Farming GUARDIAN
FEBRUARY 2017
NZ YOUNG FARMERS
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EDITORIAL COMMENT
Guardian Farming is proudly published by the Ashburton Guardian Limited
Enjoy reading Guardian Farming? You may also enjoy Dairy Focus
Dairy Focus JANUA RY
NATURE AWARD
IT TAKES A VILL AGE PAGE 6
DIDYMO AT OPIHI PAGE 8
PAGE 4
WE’VE DODGED A BULLET
AORANGI REGIONAL FINALISTS
2017
E
THE WATER ISSU
PAGE 7
PAGE 10
YOUNG FARMERS
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PAGE 24-25 THE TRUMP WAVE
WINNER Winners of Catherine Knight’s book New Zealand’s Rivers, An Environmental History are A. Thomas (Ashburton) and Gerald Burgess (Temuka). It’s timely reading.
Linda Clarke
SENIOR REPORTER
We’ve dodged a bullet, says Dr Tony Davoren about summer this year. While those of you who prefer tans have been complaining about the lack of sun, it’s actually been a good thing for farmers who have been able to make the most of natural rainfall and hold off irrigating, helping both their electricity bills and underground aquifers. Then the sun was out over Waitangi weekend and farmers were busy bringing in the harvest. Though it won’t be a good harvest until it is all in the silo. A group of young men who know a bit about grain will be showing off their allround farming knowledge at Methven on February 25 when the Aorangi regional final
of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest comes to town. Eight young men, with university degrees and a whole raft of practical experience, will pit their skills in farmingrelated activities, agri-business and general knowledge contests for the right to progress to the grand final of the contest in Manawatu in July. It is a big deal for the winner. Akin to being captain of the All Blacks and with just as much prestige in farming circles. Mid Canterbury is well represented and I hope locals will be shouting support from the sidelines come game day. There is much at stake for them and for farming . . . it is these young men who will lead by example in the future.
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Black to put knowledge to the test PHOTOS TEGAN CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Linda Clarke
SENIOR REPORTER
Cameron Black is ready to become the farming equivalent of an All Black. The Ashburton rural banker is among eight young farmers in the Aorangi regional final of the FMG Young Farmer contest in Methven later this month and he is in serious training. continued over page
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From P3 Black knows that like those who pull on the prestigious jersey when they become All Blacks, winners of the national young farmer title will have the accolade for life. Making it to the grand final is his next challenge and all eight regional contenders have the same goal come February 25. He is under no illusion it will be hard work, but he is more than ready and spending after work and weekends on practical tasks and reading up on all manner of agriculturalrelated subjects. Black grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Western Southland, the youngest in the family after three sisters. He went to Isla Bank Primary School, along with about 40 other youngsters in the district, then Southland Boys in Invercargill for his secondary education. It was a typical farming upbringing and he was always helping his father or grandfather on the farm, or working for the neighour. He was part of the lambing beat, relief milked, crutched sheep, drove tractors and was a ready and capable pair of hands. “I was always helping out and it shaped my passion for farming and agriculture. Dad
was a believer in earning your keep so I was always working somewhere.” He was a member of the local young farmer’s club at 16 and joined the Massey club in Palmerston North after heading to Massey University following Southland Boys. Farming and sport, particularly rugby, helped him meet new people and
the young farmers network has been a common thread, whether he was living in the town or the country. Black was a standout scholar at Massey where he completed a Bachelor of Agri-Science and was the university’s Agricultural Student of the Year in 2013, the final year of his degree. Along the way, he competed
in two regional young farmer finals in the Taranaki/ Manawatu region. His academic achievements opened doors and he was recruited by the BNZ, initially crunching numbers as an analyst in Christchurch. He was pleased to get the gumboots on again when he moved to Ashburton and as a rural banker he enjoys nothing
more than talking to his clients on the farm. He likes to know, and appreciates, what they are doing on the land. He joined the Hinds Young Farmers Club and was last year elected chairman. His connection with the village is strengthened by his position in the back line of the Southern Rugby Club. Black says the diversity of
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farming in the district makes it strong and in his job he visits arable, livestock and dairy farms. The fact they work together – like the dairy farmer who sends his cows to a neighbour for grazing or buys grain from another for supplementary feeding – is vital for the success of all. He is excited to be part of the Aorangi final and hopes
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people will come along on the day to show their support for all the contestants. Black might be relying on a bit of muscle memory for the practical tasks because of the nature of his job, but his friends on farms are winning as he gets in a bit of practice doing farm tasks for free as part of his training prior to the big day.
Though he has been off the farm for six years, he has run skills days for whichever young farmer club he has belonged to, covering off fencing, chainsaw safety, quad bikes and tractor maintenance. He has been sticking to a study schedule – with the help of partner Soraya. Black may have to sacrifice a few weekends water-skiing
but he and the seven other contestants in the Aorangi final know progressing to a grand final is a game-changer. Winning the $88,540 first prize package, plus a new tractor, is a big incentive. Black says he has always been a fan of the contest. “I remember Simon Hopcroft won it the year the grand final was in Invercargill. I was about 12 but I can still picture the agri-sports competition.” Southland was a force about that time with other winners. Robert Kempthorne, Hopcroft and David Holdaway won it for Southland for three consecutive years from 20032005 and Richard Slee was a winner in 1999. Black knows that Aorangi has a similarly strong legacy with six grand final winners since 2002, including the past two years with Matthew Bell and current contest winner Athol New. “It’s called the ultimate rural challenge for a reason. You need fitness to deal with the practical tasks but then be able to switch from driving a tractor to be on a computer. That is something farmers do day-to-day, they are business people as well.” Black says the Methven final will be tough and his
competitors have experience across the industry. He says the full day of competition should draw a crowd – his parents are also coming up to add to his support crew. Despite the preparation, he is nervous. And despite the outcome, a long-term career in agriculture is a certainty. He says today’s farmers face increased pressure around the environment and animal welfare; and from political forces they could not control. It was also harder for farmers to share their good stories as more people lost direct ties to farming and did not understand how their food was grown. The business of farming was in good hands though, with a strong younger generation of farmers coming through, who are digital natives and keen to use technology to speed up or support their decisions. As a rural banker he enjoys helping farmers grow their businesses, while a part of him itches to be back on the land. His long-term future could be in either. “I will always be in agriculture in some way.” See page 10 for more on the FMG Young Farmer contest.
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Rural property sales upbeat Mid and South Canterbury’s rural property market is enjoying a stronger-thanexpected summer, with price expectations for premium dairy properties edging back over the $50,000 per hectare mark. This is a direct consequence of the milk payout’s gradual recovery. A Rangitata farm with potential for dairy conversion was listed for sale in late November, attracting strong attention from potential buyers. If the payout prognosis remains positive, more dairy farm listings should come forth in the region over the next few months. Neighbours are generally to the fore with any property listed for sale recently. Banks are still willing and able to lend to their most reliable clients. Economy of scale is a big motivating factor for most purchases made by neighbouring farmers. Corporate buyers, however, are not as active in the market at present as they have been previously, although they are
PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN
Susie Williams
PGG WRIGHTSON
beginning to show interest again. In the meantime, their relative lack of activity has left the way clear for local buyers to consolidate their holdings. Likewise, in the sheep and beef sector, consolidation is also a prevalent theme: farmers with breeding properties are looking for finishing farms and vice versa. On the other hand, those farmers who are not seeking to complement an existing breeding or finishing unit with property that will enable them to complete the circle, need to think again. Demand for larger sheep and beef properties, with carrying capacity for 6000 to 10,000 stock units, exceeds
supply. Any farm offered for sale in the autumn fitting these criteria should be welcomed by buyers. Arable farmers are experiencing a good season, with reports of excellent yields. As usual however, transactions of Mid Canterbury’s most sought-
after arable farms are scarce, with their ownership jealously guarded. One substantial farm west of Rakaia sold in December, while a 446-hectare Wakanui property, east of Ashburton, which changed hands in February 2016, was one of the largest transactions
nationwide last year. As in the other sectors, economy of scale is also a strong motivator for arable farmers to purchase property. Susie Williams is Mid-South Canterbury Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited.
