Guardian Farming November

An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature

Guardian

farming interesting • informative • essential

November 2010

$2.00

Couple on their annual AI pilgrimage south ... page 4

UPPLEMENT APR 2010

Changes in the grass cause changes in the horses ... page 6

You are in ATS country ATS—we understand real farmers

Call us today

0800 289 287

www.ats.co.nz

Page 2

GUARDIAN FARMING

7 Piece Sling Steel Setting

RACH, TEAM MEMBER

150 x 90cm table.

397

SKU00922825

Power Tools

49

$

94

$

550W Impact Drill, 180W 1/3 Sheet Sander, 100mm Angle Grinder, 140W Corner Sander, 200W Heat Gun. SKU00302366A

EACH

“Lowest prices everyday” Grafted Tomatoes

40L Compost

9cm pot.

4

SKU00850115

Clear PVC Sheeting 660mm x 1.8m wide. SKU00241702

$

From

24

PER SHEET

SKU00141346

Premium Flower & Veggie Punnets Premium varieties.

SKU00162009

2

$

$ 97 EACH

9

79

$

2.4 x 1.2m. Soil & plants sold separately.

SKU00253266

199

$

1L Weedout Herbicide

97

13

89

38

4 Stroke Petrol Lawn Mower

$

SKU00491480

SKU03350154

75

$

304 grade stainless steel. SKU00491316

9

SKU00409291

$ 67

$

236

$

3794

White. Gloss or semi-gloss.

$

$ 75

$

2498

795 x 230 x 295mm.

White. SKU00278481

1463

9

98

78

$

3 Tier Storage Unit

$

SKU00961241

40L Potting Mix

1695

SKU04440731

SKU00463414

Textilene fabric.

SKU03190924

9489

$

3 Piece Café Setting

4L Pressure Sprayer

15cm Silver Desk Fan

250W Line Trimmer

SKU00757325

387

SKU00563099

Portable BBQ

18m line space.

148cc. Steel deck.

14

SKU00270322

4L Aquanamel

25kg Multicrete

Glyphosate concentrate.

Kids Wheelbarrow

Single Folding Clothesline

72

$

Lopper & Bypass Secateur Set

1.5w x 1.9h x 0.8d m. Zinc. SKU03312670

34 $

244

Kitset Veggie Garden

Garden Shed

85

SKU00270301

$

$ 40

$

SKU00224436

43

One piece lightweight frame. SKU00140418

SKU00919447

15m Fitted Hose & Reel

1400W. 1595 max psi. SKU00613195

230mm E-Frame Roller Kit

Polyester. 2 side panels.

$

Waterblaster

39

3m Gazebo With Sides

3999

SKU00840241

$ 93

Safety Stays SKU00162819

Various colours.

4

$ 58

69

10L Fence Finish

6

SKU00849280

$

$ 47 BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE Large Dog Kennel

900l x 900w x 900h mm.

179

SKU00951537

5 Piece Steel Sling Setting

Silver frame. Charcoal textilene fabric. SKU03190964

$

248

Lantern

Includes 6V battery.

SKU00494884

8

$ 10

$

ASHBURTON 363 West Street, Ph 03 307 6671 TRADING HOURS Weekdays 7am-6pm Weekends 8am-6pm Catalogue online at www.bunnings.co.nz

Not all services and products featured are available in all stores, but may be ordered. See in store for product availability. Shelf prices may be lower than advertised to ensure lowest prices every day. We reserve the right to restrict the purchase of commercial quantities. All prices quoted are inclusive of GST. Prices valid until Friday 5th November 2010 or while stocks last.

BUNZ7362

GUARDIAN FARMING

What’s inside/happening

contents

Couple on their annual AI pilgrimage south ................................................. P4 Changes in the grass change horses ................................................................ P6 Trees and resource efficiency .............................................................................. P7 Winchmore update - October ............................................................................ P8 Foreign investment - friend or foe? ................................................................P10 Federated Farmers to refine foreign investment policy ..........................P11 Industrial feature ............................................................................................P12, 13 Looking back on five years of columns .........................................................P14 Pondering strongly held beliefs .......................................................................P15 Water whisperings ................................................................................................P16 Lincoln news - two research projects.............................................................P17 Book a gift to community...................................................................................P18 Rare horse breed arrives .....................................................................................P19 Walls come a-tumbling down ....................................................................P20, 21 Weather by the moon .........................................................................................P22

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: jack.p@theguardian.co.nz Publication date: November 2, 2010.

Next issue: December 7, 2010 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

calendar

November 10

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

• Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves and Pigs • Tinwald • Canterbury Park Store Sheep, Lamb and Store Cattle

• Temuka • Tinwald • 80th Royal NZ Show, Christchurch • 80th Royal NZ Show, Christchurch • Temuka Store Cattle • 80th Royal NZ Show, Christchurch

• Temuka • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves and Pigs• Tinwald • Canterbury Park Store Sheep, Lamb and Store Cattle • Tinwald Cattle • Waimate A&P Show • Temuka • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves and Pigs • Tinwald • Canterbury Park Store Sheep, Lamb and Store Cattle • Temuka Store Cattle

• Temuka • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves and Pigs • Tinwald • Canterbury Park Store Sheep, Lamb and Store Cattle

• Temuka • Loe, Pattie and Dohne Ram, Canterbury Park • Canterbury Park All Prime Bobby Calves and Pigs • Tinwald

C4 Construction will work WITH YOU, to design and construct the highest quality residential and commercial buildings We specialise in ‘TRUE’ fixed price contracts – there are no hidden costs or surprise extras when we build your home

6 ways we will accomplish this:

1. A commitment to unparalleled results, achieved with an unrelenting attention to detail.

2. Delivering high customer satisfaction, ensuring a personal and thorough relationship with you.

3. We do not margin our products, striving to achieve your dream home, to the highest standard, within your budget.

4. When you build with C4, we can offer you the entire stress free package, from professionally organising all of the consents, to providing the full design and drawings. The person that designs and sells you your dream home will be on site, actually building your new house, working with you to guarantee complete satisfaction.

5. You will never be kept in the dark, we are there to answer your every question and to make immediate decisions and improvements with you every step of the way.

6. Our extensive residential experience has allowed us to form lasting and committed relationships with our subcontractors, ensuring every last detail of the finishing is completed to the highest of standards.

• Multi-storey • Residential • Extensions • Renovations • Sleepouts • Luxury Homes • Alterations

Our priority is, quite simply, YOUR satisfaction Phone Mark – 0274 356 329 or Mike – 027 231 8356

BLP103462

Page 3

Page 4

GUARDIAN FARMING

Annual AB pilgrimage south

Lance Isbister, Ashburton Guardian rural reporter

Artificial Breeding technicians John Rae and Linda Smith have been making their annual pilgrimage to Southland from their Tauranga home for the past decade.

He recalled working in Southland two years ago during November when it snowed and found it interesting that the conditions had no effect on conception rates.

This year however, the Livestock Improvement (LIC) technicians couldn’t pass up the opportunity to fertilise cows in Mid Canterbury after LIC Upper South Island regional manager Hayley Petrie asked them to work in her area.

John said the advent of AB technician assistants as well as the Datamate have made a huge difference in recording breeding information, allowing the technician to focus on delivering the semen.

Technology has come a long way since the 1980s when John used to extract semen from a test tube, now long-life straws have made the whole process much easier.

The couple had experienced Mid and South Canterbury last year when they took time to cycle through Mt Somers, Geraldine and Tekapo, while enjoying the unique hospitality of station farm stays. “That 10 days was magic, we loved coming down here and salmon fishing.”

John said they were now getting a larger proportion of farmers wanting crossbred dairy cattle as well as DNA proven bull semen.

THE AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC DEALER THE AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC DEALER Back in Tauranga the couple work on a kiwifruit orchard for 16 weeks when John drives a truck carting the kiwifruit and Linda audits pickers.

“More than 50% of the cows we will do this season will get into DNA semen.”

PHOTO LANCE ISBISTER 151010-LI-212 While some farmers can be very selective Tauranga couple John Rae and Linda Smith have been able to see the sights with which bull semen goes into which cow, When they fly down from the North Island, throughout the South Island as travelling AB technicians, using their caravan Linda enjoys the process of matching the they are reunited with their home away from as a home and base during the AB season. bull semen with the right cow number. home, a camper van, which enables them “It means we can keep to a timetable so the the freedom to tour the South Island before Over the course of seven to eight weeks John said through this breeding technology they will return to those farms as more cattle farmer knows when we are going to be there farmers are trying to advance the genetics and after the busy Artificial Breeding (AB) and doesn’t have to hang around waiting (to of their cows, but were not solely focused on season. They hire a car to make their runs to come into heat and cycle. assist).” local farms as cows come into season. increasing milk production.

Although they had a run of 11 farms in Southland last year, John said on average John said the rising plane of nutrition in John has been involved in dairying for He said when it came to genetic traits the herd sizes were smaller compared to Mid cows was crucial for successful breeding. farmers considered everything from teat and most of his life, and first started as an AB Canterbury, but they still inseminated the “As long as cows are well fed it makes a huge udder placement through to their hooves to technician more than 30 years ago. When same number of about 7000 cows in the AB difference with cycling.” develop stock with the best traits.

John first started artificially inseminating, season. most herds averaged less than 200 cows and he would be finished by 10.30 in the “The advantage for us (in Mid Canterbury) morning. is that there are fewer stops in a day,” John said.

Throughout his career he has seen more women take up the straw and syringe as AB “I don’t get the feeling that big is beautiful, but it does work here, we are seeing some technicians, he said there were also many other people in their late 50s working as AB extremely well run farms, it’s a management thing really.” technicians.

