Guardian Farming April 2011

An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature

April 2011

Guardian

farming interesting • informative • essential

Looking toward autumn plantings ... pages 8-12 South Island Agricultural Field Days photos ... page 4

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Page 10

GUARDIAN FARMING

Planting and drilling

At St. Andrews, lodging scores are on a 0–10 scale, with 0=nil and 10=lodged. All wheat was able to be picked up at harvest time, including that which had lodged.

At Chertsey, very strong NW winds on 21 and 22 December caused severe lodging and stem breaking in some cultivars (see estimates of % lodging), especially under dryland conditions. Note that broken stems were picked up at harvest.

There was also severe Hessian Fly infestation across the whole site. Assessment showed there were no cultivar differences in Hessian fly infestation.

For Chertsey (Dryland), bird damage reduced the yield of two of the cultivars, Einstein and Macro, so their yields have been omitted.

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GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 11

Planting and drilling

At Chertsey, very strong NW winds on 21 and 22 December caused severe lodging and stem breaking in some cultivars (see estimates of % lodging), especially under dryland conditions. Note that broken stems were picked up at harvest.

There was also severe Hessian Fly infestation across the whole site. Assessment showed there were no cultivar differences in Hessian fly infestation.

For Chertsey (Dryland), bird damage reduced the yield of two of the cultivars, Einstein and Macro, so their yields have been omitted.

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Page 12

GUARDIAN FARMING

Planting and drilling Autumn Milling Wheat Canterbury, Cultivar Evaluation Trials 2010–2011

s Ploughing

At Methven, St. Andrews and Wakanui there were very strong NW winds on 21 & 22 December, and this caused severe lodging in some cultivars (see mean scores on a 0-10 scale, with 0=nil and 10=lodged), and some shedding in some cultivars.

Yield results reflect the lodging and shedding resistance (the ability to resist wind damage) of the cultivars rather than their yield potential in better conditions.

s Drilling

At Norwood, yields from the cultivar Amarok were severely affected by bird damage and have not been presented.

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GUARDIAN FARMING

Irrigation

Page 13

Irrigation New Zealand Inc www.irrigationnz.co.nz

Collective approach will provide huge savings for irrigators The Federated Farmers and Irrigation NZ meeting held in Ashburton outlined the issues that are facing irrigators now, and what’s ahead in the medium to long term.

An objective of the meeting was to gauge what support there is for re-establishing user groups in the Mid Canterbury area.

Mike Morrow of Federated Farmers discussed how the Ashburton spray irrigators group had gained benefits through collective action in the past. The group is currently dormant but could form the backbone of a group.

The ability to start small and focused will create momentum and confidence to deal with future issues as they arise.

The important point is for irrigators to be organised and united so they are able to be fully engaged in the management of their resource.

A successful local initiative is the Ashburton river users group. The group includes all consent holders on the Ashburton River.

It began with a couple of irrigators recognising that there were some missed opportunities in terms of There were questions and discussion on being able to capitalise on the flows the possible structures for re-forming user in the river. The potential for adaptive groups in the area. The concept of one large management was being hindered by group was difficult to grasp considering the the process of information flow from large geographical area, number of irrigators the regulating authority. and the differing hydrological units.

The initiative was taken and a group A future network of user groups could set formed. They now have systems in up around the five groundwater zones or place and are actively managing the other specific locations that face unique collective takes from the Ashburton challenges.

River.

The neighbouring Rakaia Selwyn area also has two strong user groups. They are both a collective of smaller interest groups that have amalgamated with a common purpose. These groups have been able to capitalise on this structure to gain benefits.

Proactive thinking has enabled them to co-ordinate the installation of water meters, and the related telemetry network and data management. The

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Page 14

GUARDIAN FARMING

Irrigation

Irrigation New Zealand Inc www.irrigationnz.co.nz

“Around 75% of Mid Canterbury irrigators do not have water meters installed in line with mandatory requirement.”

The immediate issue facing irrigators in the area is the installation of water measuring devices (water meters) and reporting of actual water usage.

Environment Canterbury confirmed in the Ashburton district there are around 75% of Mid Canterbury irrigators who do not have water meters installed. This is a mandatory requirement that all irrigators must be aware of and planning for. It was explained that beyond compliance with the regulations there was an opportunity to take a collective approach and make metering work for irrigators.

Water meters provide information to monitor how systems are operating in relation to the consent conditions but more importantly (and where irrigators’ focus should be) for preventative maintenance, scheduling and better resource management.

The use of telemetry, which transmits real time continuous data to a website, makes the data easily available to the irrigator. The ability to keep track of water use in real time enables system performance monitoring, more accurate irrigation scheduling and builds a picture of use through and between seasons – providing indisputable evidence for consent renewals.

The alternative to telemetry is to have a data logger installed which is then physically downloaded at the

end of the irrigation season that is analysed to provide the compliance report. Under this scenario if there are problems they are not detected until the end of the season.

The problems may be as simple as a fault in the data logger which can then compromise the whole season’s compliance reporting. With telemetry this fault is able to be detected as it happens enabling the irrigator to fix the problem and avoid regulatory compliance issues.

With a continuous stream of easily accessible data the management of compliance issues can be dealt with as they happen. There are no nasty surprises at the end of the season.

Granted there is a cost to telemetry, but this is offset by the reduction in compliance costs. The compliance cost component for monitoring a consent through Environment Canterbury is approximately $350 if officers have to download and analyse data from a logger.

This cost can be eliminated through the use of telemetry.

The alternative telemetry cost can be a significant 25%, or greater, saving per annum.

The information that a water meter provides can be added to with installation of soil moisture measurement devices

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used for scheduling. This level of information can help drive cost and use efficiencies which improve the bottom line.

The detailed level of information proving sustainable use is a powerful tool to use if a justification of volume or request for more water is necessary.

So with the advantages of real time data and potential cost savings the installation of water meters should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a regulatory requirement.

The ability to collectively install, monitor and manage the meters and data generated is an opportunity that exists right now. The formation of user groups is the optimum way to facilitate and realise this.

For your Prescription Fertiliser Spreading requirements.

See the guys at R & R Haulage. We are one of the first companies in New Zealand to use the GPS – based technology.

44 Methven Chertsey Road Ph 302-8650 - Mobile 027-445-2355

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 15

Recycle the past – build the future Sheryl Stivens

Recycling is an easy and effective way for people to reduce waste at home or on our farms. The first step to recycling is sorting the different types of products into categories.

Setting up a place at home and on the farm for sorting materials is the key to making recycling work well – it must be easy & convenient or people will keep wasting resources.

Recycling is one of the three- R’s of solid waste management- reduce, reuse and recycle. These methods reduce the quantities of waste that needs to be disposed of or land filled. Strictly speaking recycling occurs when a product goes back into the original production process or is remanufactured into another product.

When we recycle we reduce our demand for the resources of our fragile environment.

Making products from recycled materials often lowers the amount of energy required in processing. When we use less energy we reduce our output of harmful greenhouse gases from fossil fuel burning.

When we recycle goods they are used productively and do not enter the waste stream. We reduce unsightly pollution and ease the impact on waste disposal and filling up very expensive landfill sites.

