Ashburton Guardian Farming, May 2021 by Ashburton Guardian

Farming GUARDIAN

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021

INSIDE

DAIRYING PAYS OFF Page 23

SHEEP OF THE

FUTURE Pages 3–6

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GUARDIAN

EDITORIAL COMMENT

INSIDE

Migrants add value

Guardian Farming is proudly published by the Ashburton Guardian Limited

DAIRY FOCUS AND GUARDIAN FARMING HAVE COMBINED TO GIVE YOU A BUMPER RURAL READ EACH MONTH

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ew Zealand’s agricultural industry has always attracted migrants keen to make a better life for themselves and their families. From the days of the Ten Pound Poms to now, when the ethnic mix of arriving migrants is more skewed towards Asia, they have been prepared to move half-way around the world for better opportunities than they had at home. It takes gumption and enterprise to do this and likely to be where some of New Zealand’s No. 8 wire mentality comes from. The shut borders following Covid-19 have highlighted the critical role that migrants and fly-in seasonal workers have played in meeting the shortfall of labour in rural districts, whether it is dairy workers, shearers or agricultural contracting machinery operators. Even a surging unemployment rate, financial incentives to move to the provinces and extensive government and industry promotions could only lure a relative handful of Kiwi urban dwellers to land-based roles, well short of the many hundreds still needed. This is despite the potential huge rewards available in agriculture for those prepared to work hard, upskill, and take some calculated risks to progress. Particularly in the dairy industry, opportunities for farm ownership still remain. The April issue of Guardian Farming profiled Canterbury/North Otago Share Farmer of the Year winners Dinuka and Nadeeka Gamage who immigrated from Sri Lanka more than 10 years ago. Starting with

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Designer Lisa Fenwick Post Ashburton Guardian, PO Box 77, Ashburton 7740

HORSE BEHAVIOUR

Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

little knowledge of New Zealand dairying they are now contract milkers for Dairy Holdings and rapidly building their equity with a goal of farm ownership. National winners of the Share Farmer of the Year are Indian immigrants, brothers Manoj Kumar and Sumit Kamboj, who are 50-50 sharemilkers at Eketahuna, Tararua. Migrants aren’t just regarded as people to fill lower skilled jobs; those with initiative can have as much opportunity to progress as anyone. The Government has said it wants to turn down the tap on bringing in temporary and skilled migrant workers. It warned that sectors such as tourism and the primary industry would need to look elsewhere for employees in the future. Well, the primary sectors have tried to recruit Kiwis but they don’t want the jobs and provincial towns like Ashburton have a negligible unemployment rate. It has been shown many times that while Kiwis aren’t willing to take on these roles, migrants are and they provide a valuable contribution.

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Project identifies low input sheep Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

ne of Canterbury’s oldest farms is on a mission to identify the sheep of the future. Historic Orari Gorge Station in the South Canterbury foothills near Geraldine is hosting a project aimed at breeding low input animals which will remove the necessity for the back breaking and labourious tasks such as dagging, that sheep are notorious for. Station owner Robert Peacock said sheep farming can’t continue as it is with staff getting harder to get and drenches failing. “Sixty per cent of North Island farmers have drench resistance with triple combination drenches. Consumers don’t want chemicals in their products. “It is one thing having to drench sheep, but it’s all the other work, the

crutching, dagging, dipping and tailing. “So it is getting harder and harder to find the staff and we need to find ways to reduce costs,” Peacock told a Beef + Lamb NZ Genetics field day at the station. “If we are not careful, half the younger generation won’t want to farm sheep and we will drop below a critical mass of sheep numbers. “It is a call to arms that the industry needs to take seriously.” Peacock said he had put his hand up to host the low input sheep progeny test, even though the station had sheep studs, which was not normal practice because of the conflict of interest. “I was potentially the only one stupid enough to volunteer. It took a few years to get funding and I was quite concerned that the project may fall over if no one was going to host it.” Peacock said he had been passionate about low input sheep farming for years. “In the 1990s at university I did my honours on drench resistance and alternative methods of drench control. “I am really concerned that the industry as a whole doesn’t realise the issues in front of us, or is just putting its head in the sand, hoping it will go

The two-tooth ewe flock in the trial are looking good, despite only four per cent being culled. PHOTOS: HEATHER CHALMERS

away. But the drenches are failing, the workload is mounting, the workers are harder to get, and the costs are rising, so we have to find another way.” Genetics were a huge part of the potential answer, Peacock said. Funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund and Beef + Lamb NZ, the low input sheep progeny test represents a group of sheep breeders who are focused on: • Animal welfare traits (such as tail length, dagginess and bareness of wool) meaning lambs will ultimately not need to be docked and require less or no treatment for dag control and flystrike. • Breeding sheep that are disease resistant (parasites, pneumonia) and require less, or ultimately no drenching. continued over page

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Development of the Portable Accumulation Chamber to measure methane levels in individual sheep, means it can be moved to farms around the country, measuring thousands of animals.

From P3 • Breeding sheep that are environmentally efficient (methane and feed efficient). Under the progeny test, 1000 romney commercial ewes at the station are mated by artificial insemination with 17 to 20 rams annually from a variety of maternal breeds. Two lots of lambs (in 2019 and 2020) have been produced with the third and final lambing this spring. Measurements taken from the offspring will aid the development of breeding values for methane emission and feed efficiency, as well as enhancing

breeding values for parasite resistance, short tail length and low propensity to produce dags and subsequent flystrike. Peacock said it was ironic that a low input trial should involve so much work and he acknowledged his staff. Extra tasks included artificially inseminating ewes and drafting and putting lambs through the Portable Accumulation Chamber to measure methane emissions. Measurements were taken of a raft of other features such as tail length, dag score, liveweight, and fleece weight. “As a stud breeder it is really

hard to find outside sires from other breeders that are selecting for the same traits. The genetic programme for worm resistance has been operating for 30 years, but even a few years ago only 40 breeders out of 300 to 400 registered breeders on SIL (Sheep Improvement Ltd) were selecting for this. “It is always a gamble when I buy an outside sire from a stud that is not recording these traits, whether worm resistance or dags, how they will handle my environment.” The station was its own biggest client for its breeding

studs. Peacock said more stud breeders should select for these traits to help the whole industry move forward. This was starting to happen with a big uptake of breeders selecting for these traits in the last three years. Interest from breeders wanting to get a ram in the progeny test had also notably risen this year. “So it does look like it is gaining some traction. “Pressure only comes on stud breeders when the commercial farmer starts asking the hard questions or turning

away. That is when the stud breeders realise they need to do something about it.” As the station had a 1200mm annual rainfall, animals regularly came under parasite pressure. “Everyone is dry this year, but we can get very wet. While the wetter conditions make the grass grow it also makes it an ideal environment for parasites. So worms are a continual problem for us, almost every year. The lambs don’t really get a break.” Peacock said that of the twotooth ewe flock in the trial, only

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www.guardianonline.co.nz four per cent had been culled, compared with the usual 30 to 40 per cent culling for ewe replacements on a commercial sheep farm. “I am pleased with them. If you took another 10 per cent off they would look even better. “You can’t find the winners without putting them under pressure.” Ewes are lambed unshepherded, with twins born on the front country and singles on the hill. In May, the ewe lambs were averaging 40kg after going four-and-a-half months without a drench. The two-tooths were 67kg in March, a month before mating. “I did my university honours study on this 25 years ago and have been breeding for it for 20 years and hosting this trial has only invigorated my passion even more. “You see the difference between genetics; you see what is possible. No sheep is going to win at every trait, but you can still go forward relatively quickly. You need to work out your goals and which traits are more important than others.” Peacock is Orari Gorge Station’s fifth-generation owner and a descendant of the original owner Charles Tripp. The 4500-hectare station consists of river flats and rolling clay downs with 75 per cent of the property steep

Orari Gorge Station owner Robert Peacock with ewe lambs which receive minimal drenches as part of a low input sheep progeny test.

tussock country rising to 1066 metres. The station runs three sheep studs and a hereford cattle stud as well as commercial sheep, beef and red deer farming operations. Running 24,000 stock units, the station carries 8500 ewes and 700 in-calf cows in winter, including heifers. “We breed stock that are capable of looking after themselves through tough winters on the hill and then giving high levels of production

in terms of lambing and calving. We finish almost all the progeny on the farm and any stock that are sold store are usually well sought after.” Its deer operation is focused on venison production, comprising 1700 red hinds. Orari Gorge Station was the first high country land in Canterbury to be developed as a sheep station, together with Mount Peel Station. In 1855, John Barton Arundel Acland (1824–1904) and Charles George Tripp (1826-1897)

obtained a pastoral lease in South Canterbury that included level land near the Orari River and most of the foothills and flanks of the Mount Peel range. They dissolved their partnership in 1861 and Tripp retained Orari Gorge Station and Acland, Mt Peel. The farm buildings, dating from the earliest period of the station’s development, from 1859 to circa 1870s, are now a Category 1 Historic Place. Heriot, West Otago sheep and beef farmer Allan Richardson

told the field day he had only dipped his sheep once in the last 23 years, had not tail docked for the last two years and was phasing out bellying at shearing as most of his flock did not have belly wool. Sheep receive a maximum of one lifetime drench. “We are cutting a lot of cost out, but not losing any production.” Richardson has bred his own “Ultimate” low input sheep, which was mainly derived from the texel breed along with some perendale. He calculated that he was gaining $1500 per sire per year in reduced costs. Worm resistance and dag score should be part of the base traits that all stud sheep breeders select for, in the same way they selected for liveweight gains and eye muscle production traits. “Otherwise, they are passing on the costs of drenching and dagging to their clients.” Richardson said that although he was an organic farmer, all commercial sheep farmers should be seeking to have low input flocks. “Too many people are not putting animals under selection pressure, so are breeding from winners and losers. “Any animal that you don’t have to drench, dag or dock and performs has to be good. This is where the industry needs to go,” Richardson said.

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Burps identify low methane sheep Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

heep can be bred for low methane emissions without impacting on production traits, AgResearch scientists have found. Almost 10,000 sheep throughout New Zealand have had their burps measured in a bid to select animals with lower methane emissions. The development of a portable testing chamber for sheep, which can be moved around the country, has significantly sped up the measuring of animals, AgResearch senior scientist Dr Suzanne Rowe told a Beef + Lamb NZ Genetics field day at Orari Gorge Station. With methane (CH4) making up 44 per cent of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions, AgResearch has been working to reduce methane emissions from agriculture. Methane is the gas released in

AgResearch technician Barry Vaeenvalit opens the door to one of the cubicles of the Portable Accumulation Chamber where sheep are measured for methane emissions. PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

the burps of ruminant livestock such as sheep and cattle. Testing showed that some sheep were 20 to 25 per cent lower in terms of methane emissions. There was no correlation

between methane and other production traits apart from wool, which actually appeared to grow more in low methane sheep. Lower emitting animals also appear to have leaner meat. Data collected meant a low

methane breeding value is now available through Sheep Improvement Ltd (SIL) to any breeder choosing to measure it. If there was demand for low methane sires, then these could be available within a couple of years. “There is a lot of variation, but when there is a lot of variation we can select,” Rowe said. By breeding sheep for lower methane emissions a gain of 0.58 per cent per annum could result in a 1.75 per cent methane reduction by 2030 (150,500 tonnes of GHG equivalents) and 7.5 per cent by 2040 (645,000 tonnes). Rowe said that as methane was linked to the amount of feed eaten, rather than the number of animals, the sheep industry still needed to reduce methane emissions, even though it had become more productive with a lot fewer animals over the last 30 years. Development of the Portable Accumulation Chamber (PAC) to measure methane levels in individual sheep, meant it could be moved to farms around the country measuring thousands of animals. Initially sheep were measured

through full respiratory chambers which took about 48 hours and cost $1000 a sheep, making it both expensive and intensive. From measuring 795 sheep in 2017, AgResearch now expected to do about 2500 measurements a year, providing a good representation of the national flock. With six cubicles on each side of the trailer, the chamber can test 12 sheep at a time, with measurements taking 50 minutes. This meant 84 animals could be measured in a day. As feed intake was linked to methane emissions, sheep needed to be well fed then taken off pasture for an hour before being measured. While the average reading was about 1000 parts per million, readings varied from 700 to 1500ppm. The PAC technology has also been exported to Norway, Ireland, China and the United Kingdom which were recording comparable data. New Zealand researchers are also exploring other methods to reduce methane production from livestock, including the development of inhibitors and a vaccine.

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We wonder why cows dominate David Clark

President of MC Federated Farmers

There has been a fundamental change in the way milling wheat is contracted and purchased in New Zealand that has the potential to significantly reduce the quantity of milling wheat grown in Canterbury and increase the reliance of this country on imported wheat for flour production. Often the decisions made in far off board rooms with sole focus on shareholder value and often market dominance can have profound impacts at farm level. This is one of those occasions. One of the big bakers in the virtual duopoly of the baking industry in New Zealand is now owned by a Singaporean based multinational and they have parted ways with the flour milling company that was previously part of their corporate group. Standard fare for big corporate takeovers and powerplays, is the expectation of greater market dominance and higher returns to shareholders. This company now has decided to part from the traditional contract arrangements of merchants procuring grain on a forward contract basis and managing the supply of that grain for a commission that has in part funded cultivar breeding programmes and agronomic advice that has benefited both growers and millers and the wider bread industry in New Zealand. This autumn, this company has been granted the contract to purchase all the wheat requirements for the other big milling entity in New

Zealand. The end result is there is limited options to sell milling wheat outside of this consolidated group. Gone too is the forward contract system that gave growers confidence that if they planted a particular variety, then a sale could be made to the mill. This forward contract system appears to be replaced with a piecemeal purchasing system whereby the buyer will accumulate wheat as and when it suits them throughout the year, either prior to harvest or after the crop is in the silo. This gives virtually all the strength to the buyer from the point the crop is planted onwards and gives them the opportunity to play local growers off against the world market and effectively make a play to purchase the cheapest wheat in the world, wherever it may come from. A question was asked about the environmental compliance

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

facing Kiwi growers and whether that had value in the market or if imported grain would be produced to similar environmental benchmarks and it was highlighted the increased costs facing local producers, whether that be environmental, employment wages and conditions, carbon costs or any of the other costs built into operating in this country. The response was one I took as disinterest. Farmers were obligated by legislation set by government, not the trader, and the cost of production had no relativity to the market price. So that’s the ripper isn’t it, our public, rightfully so, expect the very highest of environmental, employment, food safety and social welfare standards in this country, but they will rock up to the supermarket and buy a loaf of bread baked with wheat from wherever it has suited

the multinational as they use market dominance to ensure the biggest possible margin between raw materials and retail price. A couple of years ago, the flour mills were engaging with local growers with an aim of this country being largely selfsufficient in milling wheat by 2025. That all seems to have been forgotten. A cynic would say they were just blowing smoke at us while New South Wales was in drought and milling wheat was exceedingly difficult to procure. Why have I got zero confidence after attending a recent meeting? Simple, there was a lot of angst in the room, there was a wide cross section of local growers and they were anxious for their future in the long term as milling wheat growers, and unsure as to what they should be planting for this season. The company assured

us they would be fair and transparent, would take a longterm view and were “pragmatic”, whatever that means. There was a prime opportunity to allay those fears, by discussing the price, varieties and tonnages required. Apparently there has been a price set, but that will only be discussed one on one with growers, if and when the buyer is in the market to buy. The opportunity to instil confidence in those growers was lost. Why does any of this matter? Wheat is the cornerstone of the arable rotation and is essential in our rotations between the grasses, clovers, pulses, and vegetable seeds that we produce in this county. Going forward, the risk is the price or contract offered does not attract growers to plant the crop and the multi-national has a ready-made retort that they offered contracts, growers never took them up, so they were forced to import the wheat and abandon the local industry. So back to my question, why so many cows in Mid Canterbury? What’s so special about milk? Nothing really, nothing whatsoever. As a generalisation, New Zealand dairy farmers receive one of the highest unsubsidised farmgate milk prices in the world. Why? Simple, they have had the tenacity and determination to retain ownership and control of their processor and marketer in the form of Fonterra whose sole purpose is to return maximum value to the farmer. Sadly, the structure we have in the arable industry is setup to extract maximum value between the farmgate and the consumer. My fear, after attending this meeting is that these changes will only make that worse. I hope I am wrong. Please remember that this article is the opinion of a wheat grower who attended a public meeting.

