Ashburton Guardian Farming, February 2021 by Ashburton Guardian

Farming GUARDIAN

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2021

INSIDE

SHEEP MILKING A BALANCING ACT

STEPS UP A GEAR Pages 3–7

Pages 28–29

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

INSIDE

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IT’S HARVEST TIME

An alternative white gold

t’s been talked about as a potential industry for decades, but it seems that sheep milking is finally gaining some momentum. While Blue River Dairy pioneered the industry in Southland and the North Island has two big operators, sheep milking has never gained any scale in Canterbury – until now. Some individuals have milked sheep to supply cheese makers, or made their own product, but without a processor prepared to put a stake in the ground the options were always limited. Enter business couple Matt and Tracey Jones who plan to establish a purpose-built sheep drier in Mid Canterbury. Their field day was one of the biggest I have gone to for a while. There were sheep and beef farmers, dairy (cow) farmers and the usual complement of agricultural professionals attending. Of course there also needs to be a market and while sheep’s milk is a novelty for New Zealanders, in other parts of the world it has been a staple of the diet for thousands of years. An advantage of sheep milking is that there can be a lot of flexibility around an operation’s size and how it is run. It could add a more

Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

intensive component to a corner of a sheep and beef farm or provide a higher returning option for a small farm. More than a few sheep and beef farmers would never contemplate converting to dairy cows but might consider sheep milking. With wool prices in the doldrums, it also provides another revenue stream from sheep. The industry is in its early stages and there is a long way to go. Breeding a sheep suited to South Island conditions is only getting started and specialist milking ewes are limited in numbers. However, I am sure production and technology gains will be rapid as New Zealand farmers apply their existing expertise to this emerging industry.

Vaccine roll-out tipped to boost world-wide meat demand R

ebounding global demand is primed to send global meat prices higher during 2021, says Westpac senior agri-economist Nathan Penny. “Key global meat prices are on the rise. For example, two prices of relevance for New Zealand, United States bull beef prices and EU lamb leg prices, have both jumped around 10 per cent so far over 2021. And we expect prices have further to run over 2021.

“In terms of export markets, we anticipate that Covid-19 vaccine rollouts will boost meat demand, first in the US, and then later in the year in the EU and the UK. This boost will add to the demand strength already present in China. “The broad strength in our key export markets will translate into broad strength across all meat sectors. That means venison prices, which have been

hardest hit by Covid-19, are also likely to turn the corner as European and particularly German meat demand returns. “Similarly, fine (and mid micron) wool prices are likely to lift as strength eventually returns to northern hemisphere apparel markets,” Penny said. “High prices for other key (agricultural) commodities are consistent with the case for higher global meat prices. For

example, the FAO World Price Index, which includes key grain prices as well as meat and dairy, has surged to its highest level since 2014. “In addition, Brent oil prices are trading above US$63/ bbl as at the time of writing, essentially back at their preCovid-19 levels. “Meanwhile, global food supply is struggling to keep up with surging demand, causing

high grain (feed) prices. That is going to constrain global supply of meat. “We think that this dynamic also has further to run and will add to the upward price pressure over 2021,” Penny said. “At the same time as global meat prices are rising the New Zealand dollar is also likely to firm. As a result, farmgate prices will not reflect the full rise in global meat prices.”

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Sheep milking poised for growth Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

riven by enthusiastic individuals until now, the sheep milking industry in Canterbury is poised to step up a few gears in terms of scale and commercial activity. Spearheading expansion of the industry in Canterbury are Matt and Tracey Jones who own several businesses both in and outside the primary sector. Realising sheep milking in the region was being held back by the lack of a large-scale processor and the breeding of sheep suited to South Island conditions they have invested in both through their company Sheep Milk New Zealand. Matt Jones, its managing director, said the company planned to establish a purposebuilt sheep milk drier in Mid Canterbury. Expected to start producing milk powder in the final quarter of 2022, the factory will be capable of processing the milk of 30,000 sheep, Jones said. “So we need more sheep and suppliers,” he told a field day at his property at Kirwee near Darfield where the couple have their own sheep milking flock. Sheep Milk NZ was developing its own range of value-added products, while also supplying raw product to other manufacturers. Sheep Milk NZ marketing manager Virna Smith said there was a growing market for sheep milk, both domestically and internationally, as consumers sought alternatives to bovine dairy. Dairy products being sold under its Jones Family Farm brand included the cheeses creamy havarti, aged cheddar,

Matt and Tracey Jones say a lack of processing infrastructure and suitable ewes is holding back the sheep milking industry in Canterbury, so they are investing in both. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

classic gouda and creamy blue. Future ranges included ultra high temperature (UHT) treated long life milk, infant formula and nutraceuticals. Its sabelle skin and body care range, launched in December, was the first product using New Zealand sheep milk powder combined with active 16+ manuka honey. The range contains hand cream, body lotion, body wash, body butter

and soap. Jones said there were commercial aspects in terms of Sheep Milk NZ that it couldn’t declare yet “as we are still getting our ducks in a row, but from a breeding and milking sheep aspect we are an open book”. After about eight years of sheep breeding, the Joneses started milking in August 2019 at Kirwee, and this year

are milking 600 ewes through a herringbone shed. Their Strathclyde stud is using east friesian and lacaune milking sheep breeds as well as assessing other overseas genetics and domestic breeds to produce a hardy animal more suited to South Island conditions and outdoor farming. Sheep Milk NZ has one other farmer supplier, increasing to five from next spring.

In a survey carried out in July 2020, New Zealand had 18 commercial sheep dairy farms with the national flock totalling 12,345. Two central North Island operators, Spring Sheep Dairy and Maui Milk are the largest, producing milk powder for the export market. Existing sheep milk producers in Canterbury predominantly supply cheese makers or make continued over page

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Milking started in August 2019, with 600 ewes milked through a herringbone shed at Kirwee.

From P3 their own product. A NZ Food Innovation Network report last year said that while exports of sheep milk products were currently valued at about $20 million, expanding the industry through the production of high value products such as infant formula had potential to increase the sector’s economic contribution to $250m in 2024. While milking sheep is a relatively new industry in New Zealand, sheep have been milked worldwide for thousands of years, being especially popular in Europe and Middle Eastern countries. Milk from sheep has a different nutritional makeup to that of cows. Sheep only produce A2 milk whereas cows can produce A1 or A2. The milk is naturally homogenised, meaning smaller fat globules that make for creamier milk that is easier to digest. The composition of sheep

The Joneses are seeking long lactation genetics, with a third of their milking flock achieving a 300-day lactation last year.

PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

milk is around 18 per cent milk solids, compared with cows’ milk at 13 per cent. Sheep milk solids are calculated differently to cows’, as it includes the lactose component. Differences in protein levels (6.1 per cent for sheep compared with 3.6 per cent for cows) and fat (6.3 per cent for sheep compared with 4.4 per cent for cows) meant sheep’s milk was a more nutrient dense product. Jones said that while there were a lot of claims that sheep milking was more environmentally friendly than bovine dairy farming, there was a lack of data, so he had engaged Lincoln-based The AgriBusiness Group to assess this. It would compare the environmental and social impacts of sheep milk production in New Zealand compared with cow and plantbased milk. The Joneses both come from Mid Canterbury, with Matt from Ashburton and Tracey from a farm at Lauriston.

“After finishing school, the easiest way to get a job in Mid Canterbury was to get a job on a farm. I loved it,” Matt Jones said. He had jobs ranging from shepherding to shifting irrigators and driving trucks and tractors until the couple started an agricultural recruitment company in Ashburton in 2001. This has now grown to three recruitment companies, two in the primary sector and a third in the construction and engineering sector that has offices across New Zealand as well as Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom. They also have business interests in hospitality and consultancy and have an agri-training facility at the site of the former Winchmore Research Station. Having always liked farming sheep, the Joneses bought their first east friesian milking sheep in 2011. Limited in what they could buy, these had “ugly udders and poor feet”. “We culled hard and chipped

away until we had an animal we were comfortable with,” For business, pre-Covid-19, Jones had travelled overseas four months of the year. For about the last five years when travelling he had searched out people in the milking sheep industry overseas to learn more. “The rest of the world has been milking sheep for thousands of years and we have just started so these people have a lot of knowledge.” In 2018, the Joneses bought some lacaune semen for their Strathclyde stud, with the French milking sheep breed providing a turning point. “It finally gave us the confidence that we could get some change in our sheep and really start looking at growing an industry.” They built infrastructure and started milking in August 2019. They now milk 600 ewes at Kirwee through a herringbone shed. The Joneses operate a hybrid,

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high-input system where the ewe flock has access to a barn, beside the milking parlour, where feed is available on conveyer belts. “Sheep can come and go as they please. If we are taking a jersey off they are heading for the barn as it is cooler in the shade. If we are putting a jersey on because of a southwest change, the sheep are heading for the barn as it is nice and warm.” The supplementary feed mix included lucerne silage, peas, maize, soy and minerals. “We are still developing these recipes. We certainly haven’t got all the answers yet.” The Joneses were seeking long lactation genetics, with a third of their milking flock achieving a 300-day lactation last year. They aim to consistently produce 70kg to 80kg of milksolids a lactation, compared with the New Zealand average of 55kg/MS. “Once you have the infrastructure and staff, why milk for 150 days? You want to keep going, putting that milk in the vat.” Jones said he preferred to talk in terms of milk solids, not litres, as this was how the company paid its suppliers. Sheep Milk NZ was this season paying $14.20 a milk solid, plus a pool payment. When a ewe lambs, the Joneses milk the ewe on day two and three and wean the lamb on day four. They target lambs to reach 15kg at 25 days when they are taken off milk and put on a high performance meal. “Everybody’s system is different. Some people leave their lambs on for 20, 30, 40 days or six weeks and then wean them. We take them off after four days. Some people milk once-a-day, we milk twice-a-day. It comes down to the individual and what suits you and your farming operation,” Jones said. Sheep Milk NZ operations and genetics manager Craig Harrison said the Strathclyde stud was seeking to breed a

Sheep Milk NZ is marketing cheese varieties such as havarti under its Jones Family Farm brand.

hardy animal that can live outside in the South Island. Most of the imported high producing milking breeds were used to living indoors in the northern hemisphere. With the assistance of geneticist Ian McDougall, of Farmgene, they had identified Manech tete rouse, a hardy outdoor dairy breed found in the Pyrenees mountains, which had a good udder and foot structure. This would be crossed over the east friesian and lacaune breeds. Jones said that the domestic breeds poll dorset, border leicester and coopworth had also been trialled. They bought 50 coopworths scanned with triplets to top up numbers in the milking flock as there was a correlation between

the number of lambs and milk production. Of these, a third were gone after six weeks as they were unable to be trained to be milked. Some milked through to December and February while eight or nine milked for 300 days. “This tells me that 15 per cent of the ewe flock are suitable to milk now, so identify ewes that are getting their lambs away early,” Jones said. Sarah O’Connell, of The AgriBusiness Group, said the key thing was how sheep milking would fit into a farming system. “Do you want to convert your entire farm, or part of the farm to support a value-add component to your business?

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“What are you going to do with your milk? Can you get a contract for your milk or establish a market for your product? “Can you source milking ewes and do you have a plan for mating in order to establish and improve your flock?” “Just as you have calves to deal with on a dairy farm, you have lambs to deal with in a sheep milking operation and often in very high numbers. As dairy sheep are highly fecund animals you usually have a minimum of two lambs per ewe every year. So you need to have a plan around the management of your ewes and lambs. Are you going to sharemilk your ewes and lambs or rear your lambs from day four?”

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Farmers also needed to meet regulations regarding production of a food for human consumption. This included council consents for effluent and buildings and MPI regulations regarding food safety and risk management. Existing sheep and beef farmers looking to convert would already have fencing, stock yards and a shearing shed but needed to invest in a milking plant and shed. Good stock water reticulation was a must. A milking shed varied in cost from $150,000 for a herringbone to $250,000 for a rotary. People converting to sheep milking would also require an export vat, refrigeration unit, effluent system, in-shed feed system and lamb rearing shed, O’Connell said.

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Returns beat other farming options Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

udgets show sheep milking will generate twice as much profit as returns from leasing land, says Central Canterbury farmer David Waghorn, who will start milking 300 ewes and hoggets this spring. Waghorn, a former petroleum geologist, is converting about half of his 205 hectare Ardleish Farm, Hororata, most of it irrigated by Central Plains Water (CPW). He plans to be milking 1200 ewes in the next three or four years, depending on whether he buys some additional ewes. While Waghorn had limited farming experience, he had some experience with sheep, as his father, a lamb buyer, had owned a small farm on Banks Peninsula. Sheep and beef finishing wasn’t going to produce enough income to pay the CPW charges, he told a Sheep Milk NZ field day. “We looked at some horticultural options but didn’t think they were suitable.” In 2015, Waghorn and his wife Meily decided to work towards a dairy sheep operation on their land, which is currently leased to a corporate dairy farmer as dairy support. “In 2015, there was not a lot of information or local experience around, especially regarding milking breeds and market opportunities. “The main problem was there was no clear local market for our milk. “We planned to sell milk at the farmgate as we didn’t want to spent weekends at the markets selling cheese. We wanted a medium-sized farming operation employing minimal staff.” Initially they bought some poll

Lambs on David Waghorn’s sheep milking operation will be removed from ewes after two to three days and put in a creche with an automatic lamb feeder and starter muesli. PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

dorset ewes and an east friesian ram. “While the poll dorsets produced lovely animals, they were too big for us to manage.” They have since moved away from a poll dorset, achieving a 170 to 180 per cent lambing from east friesian ewes. “There was not much choice in ram, with limited registered studs or progeny ewe milk production figures.” Now with a market for their milk and a supply contract with Matt and Tracey Jones of Sheep Milk NZ, the Waghorns will start milking commercially this spring. They plan to build up to

milking 1200 ewes on 108ha, at 11 sheep a hectare. Infrastructure is being readied with a 40-bail internal rotary and feed bins being built by Donald’s at Edendale, Southland. Read Engineering of Rangiora is supplying the milking plant. A lamb rearing shed is designed and consented and ready to be built. The rotary shed was designed to milk 1200 sheep. “At a rotation time of four minutes, this milks 600 ewes an hour, with supplementary feeding during milking. “Initially, two operators will

be needed inside the platform, reducing to one with automatic cup removers.” Lambs will be removed from ewes after two to three days and transitioned onto an automatic lamb feeder with starter muesli available straight away, then high performance feed pellets. “An alternative was to milk the ewe once the lamb was weaned at 15kg, which lowers milk production. Another option was to sharemilk with the lambs which was tough with twins and triplets, operationally difficult drafting off lambs every day and would restrict us to once-a-day

milking. It’s not really viable with 1200 ewes,” Waghorn said. “There is a possible negative perception, but sheep are social animals. If lambs are in a creche and well fed they are healthy and happy.” Economically it also stacked up, with a ewe producing two litres a day for 45 days generating $180 to $220 of milk, compared with the $60 feed cost to rear a lamb. Milking 1200 ewes for 140 days and potentially more was estimated to generate a gross income of $6500/ha, with expenses of about $4500/ha. An

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As dairy sheep are thin skinned, David Waghorn has added some black genetics to protect them from the sun. PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

Ebit (earnings before interest and tax) of $2500/ha was twice what the Waghorns are receiving from leasing their land. The main costs were CPW charges, salaries, lamb rearing costs and supplementary feed. The Waghorns’ milking east friesian-lacaune cross sheep were easily trained and had a placid temperament, though stubborn. As ewes will sacrifice body condition for milk production they require supplementary feeding, with the Waghorn flock milking off lucerne, red clover and mixed ryegrass pastures. There were limited animal health solutions available during milking because of withholding periods, but the Waghorns had encountered few animal health issues. In terms of nitrate limits, the farm had a target of about 26kg of nitrogen/ha/year, which could

be easily met with dairy sheep and good management practice, Waghorn said. This still allowed other options for the rest of the farm such as winter grazing and dairy heifers. Sheep produce similar nitrates (on a per kg of drymatter consumed) to cows, but the urine patches are smaller, more widely spread and less concentrated. “The local industry is gaining momentum and there is more awareness of the benefits of sheep milk. It is a great product, with a range of processing options and good growth opportunities.” The Canterbury Sheep Milk Association also provided support for new and existing farmers. Waghorn said the main risks for New Zealand farmers was maintaining a premium farm gate price that was higher than the

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global average. “To do that we need to focus on high value products.” Production also needed to increase well above current levels. “We are still building flock numbers, but once we get to 1200 we will have the luxury of being able to select our top ewes based on production to breed replacements. A terminal meat ram would then go over the remainder of the flock, enabling us to produce a faster maturing lamb,” Waghorn said.