In Ashburton the kerbside recycling bus collects from households in the townships of Ashburton, Methven, Mt Somers, Mayfield and Hinds. Rakaia has a three bag recycling

Did you know that…

collection one day per week. There are rural recycling drop-off depots at Methven, Mt Somers, Mayfield, Hinds, Willowby, Rangitata and Hakatere Huts.

Methven is the only drop-off depot that accepts plastics for recycling. Alternatively people living on farms can wash and store plastic containers and bottles in sacks or bins and drop them off at the recycling depot at the Ashburton Resource Recovery Park when you go to town along with any household reusable goods.

For more information on what you can recycle and where throughout Ashburton District call the Community Recycling Helpline on 0800 627 824.

So you should know that Welshy can take care of them for you.

Save time and money through: s Less maintenance on motors & machinery s Less risk of irrigators tipping s Reduced risk of farm accidents s Less down time Welshy Digger Hire can dig out shingle on site or cart it in.

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You can make a difference… REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Help us recycle the past and build the future.

You already know that pivot ruts are potentially hazardous and costly . . .

Also available:

• More than 40 per cent of waste to landfill is garden waste and food, which can be composted.

• More than 5 per cent is “disposable” nappies.

• For every tonne of paper recycled: - 13 trees are saved.

- 2.5 barrels of oil are conserved.

- 31,780 litres of water are conserved.

- 4 cubic metres of landfill are saved.

- There is 74 per cent less air pollution and 35 per cent less water pollution.

• Globally, the pulp and paper industry pumps 100,000 tonnes of sulphur dioxide, which causes acid rain, into the air each year.

• One recycled aluminium can saves enough electricity to run a computer for three hours.

• Most bauxite ore used to make aluminium cans is mined in the tropics; recycling cans saves tropical rainforests.

• Recycling one glass jar saves enough electricity to light a bulb for four hours.

• Since 1990, Americans have wasted more than seven million cans, enough to make more than 300,000 Boeing 737 jet aeroplanes.

• Five two-litre plastic milk bottles make enough fibrefill for one jacket.

• 80 per cent of what we make is thrown away within six months of production.

• 45 per cent of what we throw out can be composted. Give back to the earth and make compost in your own backyard for healthy vegetable gardens.

Cell 021 369 483 After hours 03 307 2480 Fax 03 307 2490 Email a.mdavies@xtra.co.nz 19 Manse Street, Ashburton

What we can do for You!

Have you been thinking of driving a heavy vehicle?

Don’t wait any longer and learn how to drive big vehicles at Drive Rite But Keep Left!

Paul McCormick is the certified assessor for licensing you want to talk to! His training will Paul McCormick make you succeed for sure!

• Licensing from learner to full • All heavy vehicles driver licences available licence classes 2 to 5 • Wheels, Rollers, Tracks And then, you will be issued a NZTA Driver Licensing and Endorsement Certificate that will result in the issue of your heavy vehicle driver licence!

Hendersons Road, Tinwald, Ashburton Ph/Fax 03 307 7402 - Mobile 027 4335 766 Email driverite@xtra.co.nz

Do You Like A Wee Dram ?

Would you like to learn more about your favourite tipple?

More importantly would you prefer to taste some?

Then come to The Somerset Grocer’s Whisky tasting evening for $30 per person

On Thursday April 14th at 7.00pm

Michael Fraser Milne owner Of Whisky Galore will be presenting on the evening and Michael’s knowledge and experience with whisky is extremely extensive, he takes much pleasure in sharing his passion with others.

Even if Whisky is not your favourite tipple but you have always wanted to try it and learn more about it then phone The Somerset Grocer for this Fantastic informative evening as Booking is essential so you don’t miss out

Phone 307 5899 | Fax 307 5898 | Somerset House | Burnett Street | Ashburton

Page 16

GUARDIAN FARMING

Communities Knitting Together Kerry Maw

Keep Christchurch warm this winter Winter is coming and so is the cold weather.

Following Christchurch’s devastating earthquake many people are living in very poor conditions. Many will not be in proper homes for months and may still be in tents, caravans and campervans when winter comes.

supporting each other, doing something to help others in desperate need, using New Zealand’s great natural wool, and knitting our communities back together.

Others may be in a house but, due to the damage, it will not be properly insulated or able to be efficiently heated. People are going to be very cold this winter.

• Organise a community knitting circle, or encourage communities to set up their own knitting groups. • Offer to teach people to knit, so they can make an item for themselves or their family members. • Teach children/grandchildren to knit or crochet. • Encourage schools to have a scarf knitathon or classroom peggy-square challenge and help them make a blanket/ knee rug. • Spread the word about knitting for warmth among the community, friends and family. • Encourage other community groups to get involved, eg. church, Women’s Institute, Young Farmers, Plunket, community craft groups, Girl Guides.

Here are some ideas of how you can be part of this great project:

Communities throughout New Zealand have been shocked by the scale of devastation.

Already people have been incredibly generous towards the recovery effort. We know too that there are lots of people who want to help but for various reasons have been unable to contribute so far.

communities together for fellowship, to share stories, offer support, and help people to knit something warm. Offering warmth for the soul, and the body.

Rural Women New Zealand is launching the Communities Knitting Together project to encourage people all over New Zealand and further afield to knit garments such as beanies, scarves, gloves, baby singlets, vests, socks, and slippers that will be donated to the Red Cross and Salvation Army to distribute to people most in need this winter.

Knitting and making garments for yourself and those you love is both nurturing and therapeutic, and helps people to relax.

The key objective of this project is to bring

It’s all about having fun together,

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Bringing people together to knit can help a person’s recovery by giving them something practical they can actively do to help themselves and others in a supportive environment.

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At our display stand in the covered pavilion at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Lincoln we handed out wool and a simple pattern to people who are keen to be involved.

We hope this is a project everyone can be part of and do something tangible to support people in Christchurch, even though you may be far away.

Garments can be hand-knitted, machineknitted, crocheted, felted, woven, large, small or in-between. Anything goes.

For information about the Communities Knitting Together project, or to send in completed garments, please contact: Kerry Maw, Rural Women New Zealand 696 McCrorys Road, RD11, Rakaia 7781.

Ph 03 302 0896 or 0274 780 482, Email: beaumont@farmside.co.nz

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GUARDIAN FARMING

Equine

Page 17

Jenny Paterson B.Sc Horsemanship NZ Ltd

More on swellings for salt ‘Dairy Cow-itand is’the inneed Horses!

Ever gone out in the morning to feed your horse and been horrified to see some kind of swelling has mysteriously appeared overnight? In the last article you saw a peculiar swelling on the horse’s cheek.

I thought it would be a good idea to elaborate. Just read slowly and digest each bit so it makes sense, this information will save you money, time, effort and risk.

It is so common at this time of the year, it may be the sheath, down the shoulders or along the underside of the abdomen or along the back muscles, or it may be the crest of the neck swelling to the point of being rock hard, just prior to a bout of laminitis!

Common salt contains both sodium and chloride and is also called sodium chloride. All livestock have a much greater appetite for the sodium and chloride in salt than for any other minerals.

hormones secreted by the adrenal glands.

Sodium concentration is meant to be higher in the bloodstream than inside cells. When sodium levels in the bloodstream are too low, water will leave the blood and enter cells, causing them to swell. (Blood tests from various problem horses often reveal low sodium (Na) and low chloride.)