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FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

Rural contractors under pressure

Without access to more skilled machinery operators, some rural contractors will be put through another harrowing, stressful season with major risks to their health and safety. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

ural contractors say allowing in 125 skilled agricultural machinery operators next season falls way short of what’s needed to prevent dangerous work pressures causing severe stress and fatigue and impacts on agricultural production. The government’s announcement of 5000 exemptions to border controls included 125 mobile agricultural machinery operators, subject to completion of a sector workforce plan, a model to upskill New Zealanders and agreed wage rates. Rural Contractors NZ chief executive Roger Parton said the 125 exemptions will help, but a survey of members showed a need for 400 experienced operators as an absolute minimum. He released extracts from the survey which shows shortages

of skilled machinery operators forced many rural contractors to work very long hours and face a lot of stress, accidents and cost with Kiwis brought in to do jobs for which they were not trained. Some contractors say they are considering leaving the industry after the 2020/21 season was so stressful because of the lack of skilled workers, compounded by having to manage inexperienced staff. Rural contracting faces double disadvantages as a seasonal industry often working in the backblocks, Parton said. “While we pulled out all the stops to train and recruit more New Zealanders last season, working in sometimes remote areas without the facilities of an urban centre did not appeal to many of them. “Even those who did start work after some basic training such as learning to drive a tractor didn’t have the aptitude

or skills to drive complex machinery that sometimes even experienced contractors find challenging to operate.” Rural Contractors NZ will do all it can to again work with campuses such as Telford (Balclutha) and Taratahi (Wairarapa) as well as private training organisations to give more Kiwis the skills to start working in the sector. “We’ve also committed to work with trainers and others to produce a workforce plan which will identify other strategies we can adopt to improve training and our attractiveness as a sector.’’ Pay rates are already rising as rural contractors are competing with industries such as construction and transport which are also facing labour shortages. “You can already earn $50,000 working in a four month season and more than twice that in a

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year. Even with those pay rates, we face the reality that many people prefer to live and work in urban environments with better access to such things as entertainment, education and health services, connectivity and employment opportunities for partners.” Parton said the Government has had its own lack of success with the small numbers of people who took up payments to move to other areas for seasonal work. Last spring/summer season, the Government approved 210 skilled machinery operators, most from Ireland and UK, to come here, of whom 176 arrived and found space in MIQ facilities, although some could only get in late in the season. Parton said he understands around 50 have chosen to stay on to work in the coming season and this seems to be part of the calculation which has seen 125 new operators

approved for entry. “We appreciate the fact that the Government has effectively moved to retain the same actual numbers who came to help us in the 2020/21 season – and that this is happening early enough for us to recruit and import people to start work in spring.” “What the Government must acknowledge is there are limits to how many people we can recruit and train to competently drive a $500,000 plus machine – and then be happy doing so, living and working remotely for only a few months a year.” Many farmers are largely dependent on contractors to provide them with the feed they need to get stock through winter and adverse weather events like the drought in many regions this year or to help ensure crops can be produced and harvested. Without access to more skilled machinery operators, he

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FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

from driver shortage fears some rural contractors will be put through another harrowing, stressful season with major risks to their health and safety. “Many rural contractors were only barely able to meet farmer demand this season by working unacceptably long hours in machinery as well as trying to supervise inexperienced staff.” If rural contractors don’t have skilled staff, many farmers will be left without sufficient feed and facing tens of millions of dollars of lost production, which in turn impacts upon the economic recovery the Government wants to achieve, Parton said. Extracts of some of the comments received in a survey of Rural Contractors NZ members included: “We have felt the fatigue and pressure from being understaffed without the experience we usually have. We have two of the three Kiwis who want to come back in October. But with our managers being thrown fulltime in the seats of the heavy machinery we did not have the supervision

happening throughout that we would prefer to have. Safety is the key here, we have been lucky with who we have employed, but not having the managers being able to float has been tricky, risky and time consuming if assistance is required. “Other than the severe stress of having to baby sit trainees with the potential of accident – the damage on our gear this year due to inexperience has been phenomenal. “We have had a fantastic crew of nine international boys this harvest from UK, Ireland and France. Due to the fact that we can only employ these experienced employees for around six months of the year it makes it impossible to train up NZers to do this position as we do not require these experienced harvest operators for 12 months of the year. This is the nature of our business. “We employed five kiwi workers – three left because the work was too challenging, they couldn’t have weekends off, were “tired” after a nine hour day and slept in.”

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FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

Ag machinery demand buoyant G

rowing demand for agricultural machinery and equipment has kicked 2021 off to a fantastic start, according to the Tractor and Machinery Association of New Zealand (TAMA). The momentum began to build during spring and summer of 2020 as the result of increasing customer confidence, TAMA president Kyle Baxter said. Baxter said he was seeing first-hand how strengthened commodity prices were giving farmers and rural contractors the confidence to invest in new equipment. Overall, tractor sales were up more than 19 per cent for the first quarter (to March 31) compared to 2020. There had been increases across every horsepower sector, with some stand out results in certain sectors such as a 30 per cent increase in the sub 40HP sector plus a nearly 60 per cent increase in the predominantly cropping and contracting segments of 150HP-plus. Investment in the 40Hp150HP sector, which represents mainly horticulture and dairy, experienced a more modest growth of 8 per cent, but this could increase quickly as

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TAMA president Kyle Baxter; tractor sales up more than 19 per cent. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

new equipment arrived in the country, Baxter said. Border control issues were a continuing challenge, affecting both the supply of staff and of equipment. “The current border restrictions have left many TAMA members short-staffed and this is extremely stressful for individual members, staff and customers. We know of course we are not alone in this problem as it’s affecting most industries. As we look to the second half of 2021, with vaccinations and digital travel passports becoming more prevalent, we are hopeful of border control relaxations to

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assist with the flow of skilled staff for our members.” Continued inbound and outbound supply chain challenges were also impacting members, but conditions were on the improve. “Global manufacturing constraints are still very much a reality, as plants continue to work through Covid-19 restrictions in their respective countries, but the flow of equipment into New Zealand

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constraints.” From a finance point of view, conditions were positive for the sector, with the combination of strengthened confidence and commodities resulting in the big lending institutions looking favourably at the agricultural industry. “This appetite to lend into agriculture will certainly help continue stimulate the sector further as we go into the 2021 season,” Baxter said.

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is increasing steadily. This will offer much welcome relief for customers who are requiring new pieces of equipment to be put to work straight away. “TAMA members who manufacture in New Zealand are enjoying continued growth in customer confidence and strong demand for their equipment but are also experiencing issues in fulfilling their export market orders due to global shipping

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The hidden benefits of Solid Timber homes The hidden benefits of Solid Timber homes

Our Solid Timber homes are suited to life on the farm all around New Zealand. They’re naturally warm and dry, making for healthy and cosy workers’ accommodation, guest houses and homesteads alike. But there are other benefits you may not be aware of too: Our Solid Timber homes are suited to life on the farm all around New Zealand. They’re naturally warm and dry, making for healthy and cosy workers’ accommodation, guest houses and homesteads alike. 3. Low maintenance 1. They’re easy to build 2. Wide range of designs and But there are other benefits you may not be aware of too:

. They’re If easy to build 2. Wide range of designs and 3. Low custom options Eliminate themaintenance need for finishing you’re the home handyman (or f you’re thehandywoman) home handyman (or custom options Eliminate the need for Most of the designs from our Solid trades like gib-stopping andfinishing paintingtrades like type and don’t mind a andywoman) type and lifting, don’t mind a bitprobably Most of the range designs from our Solid gib-stopping and painting building with bit of heavy you are Timber are bordering onTimber by building with Solid Timber.by Then, f heavy lifting, arecapable probably are bordering on ‘classic’ status. That whenSolid Timber. Then, whenvirtually it’s ready, enjoy it’s ready, enjoy having moreyou than of more assembling the range ‘classic’ status. That is, they’ve 1. They’re easy to build 2. Wide range of designs and 3. Low maintenance han capable of assembling the walls and and is, they’ve remained popular over several having virtually noto home maintenance to no home maintenance contend walls and installing the doors remained popular over several If you’re the home handyman (or custom options Eliminate the need for finishing trades like nstalling the doors and windows onSolid one of decades inthe some instances and soTimber we contend with, because Solid Timber simply decades indesigns some instances and sohave with, because Solid Timber simply windows ontype oneand of don’t our handywoman) mind aTimber bit Most of from our Solid gib-stopping and painting by building with ur Solid Timber Because a lot use them. But wethem. are also require maintenance like conventiona we have continued use But doesn’t require maintenance like Because a lot of theof work is continued ofhomes. heavy homes. lifting, you are probably more range aretobordering on to ‘classic’ status. That Soliddoesn’t Timber. Then, when it’s ready, enjoy in our our factory,the the time on wethey’ve are also developing aover range of with conventional building materials do. he work isthan done in time on aremained range ofpopular updated designs building do. capable of factory, assembling the walls andsite developing is, several having virtuallymaterials no home maintenance to installing the doors and windows on one of popular decades in designs somelike instances and soceilings wefeatures haveand contend with, because Solid Timber simply in construction reduces significantly, updated with popular ite in construction reduces significantly, features cathedral our Solid Timber homes. Because a lot of continued to use them. But we are also doesn’titrequire maintenance like conventional is, three great reasons to which allows youcosts to save on costs like cathedral ceilings and oversized which allows you to save on on site like on oversized windows. In addition to both our There There it is, three great reasons to consider the work is done in our factory, the time on developing a range of updated designs with building materials do. consider Solid Timber for your site like hire and travel windows. In addition to both our quipment hire and equipment travel for tradespeople. If forclassic and contemporary designs, you have Solid Timber for your next project. If you’re site in construction reduces significantly, popular features like cathedral ceilings and next project. If you’re interested in tradespeople. Ifsave are planning to classic and contemporary designs, ou are planning to build in ayou remote location, choice of customising one of which allows you to on costs on site like the oversized windows. In addition to our bothexisting our interested learning more, start by taking a There it is, three in great to consider more, startreasons by taking a look build in hire a remote location, you have thedoing choice ofdesigns, customising ou can’t beat a Fraemohs Timber home If designs orand even a custom design from learning equipment andSolid travel for tradespeople. classic contemporary you have look at our designs, which If can be found here: for your next project. you’re atSolid ourTimber designs, which can be found onechoice of our designs or even you can’t beattoasavings. Fraemohs Solid ecause ofyou all the inherent are planning build in a remote location,scratch. the of existing customising one of our existing interested in learning more, start by taking a here:www.fraemohs.co.nz/house-plans/ www.fraemohs.co.nz/houseyou can’t beat a Fraemohs Timber even doing a custom design from doing aorcustom design from Timber home becauseSolid of all the home designs look at our designs, which can be found here: because of allsavings. the inherent savings. scratch. plans/ inherent scratch. www.fraemohs.co.nz/house-plans/

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EARTHMOVING FEATURE

Earthmoving jobs completed on time and within budget

ounded by Gary Rooney in 1976, Rooney Group began as a small earthmoving business with a single bulldozer in Waimate, South Canterbury. Over the last four decades Gary has grown this business upon strong principles of trust, reliability and customer

satisfaction. Rooney Earthmoving is a leading New Zealand civil contractor, specialising in earthmoving, irrigation, pipe and cable laying, cartage and transportation. About 400 staff are employed in various companies

and branches in Waimate, Ashburton, Christchurch, Timaru and Oamaru. Our skilled and experienced team of managers, engineers and operators, along with an extensive equipment list and internationally certified systems for quality, safety and

environmental management ensure we consistently complete projects on time and within budget. NZTA • We tender for and complete all size NZTA roading projects in the region and have completed two of the largest roading

projects in the South Island in recent years. Regional farm support • A team of experienced staff and specialised equipment are employed to provide a total on farm service to farmers in the Canterbury region. From dairy conversions, ponds,

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• Earthmoving / Excavation • ADC approved contractor • Grading farm tracks • Dairy lane capping • Race cleaning • Farm maintenance

• Gravel supplies • Mole ploughing • Gravel and fertiliser cartage • Tree and stump removal • Tree grinding

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EARTH MOVING FEATURE

Land Development and Civil Siteworks Done Right 30 years of local knowledge and experience makes us the right people to talk to when it comes to earthmoving and civil siteworks. We explore every angle of a project upfront to ensure it

irrigation upgrades through to routine race maintenance and stock feed cartage, the Rooney operation continues to support a large client base of Canterbury farmers. Local council and ECan • We provide essential services for councils including river protection work, flood damage repairs and stock water intake clearance and repair. Irrigation scheme construction • The limited company has developed a unique ability with a turn key solution to irrigation scheme construction. From the complex process of achieving a resource consent through to the delivery of water to the shareholders, Rooney Earthmoving can provide a true and tested model for its clients. The

runs smoothly and efficiently. For us,

experience that has been gained from constructing a large number of Canterbury irrigation schemes has been utilised and forms a template for the development of many new schemes currently in the pipeline. Special Projects • Large scale projects requiring extensive heavy plant and manpower resources over long periods of up to three years. Some of our largescale irrigation projects fall into this category as can large mining contracts or canals. As an example, our Rangitata South Irrigation project required 22 scrapers, six excavators up to 85 tonnes, five 65t dump trucks and four bulldozers up to 75t as well as many other plant items, all sourced entirely from within REL.

