Farming GUARDIAN
AUGUST 2014
Take another look at the humble hazelnut Linda and Les McCracken in their Wakanui hazelnut orchard.
Pages 3-5 Tetsuro Mitomo
2
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Takes us fishing at the Rangitata.
Greg Martin
P6
COMMENT FROM EDITOR
BRASS AND FEATHERS
Talks politics and elections.
P20 Michelle Nelson
John Leadley
Sheryl Stivens
Mary Ralston
Cantabrian species which most of us are unaware off (p30-31). Lamb flaps are causing a flap in China, where they are discarding their off-cut status and emerging as a premium meat cut (p 32-33). Jenny Paterson offers tips on feeding a broodmare (p39), and last but not least we visit a llama farm, and find out there’s more to these exotic animals than meets the eye (p35-37).
RURAL EDITOR
W
ith very little snow on the tops, it’s been almost spring like. The waterlogged soils have dried out, the grass is growing and with a stroke of luck livestock farmers will get through lambing and calving without any adverse weather events. In this edition of Guardian Farming, we take a look at the hazelnut industry with Les and Linda McCracken, who have also struggled with the harvest in the wet autumn. Our regular columnist Greg Martin takes us fishing at the Rangitata River mouth (pages 6-8), and with the September elections looming, John Leadley reminds us why it’s important to exercise our right to vote (p20-21). Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairperson Rick Powdrell looks at the rowing looming over Kiwi lamb in the UK (p24-25), and Tony Davoren predicts an El Nino spring, and explains what that will mean for farmers (p26-27). Our water management feature looks at smarter use of our precious resource (p12-17). Mary Ralston introduces the elusive mudfish – a uniquely
RURAL COMMENT
Teaches us to grow great garlic.
P28
Introduces the mudfish.
P30
MASTAGARD ASHBURTON
FOREST AND BIRD
CONTACTS Advertising Emma Jaillet-Godin Email emma.j@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7936.
Editor Michelle Nelson Email your comments to michelle.n@theguardian.co.nz or phone 03 307 7971. Design Yendis Albert Email yendis.a@theguardian.co.nz
Post: Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton.
Cultivation Parts
Arable Plough Parts
The place where farmers get their quality agricultural replacement parts and equipment Overum Parts
Dale Shares
Plough Share Rebuilds
Plough Shares
Plough Discs
Lemken reversible points
Kverneland Points
Dowdeswell Shares
Lemken Shares
Sunflower & Salford Points
Cast Points
Vaderstad Rexius Point
Bellota Grubber Point 12’’ x 2.5’’
Goliath Points
Bellota Grubber Point 10’’ x 2’’
Pan Buster Points
80 mm Topdown Points
50 mm Topdown Points
Coil Tines
Lemken Terradisc
Gregoire Besson
Vogel & Noot Shares
Vibroflex Springs
Yeoman Clamp
Yeoman Spring
Coil Tine Clamp
Maxitill Points
Vibroflex Legs
Lemken Shins
Vogel & Noot Points
S Tines
Vibroflex Points
Kuhn Skimmer Mouldboard
Gregorie Besson Shares
Jackpot Tines
Kverneland/ Accord TS Coulter Point
Kverneland Shares
Goliath Springs
Goliath Legs
22 and 30-Ton Vertical/Horizontal Hydraulic Log Splitter
0800 4 PALMERS - 0800 472 563 - www.palmeragriparts.co.nz - 34 Robinson St, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton
www.guardianonline.co.nz
3
Helping raise the profile of hazelnuts Michelle Nelson
RURAL EDITOR
A
rable farmers are not the only ones hit by the wet autumn – nut growers also found themselves up against the weather. Ashburton hazelnut growers Les and Linda McCracken were lucky to get half their crop in before the April rain set in, and the remainder of the crop later in the season. “If you get them out of the rain they dry reasonably well, but there’s always a bit of a question mark. “The longer they take to dry the more chance there is of mould further down the track.” However, the McCrackens are aware of other growers further south who will probably not get this season’s
harvest in at all. Despite the adverse conditions, the McCrackens still managed to double their harvest. “Most orchards in Canterbury would have got twice as much as last year – but that is more to do with the maturity of the trees,” Mr McCracken said. “Most of the trees were planted between about 2003 and 2006 – so they are all about the same age, and they should be producing more each year. “We got hit with a couple of hail storms three or four years ago which we reckon put the trees back at least a couple of years in terms of the cropping. “Even though the trees are about 10 years old, they are effectively behaving as a tree would at about seven years.” The internal shelter on the McCracken grove is Italian alder, the north west protection is crow’s nest poplar and the southern is Leyland Cyprus. The best of the McCrackens trees are about three metres
tall and will get to five metres. “That’s another thing we’ve learned – we were advised to plant the shelter and crop trees at the same time. We think that’s just rubbish,
because the trees are quite sensitive to wind, it might appear you’ve gained two or three years, but you actually lose them because the trees don’t do much until the shelter
comes up. “If we did it again we wouldn’t plant the crop trees for three years, maybe even four, after the shelter went in. Continued on page 4
Les McCracken examines a hazelnut catkin which will develop into next season’s crop.
FODDER BEET HARVESTING
Call Mitch to tend to all your rural electrical needs
Jacob Holdaway Contracting Ltd
ElectraServe, for everything electrical . . . 24/7 Breakdown Service
Efficient, clean harvesting | Capable of harvesting various row widths Grimme Harvester is well suited to Canterbury conditions
Jacob Holdaway 0274 225 464
www.jholdawaycontracting.com
Dairy Effluent Irrigation Generators Industrial Commercial Residential
the ElectraServe guarantee
Blair Watson, General Manager personally guarantees ElectraServe’s tradesmen’s workmanship. If you are not 100% satisfied with the quality of the work, ElectraServe will put it right . . . every time, or your money back.
a 166 moore street ashburton p 03 308 9008 e service@electraserve.co.nz w www.electraserve.co.nz
COCHRANES
your farm machinery specialist
Farming
2 4
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Helping raise the profile of hazel From page 3 “The biggest issue with hazelnuts is they like reasonably well drained soil – they don’t do well with wet feet. “They don’t like a combination of poorly drained
“
get an explosion of predators. “We don’t spray them, the only spray we use on the trees is a foliar spray, made in Brightwater, for fruit trees – it would be fairly close to being organic. “We only started using that after the hail damaged
will sell a bit over two tonne.” Most of the country’s hazelnut harvest is snapped up for the domestic market, used by bakeries, confection makers or sold raw or roasted. Some is pressed for oil. “It (the oil) has got all the good stuff in it. It’s got a high
You can keep hazelnuts in the shell for about 18 months, but as soon as you crack it, it’s got a life of about two months – and even before that it’s starting to deteriorate
soil in low lying areas in the winter. “You are wasting your time trying to grow them there.” Blight is another problem, particularly if it establishes in stressed trees at planting. “It will do one of two things; it will either kill it or it will slow it down; we cut them out and replace them.” The only other pest that impacts hazelnuts is aphids. “They can knock the trees back, but normally what happens is that you get an explosion of aphids and then two or three weeks later you
the trees to get nutrients in quickly. “The other impact is they can be biennial; they will crop better every second year so if you get a heavy crop it will affect the amount of vegetation that the next crop grows on. All the energy goes into the nuts rather than the vegetation. “The next year’s crop grows on that, so you don’t get as many nuts. “For the past three years we’ve had twice the crop each successive year. Last year we got one tonne and this year we
smoke point and is a higher quality of oil than olive oil. “You wonder why people bother making oil out of olives, because they are only about 15 to 20 per cent oil, whereas hazelnuts are 60 to 70 per cent oil.” New Zealand produces about 75-100 tonnes of nuts annually, but imports 200 to 300 tonne, the bulk coming from Turkey. For biosecurity reasons, nuts cannot be imported in the shell. Mr McCracken says the future of the industry will be
Hazelnut tree.
dependent on marketing. “The issue with any nut is as soon as you take it out of its shell, it begins oxidising and becomes rancid. “Anything coming in from Turkey has taken a month to get here – so it’s not a quality product. “Most Kiwis wouldn’t know what a hazelnut looks like, let
• Ashburton-Christchurch-Ashburton Daily Freight • Ashburton-Timaru-Ashburton Daily Freight • County deliveries to all rural areas • Crane Truck Hire with experienced operators • Container and wool cartage specialists
Locallyowned owned Locally and operated operated and
T
R
A
N
S
P
O
R
alone tastes like, so we have a marketing problem. “We need to educate people about the health benefits and that they are good to eat. “People might have tried them in chocolate, but not many would have tasted a fresh roasted nut, or even a fresh raw nut. “That’s the challenge for the
Proud to be of service to farming and industry in Mid-Canterbury
T
L T
D
Phone 308 4079
Visit our website www.ruraltransport.co.nz
CALL IN AND TALK TO THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW . . . blacklows tradezone ashburton
generators - heaters - waterblasters Refillable C02 Gas Cylinders Suitable for MIG welding, no rental or lease, certified 5kg cylinder 7.5 hours of welding $40 of C02 gas vrs 7.5 hours of welding for $110 of mixed gas. *Based on average costs using an XA200MIG welder, 0.8mm wire C02 gas flow at 6 1/min, ArC02 mix gas flow rate of 8 1/min. Note: C02 can be used at a lesser flow rate.
KERRICK PE 2565
WATERBLASTER ER 2500 psi. 11.4 litre per min. Honda 6.5hp motor.
$1599
+ GST
Come and see our huge range of quality waterblasters in-store.
$242.61
per cylinder+GST
BONUS C02 CYLINDER ADAPTOR Full range of engineering supplies & accessories for all your repairs & maintenance. Kerrick Hot & Cold Waterblasters & Industrial Vacuum Cleaners. Esseti Welders & Accessories. Stockists and distributors of Trailer Equipment. Locally owned & operated family business for 61 years.
ASHBURTON
South Street, Ashburton PHONE (03) 308-3147 Fax (03) 308-1042 Email blacklows@xtra.co.nz
FREEPHONE 0800 452 522
www.guardianonline.co.nz
5
lnuts Healthy hazelnuts
industry, to educate people about the quality of nuts coming into the country compared with fresh nuts. “You can keep hazelnuts in the shell for about 18 months, but as soon as you crack it, it’s got a life of about two months – and even before that it’s starting to deteriorate.”
• High in energy and packed with numerous essential beneficial nutrients. • Rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic as well as essential fatty acid, linoleic acid that helps lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol. Research suggests a Mediterranean diet that is plentiful in monounsaturated fatty acids may help to prevent coronary artery disease and strokes by promoting a healthy blood lipid profile. • Rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals and numerous health promoting phytochemicals, attributed with helping protect against diseases and cancers. • High in folate, which is a unique feature for the nuts. 100 g fresh nuts contain 113 µg; about 28 per cent of recommended daily intake of this vitamin. Folate is an important
•
•
•
•
vitamin that helps prevent megaloblastic anemia and most importantly, neural tube defects in foetuses. An excellent source of vitamin E; contain about 15g per 100g – 100 per cent of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals. Free from gluten and therefore can be used in the preparation of gluten-free food formulas for glutensensitive, wheat allergy, and celiac disease patients. Packed with many important B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), and folates. Good source of minerals like manganese, potassium,
calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium. • Can be used as a moisturiser, used as a carrier oil in traditional massage therapy or aromatherapy.
BUILT SMART, BUILT TO LAST , CUSTOM BUILT FOR YOU! THE CHOICE IS YOURS… • 6” row spacing
• Oil cooler/heat exchanger
• Drilling widths – 3m, 3.5m rigid or 4m, 5m, 6m, 8m,
• Tyre packer
• hydraulic folding to 3m transport width
F DRILL O TH THE MON
S P-D SERIE Air ll ri D r e Pack Seeder
• Various bin options: fertilizer, insecticide and slug bait • Crane options for loading up to 1000kg bags
• Rear tow bar • Hydraulic brakes • Chain harrow bars • Camera in bin • Mud guards • Tail lights/oversize panels
FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE OR CALL IN AND SEE CRAIG AND THE TEAM TODAY! 32 Robinson Street, Ashburton | Ph: 03 308 4094 | 021 861 440 craig@allencustomdrills.co.nz | www.allencustomdrills.co.nz
Smart Fuel Storage Available in 1300, 2300, 4800 and 9500 litre diesel stations Fully Compliant
Minimise fuel theft
Bunded
Also manufacturers of Waste Oil Tanks, Tanks for Adblue and Transportable Tanks
Optimum clean fuel Easy and safe to fill and dispense
Visit our website for a full list of products and features
0800 473 226
www.sebco.co.nz
Proudly made in New Zealand
2 6
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Cast and wind: come on, som Greg Martin
BRASS AND FEATHERS
T
he first you hear is: put put put. It has been a long night of Wilkinson’s irrigator squeaking as it circles and sprays in the paddock behind the Rangitata north side campsite. The whole night you have been waiting for the perfect morning to come, listening to that metallic squeak, and then sleeping again. And now the put put put of someone heading out to the spit in the dark on their quadbike. As they move away, quiet returns and you hear how calm the surf is. Damp air near the sea. The perfect morning. Time to go. Time to join the put put put. Surf casting for salmon is a routine.
Happy camper.
It is all about first light. That means a fun overnight, arriving in the evening for a look at the beach, a chat to Ray and paying your campsite fees, and then a sleep in the tent or back of the truck after a beer whilst working on your gear. In the morning it is dew on the quadbike, and getting down on the beach before its light enough to be able to tie a knot without the use of a headlamp. Some people flick zeddies in the gut. It’s warm. And then you join the line on the shore and get into it. If it is a really good day, a NW drift takes your polished silver ticer glinting out into the swirling water on the edge where the river is in negotiation with the sea. Over and over; cast and wind. The cast is high and long, and rewarding in its own right. The wind back is full of expectation. Come on, something bite. Everyone watching everyone else. Someone hooks up. But it’s just a kahawai. More cast and wind. More watching each other.
Keeping your farm vehicles working
TRACTORS
IRRIGATORS
HARVEST EQUIPMENT
Neumanns Tyres will attend to your tyre requirements anywhere and anytime in Mid Canterbury
197 Wills St, Ashburton Ph 308 6737 www.neumannstyres.co.nz
low pressure
Greener grass, more fertile pastures TM delivers The K-Line Irrigation system right the to er wat the right amount of t cos and ely ctiv effe kly, areas, quic efficiently. 558 Find out more: call 0800 288 z co.n ics. last or visit rxp
• Prompt and efficient service • Very experienced technicians • Competitive price • 24 hour service (After hours callout applies)
availableide nationw
easily moved
www.guardianonline.co.nz
7
mething bite Waves break in front of you. Salt spray on your face. The sky becomes white, and then blue. The sun slips up from behind the horizon. Time to drop your shades from your cap onto the bridge of your
“
The cast is high and long, and rewarding in its own right
nose. More cast and wind, until you can do no more. Time for a break. You hook your ticer onto an eye of your rod and turn towards the quadbikes. You trudge, satisfied. No fish, but, yes, satisfied. “Not much going on.” “Pretty quiet that’s for sure.” They know you, and you know them. But you don’t know names. You don’t know professions, background, age. It’s just not needed. You just know them because you see them here every year, and they
Fighting a fish in the surf.
know you because they’ve seen you land a few too. “Seen any in the gut?” “Nothing today. A few yesterday.” Pour coffee from the thermos. Take the weight off your legs and half sit on the quadbike. Down below you on the line, ticers fired out far,
the line following in an arc that then settling on the sea. Cast and wind. Sip on coffee. Sun warming the skin of your cheeks. Hectors dolphins moving across the mouth out beyond the breakers on their way to Akaroa. Tide pushing in. Prime time.
Sick of the mud?
WINTERING SHEDS
Finish coffee. Pick up rod. Walk down the beach across the sinking shingle and get back into it. Routine. By 10am you have done nearly five hours. No fish taken. Half the fishermen have left to head back to the huts, breakfast, and a snooze.