Sales, Installation and Service South Island Wide Sales, Installation and Service South Island Wide c Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move cTHE Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move orner options AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC DEALER orner options c Lateral Moves including Pivoting and 4 Wheel Sales, Installation and Service South Island Wide c Lateral Moves including Pivoting and 4 Wheel AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC DEALER cTHE Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move ion of PVC Mainline, Submersible and Turbine Pumps orner options ion of PVC Mainline, Submersible andIsland Turbine Pumps ters and Data Logging solutions Sales, Installation and Service South Wide cTHE Lateral Moves including Pivoting and 4 Wheel ters and Data Logging solutions pping c Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC DEALER pping Call-out Service orner options ion of PVC Mainline, Submersible and Turbine Pumps Sales, Installation and Service South Island Wide Service THE ZIMMATIC DEALER ow forAUTHORISED a competitive quote cCall-out Lateral Moves including Pivoting and 4 Wheel ters and Logging solutions c Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move ow for a Data competitive quote Sales, Installation and John Service South Island Wide DEALER pping orner options THE AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC Linda said over the years has honed “As longof as your fiPVC tness is up to it, it’s ion Mainline, Submersible and Turbine Pumps his runs down to a fine art, knowing exactly something that you can do Service through to cCall-out Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move Lateral Moves including Pivoting and 4 Wheel s $ESIGN 3ALES )NSTALLATION AND 3ERVICE 3OUTH )SLAND how long it will take to reachsolutions the next farm. retirementand age.” ters Data Logging 7IDE orner options ow for a competitive quote She said technology such as cell phones The couple started artificially inseminating pping s :IMMATIC #ENTRE 0IVOTS INCLUDING -AXlELD #ONSTANT and the Datamate breeding informationPivoting and 4 Wheel lastof week, and have a run of seven c cows Lateral Moves including ion PVC Mainline, Submersible and Turbine Pumps -OVE AND : #ORNER OPTIONS recording tool has made their runs much different dairy farms in which they will Call-out Service THE AUTHORISED ZIMMATIC DEALER easier as John can call farmers and let them artificially inseminate an average of betweenLogging s :IMMATIC ,ATERAL -OVES INCLUDING 0IVOTING AND 7HEEL ters and Data solutions know if they will be late.quote Design, Sales, Installation and Service South Island Wide 250 to 300 cows a day. ow for a competitive /PTIONS Zimmatic and Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move ion of PVC Mainline, Submersible Turbine Pumps pping and Z Corner options s )NSTALLATION OF 06# -AINLINE 3UBMERSIBLE AND 4URBINE ters and Data Logging solutions Zimmatic Lateral Moves including Pivoting and 4 Wheel Call-out Service 0UMPS Options s &LOWMETERS AND $ATA ,OGGING SOLUTIONS pping ow for a competitive quote Installation of PVC Mainline, Submersible and Turbine Pumps TIMARU Flowmeters and Data Logging solutions s '03 -APPING Call-out Service GPS Mapping s (OUR #ALL OUT 3ERVICE 24 Hour Call-out Service ow for a competitiveFquote ull ra Phone now for a competitive quote s 0HONE NOW FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE n of pa ge rts avail able fo all re pairs r .

ANNOUNCING OUR TIMARU BRANCH ANNOUNCING OUR TIMARU BRANCH OPENING SOON

Commercial Installation

Convening Systems

Drying Systems

MMATIC 100% NZOPENING MADE Available throughout New Zealand and Australia.

MMATIC Full installation and project management available.

SOON

 

Do you require: Farm Installation

       



 0800 ZIMMATIC     SOON   OPENING MMATIC



ANNOUNCING OUR TIMARU BRANCH ANNOUNCING OUR TIMARU BRANCH       OPENING SOON Contact Dan Cosgrove Ltd today.

Phone +64 3 688 4169 Fax +64 3 687 9438 Website www.dancosgrove.co.nz Or contact Kevin Cosgrove – Cell 027 432 1458 Email kevinc@dancosgrove.co.nz

GUARDIAN FARMING

OP/08/FP

Page 5

Page 6

GUARDIAN FARMING

Changes in the grass change horses

Jenny Paterson, B.Sc

Not only do horses go ‘doolally’ when spring hits but the incidences of laminitis, mysterious bouts of ‘colic’, head-flicking, allergies and respiratory problems rise significantly at the same time.

consuming was short and much more dangerous than if it was in a more mature stage of growth.

The safest pasture management system is to provide a good ‘dry lot’. Maybe this takes the form of a track along under the trees or around the perimeter of the paddock.

Maybe it is your round-pen or other large yard. Basically during ‘dodgy grass’ times your horse lives in here with access to plenty of hay.

Many mares become shockingly ‘hormonal’, geldings can become aggressive, people report mysterious personality changes, muscle soreness, sweating easily, not to mention ‘losing the plot’ when they get to the competition. On one recent ‘Adult Riding Club’ trail ride, five riders got bucked off!

The reading on the ‘Fun-ometer’ hits rock bottom when horses do scary things, people quickly lose confidence and there are even some people who don’t bother riding their horses until spring has well and truly come and gone.

This is a real shame as spring is when we get all motivated again, it’s when we want to go to the shows, go out on the trail with our friends or when we want to put our mares in foal. Yet spring, followed closely by autumn can be a nightmare time for many horse owners.

Exactly what is it about the spring grass that causes such changes in our beautiful horses? Is it that the spring grass gets high in sugar? High in protein? Becomes riddled with mycotoxins?

At ‘Provide It’ we’ve been gathering forage

To create a good ‘dry lot’, spray out an area or a track. Let the grass in the paddock grow long and/or make your own hay. tests to get right to the bottom of it. And A horse from South Canterbury had a consistent pattern has emerged that repeated bouts of ‘colic’ or abdominal pain. confirms the recommendation of changing The grass was not even considered as a your pasture management so that your possible cause, therefore it was left on the horse has zero access to grass in growth grass and more bouts soon followed. mode!

A forage test revealed crucial mineral ratios Note the emphasis on the word zero, Jenny that were excessively wide, crude protein Craig paddocks mean the horse is grazing levels through the roof and a Dietary very short grass which is the worst and Cation Anion Difference that was hundreds strip grazing doesn’t work because the of times higher than what it should have horse quickly gorges on the new break been. The gist of all this is that the grass then spends the rest of the day eating the was very dangerous and the horse could regrowth behind. have died. The horse was removed from the pasture and has not had any more If there is a bit of a dry spell, then it rains, bouts. the new growth is potentially LETHAL to your horse.

The offending grass this horse had been

Is your auto electrics not working anymore?

Have you problems with your lighting, starter motors, alternators, air conditioning, batteries, diagnostics or wiring?

Graeme and his team will fix it all for you!

On site or at your place! s !LL VEHICLES s 4RUCKS s 4RACTORS s &ARMING MACHINERY s %ARTHMOVING (ARVESTING EQUIPMENT s #ARAVANS s "OATS s "USES

Bells Auto Electrical Services 7ATSON 3T !SHBURTON Ph 308-5222

This means you can allow the grass in his paddock to get more mature, even make your own hay. Then you can let him have a feed on it for half an hour morning and night or whatever fits your schedule.

A small feed every day with their goodies: salt and premium vitamins and minerals including selenium, keeps them in tip-top condition “Changes in the Grass Make Changes in the Horse” – this is such an important subject, I don’t believe you can get the best out of your horse or enjoy him to the utmost unless you understand exactly how grass affects their health and behaviour.

When the penny drops it is like somebody gave you a new set of glasses, you will see ‘grass-affected’ horses everywhere, certainly at every show or event. You won’t believe until you actually do it just how many problems evaporate when you eliminate vegetative grass from their diet!

Bring New life to your garden with the atmosphere only running water can give.

We now stock plastic moulded ponds in different shapes and sizes, with a wide range of pumps to bring them to life.

Visit the team at Arthur Cates Ltd to view the options and transform your garden into a feature this summer.

Arthur Cates Ltd www.arthurcates.co.nz - 236 Burnett Street, Ashburton.

Open Saturdays 9:00am to 11:30am

One call does it all...

Stock yard and Dairy conversion specialists Also experienced in: • Urban and rural fencing • Deer fencing • Entrance ways • Horse paddocks • Water systems • Fencing maintenance and repairs

2 tonne digger now available for your requirements with a qualified operator.

For competitive commercial and general fencing materials phone our timber yard on 0274 208 367

For the job done right, first time, every time with our customer satisfaction guarantee Call Andrew Whyte at Whyte contracting for a no obligation quote... One call does it all

0274 208 367

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 7

Trees and resource efficiency

Sheryl Stivens Eco efficiency Co-ordinator Mastagard Ashburton

I

t has been sad to watch the eradication of 100 plus years of tree planting on our farms over the past 10 years.

Trees help us in many ways and their benefits extend far beyond their impact on climate.

Trees are natural coolers, they absorb carbon dioxide keeping the air cool and clean. Leaves clean the air by absorbing dust and other harmful particles. During the day they release oxygen which we breathe. They also release water vapour into the air. These droplets of vapour form clouds and bring us rain. Trees are a natural home for millions of birds and insects many of which are natural predators for problems such as grass grub.

Trees have many uses including providing feed for bees at times of year when other food sources are in short supply.

Leguminous trees such as wattles and tree lucerne fix nitrogen in our soils.

Trees provide timber for a range of uses including furniture and we take for granted that trees also provide us with the endless amounts of paper which has become part of our daily lives.

Recycling paper and cardboard and treating it as a resource has never been easier or more important.

Benefits of recycling paper and cardboard Paper and cardboard are made from the cellulose fibres in woodpulp. To reuse these fibres old paper and cardboard have to be soaked and agitated. The process can be repeated a number of times before the fibres disintegrate. Fewer chemicals, energy, water and trees are used to produce recycled paper and cardboard than to produce virgin material.

For every tonne of paper recycled the savings are:

• At least 30,000 litres water • More than 4000 KW of energy, enough to power the average house for 6 months • 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution • 2.5 barrels of oil • More than 3 cubic metres landfill space In addition recycling creates six times as many jobs as landfills.

Recycled paper requires 28 to 70% less energy to produce than new paper.

Additionally recycled paper is not generally rebleached and if it is oxygen is used rather than chlorine.

Trees provide shelter in the heat of summer, the chill of winter and most importantly help to break the speed of wind on our windy plains. Have you noticed the dust rising and blowing as you drive to Christchurch in recent times?