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South Island heifers targeted as M. bovis surveillance widens

The Five Star Beef feedlot in coastal Mid Canterbury is visited regularly to ensure it complies with the Restricted Place notice and biosecurity controls. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

he mycoplasma bovis programme has expanded the national beef cattle surveillance project to include 2019-born dairy heifers in Canterbury, Otago and Southland, as it works to eradicate the disease from New Zealand. M. bovis programme director Stuart Anderson said that in spring 2020 the programme saw the effect of untraceable young stock from 2018, in particular dairy heifers entering the milking platform for the first time. “We now have 2019-born heifers due to calve and come into lactation for the first time this winter. Where we can, intercepting infected dairy heifers before they mix on a milking platform and contribute calves to the population, will reduce the risk of possible spread within and between more farms.

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“To do this, we have expanded our national beef cattle surveillance over April and May to include testing 2019-born dairy heifers, with a rapid seasonal push to test a larger number of dairy heifer groups in areas where we have seen a higher prevalence of M. bovis – Canterbury, Otago and Southland,” Anderson said. M. bovis was first detected in New Zealand in July 2017, after cattle in a South Canterbury dairy herd began displaying symptoms of a novel disease. Since then, 171,212 cattle have been culled and $200 million paid in compensation to farmers in a national bid to eradicate the disease. Nationally, 254 farms have been cleared of the disease, with nine properties, all in Canterbury, currently infected. Canterbury cluster progress The first of the cluster of properties confirmed M. bovis programme director Stuart Anderson says infected with M. bovis in Mid dairy heifers are being tested for mycoplasma bovis Canterbury in spring 2020 have before they enter next season’s milking herd. been cleaned, cleared and able to get back to farming free of Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam the disease. McIvor said that following its infection The M. bovis programme expect with M. bovis, Five Star Beef had been to have all the properties identified in useful to the programme in serving as spring 2020 fully depopulated with a way to test incoming animals from cleaning and disinfection completed by source properties. the end of May, and Restricted Place “This has saved a lot of farmers’ time notices revoked in June. and all of these source stock have tested “Being under movement restrictions negative, building our confidence that isn’t easy and is a significant disruption M. bovis is not widespread in the beef to farmers, let alone finding you have industry.” M. bovis infected animals and having Five Star Beef is visited regularly to to work through eradication. I’d like to ensure it complies with the Restricted acknowledge the hard work that those Place notice and biosecurity controls and farmers affected by M. bovis are putting was highly compliant. in, and the support communities and The most recent inspection confirmed neighbours are providing to them,” no evidence of boundary weaknesses Anderson said. between the feedlot and neighbouring Five Star Beef biosecurity farms that could result in any cattle Before eradication of M. bovis can breakouts. Current conditions include be achieved, the Five Star Beef feedlot no live cattle movements off the feedlot in coastal Mid Canterbury must be other than to processing and no over the depopulated and cleared. The Ministry fence contact between cattle within and for Primary Industries’ chief science outside the boundaries of the Restricted adviser Dr John Roche is working with Place. international animal health and feedlot Additional conditions for lower risk farming experts to determine the pathways off the site are in place. These appropriate approach. include animal products, personnel, The timing of depopulation has not clothing and protective gear, equipment, been decided yet, but this property effluent and vehicles. As an extra will be one of the last, due to the risk precaution, neighbouring farms with of reinfection. As a large operation cattle are being tested at six-month sourcing cattle from around 400 farms, intervals. This plan will be in place until the property is at risk of being infected depopulation when a new plan focussed again, if infection remains in the farming on avoiding reintroduction of infection community. will be needed.

Epidemiological investigation is ongoing to determine the pathways of transmission within the Canterbury cluster. As all the farms in the current cluster have links to the network of infected farms, there are far more likely pathways coming from within the cluster of farms, than from the feedlot. Investigations continue to confirm movements of infected animals are the more probable cause of the Canterbury cluster. NAIT compliance Poor National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) records have cost the eradication programme and farmers, significantly increasing the time and resources required to trace and eliminate M. bovis from infected stock. This has meant that more farms have been infected or have had to be placed under movement controls than would otherwise have been necessary. “Failure to record animal movements in NAIT means that a larger number of farms need to be placed under movement controls than would otherwise be necessary, because the programme cannot be certain where and when animals moved,” McIvor said. “This means that one farmer not doing their NAIT properly can lead directly to other farmers’ businesses being impacted. No farmer I know would want to be responsible for this. “Graziers need to recognise that cattle from different clients must be kept separate on the grazing property and we encourage farmers to require this in the contract. This is necessary to prevent infection spreading between stock and then returning to the home blocks in spring. This is known to have occurred in Canterbury.” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said it was crucial all farmers have biosecurity practices in place to protect their herd, their business and the wider farming community.

“Many farmers are shifting stock at this time of year. It’s important to ensure that all animal movements are recorded in NAIT to protect our national herd against M. bovis and other biosecurity risks. Up-to-date records mean that animals can be tracked quickly, reducing the risk of any new clusters of disease.” Trading raw milk also carried risk for spreading M. bovis, Mackle said. “As we move towards calving, we recommend farmers use milk that has a low risk of containing M. bovis bacteria. This includes calf milk replacer powder, acidified milk or pasteurised milk. Go to dairynz.co.nz/mbovis for information on how to acidify milk.” Risky farming practices More than three years in and the programme is still seeing farming practices that contribute to the spread of M. bovis: • Insecure property boundaries • Mixing cattle on grazing blocks • Not recording on and off farm animal movements • Sharing milk and colostrum for calves between properties • Single NAIT numbers for multiple properties (same owner) and not recording cattle movements between those properties • Shared milking platforms • Inconsistent information from farmers. To reduce the risk of disease spread, for many diseases not just M. bovis, these are some practices that farmers must be doing to protect their own and other farmers’ herds: • Animal movements recorded in NAIT (this is how risk animals can be traced quickly) • Recording on and off farm animal movements – even between a farmer’s own properties • Retags linked in NAIT to previous tag so history is carried through • Keeping herds separate, including at grazing • No sharing untreated milk or colostrum • Secure farm and paddock boundaries

TIPS Removing risky farming practices is a smart investment in stock health and productivity. Information is available on reducing the risk of disease spread and on-farm biosecurity at: www.mbovis.govt.nz www.mpi.govt.nz www.dairynz.co.nz/business/biosecurity beeflambnz.com/compliance/biosecurity www.nzva.org.nz/public/farm/

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Charity sets meaty meal targets

Meat the Need co-founders Siobhan O’Malley and Wayne Langford; the charity has scaled up rapidly in its first year. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

harity Meat the Need is celebrating its first anniversary with an ambitious goal for its second year to deliver nearly one million meals. To date, Meet the Need has delivered more than 410,000 nutritious red meat meals to foodbanks across New Zealand in the first year, with plans to double that figure in its second. Following a successful pilot in Christchurch in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, Meat the Need scaled up rapidly in its first year and now supplies high-quality natural beef mince to more than 50 foodbanks throughout New Zealand. The charity, created by YOLO (you only live once) farmer

Wayne Langford and Siobhan O’Malley of Pukeko Pastures, enables farmers to help feed Kiwi families in need by providing the means for them to donate livestock through its charitable supply chain. Silver Fern Farms plays a pivotal role in this supply chain by processing the livestock to create high-quality natural beef mince and facilitating the delivery of the end-product to foodbanks. Meat the Need co-founder Langford said the high levels of support from the farming community, alongside the support from Silver Fern Farms, were critical to the charity’s success to date.

“Many New Zealanders have needed a hand-up this past year and farmers have really stepped up to the plate in giving generously to Meat the Need. Silver Fern Farms has also played a key role in promoting this with their network of farmers, processing the livestock and facilitating the distribution of the meat. With their support, our supply chain is going from strength to strength,” Langford said. Silver Fern Farms’ group marketing manager Nicola Johnston said the company’s support of the charity was inspired by its farmer-suppliers, who were actively looking for ways to give back to their communities.

Meat the Need mince packs.

“Silver Fern Farmers produce some of the best red meat in the world, which is something they believe all New Zealanders should benefit from. As key players in our food-producing nation, they are passionate about helping the efforts to ensure no Kiwi goes hungry,” Johnston said. Meat the Need is one initiative in Silver Fern Farms’ wider sustainable chain of care programme, which is

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committed to making a difference by investing in local communities, sustainability and the environment. Farmers who supply livestock to Silver Fern Farms can donate the value for an agreed number of livestock into the Meat the Need charity fund through a simple booking process. Other farmers and the general public can also support Meat the Need by making donations via its website: MeattheNeed.org.

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China key as deer eyes recovery

This year the industry celebrates 50 years since the start of deer farming in New Zealand.

he deer industry has recovered from previous global shocks and would do the same from Covid-19, says Deer Industry NZ chairman Dr Ian Walker. “After each of the past set-backs our industry has bounced back, with a better spread of markets, better structures to assist the production of venison and velvet and pathways to restore profitability to all aspects of deer farming. I believe our industry has the resilience, the structures and the people needed to bounce back from this current set-back. “It is hellishingly frustrating to be a producer of one of the world’s most healthy and delicious proteins and to lose nearly all your top-end customers

“

working relationship between producers and their marketers as a true industry board. As some corporates got out and the dairy wave swept all flat land before it, venison volumes increased as markets softened. Working together to accommodate the large increases in venison production, venison companies, their customers and producers succeeded in expanding markets. The venison schedule got back to $10. “In the early 2010s, the P2P programme kicked off with a strong focus on productivity improvement and industry cohesion. Advance Parties gave new energy to the business of deer farming, supported by the DFA branch network. Our DFA agreed that proving

China is now the largest export market for deer products; velvet, venison and co-products.

overnight. It’s never happened before. Not for New Zealand food producers anyway,” Walker told the Deer Industry Conference in Invercargill. This year the industry celebrates 50 years since the start of deer farming in New Zealand. The first licence to farm deer was issued in 1970 to Mike Giles. “In those early pioneering days, the development of the deer industry was exciting and risky, the pioneers were learning as they went, and having fun as they did so. “The 1970s and 80s saw huge optimism, live recovery, bold claims and some catastrophes. The founders recognised the need for research to help develop the systems to domesticate and manage deer on our pastoral systems, and huge gains were made. “In the 1990s, the industry really matured and hit its straps with the development of national quality assurance schemes, the National Velvetting Standards Body and the launch of Cervena. The structures put in place to guide good farming practice and collaborative marketing activity still underpin our sector today. “The 2000s saw the amalgamation of the Game Industry Board and the Deer Farmers Association executive to form DINZ, bolstering the strong

our environmental credentials needed to be front and centre and that all farmers need to have farm environment plans before anyone else told us we needed them. “Venison markets have been successfully diversified away from Europe to North America, higher value European channels have been developed and China emerged as a new and promising market. The work of the velvet marketers to make gains in China and expand the range of new health food companies in Korea created a step change in demand for our velvet. “2019 saw record export values for velvet, record prices for venison, increasing deer herds and strong producer confidence,” Walker said. However, after each of these decades of progress, the industry faced a setback, “none of which we could have foreseen or were within our control”. In 1986, Chernobyl damaged the venison market in Europe, the industry’s sole market at the time. In 1998, the Asian Financial Crisis damaged the velvet market, in 2008, the Global Financial Crisis hit both venison and velvet markets, while since last year the industry along with the rest of the world had been grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“Some have found fault with DINZ and marketers for being over-reliant on food service and restaurants for the sale of most of our premium venison cuts. Their reaction is understandable. But the reality is that as soon as we put Covid-19 behind us, restaurants will go back to being the market that brings us the best returns. “Yes, we could have put more emphasis on retail market development, and that is one of the big lessons that will out-live Covid-19. But the role of retail is to add value to lower-value parts of the carcass. It’s not the channel that brings us the top dollar we get from restaurants.” The other major challenge facing the industry – and the entire pastoral sector – was changing public expectations of water quality, animal welfare and greenhouse gas emissions from farming, Walker said. “These are driving government intrusion into farmers’ lives, creating anxiety, confusion and at times, a sense that the contribution we make to the economy and the environment is not valued by our fellow Kiwis. “Society’s expectations for farmers, processors and marketers will not get any less, but they can be managed. To this end, we are working closely with other farming sector groups to ensure that regulations introduced to supposedly

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reduce our environmental footprint actually achieve their objective. That they are practical, affordable and don’t overwhelm farmers with compliance paperwork.” Diversification had been the catch-cry for the industry for a decade, and its venison markets were well diversified geographically. “The development of the North American and Chinese markets has seen a dramatic reduction in the volume of frozen venison going to our traditional European markets where it competes with local, authentic European game.” Two of the industry’s main market development projects were aimed at increasing demand for deer products in mainland China. “China is now the largest export market for deer products; velvet, venison and co-products. We see huge potential for adding value to deer product exports by connecting the right products with the right customers in China. “But we also acknowledge that access to the Chinese market is dependent on New Zealand’s relations with China. The changing political environment means that we need to be going into this activity with our eyes wide open and have contingency plans in place should access conditions change,” Walker said.

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SIDE FEATURE

SIDE coming to Ashburton

While the Ashburton event will have a slightly more Canterbury focus, people travel from throughout the South Island and further afield to attend.

ools to help farmers deal with an ever-evolving dairy industry will be on offer when Ashburton hosts this year’s South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) for the first time. Being held at the Ashburton Event Centre on June 23 and 24, SIDE is expected to attract hundreds of dairy farmers and industry professionals.

The first farmer-led SIDE was held in 1999 in recognition that the then fast-growing South Island dairy industry needed its own conference as its type of farming was different from the established North Island dairying. Since then, SIDE has alternated between Canterbury and Southland, with two events in Dunedin.