While readings might be within the range but low, it turns out that it is not good enough to have any of these electrolyte levels ‘anywhere within the range’, they need to be ‘bang-on’ in the middle!

A significant feature of all the grass samples we have sent away for analysis this season is an excess of potassium, a serious lack of sodium and many were low in chloride as well.

Bells will ring for you as they did for me when I learned that when the crest goes hard just prior to a bout of laminitis it is due toill-thrift. the tissue upAlleviate with fluid! of the Newfilling formula C and

Until recently we had underestimated

the need with for chloride which is used up in A horse ‘dairy cow-it is’! Look at the Lots of horses get ‘dairy cow-itis’. In getting ridinofcondition. excess potassium via the Premium New-Zealand-Horse Minerals similarities other words they are consuming lots Mid are perfectly designed for this and youwith A combination thesupplementation following points willisget More of feed but you would never know it by urine.

Thereforeofsalt often than not this coincides Canterbury can add plain salt to help balance their results. their appearance! Like most dairy cows141A HARLAND STREETexcellent a OFFERS critical part of a nutritionally balanced a potassium spike in the grass which OVER $299,000 potassium:sodium ratioresponse to the 1. Feed much hay as the horse these horses have ‘no top-line’, you can Hhorses, OMEwill Oeat.

F THE WEEK diet for allasanimals including triggers the swelling 145 HARLAND STREET 3. Add calories in the form of extruded Ifespecially your horsethose is chronically thin and has soft to see their ribs and sometimes back-bone. on grass. concurrent low sodium.

Potassium spikes barley and maybe some oil. Extruded barley sloppy manure, you may need to turn an area This translates in horses to saddle-ďŹ tting are common in early spring, autumn and is ground and cooked so it is very digestible into a ‘dry lot’ by spraying out or scraping the problems from trying to ďŹ t a saddle to a Whenoff. a horse’s diet is high various otherfound times depending on thethese and we have it excellent for giving grass This is the best thing in youpotassium can do to hollow shaped back. Usually there will be (sources include vegetative grass, lucerne, weather. horses a boost. ensure the ora in the hind-gut is healthy. other associated issues concerning health molasses, kelp, many herbs) and very low The mineral balances play a huge part in 2. Feed the right minerals.

The disturbance of the hind-gut ora and behaviour. in the sodium, chloridebalances latches caused on to the Chronic salt means a gradual fall rectifyinglack this of condition.

Provide It has been to horsesthe electrolyte To reverse this syndrome is actually easy if potassium and goes in the urine.& in the sodium over days collecting forageconcentrations tests to verify our feeding by high potassium, low out sodium, calcium you have the right setup. You just do exactly recommendations. will it really it’ after magnesium the grass is a conservation major cause the opposite to what dairy farmers do!

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Page 18

GUARDIAN FARMING

In the wake of the quake John Leadley

Now that more than six weeks have elapsed since the devastation of the February 22 earthquake it’s time to look for opportunities enabling this district to position itself to make the most of the scenario that befell the province’s capital.

While it’s very easy to say, and understandably most difficult to do when so much physical and mental trauma remains, it surely is time to try and move forward.

I believe Ashburtonians (both rural and urban) can be justifiably proud of the immediate response in all facets of the disaster, and the continuing help they have provided. Doubtlessly the needs are ongoing.

As I write this on March 23 the solemnity of the celebration of victim Phil McDonald’s life is fresh in my mind. A wonderful Mid-Cantabrian, talented, public spirited and a professional family man, honourably farewelled.

Neither is it easy to forget the Memorial Service at Ashburton Racecourse on March 18 – well attended, poignant, sincere and bringing all sectors together in a sense of family not often so visibly portrayed.

And coming home to two hours of compulsive television of the Christchurch equivalent.

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February 2011 – a month that will live on in the memory of generations of Cantabrians.

Now that we have had time to grieve and lay most of the victims to rest it is surely time to try and focus on the future, acknowledging that absolutely nothing will heal the hurt of the loss of loved ones, homes and businesses.

Maybe the events of September 4 and February 22 provide an opportunity to future proof the city to a much greater level using twenty first century building technology.

There seems an urgent need to review allowable ground compaction standards for building purposes.

was the key. It is sad indeed that many of the old English heritage structures are likely to disappear, many situated within half a kilometre of water courses.

One lesson that has been learnt is that it is possible to build medium to high rise structures capable of withstanding large earthquake events. The survival of the art gallery and many high rise buildings in Japan is proof. Modern design codes being the key.

Ashburton, which is situated in the middle of a vast alluvial plain and well elevated above sea level appears to provide a sound, safe building platform.

When drilling for oil at Seafield 40 or so years ago the contractors were purported to have drilled through 100s of feet of It’s apparent that the Pegasus subdivision shingle in their unsuccessful attempt. north of Christchurch despite it’s siting on low-level marshy coastal ground has First-hand reports from those who withstood the series of quakes with few worked on rescue and evacuation within construction failures. the red-zoned Christchurch CBD tell me the television coverage to date has failed Anecdotally this subdivision was to disclose the true level of damage. compacted to a level well above the minimum allowable standards.

The wisdom of restructure in the most vulnerable areas like Bexley must surely It would seem that the worst affected be questioned. Other areas like Rolleston, suburbs for single-level homes damage Wigram and Pegasus and Ashburton were sited on very wet soils especially in surely provide sound reasons to relocate. areas to the east of the central city.

Understandably the first settlers of 160 Even the proposed underground rock years ago, built where access to water walls won’t contain the forces of nature.

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Ashburton’s new Business Estate which is situated on some of the least productive land in the district must provide a good alternative to industries (particularly of the farm or rural servicing type) to relocate.

Situated midway between two competing ports, already with 40 hectares fully serviced with water, underground electricity, wastewater and CCTV camera security, it must be a viable option.

Completion of rail access along with easy State Highway linkage, and titles immediately available makes an attractive option in a rapidly expanding agricultural district.

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Currently there are more than 100 residential sites with titles immediately available in the district together with around another 300 either consented or under construction.

It is imperative for everyone to promote Ashburton as a safe and secure place to live and work.

Few districts have the diverse production base to drive the local economy as Ashburton does.

Few districts have lower average rate bills per property than Ashburton. Housing and sections are affordable.

No district of similar size (area or population) can provide better or more diverse sport and recreational activities.

The fastest horse racing track in New Zealand. Proven international standard bowls, tennis and hockey playing surfaces, five golf courses, a rapidly expanding airport minutes from town.

Cricket, rugby and football fields and lots more. Fishing, boating, rowing, cycle and walking tracks and huge conservation parks virtually on the doorstep.

Everything for young families.

A modern event centre catering for all types of cultural events. A proven and expanding hospital facility.

Half an hour to an international skifield and only an hour to Harewood International Airport.

Few communities are better placed to expand, yet still within commuting distance to Christchurch.

With Ashburton’s development plan for the next 25 years publically accepted and firmly in place, and District Plan set rules to safeguard our productive rural soil, the future seems assured.

Current proposals to use our vast water resource more efficiently will provide huge employment opportunities.

There is simply so much to offer.

While many Christchurch families and businesses will need more time to make medium and long term decisions, I’m firmly of the view after more than a month many will seriously look at where the opportunities are greatest.