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Not our turn Thank goodness we dodged a bullet or two, unlike parts of eastern North Island and North Canterbury (still). Neutral type climate conditions are to blame – not a strong El Niño or La Nina. But there is always a silver lining. How lucky have we been? An irrigation season getting toward the “tail end” without heaps of pressure, unlike parts of the North Island especially around our base in Hastings. All those superlatives we can often use – terrible, heart breaking, awful, depressing – to describe our summer conditions apply to Hawkes Bay and Gisborne. At our office just north of Hastings on the route to Napier just 7.5mm of rain was measured in January: December January 1st 0.9mm 3rd 2.6mm 2nd 5.5mm 4th 1.5mm 8th 1.3mm 20th 2.2mm 23rd 8.6mm 27th 1.4mm 26th 1.3mm That is on top of about 17.8mm in December. Good for some and not others of course – onion growers are just loving the weather with irrigation at hand and superb harvest conditions. And if you are a wine lover, mark down 2017 vintage, especially some of those classic Hawkes Bay merlot and syrah. PHOTOS SUPPLIED
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The severity of the dry is contrasted by first the photo in the week before Christmas and then from the air at end of January in the same area. Canterbury has not been immune either with contrasting conditions from south to north. Rainfall has been frequent and sufficient to minimise irrigation in some southern areas while in North Canterbury conditions are little better than the North Island. North Canterbury is still on the watch list for drought declaration while we have clients that up till the end of January had done little or no irrigation in some south Canterbury areas. Why? No dominant weather pattern, just a weak La Nina pattern putting the country in a neutral phase and variations in conditions. Over the divides in both islands it is wet, too wet really with lack of sunshine and drier conditions affecting pasture quality. Can’t win in the agricultural sector can we!
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Trees that count A native tree planted in 2017 for every Kiwi: this is the aim of the Trees That Count project. This is an ambitious idea that has been launched by Project Crimson to encourage New Zealanders to plant native trees this year. The aim is that there will be at least 4.7 million trees planted this year, enough to make a real difference to New Zealand in terms of providing habitat for native animals, revegetating cleared areas and shelterbelts on farmland, adding to the natural character of our urban areas, soaking up carbon from the atmosphere and protecting waterways from inputs of nutrients and sediment. Originally started to protect the endangered pohutukawa and rata trees, Project Crimson is a charitable trust that has funded numerous tree-planting projects around the country and especially helps with school environmental projects and tree planting. It was Project Crimson that managed the Living Legends initiative which supported the planting
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FOREST AND BIRD
of kanuka at our local Harris Reserve, near Tinwald. Their latest idea, the Trees That Count project, aims to create a powerful movement of New Zealanders of all ages, social groups, cultures and abilities to plant millions of native trees to help improve native biodiversity and mitigate climate change. A website has been started that encourages New Zealanders to record their tree-planting progress and pledge their support. Sir Stephen Tindall, cofounder of the Tindall Foundation, one of the partners in Project Crimson, is a great advocate for the project. “Planting trees in your neighbourhood, on your farm, at school or outside your
Kanuka trees planted at the Harris Reserve, one of the planting projects supported by Project PHOTOS SUPPLIED Crimson.
office is a great way to bring people together and connect with your local community. Trees help record the history of your family and grow alongside you and your kids. I’d love to see our streets, parks, playgrounds, front yards, farms, hillsides and rural areas full of trees and
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our children able to enjoy the benefits they bring.” The Trees That Count website, as well as being a place to record the number of trees planted, also provides information and technical advice for those undertaking native planting programmes and has examples of the work
of groups that have already begun their planting. On the website the public, community groups and corporates can pledge their help. Anyone can pledge to plant trees, offer their volunteer time, make a donation for trees for others to plant, or sponsor a whole planting project.
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Native plants in the garden provide year-round interest, attract native birds and insects and require little maintenance.
The website can also connect people so that landowners with land can be matched with nurseries wanting to pledge trees and groups who are volunteering their time to plant the trees. “Although there are thousands of individuals and groups planting trees,
until now there has been no tally of how many. This project has made it possible to measure the impact of all the great work that Kiwis are already doing to improve the natural environment,” said Joris de Bres, Chair of Project Crimson. Last year people were asked
how many trees they planted and 3.1 million were counted, which is brilliant, says de Bres. “But we reckon we can plant even more, so we’ve set a target of 4.7 million.” There’s no shortage of places to plant native trees. Many farms have corners and fencelines that could easily
Plan your tree planting – these amazing cabbage trees were planted only 10 years ago.
accommodate native trees, shrubs and grasses. Low shelterbelts of natives can be grown that irrigators can pass over – species such as flax, hebes, ribbonwoods, kanuka,
coprosmas and corokias. On hilly, less developed farmland, manuka and kanuka could be planted which would not only add to the natural character of the farm but provide a food for bees, native insects and birds, and an income for beekeepers. Along the edges of rivers and streams, on roadsides behind powerpoles, in our gardens and as street trees, let’s plant natives! In town, consider planting natives instead of exotic flowers and shrubs when planning your garden, or add some natives to an alreadyestablished garden. Not only do they look great all year round but they grow quickly and provide an oasis of natural biodiversity in the middle of urban development. So how many can your family or group plant? Log in to the website treesthatcount. co.nz and find out more about this great initiative. Scouts, Guides, businesses, gardening clubs, schools, and groups of all types are encouraged to get planting! Let’s make 2017 the best year yet for planting native trees!
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YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR FEATURE
Agri-challenges test young farmers Methven will host the Aorangi regional final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year contest on February 25, when some of the best young farmers around will pit their skills and knowledge against each other for a chance to progress to the grand final. Mid Canterbury has a proud history of grand final winners and success in the prestigious ADAM JUDD event has been a huge boost TIMARU DISTRICT in their careers in the primary industry. The regional final this month will be physically and mentally tough, with five challenges beginning with the agri-growth challenge the evening before the public contest on Saturday February 25. The agri-growth challenge is the theory section of the contest and involves a closed door written exam, set by Massey University. It is designed to test the contestants’ management, technological and business acumen skills. knowledge. The next day, challenges The agri-skills section Ashburton Guardian Option2 will include agri-skills, agriinvolves 30-minute nodules 250mm x 88mm business, agri-sports and agrithat can cover any part of
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takes part in the evening, where contestants must regroup after a physically challenging day to take part in a quiz covering comprising general knowledge, agricultural questions and a buzzer round. The overall winner takes home a first prize worth $10,500 and progresses to the grand final in Manawatu in July. The regional contest in Methven is a great chance for the community to watch the young farmers in action at the practical day, which will be at the Methven A and P showgrounds, or at the ticket-only evening show at the Methven Memorial Hall. The agri-skills challenges begin at 8am, followed by the agri-sports. The evening show begins at 6pm.
The contestants: John Mehrtens, North Otago Mehrtens, 30, has a wide range of experience across dairy, arable and pig farms. He is currently working on a
650ha dryland cropping farm at Waimate, but has previously worked on a dairy farm in Mid Canterbury, harvested in America and worked on a large cropping and pig farm in the United Kingdom. He also has a Bachelor of Agriculture, is vice chairperson of the Glenavy Young Farmers Club and is on the local A and P association committee. Robbie Hill, Mid Canterbury Raised on a family sheep, beef and deer farm in the Hawkes Bay, Hill completed an agricultural science degree before travelling to 35 different countries in the space of two years. Hill, 25, worked overseas on a cattle ranch in Canada, drove a combine in Western Australia and experienced an intensive indoor beef operation in Scotland before coming back to become the business development manager for farm management software company Agrimap. The former competitive snowboarder wants to make a significant contribution to New
YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR FEATURE
Zealand’s primary industry. Cameron Black, Mid Canterbury Black, 24, is originally from Southland and now works as a rural bank manager for the BNZ, based in Ashburton. He grew up watching the Young Farmers Contest on television. A graduate of Massey University, with a Bachelor of Agri-science, Black has plenty of practical experience after working on his parents’ sheep and beef property, and business smarts. He is currently the chairperson of the Hinds club and vice chairperson of the Aorangi region. Arjan Van’t Klooster, North Otago Van’t Klooster and his finance Kelsie Chamberlain bought a 164ha 600-cow farm in Glenavy last year and are also lower order sharemilking 1200 cows on his parents’ farm. The 25-year-old oversees eight staff and manages two properties, making good use of his Bachelor of Commerce and Agriculture degree. He is also a volunteer firefighter
for the Glenavy brigade and treasurer of the Glenavy Young Farmers Club. James Gunson, Mid Canterbury Gunson, 24, was raised on a family sheep, beef and dairy farm near Dannevirke. He went on to graduate university with a degree in agricultural science before working for ATS as an agronomist. He now works as a shepherd on Hakatere Station, in the Ashburton Gorge, and eventually wants to own his own sheep and beef farm. He is also a representative rugby player for Canterbury Country. Adam Judd,Timaru A former townie, Judd caught the farming bug after working on a dairy farm. The 26-year-old ended up going to Massey University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in science and physiology. With dairying in his blood, he worked on the university dairy farm for a year before heading to Rangitata, where he is now in his third season and manages 1080 cows.