SIDE organising committee chairman and Canterbury dairy farmer Andrew Slater said this year’s theme was “evolve”, as the level and speed of change farmers were facing was unprecedented. “The days of holding back, pushing back and putting our heads in the sand are gone. Our farming businesses have to evolve if

we want to keep up with the changing climate and continue to survive and prosper. “The world is changing, and it is not just coming from regulators such as Environment Canterbury. “Dairy companies such as Fonterra and Synlait, through their customers, are putting expectations on us as well. So

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

the expectations are coming from every angle. “Financial markets are also now linking loans back to environmental compliance. Compliance around HR and hiring people, particularly foreigners, is also getting more difficult.” Slater said that SIDE had always been a farmer-led

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SIDE FEATURE

Southland sharemilker and social media star Tangaroa Walker will speak at BrightSIDE, aimed at new entrants to the dairy industry and younger staff.

from Southland. In the past we have had a strong contingent of Tasmanians.” Workshop topics include milking regimes, the risks and benefits of milk futures and fixed milk prices, getting calves off to a great start, financial cost control, the future for bobby calves, herd reproductive performance, high performance lower footprint farming, and creating great dairy farm workplaces. An alternative programme known as BrightSIDE was aimed at new entrants and

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younger staff and would feature Tangaroa Walker, the Southland sharemilker who has become a social media star. Walker’s Facebook page, Farm 4 Life, provides a glimpse of the highs and lows of rural life and has over 150,000 followers. Keynote speakers include Dr Ceri Evans, a psychiatrist best known for his work with the All Blacks. His red-blue mind model is used by people serious about performing under pressure. Wairarapa farmers Dion and Ali Kilmister will outline how

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they have progressed from a stock manager’s position 15 years ago, to their first lease farm with 70 steers and a $30,000 overdraft to their now $20 million farming operation. Atendees will also have the opportunity to socialise at a barn dance and dinner on the evening of June 22 in the pavilion at Trotts Garden, Racecourse Road, Ashburton. People are encouraged to dress in country and western, with the evening featuring a mechanical bull and line dancing, as well as a live band.

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Rearers extend life of bobby calves A

group of young rural professionals have come up with a new option for rearing calves for beef that may have previously gone on the bobby truck. Maatua Hou is an equity partnership of four young couples that were looking for opportunities outside their day jobs. “We are all passionate about the dairy industry and its need to address the issue of bobby calves,” said spokesman David Williams. “Our business has the aim of extending the lives of bobby calves.” In 2020, they purchased a Burnham property to provide a pathway for dairy farmers to rear a larger percentage of their less desirable dairy beef, to grazing animals. David Williams and Brendan Kelly of Maatua Hou will outline their new approach to calf rearing at the South Island Dairy Event in Ashburton on June 23. While Maatua Hou are calf rearers, their goal is to avoid the traditional calf model of selecting good beef calves to purchase, rear and sell to the beef market. This model can involve up to a $400/

Maatua Hou rear dairy beef heifers and other rejected animals that were going onto the bobby truck. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

calf overdraft and only allows farmers to sell their best beef calves. “Traditional calf rearing

businesses have financial risk because of large overdrafts, so we wanted a business model with less risk.

“We approached dairy farmers that had similar aims to us.” Maatua Hou rear dairy beef

heifers, and other rejected animals that were going onto the bobby truck. Farmers retain ownership of the calf, provide Maatua Hou an advance payment on each calf and then both parties profit share on the sale price of the calve when it reaches 100kg liveweight. Maatua Hou was able to rear 550 calves in 2020 with very little overdraft. They believe it is necessary to rear a cattle beast for 18-24 months to achieve the best market. This involves taking a calf from birth, through one or two winters. A challenge that has great potential is building a new beef market, that could see an animal reared to 8-12 months, producing tender beef. This would allow farmers to reduce wintering impacts. If beef farmers took on a larger number of dairy-born beef animals, this removed the need for beef cows that produce just one calf a year. The grass that was fed to that cow could instead be fed to growing young stock. This allowed more meat to be produced from the same amount of grass and likely the same amount of carbon emitted.

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Switch to dairying pays off From a beef farm, Andrew Slater came to realise the opportunities to progress and obtain farm ownership were much greater in the dairy industry.

Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

ndrew Slater used to think that people were crazy to go dairy farming. Now a Canterbury dairy farmer himself, he wishes he joined the industry sooner. “Fourteen years ago, my wife Hayley convinced me to give dairy farming a go. We put together a 10-year plan and if we didn’t achieve our goals we were gone.” While growing up on a beef farm near Helensville, north of Auckland, and initially working on deer and sheep farms, he

came to realise the opportunities to progress and obtain farm ownership were much greater in the dairy industry. “I enjoyed sheep and beef finishing and working with deer and young stock. I was enjoying the job and the lifestyle. We were trying to move forward and find land to lease, or something to invest it, but we couldn’t compete with dairy farmers. “It’s the old saying; if you can’t beat them, join them.” For the last 10 years the couple have sharemilked 600 cows at Dorie, in coastal Mid Canterbury for Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown and his wife Judy. Five years ago the Slaters and Browns joined forces to buy a 430 cow farm near Charing Cross in Central Canterbury in an equity partnership. Now as organising committee chairman for the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) being held

in Ashburton on June 23 and 24, Andrew Slater is happy for the opportunity to give back to an industry that has enabled him and Hayley to achieve their farm ownership dreams. Entering the dairy industry, Slater set some challenging goals to be working for himself by the age of 30 and achieve land ownership by 35. He spent a year on a small farm at Rakaia as second in charge, seeking to learn and upskill as quickly as possible. He then lower order sharemilked at Ealing for two years, before taking on a larger lower order sharemilking job at Lowcliffe for a year. The Slaters then stretched themselves to go 50-50 sharemilking for the Browns after just four years in the dairy industry. After a few years of sharemilking, the Slaters, in

conjunction with the Browns started looking for a run-off, a block to convert, or a dairy farm, when the Charing Cross property came on the market. Being a smaller dairy farm enabled the Slaters to take a bigger equity share. “It was the end of my 35th year that we got into farm ownership. “The two farms keep me away from the coalface a bit more than I would like at times as there is a plenty of office work and administration to be done. “We have been given some awesome opportunities by the people we have worked for and with. While it is a business arrangement, the Browns have allowed us to spread our wings and help us get into this place. “It is allowing us to build our equity and get ready for the next step, whatever that may be. “Our ambition is to give back

PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

what we have been given.” Both farms supply Synlait and are Lead with Pride Gold Plus accredited, receiving a premium over the standard payout price. The 163-hectare Dorie farm has a grass-based contract, with no palm kernel, grain, or molasses allowed to supply the Munchkin grass fed infant formula market. The farm produces about 1750kg of milksolids/ha. The 113ha Charing Cross farm supplies A2 milk. When buying cows for the new farm, the Slaters did not have to purchase an A2 herd, instead selecting enough A2 cows from purchased animals as well as their Dorie herd. “It involved a bit of swapping over, but we didn’t have to specifically buy A2 cows as at the time there was quite a premium for these.” They are also breeding their Dorie herd towards A2.

$8 payout forecast for next season

ext season’s dairy payout price is already being tipped to be hitting the $8 mark. Economists from two banks are making the bullish prediction, with ASB forecasting a payout of $8.20 a kg of milksolids for the 2021-22 season and Westpac $8. This would be the second highest payout on record after Fonterra’s $8.40 payment in the 2013-14 season. ASB economist Nat Keall said prices were holding onto their gains at dairy auctions. “We always felt the odds were against a sharp correction in prices after March’s mammoth auction, but the resilience in prices has exceeded our expectations.” Last week’s auction was the fifth consecutive auction in which whole milk powder prices had held above the USD$4000/ tonne mark.

ASB’s $7.60 forecast for the current season was unchanged. “It’s late in the day now, and something pretty dramatic would need to happen for us to make a change here.” Keall said that while it was bold to lift its 2021-22 forecast by 70 cents after a single, uneventful auction there were a combination of factors which justified the move. “All whole milk powder contract terms continue to trade north of USD$4000 a tonne, with the September contract trading at a premium. The indications suggest that prices will hold their momentum well into next season, particularly during the crucial months when Fonterra does most of its shipping. The upshot is we reckon whole milk powder prices will hold up higher for longer. “Our prior forecasts saw

shipping fears starting to ease from the third quarter, reducing the need for buyers to secure supply through aggressive purchasing and in turn taking some of the heat out of prices. However, freight indicators show few signs of easing, and high prices for the later contracts might imply buyers are still worried about securing supply further into the future than we anticipated. “Chinese economic data undershot expectations a little in April, but we still expect consumer spending there to recover further over the course of the year. “Our model sees a supply response starting to put downward pressure on prices toward the end of the season, but we are still confident demand will outstrip supply,” Keall said. ASB had also adjusted its forecast for Fonterra’s effective

NZD/USD conversion rate. “We reckon the co-op’s about 56 per cent hedged for the season, and could end up with a rate around the US71 cents mark – much more favourable than it did last time USD dairy prices were this lofty. “As ever, there is an element of educated guesswork for a forecast this far in the future, and we caution that prices could still end up closer to $7.50 than the $8.20 mark. There are all sorts of swing factors to consider – an unexpected move by China to ease purchases, or a faster-than-expected supply response. “Still, we feel farmers can be increasingly confident of another strong season,” Keall said. Westpac senior agri economist Nathan Penny said it was forecasting an $8 payout for next season. Both overall and whole milk

powder prices had recorded movements in either direction of less than 1 per cent over the last four dairy auctions. Accordingly, prices remained at very healthy levels. Whole milk powder prices, for example, now sit 54 per cent higher than at the same auction a year ago and are over a third above their five-year average. Fonterra was expected to lift and narrow its 2020-21 forecast range towards Westpac’s forecast of $7.90. Currently Fonterra’s forecast range sits at $7.30/kg to $7.90/kg. Fonterra would likely pitch its opening forecast for the 2021-22 season lower than Westpac’s in order to reduce the risk of having to lower its forecast later in the season. However, it expected a healthy opening forecast midpoint of something comfortably north of $7, Penny said.

Dairy Focus

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Top bull fathers 170,000 daughters O

ne of the country’s most famous fathers has been recognised for his significant contribution to the dairy industry after siring more than 170,000 daughters for New Zealand farms. The holstein friesian bull, San Ray FM Beamer-ET S2F, or Beamer as he is known to farmers, was inducted into an elite animal Hall of Fame this week by farmer-owned cooperative LIC. The honour is shared with Beamer’s breeders, Ray and Sandra Hocking of Carterton, who supplied the bull to LIC as a calf after he was selected as a contender for the co-op’s elite teams of artificial breeding bulls based on his high genetic merit. Ray Hocking said they have been proud to follow Beamer’s success, seeing him be selected for the LIC bull team and then be so popular with farmers, for his high genetic merit, overall conformation traits and ability to breed capacious daughters with good udders. “Beamer has a lot of things that just click with New Zealand farmers. His daughters are not overly tall, but they are very wide. Production wise, he’s also got great numbers and a

perfect balance of protein to fat,” Ray Hocking said. “As breeders, we are very proud of his achievements. We know he has delivered a lot of value to a lot of farmers around New Zealand.” LIC livestock selection manager Simon Worth said Beamer was the 58th bull to be inducted into the co-op’s Hall of Fame, an honour which is strictly reserved for animals that have delivered a significant contribution to the dairy industry, dating back to 1954. “Beamer well and truly meets that criteria. Not only has he fathered more than 170,000 daughters for New Zealand’s dairy herd, but he has also sired more than 92 sons and 54 grandsons who are now following in his footsteps and achieving tremendous success.” He is also one of only four bulls in New Zealand’s 70-year history of AB to surpass more than one million straws of semen for artificial insemination. “Beamer is an outstanding bull and his contribution will have a prolonged effect on New Zealand farms for many years to come. “He’s always had a great nature too and is a favourite with our farm staff – a quality

Beamer’s breeders Ray and Sandra Hocking of Carterton with LIC livestock selection manager Simon Worth (centre). PHOTO: SUPPLIED

that would be appreciated in his daughters too, I’m sure. “He enjoys a good scratch behind the ears and is often seen in his paddock sitting like a dog, waiting patiently and keeping an eye on his surroundings,” Worth said. His induction into the Hall of Fame was announced to some of the country’s top bull breeders who gathered in Hamilton for LIC’s Breeders’ Day. The annual LIC event celebrates an exclusive group of farmers who supplied a bull calf to LIC which went on to

form part of the co-op’s elite teams of artificial breeding bulls the year before. About San Ray Beamer • Born in 2010, as a result of an embryo transfer • Sired by Fairmont MintEdition - 105038 (a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee) • Debuted in the Premier Sires teams in 2015 • 734,073 liquid inseminations (PS & SPS) and over 1 million straws • 170,000 daughters • 92 sons and 52 grandsons for the artificial breeding (AB)

industry • BW 216/98 as of April 2021 • 58th inductee, 26th holstein friesian bull inductee How Beamer got his name San Ray FM Beamer-ET S2F • ‘San Ray’ is the name of his breeder’s stud. • ‘FM’ refers to his sire Fairmont Mint-Edition. • Beamer – the name chosen for him by LIC livestock selection staff. • ‘ET’ is because he resulted from an embryo transfer. • S2F is his registration status from the breed association.