That can’t be done without thought to the age old Biblical story of the man who built his house on rock.

Out of the dreadful and devastating human tragedy that was 22.2.11 maybe some positive outcomes will emerge.

Ashburton’s future could well be part of it.

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GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 19

What’s happening at Winchmore

Ray Moss, Farm systems, AgResearch Lincoln

Last time I compiled an article for this column I mentioned that we were offering lambs a range of forages to determine which they found most palatable.

shifting of dairy cows be used to maximise lamb growth rates? We have a trial under way at Winchmore in which pasture fed lambs are shifted to a fresh feed break at two, five or 10 day intervals to obtain the answer.

This was part of a lamb creep grazing project. In this project we have achieved improvements in twin lamb weaning liveweights of up to 5kg when creep grazing on conventional ryegrass/white clover based pasture. We reasoned that if there was forage that lambs considered more palatable than ryegrass/white clover then we could expect more lambs to use the creep system and consequentially achieve even heavier weaning weights.

The lambs used for the palatability trial had previously only experienced ryegrass/white clover but of the seven options offered simultaneously over 12 days they preferred rape of which they consumed 60 per cent of the sward, red clover was their next preference (38 per cent) followed by an old established ryegrass/white clover sward (27 per cent). They removed 17 per cent of the pasja and 10 per cent of the chicory/red clover combination, (most of which was the latter component), pure chicory and an annual ryegrass averaged less than five per cent.

The palatability of the annual ryegrass was probably affected by an outbreak of rust. Those who contemplate creep grazing of lambs, and in the appropriate circumstances I don’t know why you wouldn’t, should give serious consideration to giving lambs access to rape or red clover with potential to further improve lamb weaning weights. An added bonus might be that the rape, and possibly the red clover, could generally be expected to harbour less, if any, internal parasites, than a frequently grazed grass-based sward.

Other research in progress at Winchmore at present includes an experiment, funded by the Sustainable

The most recent trial to get under way also involves internal parasites, with both sheep and cattle. Many of what were traditionally sheep farms are now also rearing dairy replacements. Many heifer systems allocate a set area to heifers within the “sheep” farm. This may be a risky practice with the risk of internal parasite populations building up, possibly with drench resistance.

Farming Fund and Beef + LambNZ, which is evaluating the effect of chain harrowing pastures immediately after young parasitised cattle are removed, on the development and survival of cattle internal parasites.

The aim of course is to break up cattle dung pats and expose developing larvae to the desiccating effects of the weather. Harrowing has the potential to drastically reduce the parasite population on pasture. Watch this space. Some farmers are already harrowing post-heifer grazing to more evenly spread the plant nutrients which are deposited in high concentrations in dung pats. There could be a double (hidden) advantage to this practice.

Dairy farmers offer their milking cows a fresh pasture break generally at 12 or 24 hour intervals with the aim of maximising animal performance, via milk production.

Sheep farmers tend to shift their weaned growing lambs to fresh pasture considerably less frequently than this.

While the interval varies considerably up to 10 days, it was not uncommon. Could the logic behind the frequent

Sheep and cattle in New Zealand don’t share their respective common internal parasites, consequentially one grazing species can be used to reduce the parasite population on the herbage for the other. The experiment we have under way at Winchmore and on a co-operating farm at present is intended to assess the effect of integration of the grazing of sheep and cattle on animal performance with particular emphasis on effects on internal parasite populations in the grazing animals.

Put simply this involves sheep and cattle grazing ex-cattle pastures and ex-sheep pastures. If only it was that simple to run the trial! Internal parasites are such fickle creatures and affected by weather and other factors this trial will run for at least two years.

To achieve these projects involves much pasture assessing, parasite monitoring, 10 mobs of cattle, 15 of lambs and 48 new paddocks per week.

As John Carson said previously, it can be a bit like a game of chess, except these players sometimes move themselves but not always when it’s their turn or to where they are wanted.

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Page 2

GUARDIAN FARMING

What’s happening

chewing the cud We are a lucky nation I can think of no better place to have showcased innovative farming in New Zealand than Methven, a prime location for the International Farm Management Congress.

Methven became host of the biennial international event when the venue changed from earthquake stricken Christchurch and was an opportunity which local farm consultants and rural leaders made the most of.

The congress itself was an eye-opener to the many different initiatives to improve farm efficiencies, while reducing environmental impacts and develop rural society in a range of different countries.

From the presentations, I was introduced to the many challenges which face rural communities in other countries, which ranged from economic through to social. I soon began to realise just how much we take this country for granted.

Arable farmer Steven Bierema summed up the many advantages New Zealand possesses as a primary producer during one of the farm tours.

The Bierema family had considered a range of countries in which to farm before they emigrated from their native Holland.

South America, Canada and Australia were some of the countries which offered opportunities for the arable farmers. Of course to the southeast

of Australia, they found somewhere even better.

For the Bieremas Mid Canterbury ticked all the boxes - offering good soils, access to water and was Lance Isbister close to a major city.

Ashburton Guardian rural reporter When Steven said New Zealand was a politically stable country, it really brought home what makes this country such a special place to farm.

Take Uganda for instance, the presentation by agricultural academic Wimpie Nell illustrated how Northern Ugandan tribal farmers had to start from scratch with limited infrastructure (if any) after being resettled on their land after decades of war.

It’s such a polar difference, it would be hard for us Kiwis to imagine.

The issues tackled by New Zealand’s Federated Farmers may not seem quite as significant as those in Uganda, or even in Ireland where the recession has taken its toll.

Nevertheless the vigilance of our own advocacy group, is what helps keep Kiwis stay at the forefront in global farming.

Just as Fred Dagg would say “We don’t know how lucky we are... mate”.

Guardian

farming interesting • informative • essential

Any feedback is welcome, any comments about our magazine, letters or story suggestions.

Please direct any correspondence to: Amanda Niblett, on 307-7927 email: amanda.n@theguardian.co.nz or to: Lance Isbister, on 307-7953 email: lance.i@theguardian.co.nz or write to PO Box 77, Ashburton.

Advertising: Phone 307-7900 Email: emma.j@theguardian.co.nz Publication date: April 5, 2011 Next issue: May 3, 2011 An advertising feature for the Ashburton Guardian. Any opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Guardian Farming or the Ashburton Guardian.

Event

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April 11

Fri 1 Sat 2 Sun 3 Mon 4 Tue 5 Wed 6 Thur 7 Fri 8 Sat 9 Sun 10 Mon 11 Tue 12 Wed 13 Thur 14 Fri 15 Sat 16 Sun 17 Mon 18 Tue 19 Wed 20 Thur 21 Fri 22 Sat 23 Sun 24 Mon 25 Tue 26 Wed 27 Thur 28 Fri 29 Sat 30 Sun 1 Mon 2 Tue 3 Wed 4 Thur 5 Fri 6

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• Temuka • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves, Pigs, Store Sheep, Lambs, Cattle • Tinwald • Temuka Calf (Mackenzie Basin) • Canterbury Park Calves only • High Peak & Quartz Hill Wnr Deer, Rakaia Gorge • Temuka Store Cattle

• Temuka • Canterbury Park All Stock • Tinwald • Temuka Calf • Canterbury Park Calves only • Temuka Calf (Fairlie Basin) • GOOD FRIDAY

• EASTER MONDAY • ANZAC DAY • Mackenzie Country A&P Show • Tinwald • Temuka • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves, Pigs, Store Sheep, Lambs & Cattle • Temuka Calf • Temuka Store Cattle

• Temuka • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves, Pigs, Store Sheep & Lambs • Tinwald • Temuka In Calf • Canterbury Park High Country Calf • Temuka In Calf Cow • Central Canterbury Bull Walk • Temuka Deer • Kakahu & Bluecliffs Mated Heifer Geraldine

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Page 20

GUARDIAN FARMING

Ashburton

Industrial Estate The family name behind power -

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Email eamon.h@xtra.co.nz Since purchasing the business now recognised as Hoopers, Eamon and Toresa Hooper have created a name that is synonymous with quality and great service.