Toby How, Timaru How, 29, is a fencing contractor who completed a Bachelor of Acommerce in Agriculture at Lincoln – he is also well known for winning the Rural Bachelor of the Year contest in 2014. The Milford-Clandeboye Young Farmers member eventually wants to lease a block of land. He finished third in the Aorangi regional final last year and is determined to win the 2017 as it is his last year competing. David Wards, Mid Canterbury The Methven young farmer works on a sheep and cropping farm near Methven and has been balancing harvest with preparations for the regional final. Though he is young, at 19, he has a variety of skills including experience as a shepherd, beekeeper and on dairy farms. Originally from a King Country family sheep and beef farm, Wards is also known in the competitive shearing circuit. He also plays the bagpipes.
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YOUNG FARMER OF THE YEAR FEATURE
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
New Holland partners with iconic NZYF For the first time in two decades a tractor is part of prize package for FMG Young Farmer of the Year. For the first time in 19 years, a tractor will be part of the prize package for the winner of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year. New Holland has announced it is joining the contest family and will be giving away a Boomer 25 tractor at the Grand Final in the Manawatu in July 2017. The tractor is part of a $270,000 total prize package, making the contest one of the richest competitions in New Zealand – befitting its iconic status. Contest chairperson Dean Rabbidge said he was ecstatic to have New Holland as a sponsor and particularly happy to have a tractor as part of the prize package for the winner of New Zealand's most prestigious agricultural contest. "Although prizes are not why competitors enter the contest, it is fantastic to see our main agricultural companies recognising what an incredibly important and progressive event the FMG
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Young Farmer of the Year is." "New Holland has a reputation for excellence in their machinery and we welcome them into our sponsor family and look forward to a long relationship." C B Norwood brand manager Kyle Baxter felt as
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
though the opportunity to partner with the FMG Young Farmer of the Year was not one to be missed. “New Holland has a history of giving back to the community as well as supporting New Zealand’s upcoming future farmers” and felt “the contest was the
James Ross, foreground (member of the Opiki Young Farmers Club) and Daniel Russell, background (member of the Marton Young Farmers Club and Regional Chairman for Manawatu/ Taranaki Young Farmers Club).
perfect platform to support younger farmers”. The partnership is just one aspect of an upcoming campaign New Holland is launching in 2017. Titled True Blue Future Farmers, the campaign focuses on supporting upcoming generations of farmers in
New Zealand, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge and support to be successful farmers in the years to come. New Holland is proudly imported and distributed in New Zealand by C B Norwood Distributors Ltd. www.newholland.co.nz
HELPING ENSURE OUR FARMING FUTURE IS SECURE 17NH015a
We live in a world that is forever evolving and as a result the way we farm our land must also evolve. New Zealand’s future farming success is dependent on our upcoming generations ability to grow and evolve with the land, as well as their ability to show innovation, ingenuity and encompass critical thinking to provide solutions for problems they will be faced with in years to come. Our future farmers will only be successful if we provide them with the knowledge and skills that will allow them to overcome the many challenges that await them in the future. New Holland is investing in our future farmers today so that the farming world will continue to flourish for generations to come.
After all, to ensure we are equipped for the future, we must take action today. To keep track of our future farmers activities visit newholland.co.nz/
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™GESAPON is a Trade Mark of Orion AgriScience Ltd. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. P2130. Registrant: Orion AgriScience Ltd. Approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, No. HSR000175. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. See www.epa.govt.nz for approval conditions.
GESAPON 20G AG ad.indd 1
4/02/16 3:00 pm
Farming
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www.guardianonline.co.nz
The food balancing act In New Zealand homes alone, $872 million worth of food is thrown away every year. Globally over a third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. There is enough food wasted to feed the starving population. There are two major issues with this that can literally solve the problems of the other: hunger and food waste. Globally it can be argued that enough initiatives are being put in place to reduce food waste and reduce or end poverty and it is great to think that New Zealand is playing its part in respecting the food we have access to. Some Kiwis with a little ingenuity have pieced together these critical issues and are starting to close the gap one meal at a time. In 2015 a distribution hub called KiwiHarvest began collecting food from various sources, for example the supermarkets, restaurants, wholesalers and farmers, and are transporting it in their refrigerated vans to charities and people in need. One
Maurice Myers
KPMG
hundred per cent of the food is redistributed, although heavily dependent on the help of volunteers and donations and a number of part and fulltime employees. The largest food donors to KiwiHarvest are Countdown, Bidvest and Fonterra and every month they deliver the equivalent of 20,000 meals to 70 Auckland charities. It’s no mean feat, but highlights what can be achieved with the appropriate support and willpower. Should we be worried? I think so and recent research has indicated some alarming and disturbing statistics: Consider that: • 795 million people in the world do not have enough food
• 3.1 million children die each year from poor nutrition • 12.9 per cent of the population is undernourished When you consider that the world now has more overweight and obese people than underweight it is not surprising that obesity has more than doubled since 1980. Number wise this amounts to 1.9 billion overweight people and of these 600 million were
obese in 2014. Similarly it is not surprising then that 87 per cent of deaths in high income countries are due to chronic disease versus 43 per cent in low income countries. It will therefore come as no surprise that almost half the deaths in lowincome countries are due to nutritional deficiencies compares with 7 per cent of high income countries. With the majority of baby boomers due to hit retirement
“Mate, I can’t see the forest OR the bloody trees?”
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126 Dobson Street, Ashburton - Phone: 03 308 2059 | Mobile: 0274 326 847 mcmullanent@xtra.co.nz - www.mcmullanenterprises.com
Case IH Maxxfarm & Loader $25,000+GST
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Shibaura 6340 $11,000 + GST
Case IH Maxxum 140X
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Case IH Maxxum 115 MC
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Case IH 1680 Axial Flow $65,00 + GST
Case IH 8575 3’ x 3’ $19,000 + GST
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Case IH CVX 1135
Case IH MXU115X
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Case IH 2188
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Paddon CR16V Rake $22,000 + GST
Kverneland Maxitil
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$8,500 + GST
Case IH MXM175 FHPTO
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Case IH MXU115
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McCormick MC115 5065 Hrs
$29,000 + GST
Case IH 8010 Axial Flow $250,000 + GST
Sulky X36 Spreader
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Massey Ferguson 4235
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Massey Ferguson 4270
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John Deere 6820 Premium
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Case IH Puma 165
Mahindra 7520 2730Hrs
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For more information, or to view any of our tractors, contact: Ashburton 03 307 8027 Amberley 03 314 9055 Leeston 03 324 3791 Timaru 03 688 2179 www.cochranes.net.nz
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Lemken Zirkon 10/300 Power Harrow $12,000 + GST
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Caution needed with stubble fires IMPORTANT CROP RESIDUE BURNING CONDITIONS
management plan template that could be useful. The plan should be completed before each burn; the template can be accessed on FAR’s website. It can be printed out and filled in my hand, or saved to the computer and filled out electronically. Farmers must be able to produce a copy of the plan if requested by Environment Canterbury. Stubble burning is an important management tool to control weeds, pests and
diseases and is a quick and cost effective way to prepare a paddock for the next crop. To ensure the industry maintains the right to burn stubble and crop residues, good management practices for burning and smoke management should be adhered to, FAR says. The Federated FarmersAshburton District Council’s crop residues burning code of practice is an excellent resource at website adc.govt.nz
■■ Check the weather – the wind should not exceed 15km/h and the long-term forecast should be for settled weather. ■■ Burn only in the daylight. ■■ Surround the area to be burned with a 5m firebreak. ■■ Have a portable water supply in case the fire escapes. ■■ Backburning from the prepared firebreak to increase the initial firebreak width is recommended at all times. ■■ Immediately following the burn, the firebreak and adjacent burnt area of windrow is to be cultivated to minimise the risk of reignition. ■■ In all cases constant supervision is required, two adults (with cellphone) recommended. ■■ Regular patrolling of the fire perimeter is to be conducted wherever practical. ■■ It is recommended a cellphone be on site for early warning should the controlled burn escape. ■■ The person lighting the fire should have current insurances for public liability and fire suppression in place. ■■ The conditions as listed above are the bare minimum required and total compliance is expected. ■■ Care and vigilance is required to ensure that all fires are fully extinguished/dampened down afterwards.
