dairy goat farming is about to expand in this area and fits neatly in the niche market area for products with unique health benefits. Provided foot problems are not an issue, I see real opportunity for those with smaller blocks of land or wishing to diversity product range to become involved. While New Zealand sheep numbers may be at a longterm low, I see a real future in sheep meat products if lambing percentage of hoggets at 160 per cent and ewes 180 per cent

are the norm. Again per head production is the key. Maybe increased demand in Asia will make grain finishing to meet market demand an option, as in Europe. As always, efficiency of operation rather than scale will be the defining factor of success. If irrigation is 90-100 per cent reliable there remains many opportunities for grain seed, pulse and horticultural diversity. We already lead the world in seed production of carrot, clover, radish and a number of others and have the knowledge to increase this range. Indeed Mid Canterbury is full of opportunity. If it is assumed that this winter will be neither too long nor too severe and we are favoured with an early spring, dairy farmers in Ashburton may emerge with stock in reasonable condition. Banks need to exercise the same pro-active approach with

farm overdrafts as they have shown in dairy land purchase in recent times, ie almost tripping over each other in a lending frenzy. With many dairy farmers carrying significant overdrafts into next season, it is imperative that young, committed, innovative leaders can stay within the industry. They are our future. I’m unconcerned if the wealthy sleeping partner investor decides to exit the industry for lack of return or capital gain. For years the farming industry has carried too much debt, thanks mostly to generous bank policies. Surely banks learnt some lessons from the 1980s crisis when development timing saw many talented farmers exit the industry because of unrealistic interest demands. It has taken a generation to replace that skill base. Let’s not repeat the same mistake.

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Winter rainbows in the dead of n For years I had an ache in the little finger of my left hand. It served as a useful reminder of what I had been thinking as I drove back from Lake Coleridge at 2am sometime in June, 2008. I had a few moments before I managed to pull the Rav4 out of a fishtailing slide without leaving the road or getting sideways, but it had been touch and go for a moment. Ice in the mud. “Don’t ever think about doing this again,” is what I had been thinking as I drove on heading back to Ashburton. And that ache-reminder has been with me ever since, and I have not been back. From a medical point of view, what was going on in the joints of my little finger when it ached, I don’t know. But I am in no doubt what caused it – the coldest, hardest few hours of fishing I had ever done in my life. As a concept, fishing the winter season on Lake Coleridge sounds great. Night fishing for big rainbow trout sounds even more exciting. The idea went something like

Greg Martin

BRASS AND FEATHERS

this. Leave work early. Worldclass scenic drive into the mountains. Arrive at lake shore at 5pm. You have the place to yourself. Brew tea in truck as you watch the evening close in. Venture out of the truck every now and then to rig the fly rod. Crisp and very cold already. Back into the truck to relax a bit more. Keep warm for longer. Biscuits with the tea. What a view. Maybe I’ll just enjoy this. Is there any real need for me to get out? Then, finally, yes, I must do it now. Getting out again and “rugging up” – baselayer, fleece layer, second fleece layer, neoprene chest waders, another fleece jacket, wind-proof jacket

over the top, fleece hat pulled down over the ears, head torch over the hat. You trudge down to the water and wade in. Sometimes there would be one or two rainbow trout

around when it was still light, but the real action happened when you were marooned in darkness looking up at the bewildering majesty of the Milky Way, the occasional

shooting star darting above the outline of the surrounding hills. The hills looked like they were steaming at the top, but that was just the ice and snow.

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night Left – Daytime in a boat is marginally more comfortable, but less productive. Far right – Three Coleridge rainbows and a small salmon. Right – Success, but a hot cup of soup can be more welcome. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

When it became dark like that, every few casts you would recharge your luminous ‘baby doll’ fly with your head torch, and then flick it out again as far as you could, although how far you were casting you had no idea. Then, wait a few seconds, and then, slow retrieve. And if those large night-time rainbows were sharking along the drop-off, every now and then there would be a bump on the line, and then pressure and then: “Fish on!” Fighting live. That was how it went in theory, and on momentary occasions the theory came to life.