Central Canterbury farmer David Waghorn will start milking sheep this spring, building up to 1200 ewes. PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

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Preparation has begun for a new planting area next to the effluent ponds.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Planting around the edge of the irrigation lake is part of a long-term biodiversity vision for the farm. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Small steps boost biodiversity vision F

armers discovered that there are many ways to protect and enhance mahinga kai and biodiversity values while visiting Waimak Farm in Eyreton. The 612-hectare farm includes the largest remaining kanuka stand in North Canterbury and due to its important biodiversity values this area is being protected by farm managers Richard and Susan Pearse. Richard Pearse said the kanuka stand provides an important seed source and seedlings have been taken from the area to try and recreate a similar ecosystem in other dryland areas. He is aiming to plant about 1000 native trees per year throughout the entire farm. “It’s important for us to protect this area as there are hardly any of these dryland areas left. It is easier to protect what you already have on farm than starting from scratch.”

The mahinga kai ‘shed talk’ event which was hosted by cultural land management and biodiversity advisors Makarini Rupene and Zipporah Ploeg provided a practical insight into changes landowners can make to protect special areas on their farms. Biodiversity advisor Zipporah Ploeg said that while dryland ecosystems may not look as visually appealing as wetlands or stream planting, they serve a vital purpose for preserving indigenous biodiversity. “Kanuka stands and other dryland ecosystems play an important role in the land corridor from the mountains to the sea. Once you look closer you can see a thriving ecosystem of moss, herb fields, orchids, lizards, and mycorrhizal fungi. The fungi interact with the roots of the kanuka trees and help increase water and nutrients,

while the trees provide the fungus with carbohydrates from photosynthesis.” Farmers attending the event learned that mahinga kai encompasses much more than just food gathering and waterways. Pou matai kou (cultural land management advisor) Makarini Rupene described the concept as the connections between resources and places. “Mahinga kai relates to every natural resource and the places these are found. It’s about the connections between the two and looks at the land and water as a much broader network than just what you find on one piece of land.” The Pearses have always been passionate about enhancing the biodiversity values of the farm and believe that the key to environmental improvement is having a plan and tackling the

simple changes first. “You can’t do everything at once but if you have a longterm vision and break it down into smaller steps, you’ll make progress. We have focused on the low-hanging fruit first and are leaving the larger projects for further down the track.” The couple are trialling different options, including tree lucerne for fence line plantings along an irrigated stretch of land. “It’s late flowering so it’s good for attracting bees. It’s also safe for stock so the cows can graze it. We’ve got some seeds germinating now and we’ll wait until they’ve grown to a decent height before we plant them.” The Pearses are also working on enhancing the land surrounding the effluent ponds. They have started preparation work and hope to plant around the edge of the ponds later this year.

“In this area we knew we needed plants with a high water tolerance. We have made a start by spraying out the grass and weeds, laying bark chip, and the next step is to add flaxes and hebes which we’ll source from local plant nurseries to make sure they suit our soil and conditions.” Another area which the Pearses will work on in the future is planting the edge of their irrigation pond. Having a biodiversity plan has helped them to prioritise their enhancement projects. “We’ve taken a practical approach. We can’t do it all at once, but we have our plan in place and we are working towards it. The key is to not feel like you have to do everything at once but to start small and make progress towards improving the environment.”

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Chance for agricultural industry to celebrate

South Island Agricultural Field Days chairperson Michaela McLeod says the event is a big opportunity for the agricultural industry to get together. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

he South Island Agricultural Field Days on March 24-26 will be a big opportunity for the agricultural industry to get together. It will be a chance to celebrate all the latest developments and innovations in the sector as well as a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues. Celebrating its 70th year in 2021, the South Island Agricultural Field Days is one of the largest and longest running field days in New Zealand. Chairperson Michaela McLeod said the event will offer something to interest everyone - not just those in the agricultural sector. “I’d say the technology sector has continued to advance in the last year, even with Covid-19.

“There are some exciting new innovations which people may have read about, but at the field days they will have a chance to see them, not only on display but in action. The working demonstration area has definitely expanded and we have made it more accessible to people.” Field days organisers are looking forward to bringing people together in a celebration of the sector. McLeod said that as a result of Covid-19 the agricultural sector, like so many others, has struggled. “Not just from a financial perspective but from a social perspective as well.” “There have been a number of A&P Shows and other events cancelled around the country.

They are such important events for farmers and traders, and I know it’s been very hard on a lot of people not having them.” “There has also been a lot of work done on creating a fantastic lifestyle section which we are really excited about. It will be the place to find delicious food and treats as well as things like spa pools and other lifestyle products. “We think it will be the perfect area for people to come together and catch up with friends over a beer and a bite to eat.” The event attracts between 20,000 and 25,000 visitors over the course of three days to the Kirwee site on the outskirts of Christchurch. McLeod estimates that if someone was to walk around and

visit every single attraction it would be about 10km of walking. “That’s why we encourage people to come over at least a couple of days and take it easy. It is however doable in just a day. Over the years we have had buses doing day trips from as far away as Blenheim and people have still had a great day out.” This is McLeod’s first year in the role as chairperson and it’s a position she has worked towards after more than 10 years on the organising committee in a number of different duties. “I really enjoy working with the fantastic bunch of people on the organising committee. I have got to know a lot of them well over the years in my various roles and they are some of the hardest working people you

could ever meet.” McLeod is a mother to two young children and along with her husband Ben runs an agricultural research business which conducts independent trials. When she took over the helm of the event for 2021 there wasn’t anything that needed changing. “It’s already a very successful formula – I think the fact it’s been running for 70 years is testament to that. We had a social function earlier this year with past members from organising committees and stalwarts of the event. It was wonderful listening to their stories about what it was like in the earlier years of the event and just how much it has grown over the years.”

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Be proud to be world’s best food producers David Clark

President of MC Federated Farmers

he South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee are an opportunity to showcase the very best in technology on offer to agriculture. It is not just sites full of pipe dreams or future technology that is either reserved for the best or biggest of farms or technology reserved for trial farms, universities or for manufacturers demonstration purposes. This is showcasing the

Canterbury

technology that is widely in use already across Canterbury farms and our uptake of this technology is contemporary, or even ahead off our farming peers worldwide. It is in part the reason why New Zealand farmers are among the most efficient producers of food in the world, both from an environmental standard and also when judged on the carbon emissions metric. This is something we should be justifiably proud of. Sure, there are still things to be done, but let’s not disregard the progress made and the significant investment in infrastructure, technology and agronomy that has brought about those gains. I find it particularly galling

NZ farmers are among the most efficient producers of food in the world.

that those who hold the power of policy dismiss New Zealand agriculture, the latest of which in my view will be a quote that defines a generation of farmers. In the 1980s the then Prime Minister David Lange infamously exclaimed that farming was a “sunset industry” that would be eventually eclipsed by manufacturing and tourism. This was closely followed by Finance Minister Roger Douglas’ prediction that we would become the “Switzerland of the South Pacific”. Helen Clark once mused

as Prime Minister that New Zealand would catch the “knowledge wave” and leave farming behind. It seems the Government’s appointed Climate Commissioner has his own outlook. Speaking to Mike Yardley, Rod Carr was asked whether he accepts that we already produce the lowest emitting beef and dairy in the world. “Given the way we produce it, that is true. But being the best whale hunters in the world didn’t protect the whaling fleets of the past.” Well, here we are, in 2021, the sun hasn’t set, Switzerland

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

is elsewhere, the Kiwi surfboard didn’t’ catch the “knowledge wave” and right here, right now, we live in a country whose economy and foreign earnings ability largely rests on six inches of topsoil and the fact it rains. I suspect that is a fact that those in power have trouble accepting or would wish us to be a far more refined society (in their eyes). It would not be the first time they have been wrong. Go to the field days and be proud about being amongst the absolute best food producers in the world.

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SIAFD FEATURE

Showcase of machinery, both large and

This March’s field days will see more companies demonstrating their machinery than ever before.

he South Island Agricultural Field Days, renowned for its live machinery demonstrations, has increased the size of its demonstration area with the intention of showcasing both large and small machinery to the attending public. “We see our event as the

perfect place for exhibitors to demonstrate their equipment and developments to as many people as possible,” said Andrew Stewart, who with brother Nathan is in charge of the demonstration area. More than 50 machines from 10 to 15 different agricultural machinery companies will be put

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

through their paces on the 10 hectare demonstration site. “It made sense to offer a larger space to see their equipment in full flight and to also expand that to some of the smaller equipment exhibitors. We see SIAFD as an opportunity for farmers and contractors to engage in all sorts of commerce

over a couple of days, as well as a place for them to get off farm and enjoy time with their mates,” Stewart said. “We have 10ha of irrigated land that will be in a mixture of barley stubble, green feed oats, grass and lucerne, which offers a wide range of exhibitors the chance to showcase their new

equipment.” With no other field days in New Zealand offering this sort of demonstration area, Stewart believes the SIAFD is one of the best places for interested buyers to see and compare so many options. “We will have ploughs, large one-pass cultivators, drills,

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small mowers, rakes, tedders, balers, forage harvesters, sprayers and all sorts of equipment on display. Because it is over three days as well, it means potential buyers can take their time and make any decisions without feeling rushed too,” Stewart said. Grounds committee chairman Rodney Hadfield said farmers could come to the field days and see all the gear being put through its paces before making a decision to purchase. “Plus other big companies like Silver Fern Farms, PGG Wrightson, Farmlands, most of the vehicle and farm bike dealers, as well as the big banks etc will all be here,” he said. It’s now been over 12 months since the last big agricultural show in the region and SIAFD organising committee chair Michaela McLeod predicts that’s one of the reasons there has been a lot of interest from exhibitors. “Farmers and industry people love to come together and share their ideas, do business and look at ways to incorporate fresh ideas into their farming operation and the South Island Field Days provides that perfect opportunity for exhibitors to

A fencing competition will highlight some of the region’s most talented fencers.

showcase their developments and opportunities.” “It’s also very healthy and encouraging to spend time away from your farming operation and we’re really delighted that we can be that platform for people to meet up and connect.” Tickets are on sale, with the event moving to an online

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ticketing system for the first time. “Farmers use technology every day in their farms and businesses and we need to keep up with technology ourselves too,” McLeod said. “We have a large site and by using technology this is one way we can send out exhibitor maps before the event starts, allowing

the public to plan who and where they want to go when they arrive. Also, it’ll help us play our part in ensuring everyone’s safe around Covid-19.” Whilst the machinery demonstration area continues to be a cornerstone of the South Island Agricultural Field Days the event organisers have also

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

been working on an ATV demo course as well as incorporating a fencing competition, which will highlight some of the region’s most talented fencers. “This is a way for other industries to showcase their talents to the public and prospective clients too,” McLeod said.

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SIAFD SIAFD FEATURE FEATURE

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PP Industries Ltd was established in 1962 and installed the first feed system on to a New Zealand dairy farm in 1967. This first feed system as in Aka Aka, near Pukekohe followed by a second system in Kaka Point near Balclutha in 1968. Since 1967, where the sheds were walk-through and the dispensers very simple, PPP have progressively updated our system where by now PPP can offer EID feed systems for both Rotary & HB Sheds. But what has not changed since 1967 is a simple, easy to use, cheap to maintain and run, system suitable for HB sheds. PPP are now into our third season of using our new blue topped 8 litre dispenser which has many great advantages over our previous red topped dispenser that PPP have supplied to farmers and installers for nearly 30 years. Once again, simple to use, totally UV stabilised and transparent so you can see feed in the dispenser from the pit, we also use a stainless-steel drop tube from the dispenser into the stainless feed trough is proving a winner with farmers. If farmers are looking at upgrading their dispensers, we have worked out a simple and easy, cost effective way of modernising your shed to keep

THE JOURNEY OF THE SHEEP JETTER

you going for another 20 years. PPP have enjoyed great success with the Skiold Mill – never has there been a machine for a dairy farmer that only needs to be greased once per year! No chains or belts that need constant adjustment also able to handle the odd stone couple with a double magnet system to remove steel and very quiet compared to hammer and roller type mills. With a nationwide dealer network PPP can organise installation and more importantly back up support in your region.