Hoopers Outdoor Power Centre provides all your requirements for sales and servicing of small motor mowers, chainsaws, water pumps, generators and water blasters.

Their fully stocked business on Range Street in the Industrial park, displays an impressive range of small machinery, from a wide range of well known brands.

Their expert staff make sure to match their customers with the right piece of equipment that best suits their needs.

Echo – the serious outdoor equipment manufacturers. When it comes to the yard, no-one should have to compromise.

Echo make an impressive range of heavy Hoopers Outdoor Power Centre are conveniently located on Range Street in the Ashburton Industrial Estate. See duty chainsaws, trimmers, blowers and them for servicing on all small motors. edgers.

Briggs & Stratton - Briggs & Stratton produces some of the world’s most reliable lawn mower engines and small engines.

Keep your lawn mower engine running at peak performance with Briggs & Stratton genuine lawn mower parts. Briggs & Stratton lawn mower parts are designed to fit right the first time, last longer,

maintain performance and outperform aftermarket equivalents. Hoopers also sell Briggs and Stratton generators – perfect to have on hand when Mother Nature pays us a visit.

Victa – now owned by Briggs and Stratton, the popular Victa brand of lawnmowers is also available at Hoopers.

Lawnmaster – New Zealand’s very own lawnmower manufacturer is available at Hoopers. Lawnmaster are famous for their quality rotary and reel mowers.

Husqvarna – the global leader in outdoor power products is available at Hoopers. Chainsaws, trimmers, ride-on and rotary mowers, tractors,

blowers and much more. When you buy Husqvarna, you know you are purchasing quality.

Karcher – for powerful cleaning, Karcher has the reputation for producing amazing results. Visit Hoopers for a range of high quality waterblasters, for both home and commercial use.

Hydraulink Mid Canterbury Ltd Spaldings Flatlift Sub Soilers Dale Plough Shares Plough Conversion Kits European Plough Parts Cultivation Points & Tines Tractor Parts & Equipment Combine Harvester Croplifters

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Water Ballast Rollers Spiral Welded Pipe Grain Augers 16 Robinson Street Ashburton 7700 Phone/Fax 03-3089623 Dave Stockdill

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• Installation and repairs to hydraulic hoses • Service & supply of hydraulic components • 24 hour - 7 day service Paul Fergus 39 Robinson Street, Ashburton Phone 308 8848, pfergus@xtra.co.nz

We bring farmers the best available SEEDS at a realistic price For any enquiry call us today on: 03 307 8900 or AH 03 347 8018 Fax 03 308 2742 027-4323-356

26 Robinson Street, Ashburton www.stevensseeds.co.nz

GUARDIAN FARMING

Ashburton

Industrial Estate

Mourning a mate

Dr Glen Beeman

Good – bye I lost a mate. Didn’t plan it. Didn’t see it coming. Guess it was just a dumb expectation that a good thing will just last forever.

No such luck. There’s that word – luck. Not sure I believe in it. Never been much of a gambler, nor was my mate.

Not sure what makes us so sad. Think it is just the void. One minute they are just a part of the living breathing space and the next it is just still and quiet.

The space they use to occupy is void. No one is there any more. We look and we see them but they aren’t there. Guess it is those high expectations we place in friends.

Not sure what is the best way to go. When it happens so sudden there are those regrets that you forgot to say something, give them a hug, enjoy a quiet moment.

Dragging things out usually just rips our innards out. When things happen slowly we justify things in our minds that quality of life is there no longer.

Death never really lets us know when he’s coming. Guess he’s not one for fanfare.

Death ignores religion, age, gender.

It is hard to say goodbye properly.

Sometimes we never get a chance. Other times I wonder who had the last word.

I find it hard looking back to just pinpoint what it was about him that made him a good mate. Always was a bit chippy, sometimes a bit loud. Always just pushed

the door open, let himself in, plopped himself on the couch.

He had matured a lot in the last few years though. There were times he made you laugh, upset you, sometimes even impressing you (although that came as a bit of a surprise). Probably just came down to the fact he was just there for you.

He’s still here my mate. Not really here but yet he is. I sort of expect him to be beside me. Hell he’s been there since I can remember. People will ask about him, I’ll tell them the story, and I’ll think about him again.

Someone will remind me of an occasion, a time, a place, an incident, something funny about him and we’ll laugh. Talking about him helps.

Some day something else, someone else, some other mate will fill the void but not really. We’ll still remember only them.

I wrote this in memory of “Mac” my constant travelling companion for the past 14 years. Clients will remember him as the little Jack Russell that played with their dogs and kids.

Losing a pet seems so inconsequential in comparison to the loss of a loved one , friend, workmate or acquaintance in the devastation of the Christchurch Earthquake.

On behalf of our veterinary practice, our heartfelt condolences for your losses. We grieve with you.

Hoopers have an impressive show room, stocked with a full range of power items to make home maintenance a breeze this winter.

Gardena – Gardena are the garden accessory specialists, with a wide range of quality hoses, hose attachments and sprinkler systems. Gardena has evolved into one of the world’s most reputableproducers of intelligent gardencare products and watering solutions, and these are available to purchase from Hoopers.

Servicing – Something you may not know about Hoopers is that they service a wide range of small machinery. Anything with a small engine that needs a bit of tinkering and TLC – take it to Hoopers and they will have it running like new. Their servicing department is an important element of their business, as it allows them to service what they sell. Having this follow-up service is integral to providing top customer service and follow--up service to their clients. For customers in the rural community, Hoopers also offer a call-out service on request, and can open their shop out of hours for an emergency.

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Page 21

Glen and his now departed trusty sidekick Mac.

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Page 22

GUARDIAN FARMING

A world-first in textile, fashion development A revolutionary new dyeing process developed by AgResearch, allowing vibrant colouring of wool fabrics which will earn New Zealand millions of dollars is about to be commercialised by a New Zealand based company.

The process can also be used on a wide range of fabric weights, enables limitless designs, is lightweight and machine washable.

“What manufacturers and fashion designers really like about this new process is the ability to choose colours and designs just before entering the market.

BGI Developments has signed an agreement with AgResearch which will lead the manufacture of multi-coloured fine merino wool fabrics. This is the first time these fabrics are manufactured on a major scale, both in this country and overseas.

“This allows much more flexible marketing of garments, reducing risk for both manufacturer and retailer alike.”