Despite the wide availability of paper recycling depots and centres in New Zealand paper and cardboard make up 20% of what is sent to landfills. Paper is organic so when it rots in a landfill it produces methane which is a potent green house gas 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Tree roots hold the soil together and protect it from being washed away by heavy rains. The top soil is extremely precious as it is considered to take between 100 to 500 years for an inch to form, depending on the climate and the type of base rock. When the soil is washed or blown away it settles in the riverbeds or lakes as silt. This reduces the amount of water these rivers can hold and causes floods in many parts of the world.

All grades of paper and cardboard are accepted for recycling at the Ashburton and Rakaia Resource Recovery Parks and at drop-off sites at Methven, Mayfield, Hinds, Willowby, and Mt Somers.

By recycling the past you can play a part in delivering the future

Ashburton Crane Hire Ltd · 24 hour service, 7 days a week. · Free on site quote Contact Warren and Gerard to know more! Bremners Road, Ashburton Phone: 0274 192 554 Email: ashburtoncranehire@xtra.co.nz

Blacklows TradeZone Ashburton

Full range of engineering supplies & accessories for all your repairs and maintenance

ARC WELDER MMA/TIG

Kerrick Hot & Cold Waterblasters & Industrial Vacuum Cleaners

Industrial 170Amp 230v DC inverter welder stick electrode.

Option (MMA) Lift Arc DC Tig. 2 year warranty.

Comes complete with carry case and industrial welding lead set.

Stockists and distributors of CM Trailer Equipment

Esseti Welders & Accessories

Blacklows TradeZone Ashburton Locally owned & operated family business with over 57 years experience.

WITH HANDY CARRY CASE

740

$

inc GST

WATERBLASTERS-Keep the mud out!

XA-ARC170-SP

If you are in the market for a waterblaster please call in and see us now.

We have an extensive selection available to cater for all jobs, big or small.

Many models and brands available also.

ASHBURTON

South Street, Ashburton PHONE (03) 308-3147 Email blacklows@xtra.co.nz FREEPHONE 0800 452 522

Page 8

GUARDIAN FARMING

Winchmore update - October

John Carson

According to the long term weather data here at the Research Station, we are once again for another month, 30mm of rain behind the long term average for October, although as has happened before I quote these figures around the 21st – 25th of each month and before the month has ended more rain has arrived.

However it is good to be aware of how it is looking out there, often we can think it’s dry or it’s wet but just how dry or how wet is the real question. I guess I am fortunate to have this information on-hand and can put actual numbers around your thoughts, as to how the season is shaping up.

The evaporation rate for October averages 82.5mm of moisture lost, to date (21st) it adds up to 52.4mm so we could easily lose another 30mm before the end of the month with the winds we are experiencing at the moment.

The soil moisture has decreased from 26.8% to 22 .9% based on a 20cm depth reading. The 13 frosts so far this month have kept the soil temperature in check; it has climbed from 9.5°C on the 20th to 11.1°C on the 21st.

Pasture growth is finally starting to move although there is not too much growth able to be pushed ahead or considered for supplements at the moment. Growth rate according to my pasture cages is between 43 and 47 kgDM/ha/day. Short of the 23 year average of 51 to 56 kgDM/ha/day. I would expect that growth will really kick in once more of the snow disappears from the hills and there is less chance of frosts keeping the soil temperature down.

This month got the tailing completed, both commercial and science with a ewes to the ram percentage of 150

from the commercials. The science mobs are yet to have their final numbers checked off but one of the mobs will be up over 180 percent, the other not quite as good.

Cultivation has been a stop-start affair with the weather messing things up a bit, however we are not too far behind and the second big tractor makes it easier to catch up if necessary.

Part of the winter and some of the recent wet days have given us the chance to tidy up some of our machinery, namely the drill and replace some bits and pieces that needed attention. I think we are fortunate here around Ashburton to have good suppliers for all the parts,

Manage feed shortages and increase productivity with quality brassicas.

WINTER ACTIVE

Brassica forage crops are high in energy and protein providing a high quantity of feed for your stock. Brassica forage crops are ideal in any situation where pasture quantity or quality is limiting the potential production of your stock.

www.specseed.co.nz

,OCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Phone 308 4079

HIGHLY NUTRITIOUS

IMPROVED WINTER SPRING AND SUMMER PERFORMANCE

materials or services we need, which means that the “five-minute� fix and repair job we started that turns into a “major� fix and repair doesn’t cause as much stress as it would in some other areas of the country I have worked in.

I guess we all know and say that, “life’s too short to be stressed out�, easy to say but some times hard to follow.

I trust that even though this will be read after Labour weekend we will have been able to have had the opportunity for a break, spend time with family and friends and reflect on the good things available to us in this area of Canterbury.

CHANGES IN THE GRASS MAKE CHANGES IN THE HORSE

New DVD

by Jenny Paterson B.Sc This DVD provides answers:

t )PX UP SFEVDF PS FMJNJOBUF NBOZ IFBMUI CFIBWJPVSBM JTTVFT t /P NPSF IPSNPOBM NBSFT NVE GFWFS IFBE nJDLJOH NZTUFSJPVT QFSTPOBMJUZ DIBOHFT TIPSU TUFQQJOH MPTJOH UIF QMPU DSBCCJOFTT USPVCMF XJUI TBEEMF mUUJOH FUD

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FEED STORE Enquiries: horsemanshipnz@xtra.co.nz www.calmhealthyhorses.com

s 3TOCK #ARTAGE s "ULK #ARTAGE s &ERTILISER 3PREADING s 'ENERAL &REIGHT s (IAB 4RUCK (IRE 0ROUD TO BE SERVICING OUR LOCAL FARMING COMMUNITY

GUARDIAN FARMING

Bringing in a New Era in PGR Economics....

Page 9

Trexel® is a new PGR based on the active ingredient Trinexapac-ethyl. Trexel is the first generic Trinexapac-ethyl based PGR to be registered in New Zealand, and the first competitor in New Zealand to Moddus®1.

Trexel is a plant growth regulator that reduces the risk of lodging in wheat, barley and oats and promotes significant seed yield increases in ryegrass seed crops.

Trexel is absorbed by the leaves and stems of cereals and ryegrass. It is absorbed quickly into plant tissue and translocated to the growing parts where the elongation of stem internodes is inhibited, reducing the straw height and risk of lodging. In ryegrass seed crops, Trexel shortens the straw height, increases seed set and delays the lodging of the crop, which ensures improved pollination. Trexel now offers farmers the benefits of a leading-edge PGR, with significantly lower per hectare costs.

The following is an indicative comparison of the cost savings that you can achieve with Trexel:

Product:

Trexel®

Moddus®1

250g/litre trinexapac-ethyl

250g/litre trinexapac-ethyl

400mL/ha

400mL/ha

Average Retail Cost (per litre)*:

$99.00

$142.00

Average Cost Per Ha.

$39.60

$56.80

Cost Saving Per Ha.

$17.20

-

Active Ingredient: Use rate:

*Average retail cost (excluding GST) and based on a survey of pricing across four rural merchandise stores in Canterbury.

Trexel is available through participating merchants in your area.

Trexel is a leading-edge PGR, with significant cost/yield benefits: Excellent lodging control  One PGR for wheat, barley, oats and ryegrass seed crops  Maximises yield potential  Low use rates  Trexel is a Registered Trademark of Adria New Zealand Limited and is Registered Pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, Approval No. P8043.

Moddus is a Registered Trademark of a Syngenta Group Company and is Registered Pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, Approval No. P4788. ®

®1

Page 10

GUARDIAN FARMING

Foreign investment friend or foe?

Neal Shaw, ATS Chief Executive

Speculation about foreign investments and off-shore buying of New Zealand land is a sure-fire way of getting a reaction, whether it is in the political arena or on an individual level.

The topic is highly emotive as it often strikes at the heart of what we as New Zealanders hold dear – our land and our waterways. Add to that any potential economic implications and it’s no wonder foreign investment is a popular talking point for politicians as it’s usually likely to provoke a response.

It has recently hit the headlines again, following last month’s Labour Party Conference and its subsequent policy announcements. Given we are now entering the 12 month lead-up to the next general election, I’m sure we will continue to hear a lot more about foreign investment policies from many of our politicians.

Labour’s stance is that too much New Zealand land has been bought by foreigners and it proposes most applications from overseas buyers should be rejected.

No matter which political party it is, foreign land ownership has been happening for decades.

High profile cases such as the potential sale of Crafar Farms have all added fuel to this emotive topic and while there is merit in discussing the issues raised, I think it is time to put emotions aside and look at the facts relating to foreign investment.

The purpose of the Overseas Investment Act 2005 is “to acknowledge that it is a privilege for overseas persons to own or control sensitive New Zealand assets� and it addresses this by requiring overseas investments in those assets “to meet criteria for consent� and to have conditions imposed.

While the Act talks about monitoring and enforcing these conditions, this is probably an area lacking some transparency as far as the general public is concerned.

We often know about foreign investment proposals through the media (such as in the Crafar case) but will we know about subsequent conditions imposed and if an overseas buyer is adhering to these rules?

This is an important part of the process, and there has to be clear, strong management. It cannot be about emotions and scaremongering.

Labour’s policy announcement regarding foreign ownership of land was clearly tugging at the heart strings, with much emphasis placed on the need to make land and farm ownership more accessible to New Zealanders.

One commentator in The Press, Vernon Small, summed it up well when he said “(David) Parker’s view (Labour’s Overseas Investment spokesman) is that the limits on foreign investments, particularly on farmland, are not just about populism and economic nationalism but have a central part to play in Kiwis’ sense of aspiration and on their potential social mobility; that pricing farms and other major assets outside the reach of most New Zealanders strikes at the heart of the Kiwi dream...�

E L A S R FO

The inference is that overseas interest will inflate prices making the purchase of farmland in particular unobtainable to many. But limiting access to overseas farm ownership might not change this, especially if there is a perception availability of these properties is scarce and thereby exclusive.