Put put put away again. Tide pooling full. Best of the morning gone. Getting hot. Most others sitting on bikes, chatting, arms folded. One more session. You pick up the rod again and walk tired back to the sea. Continued on page 8
StructureWise
DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
Improved • Profit
• Cow Comfor t
• Winter Production
• Staff Morale
• Effluent Management
Contact us today for a no obligation quote and see how we can meet your requirements.
CHCH LOCAL (03) 324 3392
0800 115 000
www.structurewise.co.nz
Farming
2 8
From page 7 On your own now. Only fellows watching. Cast, and wind. Then a bump on the line. Mysterious. You check the ticer when it’s in again. Must have been weed. Cast again. Wind. Half way back, a bump again, but this time it sticks. You yank the rod back and it bends hard. Instant brutal weight yanking on the end of the line. People stop their
conversations and dark glasses look your way. A moment later the fish breaks the surface, thrashing silver, big. Twenty two pounds of head-shaking fury. “It’s a salmon!” someone shouts, and you can hear in their voice they’re smiling. Coffee mugs put hastily down. Rods picked up. Some step towards the beach. Meanwhile you hold on. Your heart pounds. You hope. You might even pray. Just this one. Please. Make it stick.
www.guardianonline.co.nz
A few tips for surf casting for salmon 1. Keep your ticers flash. 2. Neoprene waders are more important than anything else. The Canterbury sea is always cold. 3. Use good strong hooks that don’t bend. You may only hook up twice a season. 4. Halfway up the incoming tide is best. 5. Getting distance with your cast isn’t everything. Sometimes the salmon will be at your feet. A freshly caught salmon.
Dawn Parade at the Rangi.
Quadbike fun.
Your Central South Island Labour team. We stand for health services, education, jobs and security for all rural communities.
Glenda Alexander
Candidate for Waitaki | glenda.alexander@labour.org.nz
Steven Gibson
Candidate for Rangitata | steve.gibson@labour.org.nz
Avoid the paper war and be compliant with ease! Track, manage and report your resource consent compliance obligations online. Accountability and transparency Documents centralised online and easily accessible
Gordon Dickson
Candidate for Selwyn | gordon.dickson@labour.org.nz
Email or text message alerts to to the right people and on time Environmental performance improvements Improved relationship with councils Compliance cost decreased Managed legal & financial risk Improve your farming operations to meet industry best-practice guidelines
Call 0800 IRRICON Offices: 159 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton 32 Washdyke Flat Road, Timaru www.irricon.co.nz 0800 IRRICON
Authorised by Tim Barnett, 160 Willis St, Wellington
0276 - CSI ad 124x180.indd 1
17/07/14 18:29
www.guardianonline.co.nz
9
Nitrate loss thumps water at sale time Chris Murdoch
PROPERTY BROKERS
O
nce upon a time all real estate gurus said real estate was about three things: location, location, location . . . in some instances this is still correct but in rural
“
As you can imagine this changes the property’s saleability and its end value considerably
Canterbury the word location has slipped down the list and now we have water, nitrate costs and then location. In fact, I believe nitrate loss
is in front of water. As I say, once upon a time selling rural real estate was all about the irrigation water, source of water, consents and of course DDT levels. Location and soils were also to the fore but now the key words are nitrate and scheme irrigation water. At present we have a property on the market that has scheme irrigation water and a nitrate loss of its own
of 23 N to water – this by itself is not high enough to allow the farm to be dairy farmed in the normal manner as we farm here in Mid Canterbury. However, because it has border dyke scheme water available, this property can apply to the scheme to increase its N levels to a level that will allow it to dairy. As you can imagine this changes the property’s
saleability and its end value considerably but if this farm had its own ground water consent and had not been connected to scheme water and in a red zone then it would be stuck with its nitrate levels it has today. Nitrate loss to water is a serious issue facing all farmers and we have to work our way through it. Having read the issues facing some North Island
farmers about how it is affecting their businesses, I must admit it does worry me just where it’s going to end. In conclusion I guess location, location, location is still in place for lifestyle and residential real estate but now in rural it’s nitrate loss, scheme irrigation water, soils and then location and all four of these things are now firmly set in place and control our values and end uses.
NOW INCORPORATING CHARLIES TAKEAWAYS
In the waste business for 40 years In the waste business for 40 years
Robson Robson Environmental Environmental Services Ltd Services Ltd
Phone (03) 349 8871 Phone (03) 349 8871 robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz robsonenviro@xtra.co.nz
www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz www.robsonenvironmental.co.nz
2 10
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS
Hinds boasts new technology, new adventures
CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS
G
We also supply complete feed mills designed for the small or large farmer so why not start milling your own grain today and benefit from the savings Need a new pencil or centreless auger we stock a large range of grain augering equipment at great prices
Skiold SK2500 Disc Mill.
NDF1324699
rain has become a vital ingredient in the New Zealand dairy industry. Mid Canterbury business PMR Grain Systems which specialises in grain storage, handling and drying has expanded to provide services to cater to the dairy sector. PMR Grain Systems has just secured the dealership for the Skiold brand of disc mills from Denmark. Unlike roller mills which crush or flake grain, a disc mill grinds it. Skiold therefore provides a great option in preparing cattle feed, so farmers can customise to suit their own needs. The disc mills are also ideal for pig and poultry. The SKIOLD disc mill is the result of several years of product development and testing. The object was to develop an all-round mill for grinding grain and crops; and that with low power consumption, quiet running and minimum dust levels. At the same time the mill should allow automatic adjusting of the grinding degree during operation according to the required fineness and structure of the specific feed mixtures for different animal groups or species. Also it was the object to develop a compact mill that fits in easily, even in existing plants. The grinding takes place between two discs consisting of a number of segments produced in tungsten carbide. This is the same material as is used for producing cutting tools in the engineering industry. Thus, quality- and productwise, the SKIOLD disc mill meets all the demands made by today’s largest and most professional animal producers as well as commercial feed millers. PMR also supplies Wakely roller mills from Ireland as well as bulk storage, meal silos and flexible auger feed delivery systems. PMR knows the importance of customer relationships and start with on-site consultation with each customer to find out the specifics of the farms setup. Whether it is a herringbone or rotary milking shed; if there is existing grain storage or if it needs to be added and if the customer wants to use palm kernel or minerals for example. The PMR team will then install and maintain the chosen equipment. PMR strives to install only the best quality equipment, which will last many years and provide optimum performance. ”We want to do the job once and do it right.” Other areas of PMR business involve customers from Auckland to Invercargill. Owner Paul Whitbread, who setup the company eight years ago, has over 30 years’ experience in the grain storage, handling and drying industry; both here and in Britain. Paul started working from home in
MASTER DRIERS • Manual or fully automatic systems. • Master dust extraction increased bushel weight. • Capacities from 1040 ton. • Mobile or static units. • Tractor or electric drive.
Wakely 5TPH Roller Mill.
“
The SKIOLD disc mill is the result of several years of product development and testing
Geraldine and has since relocated to a new purpose-built premises in Hinds. PMR now has 11 staff and is seeking more as there is a consistent demand for it’s services. The inconsistent summers we have had lately have meant there is a greater need for grain-drying in the Canterbury region. PMR can supply all manners of grain-drying systems including hardwood drive-over floors, continuous flow driers and portable batch driers as well as in silo solutions. With season instability a drying system is a good investment for the future proofing of Dairy feed and other crops. Advertising feature
CROP DRYING FANS & CONSTANT HUMIDITY GAS BURNERS Available to match all sizes of fan units. Fully automatic gas fired, with computerised control. Single and double units available.
HARVEST INTERNATIONAL AUGERS PMR are pleased to announce that they have been appointed the sole distributor for the range of Harvest International Augers in NZ. Harvest Augers come in sizes from 8” through to 13” diameter and 32’ long up to 112’ long. Harvest Augers are available with either hydraulic lift or winch lift, swing away hoppers or standard inlet hoppers.
GSI SILOS • Flat bottomed or hopper. • 10 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes. • Can be fitted with stirrers, drying floors and unload systems. • Dairy Feed Systems now available.
Dairy Feed and
Dairy Feed and
Crop Storage Specialists
Crop Storage Specialists
Tel:
03 303 7266 | Web: www.pmr.org.nz Email: paul@pmr.org.nz Mobile: 0274 151 390 Email: dave@pmr.org.nz Mobile: 0275 146 609
www.guardianonline.co.nz
11
Employment contracts need to be signed
Christine Summerville
EMPLOYMENT MATTERS
A
dairy farm worker, Peter Melgers, resigned from his employment giving no notice, and he failed to vacate his farm accommodation for three months after his employment ended. In response, the employer Howard Gower, deducted the value of Mr Mergers’ notice and a contribution to the rent from the final holiday pay he was due. Mr Melgers raised a personal grievance challenging whether the deductions were lawful. The first consideration of the Employment Relations Authority in these circumstances is always the agreed terms of employment. The Employment Agreement, which both
parties had signed, included an annual salary of $50,000, a house at no cost, and a requirement to vacate the house within 14 days of employment ending. The termination clause said one months notice had to be provided stating, “where the required notice is not given, a month’s salary will be paid or forfeited as the case may be”. Although the Wages Protection Act 1983 requires salary or wages to be paid without deduction, the Act provides an exception for lawful deductions with the employee’s written consent. Mr Melgers argued he had not given consent for the deduction, however the Employment Relations authority did not agree. Mr Melgers had signed the Employment Agreement, and this was his agreement to the deduction for failing to give notice. Previous decisions have ruled these provisions are effective in allowing forfeiture of wages when the required notice has not been given. There is however a significant ‘but’ to this.
The provision is only enforceable if it is not used as a penalty but instead reflects a genuine estimate of a loss resulting from the lack of required notice. You can’t recover a sum greater than the loss incurred. Unfortunately Mr Gower did not provide any evidence to demonstrate he suffered a loss, and as a result the Authority concluded the purpose of the deduction was to penalise Mr Melgers, making it unlawful. The authority then needed to consider the deduction for the rent that had not been paid. Ultimately it was decided to be irrelevant in determining the entitlement to holiday pay. For the 14 days after the end of Mr Melgers’ employment there was no obligation to pay rent as the Employment Agreement allowed him to remain in the accommodation. Thereafter the matter was an issue outside of the employment relationship and therefore not under the authority’s jurisdiction. It was a matter for the Tenancy Tribunal. It is a relief to know the
WE’LL SEE YOU RIGHT
DARE TO COMPARE Delivery Mid Canterbury
Plans for Council Consent
3 BAY LEAN-TO FARM SHED Bird proof
Our every day price for kitset Shed illustration only
SHED 1 - 10.8X6M
?$4,300
SHED 2 - 13.5X6M
.00
• 2.4M Back Height • 3.0M Front Height • 3.6M Bays • 6M Deep • H5 Hi Strength Poles • 0.9 kpa Snow Load • High Wind • 0.4 Zincalume Steel
?$5,500
.00
+ GST
+ GST
• 3M Back Height • 3.6M Front Height • 4.5M Bays • 6M Deep (Clear span) • H5 Hi Strength Poles • 0.9 kpa Snow Load • High Wind • 0.4 Zincalume Steel
SHED 3 - 13.5X9M
?$7,600
.00
+ GST
• 3M Back Height • 3.6M Front Height • 4.5M Bays • 9M Deep (Clear span) • H5 Hi Strength Poles • 0.9 kpa Snow Load • High Wind • 0.4 Zincalume Steel
Call Helmack ITM today on 307 0412 or email helmack.itm@xtra.co.nz 92 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone 307 0412 Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5.30pm; Sat 8am - 12noon
Tenancy Tribunal did order Mr Melgers to pay the rent for the period he was not in employment. In the end the authority concluded the holiday pay had been unlawfully deducted and ruled the employer to repay $1523.05 plus interest. Important lessons from this case for employers – have signed Employment
Agreement that specifies when deductions can be made, and ensure there is also a signed service tenancy in place. Chapman Employment Relations provides employment law and human resourcew advice exclusively to employers. Any questions regarding this column can be e-mailed to christine@chapmaner.co.nz
2 12
Farming
Water management
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Join the SMART irrigation journ SMART Irrigation is a new initiative from IrrigationNZ to ensure future irrigation in this country is sustainably implemented and managed.
I
t’s a first for New Zealand’s irrigation community and feedback to date - from all quarters - has been universally positive. So what does it mean for farmers in Ashburton District? The SMART framework (which stands for Sustainably Managed, Accountable, Responsible and Trusted) boils down to three simple steps. Following these steps will help irrigators better manage their environmental footprint.
To be a SMART irrigator you need to: Design irrigation systems to industry standards and codes of practice 1. Annually check your irrigation system is performing as it should, and; 2. Justify the reason for applying irrigation. In essence, we’re asking you to maximise water use
efficiency, regularly evaluate your system and be on top of technical and environmental issues before they arise. Sounds good in theory, but how do irrigators get started
programmes. These set industry standards and codes of practice for areas such as irrigation design, farm dairy effluent system design and water measurement.
farming operation is up to speed with farm systems and procedures. This can be a constant battle with other pressures on-farm and when staff are coming
IrrigationNZ has developed the ‘Irrigation Operator and Manager’ training workshop. Aimed at farm staff managing and using irrigation on a daily basis, the one-day course is also open to farm owners wanting a quick refresher on the latest irrigation advice with SMART Irrigation? This is where IrrigationNZ comes in. Our education and training resources now support the SMART Irrigation framework. From here on in, any course, workshop or seminar you attend with IrrigationNZ will have a SMART Irrigation component. The SMART Irrigation framework aligns with IrrigationNZ’s accreditation
Further information on IrrigationNZ’s training or accreditation programmes can be found at www.irrigationnz. co.nz and full details of the SMART Irrigation framework – including profiles of SMART irrigators across New Zealand – are available on www.smartirrigation.co.nz Irrigation Workshops Return
A perennial issue is making sure everyone within a
and going. Throw into the mix changing regulatory requirements affecting the farm environment and an investment in regular training makes sense. If you’re irrigating, it’s even more important that your team knows what they are doing. New consenting and compliance requirements, technology and environmental
policies now require specialist skills and knowledge by those operating irrigation. With this in mind, IrrigationNZ has developed the ‘Irrigation Operator and Manager’ training workshop. Aimed at farm staff managing and using irrigation on a daily basis, the one-day course is also open to farm owners wanting a quick refresher on the latest irrigation advice. Two workshops have been scheduled for Ashburton on October 9 and 10. Combining classroom learning with in-the-field application, the one-day workshops are both practical and interactive. Comprehensive resources are provided at the end of the day for further reference and learning. “The workshops take you through the fundamentals of high performing irrigation. Participants leave knowing the core knowledge and skills to help streamline irrigation procedures so problems
Water management
www.guardianonline.co.nz
13
ney for future proofing can be minimised and farm profitability maximised,” says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis. The workshop is run as four modules including Irrigation Regulation, Scheduling, Operation and Maintenance, and Calibration.
For more information visit www.irrigationnz.co/nz/ events-and-training or phone IrrigationNZ on (03) 341 2225. The Irrigation Operator and Manager Training workshops have been designed by IrrigationNZ with support
from DairyNZ, Primary ITO, ANZ Bank and Agstaff.
Second year of Great Irrigation Challenge The Great Irrigation Challenge returns to Ashburton in early October – offering 16 workshops
addressing issues and concerns relevant to local irrigators. IrrigationNZ – with the support of principal sponsor Aqualinc – created the inaugural event last year following requests for shorter, more practically-focused
Workshop participants take on board ideas to become smarter irrigators.