Dr Collie said that this new all-in-one dyeing process produces a fine wool garment which looks fantastic and feels very pleasant next to the skin.

With directors in both Wellington and Christchurch, BGI Developments will be working with manufacturers to commercialise the new coloured fine wool fabrics, bringing them to fashion houses around the world.

BGI Developments director Robyn GeorgeNeich said The products are a world first in textile and fashion development, and an excellent example of how technology can enhance New Zealand’s exports.

“The new colouring process developed

by AgResearch means that patterns and graphics are dyed in the fabric not just printed on top. The fabric looks and feels better than standard printed fabric, because it doesn’t have plastic graphics on it.

“The consumer benefits because the

“Quite frankly it makes wool look and feel sexy,” he said.

“It’s a world away from Fred Dagg’s prickly black singlets, and helps bring brightly coloured dyed wool fashion into the twenty-first century.” pattern doesn’t deteriorate over time.

The garment feels more comfortable and maintains its appearance for longer.

When you are paying a lot of money for your Merino top you want the pattern to last as long as the garment, now it can.

“It’s an amazing development by New Zealand researchers and will revolutionise the way Merino fabric is dyed. Over time this will become the

new norm because consumers will demand it. This is a real added value for the wool industry”.

The new process has been developed by a team at AgResearch Lincoln, under the leadership of textile scientist Dr Stewart Collie. The Textile Science and Technology Team has been working intensely for the past 18 months, recently bringing the new process to successful completion.

Q VO Z ; M M L AM I VO ?M M LQ

[ Z I M A

Dr Collie said BGI Developments is now contracted to commercialise this new dyeing process with manufacturers both here and overseas.

“Judging by the response of New Zealand fashion designers there’s a great deal of interest in manufacturing patterned wool garments using this technology. I’m very optimistic about its uptake by the industry,” he said.

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GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 23

Weather by the moon Ken Ring

The pull of the moon Astronomers know and teach that heavenly bodies all exert a force upon each other, the strength of which is proportional to their mass and distance apart. In line with that, we must accept that the Sun exerts an influence on the Earth and Moon, which means everything on the Earth and Moon, and the Moon exerts an influence on Earth and everything on Earth, and this includes the air, seas and land.

The extent of that influence is, as we can observe with ocean tides, forceful enough to move all the water at once which alone is truly massive. We acknowledge the water tides and some but not all scientists acknowledge the tide of the air, the mass of which is about five billion (five thousand million million) tons. There is 10 times more water occupying the air at any moment than that contained by all the rivers in the world.

It means air is tidal, and the properties of the atmosphere also, and must be at least as predictable as the ocean tide to which the lower level of the air is connected via their mutual interface that extends over 75 per cent of the surface of the planet.

Given that the Sun and Moon act on everything on the Earth, and so it would be peculiar if the Moon did not act on the

land and that the effect of an inconstant Moon on an inconstant Earth would not amount to some sort of a daily tide within the land, especially as the sea is but a tiny fraction compared with the amount of land.

tide rises and falls each day. New Zealand moves vertically about 20cm per day, and Australia up to 50cms. This cannot be seen because there is nothing to compare it to.

But it does account for soil (rocks rubbing on each other) and sand (shells rubbing together like little cutting knives, for thousands of years). The water of the ocean sloshes above the land crust and finds its way into crevices and basins wherever it can. There is actually very little water on We know from schooldays that passing the land in comparison to land, as much as a magnet over iron filings agitates the filings. A magnet over an iron ball does the the rubber of the skin of a party balloon. If it covered the whole earth the water of the same. At the centre of the earth there is a huge compressed solid iron ball called the oceans would only average 1km deep. inner core, 80 per cent as big as the Moon.

To visualise this get a basketball. Fill a tablespoon with water and spill it onto the When the Moon itself moves overhead, it top of the ball. Watch the water streaming is as if it is a Moon-magnet hovering over a inner-core iron ball that is moving within slowly down the sides of the ball. That is all the Earth. The ensuing stress on the inner- the water that is around the land of planet Earth, a very thin layer.

Earth manifests through different areas according to the density of rock.

The ocean tide coming in, and out again is an illusion. When a low tide, what This ball is like a mini-world, with a minisea above it of molten magma, which has is really happening is that the land is rising more, daily to meet the transiting a tide. There is a permanent inner-earth Moon. Under the Moon the land is “up” egg-shaped bulge always pointing to the Moon. As the earth daily rotates, the “egg” but the water, less in quantity, rises less.

The result is a low tide. When the Moon bulges towards the Moon but the area of the inner earth that it occupies or stretches is overhead it is more often a low tide at the beach. Lyttelton low tide on March changes because Earth is rotating.

31 was 9.10am. It was also approximately the moon’s highest point. When the Moon The land-crust rides on top of the molten outer core and molten inner mantle. That is pulls the land, there are height differences the part we walk upon. The land (or earth) between land masses.

In West Auckland, the Waterview Bridge on SH16 twists 1/8th of an inch per day and back, due to the land mass difference between Pt Chevalier and the neighbouring estuary. The world’s highest mountains are the Himalayas, in the narrow band between latitudes 29N-29S between which is the latitudinal range of the declination cycle of the Moon.

The Himalayas are in the range of where the Moon exacts greatest pull on the land. Mt Killamanjaro is within this range.

Most mountains in the 100 highest list are located in the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges. All 7000m (23,000ft) peaks in the world are located in the centre of Asia (East Asia, Central Asia and South Asia) in a rectangle edged by Noshaq (7492m (24,580ft)) on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in the West, Peak Jengish Chokusu, (Tuomù’er Feng) (7439m (24,406ft)) on the Kyrgyzstan - Xinjiang border to the North, Gongga Shan (Minya Konka) (7556m (24,790ft)) in Sichuan to the East, and Kabru (7412m (24,318ft)) on the Sikkim Nepal border to the South.

On the Moon the highest mountains and deepest craters are on the Earth side.

56% of the Moon is on our side, and the rest facing away from Earth. There is no denying the gravitational pull. Lunar dynamics suggests that a gravitational body strong enough to pull an Everest can also have any effect it wants on the inner part of the earth.

HEALTHY SOILS principal objective is to offer a range of products and services that can restore the MINERAL and MICROBIAL balance in the soil, thereby reducing the need for high analysis fertilisers and chemicals.

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Page 24

GUARDIAN FARMING

Weather by The Moon: April Forecast Summary, outlook period Number of rain days: Precipitation potential times:

Mostly dry Wettest periods: Warmest maximum temperatures: Coolest maximum temperatures: Warmest minimums: Coldest minimums:

About 7 April 1st, 4th-5th, 10th-11th, 14th, 20th, 23rd-24th April 12th-19th, 25th-30th April 10th, 11th, 20th April 15th-19th April 24th April 10th-11th April 3rd, 25th-26th

Sunniest days:

April 13th, 27th

Best days for outdoor recreation:

April 16th-19th

Cloudiest:

April 8th-12th, 22nd-26th

Estimated precipation for Ashburton:

93mm

Rakaia:

92mm

Methven: Estimated sunshine amount for Ashburton:

106mm 131hrs (April average 147hrs)

General April may be wetter, cloudier and cooler than average.

Four rain phases are expected, with the heaviest falls likely in the second week.