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NZ too small to weather trade storm

have banned imports of beef from four of Australia’s largest abattoirs. Despite this and the immense pain being felt by producers across Australia, their exports to China grew on the back of increased demand for iron ore. Craig ELBOW DEEP Australia and the US, who also engaged @dairymanNZ Hickman in a trade war with China under former President Trump, have large enough s a dairy farmer, whenever I am economies and domestic markets to asked what I think is the greatest weather these storms. New Zealand does risk to farming in the foreseeable future, not. I invariably and only half-jokingly reply Way back in April 2008, Helen Clark’s that it is politicians. Labour Government made history when I wasn’t laughing recently, however, New Zealand became the first developed when Brook van Velden, the ACT nation in the world to sign a bilateral party’s foreign affairs spokesperson, free trade agreement with China, an submitted a motion to Parliament agreement that was pivotal in softening CUSTOMER CHRISTCHURCH VEIN CLINIC PUBLISHING 02/09/14 asking MPs to declare China’s treatment the impact of the impending global SALES REP BERNADETTE.CHRISTIE PUBLICATION STRAIG of the Uyghur people a genocide. She financial crisis on this country. had the full backing of her leader, David Under the agreement, 37 per cent of DESIGNER Unknown SECTION GENERA Seymour, who boldly exclaimed “We Chinese exports to New Zealand and 35 CUSTOMER CHRISTCHURCH VEIN CLINIC PUBLISHING PROOFED 27/08/2014 1:31:18 p.m. SIZE 10X7 shouldn’t care about trade and declare a per cent of New Zealand’s exports to SALES REP BERNADETTE.CHRISTIE PUBLICATION genocide in China”. China were tariff free by October 2008. ERTISING AD ID 6268508AA FAX 4528 This somewhat idealistic proposition DESIGNER Unknown SECTION By 2019, a whopping 96 per cent of came hard on the heels of the Labour New Zealand’s exports to China were ROOF PROOFED 27/08/2014 1:31:18 p.m. SIZE Government being criticized by their tariff free andAPPROVE this year the agreement PLEASE THIS AD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NOTE THAT ANY ALTERAT Five Eyes partners for being too cosy has been It is the most AD IDupgraded. 6268508AA FAX with China. Five Eyes, an intelligence comprehensive free trade agreement weBE FINALISED BY OUR MATERIAL DEADLINE. MUST gathering and sharing arrangement have with any of our trading partners, PROVE THIS AD AS between the United States, Canada, includingSOON our Five Eyes’ allies.AS POSSIBLE. NOTE THAT ANY AL United Kingdom, Australia and New Free trade with China has also been MUST BE OUR MATERIAL DEADLINE. Zealand, has in recent times tried toFINALISED an essential component in ourBY rapid For the year ended June 2020, China bought 37.5 per cent of the goods New Zealand expand its remit into other areas of recovery from the financial effects of the exported, worth $32.4 billion. PHOTO: SUPPLIED policy. global pandemic, dairy exports remained These policy statements are invariably almost unaffected, and farmers enjoyed some kind of criticism of China, but sustained high prices for their raw milk. New Zealand has annoyed its Five Eyes For the year ended June 2020, China partners by charting their own course bought $32.4 billion of the $86.4b and not signing on to these statements. worth of goods New Zealand exported: New Zealand exporters have looked that is a massive 37.5 per cent. on in horror as Australian politicians None of this is to say New Zealand continue to needle China in the most should remain silent or bow down to undiplomatic fashion as only Australians China’s every wish. can, from being the most strident in Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia calling for an independent investigation Mahuta struck the right chord when she into the origins of Covid-19 to openly said the relationship should be one of discussing the possibility of war with mutual respect. New Zealand refused to China. If there has been a button to allow Chinese company Huawei to bid push, then Australia has found it and for the right to build our 5G cellular pressed it hard. network due to well-founded security The Chinese response has been swift; concerns and Parliament unanimously they have stopped importing rock declared severe human rights abuses are lobsters which has crashed the price in occurring against the Uyghur people in Australia from $80 per kg to $25; tariffs China’s Xianjiang province. 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Budget misses the mark T

he Government’s Budget has missed the opportunity to give farmers the on-the-ground backing they need to continue innovating and enhancing sustainability, DairyNZ says. “This is a business-as-usual Budget with nothing new or transformational for farmers or rural communities,” DairyNZ general manager for responsible dairy Jenny Cameron said. “Although funding has continued for existing programmes, which is a positive, there is very little new funding to help farmers accelerate the pace or scale of the great work they are doing behind the farm gate to improve environmental outcomes. “Farmers have faced increasing regulations over the last four years – particularly when it comes to water quality, emission reductions and biodiversity. We are making great progress, but there is a lot to do,” Cameron said. “It’s positive to see some budget going to national training to deliver more skilled farm advisers, and an accelerator fund will invest in targeted initiatives to significantly broaden the uptake of integrated farm planning. This is the sort of practical on-the-ground action that is needed. “It’s good to see some money going into research and development for greenhouse gases but given the scale

of the challenge farmers are facing, we hoped to see a greater increase in research and development funding that will help them meet obligations. The fact this didn’t eventuate only highlights the urgent need for a clear strategy for science funding and we urge the Government to act on this.” DairyNZ is also disappointed there wasn’t more investment in initiatives to help build resilience in rural communities – particularly when it comes to digital connectivity, biosecurity and rural mental health. “Covid-19 has shown how susceptible New Zealand’s economy is to global shocks. We need more investment in on-the-ground initiatives to protect our primary sector, yet the investment in biosecurity has fallen short,” Cameron said. “We hoped to see a substantial Government boost to fund preparedness, capability and cutting-edge technologies. “A $10m investment over four years for increased rural digital connectivity is a drop in the bucket and falls short of what is needed. Connectivity is vital for business resilience, and we have yet to see a real plan to address this.” Climate Change Commission recommendations said connectivity was essential to help farmers reduce carbon emissions.

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Unlike Ireland, New Zealand lacks a national agricultural sustainability brand. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

NZ lags behind Ireland on green credentials

incoln University research has found New Zealand slow to implement important agricultural Industry programmes such as the measurement of farm-level carbon footprints, when compared to Ireland. Dr Nic Lees spent three months in Ireland looking at the Irish Origin Green, launched in 2012 and claiming to be the world’s first national level, third-party verified sustainability programme and brand for agriculture. As part of the programme, farmlevel carbon footprints and other sustainability measures have been available to Irish farmers since 2011. In contrast, New Zealand is only beginning to implement a comprehensive farm-level carbon footprint measurement system. “This means it is not possible to give feedback to individual farmers on how their management practices affect their carbon footprint or to demonstrate progress. Furthermore, it limits the ability for the data to be aggregated to the industry level,” Lees said. “This prevents the New Zealand agricultural industry from validating its sustainability credentials and demonstrating progress in reducing on-farm emissions.” He said New Zealand also lags behind Ireland in areas such as quality assurance, and in traceability, only now being addressed as a result of the outbreak of mycoplasma bovis. “New Zealand has only recently developed a single quality assurance scheme for the red meat sector. Furthermore, New Zealand’s National Animal Identification and Traceability scheme (NAIT) has been shown to have significant weaknesses and to

have been poorly implemented.” He said Origin Green provided valuable lessons for the New Zealand beef industry and its efforts to verify and communicate its sustainability credentials. It also has relevance to the wider New Zealand food industry. “Origin Green shows the opportunity for a national sustainability brand that not only focuses on the beef sector but brings together multiple stakeholders across all New Zealand’s food industries. In doing this, New Zealand can take the lead in establishing its position as a niche food producer based on sustainable farming practices.” He said there were repeated calls from a variety of stakeholders for a New Zealand version. “However, to date, there has been little progress in achieving this. “One of the challenges identified is that New Zealand has no equivalent agency to Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) that can provide cross-sector leadership on the issue. Promotion of New Zealand food exports is undertaken primarily by individual companies, industry organisations and a number of government agencies with limited overall co-ordination. “Without leadership, New Zealand is likely to continue to struggle to introduce the necessary industrywide food strategy or respond to the repeated calls for a sustainable New Zealand country brand,” Lees said. • www.nicleesagrifood.com/ publications/ The Irish Origin Green Sustainability Brand. An Evaluation of the Relevance for New Zealand.

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Down cows no longer an issue D

eath, taxes and down cows do not all have to be certainties in a dairy farmer’s life. As dairy farmers you do not have to accept that this is a reality, and by changing your focus on farm from treating sick animals to prevention you can remove one of the ‘certainties’ from the list, making dairying more enjoyable and more profitable. Unfortunately, the acceptance of down cows being part of life is reinforced by their prevalence during springtime. Downers are now so common it is like a self-fulfilling prophecy; every farm has them, it’s just some are worse than others. DairyNZ published that there are about 2 per cent of cows in a herd that actually go down in New Zealand during the calving period. For every one that goes down, there are at least 10 times more that are sub-clinically suffering the same problem. In fact, DairyNZ suggests that one-third of all cows in New Zealand are affected. This results in further problems with calving, milk production, fertility and mastitis through the season. There are many reasons for the high levels of hypocalcemia cows in the dairy industry. The most well acknowledged

Farmers who have adopted balanced nutritional systems don’t fear calving.

is the magnesium deficiency created in cows by excessive levels of potassium and nitrogen based molecules in our modern grasses. This lack of magnesium means that the cow fails to regulate her own calcium homeostatic systems prior to calving and also during lactation. A failure to regulate calcium homeostasis by magnesium means the cow fails to break down sufficient bone prior to calving to allow for available calcium at calving. It also means

the cow is unable to absorb sufficient calcium during the lactation period, which means she is unable to replace her bones. Not dissimilar to not replacing body condition score. By pasture dusting, drenching and water dosing with magnesium prior to calving we are enabling the cow to break down her bones and use this calcium at calving. However, this is effectively “raiding the bank” when it is not necessary. It also means that we have to replace more calcium in

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

lactation, which is likely to be already lacking. Hypocalcemia has also been demonstrated to be the precursor for just about every major metabolic disease post calving. This includes mastitis, ketosis, retained placenta, metritis, dystocia and even prolapse. These metabolic diseases increase the loss of body weight in early lactation, reduce production and have a negative effect on fertility. So how can you tackle hypocalcemia?

The first part is to feed a balanced diet all year round. This enables cows to have a healthy skeleton prior to calving and enable the cow to draw on this reserve during calving and into lactation. To achieve this we need to maintain the macro mineral balance (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium) and also the fat soluble vitamin balance. It is important to realize that minerals and vitamins are not feed additives, they are critical components of a cow’s diet, not unlike energy, protein and fibre. The second part is to balance her diet immediately prior to calving, in what we call the transition period. Research has shown it is possible to achieve this on a grass based diet by utilising highly available sources of magnesium, calcium and an advanced form of vitamin D called HyD. HyD has been demonstrated to increase the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the diet during the milking period and to activate calcium prior to calving. The farmers that have adopted balanced nutritional systems don’t fear calving – they often get to the point where a down cow is most unusual, and certainly not to be expected as a normal part of calving.

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Bull burps could hold answer to breeding climate friendly cows

LIC chief scientist Richard Spelman and Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor at the project facilities at LIC’s farm outside of Hamilton. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

he opportunity to breed more climate friendly cows is one step closer for New Zealand dairy farmers after a Waikato trial found a possible link between a bulls’ genetics and the amount of methane they produce. The pilot trial, by artificial breeding companies LIC and CRV with funding from the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, measured feed intake and methane emissions – in the form of burps – from 20 young bulls destined to father the next generation of New Zealand’s dairy cows. LIC chief scientist Richard Spelman said the results from the pilot trial were promising. “Methane production primarily relates to how much an animal eats. We’ve accounted for this and we’re still seeing variation which suggests genetics plays a role in a dairy bull’s methane emissions – now we need more data to prove it.” The research will now progress to a much larger study where operations have scaled up to collect measurements from 300 young bulls, the full intake from LIC and CRV’s Sire Proving Scheme. “If this genetic link is confirmed, farmers will ultimately be able to breed low methane-emitting cows from low methane-emitting bulls.” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor attended the launch of the project at LIC’s farm outside of Hamilton. “What makes me so excited about this project is the co-operation. A company from the northern hemisphere and a company from the southern hemisphere working together for a common objective. There are lots of options for methane emission reduction being looked at, and this is a great one,” O’Connor said. “Each one of the cows we have in New Zealand now produces a whole lot more for the same inputs that we put

in maybe 20 or 30 years ago. That kind of progressive development that we’ve seen in production, we want to now see in methane reduction and I’m sure we can do that. We are innovative, we’re creative and we’re co-operative.” Although methane emissions have been shown to be heritable, Spelman said LIC and CRV will carry out additional research to validate their findings. “We will be methane testing daughters from the bulls that are identified to be high or low methane emitters to check their emissions are representative of their father’s. It’s a long-term project, but it has the potential to deliver real benefits to farmers in the future by providing another tool to reduce their farm emissions,” Spelman said. CRV research and development manager Phil Beatson said that more than two-and-a-half years of planning together with his colleagues at LIC has gone into setting up a robust structure for the research project. “Together, we have done a significant amount of work to set up this trial, including using insights from overseas projects measuring feed intake and methane emissions. We believe we are using the best approach for what is enormously complicated work. “CRV and LIC recognise that environmental issues have become increasingly important to New Zealand agriculture. Our collaboration, with support from MPI, AgResearch and NZAGRC, demonstrates our commitment to keep finding genetic solutions that can help farmers futureproof their business.” Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre director Harry Clark was delighted with the outcomes of the pilot trial. “We have been highly successful in New Zealand in breeding low-emitting sheep and this preliminary work with the bulls is a positive sign that we

should be able to achieve the same for the dairy sector,” he said. Spelman said while breeding for more climate friendly cows is the focus, it’s still a balancing act with other genetic traits. “It’s really important that we understand the genetic relationships between methane and traits like milk production and fertility. We don’t want to find we are selecting against methane and inadvertently breeding cows that are less fertile.” The bulls involved in the trial are housed in a barn so their feed intake can be measured. Bulls help themselves to feed throughout the day. They eat lucerne hay cubes via feed bins which measures how much each bull eats. The bulls independently visit the Greenfeed machine (a special methane measuring device). They’re enticed to visit the machine as they get a small feed of pellets which keeps them in the machine for three to five minutes – enough time to get a methane measurement (ruminant animals burp every one to two minutes). Bulls are under 24/7 video surveillance so scientists can monitor them remotely. It also allows scientists the ability to go back and review footage if they see any odd pieces of data from the machines that need further explanation. By 2024, it was hoped methane measurements can be taken from daughters to ensure they’re representative of the methane measurements captured in trial and validate heritability, for example. low methane-emitting bulls produce low methane-emitting offspring, high methane-emitting bulls produce high methane-emitting offspring. If this is successful then by 2025 all artificial breeding bulls from LIC and CRV may have a methane breeding value, allowing farmers to select bulls who will produce low methaneemitting cows.

Young bulls are enticed by a small feed of pellets which keeps them in the machine for three to five minutes, enough time to get a methane measurement.

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Succession planning playing a part in rural property market

Mid Canterbury dairy land is selling for close to the previous record levels of 2013.