SHEEP DIPPING

n the late 1970s PPP imported a Harrington Jetter from Australia, a revolutionary walk-through sheep dipping machine. Orders were such that PPP negotiated a manufacturing licence with Harrington so these dipping machines could be manufactured in New Zealand. In 1996 Harrington closed their business and PPP carried on manufacturing the dipping machine. In 2013 PPP completely redesigned the dipping machine. The old unit had mechanical on/off action, manufactured from steel, weighed over 100kg and you could not dip ewes with lambs at foot. The new model equivalent is the Lincoln which has an electronic eye for auto on/off, manufactured from 304

stainless steel, weighs 48kg and you can now dip ewes with lambs at foot. A key aspect that went into the designing of this unit was simplicity. The Lincoln machine is basically ready to operate when it is delivered to farm, you only need to connect up the hose kit to the jetter. The design features ensure that unit is simple for all staff to use coupled with the ability to dip 800-1,000 use per hour.

PPP have also developed the Saxon model for exports markets and or stud breeders where large Saxon style full wooled merinos need to be dipped. The Saxon unit can also deal with horned sheep in the UK & Ireland and goats in India. Each system comes with a hose kit, Davey fire fighter pump and Honda motor delivered to your nearest main centre.

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With robust features, design simplicity and good on-farm setup, screens can last on average anywhere from four to eight years. The expected farm life of a separator is about 20 years. With dairy waste more and more being considered a toxic waste, we have options of removing solids from waste

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SIAFD FEATURE

Driving simulator to test safety skills A

driving simulator will be on site at the South Island Agricultural Field Days to test people’s on-farm driving safety skills. WorkSafe is advising farmers to buckle up after an analysis of vehicle-related fatalities found that nearly half those that occur on farm could have been avoided if a seatbelt was being used. The data analysis, completed by WorkSafe New Zealand, revealed that not wearing seatbelts while on the job was the largest single factor contributing to fatal workrelated accidents. The data analysis coincides with the launch of a new sideby-side vehicle simulator which is spending the next six months travelling New Zealand’s agricultural field days and featuring in the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. The simulator allows a driver to sit in the seat of a retired side-by-side vehicle and navigate a series of farm safety tasks while driving an off road course. The first task is putting on your seatbelt. “Putting on your seatbelt is the simplest task and one we practice easily when driving

Worksafe is advising farmers to buckle up.

on the open road,” WorkSafe engagement lead for agriculture Al McCone said.

“If we can get people doing this on farm as well – we will see lives saved.”

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

“We know that we need all of an industry to get on board with improving health and safety for

us to see results.” On farm • If all agricultural workers wore seatbelts, claim costs to ACC could be reduced by almost $2 million a year. • Non-seatbelt use was relevant in 40 per cent of vehicle-related fatalities on farm and 27 per cent of all fatalities on farm. • Of every 10 fatalities where seatbelt use may have been relevant, nine people were not wearing them. • The older you are the more likely you are to injure yourself from not wearing a seatbelt in an on-farm incident. All industries • Not wearing a seatbelt contributes to 52 per cent of all vehicle-related deaths and 15 per cent of all work-place fatalities (in any industry). That’s around 10 lives a year. • More than 44 per cent of all fatalities involved vehicles working on off-road work-sites – including agricultural, transport and warehousing, manufacturing, and construction settings.

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SIAFD FEATURE

Security system to target farm burglaries F

arm Technology is a team of tech entrepreneurs who along with local police have developed a new, real-time, remote area 360-degree farm security system. The Farm Defence system is in answer to the rise in rural crime which costs rural communities more than $100 million per year. It aims to help rural people with security for their families, livelihood and communities. The system is specifically designed for low power usage on remote areas of a farm. It uses longrange radio, with a unique accessway. It has gate and fence sensors and smart security cameras. It will be on show at this year’s South Island Agricultural Field Days.

Having experienced theft from his own property Steve O’Brien developed a comprehensive system which would stop it from happening again. “I live in a remote, rural property, and have, like a lot of people, experienced thefts from outbuildings. I’m often told of poaching and stock rustling on other farms and I know the insecurity that rural people feel. It is getting worse not better. “We looked at existing systems to see what we might do to increase security. However, we were unable to find anything which had been designed to overcome the specific challenges in rural security. “We designed the Farm Defence system to address

all the shortcomings of conventional CCTV for rural, remote area security. Most of all, we wanted something capable of preventing a crime from happening, rather than just supplying a photographic record of it after the event.” O’Brien said that as well as letting thieves know they have been detected in real time, the system can also share information at the touch of a button with a preassigned response and appropriate action then taken. Backed by an alarm monitoring service watching farms when the owner is unable to, the Farm Defence solution and the customised security response services make it a reliable partner for security system specialists.

A new security system is specifically designed for low power usage on remote areas of a farm. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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SIAFD FEATURE

Rural women to test their country skills A

fter an engaging response to the inaugural Country Women Competition at last year’s Amuri A&P Show, the fun, farm focused competition heads to the South Island Agricultural Field Days in 2021. The Kirwee based field days hosts one of the largest and most interactive demonstration areas in the country, so to have some of the region’s most talented rural women also display their capabilities is a big coup for chairperson Michaela McLeod. “The South Island Agricultural Field Days has long been known for the place to see harvesters, seeders, balers and some of the newest agricultural technology in action. But to be able to highlight the skills and capabilities of the women, who are often the backbone of the agricultural industry is a special addition to the field days this year,” McLeod said. Initially designed by Bex Green, Dairy Women’s Network volunteer regional leader in North Canterbury, the competition revolves around a series of challenges that give rural women a chance to prove their mettle and demonstrate their talent in the farming sector. “I wanted to see women step up and step out, and be brave in the farming world,” Green said. “The response we had to the

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Country Women Competition was incredible, with 20 women toughing it out last year.’’ After seeing some incredible skills, tactical thinking and entertaining endeavours, Fran Gunn from North Canterbury became the inaugural Dairy Women’s Network Country Woman of the Year. This year, volunteer regional leader Jordain Adams is taking the lead for the Dairy Women’s Network Canterbury team and she is looking forward to seeing the calibre of competition as she and the rest of the Canterbury team look to broaden its appeal by taking the competition to the South Island Agricultural Field Days. While details are still being finalised, she says participants can expect the same challenges such as throwing darts, milking a fake cow, throwing a gumboot, chopping wood, backing a trailer on a quad bike, and carrying hay bales. “We’re so excited to be running this competition again, get ready for three days of tough competition, bigger prizes and opportunities for rural women to get out there, have fun and show the rest of New Zealand how to get it done”, Adams said. Providing opportunities for women to get out there and demonstrate the value of

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women in the rural sector is the purpose of the network as an organisation. Through workshops, regional events, competitions and conferences they bring women from around

the country together for shared learning and connection and give them the support they need to achieve personal and professional goals. Exact details for the 2021

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Country Women Competition will be finalised closer to the date. Keep an eye on the Dairy Women’s Network Canterbury Facebook page for entry information.

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RURAL CONSTRUCTION FEATURE

70 years of quality, style, performance Q

uality, style and high performance never go out of fashion. There is only one name that has, for seven decades, consistently delivered all three when it comes to housing. That name is Lockwood Homes. Combining the natural advantages of solid wood construction with a range of designs from the classic to the contemporary, Lockwood has proudly produced homes and commercial buildings since 1951. The real testament to quality, style and performance is that Lockwood buildings, whether in Central Otago or the tropical South Pacific, have stood the test of time, taking the toll of the years in their stride. Every Lockwood home is created on principles and fundamentals of Good Design: simple, thoughtful, beautiful and effortlessly functional. “Avoiding fads and trends, we focus on details contributing to durability rather than those leading to maintenance overheads”, says managing director, Andrew La Grouw. “For us at Lockwood Homes, every building is an embodiment of our brand. The name Lockwood is your guarantee of a home built on integrity, family values and a reputation for outstanding quality.”

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Using a uniquely manufactured building system, every Lockwood building starts out in the Rotorua factory as sustainably sourced radiata pine. A process of meticulous engineering and precision manufacturing results in pre-cut components delivered directly to site. At the job site, Lockwood components

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Experience the freedom to explore bespoke options when looking to build your new home. Use one of our concept plans and customise to fit your site, tastes and budget or work with our architectural designers to create an entirely new plan to suit your individual style.

resulting in the highest standard of finished homes. Because it is solid wood, a Lockwood building offers unique advantages, including natural earthquake and extreme weather resistance. Thermal efficiency comes as part of the package; wood ‘breathes’, contributing to air circulation and a warm, dry

home. It also forms a natural insulating layer (beefed up by insulation sandwiched between solid timber) delivering energy efficiency 50 per cent greater than the NZBC requirements for solid timber homes. Wood also does something else better than just about any other construction material. It handles the knocks and bumps of daily living without damage, avoiding many maintenance and redecorating tasks, and leaving Lockwood homeowners with more time and money for quality living. In addition to beautiful interior timber finishes, Lockwood encourages new home builders to combine the benefits of the Lockwood system with a range of textures and colours. Market development manager Sarah Smith says “Adding stonework, painted feature walls, or plasterboard features gives maximum flexibility and provides fabulous interior options for clients to showcase their own style.” Contact our Lockwood South Island Sales Office on 03 344 0299, see their Madrid Show Home in Hornby, Christchurch or visit lockwood.co.nz for more inspiration.

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SIAFD FEATURE

Ag sector ‘travelling astoundingly wel A

midst significant global turbulence, New Zealand agricultural producers are poised to enjoy a fifth consecutive year of general profitability in 2021, according to a new report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank. In the bank’s annual flagship report, Agribusiness Outlook 2021, Rabobank says while the outlook for the year is “bristling with risk”, and bumps are anticipated throughout the coming months, most agricultural sectors can expect to see average to above-average pricing, manageable cost inflation and production holding up well. Report co-author, Rabobank senior dairy analyst Emma Higgins said as 2021 gets underway, the “world remains a turbulent place” for New Zealand’s agricultural sector. “The Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage in many regions around the globe, the finer points of the messy Britain and the EU divorce are now in full swing, and tensions in the United States remain high following an acrimonious transfer of power to the new Biden administration,” she said.

“More frequent use of market intervention is a further factor creating global instability as are ongoing trade wars which have distorted the direction and price of traded goods.” Higgins said while New Zealand agriculture had been unable to completely avoid the discomfort caused by this turbulence, the sector had “done much right to keep itself on a strong path”. “New Zealand’s authorities and citizens have managed to control domestic spread of Covid-19 better than almost any other country in the world, while we also saw domestic agricultural supply chains pivot during the peak of infections last year, allowing these to stay open and continue to function at close to full capacity. In addition, we’ve seen diplomatic relations with key trading partners remain stable, keeping vital markets open,” she said. “This may sound simple, however it’s a list of achievements that has eluded most countries and their ag industries in 2020 and early 2021. And given the extent of the turbulence, and compared to most other peers, New

Rabobank senior dairy analyst Emma Higgins says the world remains a turbulent place. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Zealand agriculture is travelling astoundingly well.” While New Zealand agriculture is well placed, the report says 2021 brings more uncertainty than most years and there are a number of potential

bumps which may need to be navigated in the year ahead. “The pandemic in the US and the EU will probably not start to look materially better until quarter two as winter passes and the vaccine rolls out, while the

current spike of infections in key Asian markets is now looming as a major threat for New Zealand agricultural exporters,” Higgins said. “Commodity-specific risks will also need to be tackled – such as the threat of Chinese dairy destocking, labour shortages in the horticulture sector and the impacts on the animal protein sector of China’s pig herd recovery – and we also expect to see New Zealand exporters facing a much stronger New Zealand dollar in 2021.” Higgins said developments in the Chinese market shaped as the key watch factor for New Zealand agriculture in 2021. “In the 12 months to November 2020, the share of New Zealand ag exports to this market came in at 31 per cent in value terms and, as a result, what happens in China in 2021 will be vital to shaping the year for New Zealand ag,” she said. “Maintaining strong relations with China will be crucial for the sector. At present, New Zealand is treading a difficult path between standing up for its own values and its allies and the desire to constructively engage with a country offering a

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SIAFD FEATURE

ll’ amid global turbulence

COMMODITY OUTLOOK FOR 2021 Dairy: Rabobank expects limited supply growth in competing regions and firm Chinese buying will bring not only a fifth consecutive profitable season for dairy farmers in 2020-21, but probably supportive pricing for early 2021-22.

While New Zealand agriculture is well placed, a Rabobank report says 2021 brings more uncertainty than most years. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

huge market, preferential access and the ability and willingness to pay for premium NZ product and supply chains. “New Zealand seems well placed to manage these tensions, but this will become harder if

China becomes more strident in its actions in the region and/or the US continues to push back.” Higgins said NZ agri industry stakeholders would also be keeping a close eye on relations between Australia and

China following their recent fallout. “Provided New Zealand does stay on good terms with China, it will be in a strong position to pick up market share if China further curtails access to its markets to Australian beef,

sheep and seafood and/ or extends restrictions to Australian dairy,” she said. “Price gains will be welcomed, but directing more market share to China would raise big questions about market concentration risk.”

Beef: Farmgate prices are expected to remain marginally below the fiveyear average through most of 2021 due to continuing food service restrictions, strong competition from South America and a high NZD. Sheep: Weak foodservice and incomes in the EU and US will also impact demand for higher-value lamb cuts, pushing export returns below 2019-20 levels. But Chinese demand will help provide a healthy floor.

Wine: 2021 is expected to bring significant challenges in each of NZ’s three largest markets – the US, the EU and Australia. But those focused on retail channels are still well placed. Horticulture: Demand for quality and safe horticultural produce will remain strong. Covid-19 disruptions to labour supply may take the shine off this opportunity, while navigation of geopolitical tensions will be key. Regulation: The agricultural sector will be hoping for greater clarity around how aspects of the freshwater reforms will be implemented in the future. But action is required despite the uncertainty.

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2021 SITE MAP

North Car Park Gate D DWN "Country Woman Fencing demonstrations of the and competition Year"

Gate C

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ATV Demo

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Farming

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OFFICE

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Lifestyle Section

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Lifestyle Section

Gate B

Demo area - Oats

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Courtenay Road

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Demo area - Barley

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Independant Grass Trials

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SIAFD FEATURE

Shoes for cows, shoes for kids Fred Hoekstra

VEEHOF DAIRY SERVICES

ealing with cows’ feet on a daily basis as part of their business Veehof Dairy Services, Mid Canterbury couple Fred and Sandy Hoekstra are running a special fundraising promotion in a bid to get all local kids to school in a pair of comfy shoes. Sandy and Fred are passionate about the local community and have felt for some time that they could possibly help local families in some small way. As kids head back to school in the new year it’s often a very hard time for families who are struggling right now, with one of the common expenses being school shoes. Their goal is to help 125 local school kids walk through the school gates with comfy shoes,

that look just like their friends. “We deal with cows’ feet. Often when a cow is very lame they need to have a block put on their good claw to relieve the sore claw. We call that a block or a shoe,” Sandy said. “I thought that we could tie that in with providing shoes for kids – shoes for cows, shoes for kids.” In February, Veehof is donating $1 for every dairy cow trimmed or tube of Hoof-Tite glue sold towards their “happy feet fundraiser”. “Even if someone is not a dairy farmer, they might like to donate towards the cause. Every kid deserves a pair of practical school shoes that fit.” At the time of publication, Veehof was about half-way to its goal of 125 shoes which would be distributed to Mid Canterbury school children, in conjunction with Bronnie McKenna who works for Safer Mid Canterbury. “Thank you very much for all our customers’ support, we really appreciate your business and in turn, together we’re

helping local kids,” Sandy said. Mid Canterbury-based Veehof are recognised leaders in hoof care services and hoof care products for dairy herds. The business provides a hoof trimming service to Canterbury, West Coast and Southland. Its

work includes the treatment of lameness and hoof disease as well as providing a cost-effective hoof trimming service. Veehof is also the sole importer and distributor of award-winning Wopa cattle crushes, which provide a faster, safer and more

comfortable environment for trimming hooves or for calving assistance. It also holds hoof trimming courses throughout New Zealand. Veehof Dairy Services will be at the South Island Agricultural Field days, site 325.