The first and last weeks see the coolest temperatures, with potential for frosts or light snow.

High kingtides are expected around 18th-19th.

Potential ground tremor risk is between 2nd -5th and 16th-20th.

Averages for maxima may be 16-17째C and for minima 4-6째C.

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 3

Shrek a superstar in the rough

Lance Isbister, Ashburton Guardian rural reporter

It was your typical “rags to riches” story with the tones of the film like Forrest Gump, only it happened in New Zealand and the main character had four legs and fleece.

Just like Forrest, Shrek the Sheep was also an oddball, an embarrassment to the musterers it evaded for six years, but as Forrest would say “life’s like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get” .

Who would have guessed the cagey uncropped merino wether would become a New Zealand icon whose story would travel around the world, echoing long after?

It was the power of that story which Shrek’s owner John Perriam linked back to New Zealand primary exports and how telling the story behind a product gave it more mileage than its freight.

Shrek was a prime example. He could have been mustered in, shorn and the merino wool used in a fine Italian suit worn by a man who mistakenly told his friends the wool came from New Foundland ... or something equally tragic.

the power of the digital media and of course, a very shrewd farmer and ovine industry stalwart - John Perriam.

Being the modest Kiwi farmer that he is, Mr Perriam didn’t take all the credit for bringing the story of Shrek to the world, it took on a life of its own...

When Mr Perriam and fellow farming colleagues decided to give Shrek a shear, Paul Holmes was on the scene, quicker than you could say David ... Gray or Bain.

The plucky “cheeky curly” had made a deal with Mr Perriam to MC the blade-shearing of Shrek at the Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell, an event of a lifetime and one which was shared with the world through a multitude of media agencies.

Proceeds from the event went to Mr Perriam’s charity of choice - Cure Kids, an organisation which raises funds for child health research, a relationship which continued as Shrek’s popularity soared.

The prime minister of the day Helen Clark even got in on the act and although Mr Perriam may not have agreed with some of But no, in 2004 the woolly wonder captured her policies, he appreciated her prowess as the imagination of children, the media and a politician. then the world in a way that could have consigned the story of the golden fleece to On the same day Chilean President Ricardo the dusty pages of folklore.

Largos was due to leave after visiting Parliament, Ms Clark had cunningly Shrek became a global sensation through scheduled a parliamentary reception for

Let us entertain you!

211a Wills Street, Ashburton Phone 307 2010 www.ateventcentre.co.nz

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Written by Joe Bennett, performed by Loons Circus Theatre Company.

It’s sexy, it’s visually stunning and it’s bitter satire, but also very, very funny. Adult content.

Tue 5, Wed, 6 Apr

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Songs my Mother Taught Me

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Wed, 6 Apr Tickets: $20, $30 for 2, $40.50 for 3, $50 for 4. Door Sales all $20. (Incl. fees). Show: 7.30pm, Bradford Room

Cage Warrior 5 Championship live

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Black Grace - leading NZ Dance Company

Verses is the collection of new short works by Black Grace’s founder and artistic director Neil Ieremia. With music ranging from hip-hop to country.

Tue, 10 May

Tickets: Adult $39.50, Senior $35, Student $20, Family $35 per adult and $15 per child. (Fees apply) Show: 7.30pm

Father Chris Skinner with the Mid Canterbury Choir Held at St Stephen Church, Park Street Ashburton.

Sat, 14 May

Tickets from Event Centre: General $21.50, Seniors, Unwaged, Students (incl tertiary) $17 (incl fees)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Brought to you by Variety Theatre Ashburton. In this retelling of the Biblical story, Joseph is a handsome young man who is his father's favourite child, able to interpret dreams, and the bearer of an amazing coat.

Fri 20, Sun 22, Tue 24, Sat 28 May

Tickets: Premium A all $57 or A Reserve $47, Child 14 + under $27 (includes fees) Shows: 7.30pm; Sun 2pm

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Shrek the sheep and owner John Perrian who wowed Mid Cantabrians at the Woollymunchers Fine Wine and Lambfest held in Chertsey in 2005.

Shrek to coincide with his departure.

The stage was set and the fanfare was there for the foreign dignitary, but the attention from the crowd had turned toward the “bigger star” Shrek as photographers formed a media scrum around him.

All the while Shrek was adorned with his own personal Icebreaker garment, a clever piece of marketing by the Tarras-based

family company whose own story travelled with Shrek wherever he and his image went.

The story of Shrek truly illustrated the power of the story behind New Zealand’s exported primary produce and showed the pathway to a brighter future for the wool industry which had once been part of the backbone of the rural economy more than two decades ago.

Page 4

GUARDIAN FARMING

South Island Agricultural Field Days The South Island Agricultural Field Days saw more than 350 exhibitors vie for the attention of what turned out to be a great crowd last week.

Every day around 80 exhibitors demonstrated machinery and equipment.

Organising committee chairperson Hamish Maginness said they had more demonstrations than any other event in the country.

“Farmers and contractors got to see machinery and equipment in action in a real paddock, as opposed to viewing it in a sales yard.”

The first South Island Agriculutural Field Days was held at Motukarara 60 years ago, it was a one-day event that attracted around 1000 people. Since then Field Days has been held every second year and is now based at Lincoln University Farm.

It has grown into a three-day event attended by around 25,000 South Island farmers.

Mr Maginness said the field days gave many farmers the opportunity to catch up with their mates from around the South Island after what had been a difficult eight months.

“Luckily motels in Selwyn district and on Riccarton and Lincoln roads are relatively unaffected by last month’s quake.”

This year’s event hosted the Tasman Regional Final of the Young Farmers’ competition on Thursday. And, for the first time AgriKidsNZ and TeenAg competitions (mini versions of the Young Farmer competition) were held last Friday aimed at eight to 12-year-olds and 13 to 18 year-olds respectively.

photos David Hollander

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GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 5

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Page 6

GUARDIAN FARMING

We are all customers

Neal Shaw, ATS Chief Executive

We have all experienced it at one time or another – the frustration of unsuccessfully trying to catch the attention of a salesperson. Often we have already decided to make a purchase but poor customer service means we instead walk away vowing never to return.

I believe this on-line trend is already occurring in rural areas, and will only increase as accessible internet facilities become more readily available. Combine that with the younger generation’s acceptance and reliance on all things technical, and it isn’t difficult to see this is the way of the future.

It is one of the worst sorts of damage retailers can experience because they are often oblivious to the lost sale and the lost potential for future repeat business.

Most people won’t bother telling the retailer about the situation – they weren’t acknowledged or appreciated in the first instance so why would they be listened to now?

People who have had a bad customer service experience will tell others, creating plenty of bad feelings and publicity.

I have recently had occasion to contemplate this scenario – not as a retailer but as a customer. I too have walked away from a business despite entering the premise with the intention of purchasing an item. I stood in the shop for about 10 minutes and no one tried to help me, so I went out and bought the item elsewhere. In this instance it was a significant item valued at around $1800.

Retailers can’t afford to lose this sort of business. They can, and do, use sales, advertising and other gimmicks to entice shoppers into their premises, but it is pointless if they do not follow it up with good customer service.

It is worth remembering that surveys show that price is not the single most important factor when it comes to making a purchase. It is important but customer service and being acknowledged is even more important to many consumers.