TOUGHDURABLE
SMOOTH UNIFIED POLYURETHANE COVER AND LINING
POLYURETHANE LAY FLAT HOSE • Excellent abrasion resistance and superior tensile strength • Unique continuous extrusion lengths up to 350m • Longer service life – been in use in New Zealand for 30 years • Ultra violet resistance
• 10 year pro rata warranty
Range Street, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton Phone (03) 308 6022
Street, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton - Phone (03) 308 6022 Range Range Street, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton Phone (03) 308 6022 office@raymayne.co.nz | www.raymayne.co.nz
workshops addressing specific irrigation challenges. This year’s event, at the Hotel Ashburton on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 October – will see expert presenters from around New Zealand outline the latest technical, environmental and best practice advice for irrigators. IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis says the Great Irrigation Challenge has been put together as a one-stopshop for those looking for new ideas, technological solutions and advice. “We’re really hoping to see more Mid Canterbury farmers this year.” With a new regulatory framework, particularly around nutrient budgeting, local farmers need to be up to speed with the latest requirements affecting irrigation. The Great Irrigation Challenge offers 16 workshops addressing regulatory change, technological developments, system and maintenance issues and future sustainable concerns. Continued on page 14
2 14
Farming
From page 13 “There’s something here for everyone,” says Mr Curtis. The event, which is also supported by ANZ Bank, Environment Canterbury, Nelson Irrigation and EECA, is open to anyone with an interest in irrigation, but specifically targets irrigating farmers, farm staff who operate and manage irrigation systems, irrigation scheme members and irrigation service and industry representatives. Participants can attend one or more workshops over the two days as four concurrent workshop streams will run. All workshops are strongly practical and interactive and will be convened by specialist presenters. The Great Irrigation Challenge workshop schedule is available on www. irrigationnz.co.nz/training but here’s a taste. Choosing Sprinkler Technologies – an overview of sprinklers on the market, different applications and design options, alongside value comparisons. Presenter Tony Shepley.
Water management
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Farm Environment Plans – Understanding risk from management practice and environmental perspectives. This workshop will review a case study and participants leave with the latest IrrigationNZ Farm Environment Plan template.
“
All workshops are strongly practical and interactive and will be convened by specialist presenters
Presenter Sue Cumberworth. SMART Irrigation Essentials – an overview of the SMART Irrigation framework and the critical components of irrigation – soil, plants and climate. How to pull it all together to schedule irrigation. Presenter Dan Bloomer.
RAINER IRRIGATION - SUPPORTING YOU WHEN THE WEATHER ISN’T... RAINER IRRIGATION – EVERYTHING COVERED...
10 Robinson Street, Ashburton P: 03 307 9049 F: 03 307 9047 E: rainer@ashburton.co.nz
Visit our new website www.rainer.co.nz
Water management
www.guardianonline.co.nz
15
Winter a key time to minimise nutrient loss Article by environment cAnterbury Now that winter has us firmly in its grip, everyone working on farms should take extra care to minimise nutrient loss and wastage. Paddocks are stocked more intensively in winter and as a result, nitrogen (from urine) and phosphorus (from dung) is likely to be elevated in the soil. Having stock grazing in wet and cold conditions also
leads to increased soil erosion and pugging as plant growth is minimal. With winter crops yielding more, greater numbers of stock can be fed which increases the risk of nutrient loss particularly on clay downlands and stony soils on the plains. If you see water flowing off your paddocks, this may be carrying away valuable soil and nutrients. It’s time to think about how to manage these areas to prevent this loss,
The winter grazing of fodder beet provides a high-yielding feed for both on and off-grazed stock, provides a balanced diet and reduces urine deposits
to reduce costs and improve profitability. Phosphate is lost mainly through soil via overland flow while nitrates are lost mainly by leaching through the root zone. To state the obvious, it costs money to buy and spread fertiliser, and your soil generates crucial farm income by growing grass and retaining moisture.
Reducing nutrient losses • Make sure you are using appropriate paddocks for winter feed crops. Select paddocks where runoff can be reduced or managed, the soil has minimal leaching potential, there is no subsurface drainage. No waterways should flow through or adjacent to the paddock. A good supply of reticulated water is essential. • Erosion losses can be reduced by cultivating winter crops along the contour to reduce runoff, grazing from the top of a slope and using the crop as a filter for sediment and dung, as well as having a reasonable vegetated buffer
Feed pads and indoor cow barns are the most effective means of reducing nutrient loss.
or riparian strip between the crop and the waterway. Stock should be kept off paddocks and critical source areas in wet conditions, and use on-off grazing to reduce the density of urine patches. • Feed pads, indoor cow barns and stand-off areas are the most effective means of reducing nutrient loss while improving feeding efficiency. Make sure you keep stock off land that has already been grazed. • However winter grazing
is managed, additional nitrogen and phosphorous will accumulate in soils, which can be taken up by actively growing plants. Some farmers have successfully sown crops such as short rotation ryegrasses or oats which grow in cooler soil temperatures. These are sown as soon as possible after stock have grazed the main winter feed crop. • For more advice talk to a Land Management Advisor – call Environment Canterbury Customer Services on 0800 324-636
Money available for restoration projects
A step in time: A wetland on Fraser McKenzie’s farm has been fenced off and planted, with Environment Canterbury paying for materials and trees.
Article by Ashburton Zone committee Farmers walking their properties this winter should think about wetlands and waterways they would like to protect and plant, with funding help from Environment Canterbury. Ashburton water management zone committee
chair Donna Field said enquiries were coming in from landowners about their eligibility for Immediate Steps – which is still available for projects in the Ashburton area which would benefit water quality. So far, almost $300,000 had been allocated towards fencing off about 23 km of waterways and wetlands plus planting 21,000 trees, shrubs and grasses covering 11 hectares.
Across Canterbury, $3.5 million had been invested in biodiversity from the Immediate Steps fund, with $2.8m still to be spent. Farmer Fraser McKenzie of Limestone Creek in the upper Hinds catchment has picked up one Immediate Steps grant and successfully applied for a second towards the cost of fencing wetlands and buying plants. He will cover the cost of ongoing maintenance.
“Protecting wetlands and streams will be essential under new water quality requirements,” he said. “This softens the blow a little.” Donna Field said works eligible for grants went above and beyond existing requirements, for example a decent buffer would be required if fencing a stream. While farmers might be busy in spring, they should start planning future
programmes or use funding to buy plants or fencing then employ a contractor to do the work. Those farming in the foothills could hold off until spring, otherwise autumn was a good time for planting. • To find out what help is available under the Immediate Steps programme contact senior biodiversity officer Jodi Rees, 027 225 6396 or email Jodi.rees@ecan.govt.nz
Farming
2 16
Water management
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Reviewing your on-farm water needs
P
ressure is now on to reduce the amount of water allocated and to improve water quality. Environment Canterbury need to claw back water allocation from existing consent holders in order to address the over-allocation of water resources.
This means that when it’s time to renew irrigation consents, ECan will be looking for opportunities to reduce your seasonal volume. At consent renewal time, you will need to prove how much water is required for your farm. To do this properly you’ll need the following irrigation data:
• Accurate and continuous water meter data. • Continuous soil moisture monitoring records – at least once-a-day measurement. • Good quality rainfall records. • Good records on the area of land actually irrigated. • Secure and reliable data
storage. Good numbers are no use if you can’t find them later! • Expert interpretation of the data and IRRICALC modelling of future water requirements. Using soil moisture probes and real time data to help with irrigation decision-making will also help reduce nutrient
losses, not to mention improve productivity and reduce costs! Telemetry is the cheapest way to reliably collect, check and store water meter data. Telemetered water meter and soil moisture data is the best way of managing irrigation on a day-to-day basis to achieve optimal production, ensure you stay compliant with consent conditions and minimise nutrient losses. These benefits are easy to understand, but what is not so obvious is the importance of the data collected. Data is needed to prove that what’s happening on-farm is appropriate. It is no longer sufficient to be a good farm manager; you also need to demonstrate it. “Show me the numbers!” Without them, how will you justify your water allocation or prove you’re doing your bit to improve water quality? For help with your water data, contact Cindy Lowe (c.lowe@aqualinc.co.nz) or Cargill Henderson (c.henderson@aqualinc.co.nz) at Aqualinc. Advertising feature
Irrigation Pump Sheds/Storage
IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS
These sheds are made to be easy to install with the middle piece of roof iron having been left off for easy Hiab onto your concrete pad. A 50mm overhang has been allowed to fit over your concrete pad so that you have no leaks. There is hex bird netting over the ventilation gap across the front. Made from quality H3 94x47 framing timber and finished with either zincalume or your choice of colorsteel. Sheds can be made standard or to your individual requirements. All sheds are made to order and individually priced - large & small we make them all!
resource consent applications and compliance reviews water meter datalogging, telemetry and reporting soil moisture monitoring water meter installation certification dairy effluent irrigation design and troubleshooting effluent storage requirements OVERSEER analysis and nutrient budgeting ®
irrigation system design and troubleshooting
Adams Sawmilling Co Ltd - Your local timber and firewood merchants -
Malcolm McDowell Drive, Ashburton Ph (03) 308 3595 Fax (03) 308 5649
SMITHS
WELLDRILLING
Domestic, Dairy Stockwater and irrigation wells Supply & installation of pump systems For a non obligation on site consultation, contact:
Aqualinc Research Ltd
Barry Kewish Ph 03 324 3799 or 027 433 8245
CHRISTCHURCH Neal Borrie 03 964 6521 / ASHBURTON Matt Bubb 03 307 6680 / HAMILTON Greg Barkle 07 858 4851
www.aqualinc.com / www.myirrigation.info
LIMITED
your one-stop shop for...
Email: smithwells@xtra.co.nz www.smithswelldrilling.co.nz
EST.1961 Member NZDF
Benefits are: No spreading costs No spreading costs Reducing soil compaction, Precision control over where and when 17 Reducing soilarecompaction, Water management nutrients applied Precision control over where and w 0800 337 840 - 0 graeme@fertigatio nutrients are applied
pasture educe carbon ver where d; and is ents.
nd nutrient plans to improve pasture ward and grazing residuals; reduce oil compaction; increase soils carbon www.guardianonline.co.nz vels; provide more control over where nd when nutrients are applied; and is n efficient way to apply nutrients.
0800 337 840 276 246 750 graeme@fertigation.co 20 Hoskyns road, 1375 Springs Road, Linc
Remedying run-off risks
T
0800 080
he variable nature of the Precision VRI system. hill country land makes By reducing irrigation to the 276 2 irrigation management south-facing slopes, hill-tops grae more challenging than the and excluding the swampy flat landscapes that many of valley floors 27 per cent less 1375 the irrigation systems were water was applied. initially designed to irrigate. The natural variability Land with a majority area of soil depth, drainage of slopes between 16° and 25° characteristics and effective is classified as hill country, available water holding accounting for 37 per cent capacity (AWC) in hill country of New Zealand’s total land environments means that area, which is increasingly under uniform irrigation some being converted from dry areas will be under-watered land to irrigation. Run-off and other areas will be overis a significant risk, both watered. Areas that are overover the surface of the land watered can result in drainage and subsurface flow, when or run off. irrigating these slopes. The trials show VRI – call us Fertigation Pump specials for the next 6that weeks Best management practices addresses this problem as Fertigation the 6 – Fertigation Pump Pump specials specials for for irrigation the next next can 6 weeks weeks – call call us us to to fi find nd can be followed and new be applied technologies applied to variably to maintain the Lindsay’s Precision VRI (variable rate irrigation) can help improve management of irrigation on efficient Fertigation is an method todeficit improve the efficiency of correct soil moisture steeper slopes, mitigating run-off and saving water. Fertigation Pump specials for the next 6 weeks – call us to find Fertigation is an effi cient method to Fertigation is an effi cient method to irrigation and reduce run-off. for the whole area. fertilise crops,saving saving time and money fertilise crops, time and money Fertigation an effi cient and effective Beginning is with simply Precision VRI technology layerand is defined as trials conducted in North (VRI) couldcrops, be used to fertilise saving time and money Fertigation is an (limiting efficient effective while improving yields. cient assessingFertigation your farm and is an aeffi was developed in New Zealand while improving yields. layer which and impedeseffective water Otago, the results of both mitigate against run-off while improving yields. Fertigation is an efficient method to wayidentifying to fertilise crops, saving time and irrigated areas way to fertilise crops, saving time and by the team at irrigation Precision Fertigation works with existing uptake by plant roots). are available from the occurring from high-risk Fertigation works works with with existing existing irrigation way to fertilise crops, saving time and Fertigation irrigation fertilise crops, saving time and money which have a medium to high Irrigation and is available The Sustainable Farming Irrigation NZ website. The areas. systems. systems. Fertigation is an effi cientyields. and effective money while improving yields. Fertigation money while improving Fertigation systems. money while improving risk of run-off. while improving yields. through Zimmatic Irrigation Fund – Hill yields. Country Fertigation final document outlining the The trials involved retroThe two critical factors way towith fertilise crops, saving time dealers. For more information Systems works with existing Irrigation Projectirrigation aims to and guidelines will be published fitting a 490m centre-pivot Fertigation works with existing irrigation Systems works existing irrigation Systems works with existing irrigation Benefi ts are: contributing to the risk of about variable rate irrigation produce a set of guidelines later this year. with Lindsay’s Precision VRI Benefi ts are: Benefi ts are: systems. money whiletoplans improving yields. Fertigation and nutrient to pasture and nutrient plans to improve improve pasture The trials in North Otago, are slope angle, visit www.precisionirrigation. and run-off nutrient plans improve pasture No spreading costs for irrigating hill country technology. No spreading spreading costs No costs co.nz or contact your local surface condition and the grazing Systems works with existing irrigation sward and residuals; reduce landscapes. led by Carolyn Hedley Water was also saved Reducing soil compaction, sward and grazing residuals; reduce Reducing soil compaction, sward and reduce Benefi ts are: depth of soil,grazing or the depth residuals; Reducing soil compaction, Zimmatic dealer. The included a (Landcare Research), showed through varying irrigation Precision control over where and when and nutrient toproject improve pasture lunch for those who bring this advert with them soil compaction; increase soils carbon Precision control over where andin when soil compaction; increase carbonthat variable rateFree of soil to a limiting layer plans Advertising feature No spreading costs literature reviewsoils and field irrigation to different land units using Precision control over where and when
Do you want your nitrogen spreading to look like this
gra 20
Do you want your nitrog Fertigation Profi t from Sustainability Fertigation spreading to look like th Profit from Sustainability Or this
Profit from SustainabilityFertigation
Fertigat m Sustainability Or this Visit us at Site 441 to find out more
soil compaction; increase soils carbon sward grazing residuals; reduce levels; provide more control where levels; and provide more control over over where evels; provide more control over where soil compaction; increase soils carbon and when nutrients are applied; and and when nutrients are applied; and is is and when nutrients are applied; and is levels; provide more control over where an effi cient way to apply nutrients. an efficient way to apply nutrients. and whentonutrients are applied; and is an efficient way apply nutrients. an efficient way to apply nutrients.
nutrients nutrients are are applied applied
Reducing soil compaction, are applied12-14 Feb 0800 Going tonutrients Southern Field –0800 site 441840 -- 0276 337 840 Precision control days over where and0800 when 337337 840 840 0800 337 0276 nutrients are applied
276 246 750 276 2460800 750 337 840 graeme@fertigation.co.n 0800 337 840 graeme@fertigation.co.n graeme@fertigation.co.nz graeme@fertigation.co.nz 276 750Lincoln, 20 Hoskyns road, Rolles 1375 Springs246 Road, Ca 20 Hoskyns road, Rolles 1375 Springs Road, Ca 0800 337graeme@fertiga 840 840Lincoln, 0800 337 - 0276 2 graeme@fertigation 276 246 750 graeme@fertigation.co.n 20 Hoskyns roaL 1375 Springs Road, graeme@fertigation.co.nz 20 Hoskyns road, Rollest 1375 Springs Road, Lincoln, Can
Fertigation Pump specials for the next 6
Don’t let Do you want nitrogen Fertigation is anyour efficient method t spreading toyour looknitrogen like thisand mo Do you want another fertilise crops, saving time effective spreading to look like this while improving yields. season ime and Fertigation works with existing irri go down systems. s. Fertigation Fertigation Profi t from Sustainability gation the drain. Or this Fertigation Benefi ts are: Profi t from Sustainability Visit us at Site 441 to find out m e pasture Orcosts this No spreading 0800 337 840 • 0276 246 750 • www.fertigation.co.nz graeme@fertigation.co.nz 20 Hoskyns Road, Rolleston
Fertigation Fertigation Pump Pump specials specials for for the the next next 6 6 weeks weeks – – call call us us to to fi fin n
reduce ls carbon over where ed; and is rients.
It may be wet now, but in a few months it could be another story. Precision VRI (Variable Rate Irrigation) could really help when your irrigation water quota is at a pinch.