However, for most of the time you were standing there wondering what the hell you were doing. Sometimes as the evening went on you would become aware that something wasn’t right with your gear. Reaching down the rod you’d find that the water dribbling off the line had frozen into clumps around the eyes. You’d have to break the ice off to keep the line running smooth, and sometimes you would give up and just dunk the whole rod in the lake water to warm up. The problem in all this was your fingers. To feel the

line when fly fishing, you generally need to keep at least two fingers on each hand uncovered. And for the rest; it didn’t matter whether you wore neoprene or fleece gloves, everything got wet eventually. And then cold. And then very, very cold. I clocked minus ten Celsius one night. Every now and then you’d need to take a break. Everyone needed to take a break. Trudge back to the truck for tea or soup. Run the engine, warm up. Get your level-headedness back. Even without hypothermia, extreme cold makes you feel light-headed, like when you’re

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dehydrated. You stare out into the darkness. What the hell am I doing? Do I really need to go out there again, or maybe it is home time already? That is where the ache in the joint in my little finger came from. And it has lasted years. The interesting thing is that this year it has almost gone, and I am hearing things about using soft plastic lures, spinning rods, and some great fishing being had – mostly during daylight hours. With snow on the hills I am thinking that maybe it would be worth giving it another go. Or maybe at very least, it’s just time to refresh the ache.

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Land and water forum resumes IrrigationNZ’s winter magazine came out recently. For members, the magazine provides a welcome respite from the often unbalanced reporting around irrigation issues. IrrigationNZ News focuses on the positive initiatives happening within irrigation; the technological advances and on-the-ground solutions that address today’s water management challenges. We also have a range of contributors. In our winter issue, Alastair Bisley, chairman of the Land and Water Forum reports on this organisation’s journey. As a participant, I have a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening. However, I’m conscious many irrigating farmers remain unaware of the forum’s influence on water policy. The Land and Water Forum brings together a range of industry groups, environmental and recreational NGOs, iwi, scientists, and other organisations like ours with a stake in freshwater and land management. Government has asked us to develop a shared vision and a common

Andrew Curtis

WATER WORKS

way forward to manage water through a stakeholder-led collaborative process. We resumed our conversations a few months ago and have been given the task of coming up with a report by September providing further advice to the Government on managing within limits. There are a number of workstreams being undertaken and these can be broadly split into water quality, water quantity and urban issues; however in reality they all overlap considerably. IrrigationNZ is heavily involved in the water quantity work stream which includes the core elements and nature of rights, the implementation of water allocation and resolving over allocation. continued next page

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Left – IrrigationNZ has resumed its role within the Land and Water Forum with a report expected by September on managing within limits.

From P22 Iwi rights and interests in water (both governance and development right claims) have also been thrown into the mix, although for the average punter it’s somewhat unclear as to how this fits with the on-going Crown-iwi treaty negotiations. After the first small group meeting, one thing came through loud and clear; we need to work through what ‘trust’ looks like. The Green lobby wants everything (water, nutrients and sediment) to be numerically allocated through a consent pathway to which individuals are then held strictly accountable – as regional councils and the primary sector cannot be trusted? However the reality is this approach is not practical for nutrients and sediment, as the measurement tools are still evolving. It also ignores that many of New Zealand’s issues can be better solved through catchment scale solutions. For example,

water infrastructure that both provides water for commercial use and augments stream flows or groundwater. Greater transparency by the primary sector is key to resolving “trust” and we’re getting much better at it. However, we urgently need to work through how all sectors better work together to tell a particular catchment’s story. Success with managing water quality requires us to move past the industry story and instead move to the catchment one. To tell the story (provide information on what’s happening over time) data is crucial, and to do this efficiently we need to pick up the appropriate international data standards and protocols and run with them. It should also be known that part of the reason the Greens want a numerical allocation for everything is it provides a pathway to charge for resource use. We need to push back on this as a

successful environmental future is stewardship based (this is consistent with international thinking). The tax-based approach has long since been superseded – perhaps it’s also time certain members of the Green lobby were as well? It’s now just over 10 months until our biennial IrrigationNZ Conference and Expo takes place in Oamaru. The programme is in its final throes and another principal sponsor has been confirmed for the April 5-7, 2016, event. Network Waitaki joins Anderson Lloyd, ANZ Bank and Waterforce. Exhibition sites go on sale soon and strong interest has already been shown. There are a few remaining sponsorships, but these are also selling fast so contact Chris Coughlan on phone (03) 341-2225 or ccoughlan@ irrigationnz.co.nz if you wish to be involved. Andrew Curtis is chief executive officer of IrrigationNZ

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No silver bullets for nitrogen loss There are no quick fixes when it comes to managing nitrogen loss on leaky soils, according to farm consultant Ross Polson.