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airy farmers shouldn’t be shy about making a profit as this is the foundation of sustainability, says Central Canterbury farmer Dana Carver. “We see making money and having a profit margin as having a chance to grow the animals, people and land, so we have embraced that.” Dana Carver and Tony Coltman were the 2020 Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Award winners, after being judged to be running a highly productive

and profitable farming operation while reducing their environmental footprint. They shared their winning formula at a field day delayed by Covid-19 restrictions. Farming at Dunsandel the operation involves two adjacent farms totalling 510 hectares effective being run as one business, the 1000-cow Canlac Holdings and Quantum Dairy milking 1150 cows. The couple are equity partners in the business with Mid Canterbury dairy and drystock farmers Richard and Chrissie Wright. Carver said that sustainability involved balancing what was good for the land, animals, people and business. “It is tricky and requires compromise, as moving one area forward often negatively affects another.” Progressing the business was an ongoing journey, which despite planning had its ups and downs. “Just when you think you know what the government

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vironment, say award-winning farmers

Unit managers (from left), Angelo Orellana who runs Quantum Dairy and Mark Farrell, Canlac Holdings. PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

policies are they change, or what the public wants, they change, or that the research is clear, something else comes up. So, we just have to stay on top of our game. “It is about learning, trying and having realistic expectations,” Carver said. Three things that work for the couple were having good systems, daily attention to detail and engaging with the industry and community to stay up to date and learn. Coltman said that while there were different financial targets such as return on equity and return on capital, for him “cash is king” and provided options. “If you are generating plenty of cash and profit then all the other things will come.” The vision for Canlac Holdings is to be a leader in the dairy industry, with top 5 per cent production, top 5 per cent financial returns, an aesthetically presented farm, all environmental standards exceeded and happy and healthy staff. They are realising this, with consistent production of more than 2000kg of milksolids a hectare and about 500kg/MS/ cow. This has been achieved with farm working expenses of between $3.50 and $3.82 a kg/ MS in the previous six seasons. They aim to utilise as much grass as possible, with pasture harvested ranging from 17.7

tonnes of drymatter/ha to 18.6 tonnes. Most years, imported supplement during the milking season was 800kg to 900kg a cow. Coltman said that attention to detail included checking the cows twice a day, morning and night, to ensure cows were well fed and feed residues were right. Water troughs were checked for flow, not just water level, particularly on hot days as this was the quickest way to impact on production and animal welfare. Regular farm walks were done to monitor pasture covers. “One of the biggest learnings is doing a weekly farm walk and now we are doing another part way through the week. This means we can pre-empt feed shortages and utilise grass as much as possible.” Coltman checks invoices and often makes savings by identifying overcharging. He also orders economic amounts to get the best possible price, such as a year’s supply in one order. Vehicles not needed at certain times of the year are stored in the shed. “If it is left out someone jumps on it.” There was a high specialisation on producing milk from grass, with contractors doing all machinery work. However, like many farms in Canterbury, reproductive performance was a key challenge. The two dairy units have 10

Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Award winners Tony Coltman and Dana Carver shared their winning formula at a field day. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

staff with Coltman overseeing all operations. Carver said that Coltman’s role was to “remove all the barriers for the team. He is there to make it as easy as possible for the staff and every day that is something different. This doesn’t mean that the team aren’t making their own decision, as they are, but when there is a problem to solve, Tony is there.” Unit managers are Angelo Orellana who runs Quantum Dairy and Mark Farrell, Canlac Holdings. Canlac Dairy was converted in 1998 and Quantum Dairy in the 2017-18 season. The couple have been running Canlac Holdings since 2013, after Coltman spent several years in roles off-farm and running farms in the United States. Calving is done at Canlac as this has the infrastructure of calf sheds and a feed pad, built in the 2015-6 season to improve feed utilisation. “Initially we run as one team at Canlac so we can put all the resources into calving. As we transition early calving mature cows across to Quantum, more of the team goes across there as well,” Coltman said. Once calving is finished at the end of September the two units are run separately until the end of April when herds are manipulated to help with dry off and achieving the correct closing covers by the end of May.

Canlac is irrigated via Central Plains Water and Quantum from bore water. Environmentally, the Canlac and Quantum farms have already achieved and exceeded the target of 30 per cent reduction in nitrate loss by 2022 set for dairy farmers in the Selwyn-Waihora water management zone. The reduction is from a baseline nitrate loss of 83kg/N/ha at Canlac in the 2009-13 seasons. While the farms recorded a 46 per cent reduction in nitrate loss from the baseline in the 201819 season, this had slipped back to 33 per cent in 2019-20 with management changes. “When you are getting down to this level it doesn’t take much for it to lift,” Coltman said. Improvements have been made by upgrading to more efficient irrigation, with Roto-rainers replaced by centre pivots. The effluent area has also been extended from 21 per cent to 77 per cent of the milking platform. Other management changes include reducing the amount of applied nitrogen from 292kg/ha to 215kg/ha. This was achieved by slowing the round length down, reducing the number of applications, and applying a lower rate each time. Application rates have dropped from 33 units in 2014-15 to 26 units now. While nitrogen use was reduced, the same amount of pasture has been harvested. The type of supplementary

feed imported has also been changed, so a higher proportion has a lower nitrogen content, such as maize silage and fodder beet. Plantain is also being used in pastures. Coltman said the farms would be able to achieve the 190kg/ ha limit on synthetic nitrogen applications set to come into force on July 1, but that it will be tough. “We may have to drop some cows out and reduce milk production.” In terms of greenhouse gases, calculations show the farms produce 17.3 tonnes/ha of methane and nitrous oxide. This compares with an average 13.3t/ ha for Canterbury dairy farms and 10t/ha across New Zealand. “So we know our numbers and how they compare with the national average. We are efficient on a per kg of milksolids basis, but higher overall because we have a highly productive dairy operation.” Coltman said he was not making any changes in terms of greenhouse gases until there was more science around how it will be measured and taxed. “But we are setting up the business to be able to respond when ready. “Unless there is a major mitigation or gene-editing technology I can’t see any major technologies being available. “With nitrate loss there has always been science behind it and tools to reduce it.”

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Vaccine roll-out fuels commodity price shot in the arm T

he global roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines is expected to give global food demand a “shot in the arm”, says Westpac economist Nathan Penny. Leading the charge is dairy, with prices around 20 per cent higher than a year ago. Prices at the last global dairy trade auction posted a solid gain of 3 per cent, while whole milk powder prices (WMP) jumped 4.3 per cent. Prices have now lifted for seven consecutive auctions. Over that period, the overall prices have bounced 22.9 per cent higher. Penny said that 2021 was shaping up as a year when New Zealand agriculture cashed in on its earlier resilience. Prices across a range of sectors were firm and getting firmer, with dairy leading the charge. Underlying the strength

in export prices is the surging Chinese economy. With Covid-19 under control, China was the only major global economy to grow over 2020. Importantly, as the economic momentum has continued into 2021 household spending has gathered steam. Growth in South-East Asian economies was not far behind, further underpinning demand for New Zealand products. The global rollout of Covid-19 vaccines will give global food demand a second ‘shot in the arm’, particularly from other secondary dairy markets, Penny said. Currently, global food supply was struggling to keep up with surging demand, causing high grain (feed) prices. “That is going to constrain the global supply of dairy. We think that this dynamic also has further to run and will add to the upward

price pressure over the first half of 2021. “However, we expect that this sweet spot will prove short-lived as ultimately global food supply will respond, moderating dairy prices from late 2021 and into 2022,” Penny said. ASB economist Nathaniel Keall said that while further price gains had been on the cards at the dairy trade auction the sharp lift was some way in excess of what the futures market was pegging. “In other words, dairy prices are continuing to surprise on the upside.” Strong demand from China has fuelled gains at auction over the past three months. Domestic consumption has risen steadily over the course of 2020 as the Chinese economy has picked up, but domestic stockpiles haven’t managed to keep up, despite aggressive purchases through

most auctions. “Looking ahead, we open our forecast for the 2021-22 season at $7.30. With demand proving resilient, we expect dairy prices to remain elevated, though the strength of the Kiwi dollar will weigh a little on the season. Rising dairy prices are part of a broader surge in commodity prices that’s been evident over the past four months. “Oil prices are the highest they’ve been since the beginning of the pandemic and metal

prices are testing seven-year highs. “Hopes that widespread vaccination and further stimulus out of the United States could lead to an uptick in economic activity have been fuelling the trend, and there is a lot of talk about a new commodity price ‘supercycle’ beginning,” Keall said. ASB is forecasting a farmgate milk price of $7.40 for the season, Westpac $7.50 and ANZ $7.20, within Fonterra’s current range of $6.90 to $7.50.

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

FEATURE

Autumn transition – Why is it so easy? Fonterra needs to switch off coal boilers I www.guardianonline.co.nz

BY DR JOE MCGRATH SOLLUS HEAD NUTRITIONIST

t’s a commonly held view that calving cows in autumn is much easier than the more common spring (it’s really winter) calving. But why so? Or, more importantly, is it, in fact, actually easier – or does it just seem that way because the sun is out, the days are longer and it’s not freezing cold? Craig ELBOW DEEP It’s fair to say there has been Hickman @dairymanNZ no robust statistical analysis performed on this conundrum, so was once told by someone I can’t categorically state autumn much smarter than me that is easier than spring. However, the Green Party policy of today when I analyse the nutrition/ will be Labour Party policy in 10 environmental factors involved years’ time. it’sEven truewithout that autumn calving that level of should be much who easierhas forbeen the insight, nobody cow. attention to the political paying There are reasonswill discourse fortwo the main past decade for this. The first is because be very surprised at the Climate the cow Commission’s is coming off the back Change recent of summer andthere should at report, though dobe seem thebepeak of numbers her natural annual to large of people vitamin D cycle. This shaking their heads in ensures dazed bewilderment. that there are no deficiencies The commission’s impeding her ability report to mobilise largely the The findings and calciumreflects at calving. second recommendations thegrass Royal main reason is thatofthe is Society’s 2016 one,conducive “Transition usually not nearly to to low-carbon economy for thea typical mineral deficiencies New Zealand”. That report that we see in spring. was the Toessentially elaborate, ignored vitamin by D status government of thethe day, butwith it is is variable during year, extremely unlikely the current the peak being in late summer government willintreat the latest and the trough late winter/

version in the same manner. The report calls for, among other things, an immediate end to the construction of coal fired boilers, an end to the burning of coal for process heat by 2037 and a reduction in the national dairy, beef and sheep numbers of 15 per cent each by 2030. No matter how climate hesitant you might be or how little New Zealand has contributed to global warming since pre-industrial times, the commission estimates that figure to be 0.0028 degrees C, the fact remains our share of global early spring (see times graphgreater above warming is four right). This is important for than our share of the total cows that live population andoutdoors. 1.5 timesWhile greater the level of vitamin thanlate ourwinter share of landmass. D While is not clinically deficient, it Fonterra have already does mean that theinstalling cow has less committed to not any resilience againstorother nutrient new coal boilers increasing their capacity to burn time. coal, imbalances at calving suppliers have every rightbarns to be Cows that live in TMR disappointed thatofaction was not have their levels vitamin taken D keptfar at sooner the redand linefar onquicker. the Coal isabove. the low hanging fruit of graph That’s because climate change and we’vethe known nutritionists understand for decades we needed to key role thatthat vitamin D plays reduce emissions. We didn’t, in calcium, phosphorus and and now farmerscontrol. are bearing some magnesium of So that cost through animal in autumn we have this reduction vitamin Dtargets. “tool” working in our Getting outthat of mean coal iswe don’t favour. Does

Fonterra’s Darfield site uses a coal-fired boiler.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

possible, though expensive and difficult. Tolerance for offsetting need to monitor whatthin goes emissions has worn so in our transition cow’sa forest diet – no. tactics like buying in However, it does meanscoal sheare has order to keep burning aoffgreater chance of dealing with the table. dietary mistakes! Likewise, ignoring the The secondinvariable is linked to government the mistaken the first. The amount of nutrient belief they have no teeth to enforce theinphasing of coal; imbalance grass isout usually less theautumn simple than act ofinraising in spring.the Thecost of carbon to the point where are primary nutrients of concern using is uneconomic N, P, K,coal S, Mg and sugar. would soon force change. Generally, problem pastures, or Lobbying to exclude energy highly imbalanced pastures, are fromtothe recommendations due poor soil nutrient profiles. would for In this have case, consequences when I mean poor other areas; the whole report I don’t mean under fertilised; Iis a finely over balanced tension mean fertilised. In between many farming, transport energy. cases because we’reand pushing If savings madetonne in one too hard foraren’t the next of

sector they have to be picked up by another, and I’m certain farmers already feel like they’re picking up enough of the tab. Complicating the transition from coal is the fact many of Fonterra’s North Island plants are primarily fuelled by natural gas, a resource that is predicted to run out at the same time as coal usage is slated to stop. This puts even more pressure on the co-operative both in terms of capital expenditure and closing plants to refit the boilers; nearly every single boiler will have to dry matter growth without be changed. considering whothe theClimate customer is As with coal, (the cow).Commission’s targets for Change Autumn grassseem tendsambitious to have stock reduction more fibre, hence more calcium at first, 15 per cent fewer dairy and sulfur cowsless by phosphorus, 2030, but that onlyand, equates to a reduction of 1.7 per most importantly, potassium. cent permeans annum. This That that theis easily achieved by isslightly lowering the magnesium more available, replacement of animals lost therefore lessrate chance of tetany, throughcalcium naturalintake attrition. greater and, The commission predicts importantly with more vitamin these lower animal numbers D in the system, a greater chance will haveitnoand impact milkand to utilise calveon happy production and this is borne healthily. out Soby areLivestock there anyImprovement negatives Corporation data showing to calving in autumn? Autumn production via genetic often meansincreases drought, so gaincarotenoids sit at 1.8 per cent per year, less and alphaalmost exactly matching the tocopherols coming through the

annual drop in cow population. The opportunity is there through careful breeding to allow cows to express their genetic merit by gradually dropping the stocking rate while production remains constant. Of course, if the lower stocking rates are offset by higher use of bought in feed any emission reductions will be cancelled out. The report also mentions land use change, a phenomenon that is already happening in areas like Tasman where many dairy farms grass. These are important forin are being planted in hops and immunity andwith reproduction. Golden Bay a number ofAlso nitrates can be an issue in the dairy farms closing down due grass, but, in general, these two to frustration with compliance negatives areorless common obligations a desire for athan less stressful lifestyle. the positives, so are outweighed. one single solution ForThere’s a high no producing herd, that will allow us to meet however, they should certainly be the ambitious GHG targets taken into account. that are laid out in the report I think we can safely say from keep farming the wayon aand nutritional perspective, we are. Based on theyears science most farms in most and that the NZ Greenhouse Gas under the same management, Research aware an autumnCentre calvingare will generate of, a combination of allfever the than considerably less milk science and changes to land winter calving. management areis,likely to get The question are you ableusto there, but we must have faith in handle all the other challenges the scientific solutions and keep associated with autumn calving funding them to succeed. on your farm?