Fertigation Pump specials for the next 6 weeks – call us to fin Fertigation is effi method to Fertigation is an an efficient cient method to
Fertigation Fertigation is is an an effi efficient cient and and effective effective way to fertilise crops, saving time way to fertilise crops, saving time and and Fertigation is an effi cient and effective money while improving yields. Fertigation while improving yields. Fertigation Trials money show savings of up to 27% on dairy and cropping farms are realistically achievable. Why? Because way to fertilise crops, saving time and Systems works with existing Systems withsprinkler existing irrigation irrigation Precision VRI controlsworks every individual money while improving yields. Fertigation and nutrient to improve pasture allowing you to irrigate whereplans it is needed. water and nutrient plans toThe improve pasture saved can then be distributed to other parts of the Systems works with existing irrigation sward and grazing residuals; reduce and farm sward that could do with a grazing drink. Water is residuals; saved through reduce matching irrigation to soil characteristics, and avoidingsoilspasture and nutrient plans to improve soil compaction; increase carbon soil compaction; tracks, drains or unproductive land. increase soils carbon sward and grazing residuals; reduce levels; provide more control over where provide over where Find levels; out how much you could more save goingcontrol down the soil drain by talking to your Zimmatic by Lindsay compaction; increase soils carbon and when nutrients are applied; and and when nutrients are applied; and is is dealer today or by visiting our website. levels; provide more control over where an an effi efficient cient way way to to apply apply nutrients. nutrients. and when nutrients are applied; and is an efficient way to| 0800 apply nutrients. www.precisionirrigation.co.nz 438 627 0800 ™
fertilise fertilise crops, crops, saving saving time time and and money money while improving yields. while improving yields. Fertigation is an efficient method to Fertigation works with existing irrigation Fertigation works withtime existing fertilise crops, saving and irrigation money systems. systems. while improving yields. Fertigation works with existing irrigation Benefi Benefits ts are: are: systems. No spreading No spreading costs costs Reducing soil compaction, Reducing soil compaction, Free for those who bring this ts are: Free lunch lunch Benefi for those who bringover this advert advert in in with with them them 08 Precision control 0 Precision control over where where and and when when No spreading costs nutrients are applied nutrients are applied 27 Going to Southern Field days 12-14 Feb – site 441 Reducing soil compaction, Southern Field days 12-14 Febin – site FreeGoing lunchtofor those who bring this advert with441 them g 337 840 Precision control over where and0800 when 0800 0800 337337 840 840 gr 0800 337 840 -- 027 027 276 246 750 276 246 750 graeme@fertigation.co graeme@fertigation.co Going tonutrients Southern are Fieldapplied days 12-14 Feb – site 441 graeme@fertigation.co.nz 2 13 graeme@fertigation.co.nz
Reducing soilbring compaction, Free lunch for those who this advert in wit Precision control over where and are applied Visit us at Site 441 to find out more Going tonutrients Southern Field days 12-14 Feb – site Visit us at Site 441 to find out more
20 Hoskyns road, Roll 1375 Springs Road, Lincoln, 20 337 Hoskyns road, Roll 1375 Springs Lincoln, 0800 840 Road, 0800 337 840 - 0276 276 246 750 750 graeme@fertigation.co 750 •• www.fertigation.co.nz www.fertigation.co.nz graeme@fertigation.co.nz 20 20 Hoskyns road, Rolle 1375 Springs Road, Lincoln, C 20 Hoskyns Hoskyns Road, Road, Rolleston Rolleston
0800 840 0800 337 840 •• 0276 0276 246 246 337 840graeme@fertigation.co.nz •337 0276 246 750 • www.fertigation graeme@fertigation.co.nz graeme@fertigation.co.nz 20• www.fertigation.co.nz Hoskyns Road, Ro 0800 337 840 • 0276 246 750 graeme@fertigation.co.nz 20 Hoskyns Road, Rolleston
2 18
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Hybrid maize contracting attention A newly developed hybrid maize variety, which has been grown in trials on a number of farms, has delivered amazing results this season. CX7-S8’s genetics are new to New Zealand and to date it has been a stand out performer. The hybrid will be continuing its product development phase throughout 2014 with ongoing evaluation of its agronomic characteristics and regional suitability. CX7-S8 is just one of a range of hybrids that Corson Maize Seed is excited about introducing to New Zealand maize growers. It has come about because of the diversity of maize genetics that the company is able to access. Having a wide range of international breeding partners enables Corson Maize Seed to evaluate hybrids from a wide variety of germplasm. “We are adding hybrids, with features and characteristics never before
seen in New Zealand, to our current range of high performing silage and grain hybrids,” Corson Maize Seed sales manager Guy Mason said. “We have received a lot of positive feedback from growers about the new hybrids released over recent seasons, and we are looking forward to continuing to introduce new hybrids.” The company undertakes a multi–year research and development programme. This produces commercial hybrids that are rigorously tested for yield performance, yield consistency and agronomic characteristics such as staygreen, lodging and disease tolerance, to name a few. Following the initial testing and evaluation programmes, hybrids enter a pre–commercial phase where they are planted on farms as test paddocks, proxy packs (test areas) or grain strips to provide a broader range of environmental testing. Products continue to be evaluated in Corson
The CX7-S8 maize crop delivered impressive performance, growing over four metres in height, dwarfing agronomist Pieter van der Westhuizen, who stands at 1.85m (6ft 1 inch) tall.
Maize Seed’s research and development programmes during this product development phase in order to add to the overall database of information collected on a
‘And much more from the company that understands meal feeding.’ • • • • • • • • • •
Rotary & Herringbone & Robotic Sheds Feed Systems Molasses’s Systems PKE & Pellet Systems Silos Augers Mills – New Generation – Mineral Dispenser’s Dust kits Air Fluidizer Kits
Contact STEVE WATERS 027 640 1333 EMAIL steve@permbrand.co.nz
www.permbrand.co.nz
hybrid. Having a strong focus on trialling and testing ensures that new genetic material brought to New Zealand is fully assessed in a wide
range of environments and conditions before being released to growers. For more information visit corsonmaize.co.nz or freephone 0800 805 505
dpi 26592/13
NEED A SHED?
ANY SIZE, SHAPE OR COLOUR -NO PROBLEM
115 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton 7700 • Ph (03) 308 9099
2 20
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Time to make a choice John Leadley
D
RURAL COMMENT
oes anyone out there realise we are only two months away from a general election? September 24 provides all eligible residents across the nation with their opportunity to influence the governance of New Zealand. I detect a huge level of complacency! My taxi driver in Auckland recently, when I commented on the plethora of hoardings, asked “What’s that all about”? As I hastily emphasised the huge advantages of living under a democratic system, his response was “I’ve only been here 11 years, and none of them have kept a promise in that time.” I suspect this is not an isolated opinion. Like many, I’m disgusted with the media focus on
personalities rather than the affordability and direction of policies. I’m not interested where John Key or David Cunliffe had their holidays or why Kim Dotcom’s wife flew the marital coop. My vote will be focussed on track record, affordability, team strength, vision and balance. I’m still looking for a manifesto that truly acknowledges our rural based economy. However I’m buoyed by National’s delivery on expansion of irrigation and investment in research and development. A promise kept. The extremism of Russell Norman’s Green Party policy on waterways leaves me cold to the extent I believe he is the most dangerous political party leader in New Zealand. Does he not realise that agricultural production and soil and water sustainability can and do go hand in hand. Just look at our local farming leaders, Slee, MacKenzie, Watson, Ward, MacFarlane and many others. Recent cruising experience
on some of the great waterways of Europe leaves me with little doubt as we watched groups of fisher people, swimmers, and other recreational users utilising bays and canals along some of the most intensive agricultural and industrial valleys of the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Main and other great rivers of Europe.
“
learn. Maybe, just maybe, the recent prestigious award to Environment Canterbury points to a more reasoned approach. As chair Margaret Bazley admitted in her acceptance speech “the change from adversarial management to local community ownership of water management is transforming the approach to
We should not be ignoring rising life expectancy without making provisions to increase the age of entitlement in the next five years
Generations of farmers and factories have lived side by side for hundreds of years and with appropriate enforced legislation fully maintained the health of these great water courses. Remember my 800 year dairy Swiss farm example last month? The way to achieve this is through co-operation and collaboration, not legislation and litigation, something politicians at all levels need to
water sustainability”. Some people are slow learners! I’ve looked in vain for a party genuinely committed to getting more people into ownership housing to address the almost one per cent decline per annum in home ownership in the last six years. Travelling recently with an American couple in their late 20s who were celebrating just having purchased their own
home for US$500,000, was interesting. Photos showed a substantial home on 1500sq metre with five bedrooms and three bathrooms. This couple had financed this purchase with a 15 per cent deposit and 30-year table-mortgage from the government for the balance, locked in at 3.25 per cent per annum for the term. How often have I tried to promote the good old State Advances 3 per cent first home loan of 50 years ago? Oh for an administration that will look longer term at the obvious repercussions for retirees in 40 years’ time with no home of their own and ongoing state dependency! Not what most would wish surely? Maybe if the Labour Party’s thoughts on continued Universal Superannuation at 65 gain some traction, the savings will be better invested in home ownership loan subsidies. We should not be ignoring rising life expectancy without making provisions to increase the age of entitlement in the
• 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
www.guardianonline.co.nz
next five years. Unlike 50 years ago, young folk these days seldom become part of the regular taxpaying workforce till age 21–25, albeit that many have worthy tertiary education requirements. That requires taxpayer assistance and negative equity to government. Is it too much to expect an extra two to five years employment at the opposite end of the employment spectrum on a part time basis at least? If the pension is to remain a universal entitlement at age 65 in 10–20 years’ time overseas experience show change is imperative. Any honest administration should be flagging this now, but the triennial electoral timeframe probably stops this occurring. Winston Peters’ idea of taking GST off some food would be an administrative nightmare, and send a totally wrong signal to prospective parents. I’ve long believed that parenting is a huge privilege
21
to be managed and taken seriously, made very possible with modern contraception. Put simply if you can’t afford to feed and nurture a large family – think again! Herein also is the reason not to expand the food for schools programme. We need more parental responsibility, not less. Why not establish a healthy vegetable garden, involve the family, and enjoy the benefits of fresh healthy food and exercise? Too much like real work for some in this “tech” savvy age, I suspect. And on the issue of migrants, where would Ashburton be on the GPD growth ladder without our diligent migrant workers? Get real NZ First. I fully realise no administration will satisfy every citizen but considering the massive ongoing cost associated with the Christchurch earthquake, I find the current situation of growth opportunity, employment and investment a satisfactory outcome on a
national basis. What is more we have been shown true leadership. Space doesn’t allow comment on all fringe parties – suffice to say the extremism of Harre, Harawira, Craig and Co determines I won’t be wasting my party vote.
As always there is plenty left to work on, particularly in the area of values and benefit entitlements, but so many of our problems emanate from the family unit. As parents we need to be responsible, not only for life today but by being part of the
planning for our children and grandchildren. The way to do this is by an informed vote in September. Don’t miss your opportunity; don’t abdicate the opportunity many of our forbearers gave their lives to preserve.
2014 GENERAL ELECTION - SATURDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
Brent Haywood (027 902 2299) Canterbury & West Coast Field Representative
0800 MR FEED T
A
BL
C
ES
E
(0800 67 3333)
Jason Birchall (021 669 797) South Island Sales Manager
I ISHED S
N
Control your feed nutrition with a targeted blend PRIME BLEND Dry Matter 90% Energy 12.4% Protein 12.4% Fibre 39% Starch 27%
$398 Excl GST & Freight
Per Tonne
SWEET TAP GOLD Dry Matter 90% Energy 12.6% Protein 15% Fibre 39% Starch 23%
$429 Excl GST & Freight
Per Tonne
HIPRO Dry Matter 90% Energy 13% Protein 20% Fibre 26% Starch 25%
$555 Excl GST & Freight
Per Tonne
FRESH BEANS & PEAS
NATURES ROCKET FUEL FOR COWS
The Peas & Beans season is fast approaching, register your interest for this seasons allocations now with James & Son. High in both Energy and Protein, this succulent super feed fits easily into most dairy feeding systems and will offer a great return in milk production through-out those summer months!
D.M % C.P. % DM MJ M.E/kg N.D.F. % DM Oil % DM
13-25% 22-30% 13-14 24% 2%
Supplied in bulk to farm, call Brent or Jason now to secure your allocation.
*All pricing listed are calculated on Commodities purchase to fulfil a certain amount of blended product for sale and contracts. James & Son will always endeavour to keep any changes to these prices to a minimum once all forward commodities product have been sold. We could very well increase the price depending on the open market for these commodities.
2 22
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Domestic waste ongoing concern L
ounge chairs, sofas and rotting animal carcasses are some of the items that have been found dumped in the Pareora River in recent months, prompting the Timaru District Council to install hidden cameras to catch
offenders. Environment Canterbury’s Monitoring and Compliance Area Leader, Jo Field, says the latest cases are not isolated and dumping of domestic waste in riverbeds has been an ongoing concern for the
regional council and the district council. “In the Pareora River alone we have found garden waste and general household rubbish, as well as the more unusual things like sofas and chairs.
“Our message to anyone considering dumping rubbish in this way is ‘don’t do it’. It is not acceptable and we will take action against anyone we can identify.” Timaru District Council’s zero waste advisor, Phil
Burridge, says to date five infringement notices have been issued for a variety of offences. “We’ve had sheep carcasses dumped there. We even had a hot water cylinder in the middle of the river, which is totally unacceptable.” He says some offenders have tried to defend their actions, claiming they were dumping on behalf of someone else and the local rubbish dump was closed.“The dump is no more than 10 minutes drive away from where they’ve been dumping their rubbish in the river. In my mind, it’s just sheer laziness.” Phil Burridge says the camera images are very good and vehicle number plates are clearly visible. He says the cameras capture vehicles arriving with loaded trailers and leaving empty. Environment Canterbury’s Jo Field says it would be cheaper for offenders to take their rubbish to the local dump and pay about $15 to empty a trailer load legally instead of paying a $500 fine for illegally disposing in the riverbed.
SAFER RURAL ROADS
RU RO R AD AL S
Dumped rubbish along the banks of the Pareora River.
The easiest profit-boosting tool you’ll never lay your hands on...
and a finance rate you would.
Right now, get 0%* p.a. finance across our diverse range of Ag Management Solutions. Go with AutoTrac™, a GreenStar™ 3 2630 (GS3) display and a StarFire™ 3000 receiver and you’ll have hands-free guidance in your John Deere tractor, harvester or self-propelled sprayer. Take the next step with GreenStar activations for your GS3 display such as John Deere Section Control, Active Implement Guidance and iGrade™ and you’ll unlock even more efficiency and profitability throughout the year. For these and other Ag Management Solutions, plus limited time 0%* p.a. financing, come in and see us today. Nothing Runs Like A Deere™
Muck off the roads
FARM VEHICLES
SAFER RURAL ROADS
SAFER StarFire™ 3000 Receiver
GreenStar™ 3 Display
Active Implement Guidance
Make sure your tractor or truck doesn’t bring mud onto the road. Mud makes the road slippery and dangerous.
CHRISTCHURCH
DRUMMOND & ETHERIDGE LTD ASHBURTON 832 East St, Ashburton 832 East St 03 307 9911 799 Jones Rd, Rol leston www.dne.co.nz 0800 432 633 www.dne.co.nz 0800 432 633
SAFER RURAL ROADS It’s your responsibility.
799 Jones Rd, Rolleston 03 349 4883
* Conditions apply. Finance available through John Deere Financial Limited to approved commercial applicants only. Offer is based on 25% deposit. Fees and charges apply. If not amended or withdrawn earlier, the promotion expires on 30/09/14. Other terms and rates are available. * Conditions apply. Finance available through John Deere Financial Limited to approved commercial applicants only. Offer is based on 25% deposit and 36 month term. Fees and charges apply. If not amended or withdrawn earlier, the promotion expires on 30/04/14. Other terms
w w w.ashbur tondc .gov t .nz
www.guardianonline.co.nz
23
The game changer Maintenance Service includes: • • • • • • • • •
IF you’re in the forestry, commercial or farming industry, a lot of you will know the legendary, MS 660 saw.