Nadine Porter

RURAL REPORTER

Tweet us @farmjourno

There are no silver bullets when it comes to containing nitrogen loss on leaky soils, according to a Canterbury farm advisor. Speaking on how to manage farms to reduce nitrogen loss at the recent Federated Farmers Nutrient Management Seminar Ross Polson said the lighter Mid Canterbury soils used for arable and dairy support were the district’s leakiest. Dairying provides the most challenges with around 60 per cent of all nitrogen loss occurring on the platform, while 15 to 20 per cent was caused by heifer replacements and wintering of cows around 22 per cent.

Mr Polson admitted to being shocked when he first started consulting on dairy farms. “A few years ago when I

started kicking around dairy farms I was horrified with regards to when the nitrogen was being applied. You need the longest possible time for

nitrogen to be utilised prior to grazing.” Correct balance of nutrients and in particular pH was a key to helping with leaching,

he said. “It will reduce supplement usage due to better pasture growth.” He also emphasised the negative nitrogen effect middle line irrigation on lighter soils could have due to the higher levels of grass grub it causes. “I don’t think middle line irrigation is achievable on lighter soils.” One dairy farm with the lowest level of irrigation efficiency returned a figure of 140 on the current Overseer nutrient software programme but that decreased to 38 on a variable rate of irrigation. When talking about winter feed Mr Polson advised the Overseer nutrient software programme rated kale twice as high in nitrogen leaching as fodder beet via the cow. Levels were lower if direct drilled. continued P26

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Farming

From P25 “Trials are indicating it could be three times as high.” However, fodder beet was a “complicated beast” with farmers experiencing higher levels of animal health issues in transition and a higher snow damage risk. “You really need to bring your A game when it comes to fodder beet. There’s no winter holidays for top level management when they have cows on it.” Palm kernel had a higher leakage than grain and milking pasture silage had a higher level than maize silage, he said. He also advised dairy farmers to reduce their autumn stocking rate by culling empties as soon as they were identified. A lot of our heifer grazing problem had been “exported” to South Canterbury, he said. “And I imagine in coming years we will export a bit up to the Central Plains area. It’s good for us but not so good for them.” Dairy farmers who own a run-off will face a challenge and will have to be “slick” to fit into allowable margins, he said. Arable farmers should consider harvesting earlier on lighter soils and forgoing

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NITROGEN Nitrogen loss estimate on dairy farms: ■ On the platform 60 to 65 per cent. ■ Heifer replacements 15 to 20 per cent. ■ Wintering of cows about 22 per cent.

the last five per cent of yield to mop up excess nitrogen because autumn establishment of crops would be earlier with a heavier vegetation, he said. He also suggested arable farmers increase summer and autumn irrigation to help accelerate establishment. Deeper arable soils in Eiffelton, Wakanui, Pendarves and Rokeby were capable of mineralising up to 60kg nitrogen per year from the soil bank according to a trial conducted at Lincoln University, he said. However, Eiffelton soils were wetter. “Which does affect their ability to mineralise on the shoulders of the season.” He suggested an advantage on the deeper arable soils was the ability to use faster establishing cover crops when sowing slow establishing autumn seed crops. Mr

Polson used the example of United States farms where radish has been sown with wheat crops and not only mopped up nitrogen but also protected the wheat from extreme temperatures. Overall

individual crops on deeper soils may be at risk from nitrogen leakage. “But it is a low risk in my mind.” Mr Polson said management tools to reduce nitrogen leaching would take time but

he was confident there were enough resources to help. “We are all a bit unsure of the future, but farmers can be assured there is an enormous resource being employed to reduce the footprint.”