What builds a good truck? The same things that build a good mate. Reliable. Loyal. Solid. No matter what, Hilux has your back. It’s rebuilt safer than ever, with a 5 star ANCAP safety rating across the range. With a powerful 2.8L diesel engine with up to 450Nm torque*, and up to 3.5 tonne towing capacity*, it’s got some serious grunt. Add in a 7-inch touchscreen and reversing camera display across the range*, plus more accessories than you can shake a 10-pound trout at, and you’ll find that the benchmark has been well and truly rebuilt. Visit toyota.co.nz to build your new Hilux.
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Authorities are reminding farmers to be extra careful lighting stubble fires, with one investigation already under way into an out-of-control fire. The Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade has attended 12 vegetation fires since the start of the year and with the crop residue burning season here, farmers are being told to stick to the rules. The fire brigade said burned paddocks needed to be turned over and well doused with water as they could become deep seated and re-ignited by wind. Principal rural fire officer Don Geddes said farmers should follow best practice for burning crop residue, including creating fire breaks, paying close attention to the weather and wind, and making sure water resources were on hand in case the fire escaped. Farmers found to have breached the burning rules could end up paying for the cost of putting an escaped fire out. The Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) has developed a burning and smoke
*Maximum braked towing capacity and torque varies across models. Reversing camera available as accessory on Cab Chassis models.
www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz Phone 307-5830 - Cnr East St & Walnut Ave, Ashburton OPEN MON-FRI 8.30AM-5PM SAT 9AM-1PM
www.guardianonline.co.nz
EDUCATION FEATURE
17
Students to become data detectives Students will be able to see how their pocket money stacks up against their peers and whether they’re getting less after-school screen time when they become data detectives in this year’s CensusAtSchool/ TataurangaKiTeKura. The online statistics project, which started last week, is open to all English and Maorimedium schools. Teachers can register their classes and take part in CensusAtSchool at any time before it finishes on July 7. In class, students aged 9 to 18 (Year 5 to Year 13) use digital devices to answer 35 online questions in English or te reo Maori about their lives and opinions. The census explores New Zealand childhoods in the
here and now, asking students about topics such as whether they get pocket money, and how much; whether there is ta
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Ministry of Education deputy secretary, Karl Le Quesne, says 835 teachers from more than 530 schools
People with statistical skills are very attractive to employers, but statistical literacy isn’t just about careers. If you’re confident with data, you have a valuable toolkit to negotiate everyday life
limit on their screen time after school and if anything in their lunchbox that day had been grown at home. Students also carry out practical activities such as weighing the laptops and tablets they take to school.
have already registered to take part in CensusAtSchool in their maths and statistics classes. From mid-June, the data will be released for teachers to use in the classroom.
Boarding ROAD SHOW
We’d love to meet you at our road show and share more about boarding at St Andrew’s College in Christchurch. Enquiries are welcome for scholarships including the George F Hight Scholarship (needs-based). 347 Papanui Road, Strowan, Christchurch.
Heads of Bo
arding 2017
ASHBURTON TUESDAY 7 MARCH 5.00pm – 7.00pm Lushingtons Café, 5 Archibald Street
Please visit our website for more information www.stac.school.nz or to RSVP contact Registrar Lynn Smith on 03 940 2016 or email enrol@stac.school.nz
“CensusAtSchool gives teachers relevant, real-life data to help students tell stories about themselves and their peers,” Le Quesne said. “Students become data detectives, mining the census to reveal the stories hidden in it. The CensusAtSchool questions are wide-ranging, and in analysing the answers, teachers have opportunities to start conversations that touch on many areas of the curriculum, from technology to sport to environmental studies.” CensusAtSchool started in 2003. It is run every two years by the University of Auckland’s Department of Statistics, with support from Statistics NZ and the Ministry
of Education. Statistics NZ’s education manager Andrew Tideswell says that in our data-driven world, statistical literacy is as important as knowing how to read and write. “People with statistical skills are very attractive to employers, but statistical literacy isn’t just about careers. If you’re confident with data, you have a valuable toolkit to negotiate everyday life.” CensusAtSchool is part of an international effort to boost statistical capability among young people, and is carried out in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Japan and South Africa. The countries share some questions so comparisons can be made.
Want to see the world and make a difference? Whether you're 18 or 88, adventure awaits and volunteering with Go Kiwi Go is the way to go! email rhiannon.robinson@afs.org phone 0800 600 300
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Farming
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EDUCATION FEATURE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Creating opportunities High achieving St Bede’s College is the South Island’s premiere Catholic boys’ boarding school. It is proud of its long-standing tradition as a provider of boarding school education and it welcomes students from throughout New Zealand and overseas. The college can cater for up to 140 boarders. The college motto is Fide et Opere (By Faith and Works) and our aim is to produce young men who are hardworking and live their lives by a code of good values and consideration for others. The college also has six areas of activity that it believes are crucial to the future success and fulfilment of its students.
These are called the Six Pillars and they cover: • • • • • •
Special character Community Academic Cultural Sport Boarding We offer a comprehensive curriculum which includes excellent educational and cultural opportunities. Our dedicated staff achieved a 95 per cent Level 2 NCEA pass rate for our students in 2015.
We have a wide range of facilities on site – a modern gymnasium with a strength and conditioning gym, an Olympic-sized hockey turf, spacious sports fields, swimming pool, cricket nets, tennis courts, and a performing arts centre. All students are actively encouraged to participate where possible.
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The college motto is Fide et Opere (By Faith and Works) and our aim is to produce young men who are hardworking and live their lives by a code of good values and consideration for others
St Bede’s College provides many opportunities and challenges for its students. In the words of Fr Cormac Hoban SM …“Gentlemen, I want you to become the best possible version of the person God created you to be.”
Waitaki Boys’ is one of New Zealand’s high achieving state boys’ colleges. Our boys work hard and play hard. Sporting achievement is also high, in a variety of sports. Many boys also act or sing: the true Waitakian is an all-rounder. For us, character development is as important as academic achievement. With a roll of 500 we are large enough to offer an extensive academic and vocational curriculum and cocurricular programme, but small enough to know each boy well and recognise his character and needs. We understand boys. Our primary task is to identify and develop each boy’s potential. Our hostel (Don House) is a vital arm of the school. Like the school, it is friendly and purposeful. Parents often note how the confidence and self-discipline of their son develops with exposure to the routines, responsibilities and traditions of hostel life. Boys learn what it means to live in a community and to get on well with others. After school, hostel boys benefit from facilities such as the gym, library, music suite, auditorium and computer rooms. Many hostel boys participate in our extensive school agriculture programme, which includes weekend
ITO courses and activities organised by the Young Farmers’ Club. The Hostel Hunting & Fishing Club is very popular. Over 30 sports are available at the school, we are very proud of our achievements in sport. For a small school we punch well above our weight on a regional and national level.
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For us, character development is as important as academic achievement
Most hostel boys play several sports during the school year. During winter there are snowboarding/ skiing trips some weekends, as well as trips to watch Highlanders games in Dunedin. Graduates of Waitaki Boys’ High School include 18 knights, 13 All Blacks, eight cabinet ministers, a governor-general and some of New Zealand’s leading cultural figures. More importantly, many thousands of average boys have also graduated from Waitaki as confident, selfmotivated and well-rounded young men ready to take their place in the world.