S
ome may know of it as a 066? Leading as one of the best forestry saws in the market, STIHL have now released the all new MS 661C. With leading age technology, the MS 661c is going to be a big hit in all categories of users. A few of the new features are as follows:
• Modern, low emission 2-MIX engine with 1-in4 port technologylower fuel consumption by up to 20%, exhaust emissions reduced by up to 70% • New air filter design with improved HD2 element for improved efficiencyup to 20% longer filter life • Fully electronic M-Tronic engine management system- simplified starting, no manual tuning required, optimum power at all times. • New anti-vibration system for very low vibration levels • New oil quantity control system • Felling and boring sight lines • Tool free filler caps
• Captive bar nuts on sprocket cover This is a big game changer! With capability of 30”+ bars, modern technology and all the in between, we down at STIHL Shop Ashburton are looking forward to the big advantages that this saw has to offer. This month we are also releasing a range of new sprayers for all requirements. These machines will all be in stock from the 1st of August. For all your outdoor power equipment, expert advice and servicing needs, pop on down and see the friendly team at STIHL Shop Ashburton! Right next to CRT
Oil change Winterizing the fuel system Spark plug replacement Air filter cleaning Sharpening lawn mower blades Balancing the lawn mower blade Servicing lawn mower Cleaning the mower Inspecting the lawn mower for more maintenance needs When logging and getting all winters wood ready, I’m sure a lot of you have been making the most use of your saws leading up to winter. A chainsaw service may not seem essential, but if you want to make the most of your machines, it pays to get that annual service done. Keeping your blade sharp is very important. It means that you will have the quickest possible cut, thus increasing efficiency. A properly sharpened blade means that your engine does not have to work as hard, thus it increases your engine’s longevity. All in all, if it has a motor or a generator of reasonable size, whether a mower or an outdoor power tool, we are more than willing to service it to keep you going. STIHL Shop Ashburton, Right into our Outdoor Power Equipment. Advertising feature
M A E T W E N R U O Y COME AND MEET
N O T R U B H S A P O AT THE STEIGHSTLOSFFHA HUGE RANGE OF STIHL GEAR
WE’VE BURNT TH HAND SPRAYER
$29
PACK SPRAYER
$195 MS 661 CHAIN SAW
$2495
* Terms and conditions apply, ask in store for details.
STIHL Shop Ashburton, 418 West Street Ashburton
WINTER SERVICING PROMOTION!
15% OFF ALL SERVICING THIS MONTH OFFER ONLY AT STIHL SHOP ASHBURTON 418 WEST STREET, ASHBURTON
Farming
2 24
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Targeting British lamb consum Rick Powdrell, Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre chairperson, reports.
T
he National Farmers’ Union (NFU) may be Federated Farmers kindred body in the United Kingdom, but it has been leading protests against New Zealand lamb at the Royal Welsh show. The NFU’s target du jour is Tesco’s promotion of free range New Zealand lamb. This comes despite the first six months of 2014 showing that New Zealand is massively under filling its tariff-free quota for sheep meat into the European Union (EU). The NFU’s thinking seems to be if they can take out Tesco, they take out the competition. I fear the collateral damage may end up being lamb consumption. Put yourself in the shoes of a British consumer. You know New Zealand has a lower carbon footprint than British lamb so foodmiles need not apply. Your brain and taste buds agree that it is not only awesome to eat, but
happens to be more than price competitive. That’s made all the sweeter in the knowledge your taxes aren’t going back to farmers via EU subsidies. That’s four big ticks to Kiwi Lamb, but then your heart screams out, ‘what the British sheep farmer saying it’s not fair.’ As you stand before the meat section processing this complicated information, your hand reaches for pork instead. If British sheep farmers demand consumer power, this emotional/economic conflict may benefit anything but lamb. We all lose. What we know is this; lamb is mostly eaten in England and Wales, is less consumed in Northern Ireland and isn’t eaten very much in Scotland. While I am no marketer, I’d stop protesting at the Royal Welsh Show and start promoting lamb in Inverness. What we also know is British lamb consumption has been falling for years, which brings
us back to the consumer dilemma above. This isn’t a conversion to vegetarianism though it is a competitor. Between 2000 and 2012, beef, pig and poultry grew as did total British meat consumption. The problem for British and Kiwi farmers alike, is that lamb consumption fell from 368,000-tonnes in 2008 to 277,000-tonnes in 2012. That is a fall of just under a quarter in a short space of time. Of course money is a factor
because lamb is a premium meat. Being a high end meat, consumers need to be motivated and inspired to buy. With celebrity chefs there is no shortage on television pushing how healthy, tasty and versatile lamb is. This may motivate the consumer until they face the NFU’s Eeyore strategy. While “Buy Local” may appeal to some, it fundamentally relies upon pity. While pity works for charities it cannot work for a premium meat lamb is.
Consumers do not want to feel guilty over what they consume they want to be uplifted by the experience. In New Zealand, we learned the hard way that yes, you do have to hustle. We have no government support so work hard to maximise the Godgiven attributes which makes New Zealand food and fibre sing. Lamb is the affordable luxury and farmers are its craftsman. In this age of homogenised food that’s differentiation but
Boost your soil and stock health! Try West Coast Humates • Boost your soil and stock health • Increase production and quality in yields • Get longer life out of your urea and slow leaching • Boost copper, sulphur, carbon and magnesium plus add many other trace elements to your soil
Ashleys Electronics we are your one stop shop for all your communications and network solutions
LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOUR FERTILISER... Phone Roger now: 03 429 1106 or 03 789 7043
Time for a kitchen upgrade? Jmac Joinery are specialists in: • • • • •
3D design Client packages available Experienced designers and joiners All custom made Choose from a wide selection of finishes and colours
A kitchen to suit everyone’s needs! Talk to our friendly, knowledgeable team to find the best solution for your project!
7 Laughton Street, Washdyke, Timaru Phone 03 688 2725 www.jmacjoinery.com
JJ
MAC OINERY LIMITED
• Mobile, Digital and Industrial Radio • Local & Nationwide Networks • Fleet Management • Data Dispatch
of
MASTER JOINER AWARDS
We are a member of
Providing two way mobile communications For professional advice and competitive pricing
Contact us now Freephone 0508 ASHLEY or 03 684 4988 104 - 108 Le Cren St, Timaru
N
PE
2012
REGIONAL WINNERS
• GPS Vehicle Location • Telemetry Switching • Remote Monitoring • Vehicle Performance Monitoring
W O N
O
REAL MILK
Sold fresh at the farm.
TIMARU Opening hours 7am - 7pm | 7 days a week Stu & Andrea Weir 22 Fairview Road, R.D.2 Timaru 03 684 3913 | 027 221 4552
www.guardianonline.co.nz
25
mers
need to tell the story well. Increasingly we are but there’s a ways to go. Given New Zealand freerange grass fed lamb is completely unsubsidised, British taxpayers don’t pay twice through subsidies or at the checkout. While the NFU was wringing its hands in Wales, a Midlands newspaper more positively ran “Lessons from Kiwis on turning grass into cash.” This is about cutting the apron strings and focusing on that farm engine room we know as pasture. Doing this generates carbon efficiency. New Zealand sheep farmers are producing more meat but off a much smaller flock. This productivity improvement is estimated to have reduced the greenhouse gas footprint in New Zealand lamb by more than 22 percent since 1990. This was not easy nor without pain. As late as 1999, there were over 45 million sheep in New Zealand, but by last year, the national flock numbered just over 30 million. We are cutting our cloth. It is also about opportunity and free
trade, which you can’t get at while you remain subsidised. The ANZ’s Con William’s economist recently told The Southland Times that “China accounted for 30 to 50 per cent of export earnings at the farm gate – up from 10 per cent in 2008 – and was the
second-largest market for New Zealand lamb after the UK.” That deal was only signed in 2008. But you need more by targeting and positively motivating consumers in the media, online and in social media. I seriously
recommend farmers check out New Zealand’s fresh, bold and interactive loveourlamb. co.uk and compared that to the United Kindom’s simplybeefandlamb.co.uk. We now have funk on our side. As for the NFU, it must fundamentally decide if
it wants British lamb to be a player or an also ran. The prize fighter or the journeyman. So instead of ankle-tapping the same side we need to work together and positively grow lamb consumption, not just in Britain, but globally.
Fibre near your property, but out of reach? Talk to our team about using wireless & solar power to connect to the EA networks, Enable or UFB fibre & make the most of lightning fast fibre broadband.
0800 000 945
ultimatebroadband.co.nz
36 Hickory Place, Hornby CHCH P 03 344 5645 Sales Maurice Jordan 0272 607 821 Terry Gordon 0272 60 7820 Service Dave Paris 0272 607 822 Parts Grant Legge 0277 056 837
9a McGregor Lane, Ashburton P 03 307 6031 Sales Terry Gordon 0272 60 7820 Bede Prendergast 0277 066 682 Service Christoph Kalin 0272 607 833 Parts Dave Shaw 0272 607 001
www.jj.co.nz
Farming
2 26
www.guardianonline.co.nz
El Nino is still on the cards, so plann Tony Davoren
“S
HYDRO SERVICES
till on the cards” is an English idiom we all use to describe something that is almost certain to happen. “Grin and bear it” is another English idiom that dates from the days before there was anesthetic and soldiers needing an operation were given a bullet to bite down on while they were carved up. Little wonder it has come to mean “to accept an unpleasant or difficult situation because there is nothing you can do to improve it”. That pretty much sums up the weather really. The climate scientists are confident El Nino weather is still on the cards. If it is we just have to grin and bear it. While we cannot do
Two months of winter down and still little winter weather to “grin and bear”. Other than a little spell of colder weather and the threat of some snow to near sea level in mid-July, there has been threats only. We a month before spring and it is still forecast to be an El Nino spring. anything about it, we can plan for it. El Nino has been predicted since earlier this year to strengthen over winter and persist into spring and early summer.
services. • “The El Nino is definitely on the way for later in the year and we are very confident in the accuracy of our modelling now.”
Climatologists in New Zealand and Australia have been predicting El Nino conditions since February this year:
“
• “Some models have us going into El Nino by July, some a little later, generally all our models are warming up that Pacific Ocean, making things a bit more El Nino like,” Dr Watkins from Australia’s weather bureau’s manager of climate prediction
South Wales Climatologist Agata Imielska. • According to Niwa“The consensus forecast from IRI/CPC indicates that El Nino is the most
Chances for El Nino increases over the following seasons to reach 72 per cent in November – February 2014/15
• The probability at around 70 per cent chance of an El Nino, which will lead to drier and warmer conditions, is very high. In a normal year the chance of El Nino is only 30 per cent, according to New
likely outcome (59 per cent chance) over the June to August 2014 period. Chances for El Nino increases over the following seasons to reach 72 per cent in November – February 2014/15.
Uncertainty remains about the strength of the event if it does fully develop.”
The weekly SOI pattern (Figure 1) shows: • A reversal from La Nina SOI conditions in May and June to El Niño in the first few weeks of July. • If anything can be deduced from the SOI trends El Nino should result in more westerly and southwesterly like conditions. One could make the bold “leap of faith” and conclude – just what we have had and are experiencing for July. The computer models are confirming El Nino is “still on the cards”.
SOMETHING SEPTIC? Well, if it’s not your wife we can help. We provide a fast and efficient service to Mid Canterbury • • • • • • •
Septic tank cleaning all systems Portaloos Dairy saucers and sumps Grease traps Swimming pools Drain cleaning truck 24 hours a day 7 days a week - on call Locally owned and operated
Phone Darryl Burrowes on 03 308 5293 or 0274 333 563
WILCE ENGINEERING •
Emergency Breakdown Service • Certified Welding • Farm Repairs and Modifications • General Engineering • Transport Repairs & Modifications • On Site Engineering • Pirtek Hose and Fittings • 24/7 Callout Service • Earthmoving Repairs Specialist in hydraulic hoses, pipe fittings & coupling. • Manufacturing
WILCE ENGINEE Phone: 022 089 6224
Email: wilceengineerin
Pirtek has grown to become the number one provider of fluid transfer solutions and on-site *EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN SERVICE repairs.*FARM Specialising in hydraulic REPAIRS & MODIFICATIONS hoses,*TRANSPORT pipe fittings & coupling. REPAIRS & MODIFICATIONS It offers *PIRTEK a comprehensive range of HOSE AND FITTINGS fluid transfer solutions, products & *EARTHMOVING REPAIRS services to industries
Call Phill 022 089 6224 | Email: wilceengineering@yahoo.co.nz
*CER
*GEN
*ON *24/
*MA
Call disc eng
PH: 022 089 6
www.guardianonline.co.nz
27
ning is essential If El Nino persists and strengthens through the spring and summer then we will have to “grin and bear it”. From an irrigation perspective what we will not have to “grin and bear” is the availability of groundwater for irrigation.
“
There should be no problems with supply of groundwater for irrigation in the spring and summer
Thanks to rainfall from late February to May when nearly 2/3 of annual rainfall was recorded, groundwater levels are high. There should be no problems with supply of groundwater for irrigation in the spring and summer. Both shallow and deep groundwater levels are exceptionally
Figure 1. SOI trend for 2014 (from weatherzone).
the 2014/15 El Nino when compared to the 1982/83 and 1997/98 El Ninos is very similar; www.stressless.co.nz and • The 1982/83 and 1997/98 El Ninos were www stressless.co.nz We are still of that very strong events. As I have previously mind based on: noted, it’s all about • Our confidence in the planning and awareness. climate models and that El We have been aware and Nino will strengthen; followed the developments • That the pattern of SOI and have planned and the evolution of accordingly. high; eg shallow represented by K37/0398 and deep by K37/0388. Spring is just a month away so will there be an early start to irrigation?
imagine
imagine
feeling completely relaxed
FREE imaginefeeling completelysaving $1,000 LEATHER and imagine...
imagine... Redmonds relaxed saving Furnishing & $1,000 Flooring - Your flooring expert on luxurious comfort UPGRADE Pay Batick prices for
Flooring - Your flooring experts
TILE-MANIA FREE
d to create the perfect floor e, the leading design team onds is who you want.
When you need to create the perfect floor ® for your home, the leading design team STRESSLESS SUNRISE at Redmonds is who you want. NOW FROM ONLY
sale LEATHER UPGRADE Pay Batick prices for
with an excellent range of options les to wood floor and vinyl planks. to co-ordinate colours and texture e best finish look for your floor. monds for your free quote olour consultation today.
$2,599
Paloma leather on selected Stressless® recliners.
25% or MORE
100% MADE IN NORWAY!
off all tiles and stone*
THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST SINCE 1971
Street, Ashburton
| www.redmonds.co.nz
Paloma leather on selected Stressless® recliners.
on luxurious comfort
They provide you with an excellent range of options from carpets to tiles to wood floor and vinyl planks. SAVE $1,000 They will help you to co-ordinate colours and texture Choice of 3 colours and achieve best finish look for your floor. NZ DISTRIBUTOR 3 sizesto in Batick leather. the While stocks last. Redmonds for your free quote Call www stressless.co.nz and colour consultation today.
East to Burnett Street, Ashburton
imagine
Phone (03) 308 5269 | www.redmonds.co.nz
FURNISHINGS | FLOORING | BEDS | CURTAINS
feeling completely relaxed
*For a limited time only, excludes adhesives and tools. Usual conditions apply.
TWH4398-May Sale POS-A1 v4.indd 1
24/04/14 2:40 PM
NZ DISTRIBUTOR
NZ DISTRIBUTOR
100% MADE IN NORWAY!
THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST SINCE 1971
Excludes
accessories. FURNISHINGS | FLOORING | BEDS | CURTA
AUTHENTICALLY DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN NORWAY SINCE 1971
FREE LEATHER
UPGRADE Pay Batick prices for
Paloma leather on selected Stressless® recliners.
NZ DISTRIBUTOR
100% MADE IN NORWAY!