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SOIL MANAGEMENT – ADVERTISING FEATURE

Best soil management At this stage of the year when winter has well and truly kicked in soil management can be a challenge on farm when waterlogged soils create a leaching environment. Those managing dairy grazing can find their soils pugged, muddy and less than an ideal growing situation. These best practice ideas and recommendations were collected from farmers: • Speed up the grazing rotation to avoid pugging. • Give supplements or plan for lower stocking rates at times of feed shortage. • Protect clover - avoid shading from grasses in spring, and overgrazing in summer and winter; spot spray for weeds or choose a selective spray that does less clover damage. When fertilising consider pH, molybdenum and potassium to feed clover. • Minimise cultivation, disturbance and exposure of soil, plant shelter in windy areas to protect soil and improve pasture growth. • Use contour fencing

• • •

• • • •

Time fertiliser application to avoid wet soil and cold temperatures

to manage grazing efficiently. • Select stock types that are suited to soil/land types. Certain soils may not support winter grazing by cattle. Plan paddocks with

contour fencing for better grazing management. • Adjust fertiliser rates according to soil tests, animal health needs and what each area of the farm produces – prepare a

nutrient budget to estimate what is being taken off, and what is being lost. • Avoid fertilising near waterways, troughs and gateways, or at tops and bottoms of sidelines and

stock camps where stock transfer fertility anyway. Time fertiliser application to avoid wet soil and cold temperatures. Use a large area for effluent, and apply less fertiliser to this area. Avoid pugging and overgrazing – maintain soil aeration, structure and soil life for rapid recovery of pasture, re-seeding of clover and fewer weed problems. Manage leachate from stand-off pads and silage pits. Pull cows off if there is any risk - use stand-off pads. Make silage at high dry matter so that it has less leachate Adopt good cultivation practices: Reduce cultivation where property prone to soil loss (shift to direct drilling or minimise passes). Don’t cultivate in extremes of windy, dry or wet conditions. Select the right equipment for your soil type, crop and contour. ‘Tramlines’ can protect soil structure (where traffic is confined to set pathways in a paddock).

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SOIL MANAGEMENT – ADVERTISING FEATURE

Making every drop count It may seem crazy thinking about the irrigation season in the middle of winter but now is the time to be planning for the season ahead. Ensuring we have robust on-farm irrigation management will be critical to our success. There are those who work with the theory that irrigation is ‘Just add water and it’ll grow’ but many of us know that it’s much more than this. Trying to work out optimum watering amounts and timings throughout the growing season while working around the weather, as well as keeping an eye on our seasonal irrigation water allocation, can test management skills. Over the past irrigation season Agri Optics NZ has been trialling AquaCheck moisture probes on clients farms. Farmers have been able to check current soil moisture status, infiltration rates, date & time of irrigations, depth of irrigation/ fertigation, irrigation rates and run times, daily water consumption rates and total water used (per irrigation, week, month). Providing quick and easy

TOP: EM soil map showing placement of moisture probes by soil type RIGHT: AquaCheck 60cm soil moisture probes, Top – classic probe, Bottom- Subsurface probe

on-line access to accurate information about their soils allows the farmer to minimise irrigation costs while increasing pasture production, having a significant effect on farm profitability. And

when the probes are linked with EM soil survey data to identify correct placement the information provided becomes even more powerful. It is also proving very effective

Neal Kinsey Introductory Soil Fertility Course ASHBURTON – 8th–10th July 2015 Venue: Hotel Ashburton, 11-35 Racecourse Road, Ashburton

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when adapting to new environmental requirements. You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Make every drop count with AquaCheck soil moisture

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Farming

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Communication, conflict – when to Open and clear communication is a key factor behind successful succession planning. Therefore it is vital that all family members are aware of and understand the purpose and reasons behind decisions made. People can deal with things which they know – it is human nature to crave certainty. Providing family members with an opportunity to process a proposition and enter into open and honest discussion is the key to maintaining a cohesive family and successful intergenerational wealth transfer. Open and honest discussion often leads to hard conversations; much of succession planning is in contemplation of the potentially undesirable, and more often than not, the negative aspects of a family dynamic come out to play. In forming a strategy, family members must communicate with each other and the trusted advisor in order to test whether their desires and wishes are realistic. Teasing out the underlying goals and motivations of each