Considering your son’s boarding options for 2018? Enrolling Now For 2018
DON HOUSE
WAITAKI BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL “We aim to develop our young men into educated, all round citizens of outstanding character”. Fraser Farm - functioning, productive school farm Boarding at St Bede’s College is a tradition that goes back to the 1920s when the College established itself at its present site. Today’s boarders enjoy life-away from home at the only single-sex Catholic boarding school in the South Island. They benefit from spacious grounds and a wide range of modern facilities. The College has a comprehensive curriculum an pastoral care network, with excellent cultural and sporting programmes.
High achieving First XV rugby team Strong cultural achievement Excellent facilities Great school and hostel spirit
For further information please contact: Eddie Murphy (Director of Boarding): Email emurphy@stbedes.school.nz | Phone 03 375 1875 | Mobile 021 725 412
We would be happy to hold an information evening in your area to discuss how we can meet your son’s needs. For more information please contact the Rector Mr Clive Rennie on 03 437 0529 or the Hostel Manager Dan Keno on 03 433 1137
www.guardianonline.co.nz
EDUCATION FEATURE
19
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Boarding @ Craighead The Waihi experience
Craighead Diocesan School (Timaru) has shaped and influenced young women since 1911. Craighead is a day and boarding school which caters specifically for girls and the way they learn. Research tells us that single sex schools provide the best opportunity for girls to reach their full academic potential. Why should you consider boarding at Craighead for your daughter? Craighead has a vision of personal excellence that covers academic, cultural and sporting endeavours. Students are enthusiastic about their learning and about the school. Learning is supported by a modern e-learning infrastructure. Successes are well celebrated, including achievement in areas not part of the school’s curriculum. In NCEA,
Craighead students consistently achieve well above national averages, with a high percentage gaining certificates endorsed with excellence or merit. Craighead girls told ERO (2016) how much they love school, and enjoy their teachers and friends. Offering a brilliant boarding experience is Craighead’s philosophy. Our purpose-built and much admired modern facilities provide a ‘home away from home’. The boarding houses provide warm and secure environments, which support girls in their learning. We now offer shortterm boarding options for Craighead families. We warmly invite prospective families to have a look around Craighead. Please contact owensgil@ craighead.school.nz for a personalised tour.
So, is Waihi the place for your son? When we ask current and past parents, “Why Waihi?” for their sons, the list of responses is diverse - small class sizes, broad and holistic curriculum, great technology, male teachers, sport/music for all, wonderful environment, excellent facilities, high academic standards, boarding opportunity, values, manners, aspirations ... However, the key point of difference, the thing that is mentioned the most by parents, and is at the cent re of everything we do - is that Waihi is a school designed by boys! So what does it look like ...
In the classroom
Specialist science lessons, differentiated learning, small streamed maths groups, focus on
literacy (Waihi boys love reading), an inquiry-learning approach, hands on practical subjects such as robotics, music, visual art, craft, wood technology and a one-to-one iPad programme.
Outside the classroom
Focus on physical activities, PE, gymnastics, swimming, cross-country and athletics, everybody plays team sport for the school, all boys sing and can learn an instrument, road cycling and mountain biking, skiing, week long camps for all boys, trips to the Waihi river and beyond, school triathlon, New Zealand speech and drama awards, annual school production. We invite you to come and see for yourself why Waihi really is a school designed for boys.
Boarding and Day School for Boys Years 3-8
ü A curriculum specifically designed for boys ü Strong male role models ü An outstanding record of academic, sporting and cultural success ü Small class sizes with a focus on personalised, inquiry-‐based learning ü Modern purpose-‐built boarding facility with a family atmosphere
Daily buses from Timaru,
Pleasant Point, Geraldine and Ashburton
State Highway 1, Winchester South Canterbury
T: 03 687 8014 E: admin@waihi.school.nz www.waihi.school.nz
Farming
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Autumn is a risky time for laminitis Jenny Paterson
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21
Prevention better than infestation PHOTO LINDA CLARKE 020217-LC-0005
STEPS TO CONSIDER FOR PREVENTING INSECT AND PEST INFESTATION ■ Ensure silos are able to be closed properly and are in good condition (to avoid insects entering). Seal them properly. ■ Clean silos and surrounding areas of old seed and grain. If previously stored grain was infested, an insecticide should be sprayed inside the silo prior to use. ■ Flying beetles are able to infest grain up to 2km away. Ensure offal is dumped well away from uninfected grain or bury/burn it. A small quantity of infested seed/grain can produce more than a million insects a year. ■ Maintain clean storage premises with occasional residual spraying of critical areas. ■ Check that grain is free of insects before storing. ■ Only store cool, dried seed. Insects cannot develop if seed moisture is too low; storage fungi grow at moisture contents above 14.5 per cent, which results in faster grain or seed deterioration.
Farmers are being reminded to make sure silos are properly cleaned and prepared for this season’s grain harvest. Insects and pests in stored grain can be an issue due to long storage periods and because New Zealand grain is often harvested at higher moisture contents than other countries, says the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR). It says storage pests have the potential to cause significant damage to grain by feeding on the grain embryo or through external damage allowing fungi to grow. Farmers have spent a lot of time and money growing it, so looking after it in storage makes sense. FAR has been working the
MPI on a project to gain a better understanding of the frequency, distribution and severity of pests that attack stored grain. The first step in that project involved sampling of grain from 40 randomly selected farms in Canterbury. A management questionnaire was completed during the sampling of grain, which has identified a range of grain management strategies. These will be correlated to insect infestation once definite identification is complete. This work is under way at Lincoln University. The survey uncovered anecdotal reports that pirimiphos-methyl (atellic) has become less effective at controlling pests in stored grain. Later in the project, live
insects will be used to conduct resistance testing to pirimiphosmethyl, and alternative control practices will be evaluated. The project follows on from the voluntary survey last year where growers were invited to send in a sample of grain to be screened for pests. One or more insect or mite species were found in 73 per cent of the samples. Good quality, dry and cool grain or seed can be safely stored for many months but it should be monitored regularly, and the results recorded. Stores should be inspected late afternoon when insects are more active. Temperature or moisture increases could indicate an infestation.
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Variable rate fertiliser ‘a winner’ More precise aerial fertiliser spreading has already proven it can deliver environmental gains compared to blanket topdressing, but now fresh research is emerging that it will improve the bottom line of New Zealand’s hill country farmers. Presenting their findings at the 30th Annual Fertiliser Lime and Research Workshop last week, Michael White, Ravensdown development manager, and Dr Ants Roberts, chief scientific officer, outlined results from 40 commercial fertiliser applications that have used the variable rate technology. “Across the 40 farms an average of 9 per cent of the land has either been environmentally sensitive or non-productive, which is well above what we expected. To be able to avoid those areas delivers significant environmental gains and potential savings for farmers, with the ability to reinvest those savings,” says White. “When it comes to fertiliser precision, pilots and aerial spreading operators over the
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Ravensdown development manager Michael White. PHOTO SUPPLIED
decades have done the best they can with the technology they had. Only now are technology developments starting to emerge where hill country farmers can effectively start to pick and choose where to apply or not apply their
fertiliser. If of sufficient size, a stream, some scrub or a sacred site can be mapped and avoided more easily, cost effectively and safely.” Using AgResearch’s PKS lime econometric model, they then compared a variable
If of sufficient size, a stream ... can be mapped and avoided more easily
rate application to a blanket fertiliser strategy on four farm modelled scenarios. Farm Economist, Phil Journeaux, reviewed and supplied the Overseer nutrient budgets and productivity weightings. “What we have found over the four econometric scenarios we analysed is that within 10 years all farms were more profitable using the variable rate fertiliser strategy,” says Michael, “On average, the farm scenarios were $43 per hectare better off in that timeframe than they would have been using a blanket spreading strategy for a typical North and South Island farm. It also proved more sustainable, when tested against volatile returns for
farm profitability over the ten years.” The variable rate spreading technology is an ancillary programme funded by Ravensdown in support of its joint PGP (Primary Growth Partnership) programme with the Ministry for Primary Industries, called Pioneering to Precision, which is aiming to develop aerial soil testing technology using hyperspectral imagery. Now in year four of its seven-year programme, Ravensdown is identifying considerable productivity potential between differing land management units on hill country farms. “It’s important that our research is going to be economically viable for it to be adopted by farmers. What this research proves, is that farmers can have confidence in the technology right now, in its early stages, knowing all the while that further technological advancements in GPS guidance and automation will allow greater efficiencies and effectiveness down the line.”