THE ORIGINAL AND THE BEST SINCE 1971
Farming
2 28
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Use your home compost to grow Sheryl Stivens
MASTAGARD ASHBURTON
I
t’s so easy to grow good garlic. The time is right to spread out your compost and make it happen. Start by separating garlic bulbs into individual cloves. Make sure the garlic is not
treated to stop it sprouting. Ideally source some New Zealand organic garlic. Garlic is a hungry crop. The more compost or worm castings and juice from your worm farm that you feed it throughout the growing season, the bigger and healthier your garlic bulbs will grow. To prepare your garlic bed lift your compost bin up so the contents fall out. Replace the empty bin alongside and fork into the now empty bin any fresh composting materials. Then spread out
Do you need help with setting up a worm farm or bokashi bucket? Contact us if you need help. Call 0800 627 824 or email bholley@mastagard.co.nz / sherylstivens@gmail.com. Free monthly compost demonstration. When: Monday 18 August, 1 – 2pm. Where: Eco education centre alongside the Mastagard recycling shed. All welcome. the remaining coarse or fine compost onto your soil. If you use a bokashi compost bucket you can make a fertile bed teaming with worms in a short period of time over several weeks by burying the fermented foodwaste from your bucket in a shallow trench. Plant your garlic on top a week or two later. An upcycled dibble stick makes planting garlic and other seedlings so easy. Find a wooden tool handle or a similar piece of wood and sharpen the end to upcycle your own dibble stick. Use your dibble to poke holes in your soil about 6-8 cm apart and push in garlic cloves.
Get in before it’s too late!
Claim your subsidy for electrical irrigation system upgrades
Make sure the roots are pointing down and the pointy sprout end is up and still poking out of the soil. Plant more rows 10–15 cm apart. If you have a worm farm sprinkle a handful of worm castings between your garlic rows. Cover all with a good mulch of straw and leaves or a combination of both. If you have unsprayed grass clippings sprinkle a layer over top of the mulched bed so the garlic is well covered with 10–20mm of cover. Give your garlic bed a water with diluted worm juice to settle it in. The little green shoots from the garlic cloves will work their way up through the
mulch over the next month or so and the garlic will be ready to harvest in mid summer around the longest day. Try growing your garlic in a recycled plant pot, a bin or tub. There are always lots of choices at the Ashburton or Rakaia Resource Recovery Park. Use your compost or worm castings mixed with 50 per cent soil to fill the container. Plant your garlic in there before covering with leaves or straw. Place the garlic container outside in a cooler damp place where it won’t dry out. Remember, garlic is a cold season crop and doesn’t mind a good chill.
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTING MADE EASY helping our clients achieve EXCELLENT results
to reduce harmonics Only 6 months left!
C O R E S E RCONTRACTING V I C E S MADE EA PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY
peers have recognised this fact for the second year in a row.”
Member of
01
01 3
01
192 Racecourse Rd, Ashburton 03 308 0287 or 0274 832 712
3
2
WI N
WI N
WI N
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTING PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTING MADE EASY MADE EASY
Member of
3
www.laserelectrical.co.nz www.laserplumbing.co.nz
(0800 527 374)
01
Laser Electrical Temuka 44 Vine Street, Temuka
0800 LASER 4 U
WI N
Laser Electrical Geraldine 17 Peel Street, Geraldine
2
Laser Electrical Rolleston 831 Jones Road, Rolleston
24 hour service 7 days a week
the 2nd year in a row Toforachieve this we will always provide “We consider the excellence service, environmentin for all works we undertake workmanship in and are proud our NE NE Environmental Award a professional peers have recognisedwinners Hedge & Stump Removal 192 Racecourse Rd, Ashburton for thefact2nd for year the in a row this manner from our second year in a row.” 03 308 0287 or 0274 832 712 Farm Conversions highly experienced www.granthoodcontracting.co.nz Dairy Tracks - Lime or Gravel R 2 012 R 2 013 “We consider dedicated team the NE NE environment for all of operators and 832 works we undertake 192 Racecourse Rd, Ashburton 03 308- 0287 RD - or 0274WA RD - 712 AWA -A W W management” www.granthoodcontracting.co.nz IN NER 2 IN NER 2 and are proud our 01
Laser Plumbing & Electrical Ashburton 726 East Street, Ashburton
their contracting needs. helping our clients achie Pond Construction and Irrigation Development Hedge & Stump Removal Farm Conversions CORE SERVICES Thecore services Tracks we offer to our clients are: Dairy - Lime or Gravel Pump HireEffluent Pond Design and Construction Pump Hire DairyNZ accredited Wells & Galleries Wells & Galleries Pond Construction and Irrigation Development Bulk Earthworks R ERemoval SERVICES Bulk Earthworks HedgeC&O Stump R 2 012 R 2 013 The core services we offer to our clients are: Sub Divisions NE NE Sub Divisions Farm Conversions ental Site Works ental irNoEWRnAm iroWnAmRD Dairy Tracks - Lime or Gravel Effluent 2 0R1D - and Site vWorks R 2 01Pond n Pump Hi DairyNZ accredited Construction EnvDesign E 2 3 NE A -A Tree Shear W W IN NER 2 IN NER 2 Transportation RD RD Wells & Pond Construction and Irrigation Development - AWA - AWA Transportation W W IN IN R2 R2 their contracting needs.
WI N
027 443 6001
“Grant Hood Contracting Ltd’s
with superior value and a solutionwith to superior value and a solution to
2
Laser Electrical Rural Manager
Environmental Award winners
“Grant Hood Contracting Ltd’s
01
Phil Moore
Phone Phil now and he will take care of everything from a free quote through to final compliance to ensure you get the payout from EA Networks.
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTING and Construction
provide our clients philosophy is to provide our clients DairyNZ accredited Efflphilosophy uentis toPond Design
WI N
If you received a letter from EA Networks requesting that you upgrade your electrical irrigation system to reduce harmonics, you need to talk to us today!
“Grant Hood Contracting Ltd’s philosophy is to provide our clients with superior value and a solution to their contracting needs.
our clients achieve EXCELLENT re The core services we offer toPhelping our clients are: H I L O S O P HP Y H I L O S O P H Y
Bulk Ear
Sub Divi
Site Wor Transpo
www.guardianonline.co.nz
29
your garlic crop
40,000 cows say they prefer a Redpath clear roof shelter … if cow’s could talk
!
T C E R I D Y T U B lands/ CR rm
h Fa g u o r h t r o
N An effective Brian Kirk checks out a worm farm at the composting workshop run by Sheryl Photo Susan Sandys Stivens earlier this month.
ite Built on-s an h for less t w!* co r e p 0 0 5 $
and affordable on-farm shelter system
Graphic Designer
N Multiple flooring options, or build
Advertising Department of a daily paid newspaper
N Designed for Feedpads,
We have a vacancy for a part-time or full-time Graphic Designer to play an integral role in the advertising team for the Ashburton Guardian daily newspaper and other locally generated publications. Our sales people require a clever designer with flair to create successful campaign concepts for our clients. The successful candidate will not only produce accurate, quality work - they will also have the “X” factor when it comes to understanding how to attract attention and create a buying response by our readers. The role also includes the co-ordination, design and layout of editorial and advertising for our feature publications.
The following skills are necessary: • A formal qualification in Graphic Design • Excellent verbal and written skills • The ability to multi-task easily and work well in a team • Prepared to work to tight deadlines • Always prepared to go the extra mile
Applications close August 15, 2014
over existing pads
Standoffshelters or Winteringbarns
N 40,000 cows already enjoy a
Redpath shelter for improved feed control, better pasture quality and protection from poor weather
E H T T BEA ! S N O SEAS
If you meet the above criteria, have the energy and enthusiasm to complement our professional team, please send your resume, with examples of recent work detailing your skills and experience, to:
For Your Free Info Pack Free Ph 0508 733 728 www.redpath.co.nz
Desme Daniels, General Manager PO Box 77, Ashburton 7740 or email desme@theguardian.co.nz
Email: sales@redpath.co.nz * + GST. Conditions apply.
Farming
2 30
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Juvenile mudfish: one of our special, Mary Ralston
FOREST AND BIRD
M
ost people would say trout or salmon if they were asked to name a fish that lived in the Ashburton district. Few would say “Canterbury mudfish” – probably few people even know that the Canterbury mudfish is a local native resident. The Canterbury mudfish, also known as the kowaro, is one of five species of mudfish, and is one of 20 species of indigenous freshwater fish in Canterbury. They look a bit like tiny eels – they are brown with thick skin, have no scales and their stocky bodies are up to 15 cm long. Unlike most native fish (and trout and salmon), mudfish do not migrate out to sea but stay in fresh water for their whole life.
Mudfish are found in swampy lowland habitats such as wetlands and slow-flowing streams and drains. They also like ponds and hollows in amongst forests. These habitats have diminished as farming has intensified and consequently the numbers and distribution of mudfish within Canterbury are greatly reduced. Mudfish are usually nocturnal and so most people have never seen them. The young though do forage in the open water until they are about 30-40 mm long – they look a bit like small, dark whitebait. If you do have mudfish in your drain or water race, only clear out weeds in summer or autumn, not in late winter or spring when they lay their eggs. The eggs are clear and very small – about 2 mm diameter. They can sometimes be seen on top of vegetation in a pond or water race. Mudfish are carnivorous, eating worms, small crustaceans and insect larvae such as mosquitoe larvae. An amazing thing about
mudfish is their ability to cope when their habitat dries up. They are able to lower their metabolism and burrow into the mud to wait out a dry spell. Conditions need to be damp with cover such as tree roots and vegetation. Oxygen is absorbed through their skin rather than taken in from the water through their gills.
“
An amazing thing about mudfish is their ability to cope when their habitat dries up
Although this is a good survival mechanism the strategy is hard on mudfish – by the time water returns mudfish can be in poor condition, with lower breeding success. But this strategy does give them an edge; it means they can live in places few other
IT’S HERE!
ACCESS AX700 2014
$10,430+GST
BRIGHTER
SMOOTHER
LED lights
Independent Rear Suspension
MORE POWERFUL 700cc enough power for dairying
Available at 8 selected agents www.accessatv.co.nz Phone: 03 302 4939 Mobile: 027 616 7166
STRONGER Shaft drive instead of chain drive
fish could cope with. The mudfish and its remaining habitats are a high priority for conservation. Ways of helping the mudfish survive include protecting its remaining habitat from development, ensuring mudfish habitat has adequate and reliable water, and building barriers in streams where they are known to live so that trout and other predatory fish don’t eat them. A project aimed at identifying, prioritising and remediating fish habitat has been established by Environment Canterbury. This will hopefully help our local mudfish and other native fish species. The work will contribute to the goals of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, and the local zone committee, which aims to improve the ecological health of Canterbury rivers. Suggestions from the public are welcomed and can be made to ECan Senior Biodiversity Officer, Donna Lill (phone 027.839.1539 or email donna. lill@ecan.govt.nz).
Mudfish.
NICK’S PETFOOD LIMITED
“We’ve been in the industry for the past 15 years.”
Nick’s Pet Food Ltd buy unwanted animals Cattle Calves Horse’s Goat’s Other Farm animals Please call Nick for more information 0272101621/033489439 or send us an email nick.pacey@hotmail.com
www.guardianonline.co.nz
31
local, native species
SAFER RURAL ROADS
RU RO R AD AL S
Mudfish habitat.
TREE TRIMMING
SAFER RURAL ROADS
Are your trees looking shady?
SAFER
Trees can shade roads and footpaths causing ice in winter. Make sure your trees are not making the road unsafe. SAFER RURAL ROADS It’s your responsibility.
Planning to Accepting Planning to Accepting build for orders NOW Planning to Accepting build forNOW orders for next build for Next Season? orders NOW for next Next Season? for next Next Season? season • Dairy Shed season
• Dairy Shed season Feed Pad •••Dairy Dairy Shed Sheds/Feed Pads Feed Pad Dairy Sheds/Feed Pads ••Dairy Pad •Feed CowSheds/Feed barn Pads Cow barn Cow Barns Cow Barns •••Cow barn Cow Barns Meal Feeding Meal Feeding Meal Feeding Systems Meal Feeding Systems •Meal Meal Feeding Feeding Systems System System System Wewelcome welcome to team We toour ourthe team Now’s the time to start process! We welcome to our Dr Blair Miller team Now’s the time to start the process! Now’sIndependent theTalk time to start the process! Dr Blair Miller Effluent Discharge Consultant to us today! Dr Blair Miller
Talk to us today!
Independent Discharge Consultant Independent Effluent Discharge Consultant TalkEffluent to us today!
From consents to turn-key completion From consents to turn-keycompletion completion From consents tocomplete turn-key REL offers the package REL offers the complete package REL offers package Contact us today to seethe whatcomplete we can offer to grow your business
w w w.ashbur tondc .gov t .nz
Contact us today to see what we can offer to grow your business sales@relgroup.co.nz Southland Representative Contact us today to 567 see what we can(03) offer302 to grow your business 0800 474 Phone 7305 Phone (03) 302 7305 Richard Erwood sales@relgroup.co.nz Southland Representative 0800 474 567 Phone (03) 302 7305 www.relgroup.co.nz sales@relgroup.co.nz www.relgroup.co.nz sales@relgroup.co.nz Southland Representative Phone (03) 302567 7305 567 Richard Erwood 0800 474 Phone (03) 302 7305 0800 474 0272 415 921 www.relgroup.co.nz Phone (03) 302 7305 Richard Erwood sales@relgroup.co.nz www.relgroup.co.nz
0800 474 567 0272 415 921 www.relgroup.co.nz sales@relgroup.co.nz www.relgroup.co.nz 0800 474 567 0272 415 921
Farming
2 32
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Meat is New Zealand’s second largest
C
hina’s taste for hotpot, where meat and vegetables are cooked in a broth at the dining table, has driven a four-fold increase in the price of lamb flaps, turning the offcut into a premium cut and lifting the overall return Kiwi farmers can get from their animals. Lamb flaps, the gristly ends of the ribs trimmed away when the butcher cuts racks and rib chops, used to be considered a cheap cut, retailing for about $US 1.35 per kilogram as little as eight years ago. It has soared 84 per cent to $US 5.84/kg, overtaking shoulder at $US 5.64/kg and narrowing the gap with lamb leg at $US 8.12/kg, based on Agrifax data. In China, the meat is processed into a lamb roll and sliced thinly for hotpot, the dominant cooking style for lamb and a staple of the national diet. Chinese sheepmeat imports nearly doubled to 165,300 tonnes in the 2013 export year as a growing population, higher
incomes and a decline in the world’s largest sheep flock spurred demand for imported protein.
“
The growth in flap has been significant because of the usage and eating styles, but other product forms are now filtering in
New Zealand is China’s largest supplier of lamb, with a 55 per cent market share, as the nation benefits from reducing tariffs under its Free Trade Agreement, according to ANZ Bank New Zealand, the nation’s largest rural lender. “Prices are at their highest point at the moment,” said Murray Brown, general manager of marketing for
Invercargill-based Alliance Group. “It is a very good raw material for their hotpot-type cooking style, more than some other higher valued cuts.” There is limited scope to increase volumes and the focus now is on ensuring the current price can be sustained to avoid an overcorrection, Mr Brown said. “New Zealand needs to be very disciplined in terms of how we manage things like where the lamb flap prices have got to, we want to be able to get it to a level where it can be sustainable. “Prices must be getting to a stage where they will start to plateau.” The rise in demand for lamb flaps has been good for farmer returns. “That lift in demand from China for some of those cuts is actually a huge benefit to the sheep industry because then you are optimising your returns from every bit of the carcass,” ANZ rural economist Con Williams said. “It’s an amazing change that has occurred over the last five
UNT LL
Crop establishment is what we do best at UNTILL. Utilising our renowned Cross Slot No-Tillage drills we can sow crops of all types into all of the soil types you can imagine with outstanding success. From vegetable to maize and the more common cereal and Pulse crops, brassica crops pastures all respond well to this advanced sowing system. Fertiliser down the spout is one of the much appreciated benefits to our customers. We pride ourselves on keeping our machinery in top condition and offering good advice through experience based on a lifetime of farming with the past 17 years exclusively No-Till, to give our customers the best results. Second hand Cross Slot drills available.