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Delightful Delilah the judges’ pick in sh Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

Six-year-old ayrshire cow Pukekaraka Elle Delilah has won every major dairy title at showing events this season. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

he judges can’t keep their eyes off a Mid Canterbury-owned ayrshire cow named Delilah, who has won an unprecedented clean sweep of dairy titles at showing events this season. In her latest triumph, Pukekaraka Elle Delilah, owned by the Gilbert family, won the 2021 all breeds supreme exhibit at the New Zealand Dairy Event at Feilding. This is the first time an ayrshire has won supreme exhibit over the bigger numbers of jersey and holstein friesian cows on show. She also had to travel the furthest to compete, with the Gilbert family being the only South Island exhibitors at the NZ Dairy Event. “She did it again which is very exciting for us,” Michael Gilbert said. In November, Delilah won supreme champion all breeds

at the Stratford A&P Show in Taranaki, a big dairy show. This followed her winning the Canterbury A&P dairy competition which was run onfarm following the cancellation of the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Christchurch. “She is a very well put together cow. She has all the traits that judges look for. She is a high milk cow and it is important for judges to see that milking ability and a very good udder to hold that milk. She walks very well and is everything you want from a dairy cow,” Gilbert said. Running in a 600 cow herd on the farm, Delilah was on track to produce about 600kg of milksolids this season. “During show season she is separated with the other show cows, but the rest of the year she runs in the herd just like any other cow.” Delilah was now back in the herd and would not compete again until the New Zealand Agricultural Show in Christchurch in November. Normally regulars at shows, this season was the first time the Gilbert family had taken their cows off-farm since 2017 because of concerns about cattle disease mycoplasma bovis.

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ows from north to south

The Gilbert family of Mid Canterbury and supporters celebrate their ayrshire cow Pukekaraka Elle Delilah (centre) winning the 2021 all breeds supreme exhibit at the New Zealand Dairy Event at Feilding. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

The family, led by Peter and Anne Gilbert, have two dairy farms, at Winchmore and Rakaia, milking a total of 1200 cows, run by their sons Nick and Michael respectively. Another son Luke, is driving trucks, but also involved in the farming operation. They run three registered pedigree herds – jersey, holstein friesian and ayrshire – under the Glenalla stud name. A six-year-old cow, Pukekaraka Elle Delilah was

bought for $2500 from the Robinson family’s herd dispersal at Atiamuri in the central North Island in April 2019. She was one of five cows purchased on the day. “She was the one we expected to do the best out of the five.” The Gilberts mainly farm jerseys, but also milk about 300 holstein friesians and 30 ayrshires. For the NZ Dairy Event, the Gilberts took a truckload of five in-milk cows and three yearling

heifers. These were made up of ayrshire, holstein friesian and jersey breeds, as well as a brown swiss they showed for another owner. “All of the cows that went to the NZ Dairy Event had been to Stratford as well so they are well travelled girls.” The animals had about a week at Feilding, giving them time to settle before the competition began, cared for by a team of people made up of family members as well as other

helpers. The trip to Feilding took about 15 hours. “We prefer to travel in one hit. Once the cows get to their destination they can settle and recover then.” As well as winning all breeds supreme exhibit, Delilah also won best uddered senior all breeds cow and senior in-milk all breeds champion. A two-year-old holstein friesian, Snowfed Unix Nelda, exhibited by the Gilbert family won best uddered intermediate

all breeds cow and intermediate in-milk all breeds reserve champion. Nelda was sold at the NZ Dairy Event to a Taranaki breeder. A four-year-old jersey cow that the Gilberts bought as a young calf, Premier Tequila Sweet, won jersey supreme champion. A jersey yearling heifer Glenalla Hired Wendy won junior champion jersey and junior all breeds reserve champion.

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Chinese deer velvet market targeted T

hree companies marketing deer velvet antler in Asia – CK Import Export, PGG Wrightson and Provelco – have formed a coalition to develop a market for New Zealand velvet as a health food ingredient in China. Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) marketing manager Rhys Griffiths said the companies were collaborating in order to get the critical mass needed to make an impact. In all other respects they will continue to compete vigorously with each other for sales and farmer supply. Deer velvet and red ginseng – two of the most highlyprized ingredients in traditional oriental medicine – have in recent years enjoyed an explosion in demand from South Korea for use in branded natural health products to combat fatigue and boost immunity. “The aim of the coalition is to replicate this phenomenon in China, where locally produced and imported velvet is still mainly used in traditional medicines,” Griffiths said. “A Shanghai-based business

development manager will be doing the ground work. Their role will be to identify and work with a small group of brandname companies that are willing to develop and promote products based on velvet from New Zealand. “The success of these products would likely give other companies the confidence to develop and market similar products, thereby expanding demand for velvet from New Zealand.” Griffiths said the three companies will collectively provide most of the funding, with a contribution from NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and administrative support and some funding from DINZ. He thanks NZTE for its support of the coalition, which he says goes well beyond the financial contribution it is making. The business development manager is being hired by Primary Collaboration New Zealand (PCNZ), a Chinaregistered company the coalition has joined as a member. PCNZ

represents several NZ supervision. food and beverage DINZ chief product marketers in executive Innes China and works closely Moffat said he was with NZTE. heartened when the The Shanghai-based companies approached NZ Trade Commissioner DINZ with the Richard Dunsheath said proposal to form the the coalition was an coalition. exciting development. “I “Collaboration look forward to working means companies can with them. Collaboration make faster progress makes a huge amount of in the market and sense in a market as large it makes it easier to and complex as China.” secure government Griffiths said China and industry had introduced strict funding. The venison food safety laws in recent industry’s Primary years. “New Zealand is Shanghai-based NZ Trade Commissioner Richard Growth Partnership Dunsheath with some high value velvet-based programme, Passion one of only two velvet health-food products marketed in Korea. A coalition 2 Profit, operates on a producing countries of New Zealand velvet exporters aims to repeat the similar basis.” that can comply with success of these products in China. PHOTO: SUPPLIED these. We have an MPI“The initiative has administered Regulated our support because Control Scheme that of its potential to New Zealand also has a ensures that velvet is removed benefit the whole industry. It National Velvet Standards and stored in clean facilities, aligns with our objectives of Body that manages a strict building market recognition of provides traceability and code of welfare to ensure that NZ velvet as a premium product, meets cold chain management velvet removal is pain-free. developing new markets, and requirements from the farm Velvet can be removed only by creating sustainable on-farm to the market, or until it is veterinarians, or by accredited value,” Moffat said. processed.” farmers under veterinary

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Kaikoura dairy farm creates ecological

Thousands of dried giant hogweed flowers along the stream have been eradicated in the last four years.

Upper stream planting, June 2020.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

unding of $12,000 has helped one dairy farming family kick-start a 10-year planting project on their farm in Kaikoura. Rod and Catherine Lamb run a 125 hectare dairy farm in rural Kaikoura and for the last two years have been taking steps to restore 25ha of waterway riparian margins (edges) on their property. In 2018, the Lamb’s received $12,000 of Immediate Steps (IMS) Biodiversity funding, which the Kaikoura water zone committee has supported. Brought up in the Bay of Plenty, Rod Lamb said he was always outside hunting, fishing, and gathering, so wants to

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

provide the same opportunities for his children. “We’re taking both an environmental and recreational approach.” Since starting to enhance freshwater values on farm, the Lambs’ youngest daughter is “already out there, catching eels and bringing them home to smoke. I take her out when I go hunting now.” To be able to enjoy this kind of lifestyle, you have to protect your environment, Rod Lamb said. Initially, the Kaikoura Plains Recovery Project supported landowners to access postearthquake Ministry for Primary Industries funding for

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professional advisory services. This funding enabled them to get a comprehensive restoration/ planting plan, completed by Landscape Ecology NZ (LENZ). The plan covers the whole farm, with detail around suitable plant species specific to each site in the plan. The plan spans a 10 year period and outlines timelines and budgets for shifting and replacing fencing, planting natives, weed control of giant hogweed, willows and blackberry, seed scattering and maintenance. The plan will see the Lambs’ 25ha project becoming a healthy, restored riparian cover which will shade the stream and

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haven with planting provide a corridor from the spring source to the Kahutara River, allowing freshwater species to thrive. It has prompted a range of conservation and resource management actions to happen alongside the day-to-day management of the farm. The project site has maintained moderate diversity, including regenerating secondary kanuka, regenerating understorey and the occasional remnant totara and matai. Catherine Lamb oversees the planting programme, placing plants in the ground once a year, then carrying out weeding and spot spraying every six weeks. To date, 2000 plants have been planted over two years of the Lambs’ project. “Planting isn’t an issue, it’s about making sure we only plant enough that I can handle the maintenance of them, otherwise, we’ll just be wasting the plants as they will die,” she said. Old, used wool carpet and weed mat is placed around the base of the plants when they are put in the ground, to discourage weed and grass growth at the base of the plants. Felled willow trees are mulched and then used in the calf rearing shed, soaking up the cow poo. The fertile mulch is placed at the base of the plants to add more nutrients. “Using the carpet as a base around the new plantings means the nutrients in the willow mulch are released slower, giving the plant lower levels of nutrients over a longer period. It seems to work really well,” Catherine Lamb said. The Lambs see benefits from taking a systems approach, seeing how they can improve ecosystem, mahinga kai and biodiversity values on farm, but also how this can add value to the farm as a business. They calve around 370 cows and then milk around 350. Rod Lamb said the low stock numbers were intentional so that the family can maintain a good

balance between work and play. They do almost all the planting work themselves but are happy to have help where it’s offered. In 2019, they had around 12 Lincoln University student Handy Landys come and help plant on the property. Handy Landys are a group a young, like-minded students keen to give back to the rural community and the Lambs were grateful for how easy the process was and how motivated the students were. The project is upstream from another IMS project, Greenburn wetland, helping work towards ki uta ki tai (mountains to the sea) protection. With the first stages of planting having been completed and well maintained by the Lambs, they are well on their way to creating an ecological haven. With a 98 per cent success rate for their plantings, their hard work is paying off. The Lambs are awaiting a visit from Environment Canterbury’s biodiversity advisor to look at the next stages of restoration works guided by the LENZ plan and to be considered for further IMS funding.

To date, 2000 plants have been planted over two years of the Lambs’ project.

The Handy Landy crew from Lincoln University who helped plant 560 plants in May 2019.

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FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

Age no barrier for man or machine Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

t 83 years, Phillip Dolan still drives a combine harvester, even if, like him, it is getting a bit old. “The hardest part is getting up into it. Once I am on the seat I am as good as gold,” he says. The retired Mid Canterbury farmer, who lives in Rakaia with his wife Pam, still helps out on the family property, Seaview Farm, on the coast at Dorie. While the farm converted to dairy in 1996, when son Brendon took over, they still grow about 70 hectares of barley each year as supplementary feed for the cows. Harvesting the grain is a family affair, with Phillip driving one of two 1976 Massey Ferguson 750 combine harvesters on the farm. That’s not the only harvesting machinery, with a 1985 Massey Ferguson 865 and a 1985 International 1460 axial-flow combine also on standby if needed. Mechanically-minded Brendon is a dab hand at keeping them running. “If one breaks down we park it up and go and get another one. But we don’t get too many break downs,” Brendon said. “They are easy to drive and not complicated like the latest models.” The aging combines were cheap to buy as they were too small and old to be used by arable farmers. “Even the wreckers don’t want them as they have no wrecking value as they are all worn out. “I enjoy tinkering with them and the challenge of keeping them going.

Retired Mid Canterbury farmer Phillip Dolan still helps out on the family farm, harvesting barley with this 1976 Massey Ferguson 750 combine harvester. PHOTOS: HEATHER CHALMERS

“I was brought up with Massey Fergusons so I know how to fix them.” The Massey Ferguson 865 was a wreck when he bought it and took 200 labour hours to get going again. “The biggest problem is getting the parts. No dealers stock the parts, but we know some places in the United States where we can get them.” The combine harvesters are well maintained and kept in a shed when not in use. The Dolan family have a long history in Dorie, starting with Phillip’s grandfather, also named Phillip, who farmed on Acton Road after immigrating from

Ireland. He bought three farms for his sons, two in Dorie and the other at Bankside, north of the Rakaia River. “He never paid wages, but gave his sons a farm each and in those days you could,” Phillip said. All were mixed sheep and grain farms. As the farm, which has 6km of coastline, adjacent to the Rakaia River mouth huts, struggled during dry years, the Dolans were one of the first in the district to put in an irrigation bore in 1973. People would drive past on a Sunday to look at the irrigators and it wasn’t long before others followed their example.

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Three generations of Dolans farming at Dorie (from left) Phillip, his son Brendon and his sons Ryan and Benjamin. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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Since then the type of irrigation has changed three times as technology has developed and they now operate centre pivots. Brendon said he converted the farm to dairy, milking 1200 cows, in 1996 as there was no money in sheep and crop. The farm is fully selfcontained, with a milking platform on half the farm and the remainder used for dairy support, growing supplementary feed, grazing young stock and wintering the milking herd. “No stock are grazed elsewhere.” For the first time this year the farm has a contract milker with Brendon concentrating on farming the support block. Brendon and his wife Catrina’s children are also getting involved, with their eldest son Benjamin, 17, now driving the harvesters. Benjamin is studying automotive engineering at polytechnic as the Dolans want their children to have other experience before deciding whether to go farming. Benjamin, along with his brothers Daniel, 15, and twins Ryan and Jake, 12, are fifth generation Dolans in the district.