Customer service is remembered long after the purchase price.

Having said that, I think there will always being a place for retail outlets and the personal touch. There has been a lot of talk over the years about web sales dominating the market place, but I don’t believe there will be any one thing taking over. It will be a combination of the two.

A good customer experience can pay big dividends in the future.

There are businesses I deal with even though I know I may pay a little more to do so. I choose to shop there because I enjoy the service. I know when I go there they know my needs and will anticipate my requirements.

That sort of service is becoming increasingly important in this day and age as more consumers become technically savvy. It is estimated urban consumers on average spend around an hour and a half researching products on-line before making some purchases. This means by the time they walk into a shop they have already gained a high level of knowledge.

There isn’t always a lot more a sales assistant can offer in these instances – except a high level of customer service.

If the customer has made the choice to come into your premises after doing their homework on-line, and they are not acknowledged by your staff, then that is a big loss – not just that one purchase, but future ones as well.

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The attitude of the staff in these premises can make or break the deal. Knowledge is important, but the staff member’s attitude is more important. A great price might get a customer through the door, but it won’t keep them there if the service is poor.

Creating good customer relationships is vital and something we all should pride ourselves on. It is easier to keep customers with great service than it is to lose them and then try to win them back again.

All businesses, farming included, know the importance of providing goods on time and to specification. The next step, and most important part of the process, is the delivery (or customer service). Failing to add those finishing touches can make all the difference – and in tough economic times it’s a loss many businesses can’t afford.

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Water whisperings March has been and gone. That means we are one month closer to winter and one month closer to the end of the irrigation season. Therefore, it is time to remember and heed the onset of signs that irrigation will not make the crops grow. Furthermore, by the time you read this the South Island Field Days will have been and gone.

5°C, it is only in high fertility soils. In low fertility soils, the corresponding growth will occur in the temperature range 7–8°C. 2. White clover requires the production of new stolons or stems that grow along the ground from the original crown to produce dry matter (leaf area). To continue leaf production requires continued stolon development. Clover will only start growing when the soil temperature reaches 10°C and grows at its optimum rate when the soil temperature is 20–25°C.

Autumn is the season between summer and winter (as if you need to know that) and marks the lengthening of nighttime and the shortening of daytime. The point of equal day and night passed last Tuesday 22 March. This is the equinox and is supposed to mark a time of sharp changes and fluctuations in weather. Thus far March has been relatively settled and mild (by comparison to 2010), but there are signs that autumn and the change of seasons are upon us.

This is the time of the irrigating season when greater attention needs to be directed to other growth determining factors than the availability of water in the soil. Soil temperature is a key factor during the next few weeks. Since most of the growth we are worried about now is in the ryegrass-clover crops, there are some key temperature considerations: 1. Ryegrass - 0ptimum growth occurs when the soil temperature is in the range of 15–20°C. While some growth will occur at temperatures as low as

This means that autumn (where we are at now) with soil temperatures mostly below 15°C and as low as 12°C most mornings lately (at 9am, the reference time for temperature) is not the time when optimum growth is likely. If the temperature is not in the optimum range, throwing water at a crop to get growth will not make it grow. In essence we are on a “hiding to nothing” at this time of the year – reducing soil temperatures take us out of the comfort zone for pastures. As one of the many who have endured the Christchurch earthquake, we cannot fight nature (or beat it).

A second major influence is day length, which also affects soil temperature. There are now fewer daylight hours and, when associated with the lower sun angle, there is less solar radiation reaching

Toughest in the Business

For more information please contact 10 Robinson Street, Ashburton Ph 03 307 9049 Fax 03 307 9047 Email: rainer@ashburton.co.nz website: www.rainer.co.nz

Page 7

Tony Davoren, Hydroservices

the crop leaves. The effect of this is best demonstrated in the diagram below: Ignoring the crop annotation (germination through to maturity etc.), the crop water use (in this case) is least in the early spring, maximum when the day length is the longest and is waning quickly once the autumn equinox is reached. There are some other factors involved like the lag in solar radiation input (it peaks after the longest day). But, the message is this – “average water use is decreasing and decreasing fast which in turn means the water in the soil will last longer which in turn reduces the amount

of irrigation needed”.

The solid black curve represents the “average” conditions (as shown) and at this time of the season, our measurements show we are a little below this curve.

Interestingly, you can substitute any of the factors influencing crop growth on the y-axis such as soil temperature, day length, solar radiation etc and the shape of the curve is the same.

For those who believe “if a little is good but more is better”, I hope you read this and consider whether your next irrigation is really required.

Page 8

GUARDIAN FARMING

Planting and drilling Arable Industry Marketing Initiative With the harvest now almost complete, growers across all regions are confirming the disappointing yields for cereal grain crops.

Talk of a 20-25 per cent drop in average yields is common. But there are some horror stories where yields have been up to 45% less than contracted.

The dairy sector has emerged in recent weeks as the key driver of demand for feed wheat, barley and maize silage, at the expense of other supplements such Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE) which has weakened in price.

Reports are coming in of some Taranaki dairy farmers paying up to $480/tonne delivered for barley to supplement their herds for a final push towards the end of the milking season to capitalize on the $8-plus/kg milksolid payout.

Sellers of feed barley in the Canterbury region have been receiving $400-plus/tonne.

Maize crops chopped for silage is also proving a popular feed for dairy cows in the Waikato where the market has reportedly broken through the 30c/kg DM. Interest was being shown in Taranaki maize crops at between 26-30c/ kg DM.

March v April sown wheat

By Nick Poole & Julie Sime

What are the trade-offs for each sowing date?

Why March sown wheat? â&#x20AC;˘ Scenario

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Less livestock in farming system to graze harvested grass seed crop residues. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; In this case (on heavier dryland) should glyphosate be used to destroy the sward early in order to preserve moisture. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Having destroyed the grass sward earlier could I harness the soil moisture more effectively with a March sown wheat crop rather than April sown?

Alternatively with April sown wheat? â&#x20AC;˘ Scenario â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One could use the earlier grass sward kill off to create a longer stale seedbed period to control ryegrass volunteers and sow in April. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Or simply fertilise the residue and take a silage cut and turn it into bales Obviously some options are dependent on the price of grain and dry matter prevailing at the time but ultimately much depends on whether March sown wheat is more productive than April sown wheat. So is it?

What does the Wheat Calculator say? â&#x20AC;˘ Scenario: St Andrews, S. Canterbury (March 25th v April 20th ) â&#x20AC;˘ Cv Claire â&#x20AC;˘ 2010 rainfall patterns (Dryland) â&#x20AC;˘ Maximum potential Yield â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 25th sown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8.9 t/ha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 20th sown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7.4 t/ha (Lighter soil type) March 31 v April 21 â&#x20AC;˘ Cv Claire â&#x20AC;˘ 2010 rainfall patterns (Dryland) â&#x20AC;˘ Maximum potential yield - March 31 sown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.3 t/ha - April 21 sown â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6.8t/ha

Get your seed sowing right with the right machinery Eco Seeder

Quantum

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22 Robinson Street, Ashburton Phone (03) 307-8550

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 9

Planting and drilling

Get your seed sowing right with the right machinery

optional APV seeder shown

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22 Robinson Street, Ashburton Phone (03) 307-8550