Mark Dineen

TAVENDALE AND PARTNERS

family member is essential and often, discussions that don’t reveal some difference of opinion are not proper discussions at all. Communication requires effort and is a two-way process, so the experts tell me. Merely sitting around a table does not result in communication by osmosis, even though the parties might know a lot about the weather and what paddock a particular mob of sheep are located. Time must be set aside for proper dedicated communication of future plans. Utilising professional advisors enables participants to recognise that there is ‘a time and a place’ and will aid in maintaining family relationships to ensure that when discussions do

occur, they are productive and constructive. Conflict in itself is not a bad thing, but it is essential that it is managed by the right person

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or people and in the right environment (so that everyone can still enjoy their Christmas lunch). Well facilitated discussion, whilst creating

short term conflict, allows for the airing and understanding of issues to provide clarity around realising continued family and farming success.

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hold ’em and when to fold ’em

The use of advisors with empathy and who understand people is important in creating an open forum and trusted advisors must have the ability

to communicate and facilitate without their egos overtaking the family strategy and goals. Family members need to recognise that fair does

not necessarily mean equal, especially to enable valuable assets such as the farm to provide a sustainable income for the parents and the next generation. The consequences of receiving assets prior to parents passing has to be well understood. The value equation around receiving cash versus an asset that has a liability is difficult to understand, especially by nonfarming participants. This is where professional advisors can be of great assistance by providing understanding to such differential concepts. Again, understanding of the consequences for the particular parties is important. We have seen situations where a non-farming son has been able to grow a totally non-farming business due to receiving a lesser cash payout rather than waiting for his parents to pass. This may be debt funded by leveraging core assets. What this action also did was provide certainty to the farming son and the non-farmer as to their situations and the commercial arrangements between the

family members. Compare the well-communicated situation to a circumstance where family members have been working the farm for decades but had no ownership or even the right to sign-off accounts. The latter party will inevitably become frustrated due to a lack of certainty and direction but knows nothing other than farming the property. Due to human nature, internal conflicts between siblings are unfortunately an inevitable consequence. Professional advisors can facilitate discussion but childhood grievances are likely to rise to the surface. I have been in a meeting where the historical event of one brother being pushed off the truck by another rose once again to the surface. I couldn’t understand the relevance myself, how this related to transferring intergenerational assets, but the emotions related to the event seemed to be clouding the judgement and decision making in the room. As a trusted advisor in the room, I was able to facilitate and mediate the discussion, bringing it back

to the matter at hand, while respecting the history between the brothers. Of course, there is the old chestnut of living in the main house or the sister-in-law getting new curtains. The inclusion or exclusion of partners is a real conundrum for some families, as the relationship between the generations is important – especially as grandchildren come into play. It is really disappointing to see access to grandchildren used as leverage during discussions. Participants need to be bigger than using such tactics, but inevitably revert to them when uncertain as to the outcome or are feeling vulnerable. Please don’t get me wrong, there are a large number of very successful inter-generational asset transfers accomplished. One of the key factors in these successful circumstances is communication, which leads to certainty. What I would say, is no one will ever feel that it was a walk in the park, and there will be some tense moments as the cards are dealt and played.

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The snows fell, but Mrs Chook Michelle Nelson

MY BACKYARD

Tweet me @ladyinredbands

Last time I wrote this column I whined about the cold. Little did I know half a metre of snow was about to carpet my Mt Somers country home. This was way deeper than the Red Bands kind of snow – thankfully the previous owner of my cattery had left a decent pair of gummies behind; set. We hit -12°C here on the Monday night following Thursday’s blizzard. I’ve got three lambs/hoggets – Doris, Dora and Dottie. They were holed up as far away from the gate as they could get – luckily I could walk on top of the rock-solid white stuff. They couldn’t. Their poor little pointed feet stuck right though – leaving them stranded. A bag of sheep nuts and a

Above – Mrs Chook emerged large as life. Left – Pretty as a picture. Right – My tall friend helps dig a path to the cattery.