There has always been foreign ownership in New Zealand, not just of land, but also commercial and other business related assets. These overseas interests are not all bad and many do benefit our country and our economy. Sometimes it is easy to forget just how much overseas ownership has become an everyday part of our lives – just look at our commercial trading banks.

Selling out to foreign ownership is about a perceived lack of control but is that really the case? If foreign investment provides jobs and helps drive the economy then should we be saying no or limiting our options?

These are all important questions and they often get lost in the heated and emotive debates which follow political announcements or media reports of proposed land purchases.

The whole issue of who owns our farmland and its value also plays on the urban – rural divide which is very much alive and well in New Zealand. There have been many environmental and on-farm practices showcased by the media as being cruel or unnecessary, and all of these add to what I believe is a growing rift between urban and rural New Zealanders.

SEED DRILL FOR DRY HIRE

While I obviously do not condone illegal or cruel behaviour, there are a number of rural realities which are often lost on our urban counterparts, and this lack of understanding continues to grow as more people become further removed from their country cousins.

It’s worth asking the question where did my ham or beef steak come from or the milk for my latte?

If we can eliminate some of this emotive banter and get back to the hard facts we will go a long way towards finding good solutions to some of these issues. We may even find the problem is not anywhere as big as we first imagined.

03 318 4018

s 4HE LATEST 4AEGE DRILL FOR DRY HIRE

s 'UARANTEED MAINTENANCE CHECK BEFORE HIRE s %XCELLENT TRASH CLEARANCE s ,OWER HORSEPOWER REQUIRED LOWER FUEL COSTS s &AST CALIBRATION ACCURATE SEEDING RESULTS s $RILLS ALL TYPES OF SEED FERTILISER s $RILLS FROM CULTIVATED TO VERY HARD GROUND CONDITIONS s $RILL CALIBRATION SETUP AVAILABLE s #LOSE ROW SPACINGS EXCELLENT TILTH s ,ARGE HOPPERS HARROWS s %NDTOW AVAILABLE FOR VEHICLE PICK UP s &ROM PER HECTARE Quality Agricultural Hire Ltd 03 3184018 - 021573527

Sheffield, Canterbury, NZ - drill@qualityhire.co.nz

s $ISCOUNT APPLIES FOR OVER HECTARES

GUARDIAN FARMING

Foreign investment policy Federated Farmers is looking forward to receiving the detail behind Labour’s newly announced foreign investment policy, as it similarly awaits detail from the Government.

Federated Farmers’ president Don Nicolson said the farmer advocacy group wishes to take a principles approach to foreign investment in farmland, as it will be a major item before our November National Council.

“Five hectares may be in the Overseas Investment Act, but as a farmer, five hectares might as well be 50 square metres. It’s important we understand the detail behind Labour’s new policy and for that matter, the Government’s recently announced changes.

“For us the property right is sacrosanct.

What is farm policy today, could tomorrow become shares in a New Zealand company or for that matter, a unit in Takapuna.

Don Nicolson, president, Federated Farmers

investment.

“We have to be very careful about the signals we send. Eighty-two percent of the $17.2 billion New Zealand Superannuation Investment Fund is for instance, invested overseas.

“The Government is itself borrowing $413 a second, or $250 million a week, to help take the sharp edges off the recession. Doing that may help insulate the domestic economy but it massively increases pressure on the already high Kiwi dollar.

“Appreciating the vast amounts of foreign money coming into New Zealand makes you look at an ATM machine in a whole new light.

“What’s also missing is a real debate around the principles underpinning foreign investment. Somehow we’ve skipped to solutions instead of understanding why we allow direct foreign investment into New Zealand and why New Zealanders invest overseas.

SUZUKI ONLY 1

“Things are not black and white. It’s incredibly complex so the last thing we need is for it to be interpreted overseas as a possible political veto on foreign

Page 11

It is surprising the number of Kiwis that own some Queensland real estate. million, according to Queensland’s Foreign Ownership of Land Register.

“I think if the shoe was on the other foot, you’d have many people crying foul.

LTF400FK94“It’sx4 why our starting point is not in the negative Man Trans left! but the positive. Irrespective of

“In 2009, Kiwis were the sixth largest ‘foreign investors’ in Queensland, buying 2669 land parcels worth almost $AU60

QUADMANIA LY 4 ON$9,995

LTA400FK94x4 Auto Trans left!

WAS $13,100 $10,995

Incl GST

2010 pricing $12,995 & $13,995 Incl GST respectively

Suzuki KingQuads are torture tested and built tough for the unique conditions on New Zealand farms. Right now is the best time ever to get a KingQuad for your farm, because out they go to kick start the new year at amazing prices.

KINGQUAD 400 MANUAL LT-F400FK9 Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion.

Massive savings on Farm Quads!

Suzuki KingQuads are torture tested and built tough for the unique conditions on New Zealand farms. Right now is the 187 Street, Ph 308 best West time ever to Ashburton get a KingQuad for 2055 your farm, because out www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz they go to kick start the new year at amazing prices.

Offer not available in conjunction with any other promotion.

All prices include GST.

whether they’re from Manila or Manitoba, the New Zealand farm system can be made better by the people who enter it from outside of New Zealand.

“That’s why refining Federated Farmers’ policy on foreign investment at our National Council will be led by principles.”

Page 12

GUARDIAN FARMING

Ashburton

Industrial Estate

Hearty food to fall in love with

The Riverside Food Bar has become a famous spot for both business people and truckies a like, gaining a reputation for hearty food that is lip-smacking good, at a great price.

A delicious meal doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and when you step inside the Riverside Food Bar, you are greeted with a massive selection to satisfy the rumble in your tummy.

On a cold day, or when you need a substantial feed, you can’t go past their hot food area, full of hearty fare from stuffed

Story: Amanda Niblett sausages, to fish and chips, a To pick you up in the morning, since pre-prepared meal or their popular seathey are open from 5:30am, come in and soned chicken. Also comforting favourites grab a hot Robert Harris coffee, for your – pies, sausage rolls and toasted jump start to the day. sandwiches.

Neill and Margaret Chapman took over On the lighter side of life, they stock the food bar 7 years ago, and take pride a mouth watering array of fresh sandin preparing fresh, hearty food daily to wiches, rolls, Panini’s and wraps, plus their loyal regulars. They both grew up in fresh salads. They have a large selection Ashburton and have always been involved of home baked scones, tea buns, muffins in the food industry, both locally and in and slices, and for a refreshing break, Timaru. They get to know their regulars, there is a cool selection of drinks and where they work and what their favourite foods are, and that enables them to keep ice creams.

PH/FAX 03 308 4606

Your locally owned and operated Zimmatic importer & distributor

Design, Install and service 25 McNally Street, Ashburton Ph (03) 307-2027 www.plainsirrigators.co.nz

4A Watson Street, Ashburton

GEOFF FREW 0274 311 115 JOHN SMITHERAM 0274 311 114 PO Box 5010, Tinwald

Take the stress out of building We’ll take your project from inception to completion Specialising in new homes, kitchens, additions & renovations

WE DO THE LOT

Total Project Management

well stocked in the tasty favourites. They even have out of town regulars that stop in on their way through town.

Parking and access is easy, trucks have no problems finding space, and once the road is re-opened and sealed through Dobson Street West, there will be a more direct route to them from town.

Hot coffee, hearty food and friendly smiles, come and see why the Riverside Food Bar has so many happy regulars that love their food.

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

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

GUARDIAN FARMING

Ashburton

Industrial Estate

Page 13

A new name on the farming front Providing innovative and highly-specialised financing solutions for farmers

Hydraulink Mid Canterbury Ltd (Locally owned and operated)

• 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

TRUCK SERVICING s 3ERVICE REPAIRS s #/& REPAIRS s !LL MAKES AND MODELS 2OBINSON 3TREET !SHBURTON 0HONE !LL DEPARTMENTS HOURS

Ify oupur chaseapr ofessionallyinstalled longrun roof between now and the end of March 2011, you could win the cost of your roof back.

Applies to a new roof or re-roof. *Conditions apply

Phone 308-1850 or 0800 IRON 4 U 5 McGregor Lane, Ashburton

s #HAINSAWS "RUSHCUTTERS s 7ATER BLASTERS s -OWERS s %NGINES 'ENERATORSS s 7ATER PUMPS

We service what we sell

Have you been thinking of driving a heavy vehicle?

5 Range Street Ashburton Phone 307-7055

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

The quickest most convenient way for the working man to enjoy lunch on the GO! All prepared fresh on the day for a TRUE (OME MADE TASTE

Large Selection of hot and cold drinks s 3AVOURIES s 3ANDWICHES s 2EADY MADE MEALS Open 5 days 5.30am-3.30pm

2IVERSIDE &OODBAR

! 2OBINSON 3TREET

!SHBURTON - PH 03-308-2288

Pyne Gould Corporation Limited Trading stock is estimated at around (PGC) will expand its range of $3.4b, with annual lamb sales adding specialist financial services available $2.0b-$2.5b. The total value of to the farming sector with the launch agricultural machinery is estimated at of Pyne Gould Rural, a division which $3.5b-$4.0b. will sit within PGC’s principal finance “So there are significant assets subsidiary, MARAC Finance Limited. on-farm that can be used by Launched in October, Pyne Gould farmers to generate future business Rural will primarily offer livestock, opportunities and grow profitability.” seasonal and working capital Mr Purvis said Pyne Gould Rural’s financing, as well as leasing solutions focus on productive farm assets direct to farmers. means lending packages can be Head of Pyne Gould Rural, Will specifically tailored to meet the needs Purvis, said seasonal and working of individual farmers. Loan terms will capital financing and leasing solutions be more flexible than those offered by allow farmers to use capital more traditional trading banks. efficiently “particularly those farmers “Farmers can have complete who are looking to expand or to confidence because they are dealing channel investment directly into with a financing partner that is New appreciating assets”.