Calvin Leen

PGG Wrightson Real Estate

uccession planning is a constant theme behind many farm transactions. Passing the farm from one generation to the next is an incredibly important exercise. At this time of year most of us in the business of marketing rural land expect to receive calls

from farming families reviewing their options. I’ve already taken a few, and no doubt others will be in touch. Maintaining family relationships and enhancing business performance are the key objectives for anyone going through this. With end of year accounts looming families may be thinking about succession. Autumn is the best time to plan for this, particularly if a spring sale is a possibility, making preparation of the farm for sale a priority over the next few months. With the average age of sheep and beef farmers rising, farms in that sector are likely

and operated T

to be the focus of much of this activity through the coming months. If that is a serious option now is definitely a good time: buyers are motivated and there is plenty of unsatisfied demand for property, particularly farms with scale. Meanwhile, although the age profile among dairy farmers is lower than their red meat counterparts, and there is therefore less focus on retirement, other dynamics are operating. With returns rising, business acquisition and the growth of farming operations are again realistic prospects for many, which is driving demand for property in the sector. Once

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again, a consequence of good succession planning. After dairy farm sales were rare for several years, the sector is re-emerging into the limelight. Depending on conditions relating to water and environmental limitations, the value for Mid Canterbury dairy land has returned to the mid/late $40,000s and early $50,000s per hectare, the highest it has been for many years, and close to previous record levels dating back to 2013. Succession planning within a farming family requires longterm thinking about the natural, human and financial capital of

the business. A good succession plan transfers the management, and often the ownership of a farm from one generation to the next, while maintaining family relationships and enhancing business performance. It is never too soon to start thinking about how the farm will be passed on to the next generation. Planning the process well in advance helps ensure the family, the farm and the business will continue to thrive in the future. Calvin Leen is Mid-South Canterbury and North Otago Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited.

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Satisfaction in wilding conifer control Wilding control at Lake Heron – fresh air and a mountain backdrop make for a satisfying day out.

Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

ilding conifer control in many places relies on volunteer effort. Every year or so, members and friends of the Ashburton branch of Forest and Bird gather their loppers and saws, don their gardening gloves, and head off into the tussock grassland adjacent to Lake Heron. During a weekend in May a group of about 25 removed

more than 2000 conifers – douglas fir and pines – in about four hours. It was a pleasant day out on a sunny, windy day in a beautiful setting. Small trees and young seedlings were pulled out or cut down to ensure the grassland, with its suite of native shrubs and herbs, and the kettleholes of rare plants, remain. The gentle undulations of the glacial topography would also be lost if the area were covered in trees. There’s satisfaction in getting a job done and taking responsibility for ensuring the horses (wildings) don’t bolt, as they have done in many other parts of the country. It is likely the Ashburton Lakes area would look like Pukaki if regular and

systematic action on wildings wasn’t undertaken by volunteers. The Ashburton Forest and Bird members have had an agreement with the Department of Conservation to do the wilding control at Lake Heron ever since the Hakatere Conservation Park was formed, and they also control wildings in the Spider Lakes area. The source of the seeds at both sites are old trees on adjacent farmland; as long as they remain this job won’t go away. There’s an interesting moral dilemma here – should we have introduced trees sequestering carbon and sheltering stock in a harsh environment that was originally covered with native trees and shrubs, or should we maintain the post-fire cover of

PHOTO: VAL CLEMENS

tussock grassland? Pockets of native forest in the area point to a cover that originally had native trees on favourable sites – if only there were more of them to provide a seed bank we could return to a native forest cover. But without an extensive seed source and cover for emerging seedlings, there is no hope of natural forest regeneration, and planting trees in this harsh environment is not really an option on a big scale. Natural tussock grassland is a good natural cover and is a far better option than conifers, and grassland does sequester considerable amounts of carbon. The grassland is not just grass – it’s an interesting mosaic of short tussocks,

tall tussocks, shrubs such as matagouri and coprosmas, and herbs such as gentians and daisies. There’s also a significant amount of the introduced weed hieracium, but since grazing was removed, there has been a noticeable recovery of native vegetation – the tussocks and herbs are more numerous and have grown bigger and filled in some of the space previously occupied by hieracium. Introduced broom is also a pest here. Small broom plants are often grazed by hares, creating a multi-stemmed bush that’s hard to cut out successfully. Herbicides are usually the best solution for these pest plants and they will be dealt with at a later date.

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Stock water races provide habitat for many

Stock water races act as a natural drainage system during a big weather event. \

Sheryl Stivens

ECO EFFICIENCY

hat a surprise it was to find two ecologists exploring our stock water race this week. The Ashburton District Council had asked them to investigate the ecological values of this historic drain, so they were looking for a suitable place to set traps overnight to see what native fish and water life

was there. The next day they were back to check the traps and see what they could find. It was great to hear that they did find colonies of upland bullies – an endemic non-migrating species found only in New Zealand. It’s a bit late to find eels now but we will always remember my nephew finding an eel crossing our road in a big rainstorm some years back to get to our creek on his migration path. There’s nothing quite like sitting on the verandah on a summer’s evening and hearing the frogs singing. The highlight of this summer was a visit from a Tui who was

Sheryl Stivens with ecologists from Aquatic Ecology setting traps for freshwater creatures. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

singing from the red oak tree and nibbling from the harakeke flowers alongside the creek just beside the house. I never thought we would see a Tui this far down the Canterbury plains and am sure it was because of our stock water race. Some of our neighbours want the water race shut as they see it only as nuisance value. We have witnessed what happens when the water race has had no water and the bees are trying to get water from the school and community swimming pool in mid-summer. The new freshwater rules which require ecological and cultural assessments before shutting these historic water

races will hopefully help us protect the water life in our freshwater streams and the eco systems that have evolved over 100 plus years. The ecologists got me thinking about the true meaning of ecology in 2021. What value is there in preserving the habitats for water life including insects, birds, fish and macrophytes? Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment; it seeks to understand the vital connections between plants and animals and the world around them. The first stock water races

in Ashburton district were dug by hand in the 1860s and construction continued until 1915. Over time, many of these ribbons of fresh water have developed their own ecosystems and served the communities in many ways including drainage in big weather events, fire control, water for bees and other pollinating insects as well as birds, besides stock water. They were designed ecologically to be gravity fed with a natural recharge into the lowland streams and aquifers. Just imagine a water system that delivers water to farms and stock across the plains without plastic pipes, pumps or electricity?

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FEEDING OUT FEATURE

Tick off new wintering checklist F

armers preparing to graze livestock on fodder crops this winter are being encouraged to use a new checklist and other practical resources now available sector-wide. The farming sector is focused on improving winter grazing and eliminating practices that impact on the environment and animal welfare. A new wintering checklist and winter grazing plans designed to help farmers make practical written plans for winter are now available from industry good bodies DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers. A comprehensive winter grazing plan is also available through Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). Plans are recommended to support good management and farmers can utilise an industry or MPI plan. DairyNZ farm performance general manager Sharon Morrell encourages farmers to make use of the new resources, as it helps take the right steps to continuing to lift winter grazing standards. “Planning for winter and wet weather now is

important to deliver good outcomes when adverse weather arrives. Farmers will begin moving stock onto crops in the next few weeks, so now is the critical time to ensure all plans are in place for the months ahead. “We are all committed to lifting winter grazing performance and using a wintering checklist and practical plan helps farmers and graziers to do that,” Morrell said. The new wintering checklist helps farmers assess whether they are prepared for winter and highlight any potential gaps. The checklist is supported by other new initiatives, such as webinars, workshops and regular information from industry bodies collaborating on advice to farmers to ensure it is coordinated and consistent. The advice is in line with new guidelines released by MPI. Beef + Lamb North Island general manager Corina Jordan said the sector wanted to perform well this winter, with farmers and graziers making good calls during each phase – from planning through to wet weather management.

WINTERING RESOURCES NOW AVAILABLE DairyNZ: To support farmers heading into winter, DairyNZ has developed a quick checklist to help spot any improvements farmers can make before winter arrives. A new winter grazing plan also includes a paddock plan and farmer tips.

In addition, DairyNZ’s new winter grazing plan provides step-by-step strategies for paddock set-up and grazing management for immediate focus this winter. This includes protecting critical source areas and waterways, bale placement, back fencing and having a wet weather contingency plan. Beef + Lamb will also be delivering a series of winter grazing workshops around the country. The sector has launched a wintering hotline for any concerns or complaints. If anyone sees something that

doesn’t look right, they can call the wintering hotline on 0800 FARMING. The hotline is supported by Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb and DairyNZ and calls are confidential. Farmers looking for more information on winter grazing can visit: Beef + Lamb: www.beeflambnz.com/ wintergrazing DairyNZ: www.dairynz.co.nz/ wintering MPI: MPI 2021/2022 Intensive Winter Grazing Module

Beef + Lamb NZ: To support farmers, B+LNZ will be delivering specific new winter forage cropping workshops in the coming weeks that will help farmers map and document their winter grazing plans. The workshops are based on the winter forage cropping chapter in B+LNZ’s new farm plan. MPI: The 2021/22 Intensive Winter Grazing Module highlights practical solutions farmers can take to mitigate the effects of grazing livestock on fodder crops during the winter months. The Winter Grazing Action Group has published guidance for animal welfare during winter in its short-term expected outcomes for animal welfare document. Both resources are available at www.mpi.govt.nz.

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Where is the rain?

Tony Davoren

SWIMS CONSULTING LTD

hile Environment Court conferencing in Dunedin in early May was all to do with the deemed permit issues, the water experts spent our lunch breaks discussing the dry. Everywhere from Hawkes Bay to Otago (not that there were any North Islanders present) had the same comment – we need rain and now. We’re now heading toward the end of May and there looks like little on the horizon. On April 30, NIWA published its three-monthly seasonal outlook and it did not provide much hope for the eastern South Island. “Cantabrians are in for a warmer, drier winter – welcome news for city dwellers, but a source of worry for farmers and the skiing industry. “Of any region, temperatures are most likely to be above average in coastal Canterbury and east Otago, with a 50 per cent chance of higher temperatures,” NIWA said. The “below normal” outlook for rainfall has a similar ring to it – a bad outlook for farming and water resources. Rainfall seems to have deserted us for the time being. At Winchmore, there has been just 145mm since

January 1, exactly 50 per cent of the 1971-2021 average of 291mm. So far this year only January was close to the long-term monthly rainfall at 83 per cent. Every other month has been less than half the long-term monthly average. And to get to the long-term May average of 62.5mm we need another 45.5mm. May looks like another very below average month. The irrigation season may have ended, not by rainfall but cool soil temperatures and short days. The concern now is for groundwater, stream flow and the refilling of water storage systems. NIWA in its outlook warned that from May to July “most of the country could expect rainfall at or below average levels for their region” and that “it’s possible that long dry spells continue over the next three months”. Thus far the rainfall data shows there is more than a statistical ring to this outlook. We do not want another low recharge winter for groundwater nor a low rainfall winter for the foothills streams (like Ashburton, Hinds or Orari). A shift from southwesterly rainmakers is required.

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Understanding horse behaviour T

o become a responsible horse owner, it is important to understand basic horse behaviour. Horses are highly social herd animals. A normal healthy horse would never live alone by choice. In a herd, horses have a rich and varied social life that includes activities such as play behaviour and mutual grooming behaviour. Horses that live in herds and graze naturally get to exercise their senses frequently. For example, they smell each other when greeting, they smell each other’s dung, and they use their senses of taste and smell when selecting which plants to graze. They use their visual and hearing senses to look out for and listen for danger. Horses that live in a herd communicate with one another mainly by using body language. Horses living in herds can share the responsibility and take turns watching out for predators. A horse that is kept alone will be stressed due to not receiving the benefits of companionship. Horses are a prey animal Most horses will instinctively run at the first sign of danger, and for this reason horses are generally highly reactive. Good training can overcome this behaviour so that a horse and handler are safer. However, remember that if a horse feels trapped and cannot escape he/she may kick out, strike, or even bite. When handling a horse aim to read the body language of the horse and try to not push the horse to the point where he/she feels the need to escape or defend himself/herself. Horses need movement In the wild horses travel many kilometres a day. Horses walk steadily while grazing and also have to travel between where the water is and where feed is. This steady movement helps to keep blood and lymphatic fluid moving around the body. It also helps to wear the hooves down as the horse moves across a variety of terrain ranging from soft and wet to abrasive and dry. Movement is an integral part of the life of a natural living horse so it is very important that domestic horses are kept in a way that encourages movement as much as possible. Horse behaviour To notice if a horse shows key signs of ill health, you must first understand how a horse behaves and how he/she looks when healthy. However, consider that the normal behaviour of individual horses

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varies to some extent, i.e. some horses are naturally more playful than others, so it is important that you know what is normal for your horse as well as what is normal behaviour for horses in general. Then you will notice when your horse is displaying abnormal behaviour which could be a sign that he or she is unwell. A healthy horse • Is alert and inquisitive, sociable with other horses, and take part in normal herd behaviours such as mutual grooming sessions. • Sleeps for short spells throughout the day and night and runs around occasionally • Will roll occasionally, especially when returned to the paddock after exercising. • Has a good appetite • Moves enthusiastically with no signs of soreness or lameness when being ridden • Will pass manure 8-12 times a day without straining or signs of discomfort • Has a healthy and shiny coat that lies close to the body (some more than others) • Has clear and clean eyes, whereas it can be quite normal for a horse to have a small amount of clear liquid at the nostrils Signs of an unhealthy horse: • Standing around with the head low, even when movements of other horses and/or people would normally cause the horse to show interest • Not joining in with the herd when they carry out normal behaviours • Laying down more than normal or not at all • Tense or ‘tucked up’ flanks • Excessively anxious behaviour, sweating (Note: a healthy horse may sweat when the weather is very hot or after exercising) • Looking at the flanks and/ or pawing the ground, repeatedly getting up and down or rolling (all signs of abdominal pain) • Yellow or green sticky mucus in the nostrils and/or eyes • Sudden unusual aggressive behaviour • A coat that is standing up may mean that the horse is ill and/or cold. A horse that has been ill/in poor condition for a long time will have a very poor, dry, ‘staring’ coat. • The horse may pass runny manure (or may not pass any) or strain to pass urine. Basically any changes in normal behaviour should be investigated. If you think there is a problem and you do not know what it is then you need to call a vet. Source: SPCA

A normal healthy horse would never live alone by choice.

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EQUINE FEATURE

Your equine one-stop shop T

he Stable Door Equine is a one-stop shop retail store for all things equine, including feed, tack, cover repairs, rug washing and waterproofing, large and small animal clipper sales, repairs and sharpening. The store came to fruition after four generations of riding and showing horses and ponies and the demand for gear associated with all types of equine disciplines with an emphasis on showing. From small beginnings – three years ago with a trestle table and a few products mainly sourced from overseas – the store now boasts the complete range of gear and services to satisfy every customer and, if the item is not in stock, they will do their utmost to source the product and stock it on their shelves. The Stable Door Equine is on-board, and have support from, many large wholesalers and also carry some exclusive lines of clothing from Australia and NZ. “We carry a good range of stock on the shelves so shoppers don’t have to wait for products to be ordered,” says owner Justin Waddell. “We introduced clipper blade sharpening and servicing almost

The clipper sharpening service is widely popular.