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Summer Harvest Sale CLAAS QUADRANT 3300
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2011, 4x3 Rotor Feed Baler. 66031 bales, tandem axle with rear steering, camera & hazard panels.
2011 3400 RC & TA 4x3 Rotor cut. 89,200 bales, tandem axle with rear steering.
$95,000 +GST
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CASE IH LBX431 2002, 67,000 bales, 4x3 bale size, Rotor cut, Double tie knotter & Hydraulic tail door.
MASSEY FERGUSON 190
CLAAS QUADRANT 3400
1999, 4x4 straw baler, 89000 bales. Double tie knotter in really good condition.
3400 RC & TA 4x3 Rotor. Tandem axle with rear steering. x2 to choose from.
$37,500 +GST
$27,500 +GST
$49,500 + GST
LANDEX 300 LOADER 2015 Landex LW300K 11 tonne wheel loader. 120hrs, 130HP Cummins 6BT5.9-C engine & Hangchai (ZF technology) transmission 4 speed with soft shift.
$78,000 +GST JCB LOADALL 536-60 JCB LOADALL 535-95
JCB LOADALL 541-70
2005, 4600hrs. 100HP, 30kph, 4 Speed powershift transmission, Aircon cab, 4WD disconnect & completely rebuilt transmission with multi level joystick.
2009 Agri Super, 8870hrs. 130HP, Q-fit attachment, boom suspension, 4WD & 4WS & torque lock. External cab filter & external engine filter.
$66,900 + GST
$49,500 + GST
All prices EXCLUDE GST For more information on these items or to enquire about other stock we have, please contact the CLAAS Harvest Centre Salesman near you -
2007 Agri Super, 4870hrs. 130HP, 40kph road speed, 3.6T lift capacity, 6m reach & boom suspension. Front & rear tyres - 460/70 R24.
$59,500 +GST CONTACTS: Ashburton - 03 307 9400 Timaru - 03 688 6900 Christchurch - 03 341 6900 Waipara - 03 314 6899 Westland - 03 755 8450
claasharvestcentre.com
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Farming
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How uncertain are things really? I was threatened with grievous bodily harm from my colleagues if I mentioned Donald Trump and/or Brexit in this opinion piece. It is almost impossible not to, as Trump at the moment is the biggest game in town. So instead of talking about Trump and what or who he is, I am sure we all have an opinion about his character, let’s ask the question how did he get there? Now I am not an historian, nor do I have any qualifications in philosophy or the classics, but from what I have read it seems that the rise of Donald Trump is a symptom of mankind’s behaviour that occurs every 50 to 100 years. Democracy is a strange but unstable beast. Winston Churchill said that “it is worst of all systems except for all the rest”. Plato argued that for many people “democracy was the fairest of all regimes. As democracy develops the authority of the elites fade, establishment values cede to popular ones, views and identities become so
Rodger Letham
PROPERTY BROKERS
diverse as to be mutually uncomprehending, when all barriers to equality are removed, when the elites become despised then we have arrived at what might be called “late stage democracy”. I believe we can see this stage in the western world’s democracies now. Authority figures are laughed at or ignored - police, parents, school teachers; parents are not allowed to discipline their children. More and more of our people are getting “left behind” in the wealth stakes. It now takes two incomes to raise a family. Now whether this is right or wrong is not my argument. It is the perception of those “left behind” that matters and Plato
argues that when democracy has ripened to this stage then the would-be tyrant will often seize his moment. Andrew Sullivan in the May 2016 issue of New York magazine has this to say: “He is usually of the elite but has a nature in tune with the time – given over to random pleasures and whims, feasting on plenty of food and sex, and revelling in the nonjudgment that is democracy’s civil religion. He makes his move by taking over a particularly obedient mob and attacking his wealthy peers as corrupt. If not stopped quickly, his appetite for attacking the rich on behalf of the people swells further. He is a traitor to his class and soon his elite enemies, shorn of their popular legitimacy, find a way to appease him or flee. Eventually he stands alone, promising to cut through the paralysis of democratic incoherence. It’s as if he is offering the addled, distracted and self-indulgent citizens a kind of relief from democracy’s endless choices and insecurities. He
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rides a backlash to excess and offers himself as the personified answer to the internal conflicts of the democratic mess. He pledges, above all else, to take on the increasingly despised elites. As the people thrill to him as a kind of solution, a
democracy willingly, even impetuously, repeals itself.” Sounds familiar, and dare I say that we have hints of that type of politician in New Zealand? Why do we not see these things coming? Most people’s perspective of history is limited to the
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25
thought that the assassination of a relatively minor European royal would have started World War One and lead to the death of 17 million people. The Russian Revolution saw the imprisonment and death of many people and the resulting famines caused by the 10-year plan etc caused the death of millions. The poor thinking and reparation
“ experience communicated by their parents and grandparents. Fifty to 100 years, but if we look further back we can find that we humans have a habit of going into cycles of tyranny and mass destruction and unsettled times quite
regularly, generally selfimposed to some extent or other. These are often caused by some event that at the time appears relatively isolated and no way could be associated with a greater disaster that follows. Who would have
only have a 50 to 100-year historical perspective we don’t see what’s happening again. As with all past events there are always a few people who can see what is happening and warn that something big was wrong and these first signs could lead to war and disaster, but they are always dismissed as hysterical, mad, or fools, as is always the way, (Winston Churchill in the
It is the perception of those “left behind” that matters and Plato argues that when democracy has ripened to this stage then the would-be tyrant will often seize his moment.
requirements of the Treaty of Versailles resulted in the rise of Nazi Germany and World War Two, the holocaust and again the deaths of millions. My point is that this is a cycle, it happens again and again but as most of us
1930s) and just as people who worry about Putin, Brexit and Trump are dismissed now. I am a little fearful for my children and grandchildren as I believe that at some time in the next five to 10 years something seemingly
innocuous will occur that will start a chain of events that will lead to disaster, if it has not already occurred. It may be economic, Spain, Italy, Greece, or it may be political. A number of European countries have elections this year the results of which could lead to further break-up of the EU. I also know that mankind will survive as it has survived so many times before through plagues, wars and famines so I am not losing sleep over it. In our agriculture industry these events will create extra challenges to add to the ones we already face but it will also give opportunities. We are fortunate in New Zealand that we have some of the best negotiators, marketers and products in the world so I am confident we will survive and thrive. So all in all, the future is probably no more certain or uncertain than it is ever been but I believe we must understand our history to help us see the future. Best wishes to all for the rest of 2017.