FARM MACHINERY FEATURE

Three Massey Ferguson combine harvesters, with 750 models either end and a 865 in the middle, are still in working order and used to harvest barley on the Dolan farm at Dorie PHOTO: HEATHER CHALMERS

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It’s harvest time seem particularly hungry this year. It’s unusual to see such a range of birds this far down the lowland plains as we have this summer. This includes pairs of fantails who love flitting around grabbing insects that are disturbed as you reach into the ECO Sheryl heights of the trees picking fruit Stivens EFFICIENCY up on a ladder. An unforgettable f you are fortunate enough moment for us was having to have fruit trees on your a tui visit our house garden property, chances are you have this summer above where the either started picking or are old historic water race flows keeping an eagle eye out for the through and sing us a song from first bird pecks so you can race the red oak tree. the birds to gather your fruit. Most of our heritage fruit The blackbirds and thrushes trees were planted over 30 years ago and the intense flavours and shapes of the apples and pears are hard to find commercially. There is very little stone fruit this year for us for the first time due to the late heavy frost that affected the trees. Every season is different and Green apples from more than 100-year-old trees it’s good to have ready for grading. PHOTO: SUPPLIED variety in your

orchard plantings so that there are always some trees that bear well. Once picked, our fruit is graded with the seconds fed to our animals mixed with minerals over the winter months ahead in addition to the prunings from the fruit trees which the sheep absolutely love. So what can be done to preserve the fruit? Apples can be stewed along with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg and eaten fresh or frozen. They can be cored and sliced thinly and the fruit circles dried in a slow oven overnight or in a dehydrator. You can make your own apple juice or cider. Apple butter is another way to preserve and this can be done in your slowcooker and requires no sugar. Chutneys and pickles are fun to make and add variety to winter feasting. There are lots of recipes online and it’s fun to get family or friends involved in chopping, slicing and fruit preparation. Remember that pears are a little different in that they need to be picked while green and ripen off the tree. Once the stem will snap when the fruit is bent upwards it’s time to pick your pears and store in a cool place so

Forrest Stivens harvesting heritage red pears.

they can ripen gently. Pears can be cored and sliced thinly and dried in a slow oven or dehydrator and taste just like caramel. They are delicious bottled or frozen with or without sugar or honey and can also be made into a range of preserves or home-made cider. Ginger is a great accompaniment for pears. So whether you grow your own or buy weekly from the farmers’ market or the supermarket find a way to create

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

tasty treats with your fresh food so it doesn’t get wasted. It’s now estimated that over 50 per cent of the food produced is wasted and that is simply not good enough. At least make sure your foodwaste ends up in your compost bin, worm farm or dug into your garden so you continue to build your soils for next season. Reducing food waste is perhaps the most important contribution we can all make to mitigate climate change.

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Corporate dairy market re-emerging

Interest from corporates and large investors in buying $10 million plus dairy properties is starting to return.

Calvin Leen

PGG Wrightson Real Estate

fter a long hiatus, interest in corporate scale dairy farms is starting to re-emerge. Following the 2017 election, when the incoming government implemented restrictions on overseas investment, sales of

$10 million plus dairy properties slowed to a trickle. However, since Christmas we have started to again receive genuine and regular calls from New Zealand-based corporates and large investors looking at the dairy sector. Farms with scale, a focus on yield, and high levels of environmental compliance are within their scope. Those with significant capital are beginning to appreciate that there will be regulation to thwart environmental change. This carries with it the potential for herd numbers to drop. Investors now have a

wider understanding that this will occur and accept that these regulatory changes are all but inevitable. Aware of that shift, they are motivated to proceed. At the same time, post-Covid-19 perceptions about returns from some other investment classes have been revised. Interest in the primary production sector is therefore ascendent, including for dairy farms. Those aiming to buy also seek good people: engaging high quality managers and staff on-farm, and where possible, looking for turnkey propositions. In a flow-on effect,

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

they are also considering how to make these opportunities self-contained, securing control over dairy support and grazing of young stock, seeking land acquisition to achieve this and long-term engagement with quality graziers. Recent evidence of sales suggests the market for larger farms, in the $10 million plus bracket, sits in the $44,000 to $46,000 per hectare range, a softening of about 10 per cent on values at the market’s peak. Associated with this, a resurgence in the market for entry level dairy farms is also

occurring. Potential buyers will likely already have investment in land, might possibly be operating a dairy support operation, and now seek to invest in properties valued between $5m and $10m. Such farms are currently priced between $46,000 and $47,000 per hectare, though will vary depending on the cost of irrigation water, production history, cash performance and location. Calvin Leen is Mid-South Canterbury and North Otago Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited.

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ST MARGARET’S COLLEGE FEATURE

St Margaret’s – home away from home B

y creating a warm, caring home-awayfrom-home atmosphere, boarding at St Margaret’s College combines a first-class education with building strong relationships and learning lifelong values. When school finishes at the end of each day, the boarding houses come alive with the sounds of many voices and laughter and, because the boarding school is an integral part of the school campus, those who chose to can attend extra-curricular and after-school activities without disruption. The boarding community is at the heart of St Margaret’s and the culture is closely aligned with the school’s vision of a holistic education, embracing the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of the girls, as well as their academic growth and their development in sport and the arts. “Boarding teaches you many life skills about being independent and looking

after yourself,” says Jessica, a Year 13 boarder from Darfield. “It also teaches time management as many girls become involved with all the opportunities available at school. Boarding is a great way to meet many different people, so you learn a lot about yourself and other people.” The three boarding houses are arranged

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Cranmer House (Year 13) allows for more freedom to help them develop these skills and become driven, self-managed young women, all in a monitored setting. These senior girls thrive as they become the leaders of the boarding school and the ‘older sisters’ of the younger girls. “In the boarding house, you form really close friendships with the other girls and are able to get along with anyone,” says Jessica. “Boarding friends are always there to support you and have a good laugh with.” The boarding staff take pride in having the privilege of watching the girls grow into incredible young women and treasure the moments they capture with them. Warm, open relationships develop over the years as they share the girls’ highs and lows, encourage, celebrate and nurture as they all journey through life together.

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M. bovis response reviewed A

n independent review of the mycoplasma bovis eradication programme is being carried out to identify lessons that can be learned from New Zealand’s largest biosecurity response. Programme partners Beef + Lamb NZ, DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries have appointed Professor Nicola Shadbolt (chair), Dr. Roger Paskin, Professor Caroline Saunders and Tony Cleland to carry out the review. It is best practice to carry out a review of an eradication programme on the scale of New Zealand’s mycoplasma bovis programme. This review will contribute to strengthening New Zealand’s biosecurity system and improve

preparedness for any future large-scale biosecurity responses. “There’s been a lot of good work by farmers and people involved in the programme and we have worked hard to make improvements,” Beef + Lamb chairman Andrew Morrison said. “We have a philosophy of continuous improvement and this review is the next step in our journey.” The review has a different focus from previous reviews, such as analysis by the Technical Advisory Group, which focused on the possibility of eradication. Farmers will be invited to take part in the review, which is expected to take at least six months and will be shared publicly once completed.

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, 165,896 cattle have been culled and $191.7 million paid in compensation to farmers in a national bid to eradicate the disease. Nationally, 251 farms have been cleared of the disease. The nine remaining active M. bovis properties are all in Canterbury. To date, $360.6m has been spent on operational costs since the start of the response. This includes all programme operational costs, including (but not limited to) testing, on-farm operational costs, building leases, transport, capital expenditure, contractors (including

AsureQuality), staff salaries, and technology and information management systems. This also includes $94.3m spent on the response prior to the decision to eradicate, but not compensation paid to farmers. Meanwhile, as autumn approaches, it was a good time for farmers to start thinking about winter grazing and how they can put in place safeguards to lessen the risk of their cattle being exposed to M. bovis and other infectious diseases. Direct contact with infected animals poses the biggest risk of M. bovis infection spread. “Whether stock is going off farm to your own grazing block or to a grazier, it’s important to have good conversations with your vet and grazier about how

to manage the risk of disease,” a programme spokesperson said. “Most importantly, discuss how your mobs of cattle will be kept separate from each other, and if there are herds from other farms being grazed at the same block, how these will be prevented from coming in contact with your cattle (such as secure fencing, feeders and troughs and yard use). “Work with graziers to ensure your cattle can be kept separate from arrival. Do tasks such as tagging, vaccinating, and drenching at home, to reduce the need to use other yards. “Establish what the plan is to keep sick and injured animals separate – at no point should animals from multiple herds be mixed.”

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Positive attitude minimises Covid-19 losses, study says A

new study has found a strong “can do” attitude and cooperative spirit in the agricultural industries were significant factors in minimising losses and uncertainties during the Covid-19 restrictions last year in New Zealand and Australia. Co-authored by Lincoln University’s Dr Lei Cong, with contributors from a number of institutions including AgResearch, University of Queensland, NZ Institute of Economic Research, and Plant and Food Research, it measures the immediate impacts of Covid-19 control measures to June 2020 on the agri-food systems of Australia and New Zealand and how resilient those systems were. It found the effects on both countries were broadly similar, and there were relatively minor economic impacts across the surveyed industries. It stated the high level

of ingenuity in the rural communities, both in Australia and New Zealand, was likely a key element of their resilience and capacity to overcome movement restrictions and the disruption of value chains. Restrictions and new rules of engagement and interaction were adopted rapidly as “people accepted a new reality and adapted to it”. The industry assimilated the many ‘unmanageable disruptions’, such as the loss or disruption to export markets and short supply of inputs. This created impetus for diversifying markets and strengthened business cases for value-adding and local manufacturing. It suggested the resilience emerged from a combination of the industries having relatively high technology, being well connected/networked and having some experience of prior shocks, and being well supported, primarily

logistically, by their governments. “Agricultural producers in Australia and New Zealand are well organised and business-oriented, and thus had the right structures and sufficient financial backing to manage through a pandemic. Product demand was maintained domestically due to income support, while export markets remained fairly constant.” It also noted some important lessons People in agriculture accepted the new reality of Covid-19 and adapted to it, a report says. PHOTO: SUPPLIED such as the need to upskill young people in rural ‘unplannable’ to deal with the similar numbers of responses areas and control or reverse the next ‘Black Swan’ event. from non-farmers across the two negative rural migration, the The researchers conducted countries, and about twice as need to diversify export markets, 44 interviews and had 321 many responses from farmers in and the need to plan for the responses to a survey with New Zealand than in Australia.

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Farmers feel pressure of regulations F

armers are feeling the pressure as government implements policies on water, climate change and biodiversity, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand director and Culverden farmer Phil Smith. “If the government try to force anything more on to farmers, on top of what is being proposed, we need to stand up to them and say this is enough. We need to remind government not to kill the golden goose that will save the New Zealand economy,” Smith said. All these issues had the potential to impact on farm productivity and profitability. “We don’t need to change everything, just for the sake of change. “I am always compelled to speak up for farmers as factors that impact on your business directly impact on my business also,” said Smith, who is seeking re-election for a final term in Beef + Lamb’s northern South Island ward. Also seeking the position is Mid Canterbury farmer Kate Acland, of Mt Somers Station. Voting papers for the northern South Island director election were posted out in the second week of February. Farmers can still vote, with voting closing at 2pm on Friday March 12. Farmers can vote online or by postal voting. Smith said that now was not the time for change with the events of the last year impacting on meetings, conferences and overseas travel. “I have a large network of people in the primary sector that I have a good rapport with on other boards, government ministers and people overseas. “This helps me advocate on your behalf, when so many

meetings are held online. It is so much easier when you know the people in the room. Especially when you want to get your point across and more so when you want to disagree with something or the direction of the meeting. “This year the government is looking to implement policies around water, climate change and biodiversity. The government want industry to work with them on these issues. But it goes both ways. The government needs to collaborate with industry and take notice of what they say. Clearly this was not the case with freshwater. We still have a lot to sort and pushback on these issues before they are implemented or workable.” B+LNZ, DairyNZ and Federated Farmers are working closely together on these issues including having joint board meetings. Farmers were expressing their disappointment around receiving less for their lamb and beef this season, Smith said. “Many are saying that their average works ewe prices are better than what they are receiving for their lambs. “We do however have to be thankful to our meat processors in the way they rose to the occasion during the lockdown period and continued to process our meat. This was not the case in many other countries where meat processing plants were a major source of Covid-19 infection. “With many parts of the world in some form of lockdown resulting in restaurants being closed, the returns for top end cuts of beef and lamb racks is reduced, resulting in lower returns to farmers. Currency is also having a major impact on meat returns,” Smith said.

Culverden farmer Phil Smith is seeking re-election in Beef + Lamb NZ’s northern South Island ward. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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From wasteland to bird sanctuary Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

shton Beach, on the south side of the Hakatere (Ashburton) River mouth, is undergoing a transformation from wasteland to sanctuary. It has always been a valuable bird nesting and feeding area. More than 75 species of birds have been recorded there: there are braided river and wetland birds in the river and lagoon, and coastal species such as shags feeding off the beach. It is an important nesting site for endangered species such as black-billed gulls. Fishers, like the birds and bird-watchers, knew it was a good spot. But away from the beach, not much notice or care was taken of the area’s biodiversity or landscape value. Rubbish was dumped and cars burnt. Motor-bikers and fourwheel drivers tested their skills

Looking across the river mouth to Ashton Beach: valuable sites for biodiversity and recreation are being protected. PHOTO: MARY RALSTON

on the steep-sided gullies. Native plants, now rare in the district, were overwhelmed by gorse and broom. Health and safety issues were the trigger for Ashburton District Council involvement at Ashton Beach. Council-owned land was being used by motor-

bikers and this was deemed too risky: the council got to work with public meetings and a management plan. Alternative sites for bikers were proposed, fencing has protected some gullies and native plants, and the public has helped plant more seedlings.