91 Mt Harding Road, Methven, RD6, Ashburton Tel 03 302 8872 or Call Mark Scott 027 221 6070
www.crossslot.com
or six years.” Increased Westernisation of Chinese diets is also spurring demand for more traditional cuts of meat. The product forms going in there have widened, according to Mr Brown. “The growth in flap has been significant because of the usage and eating styles, but other product forms are now filtering in.” “What it is really doing is putting a bit of a squeeze on other markets that one day will possibly have to pay a little bit more for some of these product forms.” In 2011, a lamb supply shortage caused a spike in prices which saw the meat taken off many restaurant menus in Europe and the US, denting demand. That led to a glut in supply the following year which pushed down prices and attracted Chinese buyers to the more traditional cuts of meat, Agrifax manager Nick Handley says. “They didn’t really get into those cuts until the price had dropped quite a long way
and it suited New Zealand exporters really well because we suddenly had a lot of lamb we couldn’t sell and they jumped in and bought heaps,” Mr Handley said. As European demand starts
“
As European demand starts to bounce back, analysts are watching whether China will continue to buy the more traditional higher value cuts
to bounce back, analysts are watching whether China will continue to buy the more traditional higher value cuts. “Exporters are working quite hard with their customers in the Chinese
DONT LET YOUR PROFITS GO UP IN SMOKE
Call us today to find a cost effective solution to your insurance needs 69 Tancred Street, Ashburton DDI: 03 307 6890
J&A Jones Contracting
NEED HELP WITH DRILLING?
6 metre Simba Horsch plus roller minimum till, full cultivation, direct drill, broadcast seeding. Prices start at $60/ha Owner/operator with 25 years experience
FOR QUOTES PHONE
021 720 369
NO JOB TO BIG OR TO SMALL
www.guardianonline.co.nz
33
commodity export behind dairy market to help develop demand for the higher value cuts, because obviously for us to get the most value out of the Chinese market, ideally we would love them to be consuming some of our higher value stuff rather than just buying at
the lower end,” Mr Handley said. Meat is New Zealand’s second largest commodity export behind dairy and was worth $5.5 billion
Shingle Trailers
in the year through March, according to data published by Statistics New Zealand. - APNZ
Feed-out Trough
• 10 – 12 tonne tandem axle trailer • Removable or fold-down sides • Super single tyre options • Hydraulic braking options
• Lengths up to 9m • Capacity 4.5m3 • Rear steering
Fence Tracker
• Fits to ATV bullbars • Easily removable
A handy piece of equipment for stacking silage and picking up round bales to root raking to getting rid of rubbish.
Taupo 1.5 Hand .4 &2
$POA
Curved tynes to sit flat on ground High tensile Bisalloy Steel Double clevis hinge system Backing plates to fit any loader Strengthened steel teeth Covered back Different sizes: 2.4 (in stock) & 1.8 Trades considered
Freight arranged by request. Prices plus GST
Agents for Morris oils & Redback Chain Harrows. Large selection of P.T.O shafts, bolts & nuts, cultivation points & plough shares, coil tines, bale fork and silage tines.
• Double pen with swing gates • Standing platform behind grate • Can be made to required sizes Ph: 03 308 8980 Mob: 021 039 5250 Email: pageng@xtra.co.nz www.pageengineering.co.nz
25 Robinson Street, Riverside Industrial Estate, Ashburton
• • • • • • • •
3 Wheel Calf Trailer
Different sizes available, starting from 1.8metres
Drawbar Pins 20mm, 22mm, 25mm
Buck Rakes: from
$3000
McMullan ENTERPRISES LTD
Feeder: from
s
3 assorted for
$750 126 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone: 03 308 2059 Mobile: 0274 326 847 mcmullanent@xtra.co.nz
$25
inc GST
Farming
2 34
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Anne’s love affair with lam Michelle Nelson
RURAL EDITOR
I
f you’re in the market for a pet with a difference, you might consider looking at llamas. They come in an astounding range of colours, are highly social, and you can’t look at a llama without smiling. Anne Thompson has been breeding llamas for 10 years, and there’s not a lot she doesn’t know about these curious camelids. At one stage she had more than 200 llamas; the largest herd in Australasia. Anne’s llama love affair began on a five acre block near Christchurch, which she calls Watfor Grange Llama Farm. Within 18 months she had 20 animals, and decided to spend her inheritance on a 40 acre property at Weedons, which is home to 128 llamas.
“You can run 2.5 llamas to the acre.” In 2007 she spent $250,000 on importing six animals from the US. “I needed new bloodlines, because of the small genetic pool in New Zealand. I brought in two females and four males. “I selected them for colour, conformation and temperament.” Anne’s plan was to open up to the public – and she did.
“
tourists to come back. I’m open fulltime in the summer, and supplement my income by teaching in the winter.” When she took on 97 extra mouths to help out a terminally ill man, Anne
had more than a moment or two of panic – that’s a lot of llamas to feed. “I came up with the idea of a fostering scheme – I always offer a three month trialbefore-you buy, just to make
sure it’s going to work for people. I’ve only ever had two come back. “Most go as companion animals – they must go in pairs because they are a herd animal.
Anne’s plan was to open up to the public – and she did
She got her building permits, built a barn and the public flocked in. Eighteen months after she opened the gates, the city that she depended on for her trade was rocked by a series of devastating earthquakes. “Now I’m just treading water and waiting for the
Anne Thompson at her Llama Farm.
ALPINE CLEARSPAN Birdproof kitset sheds
* * * * * * * * *
BIRD PROOF Solid and robust Protects your assets Free delivery na�onwide Galvanised box sec�on ra�ers
www.alpinebuildings.co.nz Phone now for a free brochure pack!
6m Great Plains Spartan triple disk drill Fertiliser down the spout For direct drilling and cultivated ground Full cultivation available Trimble RTK autosteer 6 and 12inch row spacing Slug bait and Insecticide application Very competitive pricing Ask about our cereal silage deal Special planting rates if followed at harvest by our Baler or Chopper
Contact Robert TODAY for your drilling requirements
0800 428 453
Four Race Series - Short & Long Course Option Team & Individual Sections
Enter now at... www.ashburtonduathlon.co.nz
Race 3 - 31st August 2014
Race 4 - 21st September 2014
www.guardianonline.co.nz
mas
“They are very inquisitive – they are like a cross between a dog and a pony, you keep them in the paddock but you can also take them for a walk. “Canterbury is perfect for llamas, because there is no
facial eczema or liver fluke, which they are susceptible too. They are low maintenance – unlike sheep they don’t need dagging, and they are browsers; they will pick at anything.”
35
Anne is well aware of the bad press llamas get, for spitting and kicking, but points out it’s all about management – as is the case with any animals. “All camelids can spit and
kick, but it is usually only over food or sex, most of the time they are pleased to see you. “Wildlife parks don’t help their reputation.” “If you spend time with them and they get to know
you they will search out your company. All my llamas have names and they all know them.” All Anne’s llamas are well handled and halter broken when they are weaned. She does her own shearing and trims their hooves when necessary. She markets the fibre as bedding, which is suitable for all caged animals including birds, rats, mice, rabbits and chinchillas, and sold pre packaged to pet shops. Some fibre goes to weavers, but Anne admits it’s a niche market – there are between 1200 and 1500 llamas in New Zealand but there is no commercial market for fibre. The same applies to alpaca fibre. To get the length of staple for spinners to work with the llamas are shorn every two years. “There is a healthy cottage industry, here at Watford Grange we run classes every year focusing on craftwork.” Continued on page 36
We are the experts in:
Underpasses Laneways Effluent Ponds
Phone Dave Rowlands 027 484 1114 Diesel Workshop direct line: 308 7400
Gold
Sponsor
Ashburton Contracting Limited
P 03 308 4039 A 48 South Street, Ashburton W www.ashcon.co.nz
2 36
Farming
From page 35 Anne has also opened the barn for therapy sessions with the elderly. “I had a 104-year-old man here, who had never met a llama before.” In their native Peru, llamas are the ponies of the camelid family. Anne likens their cousins, the alpaca, to the sheep. “Alpaces are smaller and flightier, and is eaten in South America, and the llama is the pony, it can carry up to 45kg and they are used for trekking. “Llamas are used by a number of trekking facilities in New Zealand. “The American army has used them for more than carrying their sandwiches – they’ve used them in Afghanistan for carrying munitions into remote regions. “In America you can rent a llama for a few days and head off into the national parks. “We have members of the New Zealand Llama
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Association keen to negotiate with DOC to access some of our beautiful wilderness areas. “Of course there would be rules.” In Australia and other parts of the world, llamas are used to guard flocks of sheep – to protect lambs from foxes and wild pigs. However every llama has its own personality, they are not all able to be used for guarding or trekking. “I like to spend time with prospective clients, to find the right llama for them. “I have exported two llamas to Taiwan, but the rest are sold in New Zealand. “Every year llama breeders wonder who they will sell to and every year, by the end of the breeding season, we are unable to satisfy the demand. “With the growing number of lifestyle blocks, and as more people become exposed to llamas at A&P shows, and public events, the pet market is likely to remain healthy.”
MULTI PURPOSE FEEDERS
FEED BIN ON SKIDS 1370mm wide 1360mm high 3050mm (10`0”) wide 26 feed spaces
$1,550 + GST
Steel Trough with drainage holes drilled in each corner. Pre galvanised sheet metal trough with feed barrier surround and full length skids for ease of movement. One side panel drops down for loading. Ideal for winter strip grazing or PKE!
TO VIEW OUR FULL RANGE VISIT
SHEEP/ YEARLING FEEDER Ideal for hay and baleage it can be moved without leaving feed behind! Supplied flat pack for ease of storage and delivery.
1630mm long 1000mm high 1525mm wide 22 feed spaces
Weight limit of 450kg
$540 + GST www.riverdownsteel.com For all sales and enquiries please contact: Lucy Baker Mobile - 021 1433 469 Office - 03 318 6934 Email - riverdownsteel@gmail.com
www.guardianonline.co.nz
37
Strong growth on back of great season F armer-owned cooperative LIC has returned a strong revenue growth for the past year. Chairman Murray King said the result reflects a great season for dairying, with high demand for LIC’s herd testing and artificial breeding services and an increasing number of farmers investing in technology which drive efficiency gains on-farm. “Today’s farmers manage more animals and land than ever before, and they are also very high users of technology that helps them run their businesses more efficiently,” Mr King said. “As their co-operative, it’s our job to provide our farmers with solutions they need – now and into the future – to address the challenges they face, make their daily working lives easier, and improve their overall productivity and prosperity.” He said LIC does this with its growing range of information management and automation systems and the uptake of its three
“
Today’s farmers manage more animals and land than ever before
delivery of new products, and this is reflected in the lower year-on-year profit resulting from increased depreciation costs and accelerated new product development. Work to upgrade LIC’s back-end database technology during 2013/2014 improved synchronisation times for farmers updating their records and uploading information to
smartphone apps, which have been downloaded more than 11,000 times, is a great example of farmer-demand for technology. The use of automation also continues to grow, and as part of plans to deliver more innovations which fit the cooperative’s new strategy, LIC purchased Dairy Automation Limited (DAL) in February, a Waikato-based company which manufactures sensor technology for the real-time analysis of milk on-farm. Murray King said the co-op is also investing more than $40 million in its own information systems, to ensure improved service can be provided as well as faster
JUST ARRIVED
AGROWATT PTO DRIVEN GENERATORS! PRICED FROM JUST $3400+gst
Invertor Generator EU30ISUAO
•
•
•
12volt DC max 2000W/240V GX100 Engine, recoil start
•
$2,985incl GST ASHBURTON 832 East St 03 307 9911
CHRISTCHURCH 799 Jones Rd, Rolleston 03 349 4883
12volt DC max 2000W/240V GX200 Engine, electric start Up to 20hrs continuous operation
•
www.dne.co.nz 0800 432 633
Our easy, affordable laser eye surgery could give you A NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE. Talk to us today about a
FREE ASSESSMENT
Ph 0800 52 73 71
www.laservision.co.nz
to DairyNZ in approximately mid-2015. LIC’s ongoing commitment to research and development was also reflected in the yearend result, with $14.9 million of direct R&D expenditure, and combined with other new product development totalling approximately $22 million, representing over 10 per cent of revenue.
PLUS MORE INSTORE - COME IN AND DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS.
BE PREPARED
Invertor Generator EU20IU
the LIC database, he said. LIC is working closely with DairyNZ to ensure the successful transfer of the Core Database later this year and work is also under way to identify scope and timeframes for the second phase of this four phase project which involves the transfer of the Animal Evaluation Unit operations
$5,674incl GST
2 38
Farming
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Get ready for change BY IRRIGATION NZ
I
t would be easy to get despondent about the challenges currently being thrown at rural New Zealand. But Kiwi farmers are not easily beaten. On the world stage we’ve proven time and time again that we are great innovators. From grain to dairy, produce to viticulture, our primary producers are constantly adapting to meet the demands of global markets. Now we need to do the same thing in our backyards. Many farmers have already started on this journey, but others will need to play catch-up – and quickly. The challenge looming is new regulatory and environmental requirements – particularly around nutrient budgeting. These evolving constraints will change the face of farming in New Zealand as we know it. While many, including IrrigationNZ, continue to voice concerns about the policy process and its potential
impact on farming’s viability, the reality is some regional plans are already operative. Others are not far away from coming into effect. Farmers across New Zealand – especially irrigators – can no longer afford to sit back and hope the subject will go away.
“
proposed or operative plan rules or policy decisions impacting on farming in your area. You may also find out specific timeframes and deadlines for action. But you could struggle to get information on how this
On the world stage we’ve proven time and time again that we are great innovators
Regulatory change has arrived and you need to know how your farming operation will be impacted. Ignorance is no longer an excuse as the horse has bolted! So where can you access information – and critically – how can you ensure any advice is appropriate for your farming operation? You could start with your regional council, but many councils are still finalising how regulatory change will be implemented. Staff should be able to give you the big picture - any
applies to your individual farm and how the regional council will evaluate, monitor and approve any changes you make on-farm. Our suggestion – if you haven’t already – is to talk directly with your industry or primary sector representatives. Find out what they know about impending regulatory change in your area and what support their organisation provides. If their resources are limited, ask what advisory or training options they recommend to help farmers make the transition.
From IrrigationNZ’s perspective, it’s all about tapping into the expertise and knowledge base relevant to your farming operation. ‘Good management practice’ – previously referred to as ‘best practice’ – will largely influence what New Zealand farming looks like in the future. Your industry representative should be able to talk you through any standards and benchmarks that apply now and those that are coming. This is probably the fastest way of getting up to speed and we encourage you to get onto it. IrrigationNZ is the national body representing irrigators and the irrigation industry. We offer education and training opportunities in partnership with the primary sector to support irrigators wanting to move towards good management practice. Earlier this year IrrigationNZ launched the SMART Irrigation framework which has a vision of delivering Sustainable, Managed, Accountable, Responsible and
Trusted irrigation by 2017. SMART Irrigation works in tandem with the New Zealand codes of practice, standards and guidelines for irrigation design, installation, evaluation and operation. All of our resources are easily accessible via the SMART Irrigation website www.smartirrigation.co.nz and www.irrigationnz.co.nz or you can contact us for more information on (03) 341-2225.
WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS JOHNSON GLUYAS HAS IT COVERED
FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE
CULTIVATION STOCK C L E A RA N C E
Heliodor - short universal disc • Universal short disc fitted in front or behind cultivator with levelling discs board for both primary and secondary cultivation • Simple pin working depth adjustment • Individual leaf spring • Linkage drawbar mounted discs for attachment for easy and damage free operation in quick setting of machine difficult terrain height and ground • Hydraulically adjustable contour adjustment levelling board can be • c/w Packer Roller
8/500 KA Disc RRP $68,322 $62,000 8/600 KA Disc RRP $76,083 $66,500
Kristall – stubble/deep cultivator (2 rows of tines) • Kristall – stubble/deep cultivator (2 rows of tines) • Simple, rigid leg cultivator for high clearance incorporation of stubbles & crop residues • Two rows of tines with shear bolt protection • Tri-mix shares (with raised wings) on points Kristall 9/300U cultivator RRP $25,765 SALE $20,000
JOHNSON GLUYAS TRACTORS All pricing plus GST
as standard for optimum mixing in shallow soil profile • Duo-mix shares (with flat profile wings) on points as option for deeper working • Quick change device (with tool) available for rapid adaption from shallow to deep working Kristall 9/350 u cultivator RRP $27,730 SALE $22,200
Michael Gallagher (Ashburton)
Greg Risk (Ashburton)
EurOpal & VariOpal Reversible Ploughs • The two to seven furrow ploughing, wide furrows EurOpal mounted for wide wheels ploughs are characterised • The VariOpal perfectly by high strength at low fulfils all requirements weight. they are easy to for ploughing pull and consequently very efficient to use. • Good ploughing performance relies • Mounted reversible heavily on the working plough VariOpal width and working depth • For wide and narrow of different bodies EurOpal 6 Plough (shearbolt, 4+1 furrow) ONE ONLY SALE $28,000
Dallys O’Neill (Timaru)
VariOpal 6 Plough (hyd reset, vari-width, 4+1 furrow) ONE ONLY SALE $36,000
Graham Pooke (Timaru)
Nathan Bagrie (Timaru)
Graeme Denize (Oamaru)
Timaru: 252 Hilton Highway, PH 03 688 1133 Ashburton: 225 Alford Forest Road, PH 03 307 8330
www.johnsongluyas.co.nz
0274 430 453 0274 410 025 027 688 3312 0274 847 217 0274 986 524 0274 326 111
www.guardianonline.co.nz
39
Tips for feeding your Broodmare
Your mare does need grass but in her daily feed she needs - salt. Ever since 'Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome' in Kentucky back in 2001, Dr Thomas Scwerzek D.VM has been advocating the forsefeeding of salt to broodmares Jenny BSC ZOOLOGY with spectacular reductions Paterson AND BIOLOGY in the incidence of abortions, birthing problems and DOD's in large broodmare bands. our broodmare will be - a high spec multi vitamin progressing through and mineral supplement that the last trimester of contains essential nutrients her pregnancy. Over this time the developing foal will double including organic copper and zinc in addition to selenium in size. and Vit E. Understandably the mare's - additional calcium, nutrient requirements increase chelated, organic calcium is substantially. If you haven't best together with it's cobeen doing so already, now factors, magnesium, boron, is the time to put effort and phosphorous and Vitamin D. resources into the future of Inadequate supply of calcium your foal and maintaing the will see the mare dragging it health of your mare. It is a mistake to do nothing out of her own bones to make up the shortfall. and a mistake to do too much. - additional protein for Inadequate nutrition will be tissue development of the to the detriment of the mare foal. The protein content of as she 'puts everything' into the grass may not be ideal so her foal, while over-feeding 20X2 COL (74X200MM) complementing with small can lead to Developmental COL quantities of soy-bean or Orthopedic Diseases (DOD's) 20X2 (74X200MM) 2 COL rapeseed meal, both high in which are so common in the lysine can be beneficial. 0MM) thoroughbred industry.
“
Y
Inadequate nutrition will be to the detriment of the mare as she ‘puts everything’ into her foal
All these can be added to high fibre, low carb , plain feeds. Avoid kelp as it is high in iodine and low in other essential nutrients. Avoid applying commercial fertilisers at all costs. Horses in their natural habitats do not need legumes like clovers or lucerne which contain photo-estrogens that can interfere with hormone balances and normal cycling. Wild horses don't consume molassed, processed feeds to produce strong, healthy foals. The last thing you want is SZM0084 0% an obese or KINGQUAD metabolic mare that is prone to laminitis. Not
zuki Dealer newspaper advertising 5035 KINGQUAD 0% INTEREST Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising 5035 KINGQUAD 0% INTEREST zuki Dealer newspaper advertising 5035 KINGQUAD 0% INTEREST Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising 5035 KINGQUAD 0% INTER Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising
ay
be aggressive towards the foal. Or the foal from a mare affected by spring grass can be flighty, difficult to handle and more prone to accidents. For more information go to www.calmhealthyhorses.com
Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising 5035 KINGQUAD 0% INTEREST Suzuki Dealer newspaper advertising 5035 KINGQUAD 0% INTEREST
X2 COL
00MM)
to mention if your mare is affected by changes in spring grass and becomes hypersensitive, her udder will be extremely sensitive to touch and she will be reluctant to let the foal drink or she may even
0% 0% 0% 0%0%
0% 0%
20X2 COL (74X200MM)
20X2 COL (74X200MM)
0% 0%
0% 0% 0%
20X2 COL (74X200MM)
0%
INTEREST 1/3INTEREST + 1/3 + 1/3
1/3 INTEREST 1/3 + 1/3 +INTEREST INTEREST 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
DEPOSIT
DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
IN 12 MONTHS
INTEREST INTEREST 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3
DEPOSIT
LL THAT’S A FU 24 MONTHS TO PAY!
1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3
IN 24 MONTHS
DEPOSIT
DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
IN 12 MONTHS
IN 24 MONTHS
LL THAT’S A FU 24 MONTHS LT-F400FL3 KING QUAD 400cc TO PAY!4x4
RRP $10,869 + GST - DEPOSIT $3,623
1/3 +INTEREST 1/3 + 1/3
LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD LT-F400FL3 KING 500 QUADPOWER 400cc 4x4STEER
LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD 500 POWER STEER
RRP $13,909 + GST+– GST DEPOSIT RRP$13,909 $10,869 DEPOSIT$4,636 $3,623 RRP + GST --DEPOSIT $4,636
IN 24 MONTHS
DEPOSIT
DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
IN 24 MONTHS
1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 IN 12 MONTHS
IN 24 MONTHS
www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz
available with untilany 31 July 2013 or while Prices stocksexclude last. NotGST. available in conjunction with Offer available until 21 August 2013 or while stocks last. Not availableOff iner conjunction other promotion. any other promotion. Prices exclude GST. Payments include $395 documentation Payments include $395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 monthly transaction fee.$5Normal lending and credit criteria apply. fee, $13 PPSR and monthly transaction fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply.
LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD 500 POWER STEER
RRP $13,909 + GST – DEPOSIT $4,636
Pay 1/3 LT-A500XPL3 deposit and you’ll pay no interest at STEER all on KINGQUAD 500 POWER the balance! Simply pay a third in 12 months time, RRP $13,909 + GST – DEPOSIT $4,636 Our news, online, all the time. and the final 1/3 another 12 months after. Your old bikePay could be your500 trade in. LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD POWER STEER 1/3 deposit and you’ll pay no interest at all on RRP $13,909 + GST –Simply DEPOSIT $4,636 the balance! pay a third in 12 months time, and and theyou’ll finalpay 1/3noanother 12allmonths after. Your old Pay 1/3 deposit interest at on bike could be24 your in. time, DEPOSIT 12 MONTHS MONTHS theIN balance! Simply payIN a third in trade 12 months
DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
IN 24 MONTHS
IN 24 MONTHS
and the final 1/3 another 12 months after. Your old bike could be your trade in.
Great stories and editorials! @AshGuardian
available with untilany 31 July 2013 or while Prices stocksexclude last. NotGST. available in conjunction with Offer for available untilpromotions. 21 August 2013 or while stocks last. Not availableOff iner conjunction other promotion. *Terms and conditions apply both any other promotion. Prices exclude GST. Payments include $395 documentation
Payments include $395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 monthly transaction fee.$5Normal lending and credit criteria apply. fee, $13 PPSR and monthly transaction fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply. Offer available until 31 July 2013 or while stocks last. Not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Prices exclude GST. Payments include $395 documentation Payments include $395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 monthly transaction fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply. Not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Prices include GST. Payments include fee, $13 PPSR and $5 monthly transaction fee. Normal Not available in conjunction with anycriteria other promotion. lending and credit apply. Prices include GST. Payments include
$395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 transaction fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply.
us on FaceBook! IN 24Like MONTHS
Coming out Tuesday 9 September
Call us for moreKINGQUAD information LT-A500XPL3 500 POWER STEER Offer available until 21 August 2013 or while stocks last. Not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Prices exclude GST.
$13,909 +500 GST POWER – DEPOSIT $4,636 LT-A500XPL3RRP KINGQUAD STEER 1/3 deposit and you’ll pay no interest at all on
IN 24 MONTHS
INTEREST 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 ASHBURTON
bike could be your trade in. 12 months later. THAT’S A FULL 24 MONTHS TO PAY! You 12 months later. THAT’S A FULL 24 MONTHS TO PAY! You 12 deposit months later. THAT’S A FULL 24available MONTHS could even use your bike could1/3 even use your old bike as a trade in. er could even use your old bike as a trade in. Offer available Pay and you’ll pay noOffinterest at allTO onPAY! the You balance! Simply pay a old third in 12 as trade in. Offer available 1last. August – 30 September while stocks 1 August – time 30 a September 2014, or while stocks 1 August 30 September months and fideposit nal 1/3 another 12nomonths after. old or bike could bea– last. your in. or while stocks last. Paythe 1/3 and you’ll pay interest at all onYour the2014, balance! Simply pay third intrade 12 2014,
LT-A500XPL3 500$4,636 POWER STEER RRP $13,909 + GST –KINGQUAD DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
Look out for our next Guardian Farming issue
187 West St, Ashburton - Ph 308 2055 www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz 187 West St, Ashburton 3082055 2055 187 West St, Ashburton - Ph- Ph308 www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz
IN 12 MONTHS
INTEREST INTEREST 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 Guardian DEPOSIT
the finalold 1/3bike 12 after. Your old months time and the time, final 1/3 another 12 months after. Your could be your in. pay a third in 12 months and the final 1/3a another pay amonths third in trade 12 months time, and the final 1/3 another $14,778 + GST -another DEPOSIT $4,926 on the balance! Then simply pay third in 12and months time,RRP andanother the final 1/3
months time and the final 1/3 another 12 months after. Your old bike could be your trade in.
IN 24 MONTHS
1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3
Pay 1/3 deposit andKINGQUAD you’ll pay 500 no interest at all on LT-A500XPL3 POWER STEER LT-F400FL3 KING QUAD 400cc 4x4 STEER LT-A500XPL3 500 POWER STEER the balance! LT-A750XPL3 Simply payKINGQUAD aKINGQUAD third in months time, 75012 POWER RRP $13,909 + GST – DEPOSIT $4,636 RRP $10,869 +months GST -- DEPOSIT $3,623 and the final RRP 1/3 12 after. Your old RRPanother $13,909 + GST DEPOSIT $4,636 $14,778 + GST DEPOSIT $4,926 LT-F/A400FL4 KINGQUAD 400 MAN/AUTO bike LT-F/A400FL4 KINGQUAD 400 MAN/AUTO be your and trade in. pay500 LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD POWER STEER Paycould 1/3 deposit you’ll no interest at all on LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD 500 POWER STEER RRP $12,695 – DEPOSIT $4,365 RRP $12,695 – DEPOSIT RRP $13,909 +KINGQUAD GST – DEPOSIT $4,636 the balance! Simply pay a third in 12 months time, $4,365 LT-A750XPL3 750 POWER STEER RRP $13,909 + GST - DEPOSIT $4,636 final 1/3 another 12 months Pay 1/3 RRP deposit and you’ll pay no interest atYour all KingQuad onold for 1/3 deposit and Power away on a new Suzuki KingQuad for 1/3 depositand and the Power on aafter. new$4,926 Suzuki $14,778 + GST -away DEPOSIT Pay 1/3 deposit and you’ll pay no MONTHS interest atfor allcould on the balance! Simply pay a pay third in 12 bike be your trade in. IN 12 INthe 24 MONTHS balance! Simply pay a third in months KINGQUAD 750 POWER STEER Power away onall a on new Suzuki KingQuad 1/3 deposit andLT-A750XPL3 you’ll pay no interest at all you’ll pay noDEPOSIT interest at the balance! Then simply you’ll no12 interest at alltime, on the balance! Then simply
DEPOSIT
IN 12 MONTHS
INTEREST
IN 24 MONTHS
1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3
IN 24 MONTHS
INTEREST 1/3INTEREST + 1/3 + 1/3
$395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 transaction fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply.
Offer available until 31 July 2013 or while stocks last. Not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Prices exclude GST. Payments include $395 documentation
fee, $13 PPSR and $5 monthly transaction Normal lending and credit criteria apply. www.facebook.com/ashguardian Subscribe atfee. www.guardianonline.co.nz Offer available until 31 July 2013 or while stocks last. Not available in conjunction with any other promotion. Prices exclude GST. Payments include $395 documentation fee, $13 PPSR and $5 monthly transaction fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply.
LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD 500 POWER STEER
Offer available until 31 July 2013 or while stocks last. Not available in conjunction with
any other promotion. Prices exclude GST. Payments include $395 documentation LT-A500XPL3 KINGQUAD POWER STEER $13 PPSR $5 monthly transaction$4,636 fee. Normal lending and credit criteria apply. RRP $13,909 +fee,500 GST –andDEPOSIT
RRP $13,909 + GST –KINGQUAD DEPOSIT $4,636 LT-A500XPL3 500 POWER STEER
Pay 1/3 deposit and you’ll pay no interest at all on
Farming
2 40
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Boosting seasonal worker numbers R
ural Contractors New Zealand is welcoming news that plans are afoot to encourage more people into seasonal work and also its decision to increase the annual Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) cap to a total of 9000 workers.
RCNZ President, Steve Levet says this boost to seasonal workers is essential in delivering the horticulture industry’s forecasted future growth, but suggests a similar scheme is also needed in the rural contracting sector. “There is no doubt the
horticulture sector is an important and valuable part of New Zealand’s economy and the Government is right to make provisions for that sector,” he says. “However, we need similar provisions for the rural contracting sector as there is a
Steve Levet.
gap between rural contractors’ needs for trained, agricultural machinery operators and unemployed New Zealanders who can do this work.” Mr Levet believes the rules around employing temporary, skilled people from overseas prepared to work for six to eight months each year need to be simplified as do the regulations restricting people who have previously worked here in past seasons coming back to New Zealand to work. “Contracting is a seasonal business and one that uses sophisticated machinery that requires technical skill to operate productively,” he said. “Part of this shortfall is met by bringing in skilled operators from overseas.” Mr Levet said political parties of all persuasions need to understand that a dire shortage of suitable agricultural machinery operators means rural contractors rely on employing skilled people from overseas on a temporary basis each season and have done so for many years. He adds that many of the
applicants Work and Income NZ (WINZ) tries to fill these vacancies with; either do not have the right skill-set and/or attitude to be successful. “We are talking about operating highly technical and very expensive pieces machinery. It is unrealistic, unsafe and impractical to expect unemployed people to walk off the street and successfully take up these positions.” “The seasonal nature of rural contracting means workers with the right skills are needed for only a few months each year. Understandably, this kind of short-term employment does not often suit locals who are looking for fulltime work.” Mr Levet says RCNZ will continue to work closely with the Government, political parties and officials too both ensure that locals have the best opportunity for employment, as well as continuing to lobby for changes to the rules around engaging overseas seasonal workers for the benefit of the rural contracting sector.
We build for industries. Starting with the primary ones. At Calder Stewart we’ve never forgotten where we
build - matched to your exact farming needs.
started, building quality farm buildings for the Kiwi
We pride ourselves at being a Rural Design &
farm industry. And over the course of the last 55
Build specialist and have gained a considerable
years of involvement, we’ve developed something
reputation in meeting the needs of many a farmer
of a knack for it. Our dedicated team’s expertise
over the years. Let us put our expertise to work for
in constructing custom woolsheds, covered yards,
you; call your nearest Calder Stewart Construction
wintering sheds and state-of-the-art dairy sheds
Representative today and see how we can deliver
ensures practicality, quality and a professional
a farm building that suits.
Over 55 Years Farm Building Experience A Rural Design and Build Specialist Premium Grade Construction Materials Used Durable & Rugged Design is Standard Best Value-for-Money in the Industry
Donald Sutton 211 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton
(03) 307 6130
To learn more visit our website:
COMMERCIAL•INDUSTRIAL•RURAL
www.calderstewart.co.nz