Zealand-owned and operated, and has He said over-exposure to agriculture been part of the fabric of rural New by some established providers in Zealand since the 1850s.” the rural lending sector and the He said Pyne Gould Rural will initially exit of many non-bank financial focus its financial services operations institutions from the industry created on the South Island and then grow the opportunity for Pyne Gould Rural from there. to provide innovative and highlyPyne Gould Rural will be included specialised financing solutions for in the proposed merger with CBS farmers.

Canterbury and Southern Cross “Pyne Gould Rural’s financing Building Society to create a New packages will enable clients to Zealand NZX-listed financial services purchase capital stock or machinery group. that will help them grow their farm business. It will also allow them to take advantage of opportunistic trading stock purchases.”

Based on data from MAF’s Agricultural Production Statistics, he estimates the national value of capital breeding stock (dairy, sheep Pyne Gould Rural is a new finance organisation and beef ) to be which specialises in big ticket farms items such as around $10.5b. combine harvesters and tractors.

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

0800 472 563 Fax 03 308-6512 plameragriparts@xtra.co.nz 34 Robinson St, Industrial Estate, Ashburton

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

Page 14

GUARDIAN FARMING

Five years on In September 2005 I was asked by the Guardian owner together with the then publication manager if I would write (unpaid of course) an opinion piece for a new monthly publication they were planning to launch in October that year.

Hence Guardian Farming commenced.

I agreed to give it a go for six months trial, bearing in mind, my School Certificate English mark of 41% hardly constituted journalistic ability.

My rules were simple, I write - Guardian prints. Change anything more than typographical errors and the deal ceases.

That’s how I define an opinion piece.

I’m amazed that five years, 60 editions and over 90,000 words later I’m still receiving comments from as far afield as Invercargill and Auckland. Originally articles were mostly of an agricultural flavour, but after a couple of years were expanded to any topical item I chose.

My aim has always been to proffer an opinion, often backed with a few statistics and give my view (with reasons) of what I think needs to be done to rectify a situation. I hoped to make readers think about issues.

And yes I do have some pet topics.

Land and water use, raising the age of retirement, student loan availability, the welfare system and its link with employment and work ethics, the decline with what I would loosely call “Christian” values, the penal system (particularly as it relates to alcohol offending) and its

John Leadley

application by the judiciary, and many, many more.

One issue that continues to cause concern is the apparent inability or unwillingness of judges to use the penalties available when dealing with repeat offending in relation to motoring offences.

To continually see court cases where one fourth to a seventh of alcohol related driving offences are met by a monetary penalty (often unpaid) so called community service (seldom doing meaningful work) and a few months disqualification from driving is an insult to the justice system and the majority of law abiding citizens.

A car crushing law to try and alleviate the problems of so called “boy racers” was introduced about a year ago with great fanfare.

I’ve unsuccessfully endeavoured to obtain figures on the number of vehicles disposed of under this legislation a number of times, but have seen neither TV footage or photographs of instances of this law being enforced.

Deprivation by seizure is often the most effective deterrent to further offending.

Why not use the laws available by rigid enforcement.

I well remember as a seven year old boy, picking wild blackberries for sale at King Bros greengrocer for nine pence a pound, to buy a blue toy metal tractor which I had seen in a shop. This was my absolute favourite toy and I spent countless hours

Can-Am Outlander 500

Only

$

15,600

incl GST

Can-Am Outlander 400

Only

$

14,200

incl GST

247 Alford Forest Road Ashburton

Ph 03 308 3539

building a farm with kindling wood posts and binder twine fences to pull imaginary implements around my “paddocks” . This was five years prior to having a real tractor to work the farm and in the days of seven draught horses.

My cunning parents knew full well that hiding my tractor for a few days was a much more successful deterrent for my misdemeanour than either hand or razor strop as a penalty.

When it comes to driving offences I don’t believe legislation is to blame. Seizure or disposal of vehicles needs to be the norm to stop persistent offending. Legislation was changed to enable this to happen – why not use its powers?

On a more topical note, I’m appalled by the current industry action being taken by some members of the Post Primary Teachers’ Association.

I’m totally aware that many teachers are absolutely dedicated to the hugely important role they have in society. The work ethic of many is total commitment to good results. Unfortunately an increasing percentage of others seem more intent on personal gain. Maximum class disruption at examination time is an irresponsible decision, doing little to enhance public perception of the sector.

I would have expected so-called “intellectuals” in our society to acknowledge the current economic situation in relation to salary expectation.

I understand each of the three preceding

years has produced a 3-4% salary rise.

Demand for a further 4% (compared with accepted levels in other professions), in the current climate equates to greed, particularly as we witness the continuing growth in numbers of “teacher only” days.

My background of education knowledge is far from extensive, but I do come from a family where my mother was a teacher, and my only brother a 40 year secondary teacher.

Years as a member and chairman of Wakanui School Committee remind me of the total commitment of school teachers in years gone by, albeit at primary level.

As principal not only did they teach full time, do all the administration work, often drive the local bus twice a day, clean and maintain the buildings and under contract mow the grounds and maintain the swimming pool. This was all achieved with three school age pupils and a need to maintain the grounds of the department owned house where they resided.

I’m reluctant to trot out the old cliché “You only work six hours a day, 40 weeks of the year”. I know that is far from the truth for most in the profession. However if teaching is your chosen career, be aware it can be stressful, rewarding, challenging, frustrating and a host of other adjectives.

In my view education is so important that the needs of the pupils should be paramount.

Unfortunately this is not always the case.

GUARDIAN FARMING

Thanks for that

Rob Stevenson, Teamwork (SI) Limited

Several weeks ago I was in a Subway restaurant in Christchurch.

The queue was rather long and I was waiting (reasonably) patiently with my son to place his order.

Handy tips for job applicants

At the front of the queue, paying for their lunch was an otherwise unremarkable couple. Having paid they walked to a table in the corner where they sat down and said grace before eating.

It could be that I don’t pay much attention to those around me, but I don’t often see people saying grace in public. Seeing this couple giving thanks for their food gave me cause to ponder some beliefs I had naively accepted as a modern idea by the self-help and success experts.

I accept we should identify things each day for which we are grateful, and in doing so we will be happier and more positive people.

Well I am grateful to the couple in Subway - who were more remarkable than I first recognised – for making the penny drop for me. That society had been grateful long before the modern day gurus re-branded it for the 21st century.

The same can be said for the various versions of the ‘law of attraction’, which suggests our mind can attract success towards us. Most, if not all religions have a pathway to success through a quiet request

Page 15

• Read the advertisement, if the ad says “must have retail experience”, explain what retail experience you have. Explain each requirement one by one • Where a cellphone number is provided to apply, ring it, don’t send a text • If applying by email, ensure you give a contact phone number.

Make it as easy a possible for the employer to contact you in the right ‘ear’. Whether or not you believe in divine intervention, it can not be argued that we are more likely to recognise an opportunity if we are waiting and expecting one to come our way.

• Employers like to see a stable work history. If your CV indicates you change jobs too often explain why. If you don’t know why, or don’t have a good explanation then get some advice on what has been going wrong and how to inprove

So looking back to ‘gratitude’. Much is said about employers showing appreciation to their staff for the good work they do, and this is an important part of management.

• If you are expecting a prospective employer to ring you, do your best to pick up when they ring. No employer will want staff who are difficult to contact • If you are going to be late for an interview, ring to let the employer know. If you arrive late without explanation you will have some serious ground to make up

However, we employees should not overlook the work our bosses put in to keeping our jobs sustainable.

Maybe we should have a ‘thank the boss’ day, most of us appreciate our jobs but don’t go out of our way to show it as well as we could.

• Each position requires specific skills but the most important qualities you need to show are reliability, honesty, and a genuine desire to SUCCEED.

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.

Also to optimise fertiliser and nutrient availability with all essential soil nutrients, not just NPK, with balanced solid mineral programs and specific liquid bio stimulants and microbial food.

Including - a comprehensive SOIL or PLANT SAP test analysis, interpretation and recommendation.

“We can not solve the problems of today using the same thinking that we used to create them”. Albert Einstein.

Healthy Soils Healthy Soils Biological Farming Consultant Donald Hart 0274320187

Page 16

GUARDIAN FARMING

Water Whisperings The spring and more particularly the equinox have pretty much lived up to its defining qualities this year. Irrigation and the season are upon us and Leeston Show was about right. What must be made right by all irrigators is the need to install water meters and what would be right would be to take a look at the efforts of Irrigation New Zealand.

Unashamedly this article urges you to become a member.

No earthquake(s) stories despite their continuing presence. And the “worst” concerns have been largely nonexistent. The buckled casings, broken screens, damaged pumps and the like have not been outcomes. The worst effect(s) have been the cracked and broken mainline, and for the most part older fibrolite mainline. I am unaware of any irrigators who are not up and running because of the earthquake.

Last month I harped on about the equinox. Typically, because of this phenomenon, windy weather is usual for the four to six weeks after September 22-23. That would take us through to about November 4-5. So it has been, October has been stormy and windy. Just think how many times (on average once a week) you have woken to fresh snow on the alps and to very low levels on occasions – remember the Methven races and the images reaching mainstream television.

That has meant the beginning of most weeks have started with very low soil temperatures, 7-7.5°C and taking all week to get back up to 12-13°C. Then another little south-west blast, some snow and back down to where they started the week. Little wonder the poor plants are not wanting or stimulated to grow rapidly.

all fall into the greater than 20L/s category.

Do you know: a) When you must have an operative water meter, data storage, data retrieval and reporting system installed and operating by? And b) What are your best options and ongoing responsibilities?

Day length compensates a little now and even with lowish daily water use, irrigation is required. At this time of writing (Sunday 24) it is still a “take it easy approach” with depths and frequency.

This was a great opportunity to get it sorted and to have your queries answered. It is not just a matter of buying a meter and having it fitted into the head works.

So here are just a few key points to consider and quickly: a) You have a take over 20L/s, you need to an operative water meter and data retrieval system operating by 10 November 2012; b) 2012 you might think is a long way away. But, there are 3600 groundwater water meters plus about 35 new consents each month to be fitted by then and it won’t be done during the irrigation season.