Seed balls – bundles of seed held together with mud – have been thrown into gorse to kick-start some native plant regeneration. Environment Canterbury is responsible for other sites in the same area. They developed a strategy to enhance the river mouth for birdlife and fenced

off some areas to manage fourwheel drive access. All told, it’s been a good co-operative process with buy-in from the public and hopefully this will lead to a change in the perception that open space at the coast is a noman’s land and anything goes. Ashton Beach is just one of the gems along the coast to receive much-needed attention in the last few years. On the other side of the river mouth, the Hakatere hut-holders trap bird predators, and work around the lagoon at Wakanui Beach has changed it from gorse-infested to an area of thriving native plantings. Endangered species, such as the banded dotterel, nest there and now have a greater chance of survival. Covenants on private land that protect flax wetlands and dongas (coastal gullies) also enhance the biodiversity values of the coastal margin. All these initiatives along the coast provide links for native birds and other wildlife: enhancing food and nesting site availability, and other important ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration. And they keep remnants of the Kiwi landscape intact for future generations.

Farming

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Nearly time to cautiously irrigate

Tony Davoren

SWIMS CONSULTING LTD

eading towards the end of February, the days are shortening and solar radiation is on the wane. The time to make judicious decisions about irrigation is arriving quickly – autumn can be unforgiving if you get it wrong. As NIWA predicted in its climate outlook for the first few months of 2021 “air temperatures are very likely to be above average” and rainfall is

about equally likely to be near normal or below normal in the east of the South Island”. Winchmore rainfall since January 1 (67mm), falls far short of crop water use of around 175mm. Logically this means irrigation has been essential to maintain and optimise crop growth. While the “lack” of rainfall this year is still keeping irrigation front and foremost

we are heading toward the time when judicious irrigation decisions need to be made. Day length is shortening and is now down around 13 hours and solar radiation, the driver in the water demand system is also waning (about 85 per cent of the peak in early January). While the schematic shows solar radiation lags day length by two to three weeks, the shortening days mean that

even when solar radiation is still “high” there are not enough hours in the day for demand to be really high. Hence the need to begin to think carefully about the next irrigation from now on as the return period will be getting longer; and/or your application depth can start to be less. Heading into autumn, the risk of getting irrigation wrong can have long lasting effects,

especially on deeper and heavier soils. These soils are best to be deficit irrigated from now on and ensure there are no overirrigation plus rainfall events resulting in soil moisture content exceeding field capacity. Trafficking and soil damage is a risk if this occurs in the next couple of months with less drying capacity. Make considered judicious decisions.

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Market continues strong sales in 2021 Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

here are we at? Holy heck, here we are already most of the way through February. I was told years ago time goes fast as you get old and if that’s the case, I must be bloody old because I sure don’t know where January and most of February went. In terms of real estate, we started the year the same way as we saw the close of 2020. Residential and lifestyle properties have become like the proverbial hen’s teeth and prices appear to be still strengthening. The government is making noises about what they can do to slow the housing market down, but don’t seem to realise that slowing the system down doesn’t make more houses it just frustrates some of those who are trying to purchase their first or

second home. They also believe that making things better for tenants will somehow increase rental supply. Wrong! As a landlord, I know what we have been considering over the past year and it’s not buying more rentals, but maybe selling a couple and I know we are not the only ones thinking along

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these lines. With the new policies that have been put in place by the government lately and the increase in rates that we are facing I truly do wonder why we even own rentals. The rural market still seems to be ticking along, with interest especially in dairy and dairy support land. Some of this is,

I guess, because of the returns that can be gained from dairy farming compared to other forms of investment. Interest in dairy support blocks is being pushed along by dairy farmers wanting to secure their own wintering blocks and trying to keep their animals safe from biosecurity risks such as cattle disease mycoplasma bovis.

Arable farmers seem to be having a good run, with good yields and some good harvest weather. Suddenly we are having yet another Covid-19 scare. I’m sure it’s just to keep us on our toes and we hope it hasn’t got too far into the community. Just goes to show you never really know what tomorrow holds, so enjoy today.

When you list your farm with our South Island team, there are Property Brokers’ members across the country working alongside them to get you the best result. That’s because every one of them has signed a binding agreement to work together to sell your property. It’s a New Zealand first for the rural real estate industry that means we put your best interests first. Which is exactly where they should be. Find out more at pb.co.nz/trueteam

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IRRIGATION FEATURE

Smart irrigator can diagnose own faults A

team of Feilding-based software engineers has helped mastermind a gamechanging irrigation prototype that diagnoses its own operating faults, can launch a drone to manage crops at leaf level, and can even tell a few dad jokes. Lindsay, which produces the Zimmatic brand of pivot irrigators, has just introduced the concept of the world’s first “smart pivot” to its markets around the globe. The smart pivot is a new category of mechanised irrigation that moves beyond traditional water application and management to a wide array of crop and machine health capabilities, while also delivering proven water and energy savings. Lindsay’s New Zealand team, based in Feilding, developed the software for the innovation that will use machine learning and multiple sensors and cameras to provide farmers with real time information and crop management solutions. The smart pivot comes to life through Lindsay’s FieldNET remote irrigation management and scheduling technology, and its Zimmatic irrigation systems.

Developing “smart pivot” technology are Lindsay’s New Zealandbased software development team (back from left) George Ricketts, Bradley Carter, Curtis Preston and (front from left) Mike Debney and Victoria Wassilieff. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

It is designed to support healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices, while reducing risk and operational downtime, significantly expanding the capability of the traditional pivot. Several of the smart pivot features are the outcome of collaboration and joint

development with strategic partners. These include advanced agronomic capabilities that have been developed in partnership with United Statesbased aerial surveillance imagery specialists Taranis. But Lindsay’s New Zealandbased software development

team has been key to its development. Software engineering team lead Mike Debney said the smart pivot will let you know if a tyre is going flat before it happens, or if a gearbox is showing signs of wear. You can also programme it to notify a dealer to send out a service technician - all while you drink your morning coffee. It can also detect ponding, blocked sprinklers or sprinklers that are not working properly. “The prototype system builds on our existing FieldNET platform, combining high resolution aerial and satellite imagery, along with on-pivot cameras and sensors, to detect crop growth stages, optimise irrigation and detect disease,” Debney said. “The system can also launch a drone to capture in detail any crop anomalies, using thermal imaging to detect the issue and offer a solution. “It is a great project to be involved with because all the ideas we’ve dreamt up over the years working with New Zealand farmers are now actually being tested out. “We’ve also built in voiceactivation. Along with being able

to tell your pivots to start up or ask how much water you’ve used over the last week, we thought it should be able to crack a few jokes too.” The project is a truly global team effort. While Lindsay’s Feilding team has been working on the software, their colleagues in the US have been developing a hardware prototype. “It was a chance for us to be creative, build on all the technology and information we already have available in our irrigation systems, and get more value out it for farmers, both in New Zealand and around the world,” Debney said. He says today’s farmers are conscious of both their business and environmental efficiency and recognise the two are innately intertwined. “The smart pivot helps you see how individual management decisions made throughout the season have impacted the efficiency of your operation. It can also help you understand your input costs like water use and how that relates to yield profitability. It really is leading edge technology and our Kiwi team is proud to be playing a part in its development.”

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IRRIGATION FEATURE

Farm environment plans go digital T

he government’s fresh-water regulations are close to being fully in place, and most in the primary sector acknowledge regardless of which government is in power, the rules will by and large remain in play. Included within them is the need for all farms to complete a farm environment plan (FEP), identifying the farm business’s land management units and how environmental risk within them will be managed and mitigated. Ideally, farmers want to take ownership of their FEP. They know their farm best, they know its limitations and challenges, and how to work sustainably within them. More often than not, it is simply a case they hold this in their heads, rather than on any formal plan template. But FEPs have to be more than a compliance driven “box ticking” exercise and need to deliver real benefits not only to the environment, but to farmers’ profitability, given the time and commitment required to complete them. Just as electronic tagging of livestock under NAIT has eventually delivered greater amounts of data to help farmers better manage their stock, an FEP borne of compliance needs to bring valuable management information with it that can be turned into informed, profitable decision making. Already some processors are requiring farmers to furnish an FEP as part of

their supply agreement, and in return offer premium level payments for extra evidence of sustainable practices. Digitising the FEP and doing away with volumes of paper is vital to farmers who only want to enter their data once. Keeping it digitised and accessible also maintains the FEP’s role as a “living document”, easily adjusted to allow for inevitable changes in the biological system it records. Putting the FEP on a digitised platform means it can be shared among multiple parties including compliance organisations like councils, and farm advisors or key staff. As the plans become an integral part of a farm’s ability to operate, having a digitised FEP means there is no risk of loss of institutional knowledge around it when key staff depart or the property is sold. FarmIQ has developed a FEP template that can generate an auditable plan for the property, drawing on FarmIQ’s ability to pull data from the multiple points of collection in a farm business, including its physical and financial data. Ultimately, as more farmers compile FEPs using FarmIQ the platform will not only offer individual farmers peace of mind they are meeting environmental standards. It will also provide a valuable database of industry wide information that can highlight the successes and challenges across catchments that farmers operate in.

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MAYFIELD A&P SHOW FEATURE

Fun family day at Mayfield A&P Show T

his year’s Mayfield A&P Show will again offer a fun day out for the whole family, with popular favourites such as the pig racing and tractor pull guaranteed to draw a crowd. The 96th Mayfield A&P Show will be held on Saturday, March 13. Along with the ever-popular pig racing, the show features a clydesdale tug-of-war, pet tent, and children’s scavenger hunt as well as the traditional favourites of craft sites, trade displays, livestock judging, shearing, dog trials, produce shed, food and live entertainment. “The pig racing is always a hit,” show president Sheryl Harrison said. “We have big crowds at every race.” About 10 pigs will run through tunnels and over an obstacle course to the finish line. “Someone supplies and trains the pigs so they are used to the course and they run to the feed.” Five races will be held, three in the morning and two in the afternoon, with Lynda Topp, of the Topp Twins and Chris Murphy providing a race commentary. In a fundraising event for the Southern Rugby Club, people can bet on which pig will win. Harrison said the show would be a great community day out, with live entertainment on the village green, a great range of food sites and lots of activities for children. This included a pop-up playground, carnival rides, pet tent and an eartag in a haystack hunt. In a twist to the usual tug-of-war

I wisH tHe Majfielil A�I! Sliow Committee all the best.

OVER FLOW JUST OFF STATE HIGHWAY 72, MAYFIELD NZ PHONE 03 303 6072

Above – The ever-popular pig racing always draws a big crowd. Top right – The Topp Twins’ Ken, aka Lynda Topp, will be calling the pig racing again. Right – Equestrian classes remain a staple of the Mayfield A&P Show. Bottom – The tractor pull will feature modified tractors from Southland to North Canterbury, as well as agricultural tractors and plenty of noise.

competition, teams of children and adults will compete against clydesdale horses from the Dayboo Stud. Quigley’s will also have some big contracting machinery on hand to give kids rides. “There will be plenty of vintage machinery and tractors.” The tractor pull will feature modified tractors, along with farmers in the district entering their tractors. “The noise always attracts a crowd.” A new layout trialled last year where the tractor pull was brought closer by integrating it into the showgrounds would be continued after proving successful. The equestrian classes were always well supported, with Harrison paying tribute to horse convenor Helen Saxelby, who will retire after this year’s show having convened the section since 2009. Harrison said that from her own experience, becoming involved with the show helped her become part of the community. Sheryl and her husband Gary have an agricultural contracting business and live around the corner from the Mayfield showgrounds. “My two daughters went to Mayfield

School and for years entered in classes in the produce shed such as the flower saucer.” This led her to start exhibiting herself, eventually taking on the role of produce shed convener. Having previously spent much of show day in the produce shed, Harrison said she was looking forward to being president. “It’s going to be great as I will get to see everything.

“It’s a community day out and a great opportunity for people to get off the farm, or away from what they do and catch up with their neighbours and other people in the community. “It’s a fun day with the family.” The organising committee was holding its breath there were no changes to Covid-19 alert levels, with plans to hold an emergency meeting if necessary.

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MAYFIELD A&P SHOW FEATURE

A chance to learn about your water I

mproving knowledge of water “Our farmers are working health is just one of the many hard on farm to reduce their ways MHV Water is looking environmental footprint after the environment for now and whilst we know there Size: 100% when viewed andActual in the future. is more mahi toon do, itA4 is paper MHV Water is a copromising to see the downward operative with over 200 farmer trend. Groundwater quality shareholders across the Hekeao improvements are unlikely to Hinds Plains, to which it delivers be linear, and there is so much water for irrigation and manages that we still don’t know, so by environmental compliance. increasing our knowledge we It will have a tent at this can make informed decisions year’s Mayfield A&P Show to continue to drive long-term where people can come and ask environmental improvements.” questions and get their water Brooks is also positive about tested. the whole community approach. MHV commenced routine “In the Hekeao Hinds Plains we groundwater monitoring have a number of community of NO3-N (nitrate) levels and catchment groups who are within the MHV scheme area working together for a common A4 paper in September 2016. From an goal. We are a founding partner initial of 29 when bores,viewed the on A4 of the Hekeao Hinds Water Actualsurvey Size: 100% paper programme has now expanded Enhancement Trust (HHWET) to regular testing of up to 114 which is undertaking the largest bores and 30 surface water sites. groundwater rehabilitation MHV Water chief executive project in New Zealand, and Mel Brooks said the results we are now partnering with of the 2020 ground and HHWET and Barrhill Chertsey surface water monitoring are Irrigation to deliver a monitoring encouraging. On average there programme for the whole of the were consistent reductions Hekeao Hinds Plains.” in nitrate in both surface and If you want to know more groundwater across the Hekeao about the Hekeao Hinds water Hinds Plains and this is even monitoring programme, or want more promising given the to get involved, see the MHV increase in sample size. Website.

Area surveyed during December 2020.

Brooks said all people need to do to get their water tested at the show, was bring a clean 50ml container filled with water to the MHV tent. “We want to help raise

awareness and demonstrate the processes we undertake. Our senior hydrogeologist Justin Legg is an expert in this area and will be on hand to answer anyone’s questions.

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Ph: (03) 303 6102 Mayfield - Ph: (03) 693 8352 Orari Ph: (03) 303 6102 Mayfield - Ph: (03) 693 Email: office@mtrans.nz Post: PO BOX 151, GERALDINE 7956 Email: office@mtrans.nz Email: office@mtrans.nz 74 MAYFIELD KLONDYKE PO BOX 151, GERALDINE 7956ROAD, MAYFIELD, ASHBURTON 7778

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‘As a scheme, our responsibility is much more than just delivering water and we are proud of the role we play within the community and are happy to share results and actions more broadly.”

MHV Water will be doing free Nitrate Concentration Tests at the Mayfield Show, Saturday March 13 2021. Bring a 50mL water sample (in a clean jar) and MHV Water will test the nitrate concentration for you.

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MAYFIELD A&P SHOW FEATURE

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French sheep breed on display

Merino ewes with their Ile de France lambs.