bale of meadow hay, thankfully donated by my father, solved the immediate problem. I even donated some carrots and kale from the garden. The result of that is three windy sheep are now virtually pets. I’m mindful of people like Blair Gallagher – who was

feeding 9000 stock units at the same time. A week in from the snowfall I’d not seen Mrs Chook – my 15-year-old bantam. I’d put tucker out for her but it seemed the birds were getting the best of it. I thought she was a goner. There were two metres of

snow piled up against the door to the chook house; she had her private exit, but I couldn’t get in. She turned up on Saturday – larger than life, putting me in my place and demanding attention. I also bought fat-feeders

for the maggies, starlings and other meateaters – and this is the act of a bird phobic woman. I don’t like them – but I don’t want to see them starve either. I’m particularly concerned about the harrier hawks feeding on road kill. I’ve stopped numerous times

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survived

to kick road kill off to keep them safe. These birds are predators – they keep seed-eating introduced birds off your crops – and they are amazing. They can see a sparrow a kilometre off – snap its neck and prevent another three

broods a season. Save the hawks! The ice on the roads has been another matter. Just because you own a 4WD there is no excuses to drive like an idiot! It doesn’t matter what you are sitting in, you will still slide miserably if you have to

hit the brakes! If you’re not familiar with driving on black ice, go to a driving course. I did one years ago when I worked for Electricity New Zealand (AKA ECNZ). Your instinct is to turn against the slide, to brake, both

of which will probably result in you leaving the road. Just go slowly! If the road looks wet it’s probably black ice. Crawl on it – even if that means 30km/h. I lived in Western Australia for several years, where kangaroos rather than black ice were the road hazard. Not so different – things you can’t see coming out of the dark to trip you up. I was driving home from Esperance with daughter number two one dusky evening when we found ourselves in the midst of a mob of kangaroos – like driving though a mob of sheep – only worse, because they bounced back and forth. There was no logic to those animals. We pulled up in a Wolf Creek-like motel and holed up. Only 100km from home – which is nothing by WA standards – but it was too dangerous to keep driving. Anyway, away from roads and idiotic driving, I’ve had another scary thing recently. I own a cattery. So last week I went out, as usual, to feed and clean up.

There were four cats in, from the same family – Poppy, Puss Puss, etc. But when I went in there were only three cats! My heart almost stopped. I looked in every room – even though the cats would have had to open doors to get into them – which is impossible. I looked in every place a cat could hide – no sign of Poppy! Eventually, long after the search, I looked to the ceiling. I thought of my friend Tahu Russell, who always told me to look up if I couldn’t find something. And sure enough, the cat was in the ceiling. I left her there, and put a plank there so she could get back on to her heated pad. The next day the cat was still hiding out in the ceiling. My tall friend goes in, armed with a broom and chases her down to the cattery floor. We put her back in her room and move on. A week later we are mates. Poppy and I are on the best terms in the cattery. She’s eating and doing well.

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Farming

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We love the Love NZ brand Recycling and sustainability have long been close to the hearts of many Kiwis and Kiwi farmers as we look to keep our country as clean and beautiful as possible. In recent time, especially in the lead-up to hosting the Rugby World Cup, our public place recycling bins have been stamped with the Love NZ brand. This is the Government’s way of educating and reinforcing the importance of recycling and waste disposal. It is also a brand supported financially and in kind by hundreds of Kiwi businesses and their loyal customers. When dropping off your recycling at the revamped recycling area at the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park you can be guaranteed that – thanks to the Ministry for the Environment, in partnership with industry – you will be seeing the Love NZ brand more and more in the years ahead. It aims to serve as a reminder to do the right thing and recycle wherever possible. The packaging forum has been promoting the value

Sheryl Stivens

MASTAGARD ASHBURTON

of Love NZ. The next programme for the packaging forum is to look at introducing recycling systems for soft plastic packaging. This is not just about plastic shopping bags, but bread bags, toilet roll packaging, biscuit packaging, cereal and confectionery bags and frozen food bags, as well as rice and pasta bags. The list goes on; essentially any soft plastic that can be scrunched into a ball. We use millions of these products each year and typically they are disposed of to landfill which irks many of us who are concerned about packaging waste. Envirowaste Services has also been looking for solutions and has now invested in