Just note the new consents take precedence because they must be operating before the consent can be exercised; c) Of the 7383 groundwater takes in Canterbury just 1712 takes have been metered to date; d) This does not count the 1352 surface water takes that may need to be metered as well;

I took time out a fortnight ago to attend the Irrigation New Zealand water meter workshop and AGM at Methven (that doesn’t read all that well because I always attend the AGM). Never mind I was there. However, what did go through my mind was – “why were so few irrigators there?”

When you take the consultants, industry, regional council officers, the odd central government officer and a couple of reporters, there were very few irrigators/farmers there. This was disappointing given the importance and relevance to you all of the subject matter. Water metering is here to stay and you have very little time to be organised, get them installed and ensure they are operative. You almost

Get the job done!

Have you got jobs building up around the farm?

Operating:

Available for:

• 2x 14 ton Wheeled Diggers

· Water Race Cleaning · Irrigation Race Cleaning · Irrigation Trenching · Trenching · Soakholes · Clamshell Holes · Calf Sheds Cleaned

• Bob Cat • Tip Truck • Pole & Post Hole Borders

G

Phone Graeme 021 888 084 or 303 5128

Cameron Contracting

Call in G Cameron ontracting.

Tony Davoren, Hydroservices

· Sheep Yards Cleaned · Rootraking · Gorse & Hedge Removal · Landscaping · Driveways · Compactor · General Farm Work

e) You might have to make some significant changes to your head works structure to accommodate a water meter – time again; and f ) Finally but not least, you need to test run to make sure that not only the meter works, but that the data retrieval and reporting works. To date 41% of the data received is rubbish – errors in the data, damaged cables, flat batteries etc, etc.

So, what does this have to do with INZ you might ask. It has been actively working at central government level and regionally (so far only Canterbury) to reach a sensible set of standards and guidelines.

So, what has this got to do with you, you might ask? Well the few have funded the INZ staffers for the many to reach this sensible end point.

Water metering is just the beginning.

The Land and Water forum report has a whole bunch of things in their sights that will affect how we can irrigate in the future – environmental flows, allocation, use (aka annual volumes), permit trading and others.

Let’s not have the few carry the burden for all irrigators. If you irrigate you need to be a member of INZ – it is the preeminent organisation looking out for irrigators.

NO NEED TO COME TO US, WE CAN COME TO YOU FOR ALL YOUR ENGINEERING NEEDS When you see our truck in town or countryside, that means that we are busy offering our customers our new mobile service.

Fully equipped we specialise in on farm service.

Welding, repairs or maintenance?

We do it all!!

Don’t leave your farm Just call us TODAY!!

Ltd

119 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. (next to Placemakers) Phone 03 308 8012 Website: www.campbellbowis.co.nz

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 17

Lincoln news Two “war zones” in nature provide the setting for a pair of Lincoln University research projects backed by more than a million dollars from the Governmentinitiated Marsden Fund, administered through the Royal Society of New Zealand.

The projects concern the way weeds become winners when migrating to new environments free from traditional enemies, and the mechanism by which the microscopic fungus Trichoderma, used in plant inoculants, defends itself against attack by the immune system of host organisms.

The invasive weed work will be carried out by Lincoln University ecologist Professor Richard Duncan in collaboration with the University’s Professor of Plant Biosecurity Philip Hulme, and the fungus project will be conducted by PostDoctoral Fellow Dr Artemio Mendoza Mendoza, in collaboration with the Director of the Bio-Protection Research Centre, Professor Alison Stewart. Their work will contribute to the theoretical understanding of weed invasion success and fungal immune mechanisms.

Both scientists are members of the Lincoln University-based Bio-Protection Research Centre, a Centre of Research Excellence.

Professor Duncan’s project “Testing the dynamic enemy release hypothesis for invasive species”, assessed by the Marsden Fund’s Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour Panel, has received a three-

year grant totalling $785,000.

Dr Mendoza’s project “Overcoming plant immune responses - the key to fungal symbiosis”, assessed by the Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology Panel, has received a Fast-Start grant valued at $300,000 also over three years.

Marsden Fast-Start grants are designed to support outstanding researchers early in their careers.

Professor Duncan says the phenomenon of weeds flourishing when moved to new environments free from their usual natural enemies is well known. It is termed the “enemy release hypothesis”.

Less understood is the way in which the initial benefits of escaping their enemies can be followed by attack from a new range of antagonists which the invasive species has not previously encountered.

“The survival process of invasive species in new environments is very fluid and dynamic,” says Professor Duncan. “Some species benefit a lot through release from their traditional enemies, while others do not. We want to gain an appreciation of the circumstances under which they do well and identify the situations in which it is less of an issue. We’re looking to develop a body of theoretical knowledge about how the process works.”

Professor Duncan will use clover species and antagonistic soil microbes for his investigation.

Most of the work will be done in greenhouse experiments at Lincoln University with comparative studies

conducted in Europe where the clover species originate.

Dr Mendoza’s project is focused on proteins in the tiny, soil borne fungus Trichoderma, a micro-organism with beneficial pathogen-killing properties used in inoculants against a number of diseases of commercial vegetable crops.

Using cutting edge technology and working at the single cell level, Dr Mendoza wants to establish how Trichoderma defends itself against attack during the process of plant root colonisation, in other words, how it defeats the host plant’s immune system and establishes itself to carry out its protective task.

“Our attention is on all the proteins and genes expressed during the interaction of Trichoderma with the targeted plant,” he says.

“Most plants are infested by fungi without any outward signs of disease.

These fungi are called endophytes and they can improve plant growth, provide resistance to disease and tolerance to environmental stress. The fungi themselves derive nutrients from the plants they colonise, so the relationship is a symbiotic one.

“Despite benefitting from the relationship, plants still react to endophytes by activating their immune systems.

“How endophytes evade or suppress a plant’s immune system is largely unknown. We are hypothesizing that a

molecular-level ‘dialogue’ between the endophyte and the plant takes place which eventually provides predisposing conditions for successful fungal colonisation.

“The key seems likely to be proteinmediated cross-communication between plants and fungi at the initial contact stage.

“Our research will address two questions - how do plants and endophytes establish a friendly relationship and what are the signals involved in the successful dialogue when the encounter takes place.

“We know that when Trichoderma interacts with the host plant it secretes proteins to avert attack by the plant.

The host plant in turn recognises these proteins and secretes proteins of its own in response and a ‘battle’ ensues.

“We want to identify the proteins secreted and record the morphological changes that take place and the genetic profiles of Trichoderma during the interaction.

“The study will contribute significantly to understanding how endophytic fungi modulate or evade plant defences and will provide fundamental new insights to processes required for the establishment of plant colonisation by endophytic fungi. Not all Trichoderma are able to colonise the root systems of other plants.

We need to determine which proteins of Trichoderma are capable of reducing the host plant’s defence system.”Dr Mendoza will use maize as the host plant for the Trichoderma in his investigation.

Biomax Fertigation = Water + Fertilisers Fertilisers N-P-K Solutions Nitrogen 32% liquid Humates liquid Boron liquid Chelates liquid Pacific Ag are people experienced in all types of fertiliser to give you a real alternative programme that delivers

• • • •

Grows more grass - dry matter (proven) Improve palatability of crops and pastures Less compaction No waiting for nitrogen applications

Crop Solutions

Results U Better pasture sward U Increased stock performence U Improved stock health U Profit

Horrie Burgess M: 021 989 403

Paul Bradley M: 021 931 588 for more information or nutrient recommendations:

www.pacificag.co.nz

Nitrogen 32% UAN (not just melted down) a strong liquid that can be added to fungicides, insecticide, etc.

High “Potassium and phosphate” blends.

Boron and chelate liquids.

One spray does it all.

Page 18

GUARDIAN FARMING

History of iconic Castlepoint Station Book a gift to community The positive face of farming immigration was celebrated on Labour weekend, with Federated Farmers’ Wairarapa provincial president and former New Yorkers, Anders Crofoot and his wife Emily, launching a book about their iconic hill country Castlepoint Station called Castlepoint, coastal station and settlement. “We realised that unless oral histories were recorded, we’d lose the many and varied personalities that have come and gone through Castlepoint Station,� Mr Crofoot said. “Before he died, the late great Peter Laing filled a number of tapes about the rich tapestry that is Castlepoint Station. This is especially important for the development period, where Castlepoint went from just 3000 stock in the early 1950s, to 30,000 in the 1990s.

of New Zealanders. It’s a rich 272 pages and 300 images of Kiwi farmers doing the seemingly impossible.

“Our sadness with the project comes from the fact that Peter’s wife, Nan, passed away before she could see the magnificent tribute this book is. Alex Hedley, of Hedleys Books, has done a superb job editing the material recorded by Peter and later fleshed out by Nan.

“Emily and I see our assistance with the book, is our way of giving back to the Wairarapa community and the wider Laing family. They warmly welcomed us, a family of Americans from the eastern seaboard, into their East Coast community. “As New Zealanders, we sometimes overlook just how important our history is and what a rich history Castlepoint has.