Top equestrian, Charlotte Waddell, competing at South Island Premier Show.

two years ago with a specialised sharpening machine imported from Idaho, USA.” This machine sharpens all clipper blades from large animal to hairdressing clippers and everything in between. This is more of a specialist area than a lot realise and the demand for our service has extended with clippers arriving here for sharpening from all over New Zealand. An instore service of

Natasha Waddell tralia.

sharpening while you wait/ shop is also in place. We also carry a range of Heiniger clipper machines and blades and sharpen and service all brands of clippers. The Stable Door Equine has also expanded to cover repairs, washing and waterproofing with the introduction of two dedicated 16kg industrial washing machines and a purpose-built drying room for fast turn-around.

horses and ponies to the highest level in New Zealand, taking out various NZ titles at Horse of the Year in Hastings and also representing New Zealand in Australia. Unfortunately Horse of the Year was cancelled for 2021, competing for New Zealand in Ausbut 2020 saw her and her older sister Charlotte come home with two New Zealand titles in the park hack section. This service has been well Charlotte won Rising Star supported and has the blessing Park Hack of the Year and of a local drycleaners, as Natasha gained Paced and horse hair can be tricky, to say Mannered Park Hack of the the least, if you don’t have Year. dedicated machines. Natasha also gives lessons to Running in tandem on the numerous riders locally with property, but as a separate many travelling large distances business, is a horse and pony from out of the area. breaking-in and schooling business by youngest daughter Check out The Stable Door Natasha – Natasha Waddell Equine and Natasha Waddell Equestrian. Equestrian on Facebook. Natasha has ridden show

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Farming

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Plan to boost farmers’ financial skills The course will give farmers the skills, tools, and confidence to help make their agribusinesses more financially resilient.

ew investment by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will help enhance farmers’ financial risk management skills and prevent business failure. MPI is funding the development of an innovative new programme, which will be piloted in six locations starting in late June. The Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) has been allocated $331,000 to research, design, and deliver the financial risk management training course. “The primary sector is the backbone of our economy and it’s vital we ensure farmers and growers are equipped to withstand challenges facing the sector,” MPI’s director of rural communities and farming support Nick Story said. “This course will give them the skills, tools, and confidence to help make their

agribusinesses more financially resilient. Farmers and growers can’t control the weather, commodity prices, or shifts in consumers’ shopping habits, but they can plan and prepare for change.” Up to 130 people are expected to take part in the training course. The AWDT’s general manager Lisa Sims said it will be piloted with sheep, beef, dairy, arable, and horticulture businesses in Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. “The aim of the course is to empower farmers and growers to understand the different types of risks facing their business and give them the skills to develop plans to manage the financial and personal implications of those risks.” Funding for the programme is part of a $1.15 million commitment in the 2020-21

financial year to reduce the risk of primary producers getting into financial strife. MPI has earmarked $500,000 a year for three years to help enhance financial literacy and risk management skills, and a further $100,000 has also been allocated to the Farm Business Advice Support Fund to provide farmers with independent advice to help tackle farm debt. “This fund is managed by the Pilot group Farming women Farming partnerships (women and men) Farming women Farming partnerships (women and men) Pan-sector partnerships (women and men) Pan-sector partnerships (women and men)

Rural Support Trust national council and has already been accessed by more than 40 businesses. It’s believed the support has prevented farmers from defaulting on loans and requiring the services of the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme,” Story said. The Farm Debt Mediation Scheme was launched in July 2020 and has an annual budget of $550,000 to help farmers

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

and growers work through debt issues with their lenders. “There have been 42 requests for mediation services through the scheme. Importantly, it has encouraged lenders to engage in conversations with at-risk clients earlier, avoiding the need for mediation,” Story said. Farmers and growers can request mediation at any time and hardship funding is available through MPI.

Sector Sheep, beef, dairy

Start date 30/6/2021

Location Winton

Sheep, beef, dairy

1/7/2021

Balclutha

Sheep, beef, dairy

7/7/2021

Ashburton

Sheep, beef, dairy

8/7/2021

Amberley

7/7/2021

Feilding

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Sheep, beef, dairy, horticulture, arable Sheep, beef, dairy, horticulture, arable

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Venison price recovery linked to vaccine roll-outs

First Light Foods managing director Gerard Hickey.

rapid economic recovery in the United States may result in the revival in demand for venison that deer farmers have been waiting for. Latest economic data shows an upturn in all aspects of the American economy from Google-search behaviour, to airline travel bookings, to restaurant sales. “It is still early days, but positive signs are starting to appear,” First Light Foods managing director Gerard Hickey said. “In the US, vaccine rollouts have been successful and punters are using their newfound freedoms to eat out, go to New Orleans and the like. Pre-Covid-19 inventory is moving through the pipeline and venison sales are already trending upward.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“Europe is still a way off with its vaccine roll-out delays, but the upcoming chilled game season is looking very positive.” The US is a key market for New Zealand chilled venison, but the foundation remains Germany, Belgium and other northern European countries during the annual game season in the northern hemisphere autumn. Hickey, who is also deputy chair of Deer Industry NZ’s (DINZ) board said the sentiment in most markets is that once lockdowns are lifted, food service will see a strong resurgence as people seek to dine out after months of lockdown. Importantly, because they have been unable to spend during the Covid-19 pandemic, customers have the cash to do so. New Zealand farmers have

been doing it tough because of poor sales of premium meats such as venison and lamb racks during the pandemic. But Hickey said they should not lose faith in their wonderful products. “Our food service customers in the UAE, USA, UK and elsewhere are still buying premium venison cuts. They love the product but, because of Covid-19, their sales are way down. Once folk get vaccinated, they will be increasing their purchases.” Indeed, the consumer response to the vaccine roll-outs in the US has been dramatic. According to The Economist, in February the number of bookings on OpenTable, a restaurant booking platform, were 48 per cent lower than pre-Covid-19 levels. By April,

they were only 18 per cent lower. “Many restaurants have closed because of Covid-19, but there will be new startups alongside those that have been able to weather the storm. Also, many restaurants have been permitted to set up tables in the street to provide social distancing. With Covid-19 less of a threat, they are keeping this bigger footprint, which effectively expands their table placings by 30 per cent or more,” Hickey said. In the UK, retail sales rose by 5.4 per cent in March – a month in which there was only a modest relaxation of pandemic restrictions. In April, nonessential retail and hospitality venues outdoors in England and Wales re-opened to a surge in pent-up consumer demand.

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The Bank of England has said Britain is on track to achieve 7.25 per cent GDP growth in 2021 – the strongest growth since the Second World War. In continental Europe, venison sales are recovering more slowly than the US because of slow vaccine rollouts, but Hickey was confident they will recover. “Despite extreme market uncertainties, chilled venison sales in the 2020 chilled season were well ahead of expectations and key customers are already placing their orders for the coming chilled season. This is earlier than normal and has enabled marketers to offer guaranteed minimum price contracts for the supply of deer during winter and spring. These have been readily taken up by farmers.”

Farming

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The power of many to solve problems Greg Jopson

PROPERTY BROKERS

orking in rural communities around the South Island, I have long admired the ability of farmers and rural communities/ stakeholders to embrace change, identify challenges, problem solve and undertake evolution of their businesses. There have been many examples where our farmers and associated rural service industries have shown an ability to adapt, invent and change behaviours to achieve a better outcome for themselves, the wider rural community and NZ Inc. Evidence of rural communities working together to find practical solutions is commonplace. Such an example was a quiz night that I attended held by the Dorie pre-school who had lost government funding for a teacher place. The quiz was a great success with funding

secured for another few years. Problem solved for now. Obtaining a change in behaviour requires clear communication, understanding of both sides’ challenges. Demonstrating a preparedness to work alongside farmers would be a great start from central government. It’s also a far better way than policy being pushed down the chain from Wellington and expecting that it works for all. Equally, and I believe there is no group better than farmers. Especially w hen faced with a financial or future impact in the pocket, they will go to great lengths to achieve a better outcome for them, their families, communities and country. The Covid-19 experience is a great example where our agriculture sector never missed a beat. Collaborative schemes in the past between farmers, regional authorities and central government agencies have worked well to solve problems or issues confronting all stakeholders on a local, provincial, or national basis. Examples of such schemes have been river flood and weed control, pest and disease control. Most of these have involved buy in from both parties to

We don’t just say team. We promise it.

get to the root of an issue or problem and come up with a workable solution that is implemented and everyone moves forward. A good example of this is in the 1970s when farmers embraced alongside the then Department of Agriculture, a national testing regime whereby systematically Tb was cleared from most areas of New Zealand and has reduced from 15 per cent infection of national cattle/deer herds to almost zero today. The financial implications of not doing anything were massive for the country. For farmers having an infected herd and a white tag in your cattle meant a discount at the saleyards. As well as a desire to eradicate the disease to improve our export potential, the link to a market related discount influenced farmers’ behaviour. Another example of the ability to implement positive change was the introduction of quality assurance systems for food production covering beef, lamb, venison, milk and most agricultural products. This implementation has kept New Zealand products on the menus of the finest restaurants, shelves of the high-end

supermarkets and ahead of our competitors. When first introduced there was plenty of scepticism, but as farmers realised that this was important to their customers’ future ability to trade, maintain product loyalty and improve product prices it was quickly accepted. The introduction and continuous improvement of food assurance has been an evolution in farmers’ behaviour and often linked to a financial incentive paid by the processing company that encourages farmers to produce food to specification that meet their customers’ requirements. Additionally, we have seen an incorporation of positive environmental outcomes combined with farm assurance systems that are achievable, measurable and have a positive influence over behaviour. Food exporters working with farmers and pulling the levers that get a benefit for all stakeholders has got to be a win-win. This practical and problemsolving ability that sits within our provincial rural communities is I believe a wasted resource that many of our politicians forget when they get to the lofty halls of power. The top-down approach such

as the initial release of the freshwater policy or potential centralised administration of water supplies often resembles Wack-a-mole politics. Where money is thrown at the latest problem without full engagement or failing to communicate effectively with the affected parties and risks losing rural New Zealand. I can’t help but think what if central government used a consistent collaborative and market-led approach as used to eradicate TB or implement food assurance. Then we may have achieved better outcomes with mycoplasma bovis control or reduced the need for top-down enforced freshwater reforms. Many of these issues are being effectively addressed internally by our milk or food production companies in their own quality assurance programmes. They are linked to market related incentives or premiums for achieving the right product specification and environmental outcomes. These outcomes are unheralded and reflect the Kiwi can-do approach which is still alive and well within the rural provinces. Perhaps it’s time this was embraced at a higher level and not left on the side-line!

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CALVING FEATURE

Staff short for calving season D

any farming businesses have begun implementing ‘ad-lib’ or high-volume calf-rearing practices and DairyNZ’s Vanessa Robinson has investigated this increasingly popular method. Calf-feeding practices over a calf ’s first 12 weeks fall into two main categories: • Low volume, where milk fed equates to 10 per cent of the calf ’s body weight, i.e. four to five litres a day. • High volume, where milk fed equates to at least 20 per cent of body weight, i.e. eight to 12 litres a day. Low volume Developed in the 1920s, this approach aims to improve the profitability of the calf-rearing process. Milk restrictions entice calves to eat more meal earlier, which leads to early rumen development. Calves can be weaned earlier and fed on lower cost pasture or meal, without detrimental effects on growth rates. High volume Growing evidence suggests lifetime productivity can increase from feeding calves greater volumes of milk. The first 12 weeks of a calf ’s life provide an opportunity to manipulate average daily growth rates, as there is high feed conversion efficiency and the increase in milk intake leads to increased growth rates.

Well-grown heifers have better lactation performance throughout their lifetime and tend to calve easier and get back in calf sooner. Ad-lib feeding A common high-volume method is ‘ad-lib’ feeding, where calves can access milk at any time. Benefits include reduced labour and stress (milk containers are only filled once a day, or every few days if preserved), allowing more time for staff to complete other tasks over calving. Milk hygiene for these large volumes needs to be vigilant though, and calves must still be checked daily for signs of disease and infection. Because calves are less inclined to eat meal on offer when they’re being fed more milk, they may also need to stay on the milk longer, or follow a stepwise weaning process, so their rumen develops adequately prior to weaning. Choosing your method Calves can reach target growth rates and rumen development with either low- or high-volume feeding. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of each method when determining which to use on your farm. The reduced labour and stress of high-volume methods need to be compared with the increased costs in extra milk or milk replacer and extended period of milk feeding.

KEY POINTS 1. Calves can reach target growth rates and rumen development through either low-volume or high volume feeding systems. 2. Ad-lib feeding can result in greater growth rates pre-weaning, and heavier weaning weights. 3. Ad-lib is not suitable for early weaning systems, as the rumen takes longer to develop. Find out more about calf care, feeding and weaning calves at dairynz.co.nz/ calves

certain future.” The joint DairyNZ-Federated Farmers’ labour survey emphasised that farmers are short staffed, with 49 per cent of respondents stating they are currently short staffed and 58 per cent of them experiencing increased stress levels. “Our staff are our biggest asset, so we need to look after them. As a sector, we are striving to offer competitive packages and value the importance of a great workplace culture. “We also need to continue attracting and employing more capable New Zealanders who want to work in dairy. We have a great story to tell, including lifestyle and opportunities,” Mackle said. Dairy sector employment • Dairy farming has the highest average salary amongst agricultural industries. • Dairy processing has the highest average salary level of New Zealand’s food manufacturing industries. • Just under 80 per cent of dairy sector wages are earned in rural areas. • Dairy farming is a top 10 employer in half of New Zealand regions. Farmers who are challenged by staff shortages are encouraged to reach out and talk to others or contact the Rural Employee Support Hub on 0800 694 121.

Made In Nelson, NZ

Pros and cons of ad-lib feeding

airyNZ says the decision not to approve 500 skilled dairy workers to come into the country will put farmers under intense pressure, as they head into the new dairy season in June. DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said having the government application declined is disappointing and essentially lets farmers down, right as the sector heads into its peak period. “We have real concerns for this season, including animal welfare, farmers working longer hours, increased stress and mental wellbeing issues,” Mackle said. “DairyNZ continues to work hard to resolve long-term workforce issues. However, we have an immediate workforce crisis this season, due to Covid-19 border closures. This decision is a blow to the sector. “Right now, there are also staff on farms who need residency applications processed. So in the interim, we urge the Government to urgently fast-track applications for those migrant workers on dairy farms who want to become New Zealanders, and already qualify to meet residency criteria. “Our migrant staff are extremely valued by the sector. We are concerned that the delays are forcing them to look to other countries who can offer a more

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Farming

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Electricity cost savings from solar irrigation

Solar energy generation is better matched to irrigation seasonal demand than household solar systems.

trial solar array has been established at Eiffelton, just south of Ashburton, to determine the cost savings from powering irrigation from solar power. A field day demonstrating the benefits of the project will be held at the trial site on May 27, starting at 1.30pm. Solar uptake has been slow in New Zealand as in house installations there is a missmatch of supply and demand, low buyback prices, and a high cost of installation. This has reduced the returns on domestic solar systems, said Frizzell Agricultural Electronics manager Alastair Frizzell, who is implementing the trial.