A healthy garden at the Rakaia Primary School.

a plant to turn these soft plastics – especially soiled plastics from our meat and dairy industries – back into diesel. I’m looking forward to attending the Packaging Forum Advisory Board

PHOTO SUPPLIED

meeting next month to get an update on recycling soft packaging plastics and offer support to get soft packaging out of landfills. Ashburton schools are doing well with bokashi composting Bokashi is fast becoming a

practical food waste solution at many Ashburton schools and embracing the learnings around micro-organisms, soil health and beneficial bacteria. This fits in so well with the Love Food Hate Waste campaign as an easy solution for the inevitable kitchen scraps. Rakaia and Hinds schools are successfully running bokashi composting, with keen students and support staff on board with getting the fermented food into their gardens or compost bins. Mt Somers, St Joseph’s and Intermediate schools are also doing well. It will be great to see the results this growing season. Thanks to the Ashburton District Council for supporting the schools and community education programme to reduce waste and use water wisely. The knowledge and skills gained in resource efficiency may guide some students towards a career in environmental services and to be better stewards of our land in the future.

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

Enquiries for bulk prices Call 0800 627 824 or email: glen.sole@envirowaste.co.nz

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

Make the most out of your Farmlands Card The place where farmers get their quality agricultural replacement parts and equipment ARABLE PLOUGH PARTS

ON-FARM

SERVICING WHEREVER

YOU ARE

CULTIVATION PARTS

0800 4 PALMERS - www.palmeragriparts.co.nz 34 Robinson St, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton

s Shade Ashburton Canva ing Motor Trimm

Phone 307 8438

We can offer all your agricultural on-farm service needs. So call us today and we’ll come and see you.

1 Cox St, Ashburton

PLANTS, TREES & FARM SHELTER FREE ON-FARM CONSULTATIONS | PHONE RODNEY 0274 753 798 SPECIMEN TREES

(Direct from the grower) • Golden Elms • Claret Ash • Oaks • Prunus • Liquidambers and so much more!

HAY COVERS $499 + GST SAVE $100 | ORDER NOW AND SAVE (conditions apply)

Ph John or Jared on 033077307 - 0273628231 120 Moore St (Behind Masterguard)

FARM SHELTER

BULK PRICES AVAILABLE

Grahams Road, Ashburton 03 308 9950

Rural and Outdoor Timber Yard

from

Helmack ITM!

Calf Sheds $1850+GST

Let Helmack ITM take care of your plans, council pim, (Gate Extra) admin and compliance.

Phone Allan today on 307 0412 for all enquiries

Calf Pens $1835+GST

Advertise YOUR

BUSINESS HERE!

Call us today on 308 6444 for all your timber needs Corner South Street and East Street, Ashburton

Tyres, Wheel alignment & Puncture repairs Brake service and Machining General Mechanical

(Ramp Extra) $350.00+GST

Come see our team today for more details on our calf pens, shelters & sheds

92 Dobson Street, Ashburton | Phone 307 0412

WOF SERVICE MECHANICAL

Automotive Diagnostics Via Diagun Scan tool 250713

Are you a Farmlands Supplier?

No Hassle Farm Building

Leylands Hedging Grasses Alders Viburnum

I n d e p e n d e n t ly s p e c i a l i s i n g i n J e e p , D o d ge & C h rys l e r * 8 y e a rs d e a l e rs h i p e x p e r i e n c e , fa c t o ry s c a n t o o l o n s i t e

68 ELIZABETH AVE RAKAIA 03 303 5100

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!

• For Casual & Permanent Bin Hires • Cardboard Recycling • Drum Hires We offer a regular Rubbish Removal Service, with many local Companies hiring our Front Loader Bins and using our Cardboard Recycling Cages, We also have Open Top Bins on a casual basis, for property clean ups, building works and Garden tidy ups. And a Household and/or Garden waste Drum empty service. All provided by a Company based in Tinwald.

Gary McCormick Transport Ltd PO Box 5044, Tinwald, Ashburton 7741 | Phone: 3072100 | Fax: 3072101

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