“Alex also did numerous interviews to craft a book that is very much the story

2008 TOYOTA PRADO VX s DIESEL s !UTO

2007 Toyota Hilux SR5 s $IESEL s !UTO

$62,995

Alex Hedley signs a copy of his new book Castlepoint: Coastal Station and Settlement for Sharon Laing, whose husband Bill worked for the station. “Emily and I have been farming here for with our family. We bonded with the the past 12 years and you couldn’t get a community almost as soon as we stronger contrast with up-state New York unpacked our suitcases. if you tried. “The book itself tells the story of the wider “Emily was raised on a seventh-generation Castlepoint and coastal community, about family farm whereas my background that iconic lighthouse, the historic beach was in quantitative analysis. I guess fairly races and even the fishing industry. unconventional for a modern Kiwi sheep and beef farmer. “Yet this is not just a history because Castlepoint, as a modern and innovative “But we’ve had no regrets at all about hill country station, is firmly in the twentymoving half way around the world first century,� Mr Crofoot said

2007 NISSAN NAVARA STX 2003 TOYOTA ALLION s DIESEL s -ANUAL

$41,995

s !UTO

$35,995

s DIESEL s !UTO s KM

2007 Toyota Hilux SR5 s $IESEL s -ANUAL

$51,995

$13,995 Was $15,495

2004 Toyota IST

2003 TOYOTA ALTEZZA LTEZZA RS 2002 TOYOTA LUXEL L

s s !UTO

s !UTO

$13,995

$34,995

s !UTO

$16,495

Was $36,995

2007 TOYOTA PRADO VX

2001 TOYOTA FIELDER

s !UTO

$17,495

$13,995

Was $18,995

2002 TOYOTA 1ST

2000 TOYOTA VITZ

s !UTO

2007 TOYOTA COROLLA GX 2001 TOYOTA RUNX

s !UTO

$13,495 1993 Toyota Hilux SR5 s s -ANUAL

$12,995

s !UTO

$9,995

s !UTO

$19,995

Was $11,495

Was $20,995

2001 Toyota Spacio

2006 Toyota Hilux SR5

s s !UTO s SEATER

$12,495

2004 TOYOTA ECHO s -ANUAL

$13,995

$9,995 Was $10,995

s DIESEL s -ANUAL

$37,995

2007 Toyota Hilux SR5 s DIESEL s !UTO

2007 NISSAN NAVARA STX s DIESEL s -ANUAL

$42,495

Cnr East Street and Walnut Avenue, Ashburton.

Phone 307-5830 or 308-9928 anytime. www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz SALES TEAM A/H Ray Girvan - 0274 507 497, Elsabe Steyn - 0274 507 544.

OPEN SATURDAY 9AM - 1PM

$34,995

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 19

Rare horse breed arrives Glenda Felts

Timaru horse breeder Megan Kelly has high hopes for her latest addition a pure breed Morgan filly carrying a rare colour gene recently shipped to the Timaru Port from Melbourne.

The Morgan filly named Haymeron Park – Dream Jeanie carries a cream gene enabling her to breed coloured horses. Her official colour was described as smokey black following a colour testing in America – meaning she is a black horse with a cream gene.

The introduction of the Morgan filly into New Zealand breeding circles is seen as an opportunity to produce something new.

“She is the first Morgan horse with a cream gene to be imported here and the only smokey black Morgan in New Zealand,” Megan said.

“That’s why I brought it in because it’s a colour gene that’s not here. She’s also unrelated to any Morgan here so she’s new bloodline for our breeding pool.

“It brings us in something that

we don’t have – a colour range she can produce palominos and buckskins which we haven’t been able to do here in the Morgans because we didn’t have that colour genetic.”

by their size, usually averaging between 14 or 15 hh; a nicely defined build featuring a seahorse carriage; an attractive head, a sensible mind and a kind eye.

Prior to arriving in New Zealand the filly had been bred by Megan’s friends on a property called Haymeron Park, Morgan Stud, at Bonegilla in Victoria, Australia. Megan had first seen the filly when it was six weeks old then had to wait a year for the horse to be old enough to travel.

“Their claim to fame in folklore is that they would out-pull the draught horse; out-trot the trotter and out gallop the galloper.”

Originally Dream Jeanie’s sire named Baptiste Levis Strauss had been imported from Canada to Australia three years ago.

Before leaving Melbourne Dream Jeanie was placed in quarantine for three days where she was treated for parasites internally and externally. Her journey by ship lasted over four days housed in a container which also had another four horses. Further inspection was carried out by MAF on arrival at the Timaru Port.

When the process was completed Dream Jeanie was

Over the last three years in New Zealand the Morgan horse team from Invercargill has won the silver plough competitions.

Megan is confident that the horse’s addition will improve the future blood stock and her colouring will be of particular interest.

Timaru horse breeder Megan Kelly enjoys some time with her latest arrival Dream Jeanie as she settles into her new home at Kelford Morgan Farm. then transported to her new home at Kelford Morgan Farm; south of Timaru. Since the reunion Megan said she had been well pleased with her choice.

“She’s a nice cut of a horse and I think she will integrate well into our breeding programme.”

Keep your Irrigation Generator reliable during the dry season

ACL can service ALL makes and models of generators, and can assist by placing you on a routine servicing program.

Some models require regular cam belt replacements, let us ensure your generator runs smoothly and is dependable.

You may $ave more than money.

Megan said the Morgan horses can all be traced back to the single foundation American sire born in 1789 originally owned

by Justin Morgan. To this day the horses still carry the characteristics of the original horse.

These horses are characterised

“Some people buy specifically for colour. I would like to think we buy specifically for breed and for confirmation. That is one thing we can say about her she has true and straight legs and she will be an asset to us.”

“We will show her; ride her; drive her. She will be a multitask horse. She won’t be bred until she’s at least three so basically she is just going to grow and grow.”

ACL Workshop – Here when you need us!

ACL can service your Heavy Vehicle or Agricultural Machinery, keeping it reliable during the busy seasons. WE can assist with pre COF checks and repairs. Don’t let a mechanical breakdown cost you time and money!

ACL have a fleet of service vehicles, operating 24/7, to visit you on farm to get you rolling again. Give us a call to stock up on quality Caltex oil and Baldwin filters, available in pails and 200l drums.

Book your engine maintenance or overhaul with our expert servicemen.

ACL – The Motor Repair and Service Professionals.

South Street, Ashburton. Phone: 03 308 7400 Email: greg.bruce@ashcon.co.nz Web: www.ashcon.co.nz ASHBURTON CONTRACTING LTD

Page 20

GUARDIAN FARMING

Walls come a-tumbling down T

he Earth has a magnetic field which effectively extends several tens of thousands of kilometers into space. This magnetosphere is estimated to be at least 3.5 billion years old. The sun has a vastly larger magnetic field that extends about a light year into space, carried through the solar system by the solar wind, a stream of energetic charged particles emanating from the Sun. Solar maximum is the term for the maximum in solar activity that takes place approximately every eleven years; solar minimum is the lowest point of solar activity. The last solar maximum was in 2001. The last solar minimum ended halfway through this year, after which solar activity has stepped up.

There is a radiation belt around Earth called the Van Allen Belt. Beginning at an altitude of 1000 miles, and extending at an altitude of 25,000 miles, it contains lethal bands of radiation. That is why all the space stations from the US and Soviet Union, like Mercury, Gemini, Soyuz, Skylab and the Space Shuttle, except Apollo, have maintained altitudes of well below 1000 miles. In 1998 the space shuttle flew to an altitude of 350 miles. Even at that height, still well below the radiation belt, the crew saw flashing lights with their eyes shut

that they described as shooting stars, due to radiation penetrating first the shuttle’s shielding, then their spacesuit’s shielding, then their skulls, and finally the retinas of their closed eyes.

Earth is only the 3rd rock from the Sun, so light and solar energy takes just 8 minutes to reach us. Because Earth’s magnetic field deflects most of the charged particles, we are somewhat protected from the destructive solar wind. The charged particles get trapped in the Van Allen radiation belt, but some get through.

When they do, some particles from the solar wind manage to reach the Earth’s upper atmosphere and ionosphere in the auroral zones. The solar wind is then observable on Earth when it is strong enough to produce phenomena such as the aurora, geomagnetic storms and earthquakes.

Before the solar wind hits Earth, it strikes Earth’s magnetosphere, which in turn can spark geomagnetic activity before the actual arrival of the solar wind stream on Earth. On the 12th of January a strong solar wind impacted the magnetosphere - the same date as a devastating quake hit Haiti, causing mass destruction and killing over 200,000 people. And the monster Chilean

quake was preceded by just a few days by the collapse of the largest magnetic filament ever observed on the Sun.

writing it is high, and auroras, as well as earthquakes are being seen and felt in many places.

Many weird colours and effects were observed in the Canterbury sky just before the 4 September earthquake, and the sunspot/solar wind speeds increased between 3rd-7th(initial damage), 17th18th(shakes decreased after 18th), 28th29th(shakes increased 1st-4th) September, and 19th-21st October (shakes increased 18th-20th), indicating the involvement of the Sun. So, if the Sun is responsible for the energy, what is the role of the Moon?

However, the main question at issue is, whether the Moon has both a gravitational effect on the Van Allen belt, which may be the cause of lightning, and on the charged particles that form the aurora’s display. As these same particles escape from the Van Allen Belt to form the aurora display, it may well be that the particles will only escape into the ionosphere, from whence the auroras are visible, when the Van Allen Belt has gravitationally been drawn-in closer to the Earth. What would skew it thus? When the Moon is in a powerfully gravitational position, such as perigeal and new, with nodes lining up, perhaps the lunar gravitation also causes the Van Allen Belt to extend enough towards the Moon as to allow-through the charged particles, which produce both auroras, strange lights, weird feeling air, unsettled animals and birds, and geomagnetic activity that can lead to eruptions, volcanoes and earthquakes.

Looking at research into aurora sightings one finds that most are around new moon phase, appearing to indicate that the Moon could have some influence of when the auroras will be visible. One could argue that a bright moon such as a full night moon could inhibit the sightings of an aurora. This is true to a degree, but the brightness of many auroras is usually sufficient for many of them to still be seen, even if they are less spectacular, and even in daylight. The intensity of the aurora displays has been linked to the sunspot cycle of 11-years, and when the sunspot cycle is low so are the aurora displays at a low ebb or nonexistent. At time of this

Earthquakes are under the ground. What exactly is down there? At the heart of our planet lies a solid iron ball - almost as big

IRRIGATION & DOMESTIC WELLS, AQUIFER TESTING, ELECTRONIC WELL MONITORING, WATER QUALITY TESTING

20877

120 High Street, Southbridge, Canterbury, New Zealand Ph: 03 324 2571 www.drilling.co.nz

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 21

Ken Ring

In the first week of September the Moon was in new moon phase and the second closest for 2010, a powerful enough gravitational position to be capable of twisting, distorting and warping the Van Allen Belt, potentially letting-through destructive particles.