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ENGINEERING FEATURE
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University a family tradition Three generations of the McConnell family share more than just a last name – they all studied at the University of Canterbury (UC), with a strong passion for engineering also running through the family. David McConnell attended UC from 1984 until 1987, graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. “My father started McConnell Dowell and his core business was construction with a strong engineering bias, so it’s been a strong family gene. “I have lots of fond memories of my time at UC. I was at College House for two years where there was great camaraderie. I also got involved in Ensoc, which went through a transformation in 1987 to become quite successful. We were part of the first engineering rugby team in 1986 and also started the first $300 car race, which became the Undie 500. We had to increase the price of the cars to $500 when none of the
Engineering student Jake McConnell (left) and his father David McConnell, an Engineering alumni, in the University of Canterbury’s new Structural Engineering Laboratory. PHOTO SUPPLIED
cars in the first year made it.” After leaving UC, David McConnell went on to earn an MBA from the Kellogg Business School in Chicago, eventually returning to New Zealand to establish McConnell Group with his father, Malcolm, and brother, John, where he has been
managing director for more than 20 years. “My time spent at UC was a really special period of personal growth – developing your own self-discipline and motivation, while enjoying the freedom of it all.” David McConnell’s son, Jake, is currently studying
engineering at UC – a move away from their Auckland home that he strongly supported. “I’m a big proponent of sending your children to UC. It’s not just the degree and learning – it’s much broader in terms of developing those attributes that will stay with you. That’s the uniqueness of the UC undergrad experience.” David’s father, the late Malcolm McConnell OBE, was also a UC alumnus, graduating with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 1954. In 1960, he co-founded McConnell Dowell and led the company’s expansion throughout Australasia, Asia and the Middle East. He was awarded an OBE for services to business, engineering and export, and was posthumously inducted to the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame. It was at UC – then Canterbury College – that Malcolm McConnell met his soon to be wife, Beverley, who was studying Fine Arts. “I loved university – we did have fun,” says Beverley
McConnell. “I first met my husband at the ‘Fresher’s Hop’ dance, but it was the slowest romance. I said hello to him every morning for a year when I got my coffee, long before I said anything else.” The couple were married in 1954. Beverley McConnell studied for three years, then put her experience and artistic training into creating one of New Zealand’s best known gardens, ‘Ayrlies’, now a Garden of International Significance. In 2015 she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to horticulture. She says she is very proud of her family’s connection to UC. “I’m thrilled that Jake is there following his first cousin Fraser McConnell who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons). Malcolm would be so proud that the family is carrying on the UC tradition.” – University of Canterbury
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ENGINEERING FEATURE
27
Tunnel vision a real winner Demand driven by the farmto-table movement knows no seasons, so farmers in colder areas of the country increasingly use greenhouses and similar structures to meet wintertime demand for local produce. While crusty snow and ice covers the ground in January in Vermont, spinach leaves sprout in rows of unfrozen soil inside a high tunnel — a large enclosure covered by plastic film that is warmed by the sun and protected from the wind. “I can never keep up with the spinach demand,” said Joe Buley, owner of Screamin’ Ridge Farm in Montpelier, who planted the spinach in November and will sell it in about two weeks. This time of year, when vegetables are trucked in from California and Mexico, some consumers clamour for fresh local produce. “I’m definitely interested in supporting local agriculture, and I definitely like eating greens in the winter,” said Serena Matt of Marshfield, Vermont, who paid Bear
Farm to table: A bit tricky in winter, but in high demand
Roots Farm in South Barre, Vermont, ahead to get biweekly bundles of produce that in the winter typically include greens like spinach or baby kale. The federal government helped spur the growth in winter farming by providing
PHOTO AP/ LISA RATHKE
financial and technical assistance to farmers to install high tunnels to extend the growing season, protect crops from harsh conditions, reduce energy use and improve air quality by reducing the transportation of food. Between 2010 and
2016, the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helped producers construct more than 15,000 high tunnels around the country, with Alaska having the most. Rohwer’s Farm in Pleasant
View, Colorado, got its first 30-by-72-foot high tunnel that way. “And it did so well we were able to get a second one, and we added a third one last year,” said Heidi Rohwer, estimating they cost about $7000 each. The small farm makes regular trips to Durango, Colorado, in the winter to sell kale, lettuce, carrots, arugula, and bok choy. “If we don’t take enough greens, they get really mad,” Rohwer said. Buley expects his spinach to start taking off soon, when the sun gets higher in February. “They get really big, and we’ll come down through and just start harvesting like crazy,” he said. It’s also a lot sweeter, with thicker leaves, than summer spinach, because of the colder weather, he said. “Root vegetables are nice, but usually right around January 1, people are like, if you come at them with a butternut squash, they’re going to smack you,” he said laughing. –AP
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ENGINEERING FEATURE
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Gray Engineering for all your farming needs Gray Engineering Ltd is a local business that has been going strong since 1974 with a capable and loyal team. Dave and Karen Stockdill have owned this business since 2003 and continue to maintain a high business profile. Gray Engineering provide and manufacture for the local area, and commercial and rural businesses in Mid Canterbury and are happy to cater anywhere in New Zealand. Dave has a team of three full-time staff and two very special part-timers. His wife Karen is in charge of all the office administration, and
son Sam is their after school employee. Gray Engineering has a wide range of products and services available – no job is too big or too small for this team. Specialising in manufacturing spiral welded pipes for power and irrigation, they also service the rural industry. They manufacture water ballast rollers and grain augers as well as spiral welded pipe. This is a great business when it comes to supplying your agricultural needs.
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ENGINEERING FEATURE
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
Passionate about engineering We are a small but passionate engineering company based in Ashburton who started selling our products in 2011 with the creation of our popular wood stackers, a great alternative if you are tiring of looking at the untidy wood basket in your lounge. Since then we have supplied our wood stackers to homes all over the country as a stylish and tidy alternative to stacking wood, both indoors and out. Our collection now includes outdoor Corten fire pits. Our fire pits are perfect for a night out under the stars with friends and family and they are a wonderful addition to any outdoor patio, deck or garden. Creating warmth and ambience to your home’s outdoor area. Our large columnar, cubic, and tapered outdoor Corten steel planters create a bold decorative touch to your residential or commercial landscape and any outdoor space. All of which we design and manufacture locally. Specialising in TIG welding, steel MIG welding, general fabrication and custom design. Got an idea? We might be able to help!
We are totally happy to work to our customers’ requirements and can offer all general engineering services. Visit our website to see our full range
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ENGINEERING FEATURE
Drive on-dry off grain storage Drive-on floors are the fastfill and flexible solution to drying and storing grain and other vegetable crops. The UK-based manufacturer Flach & Le-Roy sold its first drive-on system in the South Island back in the late 1990s. Since then there has been a very positive uptake of the technology through New Zealand based importer Gough Agritech Ltd. Gough Agritech Ltd, located in Greendale, has many years of experience and is able to offer expert advice on crop drying and storage solutions. In addition Gough Agritech imports a range of grain handling, grain drying and grain storage products and is able to provide the right solution for your application. Doug Gough, director and specialist in crop drying and storage techniques says “The Flach and Le-Roy drive-on-floor drying and storage system is simple to operate and very effective in minimising the amount of time and effort involved in getting the crop off-field and into the drying environment.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
The key design feature of an on-floor system is that it employs a slow-drying strategy,” Doug explains. “It’s most effective when the airflow passing through the grain is maintained at the
correct speed. This is simply achieved by varying the number of open outlets from the main air duct into the floor and by storing at the correct design depth for the system.” Beneficial changes to
combining-strategy and costeffective energy consumption are two major benefits of an on-floor system. Many farmers make use of existing or new buildings in a very effective way. “The storage
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ADVERTISING FEATURE
building is seen as a valuable capital asset by most farmers and the high strength and durability of a drive-on floor means that it will be functional for many years - over 25 years would be considered normal. The on-floor system is relatively easy to install and maintain – several South Island farmers have chosen the optional self-install path. “It’s in the NZ farming psyche to be as independent as possible” notes Doug Gough. “The structural work is supported by an easy-to-follow manual and I’m usually on-site at the start of the job to ensure the initial lay-out is accurate. Commissioning the system, including fans and burners, at completion of the build and running the client through the operating principles are all that’s required before the client goes solo” he adds. Now is the time to start thinking about a drying system for next harvest, get in touch soon and we’ll arrange a visit with Richard Flach when he’s out here for the South Island Field Days in March.
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92 Dobson Street, Ashburton Phone 308 4867 Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 8am-12pm
Needing a Crop Drying solution? We have the answer. Flach and Le-Roy (UK) crop drying facility, to suit new or existing shed.
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For top quality and features at a competitive price, you can’t beat Brandt.
Gough Agritech Ltd 2003 Coaltrack Rd, Greendale RD1, Christchurch 7671 New Zealand Phone: (03) 318-8132 | www.goughagritech.co.nz
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Carrfields exclusive with Cross Slot Work is under way on a stateof-the-art Cross Slot drill to cement the relationship between Baker No-Tillage and major farm machinery distributor Carrfields Machinery. Ashburton-based Carrfields has now become the exclusive distributor for Cross Slot products for New Zealand and Australia including sales, parts and servicing. The first step in the relationship, which came into effect in January, was to manufacture a five-metre, highly spec’d drill which will be showcased at the South Island Field Days in March. Cross Slot low-disturbance, no-tillage drills are already exported to 20 countries in the world but their impact and presence at field days will raise the profile of the leading-edge technology. Baker No-Tillage general manager Bill Ritchie said Carrfields’ CLAAS harvest centre distributed top-end European brands and the agreement brought the benefits of their network to Cross Slot customers.