Solar irrigation energy generation is better matched to irrigation seasonal demand. Lines and unit charges are more transparent. The scale of installation reduces the capital cost of the photovoltaic (PV) installation and electricity cost. The trial at Eiffelton is being supported by the Eiffleton Irrigation Society, Environment Canterbury and the Ministry for Primary Industries. Frizzell have carried out extensive modelling of the economics of using solar arrays to power irrigation systems. The modelling indicates that significant savings in energy costs can be achieved with a

Need water? From consent to the pump

well-designed solar irrigation system. With increasing electricity costs, benefits are likely to improve significantly in the future. The system works in such a way that during summer days, the irrigator runs from energy supplied from the solar array. Excess energy is fed into the grid for credit. At night, the irrigator runs off lower night spot prices. During the winter, energy is feed back to the grid for credit. Frizzell said that to make sure the system was economic, a number of design and implementation components must be met. The potential irrigation system is analysed

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and factors such as location, irrigation system performance, the farming systems, energy pricing and irrigation demand are all considered to get the best returns on investment. Frizzell said that from their modelling, returns can vary from a low of 3 per cent return on capital for a badly configured system to returns exceeding 20 per cent a year on capital from a well-designed system. Benefits go beyond first year returns. Because of the low carbon footprint of solar power generation, farmers can claim credits in their carbon budgets. Other returns are likely to increase in the future.

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With current spot electricity prices running at up to 50 cents a unit from a typical price of 10 cents spot price, contract electricity prices are likely to rise in the near future, increasing the returns from an installed solar system. The Eiffelton Irrigation Society and Frizzell are hosting an open field day to view the 160 panel installation on May 27 at the site on the corner of Boundary Road and McLennons Road, Eiffelton. Speakers from the society, ECan, AgResearch, MPI and Frizzell will present information about the system. For details, contact info@ frizzell.co.nz

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Farming

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Plan for cows’ winter wellbeing Fred Hoekstra

VEEHOF DAIRY SERVICES

e are now entering the drying off period. Another season is nearly over and, if you are anything like me, you will be looking forward to a little bit of downtime some of you may even go away on holiday. Your cows may be going away for the winter or, if you have them on the run-off, you will only need to feed them and leave them to it until tomorrow when you must feed them again. You don’t have to get up so early in the morning for milking and apart from the air temperatures life is good. We all need breaks and time away to refresh. It is the same for a cow. They need a dry period. They need a time of rest. They need to be able to lay down in a dry comfortable place, out of the rain and the wind.

I have said in previous articles, that cows are lacking resting time under normal circumstances during the milking season. Even on the best farms, cows are being deprived of resting time because there simply isn’t enough time in a day for a cow. I know it sounds silly, but our dairy cows are over-worked during the milking season so the rest time during the dry period is even more important. However, when I drive through the countryside during winter, I see many cows on winter crops - the management of which is critical for the cows’ wellbeing considering the cows that have died because of mismanagement with fodder beet. But, apart from the potential nutrition problems there is also a problem due to the lack of proper resting facilities. You may think that this just doesn’t make sense because the cows don’t do anything other than eating and resting, but look at cow behaviour in the paddock. We all know that a well-fed cow’s normal behaviour during the day is grazing, drinking, laying down and resting. Cows don’t normally spend a lot of time standing.

Like people, cows need a time of rest.

If they do there is a problem. The cow may be sick, or it is raining, or it is too hot, and the cow is under heat stress. Now, when we look at cows on winter crops, we see them spending a lot of time standing. This is not necessarily because they are sick or because it is raining. It is because there is nowhere for them to lay down and be comfortable especially when it gets muddy. Even in those muddy conditions, cows will lay

down but only if they just can’t stand any longer. Why is this important? Because tired cows don’t perform. Tired cows are under severe stress. Tired, stressed cows are much more susceptible to lameness. Sometimes the difference in numbers of lame cows from one season to the next is due to the wintering conditions. I know that costs need to be kept to a minimum to run a

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profitable farming operation but if you want to calculate the true cost of the different farming systems you need to include the lameness cost during the upcoming milking season as well as the empty rate and mastitis cost. Much more research needs to be done in this area to get a better understanding of the true cost. It is quite likely that the cheapest system may be the costliest.

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WINTER HEATING FEATURE

Burning a smoke-free fire

inter is almost here, and we want everyone in Canterbury to be warm and cosy in their homes. A smoke-free fire means a warmer, cheaper fire – and cleaner air for us all to breathe. Three components to ensure a smoke-free fire: • Use of dry, well-seasoned wood • Adopting good burning technique • Use of a modern, well-maintained burner. Good wood Ensuring your wood is dry and well-seasoned is key to burning a hotter, more efficient fire with less smoke. It’ll also save you money as you’ll use less wood to achieve a better result. See Environment Canterbury’s list of trusted good wood merchants at Warmer Cheaper – it audits the merchants in this programme annually, and testing moisture content is part of this. Remember, it’s best to buy your wood well ahead of winter, ideally in spring, storing it somewhere tucked away and dry. Not all dry woods are equal, either. Some burn hotter and produce less smoke. Plantation pine, Douglas fir

and blue gum are the best, while old-man pine can be smoky, and so is probably best for kindling or mixed with other woods. Burning technique

The ‘upside-down’ fire-building technique.

Adopting a good burning technique is also important to ensure a hot, smoke-free fire. The ‘upside-down’ fire-building technique can last anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes before reloading is required. This method involves placing larger wood at the bottom and kindling on top. The wood burner The final component for a smoke-

Check before burning E

nvironment Canterbury is reminding the community to check conditions before lighting outdoor burns, after open fire season began on May 20. Southern zone delivery lead Brian Reeves said outdoor burns were permitted activities under the Canterbury Air Regional Plan, but they must meet certain conditions. “Burns must be on properties greater than two hectares; can only involve dry vegetation, untreated wood, paper and cardboard; and cannot cause a smoke nuisance for neighbours.” This reminder comes after several burn-offs occurred throughout the Orari Temuka Opihi Pareora zone once restrictions were lifted. One of those, near Milford, caused a significant smoke haze across the Temuka township and difficult

driving conditions in the area. ECan received multiple complaints about this burn and located the source of the smoke at around 5pm. “The person responsible was very apologetic and agreed to start extinguishing the fire right away. An infringement has been issued because of the impact it caused,” Reeves said. “This could have been avoided with good planning and awareness of the weather conditions.” There are different conditions for outdoor burns, depending on the type of burning. More information can be found on the ECan website: ecan.govt. nz/your-region/your-environment/ air-quality/outdoor-burning-rules. Anyone wanting to burn outdoors should also check checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fire.

free fire is the burner itself. A modern, well-maintained burner with a clean flue will achieve the best results. There are subsidies and other forms of financial assistance available to those in clean air zones, to help you upgrade to an ultra-low emission burner or alternative forms of heating such as an energy star qualified heat pump. However, ECan understands that not everyone is able to invest in upgrading their home heating. If this is the case, it’s possible that you may be eligible for a temporary waiver to operate your noncompliant wood burner in winter, if certain conditions are met.

Get in touch If you’d like to discuss your home heating situation, one of our friendly better burning advisors will be happy to talk to you. We can even visit you at home if you like, to give a better burning demonstration and test your wood moisture. • Visit Warmer Cheaper for help with your burning technique and for a list of trusted good wood merchants. • Go to ECan’s home heating hub for its clean air zone rules, information about wood burners, and financial assistance that may be available to you. • Call ECan on 0800 329 276 to talk to a member of its customer services team.

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We offer a range of services including but not limited to: • • • • •

• Individual employment agreements • Season and fixed term workers • Staff planning

• End to end recruitment • Immigration service in conjunction with our licenced immigration advisor • Reference and police checks

Job descriptions Tailor made advertising Labour market testing Performance management Candidate care

Rural People are passionate about working with the Dairy Farmers of New Zealand

PAULA@RURALPEOPLE.CO.NZ

www.ruralpeople.co.nz

Farming GUARDIAN

Dairy Focus

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

WEDNESDAY,DECEMBER16,2020

PAULA: 0275 11 88 14

SIAFD SOUTH ISLAND AGRICULTURAL FIELD DAYS

MARCH 24-26, 2021 • KIRWEE

Page 10-26

South Island Agricultural Field Days aims to give farmers and others in the rural sector the opportunity to see the latest in agricultural machinery and services that are available on the market, particularly home-grown products. The field days is the only agricultural show in New Zealand to feature side-byside demonstrations, with 80 to 100 tractors, headers, mowers, seed drills and other machines being put through their paces each day.

TOP IRRIGATION

OPERATORS Page 18

INSIDE

Farming

Dairy Focus

WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER25,2020

GUARDIAN

CUTTING DAIRY’S

FOOTPRINT

BEATING M. BOVIS

Farming GUARDIAN

Dairy Focus We’ve got the South Island covered

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Farming

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GUARDIAN

WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER25,2020

Dairy Focus

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2020

INSIDE

SHEEP MILKING

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A BALANCING ACT

CUTTING DAIRY’S

STEPS UP

A GEAR Pages 3–7

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ON THE BASIS

OF SEX

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For advertising opportunities contact Karen! PH 021 309 973 EMAIL karen.h@theguardian.co.nz

Efﬂuent separator

Whether you are targeting direct to your buyers, or placing a classified, talk to us about strategically marketing your company within theGuardian Farming and Dairy Focus today

Farming GUARDIAN

Dairy Focus

www.guardianonline.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS

SITUATIONS VACANT

BUS DRIVER

Stock Truck Driver – Fairlie Rural Transport Ltd is a well-established, family owned and managed transport company with a late model fleet of trucks. Our head office is in Ashburton with depots in Fairlie, Waimate and Kurow. We are seeking an experienced Class 5 Stock Truck Driver to be based out of our Fairlie depot. Key responsibilities in this role include; • • • • •

Ensuring all stock carted is loaded with the greatest care and arrives at its destination safely Ensuring that the truck, trailer and all corresponding equipment is carefully maintained Ensuring vehicle compliances such as CoF, Registration, RUC’s are up to date Understanding and complying with HPMV permits Maintaining good relationships with customers and other staff members.

Position Requirements; • • • • • •

Physically fit and able to carry out the rigors of a full day and week of associated activities Be able to follow instructions but also be able to use initiative and common sense when the need arises Basic use of in-cab tablet Good basic Health and Safety understanding Must live within a reasonable distance of the Fairlie depot Must be flexible and able to work and stay away from home on short notice and work weekends when the need arises.

We offer a secure working environment and a strong commitment to employee welfare and health & safety which includes a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy including pre-employment testing. If you have the necessary skills and experience for this role, please apply with your current CV and covering letter to the below contact.

Looking for the ideal part-time job? We currently have a position available for a driver for a service to Timaru and return two days a week.

EXPERIENCED ENGINEER

We are looking for an Experienced Engineer to help with Manufacturing truck bodies and fertiliser spreaders. Please apply with cover letter and CV to: Engineering Repairs (2012) Ltd 14 Watson Street, Ashburton engrep@xtra.co.nz or phone 03 308 1506

Driving a bus is a very rewarding job, and allows you plenty of time to enjoy other pursuits in between daily trips! A class 2 licence with passenger endorsement would be an advantage, however, assistance may be available for a suitable applicant to gain the required licences. For further enquiries to:

information,

please

direct

The Manager Pearsons Coachlines Ltd 403 West Street Ashburton Email: pearsonsashburton@xtra.co.nz Phone: (03) 308 2992 or 021 344 647 Website: www.pearsonscoachlines.co.nz

Looking for the ideal part-time driving job?

Wanted Painter / Plasterer Must be experienced Full time good rates Please phone Greg 027 433 2259 or 03 308 8432 Conﬁdentiality assured

We need School Bus Drivers! Driving a school bus is very rewarding and allows you plenty of time to follow other pursuits in between daily trips. We currently have vacancies within our company for School Bus Drivers in the Ashburton area. Assistance may be available for suitable applicants to obtain the required licences. For further enquiries to:

information,

please

direct

The Manager Pearsons Coachlines Ltd 403 West Street Ashburton Email: pearsonsashburton@xtra.co.nz Phone: (03) 308 2992 or 021 344 647 Website: www.pearsonscoachlines.co.nz

Finance Manager

Jeff Knowles Assistant Manager P: 03 3084 079 E: careers@wgltd.co.nz

We are a mid-Canterbury based farmer co-operative, our nationwide network delivering transparent savings with real value to meet the needs of NZ farming businesses and support the rural communities our farmers live and work in. We are obsessed with agriculture, and experts in our field. Due to our ongoing diversification and expansion, we are now looking to increase our capacity within the finance team. As our CA qualified Finance Manager, you will be supported by the Group CFO and lead our finance team.

PUBLIC NOTICE

There will be some opportunity to work remotely but expect to spend the majority of your time working in our Ashburton based head office, as well as with each of the Business Unit Managers to assist them with maintaining efficiency and profitability. SHOP WITH PARTICIPATING SUPPLIERS FROM 1 JUNE &

INSTORE DAYS 2021

Competencies required to be successful include: • Experience working in a multi-faceted, commercial environment • Successful history of change leadership, coaching and mentoring • Continuous improvement focus To enquire about this role in strict confidence or to request a position description, please phone Deb Francis from AgRecruit on 021 224 5000.

A NEW

1–2 JULY

Providing great deals for your farm, every year since 1994.

Working within a co-op requires both a customer centric and highly commercial approach, ensuring that our shareholder needs are always met. Your ongoing success in this area will enable us to maintain our competitive pricing model, while continuing to pay the annual rebates our shareholders have come to expect.

RRP FROM

Otherwise, send your covering letter and CV to us via apply@agrecruit.co.nz by 5pm Thursday 3 June.

$29,350

*T&C’S APPLY

ruralco@ruralco.co.nz ruralco.co.nz

0800 787 256

www.guardianonline.co.nz

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