French sheep breed known for being able to lamb three times in two years, will be exhibited at this year’s Mayfield A&P Show on March 13. The Ile de France breed comes from an area near Paris. A cross between a Dishley leicester and a rambouillet (French merino), they were originally known as the Dishley merino. The breed will be exhibited by Robert and Jean Forrester of Omihi, North Canterbury who

have 300 stud ewes. “We will be taking six or seven, as many as I can fit in the truck,” Jean Forrester said. The breed is known for its fast growth rates, ability to thrive in a dry climate, good fertility and strong maternal traits. It also has an extended breeding season, being capable of lambing three times in two years. “They are also showing some potential as a milking sheep.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

They would be a good breed to put across milking breeds such as east friesian and lacaune,” Forrester said. “They lamb at 170 to 180 per cent and have mid micron wool. “We imported some semen from France two years ago and some of those rams have 23 to 24 micron wool.” The Forresters won the national ewe hogget competition in 2013 with a Wairere composite, though they have

since moved away from farming that breed. As commercial farmers, they don’t show sheep a lot. “It is hard work breeding sheep. You can never find the perfect sheep,” Forrester said. Sheep breeder Murray Rohloff first imported Ile de France semen in 2008. Soon after he formed Ile de France NZ with farmers Peter and Matt Ponsonby of Tuapeka West, near Lawrence in Otago.

The partnership also introduced charollais sheep genetics to New Zealand. The Forresters bought the Ile de France stud from the partnership four years ago together with James and Lisa Thomson, who farm on the outskirts of Christchurch. The Ile de France is one of the top meat breeds worldwide, being farmed in South Africa, Australia, North and South America and Europe.

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Young agricultural leaders recognised A

hopeful veterinarian and a young woman who has her heart set on supporting farmers have been named as the recipients of the 2021 New Zealand Young Farmers’ World Congress Charitable Trust Scholarship. Mac Williams, 18, from Jacksons on the West Coast would be heading to Palmerston North to begin his first year studying veterinary science. Otautau Fonterra Farm Source sales specialist Kimberly Thomas, 23, used the funds to enrol in a sustainable nutrient management course with Massey University. Williams, a former St Bede’s College student was crowned the 2020 FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year alongside his teammate. Interested in animal biology, nutrition and embryo imports, he dreams of becoming a large animal vet. “I love the rural lifestyle, working outdoors with people and animals, and the productive yet peaceful atmosphere of farming in New Zealand,” he said. With a passion for livestock and agriculture, he purchased his first cow at 10 years old and

Mac Williams

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

has since grown his enterprise to lease 60 hectares of land and turned over 30 cattle this season. Keen to learn about animal production, how vets could help farmers reach high levels of output and improve on farm relationships, he said it is all beneficial to the productivity and profitability of the agriculture industry. “In order to keep this industry strong, we need to ensure we optimise animal productivity through farming practices which are innovative, sustainable, and efficient. “Veterinarians work side by side with farmers to implement health plans which ensure

Kimberly Thomas

healthy, disease free stock, ensure optimum nutrition, promote growth rates and productivity, and contribute to biosecurity.” Meanwhile, Thornbury Young Farmer Kimberly Thomas wanted to develop a more in-depth range of technical knowledge to support farmers in an everchanging world. Having already completed a certificate in land-based sustainability practices with SIT, she was looking forward to studying with Massey remotely and continuing her career development with Fonterra Farm Source. “This is really important to me

because it allows me to not only continue the relationships I have built with farmers in my district, but also adds values to them and builds on myself for the future,” she said. “Farmers are resilient, innovative and work tirelessly to produce the highest quality food and fibre products for our place and the world. I want to commit myself to helping them make it happen in a way that will benefit the future.” “My aim is to build my technical knowledge for agriculture and sustainability in order to enable me to support farmers, guide them through changes, empower

their own decisions and help tell their story to build better relationships that may reduce the urban/rural divide. New Zealand’s unique relationship and interdependence between rural and urban communities could be our greatest strength in a world of diversity and growth,” Thomas said. The cash scholarship would be used to pay for total cost of the course, and she said she was incredibly grateful. “To be recognised as a worthwhile investment to our community gives me even more pride and drive in my ambition and values.” The World Congress Charitable Trust scholarships are now in their 47th year and have contributed to more than 100 Young Farmer members’ educations in that time. This scholarship is for Young Farmer members who are currently or intending to study agriculture or agriculturally related topics. The two university scholarships are worth $1500 each and were started with funds remaining from the 1965 World Congress of Young Farmers which was formed into a trust in 1969.

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METHVEN A&P SHOW

Methven Showgrounds, March 20, 2021

Farming

METHVEN A&P SHOW FEATURE

Utes mustered at M I

t’s all systems go in Methven for the 106th Show on March 20. It is guaranteed to be a fun-filled day, with arts and crafts, wine and food, animals, sideshows, machinery, trade displays auctions and so much more. Show president Alistair Stevens, a Barrhill mixed cropping and livestock farmer, said this year’s theme was “celebrating volunteers in our community”. The volunteer theme will be highlighted with displays by Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency and Red Cross, while St John would have its new high-spec ambulance at the showgrounds to view. 2021 brings the inaugural Methven Ute Muster. It’s certainly capturing the interest of enthusiasts with all types of vehicles, from modified calf feeders, right through to the latest models, with entries flowing in. A lot of local contactors appear to be rising to the challenge with creative use of deck space! There are lots of categories and lots of prizes. (The $25 entry fee includes the drivers’ entry fee into the show). Sponsorship means that almost $5000 worth of prizes is on offer. You can follow it @methvenutemuster Categories include, but are not limited to: • Best presented / cleanest • Best paint job • Pre 1981 (vintage) • Tradies ute • Dirtiest / farmer’s ute

Thanking Volunteers in our Community

We’ve got something for the• whole family: • NEW Methven Ute Muster Sheep & Wool • NEW Wheels & Motors Auction • Gift Lamb Auction • Live Music • Dog Trials • Gift Calf Auction • Side Shows • Produce

• Horse & Pony Events • Clydesdales • Sheep Colouring-in Competition • Market Sites • Sheep Shearing • Wine & Food

Gate charge: Adults $15 | School children free | Free parking ATM available on-site.

If you’re thinking of building on the farm, talk to us first. • Fixed Price and Fast Completion • 36 months Defects Warranty • Jennian Completion Promise

• Best sign written • Best accessorised • Best modified • Best shepherd’s ute • Best shepherdess’s ute • American pickup • + spot prizes Gates open at 8am, with judging starting at 10am and the prize-giving at 1.30pm. This year the Methven show will also be playing host to the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Aorangi regional final, with eight finalists competing for the chance to be in the Christchurch grand final in July. Finalists will complete a series of intense modules before going headto-head in two practical challenges at the showgrounds. This will be held in conjunction with the Junior Young Farmer

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METHVEN A&P SHOW FEATURE

Methven A & P Show

The Venue for your next Occasion An attractive, modern and versatile venue located in the centre of Methven. We have six different spaces for small meetings to large corporate events, weddings, conferences, or that special celebration The venue offers a variety of choices for catering and a blank canvas to add your own personal touch Mt Hutt Memorial Hall/ Function Centre Methven Call Sue on 03 302 9666 Or email: info@mthuttfunctioncentre.co.nz

of the Year and AgriKids competitions. The Vintage Wheels and Motors auction is another new event, kicking off at 4pm for people wanting to trade vehicles and motors. “This could be a car, truck, tractor or stationary motor. A few people want to reduce their collections,” Stevens said. Profits from the auction will go towards the Methven walkway project. To enter an item contact methven.v.club@ gmail.com. Another massive fundraising project is through the annual auctions of gift lambs and calves generously donated

by local farmers. Once again there will be plenty of stock going under the hammer. Regular events such as shearing, woodchopping, horses, dog trials, sheep judging and vintage machinery also feature, along with clydesdales. The dog trialling final will be in the main ring from about 3pm, once the horse competitions finish. Live music will be performed in the wine and food area where a range of food stalls will be available, offering everything from an Argentinian barbecue to waffles. It will be a fun-filled day

for the children with many free activities including Pedalmania with their weird and wonderful bikes for adults and children to ride, face painting, balloon twisting, and the creative colouring-in sheep competition with raddle. The free gate booklet will continue with its Monopoly Board quiz – challenging kids to visit a comprehensive range of sites to gather answers and stamps to complete their competition entry form. The Spud in a Bucket Competition will also draw a lot of interest and envy whilst inspecting the yields from our local school children who

have eagerly grown spuds in a bucket. The animal tent is a wonderful opportunity to get up-close to a range of animals, including pigs and some long-lived eels. Alternations had been made to the home industries shed, including removing some walls to make it more open and assist the flow of people. New carparking has been created this year with its entrance off Barkers Road, with disabled parking still available alongside the secretary’s office. It will be well signposted, with stewards at the gate happy to assist. Eftpos will be available at the gate.

Come and visit us at the

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to learn how we can help your farm with Agronomy, Chemical Supply, Flowfert by Ravensdown, Application, a Compliance package and Recycling services. Alternatively, if you’re keen to progress your agricultural career and join a successful team we would love to meet you there.

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Third-time lucky for Aorangi competitor Heather Chalmers

RURAL REPORTER

id Canterbury lowerorder sharemilker Jesse Wilde will hope it is third time lucky when he and seven other competitors line up for the Aorangi FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition in Methven on March 20. Wilde has qualified for two Aorangi regional finals previously, but never competed because of the event being cancelled last year and his wedding taking priority in 2019. The Aorangi regional final includes a strong Mid Canterbury contingent, with four of the eight competitors coming from the district. Their strongest competition will come from Pleasant Point dairy farm worker Adam Judd who will be competing in his fourth regional final. The Aorangi and Tasman Young Farmer of the Year regional finals will be held on consecutive weekends in March.

The Aorangi regional final’s practical day is again scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Methven A&P Show on March 20, after both events were cancelled at the last minute in 2020 in response to Covid-19 restrictions. After battling it out at the practical day, the competitors will then go head to head in a quiz at the evening show at Mt Hutt Memorial Hall, Methven. The Aorangi competitors are: Dale McAlwee (Pendarves YFC), Lachlan Angland (Pendarves), Jesse Wilde (Hinds), James Sinclair (Foothills), Adam Judd (Timaru), William Guerin (Mackenzie), Jason Erasmus (Mackenzie) and Vanessa Bragan (Mackenzie). Wilde (29) and his wife Nicole milk 900 cows as lower-order sharemilkers for Askin Plains Dairy at Ealing and have been on the farm for five seasons. The property has recovered after the initial herd they managed had to be culled after being confirmed with cattle disease mycoplasma bovis in the 2018-19 season. Wilde, who has a B AgCom from Lincoln University worked his way up from farm assistant to second in charge, to farm manager. An arable farmer and senior operator Lachlan Angland

The Aorangi Young Farmer of the Year regional final will be held on March 20 at Methven after last year’s event was cancelled in response to Covid-19 restrictions. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

(27) is involved with managing 1000 hectares of crops near Dorie, ranging from feed cereals, milling wheat, peas and small seeds to vegetables including onions, carrots and potatoes. This is his second time competing and his first regional final. Assistant manager at Singletree Dairies, near Ashburton, Dale McAlwee (26) and his 11 colleagues milk 2500 cows on 600ha. Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in South Canterbury, McAlwee completed a B AgSci at Lincoln University. Now in his third season at Singletree, McAlwee’s goal is farm ownership, with plans to get into contract milking, then sharemilking. Stock manager James Sinclair (26) has been on Hakatere Station in the Mid Canterbury high country for almost two years. He has a range of experience working on different

stations around the South Island. This will be Sinclair’s first regional final after competing in two district contests. A sheep and beef farmer and casual contractor Vanessa Bragan (25) and her partner and fellow regional finalist Jason Erasmus have their own lease block near Cave. Leasing 300ha, they winter 7000 stock units comprised mainly of store lambs, store cattle and breeding ewes. This is her first time competing. Jason Erasmus (25) farms a 300ha lease block as well as casual contracting. Passionate about sheep farming, finishing and trading stock, his goal is to work towards farm ownership. This is his first time competing. A stock manager on Wairewa Station, William Guerin (23) and his employer run 3700 ewes and 320 cows on 1000ha. This is his first time competing. Adam Judd (30) has spent the

last four years on a dairy farm near Pleasant Point, milking 750 cows. Currently secondin-charge, he will take over as farm manager this year after Covid-19 derailed his plans to go contracting overseas. This will be his fourth regional final, but fifth qualification following 2020’s cancelled event. The Tasman regional final will be held on March 27 in conjunction with the Malvern A&P Show at the Sheffield Domain, followed by an evening show at the Darfield Recreation and Social Centre. Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year competitors are: Roshean Woods (Christchurch City YFC), Shaun Snoxell (Christchurch City) Jonny Brown (Dunsandel), Liam Alley (Dunsandel), Peter O’Connor (Lincoln), Jack Taggart (Lincoln), Jeremy Kilgour (Lincoln) and Dean Gardiner (Amuri).

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FEATURE

Timber homes by Fraemohs are strong, warm and easy to build. People have been using timber to build their homes for eons. Perhaps this is why timber is associated with feelings of warmth, comfort and relaxation. Timber creates a warm, dry and relaxing indoor environment. The air pockets which occur within the cellular structure of wood make it an incredibly effective insulator. These natural properties of timber mean that it far out-performs other building materials such as bricks, steel or aluminium when it comes to its natural insulating properties. Timber is a renewable resource. And sustainably growing plantation pine in New Zealand ensures otherwise unproductive land is put to good use, growing the materials we use to build your homes.

And when your home is built, it’s naturally going to be energy efficient, because quality timber acts as a thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it during the evening when the air temperature is lower. In this way Solid Timber promotes a more even temperature inside the home, providing both passive cooling and passive heating. Plus, New Zealand timber has the amazing property of absorbing moisture when the level of humidity inside a home is high. And then releasing moisture when the relative humidity is low. Building with Solid Timber is therefore a great way to help control moisture, and promote a healthy level of humidity in your home. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, wood performs well acoustically because it absorbs sound. This combination of properties makes a Solid Timber home an amazing space to unwind in, free from the stresses of modern life.

Fraemohs Homes are one of New Zealand’s longest serving building companies, and we’re still 100% locally owned. We manufacture our Solid Timber homes out of the same factory near the Waimakariri Overbridge that we did when we first started back in 1968.

Our Solid Timber homes are naturally warm and healthy. We often hear it said that in our Solid Timber homes ‘every day feels like a holiday’. Our designs can be easily customised, or 100% custom designed and manufactured to suit. You can view the range of Solid Timber designs and loads of recently completed projects on the Fraemohs Homes website www.fraemohs.co.nz

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