“Potential Cross Slot purchasers will engage with a fully resourced, well-known and respected farm machinery distributor with branches throughout New Zealand and in Melbourne, meeting both local, regional and national requirements.” The arrangement includes
financing, trade-ins, demonstrations, servicing, parts and exposure at field days, he said. Matt Keen, general manager Carrfields Machinery, said he was delighted to add Cross Slot to the company’s extensive product portfolio.
“Cross Slot is an exciting innovation that has already been proven to increase crop yields and farm profits. We’re excited about presenting it to our customers at field days alongside our existing range.” Cross Slot CEO and chairman John Baker said
Paris
Cross Slot had become the benchmark that other notillage was measured against and its drills were created to ensure consistent success and effectiveness of no-tillage in farmers’ hands. The technology was continuing to evolve and the future was bright, he said.
Let 2017 take you further.
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1 9 6 E A S T S T R E E T, A S H B U R T O N I 0 3 3 0 7 8 76 0 I A S H B U R T O N @ H O T.C O. N Z CONDITIONS: Valid for new bookings only or until sold out • FLIGHTS: sales 05 Feb-06 Mar 17 and are based on return Economy class or Business class as stated, flying Emirates from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin. Valid for travel: Oslo, Paris, London 01 Feb-04 Apr, 24 Apr-13 Jun, 24 Oct-30 Nov 17. Zagreb 31 May-04 Apr, 24 Apr-13 Jun, 24 Oct-30 Nov 17 • ADD-ONS: Oslo: sales to 31 Mar 17, travel based on May-Sep 17 departures, one suitcase per person. Zagreb: Travel based on set departures Mon, Wed, Fri between Apr-Oct 17. London: sales to 31 Mar 17, travel dates 03 Apr-31 Oct 17, free day tour from London is a selection of 6 specific tours. Paris: Departs on Fridays Apr-Oct 17. Globus: 10% discount applies to 2017 Globus UK & Europe bookings made and deposited by 28 Feb 17. A non-transferable non-refundable deposit of $250 pp/per tour is required within 7 days. Cruise: sales to 18 Feb 17. Prices are inclusive of all taxes, fees & port charges (which are subject to change), prices include all applicable discounts • Prices valid at 31 Jan 17 but may fluctuate depending on exchange rates • Min/max stays apply • Some surcharges, closeouts, flight, routing and accommodation restrictions apply • Amendment, cancellation and credit card fees apply. Further terms and conditions apply. For more information see instore or visit www.hot.co.nz
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2 34
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Have your say on plastic microbeads Did you know that tiny particles of plastic have been added to many of the cosmetic products on sale in supermarkets, health shops, and department stores? An estimated 100 products that have microbeads are sold in New Zealand, including lipsticks and sunscreens. When Mt Hutt College students carried out some investigations on this topic last year they were amazed to find that the hand sanitizers in their classrooms contained plastic microbeads. Microbeads are really tiny plastic particles usually smaller than two millimetres. The composition of microbeads can vary and often include polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethlyl methacrylate (PMMA) or nylon. Bottom line, it’s all plastic! These microbead plastics flow down the drain to the sewer system. Wastewater plants are not designed to filter out microbeads so they end up swirling around in our
Sheryl Stivens
ECO EFFICIENCY
oceans. Once they’re out in the wild, microbeads can also be easily ingested by marine animals. It is now estimated that if someone eats six oysters, it is likely they will have eaten 50 particles of microplastics. The problem with plastic microbeads is that they are too small to retrieve or recycle, they do not biodegrade, and that they are mistaken by marine life as food causing long-term damage to aquatic animals like fish and mussels. Producers define microbeads as the polyethylene particles used for scrubbing, excluding the many other microplastics that are added to their products. So how did they start? In 1976 John Ugelstad made
Microplastics found in the gut of a fish in 2015.
a series of tiny, spherical polystyrene beads of exactly the same size. Ugelstad’s invention of microbeads was a minor medical breakthrough; they could be used to treat cancer, help with HIV research and even form the technological basis behind home pregnancy tests. They’re also an environmental disaster. A microbead is defined by its size: typically 0.5 to 500 micrometres in diameter. But the environmental impact
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of tiny plastics isn’t limited to manufactured spheres: microplastics, the breakdown of larger plastics covering everything from bottles and fishing equipment to car tyres and synthetic cloths, are also hugely problematic. While their value to science is without question, the use of microbeads in face scrubs, body washes and even toothpastes is having a ruinous impact on the natural world.
Microbeads are designed to get into hard to reach places. In science they are primarily used to separate biological materials. Once magnetically charged, for example, they can be attracted to the surface of certain types of cell or bacteria. In home pregnancy tests, specially treated and coloured microbeads react to hormones in urine to form the telltale blue line. Their size, their surface area and the sheer number of them makes
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It is estimated that between 15 and 51 trillion microplastic particles have accumulated in the ocean. PHOTO SUPPLIED
down US household drains every day. Of those, eight trillion make it through water treatment plants and out into lakes, oceans and rivers. According to the UK parliament’s environmental audit committee, a single shower using a body wash containing microbeads can result in 100,000 plastic particles being washed down the drain. The distinction between microbeads and microplastics is important,
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microbeads a huge problem once they make it into marine ecosystems. The Netherlands was the first country to ban cosmetic microbeads in 2014. It was joined by Austria, Luxembourg, Belgium and Sweden in issuing a joint statement to EU environment ministers calling for an EUwide ban on micro-plastics. The United States enacted a ban in December 2015 which will prohibit production
but the problem they cause is ultimately the same. More than 280 marine species are known to ingest microplastics and the damage they cause is becoming increasingly clear. Once in the marine environment microplastics can both release and absorb toxins, which can then move throughout the foodchain. Scientists worldwide are currently addressing a number of key questions. How much microplastic material is in the ocean? Do they accumulate in the food chain? What is the physical impact on marine life? Do marine organisms actively choose, and even prefer, to consume microplastics? What is the risk to humans if they eat contaminated marine life? Now is the time to have your say as our Government is seeking views on its proposed ban on the sale and manufacture of plastic microbeads in personal care products in New Zealand from July 1, 2018. It all depends on how the new legislation will define microplastics, to know if New
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Consent rules and your property By Environment Canterbury
• Are your consents working for you in managing your property or operation? • Are you unsure of how to comply with the regional plan rules or conditions of a resource consent? • Are you thinking about changing your operation or buying or selling a block or farm? If the answer is yes to any of the above, come and talk face to face with an Environment Canterbury consent planner here in Ashburton. From March, we will have a consent planner in the Ashburton Depot on the first Tuesday of each month to talk through any consent issues or enquiries. To make an appointment, please phone or email customer services on 0800 EC INFO (0800 324 636) or ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz. • Tuesday 7 March • Tuesday 4 April Ashburton Depot 4 McNally Street
Holistic monitoring In a bid to be more efficient, and better placed to help farmers comply with their consents, Environment Canterbury compliance staff are taking a holistic approach to farm monitoring this year. Ashburton zone manager, Donna Lill said the compliance team was taking a whole farm approach to monitoring, and looking at all relevant consents not just dairy effluent. In the past, different consents were monitored individually, but this new approach is expected to help both farmers and Environment Canterbury staff understand how the whole farming system works and if any improvements can be made. “Our first priority is to visit those properties that have high risks consents and/or previous non-compliance and working with these landowners and managers to help ensure they can meet their consent conditions,” Donna said. Ashburton based monitoring officers Sam Aramoana, Nick Vernon and Stephen Howard will make contact with consent holders.
Environment Canterbury monitoring and compliance officers Nick Vernon and Stephen Howard will be conducting one-on-one visits with Ashburton farmers this year. PHOTO SUPPLIED
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