35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000

Some comfort is that it would be most unlikely for a massive-size earthquake to revisit the same region so soon.

Moreover, if earthquakes are going to start doing that, they might arguably

revisit Napier, Wellington, Inangahua and Edgecumbe well before knocking on Darfield’s door.

Archaeologists now claim Jericho’s walls likely fell because of an earthquake.

It is King Canutish to think Man can build a wall against Nature. Nature has dealt with ease to this country’s second biggest city 2216 times during less than 8 weeks. Whole hills and fields have changed shape, an unimaginably massive

Oct 20th

Oct 15th

Oct 10th

Oct 5th

Sept 30th

Sept 25th

Sept 20th

Sept 15th

Sept 5th

Aug 31st

Aug 26th

Aug 21st

Sept 10th

The reality is we are powerless to stop any of this. The forces are immense. Just one medium-sized solar flare has about the same amount of energy that the whole human population uses within a year. If an earthquake is going to occur there is nothing to stop it.

Aug 16th

0

Aug 11th

New moons in particular, when in perigee, activate the Earth’s inner and outer core which affects the mantle. As a result of a fragile magnetic field, the charged particles may be responsible for all forms of extreme weather, including earthquakes and volcanoes.

Sunspots x solar wind

Aug 6th

Earth’s magnetic field actually comes from this ocean of iron, which is an electrically conducting fluid in constant motion. Sitting atop the hot inner core, the liquid outer core seethes and roils like water in a pan on a hot stove. The outer core also has its own hurricanes - whirlpools powered by the Coriolis effect of Earth’s rotation. These complex motions generate Earth’s magnetism.

But there were warnings before September.

The solar graph below correlates well with the following shakes. The 9th -12th August perigeal new moon, fourth closest for the year, saw a wave of shakes of above 4-mag in Wairarapa, Fiordland and Wellington. On 14th a 4.5-mag hit Hawkes Bay. More activity occurred on 17th and on 25th (full moon) including a series of 5-mag shakes around Wanganui. One would think there is enough of a plottable cycle here, rendering extrapolation to plot potential clusters ahead.

Aug 1st

as the Moon itself and about as hot as the surface of the Sun. Researchers call it the inner core, and it is 70% as wide as the moon; really a world within a world.

It spins at its own rate, as much as 0.2 degrees of longitude per year faster than the Earth above, and it has its own ocean: a very deep layer of liquid iron known as the outer core. It has its own tides and kingtides.

tonnage of earth and solid rock. The next time around, the galactic energies of the super demolition team of Moon & Sun, will surely reduce to fine gravel any underground concrete structure in their determined way.

Such a ‘protective” wall is estimated to cost $200 million dollars. The region is already cash-strapped. And some families still don’t have toilets and clean drinking water.

Convert!

New Dairy? Dairy Conversion? New Irrigation?

Whatever your needs Electricity Ashburton is here to help you.

Convert your old overhead lines to underground minimising outage times and dangers.

Give us a call to see how we can help you clean up your supply, or get your projects energised.

ElectricityAshburton YOUR POWER PARTNER

Kermode Street, Ashburton Phone 307 9800

Page 22

GUARDIAN FARMING

Weather by The Moon: November Forecast Summary, outlook period General

SKYFARMERS Specialist in in All All Types Types of of Agricultural Agricultural Specialist Aviation Applications Applications Aviation

25th NOV

27th NOV

29th NOV

25th NOV

27th NOV

29th NOV

25th NOV

27th NOV

29th NOV

19th NOV

17th NOV

19th NOV

15th NOV

13th NOV

9th NOV

11th NOV

7th NOV

5th NOV

23rd NOV

109hrs (November average 181hrs)

21st NOV

Estimated sunshine amount for Ashburton:

23rd NOV

77mm

21st NOV

Methven:

Average potential for maximums is 16-18C and for minimums 6-9C.

23rd NOV

78mm

21st NOV

Rakaia:

17th NOV

15th NOV

13th NOV

9th NOV

Temperature trends, max and min

25 20 15 10 5 0 19th NOV

76mm

0

17th NOV

Estimated precipation for Ashburton:

2

15th NOV

November 1st-4th, 25th-30th

Cloudiest:

4

13th NOV

November 19th-24th

6

11th NOV

Best days for outdoor recreation:

Atmospheric disturbances bring windier conditions about 2nd-6th, 9th-11th, 19th-20th, 23rd-25th and 28th-29th.

8

11th NOV

November 7th-12th

10

9th NOV

Sunniest days:

November 7th-8th, 17th-19th

12

7th NOV

Coldest minimums:

November 13th, 21st-26th

Sunshine daily hours

7th NOV

Warmest minimums:

November 1st-2nd

Two distinct precipitation spells are likely, in the first and last weeks. There may be chances of localised flooding at the end of the first week.

5th NOV

Coolest maximum temperatures:

November 11th-13th, 20th-25th

0

5th NOV

Warmest maximum temperatures:

10

3rd NOV

November 2nd, 27th

20

3rd NOV

Wettest periods:

30

1st NOV

November 7th-24th

40

3rd NOV

Mostly dry

November 1st-6th, 25th-30th

50

1st NOV

Precipitation potential times:

About 7

November may bring average rain, less sunshine than normal and average temperatures.

1st NOV

Number of rain days:

Estimated rain timing

60

Dairy Farmers ATTENTION

ment requirements le p p su y ir a d r u For all yo s Compounds s Concentrates s Calf Muesli & Pellets Wide range of trace elements and minerals included Nutritionally balanced for optimum growth Made from top quality ingredients

Golden Stockfood Ltd

Bryant Street, Tinwald Phone 03 308 4388 Fax 03 307 8052 Mobile 027 292 4467 FRESH FROM THE HEART OF NEW ZEALAND’S GRAIN CAPITAL

!ERIAL 4OPDRESSING s !ERIAL 3PRAYING Poison Baits 3USPENSION &ERTILISER s '03 !PPLICATION

#ONTACT $UNCAN (ART Pilot/Owner

0274 811 915 03 302 8400

Together we can build a better team!

Teamwork will assist you with every aspect of staff management and recruitment to ensure your business succeeds.

Mid-Canterbury’s trusted human resource professional.

The ‘people’ issues your business faces are unique to your business, so we will tailor a solution to your specific needs.

Can I help? It costs NOTHING to find out. Give me a call and put me to the test.

Tea

ork

ACHIEVING COMMON GOALS

Rob Stevenson

• Phone Ashburton 975 8505 • Mobile 027 612 6098 • PO Box 277, Ashburton 7700 • Email rob@teamwork-si.co.nz • Website www.teamwork-si.co.nz

GUARDIAN FARMING

Page 23

Take a look at Alpine Farm Buildings A farm shed is a capital investment – simply that. It must contribute to the profitability of the farm or it is a drain on the operations’ resources.

A shed contributes to farm profitability by doing what it is designed to do at a reasonable initial purchase price and for reasonable purchase cost within the farm budget.

Will it continue to do its job with only the most basic maintenance that does not hit the farm budget or take up valuable productive time? Remember – time spent on maintenance is not profitable time on the farm.

In considering all of the above it becomes obvious that the prudent farmer with the long-term view will not look past Alpine Farm Buildings.

Ian and Jo Snowball have a lifestyle block on Hepburns Road at Ashburton, where they engaged Alpine Buildings to build a base for their spraying contracting operation.

The base needed to be big enough to house their equipment and a workshop.

Jo and Ian Snowball Alpine Industries

visited the property to mark out the shed and then supervised its ongoing construction in August 2009.

The building has three open bays and two closed-in bays.

Ian and Jo said the two young men from Alpine worked solidly to erect the building, and their workmanship was outstanding.

“From start to finish, we were impressed with the high quality of workmanship, even down to the clean-up where no nails were left and all the off-cuts were removed - even in rough weather conditions.”

Ian and Jo have no hesitation in recommending Alpine to any prospective purchasers and welcome prospective purchasers to view their work at Hepburns Road.

Alpine, the experienced team to call on for all your shed requirements. Based in Timaru and Ashburton, Alpine Buildings has a team that knows farm buildings – and knows what farm buildings are right for Mid Canterbury farmers.

The team at Alpine can supply a range of kitset buildings that include haysheds, wintering barns, covered yards, storage sheds, workshops, implement sheds and calf sheds.

These are all crafted from top quality components and will last for years with the minimum of maintenance.

Truly, Alpine sheds stack up to the profitability test every time

ALPINE CLEARSPAN SHEDS ™

ALPINE CLEARSPAN SHEDS

"IRD 0ROOF SHEDS WITH GALVANIZED BOX SECTION RAFTERS

Haysheds s s s 7INTERING BARNS s s

s

#OVERED YARDS s s SHEDS s 3TORAGE s s

Workshops s SHEDS s s )MPLEMENT s s

s

s

#ALF SHEDS s s s !ND MANY MORE s s

s

KITSET & FULLY ERECTED Phone now on 0800 428 453 By yournow local on professional team.

AlpineAlpine FarmFarmLet usPhone 0800decide 428 453 Let us listen listen to to your your needs needs and and help help decide on on the the best best

Buildings Buildings

Phone now on 0800 428 453

Let building us listen tofor your needs and help decide on the best pack designed you, or ask for an information designed building for you, or ask for an information designed building for you, or ask for an information for a FREE information pack. pack pack

GUARDIAN FARMING

The ideal mixing partner for superior control of fungal diseases in wheat, barley and ryegrass.

Every cereal grower knows how important it is to use the right combination of fungicides. COMET® is the proven premium strobilurin fungicide for wheat, barley and ryegrass. The right combination of COMET® and OPUS®, the marketleading triazole, provides superior broad-spectrum disease control in all situations.

COMET® goes further, works faster and lasts longer than other fungicides.

The end result is just what you’re looking for: increased yield and improved grain quality.

Ask for Comet® by name at your local BASF distributor.

CFAR 6/10

Page 24

® COMET and OPUS are registered trademarks of BASF. COMET and OPUS are registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 Noʼs: P6017. P4365